Albany, May 22

ALBANY, MAY 22.-On Sunday evening, two schooners under the command of Lieut. Pettigrew, having on board 100 picked men, under Capt. Willoughby Morgan, for the 12th Reg’t, sailed for the head of Lake Ontario, for the purpose of seizing a quantity of public stores. On their arrival, they found the public stores guarded by about 80 regulars; the guard retreated before our men landed; the stores were brought away, and the public buildings burned.-The expedition returned on Tuesday last, without loss.

The day after Lieut. Pettigrew sailed for the head of the Lake, Com. Chauncey, with the remainder of the fleet sailed for Sacket’s Harbor.

The return of the fleet from the Harbor is daily looked for, with a very respectable reinforcement.

[Com. Chauncey, sailed from Sacket’s Harbor, on Tuesday last.-Argus.]

 

Published in the Boston Weekly Messenger-May 28, 1813.

 

From G. Cockburn to Captain Stewart

His Britannic Majesty's Ship Marlborough
In Lynhaven Bay
May 21, 1813

Sir:
In the absence of Sir John Warren, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter under date of the 20th current, complaining of the conduct of Commodore Berresford towards some American prisoners of war returning to Philadelphia on parole, and of his having detained on board the Poictiers Mr. John Stevens and Thomas King.
No report of these circumstances have yet reached Sir John Warren or myself from Commodore Berresford; but I have no hesitation in assuring you sir, that every inquiry would have been made into them, and every satisfaction and explanation thereon, which the case might have required, would have been offered to your Government and yourself, with the least possible delay, had it not been for the threat with which your representation on this subject is accompanied, the tenor of which being likely to produce an entire change in the aspect of our communications, and particularly in what relates to the individuals which the fate of war has placed within the power of our respective nations, it totally precludes the possibility of my now entering further into the subject than to assure you your letter shall be transmitted to the right honorable the Commander-in-chief by the earliest opportunity, and whenever his answer arrives it shall be forwarded to you without delay.
I have the honor to be, sir, with high consideration, your most obedient humble servant,
G. Cockburn, Rear Admiral







Courtesy of Library of Congress

Particulars relative to the Capture of York

Particulars relative to the Capture of York.

By an express who arrived here on Wednesday last, from Niagara, the Editor of the Argus has been furnished with the following interesting particulars relative to the capture of York, which are derived from an authentic source.

The enemy’s force amounted to 1200 men, and consisted of regulars militia and Indians. He lost 300 in killed and wounded, mostly regulars, and 400 taken prisoners, principally militia. A 32 gun ship, nearly ready to launch, was burnt on the stocks, and a vessel mounting 12 guns, and another mounting 8, were captured in the harbor, and have been added to our squadron. Our troops found in the place nearly 100 cannon, among which were several handsome pieces of brass ordnance, a great quantity of fixed ammunitions and naval stores, Indian goods, and several hundred barrels of pork and flour. The cannon and navel stores were destined for the enemy’s use on the lakes.

Our loss was principally occasioned by the explosion of the magazines, and amounted to 54 killed and 196 wounded-of the latter six died previous to Saturday last. The wounded were conveyed to Niagara, where Gen. Dearborn arrived the early part of last week. There was but one man killed on board the squadron, and but one wounded.

In fifteen minutes after the shipping anchored, the intrepid Forsyth had his riflemen landed and formed on the beach-the infantry immediately joined him. The charge upon the enemy, who covered the banks, was impetuous. Not an officer or soldier, it is remarked, shrunk from his duty. The enemy was closely followed into the fort and the British flag pulled down by Capt. Forsyth.

 

Published in the Raleigh Register and North Carolina Gazette-May 21, 1813.

 

Militia of the District of Columbia

Five hundred of the Militia of the District of Columbia, have been ordered to rendezvous at the City of Washington, by the 20th inst. for the protection of that place, in case of an attack by the enemy.

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The British Squadron.-The greater part of the enemy’s fleet now in the bay, had descended on Sunday night, nearly to Point Look-out, and there anchored-and we have certain intelligence that they had not appeared at the mouth of the Potomac on the morning of Monday, as was yesterday reported in this City. That our readers may be enabled to attach the proper degree of credit to such rumors in future, we have authority to state, that steps have been taken to insure the earliest conveyance of information from Point Look-out-and therefore should the hostile squadron enter our river, the fact will be communicated in this city within twenty-two hours afterwards. No surprize need be apprehended.

