USA > New York > Jefferson County > A history of Jefferson County in the state of New York, from the earliest period to the present time > Part 62
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I must take the liberty of again reminding your Excellency that Cape Vincent and Ogdensburgh are, in my humble opin- ion, the points at which your principal force should be assem- bled. Sackets Harbor is too far from the line, as I can have no idea of our Government declaring war against Great Britain without the conquest of Canada. Our honor and interest and everything demands it. For Heaven's sake, let our country put forth its strength, and Canada must fall, and that at once, to Quebec, and we shall no longer be subject to the disgrace of defending our country against Canada and the perpetual alarm of a savage foe.
Col. Bellinger would, in my humble opinion, be much more useful on the St. Lawrence; his force can at present have no ac- tive duty where they are. They are now greatly wanted on the St. Lawrence, and will be, until the arrival of reinforcements. As yet I have heard of no reinforcements being on the way, and until this moment I have heard of no more arms or ammunition. By a letter from Judge Attwater I have, whilst writing, learned that arms would probably be in Denmark by to-morrow evening; what quantity he does not say. Without ordnance, your Excel- lency will perceive that Ogdensburgh and Cape Vincent, and all our places along the St. Lawrence and the Lake, will be in dan- ger of being destroyed. I should suppose that our country would not be willing to submit to such disgrace.
I had proceeded thus far when Lieut. Col. Benedict's letter,
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together with that of Judge Richards', arrived. I send a copy of Benedict's and the Judge's letter, that you may have a view of the war in that quarter. Whatever my worthy and gallant friend Benedict may say, I say, that the British will not take possession of Ogdensburgh without the loss of many lives.
If the British make their approach with ordnance, Benedict will, to be sure, be unhappily situated; but in any situation your Excellency may rely upon his doing his duty, and I think all honorable men must mourn that he can not meet the enemy on equal terms. I will write your Excellency again when I see what are the amount of my munitions of war by the teams about which Judge Attwater speaks.
Yours respectfully and sincerely,
JACOB BROWN.
P. S. We are greatly in want of pistols and swords, and if your Excellency could have some forwarded for the use of men disposed to use them, on their paying for them, or giving good security, they would be essentially useful.
His Excellency D. D. Tompkins.
BROWNVILLE, July 3, 1812.
DEAR SIR: Since writing you yesterday, some of my scouts brought in a man supposed by them to be a spy; he, however, turns out to be a good Yankee, who was making the best of his way home. He was found in the woods a little to the west of Indian River, and six or eight miles from the St. Lawrence. He states that he saw the people who were taken from the ves- sels that were burned, that there were 30 of them, and among them several women and children-parts of families moving- that everything on board the vessels, even their very clothes, were burned. This man's story is to be relied on, as he has re- spectable friends in this village who vouch for his veracity.
Major Noon has just been with me; he passed from Ogdens- burgh to Cape Vincent since this burning, and confirms the whole account. I apprehend the British contemplate fortifying the Narrows from island to island, so as to command the river. This must be prevented, and for this and other objects we are greatly in want of ordnance, and some men to use them with success.
I have to state to your Excellency that at the moment when the greatest alarm existed among the good people of this county, Capt. Camp and company proffered their services for the defence of the country for thirty days. I saw that it could but have the most happy effect, and accepted their services. Had I any au- thority so to do? At that moment I supposed that I had; upon reflection, I fear that I have not. If I have exceeded my authori-
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ty, I trust your Excellency will excuse me and inform me what is to be done with such a business.
As I have not heard from Col. Stone, and as I consider it of the first importance to have more force on the St. Lawrence, I have ordered Col. Bellinger to detach one hundred men to Cape Vincent under the command of his second Major. It will be done to-morrow. I feel much delicacy in interfering in any way with Col. Bellinger, but Albany is a great way off, and I am persuaded that our force will be much more serviceable at the St. Lawrence. My opinion is decidedly for pressing to the line. The force under Col. Bellinger is the principal force in the country, and I should suppose that it was to be used at this time. Your Excellency will explain to me the relation in which I stand to Col. Bellinger. He is one of the best of men.
From the situation of our county, the first and second detach- ment must, I should suppose, to be useful, act together, and that very near the St. Lawrence. It may be desirable to press down the St. Lawrence to the aid of Col. Benedict before the force gets on from the old counties.
