USA > Maryland > Talbot County > History of Talbot county, Maryland, 1661-1861, Volume II > Part 18
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19 There were vessels upon the stocks in the yards of Thomas L. Haddaway, Impey Dawson, Joseph Kemp, John Wrightson and John Davis; in the town. Near by were the ship yards of Col. Perry Spencer and Richard Spencer, where there were vessels building.
20 No accurate account has been recovered of the actual number of militia pres- ent at St. Michaels. Those persons engaged in the affair who have left reports vary in their estimates from three hundred to six hundred.
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company, Captain Dickinson's (formerly Captain Daniel Martin's) com- pany, Captain Henrix's company, and a company from the neighboring county of Caroline, the name of the captain of which is not known. These could not have had the full quota, or they were mere detachments. General Benson was in command, and under him were Colonel Auld, Colonel Thomas Jones, Major John Dawson, Major William Caulk and Major Daniel Martin. The troops were quartered in the town and the two churches (which have now entirely disappeared) were converted into barracks, the Episcopal church (then not quite finished) and the Metho- dist church. Doctors James Tilton, Theodore Denny, Tristram Thomas and Ennalls Martin were surgeons in attendance. Early in the spring when the enemy's fleet appeared in the upper part of the bay, and took possession of the islands along the bay shore, a breast-work had been thrown up upon the point of land then and still known as Parrott's Point which is at the mouth of the inner harbor of the town. In this breast-work, or fort as it was called, four guns were placed, carrying six and nine-pound shot. These guns were placed in charge of Capt. or Lieut. William Dodson,21 and about thirty men. There is a tradition substantiated by two excellent witnesses, that a boom was thrown across the mouth of the harbor of logs chained together to prevent the entrance of the enemy's barges, and that it proved effectual. Captain or Lieuten- ant Vickars' battery of two guns was sent below the town and stationed at or near the place where the Broad Creek neck road joins the main county road leading to the Bayside. This was done in anticipation of the enemy's landing below the town, and marching upon it from the rear. On the point of land within the town, then known as Dawson's wharf, being then occupied by the shipyard of Impey Dawson, there was a breast-work thrown up in which were placed two six-pound cannon, mounted upon cart wheels. These were the same guns that had been presented to the people and soldiery of the town by Mr. Jacob Gibson as a peace offering for the alarm he had caused them by his playful imposition, already noticed. This battery was under the
21 Capt. William Dodson was a native of this county, having been born in St. Michaels, January 19, 1786. He sailed packets out of St. Michaels river for a number of years. He commanded one of the barges in Barney's flotilla, after the affair at St. Michaels, and participated in the discreditable battle of Bladensburg, where the sailors and marines from the flotilla alone preserved their honor. He married in 1807 and dying Dec. 8th, 1833, left many children, of whom Captains Robert A. and Edward Dodson and Leonidas and Henry Clay Dodson survive.
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command of Lieutenant John Graham,22 John Thompson and Wright- son Jones each had charge of one of the guns. After the attack of the enemy had begun, the guns of Captain or Lieutenant Vickars23 was brought up from below the town and stationed upon the point of land within the town at the extremity of Green street on the left of the Church cove, now known as Mill Point, because near it stood, at one time, the first steam mill ever erected in this county. Upon this point also breast-works had been thrown up. Such were the preparations that were made to repel the enemy.
It was a time of great solicitude, and though it has been customary to ridicule everything connected with the affair at St. Michaels, there is abundant evidence that those who participated in the military move- ments which preceded or made part of it were very far from regarding the events then occurring as fit subjects for mirthful badinage or bitter satire, as the following letter, written by the captain of one of the com- panies upon the eve of his march to the point threatened by the enemy, will attest:
"MY MUCH BELOVED FRIEND :- I am just going into a situation which may render me obnoxious to the chance of never seeing you more. My only solicitude is for the honor and happiness of my family. Be a friend to my wife, who is all that is honorable and just to me, and a father to my children, equally and without distinction. I wish Arthur to be brought up to my own profession, and the rest as their talents may indicate. If there be another world, there cannot be a doubt that the just and honorable will meet there. Farewell, and pay respect to the memory of a protege.
