News of the US: Week One of July 1813
July 1: From St. Francisville, La. — ” I have understood from a gentleman who left Baton Rouge on Thursday, that the troops at that place (above 500 effective men) would march yesterday & to day for Mobile, by way of the parishes of St. Helena and St. Tammany. The concentration of the whole military force of the district, on our south eastern frontier, would lead to a belief that some apprehension is entertained of the pacific temper of our Spanish neighbors.”–Missouri Gazette, August 7, 1813
July 1: From Albany — “His Excellency Governor Tompkins arrived here in the last evening’s Steam Boat–He will this day take the oath of office, preparatory to entering on his third term of office, as governor of this state. . . . Gen. Hampton still remains here.”–Baltimore Patriot, July 6, 1813
July 1: From Philadelphia — “It is now half past 12 o’clock [noon] and we have this moment received our papers, it will be 3/4 an hour yet before our letters will be delivered.–We mention this as explanatory to those who complain of the late hour at which they receive their papers. We spare neither Labor nor money to give the news as speedily as possible after its arrival, and we are assured our correspondents take pains to forward it by the best possible routs.” —Democratic Press, July 1, 1813
July 2: From Middlebury, Vermont, one of many toasts given — “Vermont Representation at Washington– Staring and wondering at all the fine sights, which they see there–and most of all wondering at themselves–how they got there to see them.”–Vermont Mirror, July 14, 1813
July 2: From the Baltimore Whig – “During the short space of one year, in which we have been at war, the treacherous or cowardly Hull, the gasconading Smyth, and creeping Dearborn, have all passed in rapid succession before our eyes, and then descended to the ‘tomb of all the Capulets;’ just fixing our attention long enough to discover their incapacity, and then vanishing from their high spheres, we hope—for ever; were a Chandler and Lewis added to the list we should say—Amen. The endeavour to fix sediment at higher than its natural station is useless; it may for a time disturb and muddy the surrounding element; but must finally sink.”—United States’ Gazette, July 3, 1813
July 2: From near Smithfield, Virginia — “An attack on Smithfield was hourly expected; they have, however, a respectable force at that place. But even if they should succeed in getting possession of it, they will find nothing but bare walls, as every article of value is removed, and all the inhabitants, except those under arms, have left the town.”–National Intelligencer, July 10, 1813
July 3: From Halifax via Boston — “the privateer Young Teazer, captain Dobson, of New York, had declared Halifax in a state of BLOCKADE–and that Captain Dobson had sent in a challenge to captain Capel of LaHogue 74–Two days before, the Young Teazer was chased into Halifax by the Sir John Sherbrook–when inside the Light House she hoisted British colors over the American, and was chased nearly up to the Fort–The garrison on seeing the colors thus hoisted, had no suspicion of her, and accordingly made signals to the town that a prize was coming in–The Sir John Sherbrooke on seeing the Fort make signals, hove about and stood on her cruize–immediately after her being out of sight, the Young Teazer down English and up with American colors only, and went out unmolested.” Richmond Enquirer, July 16, 1813
July 3: From Augusta, Maine — “At the Celebration of Independence in this town on the 4th of July, 1812, Gen. Chandler gave the following toast:–‘The fourth of July, 1812–May we on that day drink wine within the walls of Quebeck!’ General Chandler is now a prisoner at Quebeck.”–Gettysburg Adams Centinel, July 21, 1813
July 3: From Stephen H. Moore, Captain of the Baltimore volunteers, writing on the taking of York — “Gen. Pike, however, the brave and gallant projector of this enterprize fell in the very moment of complete victory, at the head of his column. . . . Lieut. Irvin received a bayonet through his right shoulder at the moment of stepping out of the boat, but is doing very well—Gill and Warner escaped unhurt. P.S. My company distinguished themselves gloriously, and were noticed for their determined spirit.”–Missouri Gazette, July 3, 1813
July 4: From Alexandria — “The Anniversary of American Independence was celebrated at this place on Saturday last, with the usual demonstrations of Joy. The Washington Society moved in procession at 12 o’clock to the Presbyterian Church; where, after the religious exercises of the day were finished, an Oration was pronounced by William Fitzhugh, Esq. one of its members, before a numerous and highly respectable audience.”–New York Spectator, July 10, 1813
July 4: From Sacket’s Harbor — “We were very near being cut all to pieces lately–the English, without our knowledge, landed twelve hundred sailors on Point Peninsula . . . but fortunately for us, a deserter came over and discovered to us all their movements. Our fleet immediately got under way; and proceeded to said point; but the English having discovered the desertion, and supposing their plans were blown decamped with all possible dispatch. They are at present much our superiors; but as soon as we get out the Gen. Pike, we shall hunt them down, and if they are not willing to fight, we will force them.”–Weekly Aurora, July 20, 1813