Nat. Int.

 

Published in the Raleigh Register and North Carolina Gazette-May 21, 1813.

 

Sacket's Harbor

SACKET’S HARBOR.

Is the name given to a handsome village situated at the east end of Lake Ontario, about 18 miles from the river St. Lawrence. It was first taken in possession of, by purchase by Mr. Sacket, of Jamaica, Long Island, in 1799. In 1801, only three families had settled there. Previous to this period, a great degree of prejudice existed against the Lake shore, as unhealthy, from an erroneous idea that the neighbourhood of fresh water lakes was more unhealthy than the sea-shore: without ever reflecting that the Lake of Geneva is celebrated for its healthfulness, and that it is only shallow fresh waters, just enough to cover rotting vegetables, that is unhealthy.

The village of Sacket’s harbour now contains a number of large and elegant built houses, and it is settling so fast that half-acre house lots have sold from 12 to 1500 dollars, and since it has become a military post, for twice that sum.

The most interesting part of this settlement is its curious and highly valuable Harbour. This bason of water is hardly so large as our millpond was before they began to fill it up.-[Illegible] says it contain but ten acres, we believe it to be more than twice that size. The entrance to it is about a quarter of a mile wide for here two opposite points approach cowards each other like the Punto and Moro castle at the entrance of the Havanna, leaving the passage or entrance before mentioned. Indeed Sacket’s Harbour is the harbour of the Havanna in miniature. Its entrance is strongly fortified. Besides a respectable fort, there are four blank houses round this singular bason of deep water, which is bordered by a natural all of lime stone, of about 30 feet high.

It is about 36 miles from Kinston; and is now rendered interesting by being the Head Quarters of our army under Gen. Dearborn, and the station of our fresh water fleet under Com. Chauncey.-Boston Patriot.  

 

Published in the Raleigh Register and North Carolina Gazette-May 21, 1813.

 

Serious Disaster

Serious Disaster.

NEW YORK, MAY 21.-By the following letters, our readers will find that Kentucky has again to mourn the loss of many of her valuable citizens. It appears that a detachment of 800 men, under the command of General Clay, were on their way to reinforce Fort Meigs; when they arrived near the fort, General Harrison sent an order to General Clay, to make an immediate attack on the enemy; this was done with success-four batteries taken possession of, and the cannon spiked. Our troops, elated with success, remained too long in a situation liable to be surrounded by the enemy. The British and Indians soon received a reinforcement, and, before our men could reach the fort, were, with the exception of 150, either killed or taken prisoners:-

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From the Nation Intelligencer Extra.

NORTH WESTERN ARMY.

Chillicothe, May 10.
An express arrived yesterday from the army, bringing the important intelligence contained in the following letters. We have only time to add, that we hope that the numerous reinforcements now on their mareh to join Harrison, will arrive at the Rapids before the enemy effect their retreat; in which case we may venture to predict that Malden will be ours before the lst of June.

 

Published in the Boston Weekly Messenger-May28, 1813.

 

Public Revenue

Public Revenue.

Massachusetts has paid into the Customs since the commencement of the government, in 1791, more than FORTY-TWO MILLIONS of Dollars; and Virginia, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Ohio, collectedly, only about FIFTEEN MILLIONS. A part of this revenue was pledged for the protection of Commerce and the security of our harbors against invasion. Now what is the fact; has this immense amount of income been expended, with the millions of loans borrowed, for the above purposes, or for the maintenance of our maritime rights? Certainly not so; but for the purpose of raising a standing army, that shall first drill itself into discipline, by foreign conquests, and then be made the instrument of perpetuating the government in the hands of those who have established this military dynasty. To secure this, our Northern Commerce must be destroyed-and the people brought, from necessity, to seek the field, rather than starve in our deserted streets.

 

Published in the Boston Weekly Messenger-May 21, 1813.

