[Transcriber's Notes: A right pointing hand (a right index) is
indicated in the text by [index].]
UNCLE SAM
BY
ALBERT MATTHEWS
UNCLE SAM
BY
ALBERT MATTHEWS
REPRINTED FROM THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE AMERICAN ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY
VOLUME XIX
WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS
THE DAVIS PRESS
1908
UNCLE SAM.
BY ALBERT MATTHEWS.
Arising in obscure ways, often originating in derision or abuse or
satire, sometimes repudiated by those to whom they are applied, at
other times adopted in spite of the ridicule, the origin of nicknames
is singularly elusive, and there are few words or phrases of which it
is more difficult to trace the history. Moreover, nicknames are almost
invariably associated in the popular mind with some person or place
or thing having a similar name; and so a problem already difficult is
made doubly so by the necessity of attempting to obtain information
about very obscure persons. The history of nicknames usually follows
one general course: those who, at the time of origin, perhaps know
the real explanation, fail to record it, and then, a generation or so
having passed by and the true origin having been forgotten, a series of
guesses is indulged in.
In Yankee, Brother Jonathan, and Uncle Sam, we Americans have perhaps
more than our fair share of national sobriquets; and we are, so far
as I am aware, the only nation to the government of which a sobriquet
has been given in distinction from the people. For while Uncle Sam
has occasionally been applied to us as a nation, its use is almost
wholly restricted to our government. What has been said above about the
popular tendency to connect nicknames with persons is well illustrated
in all of our national sobriquets. When the history of Yankee comes
to be written, it will be found necessary to consider a famous pirate
who was the terror of the Spanish Main in the seventeenth century; a
negro who lived in South Carolina in 1725; several members of a family
which was well known in Cambridge, Massachusetts, during the eighteenth
century; the Yankoos, an imaginary tribe of Indians invented in 1775
for the purpose of explaining a word which then first came into general
use in this country; and Yankee as a family name. The history of
Brother Jonathan involves an inquiry into an alleged English poet of
the seventeenth century; a London coffee-house of the seventeenth and
eighteenth centuries named Jonathan's; Jonathan Hastings, a tanner who
lived in Cambridge early in the eighteenth century; Jonathan Carver,
the noted traveller; and Jonathan Trumbull, the distinguished Governor
of Connecticut.[1] And in Uncle Sam we are confronted with a similar
problem--this time an alleged contractor and inspector named Samuel
Wilson, who lived in Troy during the first half of the nineteenth
century. The story connecting Uncle Sam with Samuel Wilson first
appeared in print, so far as is known, in 1842, and no example of the
term earlier than 1840 has until now ever been cited.[2]
Before considering the Samuel Wilson story, let us see what the
history of the term Uncle Sam has actually been. For sixty-six years
the statement has been repeated that the nickname arose at the outbreak
of the war of 1812, varied occasionally by the assertion that the term
originated during the Revolutionary War. Both statements are incorrect,
as the term is not known to have been used until the war of 1812 was
half over; but the nickname certainly did originate during that war.[3]
Moreover, for a year or so it was avoided by those who favored the war,
and was employed only by those who opposed the war. Hence the term was
at first apparently used somewhat derisively. In order to understand
how this could have been the case, it will be necessary to glance at
some of the manifestations of the war.