Upon the whole, I pray your Excellency to sanction what I have done, and to be more explicit with your orders in future. My object is the complete and perfect defence of this country for the present, and if I can but effect this I shall hope to meet with the approbation of the Commander-in-Chief, though my conduct may be a little irregular. As I am collecting a consider- able force on the St. Lawrence, where an enemy may soon be met, I have taken the liberty to employ a surgeon on whom re- liance may be placed. Dr. Amasa Trowbridge is the man. He is very respectable as a surgeon, and I pray your Excellency to approve my choice and forward the tools he wants.
Yours respectfully, JACOB BROWN.
His Excellency D. D. Tompkins.
GOVERNOR TOMPKINS TO GENERAL BROWN.
ALBANY, June 20, 1812.
DEAR SIR: By Judge Attwater I forwarded the following arti- cles for the troops under your command: 1,000 muskets; 520 cartridge boxes; 15,000 musket cartridges, 18 to the pound; 10,- 000 do., 16 to the pound; a ton of lead; 10,300 musket bullets, 18 to the pound; 56 rifles; 40 casks of powder; 1,000 flints; 2 brass nine pounders; 2 pair staffs, spongers, rammers, port-fire, stocks, &c .; 2 setts of horse harness; 1,500 cannon balls for six pounders; 1,500 three pounders, and some camp kettles, slow match and buck shot. In addition thereto, there is now boxing, and will leave before sunset, with Major Edmunds, a Revolution- ary officer, 1,000 muskets, 100 cartridge boxes, fixed ammunition,
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camp kettles, powder, &c., and I have directed 9 pound balls to be cast at the foundry in French Creek [supposed to be Taberg]. I shall order these things on with the greatest expedition, and shall add some knapsacks. Tents have not arrived from New York. The want of them has distressed me beyond measure. The moment they come, you shall be supplied as fast as horses can carry them. When the whole supplies arrive, you will have 2,000 muskets, and ammunition, &c., in your command-a supply for your post alone greater than the whole United States posses- sed at the commencement of the Revolution.
Our hands will be full; but be in good spirits, cheer the inhab- itants, and you may rely upon my devoting the exertions of every man to aid you. You are at liberty to order Colonel Stone with volunteers, or the detachment from Oneida County.
In great haste,
Yours respectfully,
DANIEL D. TOMPKINS. General Brown.
P. S. Major General Van Rensselaer, or some other general officer will be ordered to assist and advise in your operations as soon as I can supply you with tents. Let some men be making cartridges at the Arsenal. Cartridge paper goes on, pistols also. Remember that the Tower Hill and Hamburg muskets are cali- bre 16 to a pound, and the French and new muskets 18 to a pound. You have both kinds of ammunition. Dont let them be confounded.
BROWNVILLE, July 6, 1812.
DEAR SIR: Yours by Mr. Massey was received the 4th instant, early in the morning. I am satisfied. My great anxiety was for arms and ammunition. Those by Judge Attwater have nearly all gone on to St. Lawrence County. Those by Major Ed- munds I am expecting every hour. Since my tour among the inhabitants of this county, their conduct appears to be more manly. We have no divisions among us. Party with us is dead.
As it was possible that Colonel Benedict might be pressed, and as it is of the first importance that what vessels we have should be preserved, I have sent the detachments from Lewis [County] to Ogdensburgh. And to keep them in as much alarm as possible at Kingston, I have stationed the detachment from this county at Cape Vincent, and at my request, a considerable part of the force under Colonel Bellinger is now also there. I consider it of the first importance at present to keep Kingston, the seat of British power in Upper Canada, as much alarmed as possible, and for this purpose, I have deemed it my duty to make as great a display of force at Cape Vincent, as my means would
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permit. The British armed vessels remain at Kingston, and I am assured that they are arming several others that are now there.
Your Excellency will see the course I have pursued in relation to Colonel Bellinger, and the disposition I have made of the means in my power, and your Excellency will instruct me ac- cordingly. The more I have seen of Colonel Bellinger, the more I am pleased with him. He is disposed to do every thing for the best.
Nothing of importance has occurred along our lines since I last wrote your Excellency. A few six and nine pounder pieces of ordnance at Ogdensburgh and at Sackets Harbor, I should consider of importance. The roads are so bad to Ogdensburgh, that six pounder pieces only should be sent there. The six pounders from this county have gone on to Ogdensburgh; the nines are here.
