Standard history of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Part 45

Author: Wilson, Erasmus, 1842-1922; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926. cn
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Chicago : H.R. Cornell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1192

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Philips Regner 8

CHAPTER XVI.

THE WAR OF 1812-EXPEDITIONS AGAINST THE INDIANS-MONEY EXPENDED IN PITTSBURG-THE SCARE OF 1798-MILITIA CUSTOMS-DECLARATION OF WAR IN 1812-RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED AT PUBLIC MEETINGS-COMMITTEE OF SAFETY- MILITIA FOR THE NIAGARA DEPARTMENT-THEIR DEPARTURE FROM PITTS- BURG-THEIR PROCEEDINGS AT BLACK ROCK-STATEMENTS OF THE COM- MANDERS-PUNISHMENT UNDER THE ARTICLES OF WAR-THE PITTSBURG BLUES-THEIR SERVICES IN THE NORTHWEST-GALLANTRY AT MISSISSI-

NEWA, SANDUSKY AND FORT MEIGS-THEIR NAMES-INCIDENTS-THE MILITIA UNDER CAPTAIN DOUGLAS-OTHER EVENTS OF INTEREST.

Pittsburg was headquarters and base of supplics, particularly for ordnanee, during the Indian wars of the West while the Revolution continued and for some time after its termination. Several expeditions were fitted here before setting out to subduc the Western tribes; and at all times this was a recruiting station of the United States Army. No season elapsed that did not witness the passage through here of soldiers destined for the fronticr. In 1791 the expedition of General Arthur St. Clair rendezvoused here before starting on its disastrous mission. Colonel Presley Neville (a), who was the Government agent for supplying these troops with necessaries before their departure, issued bills on the Seeretary of War, which were countersigned by the commander-in-chief. It was estimated that the troops of St. Clair spent in Pittsburg and vicinity not less than $10,000. The expedition of General Josiah Harmar had gone out the year before and had spent here about the same amount. Lieutenant Ebenezer Denny, then in the United States serviee, father of Harmar Denny and brother-in-law of General Wilkins and Judge Wilkins, accompanied the expedition of General Harmar. He survived the Harmar defeat and the following year went out as aid to General St. Clair. He named his son Harmar in honor of his old eom- mander. On the day of the disastrous defeat of St. Clair's army, Colonel Riehard Butler was left on the field of battle, mortally wounded and leaning against some flour sacks, with one of his pistols loaded and coeked in his hand. He was the father of Captain James R. Butler, commander of the Pittsburg Blues in the War of 1812. Richard Butler was the second and rival of General Morgan at Saratoga, the second of Gencral Wayne at Stony Point, and aided in the eap- ture of York. His life was lost, as above stated, November 4, 1791. General Presley Neville was an aid-de-camp to General Lafayette in the Revolution. His father, General John Neville, also served in the Revolution. General Presley · Neville married a daughter of General Daniel Morgan; his son was Morgan Neville, from whom was stolen, in 1818, by Pluymart, the gold medal granted to his grandfather by Congress for gallantry at the battle of Cowpens (b). Pres- ley Neville fought at Princeton, Trenton, Germantown, Brandywine, Monmouth and elsewhere, and had a horse shot under him at Monmouth.

The expedition under General Wayne left Pittsburg for the Indian country in 1792. His large army remained here several months, and left with merchants and farmers large sums of money for supplies. In 1794 the whisky insurrection

(a) The Nevilles in America claim a lineal descent from Warwick, the Kingmaker; see English Genealogy.

(b) See chapter on Banking and Finance.

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HISTORY OF PITTSBURG.

caused another great army to be sent out here, and another large sum of money was left in this city and vicinity. In 1792 the expenses of the United States Government were $1,766,677; in 1793, $1,707,848; in 1794, $3,500,348; in 1795, $4,350,596; in 1796, $2,531,930, and in 1797, $2,833,590 (c). The great excess spent in the years 1794 and 1795 was due to the Indian wars and the whisky insur- rection, and gave great assistance to all of Western Pennsylvania, particularly Pittsburg.

In the general statement of the annual expenditures of the United States, made by Joseph Nourse, Register of the Treasury, April 28, 1800, it appeared that "for expenses attending military expeditions in Pennsylvania in 1794," there was expended $669,992.34; in 1795, $500,000, and in 1798, $80,007.66 (d). How much of the very large amount, $1,169,992.34, spent in the years 1794 and 1795 was distributed in and around Pittsburg will probably never be known.

