USA > New York > New York City > New York city and vicinity during the war of 1812-15, being a military, civic and financial local history of that period, Vol. I > Part 24
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"HARRISON."
" PERRY." .
" DON'T GIVE UP THE SHIP."
The transparencies were presented by Mr. Holland, who also volunteered his services in arranging the decorations of the hall.
There were five tables, containing sixty covers each, provided for the company. The tables and dishes were ornamented by representations of cas- tles, pyramids, etc. Messrs. Martlin and Cozzens had provided everything in their elegant and liberal manner.
proposed to General McArthur at Detroit, a suspension of hos- tilities, and agreed to " take hold of the same tomahawk with the Americans and to strike all who are or may be enemies of the United States, whether British or Indians." They brought in their women and children and offered them as hostages for their own good behavior. Lossing's Pictorial Field-book of the War of 1812.
367
AT TAMMANY HALL.
The distinguished guests were received at the dining-room with the music of "Hail Columbia " from a full band.
As soon as the company, which numbered about 300, had assembled at the table, a prayer was offered by Rev. Peter J. Van Pelt, the chaplain for the third military district ; a similar ceremony was observed at the removal of the cloth. John Fergu- son was toast master.
The following toasts were drank, interspersed with excellent songs from gentlemen of the compa- ny and music from the band. The regular toasts were :
1. " Our country. Distinguished by its blessings, may it be as distinguished by the attachment of its citizens." Three cheers.
2. "The constitution of the United States. A monument of the wisdom of our fathers. May it be perpetuated by the virtue and valor of their sons." Three cheers.
3. "The Union of the States. The palladium of national safety. The pledge of our national glory." Six cheers.
4. "The war. Having drawn the sword in the defense of our rights, let it never be sheathed until these rights are secured." Six cheers.
5. "The army. May they never forget that they are the soldiers of freedom and the champions of their country's honor." Nine cheers.
6. "The navy. In proud defiance it sweeps old ocean's surge, bearing in its bosom destruction to the tyrant and redemption to the slave." Nine cheers.
7. "The President of the United States. Honored
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DEMOCRATS AT DINNER
in the attachment of the American people and in the fears and hatred of their enemies." Three cheers.
S. "The memory of Washington, the father of his country. First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen."
9. " Thomas Jefferson. A name ever to be re- vered while the independence of his country is dear to its sons." Nine cheers.
10. "The heroes who fell in the war of our Revolu- tion. What need of sculptured marble to record their fame ? It lives imperishable in the hearts of their descendants ; a constant monitor to virtuous deeds."
11. " The veteran patriot and soldier, Gov. Shelby, (of Kentucky)." Twelve cheers.
12. "The people of the Western States. Re- nowned for their courage to conquer, and their humanity to spare." Nine cheers.
13. " Commodore Perry and Captain Elliot. The heroes of Lake Erie, who have borne their country's standard in triumph over the waters of the west." Six cheers.
14. " The plaudits of a grateful people. The patriot hero's best reward." Nine cheers. Music, " Harrison's March."
15. "Our naval and military heroes who have fallen in the present contest.
" How sleep the brave who sink to rest With all their country's wishes blest."
16. "Sailors' rights and free trade. 'Let the flag wave while we live.'" Nine cheers.
17. " The citizen soldier -- whom party cannot se- duce nor authority deter from his duty." Six cheers.
18. "The conquest of Canada. A retribution for
369
AT TAMMANY HALL.
violated faith and lawless plunder ; the only security for a lasting and honorable peace." Twelve cheers.
The volunteer toasts were as follows :
By Major-Gen. Harrison .- " The freedom of the seas, and the adoption by our government of the Roman maxim which secured to the citizen his inviolability." Twelve cheers.
By Gen. Hampton .- " The State of New York." Six cheers.
By Gen. Dearborn .- " An honorable peace, or a vigorous war." Six cheers.
After Gen. Harrison, Gen. Dearborn, Gen. Hamp- ton and Gov. Tompkins had retired, Col. Rutgers (the president) gave the following :
" Major-Gen. Harrison, the deliverer of our western frontier." Seventeen cheers.
"Major-Gen. Dearborn." Twelve cheers.
" Major-Gen. Hampton." Twelve cheers.
" Daniel D. Tompkins, the governor of the State of New York." Twelve cheers.
By Col. Rutgers .- "The western heroes, prompt and decided in council, energetic in the field." Nine cheers.
By Col. Swartwout .- " The department of war; it is conducted with intelligence and industry ; may its views be executed with promptness and ability." Three cheers.
