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.

Letter from Andrew Jackson to John Armstrong

Nashville
May 10th. 1813


Sir,
  This will be handed to you by Colo Thos. H. Benton commandant of the 2nd Regt of Tennessee Volunteer Infantry--who having detained here since the 22nd ultimo for the determination of the President on the further service, of the Detachment of Volunteers under my command--from the delay of communications on this subject, a belief has arisen, that our services to the North west will not be called for by the President--Colo. Benton having abandoned a profitable profession for the tented fields, and having determined during the continuation of the war, to continue in the field of Mars if goverment will give him employ in her armies, goes on with this view to the city of washington--did I think any thing was necessary to be said on the fitness of Colo. Benton to command, it would be here added--his uniform good conduct, his industry and attention to the decipline & police of his Regiment speak more for his fitness than words--and a personal acquaintance with Colo. Benton will soon decide on the capacity of his mind relative tacticts and military operations--
    I have recd advices from Natchez stating that the asst D. q. Master of that department, has refused to pay the waggoners employed by him to hall the sick and necessary baggage of my detachment to the Tenessee river--and he further states as I am advised by letter from the waggoners, that he is thus instructed by Colo. Shamburgh not to pay them-- I have to ask that instructions be given for this expence to be paid, and that no other circumstance will be permitted to arise, farther to embitter the minds of the Detachment--they took the field with the promptness--the have and do stand ready to obay the call of their goverment for the tendered north west service--they merit more attention than they have recd--their minds from the privations they have suffered from the agents of goverment withholding from them their Just and necessary supplies are sufficiently disgusted--and if the agents of goverment are thus permitted to act with impunity the disgust will become so general in the west that the administration will loose that united support that it uniformly recd in this State--in this believe a candid man--
    I refer you to Colo. Benton for information you will find him capable of giving it on every subject--I am sir with due consideration and respect--

                                                                                       Andrew Jackson

Letter From Samuel M'Keehan To Lieutenant Dudley

Montreal Prison,
May 9, 1813

Sir:
Yesterday Sir George's aid came and informed me that the nature of my confinement had been contrary to his orders, and Colonel Lethbridge was required to restore me my liberty. I was also informed, that you and myself would probably, in a few days, be sent to the Untied States. Colonel Lethbridge told me he would send for me at 3 o'clock, and take my parole. In less than one hour, Major Shackleton called, and said the Governor, after a more mature consideration, had concluded he could not let me have my liberty until he would hear from General Proctor.
Two or three days after my imprisonment, Major Shackleton told me that General Proctor had promised, with the next despatches, to send on all the papers relating to my case, and that then I would have a hearing.
So you may see punishment by torture is not yet abolished. If they had drove a dagger through my heart, my punishment would have been much less, and their compassion much greater.

Yours, &c.
Samuel M'Keehan.

Major Shackleton also told me that Colonel Baynes was unauthorized to tell me what he did.
S. M'K.

Lieutenant Dudley.

From Luther Savage to James Monroe

Hartford
May 9, 1813

Sir:
Annexed is Captain Samuel Chew's deposition, taken before Judge Edwards at New Haven.  We expected it in season to have forwarded it by Mr. Dodd, but received it last evening by Mr. Huntington, the United States' Attorney for Connecticut district, and now forward it to you per mail.

Yours, respectfully,
Luther Savage & Co.


Connecticut District,
On this day, the 7th of May, in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirteen, personally came before me, Pierpont Edwards, Judge of the district court of the United States, for the district aforesaid, Samuel Chew, of the city of New Haven, in the said district, and being duly sworn, deposeth, the the was a Bridgetown, in the Island of Barbadoes, in the West Indies, in the moth of February now last past; that on board a British prison ship, at Barbadoes, there were confined about five hundred and twenty-three American prisoners, of the crews of private armed vessels of the United States and merchantmen, captured since the war. At the time the deponent was at Barbadoes the American prisoners were supplied with bread and some meat; as to vegetables, the deponent was not informed.  The regulations on board the said prison ship compelled the prisoners to go below decks, where they were confined at evening and until morning; as many as could were suspended in hammocks, and still there was not sufficient room below them for all the lie down.  In this respect the situation of the prisoners was not only extremely uncomfortable, but hazardous, and more especially, should there be, as was apprehended, a scarcity of provisions during the approaching hot months.  The deponent was not permitted to go on board said prison ship, but derived his information from masters of vessels, prisoners at said island, who were allowed occasionally to go on board said prison ship, with whom the deponent is personally acquainted, and in whose representations he has the most perfect confidence, and entertains no doubt of the facts by them stated; and this statement is given at the request of the confidence, and entertains no doubt of the facts by them stated; and this statement is given at the request of the friends of some of the prisoners at Barbadoes, particularly of the crew of the privateer Blockade, at Hartford.