Many of the first settlers of Pittsburg and Allegheny County had served in the Continental Army during the Revolution. In fact, many of the leading citi- zens of Pittsburg had been not merely soldiers, but officers, in the Revolution, as well as in the coeval and subsequent Indian wars, and it was to be expected, therefore, that some sort of military organization and discipline should be kept up after the Revolution, and such was the case here under the State militia law. The training days after the Revolution and previous to the War of 1812 were famous for their lack of efficiency and discipline, as well as for their transforma- tion into sportful holidays. The officers endeavored to impress upon the rank and file the awful solemnity and patriotism of the occasions; but the necessity of these exactions was not felt by those who carried the guns or cornstalks, and hence hilarity usually ruled the day and far into the night. Orders were dis- obeyed, and many court-martials and other heroics were instituted to punish offenders. White male inhabitants between eighteen and fifty-three years were required to meet regularly for drill and inspection of arms, and every year new brigade, regimental and company officers were elected. Adamson Tanne- hill figured prominently in the militia here after 1786. Public arms were dis- tribute'd and had to be accounted for upon pain of prosecution. General John Gibson, Colonel William Butler, General John Wilkins, Colonel John Irwin, Major Abraham Kirkpatrick, General Presley Neville, Major John Pentland, Colonel James O'Hara, Major James Brison, Captain William Butler, Major George Crogan, Major George Steward, General Thomas Baird, Colonel Ebe- nezer Denny, Major Isaac Craig, Colonel John Campbell, Captain Adamson Tannehill, Captain Thomas Hutchins, Captain Devereaux Smith, Captain John Neville, Colonel George Morgan, General Richard Butler and others were the leading military men of the early time.

Late in the last century (eighteenth) great fear was felt here that France, or Spain, or both, would subjugate America. War was thought almost inevitable. The American representatives to the court of France to demand a redress of griev- ances were coldly received by Talleyrand and kept waiting for months without getting any satisfaction. The militia of this county, and, indeed, of the whole State, was put in a better condition of efficiency than perhaps at any other period in time of peace in the history of Pennsylvania. Musters were held weekly in antici- pation of a foreign war.

At a public meeting held in Pittsburg on July 14, 1798, in response to a circular letter from the Governor of the State on the importance of better organ- izing the militia, in view of probable trouble with France and England, General John Gibson was made chairman and Major James Brison secretary, and among other things the following answer was returned:

(d) American State Papers, Vol. V, page 661.

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HISTORY OF PITTSBURG.

"We have received with indignation (the news of) the unprovoked and tyrannical conduct of France toward us. The forbearance of the Government has been great; and no doubt for the best of reasons. War seems now to be inevitable, and we rejoice that the spirit necessary to the protection of our coun- try from insult, outrage and dishonor pervades every class of citizens. As to us, we shall attend particularly to each object of your address, and as speedily as possible make the necessary arrangements in the organization of our militia, and when our country calls on us we pledge our lives for the faithful discharge of our duty as citizens and soldiers" (e).

Upon receipt of the news here that war had been declared June 18, 1812, by the Government against Great Britain, the military spirit was kindled into flame. Patriotic meetings were held in all parts of the county and resolutions passed to sustain the action of Congress. At a large meeting held in Pittsburg, at the tavern of William McCullough (sign of the Cross Keys), on August 12, 1812, Colonel John Neal was called to the chair and Ephraim Pentland made secretary. It was decided by the meeting to appoint a committee on resolutions and adjourn until the next day. This committee consisted of William McCand- less, John Cunningham, James Alexander, William Brown and Ephraim Pent- land. The resolutions reported by them the following day to a much larger meeting were unanimously adopted.

The resolutions declared that the conduct of the Government toward the powers of Europe was indorsed; that the appeal to arms was consistent with the maintenance of honor and dignity; that the war was one in defense of our most sacred rights; that the conduct of the British Government in letting loose the Indians on the American border "deserved the execration of the civilized world;" that irrespective of party the citizens here would obey the laws and help carry them into effect; that they were ready to submit to any system of taxation to carry on the struggle and gain satisfaction from "the common enemy of mankind;" and that the action of Pennsylvania was approved (f).

In August, 1812, news began to pour in of the success of the British in the Northwest, of the struggle around Michilimacinac, and finally of the surrender of Detroit by General Hull, this last intelligence occasioning great dismay and indignation.

