Collections : [University of Michigan William L. Clements Library]

American cargo ships have been captured by the British and condemned at Ceylon; "it has ever appeared to me that there is a want of attention in the government of the United States towards the Citizens who unfortunately are obliged to follow the seas…they are the only Class of Citizens who are any ways Exposed to personal Insults and it appears to me that they merit a greater share of Government Protection."

Regarding an incident on a schooner; he is not relying on information that he's heard concerning "the prisoners said to have been taken in the Schooners," and will wait on more authentic information. He also congratulates Bidwell, a U.S. Representative from Massachusetts, "on the improved state of the public affairs of Massachusetts."

"On the Advantages of a Navy." Provides an argument on the necessity of a standing army, including the need "to protect our trade as ourselves." A navy is most needed because "we are threatened with invasion and annihilation from a country who are far superior to us in number and a navy is the only means of protecting our coast from them. A commercial country cannot subsist without a navy..."

Concerning the situation with Britain, which "requires so vigilant and so close an attention…"

He communicates that a captain wants "his pilot…to Leave City Point with the Alfred…he shall want More Cash, & a Cable, which I shall have Made for him." He also mentions the impact of attack on the Chesapeake; it has "Left Business at a stand, Supplies to the British Ships are stopped, and we are now waiting to know what Steps will be taken by our Government, tho all is adgitation."

Fitting the garrison; "The present situation of affairs renders it highly necessary…to put your Garrison in the best posible state of defense…" Mentions outfitting carriages, rammers, and cannon. "And as your own reputation and that of the Regiment depends on your efforts, I feel partcularly satisfied that with the means you posess, that nothing will be wanting on your part to be prepared whenever the crisis of defending the American Flagg shall arrive."

Ready for service if the country goes to war; "I feel very anxious for the arrival of the Revenge, in order for the Government to ascertain wither Peace or War is to be the fate of our Country…in the event of the latter I trust they [his services] would be found usefull to our Country & honourable to myself." Discussing issues concerning pay.

Letter to his father regarding hardships caused by the embargo; "our national prospects are daily becoming more and more gloomy…mercantile business more and more declining." He fears the consequences of war with England; "a war with england is as confidently apprehended as ever peace was desired--and that England will not permit us to trade with either of the other European Countries is not pretended to be doubted." Discusses matters relating to his father's western lands.

Hardships caused by the embargo; he has heard that the embrago may not be taken off "in this city…less than one or two years." The American government will have it so that the "the people of this Country shall suffer all the disadvantages of War & not reap...the advantages of peace." Mentions the specifics of a duel, and feels that it is advantageous to settle in the Ohio country.

Regarding a violation of embargo in Vermont; "you will perceive that a violation of the Embargo laws, is contemplated on the borders of the lake, within the State of Vermont...I am directed by the President of the United States...to request that you will afford such further assistance by the Militia...for suppressing any unlawful combination with an intention, of violating the laws of the United States, by opposing those laying an Embargo, passed in the present of Congress."

Discusses Madison’s election and relations with Britain; "I preceive there will be no other Alternative but War, or a continuance of the Embargo, with such additional provisions for a strict & ridged execution of it…the honor and character of the Nation must forbid any relaxations in our measures until the European Nations shall be disposed to respect our sacred rights."

Regarding the benefits of employing seamen during embargo; "It is intimated to me that there is a probability of the Embargo's being continued. If that should be the case is it not desirable that the seamen...should be engaged in the Service." Speaks on the benefits of employing these men, including the fact that they will not be idle, which contributes to riots in seaport towns. The "Govr. continues & is able to do business.--it is said he will hold out & die with honor" [referring to James Sullivan, who would die on December 10, 1808].

Regarding the political situation and the lack of an American Navy; "I believe Mr. Madison is at present convinced that if he plunges America into a War with England, it will involve the Country in such a scene of espence and misery, or will injure eventually his popularity, and make his administration painful in the extreme." He states that a war with France might be preferable because New England is hostile to Madison "and who have no objection to a War with France."

Some are looking to war; he encloses a report from Mr. [Albert] Gallatin, "I think his views against to War…"

Regarding naval matters; appointment to second Lieutenant and reassignment to a new ship. Captain [Isaac] Hull has taken command of the Chesapeake. Bainbridge sends a message to Biddle's father.

Letter from son serving on a ship; "I have not heard a word from Elkton [Maryland] since my departure." Gives a description of the houses and buildings around New Orleans; "they remind me of old castles I have read of in novels." Mentions the commercial importance of the city.