By Gen. Smith .- "The patriotic ladies of the United States, who encouraged their husbands, their sweethearts and their sons to avenge the wrongs of their country." Six cheers.
By Alderman Wendover .- " The Federal Union, the main prop of our liberty ; like Washington,
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ATTEND THE THEATER.
let us distrust the patriotism of those who, in any quarter, endeavor to weaken it." Three cheers.
By Alderman Buckmaster. - " Union in our councils and discipline in our armies." Three cheers.
After Col. Rutgers had retired, Mr. James Town- send gave :
" Our venerable president and friend, Col. Henry Rutgers, than whom a more uniform, correct and honest republican does not exist." Nine cheers.
Gen. Hampton and his suite came on the steam- boat from Albany on that afternoon but did not ar- rive in time to partake of the dinner, but he was there when the toasts were given. On his entering the dining-room the company gave him three cheers.
It will be observed that the mayor, De Witt Clinton, was not present. This was owing to party feeling. Whether he had a formal invitation or not, is not known, but it is known that he would not have found friends or congenial spirits there.
After the toasts were finished Gov. Tompkins, Gen. Harrison and Gen. Hampton, with their aides, all in full dress uniform, proceeded to the Park Theater, which had been prepared for the distin- guished visitors.
The front of the theater was illuminated by a new transparency which represented Gen. Harri- son in the foreground, as though giving directions after the battle of the Thames. Four cannon were seen as if taken from the enemy, and in the distance the surrender of the British forces under Gen. Proctor. On the entablature of the transparency were the words "The Trophies we won at Saratoga,
371
COM. BAINBRIDGE ARRIVES.
lost at Detroit, are regained on the banks of the Erie."
The performance commenced, by request, by the play entitled " All in Good Humor ; " after which " Macbeth " was given by Mr. Cooper as Macbeth and Mrs. Stanley as Lady Macbeth. The conclud- ing piece was "The Youthful Tar, or the Glorious 10th of September," alluding to Perry's victory.
Gen. Harrison and his aids left for Philadelphia the next day.
Commodore Bainbridge had arrived in the city and given notice that he would accept the honors ac corded him by the common council by resolutions already set forth (ante, p. 205).
In the morning, about twelve o'clock, on Decem- ber 8th, he proceeded to the common council cham- ber, by invitation, and being introduced by Alder- men Mesier and Buckmaster, the committee ap- pointed for that purpose, the members received him standing. He was presented to the mayor, who made a short and appropriate address. The oath of a freeman of the city was then administered by the mayor, and a certificate thereof presented in a gold box which was three inches in diameter and one inch in depth. On the inside of the lid was in- scribed "The corporation of the city of New York to Commodore William Bainbridge, of the United States frigate Constitution, in testimony of the high sense they entertain of his gallantry and skill in the capture of his Britannic Majesty's ship Java on the 29th of December, 1812."*
The Commodore made a brief reply and with-
* His portrait, painted by Jarvis, was subsequently placed in the Governor's room in the City Hall where it now remains.
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FEDERALISTS GIVE DINNER
drew. On leaving the City Hall he was greeted with the huzzas of a large concourse of citizens.
The Federalists were not to be thought behind in showing honors to the brave, so on the same day of the presentation to Com. Bainbridge, they gave him a subscription dinner at Washington Hall in the afternoon.
The following notice of it was published :
" Those gentlemen who wish to attend a public dinner to be given to Com. Bainbridge, this after noon, at Washington Hall, at four o'clock, are re- quested to apply for tickets to either of the follow- ing : William Neilson, Jr., Aug. H. Lawrence, David B. Ogden, Phillip Hone, Thos. G. Butler, George Brinkerhoff.
Mr. John B. Coles presided ; Mr. Henderson, Gen. Jacob Morton and Mr. Sebring, were vice-presidents. The guests. besides Com. Bainbridge, were Gov. Tompkins, Mayor Clinton, Maj .- Generals Dearborn and Stevens, Judges Brockholst Livingston, Van Ness and Benson, and the officers of the navy on the New York station. The room was handsomely dec- orated with transparencies and flags emblematic of our naval victories. About 150 citizens attended.
The regular toasts related to general subjects, the navy and naval heroes in particular, that did not show political bias, and were thirteen in num- ber to represent the original States.
The volunteer toasts were numerous and more expressive of political opinion.
Maj. - Gen. Stevens gave "The President and Con- gress at sea-May the message and reports from them be in the spirit of the Constitution."
Mr. Sebring gave "American wooden walls as
373
TO COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE.
numerous as they ought to be and well manned, the only security our sailors want for their rights."