We are all so familiar with the causes, events, and consequences of
the war of 1812, that it is unnecessary to dwell upon them here;
yet some passages from contemporary newspapers will perhaps give us
a more vivid impression of the thoughts and feelings engendered by
that contest than will the formal writings of learned historians. An
editorial note headed with the historic words "Era of Good Feelings,"
which appeared in the _Columbian Centinel_ of July 12, 1817, began as
follows: "During the late Presidential Jubilee many persons have met
at festive boards, in pleasant converse, whom party politics had long
severed. We recur with pleasure to all the circumstances which attended
the demonstrations of good feelings" (p. 2-3). To us of the present
day, who take our politics more calmly, it is not easy to understand
the furor and turmoil which characterized the war of 1812. But if
political warfare nowadays is less abusive and vituperative than it
was a century ago, as is certainly the case, yet also it is distinctly
less picturesque. Is it possible that in the matter of nicknames, we
Americans have lost our inventive capacity? What has there been in the
past decade to match "Father of his Country," "Old Hickory," "Mill
Boy of the Slashes," "Old Man Eloquent," "Tippecanoe," "Old Bullion,"
"Rail-splitter," "Plumed Knight," and scores of other sobriquets that
will readily occur to all? It is true that the nicknames which were so
commonly bestowed during the war of 1812 were chiefly satirical; but on
that very account they are the more valuable for our present purpose.
In a speech delivered in Congress on January 24, 1812, David R.
Williams said: "Sir, I feel a deadly hate against Great Britain. Yes,
sir, if the red artillery of Heaven were in my hands, I'd soon drive
the fast anchored isle from her moorings."[4] Immediately Williams was
nicknamed "Mr. Thunderbolt Williams," "thunder-and-lightning Williams,"
"Jupiter Williams," "thunder & lightning David;" and his words lingered
in the popular mind for fourteen years at least.[5] War with England
was declared June 18, 1812. In a proclamation dated June 26, Governor
Caleb Strong of Massachusetts spoke of "the nation from which we are
descended, and which for many generations has been the bulwark of the
religion we profess."[6] At once "the bulwark of our religion" and
"Bulwark Strong" became bywords in the war papers.[7] In a speech
delivered in Congress on January 5, 1813, Josiah Quincy said:
"An armistice was proposed by them. It was refused by
us. It was acceded to by the American general, on the
frontiers. It was rejected by the cabinet.... They
renewed hostilities. They rushed upon Canada. Nothing
would satisfy them but blood. The language of their
conduct is that of the giant, in the legends of infancy.
_Fee, Faw, Foo, Fum,
I smell the blood of an Englishman,
Dead, or alive, I will have some._"[8]
The man who later was commemorated by Lowell in an essay entitled
"A Great Public Character," was, during the war of 1812, known as "Mr.
Fum"[9] or "Orator Fum,"[10] and we read of "the degrading doctrine
inculcated by '_fee, fo, fi, fum_' federalists."[11] John Adams was
"Duke of Braintree"[12] and "Old Brimborion."[13] John Armstrong, who
was made Secretary of War in January, 1813, was nicknamed "Duke of
Newburgh," in allusion to the famous Newburgh Addresses of 1783.[14]
Jefferson was called "Tall Tommy,"[15] "Thomas the Magician,"[16] and
"Thomas Conundrum."[17] President Madison was "Little Jemmy,"[18] "King
James" or "King Jemmy,"[19] "James the Great,"[20] and "Mundungus,"[21]
and was referred to as "James the First Emperor of the Virginians
and King of the United States."[22] Timothy Pickering was "Uncle
Tim."[23] On November 10, 1812, General Alexander Smyth issued a
proclamation,[24] whereupon it was said that "during this time Gen.
_Proclamation_ curvetted about."[25] General James Wilkinson was called
"Don" or "Don Jamie," in allusion to Don Quixote.[26]
Besides these nicknames applied to persons, there were several epithets
which were employed to designate a class. Those who favored the war
were called "Wildcats,"[27] "War-dogs,"[28] "War-hirelings,"[29]
"War-men,"[30] and "War-sharks,"[31] but the favorite term was
"War-hawks." Under the head of "Political Intoxication," the following
appeared in the _Columbian Centinel_ of February 19, 1812 (p. 4-1):
"OUR _War-Hawks_ when pot valiant grown,
Could they the British King dethrone,
Would sacrifice a man a day;--
To me the reason's very plain,
Why topers talk in such a strain--
They want a double[A] _Can-a-day_.