Letter from son serving on a ship, mentions the embargo; "the news of the removal of the Embargo hindered it from being a proftable one…the situation of many Americans as well as Spaniards & French in the Floridas was truly wretched." Discusses matters relating to the United States' differences with Great Britain and issues regarding search and imprisonment.

Proceedings and condemnation of ship Aristides (in French).

Document sworn before William Jarvis, American Consul to Lisbon, testifying to William Dolliver being an American citizen.

Regarding impressment of four men; "The Men names in the Margin, claimed by Americans by Mr Green, Deputy Consul of the United States of America, are now on board His Majesty's Ship under my Command." One of the men was "impressed from a Portuguese Merchant Ship, not being on her Muster Rolls; the two latter were sent on board...from His Majesty's Ship...and have American Protections."

Regarding the Little Belt Affair, including eyewitness accounts of the skirmish between an American frigate and British sloop off the coast of North Carolina (with a six-page contemporary folio copy).

Muster Roll of Capt. George Nelson's company in the United States Sixth Infantry Regiment.

Regarding the Little Belt Incident; "You have probably seen Capt. Hinghams Letters giving account of the affair of the Little Belt which is totally different from that of Comod. Rogers. It is anxiously believed here that the affair will result in War."

Regarding difficulty of getting promotion in the army; "The Doctors letter I enclosed…with Such remarks as were I deemed proper & I trust according with his wished to procure promotion in the present army." He senses "much difficulty as every one seems jealous of his own particular rights." He mentions that Congress is talking about raising 25,000 additional troops.

Regarding tensions between U.S. and Britain and anticipating the U.S. declaration of war. Discuses matters pertaining to cotton, turpentine, wheat, flour, and other crops. Includes a table with information pertaining to the stock and prices of American, Russian, and West Indian produce.

Regarding the sentiment in Congress for war against Britain; "The Great Question now before us is the War with G. Britain. If we could draw any Safe Conclusions from the noisy, blurbering Speeches of our Kentucky & Tenesee Brethren…we might as well Say that war...[might] be the result." [presumably referencing War Hawks like Henry Clay and Felix Grundy.] He also mentions those opposed to a potential war on the facts that it would take too many men and too much money.

Referring to a November agreement with Henry Poor for Poor to take the Schooner Anson to Eastport to retrieve a load of wood then split the customary freights evenly with Coffin. Copy of the agreement with Poor is included. Poor had been seized in Portland for carrying English goods and for having sailed on the English side, both actions had been forbidden by Coffin prior to the voyage. “For his base villany [sic.] in proceeding contrary to promise he deserves the pillory – if he has any property of any am’t that you can obtain, I wish you to get it from him towards indemnifying me.”

News from America makes him suspect hostilities; "The information received from America gives reason to expect measures of hostility towards this country - altho it is not here believed that any such measures will be adopted…we are considered incapable of making any very formidable effort..." He makes brief reference to circumstances surrounding the British Regency; "The famous epoch of the cessation of the restrictions on the Regent [George IV] has passed..."

Expresses the inability to having a philosophicae apparatus shipped from America because of embargo; he had requested of [Isaac] Hull's officers that sent boxes to the United States aboard the USS Constitution, which Hull refused because it was merchandize. He has made further arrangements regarding his items.

Building up of Army, including matters pertaining to stores and barracks. "The whole labour of this Department is still incumbent on the Secretary of War…Congress have passed an act authorising two additional Secretaries, assistant I should have said: and I will thank you to name two or three in whom you should have confidence."

Regarding the amount of arms ready for service; "at this store there is only 379 stand of French arms…that is fit for service and they have been used formerly Should you think of calling for them, it will be necessary that you obtain an order for that purpose from the secretary of war to inable me to deliver them..."

Receipt from U.S. government of $30 payment for "one Pack Horse for Ohio Volunteers under command of Brigr. Genl. Wm Hull…Recd. of James Taylor," a United States agent.

Appointment of general Indian Council at Brownstown, expects Tecumseh and other chiefs to attend; "By a Letter from General Hull it appears that he has appointed a general Indian Council at Brownstown at which he expects Tecumseh & the other chiefs from the Wabash & the Delawares...The council to be held in 40 Days from June 9th the date of the Letter."

Thanking the merchants of the British Factory at Lisbon for an address given to him when he left. He references his retirement as Lord High Admiral of the Portuguese Navy and public life; "my regret...of departing from this Station, is considerably lessened by a knowledge of the Character of my successor, being confident you will find in his measures an Equal attention to the public Interests...I beg leave to acknowledge my Thanks for the honor, you have conferr'd upon me."

Description of uniforms for Connecticut Militia.

