CONTENTS—In 1812, around Bay Quinté—The declaration of war—The news
at Kingston—The call to arms—Hastings—Events of Kingston—In 1813—
Attack upon Sacket’s Harbour—Oswego—American Fleet before
Kingston—Royal George—Kingston prepared—Chrysler’s farm—A
“Postscript”—Along the St. Lawrence—Ribaldry—The Commissary—Capt.
Wilkins—Quakers—Rate of pay—American prisoners—The wounded—
Surgeons, Dougal, Meacham—Jonathan Philips—Militiamen’s reward—
Militia orders—Parliamentary grants.
THE WAR OF 1812.
The call to arms was promptly and loyally responded to by the
inhabitants of the Midland District, including the militia of
Northumberland. The old veterans of former days, who had for so many
years been engaged in the peaceful occupation of farming, were aroused
to a high degree of indignation that their old enemies, who had driven
them away from old homes, should now threaten them in their hard earned
new ones. No wonder that these old sturdy loyalists and their sons
quickly obeyed the call to come in defense of their homes. To a certain
extent the Bay region was free from immediate danger. Excepting at
Kingston the inhabitants were not alarmed by the trumpet blast. There
was not here enacted such stirring events as transpired at Detroit, upon
the Niagara frontier, and below upon the St. Lawrence. Nevertheless
there was diligent preparation made for any contingency that might come
with the tide of war. The several regiments of militia called out, were
taken to Kingston and prepared for service whether it might be offensive
or defensive. Kingston being a naval station and having a dock-yard as
well as a military depot; and at the same time situated within a short
distance of the enemies’ territory, it was necessary that it should be
well garrisoned, and the surrounding country constantly watched. And
here the raw militia man was drilled for service, while they were ready
to defend the place.
The news of the declaration of war reached Kingston by a private letter
to Mr. Forsyth, from the States, and an hour and a half afterwards, says
one who was there, a letter having been conveyed to Col. Benson, the
drum beat to arms, and couriers were on their way with all haste to warn
out the militia along the Bay and in Northumberland. The belief was
entertained that Kingston would be a place of attack at once, and the
flank companies were ordered there immediately.
Upon the 27th June, 1812, John Ferguson, Colonel commanding 1st regiment
Hastings Militia, wrote from Kingston, to Lieut.-Colonel William Bell,
of Thurlow, “to cause the volunteers of the battalion who already
offered their services, to hold themselves in readiness for actual
service, and to apply to the Quartermaster for such arms as are in his
possession, to be used by the volunteers until others were got from
Kingston. Capt. John McIntosh to take command, the other Captain will be
J. W. Myers. Notice to be given at once, be it night or day, to meet on
the Plains—and be drilled by the Sergt.-Major.” Col. Bell received the
letter at sunset on the 29th, by the hands of John Weaver. A postscript
to the letter says “War is declared by the United States against Great
Britain.”
The militia of Hastings were hurried to Kingston, but after a few weeks
when it was seen that Kingston would not be immediately attacked, they
were ordered home. The next year the Northumberland Militia was ordered
to York, and soon saw service.
In connection with Kingston were two events which may be alluded to, one
was a hostile demonstration against Sacket’s Harbour, which had for its
object principally the destruction of a man-of-war, there building; the
other was an attempt, on the part of the Americans, to destroy the
British frigate, Royal George, lying at Kingston.
It was in May, 1813, that Sir George Prevost and Sir James L. Yeo,
arrived at Kingston, where were Capt. Barclay Pring and Furnis,
preparing for service the few vessels stationed there; among them one
lately launched, the Sir George Prevost of 30 guns, greeted them with a
salute from the vessels. The American fleet was at the head of the lake,
bombarding Fort George. Under these circumstances it was resolved to
make an attack upon Sackets Harbour, About 1000 men were embarked on
board the Wolfe of 24 guns, the Royal George of 24 guns, the Earl of
Moira, of 18 guns, and four armed schooners each carrying from 10 to 12
guns, with a number of batteaux, so that no time might be lost in the
debarkation. Two gun-boats were placed in readiness as a landing escort.