The volunteer toasts were by Commodore Bain- bridge, Gov. Tompkins, Mayor Clinton, Gen. Dear- born, Gen. Stevens, Messrs. Coles, Henderson and Sebring, Gen. Morton. Alderman Lawrence was called to the chair after the President had retired, and toasted him and the memory of Alexander Hamilton.
The officers of the Washington Benevolent Soci- ety were as follows :
Isaac Sebring, President.
Jacob Radcliff, First Vice-President.
Zachariah Lewis, Second Vice-President.
Leonard Fisher, Treasurer.
George B. Rapelye, Secretary.
Standing committee were :
John Baker, John P. Groshon, Charles Stewart, Lewis Hartman.
In the evening Com. Bainbridge attended the Park Theater. The front of it was illuminated by a transparency of the victory of the Constitution over the Java. The play was "Sylvester Dagger- wood." after which "Pizarro" was given, being a sequel to the " Virgin of the Sun." The after piece was " Turn Out."
The Commonwealth Theater was open on that evening in honor of the arrival of Commodore Bainbridge in the city. The comedy of "The Soldier's Daughter " was produced, after which a transparency of the commodore was exhibited. and another with a view of the battle between the Con- stitution and the Java, with the song and chorus
374
TAMMANY GIVES
of "To arms ! to arms ! Columbia's sons, to arms !" The after piece was "The Purse, or American Tar."
The next public dinner given during the holiday season was to Com. Perry on the afternoon of the 11th of January, 1814, at Tammany Hall. The reso- lutions of the common council on October 4th (ante, p. 318) granting him the freedom of the city, in a gold box, etc., was offered by a Federalist. They seemed to desire to be thought the first to honor him. He arrived in the city on the 7th of January, from his home in Newport, R. I. The Democrats had hastened to be the first to give him a public dinner in this city, presumably under their own auspices, but left it open to be attended by any Federalist who felt inclined to do so.
The following announcement was published :
"Gentlemen who wish to attend the public din- ner to be given in honor of Com. Perry, at Tam- many Hall, on Tuesday next, will please apply for tickets to one of the following named persons : John L. Broome, John T. Irving, Fred. Jenkins, Walter Bowne, Edward H. Nicoll, John Rathbone, Jr., Abraham Stagg."
At that time about 350 citizens partook of the entertainment.
Major James Fairlie was president. The vice- presidents were Messrs. Augustus Wright, Jona- than Lawrence, Thomas Farmer, John Bingham, William Irving and George Buckmaster. All of them were active Democrats.
[Seven tables were spread for the accommodation of the company, one crossing the hall at the eastern end and the others leading from it to the lower part of the room. The guests were seated at the cross-
375
DINNER TO COM. PERRY.
table, which was elevated on a platform so the as- sembly could have an uninterrupted view of the guests.
The tables were beautifully embellished by numer- ous ornaments interspersed among the dishes, dis- playing American flags.
The pillars of the hall were surrounded with clusters of flag staves, bearing American colors, which were supported by representations of the stern of a vessel of war ; a drapery composed of naval flags connected the pillars and relieved the walls.
The decorations of the hall were arranged under the gratuitous direction of Mr. Holland. Five transparent paintings from his pencil adorned the walls. Two of them presented full length likeness- es of the naval heroes, Hull and Bainbridge, sur- rounded with appropriate devices. The third, which was placed at the lower part of the hall directly op- posite the guests, exhibited a large eagle bearing in his beak and talons a scroll inscribed in large capitals : "We have met the enemy and they are ours." This painting covered about one hundred and fifty square feet of canvas. The fourth and most brilliant transparency stood at the head of the room behind the guests, and filled a space of two hundred and sixteen square feet. In the fore- ground was seen the disabled brig Lawrence and her boat, with the commodore in the act of passing from her to the Niagara. The sailors were repre- sented in the act of pushing the boat with their oars from the side of the vessel. The hero was exhibited standing at the stern giving orders to Lieut. Yar- nall. In his left hand he supported a staff on which
376
TOASTS AND MUSIC.
was hoisted the signal banner inscribed, "Don't give up the ship." In his right hand he held a sabre, with which he was expressively pointing to the brig Niagara. In the distance was a view of the en- gagement. All the figures were life size, that of Perry, was a portrait. There were also handsome models in miniature of the frigate Constitution and sloop-of-war Hornet suspended from the ceiling, and two privateers under full sail on the guests, table.
After the company was seated, Commodore Perry with the other guests and the officers of the day entered the hall. On his appearance the band struck up "Hail Columbia," and the company arose and gave three hearty cheers.
The toasts and music were as follows :
1. " The President of the United States of Amer- ica."
