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. II > Part 10
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the Third Military District gave a public dinner in New York to General Boyd, in testimony of their high respect for him as an officer and a gentleman. He left the army when his brigade was disbanded, on June 15, 1815. He was appointed Naval officer at Boston by President Jackson, in 1830, and died there the same year on the 4th of October.
140
THIE TORPEDO BOAT.
having on her back a coat of mail, consisting of three large bombs, which could be discharged by machinery, so as to bid defiance to any attack by barges, left this city one day last week to blow up some of the enemy's ships off New London. At one end of the boat projected a long pole, under water, with a torpedo fastened to it, which, as she ap- proached the enemy in the night, was to be poked under the bottom of a seventy-four, and then let off. The boat we understand to be the invention of an ingenious gentleman by the name of Berrian."
The following is an account of the end of the tor- pedo boat, on July 1, 1814 :
"A gentleman who arrived here last evening from Sagg Harbor, informed us that on Thursday last the torpedo boat was run ashore at Norton's Point, op- posite Faulkner's Island, and on Sunday she was destroyed by the Sylph, sloop of war, and a frigate. One man who attempted to swim ashore from the torpedo was drowned; the others made their escape."
The boat was thirty feet in length and rowed by about twenty oars, and built bomb proof, rising only eighteen inches above the water. She was called the Turile.
The President issued a call for 93,500 militia, dated on the 4th of July. A requisition was made through the Secretary of War on the governor of each State, stating the quota required from each State, with a request to the governor to hold in readiness for immediate service such militia detach- ments and to fix on the places of rendezvous with a view to the worst exposed points. 3 Governor
141
CALL FOR MILITIA.
Tompkins received this requisition on the 11th of July.
The quota for New York State was 13,500 men, to be organized and equipped into thirteen regiments and one battalion, viz. : 1,350 artillery, 12,150 in- fantry, 3 major-generals and 7 brigadier-generals.
The quota for New Jersey was 5, 000 men. One-half of them, being the East Jersey division, was subject to the commander of the Third Military District, at New York.
This call upon the States for detached militia was for the same number, and apportioned among the States in the same manner as was that of April, 1812. See Ante Vol. I., pp. SS and $9. By Section 8 of Chapter 82 of the Act of Congress of April 18, 1814, they could not be required to serve more than six months in any one year.
The large quota of militia called from States at once awakened the public to a realization of mili- tary life. Desertions from the army had been fre- quent and extensive, and little regard had been paid to them because it was feared that its publication would cause a decrease in volunteering.
It had gone on so long that it was determined to coax back deserters as much as possible. Accord- ingly, on the 17th day of June, 1814, the President issued a proclamation stating that "a full pardon. is hereby granted and proclaimed to each and all such individuals as shall within three months from the date hereof surrender themselves to the com- manding officer of any military post within the United States or the territories thereof, and all officers and soldiers of the army are required to continue
142
EXECUTION FOR DESERTION.
their exertions in detecting and bringing to trial deserters from the army."
Desertion was punishable with death. Many trials for that offense had taken place on Gover- nor's Island. On the 7th of May, 1814, there was a general order for the proceedings on the execution of a sentence of death.
The following is a copy of the record in one of those cases :
HEADQUARTERS 3D MILITARY DISTRICT,
N. Y., July 7th, 1814.
Capt. Moses Swett or officer commanding troops on Governor's Island.
Sir :- The general court martial which convened on Governor's Island on the 23d ult., of which Col. D. Brearly, of the 15th Inft. is president, having sentenced John Reid and Roger Wilson, privates in the corps of artillery, to be shot to death-By power in me vested you are hereby directed to have the sentence carried into execution on the day and at the hour prescribed in the general order of the 3d inst., for which this shall be your warrant.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
MORGAN LEWIS, Major-General Commanding 3d M. D.
GARRISON ORDERS.
FORT COLUMBUS, July 7th, 1814.
The troops on Governor's Island will parade to- morrow morning at 11:30 o'clock on the Grand Parade, for the purpose of witnessing the execution
143
MILITARY PUNISHMENT.
of the prisoner sentenced by a general order of the 3d inst. to be shot to death.