 

From Charles Stewart to John B. Warren

United States' Frigate Constellation
Off Norfolk
May 20, 1813

Sir:
I have the honor to represent to your Excellency, that a part of the officers and crew of the late United States' brig Vixen, returning from Jamaica on parole as prisoners of war, were, on entering the Delaware, taken out of the flag of truce by Commodore Berresford, commanding on that station, and detained until a part of the crew of the Poictiers, then prisoners at Philadelphia, were demanded by him and sent down in exchange; that ultimately he detained on board the Poictiers John Stevens, carpenter, and Thomas King, seaman, late of the United States' brig Vixen, on plea of their being subjects of his Britannic Majesty.
This violation of the rights of prisoners on parole is so contrary to the usage of all civilized nations, that I trust your Excellency will give such instructions upon that head as will prevent a similar violation in future.
I have it in command, from my Government, to state to your Excellency that, in retaliation for so violent and unjust a procedure, on the part of Commodore Berresford, in detaining the above Mr. John Stevens and Thos. King, that four subjects of his Britannic Majesty will be immediately selected and held in durance, subject to the same treatment, in all respects, which may be shown towards the aforesaid two persons during their detention.  I hope your Excellency will give this subject you earliest attention, and direct the release of Mr. Stevens and Thomas King, who have been so improperly detained on board the Poictiers.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your Excellency's most obedient servant,
Charles Stewart,
Commanding Officer of the United States' Naval forces at Norfolk





Courtesy of Library of Congress

Ogdenesburgh

OGDENESBURGH, MAY 19-The British continue to fortify Prescott-a deserter states their force at 1000 men-500 more are stationed at Johnstown, a short distance below Prescott. The enemy have the exclusive navigation of the St. Lawrence; boats, laden with the munitions of war, troops, &c. are almost daily passing Prescott on their way to the lakes.

It is reported that Gen. Provost was at Prescott last Saturday, on his way to Kingston.

 

Published in the Boston Weekly Messenger-June 4, 1813.

Ogdenesburgh

OGDENESBURGH, MAY 19-The British continue to fortify Prescott-a deserter states their force at 1000 men-500 more are stationed at Johnstown, a short distance below Prescott. The enemy have the exclusive navigation of the St. Lawrence; boats, laden with the munitions of war, troops, &c. are almost daily passing Prescott on their way to the lakes.

It is reported that Gen. Provost was at Prescott last Saturday, on his way to Kingston.

 

Published in the Boston Weekly Messenger-June 4, 1813.

Richmond, May 18

Richmond, May 18.

The British attempted, some day last week, to cutout one of our coasters which was lying off the country of Matthews. The militia of that country stood to their arms and beat off the enemy’s barge. One of our men was shot thro’ the thigh: from the different in the show of men which the barge exhibited on going and returning, it was supposed that 8 or 10 of their men were shot down.

The corpses of two British seamen have been found floating on the Bay shore-they were supposed to have been drowned in the desperate attempt to swim from their ship.

 

Published in the Raleigh Register and North Carolina Gazette-May 28, 1813.

British Admiralty criticized British Admira Warren

May 17, 1813

The British Admiralty’s assessment of British Admiral Warren criticized Warren for not being as aggressive in his actions in the Chesapeake as expected, among other complaints.

Letter from First Secretary of the Admiralty John W. Croker to Admiral Sir John B. Warren, R.N.:

Admiralty Office

17 May 1813

Secret Duplicate

Sir,

I have received and laid before my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty your Letter No. 104 of the 28^th of March last with its enclosures, relative to the offer made by M. de Dasckoff, of the mediation of His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of all the Russias for reestablishing Peace between his Majesty and the United States of America, and I have their Lordships Commands to repeat to you their approbation that neither you or Rear Admiral Cockburn should have thought yourselves authorized to enter into any Negotiation, or to defer or relax you measures of hostility on the proposition from the Russian Minister, or from the American Government.

I have it further in Command to acquaint you that their Lordships see no reason why Rear Admiral Cockburn should have consented to permit the communication of the Americans with the Chesapeak to be continued, when he could have prevented it, and they cannot but express their opinion that the regular communication by Letter which he has granted may on several obvious occasion be of the greatest injury and danger to our Military operations.

Their Lordships hope that as soon as it was ascertained that the Constellation was beyond the reach of Naval attack, you kept no more ships in the Chesapeak then were necessary for the complete and secure Blockade of that River, and that in the distribution of your force, you have particularly attended to their Lordships former directions to keep as much as possible, a line of Battle Ship with each Squadron of Frigates….

I have their Lordships Commands to refer you to my various Letters relative to sending to me your disposition of the Squadron under your Command, and to express their great surprise that you should not have sent home by the Childers, the account of the disposition of your ships, as far as you could collect it, of the state and condition thereof. The want of these Accounts is a serious inconvenience to their Lordships, and one which you do not in any degree endeavor to obviate, by stating in your dispatches which have been received, any particulars relative to the situation of the Squadron under your Command.

