News of the US: July 1815

July 1:  From Pittsburg — “A gentleman from Detroit, who left that on the 14th June, informs that considerable jealousy exists between the British and Americans in that neighbourhood.  . . .  Desertions from the British are daily occurring; and have been so frequent as to induce the British commander, Col. James, to offer a reward of fifty-five dollars to the Indians for every scalp taken out of his lines after dark.”–Raleigh Register, August 4, 1815

July 1:  From Boston — Arrived brig Wanderer, Capt. Newcomb confirms the account of the capture of the Algerine frigate and corvette by Commodore Decatur; and reports that about the first July the gallant Commodore concluded a TREATY OF PEACE with the Dey of Algiers . . . .”–Salem Gazette, September 1, 1815

July 2:  From Boston — “The Ships Liverpool Packet Capt. Nichols, and Milo Capt. Glover, sailed from Boston for Liverpool on Sunday morning last; and, it is said, carried away upwards of half a Million of Dollars in specie.–Among the passengers on board the Milo is Mrs. Jerome Bonaparte.”–New York Spectator, July 8, 1815

July 2:  From  Carthagena, Spain –“I presume ere this you have heard of our capturing an Algerine frigate off Cape de Gatte, on the 17th June,  The Mishouri, the prize frigate from which I address you, is a 44 gun ship, and had a complement of upwards of 400 men, I think the stoutest I ever saw on board of any ship.  . . . The number of her killed could not be ascertained, but she was literally cut to pieces in her spars and rigging.  Our loss was trifling, only 4 killed, (3 by a gun bursting) and one by a musket ball from the enemy–the wounded did not exceed 10.”–Baltimore Patriot, September 5, 1815

July 2:  From U. S. ship Independence, at sea — “We are thus far safe, and in one of the finest ships that ever sailed.  Although we thought her a much better vessel than the good people of Boston were willing to allow, yet she has far exceeded our expectations.  She is perfectly stiff, works finely, and I do not hesitate to say, sails as well as any vessel of her size that ever floated.”–Aurora, August 26, 1815

July 3:  From Col. A. Butler at Detroit — “If the wind freshens so as to permit the vessels to weigh anchor, the detachment intended to garrison Michillimackinac will proceed in less than two hours.  . . .  It is said that we shall be opposed in the occupation of Mackinac by the Indians.  I do not believe the report:  if they should make the attempt, however, we will be able to punish them, and take possession of the post.”–Centinel of Freedom, August 15, 1815

July 3:  From Dr. Robinson, Watusca, Mexico — “It seems by this letter, that the Mexican Republic has formed a constitution, and organized a deliberative body, under the style of the supreme congress.  The ardor of the patriots remains unabated, and a speedy termination of the revolution would be effected, if the republicans were better furnished with the munitions of war.”–Aurora, December 18, 1815

July 4:  From Augusta — “The National Birth Day was celebrated in this place, on Tuesday last.  A discharge of cannon greeted the early dawn–at ten o’clock the Augusta Volunteer Blues assembled . . . at eleven o’clock, they moved to the Globe Tavern, and from thence escorted the Civil Authority of the City, the Clergyman, the Orator of the day, the Reader of the Declaration of Independence, the General Staff &c to the Presbyterian Church  . . . . a well written Oration was very handsomely delivered by Augustus Longstreet . . . .  the evening closed with a display of Fire-Works . . . .”–Augusta Herald, July 6, 1815

July 4:  A toast delivered at a meeting held at a branch of the Cherokee Agency, on the Arkansas river — “The Cherokee Indians, the firm friends of the United States–they have shewn their disposition in the late war.”–Nashville Whig, October 10, 1815

July 4:  From Maine — “The following sublime toast was swallowed at Waterville (Me.) at a democratick celebration of the late 4th of July– “The Eagle of the United States–May she extend her wings from the Atlantick to the Pacifick Ocean; and fixing her talons on the Isthmus of Darien, stretch with her beak to the Northern Pole.”–Rhode Island American, July 14, 1815