"The Pittsburg Blues, commanded by Captain James R. Butler, have received orders from the Secretary of War to march to Fort Niagara. We under- stand they will leave this (place) next week. Captain Butler's company has received a very considerable accession of members since the marching orders were received. They are a very handsome body of men-completely uniformed, dis- ciplined and equipped; and, we have no doubt, will acquit themselves honorably in whatever difficulties may await them. The best wishes of their fellow-towns- men and their country will accompany them" (g).

A town meeting was called at the courthouse August 26, 1812, on which occasion William Steele, burgess, was made chairman, and Ephraim Pentland secretary, to take into consideration the surrender of General Hull and the war generally and devise what should be done in the emergency by Pittsburg. A committee was appointed to report the next day, and consisted of General John Wilkins, General Thomas Baird and Henry Baldwin, Esq., They reported that Pittsburg was in no danger from an attack and that no measures were necessary for its defense; but inasmuch as a sister State was in danger from incursions, owing to the capture of the Northwestern Army, and ought to be supplied with "munitions of war," much would be expected from the wealth and patriotism of this place, and therefore the committee recommended that a special Committee

(e) Gazette, 1798. (f) Mercury, August 20, 1812.

(g) The Mercury, August 27, 1812.

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HISTORY OF PITTSBURG.

of Safety be appointed, which should see that all arms, ammunition, military stores, etc., should be collected and got ready for service; that the citizens should fully equip all who would enlist "for the protection of the frontier settlements;" that such citizens as could leave their families, and all young men, should enlist and be ready to march in some of the volunteer companies. The resolutions were adopted unanimously. General John Wilkins, General Thomas Baird, Henry Baldwin, Esq., George Robinson, Esq., William McCandless, Esq., and Major Isaac Craig were appointed such Committee of Public Safety, and instructed to correspond with the Governor of Pennsylvania, requesting similar orders from him (h).

All British subjects residing within the State were required to report them- selves to agents appointed in the various districts. They were considered alien encmies, and in Pittsburg were required to report to William B. Irish, agent (i).

The Governor of the State called for 2,000 volunteer militia, and ordered them to rendezvous at Mcadville. Erie was seriously threatened from the lake, and the State designed to protect that coast. A large force began to collect at Fort Niagara for the protection of Western New York. All the militia com- panies of the county were called out to drill and otherwise prepare for war, should they be called upon. All the county militia were ordered out to parade carly in September on Ayres' Hill, southeast of town (j). In response to the call of the Governor, a large force began to collect here preparatory to organiza- tion and march to Meadville.

"Since the publication of the last Mercury this borough has, by the daily arrival of volunteer corps, amounting to between 1,000 and 1,200 men, exhibited a spectacle cheering to the heart of every patriotic American."

The paper proceeded to praise their appearance, intrepid look, discipline, equipment, etc. (k).

Allegheny County constituted the First Brigade of the Fifteenth Division of Pennsylvania Militia. This brigade consisted of the Seventy-sixth Battalion, under Lieutenant-Colonel McEwen, and the Sixteenth, under Lieutenant-Colonel Ross, the two comprising 1, 100 men; the One Hundred and Forty-first Battalion, under Lieutenant-Colonel Wilkins, and the Sixty-sccond (part), under Lieutenant- Colonel Logan, the two comprising 1,200 men; the One Hundred and Forty- sixth Battalion, under Lieutenant-Colonel Courtney; the Sixty-second (part), under Lieutenant-Colonel Logan, and the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth, under Lieutenant-Colonel McNulty, the three comprising 1,050 men. Under the call of 1812 for volunteer militia to go to the Niagara department, 331 men were accepted from the above-named battalions. In 1814 General William Marks commanded the First Brigade. It was during this year that the Allegheny Arsenal was established by the Government at Pittsburg.

Four companies were soon here from Washington County, commanded by Captains Sample, Miller, Warner and Buchanan; two from Greene County, under Captains Vance and Patterson; four from Franklin County, under Cap- tains Harper, Oats, McDowell and Snyder; two from Bedford County, under Captains Piper and Gibson, and five from Allegheny County, under Captains Turbit, Altee, Scott, Lithgow and Cooper; in all seventeen companies. One more was expected from Franklin County, to be commanded by Captain Henry Regus, and four were expected from Somerset County, under Captains Keller, Lane, Rhodes and McGuire; in all to rendezvous here twenty-two companies, which were then to elect their officers and move to Meadville, and thence to march to Buffalo for orders (1). These men consisted of drafted militia from the

(h) Gazette, Commonwealth and Mercury, August, 1812.