Pierpont Edwards, District Judge of Connecticut District.

I, Pierpont Edwards, Judge of the district court of the United States for the Connecticut, do hereby certify and make known to all whom it may concern, that Captain Samuel Chew, the within named deponent, is a gentleman to me well known, having known him for many years: he is the son of Captain Samuel Chew, late of the city of New Haven, deceased, and who fell by a cannon ball on board an American vessel during the revolutionary war: that the said deponent is a man of strict integrity, and attached to the constitution and Government of the United States, and the most perfect confidence is due to his said representations so as a aforesaid sworn to.

Pierpont Edwards, District Judge of Connecticut District.


Courtesy of Library of Congress

The War. Good News from the North-Western Army

THE WAR.
GOOD NEWS, FROM THE NORTH-WESTERN ARMY.
THE ENEMY REPULSED.

Copy of a letter from Gen’l W.H. Harrison to the Secretary of War.

Head Quarters, Camp Meigs, 9th May, 1813.

SIR-I have the honor to inform you that the enemy having been several days making preparations for raising the siege of this post, accomplished this day the removal of their artillery from the opposite bank, and about 12 o’clock left their encampment below were soon embarked and out of sight. I have the honor to enclose you an agreement entered into between Gen. Proctor and myself for the discharge of the prisoners of the Kentucky militia in his possession, and for the exchange of the officers and men of the regular troops which were respectively possessed by us. My anxiety to get the Kentucky troops released as early as possible, induced me to agree to the dismission of all the prisoners I had, although there was not as many of ours in Gen. Proctor’s possession. The surplusage is to be accounted for and an equal number of ours released from their parole, whenever the government may think proper to direct.

The two actions on this side of the river on the 5th, were infinitely more important & more honorable to our arms, than I had at first conceived. In the sortie made upon the left flank, Captain Waring’s company of the 19th regt. a detachment of 12 months volunteers under Maj. Alexander, and three companies of Kentucky militia under Col. Boswell, defeated at least double the number of Indians and British militia.
The sortie on the right was still more glorious; the British batteries in that direction were defended by the grenadier and light infantry companies of the forty-first regiment amounting to 200 effectives and two companies of militia, flanked by a host of Indians. The detachment sent to attack these consisted of all the men off duty belonging to the companies of Croghan and Bradford of the 17th regt. Langham Elliott’s (late Graham’s) and Waring’s of the 19th, about 80 of Major Alexander’s volunteers, and a single company of Kentucky militia under Capt. Sebry, amounting in the whole to not more than 340. Yet the event of the action was not a moment doubtful, and had not the British troops been covered in their retreat by their allies, the whole of them would have been taken.

It is not possible for troops to behave better than ours did throughout; all the officers exerted themselves to execute my orders and the enemy, who had a full view of our operations from the opposite shore, declared that they had never seen so much work performed in so short a time.

To all the commandants of corps I feel particular obligations. These were Colonel Miller of the 19th infantry, Col. Mills of the Ohio militia. Maj. Stoddard of the artillery, Maj. Ball of the dragoons, and Maj. Johnson of the Kentucky militia. Captain Gratiot of the engineers having been for a long time much indisposed, the task of fortifying this post devolved upon Captain Wood. It could not have been placed in better hands. Permit me to recommend him to the President, and to assure you that any mark of his approbation bestowed on Capt. Wood, would be highly gratifying to the whole of the troops who witnessed his arduous exertions.