The troops will form three sides of a square, the artillery will form the right and left flank, the In- fantry the rear ; the execution parties, consisting of a sergeant and twelve privates, will parade at 11:30 o'clock and placed under the command of Lieut. Forbes, Provost Marshal ; the guards of the advanced posts will have their sentries at their re- spective posts, and will repair to the parade at 11:30, those under charge of the Provost Marshal will join the execution party, for the purpose of escorting the prisoner to the place of execution.
The execution parties, in divisions preceded by the music with the Provost Marshal at their head, will march in front of the prisoner, the music playing the dead march ; the guards formed in divisions will march in rear of the prisoner. The procession will enter the square from the rear, face ten paces from the coffin placed in the center, upon which the prisoner kneels by a signal from the Provost Marshal. The music ceases, the warrant and sen- tence of death is read, the signal to fire is then given to the execution parties.
By order of
M. SWETT, Commander.
"Roslyn Castle" was the dirge with muffled drums that always accompanied a soldier to his grave.
The sentence of a prisoner for theft was as follows :
"He to be drummed once up and down the parade with the rogues' march, with his coat turned
144
CALL FOR EXEMPTS.
and the word thief written thereon in large letters. Further, that he stand within view of the evening parade each day for one week, with his coat in the same manner, except when on guard duty, and to have his whiskey stopped for one month."
Whipping, as a punishment of a soldier, was abol- ished by Act of Congress, Chapter 55, April 10, 1812.
We have before seen that when the militia were called into active service, and under the pay of the general government, they became subject to the rules and articles of war like the regular army. But there was one advantage the militia had, and that was that a court martial for any offense must. be composed of militia officers only .*
The news of the victory of the battle of Chippewa, on the 5th of July, was received with great joy several days after that event. On the 13th a na- tional salute was fired from the Castle Williams in honor of the victory. The national flag was also displayed on some of the public buildings all day.
On that day Governor Tompkins inspected the fortifications of the harbor of New York.
The following call was published July 12th by some of the citizens of New York :
"At this crisis our country stands in need of the aid of every citizen. To render this aid more effectual, those citizens who are exempt from military duty are requested to meet at J. Sagar's, corner of Nassau and George streets, to-morrow evening (July 13th) at eight o'clock, for the purpose of forming themselves into artillery companies for the defence of the city.
* Ante Vol. I., p. 199.
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FOR MILITARY DUTY.
On the 13th the citizens assembled at the time and place designated, and called Captain Alexander Coffin, Jr., to the chair, and Mr. Elkanah Doolittle was appointed secretary. On motion it was resolved that a muster roll be made for the citizens exempt from military duty to sign. The muster roll was ma le and signed by many of those present. It was then resolved that a committee of ten be appointed from the muster roll to secure the enlistment of those exempt from military duty.
The following were the committee appointed- one from each ward : First Ward, Garritt Sickles : Second Ward. Thomas Haynes : Third Ward, Alex- ander Coffin, Jr. : Fourth Ward. Elkanah Doolittle : Fifth Ward, Samuel Burling : Sixth Ward. Robert De Grusha : Seventh Ward, Charles Devoe : Eighth Ward, Benjamin Aycrigg : Ninth Ward. Michael Cashman ; Tenth Ward, John A. Crolius.
The committee was further authorized by resolu- tion to request the citizens of the different wards to meet on the evening of the 19th at the places where the polls of the last general election were held. in the respective wards, for the purpose of adopting measures to accomplish the object in contemplation. The committee was requested to report at a meeting which was to be held on the evening of the 16th, a plan or a system of by-laws to govern the company which is to be enrolled.
A resolution of thanks was presented to Mr. E. Riley for the offer of two of his best drums for the use of the company when organized.
This committee appointed a sub-committee, con- sisting of Alex. Coffin, Jacob Mott and Robert De
146
ADDRESS TO EXEMPTS
Grusha, for the purpose of inducing all American citizens exempt from military duty to sign a roll for defence of the city.