The boats were under the direction of Capt. Mulcaster, of the Royal
Navy, and the landing under the immediate superintendence of Sir George
Prevost and Sir James Yeo. The following account is from A. O. Petrie,
Esq., of Belleville, who was present as a volunteer, being then clerk to
Capt. Gray, Assistant Quartermaster-General. So quickly was the
expedition arranged that Petrie had no knowledge of it until about to
start. By permission of Capt. Gray, Mr. Petrie formed one of the party,
who, although forgetting to procure a red coat, did not forget his gun.
“Was in a batteau with Capt. Gray the greater part of the night, which
was crowded with men. Capt. Gray told Petrie that the object of the
expedition was to burn the ship there building, and told him he might
have a hand in it, Petrie said he would be there as soon as any one.
They landed about four o’clock in the morning, and Mr. Petrie carried
Capt. Gray on his back to the shore through the water. But before they
had landed the Americans fired upon them; they were soon relieved
however, by the gun-boat. They then advanced and was not far from the
ship when the bugle sounded the retreat. When he regained the boat he
found that his friend Capt. Gray had been killed.”
There is abundant evidence that the retreat was unnecessary, that the
enemy were fleeing; but one of those fearful mistakes occurred by which
the British and Canadian troops lost a victory which had been won. This
expedition exhibited the bravery of the militia men in the fullest
degree, and had the mind of Prevost remained unclouded, due reward would
have been secured. But the precipitate retreat of the Americans was
misunderstood by Prevost, he thought it a trap set. Says a writer, “It
was true that Fort Tomkins was about to fall into British hands. Already
the officers in charge of Navy Point, agreeably to orders, and supposing
the fort to be lost, had set on fire the naval magazine, containing all
the stores captured at York. The hospital and barracks were illuminating
the lake by their grand conflagration, and the frigate on the stocks had
been set on fire only to be extinguished when Prevost’s mind became
unsettled as to the ulterior design of the enemy. In the very moment of
fully accomplishing the purpose of the expedition, he ordered a retreat,
and the troops reached Kingston in safety.”
But, the following year an expedition left Kingston on the 4th May,
which arrived at Oswego on the following day, and took the fort; but the
stores had been removed.
About five miles from Kingston lies what is called Herkimer’s Point. It
was thought a thing not improbable that the Americans might land upon
this point and endeavor to enter Kingston. Here was a telegraph signal,
and two cannon had been planted there; afterward one, a very good one
was removed, lest it should fall into the hands of the enemy. From this
point a fair view of the Upper Gap was to be had. At last, one morning,
the Yankee fleet composed of some 14 sail, large and small, appeared off
the Upper Gap. A shot it is said was fired from the old windmill by some
militia men there, which was replied to. A schooner, the Simcoe was
chased, but escaped by running over a bar between some islands at
Herkimer’s Point. She received several shots, and subsequently sank when
she had reached Kingston. The inhabitants along the coast were ordered
into the interior with all their stock. The fleet passed along not far
from the shore, and the field artillery moved along at an equal pace,
and a firing was kept up between them. The writer’s father was present
on the occasion. He was Sergt. in Capt. Dorland’s Company from
Adolphustown, and was this morning on duty with his Company at
Herkimer’s Point. He was standing a short distance from the shore. The
brass artillery sent a ball through one of the enemy’s vessels, he saw
her haul off from the rest. The fleet fired back, and he saw the first
ball from them as it passed near him. The Governor’s horse being held by
a negro near by, while the Governor stood a little off, squatted to the
earth and the ball passed over his back, the ball then struck the top
rail of the fence, near by him, and went bounding and plowing up the
ground. All this he remembers distinctly. The artillery and troops
marched along opposite the fleet on their way to Kingston, and were
there paraded in a concealed spot behind the jail. It was a general
expectation that the enemy would attempt to land, and he fully
anticipated going into action. He could see the balls flying over the
buildings.