Not knowing who all the officers are that are assigned to my brigade, I have to request your Excellency to order them to me. Colonel Stone has received my orders, and I take it for granted that he is on his way with his regiment.
As this is all new business, your Excellency will perceive how much I stand in need of my Quarter Master. Let him make his appearance forthwith. If Seymour does not like his berth, I would recommend to your Excellency a very valuable young officer, General Martin's Aid-Captain John Safford .* If there is any opening, he would be happy to be employed, and I should be happy to have such men with me.
Yours respectfully; JACOB BROWN.
His Excellency D. D. Tompkins.
BROWNVILLE, July 7, 1812.
DEAR SIR: Since writing you yesterday, I have ascertained that the Royal George, Duke of Kent, Prince Regent, and Earl of Moira, were all in the bight of Kingston harbor on the 7th, in the morning, completely equipped and manned; and that the British were fitting up, as armed vessels, every bottom that they could command on the lake. Your Excellency must not be sur- prised if they should attempt to destroy every vessel we have on the lake, and you will perceive that without ordnance it will be difficult to prevent them.
It is, I should suppose, very important to preserve the eight fine vessels we have now at Oswegatchie. With ordnance, I should hope to get these vessels up the river, or be able to de- fend them where they are.
Colonel Stone has not yet arrived, nor one single field-officer,
* The late Dr. John Safford, of Watertown,
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or one single man south of Lewis County. The detachment from Lewis County are all with Colonel Benedict. I intend to go to the county of St. Lawrence the moment I can get hold of Colonel Stone and get him settled down at his post at Cape
* * Vincent. * * *
0*
*
I will try and keep them alarmed at Kingston as much and as long as possible.
Yours respectfully,
JACOB BROWN, Brigadier General.
His Excellency D. D. Tompkins.
ALBANY, July 6, 1812.
DEAR SIR: I enclose you a letter for Bellinger, placing him under your command. I also send you a copy of a letter I have received from David A. Ogden, of St. Lawrence County, and have requested the bearer of it, to show you my answer to Mr Ogden, and the list enclosed in it. I have left it unsealed for that purpose. You will station at Heuvelton and other places towards the St. Regis settlement such force and supplies as a judicious regard to the security of the whole frontier will enable you. I am, dear sir, respectfully, Your obedient servant, DANIEL D. TOMPKINS.
General Jacob Brown.
BROWNVILLE, July 10, 1812.
DEAR SIR: * * I enclose you Colonel Ben- edict's letter of the 6th July, from which you will see the temper of the people in that (St. Lawrence) County. I have ordered Colonel Benedict to defend the eight vessels to the last extremity, unless he should hear that Woolsey had fallen. My object is to have the vessels armed, if the government will do it, and pre- serve Woolsey.
You must suppose that I will pay no attention to county reso- lutions on the present question. I shall leave the good county of Jefferson in a few days for St. Lawrence. The people of that county are, I am told, abandoning it in a most shameful manner. They stand firm, as yet, in Jefferson. Will the government con- tend for the dominion of the lake, or is Woolsey to be sacrificed? Have the goodness to let me know your Excellency's opinion on this subject. If the Oneida is to be preserved, the government must speedily furnish guns to arm and men to man our other vessels.
Yours respectfully,
JACOB BROWN.
His Excellency D. D. Tompkins.
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SACKETS HARBOR, July 11, 1812.
DEAR SIR: I was called, very early this morning by an alarm, to this place. It was rumored that Woolsey, with the Oneida, had fallen into the hands of the enemy. I do not believe it, and as yet I have seen no enemy. Some may suppose it imprudent for Woolsey to remain out. They are wrong; it is his only chance. Here he can not stay with any safety, as we have no battery to shield him from a superior force. He may probably dodge their fleet on the broad lake, and take a shot at them one at a time. He, so far, has my entire confidence and esteem, and I would to God it was in my power to give him the assistance he merits. I pray your Excellency to let me know specifically what aid is to be expected for Woolsey, for until I know that he is to be abandoned, I will protect our other vessels to the utmost of my means.
