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IIEW lORK
AND VICINITY
'HE lAR OF 1812-'15,
W^ BEING
A MILITARY, CIVIC AND FINANCIAL
Xocal 1bi8tori2 of tbat periob,
INCIDENTS AND ANECDOTES THEREOF,
A DESCRIPTION OF THE FORTS, FORTIFICATIONS, ARSEI^ALS, DE-
FENCES AND CAMPS IN AND ABOUT NEW YORK CITY AND
HARBOR, AND THOSE AT HARLEM AND ON EAST
RIVER, AND IN BROOKLYN, AND ON LONG
ISLAND AND STATEN ISLAND, AND
AT SANDY HOOK AND
JERSEY CITY.
WITH
An Account of the Citizens' Movements^ and of the Military
and Naval Officers, Regiments, Companies,
etc., in service there.
BY
R. S. GUERNSEY,
Author of Meclianics' Lien Latca Relating to Kew York City, etc., etc., etc.
IN TWO VOLUMES-
VOL. II.
New York :
CHARLES L. WOODWARD, Bookseller,
78 Nassau Street.
1895.
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Entsrbd Accobdino to Act of Conqekss in thk Year
ElOHTf EN BUXDEED AND NlXBTT FiVE,
By R. S. GUERNSEY,
In the Office or the Librarian of Conorb^s at
Wabbinoton, D. C.
LimTBD Edition. Not STEREorrrKD.
No.
GIM BRM. A MOHAN, Pnintcm,
4ft ROM ST., Ntw YORK.
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v. ^
PREFACE.
New York City, May 15, 1895.
In placing this the concluding volume before the public the
writer will say to those who may read this and the previous vol-
ume that this work was not pursued and did not progress with-
out personal sacrifices to the writer, if that can be called a sac-
rifice which is willingly surrendered or exchanged by choosing
one of several coui*8es. The writer felt in the work that it
would be its own reward, if completed, in any event which
might i-esult to the writer.
Again, it was a useful and effectual diversion from the petty
cares of life, and rendered it worth something more than a
struggle with them.
He still feels a peculiar personal gratification and satisfaction
about it that all along made the labors light, while they ex-
tended over more than a score of years. He felt that no one
el^e would gather the material for the work, and that none
other would write it with so much detail. The laurels that he
thought to wear in his younger days are fully replaced in his -
mature years by the feelings of satisraction at the completion of
this lifework of his leisure moments.
After the materials for this subject were gathered and the
knowledge of its treatment by writers had been ascertained, the
writer would have lost his self-respect had he not pursued the
work to completion in the manner that it is now placed before
the world in the present comprehensive volumes.
The makers of history are the partakers of history, which
include those that record the famous achievements and events
of mankind. We have come and we will go, but the march of
history will go on forever. Its records must and will be studied
to enlighten and interest those who seek to govern mankind and
wish to learn the results of past efforts, as well as to gratify a
pride in the achievements of their ancestors. The printmg press
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IV
PREFACE.
has now rendered such records indestructible. They are foot-
steps on the rock of ages.
' With a realizing sense that *' they are not dead who live in
%9orks they leave behind," this work is placed in the world as a
contribution to local history at an eventful period, showing an
example of lite and government in war. Not fearing to have it
compared with any history of the past in interest and detail, and
hoping that future local histories of other places will surpass it
in interest and merit is the sincere expression of the writer.
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CONTENTS OF VOL. IL
CHAPTER XXII.— Gloomy Pi-ospects for the Winter of 1818-14—
Hfgh Prices — Action of the Fuel Association — Special Election
of Member of Congress— Charitable Objects — Action of the
Washington Benevolent Society — Action of the Common
Council — Church Donations and Contributions, pp. 1-17.
CHAPTER XXHI.— Views of Political Parties- Effect of Na-
poleon*8 Campaign of 1818 — Hopes of Peace— Public Feeling —
Dinner to Commodore Chauncey at Washington Hall — Dinner
to Commodore Rodgers at Tammany H'lll— Running the
Blockade, pp. 18-28.
CHAPTER XXIV.— Military Preparations by the State— Volun-
teer Wanted — Bounties Offered — Gunboat Service in New
York Harbor— Commodore Lewis— Fulton's Steam War Ves-
sel — FortiQcations Needed at the Narrows — Blockhouses — De-
lay in Building Forts — Proposition to Make New York City the
Seat of State Government — Action of the Common Council —
" The Governor's Room *' in City Hall, pp. 29-48.
CHAPTER XXV.— Enforcing the Embargo— Seizure of Specie
at New York— Unpopularity of the Embargo— Repeal of the
Embargo Laws— Revival of Trade — Local Politics — Election of
State Officers and Members of Congress, pp. 49-64.
CHAPTER XXVL— Financial Conditions— Treasury Notes Is-
sued—Loans Called For — John Jacob Astor— Jacob Barker —
Subscribers to the Loan— Paper Money Plenty, pp. 65-75.
CHAPTER XXVII.— River and Harbor Navigation About New
York — Coasting Trade— British Privateers in the Sound— Com-
modore Lewis After Them— Roinforcement of the British
Squadron — Blockade of All the Ports of the United States —
Strength of British and American Navies— Official Inspection
of Defences of New York — Major General Morgan Lewis in
Command— Movements of the Enemy, pp. 76-90.
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vi CONTENTS OF VOL. IL
CHAPTER XXVIII.—Political Effect of the Blockade— Peace
Negotiations— Views of Democrats and Federalists— Tam-
many Anniversary— Federalists Celebrate the Restoration of
the Bourbons — Oration by Mr. Morris— Newspaper Accounts
of the Celebration— Public Dinner and Toasts— Questions Be-
fore the People, pp. 91-108.
CHAPTER XXIX.— Fourth of July Celebration— Tammany and
Washington Society Processions— Mr, Wheaton*s Oration —
Tammany Dinner and Toasts — Amusements of the Day-
Evening Entertainments — Fireworks at Vauxhall Garden, pp.
109-182.
CHAPTSR XXX.— Rigorous Blockade— Great Fears of an Inva-
sion by Sea— Action of the Common Council— A Torpedo Boat
—Call for Militia— Sketch of Gen. J. P. Boyd— Desertions-
Military Executions on Gh>vernor*s Island— Citizens* Meeting —
Exempts to be Enlisted— Committee Appointed— Report of
Committee -Threatening Attitude of the Enemy, pp. 188-148.
CHAPTER XXXI.— Reports on Defences of the City— Fortifica-
tions Necessary— Gov. Tompkins' Military Orders- Gov. Pen-
nington*s Address to New Jeraey Militia— Apathy of the Peo-
ple— Amusements of the Day— Dinner at Tammany Hall to
Crew of the ^Meo?— Action of Common Council— Address of
Common Council to the Citizens — Appeal for Aid to Build
Fortiflcations—Public Meeting Called, pp. 149-181.
CHAPTER XXXn.— Active Military MovemenU— State Militia
Ordered to Serve at New York City and Vicinity— Where They
Came From— Cadets from West Point — Volunteers from New
Jersey, pp. 18-^189.
CHAPTER XXXin.- Fortifications on Long Island— First Vol-
unteers for Work on Defences in Brooklyn— Committee of
Defence Appaal— Grouid Broken at Fort Greene— Lines of
Defence and Location of Forts in Brooklyn — Citizens* Meeting
—Address by Col. Marinus Willett— Sketch of Colonel Willett
— Resolutions Adopted— Enthusiastic Proceedings— Commit-
tee of Citizens, pp. 190-207.
CHAPTER XXX[V.— Workers on Fortifications in Brooklyn
and at Harlem— Depredations by the Enemy— Bombardment
of Stonington— British Fleet in Gardlnei-'s Bay— Report of the
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CONTENTS OF VOL, 11. vii
Progress of the Defences Around New York City— Attempt to
Capture the City by Water Temporarily Abandoned— The
Enemy's War Vessels Move to the South — Baltimore and
Washington in Danger— Enthusiastic Volunteer Workers on
Defence Still Continue in New York and Brooklyn, pp. 208>380.
CHAPTER XXXV.— Capture of Washington— Effect in New
York— To Arms ! To Arms I— Committee of Defence Appeal
to Citizens— Major-Q^neral Lewis's Letter to Common Coun-
cil— More Men and More Money Wanted— Recommendations
of Committee of Defence Adopted— Large Loans Obtained by
the City for Defence, pp. 281-240.
CHAPTER XXXVL— Militia Ordered into Service— Training in
Fort Columbus— Call for Implements of Defence— Militia
Under General Stevens Mustered into Active Service Under
\ Major-General Lewis— Sketch of General Stevens' Family—
Sketch of General Lewis's Family— Military Orders-- Rockland
County Militia— Martial Law in the City— Call for New Jer-
sey Militia to Defend New York— Philadelphia Asks for New
Jersey Militia— Secretary of War Grants the Request— Gover-
nor Pennington Orders Nineteen Companies to Powle*s Hook
(Jersey City)— Colonel Frelinghuysen in Command There,
pp. 241-268.
CHAPTER XXXVIL— Financial Situation in the Nation and in
the City — Failure of the Attempt to Obtain Loans for the
\ Nation— Suspension of Specie Payments— Resolutions and Reg-
ulations by City Banks— The City I^isues Fractional Currency,
pp. 269-277.
CHAPTER XXXVin.— Dangers of Invasion on the Frontiers-
Admiral Cochrane Threatens— Large Naval Force of the
Enemy — Almost a Panic in the City— Mayor Clinton's Charge
to the Grand Jury — Words of Encouragement — ^Recommends
an Adjournment of the Court— Resolution of Approval by the
Grand Jury— United for Defence— Negotiations for Peace, pp
278-291.
CHAPTER XXXIX.— The Situation— City Officials Sent to Wash-
ington — Workers on the Fortifications— Tammany Society-
Cannon Loaned the City by John Jacob Astor and Others —
The Privateer Qtneral Armstrong Sails— Capt. Samuel C.
Reid, pp. 292-303.
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viii coNTFyrs of vol, if,
CHAPTER XL.- Military Organ zations in Ihe City— Militia
Unifo' ms— Station of Troops — New Jersey Militia— Dissatis-
faction Among New York Troops— Riotous Conduct— Military
Punishments, pp. d0i-dl5.
CHAPTER XLI— The Enemy Attack Baltimore— Great Excite-
ment and Active Militai-y Movements in New York — Means of
Defence— Condition of Fortifications— Workers on the De-
fences—Appeal of Committee of Defence — Fort Laight Built,
pp. 816-834.
CHAPTER XLIL-Disorderly Militia-Courts-Martial- Military
Duties— Military Life in the City— Drills and Parades, pp. 835-
350.
CHAPTER XLIIL— Fulton's Steam Frigate— Lack of Money to
Complete Her— Petition to Committee of Defence for Help-
Money I<oaned by the City— Report to the Common Council —
Display at the Launching— Description of Her and Her Arma-
ment—Other War Vessels Proposed, pp. 351-859.
CHAPTER XLIV. -Militia Dissatisfied— Another Commander
Wanted— Appeal for Workers on Fortifications — Removal of
Major-General Lewis— His Farewell Address to His Soldiers —
Governor Tompkins Placed in Command— Objection of Gov-
ernor Pennington— Reply of Secretary of War, pp. 860-367.
CHAPTER XLV— Action of State Legislature— Governor
Tompkins in Command at New York— Military Ordei*s— Gov-
ernor Tompkins Inspects the Fortifications— Reviews the Sol-
diers—Pri vat eei-s Sail— Grand Parade on Evacuation Day —
Orders to Muster Out of Service — Major-General Stevens's
Farewell Address— Common Council Thanks Citizens and Sol-
diers for Services, etc., pp. 368-388.
CHAPTER XLVl.— Description of the Fortifications Around
the City in 1814— Jamaica Ba3^— Brooklyn— Sandy Hook—
Staten Island— Jersey City— General Swift Reports— Safety of
the City, pp. 889-400.
CHAPTER XLVIL— National Financial Condition— Loans Ob-
tained at Great Discount on United Slates Securities— More
United States Treasury Notes Issued— Paper Money Abun-
dant—High Prices— Banks Loan the Government— National
Direct Tnxes Increased— Quota for New York City, pp. 401-413.
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COJS TENTS OF VOL JI. ix
CHAPTER XLVIII.— State and City Financial Condition— Loan
by the City to United States on Treasuiy Notes Guaranteed
by Governor Tompkins— State Militia Paid Ofif— City Banks
Loan to Pay New Jersey Militia— Governor Tompkins' Patri-
otic Action— Martin Van Buren on Governor Tompkins—
Government Suit Against Him — His Vindication by a Jury
and by Congress— Repaid by the National Government — What
New York City Should Do. pp. 414-426.
CHAPTER XLIX.— Financial Standing of New York City-
Annual Expenditures— City Debt— Revenue and Taxation-
Valuation of Real and Personal Property— State Taxes— City
Fractional Currency — Charitable Aid to Soldiers and to Suf-
ferers on Niagara Frontier— Charter Election, pp. 427-482.
CHAPTER L.— Holiday Season of 1814-15— Numerous Dinners
to Prominent Men— Arrival of Cartel Ship Jenwy— Rigoroi:s
Blockade of the AtlanticCoast— Vigilance of Military Authori-
ties—General Boyd Placed in Command at New York by Gov-
ernor Tompkins— Commodore Decatur Runs the Blockade-
Skirmish With the Enemy and is Captured— Other War Ves-
sels Run the Blockade, pp. 483-489.
CHAPTER LI.-Prospectsof iheCampaignof 1815— Feeling in
New York— Prof^pects of Peace — The Negotiations at Ghent —
The Congress at Vienna— A National Day of Fasting and
Prayer — Longing for Peace, pp. 440-450.
CHAPTER LIL— Colonel BogarduB in Command at New York—
Presentalion to General Brown by the City — Salutes for Victory at
New Orleans — Treaty of Peace Arrives— Demonstrations of Joy in
New York — Salutes From the Forts— Action of the Common
Council— Preparations for a Grand Celebration, pp. 451-466.
CHAPTER LIIL— The Treaty and President's Proclamation Ar-
rives— Newspaper Enterprise— Common Council Designates 22d
February for the Celebration — Political Prejudices Prevail—
Washington Benevolent Society Dinner and Toasts — City Cele-
bration Postponed— Celebration in the Suhurls— Military Cele-
bration—Governor Tompkins* Announcement to the Militia-
Commodore Decatur is Paroled— Grand Celebration Expected,
pp. 467-482.
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CONTENTS OF VOL 11.
CHAPTER LIV.— Cilj Celebration of Peace— Public and Private
II luminatioDs— Grand Display of Fireworks— Statements of Eye
Witnesses— Transparencies Emblematic, Allegorical and Patriotic
—Those at City Hall- Fireworks at the Oovernment House-
Transparencies and Paintings Upon All Kinds of Buildings, Pub-
lic and Private, pp. 488-494.
CHAPTER LV.— Terms of the Treaty— Negotiations at Ghent-
Congress at Vienna— European Diplomacy— Effect of the Treaty
in Europe and America— Origin of .the Monroe Doctrine— Last
Hostile Gun Fired in the War— Last Capture at Sea — President's
Address on Disbanding the Army — Dramatic Part by New York
City in the War — Concluding Remarks, pp. 495-500.
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APPENDIX OF NOTESy PP. 511-569.
NOTE I.— List oT City Officers, 1814-15, p. 511.
NOPE II.— List of Baokaand Baok Officers, 1812-15. p. 512-514.
NOTE III. — Names of Taxpayers and Amount of Personal Prop-
erty Over $5,000, 1815, pp. 514-526.
NOTE IV.— List of Privateers from New York City, 181*3-15, pp.
527-582.
NOTE v.— List of Captured Vessels Brought to New York City,
1812-15. pp. 58!WW5.
NOTE VI.— General Swift's Report on Fortifications in 1814. etc. ,
pp. 535-544.
NOTE VIL— Final Report of Committee of Defence, pp. 544-551.
NOTE VIII.— Some Military Orders and Regulations, New York
and New Jersey, p. 552-564.
NOTE IX.— The Muster Rolls of Soldiers That Served in the
War, pp. 564-569.
INDEX OF TOPICS.
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CHAPTER XXII.
Gloomy Prospects for the Wioter of 1813-14— High Prices— Action
of the Fuel AssociatioQ — Special Election of Member of Congress
— Charitable Objects— Action of the Washington Benevolent
Society — Action of the Common Council — Church Donations
and Contributions.
j^^'^l'-z^rN HILE the winter was at hand there were
no fears of an attack along the sea-
board, yet many thought of the pros-
pects for the coming year with dread
and apprehension. The outlook was
anything but cheerful. Our military
affairs so far were very discouraging.
Little or no progress had been made
by conquest, the offer for negotiations for peace
had not been well received by the enemy, and had
been declined.
In the President's message to Congress on the 7th
of December, he clearly stated the situation. He
said: **The British Cabinet, either mistaking our
desire of peace for a dread of British power, or
misled by other fallacious calculations, has disap-
pointed this reasonable anticipation. No commu-
nication from our envoys having reached us, no in-
formation on the subject has been received from that
source. But it is known that the mediation was
declined in the first instance, and there is no evi-
dence, notwithstanding the lapse of time, that a
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GLOOMY PROSPECTS AHEAD,
change of disposition in the British councils has
taken place, or is to be expected.
^^ Under such circumstances, a nation proud of
its rights and conscious of its strength has no
choice but an exertion of the one in support of the
other."
In fact, the only notice taken by the enemy of
any offer to negotiate for terms of peace was to
decline to accept the offer of the Emperor of Russia
to act as a mediator in the matter.
Merchandise and the necessities of life were be-
coming higher, and the means of conveyance
was greatly narrowed, particularly at the seaports
and on the coast and along the water-ways. The
supply from privateers was almost the only source
for obtaining imported articles. Retail dealers
were principally supplied by auction sales, where
each one could get such goods at such price as he
thought he could retail at a profit. There was
really no fixed price for anything. When goods
were purchased at auction they were retailed at a
reasonable profit only so long as the price at future
auctions remained nearly the same. If the auction
price was up or down, the retailer must follow the
prices paid by others, or keep his stock on hand if
the price was lower than what he was willing to
sell at. If higher than he paid, he would mark his
goods up to coiTespond with the prices that others
could afford to sell at. The embargo had enhanced
imported ai'ticles, while home agricultural produc-
tions were much lower, which was caused by a less
demand of the latter for exportation.
The Federalists widely circulated the following
statement, entitled, *^Mr. Madison's Christmas
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HIGH PRICKS.
Box for Farmers ; or, Crumbs of Comfort Growing
Out of the Embargo " :
*^ The farmer who brings his produce to market
in the best order, and under an approved inspec-
tion, will be able to barter it on the following
terms :
*' For ten barrels of superfine flour he may receive
one bag of coffee (one hundred pounds).
^^ For one barrel of flour, one pound and a half of
tea.
* ' For nine barrels of flour, one hundred pounds
of brown sugar.
*' For one barrel, two gallons of molasses.
'* For one barrel, one bushel of salt."
This comparison of merchandise was calculated
for the latitude of Philadelphia, and of flour at the
farm, without cost of delivery. At New York, Bos-
ton or Baltimore prices might be more or less than
at Philadelphia. For instance, in September, 1813,
flour was $11.87 in Boston, $8.50 in New York,
$7.50 in Philadelphia, and $6 in Baltimore. Coffee
was $2 1 in Boston and New York, and $25 in Bal-
timore. Tea was $1.75 in New York and Boston,
and $1.9^ in Baltimore, $3 in Savannah. Brown
sugar was $18.75 in Boston, $22 in New York, and
$26.50 in Baltimore. A bushel of salt was sixty-
two and a half cents in Boston, sixty-five cents in
New York, $1.10 in Philadelphia, and $1.25 in Bal-
timore Molasses was eighty-four cents per gallon
in Boston, ninety- four cents in New York, $1.10 in
Philadelphia, and $1.15 in Baltimore. Pork was
$27 in Boston, $21.50 in New York, $17.60 in Phila-
delphia, and $21 in Baltimore.
Combinations were many for the purpose of put-
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M0N0P0LIK8 ARISE.
ting up prices of the necessities of life. The Colum-
hiauy of December 1st, said: ** Among the variety
of monopolies to which the exigencies of the times
have given rise, such as those of butter, groceries
and other essential conveniences of life, and to those
we have heard the article of leather added, none has
excited more serious alarm with many citizens than
a report of the forestalling of wood on the banks of
the Hudson, which was mentioned some time ago.
From the want of our usual supply of coal from
Europe and Virginia, an additional quantity of
wood is required for our winter's consimaption. A
species of turf has been tried, but with partial suc-
cess. Notwithstanding the remarkably warm and
open weather we have had till the present advanced
state of the season, firewood has maintained the
enormous price of about three dollars for a load of
oak, and four dollars for hickory, which, at two
and one-half loads to the country cord, will make
$7.50 for the former and $10 for the latter, exclu-
sive of the charge for carting, etc. At the same
time a great proportion of our citizens have delayed
procuring their winter's stock, which must raise the
price still higher, if not prevented by the arrival of
immense quantities, w^hen they finally purchase
their supply. Under these circumstances, the situ-
ation of the indigent through the winter may be an-
ticipated with the most painful sensations. The
corporation are expected to pay liberal attention to
the suffering poor, and private charity will be
strongly excited in their behalf."
A cord of wood was eight feet long, four feet
high, and four feet wide ; each stick was four feet
long and might be large or small. It was usually
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FUEL ASSOCIATION.
cut once for fire-places and cut twice for stoves. It
was brought raostly from the north side of Long
Island and from the Hudson River counties.
On the evening of the 22d of December a meet-
ing of citizens was held at the City Hotel for the
purpose of furnishing and distributing fuel to the
suffering poor in the city. A general committee of
one person in each ward was appointed to receive
donations and purchase fuel, and a sub-committee
of two in each ward was appointed to ascertain
those in need of relief and give orders to general
committee to furnish the fuel.
The Fuel Association, as it was called, held stated
meetings frequently. They were usually at John
M. Coleman's, No. 41 Nassau Street. At a meeting
held on December 31, 1813, it was reported that
the general committee from each ward were : Ist,
Joshua Jones ; 2d, Garret Van Waggenen ; 3d,
Ebenezer J. White ; 4th, Richard Cunningham ; 5th,
Benjamin Strong ; 6th, Clarkson Crohus ; 7th, Wil-
liam B. Crosby ; 8th, Aquilla Giles ; 9th, George
Gossman ; 10th, Samuel Stillwell • at large, Leonard
Bleecker and J. H. Coggshall.
The ward committees were : 1st, John V. B.
Varick, Jerome Johnson, Samuel Tooker, Jacob
Sherred ; 2d, Thomas Carpenter, Richard R. Law-
rence, Eliphalet Williams, John Adams, Isaac
Carow, Joseph Riley ; 3d, Andrew S. Norwood,
John P. Mumford, Ruf us L. Nevins, Pelatiah Perit,
Benjamin Taylor, Nathan Smith ; 4th, Abraham
Barker, Sylvanous F. Jenkins, John Brown, Edward
Prolyn, John Westervelt, Thomas Cotterell; 6th,
John Morss, Thomas Franklin, James Lovett, Wm.
Buchan, Grove Wright, George Ennis, Roger
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ELECTION OF CONGRESSMAN,
Strong; 6th, Anthony Steinback, John Baker,
James Scott, James Nelson ; 7th, John Wellington,
Isaac Doughty, Whitehead Hicks, Wm. Bran ; 8th,
Thomas Masters, Thomas C. Butler, Ebenezer
Clark, Edmund Kirby ; 9th, Samuel A. Lawrence,
Gerard De Peyster, Gerard Beekman ; 10th, Stephen
Allen, John 0. Totten, Amos Clark, Solomon
Wheeler. The chairman was Leonard Bleecker ;
the secretary was J. H. Coggeshall.
The amount of moneys collected by the Fuel As-
sociation was $4,566.57 and ten loads of wood from
Frederick De Peyster. The final report, made in
March, shows that 1,315 loads of wood were distrib-
uted to about three thousand places. The cost of
the wood was $3.25 per load.
The winter of 1813-14 was very mild. Steamboats
on the Hudson between Albany and New York did
not cease to run until the 23d of December. Sloop
navigation below West Point kept up much later.
Christmas Day, which fell on Saturday that year,
was not kept as a day for religious observances.
Saturday had previously been the off-night of the
theatres, but both of them had performances on that
evening for the first time during the season. The
Naval Panorama and Scudder's Museum were open
during the day and evening.*
On the 28th of December, 1813, a special election
was held under the law of April 6, 1813, for a re-
presentative in Congress in place of Egbert Benson,
who had resigned. The candidates were WiUiam
Irving, Democrat, and Peter A. Jay, Federalist.
Mr. Lrving was elected by a majority of 376 votes.
* There was no Thanksg^viDg Day kept in 1818, as it had not
yet become the custom in the State of New York.
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DEMOCRATIC GAIN,
The majorities by wards were :
Federal.
84
60
3d Ward,
4th ''
5th ''
6th ''
7th "
8th "
9th ''
10th ''
Democrat,
14
40
214
59
212
89
Total Democratic majority,
'' Federalist
Democratic majority,
574
198
376
That Congressional District comprised the city of
New York, excepting the 1st and 2d Wards. It was
under the apportionment law of June 10th, 1812.*
The Evening Post said of the election: * * Although
it will be seen from this statement that the Demo-
cratic candidate has prevailed, yet there has been a
change in favor of peace and commerce since the
charter election of November, of about foiu* hundred
votes. * * * We have been defrauded
out of this election by gerrymandering the dis-
trict."
Whether this statement was true or not, the com-
parison can be easily made, as an account of the
charter election has already been given.
That election was some indication how the
people in New York City felt about continuing the
* For descriptiOQ of New York City CoDgressional Districts at
' hat time, see Vol. I., p. 288.
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8 NEW TEA1V8 ADDRE88.
war. The total number of votes cast on that occa-
sion was not made public. The result of the elec-
tion was quite a surprise to the Federalists. Mr.
Irving was a brother of Washington Irving, the em-
inent author.
A notable literary event of the season was the
publication of a "New Year's Carrier's Address " to
the patrons and friends of a weekly publication
called The War, which was edited and owned by
Samuel Woodworth, who afterwards became the fa-
mous- author of "The Old Oaken Bucket." It
briefly reheai'sed in rhyme the principal events of
the war during the year. It is a " broadside," one
foot and a half long by one foot wide ; the matter
is in three qolumns of ordinary size type. It is ap-
propriately divided by choruses, which are made
for tunes mentioned as they are reached. The first
chorus is to the tune of " Ye Tars of Columbia ; "
the next is " Vive La ; " then " Battle of the Nile ;
then " Anacreon in Heaven ; " then, " Arethusa."
" Yankee Doodle " is the chorus to Perry's victory,
as follows :
" Still upon the lake or main
We carry all bef oi^e us.
Freemen join the merry strain.
The Yankee Doodle chorus."
The name of the writer does not appear, but it was
known to be Mr. Woodworth.*
No newspapers were published on the first day of
the year.
A few days after the first of January, the Daily
♦ This is the earliest Carrier's Address in New York that I have
ever seen, and hence have been particular in describing it.
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BKNEVOLENT ASSOCIATIONS,
Gazette and General Advertiser, a New York morn-
ing daily paper, a Federalist, though professing to
be neutral, had a '^ Carrier's Address " of its own
published in its columns, and claimed to give a irtie
review of the old year.
The address begins as follows :
** Our newsboat now no longer trips
To meet the richly laden ships.
And bring us news from foreign lands
Of Bonaparte's warlike bands
Being * teazed and scratched ' by that commander.
Old Long Tom's Wirtuous Alexander.'
For Navigation now is dead,
Dull, sleepy Commerce gone to bed,
And we are making Indian fights
That * sailors may enjoy their rights '
Under our marine head ; therefore.
Instead of large ships, many a score,
A few small schooners now are found.
With smacks and chebac boats *down Sound.'
But though we columns can't display
Of cheering ship news eveiy day.
Yet days sail swiftly — time steers true ;
He never reefs, nor yet lies to ;
And by his log-book now 'tis seen
We've entered latitude Fourteen,^^
* * * * *
Whatever the prospects of the distant future were,
immediate relief to the poor and needy was indis-
pensable at the then condition of many citizens.
The poor and needy at home in the city of New
York were remembered and cared for by many
private acts of benevolence. Concerts and public
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10 WASHINQTON BENEVOLENT SOCIETY,
entertainments were given, and the proceeds de-
voted to charitable objects.
The Washington Benevolent Society held a meet-
ing at Washington Hall on the evening of January
5th, and unanimously adopted the following pream-
ble and resolutions :
*'As the sufferings of the poorer classes of our
citizens for the want of many of the necessaries of
life, particularly of fuel at this inclement season,
are, in consequence of the war, multiplied beyond
those of any former period, and as the funds appro-
priated to charitable purposes by this society will
be, unless increased by the beneficence of the rich^
inadequate to the extension of such ample relief to
the poorer members and their families as their ne-
cessities require and the constitution of the society
contemplates ; therefore,
^^ Resolved, That a general committee, consisting
of one person from each ward, be appointed to
solicit and receive donations, and to appropriate
them for the relief of indigent members of this
society.
'^ Resolved, That John Shdell, James Turk, Josiah
Sturges, Leonard Fisher, Charles Stuart, Daniel E.
Tylee, James Smith, Thomas C. Butler, William A.
Hardenbrook and Cornelius Schuyler compose the
said general committee, and that they be author-
ized to increase their number by adding two mem-
bers from each of the wards." — Extract from the
minutes, Isaac M. Ely, Secretary.
The ward committees subsequently added, to
whom applications were to be made for relief by
residents in the several wards, were : 1st, John
Slidell, Gould Hoyt; 2d, James Turk, WiUiam
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TAMMANY SOCIETY. H
Wallace, Elijah Humphries ; 3d, Josiah Sturges,
Isaac Stoutenburgh, Nathaniel Griffith ; 4th, Leon-
ard Fisher, Thos. R. Mercein, Neheraiah Allen ; 5th,
Charles Stewart, John B. Murray, Thos. Darling ;
6th, Daniel E. Tylee, Lewis Angevine, John Mc-
Clure ; 7th, John Rook, Seal N. Lewis, Nevington
Grenard; filth, Thos. C. Butler, Edmund Kirby,
James Wallace ; 9th, WilUam A. Hardenbrook,
Thos. 0. Taylor, William Wilmerding ; 10th, Solo-
mon Wheeler, Cornelius Schuyler, Stephen Kings-
land.
Although Tammany Society was claimed to be a
benevolent institution, it does not apper that any
action was taken by that body to help its members,
but prominent members of that society were active
in deeds of charity without regard to political
opinions.
The Common Council gave their official aid. On
the 24th of January they voted an appropriation
from the city treasury of $2,000, $100 of such sum
to be placed in hands of each alderman and assistant
alderman in each of the ten wards, to be distributed
by such alderman and assistant alderman to aid the
poor and needy in his ward. This was very accept-
able to many who had felt the rigors of war in
many ways.
Neither were the suflferings and needs of more dis-
tant neighbors forgotten. On the 22d of December
a very destructive ffre occurred in Portsmouth, N.
H., which was then an important naval station. A
meeting of citizens was called at Tontine Coffee
House on January 19th, and a committee appointed
to receive contributions. The committee consisted
of Matthew Clarkson, Oliver Wolcott, William
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12 CHURCH CONTRIBUTIONS
Bayard, Robert Lenox, David B. Ogden, and Charles
March.
The committee received $4,064.20 which they
forwarded on February 13th to the sufferers in
Portsmouth. The following were the sources of the
donation.
From the Episcopal Churches, . . $1,406 40
St. Peter's Roman Catholic, . . 645 50
Presbyterian Church in Chamber
Street (Rev. Mr. McLeod), ... 100 00
Presbyterian Church in Murray Street
(Rev. Dr. Mason), ... 450 00
Presbyterian Church in Cedar Street
(Rev. Dr. Romeyn), ... 388 50
Brick Presbyterian Church (Rev. Mr.
Spring),
Presbyterian Church in Wall Street,
Presbyterian Church in Rutgers
Street, . .
Methodist Churches,
Baptist Church in Fayette Street
(Rev. Mr. Williams),
Baptist Church in Mulberry Street
(Rev. Mr. McClay),
Moravian Church (Rev. Mr. Mortimer)
Society of Friends,
Mr. T. Everett, Brooklyn,
Total, $4,064 20
An appeal for aid came from the sufferers on the
Niagara frontier, about the middle of January.*
* In the latter part of the month of December, 1818, in the
midst of a very severe winter, the whole Niagara frontier on
the American side, from Fort Niagara to Buffalo, a distance of
173 00
147 00
106 00
224 60
85 00
50 00
36 00
206 00
40 00
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NIAGARA FRONTIER SUFFERS. 13
On the 24:th of January, 1814, at a meeting of the
Common Council, a letter from the Committee of
Safety and Relief at Canandaigua, addressed to the
Mayor of New York, asking for aid for the sufferers
on the Niagara frontier was read, and the following
resolutions were offered by Josiah Ogden Hoffman,
the recorder, upon which he delivered an eloquent
and touching address. He was regarded as one of
the most elequent men of that day.
^' Whereas, it appears from a communication ad-
dressed to the Mayor of this city, that the most
calamitous events have occurred on the Western
frontier of this State, whereby an extensive country
has been depopulated, and thousands of our fellow-
citizens have been driven from their habitations,
destitute of the necessaries of life and exposed to
the rigors of the season and to all the privations
and evils of poverty ; and it being incumbent on us
at all times to himible ourselves before the Almighty
to supplicate His mercy, and more especially at the
present time to pray that the calamities which afflict
our country may be removed, and that those which
menace us may be averted. It is therefore
^^ Resolved, That Wednesday the second day of
forty miles, and far into the interior, was swept by the British
and Indians. Six villages — Fort Niagara, Lewiston, Schlosser,
Tusc€irora, Blacls Rock and Buffalo — and many isolated country
houses and four vessels were consumed, the butchery of in-
nocent persons, and the survivors were made to fly in terror
through the deep snow to some forest shelter or remote cabin of
a settler far beyond the mvaders' track. In a letter written
from Le Roy. a village ten miles east of Buffalo, in Genesee
County, on the 6th of January, 1814, the writer says: '* I met be-
tween Cayuga and this place upward of one hundred families
in wagons, sleds and sleighs, many of them with nothing: but
what they had on their backs, aor could they find places to stay
at."
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14 APPROPRIATION AND DONATIONS,
February next be set apart as a day of fasting,
humiliation and prayer, and the people of the city
are requested to abstain from all business and labor
on that day, and to assemble in their respective
places of worship and devote themselves with hum-
ble and contrite hearts to the oflBces of religion, and
to those devotional exercises which are suitable to
an occasion so solemn, and at a crisis so important
to the well-being of our country.
^^Resolvedy That the smn of three thousand dollars
be and is hereby appropriated out of the city treas -
ury towards the relief of our brethren of the West.
That it is respectfully recommended to the different
religious congregations of this city to cause collec-
tions to be made for the same purpose in their re-
spective churches on the day above set apart as a
day of fasting, humiliation and prayer, and to de-
posit the same with the Mayor of this city, who is
hereby requested to transmit such contributions,
together with this donation, to the Committee of
Safety and Relief at Canandaigua, to be expended
under their direction for the benefit of the sufferei-s
on our Western frontier."
These resolutions were unanimously adopted.
Collections were taken up from time to time in
the churches here for the same purpose, and private
subscriptions were liberally made. On the 14th of
February, 1814, it was reported to the Common
Council that the Churches had raised $1,285.94, and
that private subscriptions amounted to $3,023, and
that the $3,000 appropiiated by the city had all
been paid over to the Committee of Safety and Re-
lief at Canandaigua, for the sufferers of the West-
ern border. In May private contributions for the
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INDIGNANT CLERQ TMEN 15
^ame purpose, to the amount of $2,200, were for-
warded for the Niagara sufferers.
A notable occurrence took place in regard to the
action of the Common Council in regard to the
Niagara sufferers. On January 28th a meeting of
the Protestant clergy of the different denominations,
excepting the bishops and clergy of the Episcop^d
Church, was held at the Brick Church for the pur-
pose of considering the recommendation of the
Common Council in their resolution of January
24th to observe the 2d day of February as a day
of fasting, humiliation and prayer on account es-
pecially of the distressing events which had recently
occurred on the western frontier of this State.
The Rev. Dr. Alexander McLeod was called to the
chair. The deUberations of the meeting resulted
in the following resolutions :
^^ Resolved f That the clergy present see, with
great satisfaction, the testimony borne by the Hon-
orable the Corporation of the City of New York, in
their act of the 24th inst., to the government of
God and to His righteousness in afflicting our nation
for its sins ; and they do now, as always heretofore,
receive with the most unfeigned respect, the recom-
mendation of their civil rulera to acknowledge extra-
ordinary visitations of Divine Providence by such
extraordinary expressions of public devotion as the
occasion requires.
^^ Resolved, That it would have given the clergy
present the sincerest pleasure to have seconded with
their best efforts the recommendation of the Honor-
able the Common Council to observe Wednesday, the
2d of February next, as a day of fasting, humiliation
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16 CUT COUNCIL REPROVED.
and prayer, had it comported with their conviction
of duty ; and that they deeply regret the suddenness
and surprise with which that recommendation came
upon them, having never heard of it before it was
announced in the pubHc prints ; and that they
especially regret the necessity which they feel of
differing in their judgment from that honorable
body as to the immediate duty of the citizens of
New York ; not being able to perceive that a distant
local calamity, however severe, creates any peculiar
obligation to observe a day of local fasting and
humiliation in a spot at the opposite extremity of the
State — more particularly as such obsei-vance tends
to confound the distinction between general or par-
tial afflictions, as laying a foundation for general or
partial fasts — and as this city, in common with the
whole nation, was recently engaged in solemn
humiliation before Gk)d, on account of the existing
war whereof the distressing events of the frontier
are a part.
''Resolved, That the Rev. Dr. McLeod, the Rev.
Dr. Mason and the Rev. Dr. Mathews be a commit-
tee on the part of this assembly to wait on his
Honor, the Mayor, and in the most respectful
manner to acquaint him with their declining to
comply with tlie recommendation of the Honorable,
the Corporation in their resolution of the 24th inst.,
and present him with a copy of the foregoing reso-
lutions, with a request that he will be pleased to
lay them before the Honorable Common Council at
as early an hour as possible.
'^ Resolved J That the committee aforesaid cause
the proceedings of this meeting to be published, if
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KIND PUBLIO FEELING. 17
after their interview with his Honor the Mayor
they shall deem it advisable.
"Alex. McLeod, Chairman.
*^ J. M. Mason, Secretary.''
No further notice was taken of the recommenda-
tion of the Common Council above referred to.
We must observe with admiration that amid the
holiday season, while all felt the stringency and
gloom of the circumstances, the more fortunate
were not unmindful of the sick and poor and less
fortunate among their fellow-countrymen.
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CHAPTER XXm.
Views of Political Parties — Effect of Napoleon's CampaigD of 1818 —
Hopes of Peace — Public Feeling — Dinner to Commoiiore Chaun-
cey at Washington Hall — Dinner to Commodore Rodgers al
Tammany Hall— Running the Blockade.
HE true situation of the contending na-
tions in Europe which resulted from the
campaign of 1813, was so little knuwn
by the people that it had as yet (Janu-
ary, 1814) no perceptible effect either to
discourage or encourage the friends and
well-wishers of Napoleon in America. They were
still hopeful, and believed in his ultimate success.
The Democrats affected to believe, and earnestly
proclaimed, that the success or defeat of Napoleon
by the allies would have no perceptible effect upon
the settlement of the questions with England, upon
which the alleged causes of the American war was
based.
The Federalists asserted that the overthrow of
Napoleon meant for us a speedy peace with Eng-
land, and that, with peace in Europe, the questions
which it was claimed were the causes of the Ameri-
can war would not arise with England, as they
would thereby be removed.
The Federal Republican (Baltimore , of January
3, 1814, contained the following :
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BAD NEWS FROM EUROPE. 1^
"Nothing decisive will be done by our govern-
ment towards an accommodation with Great Britain
until Mr. Madison is satisfied that the power ol
France is at an end. Whenever he is so satisfied,,
we have no doubt a treaty of amity and commerce
will be negotiated with Great Britain. France
forced us into this war, and while she is able to ap-
ply the force to keep us in it, there is no hope of our
getting out of it."
It was not until the authentic intelligence ar-
rived of the evacuation of Dresden and the defeat of
Napoleon by the allies at the battle of Leipsic, in
October, 1813, that it was seen that it resulted in
the practical deliverance of Germany from the do-
minion of France, and placed the German States
among the allies against Napoleon. At the same
time an almost total overthrow of the French
domination in Italy took place.
The victories of Wellington in the Peninsula dur-
ing the campaign of 1813 were such that Spain was
free from the armies of France. Napoleon had has-
tened to Paris to prepare to resist the dreaded inva-
sion of the allies, and found his people weakened,
discom'aged, and no longer wilUng to continue a
military hfe devoid of victory and glory.
Relating to the result of the campaign of 1813 in
the European wars, and its effect on Napoleon, Alli-
son says: '*The vast and splendid fabric of the
French Empire had disappeared like a dream ; its
external influence, its foreign alliances, had van-
ished ; the Uberated nations of Europe, amid shouts
of triumph and songs of congratulation, were crowd-
ing in arms to overwhelm its remains."
The thoughtful and intelligent saw that the effect
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20 PROSPECTS OF PEACE.
of these important changes in Europe would un-
doubtedly cause very marked efforts of the British
in the conduct of the war in America, as Great
Britain had now become more secure at home, and
'Could divert her large land and naval forces to the
American campaign.
The arrival of a British vessel at Annapolis, with
a flag of truce, caused great rejoicing, particularly
as it was supposed to propose peace or an armistice
preliminary thereto. This intelligence did not ar-
rive in New York until January 4th.
On January 10th it was reported that the British
government had offered to negotiate at Gottenburgh
or London direct with American commissioners.
The Columbian said :
^' Peace is the order of the day at present. Spec-
ulation is flat and almost dead. This morning
sugar sold for from $18 to $20 per hundred ; coffee,
$20 to $23; lump sugar, $30; h skin tea, $1.50;
hyson, $1.37 ; bohea, 96 cents. How long the fit
will hold is not possible to know."
Governor Tompkins' message (speech) to the New
York Legislature on the 25th of January gave little
hope for a suspension of hostilities. It refeiTed to
the proposition of the Prince Regent for transferring
the place of negotiations to London or Gottenburgh,
and said, "It is hoped that the contemplated ne-
gotiation may result in the conclusion of an honor-
able and lasting peace. But we must consider that
pacific conferences are greatly procrastinated by the
proposed change of the place of treating. ... If
the late proposition has proceeded from a willing-
ness to restore amity, upon principles which may be
.mutual and consistent with the established maxims
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HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES. 21
of public law, the impending conferences will, very
probably, eventuate propitiously. But we ought
not to permit the hope of that result to lull us into a
fatal security, for it may be that we must ultimate-
ly depend upon an unanimouSy vigorous and sttccess-
fvl prosecution of the unavoidable contest in which
we are involved, for the establishment and security
of oxir just rights."
The state of public feeling made the festivities of
the hoUday season less numerous than formerly.
The Common Council did not attempt to give anjr
more public dinners to any of the prominent military
and naval oflScers, as was done the previous season..
After that time the dinners and entertainments
partook strongly of political party action, in which
the Federalists were led by the Washington Benevo-
lent Society and their entertainments at Washing-
ton Hall. The Democrats were led by Tammany
Society, and their entertainments were mostly at
Tammany Hall.
Maj.-Gen. Dearborn had taken up his headquar-
ters comer of State and Bridge Streets, in a large
and commodious house, where he entertained liber-
ally and elegantly up to a few days before the com-
mencement of the new year. He took his departure-
for Albany to preside at the court-martial trial of
Gten. Hull, which convened on Monday, the 3d
of January. The absence of many military oflScers
from New York also had a similar effect. The^
notable entertainments were confined principally to-
naval heroes. In a former chapter is given an ac-
count of the dinner to Maj.-Gen. Harrison, which
took place at Tammany Hall, on December 1st, and
the dinner to Commodore Bainbridge, at Washing-
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^^2 DINNER TO COMMODORE CRATJNCET,
ton Hall, on December Sth, apnd the dinner to Com-
modore Perry, at Tammany Hall, on January 11th.
A naval dinner wets given to Commodore Chaun-
cey at Wafihington Hall, on the 5th of February.
It was without any previous announcement in the
newspapers.
The Mercardile Advertiser said the dinner was
^ven on Sunday, 6th ; the Daily Oaestte said it was
on Saturday ; the Evening Posty the Columbian and
the Commercial Advertiser said it was on Friday.
The National Advocate did not mention it at all.
Commodore Chauncey was then commander of
the United States naval forces on the Lakes Cham-
plain, Ontario, Erie, Huron, Michigan, etc. His
headquarters wOTe at Sackett's Harbor; on I^^ake On-
tario, where he contemplated active operations in
the Spring, and he was on his way there, on his
return from Washington, when this dinner was
given him in New York.
At that dinner it was said there were about three
hundred and fifty guests. Richard Vanck was
president. The vice-presidents were Gten. Morton>
John T. Champlin, John Hone aAd David A. Ogden.
The Mayor, the Recorder, and several naval officers
were present.
Commodore Chawmcey's toast was : **3%€ Citi-
zms of New York. — Celebrated for their hospitality^
May ihej always possess the meana to gratify their
wishes."
The toast' to the Commodore was by Mr. Vorick :
**' Our Chiest. — The gallant Commodore Chauneey«"
The usual number of Federal toasts (tbirteeiab)
were given. The volunteer toasts were by Qen.
Morton, John T. Champlin, John Hone> David A.
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RUNNING TEH BLOCKADE. 23
Ogden, De Witt Clinton, Josiah Ogden Hoffman,
Col. John Swartwout, Mr. Willink, the president of
the Holland Society.
Commodore Chauncey left New York on the 15th
of February for Sackett's Harbor, with one hun-
dred seamen for the fleet there.
The embargo laws and the blockade had the effect
of making the port of New York very quiet. In
the fore part of the year 1814 there were few occur-
rences of interest along the coast.
On the evening of the 18th of February the Presi-
dent, in command of Commodore Rodgers, on a re-
turn cruise of seventy-five days, run the British
blockade off Sandy Hook and entered New York
harbor. The blockading squadron then consisted of
three sliips of war. The Plantagenet, seventy- four
(Captain Lloyd), was the nearest, and Commodore
Rodgers expected a brush with them and cleared his
^ip for action. He fired a gun to windward as a
proof of his willingness to fight, but he was not
molested. It gaused much comment at the time —
favorable to Commodore Rodgers.
The following extract from a letter, dated Febru-
ary 22, 1814, from an officer of the President tp
his friend in Providence, details the affair :
'•Situations in which we have been placed this
cruise will, I think, add luster to the well-established
character of Qoipmodore Rodgers.
*' After passiing the light (Sandy Hook), saw; sev-
eral sail, one large sail to the windward, backed our
maintop sail and cleared for action. The strange
sail came down wi|;hin gunshot, hauled her wind on
the larboard tack. We con^inued^ with our Qiain-
topsail to the mast three hours, and seeing no prob-
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24 COMMODORB R0DQER8 ARRIVES,
ability of the seventy-four gunship's bearing down
to engage the President, gave her a shot to wind-
ward and hoisted our colors, when she bore up for
us reluctantly ; when within half a gunshot, backed
his raaintopsail. At this moment all hands were
called to muster aft, and the Commodore said a few
but impressive words, though it was unnecessary,
for what other stimulant could true Americans
want than fighting gloriously in sight of their na-
tive shore, where hundreds were assembled to wit-
ness the engagement ? Wore ship to engage, but
at this moment the cutter being discovered off,
backed again to take in the pilot, and the British
seventy-four (strange as it must appear) making
sail to the southward and eastward. Orders were
given to haul aboard the fore and main tacks to run
in, there being then in sight from our deck a frigate
and a gun- brig.
'* The commander of the seventy-four had it in
his power for five hours to bring us at any moment
to an engagement ; our maintopsail to the mast
diuring that time."
The circumstances were not understood rmtil some
months after. On returning to England Capt. Lloyd
called for a court of inquiry, and excused himself
by alleging a mutiny in his ship, and on that charge
several of the seamen were executed.
The President had to wait seven hours and a half
for the tide to rise at Sandy Hook before she could
sail over the sandbar, which she did about 5 p.m.
The frigate Loirey of thirty-eight guns, and a
schooner, besides the Plantagenet, composed the
blockading squadron at that time.
The policy of the President then entering the
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DINNER TO COMMODORE RODGERS. 25
harbor of New York, under the circumstances, might
well be questioned. The Commodore might have
continued his cruise or entered an American port
that was not blockaded. When once in New York
harbor he was effectually ** bottled up," and must
stay there, virtually out of the service, or at most,
only a further means of guarding the entrance at
Sandy Hook bar, and to get out must run the block-
ade at favorable wind and high tide in the face of
the enemy who kept watch of her. It will be re-
membered that she was rated as a forty-four gun-
ship, and her actual metal was fifty-four guns, and
her force was about four hundred and twenty men.
This was a great addition to the force at New York.
It was usual at that time when our war vessels
passed inside Sandy Hook to come to anchor near
there. The President anchored near the lighthouse
inside the Hook. From that point they were safe
from molestation by the enemy, unless there was a
concerted attack and siege of New York. A large
part of her force could be made available in the
harbor defences and in the land fortifications in
case of an attack. She remained there until the
next January, as will more fully appear, and her
presence may have been of weight enough to have
warded off the contemplated attack on New York in
the summer of 1814, and to have diverted the enemy
to Baltimore and Washington, because they were
less protected.
A dinner and entertainment was given to Com-
modore Rodgers at Tammany Hall by citizens
(members of Tammany Society and their friends) on
the afternoon of March 7th. Tickets for the dinner
could be had at the bar of Tammany Hall, and of
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26 COMMODORE RODQERS' TOAST.
either of the following gentlemen : John L. Broome,
Edward H. Nicoll, John B. Tredwell, John Rodman,
Henry W. Bool, John Ferguson, Benjamin Bailey.
About three hundred and fifty guests were present,
among them Captains Evans and Trenchard, of the
Navy ; Commodore Jacob Lewis and the lieuten-
ants, surgeon, chaplain and purser of the frigate
President. Many shipmasters were present They
sat down at five o'clcok. Walter Bo wne was presi-
dent. Fred Jenkins, Wm. H. Ireland, W. Fish,
Augustus Wright and Alderman Buchmaster were
vice-presidents. The usual niunber of Democratic
toasts were given. Commodore Rodgers' toast was :
*' Peace, if it can be obtained without the sacrifice
of national honor, or the abandonment of maritime
rights ; otherwise, war until peace shall be secui^ed
without the sacrifice of either." Eighteen cheers.
The volunteer toasts were by F. Jenkins, W. HL
Ireland, W. Fish, Dr. BuUus, Captain EL W. Bool,
John Rodman, Mr. McDonald, Dr. Walker, Robert
White, Rev. Mr. Cook.
After Commodore Rodgers had retired the presir
dent gave as a toast : *' Commodore Rodgers. — The
zealous patriot and the brave commander, who has
three times traversed the ocean, and thus proved
that the flag of his country is its own protection."
Eighteen cheers. The toasts were accompanied by
appropriate music and a variety of songs. One o£
the company sang a song called ** The Warrior's
feeturn," to the air of *^ Aipprican Star."
After the dinner the naval officers, by invitatjipn^
ajtteuded. the Park Theater, which honored the qc-
casion by a general illumination and the e^ibitiou
Kit, a large tranj^parency of the Conomodorei with ^r
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PRIVATBBR *'MARS:' ^7
blematic devices. On the arrival of the naval officers
in the house the play was suspended, while the
visitors were greeted with the cheers of the audience
and a patriotic air from the orchestra. The plays
were '* Wild Oats" and a farce called '* Eight to
One."
On the 7th of March the privateer MarSy of fifteen
guns, Captain IngersoU, of New York City, on her
return home, was chased ashore at Hempstead by a
British seventy-four and a frigate. Captain Inger
soil, most of the officers and about thirty of his
crew got safely to shore. Thirty of the crew and
about forty prisoners, and the privateer were taken
possession of, and after the men were taken out,
set fire to and burnt. The Mars had made six cap-
tures diuing her cruise, four of which were manned
and ordered for the United States, one sunk and
the other was ransomed.
A few days afterwards the Americans captured on
board the privateer Mars and made prisoners were
delivered to one of our vessels near Sandy Hook.
In December, 1813, a law was passed by the
British Parliament prohibiting the receiving of a ran-
som for captured vessels. This was in aid of a more
rigorous blockade of American ports . It was several
months afterwards before it became fully known so
as to be put in force along the American coast.
The flotilla stationed near Sandy Hook kept a
watchful eye for the protection of coasters that the
-enemy might attempt to capture. The following
is an official report of an incident of that kind :
"New York, March 8, 1814.
" Sm: — I have the honor to inform you that on Sat-
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28 BUNNING THE BLOCKADE.
urday last (5th) the enemy drove a schooner on
shore loaded with coals and dispatched his barges to
take possession of her. A detachment of men from
the flotilla, with a small field piece, drove them off.
I. took possession and launched the vessel, and
brought her safe into port. I have the honor, etc.,
**J. Lewis.
" To Wm. Jones, Secretary of the Navy."
The Peacock, which had been launched from
Adam & Noah Brown's shipyard in September (ante^
Vol. L, p. 317), in command of Lewis Warrington,
had been under sailing orders for some time, await-
ing a favorable opportunity to get out of New York
harbor by running the blockade. She could cross
Sandy Hook bar at low tide. On the evening of
the 12th of March she successfully made her escape
unobserved by the enemy and proceeded on a cruise
along the southern coast for British trading vessels-
from the West Indies.
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CHAPTER XXIV.
llilitary Preparations by the State— Volunteers Wanted— Bounties
Offered— Gunboat Senrice in New York Harbor— Commodore
Lewis— Pulton's Steam War Vessel— Fortifications Needed at the
Narrows— Blockhouses— Delay in Building Forts— Proposition
to Make New York City the Seat of State Government— Action
of the Common Council— " The Governor's Room " in City Hall.
AS New York City began to assume
^^ the aspects of a besieged city, and
the inhabitants to feel that war
was upon them, they began to
think of their means of repelling
an invasion.
The third year of the war was at
hand, with less favorable prospects
of victory and of peace than at any time previous.
The naval forces of the enemy on the Atlantic coast
the previous years had been so small that there had
been no fear of an attack upon any place of import-
ance. The enemy were victorious on the northern
frontier, and there was no prospect of another at-
tempt to invade Upper Canada. Lower Canada,
which included Quebec, was not taken into consid-
eration as a good field for invasion.
New York State had been so far the principal
theater of the war, and prospects were that still
greater military activity, for better or for worse,
would take place within her borders, probably New
York City would be attacked. No wonder, then,
that the campaign of 1814 was anxiously and fear-
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30 PROTECTION OF NEW YORK.
fully looked forward to by many, as about to bring
the crisis of the war, and, perhaps, of the Union of
the States.
The noriihem and western paries of the State of
New York were in great danger of an invasion,
which would materially weaken the defence of New
York City, by drawing the militia from her.
The National Government seemed to leave New
York City to take care of itself. The most active
military operations had been undertaken on the
northern and western frontier.
This line of action began to show itself early in
the year. On the 15th of February a cavalcade of
twelve long iron thirty-two-pounders, each weighing
upwards of three tons, each mounted on a wagon
made for the purpose, drawn by six horses, left New
York City for Sackett's Harbor, all the way by
land, for the navy on Lake Ontario, the vessels of
which were being built for the Government by
Henry Eckford, the shipbuilder of New York City.*
New York City was deemed by the Governor
more important to protect, being the commercial
metropolis of the nation and a great and populous
city. At that time the capture of a city meant pil-
lage and destruction, as was then the practice in all
the European wars, and as had been already exhib-
ited in this war.
The more modern and civilized practice of treat-
ing a captured city is to accept a ransom to prevent
its destruction. In such a case the amount of the
♦ It appeared afterwards that it cost the Government f 400 to convey
each of the said cannon from New York City to Sacketi's Harhor,.
The same sized guns could then be conveyed from Liverpool to-
Eingston, opposite Sackelt's Harbor, for less cost than that.
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STATE MEANS OF DEFENCE. 31
ransom money becomes a national burden, to be paid
off by general taxation of all parts of the nation.*
The executive officers of the State of New York
were fully alive to the great danger of invasion.
The quota of commissioned officers for the militia
regiments were speedily filled up early in the spring.
Many who had held commissions therein by brevet
were appointed to full commands. Non-commis-
sioned officers were also appointed, and the enroll-
ment of all liable to serve in the militia was
attempted as the law directed, and oflScers and pri-
vates were assigned by Governor Tompkins to the
respective divisions, brigades, regiments and com-
panies in which they were to serve in case of emer-
gency, when called upon by the authorities.
The Adjutant-General's report of New York
State militia in the early part of 1814, showed that
there were 86,597 infantry, 4,717 artillery, and 4,462
cavalry, a total of 95,776 on the muster rolls. There
were two brigades Of artillery, and, one of infantry
not reported, which would make about twelve hun-
dred more men, a total of about ninety seven thou-
sand men ; besides those in the volunteer service.
The militia organizations throughout the State
had not increased in effectiveness or numbers since
war had been declared, two years previous (see note.
Vol. IT., p. 90), excepting in New York City and the
seaboard counties. But even there it was not so
much improved as would reasonably be expected
* Under tbis rule of the law of nations, if New York City sliould
be now captured in a war and a ransom paid to prevent its destruc-
tion, tlie burden of the ransom would reach every part of tl»e nation,
however remote from the seaboard. The i^eneral Government is
bound to protect every part of its territory from invasion.
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32 IMP0R2ANCE OF NSW TORK CITY.
by the enthusiasm displayed by the young men on
the declaration of war.
The infantry were classified into eight divisions,
with forty-two brigades, with one hundred and fifty-
six regiments. The cavalry consisted of one divi-
sion, with four brigades, with eleven regiments.
The artillery consisted of four brigades, with thirteen
r^ments.
The equipments of the mihtia, by the same report,
showed that there were only 28,237 serviceable
muskets, 636 serviceable artillery, 63 field pieces,
2,699 swords, and 3,679 pairs of pistols.
The mihtia, which had been called out for only
a short term of service in the previous years, were
dismissed, and were subject to call by the GK>vemor
of the State or by the Commander of the Eighth
Military District for the northern and western part
of the State, and for the Third District, which com-
prised New York City, etc.
The force in actual service about New York in
March was about the same as it was in November
previous, which has been already stated (ante Vol.
n., p. 342), being not more than were in service in
the previous March (1813), about three thousand
five hundred men, when the Governor stated that
twelve thousand five hundred, at least, would be
necessary to protect New York City and harbor
(ante Vol. H., p. 172).
New York City was deemed by the Governor
more important to protect against invasion than
any other part of the State. It was here that the
inhabitants were to defend their households and
their homes, as well as to protect their country and
obey her call for assistance.
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GOV, TOMPKlNff ORDERS. 3S
Governor Tompkins paid particular attention to
the defence of the seaboard. Some of the militia
regiments in New York City and vicinity were con-
soUdated and others created by his orders as Com-
mander-in-Chief.
On 7th of December (1813) the Third Regiment
(Col. Sitcher) was divided into two regiments. The^
companies and corps in it belonging to the city of
New York were retained in it and designated as the
Third Regiment of Aji;illery. The residue of the
old regiment, with some other companies, was or-
ganized as the Thirteenth Regiment of Artillery
and placed under command of Lieut. -Col. Martin
Boerum, of Brooklyn, who was major in the old
Third Regiment. The First BattaUon of the Thir-
teenth composed the artillery corps in Westchester
County and was placed in command of Major
Lyon. The Second Battalion consisted of the
artillery corps in Kings, Queens and Suffolk
Counties, and was placed in command of Major
Barbarien.
The staff oflBcers belonging to each of said regi-
ments before the division were to be retained and
continue to act in the same grades in the new regi-
ments which they held in the old Third Regiment,
and the new Third Regiment was organized with
Lieut. -Col. Andrew Sitcher as commander,* and
* This regiment, it is well to observe, is now (1891) the Eighth
New York National Guard (infantry), .under command of Col-
Georfre D. Bcott. Its popular name is " Washington Grajs." Its
magnificent new armory is situated corner of Park Avenue and
Ninety-fourth and Ninety-fifth Streete. On the 27th of July, 1847^
by general orders, the Governor chanecd the name of the Third Regi-
ment to the Eighth Regiment, N. T. B. A. It is the oldest militia
resriment in New York State. It was organised in 1786.
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34 ARTILLERY AND CAVALRY
several promotions of company oflBcers were made
by brevet the next day.
On March 2d, 1814, Joseph O. Bogart was placed
in command and W. T. Hunter was made first
Major.
The following are important military orders relat-
ing to the defence of the seaboard:
'' Head Quarters, N. York, Dec. 16, 1813.
'''The Commander-in chief is pleased to organize
all the Troops of Cavalry in the city of New York and
•Richmond, now under the command of Major James
Warner, with Captain Wilson's Company of Horse
Artillery of Kings County, and Captain Sibbalds of
New York, into a Battalion of Horse Artillery, and
will take the requisite measures to supply them
with Field pieces and Caissons accordingly. The
Second Regiment of Cavalry will hereafter consist
of two Squadrons, that of Long Island to be called
the First Squadron, and that of Westchester County
to be called the Second Squadron of said Regiment.
Major James Warner, the Adjutant, ana other staff
officers of the Second Regt. of Cavalry resident in
the City of New York are transferred to this Bat-
talion of Horse Artillery without prejudice to their
present grade or rank. Should Major-Gteneral
Stevens find that it will be a satisfaction to the
Corps hereafter mentioned to be incorporated with
the Battalion of Horse Artillery hereby organized,
and that it will promote the safety of the City and
Harbor of New York, he is authorized to organize
this Battalion, and the troops of Captain Mercein,
Captain Shaw and the Trodp of Cavalry in Kings
County into a Regiment, and to brevet the Field
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TO DEFEND THE 8EAB0ABD, B5
OflBcers according to seniority of Rank. Major
James Warner will be the First Major Commandant
of the Battalion of Horse Artillery organized by this
order, and Captain James Guion, Jun., will be the
Second Major of said Battalion. Major-General
Stevens will cause this order to be promptly exe-
cuted, and will notify Brigadier-General Giles and
Lieut. -Col. Jacob Odell, of the Cavalry thereof.
*' He is empowered also to direct the number and
place of parades of said Battalion according to the
provisions of the 27th section of the Militia Law of
this State.
" By Order of the Commander-in-Chief,
** Robert Macomb,
^^Aid-de-Camp."
*' Head Quarters, Albany, 8th Jan'y, 1814.
*^ The Commandant of the First Division of the
Infantry of the State of New York, by the author-
ity of the President of the United States, made for
that purpose, is required to detach and organize
forthwith, from that part of his Division which is
in the Counties of Queens and Suffolk (having refer-
ence to the burden of actual service already endured
by the militia of those Counties respectively, and to
the duty to be performed) two Companies, each to
consist of one Captain, two Lieutenants and two
Ensigns (to be assigned by the Major-General of the
said Division or by the Commandants of Brigades
with his approbation), six Sergeants, five corporals,
two musicians and ninety privates, which two com-
panies are to repair forthwith to Sagg Harbor or to
such other frontier points of Long Island as the
Commanding officer of the Third Military District of
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36 PROTECTION OF LOFO ISLAND.
the United States may designate. These Companies
are called for under and pursuant to the Act of
Con^Cress passed 28 February, 1795, in consequence
of the imminent dangef of the Invasion of Sagg
Harbor and the adjoining Coast upon the discharge
of the Militia now in service there, and will be liable
to serve three months from the time of arrival at
the place of rendezvous, and will be entitled to the
same camp equipage, pay and rations as the regular
troops of the United States.
** The Major-General of the Artillery of the State
of New York, upon the requisition aforesaid, is
directed to detach and organize from the Artillery
of Suffolk and Queens, or to accept and organize a
Volunteer Corps of Artillery, to consist of a Captain,
one Lieutenant, three Sergeants, two Corporals, two
musicians and thirty-six privates, and to order them
to repair forthwith to Sagg Harbor for the purpose
and according to the law before specified. They are
to obey the Senior officer in service there.
**The Commander-in-Chief holds the Command-
ant of the Division of Artillery and of the First
Division of Infantry responsible for a prompt com-
pliance with his order, without which immense in-
jury may happen to Sagg Harbor, and to that
part of Long Island which is near to Gardner's Bay.
**They are also vested with discretion ta accept
and organize volunteers from any part of the State
for the service above mentioned, and to give all the
needful directions respecting details of the detach-
ment which the Commander-in-Chief could legally
were he present.
*' By Order the Commander-in-Chief,
^*SoL. Van Rensselaer,
^^Adjt. -General"
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FL TING ARTILLEll Y ORGANIZED. 37
** Head Quarters, Albany, Feb. 28, 1814.
**The Commander-in-Chief believing that a Regi-
ment of Horse Artillery will be a very valuable
Corps for the defence of the southern frontier, and
it being represented to him that the Corps organ-
ized into a Battalion by a Gteneral Order of the six-
teenth day of December last, under Major James
Warner, is suflBciently numerous for a regiiyent, is
pleased to organize the said Battalion into a Regi-
ment of Horse Artillery. Major James Warner will
be the Lt.-Col. conmiandant thereof. Major James
Guion, Junior, of Richmond County, the first Major,
and Capt. Lewis KL Storms of New York the Second
Major, with staff and other officers as are now in
commission in said Corps, and as may be appointed
by the Council of Appointment. The said Regiment
is annexed to the division of Artilleiy and be sub-
ject to the orders of the Major-Qeneml of said Di-
vision.
** By Ordei' of the Commander-in-Chief,
" Anthony Lamb,
^^Aid-de-Camp."
i( '
** Head Quarters, Albany, Feb. 28, 1814.
It appearing to the Commander-in-Chief that
Horse Artillery will be more efficient Corps than
Cavalry for the defense of the Sea Board and shores
of the Sound or East River if furnished with pieces,
Caissons and other equipments by the public, and he
having by orders of this day organized one regi-
ment of Horse Artillery in the Southern District, is
pleased to oi^anize and transfer the Cavalry of
Westchester, Queens and Suffolk Counties into a
separate Regiment of Horse Artillery, to be called
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38 QA VALRY ORQANIZBD.
the Second Regiment of Horse Artillery. These
Regiments are formed into a Brigade to be called
the fii'st Brigade of Horse Artillery. Brigadier-Gen-
eral Jacob Odell of Westchester County will com-
mand the said Brigade. Lt.-Col. William Jones
will be Commandant of the Second Regiment of
Horse Artillery and Major WilUam Oakley will be
the fir^ Major thereof.
*^Brigadier-Gteneral Giles of the Cavalry, having
been made a Major-General by the Council of Ap-
pointment, that part of the Third Brigade of Cav-
alry heretofore commanded by him (not organized
into Horse Artillery), consisting at present of the
Cavalry in Rockland, Orange, Ulster, Putnam and
Dutchess Counties, will be commanded by Briga-
dier-Genl. George D. Wickham, of Goshen,
Orange County.
** The Horse Artillery of the First and Second
Regiments will parade twice at least in each year
by Squadrons, three times at least by Companies,
and once by Brigades, and will as soon as conveni-
ent, if it be requested, be furnished with field pieces
and implements, Caissons, and ammunition for ex-
ercise and improvement. The Brigade of Hoi'se
Artillery hereby organized is annexed to the Artil-
lery until further orders.
" By Order the Commander-in-Chief,
"Sol. Van Rensselaer,
"Adjt.-General."
Many of the military organizations that started
up in the previous spring had been dormant during
the year 1813.
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VOLUNTEERS WAN2SD, 39
In January, 1818, Washington Irving, the emi-
nent author, wrote :
*^ This war has completely changed the ^f ace of
things. You would scarcely recognize our old
peaceful city. Nothing is talked of but armies^
navies, battles, etc. . . .
**Had not the miserable accoimts from our fron-
tiers dampened in some measure the public zeal, I
believe half of our young men would have been
military mad."
Now, it was a year later than when Irving wrote
the above, and the war on the frontiers had been
even more discouraging, and the rumors and hopes
of an armistice, and a prevalent Repugnance to
enter the ranks as a common soldier, all had a ten-
dency to render volunteering even more dull than at
any previous time during the war, although the in-
ducements were much more enticing. Increased
pay and large bounties were offered by laws of Con-
gress, and the volunteer could in a great measure
choose the place and kind of service deemed most
desirable. Everything was done to arouse the lag-
ging miUtary spirit.
A writer at that time said :
** At length we have the pleasing satisfaction of
beholding the stripes of our country suspended from
the windows of public buildings, which to the be-
holders speaks a language that would emulate any
being who possesses the least particle of navy or
military spirit. It is very common to see at the
same view * 124 dols. bounty, and 160 acres of good
land, clothing, pay, rations, etc., too,' given to*
everyone who voluntarily comes forth to defend his
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40 BOUI9T1E8 OFFERED.
country, and three months' advance, and fifteen
dollars bounty to go to the Lakes with Commodores
Chauncey or Perry.'
• " These men are wanted principally to defend
our extensive frontier, and no doubt but our rulers
will receive the thanks of the people for coming
forth in such a manner as to induce every well-
wisher to his country to turn out and rally round
the standard which our f athera so nobly fought and
bled for.
** Turn your eyes to the left, there your attention
is attracted by large capitals, reading thus : * Wanted
— Seamen, Landsmen, and Boys for the XJ. S.
Flotilla, for the sole defence of New York ; good
pay, provisions, etc.' This is an opportunity which
ought to be embraced by every seafaring man who
has a family in New York."
The flotilla (gunboat) service at that time had be-
come a very important arm of protection for the
bays and harbors of the United States. This service
was unpopular with the regular officers of the navy,
because of its narrow opportunities and the class of
men of which the service was composed. They were
usually bay and river craf tmen, seamen, ordinary
seamen with famiUes which were nearby riggers,
and naval mechanics out of employ, etc., and many
others who would not engage in the regular naval
service. The temptations to insubordination and
vice were much greater in this scattered and amphi-
bious kind of force than on board our ships of war,
and the rigors of naval discipline, unless tempered
with judgment and great moderation, discouraged
the recruiting for this service.
The flotilla service in New York harbor was pre-
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COMMODORE LBW18* FLOTILLA. 41
f errable to that in some other places, while at the
43ame time it was the most useful and most im-
portant to this seaboard. It was under the com-
mand of f* Commodore" Jacob Lewis, as he was
usually designated, although he held only the com-
mission of a commander in the United States Navy.
He had been captain of the privateer Bunker Hill,
of four guns and sixty men, in the early part of the
war, and was a brave, venturesome, dashing sailor.
Every movement of his while in command of the
flotilla of gunboats was paraded before the public in
the most favorable light, and he made his reports of
his movements, attacks, skirmishes, captures, etc.,
direct to the Secretaiy of the Navy, as if he was a
veritable commodore. The services that his little
fleet of gunboats rendered in the protection and
•defense of New York harbor and vicinity cannot be
over-estimated.
A letter from a prominent exchanged prisoner of
war, who had been held on board the Plantagenet,
in March, said of Commodore Lewis and the fleet
of gunboats under his command :
'*In my humble opinion, this little band of heroes
have been the whole safeguard of Amboy and the
towns adjacent ; and should these places be de-
stroyed, in all human probability a descent upon
this city would immediately follow. For the
grounds of my suspicion I will state that while on
board the seventy-four a month since, off Sandy
Hook, as a prisoner I was informed that an excur-
sion on the Highlands, thence to Amboy, had been
long contemplated, but that they were deterred by
the gunboats at Sandy Hook.
*' The flotilla appears to be a permanent thing,
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42 FULTOirS IRONCLAD
and those who volunteer for this necessary service
are not liable to be taken anywhere else. They are
commanded by an able and experienced officer, who,
should an opportunity offer, will evince to the world
the wise policy of Mr. Jefferson in causing to be
built the lately detested boats."
The number of gunboats in New York harbor fit
for service was thirty-eight. Thirty-one were in
service, and seven were subject to orders. The force
consisted of about five hundi^ed men.
The regular naval force at New York in March^
1814, consisted of the President ^ 44 ; Alert^ 18
(guard ship), and Ptacock, 18, Lewis Warrington,
master and commander. The latter was under sail-
ing orders and was watching to run the blockade
and put to sea. (See ante, p. 29.)
Floating batteries of vaiious kinds were sug-
gested from time to time for the defence of New
York harbor.
Many attempts had been made by several in-
ventors to have the government build an ironclad
or floating battery on their models. Robert Fulton,
of steamboat fame, was one of the most prominent
and influential. He induced a committee of promi-
nent persons to examine his models and report on
his plans. It was as follows :
*' New London, Jan. 3d, 1814.
*' We, the undersigned, have this day examined
the model and plans of a vessel of war submitted to-
ns by Robert Fulton, to carry 24 guns, 24 or 32-
pounders, and use red hot shot ;— to be propelled by
steam at the speed of from fom: to five miles an
hour, without the aid of wind or tide. The pi-oper
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8TBAM WAR VE88BL. 43
ties of which vessel are : that without masts or sails,
she can move with sufficient speed ; that her ma-
chinery being guarded she cannot be crippled ; that
her sides are so thick as to be impenetrable to every
kind of shot ; and in a calm or light breeze she can
take choice of positions or distance from an enemy.
Considering the speed which the application of
' steam has already given to heavy floating bodies,
we have full confidence that should such a vessel
move only four miles an hour, she could, under the
favorable circumstances which may always be
gained over enemies' vessels in our ports, harbors,
bays and sounds, be rendered more formidable to an
enemy than any kind of engine hitherto invented.
And in such case she would be equal to the de-
struction of one or more seventy-fours, or of com-
pelling her or them to depart from our waters. We
therefore give it as our decided opinion, that it is
among the best interests of the United States to
carry this plan into immediate execution.
^' Stephen Decatur,
** Jacob Jones,
*'JA8. BroDLE."
** New York, Jan. 10th, 1814.
** We, the subscribers, having examined the model
of the above described vessel of war to be propelled
by steam, do fully concur in the above opinion of
the practicability and utility of the same.
*^ Samuel Evans,
'' 0. H. Perry,
*' L. Warrington,
"Jacob Lewis."
An appropriation was'asked for from the Presi-
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44 CONDITION OF FORTIFICATIONS
dent for the purpose of building this battery, but as
he had not the authority to make the appropriation,
the Naval Committee agreed to have the vessel con-
structed at their own expense and risk; provided
assurances should be given that the National gov-
ernment would receive and pay for her when her
utility should be demonstrated. This offer was ac-
cept^ by the government, and in March, 1814, Con-
gress, on the appUcation of many of the officers of
the government, and actuated by the earnest solici-
tation of many influential citizens of the city of
New York, passed a law authorizing the President
of the United States to cause to be built, equipped
and employed, one or more floating batteries for the
defence of the waters of the United States.
The fortifications for the defence of the harbor
required att*^ntion.
The completion of the works on Staten Island and
on Hendrick's Reef were not hastened during the
summer of 1813, and no other works in the vicinity
of New York were erected in addition to those al-
ready mentioned in Chapter X.
A redoubt or protecting work on Signal Hill, on
Staten Island, near the Narrows, for which the State
made an appropriation of $22,000 in April, 1813, had
been partly completed. Other works were much
needed there. In April, 1814, the State Legislature
made a fiuliher appropriation of $50,000 to complete
the fort on Staten Island, '* or applied te such other
works of defence in the vicinity as may be deemed
necessary to promote public security."
These sums were to be expended by the State
Commissioners of Fortifications, subject to the ap-
proval of Gten. Swift, of the corps of engineers.
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AT THE NAUROWS, 45
On the east side of the Narrows very little had
been done during the year. Work had been barely
commenced on Hendrick's Reef (see ante Vol. I., p.
178). Nothing had been done towards building a
fort on Denyse's Heights, for the protection of
Hendrick's Reef. The fortifications there were tem-
porary earthworks.
(Jen. Armstrong had recommended to the National
government, in January, 1813, that the land in that
vicinity be purchased for the erection of fortifica-
tions, according to the plans of Gen. Swift (ante
Vol. I, p. 178). The matter had laid dormant ever
since.
The State Commissioners of Fortifications now
took the matter in hand and commenced negotia-
tions for the purpose of purchasing .the farm land
about there. Their negotiations resulted in a deed
dated April 22, 1814, from William Denyse to the
Mayor, Aldermen, etc., of New York City, in con-
sideration of $8,875, by which he sold his farm, con-
sisting of sixty-three acres, twelve roods and one
hundred and thirty perches. And about the same
time Jacques Cortelyou sold a plot adjoining, of one
acre and thirty- three perches, for $1,000, to the
Mayor, Aldermen, etc., of New York City.
When Gen. Joseph G. Swift took charge of super-
intending the land fortifications for the defence of
New York harbor, the plan comprised a system of
blockhouses to prevent the enemy landing by flo-
tilla at such points as were most liable to such an
invasion. They were to be at Bath Beach, at
Utrecht Bay, at Denyse's Heights at west end of
Long Island, and at Jamaica Bay, and at Princess
Bay on Staten Island, and near Sandy Hook light-
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46 BLOOKHOUSm NEEDED.
house, and at the Highlands of Navesink and several
other places in the neighborhood of the places above
mentioned. They were of easy construction. A
Mr. Cropsy, a carpenter of Utrecht, was employed
byGten. Swift to construct these buUdings.*
The blockhouses of those days were a kind of
wooden fort built o£ square timbers, bullet proof,
and to protect against hght artillery. They were
about twenty feet square and two stories high ; the
upper story projected two or three feet beyond the
walls of the lower one. Loopholes were in the
walls, the floor and projection, to fire through on
the enemy with musketry, and the upper room was
usually furnished with cannon.
They were effective to prevent an assault with
small arms, and often were built to protect a Une of
earthworks. Those built along the sea coast were
at some points to prevent the landing of a flotilla,
and out of reach of the enemy's war vessels. They
were two stories high, and according to the location
of the spot they wished to command, and had two
or three small cannon on top. The lower story was
sometimes built of stone. Th^y were manned by
detachments detailed each day for guard duty from
the soldie^^ stationed near them.
The building of these structures was not hastened
during the year 1813, only at places where they were
immediately needed. There were some built at
Sandy Hook and at the Highlands in 1813 (ante
* Sandy Hook at that time belonged to Richard Hartshorne. It
was covered witli cedar. In 1817 ilie peninsula extending from
Portland Highlands to the sea, a distance of seven miles, was pur-
chased by the Government for the sum of $20,000. Its extent has
grown by accretions, which make it now nearly double its former
jsize.
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GO VERN0IC8 ROOM IN CITY BALL. 47
Vol. II. , p. 180), aiid one at Spermaceti Cove (ante
YoL n., p. 301). Those intended at the Narrows,
and on Jamaica Bay, and [at Rockaway and some
other places had been neglected.
The blockhouses and earthworks and other tem-
porary fortifications which had been erected during
the summer and fall of 1813 were mostly built at
the instance and expense of the State authorities
within whose borders they were placed. Block-
houses and intrenchments were the usual form of
those forts about the port and harbor of New York.
The reason of this delay in the construction of de-
fences and fortifications was not because they were
not deemed necessary, but because of the general
apathy of public opinion to the importance of works
of defence.
A room in the City Hall had been set apart by the
Common Council for the use of the Governor. On
April 15, 1814, $1,000 was appropriated by the State
to furnish it, but it was not deemed sufficient, and
the Common Council, on May 9th, made a further
appropriation of $1,000 to complete the furnishing
of it. It is still known as the *' Governors Room "
in the City Hall.
A concurrent resolution of the State Senate and
Assembly requested Governor Tompkins to inquire
as to the accommodation that might be obtained for
holding the next session of the Legislature in
the city of New York, and also to ascertain what
wordd be the probable expense of a temporary re-
moval of the seat of government to New York City.
At the meeting of the Common Council on July
1, 1814, a letter from the Governor, inclosing the
resolution, was laid before the Common Council.
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48 LBQ18LATURE INVITED TO NEW TORE.
It was referred to a committee consisting of Messrs^
Fish, Wendover and King, who reported, August
15th, that rooms could be provided for the purpose
in the new City Hall.
The following was then adopted over four nega-
tive votes :
" Resolved^ That as soon as the Common Council
is informed that the honorable the Legislature have
determined to hold their next session in this city,
immediate measures be taken to fit up and furnish,
at the expense of this corporation, suitable rooms
for the honorable Senate and for the honorable the
Assembly, and for such of the officers of govern-
ment as are necessarily connected with the Legis-
lature at their place of meeting, and that the papers
and other articles belonging to said offices be re-
moved to this city at the expense of this corpora-
tion."
The next session of the Legislature would not
take place until January, 1815, unless sooner con-
vened by the Governor. It would be of new mem-
bers of Assembly, elected in April, 1814.
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CHAPTER XXV.
Enforcing the Embargo—Seizure of Specie at New York— Unpopu-
iarity of the Embargo— Repeal of the Embargo Laws— Revival of
Trade— Local Politics— Election of State Officers and Members
of Congress.
\^ MBARGK) laws were very unpopular
^' among all classes of people at that
time. All the ills felt, and which
usually exist in a community in a
time of war, were attributed to the
embargo. The President was em-
powered to be a dictator in the en-
forcement of it.
Under that law (section 11) the
powers given to the collectors to re-
fuse permission to put any cargo on board of any
vessel, boat or other water craft, or to detain any
vessel or to take into their custody any articles for
the purpose of preventing violations of the embargo,
were to be exercised in conformity with such in-
structions as the President should give, and under
such rules as he (the President) might prescribe for
that purpose, made in pui'suance thereof, '* which
instructions and rules the collector shall be bound to
obey.^^ These iiiles were issued, dated December
24, 1813. They were very explicit in regard to
American vessels and their giving bonds, etc.
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50 ENFORCiyQ THB EMBARGO,
Vessels licensed for the coasting trade or fisheries
were not allowed to depart from the port they were
in when notice of the embargo was received, with-
out a clearance or permit, but collectors were au-
thorized and empowered to grant permission to
vessels or boats whose employment had uniformly
been confined to the navigation of bays, sounds,
rivers or lakes within the jurisdiction of the United
States, or the Territories thereof, in those cases
where, in the opinion of the collector, there would be
no danger of the embargo being violated. All ves-
sels laden with a cargo were not allowed to depart
from the port without giving bonds, and those with-
out cargo were not allowed to take one without
giving bonds. These bonds were conditioned as to
the landing of the cargo at the port for which they
were cleared.
David Gtelston was the Collector of Customs for
the district of New York at that time. He was ap
pointed by Mr. Jefferson in July, 1801, and held the
office up to November, 1820. He was an ardent
democrat and was called " Mr. Jefferson's collector."
The Surveyor of Customs was John Haff, ap-
pointed in August, 1813, as successor of Peter A.
Schenck. The naval officer of customs was John
Ferguson, appointed in August, 1813, as successor
of Samuel Osgood.
In the foi-e part of January, Mr. Gtelston, as Col-
lector of the port of New York, seized, under the
embargo law, a quantity of specie, about $140,000,
which was boxed up and on the way to Boston,
ostensibly for the **New England Bank." It was
brought back and deposited in the Manhattan Bank,
to ascertain if it really belonged to the New Eng-
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8K1ZUBE OF SPECIE, 51
land Bank, or was intended for the Canada market,
where British government bills were at a great
discount. At that time the demand for specie in
Albany and other places, for the Canada market and
for the banks, was such that ten per cent premium
had been paid for it in exchange for paper.
The stockholders of the New England Bank pe-
titioned the Legislature of Massachusetts to demand
of the President of the United States the restitution
of the money so illegally seized by Mr. Gelston, and
the punishment of the offender. The legislative
committee to whom the question was referred com-
mented severely on the act of Mr. Gelston, and di-
rected the Governor of Massachusetts to express to
the President of the United States ** the great sensi-
biUty which the Legislature of Massachusetts feels
at the outrage, and its expectance that the money
will be immediately restored," and as an atonement
to the injured citizens of Massachusetts, that the
President remove the said collector from oflSce.
The resolution passed both Houses on the 27th of
January.
The Governor (Caleb Strong) transmitted to the
President a copy of the resolution as requested, to-
gether with the evidence in support of the complaint.
The President replied to the Governor's request
that *^ as the course of proceeding marked out by the
law for the parties complaining is sufficiently under-
stood, it remains only to assure your Excellency
that the case will receive whatever interposition may
be necessary and proper in their behalf from the
executive authority of the United States. The case
as it relates to the responsible officer will be duly
inquired into, with a view to ascertain the circum-
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52 UNPOPULARITY OF EMBARGO LAWB.
stances on which the seizure and detention in ques-
tion were grounded, and by which the conduct
therein ought to be tested."
As it was subsequently ascertained that the money
was really destined for Boston, it was given up by
Mr. Gtelston to the New England Bank, after several
weeks' detention.
One hardship of the embargo law was in prevent-
ing the coasting vessels from returning to the places
to which they belonged without bonds. A bill was
presented in Congress in January for the relief of
•coasters so situated. It was delayed from time to
time until February 9th, when it passed the House
by a vote of 100 to 40. It afterwards passed the
Senate and became a law on March 4th.
The embargo law was most severely felt by Massa-
chusetts, which then included Maine. None of her
ports were blockaded. The only other ports left
open by the enemy were four, to wit : — Portsmouth,
N. H. ; Newport, Bristol and Providence, R. I.
It caused the most bitter expressions of feelirg
from Massachusetts against the administration.
When the embargo of 1807 was enacted they claimed
that it was to help the French by diverting English
vessels from war service against the French, to
trading vessels to take supplies to the English ar-
mies. The embargo of 1813 might have been said to
the people to be in aid of the blockade of American
ports, because a less number of British vessels were
required to enforce a blockade. Had the law been
enacted by an avowed Federal administration, and
one opposed to the war, it would probably have been
said to the people (and many would have believed
it), that it was to aid the enemy in their blockade.
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REPEAL OF EMBARGO LAWS, 53.
Perhaps some future writer will draw a similar
conclusion from it.
The feehng was so strong against it among the
commercial community of the seaboard States, and
the action of Massachusetts was such, that to the
great surprise of the nation, the President sent in a
Message on April 1st which in effect was a sugges-
tion to repeal the embargo laws.
The subject was referred to the Committee on
Foreign Relations, who on April 4th reported to the
House in favor of the measure, stating that previ-
ous to the late changes in Europe the bearing of the
restrictive measures was for the most part confined
to the enemy ; that at present a prospect existed of
extended commercial intercourse with friendly pow-
ers in Europe ; that all Germany, Denmark and
Holland, heretofore under the double restraint of
internal regulation and external blockades, were
liberated therefrom, and changes equally favorable
to commerce appeared then to be taking place in
Spain, Portugal and Italy and the more extreme
ports of the Mediterranean. These considerations
and othei s, among which are the augmentation of
the revenue, maintenance of the public credit, in-
creasing the piice and promoting the circulation of
the produce of the country, they reported a bill for
the repeal of the embargo and modification of the
non-importation laws.
After many modifications and changes the biU in
express terms repealed the embargo law of De-
cember 17th, 1813, and modified the non-importation
laws.
The modification of the non-importation law con-
sisted in allowing the ships and vessels of neutral
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54 RBSTRICTlOha AGAINST TRADE
nations to import any goods, wares or merchandise
of the growth, produce or manufacture of Great
Britain or Ireland, or any of the colonies or depend-
encies thereof, or of any place or country in the
actual possession of Great Britain.
It also provided, *' That nothing herein contained
shall be construed to authorize or permit the import-
ation of goods, wares or merchandi&e, or of any
article the property of, or belonging at the time of
such importation, to the enemy or enemies of the
United States."
The bill passed the House of Representatives by a
vote of 115 to 37, and the Senate by a vote of 29 to
4. Jt was sent to the President and became a law
on April 14th.
When this bill passed the House of Represent-
atives, Mr. William Irving voted against it, while
Mr. Jotham Post voted for the bill. In the Senate
Messrs. Ruf us King and German, the Senators from
New York, voted for the bill as passed. Mr.
Lefferts, from Brooklyn, also voted for this bill.
Dr. Sage, from Sa^s:^ Harbor, was not present.
The removal of the embargo and allowing im-
portations at once revived the shipping and coasting
trade, and running the blockade was constantly
done at little danger. There were still many re-
strictions that would greatly affect commerce and
intercourse with the British colonies and with neu-
tral countries.
The law prohibiting non-intercourse with the en-
emies of the United States, passed July 6, 1812,
still prevented many vessels from entering seaports
of the United States.
Under that law (§ 1), any ship or vessel owned
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WITH THB ENEMY, 55
in whole or in part by any citizen of the United
States would not be peimitted to depart therefrom
to any port or place without the United States,
without giving a bond with sureties to the amount
of uch vessel and cargo, conditioned that such ship
or vessel should not proceed to or trade with the
enemies of the United States. If any vessel at-
tempted to proceed without first giving such bond,
such vessel and cargo should be forfeited to the
United States, and the master or commander thereof
be subject to fine and imprisonment.
By section 2 the attempt to transport overland
or otherwise any naval or military stores, arms or
munitions of war, or any article of provisions from
any place in the United States to any place in Upper
or Lower Canada, Nova Scotia, or New Brunswick,
was subject to forfeiture, fine and imprisonment.
Section 3 authorized the collectors of the several
ports to enforce said law.
Section 4 was the most important. It provided
^' that no ship or vessel belonging to any citizen or
citizens, subject or subjects of any state or kingdom
in amity with the United Stages j except such as ai
the passage of this act shall belong to the citizen or
citizens^ siitject or subjects of stich stale or kingdom^
or which shall hereafter be built in the limits of a
stale or kingdom in amity with the United States or
purchased by a citizen or citizens^ subject or sub-
jects of a state or kingdom in amity with the United
States, as aforesaid, from a citizen or citizens of the
United States, shall be admitted into any port or
place of the United States, unless forced by a stress
of weather or for necessary repairs," under pen-
alty of forfeiture.
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56 FEDERALISTS MEETING
This law was so framed as to prevent British vessels
that were only nominally those of a neutral nation,
but in fact belonged to a subject of Great Britain,
from being transferred and held by a neutral nation
after July 6th, 1812, or sailing only under a neutral
flag. The cargo was deemed of the same nationality
as the vessel which carried it.
It has been already stated (ante Vol. I., Chapter
XXI.), that the embargo law of December, 1813,
greatly hindered this kind of intercourse.
The repeal of the embargo laws and the modifica-
tion of the non-importation laws was hailed with
delight in New York City and in all the seaport
towns. This was the first ray of sunlight that
beamed on America from the changed national af-
fairs in Europe.
This was regarded by the Federalists as a triumph
of their party principles. After the bill had passed
the House of Representatives, on the 7th April, as
reported by the committee, the Federalists were soon
using it for electioneering purposes. There was to
be in New York State the annual general election
of members of Assembly and State Senators, and
also Representatives in Congress for the term which
was to begin on the 4th. of March next following.
The time for the election was on the last Tuesday
of April, and would continue for three days. The
Federalists were the first to take the field at this
election.
On the evening of the 12th of April the ^^ Friends
of Liberty, Peace and Commerce," of the city of
New York, held a meeting at Washington Hall,
pursuant to public notice. Richard Varick was
called to the chair, and James Walsh was appointed
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AND REaOLUTlONS, 57
secretary. The following resolutions were unani-
mously adopted :
^^ Resolved J That it is the right of freemen at
^ all times to express their opinions of pubUc men and
measures ; that it is especially their duty to do so
when convened to dehberate on the choice of repre-
sentatives ; that in expressing such opinions it is
improper to censure without just cause, or wantonly
to impair the confidence of the people in their rulers ;
but on the other hand, it may be considered a dere-
liction of principle to pass over in silence such
measures of government as are deemed injurious to
the public weaJ, or to the prosperity of individuals
in their accustomed and honorable employments.
'^ Resolved J That whilst this meeting congratu-
late their fellow-citizens on the abandonment of a
course of measures, which by destroying our com-
merce has reduced the country from a state of un-
exampled prosperity to the verge of national bank-
ruptcy, they cannot but condemn the inconsistent
and versatile policy of these men who, without
obtaining any one of their avowed objects, have
enormously accumulated the national debt while
they have impaired the national credit, increased
the burdens of the people while they have dimin-
ished their capacity to bear them, and have finally
been deterred, by necessity rather than choice, from
persevering in schemes which threatened to involve
our country in ruin and disgrace.
'^Resolvedy That the various measures of the
general government under Mr. Jefferson and his
successors in relation to the commerce of the United
States have been productive of general loss, and
extensive ruin among individuals, without answer-
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^S DECLAIIATION OF PRmCIPLSA
ing any valuable purpose to the nation, either in its
foreign relations or domestic concerns ; that com-
mercial men and those whose business has depended
upon navigation have been deceived, abused and ,
oppressed under the specious pretexts of husband-
ing our resources and protecting our seamen ; while
the real objects of all the restrictions under which
we have been doomed to suffer privations and
misery was to second the views of the French gov-
ernment in its destructive warfare upon foreign
trade, denominated the * Continental system,' and
at the same time so to temporize with circumstances
as to maintain the popularity and power of the
present administration. And that the evidence in
support of this opinion is greatly strengthened by
the circumstances under which the abolition of the
embargo and non-importation laws has been recom-
mended, and by the leading members of the House
of Representatives on the passage of the bill through
that house.
^' Resolved J That this meeting view the proposed
repeal of the restrictive system, which has so long
oppressed the people of the United States, as an
acknowledgment of its ineflBcacy, as a proof of the
incompetency of its authors to the management of
our national concerns, and of the wisdom of those
who opposed its adoption and progress.
" Resolvedy That the only satisfactory mode of
insuring happier results is a change of rulers by
constitutional elections ; that purity and wisdom in
the councils of our State are necessary means for
tlie attainment of a general reform ; and that with
our present conviction of the manifest imbecility and
inconsistency of the dominant party, we feel that
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CANDID AT ICS FOR LOCAL K LECTION. 59
we can rely with safety upon the talents and integ-
rity of those men only who have been educated in
the principles of Washington.
^^ Resolvedy Therefore, that we pledge ourselves
to support with becoming zeal and by all honorable
means the following candidates at the ensuing elec-
tion in this city :
** For Representatives in Congress from the First
Congressional District, Cornelius Bedell, of Rich-
mond, and William Townsend, of Queens. From
Second Congressional District, Jacob Lorillard and
John Anthon.*
''For Senator for the Southed District, Abraham
Odell, of Westchester, t
''For Members of Assembly for the City of New
York : John Wells, Augustus Wynkoop, Abraham
Russell, Samuel Jones, Jr., Richard Hatfield, David
B. Ogden, PhiUp Hone, Thomas Carpenter, Robert
McDermut, Peter A. Jay and James Palmer.
^^ Resolved J That it be recommended to our
friends to call ward meetings and make all suitable
arrangements to give success to the foregoing nomi-
nations."
The Democrats called the opposition " Tories."
A Toiy was then thus defined : " Those who desert-
ed their country's cause in our struggle for indepen-
dence, and from the just indignation and vengeance
of our Washington were protected by the British, and
now plead for our present overl>earing and oppress-
ing enemies, to the prejudice of their own coun-
* For an account of the Congressional Districts, see ante Vol
I., p. 228. ^
t The Southern Senatorial District then comprised the coun-
ties of New York, Kings, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk and West-
chester.
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60 DEMOCRATS NOMINATE
try ; who seized upon the sacred name of Washington
for their standard, with an hypocrisy and impu-
dence that nothing but the intrigues of England
could support ; who seized also upon the name of
our sacred constitution for a further pretext to
effect their hellish machinations ; England, who
for more than thirty years, * with calm, cool, de-
liberate villainy,' has labored to effect a division
among us."
The popular idea of '' Whig " and '' Tory " at that
time was derived directly or indirectly from Trum-
bull's famous epic poem, *'McFingal," written dur-
ing the Revolutionary War.
The Federalists called themselves **The Prienda
of Peace, Liberty and Commerce."
The Democrats (then called Republicans by them-
selves and Democrats by the Federalists) held their
nominating convention for New York City much
later, being on the 18th day of April. Col. Henry
Rutgers was chairman and Col. James Warner waa
secretary.
The motto of the Democrats was ** Union of the
States— Sailors' Rights and Free Trade."
Their candidates for Congress were: George
Townsend, of Oyster Bay, and Henry Crocheron, of
Staten Island, for the First District. In the Second
District the candidates were William Irving and
Peter H. Wendover. Darius Crosby, of West-
chester, was candidate for State Senator from the
Southern District.
Their candidates for members of Assembly for the
City of New York were : George Warner, Francis-
Cooper, Joseph Smith, Ogden Edwards, Peter
Stagg, Isaac Pierson, Jacob Drake, Peter Sharpe,.
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CANDIDATES FOR LOCAL ELECTION, 61
Samuel Torbert, Charles Baldwin and Augustus
Wright.
All the candidates were voted for at large, and
not by districts. Every man could vote opiy in the
ward of hiS actual residence. He could vote for
Senator upon a freehold situated in a different
county. In voting upon a freehold for members of
Assembly and Congress, the freehold must be in the
county of residence.* In voting for Senator a day's
possession of a freehold was suflBcient, but in voting
for members of Assembly and Congress six months'
previous possession was required. In every case
the seizin of the freehold must be bona fide. New
York City was entitled to eleven members of As-
sembly at that time.
A meeting was held on the 22d of April by persons
who called themselves Washington Federalists, they
nominated a spurious ticket for Assembly. Some
eminent Federalists were placed on it, but they
promptly disavowed any connection with the move-
ment. The avowed object was a division of the
true Federalists, in order to defeat the success of
the general ticket. They nominated the following
for Assembly from New York City : Peter A. Jay,
Richard Hatfield, Robert McDermut, Thomas Car-
penter, William Codman, Gulian C. Verplanck,
Gerard de Peyster, William Davidson, Benjamin
Butler, David Sherwood and Joseph W. Brackett.
Messrs. Jay, Carpenter and McDermut declined
to run on that ticket.
A meeting was held by them on the evening T)e-
♦ A8 to other qualifications required to be allowed to vote for
a member of Assembly and for Congress, see ante Vol. I., p.
130.
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62 8PL1T AMONG THB FEDEBAL18T8. '
fore the first day of the election. Oliver Wolcott
was chairman and Thomas Morris secretary. They
accepted the withdrawal of Messrs. Jay, Carpenter
and McDermut, and approved of the other candi-
dates ^^ as consistent and American Federalists."
They were called '* Coodyites" because Mr. Ver-
planck was one of the leaders of this movement.*
They were also known as the Radcliff party, be-
cause they advocated the appointment of Jacob
Radcliff for Mayor and Hugh Maxwell for Surro-
gate. Mr. Clinton had already been reappointed
Mayor for another year. The Federal young men
called a meeting at Washington Hall on Monday,
April 25th, to denounce this new party. T. V. W.