July 5:  From New York — “Capt Keele, arrived this morning in 12 days from St. Barts, says, that the English had taken possession of the forts in Martinique and kept the Bourbon flag flying!–and that they had sent troops to Guadeloupe for the same purpose.”–New York Spectator, July 5, 1815

July 6:  From New Hampshire — “The committee of the New Hampshire legislature, appointed to take into consideration the papers transmitted by his excellency the governor relative to the Hartford Convention, reported–‘that it is unnecessary for this legislature to take any order concerning them.’  Which report was concurred in by the house and senate–both federal.”–Aurora, July 6, 1815

July 6:  From Indiana — “The governor of the Indiana Territory has ordered that three companies of militia shall be detailed for the defence of the frontiers–to muster the 10th inst. and serve a tour of duty for six months, if not sooner discharged.  Volunteers would be preferred.  This order is made in consequence of the unfriendly disposition of the Indians, and the service of the rangers about to expire.”–Louisville Western Courier, July 6, 1815

July 6:  From Ohio — “A certain Cyrus Prentiss, of Portage County, Ohio, advertises a stolen Mare, which was taken from him under circumstances which make the these somewhat uncommon, and which may serve as a caution against placing too much confidence in strangers.  Mr. Prentiss was passing with two horses, and had to cross Chippewa Creek, which was much swollen and dangerous to cross.  He went in and swam one horse over the creek, leaving the other to be driven after him by a fellow traveller.  On reaching the bank, he found that his companion had disappeared with the other horse.”–Ohio Federalist, July 6, 1815

July 7:  From the London Gazette Extraordinary.  War Department.  Downing Street.  — “CAPTURE OF PARIS.”– Richmond Enquirer, August 26, 1815

July 7:  From Havana — “We learn from Mexico, that the Independents have at last formed a Congress at Valladolid by the concurrence of Deputies from every province in the Kingdom.  Their manifesto is very energetic and eloquent.  It seems intended to destroy party spirit, and extinguish the existing hatred between the old Spaniards and the natives (creoles).”–Boston Independent Chronicle, August 21, 1815

July 8:  From Halifax, news from the Mediterranean — “It was confidently asserted at Gibraltar, that the Turks are determined to assist the Algerines in the approaching contest with America . . . “–Augusta Herald, August 3, 1815

July 8:  From St. Louis — Governors Clark and Edwards and Colonel Auguste Chouteau, have gone to meet the Indians in council at Portage de Sioux.  There are now assembled there a number of Chiefs and warriors of the Sioux, Osages, Mahas, Shawanees, Delawares, Piankashaws, Kaskaskians, &c. &c.  Deputations from a number of other nations are expected daily, amounting in the whole to 2 or 3000.”–Scioto Supporter, July 25, 1815

July 8:  From Liverpool — “The Commercial Treaty was signed in London on the 3d.  It was known here today, by a letter from one of the Commissioners to Mr. Maury [U. S. Consul].”–National Advocate, August 25, 1815

July 9:  From England, excerpt from “A form of Prayer and Thanksgiving, read on Sunday, July 9, 1815, in all Churches and Chapels throughout England and Wales, for the signal Victory at Waterloo–O GOD, the Disposer of all Human Events, without whose aid the strength of man is weakness, and the counsels of the wisest are as nothing, accept our praise and thanksgiving for the signal victory which Thou has recently vouchsafed to the Allied Armies.”– , October 25, 1815

July 9:  From Detroit — “On the first of July, fort Malden was delivered over to the British and the American troops marched to this place.  The men who were enlisted for the war, have been mustered paid and discharged.  On the 6th July the troops left this for Mackinaw, under the command of Col. Butler.”–Raleigh Register, August 11, 1815

