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 23
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"TRENTON, N. J., October 29, 1814. "SIR :- I am informed that Governor Tompkins, as governor of the State of New York, has taken
* On 27th February, 1813, the President sent to the Senate, among others to be appointed to the rank of major-general in United States Army, that of Morgan Lewis. His nomination was confirmed on 2d March by a vote of twenty yeas to seven nays. The New York Senators were divided, Senator German voted nay and Senator Smith yea.
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REPLY OF SECRETARY OF WAR.
command of the third military district of the United States. This district comprehends the principal part of New Jersey, and between two and three thousand Jersey militia are now in actual ser- vice in this district at Sandy Hook, in the State of New Jersey. It might certainly appear, on first view, novel at least, that the governor of a State, as such, should have the command of the militia of a neigh- boring State, within the actual territory of that State. I am far from entertaining a disposition, especially in the present state of our country, to throw the least obstruction in the way of the opera- tions of the general government in any measure of defence which it may think proper to adopt, but I conceive it my duty to enquire as to the fact, and the view of the war department on the subject.
"I have the honor, &c.,
" WILLIAM S. PENNINGTON, "Governor New Jersey.
"HON. WM. EUSTIS, "Sec'y War."
On the 22d November, 1814, the Secretary of War replied : " That Governor Tompkins, of New York, was appointed commander of the Third Military District, by virtue of which his command extended to that part of New Jersey within the district and to such of her militia as had been called into the ser- vice of the United States within that limit. That it is a well-established principle that when any portion of the militia are called into the service of the United States the officers commanding it ought to retain their command and enter with it into that.
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HIS REPLY TO NEW JERSEY.
service. On the same principle, when several divis- ions of the militia of any State are called into ser- vice of the United States the Governor of the State may be authorized to take the command of them, he being the highest officer of the militia in the State. In such case the Governor of a State is viewed in his military character only. He becomes. it is true, the military character by virtue of his office as Governor, but every other feature of that character is lost in the service of the United States. That the Constitution contemplates the exercise of the national authority in contradistinction to that of the State whenever the militia of a State are called into the service of the United States, but no such discrimination can be made to the exclusion of the Governor of a State commanding the militia of his State. Like other militia officers, he may march with the troops of his State into another State and retain there his appropriate command, either as commander of the district or acting under another Governor to whom the President has already given the command. That the objection to the command of the militia of a State by its Governor when called into the service of the United States does not apply except in cases in which the command of the mili- tary district of the United States is superseded."
The labors and efforts of Governor Tompkins in behalf of the men and his services in obtaining means to pay them will be more fully detailed in a subsequent chapter.
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CHAPTER XLV.
Action of State Legislature-Governor Tompkins in Command at New York-Military Orders-Governor Tompkins Inspects the Fortifications-Reviews the Soldiers-Privateers Sail-Grand Parade on Evacuation Day-Orders to Muster Out of Service- Major-General Stevens' Farewell Address-Common Council Thanks Citizens and Soldiers for Services, etc.
HILE the Legislature was in session Governor Tompkins' zeal for the pro- tection of the State, and particularly the city of New York, was unabated.
The important laws before the Legislature for the protection of the State and for the further prosecu- tion of the war, after long consideration, were en acted only a few days before the final adjournment, and are as follows :
October 17th. Appropriating $50,000 to complete fortifications on Staten Island.
October 21st. To encourage privateering associa- tion. This was vetoed by the Council of Revision, but was amended and became a law,
October 24th. To compel Bank of America and City Bank (located in New York city) to advance to
.
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IMPORTANT STATE LAWS.
the State the amount they were bound to loan under their charters.
To authorize twelve thousand troops for defence of the State for two years.
To authorize twenty companies of Sea Fencibles for three years for defence of port and harbor of New York.
To prevent intercourse and trade with the enemy.
To compel private vessels in port of New York to be removed to any other place in this State or to the State of New Jersey when required by the corpora- tion of New York on twenty-four hours' notice.
To repay money advanced by the city of New York to pay Sea Fencibles and to Richard Platt, State commissary of military stores, for army pur- chases for the State.
A law relating to court-martial of militia and who failed to report when ordered to rendezvous.
There were two new militia laws passed, but they were vetoed by the Council of Revision and did not become laws.
To pay the militia in State service the same as those in the United States service. For amount see Vol. I., p. 170.