Music-" Hail Columbia."
2. " The Governor of the State of New York." Music-" Tompkins' March."
3. "Our Country, appreciating the bravery and worth of her defenders, and proving to the world that republics are not ungrateful."
Music-" Yankee Doodle."
4. " The rights and interests of the Republic sup- ported with manly fortitude through every crisis."
Music- " Hail Columbia."
5. "National Honor-the rallying point of high minds and gallant spirits. May it never be sacri- ficed to individual gain or party interest."
Music-" Washington's March."
6. " The glorious 10th of September, 1813, immor-
377
TOASTS AND MUSIC.
talized in the annals of fame by the capture of a British fleet by one of inferior force."
Music-" The Conquering Hero."
7. " Our Navy-The stone that smote the Goliah of the ocean."
Music -- "America, Commerce and Freedom."
8. "Our naval heroes-stars to their country, stripes to its enemies."
Music-" The Marines."
9. " Somers, Wadsworth and Israel -- martyrs be- fore the walls of Tripoli."
Music -- " Dirge in Cymbeline."
10. " Lawrence, Pike, Covington, Allen and Bur- rows-like stars of the battle they set, but enough of their glory remains on each sword to light us to victory yet."
Music-" Roslyn Castle."
11. "The Army-composed of daring and manly spirits-under proper guidance, it will reach the summit of national glory."
Music-" Battle of Marengo."
12. " Major-Gen. Harrison-undaunted in the hour of danger, generous in the hour of victory, who spared those who were never known to spare."
Music .- " Harrison's March."
13. " The venerable Shelby and his volunteer asso- ciates-citizen soldiers worthy of their leader and their leader every way worthy of them."
Song, "The Volunteer."
14. " Col. Croghan-the gallant defender of Fort Stephenson, who proved that intrepidity is more than a match for numbers."
Music-Grand March, " Battle of Prague."
15. " The memory of Washington-the model of a
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VOLUNTEER TOASTS.
republican magistrate, who governed his country only to serve it, whose ambition was to be good rather than great, and who became great by being pre-eminently good."
Music-" Portuguese Hymn."
16. "Real patriots of all parties, -- they may be embarked in different ships, under different com- manders and wafted asunder by different winds of doctrine, but their port of destination is the same, and so long as honesty is their rudder, truth their needle, and public good their polar star, they will often fall in company in the course of the voyage."
Music-" Yankee Doodle."
17. " Retaliation,-the reluctant, but necessary fiat of retributive justice, exercised not to present passion, but to prevent future outrage."
Music-" Troops."
18. "Our fair countrywomen-protected and de- fended, their smiles and their hearts are all the recompense of valor."
Music, "Here's a health to all good Lasses."
VOLUNTEER TOASTS.
By Com. Perry-" The union of the States."
After Com. Perry had retired-
By the President-"Com. Perry."
By Mr. Wm. Irving-" Capt. Elliot, the intrepid coadjutor of Com. Perry."
By Mr. Augustus Wright-" The government,
* We miss from this selection of music the hallowed strains of the Star Spangled Banner. The song was not then written. The tune to which the words are sung was an Irish air called " Anacreon in Heaven." They are now so inseparably connected that the tune is known as the Star Spangled Banner.
379
VOLUNTEER TOASTS.
while negotiating for an honorable peace, may it not relax in the arrangement for war."
By Gen. T. W. Smith-"Com. Rodgers, who has only wanted an opportunity to add another frigate to our navy."
By Gen. Jonas Mapes -- " Capt. Isaac Hull, who opened the door that leads into the temple of our naval glory."
By Doctor Bullus *-- " Com. Chauncey, the gallant hero of Lake Ontario."
By Mr. John Haff-"Capt. Porter, who has as- serted the rights of America to the freedom of the seas in both hemispheres."
The absence of army officers is accounted for in consequence of the large number of prominent military officers stationed at New York, who were at Albany engaged in the court-martial trial of Gen. Hull, which convened at Albany on the third of January, 1814. The state legislature was to meet at Albany on the 12th of January, and Governor Tompkins' engagements were such that he did not attend the dinner.
* Dr. John Bullus was then navy agent for the port of New York. He with his wife and children were on board the frigate Chesapeake in 1807, when she was fired into by the British frigate Leopard in Hampton Roads. Dr. Bullus was then on his way to a consulate on the Mediterranean. After this affair the Chesapeake returned to port and Dr. Bullus relinquished the consulate appointment and received that of navy agent for the port of New York, which he held during the war of 1812-15. He had been surgeon in the navy. He was the intimate friend and hospitable entertainer of all the naval officers and heroes of that dav, as well as one of our most prominent citizens. He then resided at 69 Greenwich Street in a spacious mansion. He was head of the firm of Bullus, Decatur & Rucker, extensive manu- facturers of gunpowder during the war. He subscribed ten thousand dollars to the government loan of February, 1813 (Ante. p. 348) His son, Dr. Robert S. Bullus, married a daughter of Gen. Morton.