Varick was chairman and Andrew T. Gk)odrich sec-
retary. The meeting was opened by Mr. Murray
Hoffman (afterwards Judge of the Superior Court)
'*with an eloquent view of the situation of our
country." He depicted in strong colors the imbecil-
ity of our rulers, the knight errantry of their at-
tempt on Canada; their idle prosecution of the war,
their wavering abandonment of the restrictive sys-
tem, and their willingness to secure their popularity
at the expense of every American feeling.
There was great feeling displayed in the canvass.
One of the most noted and influential occmrences
was the stand taken by Richard Riker in favor of
the Democrats. He had long been in the Federal
party, and was active in the canvass of Mr. Clinton
* •There bad been a few Federalists that bad been dissatisfied, and
refused to co-operate with the regular Federalists for several years.
They were called •*Coodvite8" because several pamphlets and
newspaper articles appeared under the name of ** Abimele<rh Coody,
Ladies' Shoemaker." They were opposed to De Witt Clinton for
Mayor. The writer was known to be Gulian 0. Ycrplauck.
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RB8ULT OF THE KLBCTION. 63
for President against Mr. Madison, in 1812. He
was for a vigorous prosecution of the war at that
time, but still acted with the Federalists. Now he
came out openly and boldly at a large meeting of
the 3d Ward Democracy and presented resolutions
that had the most telling effect in favor of the
war. The Assembly ticket was regarded as the
most important, because the State was so evenly
* balanced in the Assembly that the election in New
York City would probably tuni the scale. The
Senate was Federal, and had by this means blocked
some legislation in favor of the war. There was no
question but that the State was in immediate
danger of invasion, and some legislation was neces-
sary for self -protection, at least, without regard
to the position of national politics. With the As-
sembly Federal, and the probable effect it would
have on State legislation and measures that would
affect the militia for the defence of the State, it was
a grave question to vote for a member of Assembly.
The question was put, and derided in favor of war
measures.
All the Democratic candidates for assembly from
Nfew York City were elected by an average majority
of 167. The '*Coodyite" ticket only had mem-
bers of Assembly. They polled ninety-three votes
in some wards. The lowest in any ward was
eighty votes. The total number of votes polled in
New York City was eleven thousand, being one
thousand more than ever before.
In the First Congressional District the two Demo-
cratic candidates were elected. The Federal ma-
jority in the Ist and 2d Wards was 323. In the
Second Congressional District both the Democratic
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64 EFFECT OF THE ELECTION,
candidates were elected by an average majority of
436. The State Senator for the Southern District, a
Federalist, was elected by 254 majority.
The Commercial Adt^ertiser said of the Federal-
ists : ''Of the persons of this description who
omitted to vote in the first three wards, there is a
sufficient number to have carried in the whole of the
Federal ticket.'* This was the first time that any
Democrats were elected to the Assembly from New
York City.
We need not speculate as to what would have
been the effect if the Federal ticket had prevailed
then throughout the State of New York. The
movements of the enemy were such in threatening
New York City, and the actual invasion of the
northern part of the State, and the result before the
Legislature was called to a special session by the
Governor in September, when all were in favor of
self-defence, as a matter of necessity.
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CHAPTER XXVI.
Financial Conditions— Treasuiy Notes Issued— Loans Called For
— John Jacob Astor— Jacob Barker— Subscribers to the Loan
—Paper Money Plenty,
'HE financial needs of the Government
had become more urgent than in the
previous two years of the war. Many
of the liabilities contracted then were
becoming due in the early part of the
year 1814. All the loans asked for had
been taken, and the treasury was almost empty.
Of the loan of $7,600,000, taken under Act of Au-
gust 2, 1813, being by installments, one-half of it had
been paid in during the year 1813, and the other half
became due January 15 and February 15, 1814.
This, when paid, would not satisfy existing press-
ing liabiUties. The embargo had stopped revenue
in that direction, and there would be nothing to
meet the current expenses of the war. Immediate
reUef must be obtained in some manner before aid
could be derived from the new internal revenue,
and taxation laws of 1813, which came into effect
on January 1, 1814. To obtain loans required de-
lay, and would take many months to n^otiate
them, and that, too, at a very large discount and loss
to the Government. The resort to another issue of
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66 MORE TBBA8UBT NOTES,
Treasury notes was the most politic, although it had
its drawbacks.
However, on the 4th of March, 1814, a law
was passed authorizing the issuing of five mil-
lion dollars in Treasury notes, payable in one year
from date of issue, and bearing interest at same
rate and the same in tenor and effect as those of
1812 and 1813, which has been previously stated
(Chapter XVITt.). This law also gave further au-
thority to the Treasurer to issue five million dollars
more in Treasury notes, which latter amount should
be considered as part of the stock loan of the year
1814.
The immediate issue *of these Treasury notes as
needed would give some relief until time could be
obtained in which to raise funds under a law of
March 24, 1814, which authorized a loan of twenty-
five millions on six per cent stock, to run thirteen
years.
Jacob Barker, of New York, was then an active
lobbyist in matters relating to financial measures,
and probably he had more to do with the laws re-
lating to the issuing of Treasury notes, and the
terms under which the loans were asked, than any
other one man.
There were many financial schemes and plans laid
before the Secretary of the Treasury by Mr. Barker
about the time of the first loan of 1818, and were
persistently kept up by him all the time until long
after the war was over.
Mr. Barker spent much time in Washington dtar-
ing this session of Congress, and had a great Aeal
of hrfhience trith the President and his Cabinet.
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JACOB BABKJfR LOBBTJNO. W
Tbe lichral BepuUiocm saad of Jacob Barker in
IfMCk :
*^ This gentleman is agMn carrying all before him
at Wafthington. We speak not ot the great *oom-
mercial men ot the West,* bnt among all the pol-
iticians and merchants of the East there is xkA, one
that can compete with this distinguished g^itle^
man. He appears upon all commercial, financial
and banking operations to be the Magnus ApoUo of
the administration, and we hare no doubt that his
word controls the policy of the Government in rela-
tion to commerce and finance. The merchants of
New York would no doubt stare to see Jacob Barker
t§te k t^te with the President, the great man at the
levee, the confidential counselor of the departments,^
and addressing grave Senators with an air as posi-
tive and dictatorial as though he was the con^itu-
tional dictator of America."
In his *' Incidents in the Life of Jacob Barker**
he states that his principal business at Washington
during the session of Congress was for the purpose
of having a law passed to establish a national bank,
which was then violently opposed by the Federal
members of Congress.
The loan on United States stock, under Act of
March 24th, was advertised on April 4th for ten mil-
lion dollars, as part of the twenty -five million loan.
The offers were to be closed by 2d of May, and were to
be payable one-fourth on the 25th of May, and one-
fourth on the 25th day of each of the ensuing months
of June, July and August. The installments could
all be paid at once after payment of the first install-
ment. On failure of payment of any installment^
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68 ANOTHER LOAN ASKED.
the next preceding installment was to be forfeited.
Scrip certificates were given to the persons making
the payments, and were assignaUe by indorsement
and delivery, and after all payments were made
would be funded in the United States six per cent
stock, with interest payable quarterly. No offers
for a sum less than $25,000 was to be' considered by
the Gh)vemment, but a commission of one-fourth
of one per cent was allowed to any person collecting
subscriptions for the purpose of incorporating them
in one proposal. There were many persons who
would take smaller sums than $25,000. This gave
an opportunity for them to take such sums as
they could, as the stock would be issued in small
simis.
When the loan was offered in April, Mr. Jacob
Barker advertised in the New York Evening Post for
persons to join an association to loan money to
the Government through him. The amoimt after-
wards offered to be taken by him was relied upon
by him to be obtained from others, he retaining the
quarter per cent commissions allowed on the loans
obtained by him.
The subscribers in New York City for parts of the
ten millions of United States loan, under Act of
March 24, 1814, accepted May 2, 1814, were as fol-
lows:
John Taylor, $150,000
Alanson Douglass, 50,000
Smith iSt NicoU, 80,000
Herman Hendricks, .... 42,000
G. B, Vroom, 600,000
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SUBSCRIBERS IN NEW YORK
69
Samuel Flewelling, .... $257,300
Jacob Barker . . . . . 5,000,000
Whitehead Fish, 250,000
Some of the persons who were included in the
offer made by Jacob Barker were :
Isaac Lawrence,
Fred De Peyster,
John Rathbone, Jr.,
Francis Depau,
James Lovett, .
Edmund Elmendorf,
Wm. P. Van Ness, .
Walter Morton,
Benj. Huntington, .
Walter Bowne,
Wm. Van Ness,
Alex. Ferguson, .
David Delapierre, ,
PhiUp S. L. Breton,
John L. Broom,
Frederick Bruen, .
James R. Wilson,
John Icar<|, .
Earl De Pfearce,
Isaac Jones,
John M. Hicks and —
Hicks,
$25,000
25,000
25,000
20,000
20,000
5,000
25,000
10,000
10,000
20,000
20,000
.200
3,000
10,000
20,000
15,000
30,000
10,000
• 6,000
4,000
2,000
In his report for December, 1814, the Secretary of
the Treasury said: ''Of the sum of $9,795,056,
which were offered at eighty-eight per cent, or at
rates more favorable to the United States, five mil-
lions were offered with the condition annexed that
if terms mare favorable to the lenders should be
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70 OOMDITIOMS OF THE LOAN.
allowed for any part of the twenty-five million auth-
orised to be borrowed the present year (1814), the
9ame terms should be extended to those holding tlie
stock of the ten million loan."
The sum above referred to was that offered by
Jacob Barker.
As an apology for accepting this offer, with its
conditions, the report said : ^^ Taking into consid-
eration the expectation then entertained of an early
return to peace, and the importance of maintaining
unimpaired the public credit by sustaining the price
of stock in the meantime, and also considering the
measure was sanctioned by precedent, it was agreed
to accept the loan with that condition.* Had the
sum to which the condition was annexed been re-
jected, the consequence would have been to reduce
the amount obtained to less than five millions, a sum
altogether inadequate to the public demands, or by
* The precedent above referred to occurred under the Adt of
February 8, 1818. On the first askin^c for subscriptions to that
loan on 12th and Idch March, 1818, only the sum of $3,956,400
was obtained. On second asking, open 25th to 81st of March, the
offers were only $1,881,800, being a very insufflojpnt and dis-
oouragin^ amount. The time Having expired, negotiations were
in progress whereby, on 5th of April, John Jacob Astor sent the
following offer to Mr. Gallatin, then Secretary of the Treasury :
"Nbw York, April 5. 1818.
•* 5tr;— I will take for myself and my friends in New York, two
millions and fifty-six thousand doHars* worth of the loan author-
iced by Congress in February last, receiving six per cent stock
at the rate of eighty-eight dollars money for one hundred of the
six per cent stock, payable in New York by instalments as pro-
posed by you, or as may be otherwise agreed on. I understand
that in case Oovernaient should make another loan during the
jFsar I am to Im placed on as good footing as the lendevs of
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I
THB A8T0M, FABIBH AND OJMABB LOANS. 71
depreaaing tioie stock to ei^ty-fiye per omxt to have
obtoisod oqI J a littla moore than six imUioiis« which
would still hare been insufficient to answer the pur-
poses oi the Gk)Yemment."
The loan was not all taken, there being a defi-
dency of about six million dollars yet to make up
the amount authorused by the Act of 24th March,
besides the Treasury notes which were to be issued
and con^dered as part of the tw^ity-flve million
loan.
Some of the trouble that Mr. Barker had in
paying his installments and the efforts of the Gov-
ernment to obtain the furthi^ loan of six million
dollars, and some account of Mr. Barker's claims
moaey or contractors for that loan will be. I also understand
that I am to receive the quarter per cent whidi is to be paid to
persons procuring subscriptions to the present loan."
On the same date Messrs. David Parish and Stephen Oirard, of
Philadelphia, made a proposition to take so much of said loan
as will amount to $8,000,000, or to the residue of said loan not
taken.
For this they were to pay $88 for every stock certificate of
$100, and also one«quarter per cent for the amount loaned.
The following was also part of this proposal of Messrs. Parish
and Oirard : *' Provided you wUl agree to allow us the option of
accepting the same terms that may be granted to persons lend-
ing money to the United States by virtue of any law authoriz-
ing another loan for the service of the year 1818, that Congress
may pass before the last day of the present year.'*
Under these proposals the amount so offered would take $11,-
tOe,000 in stock. Of this latter sum, only $10,101,800 in stock
could be received.
On the Tth of April the Secretary of the Treasury accepted
theoB oiCert and took from Mr. Astor $S,O0a4M)0 worth of the loan,
And fron Messrs. (Hrard and Pariah, $7,055,800.
The repoii of the Aetiag Secretary of the Treasury (Wm.
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72 PLANS FOB OTHSB L0AS8,
against the Gh)Yenimeut on his said contract, will
be more folly treated of in a sabsequent chapter.
Some weeks after the first loan of 1813, and when
it appeared that more funds would be required hj
the Government, a syndicate or association, headed
by John Jacob Astor, of New York, David Parish
and Stephen Girard, of Philadelphia, and John Mc-
Donald, of Baltimore, attempted to negotiate with
the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of
War for the introduction of British goods through
Canada to the United States, coupled with a loan
of their avails. This n^otiation continued up to
the end of July, 1814, but nothing ever came out of
it. Mr. Barker was not in this scheme, however.
Jones), made to Congress on dd of June, 1818, did not mention
the terms of this loan, nor mention the condition, or in any way
refer to its conditions.
Rumors had for some time been afloat that the terms of the
loans were such that the Government desired to keep it secret,
as it would affect Government credit and prejudice future loans,,
and also affect the price of Government stock. This action of
the Treasury Department caused still further suspicion that all
was not right in the transaction.
When the bill came up in July, 1818, to authorize a further
loan of $7,500,000, and was under debate in the Senate, Bufus
King, from New York, presented the following resolution, which
was unanimously passed on July 26th, 1818 :
'' Bewlved, That the President of the United States be, and he
ia hereby requested to cause to be laid before the Senate the
terms upon which the loan made in pursuance of * An Act
authorising a loan for a sum not exceeding sixteen millions of dol-
lars,* passed the 8th day of February last, has been obtained or
contracted for, together with a copy of such contract.*'
The letters of Mr. Astor, of New York, and of Messrs. David
Parish and Stephen Girard, of Philadelphia, of April 5, 1818»
which contained the terms of the offer and the acceptance
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TRBAaURT NOTES A8 CURRENCY, 73
Obtaining money by the issue of Treasury notes
was more politic, for being issued at par and at a
less rate of interest than the stock, it seemed more
economical to the Government, and would have
been so had the time of their payment been long, or
the future prospects of peace and prosperity more
assured. The Treasury notes before issued were
none of them for less than one hundred dollars, and
this hindered their being used in circulation as cur-
rency. It was plainly seen that if these notes were
made of smaller denomination their use as currency,
in the payment of taxes, etc., would gi-eatly facili-
tate their ready issue and be more convenient to
the community; but to make them a legal tender be-
tween individuals for private debts was not to be
thought of for a moment. None of these Treasury
notes were for less than twenty dollars.
Although it was then difficult to obtain loans on
Government security, it was not felt by the people.
The large volume of Treasury notes which had been
issued up to May, 1814, and were in circulation as
currency, made money plenty among the people.
These notes were not legal tender for private debts,
but this made little difference in their circulation,
as they were receivable for all pubhc debts and
.thereof by Mr. Oallatin, were laid before the Senate. So well
satisfied was Mr. King, and every other member, of the propriety
of Mr. Gallatin's conduct, that after the documents had been
read not a single word of complaint was uttered in the Senate.
■ The bill was subsequently passed and became a law on August
% 1818. The terms of the loans under it proved more favorable
to the Government than those last referred to, so that the con-
ditions of the former loans amounted to nothing and became
null.
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?* FLMNTY OF FAFEB MOJTSr.
dues aody of oourae, for fubscriptioiis to Qovsem-
meat stocks, custom duti^ taxes, etc. The inter-
est on these had not aeeomulated lai^ Plough for
people to hold them, particulariy those for small
sums. Bank lulls had rapidly increased in the
amount issued by them since the issue of Treasury
notes, particularly when it was known that these
bank bills would be taken by the OoFemment or
the people in exchange tor Government stocks and
for Treasury notes.
Very few oi the substantial banks of the United
States would take Treasury notes in exchange for
their own notes, or receive them on deposit or for
dues to the bank, and many would not handle them
in any manner. Tte only banks in the city of New
York that would handle them up to this time were
the Manhattan Ck). and the Mechanics^ Bank. Per-
haps it was better tlxat all banks would not take
them, for this kept them in circulation and in pri-
vate use and among the people.
If prices were high it was no cause of popular
concern so long as there was plenty of money at
hand to pay them.
At a public sale in New York of a deceased gen-
tleman's private stock of wine, in April, it brought
the extraordinary price of $25 per gallon ; about
seventeen hundred bottles and forty-eight demi-
johns were sold at that rate. A few weeks later,
among the articles of the cargo of the prize ship
Nereid, one lot of wine, consisting of three decant-
ers and one dozen tumblers, were sold at auction in
New York for $112, another lot for $90^ andanothw
for $85.
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POPULAR FBEL1NQ8. 75
Valuable and useful cargoes were frequently
brought or sent into port as prizes of some of the
many American privateers that were swarming on
the ocean.
The great mass of the people of New York did
not now seem to be at all axudous about the condi-
tion of national affairs. They had become so accus-
tomed to the war, with its false promises and fears
and experiences, that there was a remarkable apa-
thy and blindness about the actual danger. 80 long
as there was no present trouble or privation they
gave little thought to the future. The hope of peace
had been so long before them that it had become
chronic in their feeling--4^ wish was the father of
the thou^xt — ^and they would refuse to believe any
rumor to the contrary. Every intelligence from
abroad would be distorted to be an emissary that
meant peaoe. It was otherwise to those in author-
ity in the city, State and national councils. They
were all anxious for the future.
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a
CHAPTER XXVn.
River and Harbor Navigation About New York — Coasting'
Trade — British Privateers in the Sound — Commodore Lewis
After Them — Reinforcement of tho British Squadron-
Blockade <St All the Ports of the United States— Strength of
British and American Navies — Official Inspection of Defences
of New York— Major-Oeneral Morgan Lewis in Ck)mmand —
Movements of the Enemy. ^
^ ' AVIG ATION opened on the Hudson
River early in March, and the steam-
boats to Albany first commenced to
run on the 19th of March. There
'"i were three of them to Albany and
one to Poughkeepsie. One started
for Albany each alternate week
day, commencing on Monday, and
returned from Albany each alternate day, commenc-
ing on Tuesday. One to Poughkeepsie and inter-
mediate places, twice a week. Another steamboat
to Amboy, N. J., and occasionally another went to
Elizabethport, N. J. There was one on the ferry to
Hoboken and one on the Paulus Hook (Jersey City)
ferry. There was one that went to Brooklyn, but
did not run regularly on the ferry from Beekman's
Slip (now Fulton Street) to Old Ferry Slip (now
foot of Fulton Street), Brooklyn. Her first trip was
on May 10th, 1814. The lease for nmning this
steam ferry boat was executed on January 24th, 1814.
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THE EMBARGO AND THE COASTING TliADE. 77
These were all the steamboats that were then run*
ning in this part of the United States. Steamboats
only carried passengers at that time. The ste^jn
ferries carried passengers, teams, etc«
On April 5th the crew of the frigate Macedoniany
blockaded at New London, sailed on board sloops on
the Hudson River for Albany, on their way to the
Lakes. Commodore Rodgers was present when they
took their departure from the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
He was heartily cheered by them.
In April, Commodore Rodgers and the officers and
crew of the President were transferred to the
Gtierriere at Philadelphia. Commodore Decatur,
with his officers and crew, were transferred from
the United States (then blockaded at New London)
to the President in New York harbor.
The trade along Long Island Sound was the least
affected by the embargo. The enemy's blockading
squadron there kept strict watch for captures.
Running the blockade in that direction was hazard-
ous.
The removal of the embargo in April naturally
had a tendency to immediately revive the coasting
trade. This also awakened the alertness of the
enemy.
The following item appeared in one of the New
York daily papers : '^ April 5, 1814. Arrived this
morning from New London, packets Cordelia^
Capt. Taber ; Juno, Capt. Howard ; Mary, Capt.
Harris ; Jefferson, Capt. Forsyth ; smack Lookout,
from Hempstead, and smack Fox from Qroton, in
about 24 hours passage. Of the enemy a 74 and a
frigate lay off New London, a frigate was at Plumb
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fi AAW BT TMM BlfEMT
Iskttid, imd A brig ^mishig with two dtnall skxyps in
company. They had sent some baiges one day la«t
WMk ov^ to Long Island near Southold, whare
firing was heard, and the next morning four Mnall
vessels were seen at anchor near the Comtnodore,
harii^ probaMy been cut out from our coast.
** The naval campaign in the Sound seems to be
opening, and the vigilance and activity of the
coasters and citizens near the shores will be requi-
site to preserve their property from the depredations
of the foe."
The small boats of the enemy on Long Island
Sound were particularly aggressive and annnoying.
The 8th of April was designated by the Governor of
Ck>nnecticut as a day for humiliation, fasting and
prayer. On the night of the 7th a number of British
barges, containing about two hundred and twenty
men, under Lieut. Coote, from the blockading squad-
ron, entered the mouth of the Connecticut River and
passed up about seven miles and landed at a part of
Saybrook, called Pettypaug, at four o'clock in the
morning, where they found and destroyed four
ships, four brigs, four schooners and nine sloops,
owned in New York, Hartford, Middletown and
Pettypaug. Many of the vessels were new and
valuable. Among the number were two new letter
of marque built schooners, These raiders continued
their excursion all the next day, which was also
GkK)d Friday, as well as the State fast day, and
passed out of the river Friday evening to escape the
militta, which were gathering in large force to
attack them«
Commodore Lewis at once made his way from
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G UI9BOAT BNGAermENt, 1^
N#w Toric Gikf ttp the Sound wilh thirteen gu*
boaitt for the pitnlecttcm of ttee coMt tr«le agaimt
the BHtish prirate^^ caUed the Liverpool Batoh&t^
wfaidi WM cnming rery mischievoiMly all atong the
Cotmecticiit shore. She fled eastward at Lewis'
approach, atid when he reached Saybrook be found
more than fifty vessete afraid to weigh anchor, for
fear of this priyateer. Lewie undertook to convoy
them with his flotilla to New London. The entire
fleet sailed on the 25th of April, and during the
afternoon Lewu had a sharp engag^nent with a
British frigate^ sloop and tender, but our merchant
fleet escaped them and entered the Thames with
safety. The blockading squadron was near by,
and Lewis determined to attack the blockading
squadron with his gunboats. He b^an by firing
hot shot, which set the British vessels on fire, and
he soon disabled the sloop which had attacked him
while convoying the coasting vessels, and he
maimed the frigate also, when night set in and the
firing ceased. It was excessively dark and at dawn
Lewis saw the enemy towing away the maimed
vessel, and several other British frigates made their
appearance and Lewis withdrew and returned to
New York.
Captain Paget, of the Superb (seventy-four), one
of the enemy's vessels cruising off Sandy Hook,
fmsA a fiag on shore on April 31st, the int>fessed
object of which was to assure Commodore Lewis
that no fishermen would be mc^ested by His British
Majesty's vess^ of war.
As has been before stated, the political and miH<*
tary affairs of Europe which resulted ^'omthe cam*
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BB1TI8H OFFER TO
paign of 1813 looked to the downfall of Napoleon,
which meant peace there, and would leave England
free to carry on the war against America, with all
her nmneroos ^md well-appointed fleets and armies,
in a most vigorous manner. This was determined
upon by England some time bef(»re the result of
tiie campaign of 1813 was even known in America.
With this end in view the navy was to be the prin-
cipal arm of the British service.
On November 22, 1813, the British Cabinet ap-
pointed Admiral Sir Alexander Cochrane to succeed
Sir John Borlasse Warren as commander at the
North American coast ; the Jamaica and Barbadoes
stations to be separate commands ; Admiral Brown
to continue to hold at Jamaica ; Gen. Ebrington to
take the command at Barbadoes , Admiral Durham
to succeed Sir Francis Laforey at the Leeward
Islands.
Soon after Admiral Cochrane's arrival at Bermu-
da, he issued an offer to emigrants from the United
States to settle in Canada. The terms were intended
as very liberal, but there is no evidence that any citi-
zen of New York or of the United States ever was
induced by them, even at that troublesome time, to
accept them, or ever changed his residence on that
account.
The following is a copy of the proclamation :
** Whereas^ it has been represented to me that
many persons now resident in the United States
have expressed a desire to withdraw therefrom,
with a view of entering into His Majesty's service,
or as being received as free settlers into some of
His Majesty's colonies,
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AMERICA N EMIGRANTS, 81
*' This is therefore to
*' Give Notice, that all those who may be disposed
to emigrate from the United States will, with their
families, be received on board of His Majesty's ships
or vessels of war, or at the military posts that may
be established upon or near the coast of the ynited
States, where they will have their choice of either
entering into His Majesty's sea or land forces, or of
being sent as free settlers to the British Possessions
in North America or the West Indies, where they
will meet with all due encouragement.
^^ Given under my hand at Bermuda, this 2d day
of April, 1814.
^* Alexander Cochrane,
'^ Admiral, etc.
^* By command of the Vice- Admiral,
''William Balhetchet."
This proclamation was widely published in the
American newspapers and caused much merriment
at the time.
If the oflfer to emigrants from the United States
only caused derision, the Admiral had it in his power
to issue a proclamation that would awaken them to
his sincerity of purpose. Rumors had been afloat
that Admiral Warren had issued a proclamation of
of blockade of all the United States ports on the
Atlantic coast, in February, excepting Boston and
Newport.
On the 7th of March a Spanish vessel arrived at
Newport, and had the following indorsement on her
register:
'^ Pursuant to an order from Sir J. B. Warren,
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82 BLOCKADE OF ALL PORTS.
Admiral of the Blue, and commaDder-in-chief, etc.,.
etc., these are to certify that I have boarded the^
Spanish brig St. PiOy and warned of all the ports in
the United States of America being under a state of
blockade, except Newport and Boston. Given under
my hand on board H. M. ship NarcisssuSy off the
Delaware, March 2, 1814.
''J. R, LUMLEY, Capt."
This notification was without foundation in fact..
It is probable that Captain Lumley thought that the-
blockadeof November 16th covered as much as his
notice indicated. In America it was thought to
be another blockade. On May 7th authentic in-
telligence arrived that Admiral Cochrane had issued
a proclamation of strict and rigorous blockade of all
the remaining ports, harbors, etc., in the United
States which the blockade by Admiral Warren,
dated November 16, 1813, had not included, and
those were still continued in a state of blockade.
The proclamation continued: **And, whereas,
since the institution of the said blockade, the enemy,
availing himself of the supphes which have been
furnished by means of neutral communication to
those ports and places of the United States which,
were left open and unrestricted, hath already fitted
out numerous vessels of war, and is now engaged in
constructing and setting forth several ships of the
line, as well as frigates and other armed vessels,
for the purpose of prosecuting the war with Great
Britain, and frustrating the object of the said block-
ade, etc. . .
" In addition to the said ports and places block-
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BRIT18H NAVY AT SEA . 83
aded as aforesaid, all the remainining ports, har-
bors, bays, creeks, rivers, inlets, outlets, islands, and
sea coasts of the said United States of America, from
the point of land commonly called Black Point* then
to the northern and eastern boundaries between the
United States and the British provinces of New
Brunswick, in America, to be in a strict and rigor-
ous blockade.
" And I do further declare that I have stationed off
the said ports and places hereinbefore mentioned, a
naval force adequate to maintain the said blockade
in the most rigorous and effective manner."
It was issued from Bermuda, and dated April 25^
1814.
This was the final order of blockade, which with
those already issued, officially blockaded the entire
sea coast, bays, ports, etc., of the United States.
This order of blockade had been issued without any
knowledge by the Admiral of the state of affairs
that had taken place in Europe in the early part of
1814. The repeal of our embargo laws undoubtedly
had something to do with it, and the knowledge of
the fitting out of three war vessels from the navy
yards in Portsmouth, N. H., and Charlestown,
Mass., may have had some effect.
On June 3d the British navy at sea was as fol-
lows : Ships of the hne, 38 (from forty-four to fifty
guns, 9); frigates, 124 ; sloops, etc., 93 ; bombs 9 ;
and fire ships, 7 ; brigs, 127 ; cutters, 28 ; schoon-
ers, etc., 41. Total, 467. This force was disengaged
♦ Three miles south of Narragansett Pier.
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S4 STRENQTH OF AMERICAN NA VT,
and could be at once brought to bear upon the
United States, and added to the force already there.
In November, 1813, the enemy had seventy-one
war vessels at Halifax and Newfoundland stations,
and in South America twenty-eight, and at the
West India station, and on the passage there sixty-
height more. Total, 167. The number on blockade
duty on the American coast was not reported. Two
of fifty guns each were fitted out for the American
service in November and December, 1813, and four
of forty guns each were fitted out the fore part of
the year 1814, and were akeady on our coiist.
The American naval force then on the Atlantic
stations, as appears by an official report in March,
consisted of thirty-three vessels, exclusive of gun-
boats, as follows : 3 seventy-fours, building ; 3
forty-fours, building ; 3 forty-fours, on different
stations ; 3 thirty-sixes ; 1 thirty two, cruising ; 2
twenty-fours, corvettes ; 8 sloops, of eighteen guns
each ; 5 sloops, of sixteen guns each ; 2 brigs, of
fourteen guns each ; 2 schooners, of fourteen guns
each ; 1 bomb brig.
Only twenty-seven of the above were in actual ser-
vice. There were 120 gunboats in the several ports
on the Atlantic coast and bays, and 32 barges
equipped, and 59 barges building, and eleven armed
vessels attached to stations and flotillas.
A large number of British vessels were still en-
gaged in the blockade of French ports. The allies
of Great Britain in the war against Napoleon would
not allow their war vessels to take the place of those
of the British navy, the effect of which would be to
allow the latter to use them in blockading American
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SIRENOTH OF BRITISH NA VT. 85
ports, and thus prevent trade with nations that were
neutral in the American war. They also required
their own war vessels (which were few in number)
for the purpose of protecting their own coasts from
incursions of the French.
The British naval force, which was officially re-
ported two months later, consisted of 981 vessels, as
follows : At sea — 85 ships of the line, eleven of forty-
four guns ; 115 frigates, 84 sloops, 5 yachts, 6 bombs,
12S brigs, 17 cutters, 33 schooners, gun vessels,
luggers, etc. Total at sea, 484. In port and fitting —
37 of the line, five of forty-four guns, 20 frigates, 28
sloops, etc., 2 bombs, 128 brigs, 9 cutters, 14
schooners. Total, 163. Guard ships — 4 of the line,
4 of fifty guns each, 3 frigates, 5 sloops. Total, 16.
Hospital ships, prison ships, etc. — 29 of the line, 2
of fifty guns each, 2 sloops. Total, 33. Ordmary
and repairing for service — 73 of the line, 10 from
forty-four to fifty guns each, 79 frigates, 49
sloops, etc. ; 4 bombs, etc. ; 15 brigs, 1 cutter ; 1
schooner, etc. Total, 225. Building— 23 of the line,
4 of forty- eight guns, 9 frigates, 17 sloops, etc.; 2
brigs. Total, 55. This did not include those on the
American lakes, nor a large number of private
armed vessels that were hired to protect the coasting
trade of Great Britain and her possessions.
At the time of the declaration of the American
war, the French navy were as follows : 8 frigates,,
of one hundred and twenty guns each ; 6 frig-
ates of eighty guns each ; 69 frigates of seventy-
four guns each ; 72 frigates averaging forty guns
each. Total vessels, 155 ; carrying 9,425 guns.
This navy had become a wreck. It could no
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86 NEUTRAL NATIONS OBJECT.
longer help us by drawing British war vessels away
from America. Hopeful and far-seeing American
statesmen beheved that this comprehensive blockade
order would be objected to by neutral nations, as they
were all jealous of the great naval power of Great
Britain. The extent of the vast line of the blockade
and the force necessaiy to hold it (paper blockades
had ceased to be regarded as vahd), and the distant
countries that it would aflfect would cause some
action against it on the part of neutral nations.
Many neutral vessels were seized during the
spring and summer of 1^14 that had clearances for
American ports on the New England coast, and were
taken to Halifax, and at the protest of the nations
to which they belonged they were held until further
directions were obtained regarding them. This hope
was fulfilled, and special action was taken about it.
The Boston Palladium of 29th October, 1814, said :
^*It was reported a few days since that several
of the neutral nations of Europe had complained to
the British government of the extent of the blockade
of the ports of the United States. And yesterday it
was reported that an order bad been received at
Halifax permitting the neutral vessels which had
been sent in there and not adjudicated, to sail for
their original ports of destination in the United
States, not known to them to be blockaded at the
time they commenced their voyages, and to return
with cargoes.
** No doubt there has been a negotiation in Eng-
land on the subject of neutral vessels turned oflf
from ports not known by them to be blockaded when
they sailed, and the above is possibly the result. To
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SKlRMian AT SAND T HOOK. 87
take a return cargo under such circumstances would
be among their rights.
'*A considerable number of neutrals have been
waiting at Halifax the issue of the despatches sent
to England."
This blockade did not have any appreciable effect
upon the port of New York, as most of her trading
points had been covered by the previous blockades,
but it caused much apprehension of the prospects
for a more vigorous prosecution of the war on the
part of the enemy. In the fore part of May, Gen.
Dearborn and Gen. Swift, of the corps of engineers,
-examined all the defences of New York harbor,
completing the inspection on the 17th of May. The
^nemy was quite active in the vicinity of New York
and elsewhere on the coast.
A letter from Commodore Lewis, commanding
the United States flotilla of gunboats at New York,
to the Secretary of the Navy, gives an account of
^nboat skirmishes.
"New York Harbor, May 29, 1814.
* * Sir : — I have the honor to inform you that on the
19th I discovered the enemy in pursuit of a brig
'under American colore standing for Sandy Hook.
I ordered a detachment of eleven gunboats to pro-
<3eed to sea and pass between the chase and the
^nemy, by which means to bring him to action and
to give opportimity to the chase to escape, all which
was effected. The enemy, after receiving my fire,
bore away, and the brig in question entered the har-
bor— proved to be the brig Regent^ from France,
with a very valuable cargo.
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88 SKIRMISH IN THE SO UND.
** And on Monday the 23d, I engaged the enemy
before New London, and opened a passage for forty
sail of coasting vessels. The action lasted three
hours, in which the flotilla suffered very httle. No.
6 received a shot under water, and others through
the sails. We have reason to beUeve that the
enemy suffered very great injury, as he appeared
unwilling to renew the action the following morn-
ing. My object was accomplished, which was to
force a passage for the convoy. There are before
New London three 74s, four frigates, and several
small vessels ; the latter doing great injury from
their disguised character and superior sailing.
**I have the honor to assure you of my high
respect, J. Lewis.
** To Hon. William Jones, Secretary of Navy."
Up to this time Fort Tompkins consisted of only
temporary earthworks, although it had been de-
signed by the engineers to be a formidable fortress of
masonry of the most substantial and permanent
form. The state appropriations had not been sufficient
to carry out the work, but now, the recent appro-
priations for fortifications on Staten Island had been
applied to it and the work had been pushed forward.
The corner-stone of the permanent structure of
Fort Tompkins was laid on the 26th of May, in the
presence of Governor Tompkins, Commodore De-
tur and other distinguished men. The band that be-
longed to the British frigate Macedonian when she
was captured by the United Staies, gave zest to the
occasion. A special steamboat was engaged for the
distinguished visitors.
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FULTON'S STEAM IRONCLAD. 89
About the end of May Gen. Swift invited Gov-
ernor Tompkins and Mayor Clinton to examine with
him the East River to Throgg's Point, and the main
channel to sea by Sandy Hook. Gen. Swift then
gave his opinion that there should be constructed a
line of defences in the rear of Brooklyn, and another
from opposite Hallet's Point in Hell Gate west
along the ridge of Harlem Flats, across York Island
to Mount Alto on the Hudson River, near foot of
West 124th street.
On 29th May Col. Nicholas Fish, of the Committee
of Defence, called upon Gen. Swift in Brooklyn and
informed him of the uneasy apprehension of the
citizens of New York, and wished to consult on the
mode of communicating with the War Department
on the measures needful to defend the city.
The Society for Coast and Harbor Defence was
organized in May for the purpose of building the
steam war frigate according to the model and plans
of Robert Fulton.
An attempt had been made to have a law passed
by the New York Legislature to make this body a
corporation, but it was defeated.
The building of the vessel was then committed to
this association, who appointed a sub-committee of
five gentlemen, whose names were Major Gen.
Henry Dearborn, Col. Henry Rutgers, Oliver Wol-
cott, Samuel L. Mitchell and Thomas Morris. Col.
Rutgers was made chairman of this body, and Wm.
B. Crosby, secretary.
As the recognized agents for that purpose, Mr.
Fulton was appointed by them the engineer. Work
upon her was hastened with all convenient speed.
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^0 OBN. Mono AN LEWIS IN NEW YORK,
On the 20th of June, 1814, the keel of the war vessel
planned by him was laid in the shipyard of Adam
& Noah Brown in New York City at Corlear's Hook.
On June 10th Governor Tompkins and Mayor
Clinton visited Gen. S\\if t, and it was determined to
employ spies, by funds of the city, to visit the Brit-
ish squadron off Sandy Hook. The spies brought
sketches of the cabins of Sir John B. Warren and
Sir Thomas M. Hardy, who, it was asserted, con-
templated a descent at some point on the coast
between Rhode Island and Chesapeake Bay. Gen.
Swift reported this to the Secretary of War.
In the early part of June, Gen. Dearborn was re-
lieved of his command of the Third Military District
and Col. Robert Bogardus, of the Forty-first U. S.
Infantry, was temporarily in command.
Major-Gen. Morgan Lewis was assigned by the
President to the Third Military District, and he took
command on the 15th of June, with headquarters
in New York City.
In the fore part of June authentic intelligence was
received that large reinforcements from the British
fleets and armies that had been engaged in the
European contests, now terminated, were pro-
ceeding to America to join the forces already there.
The British force at Bermuda on June 17th were re-
ported as nine ships of the line, and thirt-een frigates,
besides many transports and fifteen thousand land
troops.
The forces at Halifax station had been lai'gely in-
creased from Europe, and many more were expected
to be soon added to the land and naval forces, pre-
paratory to an attack upon the United States.
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CHAPTER XXVin.
Political Effect of the Blockade— Peace Negotiations— Views of
Democrats and Federalists— Tammany Anniversary — Federalists
Celebrate the Restoration of the Bourbons — Oration by Mr.
Morris — Newspaper Accounts of the Celebration — Public Dinner
and Toasts— Questions before the People.
The eflfect of Admiral Cochrane's proclamation of
a strict and rigorous blockade of all the ports and
harbors of the United States were viewed differently
by commercial men. Some claimed that it was a
bad outlook for the country, while others thought it
otherwise, arguing that under it Boston and the
Eastern States were included in a blockade for the
first time, and more unity of action and feeling
would be necessary for the common defence.
The expression of the feeling of the administration
or war party about that time appeared prominent in
the councils of Tammany Society. The Twenty-
fifth anniversary of the founding of that society was
at hand. The following announcement was made :
^' Brothers — The anniversary of this society will
be celebrated this day. At sunrise the national
standard will be displayed on the Hall. At 6
o'clock P.M. the members will assemble for the
dispatch of ordinary business. At 7 p.m. an oration
will be delivered by brother Matthew L. Davis,
and at 8 p.m. the society will partake of a supper
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92 A TAMMANF ANNIVERSABT,
each member may invite a republican (democratic)
friend.
** By order,
''H. Westervelt, Secretary."
The following account is taken from the Colum-
bian :
*' The 25th anniversary of the Tammany Society
was celebrated at their Hall on the 12th of May,
1814. The society assembled at seven o'clock p.m.,
and after performing the ordinary business an
oration was delivered by Matthew L. Davis."
After the oration the society, together with a
number of pohtical friends, partook of a supper pro-
vided for the occasion by Messrs. Martling and
Cozzens.
The toasts drank were :
1. The Day We Celebrate — a day sacred to friend-
ship and patriotism.
2. Our Country — her honor and her rights ; let the
degenerate sons who would desert her in the hour
of peril be an outcast in her prosperity.
3. The State of New York — awakening from her
sleep of delusion and strangling the serpent of cor-
ruption with a giant's grasp.
4. The President of. the United States.
5. The Vice-President of the United States.
6. The Governor of the State of New York.
7. The Navy — unequalled in her prowess, un-
rivalled in fame.
8. The Army — may they yet do justice to the con-
fiding hopes of their country in their valor and.
devotion to its service.
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PATRIOTIC TOASTS, 93
9. The Heroes who have Fallen in Battle — the
path of glory led them to the grave.
10. The War, compelled for safety and for right —
may its termination be honorable, as its object is
just.
11. The Union of the States — the security of our
rights, the pledge of our greatness.
12. The Memory of Washington — the glory of his
country, the ornament of his kind.
13. Thomas Jefferson — through its infancy and
manhood the faithful guardian and devoted servant
of his country.
14. The Memory of the Sages and Heroes of the
Revolution — ever to be cherished in the grateful rec-
ollection of those for whom they toiled, and suffered
and bled.
15. Wisdom in our Councils, and Energy in our
Measures.
16. The Elective Franchise — the infallible cure
for all disorders of the State.
17. Our Maritime Rights — they can never be sur-
rendered without the basest ingratitude to our
brave tars, who so gloriously maintained them.
18. Our Fair Daughters of Columbia.
By the President. — The brave Capt. Warrington —
he has added another trophy to the naval glory of
our country.
The toasts were interspersed with cheers and the
singing of patriotic songs.
The peace party at home was still active and in-
fluential, and among the Federalists numbered some
of the ablest men in the nation. They claimed that
the downfall of Napoleon was favorable to win popu-
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94 NEU0T1ATI0N8 FOR PEACE
lar support and approval, which the administration
must regard, and peace must result without obtain-
ing from Great Britain any concessions which had
been insisted upon by the administration.
Negotiations for peace had been offered on the
part of the United States as early as March, 1813,
under the mediation of Russia, although it had been
talked of since September, 1812. In the recess of
the Senate the President appointed Albert Gallatin>
James A. Bayard and John Adams, the latter then
United States Minister to St. Petersburg, jointly and
severally to negotiate a peace with Great Britain
under the mediation of Russia. On the 15th of April,
1813, the envoys were furnished with their full
powers and with their instructions in detail from the
department of state. On the 16th of May the en-
voys sailed from New York for St. Petersburg, with-
out knowing whether or not they would meet Brit-
ish commissioners on the subject. In September,
the negotiation through Russia was declined, but
on November 4th a proposition for direct negotia-
tion at Gottenburg, was made by the British
government. This proposition reached Washing-
ton on January 1, 1814, and was promptly accepted.
Henry Clay and Jonathan Russell were added to the
commissioners, and on the 28th of January received
their instructions. On the 25th of February
Messrs. Clay and Russell sailed from New York to
join their colleagues.
The feeling of the majority of the American com-
missioners were in favor of the war policy of the
United States. But that had very little to do with
the proposed negotiations, as the commissioners
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OFFERED BY THE UNITED STATES, 95^
were provided with full instructions from the state^
department as to the terms upon which peace could
be had. The terms were well known at home and
abroad as soon as formulated. The demand was
nothing more nor less than had been repeatedly-
claimed from Great Britain long before the war, and
was ostensiby the cause of the war. There was^
nothing in the conduct or result of the war in the
United States that would lead any person to sup-
pose that Great Britain would now recede from
her stand taken at the beginning of the troubles,
and there certainly was much less reason for sup-
posing that the result of the wars in Europe had
induced Great Britain to seek or desire peace in
America.
After waiting at Gottenburg for some time, to-
meet the British Commissioners, the American com-
missioners received a proposition to transfer the ne-
gotiations to Ghent. This was accepted and the
American commissioners immediately repaired
there. But no British commissioners were there
yet, and no apology given for the delay. The course
of events in Europe led our commissioners to expect
further instructions — the American people were
waiting to hear from them.
In the early part of June, authentic intelligence
arrived from Europe that France was occupied in
March by three hundred thousand troops of the
aUied powers, to be followed, if necessary, by five
hundred thousand more. She had large forces
abroad, but these being dispersed and without
comunications couM no longer be of any use to
France, nor even assist each other. A portion
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96 FRANCE AND NAPOLEON
of these forces were shut up in distant fortresses,
which they might hold for a longer or shorter time,
but which must necessarily yield to a blockade.
Two hundred thousand French troops were prison-
ers of war. Paris was in possession of the allies.
Napoleon had abdicated the throne. In this state
of aflPairs it was deemed policy on the part of
France to put an end to hostilities by an armistice
which was declared on the 22d of April.
The preliminary treaty of peace between France
and the allies was ratified on the 23d of April. The
result of this was the restoration of the Bourbons
to the thrones of France, Spain and Portugal.
The condition of Europe as viewed in America
was summed up by Mr. Holmes in the Senate of
Massachusetts on June 8, 1814. He said :
'* France is a mere colony of England. The king
acknowledges that he owes his crown to Great Brit-
ain. The balance of Europe is destroyed. Russia
is exhausted. Austria and Prussia are drained.
Spain is a desert. Holland is bankrupt. Sweden
has enough to do reduce the frozen regions of Nor-
way to subjection, and Denmark may look for her
future power in British ports."
The intelligence of the exile of Napoleon to the
Isle of Elba was received here on June 10th. This
last seemed to settle the question of peace in
Europe.
The Federalists or peace party seized upon this
news to make a demonstration of their views. Sev-
eral of them met together on the 18th of June, and
afterwards made the following announcement :
'^ At a meeting of the citizens of New York, as-
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FSDERAL MEETING, 97
sembled this 18th of June, 1814, at the Tontine
Coffee House, to adopt some suitable mode of cele-
brating the recent deliverance of Europe from mili-
tary despotism, Mr. John B. Coles being called to
the chair and Mr. Jonathan Goodhue appointed
secretary, the following resolutions were adopted :
^^ Resolved J That the subversion of the power of
Napoleon in France, and the restoration of the
Bourbons to the throne of that nation, is an event
at which the friends of liberty and humanity
throughout the world must rejoice, as it delivers
Europe from a tyrant, stops the effusion of human
blood, and saves the world from the apprehension
of military despotism ;
^^ Resolved, That, deeply impressed with the impor-
tance of this great event, we will, in a suitable
manner, commemorate the same, and that the fol-
lowing gentlemen be a committee to make the
necessary arrangements for the commemoration :
Gen. Clarkson, Gen. Stevens, Col. Fish, Col. Varick,
John B. Coles, Esq., John Wells, Esq., David B.
Ogden, Esq., George Brinkerhoff, Esq., Charles
King, Esq.
''John B. Coles, Chairman.
''Jonathan Goodhue, Secretary. ^^
The officers of the Washington Benevolent Soci-
ety at that time were : Isaac Sebring, President ;
Jacob Radchff, First Vice-President; Zachariah
Lewis, Second Vice-President ; Leonard Fisher,
Treasurer ; Isaac M. Ely, Secretary ; Anthony
Woodward, Assistant Secretary ; David B. Ogden
and Coe Gale, Jr., Councillors; Henry H. Onderdonk
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98 CELEBRATION OF THE
and Wm. Stevens, Physicians ; John P. Groshon,
Charles Stewart, John Baker and Lewis Hartman,
Standing Committee and Committee on Relief;
Samuel Green, Centinel.
The following notice was published :
** The committee of arrangements having fixed on
Wednesday, the 29th of June, for the celebration of
the recent deliverance of Europe from the yoke of
military despotism, give notice that the exercises of
the day will take place in Dr. Romeyn's church, in
Cedar street, and will commence at eleven o'clock in
the forenoon. The Rev. Dr. Mason will open by
prayer, after which an oration will be delivered by
the Hon. Governeur Morris.
'* Those gentlemen who are to attend the public
dinner to be given at Washington Hall on that day
will be entitled to tickets of admission for them-
selves and friends."
(Signed by the committee of arrangements.)
At the time and place designated. Rev. Dr. Mason
commenced the exercises of the day by reading part
of the tenth chapter of Isaiah ; after a prayer an
anthem was sung. The Hon. Governeur Morris then
addressed the audience for nearly an hour. He took
a rapid view of the great events in Europe for the
last twenty-five years, the French revolution and the
course of Napoleon, and concluded with the restora-
tion of the Bourbons to the throne of Prance — a
family to whom, under Providence, we are, he said,
in a great measure indebted for our independence
and freedom.
The oration was received by the numerous and
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DOWNFALL OF NAPOLKON, 99
respectable audience with the highest marks of
satisfactioa and applause. An anthem was sung
and thus these exercises were closed.
This address by Mr. Morris caused much com-
ment at the time among all parties. It was de-
risively known as Mr. Morris's ^^ Bourbon speech."
It was lauded by the friends of peace and the
Federalists, but the friends of the Administration and
the Democrats denounced it. I have a full copy of it
before me at the present writing. It is full of strik-
ing sentences and oratorical flourishes. He was re-
garded as the most eloquent speaker of the age.
The speech commences as follows :
" 'Tis done. The long agony is over. The Bour-
bons are restored ! France reposes in the arms of
her legitimate prince. We may now express our
attachment to her consistently with the respect we
owe to ourselves^ At the conclusion of the ad-
dress, he said :
** The Bourbons are restored. Rejoice, France !
Spain ! Portugal ! 'You are governed by your legiti-
mate kings. Europe, rejoice ! The Boiu:bons are
restored. The family of nations is complete. Peace,
the dove descending from heaven, spreads over you
her downy pinions. Nations of Europe, ye are breth-
ren once more. Embrace, rejoice ! And thou, too,
my much wronged country I My dear, abused, self-
murdered country ! bleeding as thou art, rejoice.
The Bourbons are restored. Thy friends now reign.
The long agony is over. The Bourbons are re-
stored."
In the afternoon of that day, at four o'clock, the
pubUc dinner was had at Washington Hall, in ac-
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100 FEDERAIJ8T DINNER
cordance with the published notice. Hon. Rufus
King presided. The vice-presidents were Major
Gten. Ebenezer Stevens, Gen. Mathew Clarkson,
Col. Nicholas Fish and Messrs. Cornelius G. Bo-
gart and John B. Coles. The walls were taste-
fully enriched with flags of the various nations
whose emancipation became the subject of congrat-
ulation ; and with the emblems were displayed in
the form of shields most elegantly paints, the
whole enriched with garlands, shields, etc. Among
the shields was that of William Tell, the emanci-
pator of Switzerland. The allegorical allusion to
the restoration of the Pope under the auspices of
Russia, Austria, etc., was striking. The temple of
garlands encompassing the portrait of Washington,
supported on each side by the arms of America and
France, the colors of each nation entwined to the
eagle's mouth, the whole surmounted by the Rus-
sian and Austrian flags, had a fine effect.
The whole was designed by Mr. J. R. Smith, and
the garlands executed by Mr. Qerlain.
All foreign consuls attended the dinner, except
the French Consul.
The eminent John Jay was not able to be present.
He was solicited to attend by Hon. Rufus King, but
he regretted that his health prevented his presence
on **so joyful an occasion." Chancellor Kent was
present.
After dinner the following toasts were drank : —
1. The United States — Perpetuity to our civil and
religious liberty.
2. France — The first friend of America, may the
recall of her king become the harbinger of concord
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AND T0A8T8. 101
at home and the restoration of her ancient rank
among the nations of the world.
3. The Constitution of the United States — The
bond of our Union, the guarantee of a repubhcan
government ; may it be cherished in the affections
and protected by the arms of freemen.
4. The Memory of Washington, the Deliverer of
Ovr Country — By his valor and patriotism at the
head of our armies he established an independence
by his wisdom and firmness ; at the head of our
government he preserved it from the fangs of that
Jacobinism which has desolated Europe.
5. The Recent Deliverance of Continental Europe
from the Iron Scepter of Military Despotis m — Na-
tions have recovered their independence and their
oppressor is humbled in the dust, we therefore re-
joice.
6. The Emperor of Russia, the Deliverer of Eu-
rope— A bright example of wisdom, fortitude and
perseverance in adversity, but still more illustrious
by clemency, justice and moderation in prosperity.
7. The Emperor of Austria — Who nobly sup-
pressed the feelings of nature to break the tyrant's
chains.
8. The King of Prussia — Worthy of Frederick the
Great, he has redeemed the dominions and glory of
his crown.
9. Siveden — By the firmness of her councils she
has baffled the schemes of the tyrant, and by the
gallantry of her arms has revived the days of her
great Gustavus.
10. The United Netherlands— EslvIj and faithful
friends of the United States, may their power by
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102 FBDKRALISTff TOASTS,
sea and land be established upon its ancient foun-
dations.
11. Spain — The Inquisition abolished and the
King dehvered from bondage, niay the wisdom of
the CJortez restore the ancient freedom and splendor
of the nation.
12. Portugal — The bravery of her sons has given
freshness to the laurels of their ancestors.
13. Peace— While we rejoice in its restomtion to
the continent of Europe, may toe soon participate
in its blessings on terms of safety and of honor.
By Mr. Rufus King. — The establishment of a just
balance of power among the nations of Europe,
under which the rights of each shall be protected
by the guarantee of all others.
By Mr. G. Morris. — America — Sole exception in
the Christian world ; may she soon be restored to
the family of nations.
After Mr. King and Mr. Morris had retired, Col.
Fish took the chair and gave the following toasts .
Our Worthy President, Rufus King — The- pride
and hope of his country.
Qovemeur Morris, the Orator of the Day — Suc-
cess to the sound political principles which he has
so ably and so eloquently unfolded.
By the Recorder, Josiah Ogden Hoffman. — The
Events We Celebrate — The emancipation of Europe
is the jubilee of man.
By the Hon. Richard Stockton (of New Jersey). —
Louis XV III. y King of France and Navarre — Heir
apparent to American gi-atitude.
By the Russian Consul. — The City of Moscow —
Long to be remembered for emitting the first gleam-
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FBDBRALI8Tff TOASTS. 103
ings of freedom which broke through Europe's
deepest gloom.
By the Spanish Consul. — Perpetual peace between
the United States and Spain.
By the Portuguese Consul. — May the doors of the
Temple of Janus be closed forever in this charming
country, and all nations form but one family.
By Gten. Stevens. — The Events We Celebrate —
Should they unexpectedly produce for our country
a dishonorable demand, may it unite a free people
as capable to defend their honor as to acquire their
independence.
By Gen. Clarkson. — These Slate Sy united at home,
in friendship with the world ; may they cultivate
peace on earth and good- will towai'ds men.
By John B. Coles, Esq. — Wisdom and virtue,
the parent and nurse of liberty and happiness ; folly,
prejudice and vice their bane and ruin.
By Ciharles King, Esq. (who took the chair after
CoL Fish retired). — The Veteran Bliicher — Who has
covered the baldness of age with the laurels of
victory.
The following account is from the Evening Post
of June 30th, 1814:
** The story was circulated that in the decorations
of the room where the dinner was held, the British
flag had been hoisted over the American. From
this and various other causes a large concourse of
people collected in front of Washington Hall, late
in the evening, after the principal part of the com-
pany had retired, and at length some among them
proceeded to insult the gentlemen as they came out
of the door, with the cry of * Tory ! Tory ! ' and some
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104 NEWSPAPER COMMENTS
stones were thrown into the windows. The watch-
men and constables soon appeared and arrested
twenty persons in all ; twelve of these were dis-
charged in the morning, and eight were held in one
hundred doUai's bail each to appear at trial at the
Sessions."
The Commercial Advertiser gave the following
account of it :
**The Riot. — Last evening, while the company
mentioned above were still at the dinner table, a
mob of near two thousand people collected in front
of Washington Hall. They appeared much en-
raged, used much severe and insulting language,
and broke a number of the ^\indows. Some of tha
stones thrown into the hall struck one or two of the
gentlemen at the table. The peace officers were
soon convened. Twenty or thirty of the most
turbulent rioters were taken to the police office and
confined, and the mob were dispersed. We under-
stand that the rioters were examined this morning
by the police magistrates, that eight of the leaders
were bound over for trial at the next Sessions, in
the sum of one hundred dollars each, with surety,
and that the residue were discharged. The names
of the persons bound over are as follows: — James
McDougall, James Duke, John Leycraft, Abraham
Thornton, Walter Van Vechten, David Truesdall,
Richard Van Orden, Patrick Ruder. For this breach
of the peace the citizens of New York are un-
doubtedly, in a great measure, indebted to the
editor of the Coltimhian. He has published for
several days a number of paragraphs directly cal-
culated to inflame the unthinking populace and to
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ON THE CELSBUATION, 105
produce the scene which actually occurred. Of
these paragraphs we select the following from the
• Cohnnbian of Monday, that it may be seen that we
do not misrepresent the fact, and that the contempt
of the public may light on the head which so richly
deserves it: —
*^ How great a fire a little spark may kindle. In
all well regulated cities it is forbidden to place fire
in stoves dangerously situated; and in some it is
not permitted to smoke cigars in the streets — but in
none is it allowed to keep powder in the midst of
population and danger from accident. Although he
is not excusable who applies the match, are they
unblamable who inflame the atmosphere and pre-
pare the combustible materials ? Those who will-
fully excite and provoke disorder and violence can-
not be wholly guiltless of their effects. And where
there is no regard to decency, duty and honor, there
should at least be some thought of common pru-
dence."
Of the celebration the Commercial Advertiser
said :
^* The Celebration. — A number of Democratic
papers in different parts of the Union, mortified and
exasperated at the destiny of their idol, Bonaparte,
are daily leveling their malignant spleen at the
men who think proper to celebrate the emancipa-
tion of Europe from military despotism. Of these
Jacobin papers the Columhfan of this city stands
pre-eminently conspicuous — ^* the vilest among the
vile." For several days, that paper has been filled
with base and groundless imputations against many
of the worthiest men in the community. It has
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106 PEACE IN EUROPE
denounced every American who rejoices in the
downfall of the French tyrant as a traitor to our
country, rejoicing in the victories of our enemy. In
spite, however, of this pitiful slanderer — ^in spite of
the whole host of Democratic editors who are
mourning over Napoleon's defeated glory, the
honest citizens of this country will rejoice with the
rescued and exulting nations of Europe. Yes, we
rejoice that the rod of the oppressor is broken, and
the captives are set at Uberty. We rejoice in the
sudden and providential emancipation of more than
a hundred millions of our fellow beings. We
rejoice that the most sanguinary and unrelenting
tyrant the world ever saw has finished his blood-
stained career. We rejoice that the great scourge
of nations is stript of its colossal power, and driven
as an outcast from that suffering and desolated con-
tinent. We rejoice that Spain, Portugal, Fiance,
Holland, Italy, Prussia and the whole of the Ger-
manic Empire are all delivered from the iron yoke
under which they have so long struggled. Yes, we
rejoice — every Christian ought to rejoice — eveiy
man on eai-th in whose bosom dwells one spark of
humanity will rejoice that the tremendous torrent
of human blood which for twenty-five years has del-
uged the fairest portion of the civilized world is
stayed by the Omnipotent Sovereign of the Uni-
verse, and that peace and national independence, so
long strangers and exiies, are permitted once more
to revisit the poor,. suffering, afflicted inhabitants
of Continental Europe.
*' These are the subjects of our rejoicing, and he
who condemns us for mingling our thanksgiving
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AHfB THE WAR IN AMERICA. 107
• ■ ■
and our gratulation with the universal voice of
Europe on these glorious results is a pitiful and
narrow-minded wretch, unworthy to be^ called a
Christian, a patriot, or a man. To our own country
we anticipate also the happiest results from the
events we have celebrated. Should we, however, be
disappointed in this — should our enemy reject offers
of peace on terms mutuaUy beneficial and honorable
— should Great Britain attempt to destroy our inde-
pendence— should war rage here as it lately raged
in the Old World, it will be your Holts and your
Duanes and your Gales, men who cannot feel for
others' woes, who can neither weep with those who
weep, nor rejoice with those who rejoice, that will
first shrink from the contest. It is always beings
hke these who would sacrifice their countiy for their
own personal emolument or safety."
The celebration could not be properly referred to
as showing any feeling hostile to the welfare of the
United States. The patriotism of those whose
names appear prominent in it were never questioned
or doubted. Hon. Rufus King was the prime mover
of the demonstration.
The exile of Napoleon had put a somewhat defi-
nite aspect upon the American war — there would
either be peace at once or a more vigorous and
determined effort of invasion by land, aided and
supported by the great power of the British navy,
which was now unincumbered. In case of British
success in America it meant peace, but the peace of
subjection on such terms as Great Britain might de-
mand. Should there be great efforts to avert it on
the part of America ? — or must it come after pillage
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108 NO SURRENDER,
and desolation, accompanied by the greatest possible
national humiliation of surrendering up independ-
ence which had been so long cherished and held up
by sire and son to the admiration of all nations, and
proved such a bright page in the history of the
world ? To us at this distant day it seems as if
there would have been no wavering as to the de-
termination of the men and women of that day.
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CHAPTER XXIX.
Fourih of July Celebration— Tammany and Washington Soci-
ety Processions- Mr. Wheaton's Oration— Tammany Din-
ner and Toasts— Amusements of the Day — Evening Enter-
tainments—Fireworks at Vauxhall Garden.
PROM the narrative already given of occur-
) rences immediately preceding the Fourth of
July the reader will infer that its celebration
was in keeping with the political feeling
already shown by the leaders, with no small portion
of the populace at their back — but how and in what
manner and to what extent it would reach without
allowing almost treasonable hostility to the general
government no one could conjecture; although both
political parties claimed to be friends of the general
government and acting for the general welfare, their
line of action to secure these ends for the people con-
tinued to be directly opposite to each other, as they
had been for many years before the declaration of
war. From a careful study of the men and man-
ners of that period the writer believes that the
motives of each party were pure and honestly
patriotic, and designed for the welfare of the people
and the benefit of the country.
We cannot at this distant day properly judge
which party was the most wise and exercised the
most foresight as to the future welfare of the coun-
try in the political struggles of [those times. But
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110 VETERAN CORPS CELEBRATE
we can see that the actual effect was more the re-
sult of accident, or a series of them, than of prac-
tical wisdom on the part of any party or class of
men. In fact, the leaders of that day could not
have prevented the result to the American people.
The plans for the celebration of the 4th of July,
1814, had been started many weeks before that date,
but had changed many times as events arose that
affected the opinions of the political societies that
took up the matter and were not formulated as
finally carried out until a few days before that na-
tional anniversary.
The earliest movement in the observance of the
day was by the Independent Veteran Corps of Artil-
lery, under the command of Capt.Geo.W. Chapman.
They assembled at the Arsenal on Elm Street at three
o'clock A.M. They then marched to the residence of
Governor Tompkins, on Bowery Lane, near Houston
Street, and offered him the compliments of the day
and fired a federal salute of eighteen guns in front
of his house. He had returned from Albany the day
before ; they were received by his excellency with
his usual urbanity. The corps then returned to
the Arsenal and was dismissed.
At sunrise an artillery salute was fired at the
Battery by men detailed from General Morton's bri-
gade. The uniform Militia, under General Morton,
paraded on the Battery at half- past six in the morn-
ing. At seven o'clock they were reviewed by
Governor Tompkins and Major-General Stevens.
After performing several evolutions they took up
a line of march up Broadway and Parrc Row to the
jail, then across the^Park .in front of City Hall to
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THK iTH OF JULY, m
Broadway, then down to Fulton (Partition) Street,
then to Greenwich Street, and then down to the
Battery, where a feu de joie was fired by the
Artillery.
At nine o'clock the Veteran Corps of Artillery re-
assembled at the Arsenal and marched to the resi-
dence of Captain Chapman, on Washington street,
ne&r Beach street, where they were presented with
an elegant standard by Mrs. Frances Warren Fraser.
She delivered the following address :
^^ Gentlemen : I congratulate you on the thirty-
eighth anniversary of American Independence — a
blessing which cost you the privation, toils and
perils of a seven years' arduous contest. With heart-
felt pleasure do I view the war-worn veteran, claim-
ing no exemption for age or infirmity, again draw
his sword in his country's cause. As a feeble testi-
mony of my respect, permit me to present your
honorable corps a standard consisting of thirteen
stripes, the number of our revolutionary States.
Blue, predominating, is emblematic of the fidelity of
our immortal Washington and his brave comrades
of the Revolution. Red, indicative of that precious
blood shed in obtaining our independence, and
white, studded with golden flowers, representing the
blessings which accompany an honorable peace ; the
pointed banner in a field of white, surmounted with
your appropriate motto {Pro Deo et Pair id), will for-
oibly^remind you of the purposes and QbUgations of
your association.
'* Veterans! Accept this standard. May you
always display it in your country's cause and furl
it with honor ! "
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112 TAMMANY CELEBRA TE8.
The standard was received with present arms by
the corps and a salute of martial music. Lieut.
Isaac Kieler replied in behalf of the corps. After
this the corps then marched to the Arsenal and fired
the signal salute for the joining the procession of
the day. For this purpose they were in three pla-
toons. The advanced guard, under Captain Chap-
man ; the rear guard under Lieutenant John Nixon
and the guard of honor for the Genius of Colum-
bia, orator of the day, and standards of the different
civic societies under Sergeant Osborn.
The public celebration was by two grand pro-
cessions— one represented the Democratic party and
led by Tammany Society ; the other represented the
Federalists, led by the Washington Benevolent So-
ciety and the Hamilton Society.
The principal or main celebration being by Tam-
many and many other civic societies combined.
The announcement of Tammany was as follows :
^^ Tammany Society ok Columbian Order.
'* Brothers: You are requested to assemble at
Tammany Hall on Monday next, the 4th inst., at
half -past eight o'clock in the morning, to join in the
celebration of the 38th anniversary of our national
independence. Each brother will appear with the
buck's tail in his hat, and may be provided with
tickets for the anniversary dinner at the bar, to
which each brother has the privilege of inviting a
Republican friend.
'^ By order of the Society,
*'H. Wester VELT, Sec'y.
''July 2d."
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THB ATff OF JUL T. 113
An eye witness gave the following account :
At sunrise the national flag was displayed at all
the public buildings and on the shipping in the har-
bor. At nine o'clock the different societies (except-
the Washington Benevolent and Hamilton) began
to assembl) in Nassau street opposite Tammany
Hall. The Grand Marshal of the day, Garrit Sickles,
Esq., assisted by his aids, arranged them in the fol-
lowing order :
1. Tammany Society, each member with a buck-
tail in his hat.
2. Hibernian Provident Society.
3. The bearer^of the national flag, accompanied by
the Genius of Columbia (an allegorical figure that
originated in Tammany Society and used by them
in all pubUc parades of that society), supported on
her right by Wm. Donovan, Esq., the assigned rea ?er
of the Declaration of Independence and on her left by
Benj. Parshall, Esq., the assigned reader of Wash-
ington's farewell address. In the rear of these were
Robert Swanton, the chairman, and George Har-
sin, Jr., the secretaiy and treasurer of the general
committee of arrangements, each bearing an em-
blem of his office. All these were flanked by the
blue banners of the different societies, accompanied
by a detachment from the Veteran Corps of Artil-
lery under Sergeant Osborn.
4. Columbian Society.
5. Cordwainers' Society.
6. Military officers off duty.
7. Veteran corps of artillery with their field
pieces.
At ten o'clock the Grand Marshal and his aides in
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114 lAMMANT PR0GE88I0N.
cocked hats and long plumes, preceded by a band of
music, took their station at the head of this body, and
at the signal of eighteen guns fired by the Veteran
Corps of Artillery, proceeded down Beekman Street
to Pearl, down Pearl to Wall, up Wall to Broad-
way, up Broadway to Cortlandt, down Cortlandt to
Greenwich Street, up Greenwich to Duane, up
Duane to Hudson Square (St. John's Park), along
Hudson Square to Anthony, up Anthony to
the new theater west of Broadway. The van of
the procession then opened to the right and left, fac-
ing inward ; the Grand Marshal and his aids pro-
ceeded down between the lines and met the Genius
of Columbia and her party and conducted them up
to the theater, the military and societies following in
reverse order. The band was vigorously playing
Yankee Doodle in the meantime. The front of the
theater was decorated with transparencies showing
some of the glorious achievements of our naval
heroes.
On entering the theater the grand national stand-
ard was placed in the centre of the stage, the Genius
of Columbia, the orator of the day and the readers
were seated on the stage, and the standards, ban-
ners, etc., of each society were airanged on each
side and appropriate scenery was at the rear. The
military and civic societies were seated in the body
of the house. The doors were opened to the public
at 11 o'clock. The grand marshal called the whole
to order and the exercises proceeded as follows :
1. Music by the band.
2. Reading Declaration of Independence.
3. Music by the band.
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FEDERALISTS' CELEBRATION. \\b
4. Washington's Farewell Address.
5. Music and collection.
6. Oration by Henry Wheaton, Esq.*
7. Music by the band.
On retiring from the theater the same order was
retained as on entering. The march was up An-
thony street to Broadway, down Broadway to Pearl,
down Pearl to Chatham, down Chatham to Tam-
many Hall. A hollow square was then formed and
the band played a few appropriate tunes, nine
cheers were then given and the whole were dis-
missed.
The grand standard of the United States was dis-
played in front of Tammany Hall until sundown.
The Federalists' celebration was commenced by
the display of the United States flag at sunrise on
Washington Hall on Broadway (where Stewart's
Building now is). The membei's of the Washing-
ton Benevolent and Hamilton societies assembled at
Columbia College Green (now Park Place) at ten
o'clock, each member with his badge worn in the
usual manner. The procession formed at half past
ten and moved at eleven o'clock, in the .following
order : Volunteer escort, grand marshal of the day
and his four aids ; Hamilton Society, grand mar-
shal of the Hamilton Society and his four aids,
committee of arrangements ; banner of independ-
*Mr. Wheaton was at that time editor of the National Advo-
cate, the only dailv paper in New York city that openly ahd
avowedly supported the administration and defended the Fresi-
dent and Governor Tompkins in every act and every baneful ac-
cusation against them. He afterwards became the eminent
author of the History of the Law of Nations and other works
which bear his name.
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116 WASHINGTON BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.
ence, flanked on the right by a banner bearing the
date of the evacuation ot the city by the British and
on the left by a banner bearing the date of the
adoption of the Federal Constitution by the State.
The Hamilton Society formed in nine divisions, be-
tween which was borne the banners of the society,
supported by members in military uniform in the
following order : Trumbull, Ames, Wayne, Lin-
coln, Lawrence, Ludlow and Washington ; grand
standard, flanked on the right by the banner of
Yorktown and on the left by banner of Monmouth ;
tylers, assistant treasurer and assistant secretaries,
and treasurer and secretary, counsellor carrying
the constitution of the society, standing commit
tee ; president, first vice-president on his right
and second vice-president on his left ; deputy mar-
shal.
The Washington Benevolent Society, in the
following order: The banner of independence,,
flanked by two smaller banners and supported by
miUtary and naval characters of the Revolution •,
the society, four abreast, in fourteen divisions, each
under the dh^ection of two assistant marshals, pre-
ceded by a banner on which was inscribed the
name of a deceased patriot of the Revolution.
This was called the Washington band and was in
divisions, which were seven on each side of a ban-
ner, as follows : on the right, Hancock, McDoug-
all, Putnam, Schuyler, De Kalb, Knox, Greene \
on^ the left, Wooster, Mercer, Montgomery, War-
ren, Steuben, Lincoln, Hamilton ; the Washing-
ton standard, flanked by two others, borne and
supported as the banner of independence. Captain
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FEDERALISTS' PROCESSION. 117
Van Wart, one of the captors of Major Andre,
bearing a standard emblematic of that event ;
Washington band of music, committee of arrange-
ments, standing committee and oflBcers of the
society ; orator of the day, Theodore Varick, Esq. ;
president of the society, with first vice-president
with the United States Constitution on his right,
and on his left second vice-president with Washing-
ton's farewell address ; escort.
The route of the procession was from College
Green, (Park Place) to Broadway, down Broadway
to Partition (now Fulton street), down Partition
street to Greenwich street, up Greenwich street to
Chambers street, up Chambers street to Broadway,
up Broadway to Washington Hall, corner of Duane
street. When the van arrived at the hall the pro-
cession halted and opened to the right and left, face
inward, and marched from the rear through the line
and entered the hall. The officers of the Hamilton
Society were seated on the right of the stage and
those of the Washington Society on the left. The
Washington and Hamilton standards were placed
on the stage and the banners were distributed in dif-
ferent parts of the hall.
The exercises were opened by a prayer, then a
piece of solemn music by the band. The Declara-
tion of Independence was read by Francis Child, Jr.
A piece of soft music was played, during which a
collection was taken up for the relief of indigent
members of the two societies. An ode prepared for
the occasion, set to music, was then simg by Mr.
Uii K. Hill. The oration followed. Then martial
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118 MILITARY PARADE.
music by the full band — Yankee Doodle as a finale,
and the members were dismissed.
The members of these two societies partook of a
dinner in the afternoon at Washington Hall, but in
separate rooms.
The address of Mr. Varick and the toasts given at
the dinner were not published.
In Mr. Wheaton's address he said :
^^The awful danger of the crisis admonish us to
Union ! In that word is contained a potent charm
that, could we wear it near our hearts, would assiure
our safety in any perils that may await us. We
must now gather the fair fruits of peace which hang
on the precipice of our degradation, beneath which
the abyss yawns for our independence, or we must
grasp them on the field of battle where vaJor is the^
herald of victory.
* ih * * * * *
** And is there any still baser wretch, a coward
living to die with lengthened shame, who would
wish to purchase peace by a sacrifice of national iur
terests and rights and honor ? — to see us descend
from that rank in the scale of nations to which the
virtue and valor of our fathers exalted us ? " * * *
The Governor, nor the military as a body, nor the
Mayor or other city officials did not take any part
in either of the processions nor attend the dinner of
either of the societies. The military parade was
headed by the Governor and his guards and was en-
tirely independent of any other procession.
The Independent Veteran Corps of Artillery, after
accompanying the procession to the Anthony Street
Theater and the conclusion of the ceremonies there.
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TA MM AN 7 TOASTS, 1 1 9
were dismissed with the procession at the park ;
then they retired to a dinner at Kent's Hotel, on
Broad street, and drank to appropriate toasts.
The flotilla of gunboats under Commodore Lewis,
came up from Sandy Hook and formed in a semi-
circle in front of the Battery dressed in various
colors, in which position they fired a salute at mid-
day. Immediately after which they sailed with the
favoring breeze and the ebbing tide to their station
at Sandy Hook.
The French brig Olivier, which had recently ar-
rived in port, was anchored in the Hudson off the
Battery. She was decorated with the flags of all
the nations of Europe except that of England. She
answered the different salutes fired from our forti-
fications. As she was about getting under way to
sail down to Sandy Hook with the tide she fired a
federal salute and as she passed Castle Williams her
salute was returned with twenty-one guns.
On the dismissal of the Tammany procession the
members of Tammany Society sat down to a repast
prepared by Messrs. Marling & Cozzens, the pro-
prietors of Tammany Hall hotel. After the cloth
was removed the following toasts were drank.
1. The Ever-memorable Fourth of July, '76— the
birthday of our independence. Three cheers.
2. The President of the United States. Three
cheers.
3. The Vice-President of the United States.
Three cheers.
4. The Heads of Departments.
5. The Governor of tfie State of New York.
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120 TAMMANY TOASTS.
6. The Memory of Washington and other de-
parted Heroes of our Revolution.
7. The Army and Navy of the United States.
Nine cheers.
8. The Union of the States — the palladium of our
safety. Thirteen cheers.
9. The Congress of '76.
10. Thomas Jefferson, the author of our Declara-
tion of Independence — the statesman, i»hilosopher
and patriot. Three cheers.
11. The People of the United States — pre-eminent
in freedom, invincible in union. Six cheei-s.
12. Domestic Manufactures.
13. The State of* New York — emancipated from
political thraldom. Thirteen cheers.
. 14. The Memory of Pike, Lawrence and other De-
parted Heroes, who have fallen in this second strug-
gle for independence.
15. The Ocean : its surface to those who advo-
cate its freedom, its bottom to those who would
wish to usurp it. Three cheers.
16. Honorable Peace or Vigorous War. Three
cheers.
17. Our Ministers in Europe — ^they will never dis-
grace their country by agreeing to a dishonorable
peace. Three cheers.
18. The American Fair.
VOLUNTEER TOASTS.
By the deputation from the Columbian Society :
America, Sole Exception in the Christian World— the
only member of the family of nations that can boast
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TAMMANY TOASTS. 121
the celebration of the thirty-eighth anniversary of its
independence.
By Henry Wheaton, Esq. (orator of the day).
The Army — Presaging flashes of heroic enterprise
show what it will perform when com manded by a
general worthy of American soldiers.
By Matthew L. Davis, president of Tammany
Society : William B. Crawford, our Minister in
France — the sincere and ardent friend — the firm
and intelUgent statesman — the inflexible and dis-
interested republican.
After the orator (Heniy Wheaton, Esq.) retired
the following toast was drunk with three cheers :
The Orator of the Day — his merits we leave the pub-
lic to appreciate.
By A. Stagg, president of the Tammany Council :
Liberty given to us by the Fathers of the Revolution
— that wretch shall perish who would try to wrest
it from us.
By Lawrence Myers, treasurer of Tammany So-
ciety : The United States Ship Independence — well
built, well rigged and well manned — may she soon
have an opportunity of meeting one of John Bull's
74s to teach them a lesson of American Naval Tac-
tics.
By a member : Baron Lescallier, the French
Consul-General — the true friend of his own country
and of America.
By a member : The late Celebration of the Resto-
ration— When Machiavelli and Beelzebub join in
collusion to deceive, ye gods direct.
By a member : The Republicans of New York — a
terror to British influence and toryism.
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122 SOCIETY OF THE GINOINNATL
The State society of The Cincinnati assembled at
the City Hall at one o'clock for their annual business
meeting. The following were elected officers for
the year :
Eichard Varick, Pt^esident.
Ebenezer Stevens, Vice-President.
Henry S. Dodge, Secretary.
Leonard Bleecker, Treasurer.
Jonas Addoms, Assistant Treasurer.
Messrs. Bicker, Burrall, Cooper, Fowler, Giles,
Leaycraft, Loomis, Steddiford and Waterman,
Standing Committee. Messrs. Troup, Stevens and
Livingston, Delegates.
After the meeting they retired to . the Tontine
Coffee-house, where at four o'clock they sat down to
a dinner prepared for the occasion. Commodore
Decatur, then lately elected an honorary member,
dined with the Society. After dinner eighteen
toasts were drank, each followed by an appropriate
piece of music by Moffit's mihtary band. The only
notable toast was, ^^ Peace, Plenty and a Gk)od
Government to our Country."
The steamboats, Car of Neptune, of the Albany
line, and Fire Fly, of Poughkeepsie, made ex-
cursions on that day in company, probably for the.
safety of their passengers. They started from
the foot of Cortlandt street at nine o'clock and
proceeded round the Battery, up East River to
Wallabout, and then returning went up the
Hudson River a few miles and returned about one
o'clock. They started again about three o'clock
and ran down to Staten Island, but did not pass the
Narrows, and returned about dusk. The fare for
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8TEAMB0A T EXCURSION. 123
each excursion was one dollar for giown persons
and fifty cents for children. The capacity of each
boat was only one hundred persons. Refreshments
could be had at the bar on board.
The first steamboat excursion that I have found,
took place on May 25th previous. It was the new
steamboat Fulton, which went to Sandy Hook, with
about fifty persons on board. Many went for the
piuT)ose of expecting to see some of the British
vessels about there
The New York Circus gave an afternoon and
evening performance of the usual character.
The American Museum, at No. 21 Chatham street,
gave notice that it would be open from sunrise to
eleven o'clock in the evening, for exhibition of liv-
ing wild animals, wax figures, paintings, curiosities,
etc. Among them was the famous crossbow used
by William Tell when he shot the apple upon his
son's head. Also a model of the splendid Palace of
St. Cloud, formerly the residence of Bonaparte,
which, by means of machinery, set in motion one
hundred and thirty artisans, mechanics, etc. In
the evening a band of Pandean minstrels performed
on their Arcadian pipes many appropriate airs
suited to the occasion.
The Evening Post said :
*'The fathers of the city showed their respect
to the occasion by eating an excellent dinner, and
quaffing the best of wines together, and when they
rose from the table, about sunset, ordered all the
bells in the city to set up a funeral toll, which was
faithfully observed, ^swinging slow with sullen
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124 BVBNING ENTBBTAINMBNTa,
roar,' for about two hours, being the usual manner
in which the guardians of our city express joy."
It was the season when the theatei-s were closed,
but there were special performances on the evening
of the Fourth. At the New Theatre on Anthony
street, in honor of the day, the front of the theater
was brilliantly illuminated,^ and a variety of trans-
parencies ''commemorating the glorious achieve-
ments of our naval heroes." The performances
commenced at a quarter past seven. The first play
was a comedy in three acts, called '' The Birthday,
or ReconciUation." After which another play in
thi-ee acts, called *' The Point of Honor, or School
for Soldiers," was performed. The concluding
piece was a pantomimic spectacle, called '' The cap-
ture of York and the Death of General Pike." The
scenery and decorations were entirely new, and pre-
sented a view of Lake Ontario, battle of York,
Commodore Chauncey's fleet, etc.
The Park Theatre, also, had appropriate perform-
ances and patriotic representations. A large trans-
parent painting on the front of the building showed
the Goddess of Liberty, the United States flag, and
the American Eagle. The entertainment commenced
at 7:30 o'clock, and was entitled ^* Miller and his
Men, "after which an interlude, called The Launch
of the Independence ; or. Our Infant Navy Rising
into Manhood." Among the principal songs sung
in this piece were : — * '^Behold the Columbia," by Mr.
Darley ; '* We have met the enemy and they are
ours," by Mr. Pritchardj'; ** Yankee Sailors have a
smack," by Mr. Yat^s ; ''Ye Sons of Free Colum-
bia ! " by Messrs. Yates, Pritchard, Darley, Norton,
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FIREWORKS, 125
etc. The interlude concluded with a transparency
representing ^^Tlw Independence,^^ seventy-four
guns ; her launch, Charlestown Bridge, Navy
Yard, Bunker and Breed's hills, Warren's Monu-
ment, etc., etc. Mrs. Burke sweetly sang the song
'^ Softly Waft Ye Southern Breezes." The enter-
tainment concluded with ''Valentine and Orson;
or, the Wild Man of the Woods."
The celebration at Vauxhall Garden in the even-
ing was never before equaled in display and
grandeur. The allegorical illuminations consisted
of the Temple of Patriotism, ItK) feet front, upon
which was a Trojan column forty feet high on
which was a statue of Washington, crowned by
Fame, with a civic wreath and the motto ''To
merit." Washington was surrounded by colors
bearing the names of our naval heroes : — Rogers,
Hull, Jones, Decatur, Bainbridge, Lawrence,
Ohauncey and PeiTy. At the foot of this column
were large pieces called the "Union of Strength,"
in the center appeared the figures "'7()." In front
of all, for the last ccnip de feUy was a piece 100 feet
front called "The Monument, or Reunion of Amer-
ican Patriots," composed of ten large pyramids,
each twenty feet high, bearing names of the follow-
ing civic societies : — Cincinnati, St. ^Tammany,
Columbian, Washington, Hamilton, Mechanic,
Hibernian, St. Andrews, German and Fi-ench. Be-
tween each pyramid was a large iirn, eight feet high,
each bearing a name of one of the defenders of the
country and each pyramid was adorned by a
garland of flowers united to each other by fes-
toons, each bearing an American flag. The whole
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126 F1RBW0BK8
of this was illuminated by more than three thou-
sand burning lances. During the exhibition the
Washington column was encircled by a large
Glory in fireworks. In the background was a
painting seventy feet front, showing a grand
architectural avenue.
The fireworks consisted of forty new pieces, ex-
ecuted by N. G. Bachia, divided into two parts,
accompanied by select miUtary and naval music
by a large band.
The first part commenced by (1) a brilliant fiery
arrow flying a distance of three hundred feet,
branching out in thirteen brilliant rays, illuminating
the word ^'Independence;" (2) the American
Eagle, changing to the word " Huzza I " (3) the
wheel of fortune with sm^prising changes; (4) a
brilliant fixed sun changing to a glory of turning
fires ; (5) the goal of Americans, terminating by
the illuminated word '* Justice;" (6) the changes
. of war, represented by a roly-poly alternately bright
and dark and up and down ; (7) a brilliant comet
with a long tail ; (8) the ladies' caprice, with many
changes ; (9) the caduceus of Mercury, with many
intricate designs; (10) the fighting suns, being a
number of suns in opposite motion, terminated by
a single one; (U) a piece of various fires repre-
senting the globe lighted by the sun : the sun sets
and the moon rises ; (12) the Egyptian pyramids
illuminated ; (13) the turbillion or combat of the
planets ; (14) the star of Diana changing to eight
suns ; (15 and 16) the star of America, changing to a
brilliant Glory ; (17) the drum of peace ; (18) /ew de
joie in rockets, stars and serpents ; (19) eight
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AT VAUXHALL GARDEN . 127
large wheels passing each other producing an illu-
minated pyramid in the center ; (20) a grand dis-
play called "Union of Strength," representing
thirteen stars allegorical of the United States, which
suddenly changes to as many suns, the whole en-
circled by a brilliant serpent (symbol of immortal-
ity), which intersects and entertwines the suns, in
the center the figui'e " '76"; the whole concluded
by a general display of rockets, serpents, maroons,
stars, etc., etc.
The second part commenced with the appearance
of the illuminated words "Rights of Man," and
a piece called Washington Motto, in which several
times appeared a transparency with eighteen fixed
stars (representing the number of States), G. W. in
the center and the words "Be united;" (2) the
timepiece consisted of two very brilliant columns
fifteen feet high, one of which represented the Con-
stitution and the other Wisdom. The dial repre-
sented the figure of Time pointing out the two very
memorable epochs, '76 and '83. The whole was
encircled with a glory and ended in a discharge
of thirteen rockets that exploded in the air ; (3) a
large wheel encircling the earth including two sun-
wheels ; (4) Fountain of St. Cloud ; (5) the rising
sun increasing in brightness ; (6) the Rose of Cin-
cinnati, a beautiful piece ; (7) the spinning wheel,
with pleasing changes ; (8) changing radial of
twenty fires ; (9) gi-and turbillion Caprice ; (10) a
large transparent balloon encircled by four suns; the
interior was suddenly illuminated and displayed
the motto Vivat respublica ; (11) Ladies' Fancy ;
(12) Archimedes' Screw ; (13) a number of dead-
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1 28 (JO VEUyOE \S 0 UARD.
and-alive wheels in combat ; (14) a brilliant mosaic
balustrade eighty feet long ; (15) a grand, brilliant
and varied feu de joie with numerous fires, diversi-
fied in their color and arrangement ; (16) the flam-
beau of Cupid ; (17) a large wheel on a horizontal
platform dancing a Swiss waltz ; (18) a large
pyramid of Roman candles ; (19) a battery ; (20)
the conclusion was the pieces called ''The Monu-
ment, or Reunion of American Patriots," before
described, suddenly appearing brilliantly illumina-
ted to the extent of one hundred feet front, with
ornaments of every description of fireworks, termi-
nating by a brilliant bouquet consisting of rockets,,
maroons, serpents, etc., etc.
Admission to this exhibition was fifty cents.
The Evening Post gave the following account :
''Yesterday being the annivei'saiy of American
Independence, the same was celebrated in this city
agreeably to previous aiTangements, and which
having already been published need not be repeated.
The day was uncommonly fine, perhaps on no for-
mer occasion has so numerous a concourse been
seen in our pubhc streets to witness the various
processions, which were also more than usually
lengthened. The military made a very elegant and
soldierly appearance. Their highly improved music
since within a year produced the most exhilarating
effect. His Excellency, the Governor, was attended
for the first time by a guard on foot.*
♦The "Governor's Guards" were organized as an independent
battalion in General Morton's brigade by general orders, dated
May 9, 1814 ; Daniel E. Dunscomb, major ; Charles McKenna and
James B. Murray, captains. Other officers were breveted and
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NEWSPAPER COMMENTS. 12^
** The Tammany Society turned out with all their
might ; they particularly exhibited a fine show of
pappooses just under twenty. The genius of Co-
lumbia appeared in female attire, and to make the
representation as natural as possible, they judi-
ciously selected the most deUcate and thinnest gen-
tleman among them, whose cheek bespoke more of
the lily than the rose, walked with downcast eye,
as he gracefully and modestly held his inside gar-
ments just above the knee.
** The orator of the day (Mr. Wheaton) did not ap-
pear personally in the procession, but was repre-
sented, I presume, by Citizen Swanton, who carried
himself with uncommon bashf ulness of deportment,,
caused, I suppose, by reflecting how soon he has.
become a savage leader since he arrived in thi&
young country. The boasted Irish wit, Peter Samp-
son, did not show himself on this occasion. The
tribes were decently clad and preserved quietness
and good order during the whole line of march.
The buck's tail still keeps its place in the hat of
every member, but since the cruel and unbecoming
massacres of the Prophet, the bearskin has been
discarded, aims and legs are no more seen in
buflf, and, for the sake of humanity, I am glad to-
add, naked pappooses no longer are exposed to be
broiled to death by their dear papas in the beams of
a vertical sim."
Although there was much less disaffection in
Tammany than on the preceding national anni-
assigned to places. The roster of officers will more fully appear
ID the appendix. At that time the number of men did not.
exceed one hundred and fifty in the battalion.
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130 TAMMANT'8 COSTUME,
vei*sary, yet they had not recovered far enough to
carry the banners that represented their different
tribes, or to put on their war paint and their mo-
gasins and bear skins and their feathers and carry
tomahawks and other emblems of their predecessors
of the forest, they made much better showing than
on the previous occasion of their discomfiture —
But alas I their glory in the costume of the red-
man had departed forever, and little was left them
of their former glory but in name. The buck tails
were the only emblem that survived their con-
version to civihzation.*
The names of the oflScers of Tammany Society for
the years 1813 and 1814, the two years during the
heat of the continuance of the great schism caused
by the change of costume, etc. (which has been
narrated in Chapter XIV.), have been kept a pro-
found secret from that time to the present. The
names of the officers for the year 1812 and also
for 1815 were published in full. The names of
the officers for 1813 and 1814 that the writer has
been able to collect from pubUcations at that time
were as follows :
Matthew L. Davis, President.
Henry Westervelt, Secretary.
Lawrence Myers, Treasurer.
John Stilwell, Sergeant-at-Arms.
Abraham Stagg, Vice-President and President of
the Council.
John White, Secretary of the Council.
Ischacher Cozzens, Door-keeper.
♦The 4th of July, 1812, was the last time that Tammany So-
ciety appeared in full aboriginal costumes. The war of 1818
<;aused them to throw it off forever.
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FEDERALIST OPINIONS, 131
There were thirteen counciloi's, but the writer
could obtain the names of but four of them.
These were : Ithamar Osborn, Garitt Sickles, Clark-
son Crohus, and Peter Embury. These four per-
sons were councilors in 1812 and 1815 ; it is pre-
sumed that they remained such during the
schism. The aboriginal appellation by which the
oflScers were designated were still discarded, and
continued for many years thereafter.
It was thought by the FederaUsts that Mr. Morris'
oration at the celebration of the downfall of Na-
poleon was good enough for a 4th of July ad-
dress. Two of the leading newspapers in the city,
on €he morning of the 4th of July, contained Mr.
Morris' oration in full.
The proceedings of the various Washington
Benevolent Societies throughout the country in re-
gard to the overthrow of Napoleon were also pub-
lished from time to time after the 4th of July, as
they reached New York in the newspapers of the
day.
The New York Evening Post of July 9th con-
tained the following editorial :
*' The rejoicings of the Federahsts at the downfall
of tyranny, the emancipation of Europe, and the
revival of the commerce of all the nations of the Old
World, will rescue our country from the foul crime
of being all abettors and supporters of the Corsican
in his diaboUcal plan of universal domination.
The Washington Benevolent Societies throughout
the Union should take immediate steps to cause to
be transmitted to every capital of the European
continent the different resolutions and orations corn-
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132 FEDERALIST OPINIONS.
memorative of the most glorious event which has
happened in centuries. Let thera be forwarded to
Paris, Madrid, St. Petersburgh, Vienna, Beriin,
Stockholm, Italy, Holland, Belgia, Pori;ugal,
etc., where they will be translated into all the
languages of Europe, and thus our national
character drawn in a great degree out of the mire
of infamy into which in an evil hour it was plunged
by the heartsick friends of the execrable Napoleon.'^
The demonstrations at this celebration of the na-
tional anniversary were evidently made more as a
matter of duty, and for effect, than from spontaneous
heartiness. The entire populace were divided mto
two great parties — one was for war, the other for
peace. The fear of disunion of the States hung
heavy over all.
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CHAPTER XXX.
Jiigorous Blockade — Great Fears of an Invasion by Sea— Action
of the Common Council— A Torpedo Boat— Call for Militia —
Sketcli of Geo. J. P. Boyd — Desertions — ^Military Executions
on Governor's Island — Citizens* Meeting — Exempts to be
Enlisted — Committee Appointed — Address of Committee —
Threatening Attitude of the Enemy.
^HE local excitement incident to the cele-
bration of the 4th of July was kept
alive for many days afterwards by pub-
lications in the newspapers of accounts
of the dinners and toasts of the many
societies and associations that had
shown honor to the day by private dinners among
themselves and their associates.
In the midst of this excitement, on the 6th of
July, the attention of the inhabitants of New York
City were turned to the news of the near approach
of the enemy off Sandy Hook and at the increasing
number of their war vessels in Gardiner's Bay,
which had long been given up to them as their gen-
eral rendezvous.
The blockade at Sandy Hook was kept up with
vigilance. The President, by proclamation dated
June 29, 1814, directed that **none of the vessels
of neutral powers shall be molested in entering
ports of United States by the public or private
armed vessels of the United States." This had no
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134 FEARS OF THE ENEMY,
effect on the port of New York at that time, .the
blockade was so effective against neutrals.
When the enemy's war vessels were seen from
the lighthouse at Sandy Hook, a signal was dis-
played on the telegraph on Staten Island, and
thence to the city, showing the number visible.
This occurred almost daily when the weather was
clear.*
The following news item appeared in the New
York Evening Post of July 6th :
** We learn by several gentlemen who ari-ived
this morning from Sandy Hook, that on Saturday
morning last (July 2d) sixteen sail of vessels were
discovered from Squam Beach under a press of sail,
standing to the eastward by the wind, supposed to
be ships of war."
A day or two afterwards it was ascertained that
on the 5th of July twelve or thirteen Vineyard
boats, with fish, etc., bound to New York, were
captured by the enemy in Fisher's Island Sound.
The Columbian of July 7th contained the follow-
ing :
*' An intelligent passenger in the cartel schooner
OscaTy who left Bermuda the 19th of June, and ar-
rived a few days since at Newport, R. I., states that
the expedition preparing under Cochrane consisted
of nine sail of the line, eighteen frigates, besides
transports and fifteen thousand troops. Nine thou-
sand of the troops had within a shoi-t time arrived
♦ For description of the telegraph, see ante Vol. I., pp. 77, 178,
179.
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COMMITTEE OF DEFENOK. 13&
from England, and were then constantly on shore^
recruiting their health preparatory to the expedition.
Cochrane was to sail with his squadron for our
coast about the first of July. Our informant says
various opinions as to the destination of the expedi-
tion were stated at Bermuda. Some supposed the
Chesapeake, some New Orleans the object. May
we not suppose New York ? "
Up to this time New York City had done little
during the preceding year to defend itself against
an invasion by sea or land. This was caused by the
local political feeling, and a hope that the State
would still further aid in the construction and com-
pletion of the fortifications that had already been
commenced to defend the seaboard.
Now active measures by the city were deemed
necessary to meet the crisis. At a meeting of the
Common Council, on the 6th of July in the after-
noon, the following resolution was unanimously
adopted :
^^ Resolvedy That a committee, consisting of the
Mayor, Aldermen Fish and Wendover, be ap-
pointed to confer with His Excellency, the Governor^
and Major-General Lewis touching the exposed situ-
ation of this city, and report at the next meeting
of the Board."
The Common Council standing committee of de-
fence, which was appointed in December previous,
consisted of Colonel Nicholas Fish (father of Hon.
Hamilton Fish), Peter Mesier, George Buckmaster,
John Nitchie, Joseph W. Brackett, and Gideon
Tucker. Only two of this committee were demo-
crats, Buckmaster and Tucker. This action was
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136 DANGEROUS CONDITION
not a reflection on the standing committee of de-
fence.
While many of the Common Council and. the
Mayor were ardent federalists, and were present at
the recent demonstrations of joy at the overthix)w
of Napoleon and the restoration of the Bourbons to
the thrones of France and Spain, it was not because
of their lack of patriotism or want of love for their
own country that led them to make such demon-
strations, but it was from the deepest motives of
patriotism and care for the future welfare of the
nation that actuated them. They were brave to
stand up amid the popular outcry, and be called
^'tories," 'Misunionists" and ''traitors" by their
political opponents. It evidently was not for self-
ish objects, or prospects of future rewards, that led
them to do thi». There could not have been a body
of men chosen in the city that would have been
more earnest and active to look out for the safety
and welfare of the city, and protect it against any
invader.
A special meeting of the Common Council was
then called by the Mayor for the 14th of July, to
hear and consider the report of this special com-
mittee.
In an open letter to Major-General Lewis, pub-
lished on July 8th, the writer said :
'* The city is liable to attack in three ways :
*' 1. By vessels by way of Sandy Hook. (2) By
troops landed on the back of Long Island and cross-
ing to Brooklyn, and (3) by a land and naval force
down the Sound ; the land troops disembarking in
the Sound, and the fleet aiding their attack.
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OF THE CITY. 137
*^From the first of these (although it appears to
engross the whole attention) I think we have noth-
ing to fear ; because the British ai*e too pnident to
risk then- ships against a chain of land batteries, and
too wise to land men at a wharf which may be
raked by a single cannon, and annoyed from every
building in the vicinity.
*' From the other attacks we have everything to
fear, because the means of resisting them have not
been considered or organized. It cannot be denied,
for the maps all show it, that there are several inlets
at the back of Long Island, where troops may be
landed with safety and convenience ; and if the
landing takes place in the evening, I think it prob-
able that in the morning their cannon upon Brook-
lyn heights would give the first intelligence of
their landing ; and if the British should again (as
in the last war) occupy these heights, which com-
mand the city and Governor's Island, I take it for
granted the city must, as then, be surrendered to
them.
''What are our means of resistance, after the
minutiae of putting up signal poles, fixing places of
rendezvous, offering rewards for information of the
enemy's landing, etc. ? The country ought to be well
examined and redoubts and breastworks of earth
thrown up. But above all, strong intrenchments
should be made upon Brooklyn heights, so that in
CJise of necessity troops passing from this city might
hold these heights until the forces of the State, or
at least of the city and harbor, could be formed and
brought to their relief. Arms should also be now
distributed to the militia being in exposed situa-
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13 S MILITARY 8TRKNQTH.
tions, that they may feel the confidence inspired by
good equipments.