 From Major Hukill, acting Inspector General, my aid-de-camp Major Graham. Lieutenant O’Fallon, who has done the duty of assistant Adjutant General in the absence of Major Adams, & my volunteer aid-de-camp John Johnson, Esq. I received the most useful assistance.

I have the honor to enclose you a list of the killed and wounded daring the siege and in the two sorties; those of the latter were much greater than I had at first expected.

Want of sleep and exposure to the continued rains which have fallen almost every day for some time past, renders me incapable of mentioning many interesting particulars; amongst others a most extraordinary proposition of Gen. Proctor’s, on the subject of the Indians within our boundary-this shall form the subject of a communication to be made to-morrow or next day and for which I will provide a safer conveyance than that which carries this. All the prisoners and deserters agree in saying that the information given to Major Stoddard by Ryland of the British having launched a sloop of war this spring, is incorrect, & the most of them say that the one wich is now building will not be launched for many weeks.

I have the honor to be, sir, with great respect, your humble servant,

Wm. H. HARRISON.

Hon. John Armstrong, Sec’y of War.

 

P.S.-Captain Price of the regiment light artillery, and the 20 regulars, prisoners with Gen. Proctor, were taken on the N.W. side of the river, with the Kentucky militia. We had no prisoners taken on this side during the siege.

 

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

Attack on Fort George, North Western Army, Greenburch, Fort Meigs

Attack on Fort George.
We are informed, that the remainder of our squadron had gone to Sacket’s Harbor, with the booty, taken at York-after which the vessels were to proceed up to join the Commodore at Fort Niagara-when it was expected an attack would be made, (in concert with the land force under Major General Lewis) on Fort George, Newark, &c.
_

North Western Army.

A letter received by this day’s mail from Philadelphia, states, that the British had raised the siege of Fort Meigs, and gone off.
Another letter, dated Philadelphia, Saturday evening, says, “the Pittsburgh mail, brings us the pleasing intelligence, that General Harrison has defeated the allied British and Indian forces.”

[N. York Gaz. May 18.

The above is probably not true.

 

GREENSBURCH, (PENN.) MAY 10-The last night’s express post from Pittsburg, informs, that information to Wednesday the 5th inst. had been received from Fort Meigs. The British still lay before that place, which they had three times violently attacked, and as often summoned to surrender. It is thought to be in little or no danger.
__

The most important letter received from fort Meigs is dated at Camp Meigs, on the 28th ult. and was transmitted thence by express, dispatched just before the engagement commenced. It states, that the columns of the enemy were then in sight: that an officer had just reconnoitered them, and supposed their force to amount to between two and three thousand. The gun-boats bearing their artillery, &c. were in sight, about two miles distant, at the moment the express started, and the Indians were swarming among the woods, on each side of the river. Our troops were in fine spirits, and the most perfect confidence was entertained of their ability to repulse the enemy.

Nat. Intel. May 14.
__

Extract of a letter from Pittsburg, May 9.

“By express mail from the westward to day, we received nothing certain from Harrison, there were no letters, three Mails have been taken and one rider killed. The last rider says that Fort Meigs is closely invested by the British and Indians, they have twice attempted to take it by storm, and have been repulsed with great loss; they have summoned Harrison to surrender, he will defend the Fort to the last.-All communication with him is cut off, but we still hope he will hold out.”
_

We learn by way of Albany, that our armament had returned to Sacket’s Harbour on Wednesday the 12th inst. having destroyed all the public works, and brought away all the moveable public property; and that they were industriously unloading the stores, and embarking troops for another expedition, probably against Fort George-Gen. Boyd is assigned to the brigade lately commanded by Gen. Pike.

 

The short extracts above comprise all the news by this morning’s mail.

 

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

British attack on Havre de Grace

“There was no legitimate war object to obtain by demolishing the defenseless village of Havre-de-Grace, and the attack was savage…No resistance was made or offered; the village was surprised, the houses conflagrated  by a coup-de-main – and old age and infancy involved in the general wreck. ….The ruins of Havre-de-Grace shall stand as a monument of British cruelty, in which, as in a glass, we may see the true spirit of the government….

