Inset Map of Plan of St. Augustine from a new and general map of the 1794 Southern dominions of the US by Laurie & Whittle, courtesy of the David Rumsey Historical Map Collection.

May 15:  From Salem — “The quota of the Militia of this town, to be drafted for the Canada War, is 112.  The drafts are making; we do not hear of any volunteers from the democratic ranks presenting themselves.”–Salem Gazette, May 15, 1812

May 15:   From Albany, on the late election in New York — “The republican column of the state of New-York is now prostrate in the dust.  The breath of the people has withered it, it has fallen, and its scattered fragments, from Long Island to Genesee, fill the mind of the patriot with painful retrospects and melancholy presages.”–Boston Weekly Gazette, May 15, 1812

May 16:  From Washington –- “We introduce to the attention of the public, the following important section of an act, which passed both Houses of Congress, and was approved, May 16, 1812.  ‘Sec. 7^th.  And be it further enacted, that so much of the act for establishing rules and articles for the government of the armies of the United States, As AUTHORISES THE INFLICTION OF CORPORAL PUNISHMENT, BY STRIPES OR LASHES, be, and the same is hereby repealed.’” –Raleigh Register, July 10, 1812

May 16:  ”Advertisement — BEST VIRGINIA.  Lorillard’s Maccauba Snuff, in pound and half pound bottles.  Also smoaking and Chewing Tobacco in papers, from the above manufacturer.  Sold wholesale and retail at the SNUFF WAREHOUSE, near the Union Tavern, Georgetown.”–National Intelligencer, May 16, 1812

May 16:  Editorial from New York — “Scarcely a day passes, but brings along one of our members of Congress on his way home.  Is this a time, I ask, for northern members to abandon their seats and go home? But their private affairs, their convenience, require their presence.  I know it, but if, in the meantime, the Kentucky hot-heads they have left in possession of Congress, should involve us in war, would they not severely blame themselves that they had not been in their places to do their duty, and lift up their voices against it?”–New York Herald, May 20, 1812

May 17:  From Buffalo — “Col. Swift, of Ontario county who is appointed to command on the frontiers, arrived in this village on Sunday last.  Lieut. O’Connor, has enlisted for the term of 3 years, Twenty-One Soldiers.–They are all, we believe, native Americans.”–New York Herald, May 30, 1812

May 18:  From Washington — “the [Republican] Caucus Nomination at Washington was made on Monday evening.  Mr. Madison is nominated as President, and Mr. Langdon, from New Hampshire, as Vice President.”–New York Spectator, May 27, 1812

May 18:  From Savannah — “a few days before, the house of a Mr. Dill (one of the Patriots) near St. John’s had been attacked by a party of four Spaniards, for the purpose of obtaining provisions.  There were two other Patriots in the house with Mr. Dill, who remained to guard the door, while he proceeded up stairs; and from a window succeeded in killing three of the assailants, but unfortunately lost his own life by a shot from the surviving Spaniard, who immediately made off.”–New York Spectator, May 30, 1812

May 19:  From Washington –  “The Speaker of the House of Representatives (the Hon. Henry Clay) being disabled by a fall from his horse from attending to his duty yesterday and the day before, the House of Representatives has adjourned, without electing a Speaker pro. tem. in the expectation that Mr. Speaker will be able to attend the House this day.” National Intelligencer, May 21, 1812

May 19:   From Cowes, England — “Arrived, the United States sloop of war Wasp, from Cherburg.  Bonaparte left Paris with his Empress on the 9th inst. for Germany–Capt. Jones, commander of the Wasp, saw him at the Opera at Paris on the 5th.”–National Intelligencer,  July 11, 1812

May 20:  From St. Augustine (Fla.) –”Yesterday was a hot day for us.  The Spaniards made an attack upon our corps with 24 pounders from a vessel which they brought up the North River, on our left flank.  We lost nothing but a little ground, being obliged to retire having no artillery, and they being out of reach of our small arms.” –Scioto Supporter, June 27, 1812

May 21:  From Frankfort, Kentucky — “On Thursday last, the company of Volunteers raised in this county for the purpose of marching immediately to the Indiana territory, assembled in this place, to the number of between 50 and 60, and elected John Arnold capt. Anthony Crockett, lieut. and Berry Searcy, ensign.  In the afternoon of the same day they left this place for Louisville, where we understand they arrived and crossed the Ohio on Saturday, and proceeded directly to Vincennes, to receive their orders from Gov. Harrison.”–National Intelligencer, June 6, 1812

May 21;  From Frankfort, Kentucky — “VOLUNTEERS Are permitted by me to go from this state to the aid of the governors of either Indiana, Illinois, or Upper Louisiana Territories; as they seem to be, from the best information, exposed to the hostile depredations and incursions of the Indians.  It is however, to be understood, that no orders can be given to them by me.  But it is recommended that any volunteer corps going into any of said territories should immediately report themselves and their object to the Governor of the same, and obey his orders.  . . . CHA.  SCOTT” –National Intelligencer, June 9, 1812

North America in 1823 by James Wyld, courtesy of the David Rumsey Historical Map Collection

May 8:  From Raleigh — “A light frost appeared on the ground at this place on the morning of the 5th instant.  A like appearance has not been observed for many years.  There was frost on the morning of May the 4th, about 30 years since.”–Salem Gazette, May 19, 1812

May 8:  News from Buenos Aires – “Another insurrection had broken out at that place about the latter end of November . . . . An army of insurgents was marching from Chile, and had reached within about 500 miles of Buenos Ayres.  This army was rapidly increasing as it advanced; the inhabitants were in a distressed situation owning to the heavy contributions that were laid on them.”—Raleigh Register, May 8, 1812