** The third attack is the most dangerous, because
the extent of shore and the uncertainty of the place
of landing seem to baffle precaution ; but a prudent
general would not omit everything — would not al-
low the whole line from Connecticut to the City
Hall to be unprovided with a single defence — yet
such is our situation. In making this attack, it is
probable the enemy would disembark either at
Throgg's Neck or Ward's Island, and some measures-
should immediately be taken to obstruct or prevent
an advance from both these points ; the more ef-
fectual (because it would apply to all landings off
this island), would be to erect redoubts or tetes du-
pont at the head of Harlem, Ward's and King's
bridges, and so to place the cannon in them as ef-
fectually to rake the bridges. . Beside these, materials
should be provided and kept constantly ready to de-
stroy the bridges, and temporary breastworks should
be thrown up on Harlem heights, etc., etc."
The forces of the United States army for the de-
fence of New York harbor, on 7th July, 1814, were
as follows : Artilleryists, under Col. James House,
370 ; 14th Infantry detachment, 100 ; 15th In-
fantry, Col. David Brearly, 350 ; 27th Infantry,
Col. Alexander Denniston, about 400 ; 32d In-
fantry, Col.S.E. Fotterall, 300 ; 41st Infantry, Col. R.
Bogardus, 392 ; 42d Infantry, Col. W. N. Irvine, 374 ;
46th Infantry, Col.W. S. Tallmadge, about 350 ;sea
fencibles, Capt. Lemuel Morris, 78.
The 27th, the 41st and the 4()th were recruited in
New York.
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SKETCH OF GEN. BOYD. 139
About sixty of the sea fencibles were from
Hudson, N. Y. They were under Lieutenant Beek-
man,and were in Col. Bogardus' 41st United States
Infantry.
Besides these were the militia and gun boats.
On the lOlh day of July Brig. -Gen. John P.
Boyd arrived and took command of these forces in
the harbor.*
The Common Council had made an appropriation
of several hundred dollars to one Berrian, of New
York City, to construct a torpedo boat for the pur-
pose of destroying some of the enemy's war vessels
in Long Island Sound. The following description
of it was published at the time of its destruction :
^* A new invented torpedo boat resembling a tm-tle
floating just above the surface of the water, and
sufficiently roomy to carry nine persons within,
♦Gea. John Parke Boyd was born in Massachusetts, December
24, 1764, of Scotch parents. He entered the United States army
in 1786 as ensign in Second Regiment. He went to East India
in 1789. and was placed in command of one thousand infantry
in the army of the Nizam against Tippoo Sultan. He remained
in service in India several years, and rose to the rank of and com-
manded ten thousand cavalry. He returned to the United States
in 1808, and was appointed C'olonel of the Fourth Regiment in
the United States Army. He was at the battle of Tippecanoe
in November, 1811 ; in August, 1812, was made a brisnadier gen-
eral, which rank he held throughout the war. He led his
brigade in the capture of Fort George, in May, 1813, and also in
the battle of Chrysler's Field (or Williamsburgh), Canada, in
November, 1818. He was in several skirmishes during the year
1813 against the British and Indians on the frontier of New
York. He continued in service at New York City until the close of
the war. His miliary opei*ations while there will be detailed
in the following pages. In June, 1815, the military officers of
the Third Military District gave a public dinner in New York to
Genei'al Boyd, in testimonyof their high respect for him as an
oflficer and a gentleman. He left the army when his brigade
was disbanded, on June 15, 1815. He was appointed Naval
o£flcer at Boston by President Jackson, in 1830, and died there
the same year on the 4th of October.
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140 THE TORPEDO BOAT.
having on her back a coat of mail, consisting of
three large bombs, which could be discharged by
machinery, so as to bid defiance to any attack by
barges, left this city one day last week to blow up
some of the enemy's ships off New London. At one
end of the boat projectc d a long pole, imder water,
with a torpedo fastened to it, which, as she ap-
proached the enemy in the night, was to be poked
under the bottom of a seventy- four, and then let off.
The boat we understand to be the invention of an
ingenious gentleman by the name of Berrian."
The following is an account of the end of the tor-
pedo boat, on July 1, 1814 :
*' A gentleman who arrived here last evening from
Sagg Harbor, informed us that on Thursday last the
torpedo boat was run ashore at Norton's Point, op-
posite Faulkner's Island, and on Sunday she was
destroyed by the Sylph, sloop of war, and a frigate.
One man who attempted to swim ashore from the
torpedo was drowned ; the others made their
escape."
The boat was thirty feet in length and rowed by
about twenty oars, and built bomb proof, rising
only eighteen inches above the water. She was
called the Turtle,
The President issued a call for 93,500 militia, dated
on the 4th of July. A requisition was made
through the Secretary of War on the governor of
gach State, stating the quota required from each
State, with a request to the governor to hold in
readiness for immediate service such militia detach-
ments and to fix on the places of rendezvous with
a view to the worst exposed points. Governor
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CALL hOR MILITIA. 141
Tompkins received this requisition on the 11th of
July.
The quota for New York State was 13,500 men, to
be organized and equipped into thirteen regiments
and one battalion^ viz. : 1,350 artillery, 12,150 in-
fantry, 3 major-generals and 7 brigadier-generals.
The quota for New Jersey was 5,000 men. One-half
of them, being the East Jersey division, was subject
to the commander of the Third Military District,
at New York.
This call upon the States for detached miUtia was
for the same number, and apportioned among the
States in the same manner as was that of April,
1812. See Ante Vol. L, pp. 88 and 89. By Section
8 of Chapter 82 of the Act of Congress of April 18,
1814, they could not be required to serve more than
six months in any one year.
The large quota of mihtia called from States at
once awakened the public to a realization of mili-
tary life. Desertions from the army had been fre-
quent and extensive, and little regard had been paid
to them because it was feared that its publication
would cause a decrease in volunteering.
It had gone on so long that it was determined to
coax back deserters as much as possible. Accord-
ingly, on the 17th day of June, 1814, the President
issued a proclamation stating that **afull pardon
is hereby granted and proclaimed to each and all
such individuals as shall within three months from
the date hereof surrender themselves to the com-
manding officer of any mihtary post within the
United States or the territories thereof, and all officers
and soldiers of the army are required to continue
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142 EXECUTION FOR DESERTION,
their exertions in detecting and bringing to trial
deserters from the army."
Desertion was pimishable with death. Many
trials for that oflfense had taken place on Gover-
nor's Island. On the 7th of May, 1814, there was
a general order for the proceedings on the execution
of a sentence of death.
The following is a copy of the record in one of
those cases :
Headquarters 3d Military District,
N. Y., July 7th, 1814.
Capt. Moses Swett or officer commanding troops on
Governor's Island.
Sir : — The general court martial which convened
on Governor's Island on the 23d ult., of which Col.
D. Brearly, of the 15th Inft. is president, having
sentenced John Reid and Roger Wilson, privates
in the corps of artillery, to be shot to death— By
power in me vested you are hereby directed to have
the sentence carried into execution on the day and
at the hour prescribed in the general order of the
3d inst., for which this shall be your warrant.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Morgan Lewis,
Major-General Commanding 3d M. D.
Garrison Orders.
Fort Columbus, July 7th, 1814.
The troops on Governor's Island will parade to-
morrow morning at 11:30 o'clock on the Grand
Parade, for the purpose of witnessing the execution
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MILITARY PUNISHMENT, 143
of the prisoner sentenced by a general order of the
3d inst. to be shot to death.
The troops will form three sides of a square, the
artillery will form the right and left flank, the In-
fantry the rear; the execution parties, consisting
of a sergeant and twelve privates, will parade at
11:30 o'clock and placed under the command of
Lieut. Forbes, Provost Marshal ; the guards of the
advanced posts will have their sentries at their re-
spective posts, and will repair to the parade at 11:30,
those under charge of the Provost Marshal will join
the execution party, for the purpose of escorting
the prisoner to the place of execution.
The execution parties, in divisions preceded by the
music with the Provost Marshal at their head, will
march in front of the prisoner, the music playing
the dead march ; the guards formed in divisions
will march in rear of the prisoner. The procession
will enter the square from the rear, face ten paces
from the coffin placed in the center, upon which
the prisoner kneels by a signal from the Provost
Marshal. The music ceases, the warrant and sen-
tence of death is read, the signal to fire is then
given to the execution parties.
By order of
M. SwETT, Commander.
''Roslyn Castle" was the dirge with muffled
drums that always accompanied a soldier to his
grave.
The sentence of a prisoner for theft was as
follows :
"He to be drummed once up and down the
parade with the rogues' march, with his coat turned
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144 CALL FOR EXBMPTB.
and the word thief written thereon in large letters.
Further, that he stand within view of the evening
parade each day for one week, with his coat in the
same manner, except when on guard duty, and to
have his whiskey stopped for one month. '*
Whipping, as a punishment of a soldier, was abol-
ished by Act of Congress, Chapter 55, April 10, 1812.
We have before seen that when the militia were
called into active service, and under the pay of the
general government, they became subject to the
rules and articles of war Uke the regular army.
But there was one advantage the militia had, and
that was that a court martial for any oflfense must
be composed of militia officers only.*
The news of the victory of the battle of Chippewa,
on the 5th of July, was received with great joy
several days after that event. On the 13th a na-
tional salute was fired from the Castle Williams in
honor of the victory. The national flag was also
displayed on some of the public buildings all day.
On that day Gk)vernor Tompkins inspected the
fortifications of the harbor of New York.
The following call was published July 12th by
some of the citizens of New York :
'* At this crisis our country stands in need of the aid
of every citizen. To render this aid more effectual,
those citizens who are exempt from military duty are
requested to meet at J. Sagar's, corner of Nassau and
George streets, to-morrow evening (July 13th) at
eight o'clock, for the purpose of forming themselves
into artillery companies for the defence of the city.
• Ante Vol. I., p. 199.
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FOR MIU2ARY DUTY. 145
On the 13th the citizens assembled at the time and
place designated, and called Captain Alexander
Coffin, Jr., to the chair, and Mr. Elkanah Doolittle
was appointed secretary. On niotion it was resolved
that a muster roll be made for the citizens exempt
from military duty to sign. The muster roll was
ma ie and signed by many of those present. It was
then resolved that a committee of ten be appointed
from the muster roll to secure the enUstment of
those exempt from military duty.
The following were the committee appointed —
one from each ward : First Ward, Garritt Sickles ;
Second Ward, Thomas Haynes ; Third Ward, Alex-
ander Coffin, Jr. ; Fourth Ward, Elkanah Doolittle ;
Fifth Ward, Samuel Burling ; Sixth Ward, Robert
De Grusha ; Seventh Ward, Charles Devoe ; Eighth
Ward, Benjamin Aycrigg ; Ninth Ward, Michael
Cashman ; Tenth Ward, John A. Crolius.
The committee was further authorized by resolu-
tion to request the citizens of the different wards to
meet on the evening of the 19th at the places where
the polls of the last general election were held, in
the respective wards, for the purpose of adopting
measures to accompUsh the object in contemplation.
The committee was requested to report at a meeting
which was to be held on the evening of the 16th, a
plan or a system of by-laws to govern the company
which is to be enrolled.
A resolution of thanks was presented to Mr. E.
Riley for the offer of two of his best drums for the
use of the company when organized.
This committee appointed a sub-committee, con-
sisting of Alex. Coffin, Jacob Mott and Robert De
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146 ADDRB88 TO EXEAfPTS
Grusha, for the purpose of inducing all American
citizens exempt from military duty to sign a roll for
defence of the city.
The following address was issued and published in
some of the city daily papers :
'' To the citizens of New York exempt from military
duty :
*' The times are portentious — we are menaced with
invasion by a foe, who, if he gets possession of this
city, will show us but little, if any lenity. Remem-
ber the scenes of Havre-de-Grace, Hampton, etc.,
and then say whether it be not the duty, as it ought
to be the inclination, of every American, be his local
politics what they may, to stand forth in the defense
of everything dear to freemen. Rally, then, round
the standard of your country, and sooner let us die
in the last ditch than tamely and cowardly surren-
der this delightful city into the hands of an invading
foe, whose known rule of warfare is an indiscrimi-
nate destruction of property heretofore held sacred
among civilized nations ; as also the violation of
every moral and religious principle. Discard for a
while, at least, the party bickerings which disturb
the social harmony that ought to exist at this mo-
mentous crisis. Let there be no distinction among
us but that of endeavoring to exceed each other in
courage and patriotism, should this soil be contam-
inated by any foreign foe. Those who will not de-
fend their country in times of danger like the pres-
ent, in their veins does not run one drop of American
blood, nor does one American sentiment inhabit
their breasts. Upon such men we do not call, but
we invite every American exempt from military
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FOR MlLirAUT DUTY. 147
duty to attend on Tuesday next at his ward meet-
ing to sign the roll that will be prepared for the pur-
pose of forming a company or companies of artillery
for the defence of the city.
" First Ward, Kent's Hotel, Broad Street ; Second
Ward, Battin's, corner Burling Slip and Water
Street ; Third Ward, Hodgkinson's, corner Nassau
and Fair Streets ; Fourth Ward, Harmony Hall ;
Fifth Ward, Liberty Hall ; Sixth Ward, Dooley's,
corner Cross and Duane Streets ; Seventh Ward,
John Morns', 165 Bancker Street ; Eighth Ward,
Liberty Pole, Roswell's; Ninth Ward, Thomas Rog-
ers, Bloomingdaie; Tenth Ward, Warren Academy,
Third Street, at eight o'clock.
"Alex. Coffin, |
Jacob Mott, > Committee.
Robert De Grusha, )
" All editors of newspapers in the city favorable
to the institution are requested to insert this once
or twice."
There were several causes of exemption from
military service feven in case of invasion. Among
those exempt were all under eighteen years of age
and over forty-five ; all members of fire companies,
their services being deemed particularly necessary
in case of invasion in keeping down fires. There
were in June, 1814, forty-one fire companies in the
city, and four hook and ladder companies, and one
hose company, the total membership being about
one thousand persons.
The Columbian of July 14th contained the fol-
lowing :
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148 PBOORESS OF THE WAR
*' While we are talking and dreaming of peace
the war assumes on all sides a more active char-
acter.
** In the Chesapeake the enemy continue their
predatory system to an alarming degree, and seem
to meditate still more serious mischief. Whether
they will effect it is another thing.
** At the eastward the waters and fishing vessels
are indiscriminately molested, plundered or burnt
by the blockading squadrons ; their crews robbed
even of their shirts, and the inhabitants on the
coast held in continual fear from a destroying foe
whose bravest efforts seem to be directed against
the most defenceless. This nnich to the credit of
the enemy. But their depredations, we trust, are
not to be continued without some effectual opposi-
tion.
* • On the Niagara frontier the campaign has opened
with defeat to tlie enemy and honor to the Ameri-
can arms. We therefore look with a degree of con-
fidence to its continued operations. To-morrow
may afford something of importance.
'* Our army near Champlain is daily receiving re-
enforcements, as is also that of the enemy, and we
shall soon hear of hostile operations in that quarter.
** At Sackett's Harbor Commodore Chauncey is by
this time ready for sea, and may be on the lake with
his squadron to co-operate with the land forces or
meet his antagonist in a naval combat."
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CHAPTER XXXI.
Reports on Defences of the City— Fortifications Necessary —
Gov. Tompkins' Military Orders — Gov. Penning^ton*s Address
to New Jcrdey Militia— Apathy of the People— Amusements
of the Day— Dinner at Tammany Hall to Crew of the Esuex-
Action of Common Council — Address of Common Council to
the Citizens— Appeal for Aid to Build Fortifleai ions— Public
Meeting Called.
fN THE 14th of July the Common Counca
met with closed doors to hear and consider
the report of their special committee ap-
pointed at the preceding meeting, relating to the de-
fence of the city.
The report showed the condition of affairs and
stated what action the committee de'^med necessary
for the adequate protection of the city. The com-
mittee also presented a series of resolutions for the
Common Council to adopt, in furtherance of the
recommendations.
The report and resolutions were approved by the
Common Council, and were ordered to be kept secret
for the then present.
Resolutions were passed, appointing Aldermen
Mapes and Smith a committee to forthwith call upon
the President of the United States and solicit his at-
tention to the subject, and that Col. Nicholas Pish
and Alderman Wendover be a committee to wait
upon the Governor with the report.
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150 REPORT ON DEFBNCE8,
The Common Council instructed its committee of
defence to immediately request Gen. Swift, of the
U. S. Corps of Engineers, to furnish them as soon
as possible with the plan of such additional works
of defence as might be deemed necessary by him to
place the city in a state of complete defence.
Gen. Swift had already stated to the War Depart-
ment the inefficient condition of the defences of New
York City. When the corporation had resolved to
take the matter in hand he received orders fix)m the
SecretaiT of War to render every aid in his powder to
such plans for protection as the city might adopt.
The following is the •
REPORT OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF DEFENCE,
TO THE COMMON COUNCIL, ADOPTED JULY
14th, 1814:
The Committee have endeavored to obtain infor-
mation on the importantobjectsof inquiry committed
to them, and they hasten to lay it before the Com-
mon Council. It maybe classed under these heads :
1. To the probabiUty of a hostile attack.
2. To the means of resistance.
3. To the measures which ought to be adopted, in
order to protect the city and the surrounding coun-
try, in consequence of the deficiency of such means.
With regard to the first point, the Committee
have no particular information. It is well known
that the British have a vast disposal force in Europe,
a part of which is intended for America ; that the
British Naval Commander-in-chief has not appeared
off the American coast this season, but has remained
at the island of Bermuda, in all probability with a
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REPORT ON DEFENCES. 151
view to concentrate his forces for some important
object, and that upon the whole there is reason to
beheve that a blow is intended to be struck which
will greatly injure this country ; but the point of at-
tack cannot be known. Whether the enemy intends
to aim at New Orleans, Norfolk, Washington, Bal-
timore, New York, or Newport, or whether he has
adopted any definite plan cannot be determined but
by the course of events. That alarm exists in all
those places ; that all are exposed ; and that pru-
dence and patriotism dictate the indispensable
necessity of adopting all proper measures to repel
his attacks cannot be doubted. When we consider
the immense prize which this city affords to his
cupidity, the importance of its position in relation
to ulterior measures of offence ; in relation to the
prosperity of a vast inland country ; and in relation
to the well being of American commerce and navi-
gation ; and when we further consider that this
State is the principal place from whence a war
against Canada is carried on, it is not absurd to
suppose that policy may prescribe an attack upon
our maritime frontier with a view to inflict a vital
injury upon us, and with a further view to
aid the operations of the enemy in the north-
ern and western parts of this State. These ap-
prehensions may be dissipated by subsequent
events ; and it is to be ardently hoped that in the
midst of our preparations for defence the public
anxiety may be relieved, and the prosperity of our
country promoted by intelligence of an honorable
peace.
The means of resistance may be considered undcM*
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152 REPORT ON DEFENCES,
these heads: 1. Fortification. 2. Troops, a. Muni-
tions of war.
The city may be approached in two ways by
water, and in two ways by land.
An enemy may come to us by Sandy Hook, and
by the Sound. He may land at Gravesend Bay, as
he did during the last war, and arrive at Brooklyn,
in the rear of the fortifications. He may land
troops above Hell Gate, and approach us in a north-
ern dii'ection.
, The water communication by Sandy Hook, is pro-
tected by several strong and very important works,
and the only deficiencies we need now point out are
the neglect to finish the important works on Hen-
drick's reef and the adjacent commanding works on
Long Island.
Vessels of any burden can pass through Hell Gate
with safety. The experiments and observations of
Commodore Decatur have put this beyond doubt.
This pass is totally unprotected ; but prompt meas-
ures are being taken by the general government,
and Commissioners of Fortifications, acting under
the authority of the State, to erect a strong work of
12 guns at Hallefs Point, which it is to be lioped
will be followed up by another on Mill Rock.
These forts would effectually prevent the passage
of the enemy, by water, in that direction.
With respect to land attacks by Long Island, and
from above Hell Gate, no measures have been
adopted to repel the enemy. Indeed, all our works
of defence have been erected ui)on the hypothesis
that he would assail us by ships. When we con-
sider that he can. land troops within 8 or 10 miles of
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MBAN8 OF DEFENCE. 153
the city, in more places than one, and that nothing
has been done to impede or preclude his operations
in this way, there is room for serious reflection.
We might, indeed, mention, as a solitary exception,
the intended erection by the Commissioners of For-
tifications, of a strong block-house at the principal
inlet into Jamaica Bay, which will prevent him
from coming in barges to Canarsie landing, within
seven miles of the city, and at the same time cover
an important section of the country from his ma-
rauding incursions.
With respect to troops, we have reason to believe
that all the regular force in this part or its vicinity,
does not exceed 1,600, of which a great portion con-
sists of raw recruits, and perhaps not 74 are ac-
quainted with the use of great guns. The various
forts in this harbor contain 400 cannon, which, with
the artillery that will be required in case of a hos-
tile attempt, ought to be manned by 4,000 men.
The men are now dispersed among the various forts
from Sandy Hook to Greenwich, and it is obvious
could never be concentrated to any given point in
order to meet the advance of the enemy, without a
total abandonment of the works.
The inadequacy of the regular force is palpable,
and we have no reason to believe that the regular
militia can supply the deficiency. The brigade of
artilleiy does not contain more than 1,000 effective
men, a considerable portion of which is principally
conversant with the duties of infantry, and even
fifty of this corps are now stationed at Sag Harbor
for the defence of that place.
The national government have recently ordered
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154 MUNITIONS OF WAR.
13,500 of the militia of this State to be held in readi
ness for service. This force, for the purpose of
immediate defence, is merely an army on paper.
Before the men can be assembled together from
various parts of the State, twenty or thirty days
may elapse, and the objects of the en.emy be com-
pletely attained ; and when assembled, they will be
raw troops unacquainted with the duties of a camp,
without discipUne, without mutual confidence, and
ignorant of the first elements of the military art.
As to munitions of war, the annexed official
statement exhibits the meagre contents of our
State arsenal : — Of field artillery, we have ten
pieces, four of which are six-pounders ; of muskets,
we have 2,230, of which only 548 have cartridge
boxes ; and the fixed ammunition is also inconsider-
able. The Governor has taken measures to obtain
1,000 additional muskets, which may be daily ex-
pected.
The United States have not, in this place, more
than 1,000 muskets. They have 10 iron six-pound-
ers in good order, 4 eighteens, and 3 twelves ; 1
brass twenty-four i)ounder, 2 twelves, and 1 five-
and-a-half -inch howitzer; there are also 11 iron
eighteen-pounders, on old caiTiages, which probably
require remounting. The quantity of fixed ammuni-
tion is not known, but it is apprehended that it is
entirely inadequate to the crisis.
After this brief exposition of our situation, the
most important object of inqTiiry is, what remedies
shall be adopted to supply the desiderata, and to
meet the exigencies of the case.
As a corporate body with municipal powers, and
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RBCOMMENDA T10]S\'<, 155
without any authority to impose taxes, or to raise
troops, it is evident that the Common Council are
not able to apply an adequate remedy. So far, both
as a representation of our defenceless situation, as
an application of a portion of our pecuniary re-
sources, as animating our fellow-citizens to spirited
and patriotic exertion, and as an adoption of all
proper means, either as individuals or public func-
tionaries, may have a benign influence, it is our
incumbent duty to act promptly, in^mediately, and
energetically.
The National Government is specially charged
with the general defence ; and it is presumed that
a respectful representation of this Board, by a com-
mittee, to the President of the United States, may
have beneficial effect, as it is completely in his
power to direct the unfinished works to be com-
pleted, and new works to be constructed ; to direct
the regular forces in this quarter to be augmented ;
to order a portion of the militia into immediate
service, in order to repel invasion, or to cause them
to be paid by the United States after being ordered
out by the authority of this State; to cause the
munitions of war to be augmented without any
great inconvenience or expense, as it is believed
that the United States have arms and ammunition
sufficient, which may be ordered to this place.
Next to the General Government, we must look to
the State Government for protection. The Governor
has authority, by the 68th section of the Militia Law,
to order into service, at the expense of the State,
any portion of the militia, in case of invasion or
other emergency, when he shall judge it necessary.
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156 FOIITFFIED CAMPS RECOMMENDED,
He may also increase the munitions of war in
this quarter, by purchase, or by ordering them
from other arsenals where they are not wanted.
It appears to the Committee that it is indispen-
ably necessary, in order to protect this city against
attacks by land, to have two fortified camps — one
on the heights of Brooklyn, and the other on the
heights of Harlem — and that they should be im-
mediately occupied by the militia. These encamp-
ments may prevent the approach of the enemy in
the most exposed quarters ; will enure the men to
arms and discipline : will serve as places of rendez-
vous for the militia in case of alarm, and will give a
decided tone and countenance to public confidence.
An encampment at Harlem will have this addition-
al advantage : it will keep open a communication
by land with the continent if the enemy shall obtain
the command of our watei*s. The land at Harlem
may be occupied without any expense ; that at
Brooklyn may be obtained at a reasonable rate
during the war, by paying an annual rent. It is
presumed that these camps may be fortified by the
voluntary labor of our fellow-citizens, and by the
militia ordered to occupy them.
A respectable i>ortion of the physical force of this
city is exempted from serving in the militia, except
in cases of invasion. The body of firemen, consist-
ing of upwni-d of 1,(MJ0 able-bodied men ; those who
have served a certain period in the artillery ; and
persons above the age of 45, come principally under
this description. To render this force of any use, it
ought to be organized. The firemen might compose
one regiment, tlie exempts another.
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RESOLUTIOya ADOPTED. 157
Although the Governor is authorized to call out
the militia, at the expense of the State, yet, as no
legislative appropriation has been made for this ob-
ject, it would be proper that the Corporation should
loan the necessary funds on this occasion.
The removal of the shipping from our harbor to
some place of safety, besides being beneficial to the
owners, will diminish the inducement of the enemy
to attack the city, and will prevent the services of an
efficient body of men from being diverted from the
public defence to the conservation of the shipping.
With a view of bringing these propositions before
the Common Council in a formal shape, the Com-
mittee submit the following resolutions :
1. Resolved, That Alderman Mapes and Alder-
mdn Smith be requested forthwith to call upon the
President of the United States, and respectfully to
solicit the attention to the objects above stated as
being within the purview of his official powers.
2. Resolved^ That the Committee of Defence and
Comptroller be a committee to procure the necessary
ground on the heights of Brooklyn, the money
therefor to be advanced by this Board, for an annual
rent for the purposes above expressed, in full confi-
dence that the same will be refunded by the State
or General Government.
3. Resolved, That his Excellency the Governor
be respectfully requested to call out, for the defence
of this city, under the authority given him by the
militia law, a competent number of militia to oc-
cupy the proposed camps, and that the Corporation
will loan the necessary funds, not exceeding $300,-
000, to be reimbursed by the State.
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158 RESOLUTIONS ADOPFKB.
4. Resolved, That his Excellency the Gk»vernor
be further respectfully requested to increase, by all
means in his power, the munitions of war in this
part of the State, and to cause the field artillery and
arms to be put in complete order.
5. Resolved, That the Committee of Defence be
instructed to attend to the organization of the ex-
empts as above stated ; to the removal of the ship-
ping, and to procuring the voluntary labor of our
fellow-citizens on the encampments above men.
tioned.
6. Resolved, That the Commissioners of Forti-
fications be requested to hasten the erection of
works on Hal et's Point, and Mill Rock, or such
other works as they may judge necessary, to pre-
vent the approach of the enemy to this city by the
Sound.
7. Resolved, That General Fish and Mr. Wend-
over be a committee to wait upon the Governor
with these resolutions.
8. Resolved, That the Finance Committee be
authorized to inquire and report as to the means of
raising the moneys that may be required under
these resolutions.
The Committee having been dii'ected by the Com-
mon Council 'o confer with his Excellency the
Governor, and Major-General Lewis, conceive it no
more than an act of justice to state, that those
gentlemen have evinced every disposition to promote
the defence of this city, and will unquestionably
afford all the aid in their power for the attainment
of this important object."
The weak points where the enemy would be most
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LOCATION OF FORTS. 159
likely to make an attack were well known, and had
been openly discussed for some time previous.
The report of Gov. Tompkins to the State Legis-
lature, dated March 15th, 1813 (see portion of it, ante,
Vol. I., p. 1Y8), was carefully made as to the
measures necessaiy. In that report Gov. Tompkins
said :
'' Preparatory to an estimate of the forces which
may be suflScient for the harbor of New York it
will be proper to mention the points, w hich, in ad-
dition to the present fortifications, may be occupied
to great advantage :
*' 1. A battery upon the block which has been
sunk opposite the Navy Yard, on the mud bank or
island found between the East River and the chan-
nel of the Wallabout Bay, would be a great protec-
tion to the easterly side of the city ; such a work it
is probable will be erected by the Navy Department,
f ^'2. An open excavated battery of position on
the high bank of the Long Island shore, between
the house of Jeremiah Johnson and Williamsburgh,
would be very powerful and commanding. *
'* 3. A similar work will be required on the west-
erly side of the river, at or near Corlear's Hook.
*' 4. A battery of eight or ten columbiads at some
proper place on the shore of the East River, between
Throgg's Neck and BlackwelFs Island, is necessary
to guard against the approach of vessels from the
Sound.
^* 5. Works at Hoboken and Powles Hook (Jersey
City) should also be accepted.
* ^ 6. A bomb battery for five or six ten-inch mortars
at or near the quarantine ground, will be essential to
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160 FULTON'S inoyCLAD.
prevent vessels from lying in that anchorage to
repair damage or to wait for a favorable wind or tide.
** 7. Redonbts, each containing a block house, upon
the high ground of Long Island, southwest of Brook-
lyn, which commands Red Hook, Governor's Island
and the city, and also upon the eminences in the rear
of the fortifications on Staten Island will be of great
importance."
Work had been commenced in June, and was in
progress, for the building of a fort at Hallet's Point,
on the Brooklyn side of Hell Gate. The corner-
stone for it was laid on the 14th of July, and it was
called Fort Stevens, in honor of Major-Gten. Ebe-
nezer Stevens, of the New York State militia artil-
lery. It was an open battery of twelve guns. The
day selected w^as the anniversary of the capture of
Stony Point by Gen. Wayne.
A party consisting of Mayor Chnton, Col. Wil-
liams, Major Fairlie, Gen. Morton, Gen. Stevens,
Gen. Swift and Dr. Swift, his father, then assem-
bled at Hallet's Point, and named the position Fort
Stevens^ After this, Gen. Stevens gave the party a
dinner at Mount Napoleon, his country seat.
On the same day an order w\as issued by the Gov-
ernor, detailing a militia detachment from Gten.
Steddiford's brigade, to guard the ironclad frigate
which was being built at Brown's yard, under the
direction of Robert Fulton. The guard consisted
of one sergeant, one corporal and twelve privates.
The next day Gen. Swift sent Lieut. James Gads-
den, his aid-de-camp, to commence a block house
on Mill Rock and a tower in the rear of Haliet's
Point, to cover the right of oiu' line of defence.
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FORTS AT HARLEM 161
On July 16th the work on Harlem Heights was
commenced at Mount Alto, on the Hudson River
near 123d street. The trenches were opened by a
detachment of volunteer militia, citizens from the
city, under Major Van Horn. The line was from
Mount Alto, extending east across Bloomingdale
road, where it was a bastion called Fort Horn, and
along the elevated ground to McGowan's Pass and
along the ledge of rocks and the elevated ground
overlooking Harlem Flats, to Hell Gate. That line
was taken in preference to an advanced one^ because
it was short and money and men were not yet at
command.
The State had already done much in the way
of building fortifications and supplying them with
mihtia, and further appropriations were made to
complete them.* While other parts of the State
were actually invaded, and New York City only
threatened, there was no choice as to how the State
should act. This left the entire responsibility of
the defence of the city mainly upon the citizens, in
the way of fortifications. The necessary number
of militia could probably be had, but the city must
pay them and supply the munitions of defence, and
trust to the future action of the National and State
Governments to reimburse the expense.
On the 20th of July Gov. Tompkins, as Command*
er-in-chief of the New York State Militia, ordered
and directed that all of the militia of the State be
kept in complete order for service and ready to
* The committee of fortifications for the city and State
were De Witt Clinton, ArtKur Smith, Gen. Jacob Morton, Gen.
Peter Curtenius, and Major James Fairiie.
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162 00 V. TOMPKINS.
mai'ch at a moment's warning to any part, of the
State attacked, or in immediate danger of being at-
tacked. The following is a copy of it :
State of New York.
General Orders.
Head'QuarterSy Albany^ July 20th, 1814.
In compliance with a requisition made by the
Pi-esident, pursuant to the laws of the United
States, t|ie Commander-in-chief of the State of New
York directs that 13,500 of the militia of the State
of New York be detached, organized, equipped and
held in readiness for actual service.
The First Brigade of artillery, the Third and Tenth
Brigades of infantry, and the uniform companies of
artillery, light infantry, grenadiers and riflemen
■of Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Putnam and
Dutchess Counties will form the first division.
The artillery of Rockland, Orange, Dutchess and
Putnam will be formed into a battalion, of which
Major Samuel Slee, of Poughkeepsie, will be com-
mandant. The second major of the battalion will
be assigned by the commandant of the tenth regi-
ment of artillery. This battalion will be attached
to the First Brigade of artillery.
The light infantry companies of the before-men-
tioned counties will be formed into one battalion,
and the rifle companies into another battalion, and
those two battalions into one regiment.
The First Brigade of horse artilleiy, and the Fif-
teenth, Twenty-second, Twenty-ninth and Thirty-
third Brigades of infantry will likewise be prepared
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ORGANIZES THE MILITIA. 163
and equipped for immediate service, under the re-
spective officers now commanding them.
The second and third divisions of the requisition
are to be detached and organized as specified in the
annexed detail.
The Commander-in-chief directs, that all the
residue of the militia of the State of New York be
likewise kept in complete order for service, and
ready to march at a moment's warning, to any part
of the State which may be attacked, or in immedi-
ate danger of being attacked ; and enjoins it upon
all officers to cause their corps to be immediately
and thoroughly inspected, and the penalties for
deficiencies of equipments to be rigidly enforced.
Brigade and division inspectors are charged to be
attentive to the execution of this order.
The services of the first and second divisions, and
of the uniform corps in the counties of Ulster,
Delaware, Greene, Rensselaer, Albany, Schenectady
and Dutchess which shall tender their services on
this occasion, will be required at New York and its
vicinity.
Volunteers for this detachment are to be accepted
by commandants of regiments, brigades or divisions,
and reported to the adjutant-general immediately.
The Commander-in-chief invites the uniform
corps, throughout the State, to exhibit, at this time,
the same military pride and patriotic order which
many of them have displayed on former occasions.
The crisis demands united exertions, and the Com-
mander-in chief is persuaded that the promptitude,
bravery and patriotism of the militia generally will
be proportioned to the emergencies to which the State
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164 OFFICERS ASSIGNED,
of New York may be subjected. By order of the
Commander-in-chief,
: (Signed) Sol. Van Rensselaer,
Adjutant-Oeneral.
The following officers are detailed for service ; the
residue are to be assigned by commandants of di-
visions, brigades and regiments.
Jfq/or-(?6;weraZ5—Ebenezer Stevens, Benj. Mooers,
Nathaniel King.
Inspectors — Ebenezer Irving, Jr., Moses I. Can-
tine, Thomas Greenly.
Quarter-Masters— B(\Y\mY(i Hart, Cornelius Mar-
tin, Samuel CampV>ell.
Judge- Advocates — Hugh Maxwell, Lemuel Jenk-
ins, William Hotchkiss.
Brigadiers — Gerard Steddiford, Jacob Morton,
Jonas Mapes, Martin Heermance, Samuel Haight,
Daniel Wright, Oliver Collins.
Brigade-Majors — Theophilus Pierce, John Brush,
Joseph Lord, Nathaniel Pitcher, Ransom Rath-
bun.
Brigade Quarter-Masters — Cornelius Bogert, P.
H. Schenck, William Macomb, Thomas P. Baldwin,
Joshua Hathaway.
Lieutenant-Colonels — Jonathan Varian, Isaac Bel-
knap, Jr., Abraham Van Wyck, Anthony Dela-
mater, Anthony Wheeler, John I. Van Dalsen,
Daniel Warren, Sebastian Vischer, Thomas Davis,
James Green, John Prior, Hendrick Van Schaick,
Pliny Adams, C. P. Bellinger, Emstus Cleveland.
Jfo/ors— William Hammond, David W. Bate^
Samuel Slee, S. V.W. Varick, Clarmont Livingston,
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HELP FROM NEW JERSEY. 165
adjutants; I. Tompkins, quarter -master; Matthew
Oliver, paymaster.
The Third and Tenth Brigades of infantry were
made up of New York City regiments, as we have
before seen. Gen. Jacob Morton was in command
of First Brigade of artillery. The Fifteenth Bri-
gade of infantry was from the southern part of
Westchester County ; the Twenty-second from
Kings and Queens Counties, the Twenty ninth from
Rockland County, and the Thirty-third from Suf-
folk County. These were all placed under com-
mand of Ma jor-Gten. Ebenezer Stevens, with head-
quarters in New York City.
New Jersey was on hand to aid in the defence of
New York harbor.
Gov. W. C. Pennington, of that State, was the
first to take official notice of the call by the Presi-
dent for militia from the States. The number (five
thousand) requested from New Jersey was so small,
and her Une of defences so important, that the Gov-
ernor requested that the quota should be made up
of miHtia volunteers. His request was dated July
14th, in which he appealed to the patriotism of the
people as follows :
** The Commander-in-Chief thinks it his duty to
remind the militia of New Jersey that the crisis
calls for a manifestation of public virtue. The
events of the war in Europe have left America to
again contend singly with the British Empire. The
eyes of the world are upon us. Let us convince the
enemy that the moment he lands on our shores he
will be met by freemen in arms, able and willing
to defend their country. The citizens of New Jer-
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166 MILITIA FORCES.
sey were among the first in our glorious struggle
for national independence and in- the formation of
our national government ; they will not be the last
in arms to maintain what they have so heroically
contributed to achieve and wisely to establish."
Governor Pennington requested that all offers of
volunteers should be made within twenty days.
The official report of the Adjutant-General of New
York State showed the militia force of the State in
1814 to be 95,026 officers and men. The report of
New Jersey showed the militia force of that State
to be about thirty-six thousand officers and men.
On the 26th of July, Aldermen Mapes and Smith,
the committee appointed on the 14th of July to
confer with the President of the United States re-
lating to the defence of the city, made a satisfactory
report, which stated that he would co-operate, so
far as his power extended, in promoting the objects
of the corporation ; particularly, the munitions of
war, the fortified camps, and the immediate call
into service of three thousand militia at the expense
of the United States would be attended to, the cor-
poration advancing the pay of the troops. This
arrangement was immediately sanctioned by the
Common Council.
The following is the
REPORT MADE TO COMMON COUNCIL ON JULY 26TH,
1814.
''The committee report that, in pursuance of
their instructions, and fully impressed with the
urgency of the business committed to them, they
repaired with all possible dispatch to the seat of
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NATIONAL AID PROMISED. 107
government, and waited on the Executive on the
19th inst., also, by his direction, on the Secretary
of War.
*' Your committee had a full and attentive hear-
ing, and it is but justice to remark, that their ap-
plication received that prompt and early attention
which the importance and magnitude of the subject
required, and that every disposition was evinced on
the part of the Government to comply, as far as in
their power, with the wishes of this corporation.
** They beg leave to submit the following, as the
result of their final interview with the Secretary of
War, to whom the application was referred :
'* The Government will call into immediate ser-
vice three thousand militia (the number contem-
plated by this Board), to be considered as part of
the State's quota conditionally ordered by the Pres-
ident on 22d of June.
^' All the requisite arms and other military stores,
as well as ordnance for two fortified camps, will be
furaished by the War Department, except so many
muskets as can be supplied from the State arsenal.
Such muskets as the general government may fur-
nish will be considered as the property of the State,
and be chained against their proportion allowed by
the law of Congress for arming the whole body of
the militia, the Governor giving a receipt for the
same. The troops will also be fvirnished with sub-
sistence and camp equipage, but their monthly pay
is to be advanced by the corporation, which will
again receive it from the general government.
'^ Proper and skillful oflScers (Gen. Swift and Col.
Wadsworth, as your committee are infomied) will
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168 MILITARY STORES
be directed to lay out the proposed camps, to super-
intend the fortifying the same, and to provide and
inspect the ordnance necessary for the purpose.
** As an impression prevailed that there existed
at this poi-t a great deficiency of militaiy stores,
your committee deem it not improper to present to
the Board the annexed schedule of such as were at
this depot on the 1st of April, which quantity, it is
understood, has been rather increasing. By this
document of the War Department it will be per-
ceived that there is an ample store of everything
but muskets ; of this article your committee are in-
formed that there are two thousand on their way
from Philadelphia, and a large stock at Springfield,
which, if wanted, could in a few days be delivered
hei'e.
'' With respect to the number of men in the har-
bor, there is considerable difference between the
retui-ns to the War Department and those lately
reported to this Board, the former stating the
force at 2,r»00, while the report of the special com-
mittee makes it only 1,600 ; the cause of this differ-
ence between the two returns, it is not in the ]>ower
of your committee to explain at present.
(Signed) '* Jonas Mapes,
Thos. R. Smith.''
schedule to report.
** 347 pieces of iron heavy cannon, 18 poundei-s
and upwards, including 22 colunibiads, 50-pounder8,
and 1 loO-pounder, mounted on fixed carriages and
<Kiuipped for service.
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AT NEW YORK. 169
^^ 5 18-pounder8 on travelling carriages, defective
in the wheels, new wheels having been ordered.
'^ 11 12- and 9-pounders on travelling carriages.
** 26 6-pounders on travelling carriages, of which
seven are brass.
*' 5 8-inch howitzers on travelling carriages.
^' 5 10-inch mortars mounted on wooden beds.
**40 old cannon mortars, dismounted and unser-
viceable."
The difference between this report and that made
to the War Department is owing to this circum-
stance : The first embraces the field artillery on the
island of New York alone, the other includes all the
field artillery on that of the different islands in the
port.
At this meeting it was resolved that the injunc-
tion of secrecy on the action of the Common Council
be removed so far as related to the measures of de-
fence, and that the said committee select from their
report such parts of it as they judged discreet to be
made known, and to give publicity to the same, also
to give summary of the last report. It was deemed
necessary to arouse popular interest. Up to this
time the proceedings in the Common Council were .
unknown to the people, and they seemed to take little
interest in them.
The great abundance of Treasury notes and paper
money among the people (noticed in Chapter XXVI.)
had made them extravagant and much given to
amusements and personal enjoyments, taking little
regard for the future. The cry of ^' There is an
enemy at our doors ! " by those in authority had been
repeated so often, and nothing had come of it, that
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170 POPOLAR APATHY,
no attention was given to it now. The city news-
paper of the day called attention to the popular
apathy as to the dangerous condition of the city, and
the devotion of the people to amusement and pleasure
to an extent never before known in the history of
the city.
The Columbian said :
'^ Jf a stranger were to judge from the public ex-
hibitions and diversions of the day, he would think
the citizens of New York were a pretty gay and
lively and tolerably careless people, considering the
times."
The following is a list of amusements for the
week ending July 30th :
Monday — Dwyer's Lecture on Heads. (Comic.)
Tight rope and dramatic representations in the
evening, at Broadway Circus Building.
Tuesday — Serenade in the evening from the por-
tico of the Flag staff at the Battery by the Mace-
donian band.
Wednesday — Dinner to Essex crew. Steamboat
trip to Sandy Hook. Evening — Essex crew on exhi-
bition at Broadway Circus. Fireworks at Vauxhall
Garden, and dramatic entertainment, ** Hearts of
Oaks." Serenadeat the Battery. Music and pleasure
party in the steamboat Nassau from Beekman Slip.
2%Mr5day— Evening concert at Connolly's Military
Garden, Brooklyn. The Belvedere House and
Garden opens with fireworks, Brooklyn, by R Kent.
Friday — Evening dramatic representations, at
Broadway Circus. Fireworks at Vauxhall Garden.
Daily — American Museum, naval panorama^
Commodore Perry's Victory. Mechanical panorama^
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AM08EMKNT8 OF THE DA Y. Yi\
of Chesapeake Bay ; ditto Baltimore. Wax figures.
Telescopic views of the planets, inoon and stai*s
from building at the Flag staff.
The following is an account of a steamboat ex-
cursion the next week :
" The steamboat Nassau exhibited a novel and
pleasing appearance on Tuesday evening. She was
brilliantly illuminated and«had on board a party of
ladies and gentlemen, with a band of music. She
left Beekman Slip at nine o'clock and proceeded
slowly but majestically down the river close to the
wharves into the North River, passed the Battery
and went up as far as Jay Street ; then pix)ceeded
alongside the President frigate, when rockets were
thrown from the boat, and three cheers given by
the party, the music striking up the ^* President's
March." The crew of the President returned the
compliment by giving three cheers. The boat then
passed close around the President and returned to
the place where she started. The battery and the
wharves were crowded with spectators, who were
much pleased with the sight, and cheered as the
boat passed them."
The dinner given at Tammany Hall to the sur-
vivors of the crew of the Essex and the Essex
Junior was by subscription.
The committee of arrangements were : Francis
Cooper, Stephen Whitney, Preserved Fish, Abraham
R. Lawrence, Abraham Stagg, James Warner,
Elisha Tibbets, Henry W. Bool, Thomas Carberry,
James Lovett, Richard Hatfield, John Haff, Je-
romus Johnson.
The crew (about one hundred and twenty)
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172 DINNER TO THE
marched from the Battery in procession up
Broadway, attended by Commodore Decatur's
{Macedonian) band of music, the marines in
new uniform and the seamen who were in the
engagement at Valparaiso harbor with crape on
their hats in respect to their slaughtered comrades.
They carried flags with the patriotic inscriptions
displayed by Captain Poji;er in the action in Val-
paraiso harbor.
It will be remembered that when Captain Porter
sailed out of New York harbor on July 3rd, 1812, his
motto flying at the mast-head of the Essex was
'' Free Trade and Sailors' Rights" (ante, Vol. I., p. 9).
When the British vessels under Commodore Hillyer
laid siege to the Essex in Valparaiso harbor, some of
them had flags with mottoes in answer to that of Cap-
tain Porter, One of the enemy's mottoes was ^' God
and Country, British Sailors' Best Rights — Traitors
offend both." Captain Porter replied to this by the
motto, "God, our Country and Liberty — Tyrants
offend both."
The procession halted between the park and the
CityJHaU, and were joined by a coach with five of
their wounded companions. They were saluted by
nine hearty cheers from the spectators.
The dining-room was appropriately decorated.
There'were one hundred and eighty-four persons at
the dinner.
In the [evening the crew attended the cii^cus, and
were on/exliibition there, being announced in the
advertisements as **The heroes of Valparaiso."
They were the escaped prisoners that ha I been
captured by the enemy at Valparaiso.
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CREW OF THE ESSIiX. 173
Capt. Porter, with the remains of his crew were
paroled prisoners, and arrived off the northeastern
coast of Long Island on July 5th, in the Essex
Junior, The enemy detained him in such a manner
as made them again prisoners, and not subject to the
parole. Under these circumstances, Capt. Porter
attempted an escape. He, with his men, lowered a
boat, manned and armed it, and put off from the
Essex Junior. When he was discovered the Saturn
went in pursuit of him, but he eluded the enemy.
After rowing and saiUng about sixty miles, Capt.
Porter succeeded, with great difficulty and hazard, in
reaching the town of Babylon, L. I., where he landed
on the 6th, and then in a carriage reached the
Brooklyn navy yard on the 7th, and was followed by
the boat with its crew on wagon wheels. He crossed
the Brooklyn ferry and landed in the city at foot
of Beekman Slip in the afternoon. On entering
his carriage there the hoi^ses were immediately un-
harnessed, and he was drawn by the citizens to his
lodgings in Greenwich Street, amidst the cheering
and acclamation of the spectators.
Capt. Porter and his crew were on waiting orders
at the Brooklyn navy yard when the dinner was
given.
The late Admiral D. G. Farragut was a midship-
man taken prisoner in that conflict, and was present
at the dinner.*
♦ The only wound that Admiral Farrap^t ever received during
his service m the navy was at this battle in Valparaiso harbor
in 1814. He was twelve years of age. He was knocked down
the hatchway by a failing man, and was severely bruised.
Capt. Porter made honorable mention of the lad in his official re-
port to the Secretary of the Navy.
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174 MEMORIAL TO COMMON COUNCIL,
A meeting of some citizens had been held about
the middle of July on the subject of the defence of
the city, and a memorial addressed to the Mayor
and Common Council of the city was drawn up and
circulated for the purpose of obtaining signatures
thereto. The following is a copy of it :
"To the Honorable, the Mayor and Corporation of
the City of New York :
''The citizens whose names are undersigned
respectfully represent that, in their opinion, our
beloved country, and probably the city of New
York, the center of our affections and interests, is
exposed to imminent danger of invasion by a pow-
erful, vindictive and exasperated enemy, and that
the period has therefore arrived when all good citi-
zens ought to combine in defence of everything
dear and valuable in this life. Your memorialists
do not call in question the vigilance, zeal or fidelity
of the public authorities ; they disavow any inten-
tion of weakening or distracting their measures ;
on the contrary, it is their sole object to animate
and strengthen the public councils, and to maintain
that inestimable privilege of our free institutions,
which prescribes that, in whatever manner the en-
ergies of freemen are displayed, the guardians of
the laws should always remain the directors of the
public force. Your memorialists are well satisfied
that the great body of their fellow-citizens are dis-
posed at this interesting crisis to bury in oblivion
the causes of past dissensions, and that what has
appeared to be an alarming apathy in respect to the
great interests of our country ought, in truth, to be
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BEQOLUTIONa OFFERED, 175
ascribed to a respectfxil deference for the Govern-
ment, and a reluctance to engage in public concerns
without a regular authority for that purpose.
''Your memorialists are, however, convinced
that inaction is no longer consistent with the pub-
lic safety, and that the urgency of our situation
requires that the Government should now be aided
by the voluntary and patriotic efforts of good citi-
zens, and they respectfully request that measures
may be immediately devised for ascertaining their
sentiments and combining their exertions.
"New York, July 20, 1814.
(Signed) "Oliver Wolcott,"
and by others.
The names of the persons who signed it cannot
now be ascertained. They were not published nor
recorded in the proceedings of the Common Coun-
cil.
This memorial was presented to the Common
Council on the 1st of August by Alderman Wend-
over, with the following resolutions :
^^ Resolved, That the Common Council highly ap-
prove of the sentiments expressed in the memorial
presented by Oliver Wolcott and others in behalf of
themselves and a number of the citizens of this
city, on the important subject of taking immediate
and effectual measures for its greater security and
defence.
^^ Resolved, That it be earnestly recommended to
the citizens generally of this city to meet in the
park in front of the City Hall on Wednesday
next, the 3d inst., at twelve o'clock at noon, for
the purpose of appointing a committee to inquire if
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17G RB80LUT10NS REJh'CTED.
any and what means ought and may be devised to
put this city in a better posture of defence, and in
conjunction with the committee of defence of this
Board to provide all practical means in concert
with the General and State Grovernments calculated
to prepare for and stimulate our fellow-citizens in
the protection and defence of everything we hold
dear and valuable in life, and to repel any at-
tack that may be made by the enemy against this
city." 2^
The question being taken thereon, and a division
being called, it was decided in the negative by a
vote of ten to seven, as follows :
Negative — Mesier, Mapes, McCartie, Lawrence,
Fish, Nitchie, Lawrence, King, Hardenbrook,
Brown — ten.
Affirmative — Buckwater, Wendover, Mimson,
Tucker, Cannon, Mann, Burtis — seven.
It was claimed that, although the resolutions
were not adopted, the aldermen did not discounte-
nance the proposed meeting, but merely left the
citizens to exercise their constitutional privilege in
such manner as they thought proper.
The special committee of defence, pursuant to di-
rection of the Common Council on the 26th of July,
published a summary of their reports the next day.
It only showed the urgent need of more fortifica-
tions and need of more soldiers.
This was read at the next meeting of the Com-
mon Council, in the afternoon of August Ist.
The standing committee of defence then recom-
mended to the Common Council that the following
address be issued by the Mayor to the citizens of
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ADDRKBS TO THE PUBLIC.
New York. This was unanimously approved and
adopted by the Common Council, as follows :
FelloiV' Citizens : The times are portentous, our
country is involved in war with one of the most
powerful nations in the world ! A nation possess-
ing at all times, most efficient means of annoyance,
and now, in consequence of late events in Europe,
left with but one object against which to direct the
whole attention of her enormous naval and military
forces. This object is our beloved country ! Pow-
erful fleets and armies have sailed from Europe !
Doubts whether, during pending negotiations, this
force would be employed against us, have paralyzed
the efforts of many, and under the expectations of
a speedy peace we have all rested in too mu h se-
curity. We ought not to be kept back from neces-
sary preparations by doubts, not to be lulled asleep
by expectations. While we hope for a speedy and
honorable peace, let us prepare ourselves for the
wor^t. Let us place ourselves in a situation, should
it be the policy of the enemy to attack us before the
negotiations are terminated, to meet him with the *
most prompt and rigorous opposition.
Where the place of attack will be, it is impos-
sible for any to divine ; it therefore becomes us to
be prepared at every exposed point. The immense
importance of New York to this country need not
be mentioned. Its value to the enemy, if possessed
by them, would be incalculable.
Fellow-citizens, this city is in danger ! We are
threatened with invasion. It is the duty of all good
citizens to prepare for the crisis ! We must arm
ourselves to aid the regular force of the government
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178 ADDRBSa TO THB PUBLIC.
in a vigorous defence. The questions are not now,
whether the war was just or unjust in its com-
mencement ; whether the declaration of war was
politic or expedient ; whether the causes have long
ago ceased or not ; whether our government might
or might not have brought it to a speedy and
honorable termination ; or whether they have done
their duty toward us since they have involved us in
this war ? These are solemn questions which will
one day be agitated, and which must be answered
hereafter. But now we must repulse the enemy
from our city in case he attacks us ! This is the
first object of our attention, and the present in-
quiries ought to be, will we defend our country, our
city, our property, our families ? Will we go forth
to meet and repel the invading enemy ? Shall we,
at a time like this, when our all is in jeopardy, re-
frain from calling into requisition all the physical
force of our city for a manly resistance ; shall we
refuse to sacrifice our time, our labor, our exertions,
our property or even our lives, if necessary, to pro-
tect our city, and place it in a state of security ?
As the immediate guardians of the city we have
not been idle ; we have repeatedly called upon the
State and General Governments for assistance. We
have, in behalf or our fellow citizens, made to gov-
ernment liberal offers of pecuniary aid. We have
received from them promises of succor. And we
feel desirous that, in addition to what they may do
and what we as a corporation have done, our fellow-
citizens may Use all their efforts to co-operate with
the government in the important object of our
safety and defence.
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ADDRESS TO THE PUBLIO. 179
We have observed, with much satisfaction, the
efforts which have been abready. made by citizens
exempt from mihtia duty, to organize themselves
into effective corps. We cordially approve of all
such patriotic efforts ; we recommend to all such
citizens capable of bearing arms, to enrol themselves
without delay, or to connect themselves with the
uniform companies already established, to the end
that by suitable preparations and discipline they
may be able effectually to assist in repeUing any
hostile attack.
We recommend to the whole mihtia of our city to
keep themselves in complete order for service, ready
to march at a moment's warning, to turn out as
frequently as possible for exercise and improve-
ment ; and to the officers of the mihtia we would
earnestly recommend the most prompt and thorough
attention to the inspection of their men, that every
one may be properly equipped with arms and ac-
coutrements as required by law.
We recommend to all our citizens a cheerful prof-
fer of their services to the officers of the United
States, to aid by voluntary labor in the completion
of the works of defence now erecting, and in the
construction of such other as may be deemed im-
portant by those to whom the safety of our city is
immediately intrusted.
We recommend to such of our citizens as have
not yet removed their vessels, to do it without delay.
This measure is considered one of great importance.
It will take away one of the inducements to a hos-
tile attack. It may prevent the destruction of the
city by conflagration, should our shipping be fired
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180 RECOMMENDATIONS APPROVED,
by the enemy at our wharves ; and it would preserve
for our defence multitudes of brave and vigorous
men who might otherwise be engaged in removing
them in the hour of alarm.
Surely the city of New York and the adjoining
counties possess men enough who will be willing to
hazard their lives for their families and friends, and
strength enough, if properly organized and directed,
to repulse any power of the enemy which may pre
sume to attack us. Let there then be but one voice
among us. Let every arm be raised to defend our
country, and with an humble reliance on the God of
our fathers. Our country demands our aid. She ex-
pects that every man will be found at his post in
the hour of danger, and that every free citizen of
New York will do his duty.
De Witt Cunton,
Mayor.
"^The address was signed and published by the
Mayor on August 3d. It was said to have been
written by him. '1 he tone of it and his literary
abilities will lead no one to doubt that the Mayor
was the writer of it.
Some citizens held a meeting at the City Hall
next day (August '4th), at which Col. Henry Rutgers
was chosen chairman and Oliver Wolcott secretary.
The following resolutions were adopted :
^^ Resolved unanimously : That this meeting highly
approve the measures proposed for the defence of
this city, and recommended to the citizens in an ad-
dress published by his honor, the Mayor, on the 3d
inst.
" Resolved unanimously : That for the purpose of
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PUBLIC MEETING CALLED. 181
carrying the said measures into systematical opera-
tion, in concert with and under the direction of
the public authorities, the citizens of New York be
invited to attend a public meeting at the park, in
front of the City Hall, on Monday the 8th inst., at
twelve o'clock/*
The call for a meeting was widely published and
was generally approved. Some of the newspapers
objected to such a meeting.
A line of torpedoes, designed by Robert Fulton,
had already been placed at the Narrows, and at
Throgg^s Neck, and at several places in Long Island
Soimd.
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CHAPTER XXXII.
Active MiHtai*y Movements^State Militia Ordered to Serve at
New York City and Vicinity — Wliere Tiiey Came From —
Cadets from West Point — Volunteers from New Jersey.
E local military authorities in every
part of the State were on the alert,
actively engaged in complying
with the order of the Governor of
July 20th. Officers of corps were
ordering parades and inspections
as to sufficiency of equipments
I and of uniforms. Brigade and
division inspectors were careful in their duties, but
yet were lenient to the delinquents in many cases
where it was shown that a good reason existed for
the deficiencies of equipments or of complete uni-
form. Reinspections were ordered in many cases
after sufficient time had elapsed for delinquents to
comply.
On the 30th July Gen. Morton ordered a parade
of the Fii-st Brigade of artillery for inspection at
the Battery parade. It was ascertained that his
brigade consisted of about one thousand men. Tt
was composed of the Second, Ninth and Eleventh
Regiments of New York City and Third Regiment
of Kings County. The Eleventh Regiment at that
time contained 449 men.
1^ Some of the companies drilled at the guns daily
and others with small arms at the Battery Park.
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CALL FOR MILITIA, 183
The brigade of artillery paraded by battalions
every Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon.
Up to this time none of the militia had been
ordered to rendezvous for actual service, but some
volunteers had arrived in New York under the order
of July 20th. An order was issued, dated July 30th,
signed by Thomas Christie, Assistant Adjutant-Gen-
eral of the Third MiUtary District, which prescribed
that, *'In all cases where troops are encamped
within this district the officers attached to them
are to encamp and remain with them."
On the 2d August Gov. Tompkins, at the request?
of Major-General Morgan Lewis, ordered Gen. Rose,
of the Thirty-third Brigade (Suffolk County), to de-
tach a company of militia from his brigade, to con-
sist of one captain, two heutenants, two ensigns,
five sergeants, six corporals, two musicians (fife and
drum), and ninety privates, and station them at
Sagg Harbor. In the same order Gen. Jeremiah
Johnson, of the Twenty-second Brigade, was re-
quired to furnish a company from that portion of
his brigade in Queens County, organized same as
above, to be stationed at Sagg Harbor, Gen. Rose
to officer this company from his brigade.
About the time this order (of July 20th) had be-
come fully known throughout the State, the Gov-
ernor issued another order calhng into military
service four thousand men, for the defence of the
city of New York and vicinity. This order was
dated August 4, 1814, and required a rendezvous by
battalions or in corps of not less than one full com-
pany, on the 18th of August, as designated in the
order, for the purpose of proceeding to New York.
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184 MILITIA ORDERED FROM
All of the men called for were from the Hudson
River counties, as follows :
INFANTRY.
Orange County, 540 men, of Nineteenth Brigade.
Orange County, 432 men, of Thirty-fourth Brig-
ade.
Sullivan and Ulster Counties, 432 men, of Twenty-
third Brigade.
Greene and Albany Coimties, 540 men, of Thirty-
seventh Brigade.
Columbia County, 540 men, of Twelfth Brigade.
Dutchess County, 648 men, of Twentieth Brigade.
Dutchess County, 540 men, of Thirtieth Brigade.
ARTILLERY.
The artillery companies of Rockland and Orange
Counties, under Lieut. -Col. Selah Strong. Those
from Putnam and Dutchess, under Lieut. -Col. Na-
than Myers.
LIGHT INFANTRY AND RIFLEMEN.
^^One full company of the Second "Regiment of
riflemen (Albany County), and if more shall volun-
teer, they are to be accepted and serve under Lieut. -
Col. S. M. Lockwood, if three companies shall vol-
unteer."
The order included the Ught infantry and rifle
companies of Rockland, Orange, Dutchess and Put-
nam Counties, as organized under the order of July
20th.
VOLUNTEERS.
In addition, the order provided that such of the
imiforra corps in the coimties of Delaware, Greene,
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HUDSON RIVER 00 UNTIES. 185
Rensselaer, Albany, Schenectady and Ulster as
would volunteer their services for the defence of
the city of New York and vicinity should report to
the Governor immediately.
All the artillery, light infantry and riflemen were
required to appear at rendezvous with complete uni-
form. The artillery were required to take with
them their field pieces and equipments. The Ught
infantry, riflemen and infantry were required to
be equipped with a musket, bayonet or rifle, with a
cartridge-box or rifle pouch, and with knapsack,
blanket and canteen, and they were advised in the
order ^'to provide themselves with a frock and
trousers for fatigue dress, to preserve their uni-
form." Substitutes were taken, but they must
comply with the above requirements.
This order was particularly harfl on the infantry
mentioned in it, as the call was to be made up of
men exclusive of the uniform companies of said
brigades ; therefore they must provide their own
uniform and equipments immediately at their own
expense.
All of those called must provide their own trans-
portation to the places of rendezvous, which were
at some points on the Hudson River convenient for
them to take sloops for New York City. No provi-
sion was made for rations while on the way to the
rendezvous.*
Three thousand of these troops were called out
* It was this order and others like it appiving to other por*
tions of New York State in the summer of 1814, that caused so
much hardship at the time, and whici) has heen the subject of
much State legislation and expense, and yet deprived the soldier
of that day of his earnings and held out false hopes of repay-
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186 8TBINQBNT ORDERS.
under the act of Congress of 1795, to serve for three
months from the date of the rendezvous, or for six
months if the public interest required it, but could
not be compelled to serve for a longer period. The
residue of one thousand under the order, called out
under New York State authority, were not liable to
serve longer than three months.
A few days after this order, one hundred and
twenty of the cadets from West Point arrived in
the city and were stationed on Governor's Island
for ten days' tour of duty.
The following order was issued :
^' Adjutant-General's Office,
** Albany, August 14th, 1814.
^'On the arrival of the several detachments of
militia ordered into service on the 4th inst., at their
respective places of rendezvous, the commanding
ment to him and to those depending upon him for support, in
such a manner as to be a shameful disgrace to any country.
State or nation.
When we reflect that the Governor of New York, in his posi-
tion as Commander-in-Chief of the militia of the State, was
compelled to resort to such measures, and that they were actu-
ally applied to more than one-half of tlve men in the State th<U
were subject to mUUary duty, it is worthy of notice by historical
writers.
The men of New York State of that day did not leave their
Elows in tite furrows, as was said to have been done at the out-
reak of the Revolutionary War, but they left their crops in
the field waiting and wasting, to be harve%ited oy the owners, or
to be fired by a ruthless and maddened foe.
For more than three-quarters of a century has the matter
been unnoticed in history, and as there is a strong probability
that it will ever remain so unless recorded in this work, I will
proceed to give an outline of it, which can easily be filled up
from ofliciai records.
The hardship to the soldiers of New York State which these
orders engendered were often spoken of, and after many years
meetings were held by the survivors to form some plan by which
they could be reimbursed in part for the loss that they haV
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HABD FOR THE IITFANTRT. 187
officer will report themselves and their corps to the
commandant of the Third Military District of the
United States, or at the headquarters of the Com-
mander-in-chief of this State in the City Hall in
New York.
*' No officer will be suffered to continue in the
detachment unless he be completely uniformed and
equipped according to law.
*' The commanding officer at each rendezvous will
procure water conveyance to New York for his
troops, upon the most reasonable and economical
terms; and should the contractor fail to supply
rations in season at the proper place, the command-
ing officer of the rendezvous will procure them at
the contract price. Duplicate receipts must be
taken for all expenditures, and no expenses are to
be incurred in expectation of reimbursement, ex-
thu8 sustained. It was not until forty years afterwards that
there was any encouragement to claimants. The United States
bounty land laws had much influence on the movement.
Under the acts of Congress of 1850 and 1855, the survivor or
his widow or minor children of a deceased soldier could obtain
the bounty land warrant, and the service must have been not
less than fourteen days, except where the person was engaged
in any battle.
In 1857 the laws of New York provide for the payment of
claims for services rendered and supplies furnished by the militia
and volunteers *' in the late war with Great Britain." " The proof
to authenticate such services and expenses shall be the state-
ment on oath of the services rendered and the expenses incurred
by the person claiming compensation, stating the time of such
service, the place or places, and the names of the oflicers com-
manding, and that the claimant has received or is entitled to
bounty lands by virtue of the laws of the United States, passed
in 1850 and 1855," and be verified on oath. The commissioners
were directed to report to the comptroller the names and
amounts proved due the claimants and acertiflcate to the claim-
ants or tneir legal representatives, and the comptroller was
authorized to indorse on such certificate when presented that
the amount thereof would be paid to the claimant, with interest
at six per cent from August, 1858, as soon as the money shall have
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188 NEW JJBBSET MILITIA,
cept such as are provided for by existing laws. By
order the Commander-in-chief.
"Sol. Van Rensselaer, Adjt. -General"
Major-Gten. Lewis also made a requisition on
Governor Pennington, of New Jersey, for two
hundred men to encamp on the Heights of Navesink,
near the telegraph station. Gk)v. Pennington, on
the 11th, ordered the following volunteer companies
into that service, to march on the 16th for the
encampment for thirty days or until relieved. His
detachment consisted of Captain James J. Wilson's
company of infantry, of Trenton (Jersey Blues);
Captain Stephen D. Day's company of infantry, of
Orange; Captain John T. Plume's company of
been received from the government of the United States. It
will be observed that these ciaims were not for services, but for
"coDtingeat expenses,'* the soldiers in some instances having
furnished their own transportation as well as their food and
clothing.
The long period that had elapsed (forty-four years) and the
lack of knowledge and insufficient evidence and other causes
had thinned the number to at lea»>t one- third of those to
whom the law could be applied. The number of the certificates
made out under the law was 17.228; of these more than one
thousand had not been called for up to 1884.
In the meantime old soldiers had been forgotten and new
ones brought to mind, and there seemed to be no chance of get-
ting any money from the United States Government to pay
these claims, so in 1869 the State of New York made an appro-
priation of $50,000 to be paid upon such of those certificates as
were held by the soldier onlv, and was to be paid pro rata
among the survivors who resided within the State of New York.
In 1870 an appropriation of $100,000 was made for like purpose,
and again in 1874 a like sum was appropriated.
In 1884 the report showed that there was then outstanding on
those certificates, principal and interest, the sum of $1,889,784.
In 1885 the United States Senate Committee on Claims
reported a bill for the payment of the said certificates without
interest, but it failed to pass. The amount of said certificates
upon which no principal or interest had been paid was $704,218.47,
and so the matter now (1892) stands— in a very unfavorable
light for claimants.
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NEW JER8ET MILITIA,
189
artillery, of Newark ; Captain Moses F. Davis's rifle
company, of Bloomfield ; Captain Wni. Ten Eycke's
rifle company, of Freehold, and Lieut. James Ten
Eycke's volunteers, of Middletown Point. The
quartermaster was Gen. Abraham Reynolds.
Governor Tompkins and Major-Gen. Lewis were
anxiously waiting for the quota which New Jei-sey
was to supply under the requisition of the War De-
partment of July 4th. The Governor of New Jersey
announced on the 12th of August that thirty-two
uniformed companies had volunteered their services,
and were ready to take the field. Twelve of these
had volunteered for the defence of New York harbor.
The volunteers amounted to 179 artillery and 704
infantry, etc. The deficiency of the quota of 5,000
officers and men were ordered to be made up by draft,
which the Governor ordered, specifying the number
of officers and men that each county must furnish.
All those from Bergen and Essex were in one
regiment, and those from Morris and Sussex in an-
other, and those from Somerset, Middlesex and Mon-
mouth another. These three regiments composed
one brigade, placed under command of Brig. -Gen.
William Colfax. Those of Hunterdon and Burlington
to form a regiment and those of Gloucester, Salem,
Cumberland and Cape May another. These two
formed a brigade under command of Brig. -Gen. Ebe-
nezer Elmer, and known as the Cumberland Brigade.
The whole of the quota was placed under the com-
mand of Maj. -Gen. William N.Shinn of Mount Holly.
The brigadier-generals were to attend to the for-
mation of the regiments, and to dispose of them in
the best manner to make them serviceable.
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w
CHAPTER XXXm.
Fortifications on Long Island— First Volunteers for Work on
Defences in Brooklyn — Committee of Defence Appeal —
Ground Broken at Fort Greene — Lines of Defence and Lo-
cation of Forts in Brooklyn — Citizens' Meeting— Address by
Col. Marinus W ill ett— Sketch of Col. Willett— Resolutions
Adopted— Enthusiastic Proceedings— Committee of Citizens.
FEW days after the Mayor's address, Gen.
Swift completed his plans for the defences
on the Brooklyn end of Long Island, and
sent them to the Common Council.
Gen. Swift's complete plans for the defence of New
York City were by a continuance of the line of de-
fences on Manhattan Island by a block house on
Mill Rock, in East River, and thence to Fort
Stevens, on Hallett's Point, and a castle on the
high ground to protect Fort Stevens. These were
for water approaches.
The lines of intrenchments to protect the Navy
Yard were from the south end of Wallabout Bay
to the solid ground near the present corner of Hud-
son avenue and Park streets ; thence south across
Myrtle avenue to about the line of Willoughby
street ; thence turning east to Fort Greene place.
The northern parapet of Fort Greene extended east
to the line of Cumberland street, midway between
Myrtle avenue and Willoughby street. The south-
ern parapet of Fort Greene made many detours
with bastions until it reached the western parapet
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FORTS IN BROOKLYN, 191
on the line of Fort Greene Place ; thence westward
to DeKalb avenue, west of Hudson avenue, where
was located a redoubt (afterwards called Redoubt
Cummings) ; thence southerly to the south side of
Fulton avenue, midway between Bond and Nevins
streets, to a bastion (afterwards called Washington
Bastion) ; thence southerly on the same hne to State
street, to a redoubt (afterwards called Redoubt
Masonic) ; thence on the same line to Pacific street,
a bastion (afterwards called Fort Fireman) ; thence
southwesterly, by detours and bastions, to the junc-
tion of Wycoff and Bond streets, at the marsh of
Gowanus Creek. Fort Swift was in the middle of
Atlantic avenue, at the junction of Court street,
and there was a battery on the west side of Gow-
anus Creek, at the junction of Degraw and Bond
streets, (afterwards called Fort Lawrence).
These fortifications in Brooklyn were to prevent
a land attack from the east and south. Fort
Swift was mainly for the protection of Governors
Island.
The main roads from Brooklyn east were one to
Jamaica and Rockaway, by the way of Bedford and
the half-way house, and another called the new
road over the Wallabout bridge, through Bushwick
and Newtown, to Jamaica. They branched off the
old Ferry road, near the present junction of Nevins
street and Flatbush avenue, on Fulton avenue.
The first body of citizens that followed the
Mayor*s suggestion to volunteer labor and contrib-
ute services towards the erection of fortifications
for the defence of the city was Capt. Bremner's
company of artillery, of Col. Harsen's Eleventh Regi-
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192 BUILDIISO F0UTIFICA120N8.
ment. They offered their services to the Committee
of Defence the next day.
The Common Council Committee of Defence
made the following announcement in the National
Advocate on the morning of Monday, August 8th :
'^Gen. Swift having furnished the Committee of
Defence of the corporation with a plan for the con-
struction of additional works of defence, near
Brooklyn, the work will be commenced this morn-
ing by the artillery company, under the command
of Capt. Andrew Bremner, who have volunteered
their services for the day. The committee invite
their fellow-citizens to follow their laudable ex-
ample.
*' To facilitate the business, the Committ.ee of De-
fence announced that they will meet daily at the
Mayor's office in the City Hall between the hours of
eleven and twelve o'clock, to receive the tenders of
similar services, and to arrange working parties."
Gen. Morton was appointed secretary of the
committee.
The day proved to be very rainy from early morn-
ing until late in the afternoon, so that Capt.
Bremner's company did not proceed to Brooklyn to
break ground for the fortifications as intended.
All the officers in Gen. Mapes' brigade of infantry,
consisting of two hundred men, were the next vol-
unteers for building defences. There was also a
body of citizens from the Seventh Ward that vol-
unteered for service.
On the morning of the 9th, at an early hour,
Gen. Mapes crossed the ferry to Brooklyn, but they
waited for Capt. Bremner's company to break
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THE ENEMY NEAR, 193
ground, as they were the first that offered their
services.
At eight o'clock Capt. Bremner and his company
arrived on the spot,' Fort Greene, and joined Gen.
Mapes, and the former broke ground under a salute
from several six-pounders. All the men proceeded
with the building of earthworks under direction of
Gen^^Swift and his assistants, Lieut. Gadsden, and
Messrs. Nicholls and Mercein.
On the 10th, the Master Butchers of New York
City attended. Many offers were received by the
committee.
The citizens' meeting called for the 8th in City
Hall Park was not held because the weather was
unpropitious.
Notice was published in some of the newspapers
for a public meeting to be held in the park in front
of the City Hall on Wednesday, the 10th day of
August, at twelve o'clock, for the purpose of con-
sidering proper measures to be taken for the defence
of the city. The call was signed by Col. Henry
Rutgers as chairman, and Oliver Wolcott, secretary.
On the 10th of August, 1814, the Columbian issued
an extra containing the following statement :
** New York, August loth. — Reinforcements have
arrived in the mouth of Long Island Sound. Our
informant counted on Sunday (7th) in Gardiner's
Bay three ninety-gun ships, four seventy-fours,
four frigates, and one brig. Other accounts in-
crease the number of smaller vessels to fifteen sail
in that neighborhood and off New London. There
was no transports or troops on board the shipping,
the crews of which were sickly and were to be
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194 RECOMMENDATIONS BT
landed on Montauk Point to recover and recruit.
Whether the ships were direct from Europe, or
gatliered from other parts of our coast, was not
known.
" Montauk is common pasture for about 1,500
cattle, 1,400 sheep and 200 horses, belonging to the
citizens of East Hampton, and would furnish re-
freshment for the well as well as for the sic^^, if not
removed by the owner."
A letter from Sagg Harbor about that time said
of the enemy :
'* They are permitted to come on shore and get
whatever they choose within ten or twelve miles of
us. The officers and crews of their war vessels are
daily feasting on the rich produce of the American
soil at a liberal price.
At a meeting of the Committee of Defence, on
August 9th, it was
** Resolved^ That it be recommended to our fellow-
citizens to enroll themselves in their respective
wards for the purpose of offering their services in
the construction of work^ for the defence of this
city. That this enrollment be made under the di-
rection of a committee to be appointed in each ward.
That persons who from bodily indisposition or other
cause may prefer a pecuniary contribution to that
of personal service be permitted to do so, and that
the sum of $1.25 he deemed the equivalent of a day's
tour of personal service, to be applied in prociuing
persons to perform such parts of the duty as may
require instruction and practice.
** That the committee of each ward report forth-
with to the Committee of Defence the number of
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COMMITTEE OF BEFENOE. 195
persons enrolled for personal service, and of those
for pecuniary contribution, to the end that the de*
tachments which from time to time may be requis-
ite may be duly apportioned among the wards.
That the said committee appoint a person in each
ward to summon the required detachments, and to
assemble and conduct them to the place of rendez-
vous.
^^ Resolved, That the citizens of the respective
wards be invited to meet at the following places on
Thursday evening next (11th), at eight o'clock, for
the purpose of appointing such committees :
1st Ward, Washington Hotel, 42 Broad street.
2d Ward, Battin's, comer Water street and Bur-
Ung slip.
3d Ward, Coleman's, Fair street.
4th Ward, Harmony Hall.
5th Ward, Liberty Hall.
6th Ward, Dooley's, comer Cross and Duane
streets.
7th Ward, John Morris's, 165 Bancker street.
8th Ward, Stratten's, upper end. Broad way.
9th Ward, Anthony Smith's Tavern.
10th Ward, Jonathan Haviland's, No 21 Bowery
Lane.
These resolutions were published the next morn-
ing.
On the loth, pursuant to public notice, there as-
sembled in the Park, in front of the City Hall, an
immense concourse of citizens. Col. Henry Rut-
gers was unanimously called to the chair, and Oli-
ver WoLOOTT, Esq., appointed secretary. They
took their station in the center balcony. Col. Wil-
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196 PUBLIC MBBTINQ.
LETT, standing near the chaiiTnan, and the flag of
the nation waving over his head, delivered an ad-
dress to his fellow-citizens, well calculated to inspire
animation and courage.
He began by asking the indulgence of his fellow-
citizens for the talk of an old man. He then pro-
ceeded :
Three score and fourteen years have brought with
them some bodily infirmities : had it been otherwise
and that my strength of body had remained as un-
impaired as my love for my country, and the spirit
that still animates me, you would not, my friends,
have seen me here this day. I should have been
amongst that glorious band, that, on the waters of
Erie and Ontario, have achieved so much fame and
lasting glory for their country !
A life of 74 years has afforded me opportunities
of seeing many great and surprising changes.
Fifty-eight years are now passed since I was a
witness of press gangs traversing these streets, and
dragging men from their houses on board of ships of
war ! What a contrast between that time and this I
Let those now reflect upon it, who, instead of thank-
ing that kind Providence which delivered us from
such oppressive domination, employ their whole
power to weaken and subvert a government made
by ourselves and for ourselves — the fruit of our
blood and toil ! What spirit is this, that, in the pres-
ent crisis of our country, can lead to measures so
disgraceful ? Shall we abuse and villify those men
we have placed at the head of our affairs, because
they do not act just as we are pleased to say they
should ? Are we, for that reason, to refuse corn-
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ADDRESS OF COL. WILLKTT. ]97
pliance with the laws of our country ? No, my fel-
low-citizens ! for it is justly stated in the address of
the common council, that we are not, in the present
situation of our country, to inquire into the wisdom
of the measures which resulted in the declaration of
this war. It is a fact, that we are at war ; and that
that war has been undertaken agreeably to the con-
stitution of our country. Every man bound to sup-
port the constitution of the United States, is, there-
fore, bound to support the war — because it is a con-
stitutional act, and such is the law of the land. But,
had I power to detail, and you patience to hear,
what I have known and observed of the haughty,
cruel and gasconading nation that makes war
against us, your feelings would outstrip my words,
and anticii)ate the voice and commands of author-
ity. The terms I use towards our enemy are not
mine alone, nor proceeding from the personal
warmth of my individual character. Such were the
sentiments of men as great as this or any nation
can boast of — Washington and Franklin. Dr. Frank-
lin delivered his opinions in his correspondence with
Lord Howe ; and those of G9neral Washington I
have had from his own lips.
Forty years ago I was at a meeting of citizens as-
sembled on this green. The acclamation then was
" jom or die. " The unanimity of that day procured
the repeal of some obnoxious laws ; but the design
of enslaving us was not relinquished. Troops were
stationed throughout the colonies to carry the nefa-
rious intention into execution. Many were the broils
between the citizen and the soldier : for the spirit of
the citizens was aroused, and they viewed, with
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198 ADDRESS OF COL. WILLETT.
just indignation, the mercenary troops that were to
overthrow their liberties. They were stung by the
ingratitude of the nation to which they had yielded
loyal obedience, and assisted in its Avars with ardor
and alacrity. But had the enemy then conquered
us as we did them, how different would have been
our situation at this day.' Reflecting on this, it
seems to me almost incredible that there should be
Americans that could espouse the cause of such an
enemy. Of what stuff are such hearts made ? Is
it possible that any such should be amongst the sons
of those who fought your battles, my fellow-citizens,
and won your freedom ?
It was in the war of the revolution, a favorite
toast —
'' May every citizen be a soldier, and every soldier
a citizen."
Our citizens must now again become soldiers, and
those soldiers be good citizens — not parading sol-
diers, fellow-citizens, but fighting soldiers — soldiers
wilUng and ready to encoimter hardships and fa-
tigues of war. I am not what I have been ; but
such as I am, wherever the enemy seek to deal most
destruction, there you may look for me. And as to
this mistaken idea, that American militia are un-
equal to the contest with British regulars, I am a
living witness to the contrary. With militia I have
encountered them. I have met them when their
numbers were double mine ; and I have routed and
pursued them. You, my fellow-citizens, if you wiU,
can do the same. There is no terror in them for
brave men, who dare look them in the face, and
lock the bayonet with them. Let those who would
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SKETCH OF COL. WILLETT, 199
dismay you by the terrors of war, ''^rather reflect
upon the part they have had in encouraging your
enemy ; and though war, like pestilence, may have
been visited upon nations for their crimes, yet
against this enemy we have committed no offence.
We bore with the cruelty, injustice and oppression
of that insolent nation till it became insupport-
able.
Instead, therefore, of cavilling at the measures or
operations of the war, let us rather unite to banish
envy, hatred and discord, from among us ; and I'e-
solve, with all our might, to resist that implacable
enemy, who will never respect us till we again com-
pel him so to do.
Permit me, then, my dear fellow-citizens, to con-
clude with a chorus we were used to sing in the
camp in days of much more danger :
Let Europe employ all her force,
We'll meet them in array,
And shout — Huzza — Huzza — Huzza,
For Life and Liberty.
This pithy discourse, from a tried and trusty
statesinan of the revolution, whose acts were vouch-
ers for his words, had its full effect, and was
cheered with unbounded applause.*
Mr. Rikevy from a committee appointed for the
purpose, consisting of Drs. Mitchill and M'Neven,
*Marinu8 Willett wan born at Jamaica, L. I., in 1740. He
was grandson of Thomas Willett, the second Mayor of New York
City. He commenced his military career in the old Colonial
wars against the French and Indians. Wa« a lieutenant in
Colonel D«>lancey'8 regiment under (General Abercrombie.
Was at the disastrous attack upon Fort Ticonderoga in 1758, »nd
was with Bradstreet's expedition when it captured Fort Fron-
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:^00 RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED
Messrs. Wolcott, Riker, Anthony Bleecker and
Sampson, reported the following address and resolu-
tions, which were received with applause, and unani-
mously adopted :
tenaA\ now Kingston, Canada. Was one of the '*Sons of Lib-
erty" in New York in 1770, opposed to the Stamp Act. After
the skirmish at Lexington, in 1775. the British troops in garri-
son at New York were ordered to Boston, and in addition to their
own, attempted to carry off a large quantity of spare arms.
Willett resolved to prevent it, and though opposed by Mayor
Hicks and others, he, with a few **Son8 of Libertv." captured
the baggage waerons containing them, and took them bark to
the city. In 1775 he was appomted second captain in Colonel
McDougars regiment and accompanied General Montgomery
in his expedition against Canada. Was placed in command of
St. Johns on the Sorel, and held that post until January, 1776.
After the Declaration of Independence in 1776 he was appointed
lieutenant-colonel, and at the opening of the campaign in 1777
was placed in command of Fort Constitution on the HudRon.
In May of that year he was ordered to Fort Stanwix (Schuyler)
on the Mohawk (now Rome. N. Y.). He arrived ihere in July.
The fort was still unfinished. On Aujiust 2d the British forces
and their Indian allies, amounting to 1,700 men, under St. Leger
besieged the fort, which then hid only 750 men under Colone.
Gansevoort. During the siege, St. Leger sent a strong detach-
ment of British and Indians to intercept General Herkimer and
3 event an attack upon his intrenchments from the rear. This
ed to the battle of Oriskany. With St. Leger's forces thus weak-
ened, it was resolved that a sortie should be made on (he enemy's
encampment. Two hundred men were placed under Colonel
Willett. The sortie was duringly and successfully made without
the loss of a man. The British forces wei*e scattered and driven
back. Twenty-one wagon loads of clothing, blankets, stores,
camp equip ige, five British standards, the bnggaue of Sir John
Johnson, with all his papers and those of other officers, contain-
ing every kind of information necesstiry to the garrison. This
great exploit was duly noticed by Congress by a vote of thanks,
and an « legant sw«»rd was presented to him in the name of the
United States. While the bloody battle of Oriskany was in pro-
gress the enemy heard the firing of (%>loiiel Willett's guns in his
attack upon their camp. It cannot be doubted that this greatly
contributed to the result of that battle in the retreat of the
enemy. The garrison in Fort Siauwix was enabled to hold out
until General Arnold came to th**ir assistance, and St. Leger
retreated on August 23, 1777. Colonel Willett was left in com-
mand of the fort, while all the forces that could be spared were
sent to General Gates at Stillwater to meet the enemy under
General Burgoyne. A full account of the enemy's campaign in
I
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AND ADDRh'88 TO CIVIZENS. 201
Fellow-citizens — Once more we are engaged in
war with a powerful nation.
The ocean is denied to us — our commerce is pros-
trated— our waters are violated — our land is invaded
the Mohawk Valley caa be found in Lossing's "Field Book of
the Revolution/' He remained at Fort Stanwix until the sum-
mer of 1778, when he joined the army under General Washing-
ton and was at the battle of Monmouth. Was in Sullivairs
campaign against the Indians in the summer of 1779, and was
actively engaged in the Mohawk Valley in 1780.
In 1781, Gov. George Clinton placed him as colonel in com-
mand of all the militia levies and State tix>ops that might be
raised for the protection of the Mohawk country. He arrived
at Fort Rensselaer (Canajoharie, N. Y.) near the end of June.
He learned of an Indian and Tory encampment of about three
hundred men in a thick cedar swamp about six miles northeast
of Cherry Valley, N. Y. All the m€»n he could muster for an
attack wan about one hundred and Orty. By an ambush and a
bayonet charge he routed the enemy and drove them from the
valley with heavy loss.
In October, 1781 anoth<'r invasion of the Mohawk Valley was
made by about 1,000 men. Colonel Willett had but about 416
men to meet them. He did this in such a manner that at the
battle of Johnstown, N. Y., on October 25, 1781, after a severe
struggle, the enemy retreated to a mountain top six miles distant,
and Colonel Willett harassed them so that they at last retreated
towards Canada, he following them until they were well out of
the Mohawk Valley.
In 1782, after the signing of the preliminaj-y treaty of peace,
General Washington conceived thi- design of securing Fort
Ontario, where Oswego now is. The expedition was placed
under Colonel Willett, who set out for the fort in February. The
weather was intensely cold, and Willett's attempt became known
in the fort after he arrived in sight of it, he returned and noth-
ing came of it.
In 1790, General Washington appointed Colonel Willett to
negotiate with the Creek Indians for a ti*eaty of friendship and
alliance. Colonel Willett visited that nation, but could do little.
He then induced Alexander McQilvany, a half breed and abc'Ut
thirty of the principal chiefs to come to New York City, which
was then the national capital. When they arrived they were
received by the members of Tammany with great ceremony,
and were in Indian costume, and wore feathers, mocca^-ins, leg
gins, painted their faces, and sported huge war clubs and burn-
ished tomahawks. When the Civeks entered the "wigwam"
they were so surprised to see such a number of their own race,
that they set up n whoop of joy which almost terrified the
people present. Gov. George Clinton, Chief Justice Jay, Mr.
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202 ADDBfCSS TO CITIZKNS
— ^hostile fleets and armies threaten to convert our
habitations to heaps of ruins.
We are called upon to save our possessions from
spK)il and destruction ; to secure our persons from
slavery and death ; to protect our families against
outrage and violence ; to guard our institutions from
assault and overthrow ; to defend by free-born valor
our dear-bought independence.
The lawful authorities, aware of this condition of
things, have made provision to meet it. The national
Duane, then Mayor, Thomas JeffersoQ, then Secretary of States
and many other distinguished men were present. The Creek,
were overjoyed with their reception. They drank ** fire, water.*'
performed a dance, and sang the E-iho song. Mr. Smith, the
grand sachem of the society, made a speech to the Indians
through their interpreter, in which he tola them that although
the hand of death was cold upon those two great chiefs, Tam-
many and Columbus, their spirits were walking backwaixl and
forward in the wigwam. The Sagamore presented the chiefs
with the calumet, the pipe of peace, and it was accepted. In
the evening they were taken lo the theater by the sachems
and members in costume. Before they left the city they entered
into a treaty of friendship with '* Washington, the beloved
Sachem of Thirteen Fires,** as they were pleased to call him.
General Washington soon after made Colonel Willett a briga-
dier-general by brevet.
He was sheriff of New York County from 1784 to 1787, and
from 1791 to 1795, and was Mayor of the city in 1807.
He was presidential elector in 1824 and was president of the
electoral coKege.
On September 25, 1812. Colonel Willett. in a letter to Maj.-Gen.
Van Rensselaer, of the New York militia, offered his services and
also some advice as a veteran. In reply Gen. Van Rensselaer
said, '* I shall remember your counsel with gratitude and pleas-
ure as a precious legacy from a soldier of great experience.**
He died August 22, 1830, aged ninety years. Thejcorpse, in com-
pliance with a written request of the deceased, was habited in
a complete suit of citizen's apparel of small clothe^, including
an old-fashioned three-cornerea hat. The coffin in which he was
buried was made of pieces of wood collected by himself many
years before from many RtfVolutiona»'y battle-grounds. His
remains were placed in the family vault in Trinity churchyard.
*'A Narrative of the Military Affairs of the late Col. Marinus
Willett" was published in 1831, and was said to have been made
up chiefly from his own manuscripts. It contains a portrait of
the old hero of many wars, of varied causes and objects.
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ADDRB88- TO GITIZENB, 203
government has augmented our security, by fortifi-
cations, troops and floating force. The State has ex-
tended its care, and caused other works of defence
to be erected. The common council of the city, has
labored to insure our safety. It only remains that
the sons of liberty Ci)me forth in their might ; and
demonstrate that in a contest for all that is near and
dear to them, they are invincible.
Our regular regiments are already at their sta-
tions. The organized militia will join them on the
shortest summons. The several corps of volunteers
are inflamed with patriotic aixior. To these bands,
other military associations will be added, composed
of those who enjoy honorable exemptions from or-
dinary service, but who will come forward on this
trying occasion.
This meeting is called for the purpose of eiiabling
us to renew our pledge, to support the constitution ;
to invigorate the laws ; to aid with our best efforts
the administration of our l)eloved country ; to see
that it be not approached by spies and emissaries ;
to defend the great interests of the union with our
treasure and our blood.
It is our glory and our boast that we are freemen.
Our constitution and government are acts of our
free and unbiassed choice. They are ours and we
will never abandon them.
The citizens are the safeguards of a free State. —
Their right to keep and bear arms has never been
infringed. We will use these weapons resolutely in
support of our privileges ; with these we will man-
fully oppose the enemy who shall presume to invade
them.
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204 RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED.
With these convictions let us make a combined
effort. Let some contribute their labor towards the
completion of the public works. Let others prac-
tice the art of the artillerist or the fusileer. Let
others again minister comfort to the wives and chil-
dren of those who heroically meet danger in the
field. All will thus be animated and united ; and
the joyous sentiment pervade every patriotic bosom,
that, guarded by the love and valor of the people,
the republic is safe !
Resolved, That the citizens here assembled, will
to the last extremity, defend their city.
Resolved, That we will unite ourselves in arms
with our brethren of the country, and on the first
approach of the enemy, make it a Common Cause.
Resolved, That humbly confiding in the favor of
the Almighty, we hope to prove ourselves not un-
worthy of that freedom won by the heroes of the
revolution — and trust that the enemy they van-
quished will receive from us a similar defeat.
Resolved, That we highly approve of the mea-
sures for public defence which have been devised by
the government of the United States — by his excel-
lency, the governor of the State, and by the corpora-
tion of this city — and that we will co-operate in car-
rying the same into effectual execution.
Resolved, That it be recommended to the citizens
generally, to meet as soon as may be practicable,
with convenience in their respective wards, for the
purpose of electing discreet and efficient committees
to promote the execution of the following objects :
1. To complete the voluntary enrollments of per^
sons exempted by law from military service.
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NAMK8 OF COMMITTEE. 205
2. To encourage the enrollment of seafaring citi-
zens for service in the harbor, or as artillerists.
And
3. The enrollment of citizens for voluntary labor
on the public works.
Resolved, That it be the special duty of the ward
committees to provide, under- the direction of the
corporation of this city, for the relief and protection
of the families of such persons as may be absent on
public duty, and also, to provide in the best manner
practicable, for the protection of such helpless per-
sons and their property, as in case of alarm may be
desirous of removing into the country.
Resolved, That all associations for military service
and for performing labor on the public works, be
reported to, and receive their instructions from
such officer or officers as have, or may be designated
for that purpose.
Resolved, That we will endeavor to promote con-
cord and will discountenance all attempts to weaken
the patriotic efforts of good citizens.
Resolved, That we will endeavor to discover and
subject t(» the animadversion of the laws, all persons
who shall be concerned in any illicit commerce or
improper intercourse with the enemy.
Resolved, That Henry Eutgers, Oliver Wolcott,
Marinus Willett, Cadwallader D. Golden, John
Swartwout, Thomas Morris, John Mills, William
Edgar, Jr., Eichard Eiker, Anthony Bleecker,
Abraham Bloodgood, Stephen Price, Abraham
Stagg, James Lovett, Abraham Dally, William
Sampson, John Vanderbilt, Jr., Samuel Tooker,
John Hone, David Bryson, Jacob Sherred, Benjamin
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206 UNITY OF FEBLINO.
Ferris, William Codman, Rensselaer Havens, and
Peter Wilson, Se. be a committee to confer with
such committee as may be appointed by the corpo-
ration and by the respective wards, and in conjunc-
tion with them, to adopt all measures essential to
the public safety.
Resolved^ That thiscommittee correspond with our
fellow-citizens in this and the neighboring States,
for the purpose of inviting them to form voluntary
associations, similar to those proposed in this city.
Resolved^ That the proceedings of this meeting
be signed by the chairman and secretary, and pub-
hshed in all the public papers of this city.
Henry Rutgers, hairman.
OoLCOTT WoLCOTT, Secretary.
^' During the reading of the above address and res-
olutions, the countenance of the citizens indicated
the most deep and concentrated feeling ; and at the
close, the air was rent with loud and prolonged ac-
clamations of approbation and assent. And no
sooner was the question of adjournment put and
carried, than each citizen retired to his lawful oc-
cupation, and the scene of unexampled enthusiasm
instantly remained silent and unoccupied," said the
Colurnbian.
This request was readily responded to by the citi-
zens of each ward, on the evening of August 11th,
by a meeting at a place within each ward respec-
tively, previously designated by the Common Coun-
cil Committee of Defence, in pursuance of the invi-
tation of the two committees of defence, for the pur-
pose of enrolling for personal labor, or contributing
pecuniary substitute, and to carry into effect their
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HARMONY FOR DEFENCE, 207
recommendations. At nearly every meeting that
evening a committee of prominent citizens in each
ward was appointed for that purpose.
All party feuds were in a great measure sus-
pended, newspaper editors excluded all acrimonious
political discussions. The ward committees ap-
pointed to carry into effect the resolutions of the gen-
eral meeting were selected from the most respectable
of the citizens, without the least regard to the poUt-
ical party to which the persons selected belonged.
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CHAPTER XXXIV.
Workers on Fortifications in Brooldyn and at Harlem — Depre-
dations by the Enemy — Bombardment of Stonington — Brit-
iflli Fleet in Gardiner's Bay^Report of the Progress of the
Defences Around New York City— Attempt to Capture the
City by Water Temporarily Abandoned — The Enemy's War
Vessels Move to the South— Baltimore and Washington in
Danger — Enthusiastic Volunteer Workers on Defence Still
Continue in New York and Brooklyn.
HIS call for voluntary labor on the
fortiJBcations, which were little more
than earthworks, 'was enthusiasti-
cally responded to by almost all per-
sons in every condition of life. Those
that did not labor contributed largely
to defray necessary expenses. Each successive day
parties of volunteers, to the number of from jBve hun-
dred to one thousand, labored on the works in Brook-
lyn and Harlem, on the earthworks. Volunteers
came from neighboring counties and from New Jer-
sey, and were in clubs, schools, churches, societies,
fire, military companies, factory hands and repre-
sented townships and counties.
The Committee of Defence announced on the 10th
of August, that a contribution of $1.25 would be
regarded as equal to one day's work on the f ortifica-
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WORKEBS ON DEFENCES. 209
tions around New York, and would be applied in
that way.
There were many money contributions direct ta
the Committee of Defence, and somo were to the
ward committees designated for that purpose. On
the 12th of August it was announced that the banka
and banking institutions in the city had contributed
$250 each to aid in building defences.
The committee soon found that the superin-
tendence of the works, the arranging of fatigue par-
ties, and the various other concerns incident to the
defence of the city, demanded nearly the whole of
their time and attention, and they met daily at the
City Hall from eleven to twelve o'clock from Aug-
ust 11th, while the completion of the works waa
progressing.
Minutes of their proceedings, showing the number
of voluntary workers on the defences, and where
they were from, and what particular body or class
they represented, and also the amounts voluntarily
contributed, and the names of the donors, and also
a general statement of the expenditures for the de-
fences. These minutes were tiled with the clerk
of the Common Council, as part of their records.
The next day after the meeting the laborers on
Fort Greene were the tanners and curriers, the
Veteran Corps of Artillery, a society of Plumbers,
A large force of military exempts from the Second
Ward, Major Dunscomb's Battalion of Governor's
Guards, Captain Swain's company of artillery of the
Third Artillery Regiment, and others.
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210 WOBKBRS ON DBFRNGKS,
August 12th. The committee received tenders of
service from the regiment of horse artillery, the
^ity watch, gentlemen of the bar and law students,
the inhabitants of Greenwich Village, the citizens of
the vicinity of Spring street, New York, the Indepen-
dent Blues, Mr. E. Ludlow, and lOOJmasons and la-
borers in his employ, a company of 32 cartmen, 200
journeymen house carpenters, 400 citizens of the
Eighth Ward, carpenters employed at St. Peter's
•Church, Mr. Uppington, gold beater, and 14 men em-
ployed by him.
