GENEAL-OGY COLLECTION
c
I
COLLECTIONS
OF THE
Connecticut Historical Society
VOLUME XXIX
HARTFORD
PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY
I
1128518
OFFICERS Elected May 21, 1957
President: Newton C. Brainard, Hartford.
Vice-President: Charles S. Bissell, Suffield.
Recording Secretary: Frances A. Hoxie, Manchester. Corresponding Secretary: Florence S. Marcy Crofut, Hartford. Treasurer: Allerton C. Hickmott, West Hartford.
Standing Committee: John M. K. Davis, Avon; Ward S. Jacobs, Hartford ; Dr. H. Gildersleeve Jarvis, West Hartford ; Flor- ence S. Marcy Crofut, Hartford; Robert Ewing, West Hartford; Philip H. Hammerslough, West Hartford; Ran- dolph T. Nielsen, Wethersfield; Dr. Ernest Caulfield, West Hartford; Houghton Bulkeley, Hartford. Membership Committee: Maxwell L. Brainard, West Hartford; Mrs. Ferrari P. Ward, West Hartford; Joseph Simons, West Hartford ; Robert Ewing, West Hartford ; Ellsworth Grant, West Hartford; Richard C. Lincoln, Jr., Hartford; Mrs. Allyn Seymour, Bloomfield; Mrs. Harry L. Hart- man, Wethersfield ; Shepherd M. Holcombe, West Hartford. Library Committee: John M. K. Davis, Avon; James Brewster, Washington; Dr. Ernest Caulfield, West Hartford. Publication Committee: Albert E. Van Dusen, Ph.D., Storrs; D. G. Brinton Thompson, Ph.D., West Hartford; Melancthon W. Jacobus, Hartford.
Program Committee: Donald B. Engley, Hartford; Mrs. John T.
Roberts, Hartford ; Benjamin F. Hubbell, Hartford. Auditing Committee: Harold G. Holcombe, West Hartford; Sam- uel P. Williams, Hartford.
Acquisitions Committee: Newton C. Brainard, Hartford; Charles S. Bissell, Suffield; Philip H. Hammerslough, West Hart- ford.
Endowment Committee: Newton C. Brainard, Hartford; Edgar F. Waterman, Hartford ; Maynard T. Hazen, Hartford ; Wil- liam H. Putnam, Hartford; Barclay Robinson, Avon; Spencer Gross, Hartford.
Finance Committee: Morgan B. Brainard, Hartford; William H. Putnam, Hartford; Houghton Bulkeley, Hartford.
STAFF
Thompson R. Harlow, Director; William L. Warren, Assistant Director; Frances A. Hoxie, Assistant to the Librarian; Phyllis Kihn, Editor; Jessie A. Parsons, Cataloguer; Mar- jorie F. Waterman, Chiej of Reading Room; Charles B. Russell, Guide; James Tomasiello, Superintendent.
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V
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JOHN COTTON SMITH PAPERS
Papers of John Cotton Smith while Lieutenant Governor, Acting Governor and Governor of the State of Connecticut
VOLUME V
February 4, 1815 — ^June 8, 1816
HARTFORD
THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY 1957
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016
https://archive.org/details/connecticuthisto29conn
CONTENTS
Page
Elisha Edgerton and Elisha Stearns to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 4,
1815 1
John Cotton Smith to Samuel W. Dana, Feb. 4, 1815 .... 1
John Cotton Smith to Calvin Goddard and Nathaniel Terry, Feb.
4, 1815 2
General Orders, Feb. 6, 1815 4
Horace Beach to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 6, 1815 5
Chauncey Whittelsey to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 8, 1815 ... 8
Ebenezer Huntington to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 7, 1815 ... 10
Chauncey Goodrich to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 9, 1815 ... 11
John Cotton Smith to Hezekiah Goddard, Feb. 11, 1815 ... 11
John Cotton Smith to Benjamin Doud, Feb. 11, 1815 .... 12
David Daggett to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 11, 1815 .... 13
Amaziah Bray to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 13, 1815 . . . . 13
Recommendation of Thomas Belden, Feb. 13, 1815 14
Monthly Return of a Corp of Infantry, Feb. 14, 1815 .... 14
Enoch Foote to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 18, 1815 15
John Cotton Smith to Hezekiah Goddard, Feb. 21, 1815 .... 16
Minutes of the Council of Safety, Feb. 3, 1815 17
General Orders, Feb. 22, 1815 17
John Cotton Smith to Hezekiah Goddard, Feb. 23, 1815 ... 18
Calvin Goddard and Nathaniel Terry to John Cotton Smith, Feb.
25, 1815 19
John Cotton Smith to Calvin Barber, March 7, 1815 .... 21
John Cotton Smith to Enoch Foote, March 4, 1815 .... 21
From Officers in the 18th Regiment to John Cotton Smith, March
6, 1815 22
Moses Hayden to John Cotton Smith, March 7, 1815 .... 24
Petition from Officers of Militia 25
Horace Beach to John Cotton Smith, March 10, 1815 .... 26
Joel Mattoon to John Cotton Smith, March 14, 1815 .... 26
George W. Jewett to John Cotton Smith, March 15, 1815 . . . 27
Seth P. Staples to John Cotton Smith, March 17, 1815 .... 28
John Cotton Smith to Jared Mills, Jr., March 18, 1815 .... 29
John Cotton Smith to Samuel H. Stone, March 18, 1815 ... 30
John Cotton Smith to George W. Jewett, March 25, 1815 ... 31
General Orders, March 28, 1816 32
John Cotton Smith to Moses Hayden, March 25, 1815 .... 33
William Sherman, Jr. to John Cotton Smith, March 30, 1815 . . 34
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CONTENTS
Page
James Peck to John Cotton Smith, April 4, 1815 35
Luther Peck to John Cotton Smith, April 6, 1815 36
Petition from Second Company of State Artillery, April 12, 1815 37
John Cotton Smith to James Peck, April 14, 1815 38
Amaziah Bray to John Cotton Smith, April 15, 1815 .... 39
Linus Parmelee, Jr. to John Cotton Smith, April 17, 1815 ... 40
John Cotton Smith to Linus Parmelee, Jr., April 22, 1815 ... 41
Andrew Kingsbury to John Cotton Smith, April 24, 1815 . . . 41
Timothy Mitchell to John Cotton Smith, May 4, 1815 .... 42
Daniel B. Brinsmade to John Cotton Smith, May 8, 1815 ... 43
Thomas Hubbard to John Cotton Smith, May 9, 1815 . . . . 43
Garrit Smith to John Cotton Smith, May 8, 1815 44
Petition from Killingworth, May 10, 1815 45
John Cotton Smith to Garrit Smith, May 13, 1815 47
General Orders, May 13, 1815 48
Luther Bradley to John Cotton Smith, May 14, 1815 .... 48
Petition of Third and Ninth Companies, May 15, 1815 .... 49
William C. Bull to John Cotton Smith, May 15, 1815 .... 51
Isaac Perkins to John Cotton Smith, May 17, 1815 ..... 51
John Cotton Smith to Luther Bradley, May 15, 1815 .... 52
John Cotton Smith to Luther Bradley 53
General Orders, May 15, 1815 . 53
Petition from Hebron, May 20, 1815 54
Petition from North Milford, May 20, 1815 55
Paymaster’s Account, May 20, 1815 57
Amaziah Bray to John Cotton Smith, May 22, 1815 59
Petition from Haddam, May 22, 1815 60
Remonstrance from Capt. D. T. Carver and others. May 22, 1815 . 62
John Cotton Smith to John Brainerd, 2nd, May 24, 1815 . . . 62
General Orders, May 24, 1815 64
General Orders, May 24, 1815 64
Jonathan H. Sparhawk to John Cotton Smith, May 27, 1815 . . 66
Garrit Smith to John Cotton Smith, May 27, 1815 ..... 66
John Cotton Smith to Amaziah Bray, May 31, 1815 . . . . 67
John Cotton Smith to John Brainerd, May 31, 1815 68
John Cotton Smith to Amaziah Bray, May 31, 1815 .... 68
Calvin Goddard to John Cotton Smith, June 1, 1815 69
General Orders, June 3, 1815 70
John Cotton Smith to Ebenezer Huntington, June 12, 1815 ... 72
General Orders, June 5, 1815 73
General Orders, June 14, 1815 74
Thomas Hubbard to John Cotton Smith, June 16, 1815 .... 75
General Orders, June 21, 1815 75
Hezekiah Goddard to John Cotton Smith, June 23, 1815 ... 76
John Cotton Smith to Thomas Hubbard, June 23, 1815 . . . . 77
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CONTENTS
Page
Ebenezer Huntington to John Cotton Smith, June 24, 1815 ... 77
Samuel Bushnell, 2nd to John Cotton Smith, June 30, 1815 ... 78
George W. Jewett to John Cotton Smith, July 1, 1815 .... 79
Matthew T. Russell to John Cotton Smith, July 12, 1815 ... 80
Laws of the United States, July 13, 1815 81
John G. Munn to John Cotton Smith, July 15, 1815 81
Discharges from the Military Corps, July 21, 1815 83
John Cotton Smith to Elisha Colt, July 21, 1815 83
John Cotton Smith to Matthew T. Russell, July 22, 1815 ... 84
John Cotton Smith to Ebenezer Huntington, July 22, 1815 ... 85
John Cotton Smith to John G. Munn, July 28, 1815 .... 86
Arnold P. Humphreys to John Cotton Smith, July 28, 1815 ... 86
E. Boardman to John Cotton Smith, July 30, 1815 87
David Gelston to John Cotton Smith, Aug. 3, 1815 89
John Cotton Smith to David Gelston, Aug. 11, 1815 89
John Cotton Smith to Arnold P. Humphreys, Aug. 8, 1815 ... 90
Thomas Day to John Cotton Smith, Aug. 16, 1815 90
Thomas Hubbard to John Cotton Smith, Aug. 21, 1815 ... 91
Elizur Goodrich to John Cotton Smith, Aug. 21, 1815 .... 92
Thomas Day to John Cotton Smith, Aug. 22, 1815 92
Joseph H. Riggs to Joseph Tomlinson, Aug. 22, 1815 .... 93
Christopher Minot to John Cotton Smith, Aug. 22, 1815 ... 94
David Butler to John Cotton Smith, Aug. 23, 1815 96
William Belcher to Jirah Isham, Aug. 26, 1815 98
John Cotton Smith to Thomas Hubbard^ Aug. 28, 1815 ... 98
John Cotton Smith to [Theodore] Dwight, Aug. 28, 1815 ... 99
Joseph Tomlinson to John Cotton Smith, Aug. 28, 1815 . . . 100
Report of the Quartermaster General, Sept. 1, 1815 .... 101
Jared Scarborough to John Cotton Smith, Sept. 1, 1815 . . . 110
Decius Humphreys to John Cotton Smith, Sept. 5, 1815 . . . 112
John Cotton Smith to David Jackson, Sept. 5, 1815 . . . . 113
Enclosure 113
List of Men Liable to do Duty 114
John Cotton Smith to David Jackson, Sept. 5, 1815 .... 115
John Cotton Smith to Sereno Pettibone, Sept. 8, 1815 .... 116
John Cotton Smith to Jared Scarborough, Sept. 8, 1815 . . . 116
Petition from Middletown, Sept. 22, ,1815 117
An Account with the United States 119
Bill Regarding Fishnets in Litchfield Ponds, Oct., 1815 .... 121
Thomas Day to John Cotton Smith, Oct. 13, 1815 122
Sampson Bennet to John Cotton Smith, Oct. 4, 1815 .... 123
Memorial and Petition from Inhabitants of Litchfield, Oct. 9, 1815 124
Petition for Discharge of Sergt. Isaac Stoddard, Oct. 10, 1815 . 126
David Hall to John Cotton Smith, Oct. 10, 1815 126
General Orders, October 13, 1815 127
IX
CONTENTS
Page
Nathan Williams to John Cotton Smith, Oct. 14, 1815 .... 127
E. Bronson to John Cotton Smith, Oct. 18, 1815 128
Joseph Tousey to John Cotton Smith, Oct. 28, 1815 .... 129
Stephen Shelton to John Cotton Smith, Oct. 28, 1815 .... 129
Abel Flint to John Cotton Smith, Oct. 30, 1815 130
Ralph Hall to John Cotton Smith, Oct. 30, 1815 131
John Lester to John Cotton Smith, Nov. 9, 1815 131
General Orders, Nov. 16, 1815 132
Circular, November 18, 1815 133
William Trowbridge to John Cotton Smith, Nov. 25, 1815 . . . 133
Abraham I. Chittenden to John Cotton Smith, Nov. 29, 1815 . . 134
John Cotton Smith to Ebenezer Huntington, Dec. 2, 1815 . . . 135
Recommendation from Nathaniel Smith and Noah B. Benedict, Dec.
4, 1815 136
Nathan Preston to John Cotton Smith, Dec. 4, 1815 . . . . 137
John Butler to John Cotton Smith, Dec. 6, 1815 137
John Cotton Smith to Abraham I. Chittenden, Dec. 6, 1815 . . 138
John Cotton Smith to John Butler, Dec. 8, 1815 139
David Deming to John Cotton Smith, Dec. 20, 1815 .... 140
Abstract of Returns of Infantry, Dec. 26, 1815 141
General Orders, Dec. 26, 1815 142
John Butler to John Cotton Smith, Dec. 26, 1815 144
John Cotton Smith to John Butler, Dec. 30, 1815 145
John Cotton Smith to Ebenezer Huntington, Jan. 4, 1816 . . . 145
Circular, 1816 146
John Cotton Smith to Amaziah Bray, Jan. 6, 1816 147
Ebenezer Huntington to John Cotton Smith, Jan. 10, 1816 . . . 148
Elisha Colt to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 10, 1816 149
Amaziah Bray to John Cotton Smith, Jan. 13, 1816 151
William Bull to John Cotton Smith, Jan. 15, 1816 152
Applicants for the Formation of a Rifle Corps, Jan. 16, 1816 . . 154
John Cotton Smith to William Bull, Jan. 24, 1816 155
Nathan Starr, Jr. to John Cotton Smith, Jan. 25, 1816 .... 156
John Cotton Smith to David Hawley, Jr., Jan. 27, 1816 .... 157
General Orders, Jan. 2, 1816 157
John Cotton Smith to Nathan Starr, Jr., Jan. 30, 1816 .... 158
John Cotton Smith to Elisha Colt, Jan. 31, 1816 158
Francis A. Perkins to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 1, 1816 .... 160
Orchard Gould to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 13, 1816 .... 161
Richard Hubbard to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 16, 1816 . . . . 162
Charles Robinson to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 16, 1816 .... 163
David Hawley, Jr. to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 17, 1816 . . . . 165
Chauncey Whittelsey to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 17, 1816 . . . 166
John Cotton Smith to George L. Perkins, Feb. 20, 1816 .... 167
John Cotton Smith to John Butler, Feb. 20, 1816 . . . . , . 168
X
I
CONTENTS
Page
General Orders, Feb. 20, 1816 169
Oliver Burr to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 23, 1816 170
John Butler to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 24, 1816 171
Jesse C. Hull to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 27, 1816 172
John Cotton Smith to Jesse C. Hull, March 9, 1816 .... 174
William Cotton to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 27, 1816 .... 174
William Trowbridge to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 29, 1816 . . . 175
George L. Perkins to John Cotton Smith, Feb. 29, 1816 .... 176
John Cotton Smith to Oliver Burr, March 1, 1816 177
Elisha Colt to John Cotton Smith, March 3, 1816 178
Hezekiah Goddard to Elisha Colt, Feb. 25, 1816 179
Chauncey Whittelsey to John Cotton Smith, March 5, 1816 . . 180
John Cotton Smith to Elisha Colt, March 5, 1816 183
Enos A. Prescott to John Cotton Smith, March 8, 1816 .... 184
Ebenezer Huntington to John Cotton Smith, March 8, 1816 . . 185
John Cotton Smith to David Deming, March 9, 1816 .... 185
George W. Jewett to John Cotton Smith, March 9, 1816 . . . 186
John Cotton Smith to George W. Jewett, March 23, 1816 . . . 186
John Cotton Smith to David Daggett, March 9, 1816 .... 187
John Cotton Smith to George Hoadly, March 9, 1816 .... 188
Ebenezer Huntington to John Cotton Smith, March 11, 1816 . . 189
David Deming to John Cotton Smith, March 13, 1816 .... 191
Application of Individuals in Saybrook, March 13, 1816 . . . 192
James Peck to John Cotton Smith, March 14, 1816 193
George Hoadly to John Cotton Smith, March 15, 1816 .... 194
William Humphreys to John Cotton Smith, March 20, 1816 . . 195
Ebenezer Huntington to John Cotton Smith, March 20, 1816 . . 197
John Cotton Smith to Chauncey Whittelsey, March 23, 1816 . . 198
John Cotton Smith to Ebenezer Huntington, March 23, 1816 . . 198
John Cotton Smith to James Peck, March 23, 1816 199
General Orders, March 23, 1816 200
John Cotton Smith to Abel Hall, March 23, 1816 201
John Cotton Smith to Enoch Foote, March 23, 1816 . . . . 202
General Orders, Alarch 25, 1816 202
Ebenezer Huntington to John Cotton Smith, March 25, 1816 . . 203
John Cotton Smith to John Butler, March 26, 1816 204
General Orders, March 26, 1816 206
Ebenezer Huntington to John Cotton Smith, March 27, 1816 . . 207
General Orders, March 27, 1816 209
Ezenezer Huntington to John Cotton Smith, March 28, 1816 . . 210
John Cotton Smith to Ebenezer Huntington, March 29, 1816 . . 210
[William Plumer] to John Cotton Smith, March 30, 1816 . . . 211
John Cotton Smith to George Hoadly, March 30, 1816 . . . . 211
Enoch Foote to John Cotton Smith, April 1, 1816 212
James Peck to John Cotton Smith, March 2 (April), 1816 . . 214
XI
CONTENTS
Page
William Williams, Jr. to John Cotton Smith, April 2, 1816 . . . 214
Chauncey Whittelsey to John Cotton Smith, April 4, 1816 . . . 215
Horatio G. Hale to John Cotton Smith, April 4, 1816 .... 217
William Williams, Jr., to John Cotton Smith, April 5, 1816 . . 217
General Orders, April 6, 1816 219
John Cotton Smith to [David Hawley, Jr.], April 6, 1816 . . . 219
Ebenezer Huntington to John Cotton Smith, April 8, 1816 . . . 220
Ebenezer Huntington to John Cotton Smith, April 10, 1816 . . 221
John Cotton Smith to William Humphreys, April 10, 1816 . . . 222
John Lester to John Cotton Smith, April 11, 1816 223
John Cotton Smith to George W. Jewett, April 13, 1816 . . . 223
John Cotton Smith to Horatio G. Hale, April 13, 1816 .... 224
John Cotton Smith to Samuel Waugh, April 13, 1816 .... 225
Robert Gates to John Cotton Smith, April 15, 1816 .... 226
John Cotton Smith to John Lester, April 17, 1816 226
George W. Jewett to John Cotton Smith, April 18, 1816 . . . 227
Horatio G. Hale to John Cotton Smith, April 24, 1816 .... 228
John Cotton Smith to Horatio G. Hale, April 27, 1816 .... 228
John Cotton Smith to Abel Hall, April 27, 1816 229
Ebenezer Huntington to John Cotton Smith, April 30, 1816 . . . 230
Horatio G. Hale to John Cotton Smith, May 1, 1816 .... 230
George Hoadly to John Cotton Smith, May 3, 1816 231
Chauncey Whittelsey to John Cotton Smith, May 8, 1816 . . . 232
David Deming to John Cotton Smith, May 10, 1816 .... 232
Jonathan Ingersoll to John Cotton Smith, May 11, 1816 . . . 233
John Cotton Smith to Enoch Foote, May 13, 1816 234
Enoch Foote to John Cotton Smith, May 15, 1816 235
George Hoadly to John Cotton Smith, May 16, 1816 .... 237
George W. Gordon to John Cotton Smith, May 16, 1816 . . . 238
Petition from Somers, May 18, 1816 239
Horatio G. Hale to John Cotton Smith, May 24, 1816 .... 240
Chauncey Whittelsey to John Cotton Smith, May 27, 1816 . . 241
General Orders, May 27, 1816 242
General Orders, May 27, 1816 242
Petition from 4th Company, May 27, 1816 244
Isaac D. Bull to John Cotton Smith, June 1, 1816 246
Instructions to Adjutant General Huntington, May 30, 1816 . . 247
John Cotton Smith to Chauncey Whittelsey, June 6, 1816 . . . 249
John Cotton Smith to Chauncey Whittelsey, June 8, 1816 . . . 250
xii
INTRODUCTION
This is the fifth volume of the Smith Papers and Volume 29 of the Collections of The Connecticut Historical Society. Its pub- lication is possible through the Public Act appropriating $1,000.00 annually to the Society for this purpose. Another, and the final volume, of this series will follow within two years.