It was a natural expectation that the enemy would endeavour to possess
themselves of Kingston with its garrison and naval depot, and dock yard.
Every necessary step was taken to frustrate any designs that might be
entertained by the Americans against the place. In the Gazette of Oct.
9, 1813, is the following:
“By all accounts we understand that the Americans are on the eve of
attacking this place. It is our province to observe that their
intentions have become completely anticipated, and every necessary
preparation has been made to give them a warm reception. We are happy to
announce the arrival of Lieutenant-Colonel Drummond, with the first
detachment of the 104th Regiment, from Burlington Heights. This regiment
the 49th, and the corps of the Voltigeurs, may be expected here in the
course of to-day or to-morrow. These three gallant regiments, together
with our brave militia, who are pouring in from all quarters, and have
already assembled in considerable numbers, will be a sufficient
reinforcement, and with our present respectable garrison will be able to
repel any force which the enemy may bring against us. We are glad to
observe that every piece of artillery is most advantageously placed, and
we must really congratulate our fellow citizens on the formidable
appearance of every defensible portion in the vicinity of this town. It
has been the general rumor for a few days past that six or seven of our
small vessels have been taken on their way from the head of the lake to
this place and sent into Sackets; which rumor we fear is too true.”
The woods around Kingston, and upon Point Henry, were all cut down to
prevent a surprise. The enemy, however, did not attack Kingston, but
landed lower down the St. Lawrence. With what result the following
notice will show, _Kingston Gazette_, Saturday, November, 13, 1813.
“POSTSCRIPT—HIGHLY IMPORTANT.”
“The following important intelligence was received in town this
morning by express.”
CHRYSLERS, 11th November.
The enemy attacked us this morning, suppose from 3 to 4,000 men in
number, and has been completely repulsed and defeated, with a very
considerable loss, a number of prisoners, and one General taken by
us; the loss of the enemy cannot be less than 4 or 5,000. Ours has
been severe. The Americans were commanded by Generals Lears and
Boyd.
(Signed) WILLIAM MORRISON,
Lieutenant Colonel 89th Regiment.
_Kingston Gazette_, Saturday, Nov. 20, 1813.
We are assured on good authority, that the loss of the enemy in the
late action at Williamsburgh, exceeded 1,000 in killed, wounded,
prisoners and deserters; their flight was precipitate during the
remainder of the day and night after the action; on the morning of
the 12th they regained their own shore in the greatest confusion,
and in momentary expectation of being attacked. Several officers of
distinction were killed and wounded. Major General Covender was
dangerously wounded, and is since dead; Lieutenant-Colonel Preston,
noted for his ridiculous and insulting proclamation at Fort Erie,
inviting the inhabitants of Upper Canada to place themselves under
his protection, was dangerously wounded. One six-pounder field piece
was taken on the charge, and about 120 prisoners, 350 or 400 stand
of arms were collected on and near the field of action.
“The Militia of Cornwall and the neighbouring townships have come
forward in the most spirited and loyal manner, and are daily joining
the troops, shewing a spirit worthy of their ancestors, and a noble
example to their countrymen. We sincerely hope it will be followed,
and if the inhabitants of Upper Canada are true to themselves, they
can have no reason to fear all the efforts of the enemy.” Thus ended
the attack which had been made with the usual boastful spirit.
According to an American writer in the _New York Herald_, at that
time, the American Commander-in-Chief was “a contemptible wretch,”
guilty of “low ribaldry,” a drunkard, having to take “two drinks of
hot rum to enable him to go through the operation of shaving,” and
finally as given to singing
“I am now a going to Canada,
And there I will get money—
And there I’ll kiss the pretty squaws
They are as sweet as honey.”