August 4th, 1813.
JOHN LEEDS KERR."
There were doubtless many others of the citizen soldiery assembled at St. Michaels, who, while awaiting the approach of a strong and a dis- ciplined foe, felt the same solicitude as that expressed by this gentleman
22 Lieutenant Graham was the son of - Graham a respectable farmer living near St. Michaels. He was a member of Capt. Joseph Kemp's company. He was born September 15, 1778 and died April 23, 1837, leaving many children.
23 Captain Clement Vickars was born in Dorchester county, Maryland, in 1773. For many years he commanded packets sailing out of Third Haven, from Easton Point. Later he was the first captain on the steamboat Maryland, a vessel constructed under his immediate supervision. He was in this position at his death August 17, 1825. He was a man of great decision of character, bold, ener- getic, adventurous, and vigorous in body and mind. He has left descendants in this county, of whom the Captains Leonard inherit the predilections of their grandfather for the water.
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to his uncle, Mr. John Leeds Bozman: and this can be said without imputation upon their courage, for he is not the truly brave man who is insensible of danger, in dangerous contingencies, but he who, appre- ciating his position and its possible consequences, has the fortitude to face the impending peril.
The movements of the enemy upon and around Kent Island, which were closely watched, indicated that an attack upon St. Michaels would speedily be made. A brig had advanced up as far as Deep Water Point, and had been engaged in making soundings and reconnoissances. A deserter, who had been sent on shore at the Island from one of the ships to convoy an officer, had taken the boat and crossing the Eastern Bay, landed in Bayside. Upon being brought before General Benson he declared that there were about two thousand men upon the Island, ready for an expedition, and of these fourteen hundred were marines and regulars; that they intended making an attack on St. Michaels during the then current week, by land and by water; that this would have been done before, but they dreaded a ten-gun battery, as they called it, erected at the mouth of the harbor of the town. The editor of the Republican Star, upon the very morning of the long expected coming of the enemy, said, when referring to these circumstances and to the collecting of the troops at the threatened point: "We have no doubt of their meeting with a warm reception from the band of brothers stationed in that quarter, should they make the attempt." At last the much looked for event was really at hand. The night of August the ninth was wet and drizzly. The commander of the Fort at Par- rott's Point refused the application of his officers to scale the guns, which had been charged for some time, saying that the night was such as to render the approach of the enemy more than probable, as the darkness and obscurity would favor his purposes. Captain Dodson's surmises were realized. Embarking on board of eleven barges, the enemy, com- posed of three hundred soldiers and marines, left the fleet early in the morning, and keeping along the shore of the river opposite St. Michaels- the river here being more than a mile wide-escaped the vigilance of the videttes placed at Ashcraft's and other points, and passed unobserved up the river, above the mouth of the harbor, and of course above the fort.24 He then crossed directly over, still concealed by the clouds and fogs. It was now about four o'clock in the morning of the 10th of
24 It has been stated that the barges were piloted by a man named Higgins, a citizen of the county. For the sake of honor it is hoped this was done under compulsion though the informant intimates that it was done voluntarily.