By later accounts it appears there was a small party (40 or 50) of militia at Havre-de-Grace when the attack commenced; but they all ran away save 8 or 10 without offering resistance. One of those that remained, a brave Irishman, long a resident of the town, was taken prisoner, being seized in the act of loading his musket…From Havre-de-Grace a party proceeded to Cresswell’s ferry….and desolated everything within their reach. The church …was not fired; but, to show their respect for “religion” they assailed the house, and finding nothing to steal “magnanimously” attacked the windows with brick-bats and stones, and demolished them.”

Published in the Niles Weekly Register - May 8, 1813

Baltimore, May 14

Baltimore, May 14.

The following letter of General Miller to Admiral Warren was sent with a flag by Major Hanson, with instructions to proceed with all possible dispatch to the Admiral’s ship, that the protection of the government of the U.States might be extended in defence of a citizen, from dangers they believed to menace him. Admiral Warren’s answer follows.

 

Head-quarters, Baltimore,

May 8, 1813.

SIR-It becomes my duty to represent to your Excellency that a citizen of the United States, and an inhabitant of Havre-de-Grace for the last 15 years, name O’Neale, has been recently taken in arms and in defence of his property and family at that place, by a detachment from his B.M fleet, serving under your command; and that the satd. O’N. has been menaced with immediate and capital punishment, as a traitor to the governn’t of his Britannia Majesty, on the ground of his being by birth an Irishman. Nothing n the course of public duty would be more painful to me than the obligation of resorting to the law of retaliation on this or any other occasion; but, sir, in the event of O’Neale’s execution, painful as may be the duty, it becomes unavoidable, and I am authorised and commanded to state to your Excellency, that two British subjects shall be selected by lot, or otherwise, and immediately executed.

It is for your Excellency to chuse whether a character of such barbarism be, or be not given to the war waged under your immediate direction. I am with consideration, &c.

 

H.MILLER, Brig. Gen.

His Exc’y Sir John Borlase Warren.

 

Published in the Raleigh Register and North Carolina Gazette-May21, 1813.

 

From the National Intelligencer

From the National Intelligencer.

Chilicothe, May 8, 1813.

By the last mail I enclosed you a hand bill, which contained the latest news then from Fort Meigs, since which time we have received further accounts; which state, that General Clay’s Kentucky troops which lay some distance behind, fearful to march onto the Fort had made an essay to relieve it, and that 800 men had got safe in-having lost only 7 men in the attempt. We are quite elated with the hope this will turn out to be true.

Three companies of Volunteers commanded by capts. Rutledge, Fitch, and Jones, leave town to-morrow for Fort Meigs-they will be joined by two companies from over the river (Scioto) commanded by Major Dawson-one company of 80 of our best blood commanded by Captain Dunlap-old General Massie has just come in at the head of 50 volunteers to form another company & it is expected the whole of Col. Denny’s regiment will join them-so that Ohio and Kentucky will yet, from the determined spirit they manifest, teach Colonels Proctor and Elliot a lesson-they ought to have learnt long ago.

 

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

 

Office of the N. Intelligencer

OFFICE OF THE N. INTELLIGENCER,

Washington, May 8.

 

FROM HARRISON’S ARMY.

A letter has been received this day from Huron, in Ohio, by the Express Mail from the Post-Office Agent, announcing that the express mail had not been able to approach Fort Meigs, in consequence of hearing on its approach an incessant firing of cannon and small arms.

It was first heard at Sandusky on Friday, the 30th April, and continued firing at the [illegible] express came away. The firing had ceased once from which it is resumed that the enemy had returned to the attack after being once repulsed.-Some persons had gone within two miles of the fort, and one ventured within half a mile and so near as distinctly to see the flash of the canon through the trees. The number of the enemy is not known. We wait with extreme anxiety for Wednesday’s express mail, though we have no fears for the result, as letters have been received here from fort Meigs as late as the 25th April, at which time no apprehensions were entertained for the result of any attack.