July 9:  From Liverpool, England — “Messrs. Clay and Gallatin arrived this morning, and expect to embark on board the Integrity, commanded by the renowned capt. Reid, for New York, the TREATY OF COMMERCE having been signed a few days since.  You will probably have Bonaparte with you before this gets to hand, as it is stated he has escaped from France, and is on his way to America.”–Baltimore Patriot, August 28, 1815

July 10:  From Cincinnati — “On Tuesday the 4th, the Steam Saw Mill erected at this place, was set in operation amidst the anxious gaze of curiosity–its performance equals the most sanguine expectations . . . .  Arrangements are made for running 4 saws–two are now in operation.”–OhioRegister, July 25, 1815

July 10:  From Stonington — “Thursday, the 10th of July, being the anniversary of the day on which the inhabitants so gallantly beat off a British brig of war, was appointed as a day of thanksgiving and prayer.”–Richmond Enquirer, August 30, 1815

July 11:  From Portage de Sioux, from Governors Edwards and Clark — “we feel it our duty to state to you, as our opinion, that the exertion of the military power of the government, will be necessary to secure the peace and  safety of this country.”–Louisville Western Courier, August 10, 1815

July 12:  From Baltimore — “The Spanish ship Wellington capt. Cobb, from Liverpool, arrived here yesterday–brings no news.  She has a cargo consisting of dry goods, worth THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS.  Our city is becoming stocked with all descriptions of foreign merchandize.  Merchants in the upper country can now be supplied with large assortments.”—Richmond Enquirer, July 12, 1815

July 13:  From Boston — “Two Living Tigers, Are added to the valuable collection which enriches Mr. Savage’s Museum, in Boston.–They were taken out of a prize, and carried into that port by the frigate Constitution.  They have not yet attained their full size, being about eight months old . . .  .”–American Daily Advertiser, July 13,1815

July 13:  From New York — “The Columbian, a daily paper published for some years by Mr. C. Holt, at New York, has received a strong reinforcement in Mr. B. Irvine, who abandoned business to meet danger, and served with credit on the Niagara frontier, in the corps of Baltimore Volunteers, of which he was the first lieutenant–this gentleman has associated himself in the property and of conducting of the Columbian.”–Aurora, July 13, 1815

July 14:  From Raleigh — “On the 4th inst. we understand, a most shocking murder was committed on the body of a slave, who had been detected as a runaway.  He was seized in this place, driven before men on horseback at full speed, a distance of twenty-two miles, suffering the lash the whole way, and finally, on reaching the owner’s house, fastened to a log, beaten in the most savage manner, and an immediate end put to his existence by breaking his neck.  The Coroner’s Inquest returned a verdict of ‘wilful murder.'”–New York Spectator, July 22, 1815

July 14:  From Boston — “Yesterday the Africans in this town,, celebrated in their usual manner the anniversary of the prohibition by a law of the United States of the importation of slaves.”–Boston Daily Advertiser, July 15, 1815

July 14:  From Newport –“Arrived at this port, on the 14th instant, sloop Mary-Ann, captain Jeffers, with the diving machine, from Fort Pond Bay, Long Island, with twelve tons of pig iron, and one long 32 pound cannon, taken up by the diving-machine, from the wreck of the British ship Culloden, 74, which was lost at that place in the revolutionary war.”–Ohio Register, August 22, 1815

July 15:  From Carthagena — “Several officers of the American army have been seized by the Alcaid, among whom were Colonel Boerstlar, Capt. Wilkinson, and a Lieut. Ryan.  It appears that they had imprudently disclosed their intention of joining the Patriots to a party of Loyalists by mistake.”–New York Spectator, September 16, 1815

July 15:  From Portage de Sioux — “The Commissioners were unable to open the council until yesterday; very few Indians have yet arrived, and none of any note from those tribes who are yet committing murders and stealing horses on our borders . . . .”–New York Spectator, August 19, 1815

July 15:  From New-Orleans– “P. S. I have opened this to inform you the Hero of New-Orleans is no more–he was challenged by Col. Benton, but refused to fight him, and Benton afterwards met him and shot him in the street.  It is said Benton was taken by the mob and secured in his house and fire set to it–how true I know not.”–Salem Gazette, August 18, 1815

