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 9
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The first steamboat excursion that I have found, took place on May 25th previous. It was the new steamboat Fulton, which went to Sandy Hook, with about fifty persons on board. Many went for the purpose of expecting to see some of the British vessels about there
The New York Circus gave an afternoon and evening performance of the usual character.
The American Museum, at No. 21 Chatham street, gave notice that it would be open from sunrise to eleven o'clock in the evening, for exhibition of liv- ing wild animals, wax figures, paintings, curiosities, etc. Among them was the famous crossbow used by William Tell when he shot the apple upon his son's head. Also a model of the splendid Palace of St. Cloud, formerly the residence of Bonaparte, which, by means of machinery, set in motion one hundred and thirty artisans, mechanics, etc. In the evening a band of Pandean minstrels performed on their Arcadian pipes many appropriate airs suited to the occasion.
The Evening Post said :
"The fathers of the city showed their respect to the occasion by eating an excellent dinner, and quaffing the best of wines together, and when they rose from the table, about sunset, ordered all the bells in the city to set up a funeral toll, which was faithfully observed, 'swinging slow with sullen
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EVENING ENTERTAINMENTS.
roar,' for about two hours, being the usual manner in which the guardians of our city express joy."
It was the season when the theaters were closed, but there were special performances on the evening of the Fourth. At the New Theatre on Anthony street, in honor of the day, the front of the theater was brilliantly illuminated, and a variety of trans- parencies "commemorating the glorious achieve- ments of our naval heroes." The performances commenced at a quarter past seven. The first play was a comedy in three acts, called "The Birthday, or Reconciliation. " After which another play in three acts, called " The Point of Honor, or School for Soldiers," was performed. The concluding piece was a pantomimic spectacle, called " The cap- ture of York and the Death of General Pike." The scenery and decorations were entirely new, and pre- sented a view of Lake Ontario, battle of York, Commodore Chauncey's fleet, etc.
The Park Theatre, also, had appropriate perform- ances and patriotic representations. A large trans- parent painting on the front of the building showed · the Goddess of Liberty, the United States flag, and the American Eagle. The entertainment commenced at 7:30 o'clock, and was entitled " Miller and his Men," after which an interlude, called The Launch of the Independence ; or, Our Infant Navy Rising into Manhood." Among the principal songs sung in this piece were :- "Behold the Columbia," by Mr. Darley ; "We have met the enemy and they are ours," by Mr. Pritchard ;; " Yankee Sailors have a smack," by Mr. Yates ; "Ye Sons of Free Colum- bia !" by Messrs. Yates, Pritchard, Darley, Norton,
125
FIREWORKS.
etc. The interlude concluded with a transparency representing "The Independence," seventy-four guns ; her launch, Charlestown Bridge, Navy Yard, Bunker and Breed's hills, Warren's Monu- ment, etc., etc. Mrs. Burke sweetly sang the song "Softly Waft Ye Southern Breezes." The enter- tainment concluded with "Valentine and Orson ; or, the Wild Man of the Woods."
The celebration at Vauxhall Garden in the even- ing was never before equaled in display and grandeur. The allegorical illuminations consisted of the Temple of Patriotism, 100 feet front, upon which was a Trojan column forty feet high on which was a statue of Washington, crowned by Fame, with a civic wreath and the motto "To merit." Washington was surrounded by colors bearing the names of our naval heroes :-- Rogers, Hull, Jones, Decatur, Bainbridge, Lawrence, Chauncey and Perry. At the foot of this colunm were large pieces called the "Union of Strength." in the center appeared the figures " 76." In front of all, for the last coup de feu, was a piece 100 feet front called " The Monument, or Reunion of Amer- . ican Patriots," composed of ten large pyramids, each twenty feet high, bearing names of the follow- ing civic societies :- Cincinnati, St. Tammany, Columbian, Washington, Hamilton, Mechanic, Hibernian, St. Andrews, German and French. Be- tween each pyramid was a large urn, eight feet high, each bearing a name of one of the defenders of the country and each pyramid was adorned by a garland of flowers united to each other by fes- toons, each bearing an American flag. The whole
126
FIREWORKS
of this was illuminated by more than three thou- sand burning lances. During the exhibition the Washington column was encircled by a large Glory in fireworks. In the background was a painting seventy feet front, showing a grand architectural avenue.
The fireworks consisted of forty new pieces, ex- ecuted by N. G. Bachia, divided into two parts, accompanied by select military and naval music by a large band.