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August, but dark for that hour, as the weather was still lowering. Ar- riving at the shore, which was flat and sandy, not admitting the near approach of the boats to the beach, the troops began disembarking in the water, and were forming into a column, when they were discovered by the guard at the fort, at a short distance from the flank of the breast- works-so near indeed that the commands of the officers could dis- tinctly be heard. After all the warnings and precautions, the garrison seems to have been taken by surprise, and before a gun had been fired, the greater portion of them were seized with a panic, and throwing away their muskets, they made their way toward the town, running through the field of corn which interposed. The enemy fired a volley at the fugitives without any damage except to Mr. Parrott's crop. But there were a few of the men who retained their courage, and deter- mined to have one shot at the enemy. The position of the British was such that but one gun could be trained upon them. This was wheeled into position. Though heavily charged with ball and canister, there was laid in its very muzzle a parcel, weighing twenty-seven pounds, of old scrap iron, nails, etc., around which were wrapped some rope-yarn. There were three men only left in the battery: Captain Dodson, Lieu- tenant Richard Kennemont,25 and John Stevens, a colored man-the same who is said to have been the first to discover the enemy at his land- ing. The gun was brought to bear upon the British column, properly sighted, and the match applied. The enemy had seen the members of the garrison flying towards the town, and imagined that the fort from which they had expected trouble was entirely deserted, and they were confidently expecting to take possession without meeting any resistance, when they received into their ranks the contents of the nine pounder heavily and fearfully charged, as has been described. Although the consequences were disastrous, the column moved on, without pause, and soon poured over the breast-works, which now really were without defenders and entirely abandoned, for Captain Dodson, with his brave companions, John Stevens and Leiutenant Kinnemont, had followed the rest of the garrison, not however without having a volley or two sent after them through the protecting corn. Captain Dodson did not forget his flag, the same that had been presented by the ladies of St. Michaels, for he drew this down from the flag-staff, and bore it off with him in his flight. The British, upon taking possession of the battery, gave three cheers, which could be distinctly heard in the town, spiked
25 Another authority says the white man was Frank Gossage.
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all the guns, and then returned to their barges, bearing off their killed and wounded. The gun that had done such execution had been so heavily charged that when it was discharged it leaped from its car- riage entirely over the embankment and fell into the ditch beyond. All the guns were subsequently drilled at their vealts, or touch-holes, and made as useful as before.26 The barges rounded the point and placed themselves in the mouth of the harbor, within less than a half mile of the town. One account says they first advanced as far as the boom27 thrown across to what is known as Navy Point. Being unable to proceed further they fired two guns and then drew off to a position in the river, from which they opened their fire, which was continued with much vigor, though with little effect. This fire was promptly and spiritedly returned by the two batteries upon Dawson's wharf and upon Mill Point, under Lieutenant Graham and Lieutenant Vickers, the last of whom had brought up his guns from the Bayside road as soon as he heard the firing, and had placed them in the position designated.28 Owing to
26 There has been much controversy among participants in this affair as to the person who fired this gun. The honor has been assigned to three persons by equally creditable witnesses. Some assert with positiveness that it was John Stevens, the brave colored man, who not only at the fort, but afterwards during the whole engagement, acquitted himself in such a manner as to win the praises of all who witnessed his intrepidity. Others, again, with equal positiveness, declare that it is Lieutenant Kinnemont who should have the credit of this cour- ageous piece of conduct. Yet others declare, without reservation, that to deprive Captain Dodson of the honor of this deed of daring would be grossly unjust, for he was the commanding officer, and whatever was done was by his order, and probably by his assistance. Captain Dodson was certainly the last man to leave the fort, and no subordinate would have presumed to fire the gun without his order. Besides, it is well attested that Captain Dodson always claimed that the gun was fired by him, and he was too honorable a man to deck himself with what justly belonged to others. Without doubt John Stevens and Lieutenant Kinne- mont (or the white man, whatever his name) were present when the gun was dis- charged, and were assisting. They therefore are entitled to share with their brave commander whatever honor should follow so gallant a deed.
27 Although there is some doubt whether any such boom was formed, there is none whatever that the barges did not enter the harbor.