Not alone did the Midland district supply its quota of men for the
incorporated militia; but the rich soil along the borders of the bay
gave abundantly to the commissariat department. During the first year of
the war, there was a time when the troops at Kingston had no more than a
week’s provision. Under these circumstances the Commandant enquired of
Colonel Cartwright if he knew of any one who could be depended upon to
raise the required supplies which were known to exist in the district.
Cartwright informed him that the required person could at once be
obtained in the person of Captain Robert Wilkins. Captain Wilkins, who
had raised a company in the beginning of the war, was accordingly sent
for, and instructed to prepare to undertake, as chief commissary, the
duty. He asked for written instructions and authority that he might not
be hindered in his work—that Militia Colonels, and sub-officers should
yield to his demands for men to act as batteaux men, or do any other
required duty to impress conveyances, &c. He was asked if he would be
ready to set out in a day or two. The reply was, I will start in half an
hour. “The devil you will,” said the Commandant, “so much the better,”
and Captain Wilkins quickly wrote his resignation as Captain to the
company, settled his hotel bill, and was on his way up the bay toward
Picton. Arrived there, he called upon Mr. Cummings, and desired him to
act as agent, which request was acceded to. He then pushed on to the
head of the bay, at the Carrying Place, and established an agency there,
afterwards his head-quarters. Proceeding to Myers’ Creek, he procured as
agent the services of Simon McNabb.
In the vicinity of Picton, were a considerable number of Quakers, who,
although not wanting in loyalty, would, not only, not take up arms, but
conscientiously would not sell the produce of their farms and take in
payment government bills, or “shin plasters,” then in circulation. Of
course, they could, without scruples, sell their grain to any one
without asking questions, for gold or silver but to take ephemeral paper
born of war, and its circulation recognizing a state of war, was another
thing. They absolutely refused to take it. Colonel Wilkins believing in
their sincerity, at once wrote to the Commandant at Kingston, for a
certain sum of gold, which was promptly forwarded. Thus the granaries of
the rich section of the county in Prince Edward were opened. But Wilkins
had not waited for the gold; on his own responsibility he had bought the
grain promising to pay them as they required, and Mr. Cummings had been
diligently carrying out his orders.
Commissary Wilkins had other difficulties to contend with. In some
sections there was a disposition to hold the produce until prices were
better, although pork, for instance, was fetching $14 a barrel. They
wished to get $20. The result of this was a “half martial law,” by which
provisions, wherever found, could be taken at a fair valuation. But
Colonel Wilkins says that this had rarely to be done. By kind
persuasion, showing the people that their duty should lead them to be
satisfied with a fair price, he succeeded in getting all the supplies of
provision he wanted.
The duties devolving upon him were numerous and onerous. He had to
supervise the batteaux carrying provisions up and down the bay from a
distance, and often would have to give orders for 3 or 400 men to be
collected to propel the batteaux, or assist to transport articles across
the Carrying Place.
The rate of pay given to an officer, acting as pilot, or conductor to
batteaux, was 10s. per day. Privates impressed to carry or assist
received 2s. 6d., with rations; but supplied themselves with blankets.
They were paid immediately their work was done, by Wilkins. We have
before us a requisition sent by Wilkins to Colonel Bell in April, 1814,
for 40 privates, and officer to manage the King’s batteaux, as there was
a quantity of provisions to be conveyed to Queenston Heights.
Although the foe found no footing, and made no attempt to land along the
bay, the inhabitants had the opportunity of seeing not a few of their
would be conquerors, as they passed as prisoners of war on their way to
Quebec. Many of the 1000 taken at Detroit had to march along the road
the whole length of the Province. Some were taken in batteaux, and
others were conveyed in vessels down the lake as far as Kingston. Many
of those who walked went by the way of the Prince Edward Peninsula, by
Wellington and Picton, crossing the bay at the Stone Mills, others went
by way of Napanee, and thence to Kingston. One way was as convenient as
the other, as there was no bridge across the River Trent. Persons are
now living along the routes who recollect the crest-fallen appearance of
these prisoners; the more so, because the people whom they had come to
invade, and dispossess, shewed them acts of kindness, and gave them food
to eat. One old lady, so old that she remembers the Revolutionary War in
1783, says she told them she had given the British troops all she had to
eat, as they passed up to conquer them, and she now as gladly gave food
to them. Those brought in batteaux were transported across the Carrying
Place into the bay. No doubt they appreciated the beauty of the scenery
along the route, and had their appetite affected for the land they
coveted.