The first part commenced by (1) a brilliant fiery arrow flying a distance of three hundred feet, branching out in thirteen brilliant rays, illuminating the word "Independence ;" (2) the American Eagle, changing to the word "Huzza !" (3) the wheel of fortune with surprising changes; (4) a brilliant fixed sun changing to a glory of turning fires ; (5) the goal of Americans, terminating by the illuminated word "Justice ;" (6) the changes of war, represented by a roly-poly alternately bright and dark and up and down ; (7) a brilliant comet with a long tail ; (8) the ladies' caprice, with many . changes ; (9) the caduceus of Mercury, with many intricate designs ; (10) the fighting suns, being a number of suns in opposite motion, terminated by a single one ; (11) a piece of various fires repre- senting the globe lighted by the sun: the sun sets and the moon rises ; (12) the Egyptian pyramids illuminated ; (13) the turbillion or combat of the planets ; (14) the star of Diana changing to eight suns ; (15 and 16) the star of America, changing to a brilliant Glory ; (17) the drum of peace ; (18) feu de joie in rockets, stars and serpents ; (19) eight
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AT VAUXIIALL GARDEN.
large wheels passing each other producing an illu- minated pyramid in the center ; (20) a grand dis- play called "Union of Strength," representing thirteen stars allegorical of the United States, which suddenly changes to as many suns, the whole en- circled by a brilliant serpent (symbol of immortal- ity), which intersects and entertwines the suns, in the center the figure " '76"; the whole concluded by a general display of rockets, serpents, maroons, stars, etc., etc.
The second part commenced with the appearance of the illuminated words "Rights of Man." and a piece called Washington Motto, in which several times appeared a transparency with eighteen fixed stars (representing the number of States), G. W. in the center and the words "Be united ;" (2) the timepiece consisted of two very brilliant columns fifteen feet high. one of which represented the Con- stitution and the other Wisdom. The dial repre- sented the figure of Time pointing out the two very memorable epochs, '76 and 's3. The whole was encircled with a glory and ended in a discharge of thirteen rockets that exploded in the air ; (3) a large wheel encircling the earth including two sun-
wheels ; (4) Fountain of St. Cloud ; (5) the rising sun increasing in brightness ; (6) the Rose of Cin- cinnati, a beautiful piece : (7) the spinning wheel, with pleasing changes : (8) changing radial of twenty fires : (9) grand turbillion Caprice ; (10) a large transparent balloon encircled by four suns: the interior was suddenly illuminated and displayed the motto Vivat respublica : (11) Ladies' Fancy ; (12) Archimedes' Screw ; (13) a number of dead-
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GOVERNOR'S GUARD.
and-alive wheels in combat ; (14) a brilliant mosaic balustrade eighty feet long ; (15) a grand, brilliant. and varied feu de joie with numerous fires, diversi- fied in their color and arrangement ; (16) the flan- beau of Cupid ; (17) a large wheel on a horizontal platform dancing a Swiss waltz: (18) a large pyramid of Roman candles ; (19) a battery ; (20) the conclusion was the pieces called " The Monu- ment, or Reunion of American Patriots," before described, suddenly appearing brilliantly illumina- ted to the extent of one hundred feet front, with ornaments of every description of fireworks, termi- nating by a brilliant bouquet consisting of rockets, maroons, serpents, etc., etc.
Admission to this exhibition was fifty cents.
The Evening Post gave the following account :
"Yesterday being the anniversary of American Independence, the same was celebrated in this city agreeably to previous arrangements, and which having already been published need not be repeated. The day was uncommonly fine, perhaps on no for- mer occasion has so numerous a concourse been seen in our public streets to witness the various processions, which were also more than usually lengthened. The military made a very elegant and soldierly appearance. Their highly improved music since within a year produced the most exhilarating effect. His Excellency, the Governor, was attended for the first time by a guard on foot .*
* The "Governor's Guards" were organized as an independent battalion in General Morton's brigade by general orders, dated May 9, 1814 ; Daniel E. Dunscomb, major ; Charles McKenna and James B. Murray, captains. Other officers were breveted and
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NEWSPAPER COMMENTS.
" The Tammany Society turned out with all their might ; they particularly exhibited a fine show of pappooses just under twenty. The genius of Co- lumbia appeared in female attire, and to make the representation as natural as possible, they judi- ciously selected the most delicate and thinnest gen- tleman among them, whose cheek bespoke more of the lily than the rose, walked with downcast eye, as he gracefully and modestly held his inside gar- ments just above the knee.