August 13th. The following further offers were
received : Two parties of the city watch, 60 cart-
men, Fire Engine Company No. 26, 200 journeymen
printers, 1,000 " Patriotic Sons of Erin," 30 pilots,
Col. Beekman M. Van Beuren's regiment, com-
pany of artillery, 182 workmen employed by Ward
& Tallman, 150 free colored people, 70 members of
the Asbury African Church (colored).
It was announced that nearly five thousand
persons were on the list to work the following week.
The following notice was published :
** The Committee of Defence earnestly recom-
mend to the working parties that they would make
preparations to rendezvous at Beekman's or
Catherine Slip ferry each day at half-past five
o'clock in the morning, the hour heretofore ap-
pointed (being seven o'clock) having been found
inconvenient, as the working parties are unable,
owing to delays at the ferries and other causes,
to reach the scene of action until the cooler part
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DEPREDATIONS BY THE ENEMY. 211
of the day is past and the weather becomes very
warm.
'* Jacob Morton, Secretary."
While the means of defences were being strength-
ened and men were being drilled and marshalled,
ready to take a stand wherever most needed, the
enemy were gathering at many points, evidently
for an attack.
The proximity of the enemy, and his depredations
at various points along the coast, had a tendency to
keep the people awake as to the possibility of an
immediate attack.
Intelligence of the bombardment of Stonington
had not reached New York when the meeting at the
City Hall Park took pUce. It was not known in
New York City until the 12th. It caused little
comment.
On that day it was reported that on the morning
of the 9th of August Commodore Hardy appeared
oflE Stonington with a squadron consisting of the
RamilUeSy seventy-four; Pactolus, forty- four;
bombship Terror^ the brig Dispatchy twenty-two
guns, and numerous barges and launches, each
carrying a carronade, and the latter prepared to
throw rockets to burn the town.
The attack commenced on the evening of the 9th,
and was continued for the greater part of three
days and nights. The enemy attempted to land
in their launches, but were driven back. A great
nimiber of rockets, balls and shells were thrown
into the town.
Several other small towns and places along the
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212 THE BNBMT'8 FLEET
eastern coast north of the Potomac were attacked by
the British about this time.
The British squadrons that sailed from Bordeaux
under command of General Ross, and the one under
Rear Admiral Malcolm that sailed from the Medi-
terranean near the end of May before mentioned,
arrived at Bermuda, the place of general rendezvous,
the last part of July. They there found Vice- Ad-
miral Cochrane waiting their arrival to direct their
future naval operations.
On the 3d of August the whole of the Bordeaux
and about half the Mediterranean armament, with
an additional squadron then at Bermuda, compris-
ing a fleet of sixty vessels under Vice-Admiral
Cochrane, with a land force of six thousand men
commanded by Major General Ross, sailed from
Bermuda for Chesapeake Bay, and entered it on
the 10th of August. This was known in New York
a few days later. The other division of the Mediter-
ranean armament proceeded to join Sir George Pre-
vost in Canada. Before that time Rear Admiral
Cockburn, with a portion of his fleet, appeared oflE
Sandy Hook and at the mouth of Long Island Sound
in Gardiner's Bay.
On Sunday, August 7th, the enemy's vessels in
sight in Gardiner's Bay were two ninety-gim^ships,
four seventy -fours, four frigates and one brig, be-
sides many others off New London.
There was also reported active movements of the
enemy along the frontier of New York. There was
an ominous quiet in the demeanor and movements
of the main forces of the enemy that led to the firm
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THREATEN NEW YORK, 213
belief that they were waiting for something — ^for
the perfection of some plan.
Whether a concerted attack was to be made at
different points or only upon the seaboard at Piew
York or Baltimore, and, then on to Philadelphia and
Washington, was conjecture, with strong circum-
stantial evidence to sustain it.
The President issued a proclamation, dated
August 8th, calling an extra session of Congress to
meet at Washington, on September 19th. This
proclamation was not known in New York until the
16th of August. It was no surprise.
In an oration on the life, character and services
of Governor Daniel D. Tompkins, delivered by Eev.
Peter J. Van Pelt, on the 23d of June, 1843, in the
church at Tompkinsville, Staten Island, the speaker
stated that in August, 1814, he was chaplain of the
State troops at New York, and that it was commu-
nicated to him confidentially by an honorable officer
in our army, that Admiral Cockburn had sent word
to a lady friend and relative, to whom both were
related, residing in Broadway, that on a certain
day he hoped to have the honor to dine with her at
her house, as he expected to be in command of the
city of New York ; and said the officer, ^*He will
attempt and do it if possible, for I know his daring,
determined disposition and character." Mr. Van
Pelt hastened with this intelligence to Governor
Tompkins and Major-General Lewis, and such or-
ders were issued and such vigilance and preparation
made, by those in authority, that the popular be-
lief was that a crisis was approaching. The call for
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214 BEPORT ON DEFENCES.
help on the fortifications was more earnest. Com-
modore Decatur, with a naval force of one thousand
men, was placed in command of the harbor, to co-
operate with the land forces.
The Committee of Defence^ on Monday, the 15th
of August, made the following report of the progress
of the works for defence :
RtePORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF DEFENCE MADE AND
AGREED TO IN COMMON COUNCIL, AUGUST 15, 1814.
The Committee of Defence respectfully report to
the Common Council, that in pursuance of instruc-
tions from the Board, they immediately requested
Brigadier-General Swift of the corps of Engineers,
to furnish them as soon as possible, with the plan
of such additional woiks of defence as might be
deemed necessary by him to place this city in a state
of complete defence. To this request that valuable
officer gave the most prompt attention. On being
furnished by him with a plan, the Committee made
an appeal to the patriotism of their fellow-citizens
to furnish voluntary aid in the erection of the works.
The appeal waa answered by them with one heart
and one mind. Prepared for this appeal by the ad-
dress of the Common Council, every one was
anxious to offer his services on the interesting oc-
casion. Volunteer associations pressed forward
with their overtures, all anxious to be engaged in
the honorable employment of self-defence on the
earliest day that could be appointed. In these
overtures, the Committee remarked with heartfelt
pleasure, that there appeared to be no distinction of
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REPORT ON DEFEN0E8, 216
party or situation in life. Citizens of every politi-
cal party seemed to vie with each other only in
efforts to protect our city from invasion by the
enemy. They all appeared to meet on the ground
of self-defence as a common ground.
That the city must be gallantly defended was the
universal opinion, and every individual felt it
necessary to spare no pains, no means within his
power, to deter from, or to repel any hostile at-
tempt. The rich and the poor have alike proffered
their services, and have wrought together on the
same works, intermingling their labor with the
most patriotic emulation. Those who were unable
to give their personal labor to the common cause,
have voluntarily come forward and contributed
liberally in money for the employment of substi-
tutes. And many of these fellow-citizens have
given both money and personal labor with
alacrity.
The committee think proper to mention these
facts as honorable to their fellow-citizens in the
highest degree, and to show to the corporation that
they have not calculated in vain on the patriotic
spirit of their constituents, and their disposition in
every respect to obey and carry into effect the sug-
gestions and recommendations of the constituted
authorities. The committee think that from the
confidence the citizens appear to have in the zeal of
the Corporation, and the ardor they evince in sec-
onding their efforts, the proposed works will be
nearly, if not quite completed, by the voluntary
labor and contribution of the citizens The com-
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216 REPORT ON DEFENCES.
mittee regret, that, in a time like this, when the
daily labor of their poorer fellow-citizens is so im-
portant to themselves and their families, our situa-
tion should be such as to place them under a neces-
sity of devoting that labor to the public service.
They hope that this consideration will induce those
who are more able in their circumstances to con-
tribute more liberally, to enable the Committee to
employ hired laborers, when the claims of their
families may compel those patriotic citizens to dis-
continue their gratuitous labors.
The works in the rear of Brooklyn were com-
menced on Tuesday last, by the officers of Briga-
dier-Gteneral Mapes' brigade, and the artillery com-
pany of Captain Andrew Brenmer, who had the
honor of breaking the ground. On each successive
day, parties of volunteer citizens to the amount of
from five hundred to upward of one thousand a
day have labored on the works. The spirit
of volunteering personal labor seems still to
be ardent, many thousands are now on the
lists of the committee waiting their turn
for doing duty. Voluntary contributions to
the amount of about $3,500, have been received by
the Committee from public institutions, and indi-
viduals residents in the city and abroad, as a com-
mutation for pei'sonal service, and to furnish the
committee with the means of defraying necessary
expenses.
The inhabitants of Kings County have, in a
very laudable manner, volunteered their services,
and the Committee understand, that the yeomanry
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RBVORT ON DBFENCE8. 217
of our sister state, New Jersey, are unsolicitedly,
making preparations to tender their services.
The Committee have met daily to superintend the
business committed to their charge.
The Committee have learned with great satisfac-
tion, that the Secretary of the Navy has assigned
the command of the naval forces in our harbor to
Commodore Decatur, who is inatructed co-operate
with the land forces in its defence. The high repu-
tation of this gallant officer has inspired great con-
fidence in our fellow-citizens, and the numerous
corps of seamen and marines under his command,
will form no inconsiderable acquisition to our means
of defence. (The following, originally in the re-
port is erased. ** This officer is in possession of a
plan of securing this harbor from naval attack,
which at a small expense, will, in his opinion, se-
cure it from any naval force whatever. The general
features of the plan have already been communi-
cated by him and the Committee." * The report as
finally made then goes on) '^From the confidence
which the Committee have in his skill and judg-
ment, and which they are persuaded is also cher-
ished by the public, they do not hesitate to recom-
mend, that they be authorized to furnish him with
the means of executing such additional plans of
♦ The part of this report that was erased undoubtedly referred
to torpedoes. At that time there was a line of Fulton's torpe-
-does at the Narrows, and at Throgg's Neck and at other places
in Long Island Sound.
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218 WORKERS ON DBFBNCB8.
defence as he may conceive essential to the public
security."
Nicholas Fish,
Peter Mesier,
Gideon Tucker,
George Buckmaster,
John Nitchie.
In their minutes on that day is the following
entry :
**Aug. 15, 1814. Resolved^ That the members of
the Common Council, together with the officers of
the Board, will assemble on Wednesday next at six
o'clock A.M. at Beekman Slip Wharf and proceed to
Brooklyn to labor at the works there erecting for
the defence of the city."
The Brooklyn ferry company charged only half
fare for the volunteer workers on defences in
Brooklyn. New York City paid that.
The horse boat Williamsburg was gratuitously
offered for the purpose of conveying from Corlaer's
Hook to the Navy Yard such persons from that part
of the city as may tender their services from day ta
day for work on the fortifications on Brooklyn
Heights, starting in the morning and returning in
the evening.
In 1814 the ferriage to Brooklyn was raised from
two cents to four cents for each passenger. Ta
Williamsburg, six cents, to Jersey City it was
twelve and one-half cents, andtoHoboken it was
six cents.
On August 16th all the daily newspapers in the
city suspended operations and their employees and
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WORKERS ON DBFBNGE8. 219
those connected with the business worked on the
fortifications in Brooklyn. The force was seven
hundred strong.*
Among the laborers on the fortifications on
Brooklyn Heights on August 17th were seventy six
of the inhabitants of Paterson, N. J., in military
dress, under the direction of Col. Abraham Godwin,
an old Revolutionary officer. They arrived at Jer-
sey ferry at an early hour in the morning, having
walked all the way, and between six and seven
o'clock passed across the city to Beekman Slip, with
martial music and colors flying. They excited the
liveliest feelings of patriotism and enthusiasm in
the spectators.
Colonel Godwin, in behalf of his company, after-
wards acknowledged with gratitude the favorable
reception they met with from the corporation, and
also the high respect paid them by the gentlemen of
the New York Bar and others who worked with
them on that day, and the refreshments furnished
them by Messrs. Eider & Clark, of New York City.
A company of ladies from New York City went
to Brooklyn, and forming a procession at the ferry,
led by the music of Tammany Society, increased in
numbers as they went to Fort Green, to between
two hundred and three hundred, where they per-
formed an hour's work on the fortifications amid
the plaudits of the citizens on the ground. Several
patriots of the Revolution were among them, and a
♦ At that time the New York Typographical Society had the follow
ing officers: Peter Force, president; Andrew Mather, vice-president;
^enry McEee, treasurer; Joseph firoderick, secretary.
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1
220 ARRIVAL OF MILITIA.
lady seventy-two years of age wheeled a barrow of
earth with great activity.
The works were progressing at Harlem. On the
morning of the 18th the members of the Common
Council, with two hundred men employed by the
corporation at Bellevue, who volunteered their ser-
vices, commenced a tort at McGowan's Pass and
called it Fort Clinton. The ground was broken
under a Federal salute from Capt. Messerve's troops
of flying artillery.
The steam ferryboat York started from Cortlandt
street slip for Manhattanville with a load of passen-
gers who had volunteered their services for work
on the fortifications at Harlem Heights. On their
way they met five sloops loaded with mihtia on
their way to the city from- up the river. There were
about two thousand of them, and they were that
day stationed in the neighborhood of Harlem
Heights. The first night they were without tents
and without straw.
On the 18th the telegraph signal on West Battery
(Castle Clinton) announced that five of the enemy's
war vessels were off Sandy Hook. This excited no
alarm. One of the newspapers remarked the next
day that it would take five times five vessels at
Sandy Hook to cause alarm in the city.
On the 19th the blockading squadron of the enemy
off Sandy Hook ordered all the smacks and boats
off the fishing banks, with the assurance that any
that should be found there after twenty-four hoiu«
would be destroyeil.
A few days after this it was reported that five
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HABBOR DBFBNCE8. 221
barges of the enemy attempted to land at Hemp-
stead, but found the tide too low and gave up the
design. There was probably no truth in the rumor.
On the 20th twelve hundred Irishmen in the or-
ganization known as **The Patriotic Sons of Erin"
performed voluntary labor on Fort Green, in the
sodding of the parapets.
On the 22d one thousand free colored men worked
on the defences between Fort Green and Gowanus
Creek.
The military spirit was by necessity (not for glory)
fully aroused. The old volunteer corps were filled
up and new ones formed; volunteering was the
order of the day. A corps of two thousand exempts
was formed in the city.
The following order was issued relating to the de-
fence of the harbor :
'^General Orders.
'* Adjutant-General's Office, 3d Miutary Dis-
trict.
**New York, Aug. 19, 1814.
*' Colonel Forbes, of the42d N. Y., will proceed
to-morrow with said regiment to Sandy Hook
and assume the command of that post, including
Fort Gates, and the militia of New Jersey encamped
on the Highlands of Navesink. On his amval
there the 32(1 Regt. will embark on board the same
vessels and take post at or near Fort Richmond,
the commanding officer of said regiment reporting
to Capt. James R. Hanham, of the artillery , who will
assume the command of all the positions and troops
on Staten Island. * * * Colonel Forbes will
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222 HAUBOli DEFENCES.
cause the Sea Fencibles to be trained both as infan-
try and artilleryists, and will confine them to land
service until further orders. The barge they have in
use he will cause to be delivered to Commodore Lewis
on his receipt, and will apply to the Commodore for
such service as he may be required to be performed
on the water. * * *
" By Order,
'*Thos. Christes,
*^Asst. Adj.-Gen.''
At that time New York City was thought to be
well prepared against an attack by water.
On the 20th of August some of the uniformed
companies of militia from the Hudson Eiver
counties arrived and went into camp at Brooklyn.
They were part of the quota called for by the Gover-
nor and more were expected daily from that source.
Care was taken that all these preparations should
be published so as to reach the enemjr's vessels on
the coast.
It was known that the enemy and the blockading
squadron received the New York daily newspapers
regularly in one way or another, and very little
effort was made to prevent it.
Admiral Cockburn knew the preparations for his
reception, and he abandoned his plan of an attack
on New York, and suddenly disappeared from the
vicinity of New York, and sailed south. It was
then that increased fears were entertained about the
safety of Washington. Although it was regarded
worth little as a militia hold, the moral effect of the
surrender of the capital of the nation to an enemy
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WABHINOTON IN DANGER, 223
could not be over-estimated in the eyes of Euro-
peans. To them a national capital meant London,
Paris, Vienna, Brussels, Berlin, Rome, Madrid, Lis-
bon, Copenhagen, Stockholm, St. Petersburg, and
all the great cities of Europe. Washington at that
time contained less than 7,000 white inhabitants
and about 2,600 blacks, and not much valuable
property apart from public buildings and the navy
yard. Alexandria had about the same in population.
If one was captured the other must soon follow the
same fate.
So little thought had been bestowed to their pro-
tection by the military authorities that they were
literally without any regular military force.
The Federal newspapers were decryipg the lack of
proper defence of the capital of the nation and
stated the moral effect of its capture abroad. The
administration newspapers contrarily maintained
that there was no danger of it, and that it was not
worth capture in a military point of view.
Captain Porter was in New York City and heard
that Washington City was in danger of the enemy.
The remainder of his gallant crew of tlie Essex
were also there. He summoned them as follows:
'* Free Trade and Sailors' Rights ; " to the crew of
the old Essex. Sailors ! The enemy is about at-
tempting the destruction of our new ship at Wash-
ington and I am ordered there to defend her. I
shall proceed immediately and all disposed to ac-
company me will meet me at five o'clock this after-
noon at the Navy agent's office. D. Porter.
'' New York, August 22d, 1814."
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224 CREW OF THB BB8BX.
It will be remembered that the oflScers and crew
of the Essex were captured by Captain HiUier, as
Already stated (ante, p. 173),and had been paroled as
prisoners of war. They were declared discharged
of their paroles by reason of some action of the cap-
tors. They were officially notified of this by the
Secretary of the United States Navy on August
11th, only a few days previous to this call. They
had been paid their prize money a few days pre-
vious.
When at Philadelphia, on his way to Washington
Captain Porter, on the 26th of August, caused the
following notice to be pubUshed in some of the
New York newspapers :
** FREE TRADE AND SAILORS' RIGHTS."
<< ^y The crew of the old Essex and as many vol-
unteers as they can bring are required to repair to
Washington without delay to defend their new
ship."
As an indication of the state of affairs in 'New
York City at that time, we observe that at a meet-
ing of merchants in the evening on the 24:th, for the
purpose of requesting that the banks in the city
should take some action to prevent specie being
sent out of the country, a committee of seven
was appointed to confer with the banks' officers
upon the subject. A meeting of the officers of the
banks was held next day to meet the committee of
merchants, and it was declared that there was no
reason for suspension of specie payments.
In the haste to get men in the military service,
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DONATIONS FOR DEFENDERS. 225
nearly all preparation for their equipment and the
proper accommodation for them after their arrival
here was overlooked. Much suflfering was caused
thereby, and the committee of defence was ap-
pealed to for aid. The following notice was pub-
^shed in the National Advocate on August 24th:
'* DONATIONS FOR DEFENDERS."
"Several thousands of our fellow-citizens from
the interior of the State, having, in obedience to
the call of the constituted authorities, relinquished
the comforts of home, and repaired in arms to the
vicinity of this city to aid in its defence, it is our
anxious desire and ever-incumbent duty to render
their condition as agreeable as possible, and to
reconcile them to the sacrifices they are making.
Placed in a newr situation, and from the nature of a
military life, exposed to privations and hardships,
and particularly not furnished with the food to
which they have been accustomed, it is greatly in
our power to sup'ply their wants and to increase
their comforts without any material sacrifice. For
this purpose, donations in money will be received
by the treasurer of the Committee of Defence,
Thomas R. Mercein, Comptroller's office. City Hall,
and other contributions, particularly of vegetables,
will be received by Major Ingraham, Brigade
Quarter- Master at Brooklyn, and by Major McComb,
Brigade Q.-M. at the Heights of Harlem.
'* In making this appeal to the patriotism and
benevolence of the public, the committee are per-
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226 WORKERS ON DEFENCES,
suaded that they will not be unsuccessful; next
to the great duties we owe to our country, we must
rank those due to tiie gallant men who are ready to
offer up their lives in its defence.
*' Nicholas Fish,
** Chairman of Committee of Defence.**
Gteneral Hermance's brigade was stationed at
Harlem Heights. Little or no preparations had
been made to provide for so large a body of men.
The inhabitants were few, and they were willing
to give all the aid within their power. This they
had done from the first. A few days 'after this ap-
peal for donations, Gteneral Hermance, in a pub-
lished notice, expressed his acknowledgment to
Messrs. Valentine Nutter, James Beekman, Abra-
ham Brazier, Henry Post and Mr. E. McQowan, and
the inhabitants of Harlem, for their friendly atten-
tion to the ofiicers and men, and the use of their
dwellings and barns during the unsettled state of
his camp, and also for contributions of vegetables
for food.
On the 25th of August the master butchers
turned out a force amounting to about two hun-
dred and worked with zeal and ardor, and nearly
completed the sodding of Fort Green. They carried
the flag at their head which was displayed by the
butchei-s at the celebration of the Federal Constitu-
tion in New York City in 1788.
The next day a number of them were at work on
the fortifications at Brooklyn Heights. They car-
ried the same historic flag. Among other emblems
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TAMMANY SOCIETY. 227
on a flag was a large ox prepared for the slaughter,
with the motto :
*' SkiD me well, and dress me neat.
And send me on board the Federal fleet.*'
The HamUton Society and the Sons of Erin
had, as a society, each performed a day*s tour of
labor on the fortifications. Many of these societies,
as was the case with others, had members that
belonged to several other organizations, and per-
formed labor with them. Thus one person would do
several days' labor.
Much ostentation was displayed by the workers
in this way.
The Washington Benevolent Society had tendered
their services to the Committee of Defence, but had
not specified the time when they would perform the
labor. They were ahead of Tammany Society in
this oflfer.
Tammany Society took another method. A notice
was published calling a meeting of the members to
consider the time and place when their work should
be performed. On the morning of August 25th the
following call was issued:
•* To the Tammany Society or Columbian Order.
''Brothers: The voice of patriotism calls you to
the service of your country. Prepare yourselves with
zeal and promptitude to obey that loud summons.
Your committee have pledged themselves to the
Committee of Defence that one thousand of our so-
ciety shall^ on Wednesday the 31st, appear on
Brooklyn Heights to aid in erecting the fortifications
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228 WASHINGTON BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.
intended to defend our city against the menaced
assaults of a ferocious and brutal foe. Redeem that
pledge as becomes freemen ! You are requested to
meet on Wednesday next at five o'clock, at Tam-
many Hall, for the purpose of proceeding to Brook-
lyn.
'* The committee respectfully solicit the members
to sign the roll, without loss of time, which is left
at the hall and in the hands of the committee, in
order that the number of rations necessary for the
subsistence on that day may be provided, and which
will be provided on the ground free from any ex-
pense to the members.
'^ The wards will, without any defalcation, on
Monday evening next, return to the committee of
arrangements the respective lists of subscribei's.
'* WiLUAM J. Waldron,
Peter Embury,
Garret Sick els,
Stephen Allen,
Abram Dally,
** Committee. "
The Washington Benevolent Society was not to be
left behind by Tammany Society. After the call by
Tammany, the former hastened *^ to get there fii'st."
On the 26th the Washington Benevolent Society, to
the number of about eight hundred performed a* * tour
of labor" at Fort Gretni, in Brooklyn. At half -past
five o'clock in the morning they assembled in front
of the City Hall, and were arranged in order of pro-
cession under Colonel Piatt as grand mai'shal of the
day. The banners of the society were distributed at
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WORKERS BY MOONLIGHT. 229
equal distances through the lines, and Commodore
Decatur's band of music from the frigate President
placed in the center. The presiding oflScer of the
day and grand marshal were on horseback. The
procession moved through Beekman and Pearl
streets to the steamboat at Beekman Slip, and then
continued in the same ord,er to Fort Green. Gen-
eral Swift assigned to them the honor of breaking
ground on a new line of defence. Dinner was
provided on the ground, as was usual. At the close
of the day's labor the society returned to New York
in the same order observed in the morning. They
moved through the park in front of the City Hall>
and, halting, gave three cheers, and then proceeded
to the front of Washington Hall, on the corner of
Broadway and Reade street, where the tune of
Yankee Doodle was played by the band. Six cheers
closed the performance of the day.
A large number of this society was also engaged
on the same day with the Marine Society and the
Society of Tallow Chandlers at Harlem Heights, and
with the butchers at Fort Green.
The same day about two hundred citizens of Pater-
son, N. J., were working at a redoubt near Fort
Swift.
The weather was very hot at that time. It was
proposed by some that night- work could be done to
advantage. The moon was in its full and arose at
a time most favorable for such an enterprise. A
roll was circulated to obtain the names of persons
who would work on such an occasion. On Friday
the following notice was published :
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230 A 80NQ OF THE DAT
''The gentlemen who have signed the roll to per-
form one night's work at the fortifications on
Brooklyn Heights are hereby informed that Tues-
day next, at moonrise, is the time appointed to ren-
dezvous at the steamboat wharf."
It was announced that Friday evening, August
26th, would be the last night of performance at
New York Circus. '' Venice Preserved ; or, a Plot
Discovered," was the play.
A pantomime called '* Harlequin Patriot ; or,
Brooklyn Heights," was the afterpiece.
It was announced that the band of music belong-
ing to the United States frigate President would
perform some patriotic tunes. Box tickets, $1 ; pit,
fifty cents.
About this time appeared a poem written by
Samuel Woodworth, afterwards famous for being
the author of ''The Old Oaken Bucket." Wood-
worth was then publishing a weekly paper in New
York, called Tlie War. The poem was entitled,
*'The Patriotic Diggers," and was sung to the tune
of " Great Way Off at Sea, or Bob and Joan." It
was popular for many years after the war.
The refrain of this song was :
•*Pickaxe,^shovel, spade.
Crowbar, hoe and barrow:
Better not invade,
Yankees have the mai'row."
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CHAPTER XXXV.
-Capture of Washington— Effect in New York — To Arms ! To
Arms !— Committee of Defence Appeal to Citizens — Major-
General Lewis's Letter to Common Council — More Men And
More Money Wanted —Recommendations of Committee
of Defence Adopted— Large Loans Obtained by the City for
Derence.
f HE inhabitants in the city of New York,
up to this time, were far more inter-
ested in the movements of tlie enemy
on the northern and western frontier
of the State than they were in those
along the seaboard.
In the evening of the 26th the Evening Post
published the following in the form of an extra :
*' BATTLE OF BLADEN8BURG.
" By the pilot stage which left Philadelphia this
morning at one o'clock, we have received from our
correspondent a proof-sheet giving the following
particulars of a battle between the enemy and Gen-
eral Winder, at Bladensburg, at which our troops
suffered severely. General Stansbury is said to be
either killed or badly wounded, Major Pinckney
wounded and taken prisoner. Colonel Sterry badly
wounded. Our troops retreated into Washington,
followed by the enemy.
** On the envelope which covered our proof-sheet
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232 CAPTURE OF WASHiNQTON.
was written : ' The bnemy have entered Washing-
ton AFTER A SEVERE BATTLE,' and the passengers in
the stage, we are sorry to say, confti-ni it. They state
the news was brought to Philadelphia about half-
past eleven o'clock, by express."
The inhabitants now indeed felt that a crisis was
approaching, and they must join together to aid the
military forces of the nation and State in every man-
ner possible. The utmost earnestness and excitement
prevailed. Probably at no subsequent period dur-
ing that *' Battle Summer" of 1814 were the fears
and apprehensions of the inhabitants of New York
city at a greater tension.
On the morning of the 27th the Columbian con-
tained the following :
^'TO arms! CITIZENS. TO ARMS !
*' Your capital is taken ! 13,000 British troops
may have marched for Baltimore, and before this
hour it may have fallen. Six days ago the people
at Washington were in perfect security. In six
days the same enemy may be at the Hook, and if
they assail your city with a powerful force by land
and by water, what will be your fate ? Arise from
your slumbei^s ! Let ev ery citizen arise and enroll
himself instantly and prepare to defend our city to
the last extremity ! This is no time to talk ! We
must act, and act with vigor, or we are lost."
On that day the Committee of Defence made an
appeal to the citizens, calling attention to the miU-
taiy disasters at Baltimore and Washington, and
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TO ARMS! TO ARMS! 233
asking them to renew their exertions for the better
defence of the city. It was as follows :
APPEAL OF COMMITTEE OF DEFENCE.
**New York, August 27, 1814.
**The disastrous intelligence from the South,
ought, instead of producing despondence, to act
with redoubled energy upon our patriotic exertions,
and to produce the most animated efforts for defend-
ing our firesides and our altars against the attacks of
the enemy. Let not our public spirit evaporate in
words and professions. Let it be shown in our con-
duct. For this purpose let every man capable of
bearing arms provide himself with a musket and
the necessary accoutrements. Let all exempts be
immediately enrolled and organized. Let the milita
turn out daily for drill and discipline. Let the ar-
tillery practice with the great guns.
'* The efforts which are now making, and which
have been made in the direction of works and de-
fences, are honorable indications of patriotism. Let
them be accompanied and followed up by those
other acts which are indispensable to complete our
system of defence, and then, whatever may be the
result, we shall have the proud satisfaction of doing
our duty, and shall stand acquitted in the sight of
God and our country.
*^ Nicholas Fish,
John Nitchie,
Thomas R. Smith,
George Buckmaster,
Peter Mesier,
Gideon Tucker,
J. W. Brackett,
'' Committee."
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234 MEASURES FOR DEFENCE,
Ruf US King called on Gteneral Lewis in the morn-
ing and urged to prompt and vigorous measures of
defence. On the subject of money he said: **Let
a loan be immediately opened. I will subscribe to
the amount of my whole fortune." This was pub-
lished in the afternoon papers on that day.
Major-General Lewis, the next day, Sunday, laid
before the Committee of Defence the following letter
addressed to the Common Council:
^^TfflRD MiUTARY District.
' ' Headquarters, New York, August 28th, 1814.
* 'Gentlemen: Believing that this district is threat-
ened with invasion within the meaning of my in-
structions of the 12th ult., I have determined to
call on the Governor for the full amount of this
State's quota of militia, consisting of 13,500 men,
to be immediately placed at my disposal and
brought to this city. I have also determined in like
manner to call on New Jersey for its proportion,
whicli is 5,000.
** To supply rations for such a force for sixty days
will require the sum of $220,000, exclusive of camp
equipage, quarters, fuel, etc. The public depart-
ments here are at present penniless, and I must apply
to the patriotism of the corporation to raise the neces-
sary funds, in the first instance, not doubting the gov-
ernment will, in due time, reimburse its advances.
** The preservation of this city will certainly justify
the means, and the safest and surest means of se-
curing it against invasion is complete preparation
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MEASURES FOR DEFENCE. 235
for its defence. I hope the fall of Washington will
be to us a useful lesson.
^*I am, etc.,
** Morgan Lewis.
** To the Honorable Common Council, New York
City."
At the meeting cf the Common Council on Monday
the Committee of Defence made a report to the Com-
mon Council showing the progress of the works and
the need of more men and of money to pay and
provide for them, and asking the Governor of the
State to call for twenty thousand additional mihtia
for the defence of the city, saying, **The fate of
Washington warns us not to remain unprepared."
They recommended to the corporation to borrow
one million dollars for the purpose of defence.
The following is a copy of the report:
REPORT OP THE COMMrFTEE OP DEFENCE MADE AND
AGREED TO IN COMMON COUNCIL, AUGUST 29, 1814
** The Committee of Defence are happy to report
to the Corporation that the ardor of the citizens in
bestowing voluntary labor on works of defence for
our protection continues unabated, and that the
works have progressed and are progressing with
astonishing rapidity.
" The Committee on the other hand regret that
they are under the necessity of informing the Board,
that from all the information they can obtain, it is
reduced to a certainty, that the expenses of what-
ever additional defences may be necessary for the
city, both as to the erection of the works, and the
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236 MEASURES FOR DEFENCE,
paying, provisioning, and accommodating men for
our defence, must be derived from our own
resources or not obtained at all. If this city is to
be defended from hostile attacks, the Corporation
must provide the funds in the first place, and look
to the general Government for an indemnification.
** The Committee have therefore requested of his
Excellency, the Governor, on the recommendation
of the military commanders of the United States,
forthwith to call out twenty thousand additional
militia, for the defence of this city. They have
taken this step under a conviction of its necessity,
and from a further conviction that the Board would
sanction the measure, feeling also its necessity, jand
being sensible that the present crisis admits of no
delay.
** With a view of meeting the expenses into which
the calamitous state of our country and the duty
of self-defence have driven us, it will be necessary
for the Board to provide necessary funds. The
Committee are of opinion that to draw the neces-
sary funds from the banks of our city would be
straightening them too much in their operation, and
have a tendency to increase the present distress in
the pecuniary transactions of our fellow-citizens.
They therefore respectfully suggest to the Board the
propriety of authorizing a loan to be opened for a
sum not exceeding one million of dollars, at seven per
cent, payable in one year, with interest half
yearly, for which the bonds of the Corporation shall
be given to the lenders.
**It will be necessary for the comfortable accom-
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MEABdRES FOR DBFBNGE.
modation of the militia to be called out, that proper
barracks be erected for the purpose, and that meas-
ures be immediately adopted for their erection. It
will be necessary that arrangements should be
made for supplying the troops with good and whole-
some provisions, and in case it should not be in the
power of the general Government to supply them,
the supply must be made by us.
*^We commend to the Board, that some proper
person or persons be authorized immediately to raise
the buoys stationed in our harbor, as owing to the
smallness of our commerce, they may easily be dis-
pensed with, and because their continuance may be of
great importance to the enemy, and their removal
put a great obstacle in the way of his approach.
^* We recommend to the Board, that the Commit-
tee be authorized to make some arrangements, if
necessary, for employing the steam and horse boats
in the harbor for the transportation of troops ; and,
as at such a crisis as this, many necessary things
may suggest themselves or be suggested to the
Committee which may require expedition in the ac-
complishment, the Committee respectfully recom-
mend to the Board that they be authorized to
execute them without express delegation of power
for that purpose. The Committee are sensible that
they are making large demands upon the confidence
of the Board ; they covet not such extension of
power and confidence, but they think them all im-
portant to the safety of our threatened city. The
fate of Washington warns us not to remain unpre-
pared. A small expenditure of money might have
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238 LOAN A8KKD,
saved our capital and prevented this disgi'ace upon
the nation. And shall the city of New York, the
first in the Union, in point of importance, also fall
the sacrifice to a spirit of penuriousness which will
count the expense of self-protection when all is in
jeopardy ? The Committee are as sensible as the
Board can be that the duty of protecting us belongs
to the general Gtovernment, but when a government
is unable to protect, the crisis demands that the citi-
zens should strain every nerve to protect them-
selves."
The recommendations in the report were unani-
mously agreed to. A loan was at once authorized
and placed under the direction of the Finance Com-
mittee. It was placed before the public in the fol-
lowing manner :
*' The Corporation of New York to their Fellow-
Citizens :
**The crisis of our national affairs has rendered
it indispensable for the corporation of the city to
advance the funds necessary for the protection of
this part of the State. In order to be safe we must
rely upon our means — upon ourselves ! Any other
reliance in the present state of the country would
be delusive and might be ruinous.
**The corporation have, therefore, for the sole
and exclusive purpose of defence, imanimously
authorized the Committee of Finance to open a loan
for a million of doUai's at an interest of seven per
cent, the principal payable in a year and the in-
terest semi-annually. The bond of the corporation
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LOAN OBTAINED. 239
will be given to the 8ub8criJ)ers to the loan, and it
is presumed that this country cannot furnish better
security for the payment of the debt.
'*It is unnecessary for the committee to enforce
the important consideration which arises out of this
proposition. As patriots, we are called upon by
the most sacred obligations to assist our country in
the hour of danger and peril. As fathers, as hus-
bands, as citizens, as Christians, we. are bound to
protect our wives, our children, our houses and our
altars against the attack of the enemy ; and as men
who do not look to higher considerations than in-
terest, we will even find it expedient to advance
funds when such advance may be considered as a
premium for insurance against invasion.
** Subscriptions are now open at all the banks in
the city for this purpose. The money will be re-
ceived in four equal payments ; the first at the time
of subscribing, and the remainder in three equal
monthly payments. The receipts of the different
cashiers will be evidence of the payment. Interest
will be allowed on each installment, and when the
payments are complete, bonds will be issued in due
form.
*' By order of the Committee of Finance,
*' Augustine H. Lawrence,
*' Chairman."
The sum required was speedily subscribed and
placed at the disposal of the committee. Thus they
were enabled not only to supply the wants of the
several departments, to cause the works of defence
to goj^on with rapidity, to procure whatever might
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240 LOAN OBTAINED,
be deemed necessary for defence, but also to provide
many things for the comfort and convenience of
their fellow-citizens who had left their families and
domestic comforts and who were in arms for the
defence of the city.
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CHAPTER XXXVI.
liilitia Ordered into Service — Training on Governor's Island-
Call for Implements of Defence— Militia Under General
Steveos l^f ustered into Active Service Under Major-Genend
Lewis— Sketch of General Stevens' Family— Sketch of Gen-
eral Lewis* Family— Military Orders— Rockland County
Militia— Martial Lai* in the City— Call for New, Jersey-
Militia to Defend New York— Philadelphia Asks for New
Jersey Militia^ Secretary of War Grants the Request — Gov-
ernor Pennington Orders Nineteen Companies to Powles^
Hook (Jersey City)» Colonel Frelinghuysen in Command
There.
^. Governor TOMPKINS, appreci-
ating the necessity of prompt mil-
itary action on the part of the
State, independent of the action of
the national f orces, and yet to act.
in conjunction with them, being at.
his home in New York City, imme-
diately issued the following order-
on Saturday :
' State of New York.
General Orders.
Head Quarters, New York, Aug. 27th, 1814.
The detached division, consisting of the First Brig-^
ade of Artillery, and the Third and Tenth Brigades
of Infantry, will parade by brigades on Tuesday
next (August 30th), at an hour and at place of ren-
dezvous to be appointed by Maj.-Gten. Ebenezer
Stevens,, and will then be formed into a division and
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242 0RDER8 TO MILITIA.
be inspected and maneuvered by the Major-GteneraL
Every soldier is required to appear completely
equipped, according to law. The inspector will be
particularly careful to ascertain the quality and
quantity of equipments, and will immediately re-
port an inspection return to the commander-in-chief.
It is recommended to the brigadiers forthwith to
consolidate and organize their respective brigades
for actual service ; to assign the officers who are to
take the field ; to cause notice to be given to every
individual of that organization of his place of ren-
dezvouSy in case of sudden alarm, and of the officer
whom he is to respect and obey on his arrival there.
When they are thus organized and notified, it is
xecommended that the officers assigned to com-
^mand assemble at least three times a week for im-
provement, and that times and places be designated
for the non-commissioned officers and privates to
meet for the same purpose ; and that competent
and confidential persons be employed to instruct
them in discipline.
The Commander-in-chief has repeatedly urged
upon the militia to equip themselves with a musket,
etc., as is enjoined upon them by the' Constitution
and laws. He trusts the emergency which threatens
us cannot fail to awaken to this important duty the
immediate attention of every patriotic citizen who
has hitherto neglected it.
It is recommended' to the associations of exempts,
organized in the city of New York, to attend to im-
provement in discipline as often as possible. Any
•of these corps, or other associations of patriotic
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0RDBR8 TO MILITIA. 243
citizens who may wish to parade and be inspected
with the division on Tuesday will report themselvi^B
to Major Qeneral Stevens, and he is directed to as-
sign them a station emd have them inspected.
The Commander-in-chief cannot omit this oppor-
tunity of exhorting the militia and hisjellow-citi*
zens of the Northern district generally to arm them-
selves and to turn their attention immediately
and ardently to military instruction and discipline,
and he renews the injunction upon the commandants
of the militia of Rockland, Westchester, Kings,.
Queens, Richmond and Suffolk Counties to hold
their corps equipped and in readiness to take the
field at a moment^s warning.
By order of the Commander-in-chief.
Anthony Lamb,
Aide-de-camp.
Gteneral Stevens responded to the order as follows :
PmsT Division op New York Detaohbd Miutia.
Division Orders.
City op New York, Aug. 29th, 1814.
In conformity with the above general orders
(Aug. 27th), that part of the First Division of De-
tached Militia therein designated will parade on
Tuesday morning, the 80th inst., precisely at 11
o'clock, on Stuyvesant Ground, near the rope-
walks, completely armed and equipped, according
to law.
By order of Major-General Stevens.
W. B, Crosby,
Aide-de-Camp^
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1IU TRAINING ON Q0VERN0B8 ISLAND.
We have already se^i (Ante, page 138) the num-
heic of the United States forces for the defence ot
New York harbor. The men were recent volun-
teers and had not been siiflBciently trained to do the
most effective service. A rigid discipline was at
once entered upon.
The following is one of the garrison orders then
issued :
Qabrison Orders.
Fort Columbus, Aug. 2^th, 1814.
The artillery with a company of Infantry will be
drilled at the Battery (on Governor's Island), every
Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning, from
five to one-half past six o'clock, commencing at
Fort Columbus ; taking guns in course through all
the batteries. Commanding officers of companies
will cause their companies to be drilled with mus-
kets each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning
during the same hours. All officers are punctually
to attend company drills. Sergeant Dillahunty
will drill the non-commissioned officers of artillery
from one-half past nine to eleven o'clock every
morning until further orders. At • the sound of
alarm by the bugle the troops will turn out on their
company parade. The Infantry will be conducted
by the senior officers to the covert way of the ditch
of Fort Columbus as its proper alarm post, and the
artillery will be conducted by companies to their
batteries. The conductors of artillery, aided by
Quarter-Master, Sergeant, and Powder Monkeys,
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CALL FOR ARMS. 245
will furnish the implements and ammunition and
arrange them to the pieces.
By order.
Chas. Anthony,
Adj. Corps Art.
It was well known that there had been from the
first a great lack of arms and equipments of all
kinds sufficient for the men of the First Division.
Those that had arrived from the river counties for
service in the defence of the city were no better
provided. Governor Tompkins issued and pub-
lished the following call on the inhabitants :
General Orders.
Head-Quarters, New York, Aug. 29th, 1814.
The Commander-in-chief having been informed
that several inhabitants of this city are possessed of
cannons, pistols, broad swords and other mihtary
articles which are not wanted for their own private
use, and which will be of service to the public in
case of invasion, requests that every inhabitant
having articles of that description in his possession
will report them to the Commissary of Military
Stores at the State Arsenal, where such of them as
be fit for use will be received and paid for.
By order of the Commander-in-chief.
Anthony Lamb,
Aide-de'Camp.
The two following orders were also issued on the
same day, and all of them pubUshed in the morning
papers the day after their date :
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246 o^ll fob volunteers.
Qenbral Orders.
Head-Quarters, New York, Aug. 29th, 1814.
The Commander-in-chief is desirous of organizing
a regular corps of troops of one or two thousand
men, including officers, for three months' service^
and to be continued if sanctioned by the Legislature
for twelve months, or during the war. He will
allow the same pay to the officers as is allowed to
officers of the army, and an addition of two dollars
per month to non-commissioned officers, musicians,
and privates, in lieu of boimty and clothing with
such other encouragement as the Legislature may be
pleased to grant. The organization of companies,
regiments, and of the brigade, will be according to
the United States regulation, and the uniform will
be provided by the corps, plain and cheap. The
C!ommander-in*chief will commision the officers as
soon as the corps shall be enlisted.
Their services will be confined for the present to
the defence of the seaboard of the State of New
York, and they will be subject to the orders of the
Commander-in-chief of this State, until provisions
may be made otherwise.
By order.
Anthony Lamb,
Aide'de-Camp.
General Orders.
Head-Quarters, New York, August 29th, 1814.
The Commander-in-chief will organize a battahou
of Sea Fencibles, upon the plan of organization pre-
scribed by the act of Congress relative to that corps.
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MOVBMBNTa OF TROOPS. 247
to act either by sea or land, in defence of the city
and harbor of New York and its vicinity. Captains,
mates, and marines generally, are invited to form
such corps immediately. The oflScers will be com-
missioned as s(>on as companies shall be listed.
By order of the Commander-in-chief.
Anthony Lamb,
Atde-deCamp.
There were rumors that some of the troops at
Governor's Island and other places in the vicinity of
New York city had been ordered for the northern
frontier, near Lake Champlain. The National Ad-
vocate of August 30th said : ** We are authorized to
say that no troops stationed at Governor's Island
have proceeded, or are ordered to proceed to the
north. That troops are constantly on the march
from the south to join their regiments on the front-
iers is a fact ; and that some may have passed through
this place last week is probable, but that any of the
disposable force stationed in this city and harbor
have been ordered to the north is false and ground-
less."
On August 29th the Montgomery Rangers, Albany
Biflemen and Captain Dole's Trojan Greens ar-
rived and were stationed at Fort Green. Their ele-
gant uniforms and fine equipments attracted many
visitors.
In Governor Tompkins' special message to the
New York State Legislature in September he stated
that **the success of the enemy at Washington
spread a momentary panic on the seaboard." The
order of 27th August for parade and inspection on
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^48 BBNDEZVOm ORDERBD
80th wa43 only a necessary preliminary to actual
service. Without waiting for the inspection the
Governor on 29th ordered a rendezvous of militia
for immediate active service, as follows :
State op New York.
General Orders.
Head-Quarters, New York, Aug. 29, 1814.
The division of Major-Gteneral Stevens, detached
and organized by general orders of the 20th July
last, and the Twenty-second Brigade of Infantry,
are ordered, pursuant to a requisition for that pur-
I)Ose, into immediate actwd service^ for the defence
of the city and harbor of New York. Gteneral
Stevens's division and the Twenty-second Brigade of
Infantry will rendezvous on Friday next, the sec-
ond day of September, at eight o'clock in the morn-
ing, at such place or places as Major-Gtenei-al
Stevens may assign. Upon the arrival of the troops
at the places of rendezvous they will be reported to
the commanding oflScer of the Third military dis-
trict.
All corps of exempts, enlisted volunteers, corps
of sea fencibles, and other associates of citizens
who are disposed at this moment of danger to oflEer
their services in the defence of the country, are
earnestly requested to report themselves, and repair
to the field as soon as they have formed themselves
into companies.
The Twenty-ninth Brigade of Infantry will as-
semble at such place as Brig. -Gen. Peter S. Van
Orden may appoint, on Saturday, the third of
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FOR DRFBNOB OF NSW YORK. 249
' September next, at nine o'clock in the forenoon,
where it will be consolidated into one regiment, and
the field and staff assigned by the brigadier-gen-
eral. The troops will then proceed immediately to
New York by water or land, as General Van Orden
may direct, who will also have means of transpor-
tation provided immediately.
The detached regiments commanded by Lieuten- .
ant-Colonels Visscher and Davis will rendezvous on
Monday, the fifth of September, at Albany and
Troy, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, and being
there consolidated into battalions by the respective
brigadier-generals, will repair forthwith to New
York.
Brig. -Gen. Putnam Farrington, of Delaware
County, will immediately send one full regiment
from his (Twenty-fifth) brigade to New York,
and will organize the companies with one captain,
two lieutenants, one ensign, four sergeants, six cor-
porals, two musicians and ninety privates to each,
and the regiment with four field officers and the
usual staff.
Brig. -Gen. Jacob Odell will organize one full
-company or troop of horse artillery from the first
regiment of his brigade, and one full company
-or troop from the second regiment, and Brig.-
Gen. George D. Wickham will organize and send
to New York immediately two full troops of cavalry
of his brigade, with one major to be selected by him.
The troops of horse artillery and cavalry will form
one squadron, to be commanded by Lieut. -Col.
James Warner.
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250 RENDEZVOUS ORDERED.
The commandant of the militia of Saratoga
Comity will order one full battalion of militia from
his brigade to repair to New York, without a mo-
ment's delay. The brigadier-general will not wait
for a draft or detachment, but will order a regiment
en masse to be consolidated into a battalion if
necessary, with one Ueutenant-colonel, one major,
and one adjutant for field and staff.
One full battalion will be ordered in like manner
from each of the following brigades of infantry,
viz. : the Twelfth, Ninth, Twentieth, Twenty-third,.
Thirtieth, Thirty-first, Thirty-fourth and Thirty-
seventh, to be ordered out en masse and organized,
and to march immediately.*
The artillery, light infantry and grenadier com-
panies of the counties of Albany, Schenectady,
Ulster, Sullivan, Rensselaer, Columbia, Dutchess-
and Delaware Counties, with so many only of their
oflScers as may be in proportion to the number of
men in each, will immediately assemble and repair
* The location of the brigades of infantry mentioned in this
order were as follows :
Ninth, Saratoga County.
Twelfth, Columbia County.
Twentieth, Dutchess County.
Twenty-second, Kings and Queens County.
Twenty-third, Sullivan and Ulster County.
Twenty-fifth, Delaware County,
Twenty-ninth. Rockland County.
Thirtieth, Dutchess County.
Thirty-first, Albany.
Thirty-fourth, Orange and Ulster County.
Thirty-seventh, Greene and Albany County,
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MUSTER INTO 8BRVICE. 251
to New York, and report themselves to the com-
manding oflScer in the Third military district. The
commandants of artillery will take with them their
field pieces and equipments, and will provide trans-
portation for their men upon the most economical
terms.
Every officer and man embraced in this order is to
provide himself with at least four days' provisions,
ready cooked, and Will be authorized to draw back
rations, in consideration thereof, on his arrival at
New York. The personal equipments of a soldier
are a musket and bayonet or rifle, cartridge box
and bayonet belt, knapsack, blanket, canteen and
twenty-four rounds of ammunition.
The crisis has arrived when the culpable remiss-
ness which has hitherto prevailed among militia
officers in respect to deficiencies of equipments
among their men is seriously felt ; all indulgence in
this point must henceforth cease ; it has always
been pernicious, but now becomes criminal. Every
officer and soldier therefore is enjoined strictly to
comply with the requisitions of the law in this re-
spect, and is assured that all delinquencies here-
after will be rigidly noticed and severely pun-
ished.
By order of the Commander-in-chief.
Anthony Lamb,
Aide'de-Camp.
At the parade for review and inspection of the
First Division of State miUtia on the 30th there
ivere six thousand men, all residents of New York
Oity, excepting part of the Third Regiment of
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252 MUSTER INTO BBRVICB.
artillery and part of the 146th Begiment of
infantry from Staten Island.
The consolidation of companies and r^ments
were then made, and necessarily excluded upwards
of forty captains, besides other officers, from com-
mand, and they were therefore out of service.
At the rendezvous muster on 8d of September,
the First Division of New York State militia, under
command of Maj.-Gten. Ebenezer Stevens, was
turned over to report to Maj.-(Jen. Moi^an Lewis
and mustered mto the service of the United States.
The following order was issued :
State of New York.
General Orders.
Headquarters, New York, Sept. 8, 1814.
The Commander-in-chief has witnessed with high
satisfaction the alacrity with which the division
under the command of General Stevens has entered
into actual service. The equipment and soldier-like
conduct of the troops and the large number of vol-
unteers that have joined the division give honor-
able testimony of the mihtary and patriotic spirit
which, at this interesting crisis, animates all ranks
and conditions. It is such generous zeal, such
unanimity of feeling and action that constitute
the real strength of a free community.
The division being now transferred to the com-
mand of Major-General Lewis for a term of service,
the Commander-in-chief, while he expresses the
pride he feels in being able to furnish to the national
demand so fine and formidable a body of men,.
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MILITIA IN BBRVIOB, 25»
exhorts them to persevere in the punctual perform-
ance of their duties as citizens and soldiers; to-
exert themselves to the utmost to deserve the ap-
probation of their present commandant ; and never^
for a moment, to forget that to their courage and
good conduct are confided the safety of their fire-
sides, the protection of their families, the welfare
and reputation of their city, and the honor of the
nation.
By order of the Commander-in-chief.
WASmNGTON iRVINa,*
Aid'de-Camp,
From that time until discharged Major-Gteneral
Stevens and the First Division of New York State
militia were subject to the commander of the Third
Military District of the United States, t
* The rank of this famous author was that of Colonel, which
he held until the close of the war.
t A biographical sketch of Gton. Ebenezer Stevens has already
been given in Volume IL of this work, page lOS. As many
of his descendants are among us the following account of his
family is given :
General Stevens married 1st, at Providence, Rhode Island, 11
October, 1774, Rebecca, daughter of Benjamin Hodgdon, of New
Hampshire, by whom he had issue :
I.— Elizabeth, born Providence, R. I., July, 1775 ; died Bos-
ton, Mass., June, 1777.
II. — Horatio Qates, born Stamford, Conn., 19 September,
1778, died New York, 16 June, 1878 ; Major-General
New York State Militia; Vice-President New York
State Society of the Cincinnati ; served in the war of
1812 as Lieutenant-Colonel of Second Regiment of New
York Artillery ; married Eliza Lucille Rhinelander of
New York, by whom he had issue :
1.— Mary Lucille Stevens, born August 11, 1817.
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254 0IWSB8 TO ABTILLBRT.
On the same day division orders were issued per-
mitting the officers and men residing in the city to
return to their respective homes subject to further
oi-ders.
The following order was issued by Gteneral Mor-
ton :
First Brigade, New York State Artillery.
Brigade Orders.
New York, Sept. 2, 1814.
In pursuance of division orders of this date, the
troops will be dismissed and the officers and men
permitted to return to their respective homes. The
commanders of regiments and battalions will direct
their respective companies to be drilled by com-
panies at such places as shall be most convenient,
Married November 7, 1887, Albert R. GallatiD,
son of Albert Gallatin. Died December 28, 1892.
2.— John Rhinelander Stevens, member of the New
York State Society of the Cincinnati ; bom
June 21, 1828 ; married Elizabeth M illan, June
29, 1875 ; died January 8. 1889.
nL— Rebecca Hodgdon, born New Windsor, New York, 24
November, 1780; died I June. 1815; married to John
Peter Schermerhorn, of New York.
IV. — George Alexander, born at West Point, 21 September,
1782, died at sea, , 1807. He was lost on bis re-
turn from France on board the Qipsy, one of his
father's merchant vessels, which foundered while be-
ing chased by a British man-of-war during the oper-
ations of the ''Orders in Council." Unmarried.
General Stevens married 2d, at New York, 4 May, 1784, Lu-
cretia Ledyard (widow of Richardson Sands), daughter of Judge
John Ledyard, of Hartford, Conn., by whom he had issue :
v.— Samuel, born New York, 14 March, 1875 ; died New York,
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0RDEB8 TO ARTILLBRT. 255
to-morrow morning, from six to eight o'clock ; in
the afternoon, from four to six o'clock ; and this to
be continued daily until further orders. The Field
officers will visit the company parades and render
every assistance in ttieir power to discipline the
men.
All firing either of cannon or small arms is
strictly forbidden.
The general cannot dismiss the troops without
expressing his high satisfaction with their appear-
ance to-day. He is pleased to find that the call for
duty and for the defence of o\ir country has in-
creased the First Brigade of artillery.
By order of Brig. -Gen. Morton.
J. Vandbrbilt,
Atde-de-Camp.
25 December, 1844; YaleOoUege, 1806; a distinguished
member of the New York Bar ; one of the flrtt Com-
missioners of the Croton Aqueduct Construction. Tin*
married.
VL— William, bom New York, 4 May, 1787 ; died Poughkeep-
sie, 1 November, 1867. Unmarried.
VII.— Alexander Hodgdon, bom New York, 4 September, 1789:
died 80 March, 1869 ; Yale College, 1807 ; M.D., LL.D.;
President of the New York Academy of Medicine ; of
the College of Physicians and Surg^ns ; of the Ameri-
can Medical Association ; of the Medical Society of the
State of New York ; ^Professor of Principles and Prac-
tice of Surgery. University of State of New York, New
York. Married 1st, Mary Jane Bayard, of New Jersey ;
2d, Catherine Morris, of Pelham, Westchester Co., N.
Y.; 8d, Phoebe Coles Lloyd, of Long Island.
Vm— Byam Kerby, bom New York. 20 April, 1792 ; died As-
toria, 15 Febmary, 1870; Yale College, 1811; mer-
chant of the house of Ebenezer Stevens' Sons. Mar-
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256 ALACBITT OF TEE MILITIA.
The country regiments were very prompt in
responding to this call for the defence of New York
York City and harbor. Within nine hours after
the orders of August 29th left New York they were
delivered to Brigadier-Gteneral Van Orden in Rock-
land County by a route of sixty-six miles at four
o'clock in the morning. Within six hours more the
commandants of regiments received their orders,
and every captain in the brigade, two excepted,
were notified to turn out their companies. On
Saturday, September 3d, the whole paraded at
Greenbush (Orangetown), where the brigade waa
consolidated into a single regiment, when the troop&
marched four miles to Slote's landing, embarked on
board the transports in small boats, which de-
tained them till night, and arrived at New York
ried Frances Gallatin, of New York, daughter of Albert
Oallatin.
IX.-pJohn Austin, bom New York, 99 January, 1795 ; died
New York, 19 October, 1874 ; Yale College, 1818; mer-
chant of the house of Ebenezer Stevens' Sons ; Presi-
dent of the Merchants* Exchange ; of the Bank of
Commerce in New York, from 1889 to 1860 ; of the
Associated Banks of New York, Philadelphia, and Bos-
ton in 1863, and Chairman of the Treasury Note Com-
mittee, which managed the one hundred and fifty mil-
lion loan to the Government of the United States dur-
ing the civil war. Married Abby Weld, of Brunswick,
Me., formerly of Boston, Mass.
X.— Henry Hewgill, bom New York, 28 February, 1797 ; died
Poughkeepsie, 6 October, 1869. Merchant. Married
Catherine Clarkson CroBby, of New York.
XI —Mary Lucretia Lucy Ann, born New York, 16 April, 1796^
Married to Frederick William Rhinelander, of New
I York, Died Newport, 26 August, 1877.
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ABRIVAL IN NEW TOBK: [ 257
by two o'clock on Sunday morning, September
4th.
This uncommon expedition was owing to the
alacrity of the troops, aided by the general zeal of
the inhabitants, who volimteered in furnishing
rations and conveyance to the rendezvous for the
citizens called into the public service.
At Fishkill, Dutchess County, a company re-
ceived orders on Monday (29th), turned out on
Tuesday, and were in New York on Wednesday.
At that time. General Van Orden's brigade of in-
fantry consisted of only two regiments, the Eighty-
third and 160th, which comprised all the infantry^
in Rockland County. Every able-bodied man in the*
county belonged to these two regiments, except those
that belonged to the light horse, or the artillery com-
pany at Nyack ; the artillery company consisted of
one brass six-pounder and aboutjSforty men, under
Major Dibble.
The light horse was of about eighty men, and was
ordered to muster; after review it was dismissed
in September, 1814, and never recalled. The popu-
lation of the county then was less than eight thou-
sand persons.
Major-Gten. Morgan Lewis, then in his sixtieth
year, exhibited all the zeal and patriotism which was
characteristic of his youth, and through his whole
course of 'military, and civil public services, always
alert, always industrious and tireless in his official
duties. A large force of militia had arrived, and
more were coming in daily. It was apparent that
strict military government must be enforced, and
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258 MILITARY RBQ ULATI0N8.
rules prescribed for their well-being and effective
service. '
It is probable that no commander in the service
could formulate and prescribe a better code for such
a government under the circumstances than Major-
General Lewis. His experience, education and
mental qualifications were exceptionally pre-eminent
for such an emergency. Ue promulgated the follow-
ing :
EuLBs AND Regulations to be Observed in the
Camp Daily.
Adjutant-General's Office, Third Military
District.
New York, August 29th, 1814.
General Orders
To be observed by the Militia of the State of New
York, in the service of the United States, in
the Third Military District.
When the citizen first exchanges the comparative
ease and aflfluence of domestic for the rigor and pri-
vations of military life, his future health, welfare
and usefulness greatly depend on an early acquain-
tance with the fiirst rudiments of his new profession.
He must set out, therefore, with a determination to
tmderstand and to practice certain rules indispen-
sable to his security against disease in camp, dis-
comfiture in the field, and consequent deprivation of
life too often the fatal issue of each. Those rules
must be inculcated by the example, and enforced by
the authority of his oflScers of every grade. The
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ly CAMP IN THE CITY. 259
first attention is to bis habitation. While under
canvas each tent should be surrounded with a small
ditch to carry oflf the water, that the floor within
may be kept dry, taking care that the earth from
the ditch be not thrown against the tent.
No eating must be permitted in the tents, except
m bad weather ; and every fine day the^nts should
be struck, on a signal given by drum for the pur-
pose, at ten in the morning, and removed from the
floor, that the bedding, etc., may be aired, the mois-
ture and noxious effluvia expelled. After one hour
they may be repitched on a similar signal.
All the messes must eat by 'signal, at the same
hour, and the soldiers of the same tent must belong
to the same mess. The propriety of this arrange-
ment will readily occur to those who reflect, that it
is essential to military operations that each individ-
ual of our army should be prepared for duty at the
same instant of time.
Cleanliness in every situation of life is essential to
health. In an army it is peculiarly so. The strict-
est attention, therefore, must be paid to it, not only
in the tent of the soldier, but throughout the camp.
The company oflScers will therefore attend to the
cleanliness of their men in their persons, clothing,
cooking and mess utensils of every description, and
in conjunction with the oflScers of the poUce, to that
of the camp, by having all bones and impurities of
every description collected and burnt, or buried. The
police oflficers will also be on the alert, to punish
every man who shall ease himself anywhere except
in the sinks, and will take care that the ordure in
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^60 MILITABT REO ULA TIONS.
Gverj sink be each momiDg covered by the carap
colour-men
A subaltern, four non-commissioned officers and
eight privates, as camp-colo\ir-men, with a drummer,
will be each day detailed for the duty from each
regiment, neither of whom are on any account to be
absent during the time they are so on duty. The
attendance of the officers and drummers will be at
the tent of the adjutant of the regiment ; these will
form the regimental poUce of the day.
It is the duty of officers of every grade to stop
•every non-commissioned officer and soldier they
meet without the chlam of sentinels, to examine his
pass, and commit him to the nearest guard if his
pass is irregular, or if he has none ; from thence he
must be sent with his crime to his regiment.
Reveille will beat every morning at day-break,
which shall be the signal for officers and soldiers to
rise, and prepare for parade. Half an hour after the
Troop will beat, which is the signal for officers and
soldiers to assembly on their company parades for
roll-call and inspection. The roll shall then be called,
and the soldiers' arms and accoutrements be in-
spected by the platoon officers, and every deficiency
noted in the company book, and a return thereof
made every Monday morning to the Adjutant-Gen-
eral of the district. After roll-call and inspection,
the drill shall commence, by sections of half pla-
toons, except the troops detailed for the duties of the
day, and be continued for two hours.
At half -past eleven o'clock a.m. the Troop shall
again beat, and the troops be paraded by companies
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MILITAR T REO ULATIONS. 261
without arms, the roll called, and the men taught
for an hour to march by platoons.
At 4 P.M. they will again assemble by companies,
with their arms, on beating the Troop, and after call-
ing the roll, be drilled by sections for two hours, as
in the earlier part of the day.
The Retreat will beat at sunset (after which no
non-commissioned officer nor soldier is to be out of
<^mp, unless on duty)— the roll will then be called,
the men warned for the duties of the succeeding day,
And orders of the day read to them.
The Tattoo will beat at nine in the evening, when
^very soldier will retire to his quarters for the night.
The drums of the police will always beat the Drum-
mer's Call sixteen minutes before the time of the re-
spective beats, when all the drums of each regiment
will assemble at the colours of the regiment, from
whence they will beat along the front of their re-
spective regiments to the right, from thence to the
left, and back to the center. The beat will always
<x)mmence with the regiment on the right.
There will be detailed for duty daily from each
regiment, in the respective brigades, a quarter, or
•camp guard, to consist of one subaltern, two ser-
geants, four corporals, and forty men, which will fur-
nish a cordon of sentinels around the camp. There
will be also, in like manner, detailed for daily duty, a
picket guard from the brigade, to consist of one cap-
tain, two subalterns, four sergeants, eight corporaJs
and eighty privates, from which an outer Une of sen-
tinels will be placed at the distance of two or three
hundred yards from the inner line* or cordon.
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262 MILITARY REQ ULAT10N8.
A field ofiBcer will be appointed each day as officer
of the day, whose duty it will be to visit the guards
by night and by day, and to report their conduct and
all other occurrences the following morning to the
commanding general of the brigade, who will trans-
mit the same to the headquarters of the district.
All guards will be relieved at seven in the morn-
ing.
An officer from each brigade will attend at the
office of the Adjutant-General of the district, each
day at noon, for orders.
Muster roUs and inspection returns of each brigade
must be immediately made, agreeably to a form
which will be furnished by the acting Inspector-Gen-
eral of the district.
The commanding general earnestly recommends
to the militia officers now in service, the establish-
ment in each brigade of a military school, for the
instruction of officers in the common drill : and if
they have not officers of their own corps sufficiently
qualified for teachers, to employ them from other
corps.
By order of Maj.-Q«n. M. Lewis.*
Thomas Chrystie,
Assistant Adjutant-Ofneral.
* For sketch of the services of Qeneral Lewis in the Revolu-
tionary War see Schuyler's ** History of New York State Society
of The Cincinnati." For some account of his services in the
War of 181d see Lossing's " Field.Book of the War of 181d."
A sketch of the public life of Gleneral Lewis is in " Street's
New York Council of Revision.*'
So many of his descendants ai'e among us that the following-
will be interesting to the public
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ABMINQ TEE MlLIllA.^ 265
Gten. Joseph G. Swift was appointed Inspec-
tor-General of the whole force and was virtually in
command of the defences of the city, he having to
supervise everything, not only the construction of
the defences around New York and their arma-
ment, but the providing of commissary and med-
ical supplies.
The following supplies were furnished to the fol-
lowing commands by the State of New York,
through (General Stevens, from August 30th to
October 6th, 1814 :
MU8KBT8. ACOOITTRBHBNTS.
General Hermance. . 1,189 1,074
" Haight.... 1,787 1,769
'* Van Orden 866 872
'' Johnson . . 766 766
Maj.-Cten. Morgan Lewis [second son of FraiiC's and Elizabeth
(Annesly) Lewis], b N. Y. City, October 16, 1754; d N. Y.
City, April 7, 1844 : m at Clermont, Columbia County, N. Y«,
May 11, 1779, Gertrude Livingston [daughter of Judge
Robert R. and Margaret (Beekman) Livingston]; b at Cler-
mont, April 16, 1757 ; d N. Y. City, March 9, 1888, and had
an only child.
Margaret Lewis, b at Clermont, Columbia County, N. Y.,
February 5, 1780 ; d at Staatsburgh, Dutchess County,
N. Y., September 28, 1860; m at Staatsburg, May 29,
1798, Maturin Livingston [son of Robert James and
Susanna (Smith) Livingston]; b. N. Y. City, April 10,
1769; d N. Y. City, November 7, 1847, and had twelve
children.
1. Morgan Lewis Livingston, b at Staatsburg, N. Y.,
April 8, 1799; d N. Y. City, November 8, 1869;
ra, N. Y. City, March 80, 1829, Catherine Manning
[daughter of James and Elizabeth (Storm) Man-
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264 CALL UPON NBW JERSEY.
HUSKBTS. ACOOUTRBMBNTS.
^neral Swartwout 339 339
'' Boyd...... 54 54— 30 rifles.
" Steddiford. 807
" Mapes .... 1,223
'• Morton ... 220
Sea Foncibles 473 473
Liieut.-Col. Warner. 23 pistols.
Major-Gteneral Lewis, by letter dated August
80th, addressed to (Governor Pennington of New
-Jersey, required the whole of the New Jersey State
quota of five thousand militia to assemble in the
vicinity of New York. The commander of the
Fourth Military District, Major-Gleneral Bloomfield,
made claim that General Ebenezer Elmer's brigade
■of about two thousand of the New Jersey militia
^should be furnished for the defence of Philadelphia
ning ;] b N. Y. City, January 18, 1809 ; d N. Y. City,
April 27, 1888, and had issue,
2. Julia Livingston, b at Staatsburg, N. Y., September
15, 1801 ; d at Grasmere, near Rhinebeck, N. Y.,
June 28, 1882 ; m, N. Y. City, December 12, 1888-
Maj. Joseph Delafleld [son of John and Ann (Hal,
lett) Delafleld ; b N. Y. City, August 22. 1790; d
N. Y. City. February 12, 1875, and had three sons
and one daughter. One of the sons, Joseph, died
in infancy.
8. Alfred Livingston, b at Staatsburgh, N. Y., June 80,
1808 ; d without issue at Staatsburgh, January 8,
1855.
4. Gertrude Laura Livingston, b at Staatsburgh, N.Y.,
October 9, 1805 ; d at Hopeland, near Rhinebeck,
N. Y., February 7, 1888 ; m, N. Y., October 24, 1826.
Major Rawlins Lowndes [son of Thomas and Sarah
Bond (Ion) Lowndes, of South Carolina] ; b South
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OBN. ELMERS BRIGADE. 265
and the Delaware River. The Governor of New
Jersey referred the decision of the question as to
Gteneral Elmer^s brigade to the Secretary of War.
This brigade was subsequently ordered to the com-
mand of the Fourth District for the protection of
Philadelphia.
Under the order of August 12th the following
number of men were required to be furnished in '
addition to the volunteers in the several coimties of
New Jersey, officers included, to fill the quota of
five thousand.
Drafts. Vols.
Biurlington 435 —
Gloucester 410 —
Cumberland 291 —
Salem 195 71
<3ape May 72 —
Carolina, September 1, 1801 ; d at Hcpeland, N.T.,
August 10, 1877, and bad issue.
6. Mortimer Livingston, b N. Y. City. December 1, 1807;
d Staten Island, N. Y., August 24, 1857; m, N. Y.
City, May 11, 1839, Silvia De Grasse Depau
[daughter of Francis and Silvie Maxime (De Grasse)
Depau] ; and bad an only cbild.
6. Susan Mary Elizabeth Livingston, b at Staatsburgh,
N. Y., November 29, 1809 ; d N. Y. City, February
30, 1875; m at Staatsburgh, N. Y., October 80,
1888, William Price Lowndes [son of Thomas and
. Sarah Bond (Ion) Lowndes, of South Carolina]
b South Carolina, September 21, 1806; d Morris-
town, N. J., February 2, 1887, and bad four chil-
dren.
.7. Robert James Livingston, b at Staatsburgh, N. Y.,
December 11, 1811 ; d N. Y. City, February 22,
1891 ; m, N. Y. City, October 22, 1838, Louisa Ma-
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266 VOLUNIEEB C0MPANIB8
Drafts. Vols.
Bergen 202 14
Essex 312 279
Morris 185 105
Middlesex 210 85
Monmouth 399 —
Somerset 124 158
Hunterdon 417 87
Sussex 598 32
Gk)vemor Pennington issued the following order :
Hj:ad-Quartebs,
Tbbnton, N. J., Aug. 31, 1814. "
In consequence of a requisition made by Major-
Gteneral Lewis, commanding general of Third
Military District, the Commander-in-chief orders
the following volunteer companies to fmarch
immediately under the orders of their respective
tilda Storm [daughter of Qarrett and Susan
(Gk>uverneur) Storm]; b N. T. City, Bfarch 10,
1810 ; d Long Branch, N. J., May $0, 1888« and had
two children.
8. Lewis Livingston, b Staatsburgh, K. Y., March 16,
ISU; d atOrasmere, near Rhinebeck, N. Y., April
14, 1886; m. N. Y. City, January 18, 1848, Julia
Augusta Boggs [daughter of James and Sarah
Lloyd (Broome) Boggs] ; b N. Y» City, November
16, 1817; d at Grasmere,|November 24, 1884, >nd
had two sons.
0. Maturin Livingston, b Staatsburgh, N. Y., March 4,
1816 ; d N. Y. City, November 39, 1888 ; m, Novem^
her 13, 1853, at Taunton, Mass., Ruth Baylies
[daughter of Edmund and Elizabeth (Payson) Bay-
lies], and had two daughters.
10. Henry Beekman Livingston, b Staatsburgh, N. Y.,
January 30, 1818; d Novembers?, 1861, at Tivoli^.
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, ORDERED TO NEW TORE. 267
commanders to Powles' Hook, opposite the city
•of New York:
Captain Kilbum, Artillery, from Orange.
Captain Harrison, Rifle, from Orange.
Captain Lindsley, Rifle, from Essex.
Captain Mitchell, Rangers, from Paterson.
Captain Crane, Rifle, from Caldwell.
Captain Ball, Light Infantry, from Bloomfield.
Captain Halliday, Rangers, from Morristown.
Captain Carter, Rifle,'from Battlehill.
Captain Brittin, IMsiliers, from Chatham.'
Captain Fair, Light Infantry, from Hackensack.
Captain Garrison, Infantry, from Salem.
Captain Brees, Light Infantry, Baskingbridge.
Captain McKessack, Rifle, from Somerset.
Captain Fell, Light Infantry, from New Hampton.
Captain Donlevy, Rangers, from Belvidere.
Captain Nelson, Artillery, from New Brunswick.
N. T.; m, October 9, 1844, Mary Leila LivingstoQ
[daughter of John Swift and Anna (Thompson)
Livingston] ; d N. T. City, April 14,.1888, and had
issue.*
11. Margaret Angelica Livingston, b Staatsburgh, N. Y.,
March 16, 1820; m N. Y. City, December 10, 1845,
Alexander Hamilton, Jr. [only son of James A.
and Mary (Morris) Hamilton]; d at Nevis, near
Irvington, N. Y., December 80, 1889, and had issue,
who died in infancy.
12. Blanche Geraldine Livingston, b at Staatsburgh, N.Y.,
, 1822; m, , September 6,
1842, Lydig M. Hoyt [son of Goold and Sabina
(Sheaflf) Hoyt; b New York City, , 1821 ;
d at Staatsburgh, N. Y., , 1868, and
had issue.
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268 iJV- LAMP AT JBB8B7 CITY,
Captain Vandycke, Horse Artillery, New Bruns-
wick.
Captain Scott, Light Infantry, New Brunswick.
Captain MacKay, Rifle, New Brunswick.
And will hold themselves in readiness to march
to the same place as soon as they receive orders for
that purpose from Brigadier-General Colfax.*
Brigadier-Gteneral Colfax will immediately repair
to Powles' Hook and take command of the whole
and give the necessary orders for drawing out the
remainder of the brigade assigned him by orders of
the 12th inst. as soon as the detailed militia under
said order shall be inspected in the respective coun-
ties who are ordered into immediate service. As^
soon as inspected they will be formed into regi-
ments at Powles' Hook, agreeable to the orders of
the 12th inst. * ♦ # #
Camp equipage to be removed from Newark.
By order of Commander-in-chief.
James J. Wilson,
Adjutant-Oeneral.
When these arrived at Powles' Hook (Jersey
City) they were placed under command of Col.
John W. Frelinghuysen, and consisted of twenty-
three companies at that station.
* General Colfax wa8 a veteran of the Revolution, having been
Commander of Qeneral Washington's body guard.
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CHAPTER XXXVn.
Financial Situation in the Nation and in the City — Failure of
the Attempt to Obtain Loans for the Nation— Suspension
of Specie Payments— Resolutions and Regulations by City
Banks— The City Issues Fractional Currency.
'HE loan obtained by the city of one mil-
lion dollars was a heavy one for the
times and circumstances, and this, too,
without discount or delay. It was in
hope of future reimbursement to the
city by the State and nation, but this
did not enter into the consideration or
security on the part of the subscribers. On their
part it was self-preservation, and patriotism and
pride.
A large part of the twenty-five million loan of
March 24th (already mentioned in Chapter XXVI.),
had not yet been obtained by the National Govern-
ment. The issue of United States Treasury notes
and their use as currency made money plenty and
prices high, as previously shown (Ante, p. 73).
Those that had subscribed for the national loan had
found it very difficult to meet their terms of pay-
ment, and it was certain that Mr. Gallatin, the
Secretary of the Treasury, had granted some of
them indulgence on the time of payment of in-
stallments.
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270 FINANCIAL SITUATION.
On the 17th of May, 1814, Jacob Barkei: wrote to
Gteneral Armstrong, then Secretary of War:
** The success of the allies and the general block-
ade operate very much against the loan : so diffi-
cult is it to raise money that Mr. Parish told me it
was impossible to raise a single $100,000 in Phila-
adelphia on a deposit of United States stock. A
Mr. Williams, a director in one of the banks at Bal-
timore, and Mr. Lawrence, a director in the Man-
hattan Bank, went to Boston to borrow money for
these banks, and, although they offered to deposit
United States stock at fifty per cent and the secur-
ity of their banks, that they could not get a single
$100,000."
It was publicly stated that Mr. Barker had failed
to make his payments promptly to the government.
This was denied by Mr. Barker, however.
The National Government was greatly in need of
money. Its sources of revenue had not yielded as
much as had been expected, while its expen-
diture had been much more than had been antic-
ipated.
It was stated that the government loan for six
milUon would be taken in Europe. This was not
believed, however.
The additional issue of five million in Treasury
notes was also completed as allowed under the act
of March 24th, making in all ten million of Treasury
notes outstanding under this act.
The banks of New York City greatly curtailed
discounts for merc)iants. It was claimed that it
was because of British Government bills to the
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CALL FOB ZX)Ajm. 271
AmouQ^tof cue hundred tbouaajid poiud8 sterling
iiad been taken and paid for in specie.
In July it was stated in the public jotumals that
the citiee in the United States were flooded with
Britash Ooyemment bills ofEered at ten and oue-
haJf per cent discount. A JSew York newspapeor
aaid that the amount offered in that -city was one
hundred thousand pounds sterling ($500,000)^ and
asked how they were to be paid for but by drawing
the specie out of the banks^
Specie was becoming in very great demand and at a.
premium. On the evening of 24th August a meeting
of some merchants was held pursuant to pubUahed
notice for the purpose oi m^ng the banks in the
city to take some action to prevent specie beiiJ^g
flent out of the country. A committee of seven
was appointed to confer with the bank officers upon
the subject. A meeting of the officers of the city
banks was held next day to meet the committee of
merchants and traders, and it was declared by the
bank officers that there was no reason for the siis-
pension of specie payments. It was, in fact, a feeling
of pride on the part of the city banks not to be the
first to suspend specie payment, for up to that time all
banks in the United States still continued specie pay-
ment in the redemption of their own issues of bills.
Only two of the New York City banks would
haindle Treasury notes in any manner.
On July 26, 1814, the government advertised for
offers for a loan of six million dollars, part of the
twenty-five million loan of March 24th, to be closed
<m August 22, 1814.
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272 SPECIE PAYMENT SUSPENDED.
No offers for this loan was made up to the latter
date^ on account of the proximity of the enemy and
of the military situation.
The British forces entered Washington on the 24th
of August. The banks of Philadelphia and all others
south of that city suspended specie payment at
once. The banks of Philadelphia did not formally
suspend until August 31st.
When the news arrived that the banks of Phila-
delphia and all those south of that city had sus-
pended, a meeting of the bank ofBcers of this city
immediately took place and appointed a committee
to act in the matter.
A meeting of the joint committee from all the
banks in the city of New York took place. WiUiam
Few was appointed chairman and Charles Wilkes
secretary. Letters from the cashiers of several banks
in Philadelphia, and from other unquestionable
authority were read, stating that all the banks in
Philadelphia, had come to a resolution to suspend
payments in specie, whereupon the following reso-
lution and preamble were agreed to :
'' Considering that the banks in Philadelphia have
determined to suspend their payments of specie; and,
^' Considering that it cannot be doubted that such
suspension of payment in Philadelphia will be fol-
lowed by an increased demand on the banks here,
and probably a diminished confidence ; and, further,
that there is a considerable balance now due, and
accumulating from the banks in Philadelphia to the
banks in this city, therefore ;
*' Resolved,'' That the banksjin[the^ city of New
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BANK REGULATIONS. 275
York, with the utmost regret, find it necessary to
suspend their payments in specie.
*' William Few, Chairman,
Charles Wilkes, Secretary ^
A meeting of merchants and traders at the Tontine
Coflfee House, on the 1st September, 1814, was held.
Gten. Ebenezer Stevens was called to the chair,
and WiUiam Henderson was appointed secretary.
The chairman read a communication which he^
had received from the chairman of the joint^com-
mittee of the banks, as follows :
''New York, Sept. 1st, 1814.
''Sir — I am desired by the committees of the sev-
eral banks in this city to communicate to you for the^
information of the meeting at which you preside,,
that they have come to the following resolutions :
" That the banks in this city will continue to take^
the notes of each other in all payments.
" That, having always considered the payment of
specie as forming a salutary and a principal check
to an undue emission of notes ; and that check
being, by the unfortunate situation of affairs, for the
present removed, they have agreed, unanimously,
"To adopt such measures as will effectually, in
their opinion, prevent an improper increase of the
circulation of bank paper.
"I have the honor to be, sir,
"Your obedient servant,
"W. Few, Chairman:'''
* William Fbw, one of the most eminent and prominent citi-
zens of New York, was a veteran militia ofBcer, having servei)
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S74 BANK BEQULATI0N8.
The following resolutions were then unanimoody
adopted :
' ^ Besdvedj That while this meeting regi'et the cir-
cumstances that have obl^ed the banks to suspend
their payments in specie, they fully concur in the
necessity of that measure.
^' That the confidence of this meeting in the stabil-
ity of the banks remains undiminished, and that
relying on the prudence of the directors to restrain
their loans within safe limits, they will by every
proper means, uphold the credit and assist the cir-
culation of their notes.
" That they will continue to receive the notes of
4M a Colonel of Militia in Oeofrg^ in the Revoluttooary War,
and distinguished himself there in several actions with the
British and Indians. He settled in Oeorgia in 1776v and in 1780
was a dele^te to Congress, and remained such until the peace
of 1788. In 1786 he was again a member of Congress, and was
jtlso a member of the Convention that framed the Federal Con-
stitution in 1787, which he signed. On its adoption he was
•chosen a United States Senator from Georgia until March, 1798.
He held many positions of importance in Georgia. In July.
1799, he removed to New York City, and was a member of the
State Assembly in January, 1802. New York City was at thai
time represented by some of its most respected and eminent
•citizens, among whom were Philip T» Aroularius, John Broome,
Thomas Farmar, Brockholst Livingston, Samuel Osgood, Henry
Rutgers, Thomas Storm and others, who subsequently became
prominent in life. He continued a member until 1806. He was
State Prison Inspector in 1802, and again in 1811. He was
always prominent and influential in financial circles in New
York City, and was a director in the Manhattan Company for
many years. He was a lawyer by profession, but never prac-
ticed in New York. He was Alderman in 1814 and 1816. He
was a director in the first Savings Bank ever established in this
<oity, in 1816. Died at Flshkil], N. Y., in 1828.
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BANK REGULATIONS. 276
the banks of this dty in all payments as hereto-
fore.
'^ That at a period when the specie in the conntrj
is gradoallj lessenii^, and by the embarrassments
of our commerce the usual means of supply are cut
off, it appears to this meeting expedient to diminish
by every proper method the export of specie, and to
husband our resources in the hope, that at no dis-
tant period, the banks will be able to resume their
payment of specie — ^therefore,
*'jBe«oZrect, That we will avoid all negotiations
which may render specie payments necessary, and
by every means in our power discourage the expor-
tation thereof.
'^ Besolvedy That the proceedings of the meeting
be signed by the chairman and secretary and pub-
lished.*'
Resolutions were adopted by the bank officers that
the banks would keep an interest account each with
the others, and that the debtor banks should pay
interest monthly. That no bank should increase its
loans except when bound to loan to the State govern-
ment, or by general consent of all the banks. That
the debtor banks should reduce their discounts
whenever it should be recommended by the general
committee.
The nominally specie-paying banks of the East-
em States had been constantly withdrawing their
bills from circulation for some time previous, and
specie was at a premium, dealing principally with
the bills of the banks of other States and foreign bills,
and as they had practically no bills put, no
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376 ^^W^ YORK CITY
suspension of specie payment was necessary by
them. They did not pay specie because no demand
was against them for it.
Under this state of affairs suspension of specie
payments practically extended throughout the
United States.
The suspension of specie payment by the banks
necessarily made small change in coin scarce by its
being withdrawn from general circulation. Great
inconvenience was felt from this source, as no bank
currency was for less than one dollar.
The Common "Council of New York City took
measures to reUeve this inconvenience as much as
possible. On the 2d of September, 1814, an ordi-
nance was passed by them authorizing the finance
committee of the Common Council to issue smaU
notes not to exceed twelve and one-half cents each
to the amount of $5,000. On September 12th
twenty-five and fifty-cent bills, not to exceed $20,-
000 more, were authorized, and on November 21st
$50,000 more was authorized. They were coarsely
engraved on wood and .were printed with common
type on bank bill*paper and were about four inches
long by two and a half inches wide. The mot-
toes of '^Keep Within Compass," ''Mind Your
Own Business," ''Never Despair," "Mobilitate
Viget," were on many of them the same as
on the Continental paper money, and were
said to be placed there at the instance of John
Pintard.
They were printed by F. and W. Mercein, 98
Gold Street. The various denominations were in
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ISSUES FRACTIONAL CURRENCY. 277
cents as follows : One, four, six, nine, twelve and
one half, twenty-five and fifty.
They were issued when required and a record
kept of the number, but none of them had a num-
ber upon it. The first issue was about the middle
of September.
All the various specimens I have seen of this cur-
rency bear date on the 26th of December, 1814,
signed by John Pintard. Some of other dates were
signed by Thomas Franklin and William McNeal,
respectively. The signatiu'es were engraved.
The notes read as follows :
**The Corporation of the City of New York
promise to pay the bearer on demand (four) cents.
New York (December 26th, 1814).
*^By order of the Corporation.
*'J. Pintard."
Those dated December 26, 1814, for four cents,
contained on the back of it an engraving of Ful-
ton's steam iron-clad war frigate and the motto
" Mobilitate Viget." Those for six cents contained
a sun dial and the motto, "Fugio," '^Mind Your
Own Business." Those for nine cents contained a
circle and compass and the motto '*Keep Within
Compass." Those for twelve and one-half cents
contained Hope sitting against a rock with chain
and anchor in hand, and the motto ^^ Never De-
spair."
This measure not only had the advantage of be-
ing for the convenience of citizens, but also in the
nature of a loan without interest, and no specified
time of payment or redemption.
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CHAPTEE XXXVm.
Dang^Es of Invasion on the Frontiers — ^Adniira] Cochrane
Threatens — Large Naval Force of the Enemy — Almost a
Panic in the City— Mayor Clinton's Charge to the Grand
Jury — Words of Eaoouragement— Recommends an Adjourn-
ment of the Court—- Resolution of Approval hy the Grand
Jury — United for Defence— Negotiations (or Peace.
f PTER Gk)vemor Tompkins' order of August
4th, calling on the militia to be ready for
the^ defence of New York City, had been
issued, affairs on the Ni^ara frontier, near
Buffalo, became more critical by the siege
of Fort Erie. Governor Tompkins, feeling that he
should not leave New York, dispatched one of his
aids. Col. John B. Yates, to Buffalo to confer with
the principal officers there as to the needs and neces-
sity of a larger force for defence. In the mean time,.
General Izard, who had command of the army on
the northern frontier of New York, had notified
Gtjvemor Tompkins of his (General Izard's) ordered
withdrawal of a large part of his forces, consisting of
about four thousand men, from the Champlain fron-
tier, by. direction of the Secretary of War.
The destination of General Izard's army was kept
a profound secret. He marched to Schenectady
and as far as Johnstown, Montgomery County,
at which place he was on the 10th day of September.
It was surmised that his destination was either
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INVASION FROM CANADA. 279
Obw^;o or Sackett's HaTbor, or the Kiagava frontier,
an of which were in imn^ent danger of the enem j..
Transportation by water to the Niagara frontier (xmld
be made from either Oswego or Sackett's Harbor.
The defence of the Cham|dain frontier was there-
by left to the raw mdUtia and a force of between two
and three thousand men under General Macomb to
protect Captain Macdonough's squadron on the lake
and the fortifications and miUtary stores on land ai
Plattsburgh. The country to the west and north of
Plattsburgh to Champlain and Chateaugay were ex-
posed to the enemy that was then in force near the
border. This intelligence did not arrive in New York
untQ after the capture of Washington.
The movements of the enemy near Lake Cham-
plain was of more significance to New York City
and the nation than would at first appear. Gov-
ernor Tompkins was more thoughtful of the im-
portance of this point than was the Secretary of
War, when he ordered the withdrawal of General
Izard's army from Lake Champlain.
Little or no aid could be expected from Vermont.
Governor Chittenden had in November previous
issued a proclamation recalling all the Vermont
miUtia from service in New York State, and in
January had directed Major-General Chipman to
hold his forces in readiness *'to march at the
shortest notice to such point or place as they be
^hrected for the defence of this State (Vermont)
against any invasion which may be attempted by
the enemies of our country. "
This meant self-defence and nothing more.
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280 PLAN OF ATTACK.
The authority displayed by Governor Tompkins
over the militia, at that time for the defence of
that neighborhood was all that a military com-
mander-in-chief or dictator could exercise. The
Governor in his message subsequently explained
the situation at that time as follows :
*' From information received and corroborated by
the movements of the enemy there was sufficient
grounds of beUef that one great object of his cam-
paign was to penetrate with his northern army by
the waters of Lake Champlain and the Hudson, and
by a simultaneous attack with his maritime forces
on New York, to form a junction which should sever
the communication of the States. To defeat this
arrogant design, to save the State from inroad, and
our cities from destruction, it was necessary, im-
mediately, to exercise fuller powers and more
ample resources than had been placed in my
hands by the Legislature."
Major- General Moores, of Plattsburg, was at that
time commander of the division of militia in that
part of the State. He was directed by Governor
Tompkins, after the departure of General Izard, to
call out all the militia most convenient to that part
of the State. It would be several weeks before
many of them could be at Plattsburg.
All the aid that could be expected from Vermont
was by volunteers ; no quota from Vermont had
been ordered by the President in his call for militia
on July 4:th.
On the 1st of September, Governor Tompkins
ordered a special session of the State Legislature to
meet at Albany on September 26th.
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INVASION BY 8EA. 281
About the same time, Governor Pemiington
-ordered all the State Militia of New Jersey " to be in
readiness to march on short notice to protect every-
thing dear to freemen," and made a lengthy and
patriotic address on that occasion.
On the 1st of September, the President returned
to Washington, and, a few days later, from the
ruins of the Capitol, issued a proclaipation giving
pubUcity to a letter written by Admiral Cochrane
to James Monroe, Secretary of State.
This letter purported to have been written soon
after Admiral Cochrane arrived in Chesapeake Bay
with his fleet of sixty war vessels. It stated that
he had been called upon by the Governor-General
of the Canadas to aid him in carrying into effect
measures of retaUation against the inhabitants of
the United States, for the wanton destruction com-
mitted by their army in upper Canada, and that in
compliance therewith he should issue orders to the
naval force under his command to destroy and lay
waste such towns and districts on the coast as might
be found assailable. These threats were not commu-
nicated to the American government until after the
capture of the city of Washington and Alexandria
had shown the manner in which they were intended
to be executed. The President stated that the con-
duct of the British left no prospect of safety to any-
thing within the reach of his predatory and incen-
diary operations, but in a manful and united deter-
mination to chastise and expel the invader, urging
all the citizens of the United States to unite their
(hearts and hands in giving effect to the ample
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»82 DANOtR OF NEW YORK.
mesms possessed for that purpose, enjoining all
officers, ciril and military, to exert themselves in
executing the duties with which they were respect-
ively charged, and requiring the officers command-
ing the several military districts to be vigilant and
alert in providing for their defence, and authorizing
them to call to the defence of threatened and ex-
posed places portions of the militia most convenient
th^^eto, whettier they were parts of the detached
quota or not.
This gave ample authority to each State to defend
itself, independent of any action on the part of the
national authorities, so long as they did not conflict
or impede the latter. New York State was then in
more imminent danger than any other portion of the
nation, being assailed on its northern and western
frontiers, and its seaboard liable to attack by land
and water forces.
The British war vessels on the American coast, or
near it, on September 1, 1814, were officially stated
to be as follows : 102 ships of the Hne, 146 frigates,
96 sloops, 74 brigs and 58 schooners.
The force was previously known to be very large
and powerful, but the exact number as stated in the
report was not known until a few weeks later.
The withdrawal of nearly four thousand men un-
der General Izard from the Champlain frontier,
about the 28th of August, presented to the Governor-
General of Canada the prospect of an easy conquest
of Plattsburgh and the. little army under General
Macomb.
On the 1st of September the British army entered
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MAYOR OLiNTON'S ADDRESS. 28S
i^ territory of the United States and ooauiHed the
village of Ofaamplain. At this time General Ma-
comb had not an oiganiised battahon, General Izaa^d
haying taken the flower of the army to the Lake
frontier. The garrison was composed of the conva-
lescents and the recruits of the new regiments, the
ordnance and stores all in the greatest confusion^
and the works in no state ot defence. The enemy
kept on towards Plattsbui^ with continual skir-
mishes with but slight embarrassment It was evi-
dent that there the British fleet on the lake would
join the land forces in any attack.
Many groundless rumors of the movements of the
enemy were in circulation, but it was evident that
^1 felt that the worst might be near at hand. Cour-
age was needed as much as valor and patriotism.
Those that could inspire courage in the hearts of
their fellow-citizens in this trying period were in-
deed public benefactors.
The grand jury of the city and county of New
York convened on the 5th September. It was the
duty of the Mayor to address them at the opening
of the Court of Sessions. The following is the ad-
dress of Mayor Clinton oil that occasion :
^* Gentlemen op the Grand Jury:
"The situation of our country renders it neces-
sary to devote our undivided atteiition to its protec-
tion. Duties of paramount obligation will justify
US in adjourning this Court in order that we may,
with our best means and to the full extent of our
^facilities, exert ourselves for the pubhc defence. We
^shall, therefore, Gentlemen, dispense with your
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284 MAYOR CLINTON'S
further attendance ; but we cannot permit this op-
portunity to pass by without exhorting you and
through you the great body of our fellow- citizens,
to act with that wisdom and enei^y, with that forti-
tude and patriotism which this most important crisis
demands and which the most sacred and imperious
considerations require, and surely an occasion so ex-
traordinary will warrant a deviation from the usual
routine of judicial proceedings without implicating
us in a violation of oflScial decorum. Notwithstanding
the dark cloud which hangs over our country there
is nothing in the events which have occurred, or in
the prospect before us, which ought to create de-
spair if we are faithful to ourselves. The seat of
our National Government has been taken and the
enemy will no doubt follow up his advantages, but
it is not here as it generally is in other countries,
the fall of the Capitol will not produce the prostra-
tion of the country. Its energies remain unim-
paired, its resources in full vigor, and all that is req-
uisite is that the spirit of the nation should ascend
to the emergency of the pressure, and that its physi-
cal strength should be properly arranged and skill-
fully directed. Whatever diversity of opinion may
exist with regard to the orginal character, of the war,
we must all agree that it has now become, on our
part, a war of defence. The enemy has officially
announced his intention to destroy and lay waste
such of our Atlantic towns and cities as are ex-
posed to his attacks. The exactions on Alexandria
and the smoking ruins of the national edifices at
Washington admonish us of what we are to expect
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PATRIOTIC APPEAL. 286
if we shall meanly succumb or ingloriously retreat.
In such a cause, mvolving our personal character,
the welfare of our families, the prosperity of our
country and the honor of the nation, it becomes us
not to hesitate about our course. Whatever we may
think, or whatever we may have thought of men and
measures, whether favorably or unfavorably, there
can be, there ought to be no difference of opinion,
no collision of action when the safety of our coun-
try is at stake. For her sake, for the sake of all
that is near and dear to us, let us sacrifice upon the
altar of patriotism every feehng, every passion,
every prejudice, every predilection that may enfeeble
resistance and impair exertion. For this purpose it
is necessary, absolutely necessary, that there should
be at least a truce to the animosities of party ; that
we should join hand and heart in the great work of
patriotic exertion, and that we should merge all per-
sonal, all local, all party considerations in the great
duties we owe to owx country. If this is done with
zeaJ and in good faith we have nothing to appre-
hend. This State alone can furnish two hundred
thousand men capable of bearing arms. If but a
portion of this force is brought into action under
judicious guidance we can easily repel all hostile at-
tacks, but if, instead of putting our shoulders to the
wheel, we call upon Hercules for assistance, if we
rely upon the energies of others and not our own,
if, like the men of Athens, we go about enquiring
what news ? instead of acting with vigor, and if, like
the Jews of old, when the sacr^ city was besieged,
we commit ourselves to the furies of civil discord,
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2S6 PATRIOTIC APPEAL.
instead of warring against the common enemy, ihea
indeed will we be unworthy of the name of Ameri-
cans and of the rights of free men ; then will the
hand of divine vengeance be upon us, and then will
the sun of American glory, which is now r^^udly
descending to the horizon, set in clouds and dark-
ness and be extinguished for ever. Let us, then,
'exhort you, when you go from this place, to prepare
yourselves for the crisis to come and to discipline
yourselves for the defence of your country, and to
encourage all within the sphere of your influenoe
to follow your example. If any of you have
pledged your Uves, your fortunes and your sacred
honor in the support of the present contest, let me
tell you it is high time you should redeem your
pledge, and if any of you have not, let me also tell
you that it is a sacred duty to make yourselves ready
for the sacrifice whenever it shall become necessary.
Besides preparing yourselves for personal services in
the field there are other, important benefits which
you may confer on your country. Although much
liberality has been manifested in pecuniary contri-
butions, yet they have been by no means propor-
tioned to the emergency, and althou^ unprece-
dented exertions have been made in the ei'ection of
works of defence, yet much remains to be done.
Exert, then, all 5'^our influence in calling forth the
resources of our fellow-citizens for the defence of
this city; endeavor with all yoiu* power to extin-
guish the spirif of party in the love of country.
When we carry on a war against a foreign foe in the
defenqe of our firesides and our altars let us be at
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ACTION OF THE GBAND JURY. 287
peace among ourselves. A free nation animated by
one mind and rising in the majesty of undivided
strength can never become the victim of subjuga-
tion. And it is to be ardently hoped that we shall
repel by our conduct on this momentous occasion
the imputations which foreign malevolence has en-
deavored to fasten upon us, that we are a nation of
talkers and boasters ; that we are great in profes-
sion and small in performance, and that we are not
able to protect our own independence. As for our-
selves, gentlemen, we shall not attempt to amuse
you by a parade of specious professions, which have
become stale, unmeaning and disgusting : We are
sensible of the importance of our duties, and with
the blessing of heaven we shall endeavor to dis-
charge them."
At the close of the address the following resolu-
tion was adopted by the Grand Jury, and presented
to the Mayor before the Court adjourned :
*' Resolved^ That this Grand Jury fully approve of
the patriotic sentiments delivered to tliem at the
opening of the Court by His Honor the Mayor, and
that a copy of the same be requested for the purpose-
of publication, and they also concur in opinion with
the Court as to the propriety of an adjournment at
the present juncture of affairs.