July 18:  From the Pennsylvania Republican —  “Forty-four gun boats were lately sold at New York for about three or four hundred dollars each.  Their cost was about seven or eight thousand dollars a piece, it is said.  So ends the supremely ridiculous project of defending the country and its commerce by a navy of gun boats.”–Scioto Supporter, July 18, 1815

July 18:  From Petersburg, Virginia — “Our day of dreadful visitation has at length arrived–two-thirds of the late flourishing town of Petersburg is in ruins.  About nine o’clock on Sunday night, the appalling cry of fire! sounded in our ears, and in an instant after the alarm bell confirmed the mournful truth.”–National Advocate, July 24, 1815

July 18:  From Detroit — “We learn by a gentleman just from Detroit, that the detachment of U. States troops, arrived on board the sloop of war Niagara, & gunboat Porcupine, at Michilimackinac on the 18th of July last, and demanded the surrender of the fortifications and island, agreeably to the terms of the treaty.  They were informed by the British commanding officer, Col M’Dowell that he was ready to deliver up the place.”–  August 23, 1815

July 19:  From Boston –“Last evening arrived the brig Shakespeare, of London, a cartel with about 150 released American prisoners, in 41 days from Plymouth England.  She was originally bound to the southward, but the prisoners being principally northern men her course was altered.”–Maryland Gazette, July 27, 1815

July 20:  From Laguira, South America — “A large force has been sent out from Spain to quell the Patriots.  They began to windward and as they proceeded, submission met them without any fighting; and having placed royal garrisons in all places so far as they have gone–levying contributions on strangers and inhabitants, as they wanted supplies for their forces–they a few days ago, sailed from Porto Cabello for Santa Martha, in order to reduce Carthagena.  While here they seized every cargo of every nation.–Columbian, August 26, 1815

July 20:  From Kentucky — “An exhibition of select and choice breeds of cattle, sheep, hogs and horses will take place at SANDERS two and a half miles N. W. of Lexington, on Thursday the 20th  July next.  Gentlemen from any part of the state having choice stock of any description, either for sale or show, are respectfully invited to exhibit the same . . . .”–Kentucky Gazette, June 19, 1815

July 20:  “The National Intelligencer says–‘A letter from the venerable President Adams, to the Seventy-Six Association of South Carolina, contains the following pointed expression of his sentiments on recent events:  ‘I cannot refrain from congratulating you on the felicity of our country, and the glory acquired by the Western, the Southern, and the Middle States in the late war.'”–New York Gazette, July 20, 1815

July 21:  From New York — “We understand that the U. S. schr. Nonsuch captain Trant, is shortly to proceed to Halifax and Jamaica to bring home the blacks taken from t he southern states by the British naval commanders during the late war, and who are to be delivered back to their owners.  We have seen a St. Johns N. B. account of the arrival at that place of 378 of the black deserters, as they call them, in a vessel from Halifax.”–Baltimore Patriot, July 24, 1815

July 21:  From New Orleans –“It is with feelings of extreme regret, I have to report the total loss of Gun-Boat No. 152, Sailing Master John Johnson, commander.  She was struck with lightning in entering the North East passage of the Mississippi, which communicated to her magazine, and blew her up, by which most fatal accident, all her crew perished, except three, and they are dreadfully wounded.”–New York Gazette, August 25,, 1815

July 22:  From Providence — “Mr. John Westcott, jun. of this town, has lately returned to the land of his nativity, after an absence of 17 years, fourteen of which he was enslaved by the British, having been impressed in the year 1798.  At the commencement of the late war, he refused to fight against his country, and was ‘magnanimously’ thrown into prison, where he lingered three years more, when peace restored him to his country, his family and friends.”–Providence Patriot,July 22, 1815