July 4: From Philadelphia, to John O’Neill, Havre de Grace — “Impressed with a high sense of your brave and patriotic exertions in defence of your fellow citizens of Havre-de-Grace; and desirous of evincing our esteem for your magnanimous conduct–we request your acceptance of the Sword which accompanies this communication . . . .”–Democratic Press, July 10, 1813
July 5: From New York — “Yesterday forenoon a fishing smack . . . borrowed of some fisherman at Fly Market, and a calf, a sheep and a goose, purchased and secured on deck. Between 30 and 40 men well armed with muskets, were secreted in the cabin and forepeake of the smack. . . . The [British sloop] Eagle, on perceiving the smack, immediately gave chase, and after coming up with her, and finding she had live stock on deck, ordered her to the commodore. . . . The watch word, Lawrence, was then given, when the armed men rushed on deck from their hiding places, and poured into her a volley of musketry, which struck her crew with dismay , and drove them all down so precipitately into the hold of the vessel, that they had not time to strike their colours. . . . The Eagle with the prisoners, was brought up to town yesterday afternoon, and landed at Whitehall, amid the shouts and plaudits of thousands of spectators, assembled on the battery celebrating the 4th of July.”–Maryland Gazette, July 15, 1813
July 5: From Philadelphia – “On Monday the 5th instant, the anniversary of American Independence was celebrated in this city in a manner calculated to invigorate the patriotick zeal and ardour of every lover of his country, every real disciple of Washington. The day was ushered in by the ringing of bells, and discharges of artillery.”—United States’ Gazette, July 10, 1813
July 5: From Franklinton, Ohio — “His excellency, [Governor Meigs] who is here at present, sent expresses in different directions this morning to order the militia to return to their homes. We congratulate our agricultural friends on the improbability of their being again called from their farms at this important season of the year.”–National Intelligencer, July 15, 1813
July 6: From the editor of the Green Mountain Farmer — “The printer will wait on his subscribers with their accounts soon, and wishes them to be in readiness to meet him. All kinds of Country Produce will be received in payment, (promises excepted) which must be rejected, as the paper make positively refuses to receive them even at a discount. A few pounds of WOOL from each of our subscribers would be very acceptable.”–Green Mountain Farmer, July 6, 1813
July 6: From British Headquarters at Kingston, Upper Canada — “Detachments of Indian warriors being about to return to their homes, his excellency the commander of the forces, cannot suffer these brave men to depart without expressing the high sense he entertains of their good conduct, in the zeal and promptness with which they have obeyed his summons, to repair to the divisions of the army in active service . . . .”–Massachusetts Spy, August 11, 1813
July 6: From John O’Neill, at Havre de Grace — After giving thanks for the sword presented him by Philadelphia: “At present I am on parole of honor, and anxiously waiting for information of being exchanged, which general Miller of Baltimore, has promised to have done as soon as possible. It is a heart-rending reflection for me to think, if the instruments of that maniac (king George) should make an attempt any where within my ability of attending, that I could not assist in repelling them.”–Democratic Press, July 10, 1813
July 7: From the Virginia Herald — “Capt. Hancock Lee, a gentleman of respectability, well known in this town and vicinity arrived here on Saturday last from Hampton. . . . Capt. Lee visited almost every house in Hampton on his return. To our utter astonishment he states, that the accounts we have received of the savage conduct of the enemy, the abuse of females, &c. are utterly unfounded.”–Boston Weekly Messenger, July 16, 1813
July 7: From New York — “We understand a gentleman at Norwich has invented a diving boat, which by means of paddles he can propel under water at the rate of three miles an hour, and ascend and descend at pleasure. He has made a number of experiments, and has been three times under the bottom of the [H. B. M.] Ramilies, off New London.”–Nashville Clarion, August 3, 1813
July 7: From Milledgeville –“Gen. Wilkinson arrived in town last evening.– In passing through the [Creek] nation he met at different times a number of painted Indians apparently prepared for war.”–Carlisle Gazette, July 23, 1813
________________________________________________________________The Headliners Foundation appreciates and supports efforts to preserve our national journalistic legacy and suggests that Texans and others who love journalism and its rich history in this country consider donating to their state’s efforts to put these early newspapers online. Contact your state library, historical society or university. For a list of historic newspapers online, use this link: http://guides.library.upenn.