(i) Mercury, November 5, 1812. (j) Mercury, September, 1812.

(k) Mercury, September 17, 1812.

(1) Mercury, September 12, 1812.

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HISTORY OF PITTSBURG.

Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth (Allegheny County) and Sixteenth divisions of the State, and were intended for service, in conjunction with the New York militia, along the Niagara and Lake Erie frontier. The companies did not march in a body from this place to Meadville, but as soon as they had elected their officers and been supplied with equipments they departed. Each man was required to furnish his own blanket and knapsack. Volunteers were accepted in substitution of drafts. At Meadville the troops were united into one brigade, which consisted of two regiments of infantry and two regiments of riflemen. Adamson Tannehill was elected general of the brigade; Jeremiah Snyder and John Purviance were elected colonels of the infantry regiments, and Jared Irwin and William Piper colonels of the rifle regiments. These were the first elections, and no doubt changes were subsequently made. These troops marched to Meadville prior to October 22, 1812 (m).

About 2,000 additional drafted militia were ordered to rendezvous in Pitts- burg on October 2d, organize and equip and prepare to join the army of General Harrison. They organized October 5th by dividing into two regiments, and each of these into two battalions of infantry and one troop of horse. The brigade commander elected was Richard Crooks, and the colonels Joel Ferree and Robert Patterson. No doubt men from Pittsburg and vicinity joined these troops. In September and October twenty-eight pieces of cannon passed through here, destined for the army of General Harrison. Large quantities of stores, supplies, and several gun carriages were furnished by the merchants here. The battery of Major Amos Stoddard, consisting of 150 men and many guns, moved westward in October. On November 7, 1812, there arrived here, in charge of a lieutenant's guard, on their way to the army of General Harrison, eight wagons loaded with specie. On November 22, 1812, there left Pittsburg for the Northwestern Army twenty-eight gun carriages for eighteen-pounders, including several brass twelves, sixes and howitzers; a large quantity of fixed ammunition for cannon, and a very extensive supply of muskets, cartridges, several traveling forges and a large quantity of necessaries for a winter's campaign. All made a train of nearly one hundred wagons, and all were under the command of Captain Joseph Wheaton, of the quartermaster's department, an old Revolutionary officer (n).

No inconsiderable part of these supplies was furnished by local merchants. As a characteristic circumstance of that day it may be noted that James Graham, stationer here, was called upon by the army contractors for a goodly number of quill pens (o). The Pittsburg business men were not slow to take advantage of the demands of army contractors. It is claimed that the anchors and rope rig- ging of the fleet of Commodore Perry on Lake Erie could not have been obtained from any other place in time for his great naval battle, and not even from here had not the Allegheny River been at a high boating stage (p).

"Since the first of September last the following reinforcements from Penn- sylvania have marched through this place on their way to join the Northwestern and Niagara armies: Seven companies of infantry and riflemen and two troops of cavalry, furnished and directed by Captain Joseph Wheaton, in the quarter- master-general's department; two thousand drafted militia and volunteers, des- tined for Niagara, under the command of General Tannehill; two thousand drafted militia and volunteers, under the command of General Crooks, directed to join the Northwestern Army, under the command of General Harrison; twenty- eight pieces of cannon for the same destination. A number of carriages, guns, howitzers, etc., the number not exactly known, will also leave this [place] in a few days. They will be under the direction and care of that able and experienced

(m) Mercury, sundry issues, autumn of 1812.

(n) Mercury, various issues, November, 1812.

(o) Mercury, 1812. (p) Annals of the West.

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soldier of the Revolution, Major Amos Stoddard, and will no doubt be amply sufficient to answer the desired end. It is a pleasing task to notice these occur- rences. They show that the Government and its agents are fully determined and are exerting every nerve to prosecute the present honorable contest with vigor and effect" (q).

In November, 1812, the battle of Queenstown was fought without the aid of the Pennsylvania militia, as they were still at Meadville, destitute of proper arms and equipments. On November 18, 1812, this brigade, under General Tannehill, reached Black Rock, and five days later, about 1,650 strong, reached the Buffalo encampments. "They made a fine martial appearance, and are generally com- posed of healthy young men, about one-fourth of whom are riflemen" (r).

