History of Jefferson County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 138

Author: Durant, Samuel W; Peirce, H. B. (Henry B.)
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Philadelphia : L.H. Everts & Co.
Number of Pages: 862

USA > New York > Jefferson County > History of Jefferson County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 138

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" BROWNVILLE, July 27, 1811.

" DEAR SIR,-Having received my commission as general, for which I thank you, I have now to solicit your Excellency, that in case of war your Excellency will order me upon duty. It shall bo my humble endeavor not to disappoint the just expectations of my friends. Situated on the confines of the British Empire, I have viewed with some solicitude the state of our relations with that power, and this solicitude induces me thus to address your Excel- leney. I am not one of those that believe a war with Great Britain is the best thing that can happen to my country. I believe that a war with the tyrant of the continent some time past would have been prevented, and the honor of this nation preserved in an amicable ad- justment of the difficulties with the man-stealers of the ocean. As we are now surrounded by fogs and whirlpools, none, save God and the pilot, can say which course it is best to steer. But to my humble vision it appears that we innst tight a battle with both belligerents, or cease to prate about national honor and national sovereignty and national dignity. Your Excellency will be so good as to remember that I am the frontier general in the State of New York, Canada- wards. I am serious in my application to be upon duty if there is war, and your friendship will lay me under great obligations.

" Yours, truly, " JACOB BROWN.

" HIS EXCELLENCY D. D. TOMPKINS."

On the declaration of war, Gen. Brown was appointed by Gov. Tompkins to the command of tho militia on the frontier, from Os- wego to St. Regis, and spent the summer in organizing and directing the military movements at Sacket's' Harbor, Cape Vincent, and va- rious points along the St. Lawrence below ; nor did this season pass without incident to call into exercise thoso traits of decision, energy, and taet which were signally displayed at a later period in the war. His first duty was to quiet the alarm which the first tidings of hos- tilities occasioned, for which purpose he traversed most of the settle- ments of the county, hekl little meetings of the inhabitants, and, by his representations and advice, succeeded to a grent degree in restor- ing confidence, and procuring the adoption of measures calculated to be effectual in case of urgent need. Late in the season he was she- ceeded by Brig. Gen. Dodge, and ordered to asenine the command ut Ogdensburgh, to which place he repaired by water. He had scarcely

* Major J. Thomas Brown, a son of Samnel Brown, died in Naples, Italy, in July, 1855, aged 49. He was an eminent engineer on the N. Y. & E. R. R., and subsequently in Russia.

t National Portrait Gallery of Distinguished Americans, part xx.

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HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, NEW YORK.

taken np his quarters thero when he was attacked, on the 4th of Oc- tober, by the enemy, bnt succeeded in repelling them in a manner that conferred much credit upon himself and his troops.

The plan which ho proposed was to take Prescott, and, by inter- eepting the communications of the St. Lawrence and the Ottawa, to deprive Upper Canada of aid, and capture it in detail. Hlis scheme was not adopted, and in the event the expenditure of vast suins and much blood on the Canadian frontier effected nothing. On the 29th of May, 1813, Gen. Brown was hastily summoned to defend Sacket's Harbor from an attack which the enemy planned against that place in retaliation of onr descent npon Little York, and the successful result of his plans in this engagement led to his promotion as a major-general in the regular service, and opened the way to that career of victory which, in this and the following year, distingnished the American armies under his command on the Niagara frontier. Such was the Instre that his uame acquired in these campaigns that, upon the formation of the peace establishment, he was retained in command of the northern division of the army, that of the sonth being under Andrew Jackson. The details of the military move- ments of this frontier will be given in the following chapter; those of the Niagara belong to our general history.