Previous volumes of Collections may be purchased from The Connecticut Historical Society, 1 Elizabeth Street, Hartford 5, Connecticut, and a list of other available publications may be had upon application.
xiii
I
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
ELISHA EDGERTON AND ELISHA STEARNS TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:1]
Sir
We recommend Capt Bildad Curtis of Coventry to be ap- pointed a Captain in the troops to be raised by this State — Capt Curtis for several years commanded a Militia Company in Coventry with reputation to himself as an officer — and we have
no doubt that he would do honor to the Service Capt
Curtis is a man of regular & correct habits & principles We are Most respectfully Your Excellency’s Obed‘ Serv*^®
Elisha Edgerton Elisha Stearns
His Excellency
John Cotton Smith Esquire Hartford Feb. 4^*^ 1815
[Endorsed] Capt. Bildad Curtis Coventry — Captain —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO SAMUEL W. DANA [8:2]
State of Connecticut Hartford 4. February 1815 Sir
I have the honour to transmit to you for the use of yourself and colleague copy of a resolution passed by the General Assem- bly at their late session on the subject of forming an arrangement with the General Government relative to the defence of the State —
I can only add Sir the expression of my entire confidence that the Senators and representatives from this state in the congress of the United States will be heartily disposed to afford their assistance and cooperation in effecting the important ob- jects embraced by the resolution —
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COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
With the highest respect
I have the honour to be
^ Sir your ob^ & h“ Ser^
Hon. Dana —
The like to M'’ Davenport for the representatives — [Endorsed] To Senators & Representatives — 4 — Feb^ 1815
[on back leaf of 8:2]
D^ Sir
By direction of the General assembly I have the honour to transmit to you a copy of certain resolutions adopted at their late session and am D"" Sir with great respect and esteem your obedient & humble sv^
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO CALVIN GODDARD AND NATHANIEL TERRY
[8:3]
Hartford 4. Feb^ 1815 —
Gentlemen —
You will herewith receive the evidence of your appointment as commissioners to form an arrangement with the national government relative to the defence of the state, pursuant to a resolution of the General Assembly a copy of which is thereto annexed.
The views of the legislature are so fully expressed in their resolution that any additional instructions would seem to be unnecessary. I shall therefore confine myself to a very few observations —
The administration are apprized, and if necessary you will bring it to their recollection, that the Sufferings of this state from the war have been greatly augmented by the presence of the National Ships in our waters. The heavy expence we have incurred in protecting them furnishes such a claim upon the justice and honour of the nation as appears irresistible. I am not aware however that it is the intention of the Assembly, if the arrangement shall in other respects be satisfactory, to insist rigorously upon the immediate repayment of the sums we have advanced. That the debt which has accrued in the prosecution
2
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
of the war should be explicitly assumed by the General Gov- ernment is clearly indispensible ; and the proper officers are directed to forward to you its amount, so far as the same can at the present moment be ascertained —
The employment of the militia and the command of them when in Service will probably be brought into discussion. You will feel no hesitation, Gentlemen, in disclosing very frankly to the President the sentiments of both the People and Govern- ment of Connecticut upon that subject, and in stating distinctly the little prospect which now presents itself, that the right to controul our Militia, as claimed by the National Executive, will in any event be recognized.
It is desirable you should act in concert with the commis- sioners from the other states represented in the late convention as well as with the senators and representatives from this State now at Washington; and if to accomplish the purpose of your mission an application to Congress should become expedient, you will consider yourselves authorized to make to that body such a representation as the rights and dignity of the state shall require.
It is also advisable to keep a regular journal of your pro- ceedings/ and whenever it is found most convenient to hold a personal conference with the national agents on the points of adjustment, to reduce the substance of it speedily afterwards to writing, in order that you may be enabled to present a correct report of the course as well as issue of the negotiation — Information from time to time of your progress will be highly acceptable —
Wishing you a safe and prosperous journey I am with the greatest respect
Gentlemen, your obedient and humble servant
John Cotton Smith
The Honourable Calvin Goddard and Nathaniel Terry Esq'' —
[Endorsed] Instructions to the Hon. C. Goddard & N. Terry Esq'' Copy —
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COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
GENERAL ORDERS [8:4]
State of Connecticut February 6. 1815.
General Orders
A General court martial, of which Lieutenant Colonel Com- mandant Seth P. Staples is president, was held at New Haven on the 6*^ and 7*^ days of January last, by order of the Brigadier General of the second brigade, for the trial of Captain Caleb Thompson of the lO^’^ regiment of infantry charged with de- frauding his men in the payment of their wages and with un- officerlike conduct —
The Prisoner was heard at large in his defence and the court came to the following result — to wit — “The court after due consideration of the testimony find the prisoner Capt. Caleb Thompson Guilty of both the charges exhibited against him, and sentence him to be reprimanded in such manner as the Commander in chief may think proper to direct. The court hav- ing found Capt. Thompson guilty, feel however bound to say that from the evidence he appears to be a good officer, a man of good moral character and of unblemished reputation for integrity, and that he fell into the error he has committed in consequence of the solicitation of an officer high command and one to whom he had been accustomed to look not only for orders to govern his conduct as an officer, but to whom he had a right to look for an example of correct and honourable conduct as a man. The court therefore beg leave to recommend the said Capt Thompson to his Excellency the Commander in chief for a pardon and total remission of said punishment. But the court sensible of the strict integrity and nice honour which ought to characterize an officer, and feeling how injurious is the impu- tation of fraud to the honour of a soldier, have felt constrained after mature deliberation to pronounce the prisoner guilty.”
The Captain General, having examined and duly considered the whole record, has thought proper to approve of the proceed- ings of the court, and the same are hereby approved accordingly.
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PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
It is seen with equal surprize and concern that the trial of Captain Thompson has implicated the conduct of another officer who has lately held a distinguished command in the service of the state. The Captain General regrets that this offi- cer, by withdrawing himself from the jurisdiction of a military tribunal, has prevented a legal investigation of the facts, and has thus avoided the opportunity of evincing his innocence, if indeed he is innocent, of a charge which so deeply affects the character of a soldier and of a man of honour. In his Com- mander, the private soldier should ever find the faithful guardian of his rights; and surely if there is one crime which a high minded officer would more scrupulously avoid than another, it is that of withholding from the troops under his command, any part of the small compensation allowed them for hazarding their lives in defence of their country.
It is ordered that Captain Caleb Thompson be released from his arrest ; and that the General court Martial whereof Colonel Seth P. Staples is president be dissolved.
John Cotton Smith.
[Endorsed] General orders — Court Martial 2°*^ Brigade — Trial of Capt. Thompson — 10. Reg^ Infantry — Copy —
HORACE BEACH TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:5]
Fort Wooster 6*^ Feb^ 1815 Sir
Your Excellencys Gen^ Order of 22°^ Feb^ was recv^ by me on the after which I was in hourly expectation of receiving the pay for the troops under my command — On the 28^^ I reev‘d the following from the P. M. General
New London Feb^ 25*^ 1815 Sir
I reev^ orders from his Excellency that all the troops would be dismissed immeadetly which I suppose you have reev‘d the same I send you by Esq^ Cleveland the necessary blanks for your company which you will please have filled & signed by your souldiers, they must be duly mustered & you will have a
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COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
servant mustered for each of the Commissioned Officers I put on the recept Rolls, perhaps you can send them back to me by Esq'’ Cleveland who is attending the Circuit Court — or — if you have any friend who you can trust with the Money I will send the amount as soon as I receive the receipt Rolls & other papers Necessary you will please be carefull that their is no mistake in the muster-Rolls I shall want 3 sent me & 2 pay rolls for the United States & 2 receipt Rolls for the U. S. I would have sent you some Money but I have recv^ none from the Treasurer yet
Yours with respect LI Hez Goddard P M on the receipt of the above I wrote him the following
F Wooster — 28‘^ Feb^ 1815
Major H Goddard
Sir yours of the 25^*' was this day recv^ — According to the General order I dont see as I can consistently muster the Men under my command untill the day on which they are to be paid — That part of the order relative to their being dis- charged is this *‘They will accordingly on the receipt of this order and payment of their wages be considered as discharged'' — I will have the rolls filled and, and signed by the Men (leav- ing the date blank) so that I can complete them at a short Notice, when the pay is ready I wish you would attend to it as soon as possible as we are all verry anctious to be discharged Yours verry respectfully
Horace Beach Leu‘ Commanding
yesterday I received the following in answer to the above
New London March 2^ 1815
Sir
I have reev‘d yours of 28^^ FeF last — I was gone to Stoning- ton or it would have been answered sooner — I wish you to understand that I am not obliged to go to each detachment to pay the Officers and Souldiers I will pay when they present their receipt rolls, either by mail or otherwise as they shall direct
6
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
— I shall not consider myself at liberty to pay you and souldiers for any further time after a reasonable time for you to muster and make out your recept rolls after receiving them from me, which was sent you the moment that I had any orders — If you are obliged to Travel after your pay the Q. Master’s department is bound to pay you according to the rules of the U. S. regula- tions — I may leave this for Hartford on Tuesday morning next but I am not certain that I shall go I wish for your receipt rolls before that time you can send them by Monday mail Yours with respect _&C
Hez Goddard
In answer to this I wrote him as follows
Fort Wooster 5^^ March 1815 Sir
Yours of the 2^^ is recv^ — If you dont know that I am not bound to Travel after the Money to pay the Troops under my command. I Give you the information — Further I can inform you that I have no right to leave my post without orders, and that I have no inclination to do it. My Orders are explicit, to discharge the troops when paid. And I shall not do it before, unless I have orders to that effect —
You well know the consequence of discharging Troops with- out pay, and if they should have to wait your pleasure 10 or 20 days after the date of the Rolls and before paid, who is to pay and subsist them?
I shall write the Governor uppon the subject, and shall take orders from him
Yours
Horace Beach Leu* Commanding
I consider your Excellencys General Order verry explicit, as respects discharging the men before paid — And before I an- swered the first letter of the Pay Master-General I Consulted the Honb* E. Goodrich, Colo* Staples and a nuber[sic] of other Gentlemen whoom I supposed publically acquainted with the subject, and they all agreed with me on this, that I had no more right to discharge the Men under my command without their
7
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
pay, than I had without the Order If your Excellency will direct me what course to to take you will much oblige your humble and Obed‘ Servant Horace Beach Leu*^ Commanding
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq Sharon
[Endorsed] Lieut. Horace Beach Com*^ Fort Wooster — de pay of troops — 6. March 1815 rec^ 10^^ — D° — answ*^ D° — other papers enclosed
CHAUNCEY WHITTELSEY TO JOHN COTTON SMITH [8:6]
Middletown Feb^ 8^^ 1815 Sir
Soon after the present Congress commenced its session, I wrote to my friend M*" Dana, suggesting some notions respect- ing an arrangement which might be made with the General Government, for relieving this State of part of the burdens of war which pressed heavily — My suggestions related to two subjects chiefly — The employment of Troops by the State to be paid by the United States & the supplying this State with ordonance to be purchased from the United States. M^ Dana in answer remarked that he doubted whether he could with Propriety even attempt to jeel of of the Executive, without first knowing the wishes & views of your Excellency & as I did not think it worth while to trouble yr Excellency with the crude Notions of an inexperienced Individual, nothing further was said by either of us on the put Subject. I have however this day received a letter from M*" Dana enclosing a Copy of some questions put by him to the Ordonance Depart^ & also stating a fact & a half way opinion, which I presume y^ Excellency will not be displeased at seeing —
The fact & opinion are as follows —
“Contracts have been made for delivery of fresh Guns this
8
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
year — some are to be delivered on North River — I understand that a number of pieces with Carriages for field Service, prob- ably may be ready & would be loaned or perhaps sold (if de- sired) to Connecticut some time in June next”
Y"* Excellency will see by the annexed questions & answers that if those Guns can be had as suggested by Dana, they will come much sooner, than can be purchased elsewhere — & I think Yr Excellency would prefer having a part of the Debt due this State, paid in ordnance rather than United States Stock.
I am with great respect Yr Excellencys most Obed^ Servant
Ch : Whittelsey
His Excellency
John Cotton Smith Esq*"
Copy
Ordn® Dept — Wash° Jan^ 26. 1815 Sir
The assis*' Com^ Gen^ being in attendance with the board of Officers in military business, I am instructed by him to reply to the several questions which I had the honor to receive from you personally yesterday, as follows
QuesH 1 — What Calibers of Guns are preferred for field Service ? Ans^ — Light Six & twelve pounder Cannon & five & 8/10 inch (or 24 pounder) howitsers
Ques° What weight of Cannon is required for each pound of Shot ? Ans'' Eor the field 100 pounds ; — for battery 100„3„00 Ques" Can Iron Cannon either cast or wrought, be employed to advantage as field Artillery?
Ans’’ Good cast iron guns are preferable to brass Ques" What is the estimated expense for Iron cannon of either Caliber, with carriage & apparatus complete Ans'' The present & highest prices for Cannon are for 6 pnds — 70 Dls each 12 D° — $140 — D°
24 pd Howits 60 — D° — for Carriages as follows —
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COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
for 6 pnds $280 each 12D°$320 — “
24 D° Howits $320
I have the honor to be Sir yr mo Ob st Mo Morton Capt & I> Com^
Honb M^ Dana Senate US —
N B — The equipments are omitted as the prices depend on the places where they are made & of course varying — & are of in- considerable importance in any general calculation” — [Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq*" Sharon Connecticut Single
[Endorsed] Col. C. Whittelsey 8. Feb" — 1815 — rec" IT^ — de ordnance of U. States &c —
EBENEZER HUNTINGTON TO JOHN COTTON SMITH [8:7]
Norwich February 1815
My dear sir
Yesterday I had the honor to receive your Excellency’s favour
of the 3P‘ Jan" & in conformity to your wishes have
this day written to Asa Willey Esq^ of Ellington for a return of choice of officers in the Volunteer Exempts of that town, which took place on the dismissal of Levi Welles Esq^ — as no such return has ever been made to me — nor had I any knowl- edge of the fact before the rec^ of your excellencys letter
— lam not disapointed that the state should hesitate respecting raising troops at this time of extreme embarrassment in obtain- ing funds — but it is obvious that if troops are necessary to defend our coast, that inlisted men are more efficient & less expensive than militia detachments
I am dear with much esteem very sincerely yours
Eben : Huntington
I
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PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
His Excellency Governour Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency Governour Smith Sharon Via New Haven Chelsea Landing Feb^ 7 [Endorsed] Adj^ Gen^ Huntington
CHAUNCEY GOODRICH TO JOHN COTTON SMITH [8:8]
Hartford Febr.ry 9. 1815.
Dear sir,
By the request of the Rev^ W. Lockwood of Glastenbury I mention to you that He will be pleased with the appointment of Chaplain in the corps about to be raised.
Any further information that may be required I shall b( able to give when I have the pleasure of meeting your Excellency at the session of the Council.
I am Sir,
very respectfully y^ Obed‘
& Humble Servant Chauncey Goodrich
His Excellency Gov'’ Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C. Smith Sharon [Endorsed] L*^ Gov'’ Goodrich — recommending Rev^ M'’ Lock- wood as Chaplain &c
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO HEZEKIAH GODDARD
[8:9]
Sharon 11. Feb^ 1815
Sir —
Agreeably to your desire I immediately drew on the Comp- troller in your favour for $2500 — of which he assured me he would duly advise you —
The late act of Assembly regarding Horse artillery I presume will meet the views of the 2°*^ troop 3'’*^ reg*^ cavalry. I am de- sirous of establishing one of the companies in that vicinity, and
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COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
although authority is given by the act to detach, I should greatly
prefer a voluntary tender of service The Troop already
mentioned will probably have an opportunity, in the course of the next week, to examine the act of the legislature and should they feel disposed to volunteer, the offer will be accepted with real satisfaction. The Q. M. General is making the necessary preparations to render this species of force effective early in the ensuing season — To that officer I communicated your proposition for mounting cannon — But he has already I be- lieve closed his contracts — If not you will doubtless hear from him —
After due inquiry I have concluded that Capt. Farrand is on the whole entitled to his pay and you will accordingly adjust it with him deducting the time he was absent from his post —
I am Sir respectfully your obedient & humble SeF J. C. S -
Major Goddard p. m. General — [Endorsed] To Major Goddard P.
M. General 11. Feb^ 1815
Sir
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO BENJAMIN DOUD
[8:10]
Sharon 11. Feb^ 1815
Your report for January arrived here during my absence at the late session of the legislature —
You will consider the force under your command as placed for the immediate defence of Fort Fenwick. Any operations there- fore which are not intimately connected with this object must be evidently improper. Hence with or without your consent it was altogether unjustifiable in your men to volunteer on the occa- sion to which you allude. I am happy to perceive that you dis- approve of such irregularities and that you are determined to prevent a repetition of them in future —
Expecting to hear from you again in the course of the present month I am Sir your
obedient servant —
J. C. S —
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PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
Lieut. Doud —
[Endorsed] Lieut. B. Doud — 11. Feb^ 1815 —
DAVID DAGGETT TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:11]
„. Washington 1T^ Feb^ 1815
I had the Honour to receive your letter of the 4^^^ Inst, inclosing the resolutions of the Legislature of Connecticut proposing sev- eral amendments to the Constitution of the United States. No opportunity has yet been embraced to confer with my Colleague, and the Representatives in the House of Representatives, on this important subject.
I have the honour to be very respectfully your obed‘ ser^
David Daggett
His Excellency Governour Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Sharon Connecticut, fm David Daggett [Endorsed] Hon. M*" Daggett de amendments of Constitution
AMAZIAH BRAY TO JOHN COTTON SMITH [8:12]
His Excellency John C Smith Sir
In my Letter of application for a Major Appointment in the new guard, — — forwarded by Col. Staples — I pray to be understood by your Excellency, that, should my claim be found
of minor merit to other applicants for the same grade —
I might still remain an applicant for an appointment of the
.yan2[sic] grade as that of my present standing. my present
situation is growing too inactive for a military man.
I am very respectfully your Excellency’s Ob‘ Serv^
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COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Killingworth Febuary 13^^ 1815
Amaziah Bray
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C Smith Governor of the St. of Con‘ Sharon Killingworth Feb^ 13‘^
[Endorsed] Capt. Bray — de commission —
RECOMMENDATION OF THOMAS BELDEN [8:13]
T 0 his Excellency John C Smith Esquire,
Governor of the State of Connecticut,
It being represented to us that M*" Thomas Belden is about making application for a commission in the Corps to be raised for the defence of this State, we whose names are under written, being acquainted with M"" Belden, would state to your Excellency that he is a Gentleman of fair character, of respectable con- nexions & standing in Society, and that in our opinion, he will do honor to any command, which may be conferred upon him. Norwalk 13*^ Feb^ 1815
Henry Belden JoN^ Knight Clark Bissell William S*^ John Sylvanus Haight M^ JaS Lambert Sam^ B Sherwood
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq.