On taking command at New York Governor Tompkins issued the following order :
"NEW YORK, 25th Oct., 1814.
"The President of the United States having com- mitted the charge of the 3d Military District to the Commander of the State of New York, he this day assumes the command. The troops will be reviewed in the course of the ensuing week. In the mean-
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GOVERNOR TOMPKINS
time he enjoins upon them a perseverance in that attention to discipline and duty which has hitherto distinguished them.
"Headquarters will be kept for the present at the City Hall, where officers having charge of de- partments in this district will forthwith report the state of their respective commands.
" By order of His Excellency "DANIEL D. TOMPKINS, "THOS. CHRISTIE, "Assist. Adj .- Gen."
When Governor Tompkins became commander- in-chief of all the troops in the Third Military District it became necessary to appoint aids-de-camp again, for those formerly appointed by him when he was only in command of the State militia would not now be respected or obeyed by those mustered into United States service and in the regular United States Army. The following order reappointing his for- mer aids was issued :
" DIVISION ORDERS. "NEW YORK, November 10, 1814.
"Col. Solomon Van Rensselaer, Lieut .- Col. An- thony Lamb, Robert McComb, John B. Yates and Washington Irving are acting as aids-de-camp to His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief of the district. They will accordingly be respected and obeyed as such. By order, " J. R. FENWICK, "Adj. Genl."
Governor Tompkins' absence for many weeks in
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TAKES COMMAND.
Albany attending the Legislature, prevented his hav- ing personal knowledge of the progress that had been made in building the defences about the city. Among the first matters he thought deserved his at- tention after his return to the city was to see per- sonally the condition of the defences. This he at once proceeded to do without pomp or ceremony, accompanied only by some of his aids, and with no notice of his intended visit to the various points which he inspected at his convenience. His first visit was to see the fortifications at Har- leni Heights. Then he proceeded to Brooklyn and visited Fort Green and the extensive lines and defences that extended to Gowanus Creek. After that he proceeded to visit the harbor de fences.
On the 9th of November, when he was inspecting the defences in the harbor, he named the two forts, one on Bedloe's Island, Fort Wood, and that on Ellis Island, Fort Gibson. They were then under command of Col. James House and Captain Swett, stationed at Governor's Island.
The men had been promised a parade and inspec- tion by their new commander, and they were eager for it
On 10th November Governor Tompkins reviewed and inspected General Curtenius' brigade at Green- wich, which then consisted of Lieutenant-Colonel Colden's artillery command and Lieutenant-Colonel Farrington's infantry. The review of General Mor- ton's brigade on same day was at Gates' Grounds, between Kipp's Bay Road and Bellevue Hospital,
372
GRAND MILITARY REVIEWS.
and had Governor's Guards, the City Guards and Iron Greys attached.
On the 11th Governor Tompkins reviewed General Hermance's brigade at Harlem Heights.
On the 12th. at Brooklyn, he reviewed General Haight's and General Johnson's brigades and Col- onel Warner's cavalry, and then proceeded to Rock- away to inspect the defences there.
On Sunday, the 13th, General Boyd's brigade was reviewed at New Utrecht. It then consisted of the Colonels Bogardus', Denniston's. Forbes' and Fotteral's regiments and Albany and Troy Riflemen and Sea Fencibles. The firing of salutes for the Governor were heard in the city and caused inquiry as to the cause. Several of the city newspapers de- nounced this Sunday parade in bitter terms.
On the morning of the 15th the Governor started out for a day of grand reviews. He was accom- panied by his aids and was escorted by Captain Craig's cavalry troop of Hussars. They first pro- ceeded to review General Mapes' brigade on Stuy- vesant field, near Waterbury's rope walk. Here the Governor was joined by Major-General Stevens and General Stec diford and General Mapes and their respective suites. General Mapes' brigade consisted of the regiments of Colonel Dodge and Colonel Van Hook's city regiments and Col. J. R. Van Rensselaer's battalion from Columbia County, New York. This brigade had the reputation of being the best drilled and equipped body of militia in the service at that time. It was then 1, 800 strong.
After this review was over Governor Tompkins
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COLONEL VAN RENSSELAER'S LETTER.
and his aides and escort, and the three generals and their suites proceeded to review General Steddi- ford's brigade on General Gates' ground, on the road between Bellevue Hospital and Kipp's Bay, near Thirtieth street, between Second and Third avenues.