July 22:  From St. Louis — “The Indians are becoming every day more troublesome, and unless the utmost vigilance is used many murders may be expected.  From almost every quarter we hear  of Indian signs being discovered, horses are daily stolen from the upper settlements; indeed the situation of this country is truly miserable.”–National Advocate,  August 22, 1815

July 24:  From Cadiz — “Commodore Decatur, we learn, has settled the account with Algiers:  after taking their finest frigate and a sloop of war, he appeared off the city of Algiers and sent a flag on shore with an intimation that he must release all Americans and American vessels, and that he should have four hours to deliberate:  but that if no answer should be received at that period, he should lay the city in  ashes.”–Fredonian, September 21, 1815

July 24:  “Dr. Bedford, a physician of Nashville,–states in a public address to Gen. Coffee, ‘that the increasing severity of the disease threatens the valuable existence’ of the distinguished Major General Jackson.”–Kentucky Gazette, July 24, 1815

July 25:  From St. Louis — “The great Indian council at the Portage des Sioux, which was expected  to ensure peace from Detroit to the Rockey Mountains, does not afford this frontier an immediate prospect of tranquility.  The savages embraced overtures of peace with much less alacrity than was anticipated.”–Boston Independent Chronicle, August 24, 1815

July 26:  From London — “Upon the arrival of the Bellerophon [with Napoleon aboard] at Plymouth, she was ordered to keep off at least three leagues from shore, and to await the further orders of the admiralty.”–Connecticut Gazette, September 6, 1815

July 28:  Letter from Nashville — “I dine with Major-Gen. Jackson to-day, and go in the afternoon to spend a few days at his house in the country.  The General has just received an express from St. Louis, which advises him of the hostile dispositions of the N. W. Indians, Sacks, Foxes, &c. &c. with the discontented Creeks.”–Providence Patriot, August 26, 1815

July 28:  From Liverpool — “One consequence of the late war with America has been that the Americans can now make the cloth which they used to be wholly supplied with from this country.  Mr. Cobbett, in his Register of Saturday, states, that the republican citizens of Albany have sent him a present of a suit of clothes, intended, they say, as a tribute of respect for the able, independent, and masterly manner in which he has edited his Register.  Mr. Cobbett adds, that the broadcloth is as fine and as beautiful as any in the world.”–Providence Patriot, September 16, 1815

July 28:  From Albany — “It is a fact creditable to our manufactures, that American rifles have obtained a preference among British officers, to those manufactured in Europe.  Several have been purchased in this city, of Albany manufacture, by officers returning to Canada, and orders sent down for others.”–Albany Argus, July 28, 1815

July 29:  From England — “Prince Saunders, the black schoolmaster from Boston, who sailed to England in the ship New-Packet, has (according to Boston accounts) been treated by the English clergy and gentry at Liverpool, with as distinguished honors and hospitality, as the legitimate sovereign who last summer visited London.”–Columbian, July 29, 1815

July 29:  From New York — “A party from New York city in the present month went below, and in less than two hours took  1700 bass.  Another party was as successful at Staten island, and we are told bass were never known to be in greater plenty.”–Essex Register, July 29, 1815

July 31:  From Kentucky — “An express arrived at Gen. Jackson’s head quarters on Monday last, bringing dispatches from governors Clark, Edwards, &c. Commissioners appointed to negotiate with the Indians residing upon the Mississippi and its waters.  The despatches brought, leave strong grounds to suppose, that we shall again be compelled to wage war against those Savages.”–Kentucky Gazette, August 7, 1815

 

About the Author

Mary Bowden is a researcher working at the Texas Collections Deposit Library at the University of Texas. A little-known but invaluable treasure of U.S. history and the history of American journalism is archived in the collection of bound United States’ Newspapers at the University of Texas at Austin. The collection began more than a century ago and has been stored in recent years in the Texas Collections Deposit Library on the campus of the University of Texas. The sizeable archive is currently in the early stages of being digitized before being moved to a more climate-controlled environment at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus of the University, on the north side of Austin.

Mary Bowden