28 More credit has been given to Captain Vickars than he is justly entitled to for repelling the foe. It is the uniform testimony of eye witnesses and partici- pants that to Lieutenant Graham and his battery upon Dawson's wharf must be given the chief honor of this transaction. Captain Vickars did not get his guns into position until the enemy had begun to retire. That he and his company be- haved with great gallantry, and aided most effectively in securing the retirement of the enemy is not questioned, for of this there is abundant testimony. But the attempt of the chroniclers of the action, all of whom were residents of Easton
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the foggy condition of the atmosphere the aim of the enemy was de- fective. Their balls which were from small six pound pieces flew above the town penetrating the roofs of some of the houses, or striking some of the higher gables. The injury done was insignificant. The firing of the Talbot artillerists was said to have been more effective. It is certain that one of the barges was struck, and so injured that to pre- vent its sinking, it was necessary to swing it between two others, and in this situation it was carried out of the range of guns and con- ducted to the fleet. The number of shots fired by the enemy is not known, but the Talbot cannoniers fired as many as fifteen shot when the enemy drew off to the opposite shore and returned to the ships off Kent Point or the rendezvous upon the island, completely foiled in their undertaking. While the artillery was engaged with the enemy the infantry and horse were drawn up upon the public square of the town, under the immediate eye of General Benson, ready to meet the invading foe should he attempt to make a landing. The intrepidity of the commander, which really needed none of that fortifying stimulus which he is said to have used, was opened to the charge of recklessness, for he exposed himself and his troops unnecessarily, when protection could easily and properly have been attained. Some of the troops did not show that firmness in the presence of danger, as danger there was, that was manifested by much the greater number: and tradition relates that one company, which shall not be named exhibited a wonderful discipline as well as unanimity, in its precipitate retreat, for when it reached the Royal Oak, four miles distant in its homeward flight, the roll was called and there was not a man but answered to his name. This may have been a playful jibe, or only a half serious charge, but it is unquestionable that there were some in this little army of raw militia who however stout and brave at heart were unable to control their actions and actually ran away when the balls and grape shot were heard passing unpleasantly near, above their heads. A field officer suddenly aroused from his slumbers by the firing, did not pause to ascertain the condition of affairs in the town, thinking it to be already in the possession of the enemy, precipitately fled to his home, to meet the indignant reproaches of his courageous wife, and ever after to bear the shameful imputation of cowardice from his fellow citizens-an imputation which, it is fair to say, was not wholly deserved, for his inconsiderate conduct had really
or its vicinity, to attribute to him the chief credit for the repulse of the barges and to ignore or undervalue the superior services of Lieutenant Graham, of Saint Michaels, cannot be justified by the facts as related by many eye-witnesses.
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palliation, though certainly not justification, in the attending cir- cumstances. The result of the engagement was most gratifying to the Talbot troops. No blood of any American was shed, and this has given ground for the undeserved ridicule that has attached to the affair; but the enemy was completely foiled in his attempt to capture and burn the town, and beside he had suffered very considerably. The following is the official report of General Benson, made immediately after the engagement.
The enemy with eleven barges29 made an attack upon the little fort at the mouth of the harbor of St. Michaels, on Tuesday morning the 10th inst, and under a dark cloud, and were not seen until they were landing. They were fired on by two guns,30 and the men from the fort retreated with the loss of their muskets. Then the guns were spiked and the enemy embarked and commenced a cannonade upon the town. There were fifteen well directed shot from our guns, which made the enemy retreat. Ten of the shot were fired by Lieutenant Graham from his battery and five from Lieutenant Vickars'. There was much blood on the grass at the water. One pair of boarding pistols31 two boarding cutlasses, two cartridge boxes; and a pair of pumps left.32 The barges fell down to the brig, three or four miles and remained until 9 or 10 o'clock, nine of them went to Kent Island, in slow order, and two went down to the Admiral's ship. The militia generally behaved well, and I have no doubt the same body would meet the conflict with redoubled ardor. Some of the houses were perforated, but no injury to any human being.34 This showeth the hand of Providence.
P. BENSON, B. G.33
29 The number of barges has been variously stated from nine to eighteen.
30 Notwithstanding the official character of this report, the true statement is that there was but one gun fired, all witnesses agree in this.
31 These pistols were long in the possession of Captain William Dodson, and preserved by him as trophies of the battle.
32 The Baltimore Patriot referring to the affair at St. Michaels says: "From the British having left a pair of 'dancing pumps' behind them at St. Michaels, we conclude their intention was to have a dancing frolic-and so they had-but then they paid the piper.