May 9:  From Cuba — “Admiral Apodaca, the new Captain General of Cuba, was received on his arrival and installed with marks of the greatest respect and the most general satisfaction.  . . . He is stated to be invested with unusually extensive and discretionary powers, and it is believed that one of his earliest acts will be to combine and render efficient, means of restoring the Flordidas to the allegiance, from which thy have been violently torn.”–Newport Mercury, May 9, 1811

May 9:  From St. Louis — “Since our last, the Gov. has received information from fort Mason, that the Indians are still lurking on our frontier . . . .  Captain Boon [Nathan Boon] has given a good account so far of those who have visited our frontier, and no doubt will continue to do so.”–Louisiana Gazette, May 9, 1812

May 10:  From New York:  “Yesterday morning, arrived within Sandy-Hook, the ship Whampoa, capt. Conklin, in 45 days from Amsterdam, with a valuable cargo of dry goods and gin.  The Whampoa is one of the ships that were sequestered at Amsterdam by the French nearly three years since; and was recently restored by order of the French Emperor.”–National Intelligencer, May 12, 1812

May 10:  From Natchitoches — “Col. Bernard who left this place last fall for the seat of our government has returned here again, and some persons with him, and are communicating with the generals of the revolutionary armies of Mexico relative to future operations.  The present moment is pregnant with important events–a few weeks will unfold them.”–National Intelligencer, August 6, 1812

May 11:  From  Connecticut — “The annual State Election of Connecticut was held at Hartford on the 11th inst.  We are sorry to state, that his Excellency Gov. Griswold was prevented from attending by sickness:  The executive duties of the day of course devolved upon his Honor John Cotton Smith . . .  The votes for Gov. Griswold at the late election were 11, 721; for all others, 1974.”–Newport Mercury, May 23, 1812

May 12:  New York — “A procession of 840 (out of 1026) children of both sexes educated in the New York Free School was yesterday morning formed in Chatham-street, and proceeded from thence . . . to the school, where they underwent an examination in Reading, Writing and Public Speaking . . . .”–Richmond Enquirer, May 22, 1812

May 12:  From Oregon — “A letter from Mr. Nath’l Woodbury, of Danvers, dated at Kegharni (in the South Seas) Sept. 5, 1811, contains the following melancholy report:–”That in June last the ship Tonquin, Thorn master, was lying at anchor at a village near Nootka Sound . . . .  that a number of Indians were on board, when, on some misunderstanding, they suddenly attacked the crew, killed every one on board . . . . The ship brought out a large number of persons, part of a company who have commenced a settlement on Columbia River [at Astoria] . . . .”–Richmond Enquirer, May 22, 1812

May 12:  From New Orleans – “At the bay of St. Louis, on Thursday morning last, in a severe gale of wind, the United States’ schooner Alligator was sunk.  Unfortunately midshipman Thomas and six seamen were drowned—one only of the crew saved. The little schooner was built by commodore Porter, when he commanded on this station, and was intended and used as an express-boat.”—United States Gazette, June 25, 1812

May 12:  From Natchitoches — “A Spaniard who arrived here yesterday has made oath before Dr. Sibley, that he was an artillerist some time since at St. Antonio, (capital of Texas) in the service of the republican party, and that the corps to which he belonged had deserted and joined the royalists:  that the colonels Manshac and Bernard, with other officers in the republican party, had been empowered to go to the United States, with instructions to treat for arms and ammunition.”–Nashville Clarion, May 12, 1812

May 13:  From Washington — “The House of Representatives yesterday passed a resolution directing the Speaker of the House to request the attendance of each member of the House in his seat forthwith.” –National Intelligencer, May 14, 1812

May 13:  From Norfolk — “We have to congratulate our townsmen upon the prospect at length opened to them, by the completion of the Dismal Swamp Canal. Boats can now pass from Norfolk to Albemarle Sound . . . To North Carolina the advantages which will result from a direct intercourse with Norfolk are incalculable. “–National Intelligencer, June 4, 1812

May 14:  From Boston — “A Cartel.–On Thursday arrived at this  port the ship Cyrus, Capt. Thompson, with a full cargo of unfortunate American seamen, whose vessels have been captured and carried into England, under the British Orders in Council.”–National Intelligencer, May 23, 1812

May 14:  From Savannah — “Information received by the last southern mail, states that Col. Cuthbert, (aid-de-camp to Gov. Mitchell) had been dispatched to the fortress of St. Augustine, in order to negociate with the commandant; and that it was the general opinion, at St. Mary’s that the country in possession of the patriots would be given up to the Spaniards and the troops of the United States withdrawn.”–National Intelligencer,  May 26, 1812

Viceroyalty of New Grenada drawn by Aaron Arrowsmith, courtesy of David Rumsey Historical Maps

May 1:  From the House of Representatives — “Mr. Newton, from the committee of commerce and manufactures, reported a bill for the relief of the sufferers, by the earthquakes in Venezuela.  Referred to a committee of the whole today.”–New York Spectator,  May 9, 1812

May 1:  From New York — Yesterday Clement C. Moore [author of "'Twas the night before Christmas"] was among those elected Trustees of the New-York Society Library.–New York Spectator, May 2, 1812

May 2:  From Washington — “By a letter from Marietta, Ohio, we are informed that General Cass left that place on Sunday last with between 250 and 300 volunteers, the quota called for from his brigade, generally fine spirited young men.  They will go by water to Cincinnati, whence they are to commence their march by land to Detroit.”–New York Spectator, May 6, 1812

May 2:  From St. Louis — “Governor Howard has received information that two of his Rangers, Jesse Vanbibber, and Lewis Jones, being detached from Capt. Boons company as spies, met a few days ago, above Fort Mason, two Winebagoes; the Rangers attacked them without hesitation, the result was, that both Indians were killed, and neither of our men hurt . . .  It is believed that those Indians were crossing the Mississippi as spies, in advance of a larger party; we expect hourly to have further news from Fort Mason.”–Louisiana Gazette, May 2, 1812

May 3:  “The United States frigates PRESIDENT, Commodore Rodgers, & ESSEX, Captain Porter, sailed from Hampton Roads on Sunday on a cruise.”