Request for pack horses to be transported to John H. Piatt. At the bottom Piatt writes that he "Received of James Taylor…forty pack Horses Detroit July 10th 1812 Seventy bags. thirty five pack Saddles…"

Circular that all American ships are to be detained; "I transmit to you...a Copy of an Order of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent…directing that all Ships and Vessels belonging to the United States of America...within or which may hereafter arrive within the limits of any of the Ports, Harbours or Roads of any of His Majesty's Forts or Settlements abroad, should be detained...with all Persons and Effects on board the said Ships and Vessels."

Protest against Britain’s retention of private property taken at the surrender of Detroit, with list of property in question. Includes protests by James Taylor and James Findley.

“Extract of a letter from the Secretary of War to General Harrison.” “The governors of Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, Illinois & Indiana will be directed to furnish volunteers & militia.” “Whatever was done by the subsequent acting governor of Indiana under the authority or with the approbation of general Harrison relative to militia or volunteers would properly come within the authority above given to the general.”

Certified account of Peter Buell Porter, Quartermaster General of New York State, with Henry Taft for $6. The receipt is signed by Taft.

Forwarding him a commission; "I seize this opportunity of forwarding to you a Commission which I received June the 30th 1812."

Discusses an appointment and mentions that "disaster at Detroit." This compels him to write about the "the marshal character which must be removed."

Report on Hull's surrender at Detroit and a map of Detroit

Discusses trade conditions in war time and various voyages to Boston and Lisbon. "The War measures of our Government have almost put a stop to business in this part of the country, it is almost impossible to collect debts or do any business to advantage…it will wax worse instead of better..."

Discusses the return of Captain Pickney from Montreal; "at Montreal he was allowed to pass freely about…Capt McClary accompanied him from Burlington to Montreal." Mentions Governor-General Prevost, Detroit, "and the prospect of hostilities being commenced on the frontier."

Governor Meigs directs rations to be issued to families who fled River Raisin; "You will see that Rations are issued to Andrew Race's family & the other families in Lick have fled from River Raisin…"

Discusses the movements of General Harrison and stationing of troops; "Gen: Harrison is gone to Fort Wayne with 3,000 Troops chiefly Kentuckians--2,000 Kentuckians are near Dayton-I have here 1,000 Men…waiting for Instructions from the Sec at War." He mentions Col. Enos's possible command on the frontiers.

Pertaining to goods seized by the government under the Non Importation Acts. All goods that had been imported from Britain subsequent to the revocation of the Orders in Council can not be seized and must be returned; "all goods, imported in any vessel, sailing from England, subsequent to the alledged revocation of the Orders in Council...shall be restored to the respective claimants, upon Bond, in the manner prescribed, by law for cases of forfeiture under the Revenue system."

Report on Hull's surrender at Detroit.

Receipts for horses purchased from J. Witmore & Company.

Embarking on commercial voyage despite risks of war time; he is bound for Spain. Discusses commercial matters and real estate prospects.

Orders to march to Northwest Army; "It is the direction of the Secy of war, that you march your company to the northwestern Army. You will accordingly proceed with all convenient dispatch- and on your arrival report yourself to the Officer commanding that army."

Describes living conditions in camp; "I am in Good Health our Regiment remain in Good Health not one yet So Sick as to go to the hospital…" Comments on life as paymaster and the routine of closing down camp at night.

"To all Commanders of His Majesty’s Ships of War and Privateers." Granting Hopkins, Gray, & Glover a license for their unarmed vessel to bring imported American grain to Cadiz. License issued according to the 1808 "Act to permit Goods secured in Warehouses in the Port of London to be removed to the Out Ports for Exportation to any Part of Europe…" Notes restrictions on French vessels and subjects. Ensures American cargoes and vessels will not be molested "on Account of any Hostilities that may exist between His Majesty and the said United States of America." No. 63 from Eyre and Strahan, His Majesty’s Printers.

Refers to Hull’s surrender; "Hull's disgrace…fills the minds of people with sensations not easily described--the feds endeavour to excuse him…you mention your going to Montreal…God grant in going there you may go as conquerors not as conquered."

In code [directs Joel Barlow, an American agent abroad, to assist Henry Wilson. Wilson will secretly export arms to the United States from Ostend in Belgium].

Offer of reward for information on the person who tried to destroy his gunpowder mills; "Several attempt have been made…this month to destroy my gunpowder mills near this…There being the stronges reason for believing that the agents in this affair- may be induced by prospects of reward- I do hereby bind myself to pay...fifteen hundred dollars, for such disclosures."