I am Sir Your Most Obedient humble Servant

JWCroker

From W. Jones to Charles Stewart

Navy Department
May 17, 1813

Sir:
You are hereby authorized and instructed to address a letter to Admiral Sir John Borlase Warren, representing the following facts and determination, viz. That a part of the officers and crew of the late United States' brig Vixen were returning from Jamaica, on parole, as prisoners of war, and entering the Delaware, when Commodore Berresford caused them to be brought on board the Poictiers, and detained until a part of the crew of that ship, whom he demanded in exchange, were sent down from Philadelphia; that ultimately, he detained John Stevens, carpenter, and Thomas King, seaman, two of the aforesaid crew of the Vixen, on the plea of their being British subjects, as appears by a letter from Commodore Berresford to Lieutenant Drayton, late first of the said brig Vixen; and that you are commanded explicitly to declare, that, in retaliation for the violent and unjust detention of the said John Stevens and Thomas King, the Government of the United States will immediately cause four British subjects to be selected and held in duress, subject to the same treatment, in all respects, that the said John Stevens and Thomas King may receive during their detention.
On the receipt of the admiral's answer, you will communicate the same to me without delay.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. Jones









Courtesy of Library of Congress

From the Bay

FROM THE BAY.

The British have burnt the small towns of Georgetown and Fredric, in Cecil county, Md. The towns are situate on Sassafras creek, which empties into the Bay.

The U.S. Frigates President & Congress went to sea from Boston on the 1st instant. Two British frigates having been seen a day or two before off the coast, an engagement may be expected.

 

Published in the Raleigh Register and North Carolina Gazette-May 14, 1813.

 

 

New Orleans, March 21

New Orleans, March 21.

The brig Syren. Of 16 guns, sailed on Friday last on a cruise. She is commanded by Captain Bainbridge (brother to him who has recently distinguished himself)-he is as brave as Julius Caesar, and his officers and crew equally so. There has been off the Balize for some days, a British sloop of war, carrying 22 or 24 guns called the Herald. This is rather too great an odds, as the Syren mounds no more than 6 guns, and those not of the kind of metal suitable for her as she was unfortunate a few months past in having to throw her guns overboard after getting upon a [illegible]; but notwithstanding if he comes in contact with her, he will go to the bottom sooner than strike. He received, a few days past, a CHALLENGE from the British [illegible], that he [on board his Britannic Majesty a sloop of war Herald.] would be glad if Captain Brainbridge would favor him with some of the sweet notes of the Syren-and that he, in return, would favor him with the tune of [illegible]Britannica.

 

Published in the Raleigh Register and North Carolina Gazette-May 14, 1813.

May 14, 1813: The War

May 14, 1813:

 

THE WAR.

LATE FROM, FORT MEIGS.

Extract of a letter from an officer in the army to his friend in Zanesville, Ohio, dated Camp Meigs,

April 15th 1813.

 

“We suffered excessively from cold and wet in descending the river from cold and wet in descending the river to this place from Amanda. We rushed on over rocks & sand bars, upsetting some of our crafts and arrived here, fearful lest the garrison might be attacked before our arrival, and which we yet daily look for. Our spies have come in and state that eight hundred British and Indians are encamped eighteen miles below this, and we are working late and early in the garrison, entrenching, raising batteries, & c. Apart of the Pennsylvania militia volunteered for 15 days until we should arrive here. Now their time is out, and when they depart we shall be as badly off as they were before we came. We have not men enough as yet to defend the garrison safety if we should be attacked, but will do as well as we can in that event.”

 

Dated the 19th.

 

“We daily expect an attack from the British, and continue working almost night and day preparing to give them a hot reception.

 

Published in the Raleigh Register and North Carolina Gazette-May 14, 1813.

Norfolk, May 14

NORFOLK, MAY 14.-On Wednesday last the squadron of the enemy stationed in Lynnhaven Bay was augmented to 18 sail. Yesterday 15 sail (being all that could be seen from Hampton roads) made sail and stood for the Capes. We learn this morning that nine of them were at anchor last evening abreast of the Capes, the remainder having gone to sea.