On the morning of August 29, 1812, there arrived at Kingston, His
Majesty’s ships Royal George, Earl of Moira, and Prince Regent, with 400
prisoners, and General Hull.
The most of the prisoners taken at the Niagara frontier were carried in
batteaux, and by the bay, Colonel Scott among the rest.
At a later date, arrived the American prisoners, General Chandler and
Waider, captured at Stoney Creek. And again, “Arrived at this place
yesterday, March 1st, 1813, on their way to Quebec, whither they will
proceed to-day, Brigadier-General James Winchester, Colonel William
Lewis, and Major George Madison, attached to the American army, captured
by General Proctor on the River Rafine.” We copy the following:
“Quebec, November 2nd. On Friday and Saturday were escorted by a
detachment of Major Bell’s Cavalry, from their quarters, at Bauport, to
the new gaol, twenty-three American officers, and on the latter day were
also taken from the prison ships, and escorted by a detachment of the
103rd regiment to the same prison, a like number of non-commissioned
officers, making in all forty-six conformable to the General Orders of
the 27th October.”
But other sights than prisoners of war were presented during the
conflict. Owing to the exposed state of the Province in the west, after
the taking of York, a large number of the wounded were removed from the
Niagara region to Kingston, sometimes by ships, sometimes by batteau.
Many of those wounded at Lundy’s Lane were taken by schooner to York,
and thence by batteau down the lake shore, across the Carrying Place,
and along the bay. Among them was Sheriff Ruttan, who was left at his
father’s house, to the kind care of his family. In this connection it
may be observed that Surgeon Dougall, of Prince Edward Militia, served
nine months at Kingston, and Dr. Meacham, of Belleville, also served
during the most of the war.
We will here give an extract from an obituary notice taken from the
_Hastings Chronicle_.
“A VETERAN OF 1812.—Of the Provincial troops, the Glengary regiment
of Infantry took perhaps the most active part.” At the age of
fifteen, Jonathan Phillips enlisted in this corps, then being raised
throughout Canada. The urgent necessity for recruits inducing the
authorities to accept youths even of that tender age. The story will
best be told, as nearly as may be, in the veteran’s own words:—“I
was born in Duchess County, State of New York, in the year 1796; my
father came from Devonshire, England, and my mother from Edinburgh,
Scotland. In 1809, my parents removed to Canada and settled in
Fredericksburgh, County of Lennox and Addington. In January, 1812, I
was working for Mr. Chapman, in Fredericksburgh, getting out square
pine, oak, and staves; whilst thus employed, Captain Judkins,
formerly of the 104th Regiment of the Line, asked me to enlist, and
I joined the Glengary’s, and in a few days after was sent to
Kingston with about twenty other recruits from Fredericksburgh,
Richmond, and Ernesttown. We remained in Kingston till navigation
opened, when the recruits assembled at that place, about 200 in all,
descended the St. Lawrence in batteaux to Three Rivers, where we
received uniforms, arms, and accoutrements, and commenced to learn
our drill. The corps now numbered about 800.