 

Published in the Raleigh Register and North Carolina Gazette-May14, 1813.

Extract of a letter from the Post-Master in Franklinton

Extract of a letter from the Post-Master in Franklinton to the Post-Master in this place, who has politely favored us with a copy of it, dated

FRANKLINTON, MAY 9.

“While writing, news has arrived from fort Meigs, which is lamentable. The British cannon spiked, and forty prisoners-contra, 650 Kentucky militia killed or taken. The fort was yet safe on the 5th. I have not learnt particulars; but you will receive them no doubt by the mail.

“The Ohilicothe volunteer horsemen arrived here this evening.”-----

 

Copy of a letter from William Creighton, Jr. Esq. dated Upper Sandusky, May 8.

I wrote to you a few days since from this place. Troops are coming in daily-we now can muster about 500 strong. We expect by tomorrow night to be 1000 strong; the governor is here, and all in high spirits, and anxious to march to Fort Meigs. An express has this moment  arrived from General Harrison, with despatches for this post, dated 5th inst. On the 25th ult. the enemy’s columns shewed themselves opposite Fort Meigs. On the 27th, some Indians crossed the river in rear of the Fort. On the 1st, 2d, and 3d of May, the enemy opened their batteries and kept up an incessant and tremendous fire from 5 1-2 and 8 1-2 inch howitzers, one 24 pounder, and several lighter pieces. The shells and balls during that period showered in the fort, but little execution was done; only 6 or 10 men killed, during that period, in the Fort. Silas M’Colloch, a brave and gallant man, is among the slain.

On the night of the 3d, the enemy erected a gun and mortar battery on this side of the river, within 250 yards of our lines, but were soon forced to take a more respectable distance. About 12 o’clock on the night of the 4th, an officer arrived in a boat from Gen. Clay, to inform the general of his approach, and that he would reach Fort Meigs in about two hours. Gen. Harrison determined on a general sally, and sent an officer to Gen. Clay, directing him to land 800 men some short distance above, to attack and carry the enemy’s batteries, spike their cannon and destroy the artillery. Gen. Clay was unfortunately delayed longer than he expected in passing the Rapids, and the detachment destined to make the attack did not reach the landing until nine o’clock-this, however, did not prevent them from making the attempt, and never way any thing more completely successful; the four batteries were immediately taken possession of, and their defenders driven off, and their cannon spiked. The work was done-but that confidence which always attends militia when successful, proved their ruin. 

Although there was time sufficient to return to the boats before a reinforcement arrived to the enemy, they remained upon the ground, in spite of the repeated calls that were made from the fort to bring them back to their boats, and suffered themselves to be amused and drawn into the woods by some feint skirmishing, while the British troops and an immense body of Indians were brought; a severe action then took place. The British immediately intercepted the retreat of our men to the plain and the river, where they would have been under cover of our cannon; about 150 only out of near 800 effected their escaped to the boats. When the balance of Gen. Clay’s force made its appearance, and attempted to land above the garrison, their flank was attacked by a large body of Indians.-Gen. Harrison immediately ordered out a detachment consisting of part of the 19th U.S. regiment, about 100 twelve month’s volunteers and some militia; they however succeeded in driving the enemy entirely off, pursuant to the plan Gen. Harrison had adopted.

An attack was then made upon the batteries on this side of the river, conducted by colonel Miller of the 19th regiment, with part of his regiment, the aforesaid volunteers, and a few militia; this attempt was successful. The enemy were driven from their works-a number killed and 2 British officers and 41 privates brought into camp.

This attack was intended to be simultaneous with that on the other side, and it was nearly so.-Not withstanding the severe loss we have sustained in the Kentucky militia, the events of the day have been honorable to the American arms. The detachment under col. Miller suffered very little: and had the militia been contented with executing what they were ordered to do, every object which had been contemplated by General Harrison would have been accomplished.

General Harrison writes confidently of his ability to maintain his position. I hope in a very short time we shall be able to relieve him. Poor Kentucky! My heart bleeds for the loss of her gallant sons! She has bled freely, yet profusely, during this war.