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.July 1: From St. Francisville, La. — ” I have understood from a gentleman who left Baton Rouge on Thursday, that the troops at that place (above 500 effective men) would march yesterday & to day for Mobile, by way of the parishes of St. Helena and St. Tammany. The concentration of the whole military force of the district, on our south eastern frontier, would lead to a belief that some apprehension is entertained of the pacific temper of our Spanish neighbors.”–Missouri Gazette, August 7, 1813
July 1: From Albany — “His Excellency Governor Tompkins arrived here in the last evening’s Steam Boat–He will this day take the oath of office, preparatory to entering on his third term of office, as governor of this state. . . . Gen. Hampton still remains here.”–Baltimore Patriot, July 6, 1813
July 1: From Philadelphia — “It is now half past 12 o’clock [noon] and we have this moment received our papers, it will be 3/4 an hour yet before our letters will be delivered.–We mention this as explanatory to those who complain of the late hour at which they receive their papers. We spare neither Labor nor money to give the news as speedily as possible after its arrival, and we are assured our correspondents take pains to forward it by the best possible routs.” —Democratic Press, July 1, 1813
July 2: From Middlebury, Vermont, one of many toasts given — “Vermont Representation at Washington– Staring and wondering at all the fine sights, which they see there–and most of all wondering at themselves–how they got there to see them.”–Vermont Mirror, July 14, 1813
July 2: From the Baltimore Whig – “During the short space of one year, in which we have been at war, the treacherous or cowardly Hull, the gasconading Smyth, and creeping Dearborn, have all passed in rapid succession before our eyes, and then descended to the ‘tomb of all the Capulets;’ just fixing our attention long enough to discover their incapacity, and then vanishing from their high spheres, we hope—for ever; were a Chandler and Lewis added to the list we should say—Amen. The endeavour to fix sediment at higher than its natural station is useless; it may for a time disturb and muddy the surrounding element; but must finally sink.”—United States’ Gazette, July 3, 1813
July 2: From near Smithfield, Virginia — “An attack on Smithfield was hourly expected; they have, however, a respectable force at that place. But even if they should succeed in getting possession of it, they will find nothing but bare walls, as every article of value is removed, and all the inhabitants, except those under arms, have left the town.”–National Intelligencer, July 10, 1813
July 3: From Halifax via Boston — “the privateer Young Teazer, captain Dobson, of New York, had declared Halifax in a state of BLOCKADE–and that Captain Dobson had sent in a challenge to captain Capel of LaHogue 74–Two days before, the Young Teazer was chased into Halifax by the Sir John Sherbrook–when inside the Light House she hoisted British colors over the American, and was chased nearly up to the Fort–The garrison on seeing the colors thus hoisted, had no suspicion of her, and accordingly made signals to the town that a prize was coming in–The Sir John Sherbrooke on seeing the Fort make signals, hove about and stood on her cruize–immediately after her being out of sight, the Young Teazer down English and up with American colors only, and went out unmolested.” Richmond Enquirer, July 16, 1813
July 3: From Augusta, Maine — “At the Celebration of Independence in this town on the 4th of July, 1812, Gen. Chandler gave the following toast:–‘The fourth of July, 1812–May we on that day drink wine within the walls of Quebeck!’ General Chandler is now a prisoner at Quebeck.”–Gettysburg Adams Centinel, July 21, 1813
July 3: From Stephen H. Moore, Captain of the Baltimore volunteers, writing on the taking of York — “Gen. Pike, however, the brave and gallant projector of this enterprize fell in the very moment of complete victory, at the head of his column. . . . Lieut. Irvin received a bayonet through his right shoulder at the moment of stepping out of the boat, but is doing very well—Gill and Warner escaped unhurt. P.S. My company distinguished themselves gloriously, and were noticed for their determined spirit.”–Missouri Gazette, July 3, 1813
July 4: From Alexandria — “The Anniversary of American Independence was celebrated at this place on Saturday last, with the usual demonstrations of Joy. The Washington Society moved in procession at 12 o’clock to the Presbyterian Church; where, after the religious exercises of the day were finished, an Oration was pronounced by William Fitzhugh, Esq. one of its members, before a numerous and highly respectable audience.”–New York Spectator, July 10, 1813
July 4: From Sacket’s Harbor — “We were very near being cut all to pieces lately–the English, without our knowledge, landed twelve hundred sailors on Point Peninsula . . . but fortunately for us, a deserter came over and discovered to us all their movements. Our fleet immediately got under way; and proceeded to said point; but the English having discovered the desertion, and supposing their plans were blown decamped with all possible dispatch. They are at present much our superiors; but as soon as we get out the Gen. Pike, we shall hunt them down, and if they are not willing to fight, we will force them.”–Weekly Aurora, July 20, 1813