General Steddiford's brigade consisted of Colonel Ward's and Colonel Laight's city regiments, about 1,200 strong.
These reviews by the Governor were made in his military capacity of major general in command of the Third Military District and were very satisfac- tory to the men and their commanders.
The following letter from Col. Sol. Van Rens- selaer to his wife, written at the time, is a valuable contribution to the history of that time :
"NEW YORK, 14th November, 1814.
"MY DEAR HARRIET :- The Governor is in his new quarters, with all his suite ; we have an elegant establishment; live in perfect harmony, and in style ; much to do and attend strictly to all duties. 'Poney,' as you call him, got down safe, but was eight days on board, in all that storm; he is the finest horse here, and much admired, as well as his rider ! I wish our poor little Mag's broken arm was well ; kiss her for me. If there is no attack on this place this Fall-and none is expected-I shall be with you in a few weeks, when the Governor will return to Albany.
" The militia are sickly and heartily tired of a mil- itary life ; desertions are frequent and furloughs asked for by dozens every day. We have visited
ยท
374
COLONEL VAN RENSSELAER'S LETTER.
the fortifications at the Hook, Narrows, this Island ; and on the 3d, while on this duty on Long Island, the Governor's horse fell with him in the ditch of Fort Green, a height of ten feet, without much in- jury. He dislocated his thumb and otherwise is a little bruised, but not so much as to prevent him from attending to duty, but he made a very narrow escape. He treats me very civilly and insisted that I should take up my quarters with him, which I did on the 5th, when he began to keep house. My horse too is to share with his, free of expense ; he is en- titled to keep sixteen, and intends to have only two ; so you see mine will be at the public expense and the forage I am entitled to. All my time is taken up in my profession. I act as aid and not as Adju- tant-General. All express their satisfaction at my being here, and much confidence is placed in me by the inhabitants. On the 6th I dined with Recorder Hoffman, with a large party. On the 5th with King, the son-in-law of Mr. Ray, and on the 7th with Colonel Colden (Caldwallader D.) ; in short, calls and cards in abundance. I must see so much company that I have laid down certain rules, from which I shall not depart ; so fear nothing, my love.
"Gen. Giles, of this city, together with those I mentioned in my former letter to you, Charles King, son of my friend Rufus King, and many others of the first blood in the country wish for regiments on condition that I command their bri- gade. I have not asked for anything and I am determined not to do so. If it is offered and I can retain my office of Adjutant- general I shall accept.
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COLONEL VAN RENSSELAER'S LETTER.
The last, from the conduct of Democrats towards me, will be safe at all events. I am as civil as they are. Lewis has gone to Washington to beg to be retained. Last night we returned from again visit- ing the troops and fortifications on Long Island and the Narrows, a tour of three days I spent very pleasantly, in which time we reviewed three Bri- gades, and were received at the different posts with a tremendous roar of cannon. The review of Gen- eral Boyd's Brigade of Regulars was very splendid, the troops performed well and looked like soldiers. On those occasions I am the right-hand man of the Governor, who, from my usefulness to him, grows daily more and more attached to me. I received a letter from General Wilkinson; he is again at Wash- ington, and insists on his trial, which will take place the ensuing winter at Utica, on account of the witnesses being at the North. Wilkinson is in favor at Washington, and he will disgrace Armstrong more than he already is. I receive letters very frequently from Lovett ; they are as much pleased there at my being in service as they are here. Next week, on the 25th, will be a splendid day for New York, the celebration of the Evacuation of this city by the British in the last war. I intend to send for Rensselaer from school and gratity him with the sight ; his best clothes you can let John Berry bring down here. We are just now going out to review the troops. On the 9th we visited the forts in the Harbor; a grand salute was fired from each (three in number). Our Horses are at the door. Adieu, my Harriet, kiss our children, and love to all. "Yours truly,
" SOL. VAN RENSSELAER.
" MRS. VAN RENSSELAER, Albany."
376
GENERAL MACOMB'S ARRIVAL.
Major General Macomb came down the Hudson River on, the steamboat Fulton, on the 15th, in eighteen hours from Albany and went to Bellville, N. J., to visit his family.
General Macomb had attached to him an ex- cellent band of music, made up (like Commodore Decatur's) of natives of various countries enlisted, seduced and impressed into the British naval service.