May 3:  Letter from John Stephens, a black resident of New York, who returned to his native land, Africa, written from Sierra Leone — “I and my wife arrived here, in the ship Tartan, Capt. Willy, on the 2d of March, 1812.  The people received me kindly; particularly a society of colored people called the ‘Friendly Society.’ [established by Paul Cuffe of Westport, Connecticut] . . . And lastly, I and my wife humbly implore you individually to accept our sincere and hearty thanks . . . in placing us once more in our native land, from which I hope we shall never again depart, until we have to take our journey to the land where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest.” –New York Spectator, December 9, 1812

May 4:  From the House of Representatives — “On motion of Mr. Newton, the House resolved itself into a committee of the whole, Mr. Nelson in the chair, on the bill for the relief of the inhabitants of Venezuela.  [The bill authorises the President to cause to be exported such quantity of provision as he may think proper, for the relief of the inhabitants of Venezuela, suffering by the effects of an earthquake.] Mr.  Calhoun moved to fill the blank with fifty thousand dollars, which he thought would be little enough to effect the object in view–decided in the affirmative, 45 to 29.”–New York Spectator, May 9, 1812

May 4:  From Salem — “Poulson’s Philadelphia Advertiser says, ‘The unfavorable weather of the present Spring has at length given way, and our forests and fields are now clothed in the most delightful verdure.’–Not so in this quarter.  Yesterday, May 4, the mercury stood at 36 at noon, and snow with a cold rain storm all day.–Not a tree, not a bush is in blossom; and as for grass, enough cannot be found to bleach a shirt upon.”–Salem Gazette, May 5, 1812

May 4:  From Fort Wayne, Ind. –Mr. Shaw has informed you that 24 of the Prophet’s band had passed this place in the last of February, for Fort Malden [Canada] to receive ammunition which was promised to be ready for them–they returned on the 4th inst. with as much gun powder, lead and new fusees as they could carry.”–Scioto Gazette, May 16, 1812

May 5:  From New York — “The ship Whampoa, arrived yesterday from Amsterdam, has not been restored by the French Government, as had been reported;–but, on the contrary, although she had violated no Decree, and her cargo consisted entirely of American produce, both ship and cargo were finally condemned and confiscated.  The ship was afterwards purchased of the captors by one of the owners, who happened to be in Europe at the time.”–New York Spectator, May 6, 1812

May 5:  Advertisement — “Military Books.  Just Received And now Selling at the Book Store and Lottery Office.”–National Intelligencer, May 5, 1812

May  6:  Norfolk — “The U. S. frigate United States has undergone a thorough repair at the Navy Yard at this place . . . and the ship is now in complete order for sea.”  –Richmond Enquirer, May 12, 1812

May 6:  From Natchez –Arrived at this place on Monday last on their way to St. Louis, Louisiana territory, after an absence of about two years and half from home, Messrs. M’Clenahan, Patterson and Smith, three gentlemen that left St. Louis on the 19th of Nov. 1809 for the Spanish Province in New Mexico, to endeavor to open a trade between that country and St. Louis Antoine.  On their arrival on the borders of the Provinces of Texes, they were arrested and carried to the City of Chihaughwa, the residence of Governor Salced . . . .”–Nashville Clarion, June 10, 1812

May 7:  From Baltimore — “Paul Cuffee, captain and owner of the brig Traveller, is now in town.  This is the coloured man of whom some account was lately published from an English paper.  . . .  This pious and humane citizen has already been of considerable service to many of the Africans, to whom he has carried several teachers–and for whose further benefit he appears willing to employ many of his days and much of his large pecuniary resources”–New York Evening Post, May 11, 1812

May 7:  To the Editor — “Permit me to recommend to your citizens through your paper the propriety of planting trees in their gardens & in the streets.  . . . Dr Priestly by experiment proved that trees absorb carbonic acid gas or mephitic air, and give out oxygene or vital air.”–National Intelligencer, May 7, 1812

May 7:  From New Orleans — “At the bay of St. Louis, on Thursday morning last, in a severe gale of wind, the United States’ schooner Alligator was sunk . . .  This little schooner was built by commodore Porter, when he commanded on this station, and was intended and used as an express boat.”  New York Spectator, June 17, 1812

Vice President George Clinton, courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

April 22:  From the House of Representatives — “The petition of Eli Whitney was presented and read, praying for an extension of his patent right for his machine for clearing cotton–referred to a select committee.”   “The House went into a committee of the whole, on the bill for the establishment of corps of engineers, Mr Stanford in the Chair.  The bill fixed the Military Academy at West Point,  It was amended so as to leave it to the President to locate it where he thinks best.”–New York Spectator, April 29, 1812

April 23:  “Order of Procession, for the funeral of the Honourable George Clinton, late Vice-President of the United States” published.–American Daily Advertiser, April 23, 1812

April 23:  From Washington  — “The Vice President has been just now interred with all the pomp of which the place is susceptible.  He declared in his last moments, that the only thing which troubled him, was the mad policy which now presided over the destinies of the country.”–Boston Weekly Messenger, May 1, 1812