Towards autumn we were ordered to Quebec, in charge of about 1000
prisoners from General Hull’s army, captured in the west. We
remained at Quebec a month or six weeks. In October, 1812, we were
ordered to the west, (the season is recalled from the recollection
that as they marched from Quebec the farmers were busy cutting wheat
on the hillsides, and the snow was falling at the time). The march
was by the North Shore road to Montreal. Here we remained all
winter, expecting the Americans to attack that city. In the month of
March, before the sleighing was gone, the regiment was ordered to
Kingston, taking with them several pieces of cannon, which were
drawn by oxen. The men marched. The cattle that drew the cannon and
baggage, were slaughtered at Kingston for provisions. We remained a
month at Kingston, and then passed up the Bay of Quinté to the
Carrying Place in batteaux. The baggage and batteaux were
transported across the Isthmus into Lake Ontario, and we re-embarked
for York. On our arrival at York we were forwarded with all despatch
to Burlington Bay. We first met the Yankees at Stoney Creek, and
then pushed on towards Fort George. We halted at the village of St
Davids, and encamped at the cross-roads. The Yankees held Fort
George; when they discovered we were so near them they retreated
upon Black Creek. We followed them up, and had a battle with them at
Lundy’s Lane, on 25th July, 1813. In this affair I was in the
advance guard, or reconnoitering party. The enemy retreated upon
Fort Erie, and we pursued them and had several skirmishes with them.
They blew up the fort, and evacuated Canada. In the fall of the year
we marched back to York; there we embarked in batteaux and came to
the Carrying Place—thence we crossed into the Bay of Quinté, and
thence to Kingston. From Kingston we marched to Adolphustowm Court
House, and were billeted upon the farmers in that vicinity during
the ensuing winter. There were from eight to ten men in each house.
Whilst here we assembled every day at the Court House, at ten a.m.,
for drill—we were at least 800 strong.
On the 23rd March, 1814, all the three years’ men were paraded at
the Court House, paid off and discharged. Each man so discharged
drew 100 acres of land in Upper Canada, farming utensils, and a
year’s provisions. The provisions were distributed every three
months, at Robert Charles Wilkins’ store, at the Carrying Place.”
From the time of his discharge till his decease, Phillips resided in
the County of Hastings, pursuing the usual occupation of the first
settlers of this county. For many years he followed “lumbering” in
winter, and farming in the summer seasons, but being trustworthy,
intelligent, and of a kindly disposition, his services were
frequently sought after for various purposes. Several years ago, the
farm which he drew for his military service, and which, for many
years, afforded him a home and a support, he sold for the sum of
$1,900, thus enjoying in his old age the well earned reward of the
loyalty and courage of his youth. He died at his home, in the second
concession, Rawdon, on the 15th February, 1868.
THE MILITIAMAN’S REWARD.
General Brock, on his way to Detroit, assembled the Legislature, and
amongst other Acts, one was passed for the organization of a battalion
of “Incorporated Militia,” a body distinct from the Sedentary Militia.
It was an inducement held out for action; and to properly fitted
persons, to raise companies and regiments for service during the war.
According to Ruttan, any one enlisting five persons was entitled to an
Ensigncy; ten, a Lieutenancy; twenty, a Captaincy; fifty, a Major; and
forty a Lieutenant-Colonel. Subsequently, in 1814 and 15, the
Legislature “voted the supplies necessary to fill up the incorporated
regiments to 800 men. A service of plate, and a pension of £20 per annum
for the wounded, or for the widows of the killed, as well as an address
to His Majesty for an allowance of 100 acres of land for each man,
whether belonging to the regiment of flank companies or the Sedentary
Militia.”
No truly patriotic and brave man will seek, or demand a promise of
reward for defending, or fighting for the interests of his country. He
requires no more than what comes from a consciousness of his duty done,
and his country’s honor maintained; the land of his birth, or choice,
preserved from the desecration of an invader’s foot. But when the deadly
conflict has incapacitated the brave one for the ordinary avocations of
life, and he is left, perhaps, with a family, unable to secure life’s
comforts; or when the torch of war—of the unchristian men, such as
President Madison, and his cold-blooded servant, Colonel McClure, at
Niagara,—leaves the homes of helpless women in ashes; or with wilful
wantonness destroys for the mere pleasure of gratifying a worse than
heathenish disposition, then the tried veteran has a right to be
rewarded in a substantial manner. The Government of Canada, as well as
that of Great Britain, has never been found remiss in affording suitable
rewards to those who were truly and knowingly worthy.