380
COM. PERRY ATTENDS A BALL.
In the course of the evening Com. Perry attended Mrs. Burke's "grand concert and ball " at Wash- ington Hall given for the benefit of Mrs. Burke. It was previously announced that he would attend on that evening. The leader of the band was Mr. Nicolai, and the manager of the ball was Mr. Char- raud. Tickets of admission were one dollar. The ball took place after the concert.
Com. Perry left New York city the next day for Philadelphia.
It should be observed that the freedom of the city was not given to Commodore Perry at this time by the mayor and common council, in accordance with the resolution of October 4. It may not have been ready, or there may have been some political feel- ing on the part of the Federalists in the common council that delayed it. It is very probable that he came to New York city from his home in Newport by express invitation to accept the public dinner offered him by citizens at Tammany Hall.
On January 13th it was announced that Mr. Hulett's practicing ball would take place at Tam- many Hall that evening and that the decoration used at the Perry dinner would not be removed.
This was because Mr. Hulett had given up his prior engagement of the hall for the ball on the evening of the dinner.
CHAPTER XX.
The Enemy at Sandy Hook-Cannonade of Long Branch Village -Shipping and Trade in the City-Privateer Owners' Peti- tion to Congress-Laws for Their Benefit-The Enemy's War Vessels near by-Licensed Vessels made Subject to Capture- The Non-importation Laws-Resolutions by New York Mer- chants - Blockade Extended-Coasting Trade -Smuggling - Inland Transportation.
HE entry to the port of New York by Sandy Hook had been so strictly blockaded through the Summer and Autumn of 1813, that very few ves sels even attempted to enter that way, while none passed out. Occasionally it was deemed safe for small vessels to run the blockade. Many captures were made. There were often many days at a time when even a small fishing smack did not dare to make the attempt to pass in or out.
Many of the little craft captured by the Plantag- enet (seventy-four guns, Capt. R. Lloyd), were ran- somed at from one hundred to two hundred dollars each. Among the captures was a coaster with an organ for St. John's Episcopal Church in New York. It was ransomed at $2,000. The organ had been ordered at Philadelphia for $6,000 before the war commenced, and had run the blockade in Dela- ware bay on the way to New York when it was captured near Sandy Hook.
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SKIRMISH WITH THE ENEMY.
Two or three war vessels were sufficient to effect- ually blockade the pass at Sandy Hook. Some- times the firing on a vessel would take place, but this was seldom necessary.
On the 29th of November the Plantagenet chased on shore, about twelve miles below Sandy Hook, and four miles from Long Branch village, the schooner John and Mary, from New Orleans, bound to New York with cotton, sugar and lead to Cox & Mon- taudavert (the brothers-in law of the late Capt. James Lawrence). The schooner was taken pos- session of by the boats from the Plantagenet, and about half the cargo taken out. When the circum- stance was discovered by the officers belonging to the flotilla, one hundred men were immediately de- tached with small arms, under the command of sail- ing-master Percival, and the British were driven off, carrying with them the plunder they had secured. A flag of truce was then sent on shore from the British commander, claiming the schooner as his prize and offering to ransom her for a thousand dollars; if this demand was not complied with, he threatened to destroy the schooner and the houses at Long Branch.
Sailing-master Rogers, who received the flag, said he did not understand how the schooner could be a British prize, for she was now in our possession, and we would defend her. As soon as the flag re- turned a heavy fire was opened from the Plantage- net, which continued until dark ; nearly seven hun- dred shots were thrown on shore. Notwithstand- ing the firing the men proceeded to take and secure what cargo the British had left. Only one man was hurt, who was wounded by a splinter. The
.
383
IDLE SHIPPING.
houses were not touched and the schooner was very little injured.
There were two French passengers on board the schooner, one of whom made his escape, the other was taken prisoner .*
Long Island Sound not being blockaded, an active coasting business could safely be kept up by numer- ous small vessels running between the ports on the Sound and New York city by the way of Hell Gate. This opportunity was actively availed of; from six to twelve vessels of various sizes each day arrived or departed that way. None of the ports in the New England States were blockaded, and the trade by imports and exports was active among them, which New York shared by means of many small coasters as well as transportation by land.
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