Josiah Paine’s bill for payment due him by the U.S. government; "Mr. Payne of Portland was employed, at my request, to send an express to Passamaquoddy:--which service was performed with great dispatch.--His demand is 250…the charge is high - but it must be paid. - you will therefore please to discharge the demand."

Acknowledging advice; he encloses an earlier letter and an order to a major in the militia, "copies of which have been forwarded to the War Department."

Has volunteered in Captain Harper's Company of Infantry. Mentions the election between Adamson Tannehill (1750-1820) and Captain Foster for General, bemoaning Tannehill's victory "…it is to be lamented that polliticks prevaild again[s]t Millatiry abillities." Uncertain if they will be sent to Buffalo or Cleveland. Notes his cousin William Irwin serving as a surgeon's mate. Acknowledges Samuel Williams's account of the "Escape of Captain Crush's Company." Discusses hard marches, daily camp life, and a violent attack against one of their camp sentries. See also John Widney ALS to Samuel Williams, May 13, 1813. [Original in Map Division, Small Maps 1813] .

Misses wife and family, refers to the potential American assault on Canada; "the contry is full of troops marching on the toe lines from all quarters it seems to be the opinion here that there will bee at least seventy thousands that will make an attack upon the Canadas within twenty days…"

Receipt for $52 received from James Taylor, Quarter Master General, for amount owed to Diament Whitaker for the use of his corn field by "the Ohio Troops on their march Northward." Signed by R[eturn] J[onathan] Meigs (1764-1825), granting the Quarter Master General permission to pay the debt.

Copy of an appointment of James Bradshaw to Forage Master; "He will proceed on the purchase forage for the regt. and will receive information of the route from Col. Campbell…"

Deposition regarding the capture of an American vessel, Abigail; "the sloop, having English Colours flying at the time, The Captain informed me he had a Protection against Capture by English Cruizers and Shew me a Licence from the British Government…" The crew believed that its load was English property and would be condemned if it entered the United States.

Description of a battle between his regiment and British troops. Also describes confusion after the battle; "the british want a sesation of arms and they are not willing to give up our oficers unless our regiment may be dischargd…"

Porter will be given medical supplies for the sick and wounded in hospitals at Lewiston and Black-Rock, obtain receipts from the surgeons for the supplies, and deliver the receipts back to Col. Livingston. Tompkins then dismisses him as Quartermaster General [of the New York State Militia].

Upset by delays in the mail which have caused her letters to not reach Abraham before he marched for Plattsburg. Recently moved to Cambridge. Will not lie and say she is happy, but refuses to "tell you how miserable I am at intervals least it should clogg your military ardor." Hopeful for a cessation of hostilities, at least for the winter. "It seems as if heaven had really frowned upon our ill-fated country ever since the Declaration of this ill-managed war." Family news, everyone anxious about him. Addressed to Major Abraham Eustis, Plattsburg. See also D. S. Townsend ALS to Abr[aha]m Eustis, August 29, 1820, located in the Michigan Collection.

Congratulates Butler on his appointment as deputy quartermaster general and mentions supplies forwarded for the troops at Vincennes; "You have been pleased to advise me to procure and forward supplies of Provisions for the Troops at Vincennes," including flour, whiskey, soap, and candles.

Harries the American Navy and expresses the need to humble the Americans; "The capture of poor Guerriere, tho by a very superior force will make the Yankees so insolent that perhaps they may force their ships to risque a battle - & they must be severely humbled before we can hope to make any peace with them, for their ignorance, conceit & rancour are at present beyond all bounds..."

Letter stressing the importance of obtaining supplies; "The necessity for accumulating supplies for the army at Fort Winchester increases…redouble your exertions to send on provisions - Salt - is indispensible to save our Beef that is falling every day - Liquor we have none of, on hand."

Regarding a paroled prisoner; "As I have found it impractiable to procure an experienced pilot at this place, to accompany a Public Boat to Cincinnati…I have availed myself of Lieutenant Darrah's offers of service on the occasion - and as he is a prisoner on parole, I have engaged, that he...be furnished with a public Horse to enable him to return over land."

Headlined "Thoughts on the President's Message Nov. 5th 1812." He lists 18 points, which includes criticism of Madison’s speech and comments on Hull’s failed invasion of Canada; "If J. Madison is reelected to select the members of the Military Tribunal, as the Prophet said to King Hezekiah, Gen'l Hull may set his house in order." Mentions matters pertaining to trade and politics.

Discusses the movement of regiments, specifically a Rifle Regiment and the 7th Regiment of Light Dragoons; includes another ALS, also from November 28, from Pickney to Smith on the subject.