Wm. Bayard, Foreman,
Wm. Lawrence, Secretary/'
The Grand Jury was composed of the following;
gentlemen, viz. :
William Bayard, foreman; Perez Jones, Willie ni*
King, Ephraim Harty I^evi Coit^ Gideon C. Forsyth^
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288 NBQ0TIATI0N8 FOB PBACR.
Evander Cbilds, James Levitt, John S. Roulet,
Alex. Bobinson, Michael Bruen, Alex. Coffin, Jr.,
Peter R. Post, Abraham King, Nathan Sayre, Pre-
jserved Fish, Wm. Lawrence, Naphtali Phillips.
The Court was accordingly adjourned subject to
being called to convene by the Mayor-
An important element in the course of Uie
united efforts everj- where to repel the invader was
i;he instructions given by the President and his
^cabinet to the United States Commissioners for
peace negotiations on 25th and 27th June which
had been forwarded to Ghent on 27th June.
In a former chapter (ante p 95) we left the Amer-
ican Peace Commissoners waiting et Ghent for the
English Peace Commissioners in June 1814 or for
an apology for their delay. We will now continue
the proceedings.
The pohtical and military situation in Europe
were such as led to the downfall of Napoleon, and
meant peace there, and would leave England free
to carry on war against America without any
other nation to interfere. Our financial and mili-
tary affairs were very discouraging. Little or no
progress had been made by conquest, and the at-
tempted negotiations for peace had not been en-
couraging. The state of affairs in Europe were
much changed from what they were when war was
declared. (See Vol. I. pp. 82,188.) During the two
previous campaigns England detached no greater
force from her continental war with Prance and
-other European powers than what she deemed
necessaiy to maintain her possessions in America ;
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NEGOTIATIONS FOR PBAOE. 289
in fact it was of a defensive character here. With
Napoleon's abdication on 5th of April, 18 14, and the
Bourbons restored to the throne of France and
Spain, and peace reigning in Europe, and all
nations regarding England as the one great power to
whom all must look up to, she had evidently deter-
mined to open the campaign in America on an ex-
tended scale. She had on hand numerous and well
appointed fleets and armies, the oflScers of which
dreaded a peace establishment and were anxious to
distinguish themselves on the theatre of the Amer-
ican war, and retrieve the honor their country had
lost in their naval contests with American vessels.
In the month of June, authentic intelligence was
received that large reinforcements from the British
fleets and armies which had been engaged in the
European contests were proceeding to America.
This intelligence necessarily changed the objects of
the American government in relation to the war.
All views of Canadian invasion and conquest
were laid aside and a defensive attitude at once
taken.
These changes in Europe and the affairs and feel-
ings at home induced the President and his cabinet
on the 25th of June, 1814, to revise their instruc-
tions of 15th April, 1813, and 28th January, 1814,
and transmit to their envoys others of a different
character, almost without any demand, and more in
favor of peace adapted to the crisis. These were
published and forwarded to the commissioners for
concessions.
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1-
290 OFFERS FOR PEACE.
These instructions authorized them to waive if
necessary every point for which the war was com-
menced.
It was claimed that with peace in Europe none
of the causes of the diflScidties could arise or be
continued by any of the European nations.
The new shipping laws of the United States,
would also tend to prevent like occurrences. (See
^ Vol. I. pp. 399, 410, 411, 412.)
On the 11th August, 1814, our envoys were in-
structed by letter that the United States Govern-
ment would go no further than as stated in instruc-
tions of June 25th and 27th "because it will make
no sacrifice of the rights or honor of the nfition."
" If Great Britain does not terminate the war on
the conditions which you are authorized to adopt,
she has other objects in it than these for which she
has hitherto professed to contend. 2?uU such are
entertained^ there is much reason to presume. Those,
whatever they may be must and unit be resisted by
the United States. The conflict may be severe, but
it will be borne with firmness, and, we confidently
believe, be attended with success. ''
This appeal was to the patriotism and courage of
every individual.
After nearly three months had elapsed since these
instructions had first been sent to our envoys at
Ghent nothing had yet been heard of the arrival
there of the British Commissioners with whom it
was expected that a meeting had been held near the
end of June. Whatever doubts were entertained
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PROSPECTS OF PRAOB. 291
as to the intention of Great Britain in regard
to the war in America they were soon dispelled by
the extensive military movements and operations
of her armies and the conduct of their comman-
ders.
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CHAPTER XXXIX.
The Situation— City Officials Sent to Washington —Workers on the
Fortifications — Tammany Society — Cannon Loaned the City by
John Jacob Astor and Others — The Privateer €kneral Arm-
itrong Sails — Capt. Samuel C. Reid.
HILE the enemy were closing in for
' an invasion, both by sea and land,
th.e inhabitants were alive to the
importance for great and united ef-
forts for the protection of the most
threatened points. The enemy had
made no secret of their intended
campaigns against various points in the United
States. They were boastful of their intentions. In
June the Quebec and Montreal newspapers an-
nounced a plan of the campaign for 1814, as then
agreed upon. It had become apparent that it was
being followed. The danger must be kept before
the people to urge them to continued exertion.
With all the money. that had been asked for at
their disposal, the committee of defence wished to
remind citizens that it was still necessary not to
allow their zeal to abate. The following notice was
published on August 30th :
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VOLUNTEER W0RKSB8. 293
**Nbw York, August 29, 1814.
^' As the state of our affairs has become more
alarming, the Committee of Def Mice are solicitous
to urge on the completion of the works of defence.
They will, therefore, enlarge their working parties^
particularly at Harlem, and gladly receive the
offers of servicee from companies of their pakiotic
fellow-citizens for that place and Brooklyn.
^'Nicholas Fish,
'' Chairman.'^
The Common Coimcil committee of defence sent
Messrs. E. W. King and J. W. Brackett, of the Com-
mon Council, to Washington to confer with the
national authorities as to how the money should
be expended upon the fortifications. As it was
ultimately to be refunded by the general govern-
ment, this was necessary, so as to avoid any ques-
tion about it in the future. In the meantime the
works were being constructed. The moonlight
workers before mentioned met at moonrise on the
evening of the 30th August, and proceeded under
Major Hunter, in a body six hundred strong, to
Brooklyn Heights, and worked until sunrise on the
31st. They were followed a few hours later by
Tammany Society. The following account is from
the NationcU Advocate of September 1st :
** At five in the morning yesterday the members
of Tammany Society began to gather in front of their
hall, to work on the defences at Brooklyn. At six
o'clock the society being formed to the number of
1,500, and the Columbian Society to the number
of two hrmdred, marched four abreast, preceded by
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294 VOLUNTBBR WORKERS
a band, to Beekman slip to take the steam feiry to
Brooklyn. As not all of them could be carried at
one time, the remainder marched off to Catharine s|ip
and took the horse boat to Brooklyn, where they
worked with diligence and activity until half-past
five o'clock, when work was discontinued, the line of
march was formed, and they returned to New York
in the same order that they had in the morning de-
parted. They marched to Tammany Hall and
were disbanded. After three cheers each man re-
tired to his home.
** We must not omit to state that the whole of the
provisions and liquor for this great body of men
was provided by the liberality of Mr. Matthew L.
Davis, president of Tammany Society.'*
Some of the other newspapers stated that Tam-
many had only turned out one thousand men and
the Columbian Society one hundred and fifty men
on that occasion. The labor was performed at Fort
Green.
The names of the committee of the Columbian
Society were James S. Martin, Abraham Rich, R
Cunningham and Thomas Jeremiah.
The Masons of New York city gave a day's ser-
vice at Brooklyn on Ist September. They were then
very popular and numerous in the city of New York.
De Witt CUnton was the Grand Master of the Grand
Lodge of the State. The lodges assembled at
sunrise in front of city hall and with Mayor Clinton
at their head, about one thousand in number, pro-
ceeded in Masonic form of procession to the scene of
labor. Their work was done principally at what
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ON THE FORTIFICATIONS. 295
was afterwards called Fort Masonic, in honor of those
who labored in its construction. Each lodge
provided its own refreshments. Other Masonic
lodges co-operated.
On this occasion an elderly gentleman, one of the
order (I could not ascertain his name), who had two
sons (his only children) in the service of his country,
one of them highly distinguished during the war for
his wounds and his bravery, sung the following
•stanzas while the lodges were at refreshment :
^' Hail children of light whom the charities send.
Where the bloodhounds of Britain are shortly
expected.
Who, your country, your wives, your firesides to
defend,
On the summit of Brooklyn have ramparts
erected.
Firm and true to the trade,
Continue your aid
Till the topstone with shouting triumphant is laid.
The Free and Accepted will never despair,
Led on by their worthy Grand Master and Mayor.
^* For me whose dismisss^l must shortly arrive.
To heaven I prefer this my fervent petition,
May I never America's freedom survive.
Nor behold her disgraced by a shameful sub-
mission.
And though righteously steeled.
If at last she must yield,
May my sons do their duty, and die in the field.
But the Free and Accepted will never despair.
Led on by their worthy Grand Master ar d Mayor."
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VOLUNTBSR WORKERS,
On the same day the Hamilton Society, on its
fifth anniversary, worked at Harlem Heights.
Dinner was provided on the grounds free of expense.
A notice was published on 3d September stating
that on and after September 5th, dinner for the
workers at Harlem Heights would be on the table
at twelve o'clock. The expense was met by contribu.
tions by the citiisens.
The students of Columbia College, one hundred
strong, worked at Harlem on the 8th September.
The Iron Greys worked on the 10th September.
The volunteer workers at Harlem became so few,
and the steamboat took so long, that the boat ceased
to run there on ^e 10th September ; this, of course,
greatly lessened the attendance. Brooklyn was sa
near that nearly all the volunteer laborers went
there.
The fortifications were rapidly approarching com-
pletion. On 31st August it was reported that
McGowan's Pass was nearly completed. On Sep-
tember 3d Fort Green was so far completed that Com-
modore Decatur took command there. Fort Swift
was finished and Fort Lawrence was nearly done.
By the middle of September Fort Green had 800
feet of barracks, two-thirds with double rooms,
nearly ready for troops, and it would soon be con-
nected with a chain of redoubts and intrenchments
to Fort Swift and to Washington Bastion, on the
Jamaica road (Fulton street), near Court street.
On September 14th the following questions relat-
ing to the situation at New York were published in
the Ncdional Advocate :
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CQN8WBRA TION OF DBFRNGB8. 297
'^ What would have been the advantage of a line
of telegraph from the Patnxent to Washington,
when the enemy landed and took up his line of
march for that city ?
"What would be the consequence if the enemy
should proceed up the Sound and arrive at Throgg's-
Neck before any alarm should be given ? Is it prac-
ticable ? K so, why not have a line of tel^raj^ as
far as New London ? Why not have tar barrels for
alarm on all the neighboring heights to call all the
country en masae when necessary ? Will or will not
vidett^ cost more than telegraphs ? Is it not of great
importance to get information as rapidly as possi-
ble ?
" Would it not be of the utmost consequence that
the commanding generals of New York and Phila-
delphia should have an arrangement for the pur-
pose of succoring each city in case of an attack ?
Could not wagons and horses in each city be classed
and numbered for the purpose of transporting an
army of five thousand men in haste from city to city?
*^ Would it not be well to have aU the horses and
w£^on8 on the two great roads between Philadel-
phia and New York numbered to serve as relays ?*
And telegraphs erected so as to notify the cities in
ten minutes of the approach of the enemy ?
"Would it not be well to turn the light-house at-
Sandy Hook into a tower immediately and finish*
the block houses at said place ? Is it not absolutely
necessary to have more boats at the Hook to throw
troops across to or from the Highlands, and without
delay I
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^98 CONSIDER A TION OF DEFENCES.
"Cannot the enemy land at Flushing Bay and
march to the Williamsburgh Heights without pass-
ing the strong works at Brooklyn ? Is the distance
-eight miles, and can they not fire the city from
Williamsburgh Heights with rockets ? Will not the
-enemy avoid the works above mentioned and land
either on Staten Island or at Oravesend Bay or both ?
What would be the consequence ! Can our forts at
Staten Island defend themselves in the rear % And
would it not be well to make the barracks in the
redoubts in rear of the works on Staten Island
•of logs, that they may be rendered impervious to
musket balls ?
' * Is it intended to sink ships to prevent the pass of
the enemy ? If so, how many will it take, and where
are they to be sunk ? Are they to be sunk between
the middle and west banks at the Narrows ? Will it
not require one hundred vessels to cover the pass ?
Is it not out of reach of any battery* Can the
'enemy not take them up, or rather displace one
at their leisure under cover of their shipd' fire, and
although one hundred are necessary to obstruct
their pass, will not the displacing of one open a
suflScient pass for the enemy I
'' Will not a Jine of battle ships, before wind and
tide, ciiack any one of the vessels when sunk and
make a pass, and thereby dispense with trouble and
delay f
" If it is determined to obstruct the pass by sinking
i3hips, would it not be better to sink them opposite
the Hook battery f Is the only objection to that,
that the enemy will take the Hook and command
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CONSIDBRATION OF DEFENCES. 299
the pass ? If that be all, would it not be better than
to sink the ships and make the Hook impregnable
by niunbers and blockhouses and obhge the enemjr
to land on the outer beach should he make an at-
tack ?
** Is it not difficult to land on the outer beach \
Does it not happen that for the space of eight or ten
days successively it is impracticable to land with
troops ?
^* Would not seven thousand men from Jersey, to-
gether with the flotilla force, prevent any force
from landing' at the Hook ? If so, would not the
enemy be reduced to almost one point of attack on
this city, and our force on Staten Island and Long
Island Heights become a disposable one, to be
thrown to any given point, and would not all Jersey
be protected ? Otherwise, the towns of New Bruns-
wick, Elizabeth, Newark, Rah way, etc., etc., would,
be exposed.
** What would be the effect if the enemy should
get possession of Sandy Hook, and bring his whole
force into the bay to Winter ? Could he be dispos-
sessed of it by any force which would be brought
against him ?
" Would the Government not be under the neces-
sity of maintaining a garrison of twenty thousand
men in and about New York and Jersey during
the Winter as well as Summer ?
^^ Would not the enemy keep us on the alert every
flood tide and favorable wind during the cold as.
well as the warm season, by being in a situation to*
do so?
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-300 MR. A8T0R LOANS CANNON,
" If this be tnie, would it not be better to render
the Hook impregnableand the channel impassable
immediately by sinking ships and increasing the
number of torpedoes ?"
In August John Jacob Astor, Joshua Barker and
Jenkins & Havens offered to loan the committee of
defence several cannon for the defence of the harbor.
This was gladly accepted. Those offered by Messrs.
Jenkins & Havens were part of the armament of
the privateer brig General Armstrong^ before men-
tioned (ante Vol I., p. 124). She had been in the
port of New York for some time, and was now
about to start on another cruise. She was still
-owned by Jenkins & Havens and Thomas Farmar.
On the former cruise she had carried nineteen guns
and one hundred and fifty men. But now, by loan-
ing the city many of her cannon, she could still do
effective work as a privateer, and with less valuable
risks. Therefore twelve long nines of her guns were
taken off. She was equipped with six long nines
and a " long tom,'' a forty- two pounder, and with a
-Kjrew of ninety men under Captain Eeid was ready
to sail.
Her officers were: Captain, Samuel C. Eeid;
first lieutenant, Fred. A. Worth ; second lieutenant,
Alex O. Wilbams ; third lieutenant, Robert John-
.son ; sailing master, Benj. Starks ; quartermaster,
Bazilla Hammond ; captain of marines, Robert E.
Allen ; prize masters, Thomas Parsons, James
Davis, Eliphalet Sheffield, Peter Tyson.
The letter of instructions from Messrs. Jenkins &
Havens, agents, to Captain Reid was as follows :
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A PBIVATEER SAILS. 301
"Nmw Yobjc, 3d Sept., 1814.
"Capt. Samuel C. Rbid :
**The private armed brig-o£-war, General Ami'
strong, iind^ your command, b^g now ready for
a cruise, it becomes necessary for us to furnish
instructions thereto. In doing this, we do not mean
to debar you the privil^e of exercising your discre-
tion in the choice of a station, but we recommend,
as in our opinion being the most hkely of affording
objects for enterprise and profit, that you stretch
off to Madeira, where you will be most Ukely to
intercept the Brazil convoys, and should you be
successful in faUing in with vessels, fiiush your
cruise there.
^^K, on the contrary, you cannot succeed in
capturing vessels enough, and of sufficient value to
man, we would recommend you to go throu^ the
Cape de Verde Islands and fill up your water, and
from thence on the coast of Brazil. The prizes you
may order for -the United States, we think will be
best to be ordered direct for New York or Wilming-
ton, and in the event of their safe arrival at any
port in the United States, you will direct them to
write to us immediately on arrival, that we .may
send on a confidential person to take charge of the
property, in preference to appointing agents at
different places.
*'0n your return to the United States, should
you have any prisoners on- board, take care to
secure them until they are delivered to the proper
officer in order to obtain the bounty. Hoping that
your cruise terminate successfully and honorably to
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302 CAPT. 8AMUBL C. RBID.
yourself, oflScers and crew, and your country, we
are Your assured friends,
** Jenkins & Havens, Agents.
**P. S. — Be very particular in strictly prohibiting
any plunder or depredations on neutrals or other
vessels.''
On the 9th September Captain Reid ran the
blockade, and on the same night after leaving port
he was chased by a British frigate and a ship of the
line. At noon the next day they gave up the chase..
On the 12th, Captain Reid exchanged a few shots
with a British man-of-war brig, and proceeded on
his course. On the 5i6th he came to anchor in the-
port of Fayal, which was then under the dominion
of Portugal. The details of her subsequent battle
and her destruction by Captain Reid to prevent
capture by the enemy need not be detailed here.
The payment for her loss was for many years before -
Congress and the subject of much diplomatic coire-
spondence. But her owners never recovered any-
thing for it.
After the destruction of the Oeneral Armstrong
Captain Reid returned to New York. After peace
was declared the owners of the Oeneral Armstrong
and other citizens of New York desired to give Cap-
tain Reid a testimonial of their regard for his gal-
lant defence of the vessel. An elegant service of •
silver was made for the occasion. It consisted of a
large silver pitcher, with an emblematic engraving,
of the action and a suitable inscription thereon, also*
a silver teapot, sugar bowl, n^ilk ewer, slop bowl, .
and two silver tumblers, all made in the best man-
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CAPT BAMUBL (7. BEID. 303
ner. The presentation took place in Tammany
Hall, in the presence of a great number of citizens,
and an address was deUvered by Mayor John Fer-
guson appropriate to the event. Captain Reid died
in New York city, January 28,*1861, and is buried
in Greenwood Cemetery.
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CHAPTER XL.
Military Organizations in the Citv— Militia Uniforms — Station of
Troops — New Jersey Militia — Dissalisfaclion An:ong New York
Troops— Riotous Conduct — Military Punishments.
HE organiz<ation of independent com-
panies and battalions in the city^
which had been somewhat dormant
after the first year of the war, was
now in the flush of mihtary ardor,
more as a matter of necessity than of
free will, for it was now apparent that all would be
or might be required at a moment's warning to help
defend their homes. Some of the most famous of
these organizations have been frequently mentioned
before.
The '* Iron Greys," called so because of their uni-
form, was a company of infantry under Capt.
Samuel Swartwout. The New York " Hussars" was
a troop of cavalry under Capt. William Craig.
Abraham Lott was first lieutenant and John A.
King second lieutenant. The Neptune Corps of
Sea Fencibles was under Capt. Alexander Coffin.
Another corps of Sea Fencibles was under Capt.
James T. Leonard, of the United States Navy, and
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THE •♦ IRON ORETS " 305
was composed of ship masters, mates, pilots, sea-
men and others.
About that time Fitz-Green Halleck composed a
poem on the *' Iron Greys," to l)e sung to the tune
of '' Adams and Liberty." It was published in the
Neu) York Gazette, The last one of the six stanzas
of which it consists is as follows :
'' All hail to the band who like Spartans have
joined
Heart and hand to repel the assaults of aggression.
Inspired by one soul, and informed by one mind,
They will check by their deeds the inroads of
oppression .
May glory emblaze, in the liveliest rays,
The patriotic skill of the true '* Iron Greys,"
And gratitude honor the worth of the brave
With a wreath for his brow and a tear for hi&
grave."
The Old Butcher Troop was ci viilry, all composed of
butchers, excepting a cartman named Bromjush,aiid
was underthe command of Capt. JohiiFenin. Home
of them were drafted men and the bal mce con) posed
of volunteers. It was ordered into service at t he
Wallabout, where it performed three months' duty.
They were attached to the conmiand of Gen. Jacob
Odell, of Westchester County. Their dress wns a
blue short-tail coat, trinmied with silver lace, which
cost $60 ; buckskin breeches, cost $15 ; long boots,
cost $15 or $20 ; a leather cone cap, with falling or
hanging red horse hair, cost $20.
The following appear among the independent or-
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306 €1TT MILITARY COMPANIES.
ganizations : Veteran Corps of Artillery, Capt.
Geo. W. Chapman ; Major Smith's Battalion of
Artillery (Ninth Regiment); Major Dunscomb's
Battalion of Governor's Guards ; Lieut. -Col. G. A.
Bogart's Horse or Flying Artillery ; Independent
Greys, Geo. Richards, captain; Lieut. -Col. James
Warner, one Regiment of Horse Artillery; New York
Exempt Artillery No. 1, Capt. Wm. Leycraf t ; First
Ward Exempt Company of Artillery, Capt. John E.
Seaman ; Sixth Ward Exempt Company of Artillery,
Capt. R. Hodge ; City Guards, Capt. George As-
bridge; Republican Greens, Lieut. -Col. Charles
Eagleson ; Company of Riflemen, organized Sep-
tember, 1814, for three months, Capt. James G.
King, First Lieutenant John C. Hamilton, Second
Lieutenant Phillip Rhinelander.
J. W. Jarvis attempted to raise a regiment of
riflemen.
The Governor authorized Armand Lavaud to raise
a corps of Horse Rangers, to be attached to the mili-
tary guard in the city.
The dress of some of the militia was almost fan-
tastic. In one day a company of cavalry in red,
from New Jersey, crossed the city to work on the
fortifications in Brooklyn, and a company in green
and one in blue did similar service.
The uniform for the musicians in the Gtjvernor's
Guards was : A Polish cap covered with scarlet
■cloth and edged with black velvet, white feather ;
scarlet coatee, single breasted, with small skirts,
black stripes in front, with black stripes on the
skirt and three rows of artillery buttons in front ;
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THK •« 8BA FENCIBLE8:' 307
•
pantaloons of white drilling, worn over boots, with
six bell buttons on the legs ; black neck stock,
black morocco belts and bright sabres.
The regular **Sea Fencibles," organized the first
year of the war, whose name became so familiar to
New Yorkers during the war, was a body of volun-
teers composed of sailors and boatmen raised in the
city for the term of one year, and were continued
during the war. They were placed under the com-
mand of Commander Jacob M. Lewis (commonly
called Commodore).
The United States gunboats, about forty of them
stationed at New York, were detached from the
navy and put under Commander Lewis. The
officers of the boats retained their places as if in the
navy, and received additional pay from the State
during the time they were in actual service. They
were all under the direction of the commander of
the third military district. They were sometimes
called ** marine mihtia."
Many of those above mentioned were mustered
into the sei'vice in September as independent organi-
zations or were amalgamated in other bodies. There
were a large number of unauthorized nominal
organizations that practiced drilling, etc., but they
had no arms or accoutrements, and never held
any commissions. Such were the College Greens,
being students of Columbia College, and many
other smaller bodies. In case of an attack they
would probably have been assigned to duty.
A spirited address to Lishmen appeared in some of
the New York papers, signed by Messrs. Wm. James
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308 APPEAL TO IRIBUMEK
MacNeven and Wm. Sampson, calling on their
countrymen to organize a corps for three months'
service. The following is an extract :
^^ Our appeal is to the constant, our call is on the
brave ! Such only are invited whose hearts can an-
swer to the call ; broken like the rest in fortune,
we have neither bribe nor patronage to offer, nor
anything to show but the dangei-s of the field.
Nor shall we solicit or cajole. Zeal and affection
must be the common stock ; with these qualities
the poor is rich enough, without them the rich are
too poor. We have no interest but the safety of
our (adopted) country ; no ambition but to march
with its defenders. Thrice happy if in doing so
we avenge the wrongs of our dear native land."
The regiment called the ^'Kepublican Greens"
was composed of Irishmen.
The cost of a uniform was of considerable conse-
quence at that time. Captain Asbridge proposed
that his company or regiment should differ from
other military bodies in the economy of dress. The
following was regarded as a ''cheap, neat and
becoming uniform " for said organization :
A blue broadcloth roundabout, narrow rolling
collar ; single breasted, buttoned in front With bell
buttons, a row each side extending to the top of the
shoulder, with one on each side the collar ; the cost
about $15 ; beaver cap, straight crown, about nine
inches high, helmet point, diminishing gradually
towards the back, leaving there only half an inch
brim ; a waving red plume, the staff of which sup-
ported by a stripe of broad gold lace running from
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COST OF MILITARY DRESS. 309
the base or rim of the hat and forming a cockade
near the top, with a narrow band of lace ; cost
about $10 ; cartouche box covered with red morocco,
and a red belt around the waist ; cost about $5 ;
yellow nankeen pantaloons, black neck handker-
chief, boots.
The cost of a uniform for privates in the United
States Army in May, 1814, was as follows : In-
fantry, $36.29; Artillery, $36.51; Dragoons, $54.-
33 ; Light Artillery, $36.94 ; Riflemen, $41.21.
The uniform in use in the regular army has
been before described. That did not include the rifle
regiments. On 17th March, i814, the uniform of
the non-commissioned officnrs, privates and mu-
sicians of rifle regiments was prescribed as fol-
lows :
Short coat of gray cloth, single breasted, flat yel-
low buttons, which exhibit a bugle surrounded by
stai'S with the number of the regiment within the
curve of the bugle, one row of ten buttons in front,
three on each sleeve, and three on each skirt length-
wise, with blind buttonholes of black twist braid in
herring-bone form.
Waistcoat of gray cloth, with sleeves of the same,
rising two inches above the ankle joint, and not
higher.
Cap of leather, with a plate and design similar to
» that of the butting, and a short green pompon in
front.
For field or active service the oflBcers' uniforms
were like those of the privates excepting as to
quaUty. On other occasions they were permitted
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310 ARTILLERY IN CITY FORTS.
to wear the uniform of the artillery except as to the
buttons, the position of them, etc., which were the
same as the field coat.
Epaulets of gold.
Sabres yellow mounted for officers and non- com-
missioned officers.
We have before seen that the men in General
Morton's brigade were permitted to be quai*tered at
their homes. As they were nearly all residents of
New York city, this was a matter of great con-
venience to them, as well as saving of expense and
labor in providing camp accommodations for them
if necessary.
They were assigned to duty as follows :
<^ First Division New York Detached Milttia.
*^ Division Orders.
'^New York, Sept. 5, 1814.
. . . ^' The second regiment of Gteneral Mor-
ton's brigade and Major Dunscomb's battalion of
the same brigade wiU take charge of the West Bat-
tery (Castle Clinton).
" The battalions commanded by Majors Forbes
and Smith of the same brigade will take charge of
the North Battery (Jted Fort).
*' The Third Raiment of the same will take charge
of Fort Gansevoort. . . .
^^ A captain's guard at least will always be kept
in each fortress. . . .
'^The regiments commanded by Colonel Harsen
and Col. J. 0. Bogert will have charge of the park
of artillery when formed. . . . The men
employed by Mr. Brown under the direction of
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ARTTLLERT IN C1T7 FORTS. 311
Brigadier-General Swift in the public works of de-
fence will not be taken from his employ for any
other service.
^'The men required for artificers will be con-
sidered as detached from the line and not as hired
men exempt from duty.
*' John W. Mulligan is hereby appointed aid to
the Major General and will be obeyed and respected
accordingly.
^' By order of Major-General Stevens.
'' W. B. Crosby,
''Aid-de-Camp."
At that time (September 2, 1814), the Eleventh
Regiment mustered 451 men, including all officers,
privates and musicians. On 5th September the
Eleventh Regiment took charge of the North Bat-
tery (oflE Hubert street), and of a battery of light
artillery stationed on Broadway, near Greenwich
lane, at corner of what is now Waverley place.
Guard was mounted daily at 8 o'clock a.m. through-
out the city, and each company performed guard
duty alternately for twenty-four hours.
General Morton's brigade orders required that the
reveille beat at sunrise, the retreat at sunset, and
the tattoo at 9 o'clock p.m., guards to be relieved
at 8 o'clock A.M.
Although the militia were in the service of the-
United States, still Governor Tonipkins was allowed
to make suggestions to them. The following is a
letter from him to General Mapes :
*'New York, September 8th, 1814.
"Sir : — You are requested to call into service oiu
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312 VIDETTES ON LONG ISLAND.
Monday or Tuesday next that part of your brigade
wjiich is on Staten Island.
^' There are quarters and tents at the State Works
at the Narrows, for nearly seven hundred and fifty
men in addition to the force now stationed there.
There also are quarters at the Quarantine, and in
two public stores, which Mr. Gelston consents
should be occupied for four himdred or five hun-
dred men.
'* I presume, therefore. General Lewis, upon appli-
cation to him, will order the Staten Island Battalion
to encamp in tents at the Narrows, or remove those
tents to Red Bank in Princess Bay, and encamp
them there or send them to the public buildings at
the Quarantine ground ; and I must i-efer you to
Major-General Lewis for the purpose. If they are
to occupy the Quarantine ground, the quarter-
master must have some repairs and cleaning done
before their arrival.
^ * I am respectfully yours, etc. ,
*'Brig.-Genl. J. Mapes. D. D. Tompkins."
On September 8th a company of Colonel War-
ner's cavalry and two companies of artillery from
General Stevens' division were organized and sta-
tioned as a vidette express from east end of Long
Island to the headquarters of the commanding
general in New York city. The videttes were sta-
tioned at intervals of ten miles, and the artillery
were to protect them from sudden capture.
The State militia destined for the defence of New
York city were constantly arriving. The last con-
siderable arrivals were on September 11th, when
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MUTINOUS CONDUCT. 313
twelve sloops carae down North River with an aver-
age of one hundred men each. Many volunteer
companies from Now Jersey crossed the city for the
forts near Brooklyn.
On Sunday, 11th September, twelve hundred
troops, New Jersey militia of General Colfax's
brigade, stationed at Jersey City under command
of Colonel Frelinghuysen, marched to Bergen
Heights to attend open-air service by their chaplain,
Rev. Steven Grover, of Caldwell, N. J.
There was much dissatisfaction among the troops
that came from the interior of the State. They had
not been able to equip themselves in the manner
required by the orders under which they were
called into service, their camp ^ accommodations and
supplies were very unsatisfactory and they were
hai'd to submit to military discipline. The fact
that a mutiny occurred on account of rations in
General Haight's brigade, stationed on the Brooklyn
side of the Narrows, was kept out of the newspapers
of the day, but the writer is enabled from original
records in his possession to give some account of it.
. The following order was issued :
'^ Adjutant-General's Office, Third Military
District.
'^Kew York, September 6, 1814.
'* The mutinous conduct of some troops of the
brigade commanded by Brigadier-General Haight,
in outrageously attacking the issuing store of
the contractor and destroying his provisions, is an
act of mutiny of so serious a nature that General
Haight will instantly take measures to ascertain the
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314 MILITARY PVNI8HMENT8,
perpetrators, and if discovered to send them to
Governor's Island for trial by a general court
martial.
^* Should this mutinous spirit, in the opinion of
General Height, require the aid of any other corps to
quell it, he will apply for the necessary force to
Major-General Stevens, who will furnish it from the
division. The contractor will be compensated for
the provisions thus destroyed by stopping from the
pay of the individual or corps committing the out-
rage ; if neither can be ascertained, then the deduc-
tion to be made from the pay of the brigade.
*^The commanding general regrets that he is
obliged again to call on the several brigades to make
returns of then* rolls of muster and inspection, also
the company lists of delinquents and deserters ; it
must be obvious that it is of the first importance
that he knows his force in order to its ultimate dis-
position and that he be informed of delinquents and
offenders that they may be brought to punishments
" By order
'^ Thomas Chrystib,
^*Actg. Adj.-Gen."
Whipping or flogging, as a punishment, was not
allowed in the army or in. the militia service, but it
was in use in the navy and marine service.
There were various modes of punishment as a
means of enforcing discipline. Stoppage of " grog '!
and rations, imprisonment and manual labor were
resorted to in the army.
A newspaper of the day stated that for his slov-
enly appearance a militiaman was kept standing
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EXTRA PAT FOR LABOR. 315
or marching all day before his comrades, with his
accoutrements and imiform in reverse position,
with one sleeve oflE to show the dirty shirt he was
punished for wearing.
After the militia were mustered into service extra
pay was allowed to non-commissioned officers and
privates, who were drawn as artificers to work con-
stantly on fortifications, bridges, barracks, roads or
other public works for a term not less than ten days
(Sundays excepted). They were allowed for each
day's actual labor fourteen cents and one gill of
spirits each in addition to their usual pay and
rations. Those who were drawn for constant labor
Xnot as artificers) received only ten cents per day
-and one gill of spirits. These were detailed to
jnake tents, uniforms, etc.
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CHAPTER XLI,
The Enemy Attack Ball! more— Great Exciiemeut and Active Mili-
tary Movements in New York — Means of Defence— Condition
of Fortificalioiis — Workers on tlie Defences— Appeal of Com-
mittee of Defence— Fort Laigbt Buili.
^N the 12th of September intelli-
gence was received that the eneniy
were approaching Baltimore in
force for a vigorous attack.
Great excitement pi-evailed in
the city of New York at that thne,
but it was tempered with the
thought that the attack there
would cause the enemy to defer any attack upon
New York city until after the capture of Baltimore
and Philadelpliia, and New York city might be saved
the slaughter that any attack would engender.
Much would depend upon the result of the inva-
sion on the Champlain border. It was theie that
all eyes were turned and for which all hopeful hearts
beat.
New York city now had the appearance of a closely
besieged city. Troops were constantly marching
and countermarching by night and by day. Horse-
men in military array were rapidly riding to and fro,
and sentinels were pacing the streets, and guard
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MKASURES OF DEFENCE, 317
outposts were scattered throughout the city, and
groups of soldiers' tents were in some of the streets
and on open lots in parts of the city which were in
close proximity to the most thickly inhabited por-
tions of Manhattan Island.
The suburbs of the city had still more warlike
appearances. The Heights of Harlem from East
River to Hudson River were literally lined with
fortifications, occupied by swarms of soldiers. Jer-
sey City Heights was a camp of New Jersey militia,
and on Staten Island on the east and north sides,
and near Sandy Hook, were also forts and camps.
At Rockaway Bay and at various points along
the shore westward were defences and military
camps up to the Narrows, and from Gowanus Creek
along the Heights of Brooklyn to Wallabout Bay
was a strong line of defences connecting forts and
bastions.
It was from the enemy's war ships that the great-
est danger was apprehended and provided against.
The report of the State Commissioners of Fortifica-
tions to Governor Tompkins, dated September 23,
1814, states :
''The entrance to Jamaica Bay, on the south
side of Long Island, affording to the enemy a safe
landing for boats of small burthen to within a few
miles of the Navy Yard, it was judged prudent to
fortify that passage, as well as to guard that land-
ing, as to afford protection to our coasters, who fre
quently tike shelter in that bay from the enemy's
cruisers. This according with your Excellency's
sentiments, we caused a strong block house, mount.
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-318 FORTIFICATIONS ALONG BAST RIVER.
ing a 24-pounder in the top, to be erected on the
west end of Rockaway Beach, at the entrance of
that bay. . This has been taken charge of by the
United States and an adequate force is stationed
thereat. . . .
**The approach to our city by the Sound, even
for vessels of considerable force, is well known to
be practicable, and very great solicitude has been
shown by all classes of the community that the
pass of Hell Gate should be strongly fortified. This
became a subject of early consideration vsrith us,
and finding that a partial appropriation had been
made by the general government for that purpose,
we felt it an imperious duty to co-operate with
them in an object of great importance. A site hav-
ing been selected by General Swift on Hallett's
Point, upon which to erect a f oiii, we made a purchase
of the ground necessary therefor, and a deed has been
executed to the people of the State for the same.
The works on this point have been pressed forward
writh great activity, some cannon are already
mounted, and in a few days the battery will be in a
-complete state of defence. It has also been thought
desirable to occupy an adjoining eminence, and a
lK)wer of solid masonry has been commenced and is
in a state of great forwardness. . . .
*^ A small island in the middle of the stream near
the rapids of Hell Gate, and known by the name of
Mill Rock, presenting a very commanding situation
for the defence of that pass, is occupied by the
direction of General Swift, and a battery and block
jfaouse are erected thereon. These also ai^e in great
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. FOHTS ON STATEN ISLAND, 319
forwardness and will in a short time be completed.
From these different works, in connection with the
hazard attending the navigation at that place, we
have great reason to believe that that approach to
our city is completely protected, and that an enemjr
who should attempt it would pay dearly for his.
temerity.
* * The main work at Staten Island (Fort Tompkins),,
being the principal object of the appropriation of
the Legislature, has, of course, engaged our unre-
mitted attention. It has been forwarded with all
the dispatch consistent with a due regard to the
durability of the work. . . .
^^ We cannot close this report to your excellency
without expressing to you our high satisfaction with
the talents and zeal of the gentlemen (Gteneral
Wilhams and Gteneral Swift) who have planned and
conducted the works of defence, both on the part of
this State and of the United States. While the
positions have been selected with judgment, their
plan and construction evince a science which will
do honor to our country."
An extract from General Swift's letter to State
Commissioners of Fortifications, dated September
24, 1814, and accompanying commissioners' report
to the Governor, states :
*^ The practicability of an enemy passing Sandy
Hook with a strong leading breeze, and of effecting
a debarkation of troops at or near Princess Bay — the
present assailable situation of the works at the east
end of Staten Island, and the importance of this
position to an enemy in facilitating an attack upon
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320 FORTS ON STATEN ISLAND. .
the upper harbor and city — all conspire to prove
how very necessary it is to accelerate the work at
Port Tompkins."
Another official report shows that ''At Fort Tomp-
kins there were nine guns each to three curtains
and eight to two ; six guns each to four of the
towers and eight to the larger one circumscribing the
magazine, making seventy-five guns of the largest
caliber. The guns were so arranged that the fire of
fourteen could be concentrated to any one point on
every side.
''The casemates gave an asylum under bomb
proof of fourteen thousand square feet, allowing
ten square feet to each man. Fourteen hundred
men could be thus sheltered.
"Ten magazine casemates are for provisions and
are not taken into the calculation.
" Five proposed barracks will furnish accommo-
dations for eight hundred men. The men in the
barracks would always be ample for the whole gar-
rison duty and for fighting every gun, hence Fort
Tompkins may receive into its bosom all the men of
the open batteries, should they be overpowered by.
numbers, and prevent an enemy from existing in
them even long enough to spike the guns, every
object in view and within cannon shot being com-
pletely commanded. Add to this the possession of a
never-failing well of water and it will be seen that
it can stand a siege against ten times its force."
All of the fortifications were provided with coast
carriages for the cannon there, by which means
they could be moved from one place to another.
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CARTMEN IN 8KRV1CE. 321
The general orders of the Tliird Military Depart-
ment, dated September 25th, required :
'^ The deputy quartermaster will engage six hun-
dred of the cartmen of this city to be at all times
prepared with their horses, and one hundred of theni
with their carts also, to enter the public service as
carters and drivers. The terms will be as follows :
An exemption from all other military duty, forty
cents per day for the use of the horse with the
usual allowance of forage, twenty-five cents a day
for the use of a cart ; as a driver will not be re-
quired for each horse, supernumerary drivers to be
subject to employment as littermen or to any other
service connected with the duties of the civil staflE.
To each twenty a conductor will be appointed, to
whom the harness of the squad will be entrusted."
New York city was now defended by 570 pieces
of battering cannon and mortars, besides the pieces
on board the President and Alert and gunboats
and a formidable park of field artillery — in all not
less than nine hundred pieces of ordnance, and it
was said that 25,500 men, including exempt volun-
teers, could be concentrated at any given point in
and around New York city within three hours.
Detachments from General Colfax's brigade of
New Jersey militia were stationed at Newark,
Elizabeth, Perth Amboy and New Brunswick. Col.
J. W. Frelinghuysen's command, stationed at Jei'sey
City Heights, were inspected and put in better order.
On 19th September it was reported that the com-
missary of the Third MiUtary District issued twenty -
five thousand rations daily. Tliis did not niclude
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322 COIdMANDBRS A88I0ASD.
all those in service on shipboard in the harbor and
some others in the city of New York.
There were then in the mihtary service for the
defence of New York city men that represented
every battle of the revolutionary war from Bunker
Hill to Yorktown, excepting some of the more
southern battles.
The brigades of militia were made up and oi^an-
ized by the following order :
^' State op New York.
'^ General Orders.
'^ Head-Quarters, New York, Sept. 14, 1814.
^^The militia of the State of isew York, ordered
into service by general orders of the 29th August,
are organized as follows : Major-Gteneral Stevens'
division consists of the brigades of Generals Mor-
ton, Steddiford and Mapes, with this modification
of the last-mentioned brigade, that the Richmond
County battalion is detached therefrom, and its
place supplied by the battalion from Columbia
County, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel
Jacob R. Van Rensselaer.
''The Richmond battalion, the battalion from
Orange and Ulster, commanded by Lieutenant-
Colonels Smith, Bevier and Woodward, and the
detachment of Richmond Horse Artillery, are
formed into a brigade, to be commanded by Briga-
dier-General Swartwout. Brigadier-General John-
son's brigade remains without alteration.
'' In place of Major Dibblee's battalion from Rock-
land, Lieutenant-Colonel Roger's battalion from
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COMMANDERS ASSIGNED, 323
Saratoga, Major Lush'8 battalion from Albany,
and Captain John R. Williams' company of light
infantry are added to General Haight's brigade.
*'The Rockland County regiment, and the bat-
talions commanded by Lieutenant- Colonels Post
and Cai-ver, are to form a brigade, to the command
of which Brigadier-General Peter S. \'an Orden is
assigned.
*'The artillery, light infantry, grenadier and rifle
companies of Albany (except Captain Williams'
company), Rensselaer, Schenectady, Greene,
Columbia, Ulster, Orange and Dutchess, which are
to rendezvous by companies, pursuant to the gen-
eral orders of the 29th ult., are formed into a regi-
ment to be commanded by , which regiment,
together with Colonel Farrington's regiment, from
Delaware County, will form a brigade under the
command of Brigadier-Gteneral Peter Curtenius.
The Dutchess County battalion of Lieutenant-Col-
onel Southerland is annexed to Gen. Hermance's
brigade, Lieut. -Col. Warner's squadron of horse
artillery and cavalry will form an independent
command, and will act under the immediate orders
of the commandant of the third military district.
^* Major-General Stevens and the commandants of
brigades are required to exhibit to the commander-
in-chief returns of the oi^anization and number of
officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians and
privates under their respective commands by 10
o'clock on the morning of Saturday next.
^'Lieutenaot-Colonel Warner, and the command-
ants of sea fencible corps, not heretofore placed
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324 COMMANDERS AS8I0NED.
under the command of Commodore Decatur, will
present similar returns by the same time.
" If hereafter, either by the discharge of detach-
ments or any other circumstance,* a considerable
diminution of the present force should take place,
the commanding officer of the district is authorized
from time to time to consolidate the militia in ser-
vice, and discharge supernumerary officers.
*' By order of the commander-in-chief.
** Robert Macomb,
^^Aid-de-Camp."
The First Brigade of Artillery, under (Jeneral Mor-
ton, was composed of Second, Third, Ninth and
Eleventh Regiments of New York city and Thirteenth
Regiment of Kings County.
A battalion from the artillery companies from
the counties ' of Rockland, Orange, Putnam and
Dutchess, amounting to 540 men, under Col. Samuel
Slee, was attached to Gteneral Morton's brigade.
It had 5 lieutenants, 15 second lieutenants, 25
sergeants, 30 corporals, 5 drummers and 5 fifers.
The 3d Brigade of Infantry, under Gen. Jonas
Mapes, and the 10th Brigade, under Gten. Gterard
Steddiford (actually commanded by Brevet Gen.
Peter Curtenius). The 22d Brigade of Infantry,
under Q^n. Jerenuah Johnson, was composed of the
militia of Kings and Queens Counties, being the
Sixty-fourth, Ninety-third, 100th and 117th Regi-
ments. The Brooklyn regiment was the Sixty -
fourth. It consisted of five companies of one hun-
dred men each. The brigade was 1,7§0 strong.
The 33d Brigade of Infantry, Suffolk County,
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COMMANDERS ASSIGNED. 325
Gten. Abraham Rose ; the 29th Brigade, of Rockland
County, Gen. Peter S. Van Orden ; the 15th Brigade
of Infantry, under Gen/ Pierre Van Cortlandt, of the
southern part of Westchester County, and all the
uniform companies of artillery, light infantry,
grenadiers and riflemen, of Westchester, Rockland,
Orange, Putnam and Dutchess Counties, were
formed into 1st Division, under command of Maj.-
Gen. Ebenezer Stevens.
The battalion under command of Lieut. -Col.
Jonathan Varian contained 720 privates, 8 captains,
16 lieutenants, 16 ensigns, 40 sergeants, 48 corporals,
8 drummers and 8 fif ers.
The independent regiment of light infantry and
rifle companies from the counties of Westchester,
Rockland, Orange, Dutchess and Putnam contained
864 men, under command of
The 19th Brigade, Orange County, 540 men ; 30th
Brigade, Dut/chess County, 540 men ; to be formed
in a regiment under Lieut. -Cols. Isaac Belknap, Jr.,
and Abraham Van Wyck. The 20th Brigade, Dutchess
County, 648 men ; 34th Brigade, Orange County,
432 men ; to be formed in a regiment under Lieut. -
Col. A. Delamater and A. Wheeler. The 12th Brigade,
Columbia County, 540 men ; 23d Brigade, Sul-
livan and Ulster, 432 men ; 37th Brigade, Greene
and Albany, 540 men, under Lieut. -Cols. John J.
Van Dalssen and Daniel Warner ; to form three
battalions, another lieutenant-colonel to be assigned
said detachment.
The news of the naval victory on Lake Cham-
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326 NBW8 OF BATTLB8.
plain was brought to New York city by the steam-
boat Firefly on the 14th.
The Albany Argus extra, published on Monday,
September 13th, at noon, contained a letter dated
September 11th, ten o'clock, which stated the victory
on Lake Champlain, and was expecting the land
battle. This intelligence was brought to Pough-
keepsie by Thos. Wigton on horseback in twenty-
one hours from Albany, and from Poughkeepsie to
New York by steamboat Firefly,
The battle was still raging at Baltimore, and the
land battle at Plattsburg was going on, and at Fort
Erie there was a crisis. On the afternoon of the
15th news arrived of the defeat and reti-eat of the
enemy from Plattsburg, the repulse of General Ross
at Baltimore and the strengthening of Fort Erie and
the probable withdrawal of the enemy from the
siege. The morning newspapers announced in a
brief headline — ** Victory ! North, South and
West!"
The intelligence of the battle at Baltimore caused
attention to be directed to the defence in case of an
attack from that direction.
The following order was issued and at onoe put
in operation.
^^ General Orders.
*^New York, September 17, 1814.
*' Lieutenant-Colonel Warner will establish a line
of videttes from the corps of cavalry between New
York and Philadelphia by stationing two videttes
at intervals of ten miles ; they will be subject to the
order of the commanding general, to whom the
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STATION OF RE0IMENT8. 327
officer to be stationed at the end of the line will
report."
The forts in the city along the Hudson River side
were put in a stronger defensive condition. On
the 18th, by order issued on that date, the com-
manding officer of the West battery and of the
North battery, and of Fort Gansevoort were re-
quired to report any deficiency of the following :
Each gun must be furnished with a gunner's belt
and implements ; priming horse and tube box and
two leastic thumb stalls, a post fire stock and lint
stock, ramrod and sponge, ladle, one worm, six hand-
spikes, a water turn and broom, six badge barrels to
each battery, one hundred rounds of cartridges
and round shot, and ten of grape to each gun.
On the 19th the following assignments of Gten-
eral Morton's brigade of artillery were made :
At West Battery (Castle Clinton the Second
Regiment, Major Smith's battalion, and Major
Dunscomb's battalion (Governor's Guards).
At North Battery, off Hubert street, Eleventh
Regiment, under Colonel Harsen and Major Dib-
blee's battalion from Rockland County.
At Fort Gunsevoort the Third Regiment, Major
Forbes' battalion and the detachment from the
Thirteenth Regiment.
The corps of Veteran Artillery were stationed at
the State Arsenal on Bridge street^ and were to
mount a corporal guard for the protection of that
place.
The men wore allowed to remain at their former
quarters, and a captain's guard to be mounted at
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328 STATION OF BBGIMBM'S,
the forts and two field officers were assigned to
each battery.
General Morton was directed to assign two field
officers to each battery ; he assigned Major Stevens
and Major Smith to the West Battery (Castle Clin-
ton) ; Major Mercein and Major Dibblee to the North
Battery ; Lieut. Col. Bogert and Major Forbes to
Fort Gansevoort ; a detachment of eight matrosses
and two gunners to each gun at the several forts
and a non-commissioned officer stationed at each
gun, and another non-commissioned officer to each
accade of two guns. The men were to be furnished
from the corps stationed at each battery according
to their relative strength.
The Tenth Brigade of Infantry, under command
of Brevet Brig.-Gten. Curtenius (General Steddiford
being president of a court tnartial), were stationed
at Greenwich, near Christopher street, in the vicinity
of State Prison grounds.
Those men that were not residents of New York
city in that brigade were encamped there.
On 19th September, Lieut. -Col. Cadwalader D.
Colden was assigned to take command of the
uniform companies of militia from the interior of
the State that were attached to General Curtenius'
brigade. It was known as the Fifth Regiment of
New York State Artillery and Infantry.
More strict attendance of the men was required.
On 1 5th September, by division orders of that
date, it appears that
"The commanding general has learned with
regret that certain officers of the detached militia in
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STATION OF nniUADfCS, 329
the service of the United States are in the habit of
granting furloughs and discharges which, in some
instances, have extended to whole corps," and
attention is called to the articles of war, which pro-
vide that '^no furlough shall be given during a
campaign, nor any but by the general commanding
the district or army and for a cause of disabihty,
which disabihty shall be certified to by a regimental
or hospital surgeon."
Major- Gteneral Stevens' headquarters were at 56
Beekman street.
From official reports made about September 25th,
it appears that at that time the forces were stationed
as follows :
One, brigade of 1,500 men stationed at Ward'a
Island, under command of Brig.-Gen. Peter S. Van
Orden.
One brigade of 1,600 men at Harlem Heights,
Forts Fish and Clinton, commanded by Brig.-Gten.
Martin Hermance.
One brigade of 1,750 men at Greenwich, near
Christopher street and vicinity of State Prison
grounds, under command of Brevet Brig.-Gen.
Peter Curtenius.
One division of 5,700 men, under Maj.-Gen.
Ebenezer Stevens, at Benson's Point and about Hell
Gate.
One squadron of cavalry, 400 strong, commanded
by Lieut. -Col. James Warner,
One brigade of 1,800 men stationed at Bath (now
Fort Hamilton), under command of Brig.-Gen.
Samuel S. Haight.
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330 STATION OF BR1QADE8.
One brigade of 1,750 men stationed at Brooklyn,
near Fort Greene, under command of Brig.-Cten.
Jeremiah Johnson.
Force of 1,000 Sea Fencibles stationed in the
Rockaway and Gravesend block houses and in Forts
Gates, Diamond, Lewis and Stevens.
One brigade of 2,150 men stationed at Staten
Island, under command of Brig.-Gten. Robert
Swartwout.
A brigade of infantry of New Jersey militia, con-
sisting of twenty-three companies, about 1,200 men,
under command of Col. John W. Fi'elinghuysen, sta-
tioned at Powles Hook (Jersey City).
A large force of New Jersey militia, consisting of
about 1,500 men, infantry and artillery, st^vtioned
at the Highlands of Navesink, near Sandy Hook.
There were in the forts about New York city and
harbor, 3,316 men, regulars in the United States
Army and in General Boyd's brigade.
The naval force in New York harbor in August
consisted of the President , forty four guns, Commo-
dore Decatur ; the Alerty eighteen guns, and Com-
modore Lewis's flotilla of thirty-eight gunboats,
manned by about 1,300 men. ,
General Boyd's command was as follows :
*'New York, September 23, 1814.
^^ The Thirty-second, Forty-first and Forty- second
Regiments, United States Infantry, with the com-
pany of Trojan Greens commanded by Captain
Dole, will form one brigade under the immediate
command of Brig. -Gen. J. P. Boyd, who will con-
centrate the said corps at New Utrecht immediately.
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VOLUNTBER LABORERS. 331
Captain Leonard's Sea Fencibles, assigned to the
defence of Fort Diamond; Captain Fowler's, assigned
to the defence of Fort Lewis and the block houses
dependent thereon, and Captain Ingersoll, assigned
to the defence of the block house at Rockaway, will
all be considered subject to the orders of General
Boyd, in their respective commands. By order
'^Thos. Christie,
** Assistant Adjutant-Gteneral."
On 30th September Major Wooster took com-
mand of Fort Stevens with four companies of Sea
Fencibles.
Volunteer laborers were from time to time at
work on the defences.
On the 19th September the Free Masons again
worked at Brooklyn and opened by a salute by
Major Hunter.
On 20th September the Washington Benevolent
Society proceeded to Brooklyn and worked upon
Washington Bastion and nearly completed it.
The Master Butchers on the 20th, with 180 strong,
worked on the Brooklyn fortifications. A commit-
tee of them made arrangements with the Committee
^ of Defence and a few days afterwards were assigned,
one hundred strong, to work on the right of Mc-
Gowan's Pass, at a location now in Central Park,
near Fifth avenue. They started early in the
morning, headed by a fine band of music, carrying
a large banner on which was painted :
*^ Friends of Our Country."
" Free Trade and Butchers' Rights."
"From Brooklyn's Fields to Haarlem Heights."
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332 REQUEST TO NEWSPAPERS.
They worked until sundown, throwing up a
breastwork of about one hundred feet in length,
twenty in breadth and four feet in height, neatly
sodded.
The following notice explains itself :
'' Circular.
^' Committee of Defence Chamber.
'' September 21st, 1814.
"Sir: — WhUe the Committee of Defence have
been devoted to the adoption of measures for the
defence and security of the city against the hostile
attempts of the enemy with which it is threatened,
it ha© afforded them infinite satisfaction to find so
zealous and unanimous co-operation pervading all
descriptions of citizens.
*' It is, however, with regret they observe occa-
sional publications in some of the public papers
rather calculated to disturb the tranquillity which
so happily prevails. The crisis seems to demand
that party questions should not be agitated at pres-
ent. They, therefore, presume to recommend an
entire suppression of party discussions in all future
publications, at least so long as the combined exer-
tions of all are necessary to the defence and security*
of the city.
** I am, with great respect,
** Your most obedient servant,
'*NiCH. Fish, Chairman."
On 27th September the following request was
published :
" The Committee of Defence, while they applaud
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FORT LAIQHT BUILT. 333
the spirit which has actuated the whole body of
citizens in erecting defences against the common
enemy, feel themselves under the necessity of again
calling on their patriotism in that way. They
request another tour of duty without delay in the
forts, particularly on those at Harlem Heights, in
order that they may be completely finished and in
readiness to resist any attack the enemy may have
the temerity to make."
On 28th September the Juvenile band, composed
of two hundred pupils from Manhattan School, 148
Chambers street, under Mr. A. Picket, went to work
at Brooklyn Heights.
On 12th October Tammany and Columbian So-
cieties worked on the fortifications at Harlem
Heights.
The work upon the fortifications, when by the
local militia detachments or in bodies, was without
pay.
The Eighty-fifth Regiment of city militia, com-
manded by Lieut. -Col. E. W. Laight, were placed
on a tour of fatigue duty near ManhattanviUe, and
went into camp there on Monday, October 10th.
On Friday morning the regiment broke ground on
the height above their encampment, and in true
military style, under a salute of small arms, named
the post, after their respected colonel, "Fort Laight."
Some officers in the meantime, by stratagem, de-
tained him in the encampment, unadvised of the
compliment until completed.
The Columbian of October 18th contained the
following :
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334 FALSB ALARM.
''On Saturday evening last the regiment of city
infantry commanded by Col. E. W. Laight
marched into town from their encampment near
Manhattanville, which they entered on the Monday
previous, on a tour of fatigue duty. They each day
cheerfully and actively labored on the fortifications
and at night reposed on the field.
''About two o'clock on Saturday morning an alarm
was made in camp to ascertain how expeditiously
the regiment could be formed in case of emergency.
Every company officer and the privates were asleep ;
in four minutes after the drums beat to arms each
company was dressed and formed in front of their
tents, and in ten minutes from the alarm the regi-
ment was formed in open column for the march.
' ' The regiment was reUeved on Saturday afternoon
by a detachment from Colonel Ward's regiment."*
♦ The remains of '* Port Lftight ** are yet (1894) plainly visible
near south side West 125th street, one hundred and twenty yards
east of Eleventh avenue. It was built of stone.
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CHAPTER LXn.
Disorderly Militia— CourU-Martlal— Military Duties— Military Life
in the City— Drills and Parades.
OURTS-MARTIAL were found to be
among the earliest necessities adjunct
to the mustering in of the militia.
These courts were of all kinds and vari-
eties and of various jurisdictions and
purposes. They were all issued in form
out of the Adjutant-GeneraFs office of
the Third Milifc^ry District.
We have before seen (Vol. I., p. 199) that a court-
martial for the trial of an accused militiaman
must be composed of militia officers only, and
they were subject to the rules and articles of
war when called into actual service by the general
government ; but the militia officers composing the
court must be designated by the commander of the^
military district.
The militia officers as well as their men had to be
called to order. On 22d September General Morton
called attention to the *^ extreme remissness" of
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336 DISORDERLY SOLDIERS.
Major Dibblee's command in cantonment (camp)
at upper end of Broadway, near Clinton Place.
On 26th September General Lewis, in a general
order from the Adjutant-General's office of the
Third Military District, stated :
*^It is painful to the commanding general to ob-
serve the little attention paid to the orders of the
29th August last (see ante, p. 258).
*' The officers of the militia, regardless of orders,
X)ermit their men to stray from their camp at all
hours in companies, in some instances from fifteen
to twenty, whose depredations on the inhabitants
are frequently the consequence."
The order further provides that the officers will
be held responsible for the conduct of their men and
will be arrested and court-martialed.
The most famous was on 24th September, which
was provided by general orders from the Adjutant-
Oeneral's office of Third Military District, as follows :
^' A general court-martial under the act of Con-
gress of 28th February, 1795, for the trial of those
of the militia of the State of New York ordered into
service of the United States in the third mihtary
district who have failed to rendezvous pursuant to
orders, will convene Monday 2(>th inst. at Harmony
Hall and will consist of the following members :
^^ President, Brigadier-General Steddiford ; mem-
bers, Brigadier-General Hermance, Lieutenant-Colo-
nel Varian, Major Wigton, Maj. Daniel E. Duns-
<5omb, Captain Acker (of Colonel Warner's caval-
ry), Capt. Gulian C. Verplanck. Supernumeraries,
Lieut. -(3ol. Jasper Ward, Major Charles Graham ;
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COUHTS^MARTIAL ORDERED. 337
Judge- Advocate, Pierre C. Van Wyck." Hugh
Maxwell was soon afterwards substituted as judge-
:advocate.
This is the court that afterwards tried one Jacob
E Mott for failure to appear and be mustered into
the militia service under the orders of August 4th
and 28th, 1«14, for the defence of New York city.
The court continued, though some of its members
changed from time to time, until 13th May, 1818,
when Mott was tried and fined $96, for which he
was liable to be imprisoned for twelve months un-
less the fine was paid. The important legal ques-
tions that arose in the case came before the United
States Supreme Court in 1827 as Martin vs. Mott
(12 Wheaton's Reports, p. 19), where it was held that
the judgment of the court-martial for the offence
was valid. The State court had previously held
that it was void.
As late as September 30th it was reported that
several companies of the Second Regiment of artil-
lery and the battaUon of ** Governor's Guards " were
without small arms.
On the 30th September it was announced in
general orders that General Stevens' division be
mustered and inspected for payment. This event
was particularly welcome to those who were called
into the service from outside the city of New York
under the Governor's order of August 4th and 29th
{see ante, p. 185).
The amount to be paid, however small, would
greatly relieve those men that had already incurred
.so much expense at the sudden calL This was the
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838 EXPENSES OF MILITIA.
first payment that was made for their services. In
most cases it was less than the amount necessariljr
expended to go into the service at New York city.
We have before seen (Vol. I., p. 199) that a militia-
man when called into active service must provide
his own clothing and personal equipments (see
ante, pp. 185, 251).
The expenses of a militiaman at that time were
hard to be borne. Under the laws of 1857, before
referred to (ante, p. 187), for the payment by the
State of the expenses by men who were called into
military service in the war of 1812, the claims now
on file in the State Adjutant-Gteneral's office at Al-
bany are ample evidence.
The details of one are sufficient as an example of
aU. The claim of Elias Conklin, who was a sergeant
in Capt. John Wood's Rifle Company, under com-
mand of Lieut. -Col. Jonathan Varian, is as fol-
lows : Conklin was from Dutchess County, and
served at New York city for ninety days from
August 25, 1814. He had to pay for his own trans-
portation to and from New York city, which was 16
each way. The cost of the uniform and equipments
provided by himself was as follows : Uniform
coat, 120 ; cap, $3 ; plume, $1 ; pair pantaloons, $4 >
vest, $2.20 ; ordinary coat, $15 ; blanket, $3 ; knap-
sack, $5 ; canteen, 75 cents ; cartouch box, 75
cents ; belt, $1 ; tomahawk, $1.60 ; rifle, $37 ; pair
stockings, $1.50; two shirts, $4; pair shoes, $3^
pair Surrow boots, $5 ; neckerchief, $1.25,
How this and similar claims have been disposed
of, see ante, p. 188, note.
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DRILLS AND DUTIES. 339
Duane's Handbook of Infantry Tactics was pre-
scribed for use by division orders.
The artillery drilled with small arms also as well
as with field pieces.
The supply of small arms was short, as we have
already seen (ante, p. 263). Many of them were not
supplied until the early part of October.
In many instances the State provided small arms
and accoutrements. For the number of muskets
furnished to those in service at New York between.
August 30th and October 6, 1814, see ante, p. 263.
The necessary guard and other duties at head-
-quarters were performed by the infantry companies,
with their respective officers, in weekly rotation.
The infantry of the Third and Tenth Brigades
that were quartered at home were drilled every
morning from six to eight o'clock and afternoon
from four to six o'clock, by companies, at some
parade ground selected by the regimental field
officers.
The battalions formed twice in each week, the
regiments once m each week, the brigades once in
two or three weeks. The whole division, under
Major-Gteneral Stevens, 'had several fine parades
during the term of service.
The different regiments performed their tour of
duty at Harlem and were each encamped in the
field imtil relieved by a new corps from the city.
Guard duty was important and responsible. The
report was required to be in writing. The report of
daptain McEenna as officer of the guard for 26th
;and 27th September^ 1814, is as follows :
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340 GUARD REPORT.
"West Battery, 27th Sept., 1814.
'*At 8 O'clock yesterday relieved Captn,
Shaw and mounted Guar^ ; received the garrison
(except the entry to the SaUy port) in good order^
also in charge twelve prisoners, one of whom, John
Pranscisco, was delivered to Lieut. J. H. Gallaghan^
of Captn. Perry's Company Sea Fencibles as per
commitment. At i past 2 p.m. visited by Major
Hunter, officer of the day ; at 3 p.m. delivered David
Lowery, Samuel Lowery and John Smith to Lieut^
March, the officer who committed them ; at 5 p.m.
they were returned to the Garrison and a verbal
order from the said officer to recommit them into
close confinement, stating that the prison at Gov-
ernor's Island was full and that they could not be-
received at that post as the prison of this Garrison
was also full ; I could not receive them, to report
which I repaired without delay to Headquarters, but
was unable to see the General or any of his aids. I
also made a second call to the same effect, and ia
consequence thereof I made report of the same to
Lieut. -Col. Stevens, who ordered me to refuse-
receiving them under the then existing circum-
stances. In the interim the officers who returned
with them had left the Garrison. I was consequently
under the necessity of placing them under close con-
finement, altho' humanity forbad© increasing the
number to eleven in a prison not large enough for
six. At i past 12 a.m. was visited by the Grand
rounds, who strictly examined the Guard and Garri-
son ; at 8 a.m. gave an order to the Contractor for
one day's provisions for the prisoners, delivered the-
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REPORT OF OFFICER OF THE DAT. 341
prisoner Van Home to Lieut. Gilbert of the regu-
lars as per receipt — Delivered the garrison to Lieut.
Brett, 2d Officer of 1st Company Gtovemor's Guards.
** Parole, Countersign,
**Eaul. Princeton.
** (Signed) Charles McKenna,
**Capt. 1st Comp'y Governor's Gds."
The report of the officer of the day for Friday,
October 7, 1814, is as follows :
" Officer of the day. Major Daniel E. Dunscombe,
of the Independent Battalion 6t Governor's Guards.
** Parole — CromweU.
'* Countersign — Britain.
** Commenced the visit at three o'clock p.m. at
the West Battery : on duty 1 officer, Lieut. Luflf, of
Major Smith's Battr.
*' 2 Non-commissioned Officers.
**16 privates, of whom only fourteen were
equipped.
'' Examined the guard and found but two mus-
kets fit for service.
<< Examined the Battery and found nine pieces in
a state of repair, the rest in good order ; of imple-
ments there were missing 3 Aprons, 7 Iron Crow*
bars, 2 Handspikes.
'* 10 prisoners in confinement (list herewith), 2
sentinels out.
'' Oen. SteddiforcT 8 Headquarters J 36 Beekman St.
'* On duty 1 officer, Lieut. HofEman, 10th Brigade.
**2 Non-commissioned Officers.
**22 Privates.
"2 do. Absent.
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S42 INSPECTION OF OUARD8.
^'Exarained the guard and condemned two unfit
for service ; niany of the men were destitut-e of
Cartridge Boxes.
^' 5 Sentinels posted, six prisoners in confinement.
'^Oen. Mape^ Headquarters.
'' On duty 1 Officer, Ensign Watts, Sd Brigade.
** 3 Non-commissioned Officers.
'^ 23 Privates.
^^ Examined the guard and found the muskets all
in good order, but as before many were unprovided
with Cartridge Boxes.
** 1 prisoner, 5 Sentinels out.
'^Encampment on Stuyvesant^s Ghround, 3d Brigade.
^' On duty 1 Officer, Lieut. Peabody, Col. Van
Eensselaer's Regt.
** 4 Non-commissioned Officers.
"^^60 Privates, many of whom were employed in
the police service of the Oamp. Of the Guarcb most
were without either belts or Cartridge Boxes, and
with wooden snappers instead of flints.
^ 7 prisoners in confinement, 20 Sentinels out.
'^^ The Officer of the day recommends to the special
notice of the Gteneral the fact that this encampment
is totally unprovided with any kind of shelter for
the men while on sentry.
" Jbrfc ^P Artillery at Dydes*, — Upper Broadway.
''On duty 1 Officer, Lieut. Fowler.
'^ 3 Non-commissioned Officers.
^' 37 Privates.
** Absent 1 Non-commissioned Officer ) on extra
^VePrivAtes S duty.
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INSPECTION OF GUARDS 343
*' Examined the travelling pieces : all in good
-order.
'* 12 Sentinels posted — No prisoners.
^^ Fort Gansevoort.
*' Found this post in charge of Capt. Swaim, of
Col. Bogert's B^ment, and learned from him, that
the OflB^r who preceded him in the command had
left the Garrison with one prisoner, in charge of a
non-commissioned Officer and one private, in conse-
quence of which Col. Bogert had desired him to
take chaise of it as Officer of the Guard.
^'On duty 1 Officer.
'* 4 Non-commissioned Officers.
**20 Privates — of these several were absent pro-
^curing necessaries for the tour of duty on which
they had been unexpectedly called.
^' Examined the Garrison and fotmd it in good
order. 4 Sentinels out ; 1 prisoner, I. Hamilton.
'' North Battery.
'' On duty 1 Officer, lieut. Coles, Eleventh Regi-
onent N. Y. S. Artillery.
*' 3 Non-commissioned Officer.
'' 18 Privates.
** Examined the Battery, found the guns and im-
plements in good order. The Magazine ventilators
.are rusted and one out of repair, one of them
broken. The Travelling pieces likewise in good
<order, with the exception that three wanted aprons.
" 4 Sentinels out, 2 prisoners.
^^ State Arsenal (Bridge street).
** On duty 1 Officer, Lieut. Nixon, Veteran Corps.
^'* 1 Non Commissioned Officer.
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444 GRAND ROUNDS.
*' 8 Privates.
*' EJxamined the Field Artillery and found two-
pieces wadded, which could not be remedied for
want of a worm.
^^ 2 Sentinels out. No prisoners.
^' This post is in want of a Guard House.
** GRAND ROUNDS. ^
'* Commenced the Grand rounds at 10 p.m. and
visited the Several Posts before mentioned.
'* The parole was not demanded either at the State-
Arsenal, (General Mapes' Headquarters, Encamp-
ment at Stuyvesant's or the Park at Dydes'.
'* At the State Arsenal, there were only six rounds
of cartridges amofig the whole guard.
*' At Fort Gansevoort the number of prisoners had
been since the former visit increased to seven, as ap-
pears by the accompanying report.
^^ At i past 2 A.M. of the 8th October reached the
West Battery, where having passed the outer Senti-
nels, who hailed properly, went up to the inner,
sentinel and took away his musket, he not receiving
me correctly, nor taking any precaution to prevent
his being disarmed. One of the escort who received
the musket from the Sentinel proceeded through
the Wicker Gate (where he met several of the
guard who did not attempt to hinder him) to the
Officer's Quarters, where he ntiade a prisoner of
Lieut. Luff, OflScer of the Guard.
'* Ordered the escort, consisting of Captns. Mc-
Kenna, Murray and Crocker, Lieut. Brett and
Sergeant Major Clare, to take charge of the garrison,
which they accordingly did, disarmed the Sentinels-
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ENEMY IN THE SOUND. 345-
and took the Officer and all his command into
custody. . The escort mounted guard until sunrise,
when, having communicated with and received
orders from Brig. Gtenl. Morton, left the Garrison
in charge of Captn. McKenna and a detachment
from my battalion, who had been summoned by the
Sergeant Major."
About 1st October the enemy's war vessels ap-
peared in Long Island Sound near Pelham Bay.
On 3d October Commodore Lewis took nineteen
gunboats and two bomb ketches from the lower bay
and proceeded up through Hell Qa,te to the Sound,
but was not able to get a shot at them.
There were frequent rumors of the appearance of
the enemy near Harlem.
In this connection it is interesting to read the
account of the late Israel Russel, which he gave in
October, 1856, and which appeared in ''Valentine's
Manual" for 1857 (p. 489), of the guard duty, inci-
dents, etc., at that time :
''Being in the United States service, receiving
pay and rations (those who did not quarter at
home), we were strictly under the army regulations
and governed in all things by the rules and articlea^
of war. The officer of the day at headquarters
made his Grand Rounds at night, and generally, as
there was more amusement in it than otherwise^
would have a goodly number of brother officers to
accompany him. I recollect going the rounds one*
night with Major James Strong, officer of the day,,
and others from our headquarters in Cherry street..
The first post visited was Colonel Van Rensselaer's,.
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346 GRAND ROUNDS.
on the Bowery farm. Fort Gansevoort was the
furthest post on the North River. The fort at
Hubert street, called the North Battery, the fort
(now Castle Garden) at the Battery, and the head-
quarters of the other different corps on duty in the
city, made up a ride of three or four hours, was
good exercise and with the little plans of surprise,
the evenings passed oflf very pleasantly.
'* While on our tour at Harlem, in the month of
October, we had a merry time. Capt. William H.
Maxwell was the life of our camp, but there were
several others quite equal to him. One evening it
was planned by some of the senior officers that the
countersign should be changed at twelve o'clock,
and as some of the officers were disposed to go out
and have a gay time of it, the plan was to bring
them in prisoners to the guardhouse on their return.
It was a beautiful moonlight night, and in the stiU
air the voices of these military gentlemen could be
heard at a great distance, and they appeared to be
-enjoying a most luxuriant treat of frolic and fun.
It was after twelve o'clock before they began to
Tetum, and when they did, one after the other was
brought to the guardhouse as prisoner. We had
one lieutenant-colonel, three captains, six or eight
lieutenants and ensigns. But the joke was not
taken in as good part as it was given ; they were
very angry, raged and stormed, and conceived it
a great indignity offered them. They preferred
•charges against the officer of the guard, who was a
lieutenant, and threatened to have him cashiered.
He was the only responsible one they could charge
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FALSE ALARM. 34T
with it. He felt secure, for there were those, his
superiors who planned it, who shielded him. When
we returned to the city they endeavored to carry out
their threat, and it was agitated a good deal for a
week or two. Finally, Gteneral Mapes, in his good-
natured, pleasant manner, laughed them out of their
anger, and it was all forgotten.
''The same night, after all was quiet and the
officers and men had retired to their tents and were
wrapped in sleep, the moon had gone down and a
heavy dew was falling, the same officers who had
planned the first caused a false alarm to be given,
by directing the sentinel on the outskirts of the camp
to fire alarm guns, and such measures were taken
as to give an impression that a real attack had
been made by the enemy. It was at this time fully
expected an expedition would be fitted out and an
attack made in this direction through the Sound,
so that it only wanted a little strength of imagina-
tion to believe it was A reality. The whole regiment
was speedily mustered, the officers all at their posts
in a short time, and almost all under the full belief
that it was an actual attack of the enemy. They
marched off, but no enemy could be found. The
officers made a good parade of it, and toward morn-
ing, as daylight dawned, they returned to camp,
giving evidence by the appearance of their clothes, ,
which were wet by the heavy dew, marching,
through the fields, that it had not been a short one.
This has always been a pleasant incident to remem-
ber and speak of, when any of Colonel Dodge's,
officers and men met in after time."
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348 GARRISON GUARD DUTY.
The following guard report is a sample of garri-
son guard duty at that time :
^^Ouard Report.
*' New York City, North Battery,
'' September 25, 1814.
** In compliance with garrison order of the 24 th
inst., Captain Rockwell's company, under my com-
mand (Captain Rockwell being sick), relieved the
detachment from Captain Forman's company, under
command of Lieutenant Benedict, at 8 o'clock a.m.,
and detailed a guard of three sergeants, one corpo-
ral and twenty -one privates.
** At 9i A.M. was visited by Major Meix^in ; at
10 A.M. detailed a fatigue party of eight men to col-
lect the straw which had been scattered throughout
the garrison during the late storm, piled up the
wads, etc., etc., which duty was performed with
promptitude and cheerfulness. Major Hodson,
Captains Bremner, Anderaise, Brown and several
other oflScers of the regiment visited the garrison
during the day. At 4 p.m. paraded the guard and
drilled one hour ; at 5^ p.m. was visited by the
officer of the day (Major Purdy) and suite, who
were received on right of the guard with presented
arms. Major Purdy (in direct contradiction of
what is believed to be the uniform practice of this
regiment) ordered the guard to be countermarched
so that he might advance upon its left — which order
being repeated, was obeyed. The roll was then
called and the arms and accoutrements of the guards
inspected. At 11^ p.m. was visited by the Grand
Hounds, who were received in due order, examined
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DRILLS AND PARADES. 849
the several posts and were apparently pleased with
their reception.
''Sept. 26th, at 8 a.m., paraded the guard and
drilled one hour ; at 9 a.m. the guard was reUeved
by a detachment from Captain Anderaise's company
of the 11th Regiment.
''Christopher Wolfe,
^' Lieut. 2d Co., 2d Battalion, 11th Reg., N. Y. . A ."
Company drills were at any convenient place. There
were three places where brigade parades and drills
took place — Stuyvesant's farm, east of the Bowery,
between First and Fourth streets ; Greenwich parade
ground (ante, Vol. I., p. 2:^9) and ground near Belle-
vue Hospital, at Second avenue and Twenty-
eighth street. Regimental parades often took
place at one or the other of these places, or near the
forts in the city. The afternoon parades proved a
great attraction and were usually attended by a
large number of citizens and strangers to see the
showy uniforms and hear the fine martial music
that prevailed, particularly with the city regiments.
In Clark's history of the Second Company of the
Seventh Regiment, written in 1864, when there were
still many persons Uving in the city who well remem-
bered that period and were then members of the
Eleventh Regiment of Artillery, he stated that the
martial corps or band of that regiment was then
imder the instruction and leadership of Fife Major
Cochran, whose fame as a musician extended to
every household in the city. The clear notes of his
fife were always listened to with admiration and
deUght, and the music at the evening parades at
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350 COURTS-MARTIAL,
the grounds off the North Battery, while the regi-
ment was stationed there in the Fall of 1814, was
always afterwards associated with the most pleas-
ant recollections of the war.
Additional courts-martial were needed and were
organized.
By general orders dated 6th of October a general
court-martial, to consist of nine members of the New
York detached militia, was ordered to convene at
Tammany Hall on 10th October to hear such cases
as might be brought before it.
President, Brigadier-Gteneral Curtenius; members^
Lieutenant-Colonels Ward, Harsen and Sayre^
Majors Thorn, Piurdy and Hunter, Captains McClure
and Bradhurst ; supernumerary, Captain Stanton ;
Judge Advocate, Pierre C. Van Wyck.
On 22d October a general court-martial for the
trial of such cases in the New York detached militia
as may be brought before it was ordered to convene
at Tammany Hall on the 25th October.
President, Lieut. -Col. E. W. Laight ; members,
Majors D. D. Smith, Israel Purdy, William Thorn,
Captains J. J. Drake, Edward Rockwell and blank ;.
supernumerary, Lieut. H. W. Nicoll.
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CHAPTER XIAU.
Fulton's Steam Frigate-^Lack of Money to Complete Her— Petition
to Committee of Defence for Help — Money Loaned by the
City— Report to the Common Council — Display at the Launch-
ing— Description of Her and Her Armament — Other War Yes*
sels Proposed.
HE building of '^Fulton's Steam War
Frigate," before mentioned (ante, pp.
42-89), was progressing. The national
government had furnished $95,000 to-
wards her construction. A large part
of this sum was in Treasury notes and
could not be used to pay the work
men; money was needed for that pur*
pose. The commiltee of defence
loaned the construction committee $10,000 on the
Treasury notes to pay off the workmen on September
24th. More money was still needed, and the national
government could not immediately furnish it. The
superintending committee therefore applied to the
city for aid. On September 26th they laid the fol-
lowing statement before the Common Council.
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362 STATEMENT TO
^^ To THE Common Council of the City of New
York.
'''The undersigned having at the request of the
Secretary of the Navy of the United States under-
taken to superintend the building and the equip-
ment of a vessel of war to be propelled by steam,
beg leave to represent to the Corporation, that with-
out their co-operation in procuring money for its
•completion, this engine of defence, which promises
;to be so serviceable in protecting the city in the
'event of an attack upon it, must remain unfinished.
The pecuniary means that have been furnished by
Government to carry on this work amount to $95,
000 ; $15,000 of that sum having been remitted to
us in cash, and $80,000 in Treasury notes. Hither-
to we have been able to purchase materials and
carry on the work with the latter description of
paper, which we have been informed by the Navy
Department, is the only species of remittance that
can be made to us, and which, in the present em-
barrassed state of society, is found to be inadequate
to the purpose.
'' Unwilling to stop the progress of a work which
we deem to be so important to this country, and
particularly to this city, and having latterly found
it impracticable to carry it on without money,
we applied to the banks for aid, proposing to de-
posit with them Treasury notes for the amount they
might advance. On our being informed by those
institutions that they were precluded, by arrange-
ments made among themselves, from affording us
ihe requisite advances unless the same should be
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THE COMMOI^ COUNCIL, ^ o53
considered as part of a sum which they had agreed
to loan to the Corporation for the defence of the
city, we applied to the Committee of Defence to
sanction the advance to be thus made to us, but
learned with regret from that Committee, that the
sum of money borrowed by the Corporation and
placed at their disposal would be absorbed by their
own operations. We then renewed our application
to the banks, and were informed by Mr. Wilkes, in
behalf of all those institutions in this city, that they
would increase their loan to the Corporation to the
amount of our wants if they should be requested by
the Corporation to do so. Considering that this
offer of the banks fully obviated the objection of
the Committee of Defence, we sent them a copy of
Mr. Wilkes' letter, requesting that they would
authorize the loan to be made to us, but were in-
formed by them in answer to this last application
that their powers were limited to the loan already
made.
*^ Under these circumstances we are compelled to
resort to your body for aid and assistance. In
addition to the sum of $95,000 already expended
on the steam vessel and her machinery, we shall
require $80,000 more to finish her. For this last
sum or such parts of it as we may be furnished
with by the Corporation, they will be supplied by us
with United States Treasury notes.
"When it is recollected that Mr. Fulton has de-
vised a system of maritime defence which promises
to be of such extensive use, and whose disinterested-
ness has prompted him not only to make a gratui-
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354 ASKING FOR MONET.
tous tender of it to his country, but to undertake^
also, Nvithout any pecuniary compensation, the labor
of superintending its construction ; when also the
ship carpenters, Adam and Noah Brown, have ex-
pended their last shilling in the building of the
vessel, and this under the nK)st discouraging
pecuniary difficulties, occasioned by advances which
have enabled them to fit out with unexampled
celerity the brig on Lake Champlain, with which
the gallant McDonough defeated a superior British
force, we cannot believe that the patriotic and en-
lightened body to whom we address oiurselves, will
hesitate in furnishing the means to enable us to
finish so important a work, and which, without
their aid, must remain incomplete. There are now
upward of 260 workmen employed on the hull and
machinery of the steam vessel ; these men require
for the daily subsistence of themselves and their
families, their wages as fast as they are earned, and
so completely are their employers exhausted of the
means of paying them, that, had not the Com-
mittee of Defence, at the soUcitation of his Honor,
the Mayor, loaned to us $10,000, the workmen must
have been dismissed last Saturday.
*' We shall add nothing to what has been already
said about the efficiency of this mode of harbor
defence, but content ourselves with referring the
Board to Commodore Decatur and other naval
officei's, whose opinions on that subject will un-
doubtedly have the weight which their professional
skill entitles them to. ''Oliver Wolcott, .
'* Thomas Morris."
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LAUNCHING OF THfC BOAT. 355
Col. Henry Rutgers, the chairman, was absent
from the city and did not sign the communication,
but he approved of it.
The city took about ^6, 000 of the United States
Treasury notes and gave currency for them.
Early in September the following appeared in the
National Advocate :
'* The Fulton steam battery will be launched in a
few weeks. As she approaches to a finish the public
confidence in her success increases, although our
enemies, the British, say we have nothing worthy
of notice or to honor human nature. This work
and torpedoes prove we have, and I hope will make
them fear and respect us.
**Her oak, her iron, her copper are American, the
workmanship, the engines, the invention are also
American, and when afloat Americans will man her
and fight her like Americans."
Work upon the frigate was continued as rapidly
as convenient Many of the workmen were detailed
from the militia in service and were allowed full
workmen's wages, but were not allowed to draw
pay and rations as if in actual service in the militia.
T\Tien the vessel was ready to launch the follow-
ing military order was issued :
** Artillery Brigade Order.
'' New York, October 27, 1814.
' * The steam frigate now building for the defence of
this city will be launched on Saturday next at the
dock yard of Messrs. A. & N. Brown at Manhattan
Island.
*^ In compUment to this means of defence so hon-
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356 DESCRIPTION OF
orable to the genius of our country and so interest-
ing to this metropolis a detachment of two hundred
men from the Second Regiment with muskets, the
musketry of Major Smith's battalion under a major,
and six pieces of artillery from the Third Regiment
under a major, with the troop of horse artillery
will parade so as to form at the dock yard at eight
o'clock precisely; the whole will be under command
of Lieut. -Col. H. G. Stevens.* The quartermaster
will furnish ammunition for the salute which will
be fired at the launching of the frigate.
* ' By order,
^'J. Vanderbilt,
*' Brig Major."
The launching took place at the time designated,
in the presence of a large concourse of people and
amid great enthusiasm. She was named '* Fulton
the First," but was not completed until the follow-
ing May, a few months after the death of Robert
Fulton.
* He was appointed first lieutenant of a company in the regiment
of artillery in the cly and county of New York, on the 8d day of
April, 1804. i
Captain of a company in the First Regiment of the First Brigade of
the artillery of New York, on the 28th day of March, 1806.
First major on the 21st day of February, 1812. First major of
the Second Redment of artillery, in the militia of New York, on
the 20th day of July, 1818.
Brevet lieutenant^olonel of the Second Regiment of the First Bri-
gade of artillery, in the militia of the State, by order dated Septem-
ber 21, 1814.
Lieutenant colonel of the Second Regiment of artillery, in New
York, on the 8th day of May, 1815.
Brigadier-general of the First Brigade of artillery cf the State of
New York, on the 24th day of April, 1817.
His resignation as brigadier-general was accepted on the 24th day
of May, 1823, and he was honorably discharged at his own request.
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THE VESSEL. 357
The vessel measured 145 feet on deck, 55 feet
breadth of beam, drew 8 feet of water, mounted
thirty 32-pound carronades and two 100- pound
columbiads.
It was a structure resting upon two boats and
and keels separated from end to end by a channel fif-
teen feet wide and sixty- six feet long. One boat con-
tained the copper boiler for generating steam, which
was the motive power. The machinery occupied
the other boat. The paddle wheel revolved in the
space between them, similar to the horse boats of
that day. The main or gun deck supported the
armament and was protected by a parapet four feet
ten inches thick of soUd timber, pierced by embra-
sures. Through twenty-five port holes were as many
thirty- two pounders intended to fire red-hot shot,
which could be heated with great safety and con-
venience. Her upper or spar deck, upon which
many hundred men might parade, was encompassed
with a bulwark for safety. She was rigged with two
stout masts, each of which supported a large lateen
yard and sails. She had two bowsprits and jibs,
and four rudders, one at each extremity of each
boat, so that she might be steered with either end
foremost. Her machinery was calculated for an ad-
ditional engine, which might discharge an immense
column of hot water, which it was intended to throw
upon the decks and through the port holes of an
enemy and thereby deluge her armament and am-^
munition.
A portion of the specifications is as follows :
'* The boat is framed on an angle of about eighteen
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358 THB STEAM POWER.
degrees all around the vfessel, when the top timbers
elevate the balls and the lower timbers direct them
under her. The top deck, which glances the ball,
may be hung on a mass of hinges near the ports
which are in the upper slant. Said deck is supported
by knees and cross timbers on the lower sides, so that
it may be sprung with powder, if required, when
boarded by the enemy, to a perpendicular, when the
said deck will be checked by stays, while the power
of the powder will be exhausted in the open air,
and then fall or spring to the centre of the deck
again. The aforesaid deck will run up and down
with the angle, which may be coppered or laid with
iron. The gun deck may be bored at pleasure to
give room, if required, as the men and guns are
under said deck. The motive power is applied be-
tween her knees, where there is a concave formed
to receive them from the bow to the stern, except a
small distance to each end forming an eddy. The
power may be reversed to propel her either way.
Said power is connected to upright levers to make
horizontal strokes alternately. The elevation of her
timbers and gearing will be proportioned by her
keel and tonnage."
The boiler was not put in until late in November.
Talman & Ward, of Corlear's Hook, built the
cylinder of the engine for her. It was four feet in
diameter and weighed three tons. The power was
one hundred and twenty horse.
It was said that Commodore Porter was to take
command of this vessel when ready for service.
About that time there were many plans for sim-
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OIHEB VESSELS PROPOSED. 359
ilar war vessels proposed. In December, 1814,
Uriah Brown laid before Congress his plan for a
system of defence by land or water by the use of an
inflammable fluid, and it was favorably reported
upon.
The vessel was to be iron clad, of long surface
and propelled by steam at rate of five miles per
Jiour, and the fluid was to be ejected upon the object
by steam.
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CHAPTER XLIV.
Militia Dissatisfied— Another Commander Wanted— Appeal for
Workers on Fortifications — Removal of Major-General Lewis —
His Farewell Address to his Soldiers — Governor Tompkins
Placed in Command— Objection of Governor Pennington—
Reply of Secretary of War.
^HERE was much dissatisfaction
among the soldiers at this time.
They had been kept away from
home during harvest time, and
\^ their crops had suffered waste, and
more than all, they had not re-
ceived pay, and their supplies were
insufficient, because the govern-
ment had not the means at hand to furnish them.
Discontent and murmurs pervaded the. camp.
The action of the Rockland County militia was
most notable and ultra. Appeal after appeal was
made to General Van Orden by his men for fur-
loughs to go home and harvest their crops, but in
vain. So one night two or three companies marched
out of camp and went home. After getting in their
crops and arranging as best they could for the-
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MILITTA DISSATISFIED. 361:
future, they quietly met, re-formed and marched
back to camp. For such a breach of discipline what
punishment could be devised ? It would hardly do
to march two companies of men out and shoot
them for desertion. Nor could any leader be found
among them. The action had been spontaneous on
the part of all, and each and all were guilty alike.
It was finally concluded to give them extra duty.
So they were marched up and down the roads
around Harlem for four hours at a time, then given
a rest and then marched again. The news of this
mammoth desertion coming to the ear of General
Lewis, an investigation was ordered, and when the
cause of the desertion was understood all the Rock-
land Couhty militia were given a leave of absence,
on condition that if called on they would immedi-
ately hasten to the front. They were never recalled.
It was thought that a change would make the
men more hopeful and patient. Governor Tomp-
kins, by his untiring industiy and watchful care,
and his frequent appearance among the soldiers,
had become a great favorite with them. He was a
much younger man than General Lewis, and this-
also had its effect. He was also very popular with
the national administration, and was offered the
position of Secretary of State. He declined this,
undoubtedly more from patriotic motives than from
personal ease and comfort. His choice was to be
placed in command of the entire military forces for
the defence of New York city, where his services
and influence would be of the most avail.
About the middle of October it was authentically
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362 GOVRRKOR TOMPKINS
reported that when the extraordinary session of the
Legislature closed Governor Tompkins would im-
mediately leave Albany for New York city to take
command of the military district in place of Maj.-
Gen. Morgan Lewis.
On October 24th the Recorder laid before the Com-
mon Council a letter from the Secretary of War
relating to the removal of Maj.-Q^n. Morgan Lewis.
What this communication was we have no means
ot ascertaining ; it was not set forth in the minutes,
as it was secret and of a confidential nature. It was
probably only the announcement of Governor
Tompkins being selected as the commander in
place of Major-General Lewis.
It has been rej)eatedly stated that (governor
Tompkins was appointed a major-general in the
United States army and as such took command at
JNew York city in 1814.
This is not so. He never had any regular miUtary
appointment in the United States army nor in the
New York State militia. Any military authority
or power that he had was ex-officio as governor of
ihe State of New York.
In Colonial times and during the war of the
revolution and that of 1812-15 the governor of a
•colony or a State was ex-officio a major-general of
militia — a commander of the division which
-comprised the colony or State over which he pre
sided.
We have before seen (ante, Vol. I., pp. 91-94) the
authority that Governor Tompkins exercised in as-
rsigning commands and in creating brevets, etc.
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APPOINTED COMMANDER. 363
The records of the United States and the Tomp-
kins papers, which are now in the New York State
Library, show that the authority that Governor
Tompkins had from the United States authorities*
for taking command at New York city was as fol-
lows:
*' War Department, October 14, 1814.
''Sir — The President commits the command of
the Military District No. 3 to you. and requests that
you will rep€iir to the city of New York without a
moment's delay to enter on its duty.
*' I have the honor to be, sir,
'* Your Excellency's Ob't Serv't,
'* Jas. Monroe.
'' His Excellency,
''Gov. D. D. ToMPKiNa"
The successful repulse of , the invaders at the
north, west and in the south had a tendency to
make the inhabitants in New York city feel less
fear of an attack, hence their voluntary labors upon
the fortifications greatly diminished.
The Committee of Defence issued the following
appeal to the people :
'' The Committee of Defence, having reason to
believe that this city is in great danger of an attack
from the enemy, and that it may reasonably be
expected to take place within a few weeks, deem it
proper thus publicly to make it known to their
fellow-citizens, at the same time they call on them
for a renewal of their patriotic labors without delay
for a completion of the defences at Harlem, being,
well convinced that the zeal and activity of their
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364 GENERAL LEWI8' FAREWELL ADDRESS.
fellow-citizens will, in a few days, place those
works in such a formidable situation as to afford an
effectual resistance to any force which may be
brought against the city. It is therefore earnestly
recommended that the citizens immediately form
themselves into associations as heretofore, to carry
this very essential object into effect.
**NiCH. Fish, Chairman.
'' October 20th, 1814.''
The State Legislature at Albany adjourned on
24th, and Governor Tompkins started at once for
New York city and arrived on the 26th, and immedi-
ately acquainted Major-General Lewis of the request
of the President of the United States.
General Lewis issued the following address and
order on retiring :
^^TmRD MlUTARY DlSTRICJT.
'' New York, 27th Oct., 1814.
''The commanding general by order o£ the Presi-
dent of the United States this day transfers the com-
mand of the Third Military District to his Excellency
the Governor of the State of New York, who will
to-morrow enter on his duties. In taking leave of
the troops he has the honor to command he begs
leave to assure them that the general tenor of their
conduct has met his approbation; that their improve-
ment in discipline, particularly some of the corps,
affords an earnest of their future achievements
when called on to defend their countiy's rights on
the field of battle. He had hoped to have the
honor of partaking with them in the glories of that
day, and of leading them to victory, but those in
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NEW JERSEY COMPLAINS. 365
whose hands are placed the destinies of the country
have determined otherwise. To the well-directed
gallantry of his countrymen under the guidance of
heaven, he fears not to commit the protection of his
native city.
'^By order of
^'Maj. -General Lewis, Commanding.
^'Thos. Christie,
''Asst. Adj. -Gen."
It • is apparent that Major-General Lewis was
much disappointed at being relieved at that time,
although it was believed that the great crisis of the
threatened attack of the city by the enemy dur-
ing that campaign was over, and the citizens were
relieved of much fear of immediate danger.*
The removal of Maj.-Gen. Morgan Lewis and the
designation of Governor Tompkins to take com-
mand in his place caused much discussion at the
time, particularly among the governors of other
States. Governor Pennington, of New Jersey, was
particularly interested in this discussion and was
constrained by popular f eeUng to address the Secre-
tary of War on the subject at an early moment and
to request a reply. The following letter was sent
by him :
'^ Trenton, N. J., October 29, 1814.
^^SiR : — I am informed that Governor Tompkins,
as governor of the State of New York, has taken
* On 27th February, 1813, the President sent to the Senate, among
others to be appoint^ to the rank of major-general in United States
Army, that of Morgan Lewis. His nomination was confirmed on 2d
March by a vote of twenty yeas to seven nays. The New York
Senators were divided, Senator German voted nay and Senator
^mith yea.
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366 REPLY OF SECRBTART OF WAR:
coramand of the third military district of the United
States. This district comprehends the principal
part of New Jersey, and between two and three
thousand Jersey militia are now in actual ser-
vice in this district at Sandy Hook, in the State of
New Jersey. It might certainly appear, on first view,
novel at least, that the governor of a State, as such, .
should have the command of the militia of a neigh-
boring State, within the actual territory of that
State. I am far from entertaining a disposition,
especially in the present state of our country, to
throw the least obstruction in the way of the opera-
tions of the general government in any measure of
defence which it may think proper to adopt, but I
conceive it my duty to enquire as to the fact, and
the view of the war department on the subject.
*' I have the honor, &c.,
'* William S. Penningiy)n,
** Governor New Jersey.
''Hon. Wm. Eustis,
''Sec'y War."
On the 22d November, 1814, the Secretary of War
replied : *' That Governor Tompkins, of New York,
was appointed commander of the Third Military
District, by virtue of which his command extended
to that part of New Jersey within the district and
to such of her militia as had been called into the ser-
vice of the United States within that limit. That it
is a well established principle that when any portion
of the militia are called into the service of the
United States the officers commanding it ought to
vetaiu their command and enter with it into that
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HIS REPLY TO NEW JERSEY, 367
service. On the same principle, when several divis-
ions of the militia of any State are called into ser-
vice of the United States the Governor of the State
may be authorized to take the command of them,
he being the highest officer of the militia in the
State. In such case the Governor of a State is
viewed in his military character only. He becomes,
it is true, the military character by virtue of his
office as Governor, but every other feature of that
character is lost in the sei'vice of the United States.
That the Constitution contemplates the exercise of
the national authority in contradistinction to that
of the State whenever the militia of a State are
called into the service of the United States, but no
such discrimination can be made to the exclusion of
the Governor of a State commanding the militia of
his State. Like other militia officers, he may march
with the troops of his State into another State and
retain there his appropriate command, either as
commander of the district or acting under another
Governor to whom the President has already given
the command. That the objection to the command
of the militia of a State by its Governor when called
into the service of the United States does not apply
except in cases in which the command of the niili-
tary district of the United States is superseded."
The labors and efforts of Governor Tompkins in
behalf of the men and his services in obtaining
means to pay them will be more fully detailed in a
subsequent chapter.
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CHAPTER XLV.
Action of State Legislature — Governor Tompk^s in Command at
New York — ^Military Orders — Governor Tompkins Inspects tlic
Fortifications— Reviews the Soldiers— Privateers Sail — Grand
Parade on Evacuation Day — Orders to Muster Out of Service —
Major-General Stevens' Farewell Address — Common Council
Thanks Citizens and Soldiers for Services, etc.
HILE the Legislature was in session
Governor Tompkins' zeal for the pro-
tection of the State, and particularly
the city of New York, was unabated.
The important laws before the
Legislature for the protection of the
State and for the further prosecu-
tion of the war, after long consideration, were en
acted only a few days before the final adjournment,
and are as follows :
October llth. Appropriating $50,000 to complete
fortifications on Staten Island.
October 21st. To encourage privateering associa-
tion. This was vetoed by the Council of Revision,
but was amended and became a law,
October 24th. To conipel Bank of America and
City Bank (located in New York city) to advance to
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IMPORTANT STATE LAW8. 369
the State the amount they were bound to loan under
their charters.
To authorize twelve thousand troops for defence
of the State for two years.
To authorize twenty companies of Sea Fencibles
for three years for defence of port and harbor of
New York.
To prevent intercourse and trade with the enemy.
To compel private vessels in port of New York to
be removed to any other place in this State or to the
State of New Jersey when required by the corpora-
tion of New York on twenty-four hours' notice.
To repay money advanced by the city of New
York to pay Sea Fencibles and to Richard Platt^
State commissary of military stores, for army pur-
chases for the State.
A law relating to court-martial of militia and
who failed to report when ordered to rendezvous.
There were two new militia laws passed, but they
were vetoed by the Council of Revision and did
not become laws.