Hartford Saugatuck 22^^ Febu^
[Endorsed] Thomas Belden applicant for commission — Nor- walk —
MONTHLY RETURN OF A CORP OF INFANTRY
[8:14]
Monthly Return of a Corp of Infantry in the Service of the State of Connecticut Stationed at
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PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
Fort Union Black Rock Under the Command of Lent John W Hanford from the 15 Jan^ 1815 to the 14th Feb^ Inclusive
[statistical table omitted in this publication]
Sick in Hospital Isaac H Osborn private from the 23^ Jan^ to the 2^ Feby Ab° M Wheeler Fifer from the 30 Jan^ to the 2^ Feb^
John Godfrey from the 4^^ Feb^ to the 8 D° . David Croft
from the 4*^ Feb^ to the IF^ Elezer Willson from the 7 to the 14 Feb^ Joseph Bulkley Ser®*^ from the 2^ to the 14‘^ Feby. Corp^ Winthrop Willson from the 7 to 14**^ Inclusive the above described Men have been Sick with the Meazles (Mostly Re- coved) —
Amunition how disposed of (from the 15 Decf 1814 to Feb^ 6 1815 Discharged 29 Small Arms to Clean them Feb^ 13. 1815 Discharged one 12 w^ Cartrage p^ Order Co' G Burr (in honor of the peice news) Same day Discharged 3 Six poude [sic] & 3 Eight- een pound Cartrages of the United States Amunition in honor of the Great and Glorious piec news (those last mentioned Cartrages was presented by the Committ) & they are holden if any error Committed in So Doing Discharged on the 20^^^ Feb^ Ephraim B Beers Second Serg'^ James Jorden Ser®'^ who was detach^ to Supply his place Reported himself to me on the Same day I certify the within & above to be a True Return of a Corp of Infantry Under my Command for the Second Monthly Report Ending on the Feb^ 1815
John W Hanford Lut Com^
[Superscribed] His Exelency John Cotton Smith Esqr — Sharon Con — Fairf 15 Feby [Endorsed] Lieut. J. W. Hanford. Report — Feb^ 1815
ENOCH FOOTE TO JOHN COTTON SMITH [8:15]
Bridgeport Feb^ IS''" 1815
Dear Sir
I have recev^ your Excellencys favour of the IF'^ int Consern- ing the organiziation of a Compny of Horse artiliry in the Reg^
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COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
of Cavalry anexed to the 4^^ Brigade the news of Peace
has created a Suspition in my mind wheather your Excellency will pursue this matter at this time believing theirfour that I Could obtain your Excellenys answer in time to render this Service I have defered any Selection until I Can further know your Excellencys mind Should your Excellencys Con-
clude to make this arrangement I would Suggest the propriety of detaching the first Company on acct of the Local Situation — the probability is this Company would about half Volunteer the other oppose and if the question Should be put to Volunteer and a Majority not obtained to order after that would in my
opinion have a bad tendensy it would create animosity and
distroy the harmony in the Company it is theirfour Clearly my opinion that an order at first will be preferabe to runing the hazard of Trying the minds to Volunteer notwithstanding my opinion your Excellencys directions will be Cheerfully put in to Execution
I have the honour to be with high Consideration your Excellencys
Huble Serv*
Enoch Foote
His Excellency John C Smith Esqr —
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esqr Sharon
[Endorsed] B. Gen^ Foote — de Horse Artillery 18. Feb^ 1815 answ^ 4^^ March
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO HEZEKIAH GODDARD
[8:16]
Hartford 21. Feb^ 1815 —
Sir —
It is my desire that you make immediate arrangements to discharge the wages of the troops in service — I would now forward a general order for their dismission ; but as the Council will convene in this city tomorrow I deem it respectful to lay the subject before that body — You will doubtless receive in-
16
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structions in form by next mail — Meanwhile it is advisable to be so far in readiness as to prevent any unnecessary delay — I know not the exact seum you may still require for this object. I propose therefore unless you arrive before my departure to leave with the Comptroller directions to furnish you with Such
an amount as will be sufficient to meet the expenditure with
my congratulations on the restoration of peace — I am Sir re- spectfully your obedient
& humble servant J. C. Smith —
Major Goddard P. M. G.
[Endorsed] To Major Goddard P. M. Geffi — 21. Feb^ 1815
MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL OF SAFETY [8:17]
Organization of new corps —
3 Comp. Infantry — 1 Capt. 2 Liut. 1. Ensg. 4. Serg^ 4 Corpl.
2 drummers 2 lifers — & 96 privates*
112
3 Comp. Artillery — 1 Capt. 2 Lieut. 4 Serg^® 4 Corporals
2 music 44 privates total 57 —
1 Lieut. Col. Com* & 1 Major Infantry 1 Artillery Staff —
1 Adjutant 1 Paymaster — 1 Quarter Master — 1 Serg* Major 1 Quarter Master Sergeant —
1 Chaplain — 1 Surgeon — 1 Surgeon’s mate —
Council of the State to meet 22“** Feb^
[Endorsed] Minutes of the Council of Safety 3'’** Feb^ 1815
GENERAL ORDERS [8:18]
State of Connecticut —
Hartford February 22°^ 1815 — General orders —
The Commander in chief having received satisfactory informa- tion that hostilities have ceased between the United States and
17
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
the United kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, has thought proper to dispence with any farther service from the troops now on duty under the authority of this state, wherever they may have been stationed for its protection. They will accordingly on the receipt of this order and payment of their wages (which the Pay Master General will cause to be done without delay) be considered as discharged
The Commandants at the several posts are required to render a strict account of the ordnance, arms, munitions of war and all other public property in their custody to the Quarter Master Gen- eral ; and that officer will make the necessary dispositions for their preservation.
The Commander in chief would do injustice to his feelings should he forego the present opportunity of congratulating his brethren in arms on the termination of the war, and of tendering to them his warmest acknowledgments for their honourable and
faithful services in defence of the state
By order of His Excellency the Commander in chief
[Endorsed] Geffi Orders — 22. Feb^ 1815 disbanding the troops sent to — Q. M. General P. M. General — Lieut. B. Doud Lieut. H. Beach Lieut. I. W. Hanford & to the Comman- dant of the guard at Stonington —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO HEZEKIAH GODDARD
[8:19]
Hartford Februay 23. 1815 —
Sir
Pursuant to a resolution of the General Assembly passed at their late Session you are hereby directed to pay Such of the militia of this state as served under orders legally issued be- tween the 1®*^ May 1813 and the 1. January 1814 and as are entitled to pay & yet remain unpaid and you will see that the amount is charged to the United States — The object of the resolution is to pay those bodies of militia who were brought into the field on sudden alarms within the periods above men- tioned— whose services were recognized by the Genl. Govern-
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ment & whom their pay master engaged to satisfy — but which has never been done —
I enclose the General orders mentioned in my last — to wit a copy for yourself, one for the Commandant at Stonington and one for the Commandant at Saybrook which you will be so good as to cause to be delivered — and whatever expense may acme you will charge to the Q. M. department
I am Sir your very ob^ Srt^ [Endorsed] To Major Goddard Copy — 23. Feb^ 1815
CALVIN GODDARD AND NATHANIEL TERRY TO JOHN COTTON SMITH [8:20]
George Town Feb,y AD 1815 His Excellency John Cotton Smith sir,
We arrived here on the 15*^^ Ins^ to make an arrangment with the Government of the United States, pur- suant to your instructions, respecting the future defence of the State — The treaty of Peace with the British Government, arrived here, one day before us ; and it’s retification has happily put an end to the principal object of our mission, by putting an end to the war, from the pressure of which we sought for pro- tection. Since our arrival, a Bill has passed the Senate, without opposition, which in our judgment will prevent the necessity of any further application, at present, respecting our reim- bursment for past expenditures — We have waited untill today, hoping to have been able to advise your Exellency of this Bill having been concurred in, by the House of Representatives
— It was made the order of the day for Thursday, & postponed untill this day, & now has given way to other business. It will probably meet with opposition, but we think will become a law
— Our confidence in this is founded, in no small degree, upon the fact, that other States are more interested in its provisions, than Connecticut or Massachusetts — It is possible that the short time which remains of the Session may occasion a post-
19
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
ponement, but we have full confidence that provision will be made by law for the claims of Connecticut —
We have been in daily expectation of receiving from the proper officers, vouchers to support our claims ; but as yet are disappointed — This is less to be regretted, as in case of the passage of the Bill refered to, a copy of which we do ourselves the honour to inclose, it will be perceived that an Act of the Legislature of the State, accepting Stock in full satisfaction, will become necessary before we could avail ourselves of it’s provisions —
On the whole we have concluded that our longer continuance here to wait, either for the accounts, or the passage of the Bill, cannot be important to the interest of the State, & shall commence our journy home on Monday next — This indeed should have probably ventured to do earlier, if the indisposition of G — had not rendered it difficult for him to travel — We cannot but avail ourselves of this opportunity to felicitate our Country, your Excellency & ourselves, upon a termination so happy, not only of our mission, but of the multiplied evils & sufferings of our Country by the termination of an unhappy war which gave rise to both — And to rejoice that not only our liberties but our free constitution have been preserved through a war which in it’s progress & conduct at one time threatened to demolish the pillars on which it rested —
With the sentiments of the highest respect and Consideration, we are your Excellency’s Obd^ and very Hble Serv‘®
Calvin Goddard Nath^ Terry
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C. Smith Sharon Con- necticut
[Endorsed] Hon. C. Goddard & N. Terry Esq’’ Commissioners &c. 25. Feb^ 1815 rec^ 8. March D°
[8:21]
Printed copy of A Bill introduced in the Senate of the United States February 10, 1813. Omitted in this publication.
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JOHN COTTON SMITH TO CALVIN BARBER [8:22]
State of Connecticut —
To Calvin Barber Esq. Col. Cowl of the 18^^ regiment militia —
Sir
Pursuant to your recommendation and at the request of the individuals who composed the fourth company of artillery in the late Military corps of the State I have thought proper to form them (with the exception of those living without the limits of the first brigade) into a company of militia artillery, to annex them to the 18*^^ regiment under your command and to allow them their present uniform until further orders — You are therefore hereby required to cause legal notice to be given the applicants aforesaid (excepting as aforesaid) to meet at such time & place as you shall designate for the purpose ; and when so met, you will lead them to the choice of such commissioned and non commissioned officers as by law are necessary to organ- ize the company completely, and make returns of the choice of commissioned officers to the next General Assembly —
Given under my hand at Sharon the 7^^ day of March AD 1815 —
[Endorsed] Order to Col, 18^^ Reg^ de Artillery comp^
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO ENOCH FOOTE [8:23]
Sharon 4. March 1815 —
Dear sir —
Your favour of the 18*^^ Ult° — arrived whilst I was at Hart- ford — or it would have received an earlier notice —
The restoration of peace is indeed a subject of heartfelt con- gratulation — But that event in my opinion ought not to relax our endeavours in the slightest degree towards the improvement of the militia by every practicable method both in their organ- ization & discipline — I shall particularly lament an omission to sieze the favourable opportunity which the legislature have
21
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
afforded us of adorning as well as strengthening our military system by the introduction of flying artillery — I propose ac- cordingly to lose no time in converting from companies of cav- alry into Horse Artillery pursuant to the Act of Assembly. It is very desirable that one of these companies should be located at or near Bridgeport — and I do hope a company or a majority of it, will voluntarily offer to be thus organized — There are so many troops of cavalry in the state who are desirious of this distinction that I am unwilling to detach any one by a peremp- tory order — If no one therefore shall present itself from the limits of your brigade I shall feel it my duty tho’ much against my inclination to make a selection from those who court the service wherever they may happen to be situated — Have the goodness sir to sound the feelings of the cavalry under your command & apprize me of the result —
With sincere regard I am D*" Sir your obedient & humble ser‘
J. C S -
Brig*^ Gen* Foote —
P. S. Your letter of the 12*'*' ult° announcing the news of peace was duly received. Altho’ the pleasing intelligence had pre- viously reached me, you are not the less entitled to my warmest thanks for your politeness & attention —
FROM OFFICERS IN THE 18TH REGIMENT TO JOHN COTTON SMITH [8:24]
His Excellency John Cotton Smith Captain General & Com- mander in chief of the Militia of the State of Connecticut. — Sir
The undersigned, Commissioned and staff Oflicers, belonging to the 18*'*' Reg*' of Connecticut Militia, are informed that the individuals which composed a company of Artillery raised under the act of October 1813, & commanded by Captain Sereno Pettibone, have applied to your Excellency to be estab- lished as an Artillery Company, and annexed to said Regiment. With united pleasure and approbation, we should view any
22
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measure, adopted for the wellfare of the militia of this State, and of the harmony and prosperity of the Regiment, in which we have the honor to serve. But Sir, we do sincerely beleive, that if this application is granted, it will destroy that harmony which has always existed in this Regiment, and will extinguish that military ardor and ambition, which none but the Soldier feels.
In support of this opinion we deem it proper to state a few facts. The 18*^^ Reg*^ is small in number, and already have two companies of light Infantry attached to it. None of the Com- panies have there complement, and if the grant is made, several will be reduced to a number so small, that it will excite no other emotions, than those of chagrin, & mortification, in their Officers.
But if your Excellency beleives, that the interest of the State require an augmentation of Artillery, & that Cap*^ Pettibones Company have a claim to a grant, we request that a time and place may be designated, when and where we may be heard in support of this remonstrance.
Simsbury March 6^^ 1815.
Philander Case CapB Com James Cornish Lieut Comp Cornish EnsP'' P‘ comp Oliver Filley Cap^ 8^^ comp Ebenezer Shepard Lieffi 8*^^ Compos David Pinney Ensign 8 Comp Elihu Holcomb Lieut 7. Company Erastus Roberts Ensign Joel Clark Cap* 3"'*^ Company Hervey Skinner Ens® 3** Company John Viets Capt. 7**^ Company Abner Case Liu* 2^ Light Inft Company 18**^
Sterling B. Dibble Liu* P Light Inft Comp 18 James Huggins J^ Capt 6 Company Stephen Case Ensign 2 Company Loin Humphrey Liut 6 Comp Asahel Bliss Ensign Do Gad Curtis Lieu 4*^ Company
23
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Jared Mills Jun^ Cap’t 4^^ Company 18 Reg^
Ralph Dyer Ensign 4 Company 18 Reg*
The undersigned commissioned Officers belonging to the first Regiment of Cavalry in this State, and residing within the limits of the 18*^ Reg* of Infantry, do agree to the foregoing repre- sentation. Simsbury March 6**" 1815. —
Austin Phelps Cap*
Joseph Pinney 2°*^ Liut Asaph Fuller P* Liut
[Superscribed] His Elcelency [sic] John C Smith Esq^ Sharon C* Canton, C* 7**^ March
[Endorsed] Remonstrance of officers in the 18*^ regiment — 7. March 1815 rec^ 15*^ answ*^ 18**^
MOSES HAYDEN TO JOHN COTTON SMITH [8:25]
T o His Excellency &c —
sir, The repeated importunities of the Officers and Soldiers of my company have induced me to solicit your Excellency, that (if practicable) we may be continued in some shape or other as an Indepenent Company. I have not seen the Officers of the Corps generally, but as far as I have knowedge much anxiety prevails — patriotic young men who in many instances have expended their all to equip themselves are unable to get new Uniforms at present & feel great reluctance in returning to their various Companies on that & on other accounts. If the Corps at the approaching Session of the Legislator cannot or will not be continued as Infantry or converted into Artillery — I would then at this time apply that this company might be annexed to the 25*^^ Regiment if not as Infantry then as artillery or Riflemen
I would humbly request of His Excellency to be informed re- garding the above
With great regard I remain Your Excelencys Obed* Humble Ser*
Moses Hayden 24
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Barkhamsted (Winsted)
March 7^^ 1815
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq^ Capt„ Gen^ &C — Sharon Winchester 9*^ March [Endorsed] Capt. M. Hayden 7. March 1815 rec^ 25*^^!! answ*^ D°
PETITION FROM OFFICERS OF MILITIA [8:26]
To his Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq^ Governor and Commander in chief in and over the State of Connecticut —
The Petition of the Subscribers (being Commissioned & Non- commissioned officers of the 3^ Company in the Reg^ of Connecticut Militia) humbly Sheweth, That whereas the Volun- teer Artillery Company in the Town of Guilford are about to be discharged from Duty, we the Subscribers being desirous that the Brass Field pieces belonging to the s^ Company may be re- tained in said Town of Guilford, Pray Your Excellency that the said 3*^ Company may be formed into an Artillery Company and be furnished with proper Ordinance for an Artillery Com- pany, and also that the Commissioned officers of s*^ 3** Company may Receive Commissions proper for an Artillery Company And also we the Subscribers would further Certify your Excellency, that the Privates belonging to s*^ 3*^ Company are unanimously agreed to Equip themselves with suitable accoutrements for an Artillery Company as we in duty bound Shall ever pray Samuel H Stone Capt Benjamin Bradley Lieut.
David Parmele Ensign George A. Foote John Hotchkiss Joel Tuttle Samuel S. Norton William H. Hubbard Leveret Cruttenden Ralph P. Chittenden
Commissioned ^ Officers
N oncommissioned Officers
25
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
[Superscribed] John Cotton Smith Esq*" Governor of the State of Connecticut — Sharon —
[Endorsed] Capt. S. H. Stone &c. Guilford — de artillery 0‘ without date rec^ 10. March 1815 answ^ 18^^
HORACE BEACH TO JOHN COTTON SMITH [8 :27]
New Haven 10^ March 1815 Sir
I had the honor of writing your Exellency on the 6*^ Instant giving coppys of letters which had passed between the Pay master-General & Myself — On the 9^*^ the P. M. General ar- ived in Town and informed me that he was ready to pay off the Men under my command — I immeadetly had them Mus- tered and he paid us in the Course of the day, the Men are Now all discharged and all the public property which was at the Fort returned to the Ass^ Q- M. General in this place I am Sir Your
Excellencys obd*^
Servant Horace Beach
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esqr Sharon
[Endorsed] Liut H. Beach 10. March 1815 rec*^ 17^^ informing me troops are paid —
JOEL MATTOON TO JOHN COTTON SMITH [8:28]
T 0 his Exellency John C Smith Sir
I take the liberty to apply to your Exellency for a Discharge fron Military Duty on the following Grounds firstly I have ben for a long time afflicted with a pain in the Brest (Occasion‘d by a Sprain) which at intervales has Excluded me from my Regular bisness, Secondly in the fall of 1814 I entered the Service of the State as orderly Sergeant, in the corps raised for the Defence of this harbour — under Liut Horace Beach
26
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
in which Corps I Served untill honourably Discharg'^, upon the statement of the above facts I ask your Exellency To Excuse me from being enrolled as a privet in the Militia and Obliege Your Excellenceys Most Obedeient
and Humble Serven Joel Mattoon
New Haven 14 March 1815
The signer of the above Joel Mattoon is in my Opinion a Man of strict veracity — He served with Me as above stated and acquited himself to My entire satisfaction
Horace Beach
New Haven 16^^ March 1815
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq** Sharon
[Endorsed] M*" Joel Mattoon N. Haven 16. March 1815 rec^ & answ*^ 25^^
[8:28]
[inside leaf — handwriting of J. C. S.]
Sharon 25. March 1815 Sir
Your letter is received. Before I can grant your request it will be necessary for you to procure a recommendation from the Colonel of the regiment founded upon a certificate of the Surgeon that your disability is such as ought to exempt you from military duty —
I am Sir your ob^ Sv^
GEORGE W. JEWETT TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8 :29]
Saybrook March 15. 1815.
His Excellency John Cotton Smith
Sir, The State Corps, by the termination of the war, with Great Britain, is no more. In consequence of which, the Soldiers
27
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
of the Company which I lately commanded, are very solicitous to know their Destiny. After the expence and trouble encoun- tered, the sacrifices made, and Services rendered, they think it would be a great piece of Injustice to compel them into the Infantry. They appear to be willing and desirous (indeed I presume there would not be a dissentient) to be organized as Militia Artillery, with the privilege of choosing their own Officers — and be attached to the 7*^ Regiment or to the 2^ Brigade — Some provision I have no doubt will be made at the approaching Session of the Legislature; but as there is an annual muster of the Militia previous, and as the Dispositions of many of the Militia Officers is to oppress the State Corps all in their power; it is a question of serious consideration to them, how they can avoid being fined on the first Monday in may next.
Your Excellency’s suggestions on this subject will much Oblige
Your very Obedient Servant Geo. W Jewett
[Superscribed] His Excellency Governor Smith Sharon Conn [Endorsed] Major G. W. Jewett de artillery comp^ rec^ 25.
March 1815 answ*^ D° —
SETH P. STAPLES TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:30]
New Haven March 17^ 1815 To His Excellency John Cotton Smith Governor of Connecticut
Sir, Your letter of the 4^ inst is rece^. Sickness in my family & the Death of one of my Children are my apology for not answering your Excellencies letter more punctually — In my opinion it would be acceptable to have 2 Troops of Cavalry De- tached to serve as horse Artillery in this Brigade & should two be taken should recommend the 1st & 4^ Troops — If but one it taken should recommend the 1st Troop, with liberty to recruit within the bounds of New Haven
28
I
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
I remain with esteem & respect Your Exc^ Most Obt
S. P. Staples
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C. Smith Esq Gov'" of Connecticut Sharon Conn^
[Endorsed] Col. S. P. Staples 17. March 1815 de Horse artil- lery —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO JARED MILLS, JR.