We have the 9 lb. cannon at this place, but not a single 9 lb. shot. I know and feel the effects of your Excellency's zeal for the honor and interest of the country, and I have written you so much on the subject of munitions of war that really I am almost ashamed to trouble you any more; but at the earnest solicitation of the inhabitants of this place, I must again say, that without the means of arming our vessels, the lake and river will most probably soon be at the command of the enemy, and in that case, Oswego, Ogdensburgh, Sackets Harbor and Cape Vincent, will be at the mercy of the enemy's shipping, unless we are well sup- plied with ordnance for the defence of these places. And I pray your Excellency to believe me when I say that it will cost the nation twice as much to defend our frontier for twelve months, as it would to conquer the Canadas to Quebec in six.
I am very much disgusted with the manner in which the mili- tia turn out from the old counties. One company has at length arrived from Whitestown, which ought to contain 75 non-com- missioned officers and privates; it really contains only 36. Another from Paris, which ought to contain 52, really contains but 32. This will not be submitted to if we have any govern- ment. I have sent Col. Stone back to bring on every man liable to come that he can find, and I pray your Excellency to order a new draft to make up the deficiency. It is hard and unjust that the men of these new counties, who marched at the word of com- mand should be thus treated. There is scarcely a man that was drafted from the counties of Lewis, Jefferson or St. Lawrence, either dead or sick. I am sending on the detachments as they arrive to St. Lawrence, and shall until I can make that county feel safe. I shall go there myself in a day or two. I am greatly in want of a quarter-master of brigade, competent to do his duty. I should much like Martin's aid-Capt. Safford I believe his name is-I know his conduct better than his name.
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The officers of the regular army are attempting to enlist the drafted men. I have no objections if it is regular and the plea- sure of the commander-in-chief; but with my present impres- sions I shall not permit it unless my consent is asked, and that of my colonels, for I know of no authority that any officer in the regular service has to command me, or those under my command, short of a general. On this subject, I pray your Excellency to instruct me specifically, for I wish to go straight, particularly on these subjects, and I shall expect your Excellency to point the road. It shall be traveled.
Yours sincerely, JACOB BROWN, Brigadier General. His Excellency, D. D. Tompkins.
ALBANY, July 10, 1812.
DEAR SIR: Mr. Thomas leaves this to-morrow morning, for the purpose of attending to the business of Mr. Goodsee, and enquir- ing into the complaints. A copy of the contract he takes with him, which will show you what are the rights of the contractor and of the officers respectively. I perceive by your letter to Mather and Thorne, you mention that, perhaps, one thousand troops will be at Ogdensburgh. If so, I am fearful that you are concentrating, at that point, a greater force than will be neces- sary for mere protection, and beyond its relative proportion of the detachments. The towns along the river, towards St. Regis, must be attended to. I have this day forwarded one hun- dred muskets, to be deposited at Martinsburgh, with cartridge boxes, although I deem any fear there, as in the towns on the north part of that county, totally groundless. I have also sent two hundred and fifty muskets and ammunition, for defence of Rutland, Mexico, Scriba, &c., along the lake shore between Sackets Harbor and Oswego. I have also forwarded to Water- town, for the use of the St. Lawrence frontier and the troops in Jefferson, one hundred tents, fifty camp kettles, &c., to be at your disposal. There are now landing from sloops, seventy pieces of artillery, 18's, 12's and other calibre, which I expect will be for- warded on, when General Dearborn comes to this place. Allow me to remark, that a less number of men, with healthy accom- modations, good arms and ammunition, and vigilant officers to discipline them, are a more efficient protection than a greater number unaccommodated, straightened for provisions, and hud- dled together in confusion. Major General Van Rensselaer leaves this on Monday morning, for the frontier; but whether he will visit Niagara, or Black River first, I can not now say. I am, dear sir, your obedient servant,
General Brown.
DANIEL D. TOMPKINS.
Appendix.
P. S. I confirm your acceptance of the services of Camp and his company. It appears to me that Bellinger's and Storr's re- giments will be a surplus expense for the Jefferson frontier, and as they are all under your command they are to be distributed as the whole frontier may require. I had rather Bellinger's corps should remain in Jefferson until their pay is sent on, which will be in a day or two.
SACKETS HARBOR, August 4, 1812.