To pay tho militia in State service the same as
those in the United States service. For amount see
Vol. L, p. 170.
On taking command at New York Governor
Tompkins issued the following order :
" New York, 2t:th Oct., 1814.
''The President of the United States having com-
mitted the charge of the 3d Military District to the
Commander of the State of New York, he this day
assumes the command. The troops' will be reviewed
in the course of the ensuing we^k. In the meaa-
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370 GOVERNOR TOMPKINS
time ho enjoins upon them a perseverance in that
attention to discipline and duty which has hitherto
distinguished them.
** Headquarters will be kept for the present at
the City iiall, where officers having charge of de-
partments in this district will forthwith report the
state of their respective commands.
" By order of His Excellency
"Daniel D. Tompkins,
**Thos. Christie,
"Assist. Adj.-Gen."
When Governor Tompkins became commander-
in-chief of all the troops in the Third MiHtary District
it became necessary to appoint aids-de-camp again,
for those formerly appointed by him when he was
only in command of the State militia would not
now be respected or obeyed by those mustered into
United States service and in the regular United States
Army. The following order reappointing his for-
mer aids was issued :
"Division Orders.
"New York, November 10, 1814.
*'Col. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Lieut. -Col. An-
thony Lamb, Robert McComb, John B. Yates and
Washington Irving are acting as aids-de-camp to
His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief of the
district. They will accordingly be respected and
obeyed as such. By order,
"J. R. Fenwick,
"Adj. Genl."
Governor Tompkins' absence for many weeks in
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TAKE8 COMMAND. 371
Albany attending the Legislature, prevented his hav-
ing personal knowledge of the progress that had
been made, in building the defences about the city.
Among the first matters he thought deserved his at-
tention after his return to the city was to see per-
sonally the condition of the defences. This he at
once proceeded to do without pomp or ceremony,
accompanied only by some of his aids, and with no
notice of his intended visit to the various points
which he inspected at his convenience. Hi&
first visit was to see the fortifications at Har-
lem Heights. Then he proceeded to Brooklyn
and visited Fort Green and the extensive Unes
and defences that extended to Gowanus Creek.
After that he proceeded to visit the harbor de
fences.
On the 9th of November, when he was inspecting
the defences in the harbor, he named the two forts^
one on Bedloe's Island, Fort Wood, and that on
Ellis Island, Fort Gibson. They were then under
command of Col. James House and Captain Swett,
stationed at Governor's Island.
The men had been promised a parade and inspec-
tion by their new commander, and they were eager
for it
On 10th November Governor Tompkins r^iewed
and inspected General Ciu1;enius' brigade at Green-
wich, which then consisted of Lieutenant-Colonel
Colden's artillery command and Lieutenant-Colonel
Farrington's infantry. The review of General Mor-
ton's brigade on same day was at Gates' Grounds,
between Kipp's Bay Road and Bellevue Hospital^
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372 GRAND MILITARY RF:V1/CWS.
and had Governor's Guards, the City Guards and
Iron Greys attached.
On the 11th Governor Tompkins reviewed General
Hermance's hrigade at Harlem Heights.
On the 12th, at Brooklyn, he reviewed General
Haight's and General Johnson's brigades and Col-
onel Warner s cavalry, and then proceeded to Kock-
away to inspect the defences there.
On Sunday, the 13th, General Boyd's brigade
was reviewed at New Utrecht It then consisted of
the Colonels Bogardus', Denniston's, Forbes' and
Fotteral's regiments and Albany and Troy Riflemen
and Sea Fencibles. The firing of salutes for the
Governor were heard in the city and caused inquiry
as to the cause. Several of the city newspapei-s de-
nounced this Sunday parade in bitter terms.
On the morning of the 15th the Governor started
out for a day of grand reviews. He was accom-
panied by his aids and was escorted by Captain
Craig's cavalry troop of Hussars. They fii'st pro-
ceeded to review General Mapes' brigade on Stuy-
vesant field, near Waterbury's rope walk. Here
the Governor was joined by Major-General Stevens
and General Stecdiford and General Mapes and
their respective suites. General Mapes' brigade
consisted of the regiments of Colonel Dodge and
Colonel Van Hook's city regiments and Col. J. R.
Van Rensselaer's battalion from Columbia County,
New York. This brigade had the reputation of
being the best drilled and equipped body of militia in
the service at that time. It was then 1,800 strong.
After this review was over Governor Tompkins
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COLONEL VAN RBN88KLAKR8 LETTER 373
and his aides and escort, and the three generals and
their suites proceeded to review General Steddi-
ford's brigade on General Gates' ground, on the
road between Bellevue Hospital and Kipp's Bay,
near Thirtieth street, between Second and Third
avenues.
Gteneral Steddiford's brigade consisted of Colonel
Wai-d's and Colonel Laight's city regiments, about
1,200 strong.
These reviews by the Governor we^e made in his
military capacity of major general in command of
the 1'hird Military District and were very satisfac-
tory to the men and their commanders.
The following letter from Col. Sol. Van Rens-
selaer to his wife, written at the time, is a valuable
contribution to the history of that time :
'* New York, 14th November, 1814.
*^My Dear Harriet: — The Governor is in his
new quarters, with all his suite ; we have an elegant
establishment ; live in perfect harmony, and in
style ; much to do and attend strictly to all duties.
* Poney,' as you call him, got down safe, but was
eight days on board, in all that storm ; he is the
finest horse here, and much admired, as well as his
rider ! I wish our poor little Mag's broken arm was
well ; kiss her for me. If there is no attack on this
place this Fall — and none is expected — I shall be
with you in a few weeks, when the Governor will
return to Albany.
** The mihtia are sickly and heartily tired of a mil-
itary life ,• desertions are frequent and furloughs
asked for by dozens every day. We have visited
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374 COLONEL VAN RBNS8ELAEK8 LETTER.
the fortifications at the Hook, Narrows, this Island ;
and on the 3d, while on this duty on Long Island,
the GTovernor's hoi-se fell with him in the ditch of
Fort Green, a height of ten feet, without much in-
jury. He dislocated his thumb and otherwise is a
little bruised, but not so much as to prevent him
from attending to duty, but he made a very narrow
escape. He treats me very civilly and insisted that
I should take up my quarters with him, which I did
on the 5th, when he began to keep house. My horse
too is to share with his, free of expense ; he is en-
titled to keep sixteen, and intends to have only two ;
so you see mine will be at the public expense and
the forage I am entitled to. All my time is taken
up in my profession. I act as aid and not as Adju-
tant-General. All express their satisfaction at my
being here, and much confidence is placed in me by
the inhabitants. On the 6th I dined with Recorder
Hoffman, with a large party. On the 5th with
King, the son-in-law of Mr. Ray, and on the 7th
with Colonel Golden (CaldwaUader D.); in short,
calls and cards in abundance. I must see so much
company that I have laid down certain rules, from
which I shall not depart ; so fear nothing, my love.
*'Gen. Giles, of this city, together with those I
mentioned in my former letter to you, Charles
King, son of my friend Rufus King, and many
others of the first blood in the country wish for
regiments on condition that I command their bri-
gade. I have not asked for anything and I am
determined not to do so. If it is offered and I can
retain my office of Adjutant- general I shall accept.
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COLONEL VAN RENS8ELAER8 LKTTER, 375
The last, from the conduct of Democrats towards
me, will be safe at all events. I am as civil as they
are. Lewis has gone to Washington to beg to be
retained. Last night we returned from again visit-
ing the troops and foilifications on Long Island and
the Narrows, a tour of three days I spent very
pleasantly, in which time we reviewed three Bri-
gades, and wei-e received at the different posts with
a tremendous roar of cannon. The review of Gen-
eral Boyd's Brigade of Regulars was very splendid,
the troops performed well and looked like soldiers.
On those occasions I am the right-hand man of the
Governor, who, from my usefulness to him, grows
daily more and more attached to me. I received a
letter from General Wilkinson; he is again at Wash-
ington, and insists on his trial, which will take
place the ensuing winter at Utica, on account of the
witnesses being at the North. Wilkinson is in favor
at Washington, and he will disgrace Armstrong
more than he already is. I receive letter.s very
frequently from Lovett ; they are as much pleased
there at my bein^ in service as they are here. Next
week, on the 25th, will be a splendid day for New
York, the celebration of the Evacuation of this city
by the British in the last war. I intend to send for
Rensselaer from school and gratify him with the
sight ; his best clothes you can let John Berry bring
down here. We are just now going out to review the
troops. On the 9th we visited the forts in the Harbor ;
a grand salute was fired from each (three in number).
Our Horses are at tlie door. Adieu, my Harriet, kiss
our children, and love to all. ^^ Yours truly,
*' Sol. Van Rensselaer.
''Mrs. Van Rensselaer, Albany."
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376 OBNERAL MACOMira ARRIVAL,
Major General Macomb came down the Hudson
River on, the steamboat Fulton^ on the 15th, in
eighteen houi^s from Albany and went to Bellville,
N. J., to visit his family.
General Macomb had attached to him an ex-
cellent band of music, made up (like Commodore
Decatur's) of natives of various countries enlisted,
seduced and impressed into the Bntish naval service.
An excursion by the steamboat i^Won -was adver-
tised to take place down the bay to the Narrows on
the 17th. Among the attractions it was advertised
that General Macomb's band would be on board
and furnish music for the occasion. The day set
was stonily, and the boat did not run It was
probably because there was lack of patronage, as
it does not appear that it was attempted on
another day.
There were vaiious reasons that led to the change
of regiments and battalions from one command to
another. They were mostly trivial, but so long as
it made the men more contented and relieved them
somewhat of the monotony that remaining in one
place might engender, it was quite frequent in the
city posts. On the 5th November General Morton
issued the order that **Captain Swartwout's company
of Iron Greys is attached to Brigadier-General
Morton's brigade of artillery — Major Dibblee's bat-
talion is detached from General Morton's brigade
and annexed to Lieut. -Col. C. D. Colden's regiment.
The command of the garrison at Fort Gansevoort is
transferred to Brigadier-General Curtenius. . . .
'* The troops tvom Westchester County stationed
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OENRRAL BOYD'S COMMAND, 377
Bt Fort Qansevoort will continue at that post until
further oi'ders."
'^ First Brigade, N. Y. S. Artillery,
New York, November 17, 1814.
• • • . •
*'* Agreeable to general and division orders of this
date, the companies under command of Captain
Hyatt and Lieutenant Scribner are detailed to relieve
the Sea F^ncibles at Fort Green, under the command
of Captain Robinson. By order,
*'J. Vanderbilt,
**Brig..Major.''
'* General Orders, 3d Military District,
*'New York, November 1 , 1814.
'* Gen. J. P. Boyd will command all troops from
the East River to New Utrecht, including the garri-
son at the Narrows. By order,
^'J. R. Fen WICK,
'* Adj. -Gen."
The Common Council of the city passed compli-
mentary resolutions of thanks to General Brown
and General Macomb, and requested and ordered
that portraits of each be procured and placed in the
gallery of portraits in the City Hall. Commodore
Macdonough received the most heartfelt thanks.
The recital and resolution to him was as follows :
'' WhereaSy The corporation of the city of New
York feel that no exploit of the present war has
more claims to the fullness and warmth of national
gratitude than the victory of Commodore Macdon-
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378 PRIVATEERS SAIL.
ough over a superior force on Lake Champlain,
either from pride in the achievement or benefit from
its consequences, they, therefore, tender to that
officer their admiration and thanks, and as a memo-
rial of the new lustre added by him to the brightness
of our naval renown,
^^ Resolved J That the freedom of the city, in a
gold box, be presented to Commodore Macdonough,
and that his portrait be procured and set up in the
gallery of portraits belonging to this city, and that
the thanks of the corporation of this city be pre-
sented to his brave officers and crews."
The Peacock, in command of Captain Warrington,
ran the blockade at Sandy Hook and came into
port on October 30th. The Tom Bowline^ of twelve
guns and ninty men, came in about the same tii»»e.
Privateers had been dodging in and out of New
York harbor from time to time. Their movements
were not always reported in the newspapere, for
obvious reasons. In the forepart of November there
were three privateers that put to sea through the
Narrows and eluded the enemy's cruisers : The
new brig Warrior, built by A. & N. Brown, carry-
ing a thirty- pounder pivot gun as *^long tom" and
eighteen long twelve-pounders and three smaller
guns, and 170 men, commanded by Capt. Guy R.
Champlin, formerly of the General Armstrong;
the ArroWy Capt. E. Conklin, sixteen guns and
about two hundred men ; the Whig, of Baltimore,
Captain Mix, eight guns and one hundred men.
She arrived in New York in October with some
goods and twenty-three prisoners. The sailing of
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MUSTERING FOR PAT. 379
these privateers was noticed in the newspapers
several days after they were safely at sea.
The enemy frequently appeared in the Sound in
the vicinity of Pelham Bay, but were not formidable
enough to cause any particular uneasiness. On the
17th November they were reported in sight in that
vicinity, but not near enough to lure Commodore
Lewis and his gunboats from their station in the
lower bay.
The Homety Captain Biddle, left the port of New
London in the early part of November, where she
had been held by the enemy's blockading squadron
since J\me, 1813, and reached the port of New York
on November 18th through Hell Gate, without
being disturbed by the enemy.
On Friday evening, November 18th, a new play
was presented at the theater, entitled ''The Glory
of Columbia — Her Yeomanry, or What Wo Have
Done We Can Do." To commence at 6:30 p.m.
After the play the interlude was '* Champlain and
Plattsburg, or the Army and ^avy," concluded by a
farce.
A large portion of the militia having been in ser-
vice for three months, their term expired about
December 1st. Preparatory to their discharge the
following orders wore issued :
**3d Military District,
'^Adjutant-General's Office,
''New YoRk, 21st Nov., 18U.
"The Inspector-general will cause the following
militia corps in service in this district to be immedi-
ately mustered and inspected for pay :
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380 EVACUATION DAT
" Hermance's, liaight's, Van Orden's and C!olfax's.
brigade, including the New Jersey troops at the
Hook and New Utrecht, Brunswick and Newark,.
Gten. Johnson's brigade, Gen. Curtenius' brigade,
Gen. Swartwout's brigade, Gen. Stevens' division
and the New York hussars. The paymaster will
cause these troops to be paid without a moment's
delay and report to headquarters as each corps shall
be paid, to the end that the discharges may be
granted by general orders. If practicable the whole
will be relieved by the 2d of December in the order
above mentioned.
'* By order, J. R. Fenwick, Adj.-Gten.
*' By order, Wm. Gracie, Vice- Aid-de-camp."
On 22d November, Major-General Stevens' divi-
sion paraded at Stuyvesant field and were inspected
and marched to the City Hall park and were dis-
missed.
Evacuation Day was near at hand and must
receive due attention. The following orders were
issued :
** Adjutant-General's Officr,
^^New York, Nov. 23d, 1814.
'* There will be a general parade on Friday next,
the 2r)th inst., in the city of New York, of Gen.
Stevens' division, Gen. Curtenius' brigade. New
York Hussars, and such detachments from Gen.
Boyd's command, from the islands in the harbor,
and from Gen. Colfax's, Gen. Van Orden's and
Lieut. -Col. Belknap's brigade, and from Lieut. -CoL
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CELEBRATION. 381
Warner's cavalry, as can be conveniently spared
and transported.
** The Adjutant-general of the district will be the
officer of the day, and may call to his assistance
such officers as he may think proper.
'* By order, John R. Fenwick,
^'Adj.-Gen."
"General Orders.
^^Nevst York, Nov. 24th, 18U.
'* Extract from general orders of this day :
'^The line will be formed to-monow precisely at
eleven o'clock. The right will rest on Sugar Loaf
street and will extend to the Arsenal on Twenty third
Street. The order of formation will be two deep.
Gen. Boyd's brigade on the right, on its left Gen.
Stevens' division, on its left the volunteers uniform
companies from Haight's, Johnson's and Colfax's
brigades, which will be formed into one corps com-
manded by Gen. Colfax. Gen. Curtenius' will form
the left of the line."
Gen. Stevens' Division was as follows :
*' Division Orders.
''New York, Nov. 24, 1814.
** The line of this division will be formed on
Broadway at 10 o'clock to-morrow morning ; the
right, consisting of Gen. Morton's brigade, will
rest on Northwest corner of Grand stieet ; Gen.
Mapes' brigade will form on the left and Gen. Steddi-
ford's on the left of Gen. Mapes'. The line of Gen.
Mapes' brigf»de will be formed oil Broadway, its
right opposite Bleecker street. Col. Van Rensselaer
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382 KVACUATION DAT CELEBRATION,
will form its right, Col. Van Hook the center and
Col. Dodge the left."
On the morning of the 25th the Governor presented
an elegant stand of colors to the battalion of Gov-
ernor's Guards, who paraded for that purpose in
front of headquarters, City Hall. In handing the
flag to Major Dunscomb the Governor briefly made
a very patriotic and complimentary address.
Major Dunscomb received it and delivered it in
due form to the battalion, which had formed a
hollow square, where a devotional exercise was after-
wards performed in presence of the Governor by
Rev. Dr. How, the chaplain to the corps, followed
by three volleys and patriotic music by Captain
Moffatt's band. The battalion afterwards escorted
his excellency dmnng the march and review of the
troops.
The line extended from Sugar Loaf Street, now
Franklin Street, up Broadway to Twenty-third
Street.
The military that took part in the parade was
about ten thousand strong. It was remarked at the
time that this showed the efficiency of the steam
and horse boats to carry troops, for each boat could
carry from five hundred to eight hundred men at
each trip.
The Mayor and Common Council had a dinner at
City Hall, and among the invited guests was General
MaComb.
Tammany Society celebrated the day by a din-
ner and toasts. There was nothing worthy of
note in the sentiments of the regular toasts. They
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COL. VAN REN88BLABR8 LETTER, 383
were of the usual type which had preceded them
during the year. The volunteer toast of the presi-
dent of the society, Matthew L. Davis, Esq., was :
^*Our country — execrated be the traitor who
would surrender, as a ped,ce-offering to the foe, any
I)ortion of those rights purchased by the blood of
our fathers and hallowed by the tears of the widow
and the long-suflfering of the orphan."
The following letter gives some account of the
celebration and of other matters of interest at that
time :
COLONEL VAN RENSSELAER TO ms WIFE.
**JSew York, 30th November, 1814.
^^Testerda]^, my dear Harriet, Rensselaer left in
the steamboat for Poughkeepsie ; he took leave of
the Gtovemor, etc., like a man, much satisfied with
what he had seen, and left this determined to at-
tend closely to his studies, and has already pro-
gressed considerably in the French. The Governor
and all in this house were much pleased with him ;
he is a fine boy. Rensselaer arrived here on the
24:th, and was delighted with the parade ; he staid
with us at headquarters and on the 26th went down
with the Governor and his son (who are very civil
to him) to Staten Island to see the fortifications ;
and I took him to see everything worth seeing on
his return. On the 25th we had a splendid day ;
ten thousand troops were under arms, marched
through the city and were reviewed by the Governor,
after which we dined in the City Hall by invitation
from the corporation. I wrote you that in two or
three weeks the militia would be discharged, all idea
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384 COL. VAN REN88ELAERS LETTER,
of an attack from the enemy bping given up ; after
which Gtovemor Tompkins would return to Albany,
and should be made once more happy in the bosom
of my Harriet and our little ones. Tou know I
delight in a military life, but never can I be at ease
without you — my wife and my sword must go hand
in hand. Tompkins is friendly and sociable as ever,
and although our separation is painful, much good
will come out of it, I am sure. As the militia are
now all discharged, I asked permission last night
of the Governor to return home on Saturday, on the
ground that there was not much to do. He told
me if I had business of importance to attend to, he
had no objections, but he preferred*that 1 should
stay until the following Saturday. He wished to
consult as to future operations after his dinner par-
ties (which are now thi'ee times a week) were over,
and then we would go together. I, of course, ac-
quiesced, as he is everything to me I could wish, and
as the chain between him and Tyburn is broken, I
am certain he will act a manly and independent part.
Yesterday about twenty-two officers dined with us,
Armstrong was one of the party. I designedly was
the last in the room, and entered it after most of
the company had taken their seats in miUtary order
to see if my place at the head of the table was kept
vacant. The moment I entered the Governor asked
me to take the head of the table. X had liim and
Armstrong on my right ; the latter old rascal and
others stared, and all who knew how I had been
treated by him were gratified.
*' Our horses I fear will have a bad time of it in
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COL. VAN RRN88KLABW8 LETTER. 385
this storm ; let me know when they reach you ; and
I will thank you to let someone ride my horse
morning and evening about the hill in view of the
house, for I fear he will be stiff. Let them lead him
out of the back stable door, as he may get injured
in front, as it is high from the ground. Give direc-
tions that my horse is not brought out of the stable
to water until my return ; as he is fond of play he
may get hurt ;• let them carry water to him, and
they must not give him too much grain.
''This day J. R. V. Rensselaer and myself dined
at Mr. Coles', and I have invitations for every day
in the week, when the Governor has no company.
All this would be pleasant if you were only with
me. If I return in the Spring you must break up
housekeeping, then you and the two girls accompany
me, and the rest go to school. Tell Mag I have her
Doll and other pretty things for her ; how happy 1
am to find by your letter that her broken arm is
mending : kiss the dear children for me. Adieu,
for a few days longer.
''Truly yours,
" Sol. Van Rensselaer.
*.' Mrs. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Mount Hope.
On the 29th November the flags were placed at
half-mast, and half-hour guns fired during the day
in respect to the memory of the late Vice-President
Elbridge Gerry.
General Morton's brigade of artillery paraded for
inspection by General Gray, of the United States
Army, prepalratory to their being discharged from
United States service.
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386 GENERAL BTSVENff
They consisted of Second, Third and Eleventh
Regiments, Major Smith's battalion of Ninth B^
ment, and Major Dunscomb's battaUon of Gov-
emor's Guards (horse and foot), Major Forbes' bat-
taUon of City Guards, with the Veteran Corps and
the Iron Grejs. The Third Regiment comprised
the horse or fljning artiUery, and Captain Crocker^s
and Lieutenant companies of cavalry.
Major- General Stevens issued his farewell ad-
dress as follows :
** Division Orders.
'^New York, Dec. 2d, 1814.
** The tour of three months' duty expires to-day.
The troops are committed to the generals of their
respective brigades, who will be governed by pre-
vious orders for their discharge.
** The Major-fJeneral, upon this separation, ob-
serves that the novel instance of five thousand citi-
zens, called from the bosom of their f amiUes, trans-
formed almost immediately into soldiers, who have
entered the list of improvement with regular and
veteran, and have lost no credit by the competition,
is no less honorable to the skill of the officers and
to the subordination of the men.
'* After the various eloquent and well-deserved
eulogiums upon the officers and troops of this di-
vision from higher sources, it were needless to ex
press more than a concurrence in the applause
which has been bestowed, yet so dear to the gen-
eral is the reputation of his troops that he wishes
not to conceal that tributes of admir^ion to them
have been sources of honor and feUcity to him.
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FARKWELL ADDRESS. 387
Duly impressed with a sense of their past services,
the Major-Gteneral tenders to each, individually, an
affectionate farewell^ in the full assurance that they
will preserve and improve the military attainment
so necessary to the safety and honor of their coun-
try.
** The officers of the division staff, from their con-
fidential intercourse with the general, cannot have
mistaken the high estimation in which he holds
them, and for their services they are requested to
accept the public acknowledgment of his thanks.
** By order,
" Major-Gkneral Stevens.*
" James G. King,
''Assnt. Adj.-(ien."
General Colfax's brigade of New Jersey militia
were paid by the Corporation of New York city
and were discharged about the same time. The
following letter from Colonel Frelinghuysen to
Governor Tompkins shows the kind feeling that
prevailed at that time :
*'Camp Jersey City, Dec. 9th, 1814.
**His Excellency, Gov. Tompkins:
*^ About leaving the post which has been assigned
me by my country, I cannot avoid, in behalf of the
regiment under my command, testifying to your
excellency the great satisfaction that has been ex-
pressed by all, at the conduct of the State of New
York, through the individual exertions of her com-
mander-in-chief in her behalf, and through me as
* See ante, p. 162, orders of July 20th, forming this division,
and September 14th, p. 822.
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388 NEW JBR8B7 MILITIA.
their commander to return to your Excellency, for
them and myself, our grateful acknowledgments
for the favors conferred in visiting and comforting
us, and in paying us our due ; and I do not hesitate
to declare, in behalf of all, that under every calami-
tous and dangerous situation in which your dty
may be placed, we shall feel a readiness to be
among the number who shall act. in her defence,
and in the defence of o\ir common coimtry.
*^I am, Sir, yours with esteem,
^'J. W. Freunghuysen,
** Late under your command."
Although the militia were discharged from ser-
vice for the defence of New York city, they were
not regarded out of the service until they returned
to their place of rendezvous when first called into
the service; they were there ^* mustered out" of
the service and were discharged.
On the 6th of December, 1814, the Common
Council passed a resolution of thanks to the citizens
and soldiers for their faithful services in and about
the safety and defence of the city of New York.
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CHAPTER XLVI.
Description of the Fortifications Around the City in 1814—
Jamaica Bay — Brooklyn — Sandy Hook — Staten Island — Jer-
sey City— Gen. Swift Reports— Safety of the City.
^ARLY in November, about the time
that Governor Tompkins made the
inspections and reviews mentioned
in a former chapter, the temporary
fortifications were regarded as com-
plete, although some work was from
time to time being performed in
alterations and repairs.
The last volunteer working party
on the defences at Harlem was on the 12th day of
November.
Some portions of the militia were detailed to
work upon the defences from the time they first
arrived in New York,
On every working day from September 10th two
companies of General Hermance's brigade were
detailed to work on the fortifications at Brooklyn,
and continued to do so until about the middle of
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390 FORTIFICATIONS IN BROOKLYN
November. They were allowed the extra pay pro-
vided for by the regulations before mentioned.
The line of entrenchments at Brooklyn was from
Qowanus Creek to Wallabout Bay, extending east-
ward as far as Nevins street and De Kalb avenue,
and completely enclosing the peninsula on which
the village of Brooklyn was situated. This line
was for defence from land forces in the rear, from
Jamaica and Flatbush roads.
Fort Greene mounted twenty-three heavy can-
non, and commanded the Navy Yard and the
Wallabout.
From Fort Greene to Qowanus Creek were re-
doubts Cummings, Masonic, Washington Battery
and Fort Fireman, upon which twelve-pounders
were placed at intervals not exceeding half grape-
shot distance, and also at the salient angles. On the
right iSank of these lines was a little redoubt opan
in the rear, calculated for three heavy guns to
defend the mill dam and bridge at Wallabout Bay.
The parapet of Fort Greene was more than half a
mile in length.
On a hill near the Wallabout was Fort Putnam
of the revolution. Fort Swift was on a high
conical hill called Ponkiesburg, and Cobble Hill
occupied the space now bounded by Atlantic,
Pacific, Court and Clinton streets, and was the site
of Cork Screw Fort of the revolution.
Washington Battery was across Fulton street,
near Court street.
Fort Fireman, on the site of Fort Box of the rev-
olution, was on the slope of Boerum's Hill, west
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FORTIFICATIONS OF THE HARBOR. 391
of Smith street, not far from the termination of
Hoyt and Carroll streets.
Fort Masonic, on the site of Fort Greene of the
revolution, was near the intersection of Nevins and
Dean streets, and was near the Jamaica road. Fort
Cunimings, an oblong redoubt, extended from Fort
Masonic to Fort Greene, with a bastion on north-
west corner of De Kalb avenue and Hudson street.
Within the lines, on a commmanding conical hill
forming a part of Brooklyn Heights and nearly on
the site of Fort Stirling of the revolution, was
a strong redoubt called Fort Swift, commanding the
whole extent of lines. Another, called Fort La\t^-
rence, was constructed at the southwest extremity of
the heights and commanding Gowanus Bay and
Governor's Island.
Lieutenant Gadsden, of the United States Engi-
neers, aid of General Swift, assisted by Messrs. Nich-
oUs and Mercein, superintended the construction of
these works.
But before the enemy could advance to make an
attack upon these works there were many others to
be encountered. There were blockhouses and some
strong forts to be met with in any attempt to land.
Blockhouses and earthworks were scattered at
many salient points far away, as we have seen in a
former chapter.
In the Summer of 1814 there was a blockhouse at
the Highlands of Navesink, at Sandy Hook, and
at Spermaceti Cove, at Rockaway and on Jamaica
Bay, and two at the Narrows, on the east side, and
one on Denyse's Heights. There were several othei*9
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392 DBFBNCB8 OF BELL GATE.
about these places and on Long Island Sound, but
we now have no record of their location.
Two blockhouses and an earthwork called Fort
Lewis were at Bath Beach, on the site where Fort
Hamilton now stands, that mounted thirty pieces of
cannon and commanded the site of Fort Diamond
(now known as Fort Lafayette).
Fort Diamond was completed far enough in the
Fall of 1814 to mount seventy- three guns in three
tiers. It is built on Hendrix reef, five hundred feet
from the Long Island shore, in the channel of the
Narrows. It is completely surrounded by water.
• There were a blockhouse and earthworks at Prin-
cess' Bay to prevent a landing in the rear of the works
on Staten Island.
On the 17th October, 1814, the Legislature made
an appropriation of $50,000 for the completion of
the fortifications on Staten Island.
In 1816 official I'eports show that in the fortifi-
cations on Staten Island there were twenty-five
thirty-two-pounders, forty- four twenty-fours, four
eighteens, seven nine-pounders. Total, eighty-
pieces, belonging to New York State.
To continue the line of defence from the WaDa-
bout to Hell Gate, the works were not so formi-
dable.:
Newtown Creek was bordered by a morass, run-
ning eastward. On the south side of this, on the
brink of East River, was a blockhouse with several
cannon on top and loopholes for musketry in the
lower portion to protect against an assault.
Fort Stevens, erected in 1814, was on east side of
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DEFENCES OF HELL GATE. 393
East Eiver, at Hallet's Point, and was mounted
with twelve heavy guns.
On Lawrence Hill, to the southeast of Fort Ste-
vens, and commanding it, was a strong stone tower,
built with six sides and two stories of loopholes,
and on the top were placed en barbette several heavy-
cannon. This was called Castle Bogardus, in honor
of Gen. Eobert Bogardus. General Swift called it
a ^* devil tower" in his report.
On Ward's Island were extensive earthworks
mounted with cannon.
On Mill Eock, in the middle of the East River,
was a strong blockhouse, well mounted with can-
non, and on the J^ew York side, near Ninetieth
street, was a redoubt to cover Hell Gate.
These works, in the aggregate, were of sufficient
capacity to mount thirty large cannon, besides
mortars so arranged that half of them might be
concentrated at one time upon any object in the
river.
Gracie's Point had been fortified since the Spring
of 1813 (ante, Vol. I., p. 217), and with the works
on the east side and on Mill Rock was deemed suf-
ficient to render the river impassable by the enemy.
Rhinelander's Dock was at foot of Ninety-first
street, and the point of land was known as Rhine-
lander's Point, and also as Gracie's Point.
In the revolutionary war, the works at foot of
East Eighty- ninth street, then known as Horn's
Hook, was called Thompson's Battery and mounted
nine guns.
Gracie's Point was on the East River, on the line
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394 DEFBIfCBS AT HARLSM,
of Eighty-ninth street, east of Avenue B. The
family residence of Archibald Gracie was on the
east line of Avenue B, between Eighty-seventh and
Eighty-eighth streets. Henry Crugor's residence
was nearer the river and was on middle of Eighty-
fifth street. John Jacob Aster's residence was on
Eighty -eighth street, between Avenues A and B.
Robert Black well's was on north side of Eighty-
ninth street, near the river and looking directly
north up the river.
Rbinelander's house was on line of Avenue A,
north of Ninety-first street.
Nathaniel Prince's house was between Eighty-
ninth and Ninetieth streets, between First avenue
and Avenue A.
The line of the river bank was then about the
same as at the present writing.
Schermerhorn's residence was between Eighty-
second and Eighty-third streets, east of Avenue B.
Other residences on the bank of the river, near
Seventy-sixth street, were — Asten, Marston and
Gteneral Van Zandt.
The line of defence at Harlem to Manhattanville
and Hudson River was extensive. It commenced
at Benson's Point and followed Harlem Heights
westward.
At Benson's Point, nearly on a line with Second
avenue and 106th street, at the mouth of Harlem
Creek, was a redoubt to guard a mill dam and
fording place on the Harlem Creek, which emptied
into the river nearby, and was a wide marsh from
Harlem Mere, in Central Park, to its outlet.
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DEFENCES AT HARLEM. 395
The battery at Benson's Point, south of Harlem
Creek and Benson's tide mill dam, near the foot of
East 106th street, on the line of Second avenue, was
on the grounds afterwards known as the Red House
Eace Course.
At the head of Harlem Creek commenced a
parapet and ditch, running to Fort Clinton on a
high rock between 106th and 107th streets, in
Central Park, about 410 feet west of the line of
Fifth avenue.
Connected with Fort Clinton and extending wost-
ward like a bridge over McGowan's Pass was a
blockhouse, with cannon on top, and called Nut-
ter's Battery. It was at ll'7th street, 572 feet west
of Fifth avenue, on a branch of the Eastern post
road, leading to Kingsbridge road. These two
forts were joined to and conimanded by Fort Fish,
which was between 105tli and 106th streets, three
hundred feet west of Fifth avenue.
Then a line of intrenchments, upon which were
four blockhouses with first story of stone, with
loopholes for musketry, and mounted on top
were heavy cannon protected by timber breast-
works. These towers were within supporting
distance of each other. They were located as
follows :
No. 1, about fourteen yards south of 109th street
and seven yards east of Seventh avenue ; the first
story of which is still standing in Central Park in a
good state of preservation.
No. 2, between 113th and 114th streets, between
Ninth and Tenth avenues.
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396 DBF'RNCBS Al MANHATTANVILLR
No. 3, on the south side of 121st street, about 330
feet east of Tenth avenue.
No. 4, on the south side of 123d street, about 162
feet east of Tenth avenue.
The Manhattanville pass in the Bloomingdale
Road at J 23d street, about one hundred feet west
of Eleventh avenue, had a barrier gate similar to the
one at McGk)wan's Pass. It was commanded by
Fort Laight, which was of stone and twenty yards
north of 124th street and 120 yards east of Eleventh
avenue, and commanded Manhattanville and over-
looked Harlem Plains.
From Fort Laight ran a line of intrenchments
westwardly across Riverside Park, near the present
tomb of General Grant, to the liigh, precipitous bank
of the Hudson River. In this line bn the westerly
side of Manhattan Pass was a bastion which com-
manded it, called Fort Horn.
The line of redoubts and forts from Bussing's
Point road, commencing near Eighth avenue and
145th street, extending to Kingsbridge, were built
during the revolutionary war and consisted of em-
bankments of earth. Some of them remained from
six to eight feet in height, and could be used as a
means of defence.
Major Horn superintended those constructed in
the vicinity of Harlem.
The fortifications at Greenwich were in the vicin-
ity of the yard and grounds of the then State Prison.
The prison buildings and courts occupied about four
acres of ground, having a front on west side of
Washington street of two hundred and four feet,
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FOUTTFWATlOya AT OREENWIGH. 397
■
with wings extending back towards the river.
Besides the cells there was a chapel, dining hall,
workshops and apartments for the officers of the
prison. One of the workshops was two hundred
feet long, twenty feet wide and two stories high.
Another was one hundred and six feet in length,
twenty feet in breadth and one hundred feet in the
middle ; part of it was three stories high.
The grounds and buildings were surrounded by a
stone wall twenty-three feet high on the river side,
fourteen feet high in front, on one side extending
five hundred feet and on the other extending two
hundred and seventy-nine feet. There were then
about eight hundred prisoners confined in it.
It covered the grounds now lying between Chris-
topher street on the south, and Henry street on the
north, and Washington street on the east, extend-
ing to West street.
The fortifications and soldiers were back of the
prison on the river side, where the wall, twenty-
three feet high, was a very good protection, and
could be quickly strengthened if need be against
the attack of any war vessels in tlie river.
In September, 1814, Brig. -Gen. Peter Curtenius
was stationed there with a force of 1,750 men.
In December, 1814, General Swift made a report
for the inspection of the Committee of Defence, ac-
companied with views and plans of such fortifica-
tions as had been constructed for the defence of the
city of New York.
This did not include the fortified camp at Jer-
sey City Heights that had lately been occupied by
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398 QENBBAL 8WJFT REP0RT8.
twenty-three companiee of New Jersey militia un-
der Colonel Frelinghuysen.
The surveys, maps and small views presented with
the report of Greneral Swift were furnished by Cap-
tain Renwick, of General Mapes' brigade, aided by
Lieutenants Gadsden, Craig, Turner, DeRussy,
Kemble and Oothout. The large views were drawn
by Mr. Holland.
General Swift remarked that in the Spring it
would be necessary to complete such of the exterior
faces of the works as were left in a rough state.
General Swift's report, and the maps, plans and
views accompanying it, are now in the library of
the Ne^ York Historical Society in an excellent
condition. (See Appendix.)
At many of the places mentioned were what were
then called guns of heavy calibre — they were thirty-
two-pounders, made of common iron, and weighed
one and a half tons each. The round shot were of
uneven surface, as was the bore of the gun, so that
the ball would sometimes stick and the gun would
burst It took double the amount of powder for a
gun of any calibre that is now required to give the
same force to the ball.
The Columbian of November 15, 1814, contained
the following :
' ^ The number of garrison and battering cannon
and mortars now mounted for the military defence
of this post and city amounts to 570 pieces. The
largest we have seen is the Columbiad of one hun-
dred pounds. A number of the same pieces of fifty
pounds caUbre are mounted in Fort Greene. In
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GREAT NUMBER OF CANNON. 399
addition to these thirty more heavy carriages are
nearly finished. And the handsome and formidable
park of field artillery and battalion guns belonging
to the brigades of militia are not included in the
enumeration. We may count besides upon one or
two hundred active and useful pieces on board the
Presidenty gun boats, and vessels of war in port,
without including the steam battery Fulton.*^
At that time the Peacock and Tom Bowline and
some privateers were in port. A careful estimate
shows that there were then about nine hundred
pieces of cannon to defend New York city and harbor.
There was only one gun in New York at any time
during the war that carried a 110-pound round shot,
and there is no record of its ever being mounted
during the war.
The final report of the Committee of Defence of
the city of New York was not made to the Com-
mon Council until after the peace. On November
6, 1815, it was approved by the Common Council
and ordered to be published. (See Appendix.)
The enemy, we have every i-eason to believe,
knew the military strength and determination of the
inhabitants of New York city, and they proceeded
to other places on the coast less guarded. Hence,
a blow like that which fell on Baltimore, Washing-
ton and Alexandria was undoubtedly intended for
us, but the promptness and efficient action of our
citizens and ofiicials saved the spilling of much
blood on each side in any attempt to capture the city.
In the diary and letters of Qouverneur Morris,
lately published, he said, in October, 1814, in a letter
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400 SAFETY OF THE CITY.
to Rufus King: "I have never believed that the
enemy intended to attack New York. If he should,
he will, I think, cany it, and covering his flanks
with his ships, the fortifications you have raised,
and which he may avoid, will serve him much bet-
ter than they can serve you. But cut bono?
What will they gain by it i Or cui damno f What
will we lose by it ? The expedition, unless con-
nected with a strong party in the Eastern States,
would be, if successful, useless ; if unsuccessful,
pernicious to them ; in all events, of little conse-
quence to us, and therefore a piece of folly on their
part. I have always supposed that their main ef-
fort would be in the Chesapeake, and not seriously
commenced until the sickly season is over.
*^ The conquest of Louisiana, which will doubtless
form a part of their plan, cannot require so great a
force as that under Lord Hill. Moreover, an in-
vasion of Virginia will operate eflEectually on the
fate of Louisiana. An army of twenty thousand
men landed at AnnapoUs will march without seri-
ous impediment to the Point of Florida, and oblige
the country to maintain them."
The safety of New York city was assured — ^the
battles of Lake Champlain and Plattsburgh had
been fought and won in September. The enemy
had retired to Canada and given up all hopes of
capturing New York city and withdrew to other
less fortified places. The State of New York was
not severed by the invading army, as intended. No
Eastern Confederacy was possible ! The Union of
States was preserved.
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CHAPTER XLVII.
National Financial Condition — Loans Obtained at Great Dis-
count on United States Securities— More United States
Treasury Notes Issued —Paper Money Abundant— High
Prices — Banks Loan the Government — National Direct
Taxes Increased— Quota for New York City.
'he financial outlook for the continuance
of the war was never more discourag-
ing. The situation up to September,
1814, has already been shown in a
previous chapter (ante, pp. 269-277).
The true financial situation was
studiously kept from the people as-
much as possible. This led the people and capital-
ists to be all the more wary and cautious, and the
Government had to pay dearly for it when loans
were sought or its obligations offered.
No offers were made to take any part of the six
miUion loan previous to the capture of Washington^
as already stated in a previous chapter.
A part of this six milUon loan was subsequently
offered to be taken at eighty per cent a few days be-
fore the suspension* of specie payment, and after-
wards some of it was taken in the depreciated paper
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402 LOCAL CURRENCY.
•currency of the suspended banks, so that the GU>v-
•emment realized much below eighty per cent in cur-
»rency for the stock.
Specie was oflEered for the loan below sixty-five
per cent after suspension of specie payment, but
was rejected by the Secretary of the Treasury.
After the Cabinet ministers had returned to Wash-
ington, in September, they opened a new negotia-
tion for the six million loan, and it was made by
accepting the depreciated bank bills and Treasury
notes which had also greatly depreciated, and from
that time all loans were offered or accepted by speci-
fying the particular locality of the bank whose bills
were offered. It was called local currency, and the
discount varied according to the locality of the
banks ; that is, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore
and the Western banks had each a price.* The
^Previous to the adoption of Federal money in
1785, money accounts in the United States were
kept in poimds, shillings, pence and farthings, En-
glish currency. Local currency differed from it.
At the time Federal currency was adopted the
Colonial currency or bills of credits, issued by the
colonies, had more or less depreciated in value:
that is, a Colonial pound was worth less than a
pound sterling ; a Colonial shilling than a shilling
sterling, etc.; this depreciation being greater in
some colonies than in others gave rise to the differ-
ent values of the State curi'encies.
A pound was nominally twenty shillings, but the
shiUings were of much less value than an English
shilling. The number of Colonial pence that made
a Colonial shilling also ^eatly varied. It then took
more (New) York shilUngs to make an American
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LOCAL CURRENCY, 40 J
' — ■
New England banks used exclusively the bills of
the suspended banks and nrnde loans in that cur-
rency only.
Some of the banks of New York city continued
to make loans to the United States Government
dollar and more (New^ York pence to make a dollar
than it did in many or the other colonies. Taking
the Federal dollar as a standard it was as f oljows :
In New York, North Carolina, Ohio and Michi-
gan eight shillings made one dollar, and as twenty
shillings made a pound it was then worth only
$2.50; while in English currency a pound was
worth about five dollars ($4.84).
A Federal cent, or one-hundredth part of a dollar^
in New York currencv was called a penny or pence
because it took twelve and one-half of them to
make a Colonial York shilling.
The fractional part of a shuling was called pence
and penny as in English currency, while relatively
it varied greatly in value from it and also in the
different colonies.
A pound of twenty shillings in New England cur-
rency would be of more value than a (New) York
pound because the shillings were of more value.
All arithmetics taught in American schools prior
to the civil war and the adoption of the national
bank currency in 1863 contained a part called
'• Keduction of Currencies," which specially treated
of the differences of money. The following table is
taken from Adams' Arithmetic, published in 1827 :
In New England currency, Virginia, Kentuckjy
Tennessee, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and Missis-
sippi, 6d. make $1.
In Pennsylvania currency. New Jersey, Delaware
and Maryland, Is. 6d. make $1.
In Georgia currency, and South Carolina, 45. id.
make $1.
In Canada currency and Nova Scotia, 5s. make $1.
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404 LOANS BY JACOB BARKER,
i ■
And to others as usual, but in paper currency, after
their suspension of specie payment.
It was on account of this six million loan that
Mr. Jacob Barker subsequently claimed that he
should be allowed a further discount, as a large part
of that loan was afterwards taken at a much larger
discount than he was allowed on the twenty-five
million loan.
The rate of the parts of the $25,000,000 loan called
the ten million and the sixteen million loan under
act of 24th March, 1814, was as follows : $15,366,-
111.21, at 80 per cent ; $165,658.82, at 85 per cent ;
$47,627.79, at 90f per cent, and $82,420.72, at 90i
per cent.
The following letter contained the proposal of
Mr. Barker:
*' Washington, 4th Mo., 30th, 1814.
** Respected Friend: — I will loan to the Govern-
ment of the United States five millions of dollars,
receiving one hundred dollars six per cent stock for
each eighty-eight dollars paid ; and will pay the
money in the proportions and at the periods men-
tioned in thy advertisement of the 4th April, to
their credit in such banks in the United States as
may be agreeable to thee.
**0n the payment of each installment,. 3Jid satis-
factory assurances for the payment of the others,
funded stock to be issued. It being understood and
agreed that if terms more favorable to the loaners
be allowed for any part of the twenty-five millions
authorized to be borrowed the present year, the
same terms are to he extended to this contract. The
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JACOB BARKERS CLAIM. 405
commission of one-quarter of one per cent men-
tioned in thy advertisement to be allowed me on
the amount loaned.
** With great respect and esteem,
^*I am thy assured friend,
*' Jacob Barker
" To Hon. Gborgb W. Campbell,
** Secretary of the Treasury."
This offer of Mr. Barker was accepted in writing
on 2d May, 1814. He had made several other offers
and propositions, and had various schemes and
plans that he thought would help the Government
in obtaining the loan and be to its financial advan-
tage, but he never neglected to look out for his own
advantage and profit in them all.
The sums offered for the ten millions loan
amounted to $11,900,806, of which $2,671,750 were
at rates less than eighty-eight per cent, and $1,183,-
400 at rates less than eighty-five per cent. The
market price of Government stock in New York at
that time was eighty-five per cent.
The following offers by residents of New York
City were rejected as being too low :
Henry Escher (at seventy-six), $150,000.
Joseph Dederer (at eighty- five), $26,000.
Whitehead Fish (at eighty), $25,000.
The rate of interest in New York State at that
time (May) was seven per cent.
The whole subject of Mr. Barker's claim came
up before Congress from time to time, and the last
was not imtil February 25, 1855, when a report of
the Judiciary Committee in favor of a bill for the
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406 27. 8. TREASURY NOTES.
relief of Jacob Barker's assignees, Messrs. R. R.
Ward, Fitz-Green Halleck and Jacob Little, was
authorized to be prepared, when a law was passed
by Congress establishing the Court of Claims, under
which this claim and many others before the House
were transferred to it by resolution of the House.
This claim was subsequently reported adversely,
ten per cent having been given to Mr. Barker in
1814.*
The loan of May, 1814, having been made at the
rate of one hundred dollars in stock for eighty-eight
dollars in money, and the loan of August, 1814, hav-
ing been made at the rate of one hundred dollars in
stock for eighty dollars in money, the amount of
additional stocks which the holders of the stock of
the May loan were entitled to and did receive ten
dollars in every hundred dollars of stock they held.
This additional bore interest from the date of the
original stock.
The accounts of the Treasury Department showed
that there was outstanding $10,649,800 Treasury
notes on September 30, 1814, nearly one-half of
which would become due before January 1, 1815,
and the balance before July, 1815.
These notes were all issued under the act of 24tb
March for the twenty- five million loan.t
*See Report on Claim of R« R. Ward et al. (Jacob Barker's claimX
December 18tb. 1860. No. 858» 86Ui Congress, 2d Session, Vol. I,
pp. 879, 877. 890, 414, 456.
\ On Ist January, 1811, the banlcing operations within the
States were as follows :
CAPITAL. BILLS. 8PBCIB.
Bank of United States. . .$10,000,000 $5,400,000 $5,800,000
88 State Banks 42,610,601 22,700,000 9,600,000
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PAPER CUBRENC7, 407
Few banks at that time were obliged to make any
report of their condition, and it is, therefore, ahnost
impossible to ascertain the amount of bills in circu-
lation at any given period. Many of the State
banks, particularly in the Middle States, made large
loans to the Government, and this was done princi-
pally in bills of their own in exchange for United
States stocks and Treasury notes. This greatly
augmented the currency. The issues of these banks
must have greatly increased from that cans?.
Mr. Crawford, while Secretary of the Treasury in
1820, estimated the paper circulation in 1813 at
about $62,000,000, and the specie circulation at
about $8,000,000, exclusive of United States Treas-
ury notes. In 1816 the former at $90,000,000 and
specie at $11,000,000. In November, 1813, Mn
Jefferson estimated the circulation at $200,000,000.
Mr. Gallatin gives the circulation of 208 State
banks in 1815 at $45,600,000 inbiUs and $17,000,000
in specie in bank vaults.
The amount of Treasury notes in circulation in
March, 1815, was $18,452,000.
Many banks had refused from the first to receive,
credit, re-issue or circulate the United States Treas-
ury notes in deposits or in payments to and from
the bank. Among them were the following named
banks in New York city : Bank of New York, New
York Manufacturing Co. (Phoenix Bank), Bank of
America, Union Bank, Merchants' Bank.
Bank bills were received for dues to the Govern-
ment.
On 15th June, 1815, the Treasury Department
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408 NEW LOAJS OFFERED,
issued a notice ^^ that on the 1st day of August next
instructions would be issued forbidding the collect-
ors of duties on imports and tonnage, the collectors
of the internal duties and taxes, and the receivers of
all public dues whatsoever, to receive in payment of
such duties, taxes and dues the bank notes of any
bank which does not on demand pay its own note®
in gold and silver, and, at the same time, refuses to
receive, credit, re-issue and circulate the Treasury
notes emitted upon the faith and security of the
United States in deposits or in payments to or from
the bank in the same manner and with the like
effect as cash or its own bank notes."
The said banks in New York city refused to
accede to the proposition of the Treasury Depart-
ment, and their notes were prohibited from being
received for any dues to the United States.
Instead of continuing to borrow under the twenty-
five milUon law (not one-half of the loan had been
taken) a new law was passed by Congress on 15th
November, 1814, authorizing a loan of three million
dollars, limiting it to the precise purposes of the
twenty -five million loan, with authority to receive
in payment Treasury notes or approved bank notes,
and authorizing the banks' of the District of Colum-
bia to lend any part of this sum.
The law also required the Secretary of the Treasury
to lay before Congress an account of all the moneys
obtained by the sale of the United States stock,
with the statement of the rate at which the same
may have been sold.
This was called temporary loans.
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TEMPORARY LOANS,
409
Temporary loans in local Currency made to the
United States Government under act of 15th Novem-
ber, 1814, by New York banks :
Manhattan Company $200,000, 7 per cent
Mechanics' Bank 200,000, 7 *^
City Bank .' 200,000,7 '*
City Bank 75,000,6 ''
Mechanics' Bank 75,000, 6 **
Manhattan Company 75,000, 6 *'
Bank of America 75,000, 6 ''
Total $900,000
On 26th December, 1814, an act was passed au-
thorizing the issuing of $7,500,000 of Treasury notes
in place of portions of the loans authorized on 24th
March and 15th November of that year, not already
placed, and $3,000,000 more for expenses of the
War Department. These notes were similar to
those under the act of 1813, and a portion were of
denominations of twenties and fifties, and none for a
less sum. Under this act $8,318,400 were issued.
It had long been the custom of banks not to issue
bills for less than five dollars. The withdrawal of
specie for small change had induced the issuing of
fractional parts of a dollar for convenience. In De-
cember the banks in New York issued bills of $1,
$1.12 1-2, $1.25, $1.50, etc., for convenience of
trade, but had no bills for less than one dollar.
One of the features of the times was the adver^
tisement of G. & R. Waite, booksellers and sta*
tioners, at 64 Maiden lane, New York, that United
States Treasury notes would be taken at par in ex-
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410 EFFECT OF PAPER CURRENCY.
change for lottery tickets. Lotteries were not
illegal in New York State at that time.
The great volume of paper currency caused high
prices for all kinds of merchandise. In his " Recol-
lections of a Lifetime/' Mr. S. G. Goodrich says :
'* At this period all kinds of British merchandise
had become very scarce, and many had entirely
vanished from the market. There was a small sup-
ply of certain articles, from time to time, furnished
by the vessels captured by our ships and privateers,
and some convenient and necessary goods were
smuggled in from Canada. There was, in fact, a
large amount of money, and this was all specie, sent
to the British Provinces for pins, needles, jewelry,
laces, muslins, cambrics, chintzes, silks, sewing
silks, buttons, etc. These merchandises were so
costly that a man would frequently carry the value
of a thousand dollars in a pair of saddlebags, soine*
times on his shoulder, sometimes on horseback. The
life of the smuggler along the line at this period
was one of danger and adventure.
^'In some instances persons laid the foundations
of future fortunes in this illicit traffic. I recollect
very well the prices at which we sold some of these
articles. Calico, now (1856) twelve and one-half
cents, readily brought seventy-five cents the yard ;
cotton cambrics, now twenty cents, then a dollar ;
linen handkerchiefs, now fifty cents, then two dol-
lars ; fine broadcloth, now five dollars, then twelve
or fifteen dollars. The average prices of British
goods at retail were about four times what they are
now (1856).
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EFFECT OF PAPER CURRENCY. 411
" Domestic products were enormously dear ; flour
at one time eighteen dollars a barrel in Boston.
'*I remember perfectly well the universal state of
anxiety and depression which prevailed in New
England at this time. The acts of government, the
movements of fleets and armies, furnish no idea of
the condition of society in its daily life. Let me
give you a few items as indications of the embar-
rassments, vexations and privations which the war
had brought unto every man's house and home.
Such a thing as silver or gold money was almost un-
known. The chief circulation consisted of bills of
suspended banks or what were called * facilities,'
that is, bank notes authorized by the Legislature of
Connecticut, redeemable in three years after the
war. These were at fifteen to twenty-five per cent
discount compared with specie. Banks issued notes
of fifty, twenty-five and twelve and a half cents.
Barbers put out bills payable in shaving, and va-
rious institutions adopted a similar course. The
whole mass acquired the title of * rag money,' * shin-
plasters,' etc. A large portion of it was notoriously
worthless, either as being counterfeit or issued by
irresponsible parties, yet it generally passed without
scrutiny. I recollect a person at a tmnpike gate
offered a five-dollar bank note and received in change
a large greasy wad of bills of various names, hues
and designs. He glanced at it, and said to the keeper :
^Why, half of this is counterfeit!' *I know it,'
was the reply, * but it passes just as well as any
other.'
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412 U, 6. DIRECT TAX,
*^ A specie bank bill was almost an object of wor-
ship. The New England banks continued to pay
specie, but their notes were rare. The bills of sus-
pended banks of the Middle States and ' facilities '
constituted the chief money in circulation. An
anecdote will illustrate this. In our city of H
there was a shrewd man and a greedy man, who
had some dealings with each other about these days,
when the following scene occurred :
'* Shrewd Man — Do you recollect giving me a ten-
dollar bill in change yesterday, Mr. C. ?
^^ Greedy Man — No, I don't ; why do you ask ?
' ^ S. M. — Well, I found a specie bill of ten dollars in
my purse, and I thought perhaps I might have re-
ceived it of you. You remember I was only en-
titled to a facility and not to a specie bill ?
''G. M. — Well, I dare say you had it of me — ^let
me see it.
**S. M.— There it is.
^^ G. M.— Oh, yes ; I recollect it perfectly. I'll take
it and give you a facihty. There 1
^' S. M. — Are you sure, Mr. C, that you gave me
that specie bill ?
^'G. M. — Certainly, certainly 1 I recollect it dis-
tinctly.
'' S. M.— Well, I am glad you are sure, for they
tell me the specie hill is counterfeit ! "
On the 22d December, 1814, Congress passed an
act laying a direct tax of six millions, apportioned
among the States, upon the same property as that
of 1813. The quota for New York State was $860,-
282 ; of this, $177,410.68 was upon the city of New
York.
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ASSKSSMByrS IN NEW YORK CITY. 413
By the valuation of lands, lots with their improve-
ments, dwelling houses and slaves for the year 1815,
as revised and settled by the State Board of United
States Assessors, New York City and County was
valued at $56,320,852, and the City quota of United
States direct tax, viz., $177,410.68, was at the rate of
$3.15 on each thousand dollars of valuation. The
State quota under the law of 1813 was $420,141.
The city quota for 1813 was $109,230 for the three
million direct tax.
Personal property was not taxed by the United
States direct tax. This induced many rich men to
invest in Government stocks and other personal
j)roperty. The city tax, however, was upon real and
personal property, and all stocks, etc., were taxable
in the hands of the holders. The names of all per-
sons in the city of New York, in 1815, that were
assessed for $5,000 and over on personal property
can be found in the appendix to this volume.
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CHAPTER XLVm.
State and City Financial Condition— Loan by tbe City to United
States on Treasury Notes Guaranteed by Governor Tompkins—
State Militia Paid Off —City Banks Loan to Pay New Jersey
Militia— Governor Tompkins' Patriotic Action — Martin Van
Buren on (Governor Tompkins— Government Suit Against Him
— His Vindication by a Jury and by Congress — Repaid by tbe
National Government — Wbnt New York city sbould do.
State and city finances were in much
Btter condition than were those of the
ation.
The State had obtained no loans for
le purpose of defence, but only made
ppropriations of specific sums for
specific purposes. ^
On the 22d October, 1814, a State law was passed
compelling the Bank of America and the City Bank
in New York city to advance to the order of the
State Comptroller the amount they were bound to
loan under their charter.
On the 24th October a State law was passed
authorizing the State to repay the money advanced
for purchase of arms for the defence of New York
city.
No appropriation had been made for the payment
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PAYMENT OF MILITIA. 415-
of the militia that served in the defence of New
York city during the Summer and Fall of 1814.
How was this to be done ? Their term of service
had expired and they were in need of their pay.
The corporation had obtained a loan of one million
dollars for the defence of the city (Ante, p. 239), and
placed it in the hands of the Committee of Defence,
and it was in the hands of T. R. Mercein, treasurer
of the committee. An appUcation was made ta
obtain some of this money from the city for that
purpose. It came up before the Common Council.
On the 23d December a resolution to loan the
United States $400,000 on United States Treasury
potes for six months was passed by eleven yeas.
There were seven nays and three members not vot-
ing (absent).
This loan was also guaranteed by the personal
liability of Governor Tompkins. The sum of $400,-
000 was advanced by the city.
In a speech in the New York State Senate in 1820
by Martin Van Buren (afterwards President of the
United States) it appears that Governor Tompkins
had obtained loans for the use of the State militia
upon United States Treasury notes by making him-
self expressly personally liable for the loans as fol-
lows :
Manhattan Company, Bank of America, New
York State Bank, Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank of
Albany, City Bank of New York ; Corporation of
New York, in 1814, one of $400,000, and another of
$100,000, with a certificate of T. R. Smith, secretary
of the Committee of Defence, that said loans were
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416 GOV. TOMPKINff ACTION.
made upon the promise and that Governor Tomp-
kins had made himself personally responsible by
indorsing the Treasury notes which were given for
^aid loans. This last loan was for the pajrment of
1;he New Jersey militia in service in the defence of
New York.
The Bank of America loaned in December, 1814,
$160,000 to Governor Tompkins for public purposes,
on $165,000 United States Treasury notes, which
the bank was authorized to sell at par. The Treas-
ury notes were sold in 1815 and the proceeds were
•deposited to the credit of the United States Govern-
ment. The bank received one-eighth per cent on
the loan and other great advantages from the Gov-
ernment. At least one third of the deposits of the
United States were made there.
In regard to the loans in New York city, Mr. Van
Buren said :
^' Look sir, at the state of the country and of the
city of New York in particular, when the loans from
the Bank of America and the other public bodies in
that city were obtained, and reflect on the uses to
which they were appropriated ! The capitol of the
nation had been laid in ashes by a ruthless foe, and
the heads of our government driven from their oc-
-cupations by his victorious arms ; Baltimore had
been saved by a providential interposition ; your
ft-ontiers were threatened in all directions ; large
hostile armaments were known to be on the ocean,
and New York believed by every one to be the des-
tined scene of their operations ; the invasion of that
was hourly expected. To meet this perilous crisis,
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MABTIN VAN BURBNS STATEMENT. 417
(Jovemor Tompkins had declined the honor and the
comparative ease of the 'Department of State, ten-
dered to him by the President. He called from vari-
ous and remote parts of the State its best blood and
its noblest spirits for the defence of New York. He
contributed the advantage of his well-deserved pop-
ularity and favor with the militia, and took upon him-
self the actual command. But to give the deepest
shade to the gloomy aspect of our affairs, and add to
the difficulty of their redemption, the National
Ctovemment was Uterally penniless. Kept without
pay and deprived even of the means to obtain sup-
plies, discontent and murmurs pervaded the camp —
discontents which even the warmth of their attach*
ment to their chief could not subdue. At this
critical moment he applied for these loans, and
oflferod to deposit with these banks the most valu-
able securities of the Government to amounts larger
than the loans which were asked — securities which
would only fail with the Gk>vemment itself, but
^* tell it not in Oath, publish it not in the streets
of Askalon," that under such circumstances like
these, when the city of their fathers was threatened
with destruction, and the ashes of these fathers
exposed to indignity — when the venerable institu-
tions, the monuments of the arts and the proud
improvements of ages were exposed to the hand of
violence and the torch of the incendiary — when the
excesses of Hampton and of Havre de Grace were
staring them in the face and their wives and
daughters were to be protected from pollution, —
at such a time, sir, so eminently calculated .to rouse
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418 PA YMENT OF NEW JERSEY MILITIA,
into action the strongest feelings of their nature,
these loans were refused^ unless this individual, who
was as it were a stranger in their city, would hind
his body and his estaie for their payment f They
would not trust the Government of their country
unless he would give his bond for its solvency ! He
did it, and the danger passed by."
The money obtained from the two Albany banks
was for the supplies of the army at Sackett's Har-
bor.
In referring to this loan to pay the New Jersey
militia Mr, Van Buren said :
^' At a moment when the city of New York was
menaced with destruction, when the alarm for its
safety was at its height, the attention of oiir breth-
ren of New Jersey was directed to our protection,
and notwithstanding the danger to which their
own coast was exposed, she sent a gallant and
patriotic band of her citizen soldiers for the defence
of New York. In common with the militia of our
State, they were kept out of their pay, and sub-
jected to the greatest embarrassments in obtaining
supplies, through the inability of the general Gov-
ernment to furnish the means. To afford relief in
the pressing emergency and guard against the dis-
astrous consequences which might have resulted
from it to the service. Governor Tompkins on his
own responsibility raised these moneys and expended
them as I have stated."
The money obtained by Governor Tompkins giv-
ing his own notes and depositing United States
Treasury notes for a much larger sum as coUatera
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THE CITY REPAID. 419
security amounted -in the aggregate to more than
one million dollars ($1,150,000). Imprisonment for
debt was then in force, so that, in fact, Governor
Tompkins pledged his liberty, his fortune and his
sacred honor for the payment of that amount by the
nation.
The Government account to reimburse the city
of New York for the million loan was settled on
15th June, 1815. The account to the credit of the
city was $1,028,183.75, for which it received :
United States six per cent stock $1,100,009 87
Interest 10,816 25
Treasury notes 53,000 00
Cash expended 9,173 85
Total $1,172,999 97
Balance gained by city, $162,000.
In the early part of the year 1820 General Mor-
ton went to Washington and succeeded in procur-
ing the balance of $37,000 due the city on account
of lands occupied for fortifications, damages, etc.,
during the war.
Governor Tompkins was very watchful of the
payment of the mihtia. He issued the following
order :
'^ State op New York.
**Gteneral Orders.
*^ Headquarters, Albany, January 14, 1815.
** The paymasters of the militia and volunteers of
the State of New York are strictly charged and re-
quired to pay to every non-commissioned officer,
musician and private, in person where it be practi-
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420 GOV. TOMPKiyer TRIAL
cable, the full amoimt of pay due him either from
the United States or Stat^ of New York, and to use
every precaution in their power to defeat specula-
tion or imposition upon the volunteers or militia by
purchases of their pay..
^* By oixler of the Commander-in-Chief,
* ' Anthony Lamb,
"Aid-de-Camp."
Besides borrowing money for the Government, a
large amount was entrusted to Gk>vemor Tompkins
for disbursement in connection with the war. He
disbursed $1,982,000 for the general Government.
He also disbursed a large amount for the State in
connection with the militia.
In distributing this vast amount of money or trust-
ing others to do so was the cause of the financial
ruin of Governor Tompkins. The lack of vouchers
for disbursements made it appear that he was a large
defaulter to the Government, of which his poUtical
opponents took every advantage.
The last advances made by the Govemnient to
Gk)v. Tompkins was by warrant for $400,000, dated
February 3, 1816.
The State made a claim against him which was
subsequently abandoned. He was elected Vice-
President of the United States in 1817 and again in
1821. An action was commenced in behalf of the
Government against him in the United States Circuit
Court in Now York city to recover several hundred
thousand dollars. Thomas Addis Emmet and Josiah
Ogden Hoffman were counsel for the defendant, and
Robert Tillotson was counsel for the Government
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BT THE OOVBRNMBNT, 421
The case was tried in June, 1822, before Judge
William P. Van Ness and a juiy. The trial occupied
four days. Governor Tompkins personally ad-
dressed the jury. The verdict was for the defend-
ant. The jury gave the following certificate :
*'We, the jurors in this cause, having found a
verdict for the defendant, do also find and certify
that there is, moreover, now due from the United
States of America to the defendant, Daniel D,
Tompkins, the sum of $136,799.97.
^' Dated June 6, 1822."*
This statement on the part of the jury was of no-
avail to Governor Tompkins, only as a vindication
of his action. There was no United States Court
of Claims at that time before which he could appear
and urge an adjustment of his accounts. He
claimed among other things that he should be al-
lowed five per cent on the receiving, advancing and
disbursing of money for the Government. The
amount of money he received on Government stock
was $287,500 less than the stock.
His several demands against the Government, a
part of which were opposed not because they were
unjust, but because they were not considered as
coming within' the rules of office, and could only be
allowed under a law of Congress authorizing the
departments to audit and settle them.
* See : " Report of Proceedings in the District Court of the United
States for the District of New York, in a suit brought bj the United
States against Daniel D. Tompkins, June 8, 1823, containing the
testimony at large, tlie speeches of the defendant and of the counsel on
both sides, together with the judge's charge. By One of the Jury.
Pp. 54, New York, Printed by C. S Van Winkle,
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422 REPORT TO C0NQRB88.
On February 8, 1823, the House committee ap-
pointed to inquire whether any legislative provision
is necessary for the settlement of the accounts of
Oovernor Tompkins, reported, and among other
things the report stated :
*'The committee find from the exhibits, as ad-
mitted on each side, that the Governor did disburse
$1,982,000 for the Government in the course of the
late war, for which he was held responsible and
required to account at various bureaus of the
Treasury and War departments
^^The committee is satisfied] that he made ad-
vances to the Government ; that he borrowed about
$1,382,827 from various corporations to aid the
national treasury and promote the public service.
That those loans were procureil by him at the earn-
est entreaties of the President and the Acting Secre-
tary of War. That, to aid him in procuring loans
immediately, the Government proposed to send him
Treasury notes in thirty or forty days, which he was
direct^ to pledge at $110,000 for $100,000. That
between December 1, 1814, and January 17, 1815,
he found means to borrow $1,098,500 (part of the
foregoing sum) from several corporations, including
a loan of $400,000 from the corporation of the city
of New York : for all which appears that he had to
make himself personally responsible by contracts,
relying, on his part, upon the promise of the Gov-
ernment to advance the Treasury notes and take up
his obligations. That part only of the notes (say
$850,000) were sent in proper time to relieve him.
That the city corporation pressed him for the prom-
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REPORT ON GOV. TOMPKINS. 423
ised deposits and for repayment, and that he was
held up as a defaulter. That th^ failure of the
Government put it out of his power to sustain his
credit in the banks for such large sums ; that his
previous attention to public affairs had compelled
him to n^lect his own, and that the heavy pressure
of these loans produced a derangement in his pri-
vate concerns, which brought upon him, as he con-
tends, an actual and specific loss of sixty thousand
dollars.
" The peculiar and complicated duties which were
devolved upon the Governor as civil and military
chief of the State and district referred to, and the
special circumstances under which he was called
upon to raise and disburse fimds for the Federal
Qt)vernment, entitle him to expect an exact and
prompt performance of its promises and a speedy
reimbursement to relieve him from his embaiTass-
ment.
^* It is admitted that public moneys sent to him
or raised by him have been faithfully applied to the
public service or^kept in deposits in banks, or with
public agents, ready to be used at any moment.
That he served his coimtry faithfully and effectually
is known to all. That he ran imminent risks to
serve it is beyond a doubt. That the Treasury /at7ed
to fulfill its engagements with him is no less certain,
and it is manifest that no citizen could sustain him-
self without loss against the heavy pressure of such
large sums. That he foresaw the perils which
afterwards assailed him is proven by the Honorable
Euf us King, who conversed with him in the Autumn
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424 REPORT ON GOV. TOMPKINS.
of 1814, about * the condition of the public treasury,
the unprotected state of the city of New York, and
the inabiUty of the general Government to protect
it, and urged, from the peculiar situation in which
Providence had placed him, that it was his solemn
duty to make great exertions and to assume great
responsibilities. That the State, in a great measure,
looked to him for its protection, and that he must
call out the militia and find resources to pay them.
That the Governor had stated in reply, that he was
already committed very deeply, and that if he should
go further in pecuniary responsibilities he must do it
at the risk of ruin, in which Mr. King solemnly
urged him to go on and do his duty, and if ruin was
the consequence, to consent to endure it and look
to the honor and gratitude of his country.'
^* He did so ; he performed all that was required
and more than was promised or expected from him.
This is known alike to the committee and the coun-
try and is recorded in the annals of the day.
^^ Your committee must repeat that the Governor
foresaw the hazard he was running, that he took
the hazard, fearlessly and generously as became a
patriot, trusting to the honor and justice of his
country.
^^On an examination and consideration of the
accounts and claims, with all the attending circum-
stances, it appears to your committee :
'* Mrst — That it is no more than an act of justice
to allow interest on all moneys advanced by Mr.
Tompkins on account of the public, from the time
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GOV. TOMPKINS VINDICATED. 425
of his making such advances to the time of his
being reimbm^sed.
^^ Second— Thsit it would be just and equitable to
allow a reasonable commission on all moneys dis-
bursed by him during the late war.
^* Third—That he should be indemnified for losses
sustained by him in consequence of any failure on
the part of Government to fulfill its engagements
to send him money and Treasury notes within the
time specified, to be deposited in certain banks as
collateral security for loans procured by him, at the
request of and on the account of Government.
^ * JFhurth — That he ought not to be held responsible
for losses incurred by any frauds or failures of sub-
agents, to whom moneys were advanced through
his hands.
^^ With this view of the subject a bill accompany-
ing this report is respectfully submitted."
The bill provided that the proper accovmting offi-
cers of the United States Treasury be and are hereby
authorized to adjust and settle the accounts and
claims of Daniel D. Tompkins, late Governor of the
State of New York, on principles of equity and jus-
tice, subject to the revision and final decision of the
President of the United States, and that the second
section of the act of April 20, 1822, shall not be con-
strued to extend to or apply to the said Daniel D.
Tompkins. The bill was passed on 20th February,
1823, with only two or three dissenting votes in the
Senate.
The matters were finally settled some months
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426 STATUE OF GOV. TOMPKINS,
afterwards by the Government paying Gk)vemor
Tompkins fifty thousand dollars in full.*
What further has been done by the Government
and by the State, and by the City of New York, to
commemorate the great services of Governor Tomp-
kins in the war of 1812? Nothing! We know
what the City of New York should do — erect an
appropriate statue of him in Central Park.
* Some newspapers stated that tbirty or forty thousand dollars
only was paid. The writer was told by a man who saw the warrant
or order that it was for fifty thousand dollars.
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CHAPTER XLIX.
Financial Standing of New York City— Annual Expenditures— City
Debt — Revenue and Taxation— Valuation of Real and Personal
Property— State Taxes— City Fractional Currency— Charitable
Aid to Soldiers and to Sufferers on Niagara Frontier— Charter
Election.
I HEN doubt and mistrust were over all
in 1814, the financial standing of the
city was of the highest order. The
city debt, represented by six per cent
stock, was only $700,000.
In June, 1812, by permission of the
Legislature, $700,000 city stock was
issued, although $1)00,000 was authorized, at six per
cent, payable in 1826. This was the first permanent
debt of New York city.
In April, 1813, this was three per cent above par.
It was then that the measure to establish a sinking
fund for the redemption of the stock when it became
due in 1826 was adopted. The ordinance of August
9, 1813, set apart certain sources of the city revenue
for that purpose ; it ttfen amounted to about thirty
thousand dollars a year.
The ordinary expenditures for canying on the
city government were about $230,000 a year. In
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428 CITY TAXES.
coflrse of the year 1814 over $200,000 were expended
for improvements of a permanent nature. The
ordinary receipts from revenue were about $125,000
for that year. The sale of corporate property and
other sources of revenue greatly reduced the amount
raised by taxation that year.
The amount borrowed by the 'city for defence
loan in 1814 does not enter into this account of city
finances, as the matter was principally arranged by
the State and the general Gk)vernment.
The expenditures for the city and county govern-
ment, for ordinary purposes, were : In 1814, $224,-
871.89 ; 1815, $209,479,08; 1816, $199,884.28.
This was mainly upon the following interests:
Almshouse and Bridewell, city watch, county con-
tingencies, fire department, lamps.
The amount raised by taxation for city and county
purposes was as follows: 1814, $214,225.09; 1815,
$197,613.38; 1816, $180,653.94.
There was no State tax in the city prior to 1815.
The amount of State tax in the city was : In 1815,
$163,372.08; 1816, $164,148.50.
The valuation of real and personal property in
the city and county of New York for city and
State taxes, according to City Comptrollers' reports,
was as follows: 1813, $27,650,230; 1814, $23,091,-
487; 1815, $^,636,042; 1816, $82,074,200.*
The state board of United States assessors for the
apportionment of the United States direct tax val-
* The names of each purson la New York city assessed ou per*
sonal property to the value of five thousand dollars and over in 1815
can be found in the appendix to this volume.
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01T7 TAXES. 429
ued the lands and lots with their improvements,
dwelling houses and slaves in New York city and
vicinity at $56, 820, 852. The city quota of this direct
tax was $177,410.68, being at the rate of $3.15 in
each thousand of valuation.
The total amount of city and State tax in each
year was as follows :
RATE.
1815 $361,285 45 $4 15
1816 344,802 54 4 20
The rate given is dollars and cents per thousand
of valuation.
It will be observed that the valuation of real and
personal property, including United States Govern-
ment stock, in January, 1815, was about three times
what it was in the years 1813 and 1814 previous.
The valuation in 1815 was at the rate of $833 per
capita of population estimated at 9S,000.*
On December 26, 1814, the City Comptroller,
Thomas E. Mercein, Esq., reported on the city
* la 1894 the valuation of real and personal property for taxa-
tion in New York city was |2, 033, 882, 000. Tliis did not include
United States Government bonds or the stocks of corporations
(excepting bank stocks) held by residents, but it claimed to include
the value of the capital of private corporations located in the city.
The valuation per capita in 1894, based on an estimated popula-
tion of 1,800,000. is about |1,100.
In 1894 the tax in the city for State purposes was $4,112,260,
The amount raised for city purposes was $84,551,991. The revenue
from general fund was $8,600,000. The interest on the city debt
and sinking fund for redemption of city debt, exclusive of the
amount by law chargeable to the sinking fund and exclusive of
amount provided for the sinking fund, wiis $7,000,200, included in
above.
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430 C1T7 PAPER MONET.
fractional currency already issued, and proposed
that a fund be created to redeem them, and that
when said bills were 4ssued, the amount thereof
should be paid for some kind of stock which might
thereafter be disposed of to redeem the bills when
called in. The plan v/as adopted.
In May, 1815, $20,000 more of this fractional
currency was authorized, and on July 3, 1815,
$30,000 more.
The various denominations were in cents, as fol-
lows ; One, four, six, nine, twelve and one-half,
twenty-five, fifty.
The total amount issued was $245,356.
This currency continued in general circulation
until specie payment was resumed by the banks
on July 1, 1817, on the establishment of the National
Bank with a capital of $35,000,000, and then it was
gradually withdrawn.
The citizens of New York, in all their anxiety
and danger, did not forget the sufferings and needs
of their neighbors. Danger seemed to make them
more sympathetic. The incursions of the enemy
on the Niagara frontier had caused much suffering
in families for the necessaries of life in the Autumn.
In October, 1814, the Common Council of the city
voted an appropriation of $3,000 for the Niagara
sufferers, and the private subscriptions in the city
were $3,023 more, and the donations from collec-
tions in churches in the city were $1,286 more for
the same purpose.
A ladies' association, composed of many of the
most prominent in social position in the city, was
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CHARITABLE DONATIONS. 431
formed in October, 1814. Their object was to assist
the soldiers of the United States and those on military
duty (particularly those on the lakes) with cloth
hoods, moccasins, socks and mittens. The man-
agers solicited contributions for that purpose. They
were : Mrs. General Lewis, Headquartei-s ; ^Ir^.
Wm. Few, Greenwich ; Mrs. David Gelston, Green-
wich ; Mrs. Philip Livingston, Park place ; Mrs.
Col. E. W. Laight, 340 Broadway ; Mrs. Thoma&
Morris, 84: Chamber st.; Mrs. Marinus Willett,
Corlear's Hook ; Mrs. Wm. Ross, 208 Broadway ;
Mrs. Nathan Sanford, 25 Pine st.; Mrs. Daniel
Smith, 62 Broad st. ; Mrs. L. Bradish> 9 Pearl st. ;
Miss M. Bleecker, Broadway ; Miss H. Lewis,
Whitehall st. ; Mrs. H. E. C. Bradish, secretary.
Many donations were made for this benevolent
object, and substantial benefits were derived from
it by the distributions made by the officers of the
army and navy on the Northern and Western bor-
ders of the United States.
The charter election commenced on third Tuesday
of November and continued for three days. The
result of the election was, however, less favorable
to the Democrats than in the year previous, as the
Federalists regained the Sixth Ward, which they
lost in the previous election ; thus the Federalists
had six wards to the Democrats' four.
The aldermen in each ward were re-elected except-
ing in Third Ward, A. H. Lawrence, Federalist, in
place of Charles Dickenson, Federalist, and in
Eighth Ward William Few in place of Peter H.
Wendover, both Democrats. More personal changes^
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432 CHARTER ELECTION.
were ipade in the assistant aldermen. See names in
Vol. I., p. 425, appendix. The Committee of Defence,
from December 13, 1814, until December, 1815, were
the Bame aldermen as the previous year, but among
the assistant aldermen Qeneral Mapes took the
place of John Nitchie, and Tucker of Brackett, aU
Federalists.*
This Ck>mmittee of Defence did not make the final
sreport to the Common Council until November 6tii,
1815. See appendix to this volume.
* A law was pa«8ed on April 11, 1815, requiriDg tbat the time of
qibarter election should be on last Tuesday in April of each year, but
that those already elected should remain in office during the period
lor which they were elected, to wit, until January, 1816.
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CHAPTEE L.
Holiday Season of 1814-15— Numerous Dinners to Prominent Men-
Arrival of Cartel Ship J^winy— Rigorous Blockade of the Atlantic
Coast— Vigilance of Military Authorities— General Boyd Placed
in Command at New York by Governor Tompkins— Commodore
Decatur Runs the Blockade— Skirmish With the Enemy and is
Captured— Other War Vessels Run the Blockade.
I WE have before seen that there were
numerous private dinners that were
largely made up of notable men.
The large number of prominent
military and naval officers present
in the city, together with the Gov-
ernor and his staflf and some Fed-
eral and State judges and other
high officials, made the Winter season in the city
more attractive for them than ever before. The
invitations to the public men to attend private dinners
so crowded them that they were compelled to decline
many and choose from othei* more prominent and
select gatherings. Probably not an afternoon passed
from December 1st until the fore part of March
without several prominent dinner parties being
given, or a theatre party in the evening. The Lenten
season was not regarded by society generally at that
time so as to have any marked effect upon the
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434 HARBOR BLOCKADED.
social pursuits of the populace. New York city was
then the social as well as the commercial metropohs
of the United States.
The notable dinners given during the entire season
were marked by the prevalence of political feeling
shown by those whe led on the occasion as well as
the place of the entertainment. Those at Tammany
Hall were Democrats and in favor of the war.
Those at Washington Hall were Federalists and
opposed to the war and the policy of the national
administration.
The port of New York and many others on the
Atlantic Coast were now vigorously blockaded by a
powerful and vigilant squadron of war vessels.
Cai-tel ships were arriving from time to time in
the harbor. The most notable one about this time
was on 3d December, when the Jenny arrived in
thirty-two days from Dartmouth, England, with
twenty-six passengers on board, eight of whom
were New Yorkers and the remainder belonged to
Boston and Philadelphia.
The Narrows was the course taken by all outgoing
and incoming vessels of any size. This was care-
fully guarded by the vigilance of the military
authorities of both nations.
Privateers were running the blockade to get into
port and again running it to get to sea.
The United States military authorities issued the
following order :
*^ New York, December 21st, 1814.
''Privateers or armed vessels proceeding to sea
will be permitted to pass Fort Gates without being
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GENERAL BOYD IN COMMAND, 435
brought to, but all vessels coming in and all un-
armed private vessels going out will be brought to
as usual. The commanding officer of the forts on
Staten Island will bring to and examine all out-
ward-bound privateers and armed vessels.
*'By order
^^ Thomas Christie,
"Ast. Adj.-Gen."
When Governor Tompkins left New York city to
attend to his duties at Albany as Governor of the
State he placed Q^n. J. P. Boyd as chief in command
of the Third Military District of the United States.
A letter of Governor Tompkins to the Mayor and
read in Common Council December 26, 1814, is as
follows :
''New York, December 25, 1814.
'' Sir — On Monday next the command of this dis-
trict will devolve on Brig. -Gen. J. P. Boyd in conse-
quence of my temporary absence.
'' I cannot, sir, leave the city without expressing
my acknowledgment of the liberality and patriotism
of the corporation, of the Committee of Defence, and
of the citizens of New York, as regards the defence
of this important position, and of the attention, con-
fidence and support with which I have been hon-
ored during my command.
'' I pray you, sir, to convey this acknowledgment
to the respectable body over which you preside, and
to accept for yourself the assurance of my consid-
eration. Daniel D, Tompkins.
*' The Hon. De Witt Clinton,
** Mayor, etc."
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436 COMMODORE DECATUR 8AILB.
On the 27th December, 1814, the following order
was issued :
' * Brigadier-Qeneral Boyd has the honor of assum-
ing by order of yesterday the command of Third
Military District."
Commodore Decatur was placed in command of
a squadron consisting of the President^ the Peacock
and the Hornet^ and the store ship Tom Bowliney of
twelve guns and ninety men. The three latter had
run the blockade a few weeks before and were in
New York harbor (ante, pp. 378, 379). This squadron*
was intended to ciniise in the East Indies.
The blockading squadron off New York in Janu-
ary then consisted of the fifty -six-gun razee Majes-
tic, Captain Hayes ; twenty-four-pounder frigate
Pdmona, 38 Captain Lumly, and eighteen-pounder
frigate 38 TenedoSj Captain Parker. On 14:th a
severe snow storm came on and blew the blockading
squadron off the coast. This was considered a
favorable opportunity to pass the blockade.
Commodore Decatur had been very anxious to get
to sea with his vessel, the Presidenty of forty-four
gims. Many of the ofiBcers and jnen on board were
from New York city. Many of them shipped
mostly for the novelty and excitement of the naval
warfare in prospect and for a share in the glory that
had been won by the American vessels. If the
blockade could be safely passed all after that
seemed smooth and tranquil, and the sails of many
British merchantmen that would appear in the hori-
zon would soon be furled on demand with only the
firing of a single gun, and the valuable prizes on board
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BUNNIITQ THB BLOCKADE, 437
would belong to the captors. The only way to run
the blockade was to start out secretly at some
opportune moment when wind and tide were favor-
able and hope that the enemy would not see them.
The President had about four hundred and twenty-
five men on board. The time chosen was on Satur-
day evening, January 14th, and they hoped to be
out of sight of the enemy before daylight, or to be
safely ahead of them.
The following is an extract of a letter from Com-
modore Decatur, published at that time, giving an
account of the start and capture :
'^The night we left the Hook, owing to some
blunders of our pilots, we struck on the bar and
there remained thumping for two hours until the
tide rose. At dayUght we fell in with the British
squadron, consisting of the MajestiCj Endymwriy.
Pomona^ Tenedos and Despatch brig. My ship^
owing to her getting aground, lost her sailing*
I lightened her as much as possible, but the enemy
gained on us. The jEndyw/on, mounting 24- pound-
ers on her gun deck, was the leading ship of the
enemy <, She got close under my quai*ters and was
cutting my rigging without my being able to bring
a gun to bear upon her. To suffer this was making
my capture certain, and that, too, without injury
to my enemy. I therefore bore up for the Eady-
mion and engaged her for two hours, when we
silenced and beat her off. At this time the rest of the
ships had got within two miles of us. We made all
the sail we could from them, but it was in vain. In
three hours the Pomona and Tenedos were along-
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438 CAPTURE OF COMMODORE DECATUR,
side, and the Majestic and Endymion close to us.
All that was now left for me to do was to receive
the fire of the nearest ship and surrender ; for it
was in vain to contend with the whole squadron.
My loss has been severe, the precise number I do
not know, but I believe it to be between SO and 90 ;
of this number 25 are killed. Babbitt, Hamilton
and Howell are among the slain."
The firing was distinctly heard at Stonington and
Newport.
The loss on the President was twenty-four killed
and fifty-six wounded. That of the enemy was
•eleven killed and fourteen wounded.
The captured vessel and the prisoners were
immediately taken to Bermuda. The prisoners
were paroled and left to make their way to the
United States or elsewhere, as they might choose.
It was thought by many that traitorous informa-
tion of the sailing of the President had been given
within twelve hours after her sailing, which led to
her capture. It appeared that before sunrise on
Sunday morning the British ship Majestic, which
lay near Plumb Island, got under way in great
haste and proceeded to sea, leaving her water casks
principally on shore. A remarkable circumstance,
said the New York Commercial Advertiser, which
leads to the suspicion that information had been
given to the enemy of the sailing of the President.
Among the young men on board from New York
city who were captured and taken to Bermuda as
prisoners was Ogden Hoflfman, son of Recorder
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WAR VESSELS SAIL. 439
Josiah Ogden Hoflfman, who afterwards became an
eminent lawyer and member of Congress and
United States District Attorney and Attorney Gen-
eral of the State. At that time he was a midship-
man.
The remainder of the squadron sailed from New
York and passed the blockade on January 22d and
proceeded to the East Indies, and did not return to
the United St^ites until after the termination of the
war.
The last battle at sea was by the Hornet , that cap-
tured the Penquin on 23d March, 1815. The last
hostile gun fired in the war was from the Peacock
when the Nautilus surrendered to her on the 30th
June, 1815.
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CHAPTER LI.
Prospects of the Campaign of 1815— Feeling in New York— Pros*
pects of Peace — The Negotiations at Ghent — The Congress of
Vienna — A National Day of Fasting and Prayer— Longing for
Peace.
OW the campaign of 1814 was over and
it had been favorable to American
arms, our national pride and feel"
ing had been aroused for continued
exertion. Although peace was desh^ed
by all, yet there was a more united
feeling for exertion and effort to repel invasion, and
confidence in the conditions to do so.
The prospects for the campaign of 1815 were more
encouraging than that of 1814 at the beginning of the
latter year. The thorough awakening of the nation
to its danger from experiences of 1814, as well as of
its victories and rallying of means of defence were
encouraging, as well as a modification of the offer
for terms of peace, which, for some months, had
seemed almost certain of acceptance.
The American people had more confidence in
themselves and in their military leaders than they
had at any previous time during the two preceding
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FSEL1NQ8 ABOUT THE WAR. 441
years of the war. This feeling showed itself among
all classes, and now that all plans of the conquest
of Canada were abandoned, and self-defence and
self-respect were the common object, the discussions
of the causes of the war were idle, and the invader
must be bravely met, if need be, at the homes and
firesides of the American people.
During the winter of 1814-15 the Rev. Alexander
McLeod, D.D., pastor of the Reformed Scotch Pres-
byterian Church, located on the north side of Cham-
ber street, back of City Hall Park, preached a series
of sermons on '' A Scriptural View of the Character,
Causes and Ends of the Present War." He was one
of the most eminent and talented clergymen of that
time, and T may add of modem times, of which we
have any record. Among other remarks made in
the closing sermon in 1816, before the treaty of
peace was known, he said :
" Fourth. As another effect of the contest, the
American name, respected abroad, will communi-
cate at home the impulse of patriotism. The love
of coimtry, weakened by familiarity with its ene-
mies, and destroyed by the love of wealth, shortly
after the war which established the independence
of America, will be revived by this second war of
independence; and the several moneyed interests
which are set in operation independently of British
commerce, as well as the growing influence of
domestic literature and arts, will serve to cherish
that passion in the breasts of the rising generation."
On the other hand. Great Britain was better pre-
pared and more able to continue the war than in the
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442 PROSPECTS OF PEACE.
two previous years, particularly with the naval aid
now available.
From a report in March, 1815, the number of ves-
sels in the British navy was 829 ; of these 523 were
in commission, 270 subject to orders and 36 were
building.
Four of these of forty guns each and one of fifty
guns were fitted out for the American service in the
fore part of the year 1814.
There was no fear of invasion by a winter cam-
paign on land by the enemy on the northern border.
The example of Napoleon's winter campaign in
Russia settled the policy and probable result of such
an undertaking. The northern seaboard also felt
safe from any attack during the winter. Admirals
Cochrane and Malcohn departed from the Atlantic
coast in October, and went to Jamaica to await
further reinforcements from Europe, probably for
the purpose of a winter campaign against Louisiana
and the Floridas. The arrival of Admiral Cochrane
and his reinforcements, consisting of a total of more
than fifty vessels and seven thousand land troops,
on the northern shore of the Gulf of Mexico, in the
fore part of December, left no doubt of the intention
of the enemy to attempt the conquest of Louisiana.
This was not known in New York until near the
middle of January.
General Jackson had command of the Southern
department, but very Uttle was known of his forces
and the facilities he had to resist an attack upon
New Orleans. The news from that quarter was
vague and scattered, but something more definite
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thh: negotiations for peace. 443
was anxiously looked for by many as days and
weeks rolled on. The capture of New Orleans
would mean the "conquest of the newly-acquired
State and vast territory of Louisiana, while a vic-
tory there would add to our national pride, and give
further courage to all, and tend to a sooner termi-
nation of the war.
The prospects of peace were not encouraging from
the action on the part of the enemy in the negotia-
tions.
About the middle of October intelhgence of the
commencement and progress of the negotiations at
Ghent had been published, and the offers of the
new terms were well understood by the people at
large.
The British commissioners did not arrive at Ghent
until 6th August, and a meeting was held on 8th,
at which time the claims of Great Britain were fully
presented. On the evening of that day the
United States commissioners received the in-
structions of June 25th and 27th. A meeting
was held next day and the negotiations proceeded
on the terms and demands offered by the United
States.
On the 19th August the British commissioners
proposed another conference, and as prehminary
thereto asked further concessions on the part of the
United States. These documents from the commis-
sioners were received at Washington on October
10th, and in a few days were before the country.
No citizens of the United States wished the Govern-
ment to make any further concessions than the
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444 CONDITIONS IN EUROPE.
instructions already given and stated in a former
chapter (ante, p. 290).
Making public these negotiations caused much
complaint on all sides, so much so that nothing
further could be found out about their progress from
that time, only from rumors and private sources and
conjectures.
About December 1, 1814, a Wilmington (Del.)
newspaper published the substance of letters from
Mr. Bayard, one of the negotiators, dated Ghent,
October 26th, in which he stated that the negotia-
tions on part of Great Britain wore exclusively to
her own purpose, and not with any direct intention
of making peace between the two countries, and
Great Britain was disposed to wait the issues of the
congress at Vienna before she would close the
negotiation one way or the other.
The congress at Vienna originated in the thirty-
second article of the treaty of Paris, dated May 30,
1814, the professed object of which was to restore
European powers as nearly as possible to the condi-
tion in which they stood previous to the French Re-
volution in 1792.
This treaty was well known in the United States,
having been published in full in some of the New
York newspapers and elsewhere in the summer of
1814.
The thirty-second article provided **In the space
of two months, all the powers who have been en-
gaged on one side or the other in the present war,
shall send plenipotentiaries to Vienna to regu-
late in general congress the arrangements which
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POSITION OF THE UNITED STATES. 445
are to complete the dispositions of the present
treaty."
It was claimed on the pai*t of the United States
commissioners that under this the United States
should have a formal representative. This the con-
gress would not allow. But the exclusion of a
formal representative could not prevent the consid-
eration of the facts and existing conditions. It
was seen that no better or abler advocate of Ameri-
can interests could be had than M. Talleyrand, who
represented France in the congress. He had always
been, and still was the friend of America, and a
skilled diplomat, as well as one of the most active
and leading members of the congress of Vienna.
Albert Gallatin, one of the American Commission-
el's, was his friend and an old acquaintance. In
this way American interests and desires could be
considered in the action of the congress.
Other influences in favor of France and America
against undue British supremacy were the Russian
representatives in the Congress of Vienna.
It was published in the United States about Ist
December that the congress had adjourned to No-
vember Ist, and that M. Talleyrand had presented
a memorial to the envoys of the congress of Vienna
protesting against the aggrandizement of other
powers, particularly Great Britain, and claiming
that they should return to the possessions of 1792,
the same as France under the treaty of Paris of
April 23, 1814.
It was apparent, if this condition was to be
observed, that the negotiations at Ghent must fol-
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446 POSITION OF ORBAT BRITAIN.
, ■
low them as to America, because so many Euro-
pean powers were interested in colonial possessions
on the North American continent and the islands
contiguous.
We have before seen (ante, Vol. L, p. 397) that
Great Britain had claimed with much authority
that under the law of nations the United States
was an ally of France. Upon the surrender of
Napoleon and the treaty of Paris on 23d April, 1814,
to suspend hostilities against France, a different
view was taken of the position of the United States.
On 6th May, 1814:, the prince regent, in the name
of the king, issued a proclamation which, among
other things, provided: **We do hereby strictly
charge and command all his majesty's officers, both
at sea and land, and all other of his majesty's sub-
jects whatsoever, that they forbear all acts of hos-
tility, either by sea or land, against the kingdom of
France, her allies, her vessels or subjects, under the
penalty of incurring his majesty's displeasure."
It was apparent to all that if Great Britain now
continued the war against the United States that it
was for the purpose of her own aggrandizement
and power, and the acquisition of more territory on
the American continent, and this meant a maritime
power which would be a menace to the peace and
freedom of other European powers.
Again, if Great Britain was allowed to retain the
extensive territory of the United States already
obtained by conquest in the war, the same condition
would confront European nations. The thoughtful
American people had this in view. It therefore
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HARTFORD CONVENTION, 447
remained for the congress at Vienna to say whether
Great Britain must accept the terms of peace offered
by the United States and surrender the conquered
territory and cease hostilities and stop any fur-
ther attempt to acquire any more tenitory or power
over sea or land.
Another confirmation of this view was that Lord
Hill, who was to take command of the British
forces against America in the latter part of 1814,
still remained in England, and it was reported and
fully understood there as well as elsewhere that he
was awaiting the action of the congress at Vienna
in regard to the terms of peace between European
nations.
Thus the American people were kept in hope of
peace and in calm suspense and subdued determina-
tion to bravely meet the worst if it should come.
The Hartford convention commenced its session
on the 15th December, composed of twenty-six
delegates, representing the discontented portion of
those in the New England States. It was regarded
as a traitorous conclave opposed to the action of
the Government in the conduct of the war. It sat
with closed doors for three weeks, and caused
much alarm at Washington. On the 4th January
the convention adjourned, and a report and the
resolutions adopted by them were announced. Their
proceedings were still kept secret. It was all a
source of groat apprehension of trouble to the general
Government and to the inhabitants in New York,
and more than anything else caused an earnest
desire for peace.
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448 HUMILIATION AND PBAYBRS
The desire for peace was universal in America as
well as in Europe. In November the two houses of
Congress, by a joint resolution, expressed a desire
'*that in the present time of public calamity and
war a day be recommended to be observed by the
people of the United States as a day of public
humiliation and fasting, and of prayer to Almighty
God for the safety and welfare of these States, His
blessings on their arms, and a speedy restoration of
peace.'- The President issued a proclamation, dated
16th November, 1814, by which he recommended
^Hhat Thursday, January 12, 1815, be set a] tart as
a day on which all would have an opportunity of
voluntarily offering at the same time, in their
respective rehgious assemblies, their humble adora-
tions to the Great Sovereign of the Universe, of
confessing their sins and transgressions, and of
strengthening their vows of repentance and amend-
ment " The proclamation further continued :
^' They will be invited by the same solemn occasion
to call to mind the distinguished favors conferred
on the American people in the general health which
has been enjoyed ; in the abundant fruits of the
season ; in the pi-ogress of the arts instrumental to
their comforts ; their prosperity and their security,
and in the victories which have so powerfully con-
tributed to the defence and protection of our
country ; a devout thankfulness for all which ought
to be mingled with their supplications to the Be-
neficent Parent of the human race, that He would be
graciously pleased to pardon all their offences
against Him ; to support and animate them in the
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PRATINQ FOR PEACE. 449
discharge of their respective duties ; to continue to
them the previous advantages flowing from political
institutions so auspicious to their safety against
dangers from abroad, to their tranquiUty at home,
and to their Uberties, civil and religious ; and that
He would, in a special manner, preside over their
nation in its public councils and constituted author-
ities, giving wisdom to its measures and success to
its arras, in maintaining its rights, and in over-
coming all hostile designs and attempts against it ;
and finally, that by inspiring the enemy with dis-
positions favorable to a just and reasonable peace,
its blessings may bo speedily and happily restored."
This proclamation and request by the President
was dated 16th November, and was given out long
before the day appointed, for it then took three or
four weeks to 'reach the most remote portions of the
United States.
The Common Council of New York officially ** re-
commended that all citizens abstain on that day from
all secular employments and devote themselves to
those duties which the solenmity of the occasion
dtniands."
On the 12th January the day was universally ob-
served by all persons in every class and condition
by refraining from amusement, business and work
as on a Sunday. No newspapers were issued on
that day in the United States.
In some parts of New England many stores and
places of business were kept open, but the churches
held the service. In some instances the clergy took
occasion to denounce the war.
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450 LOAGING FOR PEACE.
The devotion, supplication and thankfulness ex-
pressed on that day were wonderfully impressive,
more so, perhaps, than on any other similar occasion
before or since that time. The long fast was brok-
en by a dinner at the close of the day, after sunset.