A series of resolutions was passed by Congress, Nov. 3, 1814, the first of which was as follows :

" Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the thanks of Congress be and they are hereby presented to Maj .- Gen. Brown, and throngh him to the officers and mnen of the regnlar army, and of the militia under his command, for their gallantry and good condnet in the suc- cessive battles of Chippewa, Niagara, and Erie, in Upper Canada, in which British veteran troops were heaten and repulsed by eqnal or inferior numbers, and that the President of the United States be requested to canse a gold medal to be struck cublematical of theso triumphs and presented to Maj .- Gen. Brown."

This medal bears his profile, after a painting by Sully, upon one side, and npon the reverse it commemorates the battles of Chippewa, Niagara, and Erie. The New York Legislature passed a series of resolutions in December, 1814, expressing their approbation, and presenting a sword to Gen. Brown and the several commanding offi- cers in the late campaign.

On the 4th of Feb., 1815, the corporation of the city of New York presented him the freedom of the city, in a gold box, and directed a full-length painting to be procured and placed in the City Hall. It is from this painting that onr steel portrait of Gen. Brown, given in this connection, was engraved.

In December, 1816, Gen. Brown experienced a severe hereavement in the death of a son, named Gouverneur M., who was drowned while skating on the ice near Dexter. This lad is said to have shown an intelligence and sagacity far beyond his years, which naturally gained him the affection of those around him, and his father had especially regarded these early manifestations of talent with feelings known only to the doting parent. It may well be imagined that the heavy tidings gave a deep and lasting wonnd to his hopes, and desolated the heart beyond the power of consolation or reach of sympathy.

In the discharge of his official duties Gen. Brown removed to Washington in 1821, where he continued to reside until his death, which ocenrred Feb. 24, 1828, from the effect of a disease contracted at Fort Erie. For some time previous his physical powers had been impaired by a paralytic stroke. His death was announced to the army by au order of the secretary of war, and the funeral ecremonies were performed with all the formality and dignity that his exalted rank required.

A monument has been erected by congress over his grave in Wash- ington, having for its device a broken column, aud npon the east side of the base the following inscription :

SACRED to the memory of Major-General Brown. By birth, by education, by principle, devoted to peace. In defense of his country, a warrior. To her service he dedicated his life. Wonnds received in her canse abridged his days.

In reviewing the life of Gen. Brown, we cannot hut be struck with the evidences of integrity, talent, and ability which he evinced in the various stations of public life which he was called to fill.

In the course of a minute and detailed inquiry in Jefferson County,

while collecting the materials of this volume, the anthor has had in- numerable opportunities of obtaining independent private opinions from those with whom he had been associated in various capacities, and he has yet to meet with the first person who had the ability or the disposition to detract in the smallest degree from his character for patriotism, sagacity, energy, and ability as a military man, or of in- tegrity, honor, and prohity as a citizen.

Although Gen. Brown had not received a military education, and was at first ignorant of the discipline and usages of the service, he soon acquired a familiarity with these details, and with a happy facility availed himself of the experience of those around him, and met the emergencies arising from errors with a coolness that proved him the possessor of a sonnd mind, and an nnusnal share of practical common sense, withont which the most rigid professional training will fail to make a successful commander.

Nor was the tenor of his private life less engaging than his public character. He was a devoted son and brother, an affectionate hus- band and parent, an obliging neighbor, a warm-hearted friend, and an enterprising public citizen, foremost in every enterprise that had for its object the improvement of his village, town, or county, and liberal in his patronage and enconragewent of objects of public ntility. For several years he was an active member and officer of the county agricultural society, and from him the county received the most efficient aid for the opening of roads and the planning of improve- ments having for their object the general prosperity.ª

The following interesting letters from the correspondence of Gen. Brown relate to events connected with the connty in early part of the campaign of 1812, and will be read with interest :

ALBANY, June 23, 1812.