April 23:  From the Boston Patriot – “The Embargo terminates on the fourth of July, 1812!  Is this accidental?  or is it Providential?  On that holy day it is hoped, that every American will consult his best feelings, and stand ready to obey the commands of his God and his country, in sternly supporting, and manfully defending that first of earthly blessings, National Independence!”–National Intelligencer, April 23, 1812

April 24:  From New York — “The frigates President and Essex went to sea yesterday, on a cruise to the Southward.”  From Philadelphia — “Yesterday arrived ship Gen. Washington, 68 days from Rio de Janeiro and informs that a body of troops having been sent from the Portuguese settlements to settle or quell the dispute between the Buenos Ayrians and the Montevideans; on their arrival found that they had settled it between themselves without the interference of the Portuguese.” –National Intelligencer, April 28, 1812

April 24:  From Norfolk — “The United States Frigate Congress, Capt. Smith, returned to Hampton Roads yesterday from a short cruise off the coast.  We understand that the Congress did not fall in with any belligerent ship of war.”–National Intelligencer, April 30, 1812

April 24:  From New Orleans – “Half horse half alligator”— has heretofore been the boast of our up country boatmen, when quarreling.  The present season however, has made a complete change.  A few days ago two of them quarreled in a boat at Natchez, when one of them jumping ashore declared with a horrid oath he was ‘a Steam Boat.’—His opponent immediately followed him, swearing he was ‘an earthquake, and would shake him to pieces,’ and in fact almost literally executed his threat.”–United States’ Gazette, June 8, 1812

April 25:  From St. Louis — A short time since another of our soldiers at Fort Madison was mortally wounded by the Indians having been shot through a port hole, and is since dead.”–Scioto Supporter, May 16, 1812.

April 25:  From St. Louis — I have seen, with great mortification and regret, in some of the Atlantic prints, the opposition which is given to the admission of the usual Indian supplies:  the want of them  will, I fear, add materially to the mischiefs which already threaten us. . . . the loyalty of most of the tribes is much to be suspected.”  New York Spectator, May 30, 1812

April 26:  From Savannah — “Gov. Mitchell arrived here this morning, and set off in a few hours afterwards for Darien, with all speed, on his way to Amelia Island, to take the command from Matthews, and deliver up the Island to the Spanish Commandant, together with any other ports of Florida which may be in the possession of the troops of the U. States and to assure him of the disapprobation of our government with the proceedings of Matthews and Campbell.”–New York Spectator, May 13, 1812

April 27:  In the Senate — “The Senate resumed the consideration of the bill concerning merchant vessels armed for defence, and on motion the further consideration thereof was postponed till to-morrow.”–National Intelligencer, April 28, 1812

April 27:  From Pittsburgh — “Brigadier-general Hull arrived here on Saturday last, and descended the Ohio for Cincinnati on Wednesday.  We are informed that he will take command of the Ohio volunteers assembling at Cincinnati, and proceed to Detroit.”–National Intelligencer, May 14, 1812

April 28:  From Norfolk — “The U. S.  frigate President, Commodore Rodgers, and Essex, Capt. Porter, anchored in Hampton Roads, yesterday.”–New York Spectator, May 6, 1812

April 28:  From Salem — “The ship America has arrived at Salem on the 28^th ult. in 27 days from Gottenburg–late accounts from St. Petersburg state, that there will be no war between France and Russia—British goods will therefore be excluded from the Baltic.”–Raleigh Register, May 8, 1812

April 29: From Demerara, South America – “All Spanish America is in an uproar—civil war in all quarters—fighting and slaughtering each other like tigers.  There was a sanguinary battle fought a few days ago, at Guiana, in our neighborhood, when the regulars got the better of the independents, and slaughtered every soul, not one prisoner made.”—Raleigh Register,  June 19, 1812

April 29:  From Vincennes — “I presume that the Garrison will be removed from Fort Knox, to Vincennes.  Such has been the request of our Citizens to Governor Harrison and Col. Miller.  . . .  Instead of building Block-houses around town, the Citizens are collecting in small parties or groups, and endeavouring to fortify private houses.”–New York Spectator, May 27, 1812

April 29:  From Washington — Signed in to law, “An Act making further provision for the Corps of Engineers.”–New York Spectator, May 9, 1812

April 30:  From the House of Representatives — “The bill from the Senate concerning associations for maritime security, and the bill concerning merchant vessels arming for defence, were read twice and referred to a committee of the whole tomorrow.”–New York Spectator, May 6, 1812

April 30:  From Arlington — “On Thursday last the 30th ult. being the 8th anniversary of the Arlington Sheep Shearing, a number of gentlemen who have encouraged the laudable purposes of that useful institution, assembled with their sheep as competitors for the various prizes to be distributed on the occasion.”–National Intelligencer, May 7, 1812

April 30:  From Quebec — “The Voltigeurs.–About 100 young men of this corps marched out of Town yesterday, to be quartered at Lorette.  They were accompanied by the Band of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, and proceeded through the streets, repeatedly cheering and exclaiming ‘Vive le Roi!’ with other expressions of loyalty and ardor for the service in which they have engaged.”–Salem Gazette, May 19, 1812

Mathew Carey's 1814 map, The State of New York by Mathew Carey, courtesy of the David Rumsey Online Historical Map Collection.