[8:31]
Sharon 18. March 1815
Sir
I have received your letter enclosing a remonstrance signed by yourself & other commissioned officers of the 18*^ regiment, against the formation of an artillery company within the limits of that regiment — I regret the communication did not reach me at an earlier day, as I should readily have postponed a de- cision for the purpose of hearing what might be urged against the measure . . I was not aware, especially after the explicit recommendation of the L*^ Colonel commandant that any objec- tions existed to the proposed arrangement —
At the meeting of the Council on the 22“^ Feb’' last it was recommended to the Captain General by that Honourable body to increase one corps of Artillery — and particularly to avail ourselves of the skill & experience acquired by the late artillery companies in the state troops by forming them into militia artillery if they should express a willingness to be so organized — In these sentiments I fully concurred — When therefore the members of the late 4^^ Company in the state artillery made a voluntary tender of their services, supported by the recommen- dation of the colonel — and when I perceived that no artillery company was attached to the 18*^^ regiment, I could not but consider that the strength &; respectability of the regiment would be essentially augmented by yielding to their request — and an order was issued accordingly exempting from its operation those individuals of the company who lived without the limits of
1st
29
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
I trust Sir that you and the other gentlemen will on further reflection view the subject in the same light — and in any event that you will conceive me to have been actuated by no other motive than a sincere desire to promote the best interests of the militia —
You will be pleased to communicate this letter to the officer who joined you in the application and to believe me respectfully Sir your
ob‘ & humble ser^
J. C. S-
Capt. Jared Mills Junior
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO SAMUEL H. STONE
[8 :32]
Sharon 18. March 1815
Sir
I have received a communication signed by the commissioned and non commissioned officers of the 3'’^ company in the 27^^ Reg^ of militia requesting that the company just mentioned may be formed into an Artillery company and that the officers may be commissioned accordingly —
It is very desirable that our corps of Artillery should be in- creased especially on the sea coast but no authority is vested in the Captain general to convert an organized company of infantry into artillery — If a Sufficient number of individuals can be obtained by enrolment without injuring materially the infantry companies and this fact is certified by the Colonel Com* and the measure recommended by him, I shall cheerfully issue an order to organize them into an artillery company. This is the customary & legal mode of accomplishing the object. I highly commend the laudable spirit manifested by the present applicants and sincerely regret that it is not in my power to comply with their request —
I am Sir your obedient & very humble servant
Capt. S. H. Stone —
[Endorsed] To Capt. S. H. Stone — 18. March 1815
30
I
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO GEORGE W. JEWETT
[8:33]
^ Sharon 25. March 1815 —
Sir
Your letter of the 15*^^ postmarked 20^^ inst. is received — On the return of peace I felt a strong solicitude for the fate of “the Military corps” — and laid the subject before the coun- cil at the meeting of that body on the 22"'^ February last — Various expedients were Suggested but on the whole so many difficulties occurred it was thought the Sovereign authority of the legislature alone could remove them — It appeared however to the council as well as to myself very desirable to avail our- selves of the skill & experience which the State troops had acquired and particularly the Artillery by Suffering them to be organized into select bodies in the manner prescribed by law & attached to the militia. Accordingly when the members of the late 4^^ comp, of state artillery commanded by Capt. Pettibone enrolled themselves (officers & men) and petitioned to be formed into a militia artillery company & annexed to the 18^^ regiment and produced a recommendation & request from the Col. Com^ to that effect, I did not hesitate to issue an order for that purpose & directed them to be led to a choice of officers But the measure has since drawn forth a spirited remonstrance from a large proportion of the commissioned officers of the regiment
— Their objections indeed possess no weight. They only serve to show the degree of irritation which the subject has awakened
— and the importance of proceeding with caution until some definite arrangements shall be made by the legislature
I am clearly of opinion our corps of artillery should be in- creased — and especially near the Sea-coast — There appears to be no company of that description annexed to the 7^^ regi- ment and I should suppose every individual in that regiment would be proud of such an addition to its strength & respect- ability. — I would therefore recommend a consultation with the field officers of the regiment & perhaps the captains of infantry in the vicinity, on the expediency of forming an Artil- lery company from the one lately under your command — If on such consultation the Colonel will add his recommendation
31
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
to an enrolment & application of the individuals (the course usually pursued) I shall with great pleasure issue the necessary orders for their organization —
I am D*" Sir respectfully your
. , obedient & humble Ser^
Major Jewett —
[Endorsed] To Major Jewett —
GENERAL ORDERS [8:34]
State of Connecticut
^ , March 28‘M816
General orders —
A board of General officers have reported to the Commander in chief that in their opinion the following towns should com- prize one brigade of Infantry pursuant to the “act for forming and conducting the Military force of this state” to wit — Hartford, Berlin, Bristol, Burlington, Canton, East Hartford, East Windsor, Farmington, Glastenbury, Granby, Simsbury, Southington, Suffield, Weathersfield, Windsor & Middletown; which report is under consideration. The Commander in chief is desirous of obtaining the opinion & advise of the Brigadier Generals and Acting Lieutenant colonel commandants of In- fantry within those limits {adding thereto the town of Enfield) relative to the most expedient method of forming the infantry therein into four regiments, the number prescribed by the act. The officers just mentioned will accordingly meet at Ripley’s inn in Hartford on the [left blank] day of April next at one ’o’clock in the afternoon; and when thus assembled will consti- tute a board at which the Senior Brigadier General present will preside. They will confer together upon the subject above re- ferred to them & report their opinion thereon at as early a day thereafter as may be convenient —
The Adjutant General is instructed to be present, and to fur- nish the board with such documents in his hands as may assist
them in forming a result
By order of the Commander in chief — [Endorsed] General Orders for 1. Brigade — 28^^ March 1816 —
32
I
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO MOSES HAYDEN
[8:35]
Sharon 25. March 1815
Sir —
By some unaccountable delay your letter of the 7^^ instant is but this day received —
I confidently hope the legislature at their approaching session will make an arrangement respecting the late Military Corps that shall be at once satisfactory to them & to the Militia —
It is very desirable that the state should avail itself of the skill & experience acquired by that respectable body of troops. Under this impression I have already organized by advice of the council, one of the late companies of State Artillery into Militia artillery. But the measure appears to have produced considerable uneasi- ness to many officers of the regiment to which it is annexed. Their objections indeed possess no real weight. They however serve to show the degree of irritation which the subject has awakened, & to indicate the importance of proceeding with cau- tion until some definite provision can be made by the Gen^ Assembly —
The proposition to form your late company into a corps of
riflemen is peculiarly agreeable to me That species of force
is mentioned in the act of congress regarding the militia passed in 1792 — but our laws seem to have prescribed no mode of organizing it — Its efficiency has been abundantly demon- strated during the late war, and there is the highest reason to believe the legislature will take early measures to incorporate so valuable an improvement into our military system — I believe Sir we must wait patiently until the Subject can receive a legis- lative consideration — That body will undoubtedly be disposed to do ample justice to the reasonable claims of every class of our citizens —
With sincere regard I am Sir your oU & very h™ Ser*^
Capt. Hayden —
[Endorsed] To Capt. Hayden
33
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
WILLIAM SHERMAN, JR. TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8 :36]
His Excellency
John Cotton Smith
Goif of the State of Connecticut
Sir
I beg leave to
state to your Excellency that I enlisted in the 2^^ Com^ Gov*'^ Foot Guards in the spring of the year 1798, and have punctually served in s'* Company in the capacity of private and non com- missioned officer untill the present time, making a term of nearly
seventeen years that in March 1810 I was chosen
Clerk of said Company, and that since the late resolve of the General Assembly augmenting the number of the Company, which began to take effect at the same time that I was appointed Clerk, my duties have been peculiarly arduous requiring a much greater portion of time than has been devoted by any former Clerk ; and at least double to what is required of either of the Commissioned, (our worthy Maj"' Comm^ excepted) non Com- mission, Officers, Musicians or privates in s^ Company, — for I am not only obliged to attend on all days of training and inspection, which for the last 5 years have not been upon an average less than 7 days in a year ; but to attend all meetings of
the Commission Officers and of the Company to make
and keep a true record of all thier proceedings to make out
and call the roll to enroll all recruits and furnish
cirtificates of the same to the Captains of Militia Companies
to report all members for neglect of duty to
distribute notifications of fines and penalties to collect all
fines and taxes — — to settle and pay all accounts of the
Company to render an acc* of the same annually and to
furnish certificates to the Listers of Six different Towns for the exemption of polls.
I would further state to your Excellency that I have now (with the exeption of two individuals) become the oldest mem- ber in s^ Company, all who composed s'* Company at the
time I enlisted, by various means are now exempt from military
34
I
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
service, except the two heretofore mentioned (one of whom is the Maj’’ Command) and thier places have been filled by younger men 7 of whom have passed from the ranks over me to Com- missions, and I have now arrived to that period of life in which the duties of my station have ceased to afford that satisfaction and pleasure which has been hitherto enj oyed ; and inconsequence of so long a service much additional expence must necesarily be incurred to renew my Uniform dress, should I be obliged to per- form my customary duties the ensuing year, which on acc‘ of having a numerous family of young Children to support I feel
unable to defray. I therefore beg your Excellency to take
my case into consideration and grant me a discharge from mil- itary service, or if your Excellency should deem it expedient, delegate to the Chief Officer of s*^ Company the power to do the
S3JT1C
I have the honor to be Your Excellencys most Ob‘ Serv^
W Sherman Ju^ Clk 2^ Com^ Gov” Foot Guards (answer^
Sharon 30^^ March 1815 Sir
Agreeably to your desire & the recommendation of Major Bradley & Capt. Bishop I now enclose your discharge from mil- itary duty, and am Sir your oU & hm Srt.
J. C. S
M*" W. Sherman JR
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C Smith Gov^ of the State of Connecticut Sharon
[Endorsed] M*" W“ Sherman Jr clerk 2^^ Com. Guards — re- questing a discharge — granted 30. March 1815
JAMES PECK TO JOHN COTTON SMITH [8:37]
r 7 ^ c V7 17 r City New Haven 4^*' April 1815
JohnC.^mith Esq^
Sir
The object of the present is to request of your Excelency to
35
1128518
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
grant me a discharge from the Seccond Comp^ G. H. Guard® in which company I hold a Commission as Seccond Liutenant I have now Sir to state to your Exc^ my reason why I wish a discharge I have but one but one it is this. That I have lost all my Military ambition that I ever had (which to me sir is a searious reason) & to remain longer in the company with these feelings I am sure would not be for the Honor of the company or my self either — & Sir I assert to your Exc^ that never was
born to command but to be commaned this realy the case,
that I have no military turn Surely you will consider my case & grant my discharge, by doing which you will confir a great bess- ing — on Your Humble Servant James Peck
P. S.
Sir your answer to this & fixing my destiny I would thank you to answer soon as you can with convience to your Self [Superscribed] His Excelency John C Smith Governour State of Conn Sharon
[Endorsed] Js. Peck 2 Lieut. &c. requesting a discharge 4. April 1815 answer intra
LUTHER PECK TO JOHN COTTON SMITH [8:38]
Hartford April 6. 1815
His Excellency
Gov^ Smith Sir,
I have done military duty in this state for about twenty years, & for the last twelve years I have been a member of the Governours Horse Guards in this town. I have now the honor to be Cornet in said company —
I am by trade a Blacksmith, & have a wife & three children de- pendent on my personal labor for support. If I remain in the company my expences will be so great as to deprive my family of many conveniences, & I fear necessaries of life
36
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
I therefore hope Your Excellency will be good en° to discharge
me from further duty in said company
Your Ex^® obed*^ Servant Luther Peck
[second page]
Major Buck has requested me to make known to Your Ex- cellency his wish that this applicant may be dismissed from the guards. He is really poor, & his family require all his earnings —
In addition to which it may be stated that he drinks in- temperately. That he is by no means agreeable to his brother officers. And that his character & standing in society render him an undesirable member of the company —
Will Your Excellency please to inform us if Peck is to be discharged in season either for him to be equips for service, or for the vacancy to be filled before May? —
With great respect
Your Excellency® Obed‘ Serv‘ Jos. Trumbull
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Sharon [Endorsed] Luther Peck Cornet 1. Com. H. Gu^® resignation — Accepted 15*^^ April 1815 & same day sent order to Major Buck
PETITION FROM SECOND COMPANY OF STATE ARTILLERY [8 :39]
To His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esquire Governor of the State of Connecticut
The Petition of the undersigned members of the Second Com- pany of State Artillery
Humbly Sheweth,
That in consequence of the happy termination of the War, between this Country & Great Britain, they are anxious that said company should be annexed to the seventh Regiment under
the Command of Lieutenant Colonel John Brainerd 2^^
as Militia Artillery, and hereby volunteer their services, for
37
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
that purpose, and request Your Excellency, to take such meas- ures, as are necessary to effect their reorganization
Dated at Haddam this 12^^ Day of April 1815.
Linus Parmelee, Jr.
Thomas Church Noah Clark, Jr.
George Kelsey J^
Samuel Kelcey Roswell Brainerd 2^^
John E Parmelee Nathan Gladwin James Kelcey Ephraim Warner Jr Revilo Chapman Simon Knowles Samuel Church Henry Richards Ansel Brainerd, Jr.
Horace Smith Asa Higgins SiLVANus Brooks Alva Shaylor Isaac R. Sherman David Church Dudley Clark James Church
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO JAMES PECK [8 :40]
Sharon 14*^ April 1815 —
Sir
I have rec"^ your letter of the 4^^ inst. requesting a discharge from the office of second Lieutenant in the second comp, of Gov^ Horse guards —
The reason and the only one you assign is a distrust of your qualifications for command — Your own declaration to this effect
38
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
may and probably does result from that modesty which usually accompanies merit — and seems to be at variance with the opinion expressed by your associates in elevating you to office — With this view of the subject I deem it improper at present to comply with your request —
I am Sir respectfully your ob‘ & hm. Ser‘
IVh'jSPECK —
AMAZIAH BRAY TO JOHN COTTON SMITH [8:41]
Killingworth
April 15^*^ 1815
His Excellency J C Smith Sir
Some Anxiety exists in the 2^^ company of State Art. recently under my Command — as It respects their
futur[e] destiny I have supposed that no Desposition of the
State Troops generally would be made untill the meeting of
Legislature this Company are very much averse to going
back into the Malitia — but would much prefer remaining a
Company as might naturally be expected
Will Your Excellency permit me to inquire whither the State Troops will be considered as remaining under their former of- ficers untill there has been a General Order Issue^ or whether they may nozv be considered as liable to be called upon to do
Duty In the Militia without further notice &c
I am very respectfully Your Excellency’s
OH Serv'
A Bray
P S. Could there not be a Battalion of Artillery — organized from Connecticut river to New Haven which with the Battalion — now orgonized at New Haven would complete a Regiment of Artillery on the Shore
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C Smith Governor of
39
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Connecticut Sharon 11 Killingworth April;
[Endorsed] Capt. A. Bray — 15*^ April answ*^ 29^^
LINUS PARMELEE JR. TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:42]
Haddam April 17^^ 1815
Sir,
At the earnest solicitation of the members of the second com- pany of State Artillery resideing in this place, I have taken the liberty of enclosing to your Excellency, a petition, drawn up by them, volunteering their services, as militia artillery and request- ing that the company to which they belong may be annexed to the 7th Regmt. under the command of Lieut. Col. John Brainerd
2nd
It would have been pleasing to the 2“^ Company, if the Bat- talion of Artillery had been preserved entire under the command of a Major: but as the 4th Company has been annexed to the 18^^ & the 1®* about to be attached to the 7th Regiment, they also feel anxious to be secured the privilege of performing militia duty as artillery. The company was raised within the local limits of the 7^^ Regement, and can with more convenience be annexed to that, than any other Regmt. in the State. There exists a pe- culiar anxiety among the members of the Company, not to be disbanded, but to be permitted to do duty in the manner, in which for more than two years past they have been accustomed. Hav- ing acquired some knowlede of their duty as artillerists, they cannot but think, that in that capacity, they shall be more useful to the State, than in any other of a military nature, and are will- ing to submit to some inconveniences incident to their local situ- ation, rather than be disbanded, & consequently liable to be called into the militia companies from which some of them were en- listed. If any company can claim this privilege in consequence of services rendered the State during the late war, I believe that I do not hazard any thing in zaying[sic], that the claims of the second Company of Artillery are as great as any company in the State —
It is apprehended that there will be no objections on the part of
40
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
the officers of the 7th Regmt. I have conversed with Colonel Brainerd, Maj. Shipman and a number of other officers of the regmt, who are all united in saying that they shall consider the 2°*^ Comp^ of Artillery as a valuable acquisition to the regiment.
I should have forwarded to your Excellency a line from Col. Brainerd signifying his entire approbation that the comp^ should be annexed to his Regmt. but he is now at New Haven —
A similar application will I understand be forwarded to your Excellency from that part of the 2^^ Company residing in [the]
town of Killingworth
I am very respectfully Your Excellencies Obdt. Servt Linus Parmelee, Jr.
His Excellency Govenor Smith Sharon
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith, Esqr Govenor of the State of Connecticut Sharon [Endorsed] Linus Parmelee J*" 17. April 1815 — answ*^ 22°^ Application, artillery —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO LINUS PARMELEE, JR
[8:42A]
Sharon 22. April 1815 —
I have received your letter of the instant with its en- closure —
A decision on the application will of course be postponed until the communication from Killingworth to which you refer shall have come to hand —
L. Parmelee J^ Esq""
I am Sir with much
regard your o* & hm. seP
ANDREW KINGSBURY TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:43]
Treasury office Hartford April 24^^ 1815 His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq^
41
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Sir
I have paid of the debts of due to the Eagle Bank Phoenix d° Hartford d°
And part of 50,000 d° d°
the State
25000,
7000,
10,000
25000
$67,000,,
have also avanced to Jared Scarborough Esq^ Q M General (without your Excellencys draft) Two thousand Dollars for use of his department and feel confident that all demands on the
Treasury before the June Tax falls due can be paid I have
renewed part of the 50,000 Dollar note for 70 days from the 10*^^ Instant believing the same may be paid by that time out of
the avails of the June Tax
I am Sir with due respect your Excellencys most obedient and humble serv’^ A Kingsbury
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq"" Sharon
[Endorsed] Treasurer Kingsbury 24. April 1815
TIMOTHY MITCHEL TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:44]
Washington May4‘^ 1815
Sir The Barrer Cap^ Nahaniel Ferrand having applied to me for a recommendation for a Discharge to Brigadier Ge^ Garret Smith I gave him one he Didnot Discharge him on the ac- count of the General Order he is the one that their was
some Dispute of getting his pay when Called into service the Last year I Believe that it was generally thought it was Best to wink at it pay him and Let it go — I Do therefore think it would be for good the C° and for Military if your honour should
Discharge him Washington Generally think So altho
he is a very Clever Man 1 an [sic] Sir your obedient &
humble Servt
42
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
Timothy Mitchel Lieut Co' 29^^ Reg‘
His Excellency John Cotton Smith Cap*^ General In
& Over the State of Connecticut
DANIEL B. BRINSMAID TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:45]
Washington May 8"" 1815
Sir Cap'^ Nathaniel Farrand has been to Gen' Smith for a discharge he says he cannot give him one. I believe it would benefit the company to have him discharged he wished me to write a line to your Excellency stating my opinion — His Lieu'^ is a very prompt officer — my father says he inform^ you of many particulars about Cap'^ Farrand which is not necessary for me to mention — I am in haste your
Excellencys humb' Ser'^
Dan^ B. Brinsmaid His ExceE John C Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C. Smith Hartford
THOMAS HUBBARD TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:46]
Middletown 9^'' May 1815.
To
His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esqr
Sir/
The period for which the State Troops were enlisted having expired, being desirous of a discharge from military duty, I beg leave to tender my resig- nation of the Commission I hold as Captain of the 3^"^ Troop of Cavalry
Should the Troops be reorganised in any form, presuming the present Lieutenants will be advanced, I take the liberty of
43
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
naming Parsons Coe a Serg* in 3*^ Troop as a very suitable
person for a Commissioned Officer.
Respectfully Your ob^ Serv^
Thomas Hubbard
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esqr Hartford S. T. Hosmer Esqr :
[Endorsed] Captain T. Hubbard — •
GARRIT SMITH TO JOHN COTTON SMITH [8:47]
Watertown May 1815
May it please your Excellency
Since the receipt of your general Order of the 20^^ last June upon the subject of discharges from military duty I have conformed my practice to it & but two discharges have been granted by me this season.