Regarding the movement of troops and supplies.

Request for horses to transport medical supplies, "not exceeding six with pack saddles, and lash ropes."

Certificate of damage to Thomas Hustler’s house through its use as a military hospital; "his dwelling house in Lewiston having been taken and kept as an hospital by the troops in the service of the United States." Appraisers have been appointed to reach a dollar amount, which assessed the damages to $300. Includes Hustler's endorsement from March 31, [1813].

Winter quarters; "We have abandoned all design of active operations for this season on this part of the line." They have been allowed to return to Baltimore for the winter and praises the conduct of the young soldiers.

Encourages him to buy spare tonnage; "It is absolutely necessary that some person should purchase…Forage at Dayton…It is my wish you should Continue in the business." Requests money from Col. Patterson; "our boats have been frozen up & the troops in advancing are suffering..."

Regarding the defense of Sackett’s Harbor, [New York]; mentioning American vessels built on Lake Ontario, "there is danger 'lest the enemy should…destroy them. This would be truly calamitous. I hope you have taken measures for their safety…"

Order to furnish the sick; "The Quarter Master at Dayton or his agent will furnish every thing necessary for the medical department so that the situation of those who have suffered in defence of our Country's rights and honour may be rendered as Comfortable as possible, for which the surgeons attending will make return."

Six receipts for such supplies as corn, flour, and the feeding of public horses.

Measure, including 92 signatures, supporting active defense of the U.S. in the War of 1812; "we do hereby severally engage to consider ourselves, from this time, as ENROLLED AMONG THE DEFENDERS OF THIS COUNTRY, and that we will… hold ourselves in constant readiness to appear in the Field...when the call of our Government shall require our services."

Receipts.

Abstracts of purchases for the army.

Proposed rules and regulations for the formation of a Volunteer Company of Musketry; "As soon as thirty or more men of the town of Fairfield shall have subscribed to this paper, on notice being given They shall assemble at some convenient place for the purpose of organising a volunteer comp. to serve during the war..."

Inventory of articles belonging to a deceased ensign, his brother Joseph Harrison.

Money owed for beaver killed by General Tupper; "four Beever killed & made use of by General Tuppers detachments of Ohio Militia & estimated to weigh 1200 pounds by General Tupper..$48.00." Signed by William Henry Harrison.

Concerning the need to rebuild a lighthouse; "I have the honor to enclose the copy of a letter just received from the Collector of Wilmington N.Ca. under the circumstances stated by him; no other remedy appears efficient than the rebuilding of the light house in a safer place; and this cannot be done without a legislative sanction."

Appointment to Lieutenant of the Torrington Company of Volunteers.

Events in Canada since start of war; his experiences in camp has led him to "a full knowledge of the Conduct, of the great men of our Nations; or in other words the Men in Power; and suffer me to tell you that in my opinion they are leading us all to ruin." He mentions Hull's defeat and the "attempt of Smith to invade Canada; all fruitless..."

Letter and warrant for Captain Lewis, a Shawnee Chief; "you have taken a retain a horse belonging to Capt Lewis. The horse was delivered to Lewis by order of Gen Harrison... as will appear by a certificate Lewis now holds." Includes a receipt for a horse pressed into public service dated May 3, 1813 for $60.

Order regarding payment of troops; "The paymaster is required to cause to be advanced to the officers non-commisioned officers and privates of two Regiments of militia, which have been called into service by Gov. Meigs in the State of Ohiol Two months pay and amoluments."

License for safe passage for any unarmed American ship from New London (Conn.) to Fort Royal. Signed by Wale, the British Governor of Martinique. Tonnage endorsed on page two, for the Brig Godfry & Mary, New London, May 17, 1813.

Regarding payment for provisions and "the payment of the officers and men on this station."

Regarding the Lake Erie Tax for 1812; "A Tax Bill for the Proprieters in the 1st. Section in the Town of Groton in the County of huron, in the State of Ohio, in that part called firelands, and was Levyed by the Legislator…in, and for, the year 1812, which Tax is $28..78.- and each proprietors is as followeth."

Clopton, a U.S. Representative from Virginia, nominates George Kennon to be navy surgeon; "I have been requested to nominate Doctor George T. Kennon for the appointment of a surgeon in the navy. Though not personally acquainted with Doctor Kennon, such recommendations of him has been communicated to me that, I cannot hesitate in nominating him to you."

Regarding the non-importation act; "Nothing could justify the measure but the conviction that it is or soon will be a mere nominal Act defeated by evasion and smuggling…"

Certificate of resignation as an ensign in the Massachusetts militia; he is honorably discharged.