DEAR SIR: Samuel C. Kanady, Esq., of this county, from the encouragement which I have given him, has raised a company of riflemen, and wishes to be employed by the government in any service that may be necessary. He has proceeded under the act of 6th February, 1812, for raising fifty thousand volunteers. Neither Mr. Kanady or either of the officers under him have any commissions, and he is solicitous to know from your Excellency, whether it would be possible for them to get commissions, and have their services accepted. From my acquaintance with Mr. Kanady, I have the fullest confidence in his valor and patriotismn, and I think he would do honor to the service. The other officers are Rufus Willard, Lieutenant; J. Eddy Cole, Ensign. Your Excellency will be pleased, with all convenient speed, to inform me of the course Mr. Kanady should pursue. He and his com- pany have signed the articles of association, according to the requirement of the act. They expect to be armed and equipped by the government.
I remain yours, &c., JACUB BROWN, Brig. Gen.
His Excellency, the Governor.
SACKETS HARBOR, August 5, 1812.
DEAR SIR: I have the pleasure of enclosing your Excellency an account, by an eye witness, of the action between the Julia, an American gun boat, and two British ships of war, an Earl and a Duke, aided by a land battery. The Julia is ordered to remain at Ogdensburgh, the better to secure our vessels in that harbor. Will the government of the United States furnish us with ordnance, so as to enable us to defend this place and the brig Oneida, against any force the enemy may bring against us, and to command the narrows of the St. Lawrence, until this govern- ment gets ready to make a descent upon Canada. The Royal George and Prince Regent are now cruising off this harbor. I expect to have difficulty with Colonel Bellinger's regiment, if it is not discharged at the expiration of the three months. Will your Excellency instruct me on this subject. I consider this the most important station on the lake, and it is verv desirable that a
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colonel of some military accomplishment, should be stationed here. Colonel Myers, of Herkimer, is the sort of a man I should prefer. By the advice of the Major General, I have kept Cap- tain Camp in the service. His company is disbanded, and I have given him a supply of men from Bellinger's regiment, to manage the cannon. This, I trust, will meet your Excellency's approbation. We want some companies of artillery very much. It is not proper, that those that have been drafted should be or- dered into the service along these lines.
Yours, respectfully, JACOB BROWN, Brig. Gen.
P. S. The good of the service requires that Captain Camp's company should be paid off. Will your Excellency please order it to be done? I hope your Excellency will take some notice of Lieutenant Wells, and the gallant crew of the Julia.
His Excellency, the Governor.
Page 525. NEILS SZOLTERCKI VON SCHOULTZ.
The melancholy fate of Von Schoultz excited the commisera- tion of an extended circle; and his conduct, from the time of his capture till the moment of his exit, was such as to heighten our esteem for his character. He plead guilty of the charges alleged against him, and made no effort to screen himself from the con- sequences into which betrayed confidence had led him. An ex- ile from unhappy Poland, a descendant from an ancient and noble family, and a witness of the oppression and tyranny of Russian despotism towards his native country, he was too easily led into a sympathy for the alleged sufferings of Canada; and, from his experience in military affairs, was entrusted with the expedition which came to a disastrous issue, near Prescott. He had landed in New York in 1836, and after visiting numerous places without a settled purpose, chance led him to the village of Salina, where he became engaged in some chemical researches.
During the short period that intervened between his sentence and his execution, he employed himself in writing a vindication of his character, which closes with the following language: " Misrepresentation and deception led me to embrace a cause which I then believed just and righteous, but now find them the mere instigation of cowardly and designing demagogues. I could have been influenced by no motive but that love of liberty, that desire to resist oppression, which is innate in the heart of every true Pole. It is said I was led on by the hope of plunder ; the promise of reward! What were their paltry acres, and their traitors' gold to me, who have more than enough of this
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world's wealth, since I have lost every object with whom it would have been my joy to share it? We were told the people groaned under the rod of military despotism. Had I not seen in my native land the peasant in his field, aye and the noble in his hall, insulted, smitten to the earth, by a hireling soldiery? We were told that the people waited to receive us-that thousands would rally around our standard whenever it was unfurled in the land which we came to liberate. The indignation with which we were repelled from these shores, the united bravery of citizens and soldiers, is the best answer to the aspersion. My trial is over; witnesses have been examined, and the evidence adduced against me is thought sufficient for my condemnation. In the eye of the world, my sentence will be considered. just. Fallible man may err, but God knoweth the heart! A brigand! a pirate! these are hard names, which once would have aroused my soul to in- dignation; but that time is past. * * *
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