April 15:  From Chicago, April 15 — “Our situation here will be very disagreeable for a while, as we are obliged to keep close to the garrison or be in danger of losing our scalps.  The party of Winebagoes that wintered near this place are mostly gone back to the Prophet, as I am told by other Indians.”–Maryland Gazette, July 9, 1812

April 16:  In the Senate — “The bill ‘for ascertaining the titles & claims to lands in that part of Louisiana which lies East of the river Mississippi and Island of New Orleans, was read a second time  . . .”–National Intelligencer, April  18, 1812

April 16:  “From Laguira [South America]  we learn, that after the violent shock of an earthquake on the 25th March, which destroyed a great part of that town . . . they had frequent small shocks till the 16th of April, when they experienced a very severe one which destroyed several hundred persons.  This shock was so severe that not a single house or building was left in the whole town.”–National Intelligencer, May 26, 1812

April 17:  From Washington — “Gen. Wilkinson is to resume the command on the Lower Mississippi; and, we understand, will take his departure from this city in a few days, via Pittsburgh, for New Orleans.–Raleigh Register, April 17, 1812

April 17:  From Geneva (New York) — An express arrived here on Friday evening last, with orders from Gov. Tompkins to Major Gen. Hall directing a detachment of 600 men to be immediately made from his division.  This detachment, we are informed, is to be stationed at Niagara until relieved by regular troops, and is to be under command of Lieut. Col. Philetus Swift.”–New York Spectator, April 25, 1812

April 17:  From Newport — “A Meeting of the Freemen of this Town, was specially convened yesterday–for the purpose of taking into consideration the present defenceless situation of this Town, and to consult upon the expediency of applying to Government for means of defence, in case of War.”–Newport Mercury, April 18, 1812

April 18:  From St. Louis, April 18 — “Accounts from la haut Missouri, announce a general peace among the Indians, it is said that the earthquake has created this pacification.”–Maryland Gazette, May 28, 1812

April 18:  From Batavia, New York — “We stop the press to announce the intelligence of an armed British and Indian force on the Canada side of the Niagara river, apparently with an intention to make a descent on the American side.”—Raleigh Register, May 15, 1812

April 19:  From Charleston — “By an arrival yesterday from St. Marys we learn, that the United States brig Vixen, capt. Gadsden, arrived at Amelia on Friday last, from off St. Augustine, where she had been cruising some days in company with two gunboats.  When she left that station the Spaniards were still in possession of St. Augustine.”–New York Spectator, May 2, 1812

April 20:  “On Monday the 20th ult. at 9 o’clock in the forenoon, the Hon. George Clinton, Vice-President of the United States closed his long and exemplary life.  Amidst the general sacrifice of patriotism and principle on the altar of party, the career of this excellent man appears unblemished.”–Scioto Gazette, May 2, 1812

April 20:  From New London – “The famous French privateer Marengo, captain Ordoneaux, from a cruise, has arrived at New London.”

April 21:  From Baltimore — “Yesterday morning Gen. Dearborn left this city in the Philadelphia packet.  Various rumours have since been spread to increase the apprehension of war.–It is said he is on his way to Albany, where he expects to collect a force of 5000 men by the 1st May, when he is to advance to the frontiers of Canada.”–New York Spectator, April 25, 1812

April 21:  From Washington — “Mr. Sylvanus Baldwin [designer of the first Vermont State House], of Montpelier, Vt. has, we understand, arrived in this city with the newly invented machinery for spinning Flax and Hemp.”–National Intelligencer, April 21, 1812

Mathew Carey's 1818 map, The Upper Territories of the United States by Mathew Carey, courtesy of the David Rumsey Online Historical Map Collection.

April 8:  “An Act For the admission of the State of Louisiana into the Union, and to extend the laws of the United States to the said state” signed into law by James Madison.–National Intelligencer, April 11, 1812

April 9:  From Hartford — “A few days since, arrived in this town Col. GEORGE GIBBS, from Boston.  The object of this gentleman’s visit  . . . is to  superintend the arrangement of the splendid addition which he has lately been making to the mineralogical collection of Yale College.”–Connecticut Mirror, April 13, 1832

April 9:  “William Hull, Esq. now Governor of the territory of Michigan, is appointed a Brigadier-General in the army of the United States.”–National Intelligencer, April 9, 1812

April 10:  Letter from Detroit — “Our neighbors, the British, are making a preparation for war.  They are erecting at Amherstburgh (Malden) some additional fortifications of considerable strength, and are also building a sloop of war.  These preparations, together with the liberal presents made to the savages and the great attention paid to them, induce me to believe, that they are determined to defend that post to the last.”–Weekly Aurora, May 26, 1812

April 10:  “The Rubicon is passed.–We consider War now as inevitable.  Congress, as a preparatory step to a declaration of war, has, we expect, laid a temporary EMBARGO.”–Raleigh Register, April 10, 1812

April 10:  Letter from Washington — “The capture of Amelia Island is altogether unauthorised by government; but, then, as it is taken, I think we might as well keep it.”–Boston Weekly Messenger, May 1, 1812

April 11:  From Ohio — “The President of the United States has called on the governor of this state, for twelve hundred men to march immediately for Detroit.  . . . A draft will be immediately made on the militia, unless a sufficient number should volunteer their services.”  Scioto Supporter, April 11, 1812.