The following address was issued and published in some of the city daily papers :
ยทยท To the citizens of New York exempt from military duty :
" The times are portentious-we are menaced with invasion by a foe, who, if he gets possession of this city, will show us but little, if any lenity. Remem- ber the scenes of Havre-de-Grace, Hampton, etc., and then say whether it be not the duty, as it ought to be the inclination, of every American, be his local politics what they may, to stand forth in the defense of everything dear to freemen. Rally, then, round the standard of your country, and sooner let us die in the last ditch than tamely and cowardly surren- der this delightful city into the hands of an invading foe, whose known rule of warfare is an indiscrimi- nate destruction of property heretofore held sacred among civilized nations ; as also the violation of every moral and religious principle. Discard for a while, at least, the party bickerings which disturb the social harmony that ought to exist at this mo- mentous crisis. Let there be no distinction among us but that of endeavoring to exceed each other in courage and patriotism, should this soil be contam- inated by any foreign foe. Those who will not de- fend their country in times of danger like the pres- ent, in their veins does not run one drop of American blood, nor does one American sentiment inhabit their breasts. Upon such men we do not call, but we invite every American exempt from military
147
FOR MILITARY DUTY.
duty to attend on Tuesday next at his ward meet- ing to sign the roll that will be prepared for the pur- pose of forming a company or companies of artillery for the defence of the city.
"First Ward, Kent's Hotel, Broad Street ; Second Ward, Battin's, corner Burling Slip and Water Street ; Third Ward, Hodgkinson's, corner Nassau and Fair Streets : Fourth Ward, Harmony Hall ; Fifth Ward, Liberty Hall ; Sixth Ward, Dooley's, corner Cross and Duane Streets ; Seventh Ward, John Morris', 165 Bancker Street ; Eighth Ward, Liberty Pole, Roswell's; Ninth Ward, Thomas Rog- ers, Bloomingdale; Tenth Ward, Warren Academy, Third Street, at eight o'clock.
" ALEX. COFFIN, - JACOB MOTT, Committee.
ROBERT DE GRUSHA.
" All editors of newspapers in the city favorable to the institution are requested to insert this once or twice."
There were several causes of exemption from military service even in case of invasion. Among those exempt were all under eighteen years of age and over forty-five ; all members of fire companies, their services being deemed particularly necessary in case of invasion in keeping down fires. There were in June, 1814, forty-one fire companies in the city, and four hook and ladder companies, and one hose company, the total membership being about one thousand persons.
The Columbian of July 14th contained the fol- lowing :
.
148
PROGRESS OF THE WAR.
" While we are talking and dreaming of peace the war assumes on all sides a more active char- acter.
"In the Chesapeake the enemy continue their predatory system to an alarming degree, and seem to meditate still more serious mischief. Whether they will effect it is another thing.
"At the eastward the waters and fishing vessels are indiscriminately molested, phindered or burnt by the blockading squadrons : their crews robbed even of their shirts, and the inhabitants on the coast held in continual fear from a destroying foe whose bravest efforts seem to be directed against the most defenceless. This much to the credit of the enemy. But their depredations, we trust, are not to be continued without some effectual opposi- tion.
"On the Niagara frontier the campaign has opened with defeat to the enemy and honor to the Ameri- can arms. We therefore look with a degree of con- fidence to its continued operations. To-morrow may afford something of importance.
"Our army near Champlain is daily receiving re- enforcements, as is also that of the enemy, and we shall soon hear of hostile operations in that quarter.
" At Sackett's Harbor Commodore Chauncey is by this time ready for sea, and may be on the lake with his squadron to co-operate with the land forces or meet his antagonist in a naval combat."
CHAPTER XXXI.
Reports on Defences of the City-Fortifications Necessary- Gov. Tompkins' Military Orders-Gov. Pennington's Address to New Jersey Militia-Apathy of the People-Amusements of the Day-Dinner at Tammany Hall to Crew of the Essex- Action of Common Council-Address of Common Council to the Citizens-Appeal for Aid to Build Fortifications-Public Meeting Called.
N THE 14th of July the Common Council met with closed doors to hear and consider the report of their special committee ap- pointed at the preceding meeting, relating to the de- fence of the city.
The report showed the condition of affairs and stated what action the committee deemed necessary for the adequate protection of the city. The com- mittee also presented a series of resolutions for the Common Council to adopt, in furtherance of the recommendations.
The report and resolutions were approved by the Common Council, and were ordered to be kept secret for the then present.
Resolutions were passed, appointing Aldermen Mapes and Smith a committee to forthwith call upon the President of the United States and solicit his at- tention to the subject, and that Col. Nicholas Fish and Alderman Wendover be a committee to wait upon the Governor with the report.
150
REPORT ON DEFENCES.
