Search

Unhappy being away from home, "but afraid to return unless I can tell the Sec[retar]y of the Navy that the business he sent me upon, is freely and properly executed." Recent snowfall enables them to retrieve "guns and heavy articles" from Rhinebeck. Still awaiting orders from Commodore [Isaac] Chauncey (1772-1840), "about cordage to be made at Albany." "My wish- anxiety- desire- to see you is greater than I can tell you." Made the acquaintance of a Frenchman, De Launay, "a near connexion of the Gentleman of that name who was governor of the Bastile." Notes De Launay's dislike of the Bonaparte government and his emigration to America to escape it. "Buonaparte according to his opinion, draws near the close of his tyrannical career, and Europe to the end of her miseries." Will try to get more evidence concerning his title to his grandfather's property in Scotland.

Describes the burning of the city he was in; "I send you few Papers enclosed herewith which are all that I saved from the flames…I arrived at Buffaloe four daus before it was burnt with all my Papers Packed…"

Discusses movement of local militia, describes sickness in the community, prices for food; "our militia here have been called out this fall Destined for Sackets harbour & ware marched to Brown Ville ten miles this side the harbour…"

Original located in the Mathewson family papers.

Concerning the bounty of 21 prisoners captured and brought in by the vessel Fox, "as allowed by the act of the 2d of August last. It is considered that this bounty is not payable except upon prisoners as well captured, as brought in and delivered over, after the date of the act." Requests proof that the capture was made after August 2nd, and evidence of their being authorized to receive the money "in behalf of the owners, officers, and crew of the Fox when it will be paid."

Account regarding 3 muskets; accepted by Polk on October 26, 1816.

Proceedings of the Court Martial of Israel Elsworth for deserting the 2nd Regiment Leed’s Militia. Lists the members of the Court Martial. Includes Elsworth’s testimony describing his settlement in Canada, his draft into the militia, and efforts by Doctor Schofield to acquire his farm. Schofield stated he held a commission in the militia and had authority, that "the people of the States would overcome the British Government in Upper Canada," and thus Elsworth could return to the United States. Signed by Edward Walker and John Ferguson, Judge and President of the Court Martial. Approved and signed by Gordon Drummond.

Drawing rations; "Will you inform me whether General [Thomas] Cushing draws double rations for the command of the District, or the Commanding Officer of Fort Independence and wether he [signs] a Certificate on his subsistance Account to this effect." Burbeck certifies that he was the commanding officer at Independence and that the pay master has a certificate to that effect.

Refers to items for John Cannon for two sloops; enclosed are Cannon's receipt for "Sundry articles forwarded by his Waggons for the two sloops…The boxes & Barrels being Masked with their contints." He will write two captains designating what is intended for each.

Plan to attack Prescot and Kingston, encloses an order regarding a change of command, and congratulates Smith on his promotion. "You are to understand that all the movement in and from this quarter have been directed by the Secretary of War, at the very time I had nearly completed my arrangements to Storm Prescot and attack Kingston."