" The orator of the day (Mr. Wheaton) did not ap- pear personally in the procession, but was repre- sented, I presume, by Citizen Swanton, who carried himself with uncommon bashfulness of deportment,. caused, I suppose, by reflecting how soon he has. become a savage leader since he arrived in this young country. The boasted Irish wit, Peter Samp- son, did not show himself on this occasion. The. tribes were decently clad and preserved quietness: and good order during the whole line of march. The buck's tail still keeps its place in the hat of every member, but since the cruel and unbecoming massacres of the Prophet, the bearskin has been, discarded, arms and legs are no more seen in buff, and, for the sake of humanity, I am glad to add, naked pappooses uo longer are exposed to be broiled to death by their dear papas in the beams of a vertical sun."
Although there was much less disaffection in Tammany than on the preceding national anni-
assigned to places. The roster of officers will more fully appear in the appendix. At that time the number of men did not exceed one hundred and fifty in the battalion.
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TAMMANY'S COSTUME.
versary, yet they had not recovered far enough to carry the banners that represented their different tribes, or to put on their war paint and their mo- gasins and bear skins and their feathers and carry tomahawks and other emblems of their predecessors of the forest, they made much better showing than on the previous occasion of their discomfiture- But alas ! their glory in the costume of the red- man had departed forever, and little was left them of their former glory but in name. The buck tails were the only emblem that survived their con- version to civilization .*
The names of the officers of Tammany Society for the years 1813 and 1814, the two years during the heat of the continuance of the great schism caused by the change of costume, etc. (which has been narrated in Chapter XIV.), have been kept a pro- found secret from that time to the present. The names of the officers for the year 1812 and also for 1815 were published in full. The names of the officers for 1813 and 1814 that the writer has been able to collect from publications at that time were as follows :
Matthew L. Davis, President.
Henry Westervelt, Secretary.
Lawrence Myers, Treasurer.
John Stilwell, Sergeant-at-Arms.
Abraham Stagg, Vice-President and President of the Council.
John White, Secretary of the Council.
Ischacher Cozzens, Door-keeper.
"The 4th of July, 1812, was the last time that Tammany So- ciety appeared in full aboriginal costumes. The war of 1812 caused them to throw it off forever.
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FEDERALIST OPINIONS.
There were thirteen councilors, but the writer could obtain the names of but four of them. These were : Ithamar Osborn, Garitt Sickles, Clark- son Crolius, and Peter Embury. These four per- sons were councilors in 1812 and 1815 ; it is pre- sumed that they remained such during the schism. The aboriginal appellation by which the officers were designated were still discarded, and continued for many years thereafter.
It was thought by the Federalists that Mr. Morris' oration at the celebration of the downfall of Na- poleon was good enough for a 4th of July ad- dress. Two of the leading newspapers in the city, on the morning of the 4th of July, contained Mr. Morris' oration in full.
The proceedings of the various Washington Benevolent Societies throughout the country in re- gard to the overthrow of Napoleon were also pub- lished from time to time after the 4th of July, as they reached New York in the newspapers of the day.
The New York Evening Post of July 9th con- tained the following editorial :
"The rejoicings of the Federalists at the downfall of tyranny, the emancipation of Europe, and the revival of the commerce of all the nations of the Old World, will rescue our country from the foul crime of being ALL abettors and supporters of the Corsican in his diabolical plan of universal domination. The Washington Benevolent Societies throughout the Union should take immediate steps to cause to be transmitted to every capital of the European continent the different resolutions and orations com-
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FEDERALIST OPINIONS.
memorative of the most glorious event which has happened in centuries. Let them be forwarded to Paris, Madrid, St. Petersburgh, Vienna, Berlin, Stockholm, Italy, Holland, Belgia, Portugal, etc., where they will be translated into all the languages of Europe, and thus our national character drawn in a great degree out of the mire of infamy into which in an evil hour it was plunged by the heartsick friends of the execrable Napoleon."
The demonstrations at this celebration of the na- tional anniversary were evidently made more as a matter of duty, and for effect, than from spontaneous heartiness. The entire populace were divided into two great parties-one was for war, the other for peace. The fear of disunion of the States hung heavy over all.
CHAPTER XXX.
Rigorous Blockade-Great Fears of an Invasion by Sea-Action of the Common Council-A Torpedo Boat-Call for Militia- Sketch of Gen. J. P. Boyd-Desertions-Military Executions on Governor's Island-Citizens' Meeting-Exempts to be Enlisted-Committee Appointed-Address of Committee- Threatening Attitude of the Enemy.