[A] _Upper_ and _Lower_."
"The noisy and vociferous demagogues and war hawks," said the _Portland
Gazette_, "and office hunters in this vicinity, ... have never once
_slipt out of their beds of down_, or _paid a single cent_ from their
pockets, in support of their darling war."[32]
The "War-hawks" retaliated by calling the peace men "Tories" and
likening them to the Loyalists of the Revolution. "The _war-hawks_
of that vicinity," said the _New York Evening Post_ of October 28,
1812, "came to his house and began abusing him with the usual slang of
_Federalist_, _old Tory_, &c." (p. 2-4).
Nowhere was the depth of popular feeling more clearly shown than in the
toasts that were offered at the various dinners which were so freely
partaken of on the Fourth of July and on other occasions. Such dinners
would now seem somewhat provincial, but they were exceedingly common
late in the eighteenth and early in the nineteenth centuries, and no
doubt they were of service in fostering the spirit of nationality.[33]
The following toasts were given in 1812. At Philadelphia: "May the
tories of N. England repent--_or be damned_."[34] At Norwich, Vermont:
"_The TORIES!_--Too mean to live, too wicked to die--unworthy of
heaven, and too bad for hell;--may the Angel of darkness convey them
beyond the bounds of either."[35]
In 1813 were given the toasts which follow. At Boston: "May the
traitorous designs of _junto federalists_ and their wicked declaration,
that '_Britain is the bulwark of our religion_,' become more and
more obnoxious by appointing 'FEE, FOW, FUM' ORATORS to promulgate
their detestable principles."[36] At Sutton, Massachusetts: "Caleb
Strong: The addresser of Gage,[37] the defender of impressment, the
justifier of Indian massacres, the advocate of England, and the
enemy of America.--May he retire, repent, and yet be saved."[38] At
Philadelphia: "Governor Strong: Eternal infamy and execration to the
foul hypocrite who could be base enough to pronounce the most savage,
unprincipled and blood thirsty nation on the face of the earth the
'bulwark of our religion.' _Over the hills and far away._"[39] At
Camp Meigs: "The tories and apologists for the wrongs done us by the
British government where they ought to be, _kissing their monarch's
toe. Rogue's March._"[40] At New York: "_Tories_--old, new--native and
exotic--marshal's passports--time--three seconds--destination--'_the
fast anchored isle_.'"[41]
In 1814 were given the following toasts. At Belfast, Maine: "The
War-Hawks and Vultures at Washington:--Having _usurped_ the place of
the towering Eagle, may they be _expelled_ from the capitol, with
their _wings clipped_ and a label about their necks, to the _wilds_ of
_Kentucky_, the _native haunts_ of birds of _prey_."[42] At Scituate,
Massachusetts: "_The President of the United States_--Respect for
the office, but contempt for the incumbent--an immediate resignation
his first duty--the Island of Elba his last retreat."[43] At Hudson,
New York: "_Massachusetts_--British influence but poor bait for
Codfish--may she let down her net the right side of the Ship."[44] At
Winchendon, Massachusetts: "_James I. of America._--In the imitation of
his prototype may he soon be compelled by the voice of the people to
abdicate in favour of a rightful heir.--_3 cheers._"[45] At New York:
"_Timothy Pickering._--'A greater liar Parthia never bred.'"[46]
It is clear that every one was in an irritated frame of mind, the
merest trifle being sufficient to arouse bitter feelings, and even to
cause men to come to actual blows. Duel after duel was fought by those
in the upper classes of society--whether military, naval, or civil; and
even among respectable people hand to hand fights seem occasionally
to have taken place.[47] To add to the general irritation, several
especially unpopular laws were enacted. An act laying direct and other
taxes was approved by President Madison on July 30, and went into
effect on December 25, 1813.[48] In a Worcester paper of December 22,
1813, appeared the following:
"_The New Army_--The tax-gathering campaign is about
opening, and will undoubtedly be both brilliant and
successful, as the army of assessors and collectors
is very numerous and ably supported by the strong arm
of the government.--This _patriotic_ band of harpies
will unquestionably acquit themselves with great skill
and adroitness in diving to the bottom of the farmers'
pockets and filching away the hard-earnings of many a
tedious day."[49]
Long before this, however, there had been clashes between United States
custom house officers and others. A communication dated Portland,
Massachusetts,[50] May 28, 1813, beginning with the statement that "A
most daring infringement of the laws took place here upon the evening
of the 25th," went on to describe the seizure of goods by custom house
officers, who were set upon by smugglers, the latter making off with
the goods.[51] In September, 1813, what is described as "a battle" took
place at Granville, New York, on the borders of Vermont, between United
States custom house officers and officials of New York.