SIR,-War is declared between the United Kingdoms of Great Britain and Ireland and its dependencies and the United States of America and the territories thereof. This event will call forth the energies of every friend of his conntry, and more especially of those officers who are assigned to command the military forces. Yon will have received the General Order assigning yon to the command of one of the brigades detached from the militia of this State, iu anticipation of the event which is now aunonnced. Onr militia-law makes pro- vision for calling ont the hrigade you now command, in case of in- vasion, and yon are hereby empowered to reinforce Col. Bellinger with the militia detachment from Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence connties, and to arm them and equip them at the State Arsenals at Russell and at Watertown, if, in your opinion, the safety of the in- habitants, or any importaut object to be accomplished, shall require it. I place much reliance on yonr abilities aud valor in protecting our frontier inhabitants until the arrival of further troops and supplies, which will he forwarded with the utmost practicable ex- pedition.

I am respectfully yonr obedient servant.

DANIEL D. TOMPKINS.

P.S .- Let Col. Benedict turn ont with the St. Lawrence detachment immediately, to gnard the frontier from Ogdensburgh to St. Regis. Station them as may be hest calenlated for that purpose. They may arm from the Russell Arsenal.

GEN. JACOB BROWN.

BROWNVILLE, June 25, 1812.

DEAR SIR,-Your order of the 23d instant was delivered me this day about ten o'clock. For this additional proof of your confidence in assigning to me the counnand of a hrigade, yon have my earnest acknowledginents. I hnmnbly pray God that I may do my duty. This county must be sacrificed, provided it should be assailed by the force now in Kingston, unless we are provided with the means of defense. We will try to keep them at bay until the necessary supplies arrive, which may Heaven and onr conntry grant speedily. I am, etc.

JACOB BROWN.

His EXCELLENCY D. D. TOMPKINS.

BROWNVILLE, June 26, 1812.

DEAR SIR,-In the conrse of yesterday and last night I ascertained, as I am induced to believe, that the news of the Declaration of War against Great Britain had not been received at Kingston, and by my express I ordered the officer at Cape Vincent to prevent all passing, and, if possible, all communication. Perhaps we can keep the news from this post a day or two.

Within oue hour after the arrival of Mr. Whigton, I had expresses on their way to every colonel in the counties of Lewis, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence, excepting Col. Cox, and his orders I sent by Whigton. The men of this county are now assembling ; in the course of to-day and next day I trust that I shall have them at Sacket's Harbor. Those from the county of Lewis shall be on with all possible speed, and Col. Benedict has the necessary orders for the connty of St. Law- rence, and I know that he is of the stuff to do his dnty. Onr sitna- tion as to arms and ammunition will be explained to you by Mr. Whigton ; it will be concealed from the enemy as inneh as possible.

# The widow of the general is still living, at a very advanced age. See his- tory of Brownville (ante).

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HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, NEW YORK.

. Your Excelleney will bear in mind that this is a very new country ; that the population is light and generally poor, though very respectable for so new a country, and that if any more men are called from their homes, the erops, which now promise a very abundant harvest, must perish on the ground. I mention this to your Excel- Jeney as the country expeets it at my hands, and much more than iny feeble abilities can accomplish ; hut no consideration of this na- ture shall deter me for a moment from calling out every man in the country if its defense requires it, though I inust for the present hope that the force coming on will render such a measure unnecessary. I pray God that our Government will aet with that decision and energy which hecomes a gallant people.

I am respectfully and humhly yours,

JACOB BROWN.

P.S .- I pray your Exeelleney to give Colonel Gursham Tuttle the eominand of a regiment if it has not been doue, and your Excellency ean consider it for the good of the service.

ILIS EXCELLENCY D. D. TOMPKINS.

BROWNVILLE, June 29, 1812.

DEAR SIR,-Being solicitous to know with certainty the state of the preparations designed for the safety of this country, I have dis- patched Hart Massey, Esq., for that purpose, he being a man in whom you ean place confidence. Being deeply impressed with the weight of responsibility that rests upon me, I am soliciious, among other things, that your Excelleney will give me all the aid by instrue- tions that the nature of my situation will admit. I almost assure myself that the munitions of war are at hand so as to enable the in- habitants of this county to sell their lives, it they are to be lost; but this is a subjeet of so much moment that I cannot rest until the people actually have arins and ammunition. Many families are pressing on towards the old settlements, and unless we are immedi- ately supplied I cannot say to what extent this disgrace will extend.