There was an oppressive feeling and longing for
peace that could not be thrown off.
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CHAPTER LII.
Colonel Bogardus iu CommaDd at New York — Presentation to
General Brown by the City— Salutes for Victory at New Oilcans
— Treaty of Peace Arrives — Demonstrations of Joy in New
York— Salutes From the Forts— Action of the CommoD Conn-
cil — Preparations for a Grand Celebration.
I HEN Gen. J. P. Boyd took his depart-
ure from New York on 24th Janu-
ary to serve on court-martial of Gen-
eral Wilkinson, at Utica, Governor
Tompkins designated Col. Eobert
Bogardus, of the Forty -first United
States Infantry, to act as commander
of Third Mihtary District of New York.*
The news of the capture of the President an-ived
in the city on the 28th January. A movement was
at once set on foot to build another frigate for Com-
modore Decatur. In a few days it was announced
that the ship carpenters of the Brooklyn Navy Yard
* Col. Robert Bogardus, of the Forty-flrst United States Infanlrv,
and nearly all his regiment, were residents of New York city, fie
afterwards became a general of militia and a prominent lawyer in
New York city. He died September 12, 1841, from a cold contracted
while he was attending the inauguration of Gen. William Henry
Harrison as President or the United States.
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452 PRESENTATION TO GENERAL BROWN.
volunteered upwards of sixteen hundred days' work
towards building a frigate for the Commodore.
The following from the Gazette shows how well
New York city was prepared for war at that time :
* * We yesterday visited the arsenal near the Col-
lect, and wish every citizen of this metropolis would
embrace an early opportunity of inspecting this
Tower of London in miniature. There we behold
in perfect order, most fancifully displayed, from
12,000 to 15,000 stands of arms which were used
during the last campaign, together with every
requisite appendage so admirably arranged that one
thousand men can, without the least confusion, be
completely equipped in an hour, and 15,000 men may
be accoutred for the field of battle in fifteen
hours."
Gen. Jacob Brown, the hero of Fort Erie and of
the battles on the Niagara frontier, had. been
officially invited to visit the city of New York and
sit for his portrait, and have a gold box and the
freedom of the city presented to him. He arrived
in the city on the 26th January, 1815. On the 4th
February the ceremony of presentation took place
in the City Hall, in the Common Council chamber.
It was the same in manner and form as was usual
in such cases, which have already been described
(Vol. I., pp. 128, 131, 319, 371).
His portrait was subsequently painted at the
expense of the city and placed in the Governor's
Room in the City Hall.
This is notable as being the last presentation of
the kind during the war. General Macomb and
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VTCTORT AT NBW ORLKANti, 453
Commodore Macdonough had each been similarly
honored a few weeks previous.*
On Monday, 6th February, in the forenoon, news
from New Orleans was received that the enemy had
been i-epulsed with great loss on the 8th January.
The Commercial Advertiser issued a hand bill, as it
was called, containing an account of the battle.
The Gazette issued an extra containing some letters
dated January 13th, with more detail of the battle.
The Columbian published both of the above ac-
counts, and added some more information from
other sources.
It was expected that the official account from
General Jackson would arrive in a day or two.
A national salute was immediately fired from
the forts on Governor's Island in honor of the vic-
tory at New Orleans, t In the evening Tammany
Hall building and the front of the theater were
brilliantly illuminated.
The official account of the battle arrived about
noon on the 7th, and was published in an extra by
the New York Gazette. New Orleans was not then
deemed safe from any further attack by the enemy.
* The portraits of the heroes of the war of 1812-15 in the Gover-
nor's Room in ilie City Hall were by the following-named painters :
Commodore Perry, by Jarvis ; Commodore Bainbridge, by Jarvis ;
Captain Hull, by Jarvis ; Commodore Macdonough, by Jarvis ;
Commodore Decatur, by Sully ; General Williams, by Trumbull ;
General Swift, by Jarvis ; General Morton, by Jarvis ; General
Macomb, by Jarvis ; General Brown, by Jarvis,
f A national salute was eighteen ^uns. The guns used at the
forts and posts for s>ilutes were from six to twelve pounders, and of
no higher calibre. Tiiis was prrscribed by the army regulations.
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454 FI.AO OF TLtUCB.
It was several days later before news arrived that
New Orleans was safe from any further attack.
The winter was very severe about this time. The
Hudson was frozen across to Jersey City, and the
Sound was frozen across from the mainland to
Sands Point. For many days at a time no vessels
arrived in the port of New York.
On the afternoon of February 11th the British
sloop of war Favorite spoke the Endymion and
Tenedos of the blockading squadron off Sandy
Hook, and informed them that she was the bearer
of special messengers with the treaty of peace. She
then learned of the capture of the President, She
was permitted to approach Sandy Hook under a flag
<>f truce.
It was there ascertained that she desired to sail
up to the city. In order to safely pass the forts a
permit must be obtained from the military author-
ities, whose headquarters were in the city. This
was done as soon as circumstances would permit,
which took several hours from the time of the
arrival off Sandy Hook and the return from New
York city with the permit to pass the forts.
The military district headquarters were then at
No. 16 Broadway, but the pass of this kind must
be by authority of the Commander personally, and
authenticated by the Adjutant-General. Colonel
Bogardus was not at headquarters and had to be
sought for elsewhere. He then resided at 5H Cherry
street, and his law office was next door to his resi-
dence. After some delay he was found, and signed
the following permit :
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treaty of peace aurives, 455
^* Adjutant General's Office, 3d Military Dis-
trict.
''New York, 11th February 1815.
^^ After Orders.
' ''The commandants of the several forts within
the harbor of New York will permit his Britannic
Majesty's ship Favorite^ commanded by the honor-
able James A. Maude, under a flag of tnice with
Anthony St. John Baker, Esquire, bearer of a treaty
of peace between Great Britain and the U. S., to
pass up to the city to such anchorage as may be
deemed desirable to the commander of said ship.
"Mr. Baker and suite will be permitted to land at
such place as he may deem proper, and pass to
Washington city, the seat of government The
honorable Captain Maude is requested to report his
arrival in the harbor to the commanding officer of
the district.
"By command of Col. R. Bogardus, commanding
3d Military District.
"Signed Thos. Chrystie,
" Assistant Adj. Gen."
Mr. Baker had formerly been the secretary of the
British legation at Washington before the war.
The news that the Favorite had a treaty of peace
on board was brought to the city by the persons
who came for the military permit for her to come
into the harbor. It was nearly eight o'clock in the
evening when this news arrived. It was first an-
nounced in the Gazette office.
The editor of the New York Journal of Commerce,
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456 DE}f0.\8THATI0m OF JOT
in 1846, tells how the news was received in the Oa-
zette office, as follows :
** Years ago the office of the oW Oazette was in
Hanover square, near the corner of Pearl street. It
was a place of resort for news and conversation,
especially in the evening. The evening of February
11, 1815, was cold, and at a late hour only Alderman
Cebra and another gentleman were left with father
Lang, the genius of the place. The office was about
being closed, when a pilot rushed in and stood for a
moment, so entirely exhausted as to be unable to
speak. ^ He has great news ! ' exclaimed Mr. Lang.
Presently the pilot, gasping for breath, whispered
intelligibly, ^ Peace! peace !^ The gentlemen lost
their breath as fast as the pilot gained his. Directly
the pilot was able to say : * An English sloop-of-war
is below with news of a treaty of peace.' They say
that Mr. Lang exclaimed in greater words than he
ever used before or after.
'^ AH hands rushed into Hanover square, crying —
' Peace ! peace ! peace ! ' The windows flew up,
for families lived there then. No sooner were the
inmates sure of the sweet sound of peace than the
windows began to glow with brilliant illuminations.
The cry of * Peace ! peace! peace ! ' spread through
the city at the top of all voices. No one stopped to
inquire about * free trade and sailors' rights.' No
one inquired whether even the national honor had
been preserved. The matters by which politicians
had irritated the nation into the war had lost all
their importance. — It was enough that the ruinous
war was over. An old man in Broadway, attracted
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OVfCB THE PEACR. 457
by the noise to his door, was seen to pull down a
placard, * To let,' which had been long posted up.
Never was there such joy in the city. A few even-
ings after, there was a general illumination, and
although the snow was a foot deep and soaked with
rain, yet the streets were crowded with men and
women, eager to see and partake of everything
which had in it the sight or taste of peace."
An extra was issued from the Gazette office Satiu"-
day evening announcing the news of the treaty.
On Monday the following appeared :
'' The editors of this Gazette retiu'n their un-
feigned thanks to Mr. David Mitchell, pilot in the
boat Erie, for the announcing first at the Gazette
office the most glorious news of peace. Mr. Mitch-
ell brought up Mr. Carroll and the king's messenger
from the Hook."
A *' hand-bill" was issued from the Mercantile
Advertiser^ printed on a slip of paper five by six
inches in size, and was posted and distributed
among the public places in the city. It read as fol-
lows :
" New York, Saturday evening, 9 o'clock,
^'February 11, 1815.
''Peacel
'' The great and joyful news of PEACE between
the United States and Great Britain reached the city
this evening by the British sloop-of-war Favorite^
the Hon. J. N. Mo watt, Esq., commander, in forty-
two days from Plymouth. Henry Carroll, Esq.,
secretary of the American Legation at Ghent, is
the w^elcome bearer of the treaty, which was
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458 DESCRIBED BY EYE WITNESSES.
signed at Ghent on the 24th December by the re-
spective commissioners, and ratified by the British
Government on the 28th. December. Mr. Baker,
late secretary to the British Legation at Washing-
ton, has also arrived in the sloop-of- war with a copy
of the treaty ratified by the British Government."
In 1846 the venerable Francis Hall, of the Com-
mercial Advertiser y tells how the news of peace was
received by that journal, as' follows :
''The news of peace was received on Saturday
evening, the eleventh of February, 1815, and at an
early hour on that evening. We distinctly recollect
the events of that evening and of the night and
day that followed. It had been our practice for
some years to be at the office on Saturday evenings,
for the purpose of sending off marine and other
intelligence that might be received after the paper
was put to press in the afternoon and previous
to the closing of the mails for the next morning. On
the evening in question we were at the office, with
one of the clerks, and at about eight o'clock one t)f
the Hook pilots came into the office in great haste,
and almost breathless, saying : ' There is peace^ —I
have brought up the messenger, who is now at the
City Hotel.'
"In a few minutes all the printers' candlesticks
were put in requisition, and from the windows of
our office, then No. 60 Wall street, we showed as
good a blaze of light as, on the spur of the moment,
our means would allow. The office was speedily
crowded with visitors, who went forth proclaiming
the welcome tidings, and the whole city soon par-
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SUNDAY NEWSPAPER ISSUED. 459
took of the general joy. We ascertained from the
pilot that the only newspapers brought by the ship
were in the possession of the messenger, and on him
we waited. We learned that he had a file of papers,
but that they were intended for Mr. Monroe, then
Secretary of State, and it required a good deal of
entreaty to obtain the loan of them. We finally
prevailed and took them to the office, with strict
injunctions that they were * not to be cut,' and
must be returned by five o'clock the next morning.
It was no small task to copy the several columns
which were put in type that night — but it was done,
and before the appointed hour we returned the
papers."
On Monday the Commercial Advertiser said :
"In the course of an hour the heart-cheering
intelligence was probably known to every individual
in the city. A great portion of the houses were
illuminated ; cannon were fired from the forts ; the
bells of Trinity were chimed. The principal streets
(notwithstanding the severity of the weather, ac-
companied with a slight fall of snow) were thronged
with citizens of both sexes, and huzzas for the
return of peace were echoed and re-echoed through-
out our city from eight o'clock until midnight."
On Sunday forenoon, 12th, the Commercial
Advertiser issued an extra on half sheet, printed
only on one side, announcing the arrival of the
treaty, and contained ailiicles from London news-
papers up to December 31st, which were loaned to
the Advertiser by some of those that arrived on the
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460 '*PST/m PARLEY'S'* EXPERIENCE
Favorite. The extra was republished in Monday's
issue.
The Columbian on Monday, 13th, said :
'*0n Saturday evening the actual and sudden
reception of a ratified treaty from England threw
the city almost into an universal convulsion of joy ;
and the ringing of bells, firing of guns, illumina-
tions, music, and eveiy demonstration of gladness,
welcomed the grateful information. All parties,
classes and conditions joined in the joyful enthusi-
asm, and greeted the harbinger of peace and pros-
perity to the country." *
Mr. S. G. Goodrich, in his '^ Recollections of a
Lifetime," thus describes what he then saw and
experienced :
'*It was about eight o'clock on Saturday evening
that the tidings circulated through the city. I had
gone in the evening to a concert at the City Hotel.
While listening to the music there was a murmur in
the streets. Soon the door of the concert room was
thown open, and in rushed a man all breathless with
excitement. He mounted on a table, and, swing-
ing a white handkerchief aloft, cried out, ' Peace !
Peace ! Peace ! ' The music ceased ; the hall was
speedily vacated. I rushed into the street, and oh,
what a scene I Broadway was one living sea of
* There were then six dnily newspapers printed in tlie city.
Tlie National Advocate, Henry Wlieaton. editor ; tlie Qaxette and
General AdveriUer^ Jolin Lung, editor ; tbe Mercantile Advertiser,
John Crookes. editor, wtre morning pjipei*8. TIk* evening pHpirs
were : Evening Poet, William Oi^emHn, editor : Columbian^ Cliarlea
Holt, editor ; Commercial Advtrtin^r, Zticlniriuli Lewis, editor. Ko
Sunday papers were issued in tliese dny^.
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AT THAT TIME. 461
shouting, rejoicing people. Peace ! Peace ! Peace !
was the deep, harmonious, universal anthem. The
whole spectacle was enlivened by a sudden inspira-
tion. Somebody came with a torch ; the bright
idea passed into a thousand brains. In a few min-
utes thousands and tens of thousands of peo])]e
were marching about with candles, lamps, torches,
making the jubilant street appear like a gay and
gorgeous procession. The whole night Broadway
sang its song of peace. We were all Democrats, all
Federalists ; old enemies rushed into each other's
arms ; every house was in a revel; eveiy heart
seemed melted by a joy which banished all evil
thought and feeling.
'^ Nobody asked, that happy night, what were the
terms of the treaty ; we had got peace — that was
enough ! I moved about for hours in the ebbing and
flowing tide of people, not being aware that I had
opened my lips. The next morning I found that I
was hoarse from having joined in the exulting cry
of Peace ! Peace ! The next day, Sunday, all the
churches sent up hymns of thanksgiving for the
joyous tidings."
The concert alluded to by Mr. Goodrich was Miss
Dellinger's concert and ball at the assembly rooms
of the City Hotel. It was in progress when the
news arrived. The leader of the orchestra was Mr.
Gilfest. Mr. Biert was manager of the ball. The
concert commenced at half-past six o'clock. The
ball was to take place after the concert.
Some of the songs were : '* Death of Lawrence,"
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462 EXPRESS TO QOVBRNOR TOMPKINS.
'^ Columbia's Soil,'- ''With WeU-earned Laurels/'
etc. Miss Dellinger was the chief singer.
The ball was to *' take place after the concert was
over." It is almost needless to add that it did not
take place that night ; the news of peace and the out-
side commotion and revelry prevented any inclina-
tion in that direction.
At that time all places of business were kept open
until nine o'clock each evening, and all mechanics
and indoor workmen worked evenings until nine
o'clock, excepting Saturday evenings (ante, Vol. I.,
p. 35). On that evening they all proceeded to the
streets to see and learn all about the good news.
The following news item was at once dispatched
to many of the large cities :
''New York, February 11, 1815.— The British
sloop-of - war Favorite^ James A. Maude, commander,
arrived in New York this evening under flag of truce,
and Mr. Henry Carroll, one of the secretaries to our
ministers at Ghent, and Mr. A. St. J. Baker, sec-
retary to the British legation to the United States.
Mr. Carroll has the treaty of peace concluded and
signed by the British commissioners at Ghent on the
24th December, and the latter, with the same rati-
fied by the Prince Regent, and which, when ap-
proved by the President and United States Senate,
will be effectual, and is to be immediately communi-
cated by Mr. Baker to the British fleet and armies."
A special express on horseback was at once dis-
patched to inform Governor Tompkins at Albany of
the news. The expenses of this express were paid
by Mr. Jacob Barker. The Governor received the
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ACTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL, 463
news on the 13th, but awaited the ratification of
the treaty by the authorities at Washington before
further action.
A horseback express, carrying the news of the
treaty, was sent to Boston at the ex|)en8e.of Mr. J.
Goodhue, of New York, at a cost of $225, which
was immediately repaid to Mr. Goodhue by sub-
scription there. The express arrived in Boston on
Tuesday morning, 14th.
The Common Council met on the 13th and made
the following official announcement :
'*The Common Council, in common with their
fellow citizens, appreciating the important bless-
ings which will result to our country from the res-
toration of peace, and sincerely congratulating them
on the auspicious intelligence which has been re-
ceived on that subject, inform them that arrange-
ments have been made for suitable demonstrations
of joy whenever intelligence of the ratification of
the treaty shall be received, and particularly that
due notice of a time for a general illumination of
the city will be given. They also suggest that any
partial exhibition of joy is incompatible with the
solemnity of the occasion, and may produce irregu-
larity and disorder. They further inform their fel-
low citizens that a committee of the board have
been appointed to superintend the requisite arrange-
ments."
Aldermen George Buckmaster, A. H. Lawrence
and Peter Mesier were appointed such committee.
The two latter were Federalists and were on the
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464 PBEPARATI0N8 FOR A CBLEBRATION.
Oommittee of Defence* Alderman Buckmaster was
a Democrat.
The Favorite came past Sandy Hook on Monday
and anchored in the lower bay, and proceeded to
make some n^essary repairs preparatory to her
return to England.
A movement was set on foot by many organiza-
tions and associations to have a dinner in honor of
the event. It was said by some of the newspapers
that Tammany Society and the Washington Benev-
olent Society and other organizations should do this.
The following announcement was made by some
of the most prominent FederaUsts :
** Those gentlemen who are disposed to attend a
public dinner in celebration of the return of Peace, to
be given at Washington Hall on Wednesday, the 22d
February, the birthday of Washington, the founder
of the liberties of our country, are requested to call
on either of the undersigned committee for tickets.
'' Isaac Sebring, Fwup Hone,
Aug. H. Lawrence, Dominick Lynch, Jr.,
John A. King, Geo. Brinkerhoff,
Jonathan Goodhue, Wm. Neilson, Jr.
''Dinner will be on the table at three o'clock.''
The 22d was the anniversary of the Washington
Benevolent Society and the day for annually install-
ing its oflScers.
When General Boyd, at Utica, heard of the news
of peace he at once hastened to New York, and
arrived there oi the 16th and resumed command on
the 17th. Colonel Bogardus then resumed his com-
mand on Long Island.
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yfESSAQE TO BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 465
New York, February 18th, 1815.
Yesterday Brigadier-General Boyd, the command-
ing officer at New York, received a letter from James
Monroe, the Secretary of War, announcing that the
President had received and examined the treaty
lately concluded at Ghent, and that there was no
doubt i«. would be ratified, and directed him to give
notice of the fact to the commander of the British
squadron off New York. General Boyd immediately
wrote to the British officer commanding, and en-
closed a copy of Mr. Monroe's letter. These letters
were taken down to the squadron off Sandy Hook
by Major Spencer in the revenue cutter commanded
by Captain Brewster.
The following is a copy of the letter and the
enclosure.
*' Headquarters, 3d Military District,
'^New York, Feb'y 17th, 1815.
'*Sir: — I have the honor to transmit to you, by
Major Spencer of the U. S. army, a copy of a letter
I have this morning received from the honorable
James Monroe, Secretary of War, to congratulate
you on the return of peace between Great Britain
and the U. S., and to offer you such refreshments
as your ships may require.
''I have the honor to be, with much respect, sir,
your most obedient and humble servant,
*'J. P, Boyd,
'* Brig. -Gen. Commanding 3d Military Dist.
'* Officer commanding his Britannic Majesty's ships
of war off New York."
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466 WAITING FOR TfffC TREATY.
'* Department op War.
'' Washington, Feb'y 14th, 1815.
" Sir :— It is with great satisfaction that I have
to inform you that a treaty of peace was concluded
between the U. S. and Great Britain at Ghent on the
24th December last.
** A copy of this treaty was received to-day by Mr.
Carroll. It has been examined by the President
and will (I have no doubt) be ratified.
" I give you this information that hostilities may
cease immediately between our troops and those of
Great Britain.
*'It will be proper for you to notify this to the
British commander in your vicinity.
'^I have the honor to be respectfully, your most
obedient servant,
''James Monroe.
*' To the Officer Commanding at New York."
Major Spencer cruised outside Sandy Hook, look-
ing for some British vessel to whom he could deliver
the papers. His search proved fruitless, and he
returned to the city without delivering his message.
A few days after this Captain Brewster, of the
United States revenue cutter Active^ went in search
of the blockading squadron to offer them supplies,
but returned on the 20th without seeing anything
of them.
The pubUc were still ignorant of the terms of the
treaty, and must wait until it was placed beforo
the world by the constituted authorities.
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CHAPTER Lin.
The Treaty and President's Froclamation Airives^Newspaper En-
terprise—Common Council Designates 22d February for the
Celebration— Political Prejudices Prevail— Washington Benevo-
lent Society Dinner and Toasts — City Celebration Postponed—
Celebration to the Suburbs— Military Cellsbration— Governor
Tompkins' Announcement to the Militia-rrCommodore Decatur;
is Paroled— Grand Celebration Expected.
["T was desirable that the ratified treaty and its-,
contents should be before the people as soon.
as possible. Fonr of the city papers, the Com-
mercial Advertiser y the Oazette, the Evening
Post and the Mercantile Advertiser agreed \f> share,
the expense of a special express from Washhigton
with the treaty, and jointly put it in type, and to.
issue it at sanie hour, by carriers from each office.
It was not expected to arrive on a Sunday, how-
ever.
The treaty was laid before the United States Sen-
ate by the President on the 16th, in the afternoon,
in secret session. It was ratified and returned to.
the President for his signature on Friday, 17th.
The injunction of secrecy of its contents was re-
moved about four o'clock on Saturday, and the
treaty was published in the afternoon in the Na-'
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468 TREATY PUBLiaUED.
ifonal Intelligencer^ with the President's proclama-
tion of that date announcing it.
The special express for New York started at Wash-
ington with the ratified treaty, and the President's
proclamation announcing it, at twenty -one minutes
past six o'clock on Saturday evening, 18th, and it
was dolivei^d to the editor of the Commercial Ad-
vertiserj in Broad street, New York, at 12:30 o'clock
on Sunday afternoon.
The news of the ratification and arriYal of the
treaty was soon known all over the city.
The city church bells were rung from half-past
one until three o'clock by order of the Mayor, and
flags were hoisted on the public buildings.
The newspapers hastily summoned their men and
set them at work to have the news issued as so<m
as practicable.
There were no steam printing preeees in those
days. The hand press, printing off only one side of
a newspaper at a time, seems alow to us, but the
city circulation of each newspaper was small at that
time ; probably none exceeded two thousand on the
most extraordinary occaidon, but it would take four
or five hours to ^^ work off " such a numb^ in that
manner.
The extras of the four newspapers containing the
treaty and proclamation were issued Sunday even-
ing by the four newspapers as agreed and was sold
at twenty-five cents each. It was republished by
all the papers on Monday.
On Monday, the 20th, in the afternoon, the Com-
mon Council met and the committee appointed to
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ACTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL. 469
report suitable public demoustratious of joj at the
restoration of peace reported the following, which
was unaminou^y adopted :
^^The Common Council, participating with the
feeling of their foUow-citi^ns on the restoratioik of
the blessings oipeoet to our coontrj ; and desirouA
that the public expression of joy on this amapickm^
event should be uniform, recoimnexid timt in cele-
bration thereof a geimral illumination of all in-
habited dwellings take place on Wednesday next,
the 32d instant.
^^ The committee, o» the part of the Conomon
Council, have directed the City HaU to be iUumi-
oated, aiid have ordered several appropriate transpar-
encies to be prepared for that building. They have
also ordered a handsome display of fireworks to bo
got up, and to be exhibited in f rooit of the Gk>vem-
ment House at Bowhng Qreen.
^'They further recommmid that the fls^s from
the forts and from the vessels in the harbor be db-
pla3red during the day. That a salute be fired at
noon under the directimi of the commanding officer
of artillery, and that the bells of the city be rung at
that time for the space of one hour.
^ ' That the illumination commence at seven o'clock
in the evening, and continue until ten o'clock,
when the lights are to be extinguished. The signal
for the illumination to be three guns fired in suc-
cession from the Batt«y and Arsenal, and the
flight of three rockets.
^^ That no horses or carriages appear in any part
of the streets of the city south of the Hna of Cham-
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470 RSQULATING THE CBLBBRATION.
ber street between the hours of seven and ten
o'clock of that evening.
*' And, as many of our most worthy fellow citi-
zens from religious scruples, from sickness and
other causes cannot conveniently unite with thdr
fellow citizens in testifying their joy on this occa-
sion by illumination, the corporation earnestly rec-
ommend that no violation of the rights of individ-
uals take place in consequence of any omission to
join in such illumination. And they further giv4
notice that they have taken the most eflfic^cioUA
measures to praiish :any violations of the public
peslce. That the peacie oflficers and city watch be
directed to assemble at the Hall at six o*clock, where
they will receive instructions as to the duties re^
quired of theni.
'^ And it having been suggested by a number of
the reverend the clei^ of this city that this event
is one- of thoisfe interpositions of Providence Avhich
calls for national gratitude and thanksgiving, and
that it would be highly agreeable to them that it
should be recommended by the Common Council to
the citizens to attend divine service on that day, it
is, therefore, recommended that the citizens of this
place assemble in their respective churches on that
day at the usual hour of morning service, there to
oflEer up to the Great Ruler of nations their sincere
thanksgivings for the restoration (rf peace td our
country, and humbly to implore His blessings upon
it.
^' To prevent jostling and confusion the commit-
tee request that all persons passing through the
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ABTILLEll T SAL UTE8. 471
streets on the evening of the illumination will k^ep
on their right-hand side of the way, and to prevent
as much as possible every accident. They further
notify that every trespass in throwing among the
crowd or elsewhere on that evening any squibs,
crackers or other combustibles, will be strictly no-
ticed and severely punished." *
Majot-Gteneral Stevens issued division orders that
a Rational, salute be fired at the battery by the fiMd
artillery on the 2ist. Gteiieral Morton issuecj the
following order on the morning of that day :
'/First Brigade New York State ARTiHiSRY.J
*' Brigade Orders.
'' New York^ Februaiy 21, 1815., '
./* In compliance, of division orders a.naiiong^l pa-,
lute will be fired at the battery this^ day at twelve^
o'clock in celebration of the ttfeafcy ' Of pedce cons-*
eluded between the United State^ ^pd Great Britain/
For this purpose the Third Regiment will furnish a
detachment with eight pieces of cannon. They vdll
be Under command of Major* Hunter. • '
** P. S.— Major Hunter will direct the firing of
three cannon at seven o'clock p.m of that day (22d),.
and the discharge of three rockets at the battery
and State arsenal as signals for the commencement
of the illumination.
'* By order of 6rig.-Gen.
'* Jacob Morton.".
The first meeting held was that by the Hamilton
Society, held at Washington Hall on the evening of
the 21st to celebrate the peace. The exercises com •
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472 HAMILTOS SOCIiCTT CKLRHBATKS.
meoced at half -past eight o'clock. It conaiBted of
mnsic; thea prajer by Rev. Mr. Clark; music;
rmding of extract from Washington's Farewell Ad*
dresa by Mr. Tobias U. Gkttes ; music ; oration by
Jamas W. Gterard;* music.
Memben of Washington Ben^rolent Society were
* Jambs W. Gbbabd was gndvited i%t Cohimliift is claift of ISt U
was adsUtted to lbs bar as aa attoriMiy ia 1S14, aiid at a coiiasf4l4>r.
al-law in 1816. He read law in Gaorga Oifflo's office, an emiiieot
lawyer at that time in New York. He served io tbe "Iron Greys *^
hi the Ml of 1814 ia diffenoe of New Tork elty, and was tlie kmifer
of the call for tbe jott^et mtmbeM of the bar toTolmteer work oa
the defeooes in Brooklyn, in the aummer of 1814, and worked in tbe
trendies with them. Was one of tbe most eminent and snccessful
Jary lawyers for more than Af^ years. Was a local phllanihnipist
for the young. Founded the House of Refuge, and had much to do
with the public schools of the city. Since 1867 hsd given silver
medals to tbe two boys and twv gh-Is in each of tbe highest grammar
askoot eksses hi hia taspeeliaa disirkty wbtoh eomprised siventt of
tbe largssl psUie sohooU in the eity. In his will he ma«ie these
priaes a perpetuity. He retired from the practice at the bar in 1868.
A pubHo dinner was given him by the bs^ in January, 1869. Died
f^bmary 7, 1874.
The fioaod of BdhMsttftn adopted resolutions of respecS aid reoona-
mended that the day of his funeral^ between the houia of 10 and
U A^u^ be observed by such memorial services and appro)>riaie
exercises as the trustees and principals might provide. Tlie B«)ard
of Bducation attended his funeral at Calvary Protestant Episcopnf
Gkoreb in a body, and suuiy of the schools were represented by
dhikken with floral ofCertags, that were afl!ectionately plaeed upon
the coffin by them.
At the memorial meeting of the bar William M. Evarts concluded
his address as follows : ** From Homer*s times until now, cheers and
feasts in a Rfor tears and funeral trains after their death, are all that
human nature can furnish as testimony of iu regard. And tho>e
who have attended the genial course of Mr. Gerard until death struck
him at last, and tfien at tbe touching scene at tlie funeral, will see
tkfll he hat miasad no form of popular affection aad regard."
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POLITICAL FBELIN08 AB0U8ED, 473
myited ta attend. The meeting was well atttended
and was regarded with satisfaction.
In the erening Handel's Oratorio of the Creation
was giren in Dr. Romeyn's church, in Cedar street,
hy the Handelian Society of New York, with the
assistanjoe of the Eatecpean and St. Cecilia Societies.
It was requested that all carriages and sleighs enter
Cedar street from Broadway in going to the church,
and aft^ the p^orraance to^ enter Cedar street
from WiUiam s^:eet> and in leaving the church if^
drire towaard Broadway.
When the terms of the treatT* were before the
people the FederaUsts began to rejoice and boast
that the war had been a failure and was now pt*OTed
to have been meedlees ; that nothing had been ^uned
by it ; that none of the objects for which it had been
commenced had been obtained ; that the questions
in dispute between the two countries had not been
mentioned in tiae treaty ; that the only conceseion
by Great Britain was to return to the United States
the territory which she had taken possession of in
the war.
Much dissatisfaction was now expressed because
the Common Council appomted the 22d February as
the day for the celebration. It was on that anni-
yersary that the Federalists always r^brated, and
the Washington Benevolent Society had appointed,
as usual, a dinner for that day without knowing
the terms of the treaty. Many refused to honor
that day in celebrating the peace. On the other
hand, many were determined to celetoite it on that
day. Popular feeling was so strong against the
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474 CBLBDRATION P08TP0NKD.
day that the Common Council was glad of an
excuse for postponement. It had been designated
by them as an appropriate day without any knowl-
edge of the terms of the treaty or any thought of
awakening partisan feeling.
The fore part of the 22d was stormy. The com-
mittee of arrangements issued a notice at ope o'clock
on the 22d, which was published in some of the
afternoon papers, **that in consequence of the
severity of the storm it is impossible to exhibit the
fireworks at the Bowling Qreen, or any of the»
transparencies intended to be placed in front of the
City Hall this evening without having them irame^'
diately destroyed. They therefore, respectfully^
request that all illuminations intended for this even-
ing be suspended, and inform them that the public
exhibition will take place on Monday evening next,^
if the weather will permit, of which due notice will^
b6 given by the ringing of the bells at eight o'clock
in the morning. '^
The Protestant Episcopal churches in the city
held service at the usual hour of morning prayer in
accordance with the recommendation of the Com-
mon Council on the 22d.
In consequence of the storm the Washington
Benevolent Society dispensed with their usual street
parade on that anniversary. Ihey assembled at
Washington Hall at nine o'clock. The band played
Washington's March. Prayer was offered by Rev.
Mr. Rowan, and at ten o'clock the society proceeded
in the usual manner to instal its officers. First Vice-
President Zachariah Lewis delivered an extempora-
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WA8HIN0T0N SOCIBTT DINJSEH. 475
neous address to the audience. The oration was by-
Henry S. Dodge, Esq.
The reading of Washington's Farewell Address
was omitted, because of the length of the proceed-
ings.
The music was by the Macedonian band.
The members of the Hamilton Society were
invited to attend. The wearing of their badge was
sufficient to admit them to the hall.
The officers installed were elected on February
1st for the ensuing year, as follows : Isaac Sebring,
president ; Zachariah Lewis, first vice-president ;
David B. Ogden, second vice-president; Leonard
Fisher, treasurer ; James B. Murray, secretary ;
Anthony Woodward, assistant secretary ; John P.
Groshon, John Baker, Charles Stewart and Lewis
Hartman, standing committee ; Isaac M. Ely and
Robert Sedgwick, counsellors ; William Stillwell
and Casper W. Eddy, physicians.
In the afternoon the storm cleared away and
some Federalists issued a burlesque notice contra to
that of the Common Council, that the storm had been
postponed and the il'umination would take place.
It was of great satisfaction to some that the storm
was so severe that it prevented the usual street
parade of the Washington Benevolent Society.
The dinner took place at three o'clock and was
well attended. Gten. Matthew Clarkson presided,
supported by Amasa Jackson and William Hender-
son, Esqs., as vice-presidents.
The following toasts were drunk :
1. Peace— In tlie enjoyment of its blessings may
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476 WASniNOTON SOCIETY T0A8T8.
the American people never £(»rgetthe sufferings and
privations of war.
2. The Memory of Washington — Revered by the
just, honored by the brave and consecrated in the
affections of every friend to liis country.
3. The Navy — It has enlightened its opposers in
the blaze of its glory.
4. The Army — It has torn laurels from the brows
of conqueroi's.
5. The Memory of Hamilton — The gallant soldier,
the profound statesman, the incorruptible patriot.
♦;. The President of the United Staies.
7. The Governor of the State of Netv York.
8. Perry and Macdonough— The heroes of the
lakes, by theii* gallantry they conquered, by their
humanity they triumphed.
9 The Treaty — The seal of peace, may its dura-
tion be commensurate with its price.
10. Commerce — We hail the return of the ** Oolden
days of its prosperity."
U. The People of America — Faithful to them-
selves, formidable to invadei-s.
12. The Nations of the World Relieved From An-
archy and Tyranny — May they long enjoy the bless-
ings of national liberty.
13. General Jackson — The defender of the South,
his wisdom in council and energy in action have
erected to American valor an imperishable monu-
ment of fame.
VOLUNTEER TOASTS,
By General Clarkson— The people of America and
Great Britain, may they learn to know and to love
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WASHINGTON SOCIETY TOASTS, 477
each other and henceforth strive to multiply the
blessings and not the miseries of mankind.
By His Honor the Mayor — As Httle political con-
nection and as much beneficial commerce as possible
with foreign nations the true policy of America.
By Rev. Dr. Mason — The two late belligerents ;
no more family quarrels.
By Amasa Jackson^ Esq. (after the Mayor had
i^etired)— The Mayor of the City of New York.
By William Henderson^ Esq. — The seamen of the
United States, freed from the bonds of the restrict-
ive system of visionary statesmen ; may they never
be fettered again by non-intercourse, embargo, or
enforcing laws.
By Isaac Sebringy Esq. — Our Navy ;may the can-
non of Independence soon proclaim to the barbari-
ans of Algiei's the watchword of our Constitu-
tion, *^ Millions for defence, not a cent for tribute."
By Mr. Brinkerhoff (after the President had re-
tired)— Our worthy President, General Clarkson, the
distinguished merchant and the accomplished gen-
tleman.
The toasts were interspei-sed by music rendered
by the band of the Macedonian.
The Columbian of the 23d gives the following ac-
count of that day and evening :
'*The illumination intended for last evening was
postponed until Monday next by the committee of
arrangements on account of the snowstorm, which
prevented the completion of the preparations for
transparencies and fireworks making by order of the
Common Council. At sunset, however, the storm
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478 CITT CELEBRATION POSTPONED,
(according to a handbill issued on the occasion) was
postponed until Monday on account of the celebi-a-
tion ; and a pleasant evening and the readiness and
desire of the citizens generally to enjoy and finish
the scene induced a commencement of the illumina-
tion at seven o'clock, and the example was followed
until nearly half the houses in the Second, Third,
Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Wards were brightened
with a lustre that almost eclipsed the flood of light
from the unclouded rays of the fuU-orbed moon.
Much taste, labor and genius were displayed in dif-
ferent streets, but we have not the means and will
not attempt to give a particular account of all that
attracted attention.
"Transparencies, emblematic devices, inscrip
tions and mottoes, pacific, sentimental, amicable,
commercial and patriotic, were exhibited in differ-
ent places, the most conspicuous of which were at
the theatre, Washington Hall, Coleman's, Hodgkin-
son's and Wells' taverns, at Parkhurst's, the den-
tist, in Liberty street, whose front was covered with
the eflfusions of genius; Crochran's, carver and gilder,
in Maiden Lane ; Bloodgood & Lawrence's livery
stable in John street ; Childs, the painter, in Water
street, and perhaps some others not recollected.
Turcot, the upholsterer, displayed the most elegance
and taste of a private family. Some large and high
buildings glittered both in front and rear, and sev-
eral uniform ranges made a splendid and beautiful
appearance.
"The streets were thronged with people, a great,
number from the country, and the evening closed
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SUBURBS CELEBRATE. 479
in general good humor without material accident or
disturbance."
The celebration in the outer suburbs had previ-
ously taken place.
Jersey City was splendidly illuminated on the
evening of the 20th, and a federal salute fired from
field pieces.
Brooklyn was handsomely illuminated on the
evening of the 21st, as also Governor's Island and
around to Williamsburg. The houses on Brooklyn
Heights exhibited a romantic and picturesque ap-
pearance, and a row of bonfires on Governor's Isl-
and, with music from the garrison and rockets from
Castle Williams, had a pleasing effect.
Hoboken was also handsomely illuminated on the
21st.
The Favorite sailed from New York for Ports-
mouth, England, about one o'clock a.m. on the 23d
with the ratified treaty.
The news of the ratification of the treaty was
conveyed to Governor Tompkins, which he received
on 19th February, in the evening. He immediately
directed that an order be issued to the men under
his command, which was accordingly done on the
morning of February 20th, as follows :
*' Adjutant-General's Office, Military District,
''New York, 20th Feby, 1815.
" General Orders.
''The commanding General has the honor to an-
nounce to the troops of the 3d Military District that
a treaty of Peace between the U. S. of America and
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480 MILITARY CELEBRATION.
Great Britain was ratified at Washington on the
17th inst.
*'In consequence of this important event the
troops will parade on the 25th inst. at 11 o'clock,
and a national salute will be fired, to commence at
12 o'clock, from Governor's Island, and followed in
succession from Bedlow's, the West Battery, Fort
Richmond, Port Diamond, Port Green, Port Stevens,
and the lines at Harlem. When the firing ceases
at the Narrows the salute wiU commence at Port
Gates, Sandy Hook.
*'The salutes from the Ports will be followed by
a/ew dejoie from the infantry under arms. An ex-
tra ration of liquor will be issued to the troop to
drink the glorious termination of an honorable war.
**By command,
*'Thos. Chrystie,
^'Asnt. Adj.-Gen.^'
Garrison orders were issued accordingly: The
following is a copy of the order issued by the gar-
rison on Governor's Island, which was regarded as
the most important and leading military quarters
of the regular United States army in the Third
Military District :
^^ Garrison Orders.
*'PoRT Columbus, Peby 25, 1815.
**This day being appointed by the commanding
general of the Third Military District for the cele-
bration of the glorious termination of the war, the
day will be passed by the troops of this garrison
who are not on duty in festivity and rejoicing, and
in the evening an illumination of the oflScers'
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QOVERNOR TOMPKINS' ADDRB88. 481
quarters and barracks occupied by the troops and
the guard house will take place, to commence at
dusk and to continue until nine o'clock, when the
lights will be extinguished.
" The joy which every patriotic heart must feel
on this occasion, it is hoped, will bef tempered with
decorum and sobriety.^ The officer of the day will
be particularly attentive in preventing any accident
by fire in consequence of the illumination.
*' At half past 7 o'clock in the evening 18 rockets
will be discharged from the Castle under the direc-
tion of the Artillery Quarter Master.
''By order."
Governor Tompkins issued the following order to
the militia of the State :
"State op New York.
^^Oeneral Orders.
'' Head Quarters, Albany, 22 February, 1815.
'' The Commander in chief announces, with the
most heartfelt satisfaction, to the militia of the State
of New York, the ratification of a treaty of peace
between the United States and Great Britain. In
congratulating them on this auspicious event he
cannot withold an expression of his praise and grati-
tude, for the promptitude and fideUty with which
they have on all occasions obeyed those various
calls of service in defence of the State, which its
safety compelled him to make. While he applauds
their soldier-hke deportment in arms and their forti-
tude, which they have evinced under the suffer-
ings and privations of war, he cannot but hope
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482 GREAT CELEBRATION EXPECTED.
that the accomplishment of an honorable peace, the
smiles of an approving conscience and the gratitude
of a virtuous and patriotic people will be regarded by
them as an ample reward for their many sacrifices.
" The Commander in chief is especially charged
by the PresideAt of the United States to convey to
the Militia of this State his^ thanks for the patrio-
tism, zeal and perseverance so eminently displayed
by them in defence of the rights of their country.
** By OixJer of the Commander in chief.
*'SoLO. Van Rensselaer,
*' Adjutant General."
Commodore Decatur, at Bermuda, on February
3d received a parole for his return to the United
States. He arrived at New London on 22d Feb-
ruary on British frigate Narcissus in fourteen days
from Bermuda, and then learned of the treaty of
peace.
Robert Fulton's funeral took place in New York
on February 25th.
The enthusiasm for a great celebration had
reached a very high degree, and it was claimed that
it was much better to have the time extended so
that individuals as well as the city authorities could
show their feelings and make more extensive prepa-
tions for it than could be possible in a few days.
The postponement until the 27th was welcomed by
all, and elaborate preparations were designed for the
occasion.
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CHAPTER LIV,
City Celebration of Peace— Public and Private Illuminations — Grand
Display of Fireworks — Statements of Eye Witnesses — Trans-
parencies Emblematic, Allegorical and Patriotic—Tbose at City
Hall— Fireworks at tbe Government House — Transparencies and
Paintings Upon All Kinds of Buildings, Public and Private.
ON Monday, the 27th, early in the morning, the
weather prospects seeming favorable, the
church bells rang the signal at eight o'clock
to prepare for the celebration in the evening as had
been announced.
There was considerable snow on the ground, but
the weather had so moderated by noon that it was
not cold. A thaw had made the streets sloppy and
wet, and they might be icy in the evening. *
The Committee of Arrangements issued the fol-
lowing order in the forenoon :
"To render the walking as comfortable as possi-
ble to the citizens who may be disposed to view the
exhibition of the evening, it is requested that early
and punctual jtttention be observed in clearing of
the walks and gutters. And, also, to give as much
brilliancy as possible to the fireworks, it is re-
quested that the lights in the neighborhood of the
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484 TRAN8PARBNCIE8 ON CITY HALL.
Government House be extinguished about nine
o'clock."
The transparencies were placed in position during
the afternoon, and preparations were completed for
illuminating windows by wax candles. As the
darkness of evening approached and seven o'clock
drew near, the inhabitants stood ready with wax
tapers in hand (there were no friction matches in
those days) to begin the illumination when the signal
was given. At seven o'clock precisely three guns
were alternately fired at Battery Park and at the
State arsenal, corner White and Elm streets, by a
detachment from Second Regiment under Major
Hunter, and three rockets were sent up, and the
illumination commenced.
The celebration was confined to illuminations and
transparencies until nine o'clock.
Those at City Hall^ from every point of view,
were the most conspicuous. From Chatham sti^eet
you saw a transparency of the American eagle
proudly bearing in one talon the thunderbolts
of war, in the other the olive branch of peace. A
similar transparency was seen as you approached
the building from Murray street. In the front each
wing was adorned by a large transparency: one repre-
senting Columbia and Britannia uniting their hands
in friendship, behind them the colors of the two
nations crossed in peace, and borne by the seamen
of the respective countries, holding a scroll con-
jointly, with the following inscription : '* Rejoice!
Rejoice I ! Rejoice ! I ! Bury in oblivion all past ani-
mosities^ and as citizens of the world at large let
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TRANSPARENCIES ON CITY HALL, 485
concord be the universal sentiment." Above was
seen the dove descending with the olive branch
from a bright sky, while clouds rolled away from
the harbinger of peace. On the other wing was a
representation of the Temple of Concord, at the
portal of which stood Minerva, who received Litera-
ture and the Arts, pointing to the Temple, in which
stood the figure of Fame, in her hand a trumpet,
from which was suspended a scroll with the motto :
*' Peace ! Peace I ! Peace ! ! I With Commerce un-
fettered. Industry encouraged, and the Arts revived
— may both nations be ever prosperous.'* Behind
was a sailor waving the flag of the United States
over bales and barrels of merchandise. Each of
these pictures was surmounted by smalls pictures,
indicative of agriculture and art.
The body of the building was adorned by a very
large transparency, in the center of which appeared
the genius of America crowned with laurels, seated
on clouds and resting on the globe ; in her right
hand she displayed the signal of peace, with her left
she pointed to the words ** United States" on the
globe ; behind her is thrown the trophies of war ;
her sword, shield and helmet are b^ide her. At
the lifting of the olive branch the god of commerce,
Mercury, springs forward to visit foreign cUmes.
The genius of Plenty pours from the cornucopia
riches and abundance at the feet of America. On
the highest part of the centre of the hall was an
elegant transparency representing the city coat-of-
arms.
The whole of these paintings were executed by
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480 FIRB WORKS AT
Messrs. Holland, Smith, Robertson and Dunlap in
five days, and were ready at noon on the 22d.
The Columbian said of it : '' The City Hall pre-
sented a complete fabric of paintings and illumina-
tion, and appeared a perfect edifice of living light
from the foundation to the roof of the cupolas, the
revolving lamps having a beautiful effect, and the
whole seeming more like the magical palace of an
Eastern romance than the real production of the
mechanical and fine arts. The figures and devices
of the transparencies 'were classical, patriotic, sig-
nificant and appropriate."
There were no fireworks at City Hall.
Oovernment Housej at foot of Broadway, opposite
Bowling Green. In front was a stage one hundred
feet long, the rear representing the Temple of
Peace, on the cornices of which were seven trans-
parencies, with mottoes : Union, Hope, Charity, Am-
ity, Commerce, Peace, Huzza ! Huzza ! Huzza ! The
temple was one hundred feet front and thirty feet
high, representing a perspective view, in the centre
of which was the Seat of Peace, composed of four
large brilliant columns, entwined with garlands and
gildings, on the top of which were four vases, hand-
somely gilt, and full of garlands of flowers. In the
centre of the Seat of Peace was seen the motto
** Temple of Peace, '^ with two branches of olive
fastened together. On the top was placed the figure
of Fame, holding in one hand a trumpet, with the
motto *' Peace," and bearing with the other a branch
of olive, with the motto '^ Happy News ; " under its
feet an eagle, holding a branch of olive encircled
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QOVEUNMBNT HOWE. 487
with a trophy in his beak, with two garlands o£
roses without thorns.
The stage was surrounded by forty columns, four
feet high, in which was placed a balustrade in fire-
works, consisting of pieces, when set on fire, repre-
sented the following : The first one set on fire was
at nine o'clock, and showed the motto, ^' 17th Febru-
ary— Peace — 1815," encircled with a glory in fire-
works of twenty feet diameter.
On the balustrade of the Temple, 120 feet in length
and ten feet in height, appeared the following al-
legorical representations, and were set oflE in turn :
The Joy of the Two Nations.
Two Caprices.
Two stands of colors brilliantly illuminated.
Ladies' Fancy.
Drum of Peace ; or. The Recall of the Army.
Caduceus of Mercury.
Rose of Cincinnati.
Wheel of Commerce.
Two wheels meeting.
Whirlwind over.
The Two Nations.
Blessings of Peace.
A country mill-wheel moving.
A cornet.
A fixed sun.
A screw revolving.
Wishes Accomplished.
Medal of merit.
Horizontal sun.
Brilliant sun.
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488 • J1REW0RK8,
Wheel representir^ letter A.
The Hemisphere in Joy.
Egyptian pyramid.
Chinese umbrella.
Joyful.
The Staj-s of America.
l>ouble sun.
Death and Life.
The EngUsh bouquet.
The American bouquet.
The Wheel of Fortune.
The Strength of Amity.
Feu de joie.
The whole was concluded by the illumination of
the Temple of Peace, composed of more than four
thousand brilliant lights.
Rockets were constantly flying during this ex-
hibition.
These works were got up under the superintend-
ence of Mr. Delacroix, of Vauxhall Garden, who, it
was said, on that night exceeded all his former ex-
hibitions.
Sky rockets were sent up from Bowling Green at
short intervals from seven o'clock until ten o'clock.
There were no other fireworks in any other part of
the city.
The windows of the houses and buildings were
illuminated by a lighted wax candle at each glass
that could be seen from the street.
It should be remembered that at that time Tam-
many Hall was kept as a hotel by Martling & Coz-
zens, and that Washington Hall was a h<^l kept
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TAMMANY HALL, 489
by P. Mclntyre. The name of each hotel was de-
rived from the society that had its meetings in the
assembly rooms of the hotel.
Washington Hall was handsomely illuminated
and adorned with the transparency annually ex-
hil ited on front of the building on 22d February.
This was a permanent transparent picture ex-
hibited in front of Washington Hall on the 22d, and
it was* left and used on the 27th. It had two side
pieces : one on the north was a female figure with
the olive branch and trumpet ; on the south Mercury
returning to Columbia.
Tammany Hall. Many large and beautiful ti*ans-
parencies. The heroic figure of Columbia advanc-
ing from between History and Fame, in the act of
bidding farewell to Mars, who, having deposited at
her feet the colors and shield of America, is just
mounting his chariot, at which the goddess Bel-
lona presides as charioteer, impatient to be gone
where her services may be wanted. Two ciipids
amusing themselves with the colors and shield,
when the eagle ahghts and joins in their gambols.
A genii surmounts Columbia, bearing the olive
and a crown of laurels, indicative of peace and
glory ; Neptune, leaving his element to survey the
group, being pleased with the present order of
things. The whole riding on the clouds in the face
of the rising sun, as an emblem of the growing
prosperity of our country. Over the large picture a
small one, representing an angel giving to the
American eagle the olive branch, and bearing a
trumpet, upon which was a scix)ll with the motto :
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490 OTHER PUBLIC BUILDINGS,
*• Americ?!, it is enough!
The iHureU thou hast gained
riave immortulized tliy name."
Park Theatre was decorated inside with the flags
of various nations. The front of the building was
brilliantly illuminated and an emblematic trans-
parency descriptive of the meeting of Columbia
and Britannia.
One of the three plays on that evening was **The
Festival of Peace ; or, Commerce Restored," writ-
ten by a gentleman of this city.
It was announced that, in consequence of the
celebration, the performance would commence at
eight o'clock.
Naval Panorama was brilliantly illuminated and
decorated in an appropriate manner. Two bands
of music.
Scudder's Museum was also illuminated and had
two bands of music.
New York Hospital was fully and very brilliantly
illuminated on all sides, from the cupola to the
ground windows.
City Hotel. A beautiful figure representing
Peace ; in her right hand an olive branch, in her
left a scroll with the words, ''Glory to God on
High ! on Earth Peace and Goodwill to Men ! "
Some shown at other taverns and hotels sur-
passed that in beauty and extensive design, but
none surpassed it in sentiment.
Shakespeare Tavern, kept by llodgkinson. Co-
lumbia and Britannia shaking hands, with the words
''Forgive and Forget," the oHve branch between.
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NEWSPAPER OFFICES DISPLAY. 491
The eagle partially covered by the United States
shield, the lion by the shield of Great Britain.
Above all the names of our commissioners, Adams,
Bayard, Gelatin, Clay, Russell. On each side
of Columbia and Britannia the flag of each nation
— ^beneath all the ¥rord '^ Peace."
The Shakespeare Tavern was on southwest comer
of Fulton and Nassau streets and was quite famous
at that time. The veteran corps of artillery usually •
had their holiday dinners there.
The newspaper offices, as well as the residences
of the editors, were illuminated by candles at the
windows, while some of them had also special trans-
parencies.
The banks and some of the most prominent insur-
ance companies had special transparencies as well
as candles at the windows. The many special trans-
parencies that were shown at the private residences
were numerous and costly.
John Jacob Astofs house on Broadway was illu-
minated with a variety of elegant transparencies
emblematic of the happy return of Peace. The
door represented the entrance of a temple ; right
and left were two elegant marble pillars decorated
with garlands of roses (painted) ; above, the word
Peace in large letters (of roses), under which was
eighteen stars, representing the States, forming an
arch in the centre ; above the pillars two large lamps
around which was entwined the United States flag.
On each side of the door two oval wreaths of laurel,
containing the names of American heroes. Imme-
diately over the entrance was the American eagle
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492 JOHN JACOB A8T0B*8 DISPLAY.
letting fall the sword, viewing with exultation the
word Peace which appears in the clouds. On one
side the goddess of Peace holding the treaty in one
hand, in the other a palm leaf. On the other side
the goddess of Plenty. Over the eagle the Ameri-
can shield, with the name of the President, *^ 17th
February, 1815," the day the treaty was signed,
encircled with branches of olive. On one side of
this were the names of Bayard, Adams, Gallatin,
Clay, Russell, the United States negotiators at
Ghent ; on the other the names of many of the
American heroes of the day.
Each side of the house was decorated with trans-
parencies of various colors.
The whole presented the most brilliant and strik-
ing appearance of any private residence in the city.
It was designed and arranged by Mr. Alexander
Gasselain.
In the gunsmith shop of Mr. Finch, in Green-
wich street, the inscriptions displayed by the rows
of muskets with lighted candles in their muzzles
was as follows :
** At leDgth the clang of arms is o*er,
War*s dread about is heard no more ;
Our hopes, our fears, our sorrows cease,
Each murmur hushed and all is peace I ''
Immediately back of the muskets was the fol-
lowing:
*• Lo ! War with rage and fury burneil,
Now Peace so mikl is conqueror turned,
Her magic wand displays such trieks,
£'en muskets changed to candlesticks."
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ORB AT COST TO THE CITY. 493
It was all over by half- past ten o'clock.
An account of the manner of illummation at that
time and the cost of it to the city is given in Vol. I. ,
p. 320, note.
The fireworks and decorations of the Government
House and the City Hall cost the city ten thousand
dollars, said the Advocate reprovingly.
It was stated that there were five thousand stran-
gers present in the city to view the display.
The windows of the almshouse and the Bridewell
and the debtors' prison were illilminated by candles
and showed that all joined in the feeling of glad-
ness at the peace.
The Evening lost said of the celebration :
'^Last evening this city, in celebration of the
long-desired peace, exhibited with uncommon splen-
dor the joyful appearance of an almost general illu-
mination. The streets, although extremely wet
under foot, were thronged with countless multi-
tudes of ladies and gentlemen and all sorts and
classes of people, without distinction, to gratify a
laudable curiosity to testify thfeir boundless joy at
the occasion and join in exclamations of admiration
and applause.
^*We would fain attempt a description of the
most striking emblematic devices which so splen-
didly adorned our public buildings, and the more
modest but not less beautiful embellishments which
here and there were so tastefully displayed in pri-
vate windows. But the means are not at hand to
enable us to do justice to either, and memory can
but supply a partial and imperfect recollection."
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494 Il-L FEELING SHOWN,
The celebration at Greenwich, that part of the
city near Christopher street, which could then only
be reached from the lower part of the city by cross-
ing a bridge over Canal street at Broadway, took
place on the evening of 28th. The Commercidl Ad-
vertiser said of it :
^'The illumination at Greenwich last night was
splendid, though not general. Hammond street is
considered to have displayed more iaste than any
other. Several elegant transparencies were exhib-
ited. The houses of Mr. Wilkes, Mr. Burral and
the Messrs. Gilbert were conspicuous.''
It all passed off without giving oflEence to anyone
excepting that by Dr. Mac Neven, who exhibited an
elegant transparency in which a Tennessee volun-
teer was introduced as a negotiator of peace. He
was represented on the glacis of a field work in
front of the camp near New Orleans, leaning on his
rifle and casting a piercing view over the field, as if
to be assured all was safe. At his feet lay two sol-
diere in scarlet uniform, supposed to have died with
the parole countersign, ^* Beauty and booty," upon
their lips. This gave great offence to the English-
men in New York, and they showed their f eeUng by
their grumbling in the city newspapers. Several of
the newspaper deprecated Dr. Mac Neven's action
and excused it by saying that he was not a native-
bom American.
The prevaiUng desire in all was to forgive and forget.
It was without doubt the grandest and most ex-
tensive illumination and celebration that has ever
occurred in America.
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CHAPTER LV.
'l>ftrms of the Treaty— Negotiations at Glient — Congress at Tienna —
European Diplomacy — Effect of tlie Treaty in Europe and
Ajnerioa-nOrigin of Monroe Doctrine— Last Hoetile Gun Fired
in tlie War— Last Capture at Sea— President's Address on Dis-
banding tbe Army— Dramatic Part by New Tork City in lUe
War— Concluding Remarks.
^HE treaty of peace and the further
papers of the negotiation of the treaty-
were laid before the Senate on Febru-
ary 15th. Up to this time no other
official papers relating to the subject
had been received from the American
commissioners since those that were
announced on December Ist, and the contents of
them had not yet been made public. The latest
negotiations that had been made public were down
to date of August 19th, and were publicly an-
nounced on October 10th.
The treaty and the negotiations that led to it were
considered by the Senate in secret session. When
it was ratified by the Senate and announced by the
President it was decided that the negotiations that
led to it should still be kept secret. They were not
made public until several years afterwards.
The terms of the treaty were agreed upon, and it
was signed in triplicate by the respective commis-
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496 TERMS OF THE TREATY.
sioners of the two nations, at Ghent, on 24th De-
cember, 1814, It was immediately forwarded to
London in the hands of Mr. Baker, secretary to
Lord Qambier, and Mr. Carroll, one of the seci'e-
taries of the United States commissioners. It was
ratified on the 28th December, in London, in the
name of the king of England, by the Prince Begent.
It was then taken by the same messengers to Ports-
mouth, England, and they sailed for New York in
the British sloop-of-war Favorite^ on the 2d Janu-
ary, 1815, and after a passage of forty days arrived
in New York, as before stated.
After the publication of the treaty, the Columbian,
the Evening Post and the Commercial Advertiser
had a series of lengthy articles on the terms of the
treaty and the results of the war. The subject was
ably and thoroughly handled by them, and show
that the causes and results of the war and the
treaty were not considered at that time the same as
is now usually historically stated and accepted with-
out question by popular assent both in America and
in Great Britain.
In this connection should be read **An Exposition
of the Causes and Character of the War," by A. J.
Dallas, Acting Secretary of War, issued on Febru-
ary 10, 1815, before any account had been received
in the United States of the signing of the treaty of
peace at Ghent.
The Evening Post said it was a disgraceful peace.
The Advocate observed and commented upon this
remark. The editor of the Post replied that ** He
never did say the peace was a disgraceful peace to
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GREAT BRITAIN DISSATISFIED, 497
the nation, but he did say it was so to the adminiS'
tration.
The reception of the treaty in each country at
that time shows how the popular feehngs prevailed
about its terms and effect.
The ratified treaty from the United States arrived
at London on 13th March. The king's proclama-
mation announcing the peace was dated March 17th.
The peace was announced in Canada by procla-
mation by Governor Provost and a day of thanks-
giving ordered.
The Montreal ifera/d, in speaking of the rejoic-
ings throughout the United States at the return of
peace, observed, ** What a contrast is exhibited in
this country ; you scarcely meet a cheerful counte-
nance from one end of the province to the other
when you speak of peace."
Great Britain undoubtedly was very much disap-
pointed that the treaty was not more favorable to
them. As an example, this may be inferred from
the manner in which the peace was officially an-
nounced. The usual way the cessation of war was
proclaimed, such as the Peace of Amiens and the
Treaty at Paris of April 23, 1814-, was by heralds
in costume starting from St. James' Palace and
going into the city of London through the old gate-
way, carrying a grand display of armorial ensigns
and accompanied by a military escort in gay attire
of scarlet, black and gold, and bands of music, stop-
ping from time to time on the way at Whitehall,
Westminster, Charing Cross, Temple Bar and Guild
Hall, to read the king's proclamation of the peace.
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498 RESULT IN THE UNITED STATES.
After this there were firing of cannon and ringing
of bells and grand illuminations of public buildings
at night.
Not so in announcing this peace witiii the United
States. An that was done was the reading the*
king's proclamation at the door of the War Office in
Whitehall. Even this was noticed by only one
newspaper, the Courier. The people scarcely knew
of the peace. There was no other ceremony — no
firing of cannon, no ringing of bells, no illumination
at night or any other demonstration of joy which
were shown when a British victory at sea or land
occurred in the war. (See ante, Vol. I., p. 320,
note.)
It was in fact and effect a mere withdrawal of
hostilities on the part of the United States, and
Great Britain was to suri'ender all the conquered
territory, and the contending nations were to be
restored as near as possible to the condition they
were in at the time of the declaration of war.
The possessions and rights of the Indian tribes in
America were to be restored by each party as they
existed in 1811, prior to hostilities, and they were
to cease hostilities.
On the 22d July, 1814, a treaty of peace between
the United States and the several tribes of Indians
called the Wyandottes, Delawares, Shawanees, Fen-
ecas and Miamis, and on the 9th August, 1814,
another with the Creek nation of Indians had been
made. These treaties wore not ratified by tho
United States until after the ratification of the
treaty of Ghent
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RB8VLT IN AMERICA, 499
It may be said here, in passing, that the terms
of peace as to the restoration of all territory taken
by either party during the war could only apply to
the territory of the United States which was then
in possession of the enemy. The United States did
not then have possession of any British territory.
No allusion was made in the treaty to maritime
matters, hence they stood same as before the
war.
This part of the treaty of Ghent was the same
rule that was applied to European nations by the
settlement by the congress at Vienna. This action
of the congress was principally due to the treaty by
the allies at Paris, dated April 23, ISli, and the
application of this rule to the American continent
and to the war was undoubtedly due to Talleyrand
in bringing it up, and was backed by Russia and
other powers..
Lord Castlereagh, the British representative, could
not do otherwise than accept it as to America. The
financial condition of England at that time also had
much to do with the desire for peace.
The shipping laws of the United States that had
been enacted during the war, particularly that of
March 3, 1813, relating to the employment of citi-
zens of the United States on board of the public or
private vessels of the United States (ante, Vol. I.,
p. 411, 412), were now such, with the naturaliza-
tion laws, that would prevent many of the ques-
tions of right of search and nationality of a vessel
of the United States, which caused so much trouble
previous to the war.
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500 EFFECT IN EUROPE.
The commissioners said in regard to Talleyrand's
movement, before referred to :
" We think it does not promise an aspect of imme-
diate tranquility to this continent, and that it will
disconcert particularly the measures which Great
Britain has been taking with regard to the future
destination of this country among others, and to
which she has attached apparently much impor-
tance."
There were many secret alliances, treaties and
agreements made between some of the countries
represented in the congress at Vienna. The most
important one to the United States was that be-
tween England, France and Austria to check Rus-
sian aggressions and power. Prussia sided with
Russia in the congress.
Russia was the ifriend of the United States. Great
Britain had refused to accept the offer of the United
States to allow the Emperor of Russia to act as a
mediator to settle the questions between the two
countries (ante, p. 94).
Some of the English newspapers gave as a reason
for making a peace that as Russia and Prussia ap-
peared at the congress at Vienna to be sticklers for
maritime rights, it would be advisable and prudent
to detach America from joining that contest.
In a news item from London, dated October 28,
1814, it appeared that a select committee was about
to be moved for in the British Parliament to inves-
tigate the British marine condition and prospects.
The despatch stated : '* Particularly in the present
political state of the world, when, in addition to the
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SYMPATHY IN EUROPE, 501
rising transatlantic navy, such marked and direct
jealousy of our maritime ascendancy is evidently
evincing itself in every cabinet of the continent of
Eiiropey and when, under our very eyes, the various
maritime powers of the globe are at this moment
ardently straining every nerve to re-establish tlieir
marine^ in order to dispute with us the trident of
the ocean, and to force on us their own constiiiction
of public maritime law."
Maritime law as construed by Great Britain gave
rise to the armed alliance of the Northern powers of
Europe against Great Britain in 1780 and in 1800,
and was the same as claimed by the United States
against Great Britain as one of the causes of the
war of 1812 (Wheaton's History Law of Nations,
p. 585).
Some of the smaller kingdoms in Europe, and the
Swiss and Genoese Republics were not admitted to
the conference in the congress at Vienna, but were in
attendance at Vienna, and had their interests at-
tended to by such of their more successful neighbors
as were disposed to support them.
The United States had the sympathy of every
cabinet in Europe. While the congress at Vienna
may have been mainly instrumental in the result of
the war in America, the events in 1814 had much
to do fn the matter.
Mr. Carroll stated that the negotiations lagged
until the news of the great victory of Macdonough,
which gave a spur to the ministers of England.
Mr. Carroll said that the destruction of Washington
was a happy event for this country. It united the
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502 AMERICAN BATTLES,
whole continent in expressing their abhorrence of
such savage warfare. A Paris newspaper went so
far as to say that each of their capitals had been in
turn in possession of an enemy, but all therein
was respected ; that Paris was not burnt, because
England had not the sole control.
In a speech made by Henry Clay, at Lexington,
Ky., on his return to his home, in regard to the
treaty, he said : **Had it been made immediately*
after the treaty of Paris, we should have retired
from the contest, believing that we had escaped the
severe chastisement with which we were threatened,
and that we owed to the generosity and magnanim-
ity of the enemy what we were incapable of com-
manding by om* arms."
When the news of the repulse of the British at
Fort Krie and Plattsburg and at Baltimore arrived
at Ghent, in October, it had considerable effect uj>on
the negotiations. The British had possession of the
district of Maine east of the Penobscot and offered
to conclude the treaty on the uti possidetis. All the
other demands on the part of the British commis-
sioners had been waived, and all the claims on part
of the United States had been waived. This was
the last and only one upon which the negotiation
hung.
The United States commissioners at last stStted on
24th October :
'*The undersigned can now only repeat those dec-
larations and decline treating upon the basis of tUi
possidetis, or upon any other principle involving a
cession of any part of the territory of the United
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UmTBD STATES FIRM. 503
States. As they have uniformly stated, they can
only treat upon the principle of mutual restoration
of whatever territory may have been taken by either
party. Prom this principle they cannot recede, and
the undersigned, after the repeated declarations of
the British plenipotentiaries that Great Britain had
no view to acquisition of territory in this negotia-
tion, deem it necessary to add that the utiUty of its
continuance depends on their adherence to this prin-
ciple."
On the 31st October the British commissioners
replied, requesting that the commissioners of the
United States submit those spe^fic propositions
upon which they were empowered to sign a treaty
of peace between the two countries. After a few
weeks a proposed treaty was submitted and was
formally signed.
It was understood that in case this treaty of
Ghent was not satisfactory to both parties, and the
boundaries could not be agreed upon, that Austria
was to be the umpire to decide upon any differences
between the two nations.
Much between the two countries was left open to
be further negotiated by a treaty of commerce and
navigation and our relations with Canada, which
was agreed to be negotiated by the same commis-
sioners at London. It commenced on April 16, 1S16.
A detail of the negotiations are summarized by the
report of the American commissioners accompany-
ing the treaty which was completed and signed by
the Prince R^ent in London on July 2, 1816, and
transmitted to the United States for approval. It
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504 EFFECT IN EUROPE.
was ratified, and announced by the President's
proclamation dated December 22, 1815.
The articles of settlement of European nations
was adopts by the congi^ess at Vienna, and is dated
June 9, 18 1 i^. It was undoubtedly precipitated by
the return of Napoleon to France. It was not nec-
essary to allude to the American war in them, as it
had terminated by the treaty at Ghent and settled
the British possessions on the American continent.
The British feeling on this subject prominently
appears in their negotiations at Ghent, by note dated
September 4, 1814, to the American commissioners.
The proceedings in the congress at Vienna were
secret, and have never yet been published in Eng-
lish. It was the era of secret treaties and secret
conclaves, in Europe as well as in America. Much
diplomacy that effected its action was done outside
of it.
The ** balance of power'' was in Europe, but the
European possessions in America were of enough
weight to turn the scale for peace or war in Europe.
Negotiations with Spain as to the disposition
and relations of the territory of the Floridas to the
United States had been in progress from time to
time previous to the treaty of Ghent, and was not
fully disposed of in favor of the United States until
it was ceded by Spain several years afterwards.
During the war Great Britain laid claim to some of
it as against the United States, that claimed it under
the Louisiana purchase from France.
It was the treaty at Ghent and the congress at
Vienna that firmly planted the roots from which
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ROOTS OF " MONROB DOCTRJNEr 505
grew the ** Monroe doctrine" as to the limitation of
the possessions of European powers upon the Ameri-
can continent. [Monroe's Message, December. 2,
1823.]
The Louisiana purchase had rendered such a
stand by the United States a possibility. The con-
gress at Vienna and the treaty of Ghent assured it.
The question as to the boundary Une between
Canada and the United States under the treaty can-
not properly be considered in that connection.
The international conferences at Vienna continued
for more than a year, with hundreds of thousands of
soldiers under arms, ready to march at command.
Fortunate for Europe that it was so up to the agree-
ment of the conference in June, 1815. A few days
later they were called upon to fight the last great
battle of the wars of the French revolution on the
field of Waterloo to enforce the wisdom of that con-
ference. The last hostile gun in those wars heard
in Europe was on that battlefield. That battle
was the result and the termination of the greatest
political convulsion that the world has ever seen.
The congress at Vienna, in the conferences of
kingdoms, principalities and powers, will have an
effect upon civilization that will endure as long as
the world stands.
After the treaty of Ghent had been ratified and
proclamation made, there were ships at sea that had
yet to fire the last hostile gun in the American war.
The last battle at sea was by the Hornet y that cap-
tured the British man-of-war Penguin on 23d March,
1815, and the last hostile gun fired in the war was
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506 LAST OUN FIRSD.
from the Peacocky when the British vessel Nautilus
surrendered to her on the SOth June, 1815.
The Tom Boline was used by the Hornet as a
cartel to take the prisoners captured on the Penguin
into the neutral port of Kio de Janeiro.
These three vessels sailed from New York m
January on their last hostile cruise, as stated in a
former chapter.
Those who enlisted in United States service dur-
ing the war were not formally discharged until
June 15,. 1815, at which time the officers and men
were disbanded under general orders dated May 17,
1815, pursuant to act of Congress of 3d March, 1815,
fixing the military peace establishment of the
United States. The report of A. J. Dallas, the
Acting Secretary of War, to the President of the
United States is dated May 12, 1815, relating
thereto.
The address to the army by the President of the
United States, through the Secretary of War, dated
May 17th, concludes as follows :
''The American army of the war of 1812 has
hitherto successfully emulated the patriotism and
the valor of the army of the war of 1776. The
closing scene of the example remains alone to be
performed. Having established the independence
of their country, the revolutionary warriors cheer-
fully returned to the walks of civil life ; many of
them became the benefactors and ornaments of
society in the prosecution of various arts and pro-
fessions, and all of them, as well as the veteran
few who survive the lapse of time, have teen the
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DUAMATIO INCIDENTS. 507
objects of grateful recollection and constant regard.
It is for the American army, now dissolved, to pur-
sue the same honorable course, in order to enjoy
the same inestimable reward. The hope may be
respectfully indulged, that the beneficence of the
legislative authority will beam upon suffering
merit ; an admiring nation will unite the civic with
the martial honors which adorn its heroes ; and
posterity, in its theme of gratitude, will indiscrim-
inately praise the protectors and the founders of
American independence.^^
Let us now recall the dramatic incidents that
related to New York' city in the war. It was here
that the first orders for the ships of war to sail
against the enemy were promulgated. This was
the first port from which they sailed and these dogs
of war were let loose against the enemy. The first
gun fired in that war was from the President, that
then sailed from New York city, where she was
built in Bergh's shipyard.
The first private armed British vessel that was
captured in the war was the brig Dolphin, captured
by the Essex on the 9th of July, thai sailed from
this port.
The first war vessel captured by either side was
the AJert^ captured by the Essex on August 10th.
The first British flag captured was carried by the
Alert, and was brought into this port and sent from
Naw York to Washington, where it still remains.
The last United States war vessel captured by the
enemy was the President, in her attempt to run the
enemy's blockade of the port of New York.
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508 IN ^'SW TORE CITY.
The Za5< American flag ih^^i was taken down at
the demand of an enemy in that war was on the
same occasion.
The last battle at sea was by the Hornet y that cap-
tured the Penguinj and the last hostile gun fired in
the war was by the Peacock^ when the Naviilus
surrendered to her on 30th June, 18i5. The Hornet
and the Pea^cock sailed from New York on their last
cruise in the war, as before stated.
The British vessel, the Favorite, with the flag of
truce bearing the British and American envoys, with
the treaty of peace, first appeared oflE Sandy Hook,
and was permitted to pass thd forts in Kew York
Harbor by Gten. Robert Bogardus, a soldier and
citizen of New York, and permitted to land in New
York.
The news of the treaty of peace first arrived in New
York city, and was known here thirty hours before
it was known in Washington.
The Favorite, with the treaty ratified by the
United States, sailed from New York with it for
England.
It became tlie home of Albert Gallatin, one of the
negotiators of the treaty of Ghent.
Mr. John L. Lawrence, a lawyer in New York
city, was for a time one of the secretaries to the
United States negotiators at Ghent. He was city
comptroller in 1849.
It was the home of many of the men that took
prominent part in that war, the deeds of whom can
never be forgotten. It is now consecrated by the
graves of many of them.
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CONCLUDING REMARKS, 509
The narrative of the part taken by New York
city in these great events shows that the city then
was what she has always been since this continent
became inhabited by white men — prominent in
everything that pertains to national life and glory
in the western hemisphere, with an individuality
ever changing, yet ever the same, which custom
cannot destroy, but will add lustre to her as time
rolls on.
The writer feejs a personal gratification in being
able to accomplish the foregoing work with so much
detail, commenced so long ago, and offers it as a
devotional contribution to this attractive city, and
the State and nation of which she is a portion.
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APPENDIX TO VOLUME IL
NOTE I.
List of City Officers, 1814-1815.
Mayor— Dq Witt Clinton, to March 20, 1815.
Recorder— iosidh Ogden HoflEman, to April 3,
1815.
Clerk of Common Council — Jacob Morton.
Aldermsn and Assistant Aldermen — Already-
stated in Vol. I., ante, pp. 424, 425.
Commxm Council Committee of Defence^ from De-
cember 13, 1813, to December 13, 1814:
Aldermen Fish, Smith, Mesier and Buckmaster.
Assistant Aldermen Nitchie, Brackett and
Tucker.
From December 13, 1814, to December, 1815 :
Aldermen, same as previous year.
Assistant Alderman Mapes, Tucker and Douglass.
(See ante, p. 432.)
City Chamberlain^ from 1809 to 1816— Whitehead
Fish. .
City Comptroller, from 1813 to 1816— Thomas R.
Mercein.
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513 BANK OFFICERS.
NOTE n.
List of Banks and Bank Officers in New York
City, 1812-1815.
Bank of New York, July, 1812. Incorporated
March, 1791. Renewed in 1811 until 1820. Capital,
$950,000. Mathew Clarkson, president ; Herman
Leroy, Joshua Waddington, John B. Coles, Wynant
Van Zandt, Jr., George Turnbull, Robert Bowne,
Isaac Lawrence, Rufus Bang, William Deming,
James Lenox, Nehemiah Rogers, Peter P. Goelet,
directors ; Charles Wilkes, cashier ; Gurdon S. Mum;
ford and S. A. Lawrence, directors on part of the State.
July, 1813 — Charles King, in place of Rufus King.
July, 1814 — Wynant Van Zandt, Jr., out ; John*
Mason, Peter Schermerhom, Jr., added.
Manhattan Company, July, 1812. Incorporated
1799. Capital, $2,000,000. Henry Remsen, presi-
dent ; Henry Rutgers, William Edgar, De Witt
Clinton, George Lewis, Walter Bowne, Isaac Cla-
son, James Fairlie, William Few, Thomas Farmar,
John G. Costar, David Gelston, Recorder of City of
New York, ex-offlcio, directors ; Samuel Flewwel-
ling, cashier.
July, 1813— Same.
July, 1814— De Witt Clintop out ; John Smith,
Isaac Clason, Abram R. Lawrence, in.
Merchants^ Bank, July, 1812. Incorporated 1805.
Capital, $1,400,000. Richard Varick, president ;
Peter Remsen, John Kane, John Hone, Henry T.
Wyckoff, John Taylor, Henry A. Costar, David
Lydig, Thomas Storm, Benj. G. Minturn, James
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BANK OFFICERS, 513
Roosevelt, Peter J. Munroe, the Treasurer of the
State, ex-officio, directors ; Lynde Catlin, cashier.
July, 1813— Same.
July, 1814— Same.
Mechanics* Bank, July, 1812. Incorporated 1810.
Capital, $1,500,000 ; in 1811 increased to $2,000,000.
John Slidel, president ; Anthony Steenback, Francis
Cooper, Gabriel Furman, George Warner, Stephen
Allen, Jacob Sherrid, John R. Murray, Jonathan
Lawrence, Jr., Samuel Hicks, Jacob Lorillard, ex-
officio John S. Roulet, Andrew Morris and Divie
Bethune, directors ; Hector Craig and John Van
Beuren,on part of the State; Whitehead Fish, cashier.
July, 1813— Same.
July, 1814— Same.
Union Bantc, July, 1812. Incorporated 1811.
Capital, $1,800,000. Amasa Jackson, president;
Elias Kane, James Heard, John B. Murray, Corns.
Dubois, Andrew Foster, Joseph Strong, Sylvester
Robinson, Allen Shepherd, Jam^s Thomson, David
Dunham, directors ; John Low, cashier.
July, 1813— John B. Murray, Corns. Dubois, out ;
William Osborn, Louis Lome, Nath. Richards, in
their place.
July, 1814— Same.
New York Manufacturing Co. {Phoenix Bank),
July, 1813. Incorporated 1812, Capital, $1,200,-
000. Ebenezer Burrill, president ; David T. Green,
cashier ; Abraham Bussing, Reuben Crump, Noyes
Darling, George Fitch, David S. Jones, John King,
Jr., Isaac Marquand, Silvanus Miller, Anthony
Post, John L. Van Kleeck, Thaddeus B. Wakeman,
Digitized by
Google
514 CITT TAXPAYERS.
Samuel Whittemore, Eliphalet Williams, directors ;
William Smith, on part of the State.
July, 1814— Same.
City Bank, July, 1813. Incorporated 1812.
Capital, $2,000,000. Samuel Osgood, president ;
G. B. Vroom, cashier ; Abraham Bloodgood, Will-
iam Cutting, Benjamin BaQey, Isaac Pierson, Henry
Fanning, William Furman, Samuel Tooker, Grove
Wright, Ichabod Prall, John Swartwout, Peter
Stagg, WiUiam Irving, John L. Norton, Jasper
Ward, directors.
July, 1814 — William Few, president ; G. B.
Vroom, cashier ; directors, same.
Bank of America. Incorporated 1812. Capital,
nominal, $6,000,000 ; reduced to $4,000,000 March,
1818. Oliver Wolcott, president ; Jonathan Burrall,
cashier ; Theodorus Bailey, OUver Wolcott, Steven
Whitney, W. Bayard, J. T. Lawrence, A. Giacie,
A. Smith, J. T. ChampUn, P. G. Hildreth, G. Gris-
wold, J. De Peyster, G. Newbold, Q. Buckley, P.
Hone, John 0. Hoffman, A. Barker, P. Fish, H.
Post, Jr., directors.
July, 1814 — William Bayard, president.
NOTE m.
(Ante, p. 428.)
List of Crrv Taxpayers upon Personal Prop-
erty ON $5,000 AND Over in Value, in 1815
AND IN 1820.
The following are the names of the residents in
New York city that were assessed on $5,000 and over
for local taxation upon personal property, in Janu-
Digitized by
Google
CIT7 TAXPAYERS.
615
ary, 1815, after deducting their debts. The property
consisted of all State and Government stock and
bonds and shares in private corporations, and were
taxed accordingly (see ante, p. 429) :
TALDATIOM. ||
1815.
IWO. .
A
.
Abbot, Robert
$10,000
Abeel. Garret B... .
80,000
Abrams. Jacob (Es-
toteon
Adams, John
$19,000
70,000
80.000
Adee, David
SO.OOO
25,000
Adee, William
14,000
18,000
Aniew, John
Aurd, John
6,000
8.000
10,000
AUen, Capt. F
Allen, Stephen.
15,000
Allen, Thomas
5,000
Allin, Moees
10,000
10,000
AUey, Saul
Ames. Charles.
8,000
Amos. Richard
5600
Anderson, Elbert....
20.000
Andrews, David
5,000
Anthon, John
8.000
10 000
Anthony, Widow....
Arcularius, George
16.000
8,000
85.0U0
Arcularlus, PhUip G.
7000
7,000
Arden, James
10,000
Arden, Susan
10,000
Arden. Thomas
Ashaeld,John
10,000
6,000
Ashfield, Widow....
5,000
Aspinwall, Gulian. . .
80,00.)
Aspin wall, John
19,000
18,000
Aspinwall, John M.
Asten, John
6,000
8.000
160,000
6.000
400,000
Astor, JohnJ^oob...
Auchincloss, H
6,000
6.000
AusUq, Archibald...
10,000
Austin, Daniel
6,000
Austin, David
90,000
Austin, George
Avery, John 8
80,000
10,000
18,000
Backus. W. G
10,000
Baher,Davia
6,000
Bailey, Benjamin....
87,000
25,000
Bailey, Floyd 8
8.000
6,000
Bailey, James
11,000
6,000
BaUey, John (Estate
of)
80.000
6.000
Bailey, Theodorus. . .
Bailey, Thomas
10.000
Bailey, William
Baldwin, Charle<«....
16.000
10,000
10.000 1
Baldwin, Jessie. . .
Baneker. Widow..
Banks, George T. . .
Bardin, Edward....
Barhen. James
Barker. Benjamin G
Barker, Jacob
Barker, James
Barker, Stephen....
Barker, William...
Bar khome. WUliaai .
Barton, E
Bassett, Widow
Bates, Frederick G.
Bayard, Robert
Bayard, William . . .
Bayard, William, Jr.
Bazen. Thomas. .
Beekman, Henry...
Beekman, James. .
Beekman, John
Beekman, Step'n D.
Be'rs.J. D
Bell, James L.
Bell, William
Belson, Richard. . . .
Benedict, James
Bennett, James. ....
Benson, Lawrence. .
Benson, hobert. ....
Benson, Robert, Jr.
Benson, Sampson . .
Benson, Sampson,
Jr
Berger, Doctor
Betts, Kamuel
Bethune, Divie
Bingham, John
Bininger, Abraham
Binlnger, Jacob. . . .
Bishop. Eseklal
Black, Richard....
Black, Mrs
Blackwell. Joseph.
Black well. Wm. D..
Blake, Robert...
Bloodgood, Abra^m.
Blondgocd, John
Bloodgood, Thos
Blossom, Benjamin,
Board man, Daniel . .
Boarrum. Henry...
$10,000
6,000
10,000
13,000
5.000
160,000
6,000
6,000
8,700
100,000
86.000
8,000
80,000
10,000
6,000
7.000
8.500
10,000
16.000
15,000
45,000
6,000
10.000
6,700
80,000
40,000
10,000
5,000
10,000
6,000
5.000
6,000
15,000
8.000
$7,000
12,000
6,000
50,000
80.000
70,000
10.000
6.000
18,000
10,000
25 000
10,000
10,000
10,000
5,000
18,000
6.000
17,000
6,000
6,500
80,000
10,000
6.000
8,000
80,000
9,000
10,000
10.000
60.000
Digitized by
Google
516 CITY TAXPAYERS.
Digitized by
Google
CITY TAXPAYERS. 517
Digitized by
Google
518
CITT TAXPAYERS.
VALUATIOlf.
NAin.
▼ALOATIOH.
HAMX.
1816.
1880.
1816.
1820.
Duffee, Hosea
$8,000
Furman, Richard...
$6,000
I>ummer,Qeom....
Dunham, Daria
7,600
$0 000
60,000
Furman, William J.
8,000
46,000
O
Dunlap, James
16,000
Durand, James B...
80,000
Gaillard, Joseph....
9,000
Durand, John B
»).000
Gallagher, George..
10,000
Davall, Joseph
DuTall. William
Duyckinok, Brert...
10,000
6.000
Gamage, Amory....
GanUey, Daniel.....
10,000
10,000
6,000
20.000
$86,000
14,000
16,000
Gardner, David
6.000
Gardner, John
46,000
E
Gardner, J. (execu-
6,000
tor)
40,000
....
10.000
Gardner. Thomas...
80.000
80,000
60,000
Garner, Frederick. . .
10,000
8.000
Garnisa, Thomas W.
6,000
900.000
140.000
Gassner, John
10,000
16,000
^...
20,000
80,000
Gebbard, Frederick.
80,000
80,000
80,000
Gedney, Samuel....
26,000
10.000
Gelston, Dard
40.000
40,000
Ed-
Gelston, Maltby
10.000
16,000
mona
6,000
6,000
6.000
Gerardt, Mrs
Glel. John O
6,000
6,000
S!l8wor th Kra^iM
Ely, Elisha
16,000
G Ibert, Garret
6,000
Emmett, Thomas A.
6.000
10,000
Gilford, Samuel
80,000
16,000
Engelbart, Qeorge..
6,000
Gilford, Samuel Q...
16 000
16.000
EnRlis. John........
ETorlngham, Gilbert
10,000
10,000
Gill, Robert
10,000
7,000
10,000
Gillender, James....
6,000
Gillespie, David
8,000
F
Gillespie, George....
10.000
Fairly, James
Falls, Alexander....
aooo
Gillies, D. G
15,000
18,000
tiiraud, Jacob P
80,000
20,000
Fardon, Abraham. . .
6,000
Glvin, Robert
6,000
Farmer, Thomas. . . .
26,000
1S,000
Glass, Alexander 8..
6.000
Farquar, James
Farrier, Widow
8,000
Glover, John I
160.000
10,000
7,000
Qlover, John Q
6.000
Ferris, Benjamin....
6,000
Goelet, Peter P
60,000
60,000
Ferris, Samuel
6,000
Goelet, Robert R. . . .
10 000
Ferris, Mrs
6.000
Goelet, Stt'pben
6.000
Few, Col
16,000
18,000
Goelet, Thomas B. . .
Goodhue, Jonathan.
7,000
10,000
Field, Moses
19,000
Fields. Hickson W..
6,000
Goodman, John A...
8,000
Fi«ld8, Richard T...
6,000
Good win, Sauvin ... .
SO.OOO
Fillotc. WillUm
15,U00
Goodwin, Thomas...
10.000
Fish, Nicholas
7,600
7,600
Gordon, Charles W..
6.000
Fish, Preserve J
10.000
10.000
Gottoberger, H. P. . .
10,000
Fish. Whitehead....
Flack. John
6,000
Gouvemeur, Mrs
16,000
6,000
S6,000
10.000
Gouvemeur, Nicho
las
6,000
16,000
Flandin, P
Floyd, Samuel
Gouvemeur, William
FoBt«>r, Andrew
80,000
80,000
Goyon
K'S22
Foulkes, Joseph
16,000
Grade, Archibald...
60.000
20.000
Fowler Theodore
20,000
80,000
5,000
Grade, J
10,000
Fox, Daniel
12,000
6,000
Grade, William
Graham. John
('Jrant, John
60,o:o
8,000
20.000
6,000
Fox. Gteorsre
20.000
Fox William W ...
Frost, Leonard
Graves, John B
10.000
Fulton, Harriet
80.000
6,000
Graydon, Mrs. L....
6,000
10,000
QrPAn. Marir.
10,000
Furman, Howard...
8.000
6.000 liareenieaf.''Ann
10,000
Digitized by
Google
CITY TAXPAYERS.
519
Greenway. Edward.
Greenwood, John...
Griffin, Georjce
Griffith, Nathaniel 0.
Origg, John
Grlm.DaTld
Griscom, John
Griswold, George...
Griswold, John
Griswold, Nathaniel
L
Gulon, John J
H
Hadden. David
Haggertj, John
Haight, aftH
Haight, David L. . . .
Haines, Edmund
Hall, Daniel
Hall, James
Hallet, Abraham S. .
Halliday, Robert....
Halstead, Ezekiel...
Halsted. William....
Hamilton, James F. .
Hamhnd, A. P
Hammerfiley, An-
drew
Hammerslcy, L^^wis,
Hammersley, Thorn
as
Hankerson, Andrew
C
Hardenbrook, A
Hardenbrook, John
W
Hardenbrook, Will-
iam
Harmony, Peter
Hamet, Jonathan. . .
Harper, Samuel B..
Harral. G
Harrison, Jabf'z
Harrison. Bichard..
Hart, Eli
Hart, Peter G
Hartman. L^wis
Harvev. Thomas....
Haskett, Joseph
Hathaway, Stephen.
Hathome, John
Havens, G
Havens, Henry
Havens, Phileus
Havens. R
HavUand, John
Hawes, Peter
Hawkes. H. A. A....
$5,000
SO 000
7,000
6,000
6000
40,000
6,000
60,000
6,000
10.000
40.000
40,000
86,000
6,000
10,000
10 000
80,000
10.000
80,000
10,000
10.000
16,000
15.000
6,000
12,000
5,'iOO
80.000
7.000
10,000
8,000
80,000
20.000
8,000
10,000
8,000
40,000
5,000
8.000
16,000
7.000
10,000
10,000
$5,000
6,000
10.000
6,000
82.000
10,000
20,000
25,000
20,000
10,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
15,000
15,000
5,000
10,000
65,000
6.R00
5,000
80,000
6.000
80,000
6,000
6,000
64K)0
Haydock, William..
' ~IUiam..
mas....
8
nelius. .
Irian...
ter
miiam!
erman.
las
%\\\\'.\\
lel
er
lam ....
>race...
Thorn-
iA.W.W
I u'viiucF-, «* luiam B. .
,1 len
I
If ,Jr
^ IP
I F 'aleb
F ichard...
F riiiiam...
|F Israel....
! uiiTs v«/u, ^^c»leD. ......
Horton. Thomas....
I Hoosack, Alexander.
Hooeack, Alexander,
Jr
I Houseman. Jacob. . .
Howard William...
Howell, William....
Howland, G. G
Howland, John H...
Howland, Samuel. . .
iHoyt, Gould
I Hubbard, David G..
Hubbard. Henry....
I Hubbell, Anson
I Hull, Wager
Humphry. Elijah...
Hunter, Robert
I Hustan, Benjamin.. .
Hutton. Timothy
Hyde, James N
Hvde,JohnE
Hyer, Garret
Hyslop, John
Hyslop, Robert
1816.
$6,000
15,000
40,000
6,600
5,000
10.000
60,000
5000
86,000
70,000
8,000
10,000
80.000
10,000
6,000
6,000
20.00 •
6.000
6.000
160,000
60 000
6,000
5,000
6.600
6,000
ao.oio
5,000
6,000
5,000
10,000
16.000
26.000
l^.rOO
16.000
60,000
8,000
8.000
6.000
16,000
10.000
10.000
6,000
6,000
5,000
60.000
7,000
18-20.
$80,000
20,000
6,000
7.600
80,000
6,000
80,000
8,000
60,000
10.000
10,000
10 000
6,010
60.000
10.000
60,000
6,000
10,000
5.000
9,000
85,000
6.000
80.000
26.000
5.000
20.000
20,000
6,000
6,000
18,000
6.000
6,000
Digitized by
Google
520
CITY TAXPAYERS.
▼▲LDATION.
1 MAMS.
VALUATION.
1815.
ISO li
1815.
1890.
1
King. John A
$7,000
Imlaj, William H. . .
InKeJhart^G
$10,000
Klijg. William
6,000
5.000
!Kitig& Mead
10,000
Inslie. Kobert
16.000
iKingsland. Richard.
15,000
Ireland, William H..
8,001)
$5,000
Kip. Isaac L
10,000
$10,000
Irving, Ebenezer....
85,000
15,000
|Kip, Luke
5.000
Irvinff, John Y
Ki'tsam, BeuJaminT
Kissam, Dauiel
6.000
Irving, William
8,000
6,000
Kissam, Richard 8. .
9.000
16,000
J
Kneeland, Henry....
40,000
Jacobs, Hannah
15,000
Knox, Thomas
7,500
16,000
Jacobs, Henry
8,000
Kopler, John
8.000
Jacobs, Henry
5,000
Kopman, Lewis
6,000
Jacobs, Philip
10,000
Jackdon, Alex. G. . . .
8,000
5.000
L
Jackson, Amasa....
80,000
10,000
La Count, John
10,000
Jackson, Henry
6,000
6.000
Laight, Edward W..
.^SS5
Jacques, John D....
5,000
Laing, Hugh
LaiHar, John
10,000
Jagger, Jehlel
16,000
8,000
Jarvls, Jam«>s
8.000
8.000
120.000
fiam*>, liSm
7,500
80,000
Jaunoey, William...
f^mKAi^. riavl/l ft
90,000
Jenkins, Sylranus F.
Jenkins, widow
40,000
5,000
80,000
6,000
Johnson, Charles. . . .
5,000
6.000
Johnson, John
14,000
10,000
40,000
86,000
Johnson, John
6,000
6,000
Johnston, David
7,000
9,000
5,000
Johnston, George...
10,000
6.000
Johnston, John C...
10,000
60,090
20,000
Johnston, William M
6,000
Jones, Edward R. . . .
10,000
10.(K)0
60,000
80.000
Jones, Eleanor
lO.nOO
10.000
5.600
Jones, Isaac
».0J0
20.000
7.01)0
18 000
Est. of
Jonm, Isaac, Jr
8,000
Joneo, James T
8,000
6,000
80,000
15,003
Jones, John
10.000
6,000
10,000
5.000
Jones, Joshua
80,000
6>.000
10,000
10 000
Jones, Biargaret
20.000
80 000
15,000
Jones, Peter
10,000
10.000
85,000
96.000
Jones, Samuel
10,000
5,000
6,000
Est. of
80,000
15.000
Jones, William
8,000
5.000
1 Lawrence, William.
50,00J
60,000
Judah, Moses
15,000
Lawrence, William.
6,000
K
Layer, John (Est. of)
6,000
Leake, John Q
4n,oOo
60,000
Kade, John
100,000
10,000
Leavenworth, Mrs..
Leavenworth, Na-
10,000
6,000
Keese, John D
Kelly, Robert
10,000
80,000
10,000
16,000
10,000
thaniel
6,000
10,000
Kemp, John
Le Briton, Widow...
iLebrun. Widow
6,000
Kennedy, David
Kennedy, Duncan. . .
10,000
ILee, Gideon
20,000
10,000
Kenney, Patrick....
7,500
'Leggett, Samuel....
60,000
60,000
Kermit, Henry
6,000
5,000
iLeggett, Thomas H.
80,000
6,000
Kermit,Mrs •.
5,000
Leggett. William....
10,000
Kermit, WiUiam....
25,000
Lenox, Robert
800,000
160,000
Kibber, Isaac
15,000
Lenox, James
60,000
Kimberly, David....
King, Oharles
.5,000
Leonard, John
8.000
6,000
5000
Leroy. Herman
6.000
80,000
King, Elisha W
5.000
Le Roy. Robert
40,000
40,000
Digitized by
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CITY TAXFATER8, 52 L
Digitized by
Google
522
CITY TAXPAYERS,
TALUATI0.V. 1
VALUATION.
MAMS.
MAIfB.
1816. 1
1880.
1816.
1820.
Minard, Isaac
$7,000
$6,000
Nichols, Edward H. .
$91,000
$40,000
Hiccheli, Saraual L. .
6.000
5,000
Nichols, FraDcUH..
26,000
10,000
Mitchell, W
6,000
Nichols, H.W
6,000
7,000
Nichols, PerkiD
7,000
of)
5,000
NIzoD, R
20,000
10,000
86,000
MoUan, Stewart
NIzon, Thomas
Monroe, Peter Jay..
20 000
Norton, John L
6,000
«»_ __
8.000
Norsworthy, Famuel
Norwood,! S
15.000
80,000
80 000
6,000
No«trand, Timothy.
14,000
60,000
Nuter, Volatine
6,000
17,000
1
10 000
O
6,000
Oakey, James
6,000
6,000
Oakey, Chiirles
6000
60,000
Ogden, Abraham. . . .
10.000
6.000
Offden, Abraham... .
16,000
45,000
Ogdeo, Albert
^000
10,000
Ofcdeo, Charles L...
6,000
10 000
Ogdeo, DsTid B
6.000
18,000
lOirden, Jonathan. . . .
86,000
7,500
lOgflen, Jonathan....
25.000
80,000
5,000
■~
6,000
18,000
10.000
6.000
7,000
5,000
18.000
10,000
85.000
18,000
44,000
12,600
40,000
86,000
9.000
11,000
5,000
10,000
6,000
10,000
6,000
6.000
6.000
6,000
60,000
40.000
70,000
8,000
10,000
10.000
60,000
15,000
5,000
20,000
8.000
20.000
6.000
6,000
26,000
10 000
8,000
6,000
6,000
6.000
6,000
£0.000
6,000
6,000
6,000
7,000
6,000
83,500
_„.^ . ^, ^
10,000
6,000
6,000
Myer, GeorRe
86,000
8,000
Myer, Peter
6,000
..nu.u.uK .- — viiirn-Tri
10 000
6,000
'Paulding! William..'
88.000
N
Pearsall, Robert....
10.000
. William, Jr
16,000
iPearsall, Thomas...
80,000
Jamea
6,000
16,000
Peter J
7,000
Perkins, John
20,000
Bufus L
6,000
Perkins, Mary M....
10,000
RuBsel
10.000
Peters. Harry
17,000
J, George....
15,000
10,000
1 Peters, John
6,000
i. Mrs
10,000
Peters, John R
6,000
6,000
Roberts....
5,000
Phelps, Anson G....
6.000
,Paul
6,000
Phelps, Thadeus....
6,000
Q, Samuel S.
6,000
Phenix. J.P
16,000
10,000
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Google
CITY TAXPAYERS.
523
1820.
PhUepont. Francis..
Pierce, Theophilns..
lienoa, Isaac
Pollock. Edward....