The Common Council instructed its committee of defence to immediately request Gen. Swift, of the U. S. Corps of Engineers, to furnish them as soon as possible with the plan of such additional works of defence as might be deemed necessary by him to place the city in a state of complete defence.
Gen. Swift had already stated to the War Depart- ment the inefficient condition of the defences of New York City. When the corporation had resolved to take the matter in hand he received orders from the Secretary of War to render every aid in his power to such plans for protection as the city might adopt.
The following is the
REPORT OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF DEFENCE, TO THE COMMON COUNCIL, ADOPTED JULY 14TH, 1814 :
THE Committee have endeavored to obtain infor- mation on the important objectsof inquiry committed to them, and they hasten to lay it before the Com- mon Council. It may be classed under these heads :
1. To the probability of a hostile attack.
2. To the means of resistance.
3. To the measures which ought to be adopted, in order to protect the city and the surrounding coun- try, in consequence of the deficiency of such means.
With regard to the first point. the Committee have no particular information. It is well known that the British have a vast disposal force in Europe, a part of which is intended for America ; that the British Naval Commander-in-chief has not appeared off the American coast this season, but has remained at the island of Bermuda, in all probability with a
151
REPORT ON DEFENCES.
view to concentrate his forces for some important object, and that upon the whole there is reason to believe that a blow is intended to be struck which will greatly injure this country ; but the point of at- tack cannot be known. Whether the enemy intends to aim at New Orleans. Norfolk. Washington. Bal- timore, New York, or Newport, or whether he has adopted any definite plan cannot be determined but by the course of events. That alarm exists in all those places ; that all are exposed ; and that pru- dence and patriotism dictate the indispensable necessity of adopting all proper measures to repel his attacks cannot be doubted. When we consider the immense prize which this city affords to his cupidity, the importance of its position in relation to ulterior measures of offence ; in relation to the prosperity of a vast inland country : and in relation to the well-being of American commerce and navi- gation ; and when we further consider that this State is the principal place from whence a war against Canada is carried on, it is not absurd to suppose that policy may prescribe an attack upon our maritime frontier with a view to inflict a vital injury upon us, and with a further view to aid the operations of the enemy in the north- ern and western parts of this State. These ap- prehensions' may be dissipated by subsequent events ; and it is to be ardently hoped that in the midst of our preparations for defence the public anxiety may be relieved, and the prosperity of our country promoted by intelligence of an honorable peace.
The means of resistance may be considered under
152
REPORT ON DEFENCES.
these heads: 1. Fortification. 2. Troops. 3. Muni- tions of war.
The city may be approached in two ways by water. and in two ways by land.
An enemy may come to us by Sandy Hook, and by the Sound. He may land at Gravesend Bay, as he did during the last war, and arrive at Brooklyn, in the rear of the fortifications. He may land troops above Hell Gate, and approach us in a north- ern direction.
The water communication by Sandy Hook, is pro- tected by several strong and very important works, and the only deficiencies we need now point out are the neglect to finish the important works on Hen- drick's reef and the adjacent commanding works on Long Island.
Vessels of any burden can pass through Hell Gate with safety. The experiments and observations of Commodore Decatur have put this beyond doubt. This pass is totally unprotected ; but prompt meas- ures are being taken by the general government, and Commissioners of Fortifications, acting under the authority of the State, to erect a strong work of 12 guns at Hallet's Point. which it is to be hoped will be followed up by another on Mill Rock. These forts would effectually prevent the passage of the enemy, by water, in that direction.
With respect to land attacks by Long Island, and from above Hell Gate. no measures have been adopted to repel the enemy. Indeed, all our works of defence have been erected upon the hypothesis that he would assail us by ships. When we con- sider that he can land troops within S or 10 miles of
153
MEANS OF DEFENCE.
the city, in more places than one, and that nothing has been done to impede or preclude his operations in this way, there is room for serious reflection. We might, indeed, mention, as a solitary exception, the intended erection by the Commissioners of For- tifications, of a strong block-house at the principal inlet into Jamaica Bay, which will prevent him from coming in barges to Canarsie landing, within seven miles of the city, and at the same time cover an important section of the country from his- ma- rauding incursions.