An excursion by the steamboat Fulton was adver- tised to take place down the bay to the Narrows on the 17th. Among the attractions it was advertised that General Macomb's band would be on board and furnish music for the occasion. The day set was stormy, and the boat did not run It was probably because there was lack of patronage, as it does not appear that it was attempted on another day.
There were various reasons that led to the change of regiments and battalions from one command to another. They were mostly trivial, but so long as . it made the men more contented and relieved them somewhat of the monotony that remaining in one place might engender, it was quite frequent in the city posts. On the 5th November General Morton issued the order that "Captain Swartwout's company of Iron Greys is attached to Brigadier-General Morton's brigade of artillery-Major Dibblee's bat- talion is detached from General Morton's brigade and annexed to Lieut .- Col. C. D. Colden's regiment. The command of the garrison at Fort Gansevoort is transferred to Brigadier-General Curtenius. .
" The troops from Westchester County stationed
377
GENERAL BOYD'S COMMAND.
at Fort Gansevoort will continue at that post until further orders."
"FIRST BRIGADE, N. Y. S. ARTILLERY, NEW YORK, November 17, 1814.
" Agreeable to general and division orders of this date, the companies under command of Captain Hyatt and Lieutenant Scribner are detailed to relieve the Sea Fencibles at Fort Green, under the command of Captain Robinson.
By order, "J. VANDERBILT, "Brig. - Major."
.
" GENERAL ORDERS, 3D MILITARY DISTRICT, "NEW YORK, November 1 . 1814.
"Gen. J. P. Boyd will command all troops from the East River to New Utrecht, including the garri- son at the Narrows. By order.
"J. R. FENWICK, " Adj .- Gen."
The Common Council of the city passed compli- mentary resolutions of thanks to General Brown and General Macomb, and requested and ordered that portraits of each be procured and placed in the gallery of portraits in the City Hall. Commodore Macdonough received the most heartfelt thanks. The recital and resolution to him was as follows :
" Whereas, The corporation of the city of New York feel that no exploit of the present war has more claims to the fullness and warmth of national gratitude than the victory of Commodore Macdon-
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PRIVATEERS SAIL.
ough over a superior force on Lake Champlain, either from pride in the achievement or benefit from its consequences, they, therefore, tender to that officer their admiration and thanks, and as a memo- rial of the new lustre added by him to the brightness of our naval renown,
"Resolved, That the freedom of the city, in a gold box, be presented to Commodore Macdonough, and that his portrait be procured and set up in the gallery of portraits belonging to this city, and that the thanks of the corporation of this city be pre- sented to his brave officers and crews."
The Peacock, in command of Captain Warrington, ran the blockade at Sandy Hook and came into port on October 30th. The Tom Bowline, of twelve guns and ninty men, came in about the same time.
Privateers had been dodging in and out of New York harbor from time to time. Their movements were not always reported in the newspapers, for obvious reasons. In the forepart of November there were three privateers that put to sea through the Narrows and eluded the enemy's cruisers : The new brig Warrior, built by A. & N. Brown, carry- ing a thirty-pounder pivot gun as "long tom" and eighteen long twelve-pounders and three smaller guns, and 170 men, commanded by Capt. Guy R. Champlin, formerly of the General Armstrong ; the Arrow, Capt. E. Conklin, sixteen guns and about two hundred men ; the Whig, of Baltimore, Captain Mix, eight guns and one hundred men. She arrived in New York in October with some goods and twenty-three prisoners. The sailing of
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MUSTERING FOR PAY.
these privateers was noticed in the newspapers several days after they were safely at sea.
The enemy frequently appeared in the Sound in the vicinity of Pelham Bay, but were not formidable enough to cause any particular uneasiness. On the 17th November they were reported in sight in that vicinity, but not near enough to lure Commodore Lewis and his gunboats from their station in the lower bay.
The Hornet, Captain Biddle, left the port of New London in the early part of November, where she had been held by the enemy's blockading squadron since June, 1813, and reached the port of New York on November 18th through Hell Gate, without being disturbed by the enemy.
On Friday evening, November 18th, a new play was presented at the theater, entitled "The Glory of Columbia-Her Yeomanry, or What We Have Done We Can Do." To commence at 6:30 P.M.
After the play the interlude was "Champlain and Plattsburg, or the Army and Navy," concluded by a farce.
A large portion of the militia having been in ser- vice for three months, their term expired about December 1st. Preparatory to their discharge the following orders were issued :
"3D MILITARY DISTRICT,
" ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, "NEW YORK, 21st Nov., 1814.