"By the account of the commencement of the enterprise all were filled with the liveliest anticipations of success. The anxious hopes of the citizens were all directed toward this expected theater of American glory. But, alas! We fear the enterprise has issued in dishonor! We have now, with mingled feelings of disappointment, mortification and disgust, to record the sequel of the story, and to lament over the fate of our country. The loss of a fair-fought battle, and even the treacherous capitulation of an important post, are incidents which forti- tude can bear, and which American courage might retrieve. But the heart sickens and we turn with disgust from a scene in which we see a spirit of insubor- dination prevailing in the army, their camp broken up, the men, without leave, returning to their homes, and leaving the republic to the scoff and derision of her enemies. It is too painful to dwell on the disgusting picture. . . The volunteer companies, commanded by Captains Cooper and Lithgow, from Pitts- burg, and Captain Turbit of this neighborhood, were all not only willing, but desirous to cross. It is said this was also the case generally, with a few excep- tions. General Tannehill is sick. The troops at Black Rock were ordered to build huts, and take up their winter quarters; but the report is that the army, so far at least as relates to the militia and volunteers, is completely broken up, the greater part of them, without waiting for a discharge, having left their arms and started for their respective homes. From the number of them which are daily arriving here, we fear there is but too much ground to believe the truth of this report" (s).

So much dispute was occasioned by the affair at Black Rock, and so much confusion has existed since regarding the facts in the case, that the details will be dwelt upon with some particularity. Brigadier-General Alexander Smyth, in his report to Major-General Henry Dearborn, said that General Tannehill's brigade numbered 1,650 men, of whom 413 volunteered to cross into Canada; that he (Smyth) was ready with 3,000 men on November 26th to cross; that the preliminary effort to silence the guns and destroy a bridge of the enemy on the night of the 27th was only partly successful; that such serious reports were brought back that a force of 250 men under Colonel Winder was sent across to develop the enemy, and was defeated with considerable loss and forced to return; that about 1,200 men moved up to Black Rock and disembarked; that the enemy, 500 or 600 strong, was drawn up in line of battle on the opposite shore; that General Tannehill's troops were left behind; that upon consultation of the officers a division occurred as to the advisability of crossing; that it was finally determined to wait until the whole force could cross at once; that the 29th was spent in preparation; that 3 o'clock a. m. of December Ist was fixed as the hour for crossing; that the troops were poorly supplied with rations; that the departure was delayed until after daylight; that much confusion and insubor- dination were manifested; that about 1,512 men entered the boats, while some

(q) Mercury (about), October 3, 1812.

(r) Cor. Mercury, December 10, 1812.

(s) Mercury, December 17, 1812.

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refused to go; that upon a consultation of the regular army officers upon the expediency of crossing in daylight under all circumstances, all advised against the invasion; that previously, on the 28th, many of the volunteers had broken their muskets because they had not seen a battle; that the regular troops were the only ones to be certainly relied upon, owing to insubordination of the Pennsylvania and New York militia; whereupon, from all this condition of affairs, General Smyth determined not to invade Canada without reinforcements, and gave orders to that effect (t).

Brigadier-General Peter B. Porter, commander of the New York volunteers, reported that on November 27th there were about 4,500 men at Black Rock; that on the 28th, though all were to embark at daylight, it was 2 o'clock p. m. before from 2,000 to 2,600 men were ready in the boats, owing doubtless to the failure of the preliminary attack; that at that time of day all were in fine spirits and ready to cross; that General Tannehill's troops and others were on shore, but ready to cross; that other boats sufficient to carry 1,000 more were lying there unoccupied; that the enemy of about 500 was drawn up across the river ready for battle; that the troops were kept in the boats until late in the afternoon and then ordered to disembark; that there were many murmurings and much discontent, though submission to orders; that the next day, Sunday, General Smyth ordered all to be ready to cross at 9 o'clock a. m. of Monday; that the volunteers objected to the time and place, whereupon 3 o'clock on Tuesday morning, December Ist, was set; that the embarkation was so slow that daylight came and passed, where- upon the troops began to disembark; that there was great excitement and dis- content over the failure to cross; and that when it became known that the invasion would not take place, about 4,000 men, without order or restraint, discharged their guns in every direction (u).

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Standard history of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Part 45

Author: Wilson, Erasmus, 1842-1922; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926. cn Publication date: 1898 Publisher: Chicago : H.R. Cornell & Co. Number of Pages: 1192

Author: Wilson, Erasmus, 1842-1922; Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926. cn
Publication date: 1898
Publisher: Chicago : H.R. Cornell & Co.
Number of Pages: 1192