Your Excellency will probably be surprised at this intelligence. I am loth to state it, and iny soul sickens to see a gallant people thus situated.

Many of the guns from the arsenal are in the most wretched eon- dition, and inany inore totally unfit for use. What powder we have -which, hy the way, is very little-is not fit for suel a business as we are engaged in, or for any other but to make squibs.

War is not only deelared, but actually commeneed, along this bor- der. Some of our people, without orders, and, in fact, without eon- sulting with any person in the service, captured the little garrison on Carlton island, and the prisoners are now on their way to Saeket's llarbor. For the particulars, I must refer you to Mr. Massey, who knows whatever has transpired in the county ..

I have given the command at Cape Vineent, for the present, to .John B. Esselstyn, and I should be gratified if your Excellency would as- sign him to a command as Major, which rank he holds in the militia at present.

Your Exeelleney may count with certainty upon every Indian throughout British America being perfectly arined and prepared for the combat.

Yours respectfully, JACOB BROWN. To Gov. TOMPKINS.

BROWNVILLE, July 2, 1812.

DEAR SIR,-It is with great pleasure that I inform your Exeelleney that the perturbation produced by the declaration of war is subsiding for the present.

I must take the liberty of again reminding your Exeelleney that Cape Vineent and Ogdeusburgh are, in my humble opinion, the points at which your principal foree should be assembled. Sacket's Ilarbor is too far from the line, as I ean have no idea of our Government de- claring war against Great Britain without the conquest of Canada. Our honor and interest and everything demands it. For lleaveu's sake, let our country put forth its strength, and Canada must fall, and that at onee, to Quebee, and we shall no longer be subject to the dis- grace of defending our country against Cauada and the perpetual alarm of a savage foc.

Col. Bellinger would, in my humble opinion, be much more useful on the St. Lawrence; his foree ean at present have no active 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 Den- mark by to-morrow evening ; what quantity, he does not say. With- out ordnance, your Exeelleuey will perceive that Ogdensburgh and Cape Vineent, and all our places along the St. Lawrence and the Lake, will be in danger 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. Beuediet's letter, 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 with- out the loss of many lives.

If the British make their approach with ordnanee, Benedict will, to be sure, be unhappily situated ; but in any situation, your Execl- Jeney may rely upon his doing his duty, and I think all honorable men must mourn that he cannot ineet the chemy on equal terms. I will write your Excellency again when I see what are the amount of my munitions of war by the teamns 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 inen disposed to use them, on their paying for them, or giving good security, they would be essentially useful.

ILIS EXCELLENCY D. D. TOMPKINS.

BROWNVILLE, July 3, 1812.

DEAR SIR,-Sinee writing you yesterday some of my scouts hrought 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. lle was found in the woods a little to the west of Indian river, and six or eight miles from the St. Lawrence. lle states that he saw the people who were taken from the vessels 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 elothes, were burned. This man's story is to be relied on, as he has respectable friends in this village who vouch for his veracity.

Maj. Noon has just been with me; he passed from Ogdensburgh 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 pre- vented, and for this and other objeets we are greatly in want of ord- nanee, and some men to use them with success.

I have to state to your Excellency that at the moment when the greatest aların existed among the good people of this county, Capt. Camp and company proffered their services for the defense of the eounty for thirty days. I saw that it could but have the most happy effect, and accepted their services. lad I any authority so to do ? At that moment I supposed that I had ; upon reflection, I fear that I have not. If I have exceeded my authority I trust your Excellency will exeuse me and inforin ine 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 foree on the St. Lawrence, I have ordered Col. Bellinger to detach 100 men to Cape Vineent under the comuiand of his second major. It will be done to-morrow. I feel mueh 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 inuch more serviceable at the St. Lawrence. My opinion is decidedly for pressing to the line. . . .