I have had a few aplications of such a nature as seem to demand some consideration, although not within the limits of your Ex- cellencies order, and at the particular request of the aplicants I take the liberty to state thier case to you. the first is of the Captain commanding the Company 26^^
Regiment a worthy good man & equal to his office but
possessed of very little property, with a numerous & increasing Family and is under the necessity of assisting his Aged father and cannot with justice to his Family expend the money his office requires.
the second case is of the Lieutenant 4*^ Company same
Regiment there is a disagreement between the Captain
Ensign & Lieutenant and between the Lieutenant & the Corps
he is also unfortunate in some of his habits, and it seems
somewhat necessary that some change should be made to restore
harmony to the Company.
the third case is of the Ensign belonging to the Lt Infantry
Company 16^^ Regiment the Colonel writes that the
Ensign is in indigent circumstances — has a sickly wife &
44
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
several small children dependant upon him alone, and that he cannot support his Station unless he with-holds from his helpless Family thier scanty subsistance.
should your Excellency think proper in these cases to grant a dispensation from the general rule, and can find leasure from the press of more weighty affairs to Honour me with an answer by the mail which will close next Tuesday evening, I will grant the discharges and issue orders directing a new nomination in time to have those who may be chosen commissioned at the approaching session of the Legislature.
with the highest respect your Excellencies most obedient & very.humble servant
Garrit Smith Brig"' Geff
Brigade
[Superscribed] To his Excellency John C Smith Esquire Gov- ernor of the State of Connecticut Hartford p favour Judge Whiting
[Endorsed] Genl. G. Smith 9. May 1815 de dismission of cer- tain officers Answ. intre —
PETITION EROM KILLINGWORTH [8:48]
His Excellency John C Smith Governor & Captain General of the State of Connecticut
The Undersigned members of the late 2°*^ Company of State Artillery Respectfully represent to Your Excellency, that the time of service for which Said Company were enlisted having expired by the happy termination of the war, they will again
be called upon to do Militia Duty After having been at
great expence In providing the Equipage & Uniform presented by Law — & after having bestowed much time & Attention In acquainting themselves with the duty & excerise of Artillery, they Earnestly solicit of Your Excellency that they may remain
and do Duty In the Militia as Artillerists they
also represent to Your Excellency, that such is their local situ- ation, that It is attended with great Inconvenience and is
45
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
almost Impracticable for them to do the ordinary Duty of Militia without a different arrangement In the Local Situation In
Company That about 24 of the Company reside In
the Town of Haddam a distance of 20 miles from the Usual place of parade of said Company — the roads bad & over an
uneaven & ruff Country that the Attendance of that division
of the Company residing In Haddam — at Killingworth or those
at Killingworth — East Guilford & West-Brook Attending
at Haddam is attended with a most burdensome Expence — An Expence not Less than 4 Dollars for each man on Each Day of Ex- ercise a greater sum than by Law they would be liable to pay for
neglect of Duty another Serious difficulty Exists in the
frequent removal of the Ordnance so great a Distance & over a Ruff & uneaven Country & bad roads which could not be done for a Less Expence than 10 or 15 Dollars on each accasion of the meeting of said company — and would soon prove ruinous to the Mountings & Harness of the Ordinance — It is also found Im- practicable to have that dicipline & opportunity for Improvement In a Company where the Members are at so great a distance
from each other & on Sudden Emergencies can In no
way be assembled
Wherefore the undersigned pray Your Excellency to cause the following arrangment to be Made — agreable to the Several
Petitions accompanying this Viz — that, that division of
the Company residing In the Town of Haddam may be formed Into a separate Company to consist of Members sufficient to Exercise & man one Piece of Ordinance & attached to the 7^^
Reg^ and that the other division residing In the Town of
Killingworth Societies of West-Brook & East-Guilford — might be Reorganized Into an Artillery Company with such additions
as Your Excellency may deem proper
Killingworth May 10^^ 1815
Amaziah Bray Ely a Elliott John E Bray Henry Wilcox
46
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
Isaac Redfield Nath^ Wright Reuben E Hinkley Nath^ Stevens Philip Hill Joseph Hull Abraham G Hill Grarad Mills Henry Denison Zina Denison Daniel B Wright John Chalker Jedediah Kelsey 2^ Eli Graves John Pierson Samuel Dibbell Jedediah Buell Jr
[Endorsed] Representation from Killingworth —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO GARRIT SMITH [8 :49]
Hartford May 13. 1815
Sir
I have received your letter of the 9^^ instant. The cases to which you refer I submit entirly to your discretion, feeling as I do a perfect confidence in your prudence & judgment. You will therefore grant or refuse discharges to the officers you mention as shall appear to you advisable
Capt. Farrand of the artillery has applied to me for a discharge. The reasons assigned by his friends are somewhat peculiar but in my viw wholly satisfactory — You will be pleased to dismiss him accordingly & issue the necessary orders to fill the vacancy —
I am D^ Sir
Gen^ G. Smith
47
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
GENERAL ORDERS [8 :50]
State of Connecticut General Orders
Hartford 13. May 1815
A General Court Martial, of which Lieut. Col. Com^ Elisha Hall is President was held at New Haven on the 24^^ & 25^^ days of February last by order of the Brig*^ General of the 2^^ Brigade for the trial of Isaac Benton Quarter Master of the 2^^ Reg* of Cavalry under arrest upon four distinct charges of disobedience to the orders of his commandant — The Prisoner was fully heard in his defence — The court on due consideration acquitted him of the Second charge, but pronounced him guilty of the first third & fourth charges & therefore Sentenced him to be reprimanded —
The Captain General having examined and Maturely con- sidered the whole record Approves the Sentence of the court; and to carry the same into effect directs that at the next regular meeting of the commissioned & staff officers of the Second regiment of Cavalry, at which meeting the accused is particu- larly injoined to be present, the Lieut-Col. Com* of the said regiment shall in presence of the officers when thus assembled reprimand the said Q. M. Benton for his disobedience in the several instances of which he stands convicted as aforesaid — and shall report the execution of this order to the Brigadier General of the 2“^ brigade who will make return the same to the office of the Adjutant General —
The Gen* court martial &c. is hereby dissolved — [Endorsed] Gen* orders — Court Martial 2. Brigade — case of Q. M. Benton 13. May 1815 —
LUTHER BRADLEY TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:51]
New Haven May 14 1815 His Excellency John Cotton Smith
Sir I would again solisit my discharge as Com- mandant of the 2^ Company of Govenors Foot Guardes and
48
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
inform your Excellency that I have be[e]n a member and done duty in Company Twenty two years, and served Ten — Years as a Commishoned officer, and have had the Honor to command the Company Five years and under its presant organ- ization I believe the intrist of the Company Requires more frequent Changes in their Commanders I tharefore beg leave to Tender your Excellency my Resignation
Very Respectfully
your Excellencys Ob‘ Srv^
Luther Bradley
P. S it is hoped your Excellency will direct a Choice of officers as may be Vacated so as they Can be Commishoned the present Sesion —
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C. Smith Hartford — [Endorsed] Major L. Bradley’s Resignation — accepted 15.
May 1815 — order issued same day —
PETITION OF THIRD AND NINTH COMPANIES
[8:52]
To his Excellency John Cotton Smith Esquire
Captain General of the State of Connecticut
The Petition and Representation of the Officers of the third and ninth Companies in the 12th Regiment of militia humbly shewith That there was formerly established two infantry Companies within the Limits of the first Ecclesiastical society of Hebron, from which Companies a part of a Company of Cavalry a considerable part of a Company of Artillery and a part of a Company of State Troops have from time to time, been enlisted and formed and many others have removed out of the limits of said Companies by which means the aforesaid infantry Companies have been greatly diminished in point of number — so that, in the Third Company, there is not more than twenty, nor in the Ninth Company, more than Thirty effective privates, that can be mustered on days of Exercise. By means of this reduced state of the Companies, they cannot be posted and exercised in that manner, which the Law requires nor can that
49
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
order and ambition which is indispensable be excited or grati- fied—
Your Petitioners would further suggest to your Excellency, that the aforesaid Ecclesiastical society is so located that the aforesaid infantry Companies can be consolidated and meet to- gether, without injury or inconvenience and in our opinion as the said Companies have an identity of Interest and a similarity of views, a consolodation would be productive of essential bene- fit to each and to the public
Wherefore your Petitioners pray your Excellency to reduce said Companies and constitute them one infantry Company as the in- terests of the Militia may require and your Excellency think proper
And your Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray Hebron May 15th — 1815
David B. Carver Cap* 9**^ Co
Pierce Darrow Cap* j Levi Collins Lieu* 3^ Co
Frederic Phelps Ensign )
Joel Jones 2^ Ensign
Ralph Gilbert Reuben Godfrey Jun Henry J. Phelps Nathan Smith 2nd Jonathan Hamilton
Benjamin Taylor Levi Waldo
} 9‘>‘ Co
) Sargents 3** Co
Sergents 9*^ Co
I hereby certify that the foregoing Petition meets my entire approbation and believe the granting of sd Petition will promote the interest of the militia in general and of the aforesaid Com- panies in particular
Hebron 15th May 1815 Cornelius Shepard Lie*“* Col 12. Rg* of Connecticut Militia [Endorsed] Petition of 3rd & 9th Companies of Militia
50
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
WILLIAM C. BULL TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:53]
His Excellency John Cotton Smith Captain
General&c. &c
Sir
At the first organization of the State Corps your Excellency was pleased to honor me with a Commission of first Lieutenant in the first Company of Artillery, & after the promotion of Captain Jewett, I was further honored with a Captain’s com- mission in the same Company — At the choice of officers on the annexation of said Company to the Seventh Regiment of Militia I was wholly neglected by said Company, & nominated to no office in it — The reason of this neglect I am unable to state — In the whole course of my connection with the Company I have endeavoured to be useful to it & to my Country, & have never intentionally misused a member of it, or shrunk from duty — It seems however that I have failed to secure that popularity necessary to an election to any Office in it ; and as I cannot suppose that your Excellency wishes me to degrade my- self in my own eyes or those of others, I pray your Excellency
to give me a discharge from further military Service
A favor so reasonable & at the same time so important will be gratefully rec'^ by
Your Ex^s Obedient Serv'^
His Excys John C Smith &c C Bull
Saybrook May 15th 1815 —
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq/ Gov. &c. &c. Hartford
[Endorsed] Capt. W. C. Bull praying for a discharge — granted 20. May 1815
ISAAC PERKINS TO JOHN COTTON SMITH [8:54]
His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq^ Capt. Gen^
Sir:
The Comp, of Regt. of Cavalry when assembled for
51
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
exercise &c. on the first Monday of May Inst, desired me by vote to request your Excellency to convert them into Flying Artillery. Thus finding the wishes of the Comp, both officers & privates to correspond with my own I have the honor to request your Excellency to designate & detach this, as one of the four companies of Flying Artillery authorized by law.
Should your Excellency think proper to comply with the Company, s request I assure your Excellency no pains shall be spared on my part to render the company a proof of the utility of the corps.
I am respectfully your Excellency Humble Servant
Hartford May 17*^ 1815 Isaac Perkins Cap^ 1 Comp 1 Rg*
Cavalry
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq’’ (Present)
[Endorsed] Application of the 1. Comp. 1. Reg^ of Cavalry to be organized into Horse Artillery — rec^ 18. May 1815
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO LUTHER BRADLEY
[8:55]
Hartford 15. May 1815 Sir
You will perceive by the enclosed that I have complied with your request —
trust
I cannot however allow you to resign a command you have so honourably discharged without expressing the high sense I entertain of your superior merit as an officer & my particular thanks for your undefatigable & successful exertion in raising the 2^ company of G. F. Guards to its present state of excellence both in appearance & discipline —
With the warmest wishes for your prosperity I am D’’ Sir your o^ & hm Ser*^ —
Major Bradley —
52
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO LUTHER BRADLEY
[8:56]
To Major Luther Bradley Cow} of 2°*^ Comp, of Gov,s Foot Guards —
Sir
Having thought proper to accept your resignation as Com^ of the 2°^ Co. Gov. Foot Guards after another shall have been chosen & commissioned in your stead, I hereby direct that you cause due notice to be given the comp, to meet at such time & place as you shall designate — & when assembled that you lead them to the choice of a suitable person for their Commandant & also to fill any other vacancy which may happen in conse- quence of such choice & that you make due return to the Hon. the Gen^ Assembly —
GENERAL ORDERS [8:57]
Gen' orders
Hartford 15. May 1815
A General Court Martial, of which L'^ Col. John Brainerd 2°^ is president, was held at N. Haven on the 17^ & IS''^ days of april last by order of the B. Gen' of the 2°*^ brigade for the trial of N'^ Clark capt. of the 1. comp, in the 32“^ Reg^ infantry, charged with various instances of unofficerlike conduct — The court on a full hearing of the case unanimously decided that the prisoner is not guilty of all the charges exhibited against him and that he be honourably acquited — The Capt. Gen' approved the sentence and accordingly directs that Capt. Clark be released from his arrest —
The Gen' Court Martial whereof L^ Col. John Brainerd 2°^ is pres*^ is hereby dissolved —
[Endorsed] Gen' orders on Court Martial Rough draught — 2. Brigade — case of Capt. Clark
53
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
PETITION FROM HEBRON [8:58]
To His Excellency John Cotton Smith Captain General of the Militia in the State of Connecticut
Understanding that an application is about to be made to your Excellency to unite the 9*^^ and 3'’'^ Companies in the 12*^^ Regi- ment of Militia the underwritten Officers and Soldiers of s*^ 9^^ Company beg leave to remonstrate against the Proceedure and to express to your Excellency our decided opinion that the proposed union will be injurious to s*^ Companies we therefore humbly request Your Excellency to reject Said application and
to permit us to enjoy our accustomed privileges
Hebron May 20, 1815
This may certify that when I sined the Petion in favour uniting the 3^*^ and 9 Companys I had not Consulted my officers I find that a Large number are against it David P. Carver Cap* Thaddeus Porter Lieut Jonathan Hamilton Serg Benjamin Taylor Serg IsAACK Latham Serg Levi Waldo Serj Ira Johnson Corpreal Amos Crouch Stephen Foot Erastus Foot Peregrine Miner William Ingram Barak Niles David Niles Henry Jones Joseph White J""
David North um
54
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
Erastus Daniels Alpheus Phelps Timothy Jones Ralph Gillet Dan Jones Gasper Welcher John Morrisson Daniel Burrows Jun*" Obadiah White 2"*^ Gilbert Burrows David Tarbox J° ICHABOD WaTROUS Samuel Edgcomb Elisha Wheeler George Phelps Ira Marvin Clark Elliott Silas Burrows Almerin Barnes
PETITION FROM NORTH MILFORD [8:59]
To His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq"" Captain General of the State of Connecticut.
The Petiton of the subscribers, Inhabitants of the Northern part of the Town of Milford, in the County of Newhaven, re- spectfully sheweth. That there are in Town, two Companies of Militia and one of Grenadiers, that according to the present division of the Town, persons liable to do military duty, resid- ing in the Society of North Milford, in a remote part of the Town, are subjected to the inconvenience of traveling the dis- tance of Six or seven miles on all Military days. The subscribers think that no inconvenience would arise from a different ar- rangement with respect to the local limits of Companies. But that the public service would coincide with the accomoda- tions of individuals.
55
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
They therefore pray your Excellency to direct, that some proper Officer inquire into the state of the facts, and that on his report your Excellency would grant such relief as the nature of the case may require.
Lyman Mallory
[Endorsed] North Milford Petition Rec^ 20^^ May 1815 To his Excellency
Sir, the situation of this Society, and more particularly that of the subscribers, render it necessary that something should be done immediately. And as your Excellency has recommended raising artillery, it is our request that a company may be granted in this Society
Your Humble Servant Nathan Merwin 2^
Subscribers Names Richard Bryan Darius Ford Alfred Fenn Nathan Oviatt J*" Sam^^ Treat Orrian Treat P Fenn Fowler Fenn Aaron Hine Joseph Prudden Abel Peck Ira Parker Joseph Pardee J"* John Bryan J** Jesse Hodge David Nettleton Sam^^ Potter Sam^^ Prudden J** Peter Prudden Aaron Clark J^ Alpheus Clark
North Milford May 20 1815 JiREH Treat Sam^^ Stone J"*
Sam^^ Buckingham Stone
Mark Mallory Ira Clark Almond Clark Benjamin Clark Hervey Law Wilson Bennet Abram Hine John Treat Nathan Clark 2^
Amos Smith James S Downey Erastus Sperry Selah Clark
Petitioners Luke Clark Sam^^ Buckingham Nathan Merwin 2^ Nathan Hall
56
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
PAYMASTER’S ACCOUNT [8:60]
The State of Connecticut, for the pay of Troops called into the service of the United States, In account with Hezekiah God- dard Pay Master General Debtor
N° 1 to 17 To Abstract of pay and subsistence of
|
18 to 21 |
sundry detachments of Troops as Coast Guards, from 28^^ April 1814 to October 31, 1814 — Stationed from Stonington to Bridge- port 12,285.72 To ditto ... d° Brig Gen* Isham & Staff at New London from 9^*^ to 27‘*" August 1814 314.75 |
|
22 “ 31 |
To ditto Lieut. CoP William Moore 4‘*^ |
|
32 “ 40 |
Com<*^ of 3** Reg* from 9 to 27 August d° 2,789.77 To ditto Lieut. CoP William Belcher |
|
41 “ 52 |
[Com"* of] 8**^ Reg* from 9 to 27 August d° 2,473. 5 To ditto Lieut. CoP Freeman Tracy [Com"* of] 20**^ Reg* from 9 to 23 August d° 3,157.67 |
|
53 61 |
To ditto Lieut. CoP W“ Randall |
|
62 70 |
[Com"* of] 30**^ Reg* from 9 to 27 August d° 2,619.32 To ditto Lieut. CoP Asa Comstock |
|
71 “ 76 |
[Com"* of] 33" Reg* from 15 to 25 August d° 1,604.33 To ditto Maj. Gen* Augustine Taylor & suite, pay &c 16**" August to 8**^ Novem- ber 1814 1,650.37 |
|
77 “ 80 |
To ditto Brig. Gen* Lusk, for ditto New London, 18 August to 8**^ Novem"" 1814 776.84 |
|
81 “ 91 |
To ditto Lieut. CoP Ezra Brainerd Com"* of detachments from P* Division, called the P* Regt at New London from |
57
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
|
18 August to 29*^^ October 1814 |
24,297.89 |
||
|
92 |
98 |
To ditto Lieut. Col. Elihu Sanford, Com*^^ of detachments from State Corps called the 2^ Reg* a* New Haven 8 Sep |
|
|
tem"” to 23 October 1814 |
7,965.45 |
||
|
99 “ |
105 |
To ditto Lieut. Col° Belcher Com"** of detachments from 3^ Division |
|
|
called the 3** Reg* at Groton, 23^ August |
|||
|
to 29**^ October 1814 |
6,333. 9 |
||
|
106 " |
' 136 |
To ditto Sundry detachments as Coast Guards from Stonington to Fairfield from 6**" Septem 1814 to 10**" March 1815 |
15,681.82 |
|
To ditto mustering various detachments, |
|||
|
and pay &c. to Aid de Camp of His ExelL the Capt. Gen* while employed in public service To paid bills for printing blanks for |
421.24 |
||
|
Muster, Pay & Receipt Rolls, & for Sub- |
|||
|
sistence blanks. Stationary, postage and other incidental expences |
126.11 |
||
|
42 |
|||
|
To Commissions on $82,497. 100 a* lj4 per cent |
1,237.45 |
||
|
1815 |
83,734.87 |
||
|
May 19 |
To bah® in my favor on the Acc*® of Pay |
||
|
for Service of Troops in 1813 |
357.98 |
||
|
Dollars |
84,092.85 |
||
|
May 20 |
To Balance of above Acco* due H. Goddard 92.85 |
||
|
Creditor |
|||
|
1814 |
|||
|
April |
28 |
By Controllers Order on the Treasurer |
1,000.00 |
|
May 26 |
By ditto |
2,000.00 |
|
|
July 22 |
By ditto |
2,000.00 |
|
|
Augt 20 |
By ditto |
2,000.00 |
|
|
a |
26 |
By ditto |
10,000.00 |
58
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
|
SepE 5 |
By |
. ditto |
5,000.00 |
|
“ 15 |
By |
. ditto |
8,000.00 |
|
October 17 |
By |
. ditto |
41,000.00 |
|
Novem’’ 10 |
By |
. ditto |
2,000.00 |
|
u u |
By |
. ditto |
5,000.00 |
|
Decern^ 6 |
By |
. ditto |
3,000.00 |
|
1815 Feby 8 |
By |
. ditto |
1,000.00 |
|
March 8 |
By |
. ditto |
2,000.00 |
|
May 20'^ |
84,000.00 By balance due H. Goddard carried to |
||
|
debit of Errors Excepted |
n/a |
92.85 Dollars 84,092.85 |
Hartford May 20'*^ 1815
Hez. Goddard Pay Master Genl [endorsed] Copy of Hez. Goddard’s Acc^ as Pay M Gen^ for the year 1814, settled May 20^^, 1815.