HE local excitement incident to the cele- bration of the 4th of July was kept alive for many days afterwards by pub- lications in the newspapers of accounts of the dinners and toasts of the many societies and associations that had shown honor to the day by private dinners among themselves and their associates.
In the midst of this excitement, on the 6th of July, the attention of the inhabitants of New York City were turned to the news of the near approach of the enemy off Sandy Hook and at the increasing number of their war vessels in Gardiner's Bay, which had long been given up to them as their gen- eral rendezvous.
The blockade at Sandy Hook was kept up with vigilance. The President, by proclamation dated June 29, 1814, directed that "none of the vessels of neutral powers shall be molested in entering ports of United States by the public or private armed vessels of the United States." This had no
134
FEARS OF THE ENEMY.
effect on the port of New York at that time, the blockade was so effective against neutrals.
When the enemy's war vessels were seen from the lighthouse at Sandy Hook, a signal was dis- played on the telegraph on Staten Island, and thence to the city, showing the number visible. This occurred almost daily when the weather was clear .*
The following news item appeared in the New York Evening Post of July 6th :
" We learn by several gentlemen who arrived this morning from Sandy Hook, that on Saturday morning last (July 2d) sixteen sail of vessels were discovered from Squam Beach under a press of sail, standing to the eastward by the wind, supposed to be ships of war."
A day or two afterwards it was ascertained that on the 5th of July twelve or thirteen Vineyard boats, with fish, etc., bound to New York, were captured by the enemy in Fisher's Island Sound.
The Columbian of July 7th contained the follow- ing :
"An intelligent passenger in the cartel schooner Oscar, who left Bermuda the 19th of June, and ar- rived a few days since at Newport, R. I., states that the expedition preparing under Cochrane consisted of nine sail of the line, eighteen frigates, besides transports and fifteen thousand troops. Nine thou- sand of the troops had within a short time arrived
* For description of the telegraph, see ante Vol. I., pp. 77, 178, 179.
135
COMMITTEE OF DEFENCE.
from England, and were then constantly on shore, recruiting their health preparatory to the expedition. Cochrane was to sail with his squadron for our coast about the first of July. Our informant says various opinions as to the destination of the expedi- tion were stated at Bermuda. Some supposed the Chesapeake, some New Orleans the object. May we not suppose New York ?"
Up to this time New York City had done little during the preceding year to defend itself against an invasion by sea or land. This was caused by the local political feeling, and a hope that the State would still further aid in the construction and com- pletion of the fortifications that had already been commenced to defend the seaboard.
Now active measures by the city were deemed necessary to meet the crisis. At a meeting of the Common Council, on the 6th of July in the after- noon, the following resolution was unanimously adopted :
" Resolved, That a committee, consisting of the Mayor, Aldermen Fish and Wendover, be ap- pointed to confer with His Excellency, the Governor, and Major-General Lewis touching the exposed situ- ation of this city, and report at the next meeting of the Board."
The Common Council standing committee of de- fence, which was appointed in December previous, consisted of Colonel Nicholas Fish (father of Hon. Hamilton Fish), Peter Mesier, George Buckmaster, John Nitchie, Joseph W. Brackett, and Gideon Tucker. Only two of this committee were demo- crats, Buckmaster and Tucker. This action was
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DANGEROUS CONDITION
not a reflection on the standing committee of de- fence. .
While many of the Common Council and the Mayor were ardent federalists, and were present at the recent demonstrations of joy at the overthrow of Napoleon and the restoration of the Bourbons to the thrones of France and Spain, it was not because of their lack of patriotism or want of love for their own country that led them to make such demon- strations, but it was from the deepest motives of patriotism and care for the future welfare of the nation that actuated them. They were brave to stand up amid the popular outcry, and be called " tories," "disunionists" and "traitors " by their political opponents. It evidently was not for self- ish objects, or prospects of future rewards, that led them to do this. There could not have been a body of men chosen in the city that would have been more earnest and active to look out for the safety and welfare of the city, and protect it against any invader.
A special meeting of the Common Council was then called by the Mayor for the 14th of July, to hear and consider the report of this special com- mittee.
In an open letter to Major-General Lewis, pub- lished on July 8th, the writer said :
"The city is liable to attack in three ways :
"1. By vessels by way of Sandy Hook. (2) By troops landed on the back of Long Island and cross- ing to Brooklyn, and (3) by a land and naval force down the Sound ; the land troops disembarking in the Sound, and the fleet aiding their attack.