"The Inspector-general will cause the following militia corps in service in this district to be immedi- ately mustered and inspected for pay :
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EVACUATION DAY
"Hermance's, Haight's, Van Orden's and Colfax's. brigade, including the New Jersey troops at the Hook and New Utrecht, Brunswick and Newark, Gen. Johnson's brigade, Gen. Curtenius' brigade, Gen. Swartwout's brigade, Gen. Stevens' division and the New York Hussars. The paymaster will cause these troops to be paid without a moment's delay and report to headquarters as each corps shall be paid, to the end that the discharges may be granted by general orders. If practicable the whole. will be relieved by the 2d of December in the order above mentioned.
" By order, J. R. FENWICK, Adj. - Gen.
" By order, WM. GRACIE, Vice-Aid-de-camp."
On 22d November, Major-General Stevens' divi- sion paraded at Stuyvesant field and were inspected and marched to the City Hall park and were dis- missed.
Evacuation Day was near at hand and must receive due attention. The following orders were issued :
"ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, "NEW YORK, NOV. 23d, 1814.
" There will be a general parade on Friday hext, the 25th inst., in the city of New York, of Gen. Stevens' division, Gen. Curtenius' brigade, New York Hussars, and such detachments from Gen. Boyd's command, from the islands in the harbor, and from Gen. Colfax's, Gen. Van Orden's and Lieut .- Col. Belknap's brigade, and from Lieut .- Col ..
*
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CELEBRATION.
Warner's cavalry, as can be conveniently spared and transported.
"The Adjutant-general of the district will be the officer of the day, and may call to his assistance such officers as he may think proper.
"By order, JOHN R. . FENWICK,
" Adj. - Gen."
" GENERAL ORDERS.
"NEW YORK, Nov. 24th, 1814.
" Extract from general orders of this day :
"The line will be formed to-morrow precisely at eleven o'clock. The right will rest on Sugar Loaf street and will extend to the Arsenal on Twenty third Street. The order of formation will be two deep. Gen. Boyd's brigade on the right, on its left Gen. Stevens' division, on its left the volunteers uniform companies from Haight's, Johnson's and Colfax's brigades, which will be formed into one corps com- manded by Gen. Colfax. Gen. Curtenius' will form the left of the line."
Gen. Stevens' Division was as follows :
" DIVISION ORDERS. "NEW YORK, NOV. 24, 1814.
"The line of this division will be formed on Broadway at 10 o'clock to-morrow morning ; the right, consisting of Gen. Morton's brigade, will rest on Northwest corner of Grand street ; Gen. Mapes' brigade will form on the left and Gen. Steddi- ford's on the left of Gen. Mapes'. The line of Gen. Mapes' brigade will be formed on Broadway, its right opposite Bleecker street. Col. Van Rensselaer
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EVACUATION DAY CELEBRATION.
will form its right, Col. Van Hook the center and Col. Dodge the left."
On the morning of the 25th the Governor presented an elegant stand of colors to the battalion of Gov- ernor's Guards, who paraded for that purpose in front of headquarters, City Hall. In handing the flag to Major Dunscomb the Governor briefly made a very patriotic and complimentary address.
Major Dunscomb received it and delivered it in due form to the battalion, which had formed a hollow square, where a devotional exercise was after- wards performed in presence of the Governor by Rev. Dr. How, the chaplain to the corps, followed by three volleys and patriotic music by Captain Moffatt's band. The battalion afterwards escorted his excellency during the march and review of the troops.
The line extended from Sugar Loaf Street, now Franklin Street, up Broadway to Twenty-third Street.
The military that took part in the parade was about ten thousand strong. It was remarked at the time that this showed the efficiency of the steam and horse boats to carry troops, for each boat could carry from five hundred to eight hundred men at each trip.
The Mayor and Common Council had a dinner at City Hall, and among the invited guests was General MaComb.
Tammany Society celebrated the day by a din- ner and toasts. There was nothing worthy of note in the sentiments of the regular toasts. They
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COL. VAN RENSSELAER'S LETTER.
were of the usual type which had preceded them during the year. The volunteer toast of the presi- dent of the society, Matthew L. Davis, Esq., was :
"Our country-execrated be the traitor who would surrender, as a peace-offering to the foe, any portion of those rights purchased by the blood of our fathers and hallowed by the tears of the widow and the long-suffering of the orphan."
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