 

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

The people of Annapolis

The people of Annapolis were, at the last dates, May 8, in great fear of an attack up on that city.

 

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

War in the Chesapeake

War in the Chesapeake.

PHILAD. MAY 8-It is stated the British have burnt Frederica and Georgetown, two villages in Kent country, Maryland.

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ANNAPOLIS, MAY 1-About 140 American prisoners have been sent on shore from the St. Domingo, 74. Since then, Admiral Warren has sailed up the bay with all his craft.
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BALTIMORE, MAY 4.-Yesterday Allen Donaldson and Philip Fletcher, both inhabitants of this city, were committed to prison on charges of Treason, in giving aid to the enemy.-Fletcher is a poof fisherman, who is charged with having supplied the enemy with water and information.
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Baltimore, May 6.-The alarm which yesterday summoned our citizens to arms, was in a short time discovered to have been groundless. From what source it originated, is not material; nor was it unfortunate that it was given.  It may have a tendency o render us more vigilant, and to accusation those on whom the city relies for defence to promptitude in turning out whenever occasion may demand.
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FROM  HAVRE-DE-GRACE, MAY 3-“Our village is no more, and I am ruined. The inhabitants fled at the approach of the sailors, and the women took shelter in the house of Mr. Mark Pringle; which a party was proceeding to destroy, when Mr. P. with a flag, met them, and they very readily desisted from its destruction.-

[The Aurora finds great fault with this partial forbearance. It also states that one of the houses destroyed belonged to Commodore Rodgers.]

 

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

Letter from Brigadier General Thomas Flournoy to His Excellency Governor

The following is a letter from Brigadier General Thomas Flournoy to His Excellency Governor Mitchell, dated,

“Creek Agency, April 15, 1813.

SIR-I find on my arrival at this place that many of the reports respecting Indian hostility are totally unfounded, and those founded in truth, much exaggerated.

“The chiefs of the tribes are in council, on the subject of the late outrages, and it is expected that the offenders will be brought to justice.
“Col. B. Hawkins is decidedly of opinion that there is no danger to be apprehended in passing on to Fort Stoddert, to which place I shall proceed in the morning. I have the honor to be your Excellency’s obedient servant.

THOMAS FLOURNOY.

 

“His Exc’y D.B. Mitchell.”

 

 

Published in the Raleigh Register and North-Carolina Gazette-May 7, 1813.

Lake Ontario

The flotilla upon Lake Ontario under the command of Com. Chauncey, has sailed with General Pike’s brigade on board. It is understood that the object of his expedition is the destruction of the enemy’s vessels at York; after which the troops will be landed at Newark for the purpose of co-operating with the central army in an attack upon fort George-important intelligence may be daily looked for from the frontier-and from the state of the preparations we anticipate a successful result of this operation.

Nat. Advocate.

 

Published in the Raleigh Register and North-Carolina Gazette-May 7, 1813.

Extract of a letter-dated Utica, April 15

Extract of a letter-dated

Utica, April 15.

“I have this day received a letter from Sacket’s Harbor, in which I am informed that the ICE is broke up in the lake, and that our fleets will be immediately out. The army is all in motion, making preparation to cross, and from what I can learn, you may rest assured the American standard will be planted in Canada before you receive this letter. Our troops are rapidly concentrating at the different places whence attacks are intended: they are in high spirits and give hopes of a successful campaign-Col. Seott is just now marching into this place, and Col. Dennis will be here to-morrow. There are many to her detachments on the road, which will join us in a few days. Here are 500 well mounted Light Dragoons.

[Utica is 84 miles this side of Sacket’s Harbor.]

Phil. Press.

 

Published in the Raleigh Register and North-Carolina Gazette-May 7, 1813.