April 11:  From Salem — “The Subscriber impressed with a sense of gratitude for the general attention he has received from those Ladies and Gentlemen to whom he has made personal application for assistance to promote the MIAMI UNIVERSITY in the STATE OF OHIO . . . begs leave to inform the Citizens at large that he intends delivering a discourse tomorrow evening, and that a Collection will be made, at the Tabernacle for the above purpose.–Service to begin at early candle light.  John W. Browne, Missionary from the Miami University, State of Ohio.”–Salem Gazette, April 11, 1812

April 12:  “From Savannah — “We learn by a gentleman from the southward, that Augustine was likely to surrender on Saturday or Sunday last.  All the young soldiers of the garrison had deserted, leaving only about 60 or 70 elderly men, who it was expected, could not maintain it long if disposed to resist, having only about 6 weeks provisions.”  New York Spectator, May 6, 1812

April 12:  From Marietta –”Governor Meigs has received and given orders to raise 1200 volunteers in Ohio; supposed to be destined for Detroit . . . .”–Boston Weekly Messenger, May 1, 1812

April 13:  In the House of Representatives — “The House went into a committee of the whole on a bill, which had passed the Senate, for incorporating Henry Austin and others, Trustees of the Louisiana Lead Company, Mr. Basset in the chair.  . . .  Mr. Troup moved to strike out the first section, which was carried.  This destroys the bill.”–New York Spectator, April 18, 1812

April 13:  In the Senate — “The bill from the house providing for the government of the territory of Louisiana was read and ordered for a second  reading.”—United States Gazette, April 20, 1812

April 13:  From Boston — “In this town the utmost exertions have been used in fitting vessels for sea.  From Saturday to Thursday, eighty-five sail were loaded, cleared and sailed principally for foreign ports.”–New York Spectator, April 18, 1812

April 14:  From New York, April 15 –”Yesterday afternoon between 3 and four o’clock, the U. S. frigates President, commodore Rogers, and Essex, sailed from this port on a cruise.  When the frigates got opposite Castle Williams, they fired from 6 to 8 24 pound shot at the Castle for the purpose of trying its strength, which we are happy to state was found to be ball proof, and more than answers the most sanguine expectations.”–Maryland Gazette,  April 23, 1812

April 14:  Editorial — “We published in our last the new act of Slavery, by which the people are once more cut off from their accustomed business, and means of obtaining a livelyhood.  Can any one tell of any new circumstance that made an Embargo necessary at this time?  The burning of our ships bound to Spain and Portugal was not enough; the supplies must be wholly cut off, and an Embargo alone could do it.” Salem Gazette, April 14, 1812

April 1:  In the House of Representatives — Extract from a speech by John Randolph:  “If you meant war–if the spirit of the country was up to it, why have you not prepared?  Why have you been spending five months here in idle debate?–[The Speaker (Mr. Clay) called Mr. Randolph to order, for charging the house with spending 5 months in idle debate--The Chairman, Mr. Basset, decided that the expression was not out of order.  Mr. Wright appealed from the decision, which was confirmed, 50 ayes, 49 noes--Mr. Randolph then proceeded.]“–Boston Weekly Messenger, April 17, 1812

April 2:  From New York — “The commercial bustle which is occasioned by the news of an approaching Embargo is inconceivable.–We speak within bounds, when we assert, that not less than 50 vessels commenced loading yesterday.  It was extremely difficult to find the number of labourers which were wanted.”–Connecticut Mirror, April 6, 1812

April 2:  “The Senate . . . have concurred in the bill, for the admission of the state of Louisiana into the nation.”–New York Spectator, April 8, 1812

April 3:  “By Saturday’s Southern Mail, several letters were received from St. Marys, Savannah, &c. announcing that a body of men had assembled opposite St. Marys, in the Spanish Province of East-Florida, that they had erected the standard of independence, and were determined to march to St. Augustine and get possession of the fortress at that place.”–American Daily Advertiser, April 3, 1812

April 3:  In the House of Representatives, speech of James Emott of New York  — “He said he had information which satisfied him, that the fortifications in New York were not in a state to receive an enemy; that in fact, in their present situation, they were worse than nothing, as they produce abroad at least, and perhaps in this house, an impression of security which was altogether illusory.”–Boston Weekly Messenger, May 1, 1812

April 3:  Letter from a Member of Congress from Boston — “I have heretofore considered our situation as merely disgraceful, I now consider it as truly deplorable.  What do you think of war–an empty Treasury–no means of raising an Army but by loans–and no means of paying even the interests but by direct taxes?  Our commerce to be shut up, and our merchants to be ruined?”–Newport Mercury, April 11, 1812

April 4:  “An Act Laying an Embargo on all the ships and vessels in the ports and harbours of the United States for a limited time” was announced by an extra of the National Intelligencer. –American Daily Advertiser, April 7, 1812

April 4:  From Boston — “The brig Eliza Haley, capt. Bartlett, 55 days from Plymouth, Eng. (as a cartel) arrived at this port yesterday, with seventy passengers, being the captains and crews of American vessels, captured and carried into England by our ‘loving friend’ the English.”–Weekly Aurora, April 14, 1812

April 5:  From Baltimore — “By the ship Adriana, arrived yesterday, in 37 days from Gottenburg, we learn, that the Northern Powers were preparing for a hot summer with the French Emperor, who was at Mayence; he had manifested an intention and was momentarily expected to act against Russia.  The Sound and Belt this spring and summer will prove impassable without convoy–The French privateers are numerous, and capture all they fall in with”–New York Herald, April 11, 1812

April 6:  From Boston — “Never was there more bustle and exertion upon our wharves.–The labour of every man is put in requisition.  All this is to avoid the protection of our Government, which is expected to arrive here in a few days, in the old shape of AN EMBARGO.”–American Daily Advertiser, April 11, 1812

April 6:  From Washington, from Senator William Hunter of Rhode Island –”Embargo we have.–Double duties and Taxes come next–and then War, or permanent Embargo; unless you in the North have zeal, spirit and activity enough to prevent it.–Unless the people of Rhode-Island and Newport in particular, are bereft of their senses, they will now abandon this bewildered party, and save themselves and contribute to save their country.–Depend upon it, a clear decided expression of public opinion, might yet occasion a pause.–The people ought no longer to give way to Party feelings.  William Hunter.”–Newport Mercury, April 13, 1812