July 4: From Philadelphia, to John O’Neill, Havre de Grace — “Impressed with a high sense of your brave and patriotic exertions in defence of your fellow citizens of Havre-de-Grace; and desirous of evincing our esteem for your magnanimous conduct–we request your acceptance of the Sword which accompanies this communication . . . .”–Democratic Press, July 10, 1813
July 5: From New York — “Yesterday forenoon a fishing smack . . . borrowed of some fisherman at Fly Market, and a calf, a sheep and a goose, purchased and secured on deck. Between 30 and 40 men well armed with muskets, were secreted in the cabin and forepeake of the smack. . . . The [British sloop] Eagle, on perceiving the smack, immediately gave chase, and after coming up with her, and finding she had live stock on deck, ordered her to the commodore. . . . The watch word, Lawrence, was then given, when the armed men rushed on deck from their hiding places, and poured into her a volley of musketry, which struck her crew with dismay , and drove them all down so precipitately into the hold of the vessel, that they had not time to strike their colours. . . . The Eagle with the prisoners, was brought up to town yesterday afternoon, and landed at Whitehall, amid the shouts and plaudits of thousands of spectators, assembled on the battery celebrating the 4th of July.”–Maryland Gazette, July 15, 1813
July 5: From Philadelphia – “On Monday the 5th instant, the anniversary of American Independence was celebrated in this city in a manner calculated to invigorate the patriotick zeal and ardour of every lover of his country, every real disciple of Washington. The day was ushered in by the ringing of bells, and discharges of artillery.”—United States’ Gazette, July 10, 1813
July 5: From Franklinton, Ohio — “His excellency, [Governor Meigs] who is here at present, sent expresses in different directions this morning to order the militia to return to their homes. We congratulate our agricultural friends on the improbability of their being again called from their farms at this important season of the year.”–National Intelligencer, July 15, 1813
July 6: From the editor of the Green Mountain Farmer — “The printer will wait on his subscribers with their accounts soon, and wishes them to be in readiness to meet him. All kinds of Country Produce will be received in payment, (promises excepted) which must be rejected, as the paper make positively refuses to receive them even at a discount. A few pounds of WOOL from each of our subscribers would be very acceptable.”–Green Mountain Farmer, July 6, 1813
July 6: From British Headquarters at Kingston, Upper Canada — “Detachments of Indian warriors being about to return to their homes, his excellency the commander of the forces, cannot suffer these brave men to depart without expressing the high sense he entertains of their good conduct, in the zeal and promptness with which they have obeyed his summons, to repair to the divisions of the army in active service . . . .”–Massachusetts Spy, August 11, 1813
July 6: From John O’Neill, at Havre de Grace — After giving thanks for the sword presented him by Philadelphia: “At present I am on parole of honor, and anxiously waiting for information of being exchanged, which general Miller of Baltimore, has promised to have done as soon as possible. It is a heart-rending reflection for me to think, if the instruments of that maniac (king George) should make an attempt any where within my ability of attending, that I could not assist in repelling them.”–Democratic Press, July 10, 1813
July 7: From the Virginia Herald — “Capt. Hancock Lee, a gentleman of respectability, well known in this town and vicinity arrived here on Saturday last from Hampton. . . . Capt. Lee visited almost every house in Hampton on his return. To our utter astonishment he states, that the accounts we have received of the savage conduct of the enemy, the abuse of females, &c. are utterly unfounded.”–Boston Weekly Messenger, July 16, 1813
July 7: From New York — “We understand a gentleman at Norwich has invented a diving boat, which by means of paddles he can propel under water at the rate of three miles an hour, and ascend and descend at pleasure. He has made a number of experiments, and has been three times under the bottom of the [H. B. M.] Ramilies, off New London.”–Nashville Clarion, August 3, 1813
July 7: From Milledgeville –“Gen. Wilkinson arrived in town last evening.– In passing through the [Creek] nation he met at different times a number of painted Indians apparently prepared for war.”–Carlisle Gazette, July 23, 1813
________________________________________________________________The Headliners Foundation appreciates and supports efforts to preserve our national journalistic legacy and suggests that Texans and others who love journalism and its rich history in this country consider donating to their state’s efforts to put these early newspapers online. Contact your state library, historical society or university. For a list of historic newspapers online, use this link: http://guides.library.upenn.
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.