The smoke of war in 1815 had barely cleared away, after the Americans
had sought and obtained a peace, to them ignoble, ere the Canadian
Government took steps to secure a just reward to all worthy men. And to
this end the following general order appeared in the _Kingston Gazette_,
17th July, 1815, having reference to settlers.
“Military Secretary’s Office, Kingston.
“Each soldier to receive 100 acres of land; officers entitled in the
first instance to 200. To receive provisions for themselves and
families for one year, that is those who had last or, who might
require it on new land. Implements of husbandry, and tools to be
supplied in sufficient quantities, and other comforts according to
necessity to cultivate land. The land thus taken cannot be sold
until after three year’s cultivation. Supt. Alex. McDonnell, and
Angus McDonnell, of Glengary Fencibles, to take charge of the
settlers.” The same date was issued as follows:
“Acting Military Secretary, William Gibson, issued a notice at
Kingston, 29th July, 1815, proclaiming that Boards to examine claims
for losses met with during the American war, should meet during
August and September, at Amherstburgh, Fort George, York, Kingston,
and Fort Wellington.
“All discharged soldiers, applying for lands are to give in their
names to Edward Jones, late of the 9th Regiment, now residing in the
old Barrack Square.” (Signed)—F. P. ROBINSON, _Secretary_, July 31.
Again is found—“Lieutenant Governor’s Office, York, Dec. 10, 1816.
“His Excellency, the Lieutenant-Governor has been pleased to appoint
Surgeon Anthony Marshall, of Kingston, to examine and grant
certificates of disability to Militiamen disabled from wounds
received on service in defence of the Province during the late war.”
(Signed)—EDWARD MCMAHON, _Assistant Secretary_.
Among the Militia General Orders issued from the Adjutant General’s
office, appeared the following:
“His Excellency, Sir FREDERICK P. ROBINSON, Major-General
Commanding, and Provincial Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of
Upper Canada, has great satisfaction in publishing to the Militia of
that Province, the following extract of a letter from Earl Bathurst,
one of His Majesty’s Secretaries of State; addressed to His
Excellency Sir Gordon Drummond, dated Downing-street, 13th June,
1815.
“I should have felt that I was acting unjustly towards you and the
officers and men under your command, if I had forborne bringing
under the notice of His Royal Highness the Prince Regent, the great
meritorious exertions, so long and so successfully made by them for
the preservation of the Upper Province. I am commanded to assure
you, that His Royal Highness has contemplated your efforts with the
highest satisfaction, not more on account of the skill and valor
uniformly displayed by His Majesty’s Troops, in presence of the
enemy, than of the patience with which the privations incident to
the peculiar nature of the service were supported and finally
overcome.”
“You will not fail to convey to the Troops under your Command, the
strongest expression of His Royal Highness’s approbation, and to
accept for yourself and the army under your orders, that testimony
which His Royal Highness is so anxious to bear, to the great service
which you have rendered to your country.”
“Nor is His Royal Highness insensible to the merits of the
inhabitants of Upper Canada, or to the great assistance which the
Militia of the Province afforded during the whole of the war. His
Royal Highness trusts that you will express to them in adequate
terms, the high sense which he entertains of their services, as
having mainly contributed to the immediate preservation of the
Province, and its future security.” N. COFFIN, _Adjutant General of
Militia_.
In 1815 the Legislature granted £6,000, stg. £5,883 6s. 8d. to be
applied as follows:—To the officers, non-commissioned officers, and
privates of the incorporated militia, six months’ pay, £4,594 15s. 2d.
To the officers and non-commissioned officers of the line attached to
the incorporated militia, the well pay of their respective ranks in the
said corps, £1,000. To the officers and non-commissioned officers, and
privates of the incorporated militia artillery, six months’ pay, £288
11s. 6d. To the speaker of the House of Assembly, to purchase a sword to
be presented to Colonel Robinson, late of the incorporated militia, 100
guineas.