"A true war dance of Yankee reels And manual exercise of the heels."
The writer is indebted to Mr. Frank Emory for this squib taken from a series of "County Sketches" prepared by this gentleman and published in the Centre- ville Observer in 1873.
33 Republican Star, August 17, 1813.
34 It is customary for those who would deride this affair to say in mockery that the only blood shed within the lines of defence was that of a domestic cock, who during the battle was encouraging the soldiery with his "shrill clarion." But if there was no blood spilt by the Talbot people during the battle there was some
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There is another contemporary account of this affair, which originally printed in the Federal Gazette of Baltimore of the 17th of August (from which it was extracted by the writer of this contribution) but copied into Niles' Weekly Register, the Philadelphia Aurora and perhaps other journals. The author is unknown.
Extract from a letter from Easton dated August 12th. "The enemy have taken full possession of Kent Island, and have fortified the narrows. Their ships lie around the island, several of them in the Eastern Bay, and a brig has been up as high as Deep Water Point, in Miles River. Tues- day last, in the morning, about four o'clock, the British made an attack on St. Michaels with eleven barges. They went up the river on the opposite side and came down on the side of St. Michaels without making the least noise, close to the shore and as it was very cloudy, and our men in the fort without suspicion of an attack, they had landed before they were discovered. Our men fired two guns and left the fort, of which the enemy took possession and give three cheers, supposing they would have St. Michaels without much difficulty, but they were very much mistaken, for the St. Michaels people, and Captain Vickars35 of the Easton Packet, with the artillery from Easton attacked them so briskly and pointed their guns with so much judgment that our invaders were soon obliged to make off. The infantry were not engaged. There were only four pieces of cannon in the battery, one of which our people spiked before they left it; the other three were spiked by the enemy. But they have all been drilled and are again ready for service. We were fortunate enough not to have a man hurt, although the grape shot flew like hail in the town, and there balls went through a number of the houses. The two shots that were fired from the fort must have done some execution as a good deal of blood was seen on the shore, and two swords and a pistol were left behind, and three barges were seen to be struck by the artillery from the town. We expect to hear every hour of another attack on Saint Michaels, as I have no doubt they
after and because of it. The management or mismanagement of the affair gave rise to much crimination and recrimination among the officers, and a challenge for a duel is said to have passed between Captains Kerr and Smith. A reconcilia- tion, however, was effected before any hostile meeting could take place. For years after whenever old participants in the battle, of the ruder sort, met at the tavern, they began to chaff each other upon the cowardice displayed, and as they became pot valiant, they fought their battle over again, not like the intoxicated monarch of whom the poet sings, but with each other. Many were the black eyes and bloody noses of the warriors of St. Michaels, who however insensible to the calls of honor in time of danger, were quick to resent any imputation cast upon their courage in time of safety.
35 It will be observed that no notice is taken of Lieutenant Graham's battery the guns of which were really those that proved most effective in repelling the boats.
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will return with a stronger force. We are, however, well prepared for them. Two companies from Easton have been there for the last week. They are relieved and have returned home .- Should the enemy succeed in taking St. Michaels, we may expect a visit from them (at Easton), but having already met so unexpected a repulse, perhaps they may not venture again."
It will be seen that these accounts do not precisely agree with each other, nor with that given by several active participants. An attempt to reconcile them at this distant date would be futile. Of the number killed and wounded of the enemy, nothing beyond conjecture is known. The following, taken from an editorial article contained in the Republi- can Star of August 17, may be regarded as the most authoritative statement. The essential part was copied into Niles Register of August 28th and has been generally accepted.
Since which [the action of the 10th] eight deserters have come into town, two on Tuesday and six yesterday afternoon.36 Among the latter is a midshipman, who reports that he conducted the captain of the brig Contest ashore on Kent Island, on Sunday evening, and he not re- turning before dark they put off and landed in the lower part of this county; that the brig had just come up the bay, that they were informed by the midshipmen of the Marlborough * *
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