 

Duty on American Cotton

Duty on American Cotton.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer in the House of Commons, March 31^st, in proposing what he called “some War Taxes,” said-“the only remaining duty be had to propose was one which depended on different principles of extensive policy; it was on the important of American cotton wool. Certainly the blockade extending from Rhode-Island must greatly prevent the supply of the raw material, so far as America was concerned. But he had reason to believe, that if encouragement were given to import from, other quarters, that deficiency might be made good. It was true, that uncertainty might attend the merchant in bringing goods from a very distant country; but not long ago, when an embargo was laid in America, and a consequent stoppage of trade took place, encouragement was given for the importation of East India cotton, which unfortunately came too late, as the American ports had been re-opened. There was a quantity of this wool (the Sea Island) from Georgia, particularly fine, and very important for superior articles; but in the Isle of Bourbon there was some equal to it; and as in the East Indies fine articles were produced, there might be an object in procuring a fixed supply of them from thence; coarser kinds were to be had in the Brazils and other places. He believed that the stock now on hand would be sufficient till the supplies should arrive. He might also indulge, perhaps, in the probability of an intercourse being re-established with America in sufficient time. He should propose an additional duty of three half pence per pound, which would not be prohibitory, though it might be protective; but if imported in neutral ships, he should propose to raise it to six pence per pound. Our consumption was about 80 millions pounds per annum, of which 30 millions came from America. The Brazils and the East and West Indies made up the rest; the total amount, however had frequently exceeded 120 millions. This might increase the price of the raw material; but in home consumption it would be but by a fraction. This duty, he thought, might produce about 250,000.”

 

Published in the Boston Weekly Messenger-May 7, 1813.

The Fisheries

The Fisheries.

The Courier, after some general remarks on the existing disputes between America and G. Britain, concludes thus:-“We know that Ministers have been inclined to exhibit a liberal and magnanimous policy towards the United States:-But after perusing such continued official malignity and insult-and such a tone of defiance; Ministers must think that whatever may be granted by magnanimity or policy to the authors of such calumnies, will be attributed to weakness and cowardice. This they must avoid. The best policy which can be adopted, is to insist on every tittle with is essential to the establishment of our maritime rights. We are confident, Ministers never will renounce the right of search, and impressment of Englishmen on board American vessels; -and as the war declared by America has abrogated all former treaties, there are points which again ought to be discussed; and one of the most essential is the right claimed, by the Americans, to sigh on the banks of Newfoundland.”

 

Published in the Boston Weekly Messenger-May 7, 1813.

Numerous captures by the British

Not a day passes but that we hear of numerous captures by the British. The Coasting trade is nearly annihilated. The whole shore from Main to Georgia is exposed to the inroads of the enemy, whenever and wherever they may be disposed to make the attempt. Our harbors without any thing like an adequate defence. Not one of our ships of war has been employed for the protection of the coasts and coasting trade. Had the President ordered a single sloop of war to cruise between C. Cod and Eastport, the numerous captures made by the Liv. Packet, Sir John Sherbroke, Retaliation &c. would have been prevented, property to an immense amount would have been kept from falling into the hands of the enemy.

In addition to this, the British are sending large reinforcement to the force already on the station. If the declaration of war was a matter of astonishment, the manner in which it has been carried on is much more astonishing and mysterious. Seamen as well as soldiers are constantly marching for the protection of the ‘Back Woods’ folk, whilst the seaports and nine tenths of the property on the seaboard is within the grasp of the enemy or exposed to attack. Still we are told that by invading the wilds of Canada our Commercial Rights are to be secured.

That those who hold offices and commissions and enjoy salaries, through favor of the Executive, should wish to preserve the source from whence they derive their bread and consequence, is not to be wondered at, but for him who expects to support himself and family by either Agricultural, Mechanical or Mercantile pursuits to advocate the policy which has thus far been persued is neither more or less than advocating his own ruin, poverty and distress, and unless peace shall soon take place, the situation of the people of this country will be wretched and disastrous indeed.

[Port. Gaz.

 

Published in the Boston Weekly Messenger-May 7, 1813.

Negociation for Peace

Negociation for Peace.

We think (says the Georgetown Federal Republican) there is no need of sending ministers all the way to Russia, when, as we have been just informed, the British Admiral in the Chesapeake possess full powers, and is willing to proceed to such a settlement as the British government will admit. This is known to ours, which cannot expect greater relaxation in the terms by going a greater distance to negociate.

Published in the Boston Weekly Messenger-May 7, 1813.