AMAZIAH BRAY TO JOHN COTTON SMITH [8:61]
Killingworth May 22"^^ 1815
Governor Smith Sir
In pursuance of your Directions, I calP on Col. Brainard on Saturday — who cheerfully signed our application as you will perceive — there has been 13 or 14 added to the application this Day which leaves but a small number wanting to complete the Company — & as all doubt is removed as It regards the practicability of obtaining the necessary compliment of men. It has been thought expedient & advisable to forward the papers to your Excellency — as soon as possable — In order that the company may be organiz*^ — & Returns made to your Excellency before the present session of the Legislature is
59
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
through — for this purpose I have sent Lieut. Elliott with the application
Col. Brainard will very readily attend to the orders of your Excellency, I believe he would prefer doing the business himself rather than have It sent to his Majors — he will not complain of Burden —
I think there can be no Doubt but that the full number re- quired will be obtained this week —
we have thus far found It unnecessary to make but very slight encroachment on the Malitia — 5 is the greatest number taken from any one Roll &c —
I am very respectfully Your Excellency, s Ob' Serv'
A Bray
[Superscribed] His Excellency John C Smith Governor of Connecticut Hartford
PETITION FROM HADDAM [8:62]
To His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esquire Governour
of the State of Connecticut
The Petition of the undersigned members of the late second company of State Artillery residing in Haddam
Humbly Sheweth
That for more than two years past they have performed militia duty in s^ Company & have acquired some knowledge of the Exercise of Artillery. — That they have at a considerable expence equiped themselves & are solicitous to continue to do militia duty in the capacity of Artillerists — That it will be attended with some inconveniences & disadvantages to have the company to which they belonged formerly, reorganized & located at Killingworth — They are therefore induced to request your Excellency to reorganize them into a company of Militia Ar- tillery & to permit that such a number may by enlistment be added to their present as your Excellency shall direct and that
60
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
the company may be annexed to the seventh Regiment under the command of Lieut. Col. John Brainard [ ]n*^ and as in duty bound they will ever pray.
Dated at Haddam this 22^^ day of May 1815.
Linus Parmelee, Jr.
Thomas Church J*’
Samuel Kelcey James Kelcey John E Parmelee Alvau Shaylor Isaac R. Sherman Dudley Clark Samuel Church James Church David Church Asa Higgins Noah Clark, Jr.
Horace Smith Simon Knowles Revilo Chapman Tim® Brainerd SiLVANus Brooks Heman Brainard Henry Richards Nathan Gladwin Roswell Brainerd Ansel Brainerd Leonard Knowles Ephraim Warner George Kelcey Jr
We the subscribers being of opinion that the organization of a Company of Artillery in the Town of Haddam, to consist of the members of the late 2°^ Company of State Artillery resid- ing in said Town, & such others as may be enlisted, will be of public importance; & believing that the requisite additional number of men may be enlisted without any material injury to the militia companies in s*^ Town, very cheerfully recommend
61
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
that the preceding application be granted — Haddam May 22“^ 1815 — John Brainerd 2^^ Lieut Col 7th Regt Oliver Wells
[Endorsed] Linus Parmelee & application — Artillery —
REMONSTRANCE FROM CART. D. T. CARVER AND OTHERS [8:63]
The following persons live within the limits of the 9^*^ Com- pany 12*^*^ Regt. Militia and are liable to duty therein viz —
These persons have not had an opportunity of signing the remonstrance but are believed to be opposed to the union of the companies Ensign Jones is out of town
We have 2 Corporals only in the Company
who declined signing the remons trance because they are strangers in town & expect to leave it in the course of the year [Endorsed] Capt D T Carvers &c Remonstrance
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO JOHN BRAINERD 2^^
[8:64]
To John Brainerd 2“^ Esquire Lieutenant 62
W“ Porter Asahel Porter Corporal Amos Porter Godfrey Tarbox Jr W"^ Phelps Geo’ Saunders Dudley Birge Caleb Root Jr Guy Wheets Richard Cramer Jr Nathan F Taylor Aaron House Ezekiel Fuller Amasa Braun Jr Darius Braun
Rider Green
May 22'^ . 1815
Thaddeus Porter Lieut.
}
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
Colonel Commandant of the 7*^^ regiment in the Second Brigade of Connecticut Militia —
Sir
Pursuant to your recommendation, I have thought proper to form Amaziah Bray Esquire & his associates (a list of whom he will deliver to you) into a company of Militia Artillery, to annex them to the regiment under your command and to allow them the uniform and equipments of the Artillery of the late State Corps until further orders — You are therefore herby required to cause legal notice to be given the applicants to meet at such time & place as you shall designate for the purpose & when so met you will lead them to the choice of such commis- sioned and non-commissioned officers as shall be necessary to organize the company according to law, & make return of the choice of commissioned officers to the Honourable the General Assembly —
Given under my hand at Hartford the 24^^ day of May AD 1815 —
John Cotton Smith Capt. General
[Superscribed] Col. John Brainerd 2"*^ — Haddam —
In Pursuance of the within Order I gave Legal Notice to Amaziah Bray Esq & his Associates to meet at Killingworth on the 29^^ Day of May 1815 for the purpose within mentioned and when so met I led them to the Choice of Officers and they made Choice of the following Persons Viz Amaziah Bray Cap^
Ely A Elliott Lieut Nathaniel Wright 2°"^ D°
Philip Hill D°
Dated Killingworth May 29^^ AD 1815 John Brainard 2"*^ Lieffi Col Comd' 7'^ Reg'
Connecticut Militia His Excellency John C Smith Captain General of the State of Connecticut —
63
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
GENERAL ORDERS [8:65]
State of Connecticut General Orders
Hartford May 24^^ AD 1815
At a General court martial for the Sixth Brigade, of which Lieutenant Colonel Hurlbut of the 25*^^ regiment of Infantry is President, was tried Captain William Beebe of the Company in the regiment, charged with wilful disobedience of orders and with unofficerlike and mutinous conduct —
The Prisoner pleaded not guilty and was heard at large in his defence —
The court on full consideration pronounced the said Captain William Beebe guilty of “wilful disobedience of orders and neglect of duty and of unofficerlike and mutinous conduct”, and thereupon sentenced the said Captain William Beebe “to be Suspended from his rank & office of Captain for the term of twelve months from the date of the approval of the sentence by the Capt. General” —
The Captain General approves the sentence of the Court, and accordingly directs that Capt. William Beebe be Suspended from the command of the first company in the regiment for the term of twelve months from the date of the present order —
The Geffi court martial whereof Lieut. Col. Hurlbut is Presi- dent is hereby dissolved
[Endorsed] Geffi orders in the case of Capt. W“ Beebe 17.
Reg^ -
GENERAL ORDERS [8:66]
Cases before the General Court Martial for the Sixth Brigade — in which General orders were issued — Officers of 17‘^ reg* Infantry —
64
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
Date of orders
1815
May24^'^
|
1. Comp. |
Sentences Approved — Suspension 12 months |
Sentence executed Pardoned June 14^^ |
|
Capt. W“ Beebe — |
||
|
Lieut. Steph. Russell — |
— 9 D° |
|
|
3. Comp. |
||
|
Capt. Jere. Holt |
o Q 1 o Q |
Do _ 5th |
|
Lieut. Benoni Johnson |
Reprimand . |
D°-15*'^ |
|
Ens"" Rob* H. Austin — |
D° — |
D° - 16*^^ |
|
4 Comp. |
||
|
Capt. Elisha Loomis |
Suspension 6 months |
Do _ 5 th |
|
Lieut. Warren Loomis |
Reprimand |
D^-IS*'^ |
|
Ens" Reuben Loomis — |
D° |
Do _ 15th |
|
5 Comp. |
||
|
Capt. John T. Mansfield Suspension 6 months |
Do _ 5th June |
|
|
Lieut. William Hall — |
D° — D° |
D^-IS*'^ |
|
Ens“ Henry Whittelsey |
Reprimand |
D° - 16**^ |
|
6. Comp. |
||
|
Capt. Zimri Skinner |
Suspension 6 months |
D° - June |
|
Lieut. Marvin Griswold |
Reprimand |
D^-IS**^ |
|
Ens° Champion Scovell |
D° — |
D° - 16*^^ |
|
7 Comp. |
||
|
Capt. Uriel Tuttle — |
Suspension 6 months |
D° -3^^ June |
|
Lieut. Chester Loomis |
Reprimand |
|
|
Ens“ Luther Cook |
D° |
D^-IS*'^ |
|
8 Comp. |
||
|
Capt. Daniel Hall |
Suspension 6 months |
Do - 5th June |
|
Lieut. Julius Griswold |
— 9. D° |
|
|
Ens“ Sam' W right |
Reprimand |
D°-15*'^ |
In Gen^ orders in the cases of Capt. U. Tuttle & Lieutenant Stephen Russell reasons were assigned for granting a remission of the punishment — In the other orders reference was had to those reasons — Orders sent to the Adjutant Genl. enclosed 16’^'^ June —
[Endorsed] General orders in 20 cases before a court martial 6. Brigade —
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COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
JONATHAN H. SPARHAWK TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:67]
To his excellency John Cotton Smith May it please your excellency
At the request of Samuel P. Waldo Esq"' I take the liberty to make this short statement respecting his health. M'‘ Waldo has occasionally consulted me as a physician for some years past, in consequence of affection of the chest, & hemorrhage from the lungs, to which complaint he appears to be constitutionally predisposed.
It appears to me, from his constant liability to these complaints, that the severe exercise & great exposure attending active mili- tary service might endanger a recurrence of these serious mal- adies
Very respectfully I am your excellency’s obedient servant
JoN^ H. Sparhawk
Hartford May 1815
[Endorsed] S. P. Waldo Esq^ application for a discharge from
Military duty Doc'' J. H. Sparhawk’s Statement
Granted 27. May 1815
GARRIT SMITH TO JOHN COTTON SMITH [8:68]
Watertown May 27^^ 1815
T 0 the Captain General
May it please your Excellency
It was not my intention to have troubled you again about Military affairs, but both gratitude and duty to those who have served me with fidelity, demand that I should interest myself in thier behalf. M'' Orlando Porter is now Brigade Major and Inspector & M'' James M L Scovill Brigade Quarter-master of the 8^^ Brigade they have served a number of years having formed part of the Staff of the 26*^ Regiment when it was under my command & thier conduct has ever been Officerlike & Gentlemanly.
as further alterations will undoubtedly take place in the Of-
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PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
ficers of the Brigade, thier continuance in the Staff would be unpleasant to them, and it is at thier request that I have to ask of your Excellency thier discharge.
should you grant my request it would further oblige me if the papers could be sent by Major Woodruff of Litchfield, or by
mail very respectfully your Excellencies very hum' servt
Garrit Smith
[Superscribed] To his Excellency John Cotton Smith Esqr Governor of the State of Connecticut Hartford [Endorsed] Garrit Smith 27. May. 1815 de discharges to Major Porter & Q. M. Scovill — granted 30. May —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO AMAZIAH BRAY [8:69]
Hartford 31. May 1815 Sir
Since the order issued to Col. Brainard for leading yourself & associates to a choice of officers it has been discovered that a part of the men enrolled live without the limits of the 7^^ regiment
This is irregular — Had it been perceived their names
would have been excluded — No one is in fault as it was un- questionably a mere mistake — Unfortunately however the re- turn cannot be received nor commissions granted the present session — The law, I would further observe, allows but two lieutenants to a company of artillery — The Colonel has returned a choice of three — On both these grounds therefore I have found it necessary to issue a new order returnable to the next session of Assembly — Presuming you will readily Supply by the approbation of the colonel the places of those excluded with- out prejudice to the militia I enclose the order to be delivered to Colonel Brainerd when convenient — I regret the delay thus oc- casioned but it seems unavoidable —
I am D'’ Sir your ob‘ SeP
[Endorsed] To Capt. Bray — note with orders to Col. Brainerd which were taken back —
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COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO JOHN BRAINERD
[8:70]
T o John Brainerd 2“^ Esquire Lieutenant Colonel Commandant of the 7^^ regiment in the Second brigade of Connecticut militia —
Sir
Pursuant to your recommendation I have thought proper to form Amaziah Bray Esquire and his associates (a list of whom he will deliver to you, excluding therefrom however those indiv- iduals who reside without the limits of said Seventh regiment) into a company of Militia Artillery, to annex them to the regi- ment aforesaid under your command, and to allow them the uniform and equipments of the Artillery of the late State corps, until further orders —
You are therefore hereby required to cause legal notice to be given the applicants aforesaid {excepting as aforesaid) to meet at such time & place as you shall designate for the purpose, and when so met you will lead them to the choice of a captain, two lieutenants and the legal number of noncommissioned officers, and make return of the choice of commissioned officers to the
next General Assembly
Given under my hand at Hartford the day of May AD 1815 —
John Cotton Smith Capt. General —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO AMAZIAH BRAY [8:71]
Hartford 31. May 1815 Sir
Since the order was issued to Col. Brainerd for leading your- self & associates to a choice of officers it has been discovered that a part of the men enrolled live without the limits of the 7^^ regiment
This is irregular — If it had been perceived, their names would have been excluded No one is to blame, as it was un-
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PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
questionably a mere mistake — Unfortunately however the re- turn cannot be received, nor commissions granted the present Session. The law, I would further observe, allows but two lieutenants to a company of Artillery — The Colonel has re- turned a choice of three — On both these grounds therefore I have found it necessary to issue a new order returnable to the next Session of Assembly — Presuming you will be able, under the direction of the colonel, to supply the places of those excluded without prejudice to the infantry companies, I enclose an order to be delivered to Col. Brainerd when convenient with the neces- sary explanations — I regret delay thus occasioned, but it seems unavoidable —
I am sir with much regard your obe^ ser^
J. C. Smith —
A. Bray Esq*"
[Superscribed] Amaziah Bray Esquire Killingworth —
CALVIN GODDARD TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:72]
Hartford June 1. 1815
Dear sir,
I know not whether usage or propriety requires from me any communication, on my leaving the Council, or the occasion of it. There are times when the heart, will not permit one en- quiry into forms — Such is at present the condition of mine — Associated as I have been with the body from which I now sep- arate, during a period of so much difficulty, embarrassment & danger — Extricated as we are from the difficulties which we felt ours, preserved as we have been from the dangers which we feared — Enjoying so many, & so great blessings as a state — Experiencing, as I have so much of personal respect, & affec- tionate kindness from my associates in efforts to perpetuate those blessings — Grateful as my heart ought to be for the preserva- tion of the lives of all the Council during this period — Mourful as it is, at the recollection of the death of two Chief Magistrates in the full enjoyment, and worthy of the Love of us all of all
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COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
this people, my heart would be harder than a flint if I could part from you without emotion — But such are my recollections of the past and anticipations of the future, that I cannot bring my- self to join the Council today, & say Farewell! But I cannot leave town with some testimonial of my respect & gratitude May a merciful God continue his blessing to you & the Council, & continue you, & them as a blessing to this State & assist you & them in all your exertions to transmit to bur children the dis- tinguished favour of a good Government faithfully administered
accept, my dear sir, for yourself & have the goodness to express to the Council, the high sense of respectful consideration and affectionate esteem, with which I add that I am your Ot hm friend Calvin Goddard
Govr Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency Gov^ Smith Hartford
[8:73]
Printed copy of a Resolution passed by the Connecticut Leg- islature, January 3, 1815.
GENERAL ORDERS [8:74]
State of Connecticut —
General Orders —
Hartford June 3'’* 1815
At a General court Martial for the Sixth brigade, of which Lieut. Col. Leonard Hurlbut of the 25^^ regiment of Infantry is President, was tried Capt. Uriel Tuttle of the 7^^ company in the 17^^ regiment, charged with “wilful disobedience of orders” and “with unofflcerlike and mutinous conduct” —
The arrested officer pleaded not guilty to the complaint and was heard at large in his defence —
The court pronounced the said Capt. Tuttle guilty of the first
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PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
charge, and not guilty of the offence specified in the second charge ; and thereupon Sentenced him “to be Suspended from his rank & office of Captain for the term of six months, to com- mence from the date of the approval of the sentence by the Cap- tain General”
In reviewing the proceedings of the court on the trial of this and other causes before the same board, the Capt. General per- ceives that certain inquiries were allowed which are not con- formabbe to military usage. As they were permitted however at the instance of the arrested officer, and as the court have come to a correct result upon the whole evidence, the Captain General Approves the Sentence
The transaction which forms the subject of the present com- plaint, and in which several other commissioned officers of the 17th regiment were unfortunately concerned, is beheld by the Capt. General with sincere regret — It is in vain that the accused would seek to justify his conduct under any supposed provocation he had received from the late Lieut. Colonel Commandant of the 17th regiment. If that officer had in any respect conducted him- self improperly in the discharge of his military functions, he was evidently amendable to a higher tribunal. — — The course adopted by the accused was not the legitimate mode of redress — But although no sufficient apology exists for a proceedure at once irregular and unusual, the Capt. General is nevertheless persuaded that the offence was committed more from a misap- prehension of duty than from a disposition to violate it — from listening too readily to the suggestions of others, and not from a deliberate intent to set at defiance those principles of subordination which it should be the pride of a military officer to observe —
Under these impressions the Captain General considers that to prevent the entire execution of the foregoing sentence would be an act of lenity not inconsistent with a due regard to the public interest — Accordingly it is ordered that the punishment awarded by the court be and the same is hereby remitted, and that Captain Uriel Tuttle be released from his arrest —
The Geffi court Martial whereof &c
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COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO EBENEZER HUNTINGTON [8:74A]
Sharon 12. June 1815 Sir
The foregoing order was prepared before I left Hartford — but it was delayed in expectation that the records of all the other cases in the 6*^ brigade would have been returned before this time They are not all yet received* — I have therefore concluded to proceed gradually and now request you to give the requisite publicity to the present order together with the one enclosed, for the first brigade — The cases from the 6^^ brigade are truly perplexing — It was indiscreet in the Lieut. Col. (to say nothing of the cause of discontent) to arrest so many officers at once — and rather injudicious in the court to suspend all the captains & several Lieutenants, thereby leaving the companies destitute during the spring and fall training — The ring-leader so far as I can discover was Capt. Beebe whose case was trans- mitted to you from Hartford — As to him I suffer the sentence which is really too mild to take effect — but According to my present impression I shall pardon the others — The grounds you will see stated in the case of Capt. Tuttle now forwarded — This course is adopted upon much deliberation and I hope will be salutary in its consequences. — The regiment is in a dis- tracted state — but Col. Smith has resigned — a judicious suc- cessor is appointed & I hope harmony will be restored —
The 6^^ Brigade is now commanded by the President of the Court Martial & he resides in Winchester —
I am jy sir sincerely yours —
Adjutant Geffi Huntington —
16*^ June P. S. Just after the above was prepared I learned that the records in the other cases would be here on the 14^^ — The letter was detained — The records arrived — Orders are pre- pared and the whole (twenty in number) now forwarded in this & another package —
[Endorsed] General orders in the case of Capt. Tuttle 17. Reg* 6. Brigade
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PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
* Several came early to hand & orders were prepared on the instant — but are kept back for the others —
GENERAL ORDERS [8:75]
State of Connecticut
General Orders
Sharon June 5. 1815
A General court Martial of which Major Peter B. Gleason of the first regiment of Cavalry is President was held at Hartford on 29^^ May last by order of the Brigadier General of the first brigade for the trial of Cornet David McKinney of the first company in the first regiment of Cavalry charged with “dis- obedience of orders,” with “neglect of duty” and with “unofficer- like conduct”
The accused took exception to the legality of his arrest ; which exception being overruled by the court, he pleaded not guilty to the complaint and was heard at large in his defence —
The court having found the arrested officer guilty of the two first charges and not guilty of the third & last charge, pronounced
the following sentence — to wit
“The court in view of the whole case considering the probable intention of Cornet McKinney to remove out of the state and also the recent date of his commission and his inexperience as an officer, do thereupon Sentence the Said Cornet M. Kinney that he be reprimanded in such manner as the Captain General shall direct”
On a due examination of the record the Captain General is satisfied with the interlocutory and final opinion expressed by the
Court, and he approves the Sentence Accordingly to carry
the same into effect in a manner suited to the palliating circum- stances mentioned by the court it is ordered that the Brigadier General of the first Brigade do privately reprimand the said Cor- net McKinney for the disobedience of orders and neglect of duty specified in the charges in arrest, and that he report the ex- ecution of this order as soon as may be to the office of the Adju- tant General
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COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The General court Martial whereof Major Gleason is Pres- ident is hereby dissolved
[Endorsed] Gen^ orders in case of Cornet David McKinney 1. Reg* Cavalry
GENERAL ORDERS [8:76]
State of Connecticut General orders —
Sharon June 14*^ 1815
At a General court Martial for the 6**" brigade, of which Lieut. Col. Hurlbut of 25**^ reg* is President, was tried Lieut. Stephen Russell of 1. comp, in the 17**^ regiment, charged with “a wilful
disobedience of orders” & “with unofficerlike conduct”
The arrested officer pleaded not guilty to the complaint and was heard at large in his defence —
The court pronounced the said Lieut. Russell guilty, and thereupon sentenced him “to be Suspended from his office and rank of Lieutenant for the term of nine months from and after the date of the approval of the sentence by the Capt. Geffi.”