WE have it from the authority of a gentleman who has been detained as a prisoner on board the British squadron for some time past, that Admiral Warren declared “he would either be in Washington very soon, or the congress should hear the thunder of his cannon!”

 

Published din the Boston Weekly Messenger-May 28, 1813.

 

York* (The Capital of Upper Canada) taken

YORK,*
(The Capital of Upper Canada) taken.
__
Extract of a letter from Major Gen. Lewis, to the Post Master at Utica, dated
Niagara, April 29, 1813-Sire,-our troops from the harbor arrived at Little-York at sun rise on the morning of the 27th, where, after a sharp conflict, we succeeded in carrying the place and all the out works. We lost by the explosion of a mine several men, and unfortunately Gen. Pike among the number. Sheafe made his escape with what regulars he had left.

Yours, &c.

MORGAN LEWIS.

 

Published in the Boston Weekly Messenger-May 14, 1813.

 

Death of General Pike

There are letters in town from Generals Dearborn and Lewis, and Commodore Chauncey.-They states, that General Pike was killed by a stone, and not blown up as mentioned above. There was at York a frigate of thirty-two guns, ready to be launched, which the English burnt. The flotilla was to leave York immediately, for the purpose of making an attack at another point on the lake.

[Ed. N.Y. Gazette.

 

Published in the Boston Weekly Messenger-May 14, 1813.

 

York was evacuated by our forces

The following account, which represents our loss as much less than the accounts before received, is from Albany:-

York was evacuated by our forces; who bro’t off two small vessels only, and burnt a third on the stocks. The loss of the Americans in the whole affair was only 18 killed in the battle, and 36 by the explosion of the mine-among the latter, Gen. Pike. No Indians were captured, and three or four only of their dead bodies found on the scene of action. Of the British forces, about 900 militia, and 100 regulars, were made prisoners. The militia were paroled. These particulars may be relied on.

 

Published din the Boston Weekly Messenger-May 14, 1813.

Distressing situation of the District of Maine

Distressing situation of the District of Maine.

Extract of a letter from gentleman of the first respectability and property, to his correspondent in this town, dated Castine, May 3d.

“I do most earnestly request you to purchase me some Indian Corn, as we are starving here for bread, and not a bushel to be purchased for love or money-Don’t for God’s sake fail-If you cannot get Corn send me Flour or Groat-Bread.”

 

Published in the Boston Weekly Messenger-May 14, 1813.

Two vessels arrived at Fort Niagara

Two vessels arrived at Fort Niagara on the 3d inst. and landed Gen. Dearborn, Com. Chauncey, and 27 wounded men. Gen. Lewis met Gen. Dearborn there, and it was said had received orders to cross the Niagara with his troops, and occupy Little York.

 

Published in the Boston Weekly Messenger-May 14, 1813.

 

Maritime Protection

MARITIME PROTECTION:

When the administration, in the plentitude of their folly or madness, declared an offensive war against Great-Britain, they assured the nation, through their Intelligencer, that all the necessary preparation had been fully made, not only for the complete safety of the seaboard, and the protection of our extended frontiers, but also for the immediate conquest of Upper and Lower Canada. To say nothing of conquests or of the frontiers, which are at a distance, let us look at the state of preparation in our ports, bays, and harbors. In the Chesapeake those preparations have been partially tried, and what resistance has been afforded-In regard to the waters of the Delaware, and the city of Philadelphia itself, what security do they derive from any exertions of the general government of the United States? Where are our armed ships?-Where are the gun-boats?-Where are there troops of the United States sufficient to repel even one hundred men who should attempt to land, burn the arsenal, our magazine or even our city? Gone, alas I at the very moment the enemy appeared, hundreds of miles into the interior, under the pretence of making foreign conquests. It does not become us, under present circumstances, to say what our actual situation is; but it behoves our citizens to inquire into it, and to ascertain what the government have done for their protection in return for the ample resources which have been drawn from them.

[U.S. Gaz.

 

Published in the Boston Weekly Messenger-May 14, 1813.

Philadelphia papers

The Philadelphia papers confirm the news of the burning of George-Town and Fredrick-Town.

 

Published in the Boston Weekly Messenger-May 14, 1813.

Spies

Four persons apprehended as spies, and said to be British officers, (one of whom has been working as a gardener in our United States arsenal) have been apprehended, and committed to Arch-street prison.

[Philad. Gaz.

 

Published in the Boston Weekly Messenger-May 14, 1813.