With respect to troops, we have reason to believe that all the regular force in this part or its vicinity. does not excee 1 1,600, of which a great portion con- sists of raw recruits, and perhaps not 74 are ac- quainted with the use of great guns. The various forts in this harbor contain 400 cannon, which, with the artillery that will be required in case of a hos- tile attempt, ought to be manned by 4,000 men. The men are now dispersed among the various forts from Sandy Hook to Greenwich, and it is obvious could never be concentrated to any given point in order to meet the advance of the enemy, without a total abandonment of the works.
The inadequacy of the regular force is palpable. and we have no reason to believe that the regular militia can supply the deficiency. The brigade of artillery does not contain more than 1.000 effective men, a considerable portion of which is principally conversant with the duties of infantry, and even fifty of this corps are now stationed at Sag Harbor for the defence of that place.
The national government have recently ordered
154
MUNITIONS OF WAR.
13,500 of the militia of this State to be held in readi ness for service. This force, for the purpose of immediate defence, is merely an army on paper. Before the men can be assembled together from various parts of the State, twenty or thirty days may elapse, and the objects of the enemy be com- pletely attained : and when assembled, they will be raw troops unacquainted with the duties of a camp, without discipline, without mutual confidence, and ignorant of the first elements of the military art.
As to munitions of war, the annexed official statement exhibits the meagre contents of our State arsenal :- Of field artillery, we have ten pieces, four of which are six-pounders ; of muskets, we have 2,230, of which only 548 have cartridge boxes ; and the fixed ammunition is also inconsider- able. The Governor has taken measures to obtain 1,000 additional muskets, which may be daily ex- pected.
The United States have not, in this place, more than 1,000 muskets. They have 10 iron six-pound- ers in good order, 4 eighteens, and 3 twelves ; 1 brass twenty-four pounder, 2 twelves, and 1 five- and-a-half-inch howitzer: there are also 11 iron eighteen-pounders, on old carriages, which probably require remounting. The quantity of fixed ammuni- tion is not known, but it is apprehended that it is entirely inadequate to the crisis.
After this brief exposition of our situation, the most important object of inquiry is, what remedies shall be adopted to supply the desiderata, and to meet the exigencies of the case.
As a corporate body with municipal powers, and
155
RECOMMENDATIONS.
without any authority to impose taxes, or to raise troops, it is evident that the Common Council are not able to apply an adequate remedy. So far, both as a representation of our defenceless situation, as an application of a portion of our pecuniary re- sources, as animating our fellow-citizens to spirited and patriotic exertion, and as an adoption of all proper means, either as individuals or public func- tionaries, may have a benign influence. it is our incumbent duty to act promptly. immediately, and energetically.
The National Government is specially charged with the general defence ; and it is presumed that a respectful representation of this Board. by a com- mittee, to the President of the United States, may have beneficial effect, as it is completely in his power to direct the unfinished works to be com- pleted, and new works to be constructed ; to direct the regular forces in this quarter to be augmented ; to order a portion of the militia into immediate service, in order to repel invasion, or to cause them to be paid by the United States after being ordered out by the authority of this State: to cause the munitions of war to be augmented without any great inconvenience or expense, as it is believed that the United States have arms and ammunition sufficient, which may be ordered to this place.
Next to the General Government, we must look to the State Government for protection. The Governor has authority, by the 68th section of the Militia Law, to order into service, at the expense of the State, any portion of the militia, in case of invasion or other emergency, when he shall judge it necessary.
156
FORTIFIED CAMPS RECOMMENDED.
He may also increase the munitions of war in this quarter, by purchase, or by ordering them from other arsenals where they are not wanted.
It appears to the Committee that it is indispen- ably necessary, in order to protect this city against attacks by land, to have two fortified camps-one on the heights of Brooklyn, and the other on the heights of Harlem-and that they should be im- mediately occupied by the militia. These encamp- ments may prevent the approach of the enemy in the most exposed quarters ; will enure the men to arms and discipline : will serve as places of rendez- vous for the militia in case of alarm, and will give a decided tone and countenance to public confidence. An encampment at Harlem will have this addition- al advantage: it will keep open a communication by land with the continent if the enemy shall obtain the command of our waters. The land at Harlem may be occupied without any expense ; that at Brooklyn may be obtained at a reasonable rate during the war, by paying an annual rent. It is presumed that these camps may be fortified by the voluntary labor of our fellow-citizens, and by the militia ordered to occupy them.
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