April 7:  “The Democratic Press states that in addition to the unusual activity created in Philadelphia, by the prospect of an Embargo, two dispatch vessels were bought, and the keel of a privateer 100 feet long was laid down and contracted to be finished in 90 days.”–National Intelligencer, April 7, 1812

A Providence firm offered twenty dollars reward for “an indentured apprentice boy, by the name of John T. Hewes, about 18 years of age, about five feet ten inches high, with black hair, and grey eyes, and stoops a little when he walks”(Providence Patriot, September 17, 1813).  Aaron Evans, of Raleigh, advertised that “any person that will deliver said Apprentice to him, shall be reasonably compensated for their trouble”(Raleigh Register, June 12, 1812).  But Philip Oehter, also of Raleigh, offered only six cents reward for “a bound Boy by the name of CORNELIUS HINE.  All persons are forewarned from harboring said boy, and any person bringing said boy to the subscriber shall have the above reward, but no thanks.”(Raleigh Register, Jan. 1, 1813)  This formula, “the reward, but no thanks,” was used fairly often.

There were three other kinds of personal ads, but I will only deal with two now.  One was a warning to the readers not to trust or harbor a certain person, as did sea captains like George J. Fortune of Charleston. “Notice.  All persons are forbid to trust any of the crew of the brig HOPE, as I will pay no debts of their contracting” (Charleston Courier, June 6, 1815). New Hampshire must have had a law which bound the son (and daughter?) to the father (or mother?) until he/she was twenty – one, and the following kinds of ads are common:  “I hereby certify, that I have this day relinquished to my son John Thurstin Barter, all right to his services until he is twenty-one years of age; and he has full right to transact business for himself in all cases.  Henry Barter, Jr.”(New Hampshire Patriot, Feb. 18, 1828).  Far rarer are the ads placed by fathers reluctant to lose their sons, or their earnings, but Jeremy Howland was one: “Absconded Child.  Notice is hereby given, that Moses Howland, my son, of the age of nineteen years, did on this twelfth day of March instant, without my leave, and contrary to my commands, leave my house and employ; therefore this is to forbid all persons from harboring or trusting him on my account, or paying him for any of his services, as I am from this date determined to no debts of his contracting; and to demand, recover and receive all sum or sums of money or other things he may earn by his labor from all person or persons whomever who may employ him in any way or manner.  Jeremy Howland”(New Hampshire Patriot, March 14, 1828).

With so many people moving from one place to another in the United States, it is somewhat surprising that the following type of advertisement is not found more frequently:  “Information Wanted.  JOHN LONG, Dec. and MOLLY his wife, living near M’Connelstown, Bedford county, Pa. had three sons, John, William and James, who, if living, are now in the western country–Their mother, now old, helpless and disconsolate, requests any of them to return to live with her, on her small tract of land.***Printers will do an act of humanity by inserting the above” (Scioto Supporter, June 30, 1813). Immigrant newspapers often printed ads from those looking for a relative, usually giving place of birth, place last heard from and, sometimes, reason for seeking the person.  The following is typical:  “INFORMATION WANTED.  Any person who is, or has been acquainted with Mr. James Brown, formerly of Gobnaskale parish of Donaghedy and county Tyrone, Ireland, will please to transmit what they know of him to his nephew John Brown at Ramapo, Rockland county, N. Y. or to the editor of this paper.  The last information of Mr. Brown was that he resided about 20 years since at Petersburgh, and was then in the habit of shipping flour to West Florida.  If living he is now aged about 65 years.  Sincere thanks will be due to any person who may write respecting him as above directed”(Shamrock, August 17, 1811).

During the War of 1812, the British blockade of the coast of the United States gave a different twist to these ads.   The New York Shamrock usually gave a list of passengers and their home towns who were onboard ships from Ireland arriving at Philadelphia or New York.  As early as July 11, 1812, the paper began designating arriving passengers who had been impressed into the British service by British ships which had stopped their ships on their way into the American ports.  On July 11, the paper listed the passengers arrived at Philadelphia July 2, 1812, on the brig Pallas, from Lough Sicilly, Ireland. “Of fifty-six passengers, three, James M’Ginley, Thomas Orr and Owen Leonard had been impressed”.  On July 25, the paper listed ninety-seven passengers having been on board the ship Mary, from Londonderry, which arrived at Philadelphia, July 8, 1812.  Of this total, twenty six were impressed by a British ship.  One of these, James M’Cready, left a possible relative or wife, Grace M’Cready, both from the town of Dungivin, to arrive alone at Philadelphia.  Sometimes the British would not be content with just impressing some of the passengers, they would confiscate the entire ship, and take it into Halifax.  Such, apparently, happened to a Mrs. Kennedy and her children.  “Mrs. Bell Kennedy, who was carried into the Island of St. Johns, or Halifax, by the British, on her passage from Londonderry (Ireland) to the U. States, is hereby informed that her husband, Henry Kennedy is now in the city of New-York, at the house of Mr. James Hunter No. 6 James Slip, where he shall be happy to hear from her and his six children who were taken along with her.”  The Shamrock, which published this ad, asked a favor of its exchange-newspapers. “Editors of Newspapers to the eastward, will serve the cause of humanity by giving the above one insertion, and the editor of the Shamrock will reciprocate when required.”(Shamrock, February 6, 1813)  We hope the Kennedys were reunited.

If you are interested in contributing funds to speed The University of Texas’ massive project of scanning and putting on-line historic newspapers online, please contact Linda Abbey, of UT’s General Libraries, phone (512) 795-4366 or online to the Historic Newspapers Preservation link.