On mature consideration the Capt. Geffi is satisfied that the court have come to a correct result upon the whole evidence, and
he therefore approves the sentence
In Geffi orders issued on the instant June, in the case of Capt. U. Tuttle, the Capt. General has expressed his views of the transaction in which the accused (with other commissioned officers of the 17*^ reg*) were unhappily engaged, as well as the reasons which induced him in that case to, remit the punishment amended by the court. — Those reasons apply to the case under consideration, and are strengthened by a belief that on the occasion alluded to the accused was influenced in no slight de- gree by the example of those who were his superiours in rank &
commission Whilst the Captain General laments the errour
into which so many valuable officers were inconsiderately be- trayed, he confidently trusts the evil is sufficiently seen & de- plored by them, and that nothing in future will occur to disturb the harmony of a regiment which for its discipline & orderly
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PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
conduct, has been long & justly entitled to distinguished approba- tion — Entertaining these sentiments the Capt. Gen^ has thought proper to prevent the entire execution of the foregoing sentence — Accordingly it is ordered that the punishment amended by the court be & the same is hereby remitted — and that Lieut.
Stephen Russell be released from his arrest
The Gen^ Court Martial whereof Lieut. Col. Hurlbut is Pres- ident is hereby dissolved —
[Endorsed] Gen^ orders in case of Lieut. Stephen Russell 1. Comp. 17. Regt. 6. Brigade —
THOMAS HUBBARD TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:77]
Middletown 16*^ June 1815.
His Ex. John Cotton Smith Esqr:
Sir/
I had the honor of addressing you about the middle of May, requesting you to accept my resignation of the office I hold in the State Troops — not having receiv’d a discharge, and for many reasons being desirous of one, I have to request your Excellency would be so good as to accept my res- ignation and discharge me from Military duty. —
Respectfully
Your oU Servant
Thomas Hubbard
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esqr: Sharon.
[Endorsed] Capt. Tho. Hubbard 16. June 1815 — rec*^ answ^ D°
GENERAL ORDERS [8:78]
State of Connecticut
Sharon 21. June 1815 General orders
At A General court martial, for the Second Division of which
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COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Brigadier General Enoch Foote of the 4*^^ brigade is President, was tried Ralph J. Ingersoll Esquire Brigade Major and In- spector of the Second Brigade charged with “unofficerlike con- duct” and with “neglect of duty”
The arrested officer pleaded not guilty to the complaint and the
court came to the following result towit —
“This court, after maturely deliberating upon the charges brought against Ralph J. Ingersoll Brigade Major and Inspec- tor of the 2°*^ Brigade of militia and upon the testimony adduced, find the said Ralph J. Ingersoll not guilty of the said charges, and
adjudge that he be fully and honourably acquitted”
The proceedings and decision of the court are Approved by the Captain General
Accordingly it is ordered that Major Ralph J. Ingersoll be
released from his arrest
The General court Martial whereof Brigadier General Foote
is President is hereby dissolved
By order of the Captain General —
[Endorsed] General orders in case of Major R. J, Ingersoll In- spector of 2^^ brigade — 21. June 1815
HEZEKIAH GODDARD TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:79]
New London June 23*^ 1815
sir/
There is so many of those small detachment who have claims that I must be under the necessity of asking a further advance of money from the State. I have paid to Gen^ Foote $565 — Major Sherman has a Claim of about $100 — there are about $600 which I was called on yesterday by Liu^ Pratt from Gen^ How,s Brigade — I suppose that 1.000 Dolles[sic] will cover the wholl from the best Information which I have. If your Excellency will Please send me an order on the comptroller for such sum as may be necessary I will not draw for any more than sufficient to
mett the demands which I believe will not exceed $1000
with the highest respect
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PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
I am your Excellencys obedient & Humble servant Hez. Goddard Pay Master
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esqr.
Govenor Sharon N. London C June 23 [Endorsed] Major Goddard 23. June 1815 rec^ in my absence — answ^ 21. July 1815 intra —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO THOMAS HUBBARD
[8:80]
23. June 1815
Sir
I have received your letter of the 16^^ inst — The legislature having thought proper to retain the Military corps as militia until the rising of the Assembly in October next, it has appeared to me inexpedient to accept the resignation of any of the officers during that period; especially as no provision is made by law for filling the vacancies —
I trust Sir every officer belonging to the corps will feel satis- fied with this arrangement Sir and will wait patiently for the dis- charge, to which he will then be entitled —
I am Sir respectfully your obedient & hum^^ servant —
[Endorsed] To Capt. Hubbard
EBENEZER HUNTINGTON TO JOHN COTTON SMITH [8:81]
Norwich 24 June 1815
Dear sir
On settling the annual accounts of the Mohegan turnpike road this month — the commissioners had their doubts respecting the powers (if any) they possessed for adjusting the same — but did proceed to an adjustment of the accounts & laid the same before the County Court as formerly they had been accustomed
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COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
to do they find the road indebted for advances hereto-
fore made for nearly three hundred dollars, & their note is due at the Norwich Bank on the 12 July for the balance —
I apprehend Haughton the keeper of the gate will not hesitate to pay over such collections as he may make for paying
up the note but presume your excellency ought to be
informed that there are no commissioners appointed on the
Mohegan Turnpike road they having been formerly
appointed by the County Court, but placed under the direction
of the Governor & Council by statute & by special resolve
for two years exempted from the effect of the statute, the last special resolve expiring in May
Will your Excellency take the subject into consideration & au- thorise the receipt of so much of the money collected as may be necessary to pay the baE due from the road subject here-
after to be adjusted by the commissioners who may be appointed
The several orders respecting Courts Martial in the 6^^ brigade, (I believe 19) one in the first brigade & one in the second brigade
have been duly received and promulgated
I am respectfully & sincerely yours
Eben : Huntington
His Excellency Governor Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency Governour Smith Sharon Chelsea Landg Jn 23
[Endorsed] Gen^ E. Huntington 24. June 1815 de Mohegan- road. rec*^ in my absence answ^ 22. July 1815 —
SAMUEL BUSHNELL 2^ TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:82]
Saybrook June 30 1815
His Excellency the Captain General
Sir
At the organization of the State Corps I had the honor to be appointed a Sergeant in the 1 Companey of Artillery under the
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PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
Comand of Captain Jewett and performd duty in that Capacity untill the restoration of peace — In the fategue and Sacrafies which that Companey encounterd in discharg of Public Duty I bore my Part, and never received a Reproof or froun from any of my offiers At the late Election of officrs for Said Com- paney I was wholley neglected and must now returne to the rank or encounter Continual fines unless your Exellency will grant me a discharge from futher military duty — Your Ecel- ency will not I am persuaded consent thus to degrade me in my one [sic] eyes as well as in these whome I have been in the habit of comanding nor wish me to be Subjectd to fines which I am unable to pay without ruen to my Self and famely I therefore pray your Exellency to grant me a discharge from futher duty and I am
Your Excellencys Obeidant Survant
Samuel Bushnell 2^
GEORGE W. JEWETT TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8 :82A]
His Excelleny John C, Smith
Sir, At the desire of Sergeant Bushnell, I take the liberty to state to your Excellency that the facts stated in the foregoing applica- tion are true. While under my immediate Command I was ever well satisfied with his Conduct, and never heard a bit of disatis- faction from any other quarter. Why he should have been neg- lected at the late Election I know not, except that he had not so many family, connections in the Company, was older than the Class selected for Sergeants & Corporals — &c — It would be an extremely hard Case to oblige him to do duty in the Ranks — The Precedent cannot be of much inconvenience, as similar Cases can very rarely occur. On the whole I hope your Excelleny will discharge him. Cap Bull who now commands the Company and
who is now absent on a Journy and with whom I have had
Conversation on the Subject concurs entirely with me in Opinion
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COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
on the Subject and contemplating this Application, desired me to state the same —
I am as ever
Your Excellency’s
Very Obedient Servant Geo. W. Jewett
Saybrook July 1 1815.
[Superscribed] His Excellency Gov*" Smith Sharon Conn — Saybrook July 3
[Endorsed] Sergeant Bushnell’s request for a discharge & Ma- jor Jewett’s letter — rec** during my absence — answ^ 21. July — 1815
MATTHEW T. RUSSELL TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:83]
Middletown July 12^^ 1815
Sir
Having been appointed States Attorney, by the advice of Mr Hosmer, I applyed to General Lusk for a Return of Military
delinquents. With Considerable reluctance he, at length,
gave an order, on his brigade major, for a return. But, on this Condition, that application should be made to your Excellency, to bring about the Prosecution of offenders out of his Brigade.
The impropriety of Addressing your Excellency on this Sub- ject was very apparent, but, was necessarily submitted, in order to obtain the information requisite for the Prosecution of the Delinquents, in this county. I trust, this will be ad-
mitted an appology for troubling your Excellency on this Subject.
The difficulties presented by General Lusk could no
otherwise be overcome, than by a measure, which he hoped, would produce a General prosecution of Military Delinquents
through out the State.
With the highest Respect, I am your Excellency,s Obedient & very Humble Servant Matthew T. Russell His Excellency John Cotton Smith
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PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq*" Sharon Con^
[Endorsed] M. T. Russell Esq 12. July 1815 received in my absence — answ^ 22. July 1815
LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES [8:84]
Washington, Department of State,
July 13th 1815.
Laws of the United States for the State of Connecticut.
l®'^ session 12th Congress 1 Box containing Copies 200.
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1729 |
JOHN G. MUNN TO JOHN COTTON SMITH [8:85]
Hartford/ ConnV 15‘^ of July 1815
His Excellency John C. Smith Esq^ Governor CapE Gen^ and Commander in Chief in and over the State of Connecticut Sir
the undersigned begs leave to state that he has ben years in Service of the United States that he has been wounded severely which will probably render him Disabled for life, for which the Gen^ Government have allredy plac[e]d him on the Pension List
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COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Roll at twelve dollars fifty Cents p"" Month, but Sir having made an application for an appointment of Military Store Keeper or a Post Office in preference of being continued in Service is the subject in which he begs your attention. — Recommendations have allredy been favoured him by Officers of the army who are Continued in Service that are acquainted pursonaly with his Tallants as an Officer and Citizen, being anxious to provide ways and means for the support of himself and Family he is under the necessay of requsting the favour of your Honor a line of Reccommendation of what your Excellency has Purson- aly Observed in the partishioner in the performance of his duty while an officer of the army. — the [delicacy] of this application is most seriously felt but being Confident that it will be of Great importance to him if your Excellency sees fit to favour him with one prompts him make this application, it is his wish to satis- fy the Government as far as in his power that he is not without Friends, that his Wound renders him unfit for manuel Labour is a fact, and that it is of serious importance to him to have some small appointment that he may thereby obtain a Livelihood. — Incouragement has been given him by the Secretary of War as also Maj*” Gen^ Ripley of the United States Army, being left from Service on account of Severe Wounds is what he did not expect tho that was the Instructions of the President to the Board of War who had the pleasure of making out the Peace Establishment that none should be retained but those who were Effective and fit to take the field of Battle at any time if neces- sary if your Excellency should see fit to say any
thing in favour of your humble Partishioner please enclose it to him directed to this place that he may forward it to Wash- ington with others and at any rate please write in answer by re- turn Mail. — being at this time out all kind of Business renders your Partishioners situation disagreeable and if an Appointment is to be Obtained he wishes to have it done soon
I am Sir with Sentiments of Respect and Esteem your Obedient and verry humble Servant
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PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
John G Munn late a 1®*^ Liu^ in the Reg^ United States Infy
His Excellency John C. Smith Esq""
Governor of Connecticut
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq*" Gov- ernor of Connecticut Sharon/ Connecticut/
[Endorsed] Lieut. J. G. Munn — 15. July — answ^ 28*^
DISCHARGES FROM THE MILITARY CORPS
[8:86]
Samuel Bushnell 2“^ formerly a sergeant in the first Company of Artillery in the late Military Corps is hereby, at his request & on grounds which appear to me satisfactory, discharged from further Military duty —
Given under my hand the 21. day of July AD 1815 —
Sharon 21. July 1815
Major Jewett —
Sir
On my return this day from a long journey your letter & Sergeant Bushnell’s application which arrived during my ab- sence, are put into my hands — — The precedent may be
attended with some inconvenience but I have concluded on the whole to comply with the Sergeant’s request, supported as it is by your recommendation, and will therefore thank you to de- liver to him the foregoing discharge —
I am D^ Sir with much regard your very oU Se^
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO ELISHA COLT [8:87]
Elisha Colt Esq. Comptroller &c.
Sharon 21. July 1815
Sir
The Pay Master General informs me there are outstand-
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COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
ing demands upon his department which will require a further draft on the treasury — You will be pleased therefore to draw on the treasurer in his favour for such sums as the above objects may require not exceeding in the whole one thousand dollars — for which the Pay master General will render to you his Ac- count —
[Endorsed] To Major Goddard P. M. Gen'
[on other side of leaf]
21. July 1815
Sir
On my return this day from a long journey your letter of the 23*'*' ultimo which arrived during my absence, is put into my hands — I lose no time in forwarding an order upon the Comp- troller agreeable to your desire
I am Sir respectfully '
your ob‘ SeP
Major H. Goddard —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO MATTHEW T. RUSSELL
[8:88]
Sharon 22. July 1815
Sir
Your letter of the 12'^'^ instant arrived here during my absence on a journey. I avail myself of the earliest mail since my return to notice its contents
The command of the troops detached under the General orders of July 1814 was assigned to Major General Taylor — Through his inattention returns were not made either of those who failed to perform their tour of duty or of those who neglected to appear at the place of rendezvous — Delinquents of the former descrip- tion will therefore wholly escape — And of the latter a part only can be ascertained inasmuch as one of the regiments ordered into service it seems was not mustered at the place of rendezvous
It is desirable undoubtedly that every species of delinquency
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PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
should be promptly punished — And it is equally desirable that justice should be administered impartially & without discrimina- tion —
On this subject however I cannot but observe that your views of the impropriety which would attend the least interference on my part are perfectly correct —
I am Sir with sincere respect & esteem your obedient &
very humble servant
M. T. Russell Esqr.
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO EBENEZER HUNTINGTON [8:89]
Sharon 22. July 1815
Sir
Yours of the ultimo arrived during my absence on a journey — Having returned yesterday evening I seize the earliest moment to notice its contents
The resolve of Assembly to which you allude respecting com- missioners on the Mohegan Turnpike road is entirely out of my recollection, nor have I at hand the means of ascertaining its purport — If the appointment should have been made during the May Session I regret that those more particularly conversant with the subject had not intimated it to the board — By an Act of the legislature passed in October last, com- missioners on turnpike roads are to be appointed annually at the October Session — and those in office are continued until that time — Unless there is therfore something very special in the resolve you mention I should suppose the gentlemen already appointed on the Moheegan road would retain their powers until October next — We did nothing more in this branch of executive duty at the last session than to fill vacancies occasioned
by death or resignation In any event it will be to no purpose
for me to issue instructions to the receiver of the Monies col- lected at the Gate — as no authority of this kind is vested by law in the Governor —
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COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
I am very respectfully Sir your ob*^ ser^
Major Gen'* E. Huntington • —
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO JOHN G. MUNN [8 :90]
State of Connecticut July 28. 1815 Having been requested by M^ J. G. Munn, late 1. Lieut, in the U. States Infantry, to state my opinion of his conduct whilst stationed at Hartford, I would observe that from the opportun- ities afforded me of witnessing his deportment as well as from information derived from respectable sources I entertain the im- pression that his behaviour was uniformly such as becomes an officer and a citizen —
J. C. S —
Sir —
Your letter of the 15*^*^ instant arrived here during my absence on a journey, or it would have received an earlier notice — The foregoing is the only attestation to your merit which my means of knowledge will allow — It is cheerfully given and that
beneficial
it may prove in some degree serviceable to you is the sincere de- sire of Sir
Your ob*" & hm Ser*
[Endorsed] to Lieut. Munn —
ARNOLD P. HUMPHREYS TO JOHN COTTON SMITH [8:91]
Canton July 28^M815
Hon. Sir
the 18*^*^ Regt Connecticut Militia now under my Command are destitute of an adjutant the paymaster of said Regt is a yong man of brilliant tallents and has Every qualification to render him respectable both as a Citizen and a Millitary officer and would do Honour to said Regt in serving as an Adjutant but by
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PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
a late act past by the legislature of this State it is stated Adju- tants Paymasters & quarter masters shall be appointed from the line of subalterns and it is said by some that a paymaster is not eligible to fill the post of an Adjutant and that all Paymasters or quartermasters appointed previous to the passing of that act
must retire with out any further promotion others
say that as a Paymaster ranks with a Lieutenant he may with
propriety be apointed Adjutant
I wish Sir you would be so good as to write to me and state the construction you put upon that passage of the law And state
your sentiments upon the subject
wish you to write as soon as convenient as it will be necessary for me to make the appointment of an Adjutant soon on account of
Millitary business that must be attended to
Yours with sentiments of the highest esteem and Respect
Arnold P Humphreys His Excellency John C. Smith Esq"" Gov. of the State of Connecticut.
[Superscribed] His Excellency JohnC. Smith Esqr. Gov. of the State of Connecticut Sharon [Endorsed] Col. A. P. Humphreys 28. July — 1815 Rec^ & answ^ 8 Aug de adjutant
E. BOARDMAN TO JOHN COTTON SMITH [8:92]
Hartford Con^
July 30'"^ 1815
Hon^ Sir
Awar of your knowledge of my personal merits as a Citizan & soldier ; Permit me to request Your friendly aid and assistance, by giving a Letter of Recommendation, informing the SecP of War of my Caractor & Conduct, so far as has came within
Your knowledge. And Sir at the same time permit me to
state to You facts relative to my situation. I entered the
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COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
service of the United States on the 13^^ of June 1818 [sic] as a Cornet of Dragoons and have arrison in regular gradation to the Rank of Captain In April 1814 it became necessary to con- solidate the Two Regiments of Dragoons. I then being the
junior Captain of the Two Regiments, It became necessary (If I continued in that service) to reduce my Rank to a LieuS Having declined serving with named Rank, The Government Offered me a Captaincy in Inf^^ to act as Rifle Man, with permishion to appoint my own Subaltern Officers, which I ac- cepted and rec^ Orders to come to this place & establish
my Rendezvous for Recruiting. In three months from my Com- mencement, I had filled my Company and Marched.
Since which time peace has tacon place The love of Cuntry and a desire to serve it, induced me to enter that service earley in life, which I have followed as a profession & had supposed I should continue to remain, untill my conduct had at least, be- come reprehensible in some way or manor, which never has ben the case, — But unfortunately for me (as I have a family, am poor & Indigant Circontances) I was left out of the peace estab- lishment. But I have the promis of the Government that
they will do somthing for me either reinstate me to my Rank in the Army, or give me a civil appointment. But my indigant Cir- comstances require that I should be in some Business soon I have tharefor procured from M^ Daggett & a number of the rest of my friends. Letters in my behalf, which I had calculated to forward, so soon as I should receive Your answer & Sir If consistant you will grately Oblige me by complying with my request
Verry Respectfully Your Obt Hum^ Serv^
E. Boardman Capt Late of the 26^^ Inft^
HonU John C. Smith Govern'' of the State of
Connecticut
Sharon
C‘ i
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PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
[Superscribed] Honb^ John C. Smith Govern^ of the State of Connecticut Sharon, (Con^)
[Endorsed] Capt. E. Boardman 30. July 1815 — rec*^ 8. Aug. Not to be answered
DAVID GELSTON TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8;93]
Custom house New York,
August 3*^ 1815
Sir,
By order of the Secretary of State, I have this day shipped by Cap^ Rockwell for Hartford, nine boxes said to contain laws, U. S.