Upon the whole, I pray your Exeelleney to sanetion what I have done, and to be more explicit with your orders in future. My object is the complete and perfect defense of this country for the present, and if I can but effeet this I shall hope to meet with the approbation of the commander-in-chief, though iny conduct may be a little irregular. As I am collecting a considerable force on the St. Law- rence, where an enemy may soon be met, I have taken the liberty to employ a surgeon ou whom reliance may be placed. Dr. Amnasa Trowbridge is the man. lle is very respectable as a surgeon, and I pray your Exeelleney to approve my choice and forward the tools he wants.

Yours respectfully, JACOB BROWN.

llis EXCELLENCY D. D. TOMPKINS.

ALBANY, June 20, 1812.

DEAR SIR,-By Judge Attwater I forwarded the following articles for the troops under your command : 1000 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; 1000 flints; 2 brass nine-pounders ; 2 pair staff's, spongers, rainers, port-fire, stocks, etc. ; 2 setts of horse harness; 1500 cannon balls for six-pounders; 1500 three-pounders, and some camp-kettles, slow match, and buek-shot. In addition thereto, there is now boxing, and will leave before sunset, with Maj. Edmunds, a Revolutionary officer, 1000 musket:, 100 cartridge-boxes, fixed ammunition, camp-kettles, powder, etc., and I have directed 9- pound balls to be cast at the foundry in French Creek [supposed 10 be Taberg]. I shall order these things on with the greatest expedi- tion, and shall add some knapsacks. Tents have not arrived from New York. The want of them has distressed me beyond men-ure. The moment they come, you shall be supplied as fast ne horses ean earry them. When the whole supplies arrive, you will have 2000 muskets, and ammunition, ete., in your command-a supply for your post alone greater than the whole United States possessed at the commencement of the Revolution.

Our hands will be full, but be in good spirits, cheer the inhabitants, and you may rely upon my devoting the exertions of every man to aid you. You are at liberty to order Col. Stone with volunteers, or detachment from Oneida county.

In great haste, yours respectfully,

GEN. BROWN. DANIEL D. TOMPKINS.

BROWNVILLE, July G, 1,12.

DEAR SIR, -Yours by Mr. Massey was received on the 4th instant, early in the morning. 1 am satisfied. My great anxiety was for aring and ammunition. Those by Judge Attwater have nearly all gone on to St. Lawrence county. Those by Major Ediuunds I am expecting every hour. Since my tour among the inhabitants of this county their eonduet appears to be more manly. We have no divisions among us. Party with us is dead.

As it was possible that Col. Benediet 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 aların as possible at Kingston, I have stationed the detachment from this eounty at Cape Vincent, an I, at my request, a considerable part of the force under Col. Bellinger is now also there. I consider it of the first importance at present to keep Kingston, the scat of British power in Upper Canada, as muuch

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HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY, NEW YORK.

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 wonld 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 sce the course I have pursued in relation to Col. Bellinger, an ( the disposition I have made of the means in my power, and your Execllency will instruct me accordingly. The more I bave seen of Col. Bellinger, the more I am pleased with him. He is disposed to do everything for the best.

Nothing of importauce has occurred along our lines since I last wrote your Excellency. A l'ew six- and nine-poun ler pieces of ord- nance at Ogdensburgh and at Sacket's Harbor I should consider of importance. The roads are so bad at 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. Col. 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 bow much I stand in need of my quartermaster. 1 Let him make his appearance forthwith. If Seymour does not like his berth, I would recommend to your Excellency a very valuable young officer, Gen. Martin's aid, Capt. 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.

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History of Jefferson County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 138

Author: Durant, Samuel W; Peirce, H. B. (Henry B.) Publication date: 1878 Publisher: Philadelphia : L.H. Everts & Co. Number of Pages: 862

Author: Durant, Samuel W; Peirce, H. B. (Henry B.)
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Philadelphia : L.H. Everts & Co.
Number of Pages: 862