Some of the religious-oriented newspapers found apt quotations from the Bible.  The Southern Lutheran used this from Ephesians 4:3:  “Endeavoring to keep the Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace.”  The Banner of Peace, when it was published in Lebanon, Tennessee, used this from Psalms 60:4:  “Thou has given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth.”  But when the Banner of Peace moved to Nashville, it simplified:  “The Peace, Unity and Purity of the Church.”  The Watchman of the South wanted no ambiguity in its motto:  “Devoted to the promotion of practical piety, the diffusion of religious and general intelligence, and the propagation of the tenets and institutions of the Presbyterian Church.”

Apparently there were sects in socialist organizations, as well as Christian ones.  In 1938, the motto of the Socialist Appeal was “Published Weekly as the Organ of the Socialist Party of New York.  Left Wing Branches.” But in 1939, the motto was changed to “Official Weekly Organ of the Socialist Workers Party, Section of the Fourth International.”  The Milledgeville (Georgia) Standard of Union made its position very clear:  “The friends of the Union are our friends, and its enemies, our enemies.”  But the Milledgeville Federal Union wanted friends in both camps:  “State rights and United States’ rights.”

Various languages were used. The Louisville Public Advertiser favored “utile dulci;” the Philadelphia Aurora used the phrase, “Surgo ut Prosim;” the Richmond Enquirer honored “Verite sans Peur;” and the Milwaukee Fridenker declared itself for “Freiheit, Bildung und Wohlstand.” The Shamrock featured an eagle, holding shamrocks in its beak, an Irish harp for its shield, and the rather grim motto: “Fostered Under Thy Wing, We Die in Thy Defence.”  The Shamrock failed in 1813, but was resumed in 1814 with this new motto:  “What a people can do, the people of America have done; What a people ought to do, the people of Ireland are considering.”   There were also those newspapers that were obviously very proud of their mottoes, but leave the reader a little baffled as to what they meant.  One of the very best newspapers of the early 1800′s was the Philadelphia National Gazette, whose motto was, “Principles and Men.”  Does this mean something entirely different than the Liberty Hall and Cincinnati Gazette, whose motto was “Measures and not Men”?

If you are interested in contributing funds to speed The University of Texas’ massive project of scanning and putting on-line historic newspapers online, please contact Linda Abbey, of UT’s General Libraries, phone (512) 795-4366 or online to the Historic Newspapers Preservation link.

Mathew Carey's 1814 Map of Tennessee, courtesy of the David Rumsey Online Historical Map Collection

March 26: Earthquake at Laguira and Caracas. “Robert K. Lowry, Esq. writes from Laguira, under date of 3d instant, and mentions the confusion and dismay as indescribable; following the destruction by earthquake is a terrible scene of robbery.”–American Daily Advertiser, April 23, 1812

March 26: St. Francisville, La., “I am informed that Col. Pike passed this place yesterday on his return from Natchitoches, where he had been ordered with a party of the United States’ troops for the purpose of securing a desperate banditti that have for some time infested the road leading from that place to the Sabine.–I congratulate the public that he has succeeded in the enterprize.”–Scioto Gazette, May 2, 1812

March 27: “On Friday last, Governor Tompkins [of New York] prorogued the Senate and Assembly to the 21st day of May next. A more Aristocratical and arbitrary measure, we hesitate not to say, was never, under similar circumstances, adopted in any government short of an Absolute Military Despotism. The Constitution, it is true, provides the power; but no Governor, until now has ever presumed to exercise it . . . .”–New York Spectator, April 1, 1812

March 27: From Jefferson, Tennessee –”There has been a considerable stir here since yesterday morning, by a report which gained so much credit as to cause General Jackson to issue orders to the different officers of militia in this neighborhood and surrounding counties, to have men ready to march instantly to a certain Creek of Elk River, called Bradshaw’s Creek, where 25 families of whites were said to have been killed by a body of the Creek Indians, which report has since proved to be altogether groundless, and the orders countermanded, by sending express after the men. There marched from the neighborhood of Jefferson, at a few hours notice, upwards of one hundred men, equipped with rifles, tomahawks, and butcher knives.”–National Intelligencer, April 25, 1812

March 27: “We have it from good authority that a gentleman, directly from WASHINGTON, high in the confidence of the administration, and holding a distinguished judicial station in our country, [Judge Story ?] has given positive opinion that WAR is inevitable, unless the eastern elections should exhibit a change in favor of Federal Republicanism.”–Boston Weekly Messenger, March 27, 1812

March 28: “The bill to enable the people of the Mississippi territory to form a constitution and state government, and for the admission of the same into the Union on an equal footing with the original states was read a third time and passed–Yeas 69–Nays 28.” Scioto Gazette, March 28, 1812

March 28: “By the Voltaire, from Canton, we learn, that the brig Brutus, Dor, from Boston, at the Fegees, had his first officer and four men massacred by the natives. The bodies of the officer and one man were obtained, and buried, but the other three were eaten by the savages. Two Boston and one Salem vessel had arrived at the Fegees in August.” –New York Spectator, March 28, 1812

March 30: “The bill for the admission of Louisiana into the Union, has passed the house.” Charleston City Gazette, March 30, 1812

March 31: Letter from Fort Madison, on the Mississippi — “You will confer a favour on your friend by inquiring after a family of the name of Leonard, who, I understand, reside near Chillicothe. My particular object is to relate to them the catastrophe of their brother James, as well as to send the value of what little property he left. This unfortunate young man went from the garrison on the morning of the 3d inst. and had not gone but little more than out of the reach of our cannon; before he was discovered and pursued by five Winebago Indians, who overtook and shot him with 3 balls–stabbed and tomahawked him in a most shocking manner–mutilating him by cutting off his head and arms and taking out his heart.”–New York Spectator, May 23 1812