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OF THE CITY.
"From the first of these (although it appears to engross the whole attention) I think we have noth- ing to fear ; because the British are too prudent to risk their ships against a chain of land batteries, and too wise to land men at a wharf which may be raked by a single cannon, and annoyed from every building in the vicinity.
"From the other attacks we have everything to fear, because the means of resisting them have not been considered or organized. It cannot be denied, for the maps all show it, that there are several inlets at the back of Long Island, where troops may be landed with safety and convenience : and if the landing takes place in the evening, I think it prob- able that in the morning their cannon upon Brook- lyn heights would give the first intelligence of their landing ; and if the British should again (as in the last war) occupy these heights, which com- mnand the city and Governor's Island, I take it for granted the city must, as then, be surrendered to them.
" What are our means of resistance, after the minutiæ of putting up signal poles, fixing places of rendezvous, offering rewards for information of the enemy's landing, etc .? The country ought to be well examined and redoubts and breastworks of earth thrown up. But above all, strong intrenchments should be made upon Brooklyn heights, so that in case of necessity troops passing from this city might hold these heights until the forces of the State, or at least of the city and harbor, could be formed and brought to their relief. Arms should also be now distributed to the militia being in exposed situa-
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MILITARY STRENGTII.
tions, that they may feel the confidence inspired by good equipments.
" The third attack is the most dangerous, because the extent of shore and the uncertainty of the place of landing seem to baffle precaution ; but a prudent general would not omit everything-would not al- low the whole line from Connecticut to the City Hall to be unprovided with a single defence-yet such is our situation. In making this attack, it is probable the enemy would disembark either at Throgg's Neck or Ward's Island, and some measures should immediately be taken to obstruct or prevent an advance from both these points; the more ef- fectual (because it would apply to all landings off this island), would be to erect redoubts or tetes du- pont at the head of Harlem, Ward's and King's bridges, and so to place the cannon in them as ef- fectually to rake the bridges. Beside these, materials should be provided and kept constantly ready to de- stroy the bridges, and temporary breastworks should be thrown up on Harlem heights, etc., etc."
The forces of the United States army for the de- fence of New York harbor, on 7th July, 1814, were as follows : Artilleryists, under Col. James House, 370 ; 14th Infantry detachment, 100; 15th In- fantry, Col. David Brearly, 350 : 27th Infantry, Col. Alexander Denniston, about 400; 32d In- fantry, Col. S. E. Fotterall, 300 ; 41st Infantry. Col. R. Bogardus, 392 ; 42d Infantry, Col. W. N. Irvine, 374; 46th Infantry, Col. W. S. Tallmadge, about 350 ; sea fencibles, Capt. Lemuel Morris, 78.
The 27th, the 41st and the 46th were recruited in New York.
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SKETCH OF GEN. BOYD.
About sixty of the sea fencibles were from Hudson, N. Y. They were under Lieutenant Beek- man, and were in Col. Bogardus' +1st United States Infantry.
Besides these were the militia and gun boats.
On the 10th day of July Brig. Gen. John P. Boyd arrived and took command of these forces in the harbor .*
The Common Council had made an appropriation of several hundred dollars to one Berrian, of New York City, to construct a torpedo boat for the pur- pose of destroying some of the enemy's war vessels in Long Island Sound. The following description of it was published at the time of its destruction :
" A new invented torpedo boat resembling a turtle floating just above the surface of the water, and sufficiently roomy to carry nine persons within,
* Gen. John Parke Boyd was born in Massachusetts, December 24, 1764, of Scotch parents. He entered the United States army in 1786 as ensign in Second Regiment. He went to East India in 1789, and was placed in command of one thousand infantry in the army of the Nizam against Tippoo Sultan. He remained in service in India several years, and rose to the rank of and com- manded ten thousand cavalry. Hle returned to the United States in 1808, and was appointed Colonel of the Fourth Regiment in the United States Army. He was at the battle of Tippecanoe in November, 1811; in August, 1812, was made a brigadier gen- eral, which rank he held throughout the war. He led his brigade in the capture of Fort George. in May, 1813, and also in the battle of Chrysler's Field (or Williamsburgh), Canada, in November, 1813. He was in several skirmishes during the year 1813 against the British and Indians on the frontier of New York. He continued in service at New York City until the close of the war. His mlitary operations while there will be detailed in the following pages. In June, 1815, the military officers of
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