Your Excellency will be pleased to forward to me a receipt for
them when at hand
I have the honor to be,
very respectfully
your Excellency’s
Obedient servant,
David Gelston
His Excellency Governor Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency Governor Smith Sharon Con- necticut
[Endorsed] D. Gelston Esqr. collector of N. York — 3. Aug. 1815 rec^ 8^^ de laws U. S. answ^ IT^
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO DAVID GELSTON [9:51]
State of Connecticut Sharon 11. Aug. 1815
Sir —
Your favour of the 3^^ instant is received — As soon as I learn that the nine boxes containing laws of the U. S. have arrived at Hartford the receipt of them shall be acknowledged —
The Secretary of state in his letter to me under date of 13^^
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COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
ultimo mentions his having forwarded ten boxes to your care ; &
states the number of copies in each As the boxes are said
to contain the acts passed at the several sessions of the 12*^ & 13^^ Congress properly assorted, the loss of one box will prob- ably have the effect of breaking up the setts — You will confer an additional favour Sir by making the necessary inquiries upon this subject
I am very respectfully
Sir your ob*^ & mot hm. ser^
[Endorsed] To D. Gelston Esq"" 11. Aug. 1815
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO ARNOLD P. HUMPHREYS
[8:94]
Sharon Aug. 8. 1815
Sir
In reply to your letter which is just received, I would observe that according to my construction of the late act of Assembly Adjutants can be appointed only from the line of subalterns in the regiment — Consequently in my view a mere staff officer is not eligible —
I am Sir respectfully Your oU Ser^
Col. A. P. Humphreys
THOMAS DAY TO JOHN COTTON SMITH [8:95]
Hartford August 16. 1815.
Dear sir.
Your communication of the 11th inst. is received. I shall immediately apply to Capt. Rockwell on his arrival for the boxes of Laws of U. S., and advise you of the number that shall be received, condition &c.
I received by mail a short time since addressed to the Executive of this State, one copy of the Acts passed at the third Session of the 13th Congress, which is now in my Office.
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PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
I am very respectfully Your obed^ serv^
Thomas Day
Gov*’ Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Sharon. [Endorsed] Secretary Day — Aug. 16. 1815 rec*^ 19^^
THOMAS HUBBARD TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:96]
Middletown Aug^ 1815.
His Excellency
John Cotton Smith Esqr:
Sir/
Rec*^ your Excellency’s letter of 23^ June last — and had contented myself to abide your determination not to discharge any officer of the State Corps until the October session of the Legislature, but my Troop, particularly the of- ficers, have wished to be ordered out for discipline, and a late view of the subject of military pursuits, in a moral light, is such as to induce me to a practice, perhaps not warranted by mil- itary laws : — omitting to discipline & qualify for actual service the Men placed under my command. — Not having had a Geffi order requiring me to call out the Troop, I have considered my situation precisely the same as before the act of May session & justified my conduct. — In further urging your Excellency to reconsider your decision, and to grant me a discharge, I trust your Excellency will appreciate my motives, & not impute to me unreasonable importunity. As far as any Alilitary station is de- sirable, mine is so, & the Corps to which I am attached as re- spectable as any; that I do not desire to quit it from disgust, but from a conviction, with which my conduct would be at varience should I continue to act in my command, which I recently am in- form’d is expected of me by the Major Comd*^
Respectfully
Your oU Serv‘
Thomas Hubbard
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COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esqr: Sharon. Conn : —
[Endorsed] Capt. T. Hubbard requesting a discharge 21. Aug. 1815 rec*^ 26. answ*^ 28^^
ELIZUR GOODRICH TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:97]
Hartford Aug* 21. 1815.
My dear sir.
It has pleased Almighty God, to remove from this Life, my brother, the late Lieu* Governour of this State. He expired on Friday last, — I know your affection for him, and that your sym- pethies unite themselves to the affections & afflications of his family friends
The Gentlemen of this City request me to say that, the cir- cumstances of the case did not admit a messenger to reach you in season to permit you to attend his interment. Every testmony was yesterday paid to his memory by the whole City.
I am with sentiments of Affection your Friend
Elezur Goodrich
His Ex Gov*" Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esq Sharon Con
[Endorsed] Hon. E. Goodrich 21. Aug. 1815 Death of Gov'’ Goodrich ans. intra —
THOMAS DAY TO JOHN COTTON SMITH [8:98]
Hartford August 22. 1815.
Dear sir,
Soon after I wrote you last week I learned that Capt. Rock- well had arrived, and that the boxes of books in question had
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PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
been received at the Comptroller’s Office. Enclosed is a list of the books contained in each box.
With perfect respect
your friend & obed* serv‘d Thomas Day
P. S. Since writing the above I have rec*^ your communication of the 17^^ ins^ with a package. A short time since I received a copy of the acts of the Legislature of Kentucky for the years 1812, 1813 & 1814, in three small vols. half-bound. There was a Resolve passed in May 1811 relative to an exchange of statutes ; but the terms of it are such that I have experienced some embarrassment in complying with it. It directs the Secretary to forward to the Secretary of the several States that shall propose an exchange of statutes three sets of the statutes of this State” &c. I have for- warded under this resolve copies of our statutes to some of the States that have in fact forwarded theirs, but there has not been an instance to my recollection since the Resolve was passed where another State has proposed an exchange. I would suggest to your Excellency whether it would not be expedient to bring the sub- ject before our Legislature in some shape for the purpose of making some further or different provision. As the application which you mention from the State of Delaware seems to come within the terms of the Resolve, I will immediately forward three copies of the late acts to the Secretary of that State.
T. D.
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Sharon [Endorsed] Tho® Day Esq^ rec^ 1. Sept. 1815 answ^ 2°*^
JOSEPH H. RIGGS TO JOSEPH TOMLINSON [8 :99]
Derby August 22 1815
Joseph T omlinson
Sir you are hereby notifyed that you are fined four Dollars, for non appearance at the usual place of perade on the first monday in may last for Inspection by order of David Jack- son Capt 2^^ Comp 32"'^ Reg^
Joseph H. Riggs Serg*'
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COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
CHRISTOPHER MINOT TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:100]
West Haven Aug^ 22^ 1815
My dear Sir,
Your very agreable letter of the 25^^ July we have received, announcing your safe arrival at home, the agreable interview with our friends at Northampton, and that you upon the whole, had a pleasant journey: on hearing of which, we were all much pleased, and particularly that on your return you found your family & friends well — That they were rejoiced to see you, can be easily immagined — We rec’d a line yesterday from our children at Northampton expressing the great satisfaction they enjoyed with you and your lady, but reg[ret] sincerely that your stay there was so short — They mention Judge Lyman as [missing] your Class-mates, a more kind & charming disposition perhaps does not exist in [ ] other body. You have done us a
great kindness in your particulars respecting [ ] visit at N. H.
as we had not had for sometime our usual information from them I am a little disappointed in your not finding the roads more to your mind, but think you must agree with me, that from Greene’s on the mountain to Connecticut River, no Vermont roads are better.
Nothing very material has occurred here since your departure
neither Rossman or Esquire Shepherd have yet made the
promised June paym^ — & if the Squire depends on his partner to find the means, he will often be mistaken —
I am happy Sir, to find that M*" Langdon comes out so well in his acco*® but very sorry the balance is not larger — My daughter Richards has just returned from his house having been to the Middlebury Commenced with his family — He and his Lady, Moses Strong &c proceeded from that place to Canada, meaning to return home by our Freeman’s meeting. There has been a most scurrilous publication against our good Governor Chittenden, supposed to be wrote by Lawyer Mallory (, one of our mushroom gentry), such as commonly issues from the Rut- land press a short time before our Election Who would
94
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
wish to be a candidate for the Chair of Vermont, to be shot at
such Vandals as he and some others one could mention ?
M*' H has formally waited on your Cousin to know if he ser- iously means to [pers] evere in his demand, and he had his answer in the affirmative — then says M"" H [ ] will certainly loose your case as well as your character — what a pretty figure you [ ]
cut before the Court to have it known that you were plotting to rob your Uncle [ ] his dying moments? — well he answered I
can’t help that. I’ll recover if I can &c — I believe he felt the weight of H’® arguments, as I understand his countenance
very quickly lengthened It seems the perjury of Huggins
was his expected power to prevent the will’s being proved — He says Huggins would have come forward (no doubt by virtue
of a bribe) and swore your Uncle was insane.
I have lately rec’d a letter from S. M. Mitchell Esq'’ of Burling- ton principally on the Silvester Russell business ; but mentions his expectation of a visit from you when you were in this quarter, and likewise the Gov. Chittenden informed him that he expected
the same Russels house has fell to us by Mortgage,
which was closed, & now stands in your name — We have sold it to M*’ Mitchell & four other Gentlemen who intend to present it to the College there — the price to be the am*^ of Russell’s note
& interest, but how much that amounts to I cannot tell
the house is falling down & wants immense repais so that we think we had better sell it as quick as possible, before another war comes on — for I have seen it in flames a number of times
during the last campaign Now it will be necessary that
we have a Release from you before we can give a deed, and I am sorry to trouble you who I know are always so busy, in begging the favor you would make out one for us, and send it by the mail — You will particularly oblige me, as nothing but that is wanting to compleat the sale — I would send one ready for your signature did we know the form, but suppose this must be dif- ferent from the common ones — Description of house and land in Burlington C° of Chittenden from M^ Mitchell’s letter, viz^ “Beginning at a Stake standing South 86° 31 minutes east one Chain & nine Links from the northwest corner of Lot Number
95
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
30, of the five acre Lot, in said town of Burlington — Thence South thr[ee] degrees twenty nine minutes west Eleven chains & 50 Links to a stake — The [nee] South 86 31" East one chain & 9 links to a stake — thence north 3 29" [ ] eleven
chains & fifty Links to a Stake — thence north 86 31" West one [chain] & nine Links to a stake, being the first men- tioned bound, containing One fo[urth] part of said five acre lot number 30, with a dwelling house, Barn, and oth[er] out houses thereon".
All our family are well — M*’® Minots’ sister (M*'® Rice) has arrived here on a visit from Canada — We all desire our affec- tionate regards to you, & Mrs. Smith, your Son & his Lady — With Respect and Esteem
I am My dear Sir
Your Friend Christ® Minot P. S. M*"® Minot begs to be informed if you know the method used by your father to cure the falling sickness — if so wishes a brief acco*^ of it. She has heard your Uncle say, he knew of no one besides him who could cure that dreadfull disorder — Could information be had, it would be rec*^ with gratitude by a Relation of ours living in Middlebury.
CM
Gov. Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Esquire Sharon Connecticut
[Endorsed] Christ® Minot Esq'’ 22. Aug. 1815 — rec^ & answ** 5‘^ SepP Enclosed a quitclaim deed of the lot in Burlington as requested
DAVID BUTLER TO JOHN COTTON SMITH [8:101]
Troy August 23*^ 1815
Sir,
I receved your kind letter of the 30^^ ult. for which I am sincerely thankful. My communications with the war depatment have been through the medium of a friend of mine in Washing- ton ; & since receiving your letter I have requested him to make
96
PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
the enquiries suggested by your Excellency. This he has done, & writes me as follows.
‘‘The recommendations of your son Jertullus Dickenson on perfectly satisfactory; but N York has now more than her proportion of Cadets in the school, & Cpnn. has but few : no appointments will be made till October, when the new secretary will be here. The principal Clerk of the department says that if Gov Smith will write to the new secretary, requesting that Jer- tullus D may be appointed a Cadet in behalf of Conn, there is no doubt but it will be done”. This to be sure is not an exact reply to the questions : But I suspect that our government in the establishment & management of this Academy, has not been altogether as systematick, as the great Fredrick of Prussia would have been, in founding & conducting an institution of that kind; tho’ abstractly considered it is extremely well regulated, & has excellent professors. As it relates to the rights of Conn, in that institution, perhaps it has been hitherto tho’t that any interference of the tyranically constituted authorities of that State, might be inconsistent with the individual sovrignty of the royal race, who on there so much curtailed in the exercise of their high & legitimate prerogatives. Still as the Governor has now been mentioned as the proper source of Court favour, it is to be presumed that they are then declining in their regard for the unhappy royal progeny of Conn
I intend sending the son I have now mentioned to my brother’s in Harwinton Conn, as soon as may be convenient: & if your Excellency will be so good as to write to the new secretary of War about the first of next October, requesting his appointment as a Cadet from Conn, it will be gratefully acknowledged by. Sir, your most obedient
& humble servt David Butler
His Excellency Gov. Smith
[Superscribed] His Excellency Governor Smith Sharon Litch- field County Conn.
[Endorsed] Rev^ D. Butler — 22. Aug. — 1815 A letter to be written the Sec^ of war about the 1. Oct. Wrote 18. Oct. See intra —
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COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
WILLIAM BELCHER TO JIRAH ISHAM [8:102]
Preston August 26‘^ 1815
Brigadier Ge^i} I sham Sir
Sergeant Isaac Stoddard of the third company in the Regiment has applied to me for assistance in obtaining a
discharge from military duty The ostensible reason is a
lame wrist, on which account the Surgeon has given him a certificate. But probably the most cogent one, is the circumstan of his being supeceeded in the recent revolution in that company — M"" Stoddard was orderly sergeant in the company, and on the choice of a Lieutenant & Ensign to fill the vacancies occasioned by the discharge of the late Lieut, and Ensign, was superceeded ; a private from the ranks being chosen Lieutenant, and a junior sergeant, chosen Ensign M*" Stoddards case will be pecu- liarly hard, unless he obtains relief If consistently with
your duty you can give him the relief he desires, should on my
part think it adviseable to do it
I am Sir respectfully
Yours &C
William Belcher Lieut Col. Command^
Eighth Reg^
[Superscribed] Brigadier Gen^ Jirah Isham New London [Endorsed] Sergeant J. Stoddard case for a discharge — dis- charged 30. Oct. 1815
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO THOMAS HUBBARD
[8:103]
Sharon 28. Aug. 1815 Sir
I have received your letter of the 2P^ inst. — Since the first organization of the Military Corps I have in no instance dis- charged any of its officers except when the Council were in Session. The reason is obvious and as it still exists in its full
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PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
force I feel myself obliged, to refuse a compliance with your request —
Reflecting however upon the reason assigned in your letter I am disposed to excuse you from duty for the present and I do accordingly excuse you, from military service until further orders — You will make this decision known to the officer next in command and will signify to him my expectation that he take the troop in the mean time under his charge & attend to its dis- cipline exercise & inspection according to law —
I am Sir your Ob^ Ser*
Capt. Tho® Hubbard —
[Endorsed] To Capt. T. Hubbard
JOHN COTTON SMITH TO [THEODORE] DWIGHT
[8:104]
Sharon 28. Aug. 1815
My dear Sir
On my return this day from a visit to my sister at Pough- keepsie I find your affecting letter of the 21®‘ instant The
sad intelligence it announces had already reached me, and had awakened emotions which I shall not attempt to describe. — At Poughkeepsie I accidentally met some of the wisest and best men from different parts of that state. We had the melancholy opportunity of mingling our griefs at the death of Governour
Goodrich; a bereavement, which was justly considered
as not confined to Connecticut, but as a serious national misfor- tune. — When or where we are to find a statesman in whom shall be combined so much modesty intelligence and wisdom is known only to that God who wounds and can heal, and who, amidst the inscrutable dispensations of His Providence towards the people of this state, I humbly trust, will not suffer His loving kindness wholly to fail
To you My dear Sir who have enjoyed an intimate and habitual intercourse with our departed friend, the loss must be peculiarly great. I condole with you from my heart, and devoutly pray that a death so sudden, and an example so illustrious may produce their proper effect upon us all —
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COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
With the sincerest sympathy and esteem I am My dear Sir your afflicted friend & Servant John Cotton Smith
The Honourable M*" Dwight —
[Endorsed] To Hon. M"" Dwight
JOSEPH TOMLINSON TO JOHN COTTON SMITH
[8:105]
T 0 his Excellency John Cotton Smith Captain General & Commander in Chief in & over the Mitary Force of this State &c &c
The Petition and appeal of Joseph Tomlinson of Derby in New Haven County humbly Sheweth that your Petitioner for several years had been & untill SepE 1814 was a private Soldier in the 2“^ Company in the 32""^ Regiment Connecticut Militia then and now commanded by Captain David Jackson, that in Septemb'' 1814 your Memorialist was drafted & detached to per- form a tour of Duty & ordered to New-Haven, where he served in a detached Company commanded by Capt. Thompson in the Regiment commanded by Col. Elihu Sanford and while at New Haven on s*^ tour your Memorialist enlisted from s*^ Copany of Capt. Thompson as a private in the third Company of Artillery State Troops then in service at New Haven & com- manded by Lieffl John L. Tomlinson. That he thereupon equipped himself in all respects according to Law for service in s*^ Artillery Company & served as a Private in the same untill its discharge from s*^ Tour & has ever since done duty in s^ last mentioned Company. That at the time he your Memorialist enlisted as afores*^ the number of Rank & file in both the Companies Com- manded by Capt. Jackson &: Capt. Thompson as afores^ were on the Rolls of s*^ Companies more than thirty six & the Rank & file in s*^ Jackson’s Company at present far ex- ceeds that number that notwithstanding on the 22“*^ day of Aug- ust 1815 your Memorialist received a Notice in due form from s^ Capt. David Jackson that he (your Petitioner) was fined four
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PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
Dollars for non-appearance in Jacksons Company on their usual parade on the first Monday of May 1815 as by s*^ notice accompanying this Memorial will appear. Your Memorialist therefore prays your Excellency to abate the Fine & order that he be discharged from paying the same. Derby August 28*^^
Joseph Tomlinson
The Facts stated in the foregoing appeal are true to the best of
my knowledge t ^ -t-
John L Tomlinson
I Andrew Johnson of Derby in New Haven County of lawful age testify & say that I served as Collector of taxes in Derby in the Fall of 1814 & Spring of 1815, that in obedience to the require- ment of an Act entitled “an Act to ascertain the number of persons exempt by Law from Military duty, I called on Capt David Jackson for the Roll of the 2^^ Company in the 32^*^ Regi- ment commanded by him that I took a Copy of the Roll so
furnished by s*^ Jackson, which I now have before me
that the number of Rank & file on s^ Roll is thirty eight, that the Deponent believes the Roll of Jackson,s company has since been increased & further this Deponent saith not.
Andrew Johnson
New Haven County ss. Derby Aug*' 28*'*" 1815 Personally appeared Andrew Johnson & made Oath that the above Deposition contains the truth the whole truth & nothing but the truth before me
John L Tomlinson Justice of Peace [Superscribed] His Excellency John Cotton Smith Sharon Derby Con Aug 29
[Endorsed] Joseph Tomlinson Appeal — rec^ 5. Sept. 1815 Issued an order same day — for a hearing at N. Haven on the 13^*" Oct. next 1 ’o’clock P.M. Heard the case on the day aforesaid & issued a Gen* order abating the fine
REPORT OF THE QUARTERMASTER GENERAL
[8:106]
Report of the Ordnance belonging to the State of Connecticut September 1815
101
COLLECTIONS OF THE CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY Brass Ordnance
|
Where By whom Deposited Commanded |
N° Rate Remarks respecting Quality condition &c. and the Artillery Companies to which the pieces are annexed |
|
Windham C° Gurdon Hebard |
1 6*^^ This piece is itself in good order But the mounting is con- siderably out of repair — The neap broken trail transim de- fective, apron gone, one entire harness gone, and the other of little value — Expence of making the necessary repairs estimated at 36 Dollars — which were ordered to be made immediately — The company to which this piece is annexed consists of 40 non Comm'^ Officers & Privates all of the town of Windham ex- cept three or four from the town of Mansfield — The Officers have agreed to erect a Gun house — |
|
Norwich Cap*^ Cha® Thomas |
1 6^^ This piece ought to be bushed — & otherwise in good repair together with its mounting and appendages, except some small deficiencies in the Har- nesses expenses of supplying which was estimated at 5 dollars — ordered to be done — The company to which this Gun is attached consists of 45 non Comm^ Officers and privates all of Norwich — Place of rendezvous, Norwich — They have no gun house but will erect one as soon as land can be procured on which to place it |
|
N ew London Cap* J ohn French |
2 6^^ These Guns are both indiffer- ently mounted, particularly as |
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PAPERS OF JOHN COTTON SMITH
Lyme
Saybrook
Pettipaug
Society
Killing-
worth
respects the quality of the timber — They are however, in good repair — and have been well housed — The com- pany to which