Post, Allison
FoBt, Anthony
Post, Oerardus
Post, Jacob
Post, Jotham N
Post, Michael
Post, wuiiam.......
Post, Wright
Pott, Qideon
Potter, Rlias
PraU, Ichabod
Price, William
Prime, Nathaniel....
Prince, Samuel
Purdy, C
Purdy, John O
Q
Qaackenbuah, John.
Quirk, E
R
Radcliff, Peter W...
Bandolph, Jeremiah
F
Rankin, Henry
Rankin, Robert
Rapelyes, Daniel....
Rath bone, John
Rathbone
Ray, Oomelius
Read, Stephen
Reed, John
Reinecke, .John
Remsen, Daniel
Remsen, Henry
Remsen, Peter
Ren wick, James
Ren wick, Mrs. Jane.
Repper, Matthew...
Resler, Frederick...
Revier, Francis v.. .
Reynolds. Thomas A
Rhinelander, Jacob.
Rhinelander, Mary. .
Rhinelander, Will-
iam
Rhinelander, Will-
iam
Rhodes, Mrs
Rich, Stephen
Rich, Stephen A
Richards, John
Richards, John W..
Richards. Nathaniel.
140.000
$6,000
7,000
8,000
90,000
10,000
15,000
10,000
40.000
20,000
15,000
50,000
6.000
40.000
25,000
7,000
5,000
7.500
10.000
6,000
6.000
10.000
76,000
10,000
5,000
10.000
8,000
10,000
6,000
6.000
20,000
10000
80.000
25,000
20,000
16,000
10.000
60.000
15,000
6.000
80,000
60,000
bO.OOO
7.000
20.000
6.000
25,000
80,000
60,000
60,000
80 000
60,000
5,600
7.000
30,000
8,000
40.000
6.000
6,000
80.000
80,000
10,000
10.000
8,000
7,000
6,000
40.000
6,000
86,000
Richards, Stephen..
Richards, Thomas..
Richardson, John...
RiffKS, Caleb S
Rfker, John.
Riker, Richard
Riley. Isaac
Robbing, John
Roberts, Mrs
Robertson, George..
Robertson, Henry. . .
Robertson, John....
Robinson, Alexander
Robinson, Gilbert...
Robinson. John
Robinson, Robert L.
Roe, William
Rogers, Benjamin W
Rogers, Fitch
Rogers, Gtoorge
Rogers, Henry
Rogers, Henry
Rogers, H. F
Rogers, John
Rogers, John R. D..
Rogers, Moses
Rogers, Nehemiah..
Rogers, Thomas M. .
Rooke, John
Roosevelt, James...
Roosevelt, James O.
Roosevelt, James J.
Ross, William
Ross, William M....
Rowland, Charles...
Rutgers, Nicholas G.
S
Salles, Lawrence. . . .
Saltus, Francis
Saltus. Nicholas
Saltus, Solomon
Sands, A. L
Sands, Joseph
Sauford, Nathaniel. .
Sanford, N. W
Savree. John
Schenck, David
Schenck, Peter H...
Schermerhom, Abra-
ham
Schermerhom, John
S
Schermerhom, Peter
Schermerhom, Peter
Schermerhom, Si-
mon
Schi«*ff elin , E fD n g-
h»im
$10,000
8,000
7.000
10,000
6,000
80.000
5,000
5,000
5,000
60,000
5,000
10,000
10,000
8,000
8,000
80.000
25,000
8000
10,000
80.000
80,000
5,000
5,000
60,000
6,000
50.000
5,000
5,000
60,000
10,000
7,000
15,000
6,000
60,000
6,000
10.000
20,000
10,000
40.000
5,000
40,000
9000
$10,000
6.000
10,000
80,000
5,000
10,000
6,000
25,000
6,000
80,000
10.000
7,000
60.000
20,000
5,000
20,000
10,000
10,000
5,000
5,000
50.000
10,000
6,000
6,000
12,000
5,000
40.000
5,000
10.000
96,000
60.000
16.000
6.000
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524 QITY TAXPATBBS.
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CITY TAXPA7BRS.
525
VALOATIOIf. 1
VAMB.
TALUATION.
NAVB.
1815.
1820.
1815.
1880.
Snydam, Heniy
Bujdam, L
$5,000
40,000
7,000
26,000
5.000
10,000
7,000
10 000
10.000
10.000
80 000
40,000
10,000
6,000
6,000
10.000
10,000
100.000
i-<;o.ooo
60,000
9,000
10.000
10,000
5.000
15,000
100,000
160 000
25,000
6,000
5,000
5000
10,000
10.000
80.000
15,000
10,000
10,000
9000
60,000
8000
20.000
10,000
10,000
5000
$5,000
16,000
80,000
5.000
10,000
86,000
6,000
15,000
10,000
15,000
60,000
85,000
90.000
80,000
6,000
86.000
18,000
10,000
60,000
5.000
12,000
5,000
5,000
10.000
10,000
10.000
Townsend, Thos. B. .
Townsend. William B
Trafford, John
Trappan, Anthony..
Tredwell, George. . . .
TredweM, John B...
Tredwell, Seabury..
Trinder. Charles....
Troop, John
$88,000
6.000
7.000
5,000
20 000
20,000
17,600
6,000
6,000
10,000
25,000
15,000
80,000
10,000
6,000
6,000
12,000
86,000
15,000
12.000
80,000
6,000
5.000
80.000
60.000
26.000
15,000
8,000
82,000
16,000
8.V000
100,000
5,000
20,000
12.000
$18,000
Baydam, Richard...
Swan, Benlamin L. .
SwaD, William
Bmiutwout, John ....
Swartwout, Robert.
Swords, Jamet
8,000
6,000
17,600
6,000
Swords, Thomas I. . .
T
Trumbull, Col
Tucker. Richard J. .
TukeL. John
86.000
10,000
Tslooit, Danlal
Talcott,Noab
Talmatre, Mathias B.
Talroafce, Mrs
Talmao, John
Turabull, George...
U
UnderhiU, Anthony
6,000
Taylor, Charles W. .
Taylor, Edward
Taylor, Gad
Underbill, Joshua...
UnderhUl, Mrs
V
Valentine, Abraham
Valentine, Mathias. .
ValIleUe,John J....
Van Alen, CO
Van Amringe, Wm.
6,000
10,000
Taylor. James
Taylor, John
Taylor, Johe
Tailor, Nslah
Terhune, Richard...
Thibeaa, Widow....
Thomas, Henry
16,000
6^000
Thomas, Robert
Thomas, William...
Van Antwerp, Nich-
olas.
8,000
Thompson, A b r a-
hun O
Van Blarcum, John.
Van Buren, Court-
landt
(Est. of
6,000
Thompson, alexaa
der
Thompson, Francis.
Thompson, G. L....
Thompnon, James..
Thompson. Jeremiab
Thompson , J o n a-
than
Van Buren, John. . . .
Van Cleef , Ooraelius
VandsDhenvel, John
0
6,000
5,000
110,000
Vanderbeck, Isaac..
Vanderbllt, Jermlah.
Vandervoort, Peter.
VanGieson, M
Van Home, Garret..
Van Home, James P
Van Nest, Abraham.
Van Schaick, Miud-
ert
Thompson, 3.& A..
Thompson, Robert..
Thome, Philip
Thome, Samuel
Thome, Stephen....
Thurston, William R
Tibbetts, Elisha
Tibbetts, Mrs
Tlllitson. Robert....
Titus, Walter
Titus. William D
12.000
16,000
8.000
15.000
12,000
8.000
Van Solingen, Henry
Van Wagenen, G. H.
Van Wagenen, Hu-
bert
6.000
10,000
Tobias, Thomas
ToddTwUliam W...
Tom, Thomas.
Van Wyok, Pierre C
Van Wyck, Samuel
H
10,000
Tonnell, John
Tooker, Samuel
Town, Charles
Townsend A Melanc-
thon
Townsend, RicFard.
Van Wyck, Stephen.
Varick, Richard
Vernon, WUlfam....
Verplanck, Johnson
Venreelen, Jacobus.
Vosburg, Herman..
85.000
70.000
6,000
6,000
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526 CITY TATPATBSS.
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PR1VATBBR3 FROM NEW YORK,
527
There was a pamphlet printed in 1815 by Jona-
than Thompson, collector of the United States
taxes in New York city (second collection district),
showing the amount of tax assessed upon the real
property and slaves of each person, excepting house
hold furniture, watches and on stamps, for the year
1815. The rate was $3.15 on each thousand of val-
uation (ante, p. 428). This shows that the valua-
tion was not lower than that by the city assessors.
It was a total of $56,820,952, against the city valua-
tion of $81,636,042 for real and personal property
for that year (ante, p. 428) .
NOTE jv.
List of Prfvateers from the Port of New York
AND THE Number of Men and Guns on Each
AND THE Number of Captures Made by Each,
Not Including Those Sunk or Destroyed
During the War of 1812-15.
Name.
Anaconda
Alert
Arroio
Antelope
Benjamin Franklin
Banqor
Berlin and Milan De-
crees
Black Joke
Blockade
Boxer
Bunkerhill
Commander.
Nat Shaler
Guy Catlin
E. Conklin
E. Conklin
Josiah IngersoU
J. Bariy
B. Breanow
Samuel C. Reid
J. Lewis
No.
No. No. Cnp-
MenOunstures
180 18 3
7 10'
200 16
32 10
120 8 9
28 2
60 5 2
66 10 1
35 6
60 6.6
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528
PRIVATEERS FROM NEW YORK.
Name.
Bunkerhill, 2d
Camelon
Chinese
Cannonierre
Charlotte
Chauncey
Divided We Fall
Erie
Eagle
Elbridge Qerry
Fieri
Flash
Flash, 2d
Flint
Fox
General Armstrong
General Armstrong,
2d, 1813
General Armstrong,
3d, August, 1814
General Armstrong,
4th
General Armstrong
Galloway
Governor Tompkins
Governor Tompkins
Hazard
Herald
Herald, 2d
Holkar
Harpey
Henry Guilder
Hero
Hussar
Invincible
Jonquil
Jack's F*avorite
James Monroe
James Monroe, 2d
Janet
Jehu
John and Mary
No.
No.
No. Cap-
CTommander.
Men Guns lures
J. Lewis
140
14
W. Cochran
30
18
W. Hazard
28
8
J. Bowers
8
2
T. Barnard
25
3
Jasper Cropsey
H. Kobinson
50
27
3
4
16
— Beaufon
45
1
2
S. Turner and others
60
5
Francis J. Bartholomew 50
3
A. Mather and others
20
6
A. Somers
23
3
A. Green
30
7
1
H. Morquo
20
1
Tim Barnard
150
19
19
J. Sinclair
120
16
Guy R. Ohamplin
120
15
2
Samuel C. Reid
100
7
3
Joseph Skinner
.143
14
1
20
Nat Shaler and others
140
15
Le Chautier
1
50
10
3
Geo. Miller. Aug., 1815.
100
17
Jonathan Rowland
150
18
5
A. Grigg
110
10
S. Newson
21
1
1
A. Burrows
24
5
5
F. Jenkins and others
98
10
2
4
£. Carman
23
1
\ J. Miller
\ — Johnson
. 80
5
5
Joe Skinner
50
5/
5
D. Williams
50
8f
Z. Crowell
20
3
S. Field
80
7
0. Adams
8
2
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PHIVATEERS FROM NEW YORK.
529
Name.
Kinq of Rome
Lark
Leopard
Littl Belt
Little Charles
Louisiana
Marengo
Mars
Macdonough
Mary
Meteor
Morgiana
New York
Orders in Council
Pacific
Patriot
Paul Jones
Paul Jones
Paul Jones
Prince de Neufchatel
President
Price
Prompt
Regent
Revenge
Rosamond
Retaliation
Right of Search
Rover
Saratoga
Swallow
Scourge
Spark
Spitfire
Spartan
Telegraph
The Brothers
Thistle
Teazer
Tickler
No.
No.
No. Cao-
Commander,
MenQuDsturts-
•
24
6
J. Banker
6
P. Drinkwater
22
5
D. ShefiSeld
20
1
H. Hunstable
14
2
E. Golden
6
2
J. Bedois
50
6
8:
Josiah Ingersoll
110
15
4
James Gill
30
3
J. Isaacs
32
5
J. Selby
29
3
G. Fellows
100
14
5
L. Kipp
6
2
J. Howai'd
120
16
5
J. Welden
5
W. Merrihew
50
2
9
William B. Dobson
120
19 j
1
A. Taylor
John Hazard
120
19
•15
100
3^
1
J. Ordronaux
127
17'
18
J. Boynton
20
2
E. Staples
H. DeKoven
30
6
5
B. Parker and others
85
5
C J. Welden
18
J. Campen
132
12
S
Sam Newson
100
6
1
50
1
0. Ferris
35
2
1
Andrew Riker and Guy
R. Champlin
140
16
22
J. Bowyer and others
30
6
R. L. Perry and C.
Wooeter and others
110
9
27
J. Boyer and others
35
3
5
Z Miller
54*
2
George Gardiner
W. Kipp
56
3
40
1
J. Cropsey
Z. Crowefl
12
12
1
1
W. B. Dobson
F. Johnson and others
[50
2
14
Charles Johnson
31
1
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530 INSTRUCTIONS TO PRIVATEERS.
No.
No.
No. Cap-
Name.
Oommander.
Hen Guns tures
Turn Over
— Southmeade
16
1
Tartar
F. King
80
8
Tartar
E. Veazy and others
86
10
United We Stand
William Story
20
2 1
Union
0. Hicks
20
4
Van Hollen
H. Perry
25
6
Vixen
J. Rosbrough *
35
3
Viper
D. Detharbibe
35
6 3
Warrior
Wampoa
Guy R. Champlin
D. waterman
170
18
22 6
4
Yankee Porter
J. Welden
36
2
Yorktotvn
T. W. Story-
Andrew Riker
160
18 6
Yorktoum, 2d
130
16
Young Teazer
W. B. Dobson
65
5 6
Young Teazer'a Ohoat
Zebra
L. Bourne
Total men,
38
10
Total, 120 vessels.
5,852
The official instructions for the private armed ves-
sels (privateers) of the United States v^ere as fol-
lows :
^* To Captain :
'* 1. The tenor of your commission under the act
of Congress, entitled 'An Act concerning letters
of marque, prizes, and prize goods,' a copy of which
is hereto annexed, will be kept constantly in your
view.* The high seas, referred to in your commis-
sion, you will understand, generally, to extend to
low- water mark ; but with the exception of the
space within one league, or three miles, from the
shore of countries at peace both with Great Britain
* The laws of Ck>Dgre8S relating to that class of inarine service
are those of June 26, 1812, February 18, 1818, August 2, 1818,
aad March 4, 1814.
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INSTRUCTIONS TO PRIVATEERS. 531
and with the United States. You may, neverthe-
less, execute your commission within that distance
of the shore of a nation at war with Great Britain,
and even on the waters within the jurisdiction of
such nation, if permitted so to do.
^*2. Yoii are to pay the strictest regard to the
rights of neutral powers, and the usages of civilized
nations ; and in all your proceedings towards neutral
vessels, you are to give them as little molestation or
interruption as will consist with the right of ascer-
taining their neutral character, and of detaining
and bringing them in for regular adjudication, in
the proper cases. You are particularly to avoid
even the appearance of using force or seduction »
with a view to deprive such vessels of their crews,
or of their passengers, other than persons in the
military service of the enemy.
^*3. Towards enemy vessels and their crews you
are to proceed, in exercising the rights of war, with
all the justice and humanity which characterize
the nation of which you are members.
'^4. The master and one or more of the principal
persons belonging to captured vessels are to be sent,
as soon after the capture^ as may be, to the judge or
judges of the proper court in the United States, to
be examined upon oath touching the interest or
property of the captured vessel and her lading ; and
at the same time are to be delivered to the judge or
judges all passes, charter parties, bills of lading, in-
voices, letters and other documents and writings
found on board ; the said papers to be proved by the
affidavit of the commander of the capturing vessel,
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532 CAPTURED VESSELS.
or some other person present at the capture, to be
produced as they were received, without fraud, addi-
tion, subrluction or embezzlement.
^*By command of the President of the U. S. of
America.
*' James Monroe,
'^ Secretary of State."
NOTE V.
List op Captured Vessels Brought to New York
City and Adjudicated Upon There During
THE War, 1812-15.
Gypsey^ taken by the Paid Jones.
Lady Slierbroke, taken by the Marengo.
Harmony, taken by the Yankee.
Industry, taken by the Benjamin Franklin.
Eliza, taken by the Marengo.
Brig, taken by the Bunker Hill.
Lady Prevost, taken by the Marengo.
Providence^ taken by the Wiley Reynard
New Liverpool, taken by the Yankee.
Alert, taken by the Essex.
Ocean, taken by the Saratoga.
Vemis, taken by the Saratoga.
Quebec, taken by the Saratoga.
Adelia, taken by the Rosamond.
Lady Harriot, taken by the Orders in Council.
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CAPTURED VESSELS. 533
Macedonian, taken by the United States.
Criterion, taken by the Highflyer.
Schooner, taken by the Retaliation.
Two Brothers, taken by the Benjamin Fiank-
tin.
Recovery, taken by the Argus.
Rio Nouva, taken by the Rolla.
Three Brothers, taken by the Dolphin.
Earl Percy, taken by the Chesapeake.
Brig, taken by the Teazer.
Janus, taken by the Orders in Council.
Brig, taken by the Holkar.
Lady Clark, taken by the Bunker Hill.
Sloop Eagle, taken by the gunboats.
Fame, taken by the Saratoga.
Nereid, taken by the Governor Tompkins.
Mary, taken by the Diomede.
Superb, taken by the Mary.
Henry, taken by the Governor Tompkins.
Adeline, taken by the Expedition.
Young Farmer, taken by the Henry Guilder.
Laudraile, taken by the Syren.
Ketch Expedition, taken by the Grampus.
Eclipse, taken by the Chasseur.
Neptune, taken by the Amelia.
. Nancy, taken by the Scourge.
Limerick, taken by the Morgiana.
Helen, taken by the Morgiana.
Susannah, taken by the Constitution.
Anne, taken by the Zebec Ultor.
Cyane, taken by the Constitidion,
William, taken by the Vixeri.
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534 OFFICERS OF PHIZE COURT.
Concordy taken by the Marengo,
Caroliney taken by the Retaliaiion.
The Prize Court in the city of New York had the
following named officers :
Judge, William P. Van Ness, from May 27, 1812,
to 1826.
Clerk, Charles A. Clinton, from prior to 1812
until June 12, 1813; Philip Spencer, Jr., from June
12, 1813, to after 1815.
District Attorney, Nathan Sanford, from July 25,
1803, to March 21, 1815.
Marshal, Peter Curtenius, from May 5, 1806, to
July 29, 1813. John Smith, from July 29, 1813, to
June 19, 1815.
Collector of Customs, David Gtelston.
Naval Officer, Samuel Osgood (1812); John Fer-
guson (1813-14-15).
United States Commissioners to take testimony
in prize causes, Matthew L. Davis and Ogden Ed-
wards.
For jurisdiction of Prize Court in New York city,
see ante. Vol. I., p. 125.
The ^' Rules of the United States District Court
in Prize Causes " in New York State were prepared
by the Court in July, 1812, and printed by Pelsue &
Gould, No. 3 New street, in a pamphlet of sixteen
pages. Some of the prominent lawyers had a copy
signed by ^^ Charles A. Clinton, Clk.," ready to be
produced at any time when necessary. The one
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GE^ERAL SWIFTS REPORT. 535
used by Aaron Burr is in New York Law Institute
' Library, and has Burr's autograph upon it.
C. A. Clinton was removed as clerk because of
incompetency in June, 1813.
Judge M. B. Tallraadge removed Theron Eudd as
clerk of the United States District Court and ap-
pointed Philip Spencer, Jr., brother of Judge
Spencer. Judge Van Ness reappointed Mr. Rudd.
NOTE VI.
(Ante, p. 398.)
Gen. J. G. Swift's Report on Fortifications of
New York in December, 1814.*
The said report and drawings are now in the
library of the New York Historical Society. The
following is a copy of the verbal portion of it :
" For the inspection of the Committee of Defence,
the accompanying views and plans of such Fortifica-
tions as have been constructed for the protection of
the City of New York, are submitted.
'' As explanatory, a few introductory remarks ex-
hibiting the exposed situations, and possible points of
assault, cannot be deemed superfluous.
^'The City of New York may be approached, by
Sandy Hook, by the Sound, or by crossing Staten
Island. By Sandy Hook, by taking possession of
that post ; or passing its batteries with a leading
breeze, carry the works on Staten Island, and ppen
* TheCommoo Council Committee of Defence in their final report
(Note VII.. post) refer to this report by General Swift and to the
plans and drawing therein referred to, and order it to be filed as
part of their report.
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536 GENERAL SWIFTS REPORT.
a passage for shipping into the upper harbor ; or by
debarking troops at Gravesend Bay and march upon
Brooklyn. By the Sound the enemy's forces may
be landed on York Island in the vicinity of Haerlem
River, and from thence force their way by the Haer-
lem, Kingsbridge, and Bloomingdale roads to the
City, or by effecting a debarkation on Long Island
at Flushing bay, they may either threaten the works
at Heilgate, and obtain an entrance for shipping
into the harbor through that pass, or leaving that
position on the right, move by the Newtown and
Jamaica road to Brooklyn. In order to cross Long
Island a landing may be effected at Jamaica bay,
and thence the route is easy to Brooklyn.
^' To guard against these contingences and be pre-
pared at all points against an assault, additional
strength has been given to some of the old perma-
nent fortifications ; the commanding positions at
Heilgate occupied with batteries covered by towers ;
While the voluntary aid of the Patriotic Citizens has
been applied to the construction of enclosed works
and connecting lines of entrenchments, at Brooklyn
and Harlem Heights.
'* Within and near these works have been con-
structed the necessary magazines, barracks &c.
For the form, situation, and strength of these works,
the Committee of Defence are respectfully referred
to the accompanying plans, commencing with a
skeleton map, exhibiting at one view all the de-
fences of the City of New York, from Haerlem
Heights to Sandy Hook ; the Scale too limited in
dimension to admit of accuracy as to figure.
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GENERAL 8W1FT8 REPORT. 537
^' At Princes Bay, Staten Island, the only secure
anchorage for shipping, and safe landing for troops
on the South side of the Island, a stone tower is now
constructing, which, it is contemplated to enclose
with a redoubt mounting ordnance of a large
caliber.
*ln advance of Brooklyn, Works have been erected
w^hich completely insulate it. Fort Green, (on an
eminence overlooking the neighbourhood and mount-
ing twenty-three pieces of ordnance, principally of
heavy calibers,) and Redoubts, Cummings, Masonic,
and Fireman, are united by lines of intrenchments
resting their right on Go wan us Creek, which runs
through a low swampy morass, and having the
Wallabout Bay on their left. In each of redoubts,
as well as at the salunt angles of the intrenchments,
are planted twelve pounders ; the intervals between
which do not exceed the half grape shot distance of
guns of that capacity. On a small eminence on the
east side of Gowanus Creek, is a battery open in the
rear calculated for three heavy pieces to defend
the mill-dam and bridge, and flanking the right of
the lines. To assist, and for the support of this
work on the right, stands Fort Lawrence, on a
commanding height, within grape shot range. The
occupation of which hill became more necessary, as
its value would have been incalculable to an enimy
succeeding in penetrating the right of the line. In
the rear, but within striking distance of Redoubts,
Fireman, and Masonic^ and the adjacent intrench-
ments, is the site of Fort Swift ; on a conical and
imposing eminence. The importance of which be-
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538 GENERAL SWIFT'S REPORT.
comes enhanced in as much as it completely over-
looks the strong defences of Governor's Island. —
On the right of the plan of the works at Haerlem,
is exhibited Fort Stevens, devil tower, and bat-
teries on the mill rock, those proposed at Rhine-
lander's point &c. for the defence of Hell- Gate
passage ; works of sufficient capacity to mount
thirty pieces of cannon, besides mortars, one-half of
which may be brought to bear upon an object at the
same time. At Benson's is a redoubt to guard a
fording place, or mill dam over Haerlem creek, with
lines extending to a creek in the rear, to be flanked
by a battery on the opposite shore. From the head
of Haerlem creek commences a parapet and ditch
running to Fort Clinton, on an elevated rock, con-
nected with which, and over McGowan's pass, is a
block house and Nutter's battery, the whole joined
to, commanded and supported by Fort Fish, on an
eminence in the rear, mounting five pieces of heavy
caliber. Immediately at the foot of the Westside of
these works is a deep vallej, rendered somewhat
difficult of passage by a small stream intersecting
it ; which, it is proposed to obstruct by a strong ab-
batis, protected by the guns of Fort Fish. On the
opposite side commences a chain of almost perpen-
dicular rocks, and wooded heights, of difficult
ascent, except in one place, and accessible only to
the lightest troops On these heights have been
erected block houses (numbered as in the plan)
within supporting distance of each other, and near
enough for the interchange of grape shot ; all of
them to mount heavy cannon on their terrace.
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GENERAL SWIFT' 8 REPORT,, 639
'^ Between Block houses No. 1 and No. 2 the hills
fall into a more gradual and gentle accUvity ; which
it is contemplated to obstruct by an abbatis flanked
by the works on the adjacent heights. At a bat-
tery marked on the plan (called Fort Laight and
situated on a perpendicular rock) commences a
line of intrenchments with faces and flanks, cross-
ing the Bloomindale road to a commanding height
on Mark's grounds, and running along its summit
to the banks of the North River, wTiich falls
abruptly ani nearly perpendicularly to the water's
edge.
** The works comprehended in the foregoing
description have been chiefly constructed by the
labour of the Citizens of the City of New York,
Long Island, and of the neighbouring Towns near
the North River, and in New Jersey. All classes
volunteering daily working Parties of from Five
Hundred to Fifteen Hundred Men. The Fortifica-
tions are testimonials of Patriotic zeal. Honorable
to the Citizens and to the active and assiduous
Committee of Defence.
'* My Aid-de-camp, Lieut. Gadsden, of the U. S.
Engineei^, conducted the Works at Brooklyn,
assisted by Mr. R. Nicholls and Mr. A. Mercien ;
while Major Horn conducted the Works at Haer-
lem.
^* The Surveys, Maps and Small views, were fur-
nished by Capt. James Renwdck and Lieut. James
Gadsden ; aided by Lieuts. Craig, Turner, De Russy,
Kemble and Oothout. Mr. Holland furnished the
large Views ; they are beautiful specimens of
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540 FINDING OF SWIFT'S REPORT.
talent. The large and elegantly finished Map of
the Hearlem line, was drawn by Mr. William Proc-
tor, from Capt. Ren wick's Survey.*
'* Next Spring it will be requisite to complete such
of the exterior Faces of the Works as have been
left in a rough state.
*' I have the honor to be,
'^Gentlemen,
"Your Respectful,
'^ Humble Servent,
'^J. G. Swift, Brig.-Genl.,
" Chf. Engr. U. S.
"Brooklyn, L. L, 31st Dec, 1814."
General Swift's report and the papers and draw-
ing therein mentioned were lost sight of for more
than thirty years. A copy of it is not in the pub-
lished meraoii-s of Q^n. J. G. Swift.
The writer learned of its existence by the final
report of the Common Council Committee of De-
fence, and after fruitless searching the records of
the Common Council, took other means to discover
what had become of it. It was found and restored
to the city in the following manner :
♦ Graduates of West Point scrviuc as officers iu dcfeoce of New
York city, 1812-15 : Alexander Macomb, Jonathan Williams,
William A. Barron, Joseph G. Swift, George Bornford, Joseph G.
Totten, Justus Post, Samuel Babcock, Christopher Van De venter,
Gustavus Loomis, William Cuttbush, George W. Gardiner, Charles
4. Merchant, Lewis G. De Russy, Daniel Turner, Isaac £. Craig,
Charles M. Thurston.
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PRBSERVA2I0N OF OEN, SWIFT'S BBPORT. 541
'*New York, January 31, 1889.
*' Benson J. Lossing, Esq., ^The Ridge,' Dover
Plains, Dutchess County, N. Y.
"Dear Sir — I take the liberty of asking you
where I can see a copy of General Swift's report
relating to the fortifications about New York city
in 1814. You have made an extract from it on
page 973 of your ' Field Book of the War of 1812.',
I am collecting matters and papers relating to Gen-
eral Swift for publication. You will do me a great
favor by informing me where I can see the report
referred to. None of General Swift's relatives here
have it or can tell me where it can be found.
" Respectfully yours,
''R. S. Guernsey.
*^ 58 Cedar Street, New York City."
*'The Ridge," Dover Plains, N. Y.,
February 8, 1889.
'' Dear Sir— I have General Swift's Report of the
Fortifications on Manhattan Island in 1812-15, ac-
companied by many drawings of them, maps, etc.,
etc.
'^ When I was preparing my ' History of the War
of 1812-15," I found in the garret of the Hall of
Records, in the City Hall Park, this report, covered
thickly with dust and cobwebs and among papers
mutilated by mice. I called the attention of Mr.
Valentine, then Clerk of the Common Council, to
the report, and asked for the privilege of taking it
home with me for use. It was granted, with the
additional privilege of keeping it as long as I
please. * It will be safer in your hands than left
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542 PRESERVATION OF OKN. SWIFT'S REPORT.
to the careless custodians of it, as you see how they
neglect such things,' said Mr. Valentine.
^* I designed, when I should have leisure, to make
careful copies of all the drawings for a historic
purpose, but in all these years I have not found the
leisure. Now there is a call for it for historic pur-
poses, I will return the big volume to the Clerk of
Jhe Common Council, who, of course, will gladly
allow you the use of it.
'^ I feel that I have by retaining the report in my
hands so long saved it from possible destruction or
mutilation. It is in the same condition as when I
received it. I will send the volume down in a week
or ten days. Yours very truly,
^*R. S. Guernsey, Esq. Benson J. Lossing."
***The Ridge,' Dover Plains P. 0., N. Y.,
February 11, 1889.
** To the Clerk of the Common Council of the City
of New York.
^' Dear Sir — When I was in quest of materials
for my * History of the War of 1812-15,' I found in
the loft of the Hall of Records in the park the re-
port of Chief Engineer J. G. Swift on the fortifi-
cations erected around New York city in 1814,
which contains numerous drawings and maps illus-
trative of that report. The volume was thickly
covered with dust and cobwebs, and lying among
old papers already mutilated by mice.
*^ I called the attention to the then Clerk of the
Common Council, the late David T. Valentine, and
asked permission to bring that report home with
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PRESERVATION OF QEN. SWIFTS REPORT. 543
me, for use in the preparation of my work. He
procured the consent of the Common Council to do
so, and when he delivered it to me he said : * Keep
it as long as you like, for it will be better preserved
in your hands than in that of such careless persons
here, as you see they have been.'
*' After I had completed my history, I designed
to make a careful copy of the report and the draw-
ings for historic purposes when I should have leis-
ure to do so. That leisure I have never found, and
now I have abandoned the project. I will return
the precious volume to you in the course of a few
days by express, with the wish and the hope that it
may be carefully preserved among the choice papers
in the archives of the city.
*' I cordially thank the Coiporation for the privi-
lege of making use of the valuable report.
'* Yours, very respectfully,
** Benson J. Lossing.'^
**No. 8 City Hall, New York,
^^ February 12, 1889.
*'To the Hon. the Common Council of the City of
New York.
^'Gentlemen — I have just received the accom-
panying letter from Benson J. Lossing, Esq. It
explains itself ; and in order that the valuable his-
torical record therein referred to may be placed
beyond any possible chance of loss or injury, I
respectfully request that I may be permitted, when
I receive the book, to deposit it with the New
York Historical Society, there to remain for safe
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544 FINAL RBPORT OF
keeping until otherwise ordered by the Common
Council.
** Very respectfully,
^'F. J. TwoM?Y, Clerk."
On motion of the president, the i-equest of the
Clerk was granted, and the book oi-dei-ed to be de-
posited with the New York Historical Society.
NOTE VII.
(Ante, p. 390)
Final Report of Common Council Committee of
Defence During War 1812-15.
The Committee of Defence having completed the
duties assigned them by the Common Council in the
summer of the last year, in relation to the defence
of this city, beg leave now to lay before them a brief
report of their proceedings.
On being furnished by Brigadjer-General Swift,
of the coips of engineers, with a plan for the defence
of the city against the then expected attack, the
committee immediately took the necessary steps to
have it executed and completed. The plan em-
braced— first, a line of defence on Long Island from
the Wallabout to the Gowanus Creek, enclosing
completely the peninsula on which the village of
Brooklyn is situated ; next, a line of defence at Har-
lem, from Benson's Point, at the mouth of Harlem
Creek, across the island to the Hudson River, in the
neighborhood of Manhattanville ; also works of de-
fence at Hellgate and Sandy Hook, to defend those
approaches to the city ; at Williamsburg, on the
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COMMITTEE OF DEFENCE, 545
liong Island shoi'e, to secure that position, between
Brooklyn and Hellgate^ and at Princess Bay, to pre-
vent a landing in the rear of the works on Staten
Island. The principal works at Brooklyn were Forts
<Ji*een, Cummings, Firemen, Masonic and Law-
rence, connected together by lines of intrenchment,
^nd Fort Swift, a strong detached position within
the line, commanding its whole extent, and also
xjovering the fortifications on Governor's Island.
The principal works at Harlem were Forts Clinton
and Fish, and Nutter's Battery, near M'Gowan's
Pass, with a line of towers or block houses Nos. 1, 2,
3 and 4 along the ridge ; and then Forts Laight and
Horn, near the Bloomingdale Road, with an in-
trenched line extending towards the North River.
These works, including those at Benson's Point, on
Millrock, and at Hallet's Point, seemed to form a
complete noi-them line of defence against any but
an overwhelming force.
The accomplishment of a plan of defence so ex-
tensive might easily be supposed te require im-
mense labor and the expenditure of vast sums of
money.
The committee finding, from the embarrassed state
of the finances of the general government, that
little, or no assistance could be expected from that
quarter, and that the extensive works, with the
various other preparations of defence, must chiefly
depend on the energies of the city, determined im-
mediately to make an appeal to the patriotism of
their fellow-citizens for that aid and co-operation,
-and for those extraordinary efforts, which the alarm-
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546 FINAL RSVORT OF
ing crisis of affaii-s appeared to demand. They
made the appeal, and, as they fondly anticipated, it
was not made in vain. Their fellow-citizens of all
ages and classes eagerly stepped forward to meet
the crisis, and cheerfully afforded the requisite aid
of pei-sonal labor and pecuniary contributions ; the
spirit of party seemed to be banished for a season^
and the only rivalship among them was who should
be foremost in the patriotic work. It is believed
that more than one hundred thousand days' labor
were voluntarily bestowed by our fellow citizens on
the fortifications of the city. In addition to their
efforts, much and veiy important aid was received
from the inhabitants of Long Island and the other
neighboring counties. The spirit which animated
the citizens of New York spread to the State of New
Jersey; large companies of the yeomanry of that
sister State, from the distance of thirty or forty
miles, offered their services, and frequently wrought
with fidehty upon the fortifications of Brooklyn and
Harlem, rendering veiy important aid to the pro-
gress and completion of the works. The defences
progressed with great rapidity, and the patriotism
of our fellow-citizens in, contributing personal labor
saved to the government immense sums of money,
which the works would otherwise have cost.
The committee soon found that the superintend-
ance of the works, the arranging of the fatigue
parties and the various other concerns incident to
the defence of the city, which were daily multiply-
ing on their hands, demanded the whole of their
time and attention. They accordingly determined
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COMMITTEE OF DEFENCE. 547
to meet daily, for the transaction of the business
committed to their charge. This they continued to
do for several months until the completion of the
works, and the increased improbability of an hostile
attempt that season, in their opinion, justified a less
strict attention on their part.
While the danger of an invasion was imminent
and increasing, the Commander in-Chief of this
military district made requisitions on the States of
New York and New Jersey, for large detachments of
their militia for the defence and protection of this
city, and the committee were informed by him that
his whole dependence was upon the patriotism of
t.he corporation for thf ir pay, subsistence and camp
equipages, as he was entirely destitute of the means
of providing even for their accommodation or sub-
sistence. The paymaster's, the contractoi^'s, the
quartermaster's, the ordinance departments were all,
in fact, destitute of money ; tents, barracks and
camp equipage were immediately wanted for the
accommodation of the large detachments of militia
thus called into service ; arms and cannon were to be
procured, the deficiency of ammunition was to be
supplied, gun carriages were to be made or repaired,
and vessels were to be purchased to form obstruc-
tions in the harbor. All these subjects, and many
more (none of which could be neglected with safety
to the city), required that immediate measures
should be taken to raise a sufficient sum to meet
these very gi-eat and unexpected calls for money.
The committee accordingly recommended to the
corporation to borrow one million of dollars for the
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548 FINAL REPORT OF
purposes of defence. This recommendation beinpf
promptly acceded to, a loan was opened and the^
sum required speedily subscribed and placed at the^
disposal of the committee. Furnished with these
means they were enabled not only to supply the
wants of the several departments, to cause the
works of defence to go on with rapidity, to procure
whatever might be deemed necessary for defence^
but also to provide many things for the comfort and
convenience of their fellow-citizens who had left
their families and domestic comforts, and who were
in arms for the defence of our city.
Soon after the loan was filled an arrangement was
made with the general government for their final
assumption and payment of most of the advances-
which the committ^ were required to make by the
exigency of the times, and they have since happily^
effected a settlement with the Treasury Depart-
ment, embracing all the principal expenditures and
advances made by them. In virtue of this settle-
ment the sum of $1,100,009.87 of the six per cent-
stock of the United States has been received and
placed to the credit of the corporation ; also the fur-
ther sum of $53,000 in treasury notes. Some few^
items, however, not included in the settlement,,
amounting to $9,265.22, though not yet received^
are admitted by the accounting officers of the treas-
ury and will speedily be paid ; and certain others,,
amounting to $36,422, being for damages awarded
to the proprietors of grounds occupied by the forti-
fications, will require legislative provision before
they can be settled. These several sums, with the
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COMMITTEE OF DEFENCE. 549
sum of $4,629.15, being the balance of cash on hand,
amount to $1,204,326.25, making a probable gain to
the corporation of about $150,000.
The teims upon which the arrangement with the
government was made for the assumption of those
advances from the dark and unpropitious appear-
ance of our national affairs at that time, presented
to the committee at first but a faint prospect of the
corporation being fully indemnified for all the money
they were called upon to expend, but the times were
then portentous, the safety of the city was in
jeopardy, and the honor of the country, which
would have been deeply tarnished by the fall of New
York, left no alternative. The risk was to be en-
countered, though it should terminate in the loss of
the whole, and the public feeling called for the
sacrifice, if a sacrifice it should eventually prove to
be.
The committee have reason to believe that the
vigorous efforts which were made in this city, to
place it in a respectable state of defence, were the
means, under providence, of preserving it from at-
tack, pit)bably from the unhappy fate of the seat of
our National Government. They think they will
not be charged with vain boasting, when they as-
sert their belief, that, from the strength of the
works of defence and the high state of the discipline
of our patriotic mihtia who had assembled to defend
them, had the enemy, at the period of their
completion, ventured an attack, they would have
met with as gallant a repulse as they experienced at
New Orleans.
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550 FINAL REPORT OF
The committee avail themselves of the present
occasion, respectfully to recommend to the corpora-
tion to press upon the General and State Govern-
ments the propriety of adopting measures to main-
tain and preserve the works of defence which now
encircle the city, as, in their opinion, it would be an
expensive and dangerous policy, a lavish of prop-
erty and a reflection upon the nation, to suffer the
forts, redoubts and batteries, so recently and so ef-
fectually erected for our defence, and upon which
so much patriotic exertion has been bestowed, so
soon to fall into ruin and decay, and thus return to
the defenceless state in which we were in the sum-
mer of the last year. In the present state of the
world no human eye can f orsee how soon this coun-
try may (which God forbid) be again involved in a
state of war; but every individual can perceive how
much influence our being properly prepared to re-
ceive and repulse an enemy would have in deterring
him from such violations of our rights and national
honors as might lead to so unhappy an event.
The alacrity with which the citizens of New York
when called upon, seconded the efforts of their
municipal authorities, must be highly gratifying to
the corporation, and will bo to them a sure pledge
that their constituents, should any future occasion
call for similar sacrifices, will not diminish the repu-
tation which they have acquired by their great and
imparalleled exertion.
The committee subjoin a general statement of
their expenditures and a copy of their minutes for
the information of the common council, and sub-
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COMMITTEE OF DEFENCE, 551
mit to them the report of General Swift, which is
accompanied by a portfolio of drawings of the works
of defence, executed in an elegant and masterly
style. They cannot close their report without ex-
pressing the high opinion they entertain of the
talents and sei*vices of that excellent officer. The
judgment displayed by him in the formation of the
plan of defence, his zeal and indefatigable personal
attention to the execution of it, and his frank and
amiable deportment in his communications with the
committee, excited their high respect and warm es-
teem, gained the confidence of their fellow-citizens,
and will justify the corporation in enrolling the
name of Brigadier- General Joseph G. Swift among
the benefactors of the City of New York.
They therefore recommend that his portrait have
a place in the galleiy of paintings belonging to the
corporation, that he be requested to sit for that pur-
pose, and that the committee be authorized to em-
ploy some suitable and skillful artist on the occas-
ion.
All which is respectfully subniitted.
(Signed) NiCHS. Fish,
Peter Mesier,
G. BUCKMASTER,
J, Mapes,
Thos. R. Smith,
Gideon Tucker,
I. S. Douglass.
In Common Council, November 6, 1815.
Approved and ordered to be published,
J. Morton, C. C. C.
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552 MILITARY 0BDBB8.
NOTE vra.
Some Miutary Orders and Regulations.
(See ante, pp. 162, 188-4.)
^* Oeneral Orders.
*^ State of New York Headquarters.
**New York, August 4, 1814.
^'The commander in chief having received a
requisition made by authority of the President to
call int9 service of the United States immediately, a
portion of the militia of this State, to consist of
three thousand men, for the defence of the Atlantic
frontier of this state, and conceiving that the emer-
gency requires him, pursuant to the power vested
in him by the militia law of this state, to call into
state sei'vice, for l^he defence of the same frontier,
one regiment in addition to the aforesaid requisition,
directs, that the following corps be immediately
organized and ordered into actual service. The
detached brigade to the command whereof brigadier
general Martin Heermance is assigned, consisting
of two regiments, the first whereof is to be formed
by 540 men, including company oflBcers, to be de-
tached from the 19th brigade of infantry, exclu-
sive of the uniform companies of the brigade;
and 540 men, exclusive of uniform corps, from
the 30th brigade of infantry ; which regiment is
to be commanded by lieut. cols. Isaac Belknap,
jun., and Abraham Van Wyck ; and the second
of which regiments is to be commanded by
lieut. cols. A. Delamater and A. Wheeler, and to
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MILITARY 0EDBR8. 553
consist of 648 men from the 90th brigade of infan-
try, and of 432 from the 34th brigade of infantry,
exclusive of uniform companies.
" One regiment to be commanded by lieut. co^s.
John G. Van Dalfsen, Daniel Warner, and a lieu-
tenant-colonel, to be assigned by major-general
Perlee from the 23d brigade of infantry; which
regiment will consist of three battalions, detached
as follows : — from the 12th brigade of infantry 640
men ; from the 23d brigade of infantry 432 men ;
and from the 37th brigade of infantry 540 men.
All the beforementioned corps will rendezvous by
battalions, on the 18th day of Aug. inst. at ten
o'clock in the forenoon, or in corps of not less than
one full company, at such place or places as the
commandant of the brigade from which the battal-
ion may be detached shall direct.
'* The battalion of artillery to be composed of the
companies of artillery in the counties of Eockland,
Orange, Putnam and Dutchess, will also rendezvous
on the 18th day of August instant ; that part of
the battalion which is in [Dutchess and Putnam
counties, at such place or places as Lieut. -Col.
Nathan Myers may direct ; and that part of Orange
and Rockland at such places as Lieut. -Col. Selah
Strong shall prescribe. One full company of the
2nd regiment of riflemen will rendezvous at the
capitol in the city of Albany, on Thursday the 18th
day of August inst., at ten o'clock in the forenoon,
and should a greater number than one company of
said regiment volunteer their services the whole will
rendezvous on the day and at the hour before men-
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554 MILITARY ORDERS,
tioned, at such place or places as Lieut. -Col. S. M.
Lockwood shall direct, who will, in person, take
command of them, if the number shall amount to
three full companies. The commandants of such
uniform corps in the counties of Delaware, Greene,
Rensselaer, Albany, Schenectady and Ulster as may
volunteer their services for the defence of the city of
New York and its vicinity^ will report to the com-
mander-in-chief immediately. The light infantry
and i-ifle companies of Rockland, Orange, Dutchess
and Putnam counties, organized into a detached
regiment on the 20th of July last, will rendezvous
on the 18th of August inst., at the hour aforesaid,
as follows : — In Westchester county, at such place
as Lieut. -Col. Jonathan Varian may designate, and
in the other countieo" at such place or places as the
commandants of the respective brigades to which
they belong shall direct.
**The commandants of artillery companies will
take with them to the places of rendezvous the field
pieces and equipments attached to the respective
companies. All the artillery, light infantry and
riflemen must appear at rendezvous with complete
uniform, and the light infantry, riflemen and in-
fantry must appear equipped with a musket and
bayonet or a rifle with a cartridge box or rifle pouch
and with a knapsack, blanket and canteen, and
they are advised to provide themselves with a frock
and trowsers, for fatigue dress to preserve their uni-
form. Members of uniform companies ordered
into service in 1813, under brigadier-general Hop^
kins, who shall have faithfully served and been
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MILITARY ORDERS. 555
honorably discharged, during or at the end of the
tour of duty of General Hopkins' brigade, and also
all the membei's of uniform companies, who served
faithfully, in person or by substitute, on Staten
Island, in 1812, may be discharged by the com-
mandants of the respective rendezvous at which
they may assemble ; but such commandants are
cautioned to be particular in the exercise of this
discretion.
*^The principal and not the substitute, will have
the benefit of former service, and the commandants
of the companies heretofore on duty are required to
detach and have at the proper rendezvous, by the
18th inst., every member of the company who did
not actually serve in person or by substitute in 1812
or 1813.
''Three thousand of the troops included in this
order will rendezvous, under and pursuant to the
act of Congress passed 28th February, 17^5, and the
acts supplementary and in addition thereto. The
original act prescribes three months from the time
of arrival at the place of rendezvous as the period of
service ; and the act in addition thereto provides
that the militia called into service, pursuant to the
act of 28th February, 1 793, may, if, in the opinion
of the President of the United States the public in-
terest requires it, be compelled to serve for a term
not exceeding six months after their arrival at the
place of rendezvous. The residue of the troops in-
cluded in this order are called out under state au-
thority, and will be liable to serve so long as the
emergency which induced the call may exist, not
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556 MILITARY ORDERS.
exceeding three months. The destination of all the
troops mentioned in this order is the City of New
York and its Vicinity.
** The discretion vested in commandants of de-
tached companies to receive substitutes at the ren-
dezvous requires theni not to receive substitutes in
the artillery, rifle corps or light infantiy, unle?is
such substitute be completely uniformed and
equipped for the corps in which he is offered as a
substitute, nor in the infantry, unless the substitute
be amply supplied with clothing for three months'
service, and equipped with a musket and bayonet,
rifle, cartridge box or pouch, and with a knapsack,
blanket and canteen, and the commandants of com-
panies are expressly forbid receiving substitutes
upon any other terms. Militia officei-s «are again re-
minded that the certificates of surgeons are not to
l)e received as conclusive evidence of inability to
serve, but that commandants are bound to inquire
into the grounds of such discharge and to decide
upon all the information and evidence they can
obtain ; and if any commandant of regiment, bat-
talion, or other militia officer be notified that cer-
tificates are given by surgeons, for reward, or with-
out due examination, and upon slight grounds, and
shall not report such surgeons for trial and punish-
ment, the oflficei*s so neglecting will be reported to
the council of appointment for dismissal. All offi-
cers concerned in the execution of this order are re-
quired to use their utmost exertions to carry it into
prompt and complete effect, and are strictly charged
to represent to the commander-in-chief every other
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MILITARY ORDERS. 557
officer under their respective commands who may
be negligent, evasive, or disobedient in the discharge
of his duty.
"By order of the Commander-in-chief,
** Robert Macomb, Aid-de-Camp."
(Aiile, p. 252.)
"Third Brigade of N. Y. Infantry,
" Brigade Orders,
"New York, Sept. 1st, 1814.
" That part of this brigade in the city of New
York is provisionally consoUdated in two regiments
as follows: The first to be commanded by Lieut. -
Col. Dodge, Ldeut.-Col. Say re. Major Thorn, Major
Strong.
Captains : 1 William S. Hick, 2 William Patter-
son, 3 William T. McCoun, 4 Robert M. Russel, 5
William H. Maxwell, 6 Ezra C. WoodhuU, 7 Janey
Pink, 8 John J. Sickles, 9 Edward H. NicoU, 10
Thomas J. Dolancey.
* * Lieutenants : Jennings, Burdett, Macomb,
Wheeler, Spicer, Dodge, Woodhull, Tylee, Duffice,
James Russel, Allen, Burnett, Parsons, Dunscomb,
Randall, NicoU, Post, Jones.
^^ Ensigns: Banks, Phelps, Pell, Cheavens, Mc-
Vicar, Townsend, Brown, Low, Irving, Smith,
Holly, Dunlap, Watts, Hoflfman, Walworth, Ran-
kin, Gale, Varick, Prince, Stewart, Hide.
** The second Regiment commanded by Lieut. -Col.
Van Hook, Lieut. -Col. Todd, Majors Gardner and
Fay.
^' Captains : 1 Daniel E. Tylee, 2 Solomon Seixas,
3 Joseph Gerard, 4 G. H. Striker, 6 Zebedee Ring,
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558 MILITARY ORDERS.
Jr. , 6 Abner Stevens, 7 Robert Emmett, 8 William
E. Dunscomb, 9 James Striker, 10 Homer Whitte-
more,
^^Lieutenants: Hyatt, McLaughlin, Ryer, Griffin,
Morris, Morgan, Baker, Koss, McLaughlin, Sprong,
Christie, McGregor, Fisher, Fleming, J. Renwick.
^^ Ensigns: Long worth, Brower, Wheaton, Tol-
man, Hewett, Ainslie, Warner (Brevets, Bool, Horn,
bixon. Gales), G. Rogers, Gales, Coddington, R.
Renwick, Barnesett, Nestell, Brown, Heyer, Tardy,
Striker, Benjamin, Durry, J. Sheffelin, Robineau.
** The commandants of the above detached regi-
ments will appoint their staff. The brigadier-gen-
eral wishes it to be distinctly understood that the
above consolidation is provisional, liable to be altered
or reduced as occasion may require.
'* By order of the Brigadier-General,
*'Chas. King,
*^ Capt. and aid-de-camp."
The Third Brigade of New York Infantry con-
sisted of the 10th, 51st, 82d, 126th, 142d and 146th
Regiments, under command of General Mapes, all
from New York city excepting the last-named regi-
ment, which was from Staten Island.
On 1st September, 1814, General Mapes issued the
above order of consolidation of the several companies
and regiments, which is referred to ante, p. 252.
This order of consoldiation excluded a large num-
ber of officers from any command (ante, p. 252), be-
cause the number of men in each company as con-
solidated consisted of one hundred men, and there
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MILITARY ORDERS. 55g
were consequently not privates enough for all the
officers. This caused much dissatisfaction to the
officers who were not assigned to duty. The follow-
ing order was issued :
*^3d Brigade of Detached Infantry.
^^ Brigade Orders.
''New York, Sept. 4th. 1814.
*' The Brigadier-General avails himself of the fii-st
opportunity (permitted by the pressure of official
business) to express to the officers of his brigade
who were not detached his sincere regret that the
consohdation of the brigade as made by the order of
the 1st September inst. did not permit him to give
employment to the whole of them, and he begs
them to accept his thanks for their past good con-
duct, and his hopes that an arrangement may soon
be made to give them command, in the meantime
he expects that they will pay every attention to im-
prove themselves in discipline.
''Commandants of regiments will communicate
the above in extenso to the officers concerned.
" By order of Gen. Mapes,
" Chas. Kjng,
" Capt. and Aid-de-camp."'
(See ante, p. 188.)
'' State of New Jersey, Adjutant-General's
Office.
"Trenton, August 11, 1814.
'*Th0 Commander-in-Chief, having received a
requisition from Maj.-Gen. Lewis, commanding the
3d military district, for two hundred men, to en-
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560 MILITARY ORDERS,
camp on the Height of Navesink, near the Tel-
egraph, and the general requisition not being yet
complete, Orders the following Volunteer Com-
panies into service, to march on Monday morning
next for that encampment, viz. :
"Captain James J. Wilson's company of Jersey
Blues, of Trenton ; Captain Stephen D. Day's com-
pany, of Orange ; Captain John J. Plume's Company
of artillery, Newark ; Captain Moses F. Davis's rifle
company, of Bloomfield; Captain William Ten
Eycke's rifle company and Lieutenant James Ten
Eycke's volunteers, of Monmouth.
"Deputy Quarter- Master-Gteneral Abraham Rey-
nolds will attend to delivering out camp equipage
and the transportation of the same, with the bag-
gage of the troops, to the camp. Such men as are
not furnished with arms will be furnished by Col.
Reynolds, who will apply for information to Col.
Thomas T. Kinney, aide-de-camp to the Com-
mander-in-Chief. The senior Captain will command
until field officers shall be appointed. These troops
will continue in service for thirty days after arriv-
ing at the place of rendezvous, or until relieved.
*' By order of the Commander-in-Chief,
** James J. Wilson, Adjutant-Gteneral."
(See ante, pp. 189, 265.)
*^ State of New Jersey.
^^ General Orders.
** Headquarters, Trenton, N. J.,
'^August 12, 1814.
*^ The Commander-in-Chief announces his accept-
ance of the offers of service made by the following
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MILITARY ORDERS. 561
Volunteer Corps, agreeably to his invitation of the
14th of July last, in the order in which they were
received, viz. :
''Of Artillery.
" Capt. Kilburn's Artillery, of Orange.
" Capt. Golden's Artilleiy, of Hopewell.
'' Capt. Plume's Independent Artillery, of New-
ark.
" Capt, Neilson's Artillery, of New Brunswick,
**Capt. Vandycke's Horse Artillery, of New
Brunswick.
** Of Infantry and Riflemen.
'' Capt. Wilson's Jersey Blues, of Trenton.
** Capt. Day's Volunteers, of Orange.
**Capt. Harrison's Riflemen, of Orange.
'' Capt. Donlevy's Rangers, of Belvidere.
**Capt. Lindsley's Riflemen, of Essex.
''Capt. Ten Eycke's Riflemen, of Freehold.
''Lieut. Ten Eycke's Riflemen, of Middletown-
point.
"Capt. Halliday's Rangers, of Morristown.
" Capt. Mitchell's Rangers, of Paterson Landing.
"Capt. Fair's Light Infantry, of Hackensack,
"Capt. Garrison's Infantry, of Somerset.
"Capt. Crane's Riflemen, of Caldwell.
" Capt. Freas's Light Infantry, of Salem.
" Capt. Garrison's Light Infantry, of Salem.
"Capt. MacKay's Riflemen, of New Brunswick.
"Capt. Brees' Light Infantry, of Baskingridge.
"Capt. Scott's Light Infantry, of New Bruns-
wick.
" Capt. Fell's Light Infantry, of New Hampton.
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562 MILITARY ORDKIiS.
'* Capt. Brittia's Fusileers, of Chatham.
'' Capt. Carter's Riflemen, of BottlehiU.
*^Capt. McKissack's Riflemen, of Somerset.
''Capt. Davis's Riflemen, of Bloomfield.
'' Capt. Ball's Light Infantry, of Bloomfield.
'' While accepting the patriotic offers of these Vol-
unteer Conipanies, the Commander-in-Chief deems
it his duty, in order that they may, should they be
called into service, act their respective parts in a
manner honorable to themselves and useful to their
country, to enjoin it upon them one and all to equip
themselves for the field as speedily as possible ; to
perfect themselves in discipline by frequent meet-
ings and strict attention to the instructions of their
officers, and to hold themselves in readiness to
march at a moment's warning whenever the exigen-
cies of their country may require.
''In order to complete the quota of 5,000 men,
officers included, required from this state, the Com-
mandants of the several Brigades of Infantry and of
the Cape May Regiment, will immediately cause to
be detached from their respective commands the
officers and privates called for in the following
detail :
(Here follows the number and class of officers-
and men, artillery and infantry, required from each
county in the State (ante, p. 265). The total num-
ber of privates required were 3,245 and of officers.
605 and 116 drummers and fifers. Of the officers 224
were corporals and the same number of sergeants.)
"The Commanders of Brigades, Regiments, Bat-
talions and Companies are expected to use all dili-
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MILITARY 0UDER8. 563
gence to have the officers and men called for by the
foregoing detail detached as promptly as possible
<in conformity to the 4th section to the last supple-
ment of the miUtia act). The several Brigade
Majors are required with all practicable expedition
to muster the men within their respective bounds
{as well the Volunteers as others), and cause con-ect
inspection returns to be made of the. names, grades
and corps of the officers and men thus detached to
the Adjutant General's office in Trenton, from
whence they will be transmitted to the commanders
of the respective Brigades now organizing. Captain
Jacob Butcher's and Captain Burden's Companies
in the Monmouth Brigade and Captain Scull's Vol-
unteers and Captain Robert Smith's Artillery Com-
pany in the Gloucester Brigade will be exempt from
this detail — those companies having volunteered to
perform certain services under the Act of the t2th
of February last, and have not been included in the
aggregate of their respective Brigades.
''The officers and privates thus detailed, together
with the volunteer companies in the several coun-
ties, will be organized into regiments as follows :
*' Those of Bergen and Essex into one regiment.
'' Those of Morris and Sussex, into one regiment.
''Those of Somerset, Middlesex and Monmouth,
into one regiment.
'* These three regiments to compose one Brigade,
to be commanded by Brigadier General Colfax.
"Those of Hunterdon and Burlington to form
one Regiment.
"Those of Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland, and
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564 THE MmTEU ROLLS.
Cape May, to form another Regiment. These two
Regiments to form a Brigade, to be commanded by
Brigadier General Elmer. The whole to be under
the command of Major General Wm. N. Shinn.
*^ Brigadier Generals Elmer and Colfax will at-
tend to the formation of the Regiments composing
their respective Brigades, disposing the Artillery
and Volunteers in the best manner to make the
Regiments serviceable.
'* Deputy Adjutant General Israel Day, and Dep-
uty Quarter Master Generals Reynolds and Brewster,
are detailed for this service.
" By order of the Commander in Chief,
'* James J. Wilson,
^' Adjutant General.'^
NOTE IX.
The Muster Rolls of Soldiers that Served in
Defence of New York City in 1814.
It was intended that this volume would contain
the Roster of officers in the miUtia that served in the
defence of the city of New York in the summer of
1814. After long deliberation the writer concluded
that by pubUshing the list of officers (there being
about thirteen hundred of them) would probably
prevent the further publication of the Muster RoUs^
and thus the names of the privates that then served
would ever remain in oblivion.
The following letter will more fully explain the
writer's plan and view of the steps which should be
taken in the matter :
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THK MUSTER ROLLS. 565
*^New York December 6, 1893.
''Henry Chauncey, Jr., Esq., Secretary of New
York Society of War of 1812.
'' Dear Sir : — I have received from you a copy of
the resolution adopted by your society at the annual
meeting on October 26, 1893, complimentary to my
work (''History of New York City and Vicinity
During the War of 1812 "). I appreciate the atten-
tion thus shown to my work. The concluding
volume is now in press, and will be issued in the
spring.
"Permit me to suggest to the Society that a
good work for them to do is to take steps to have the
muster roll of all men that served in the defence of
New York city in the summer of 1S14 published.
This roll was lost sight of for more than half a
century until I found it about eight years ago in
one of the departments at Washington. It is safe
and sound as time will permit. It contains the
names of more than twenty-five thousand officers
and men that served at that time under Major-
General Morgan Lewis, in the defence of the city of
New York.
" The publication of this roll will make two oc-
tavo volumes of about four hundred pages each.
The expense of copying the roll and the pubUcation
should be paid by the State of New York, as more
than half of those on the roll did not belong to New
York city, and 2,500 belonged to the New Jersey
Militia. My concluding volume shows where each
regiment and command were in service in 1814, and
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566 NEW YORK MU8TKR ROLLS.
by this roll it can readily be ascertained where each
person was in the service.
^' I have endeavored to do my work in such man-
ner .as to render it of permanent value (rather than
popular), feeling confident that it will, as time goes
on, take the place it deserves among local histories.
'^Please express my thanks to the Society,* and
oblige. Yours sincerely,
*' 58 Cedar Street. R. S. Guernsey."
Men from New York State in the War
1812-15.
Militia,
CLASS.
NO.
OFFICBBS.
NON-COM.
OFFICERS.
MEN.
Cavalry,
Artillery,
Riflemen,
214
444
82
379
927
204 •
1,822
4,884
918
Sea Fencibles,
66
158
1,065
Infantry,
4,663
8,400
10,068
49,011
Totals,
6,469
57,700
Volunteers.
Cavalry,
Artillery,
Biflemen,
7
110
18
17
299
45
84
2,170
361
Infantry,
67
202
149
510
775
Totals,
3,380
*The Society of the War of 1813 was iDstituted January 8, 1826,
by some officers of the Armies and Navies of the United States in the
war of 1812, and was consolidated January 8, 1848, with the Veteran
Corps of Artillery in the State of New York, instituted on Novem-
ber 25, 1790, by officers and soldiers of the war of the Revolution and
who served in the defence of New York city in 1812 and 1814. All
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^'EW JERSEY MUSTER ROLLS. 5C7
Total Number in Service in War 1812-15 from
New York State.
Officers 5,710
Non-Commissioned Officers 10,682
Men 61,495
Total 77,887
The shortest period of service was one day, long-
est twenty-nine months.
N. B. — The above does not include those in the
United States Navy or in the service as privateers.
Men from New Jersey in War of 1812-15.
Militia.
^^^^^- officers. officers. ^^^•
Cavalry, 11 20 103
Artillery; 16 36 157
Riflemen, 34 68 349
Infantry, 334 684 4,199
None mustered as volunteers, only as companies,
under order dated August 12, 1814.
New Jersey Militia Stationed at Paulus Hook
AND Sandy Hook in War of 1812-15.
(See ante, p. 266.)
Brig. -Gen. William Colfax, commanding brigade.
Capt. James C. Van Dyke, commanding company
of artillery.
these were incorporated under the laws of New York as a military
institution on January 8, 1892, by tlie suryiving original veteran
members. One of the objects of the incorporated society is to
** collect and preserve the manuscript rolls, records and other docu-
ments relating to that war.** This was the first society of that war
that was formed in the United States.
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568 2^EW JEHSBT MVSTER ROLLS,
Capt. James J. Wilson, commanding company of
artillery.
Capt. Joseph W. Scott, light infantry.
Lieut. -Col. John Seward, 14 companies.
Col. John W. Frelinghuysen, 23 companies.
Col. John Dodd, 13 companies.
Lieut. -Col. Joseph Jackson, 6 companies.
Lieut. -Col. James Abrahams, 6 companies.
Maj. Isaac Andrus, 11 companies.
New Jersey Militia in 1814 (from August 13th
to December 10th).
r*T AQQ
NO.
NON-COM.
MEN.
CLiAoo.
OFFICERS.
OFFICERS.
Infantry,
250
520
3,027
Riflemen,
32
64
300
Artillery,
15
34
141
Cavalry,
7
12
61
Totals, 304 t530 3,52^
The longest period of service during that time
was three months and twenty-six days ; the shortest
was one month and four days.
Total Number in Service in the War.
The total number of soldiers in service in the war
was 481,622, which does not include marine service
or privateers. The United States pension rolls show
527,654 entitled to pension, being 46,032 more than
those in the land service.
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INDEX TO VOLUME 11.
American War Sliips — Essex,
Presideiir, 23-25, 42, 77. 436,
507; Hornut, 879, 436. 505.
608; Peacock, 28, 42. 378,
436. 506, 508 ; Tom Bowliue,
378. 436 ; Macedonian. 77-78.
American Museum, 123.
American navy. 84.
Amusements. 1814. 170.
Antliouy. Charles, 245.
Apathy of the people, 170.
Appeal to Irishmen, 308.
Arms, call for, 245.
Armstrong. General, 884 ; priva-
teer brig, officers, owner, 800;
instructions to, 801 ; destruc-
tion of. 302.
Army forces of U. 8., 188.
Arsenal. 8tate, near the Collect,
452.
Artillery. First Brigade, 165,
182. 241; orders. September
2.1814, 254; from Rockland,
Orange, Putnam, Dutchess
Counties, 184 ; veteran corps,
Capt. G. W. Chapman, 1 11-306 ;
Major Smith's 9th Regt., 306 ;
Bogart's Flying, 806; War-
ner's Horse An., 806; N. Y.
Exempt No. 1, Capt. W. Ley-
crafi, 306; First Ward Ex-
empt, Capt. R. Hodge. 806;
City. 810 ; First Brigade, 824.
Artilleryists, 138.
Asbridge, Capt. George, 306, 308.
Aslor, John Jacob, 70, 72 ;
loans cannon. 300 ; residence,
894 ; illumination of house.
491, 492.
B.
Baker, A. St. John, with trmty
of peace, 455, 458. 462 ; John.
475.
Baltimore. 232. 816.
Banks of New York, 270, 271.
415; first savings bank, 1816,
274 ; National. 67. 74; officers
of, see Appendix.
Barker, Jacob. 66. 67, 270. 404-6;
paid express to Gov. Tompkins,
462.
Battle at sea, last by Hornet and
Penguin, March 28. 1815, 489;
last gun in the war, June 80,
1815, by the Peacock, 489.
Bayard, William, 287.
Bedloe's Island, 371.
Beekman, Lieut., 139.
Bcrrian, inventor of torpedo
boat, 139.
Biddle. captain of the Hornet.
arrives, 379.
Blackwell, Robert. 394.
Bladensburg battle. 231; Gen.
Winder ai, 231.
Blockade Vessels — Plantagenet,
Capt. Lli>yd, 23 ; frigate
Loire, 24. 78, 81-7. 91, 138.
434 ; British at Sandy Hook.
2*i0 ; squadron. January, 1815,
436.
Blockhouses. 46, 47.
Bloomfleld, Maj..Gen.,264.
Boerum, Colonel. 33.
Bogardus, Col. Rol)ert, 188; in
command Third Mil. Dist..451;
order flag of truce. 455 ; re-
turns to Long Island, 464»
608.
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ii
INDEX.
Bogart, Col. G. A., 806.
** Capt. J. O.,810.
Bounties, 89.
Bourbons re8toratioD,98; oration,
99.
Boyi'l. Gen. John P., 189, 880,
877. 485. 486, 464. 465.
Breiirly, Col. David, 138.
Bremoer, Capt. Andrew, 191,
192 ; broke ground at Fort
Green, 193, 216.
Brewster, Capt., 466.
Brigades— Steddiford*s. 160 ;
Tliird, 88. 165; Tenth, 165;
Fifteenth, 165; Twentv-second.
165. 188; Twenty-niulli, 165;
Tbirty-lbird of Sufifolk, 165.
188 ; Gen. Hermauce's, 226 ;
locations, 250; Gen. Uaigbt's,
818; stations, 329-330.
British army at Champlain, 288;
attempt to land at Hempstead.
221 ; on Long Island. 194.
British Parliament prohibiting
ransom for captured vessels,
27; privateers, 78; Liverpool
packet. 79 ; reinforcements,
90. 198.
British War Vessels — Superb.
Capt. Paget. 79 ; Narcissus,
82-84; Ramillies. Pactolus,
Terror, Dispatch, 211, 436-7;
Penguin, 505. 508; Nautilus,
506, 508; Dolphin, 507; Favor-
ite, Capt. J. A. Maude. 454;
with treaty, 455, 508; Endym-
ion. 436, 454; Teiiedos, 486.
454; at Sandy Hook. 184; in
the Sound, 845; Majestic,
Pomona, 486.
British naval force. 85. 88; ves-
sels in Gardiner^s Bay. 212;
threaten New York, 218; off
Sandy Hook, 220; vessels in
1815, 442; on the coast, Sep-
tember 1, 1814. 282.
Cadets from West Point, 186.
Campaign of 1815, 440.
Cannon, number of, in city. 899.
Carroll, Henry, bearer of treaty
of peace. 457, 462. 501.
Cartel ships arrive, 484.
Cartmen called in service. 821.
Castle Williams, 119.
Castlereagh. Lord, 499.
Cavalry. Capt. Wilson's, of
Kings County, 34; Third Bri-
gade, 88; New York Hussars,
808; Old Butcher Troops, 805.
Cebra. Alderman. 456.
Cedar Street Church,/ 478.
Champlain frontier. 279.
Chapman, Capt. Geo. W., 806.
.Charitable donations, 480, 481.
Cbauncey. Com.. Dinner to, 22.
Chippewa victory, 144.
Chittenden, Gov., withdraws
Vermont troops, self-defence,
279.
Churches. Cliambers Street Pres-
byterian, 441; Cedar Street,
478.
Chrystie. Thomas, 262, 485, 480.
Cincinnati, Society of the, 122.
Citizens' meeting. 144-145; ad-
dress to exempts, 146.
City Hall. New York. Governor's
Koom established, 47; trans-
parencies, 484-486; portraits
of heroes in, 453.
City Hotel, 458. 461; transpa-
rencies. 490.
City OfDcers of, see Appendix.
Clay, Henry, 602.
Clark, Col. Emmons. 349.
Ciarkaon, Gen. Matthew, 475.
Clergy of New York differ with
Common Council on Fast Day.
15-17.
Clinton. Mayor De Witt, 180 ;
charge to Grand Jury, a patri.
otic appeal. 488-487.
Cochran. Fife Maior, 849.
Cochrane, Admiral Sir Alexander,
proclamation. 80. 82; at Be-
muda, his expedition, 184-135 ;
letter to Secretary Monroe, 281,
212, 442.
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INDEX,
iii
Cockburn, Admiral, 218 ; aban-
(loDs his plan on New York,
222 ; sails south, 222.
Coffin, Capt. Alexander, 808.
Golden. Col. CadwaUder D.,
828
Colfax, Brig. -Gen. William, of
New Jersey, 189, 268, 818;
discharged, 287.
Columbia College, 115.
Columbian Society at Brooklyn
Heights, 298, 294 ; committee
of. 294.
Commanders, assigned, 822-824.
Committee on enlistments, 145.
Committee of Defence, final
report of, see Appendix.
Common Council, address to,
174; action of, 185, 176; ad-
dress to the people, 177-181 *,
thanks, 888; on treaty of
peace» 469 ; celebration, 470 ;
postponed, 474 ; illuminations,
etc., 478.
Congress at Vienna, 444 ; position
of United States. 445, 499. 501,
604, 605.
Coodyites, 62.
Corlear's Hook, 90.
Courts-martial. 385 ; order for,
September 24, 1814, 886; at
Tammany Hall, October 10th,
25th, 1814. 850.
Craig. Capt. William, 808.
Crosby. W. B., 248, 811.
Cruger, Henry, 894.
Currency, paper, 410 ; effect of,
410-11.
Currency, New York city, 480.
Curtenius, Gen. Peter, 824.
D.
Dallas, A. J., exposition on the
war, 496 ; report, 606.
Davis, Lieut-Col., 249.
Davif), Ifatthew L., 294, 888.
Day, Capt. S. D., Company from
Orange, N. J., 188.
Dearborn, Maj.-Gen. Henry, 21,
87; relieved, 90.
Decatur, Commodore, 152, 214,
217 ; command at Fort Green,.
296 ; runs blockade, 486 ; cap-
tured. 488 ; paroled, 482.
Detence, resolutions for, 194 ;
measures, August, 1814, 284 ;
report of committee to provide
funds, 285 ; call for loan, 288.
Defence committee's appeals,
192, 288, 298 ; considerations,
297 ; appeal for workers. 268»
482; final report of, see
Appendix.
Defences of New York, 149 ;
report on, 150, 214-217; con-
tributions, 216 ; workers on,
219 : harbor, 221 ; Hallet's
Point, 152, 158; Mill Rock,
152. 158 ; Jamaica Bay, 158 ;
Brooklyn and Harlem Heights.
156; Gen. Swift's report of, see
Appendix.
Democrats, then called Repub-
licans, 60 ; candidates, 60-61 ;
first time elected to Assembly
from New York, 64.
Dellinger, Miss, concert and ball,
461-462.
Denniston, Col. Alexander, 188.
Denyse's Heights, 45.
Depredations by soldiers, 211.
Desertions, 142.
Dibblee, Major, of Nyack Artll-
lery. 257.
Dinners to prominent men, 488.
Dodge. Col. Henry S.. 475.
Donations for defenders, 225.
Dramatic incidents. 507-508.
Drills and duties, 889; Capt.
McEenna's report, 840; drilla
and parades, 849.
Dunscomb, Major D. E.. 806.
E.
Eagleson, Lieut.-Col. Charles,
806.
Eckford, Henry, shipbuilder,.
80.
Eddy, Casper W., M.D., 475.
Ellis Island, 871.
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iv
INDEX,
Elmer, Brig.-Gen. El»enezer,
New Jersey, 189, 264-265.
Ely, Isaac M., 475.
Embargo laws, 49-58 ; coasters
relieved, 52; PresidcDrH mes-
sage ou, 58; repealed, 58. 64.
Essex, dinner to survivors of the
warship. 171.
Europe, affairs in, 288, 289;
conditions in 1814, 444.
Evacuation Day, 880, 881; Col.
Van Rensselaer's letter on,
888-885.
Evarts, William M.. 472.
Execution of John lieid and
lloger Wilson, 142-143.
Exempts to he enlisted, 146.
Extra pay, 815.
Farewell addres8, 864, 886, 506.
Farragut, Adinirul D. G., mid-
shipman, 1814, 173.
Farringtou, Brig.-Gen. Putnam,
249.
Fedfralipts, resolutions, April,
1814, 57, 58 ; candidates, 59 ;
meeting, 96; celehrution, 115.
Fcnwick, Adj.-Gen. J. U., 870.
Ferj^uson. John, Mayor New
York, 808.
Ferriage to Brooklyn, prices. 218.
Ferries to Jersey City, 76 ; Brook-
lyn, 76,
Few. William, 273.
Finances, 65; nutional, 401-412;
• local currency, 402 ; different
State values, 403 ; Treasury
notes, 406; loans. 408, 409;
condition of State and city,
414.
Financial situation. 269 ; failure
of loans, 270: specie suspension,
272; city banks* re;!ulations.
275; city issues currency, 277,
430.
Finch, the gunsmith, 492.
Fires, Portsmouth, N. H., 11.
Niagara frontier. 12. 18; aid for
sufferers by New York, 18.
Fish, Nicholas, 226.
Fisher. Leonard, 475.
Flag of truce. February 11, 1815,
454, 555.
Floating batteries, 43; Fulton's
model, 42-44.
Florida, Spain and, 504.
Forbes. Col., 221.
Fortifications. Suten Island. 44,
45, 892, 898; Deny se*s Heights,
45. 190; on Long Island, Baih
Beach. Utrecht and Jamaica
Bay, 45; Long Island Sound,
160-161, 892-897; Neversink.
46; New York, 87, 89; Mill
Rock, 100. 818; Hallefs Point.
160; H«rlem Heights, 161, 208.
896; Brooklyn, Fort Gieen.
190, 208. 219 881. 889-891;
Hell Gate. 892-898; Benson's
Point, 894-895; Manhatranville,
896; Greenwich, 896-397; Gov-
ernor Tompkins on, 159; visits,
871; aid to build, 175; Gen.
Swift's plans, 190; workers,
ladies work on Fort Green.
219; Tammany Society at Fort
Green, 227, 298, 294; Columbia
College students on. 296; Iron
Greys. 296: Free Masons, 294;
Hamilton Society, 296; news-
paper employes' 218: work-
ing at night, 230; Juvenile
Band, 383; committee's appeal -
for workers, 368; Brooklyn
ferries charge fare, 218; de-
scriptions, 889-891; volunteer
laborers at Brooklyn, 208-210,
881; ••Patriotic Diggers."' a
song by Samuel Wood worth,
230.
Forts— Tompkins, 88, 819, 820;
Stevens, 160. 881; Clinton,
220; Swift. 229; Fort Green
ground broken. 198, 296,
871; Columbus, 244: Masonic,
295; North Battery (Red Fort),
810: West Battery (Castle Clin-
ton), 810; Gansevoort, 810;
Fort Lnight, 838, 896, remains
Digitized by
Google
INDEX.
yet visible; Wood and GibsoD,
871; Horn, 896.
Potterall, Col. 8. E., 138.
France, treaty of leace, 96;
Bourbons on throne, 97.
Fraser, Mrs. Frances W.. ad-
dress presenting standard to
Veteran Corps of Artillery, 111.
Free Masons work on fortifica-
tions, 294: Fort Iflasonic, 295;
stanzas sunc, 295.
Free trade and sailors* riglit8,224.
Frelinghuysen. Col. J. W., 268,
313; letter to Gov. Tompkins,
887-388.
French navy, 85; brig Olivier,
119.
Fuel association. 5, 6.
Fulton, Robert, 42; floatin*? bat-
tery. 43. 44; steam war frigate,
89; torpedoes, 217; Jacks
money for frigate, 351; peti-
tion for help, 352-854; material,
workmansliip, engines, etc.,
all American, 355; launching,
855; descriptive, 357; funeral
of, 482.
G.
Gadsden, Lieut. James, 160.
Gallatin, Albert, 269; at Vienna,
445.
Gardiner's Bay, 212.
Garrison duty, 348.
Gasselain, Alexander, 492.
Gjizette oflice, Hanover square,
receives news of peace, 456;
pilot David Mitchell first to
announce it, 457.
Gelston, David, collector 1801-
1820, 50, 312.
General Orders, Aug. 29, 1814,
245. 246. 248-251; Sept. 2, 252;
Feb. 20, 1815, 479-480; Feb.
22. 1815, 481.
Gerard, James W., sketch of, 472.
Gerry, Elbridge, death of. 285.
Giles, Brig.-Gen., 35; Maj.-Gen..
38.
Gilfest, leader of orchestra, 461;
Girard, Stephen, 71.
Goodwin, Col. Abrm., of New
Jersey, 219.
Goodrich, 8. G., 410; on recep-
tion of treaty of peace, 460-
461.
Governor's Guards, stand of
colors, 882.
Governor's Island, execution on,
143; training on, 244.
Government House, fireworks
at, 486-488.
Gracie, Archibald, and Gracie^s
Point, 398. 394.
Grand Jurv, DeWitt Clinton's
appeal, 283-287; names of, 287-
288.
Grand Rounds, 444.
Gray. Gen., 385.
Great Britain declines Russia tis
mediator. 2, 385; position of,
446.
Greenwich, celebration at, 494.
Groshon, John P., 475.
Guard duty, 340 ; olflcer of d«y,
Oct. 7. 1814, 341; inspection,
342; grand rounds, 444.
Gtiion, Gen., James, Jr., 35, 87.
Gunboats, 40-42. 84, 119, 307.
H.
Hall, Francis, 458.
Halleck, Fitz Green, poem,
" Iron Greys," 305, 406.
Hallefs Point, 152. 158, 160.
Hamilton, John C, 306.
Hamilton Society, 115, 116, 227;
at Harlem Heights, 296; cele-
brates, 471,475.
Hanham, Capt. J. R., 221.
Harbor defences, orders, 221.
Hardships, 186.
Hardy, Commodore, 211.
Harlem Heights, 156, 161, 208,
296, 896.
Harsen. Col., 191, 310.
Hartford Convention, 447.
Hartman, Lewis, 475.
Hayes. Capt. (Eng.), 436.
Hell Gate, 892. 393.
Digitized by
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VI
INDEX.
Hempstead, L« I., British at-
tempt to land, 221.
HeDdersoD, Wm., 475.
Hill, Lord, 447.
Hill, Uria K., 117.
Hillyer, Commodore (British)
Mollos, 1812, 172.
Hodge, R., 806.
Hodgkinson, Tavern. 490.
Hoffman, Josiah O^den, 18.
Hoffman, Ogden, 4&.
Holiday season, 1814. 488.
Horse Artillery, 84, 85, 87; 1st
and 2d Regiments, 88.
Horseback express to Albany
and Boston. 462, 463.
House, Col. James, 188.
Hudson River frozen to Jersey
City. Feb., 1816, 464.
Hull, Gen., 21.
Hunter, Major, 471.
I.
Importations. 68, 64.
Infantry regiments, United
States, 14tli, 15th, 27th, 82d,
41st, 42d, 46th, 188.
Infantry from Orange. Sullivan,
Ulster, Green. Albany. Colum-
bia and Dutchess Counties,
184.
Infantry brigades, militia, 8d,
10th, 22d, 88d, 824; 12Ui.
15tli, 19th, 20th. 29th, 28d,
84th, 87th. 826.
Ingraham, Maj., 225.
Invasion of N. Y. feared. 185.
Irishmen, appeal to. 808.
Irving, Washington, 89, 258, 870.
Irving, Wm. Demorest, 6.
Irvine. Col. W. N., 188.
Izird, Gen., 278 ; marches to
Jamestown, 278.
J.
Jackson, Amasa, 475.
Jackson, Gen., at New Orleans.
442.
Jarvis, J. W., artist, 806.
Jenkins and Havens loan cat
non. 800 ; instructions to Capt.
Reid, 801. 802.
Jersey Blues, Trenton, N. J.,
88.
Johnson, Gen. Jeremiah. 188.
July 4tb, 1814, celebration, 110,
112 to 182.
Kent's Hotel. 119.
King, James G., 806, 887.
King, John A.. 808.
King, Rufus, 72, 428 ; offered to
subscribe his whole fortune,
284.
L.
Laight. Col. E. W., 818, 888.
Lake Champlain victory, 826.
Lamb, Anthony 248, 245, 246,
251,870.
Last battle at sea and last gun
fired, 489, 505.
Lavaud, Armand, 806.
Lawrence, Aug. H., 289; John
L., 508 ; William, 287.
Lecraft, Wm., 806.
Legislature meet in N. Y., 47,
48 ; action. 868 ; laws, 869.
Leonard, James T., 808.
Lewis. Commodore Jacob M.,
41, 78, 79, 87, 807, 812.
Lewis, Maj.-Gen. Morgan. 90 ;
letter on defence, 186. 187,
142, 284, 252 ; age, 257 ; mili-
tary rules, regulations, 258-
262 ; genealogy of family, 268-
266 ; removal. 862 ; farewell
address. 864, 865; appoint-
ment 865 ; wants to be re-
tained. 875.
Lewis, Zachariah, editor, 475.
Little, .lacob, 406.
Loans, 67 ; subscribers, 68, 69 ;
Rufus King on. 72 ; by city to
U. S. guaranteed by Gov.
Tompkins personallj^, 415 ;
banks, 415 ; city repaid, 419.
Long Island, militia on. Third
Military Dist., 85 ; British on,
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INDEX.
VII
194; fortifications, 190; vi-
dettes, 813.
Lonje Island Sound. 77, 78 79,
160, 161. 893-897.
Lott, Abraham, 808.
Lotteries, 410.
Louisiana, conquest of. 400.
Lumly, Capt. (Eng.). 436.
M.
McComb. Gen. Alex.. 225, 279,
870; from Albany by boat in
18 hours, 876; portrait for City
Hall. 877.
McGowan's Pass, 895.
McKenna, Capt.. 840.
McLeod, Rev. Alexander, ser-
mons on the war, 441.
Macdonough, Commodore, free-
dom of city to, and portrait,
878.
MacNeven. Dr. Wm. James, ap-
peal to Irishmen. 808, 494.
Malcolm, Hear Admiral, 312,
442.
Mapes. Gen. Jonas, 192, 813.
Marston, residence, 894.
Maude, Capt. J. A , 455. 462.
Maxwell. Hugh, Judge Advo-
cate. 887.
Mercein. P. and W., 276.
Mercein, Thomas R, 225, 415,
429.
Merchandise, high prices, 2, 8. 4.
Military orders — First Brigade.
Sept. 2, 1814, 252; 8d, 10th.
241 ; 22d. 29th. 248 ; Third
Military District, 142, 188;
Governor's Island, 143; Aug.
28, 1814, 344; First Division,
Aug. 27. 1814, 241; Aug. 29.
1814. 248; general orders, Aug.
29, 1814, 245; Sept. 2, 1814,
252; Evacuation Day parade,
Nov. 25. 1814, 882; muster-out
orders, 886; mutinous conduct,
182-814; see Appendix.
Military organizations — Iron
Greys. N. Y. Hussars, Nep-
tune Corps Sea Fencibles, 803;
Old Butcher Troops, 805; Gov-
ernor's Guards, independent
Greys. City Guards, Repuh
Mean Greens, Lavaud's Horse
Rangers, 806; Sea Fencibles,
College Greens, 807.
Militia, enrollment, 81; strength,
82-88; called out, 140; ordered
to serve at city, 188; arrive
from up Hudson River, 220; in
Brooklyn, 222; alacrity of,
256; has to provide his cloth-
ing, etc. 185, 251. 888; ex-
penses of, 888; claims now on
file, 888; First Division, 6.000
on parade, Aug. 20, 1814, 251 ;
mustered in, 252; arming, 268;
dissatisfied, 860; Rockland Co.
militia go home, harvest and
return without orders, 860-861 ;
payment of, 415; New Jersey
paid, 418.
Militia, Stations of. 221, 827-881.
Mitchell, David, pilot, 457.
Monopolies, 4.
Monroe, James, 459 ; letter to
Gen. Boyd, 466.
Monroe doctrine, roots of, 504.
Montauk Point, 194.
Moores, Gen., 280.
Morris, Capt. Lemuel. 188.
Morris, Gouverneur, 98 ; Bour-
bon oration, 99, 181, 899.
Morton, Gen. Jacob, 182, 255,
811, 471.
Morton's brigade, 110, 885.
Mott, Jacob £!., court martial of,
887.
Mulligan John W., 811.
Murray, James B., Capt., 475.
Muster-out orders. 886.
'* rolls, see Appendix.
Mutinous conduct, 818 ; order
on, 812-814.
Myers, Lieut. -Col. Nathan, 184.
N.
Napoleon's campaign, 1818, 18,
19, 80; abdicated and exiled.
Digitized by
Google
INDEX.
96, 106; downfall. 288: abdi-
catioD, 289.
Naval force, 1814, 880.
New Jersey on band, 165; Gov.
Pennington's address, 165 ;
volunteers, 188; called on for
troops, 264 ; orders. 266 ;
captains. 267; cniup nt Powles'
Hook, 268; complains, 365 ;
militia, 387, 888, 330, see
Appendix.
Neried, prize ship, 74.
Neutral vessels, 86, 87.
New Orleans victory, 458.
Newspapers, request to, by de-
fence committee, 332; enter-
prise, 467.
New Year's carrier's address,
earliest known, 8.
New York city, poor of, 9, 10;
Typographical Society, 219;
rendezvous, 249; great excite-
ment in, 816; means of defence,
817; safety, 400; assessment
and lax, 418; financial stand-
ing. 427; annual expenses 1813,
427; taxes 1815 and 1894. 429;
paper money, 430; charter
election 1814. 431; Council's
action on peace, 468; Hospital,
490; dramatic incidents in,
507. 508.
Niagara frontier fires, 12, 13;
aid, 18; frontier, 278; sufferB,
430, 431.
Non-intercourse law, 54, 55.
North Battery, 310. 311.
Nutter*ri battery, 395.
O.
85;
Odell, Jacob, Lieut. -Col.,
Brig.-Qen., 249, 305.
OfiScers detailed for service, 164.
Ogden, David B., 47».
Orders — Ad j .-General's, Aug. 14,
1814, 186: Artillery Brigade,
Oct. 27. 1814, 855; Gov. Tomp-
kins on taking command, Oct.
28, 1814, 369-870; also on Dec.
25, 435; Division, Nov. 10,
1814. 870; Nov. 24, Evacua-
tion Day, 381; muster out. 386;
First Division, detached mili-
tia, Sept. 10, 1814, 810; Third
Military District, Sept. 6, 1814,
313-314; ••after orders," Feb.
11, 1815, 455; Dec. 25, 1814,
436; general, Nov. 1, 1814.
377; muster for pay, 379: Evac-
uation Day, 380. 381; general.
Sept. 14, 1814. 322-324; SepU
17. 326; Sept. 23, 330; Sept.
26, 336; Jan. 14, 1815. 419;
First Brigade, Nov. 17, 1814,
377; Feb. 21, 1815, 471; garri-
son. Fort Columbus. Feb. 25,
1815, 480; see Appendix.
Oscar, cartel schooner, 134.
P.
Parish, David, 71.
Park Theatre decorated, 490.
Parker. Capt. (Eng.), 436.
Peace— negotiations, 94, 288, 289;
oflPers of, 290; prospects of,
443; public meeting and pray-
ers, 448-449 ; treaty arrives, 455 ;
demonstrations. 456; announce-
ment, 457; Sunday newspapers
issued. 459; celebration, 469-
494; suburbs celebrate, 479; mi-
litary celebration, 480; Feb. 27,
1815. 483-494; cost to city, 498.
Pennin*gton. Gov., of N. J., or-
ders, Aug. 31,1814. 266; order.
281; objection lo Gov. Tomp-
kins, letter to. and reply of
Sec. of War, 365-367.
Perrin. John. 305.
Philadelphia videttes, 326.
Pinckney. Maj., 231.
Pintard, John, 276.
Piatt, Col, 288.
Plume, Capt. John T., company
artillery, Newark, 188.
Political feelings, 473.
Poor of New York. 9, 10.
Porter, Capt. David, mottos.
1812, 172; arrival, 1814, 178,
Digitized by
Google
INDEX.
Portraits of heroes ia City Hall,
453.
Portsmouth, N. H., great fire,
Dec., 1818, 11; donations, 12.
President, pardon to deserters,
141 ; returns to Washington,
proclamation, 281 ; address to
army, 506.
Prevost, Sir George. 212.
Prices for merchandise, produce,
etc., 2, 8, 4, 410.
Prime, Nathaniel, 894.
Prisoners. 142, 148, 144.
Privateers — Mars. Capt. Inger-
soll, 27 ; Bunlser Hill, 41 ;
(Jen. Armstrong. 800 ; Britisli,
78 ; Peacock, Tom Bowline,
Warrior, Arrow, Whig, sail,
878, 879; order on, Dec. 21,
1814, 484 ; list of, see Appen-
dix ; captures by, see Appen-
dix.
Punishments, 814, 815.
Q.
Quarantine, 812.
R.
Reid, John, executed, 142, 148.
Reid, Capt. S. C, 800 ; instruc-
tions to, 301 ; runs the block-
ade, testimonial, 802.
Regiments — Col, Boerum's, Sec-
ond cavalry, 18th, old third,
Col. Sitcher (now 8th N. Y.,
Col. Scott), 33; 4l8t V. S,
90 ; Second, Ninth, Third of
Kings, 182 ; Forty-second U.
8., Col. Forbes, 32d, 221 ;
Eleventh (now 7th, N. G. S.
N. Y.), 182, 191 ; at North
Battery, 811, 849; Montgom-
ery Rangers, of Albany, Capt.
Dole's Trojan Greens, 247 ;
Third and 146th of Staten Isl-
and, 252 ; 83d and 160th, 257 ;
stations of, 827. 828; Col.
Laight's85lh, 833 ; change of,
876.
Report of Committee's interview
with Sec. of War, 167;
schedule to, 168 ; final Com-
niiilee of Defence, see Appen-
dix ; Gen. Swift's report, see
Appendix.
Resolutions, 201-206.
Rhinelander, Phillip, 306 ; resi-
dence, 394.
Richards, George, 62.
Riker, Richard. 62.
Riots, Washington Hull dinner,
104 ; newspaper comments on,
104-108.
Rockland County populattnu
1814, 257.
Rodgcrs, Commodore, 23 ; din
ner to, 25. 26. 77.
Rolls, muster, see Appendix.
Romevn, Rev. Dr., 473.
Ross. 'Gen., 212.
Roster, see Appendix.
Rowan, Rev. Mr., 474.
Rules and regulations in camp,
1814, 258-262.
Russell. Israel, guard duty, in-
cidents, etc., 845-847.
Rutgers, Col. Henry, 180, 195.
855.
Sackett's Harbor, 30.
Sagg Harbor, 35, 36.
Sampson. Wm.. 308.
Sandy Hook, 46, 119, 133, 134,
220.
Schermerhorn's residence, 394.
Scudder's Museum, 490.
Sea Fencibles, Capt. Lemuel
Morris, 138, 139. 222.
Sebrin^, Isaac, 475.
Sedgwick, Robert, 475.
Shakespeare Tavern, 490, 491.
Shinn, Maj.-Gen. W. N., 189.
Shipping laws, 499.
Shipyard at Corlear's Hook, 90.
Situation. 292.
Smith, Major, 306.
Sons of Erin. 221, 227.
Spain and Florida. 504.
Specie, seized. 50; premium, 51;
payments, 224; suspension in
Digitized by
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JNDKX,
.Philadelphia and New York,
272; banks' action on, 275.
Spencer, Major, 466.
Stanaburv, Gen., 231.
Staten Island, telegraph on, 134,
812; forts, 819, 820.
SteamboaU, 76, 77, 122: first
excursion, 123; Fulton, 123.
Steddiford's brigade, 160.
Sterrv, Col., wounded, 231.
Stevens, Ck)l H. O., sketch of,
856.
Stevens, Mai.-Oen. Ebenezer, 34.
35, 160, 241, 243, 248, 252;
genealogy of family, 258-256,
811, 825; farewell address,
.^6, 887, 471.
Stewart, Charles. 475.
Stillwell, William. M.D., 475.
Stonington bombardment, 211.
Strong, Caleb, 51 ; Lieut..Col.
Selab, 184.
Sunday newspapers issued, 459.
Swanson, citizen, 129
Swartwout, Samuel. 803.
Swift, Gen. Joseph G.. 44, 45,
87, 214 ; Inspector-Qeneral.
268. 811. 819 ; report of, 397 ;
see Appendix.
T.
Talleyrand, M., 445
Tallmadge, Col. W. S., 188.
Talman & Ward, 858.
Tammany Hall, court-martial
in, 850; dinner to survivors
of the Essex, 171 ; transparen-
cies, 484.
Tammany 8ociety,ll, 21; dinner
to Com. Rodgers, 25, 91-93;
4tb July, 1814. 112; dinner and
toasU, 119-122, 129; dress,
officers, 1814. 130, 227; at
Brooklyn Heights, 293-294.
Tax, United Stotes direct, 452.
Taxpayers on personal property,
see Appendix.
Theatres— Anthony Street, 124;
Park, 124: Vauxhall Garden,
125; plays, Nov., 1814, 379. f
Tompkins, Grov. Daniel D., on
peace, 20, 88, 110, 115; on
fortifications, 159; military or-
ders, 162-165; order U) Gen.
Rose, 183, 213, 241, 247;
Northern invasion, 280; letter
to Gen. Mapes, 311, 812, 360;
assumes command in place of
Gen. Lewis, 862-364; not a
MaJ.-Gen. in U. S. Army, 362;
objected to by Gk>v. of N.
J., 365-366; order on taking
command, Oct. 28, 1814, 369-
870; aide-de-camp, 870; visits
fortifications, 371; reviews,
371-372; liable for loans,
415-419; Government suit
against, 420; Jury acquit, and
find GoYernment owes him,
421; Congressional report on,
422; vindicated, 425; repaid,
426; orders Gen. Boyd to Third
Mil. Dist., Dec 25, 1814, 435;
informed of peace, 462; gen-
eral onlers on treaty of peace,
479-481; what New York
should do for his services, 426.
Tontine Coffee House, 122.
Torpedo boat, 139.
Torpedoes, 181.
Treasury notes, 66, 71, 73.
Treaty of peace arrives, 455;
Henry Carroll bearer of, 457;
reception and joy, 456; Fran-
cis Hall and S. G. Goodrich
(Peter Parley,) experience at
the time, 458, 460,461; Gov.
Tompkins informed by horse-
back at expense of Jacob Bar-
ker, 462; aiTives, 467; pub-
lished, 468; action of Common
Council. 463, 469; Governor's
announcement to military, 479;
terms of, 495; negotiations at
Ghent, 496-505; England di^
satisfied, 497; result in U. S.,
498; between U. S. and In-
dians, 498; effect in Europe,
500-504; sympathy in Eu-
rope, 501.
Digitized by
Google
INDEX.
XI
U.
Uniforms, 805, 306, 308, 309.
UDited States direct tax, 413.
Van Buren, Martin, 415 ; on
Gov. Tompkins, 416-419.
Vanderbilt, Maj. J., 255, 356.
Van Ordea, Brig.-Gen. Peter S.,
248,256.
Van Fell, Rev. Peter J., 213.
Van Rensselaer, Col. Sol., 36, 38,
188, 370; interesting letter to
bis wife, Nov. 14, 1814, 373-
375 ; another on Evacuation
Day. etc., 383-385, 482.
Van Zitudt. Gen., residence, 394.
Varick, Theodore, 117.
Vermont troops withdrawn, 279-
280.
Verplarfck, Gulian C, 61, 62.
Veteran Corps Artillery, 111,
306. 886, 491.
Videttes, 812, 826.
Visscher, Lieut.-Col., 249.
Volunteers provide own uni-
forms, 185, and not repaid,
187-188; call for, and pay,
246; claims, 338.
W.
Waite, G. and R., 409.
War vessels, see American and
British.
Ward. R. R., 406.
Warner, James, Mai., 34, 37 ;
Col.. 249, 312.
Warren, Sir J. B.. 80, 81, 82.
Warrington, Commodore Lewis,
42.
Washington in danger, %
captured, 232.
Washington Benevolent Society,
10, 21, 97, 98, 112, 115, 116,
131 ; at Fort Greene, 227-
228 ; parade, 229 ; dinner,
464 ; dinner, officers, toasts,
472-477.
Washington Hall. 10, 21. 66, 62
dinner, 99-104 ; riot, 104, 115,
229 ; transparencies, 489.
Washuigton Federalists, 61.
West Point cadets, 186.
Wheaton, Henry, 115 ; address,
118.
Wickham, Brig.-Gen. George
D., 249.
Wilkes, Charles, 273.
Wilkinson, €kn., 375.
Willetl, Col. Marinus, address,
196; sketch of. 199-202.
Williams. Gen. Jonathan, 819.
Wilson, James J., 268 ; execu-
tion of Roger Wilson, 142-
148.
Winder, Gen., 231.
Wine, sale of, 74.
Wolcott, Oliver, 175, 195.
Wolfe, Christopher, of 11th Regi-
ment, 349.
Wood and coal, 4.
Woodward, Anthony, 475.
Wood worth, Samuel, 8 ; song
** Patriotic Diggers," 230.
Y.
Yates, Col. John B., 278, 370.
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