Meanwhile, however, we get our first glimpse of Uncle Sam. An article
half a column in length, headed "For the Troy Post," was printed in
that paper of September 7, 1813, and began as follows:
"'Loss upon loss, and no ill luck stiring [_sic_] but
what lights upon UNCLE SAM'S shoulders,' exclaim the
Government editors, in every part of the Country. The
Albany _Argus_ of last Tuesday laments the disasters
and disappointments of our Border War, in most pathetic
strains &c. &c."
In a note is given this explanation:
"This cant name for our government has got almost
as current as 'John Bull.' The letters U.S. on the
government waggons, &c. are supposed to have given rise
to it" (p. 3-3).
In the _Lansingburgh Gazette_ of late in September or possibly October
1, 1813, appeared the following:
_"Land Privateering._--The following is a short sketch
of a recent battle, under the act[52] to encourage
land-privateering, between what are called in this
part of the country, _Uncle Sam's Men_ and the _Men of
New-York_:--On Friday se'nnight, a quantity of goods
were seized pursuant to the act aforesaid, by a custom
house officer at Granville, in Washington county,
under the pretence that they had been smuggled from
Canada. On the Monday succeeding the owner obtained a
writ of replevin, and the sheriff, after meeting with
some opposition, succeeded, in possessing himself of
the goods, according to the laws of this state. _Uncle
Sam's Men_, however, feeling little disposition to be
deprived of their booty in this manner, (for secure
as they thought of the whole, they had _plundered_
but a small part of the goods,) raised a band of war
hawks, and attempted a rescue. The sherriff called
the posse of the neighborhood to his assistance, and
the parties being nearly equal, altho' the war-hawks
were rather the most numerous, a battle royal ensued.
It was long and obstinately contested; but ended in
the complete discomfiture of _Uncle Sam's_ party, who
retired from the conflict, marked with many a broken
head and bruised limb, leaving the _Men of New-York_ in
possession of the field of battle and the goods."[53]
In a communication dated Burlington, Vermont, October 1, 1813, appeared
the following:
"The _patriotic_ Volunteers, who have _marched_ here to
guard the public stores in the absence of the regular
army, are taking '_long furloughs_,' and volunteering
for _home_ by tens and fifties, and hundreds.--The
pretence is, that _Uncle Sam_, the now popular
explication of the U. S., does not pay well; and that
the cold begins to pinch."[54]
From a paper published at Herkimer, New York, on January 27, 1814, is
taken the following:
"_'Uncle Sam's' hard bargains._--On Thursday afternoon
of last week, about thirty sleighs, 'more or less'[55]
loaded with the 'weak and wounded, sick and sore'
of our armies on the frontiers, passed through this
village for Greenbush. Never before have we beheld such
a picture. Half-naked, half-frozen, and by their looks
half-starved: some with and some without legs, others
upon crutches, or supporting each other from falling,
with their heads or arms bandaged, and the blood still
oozing from their half drest wounds--their meagre,
emaciated and ghastly appearance presented at once to
the eye of the beholder, a striking picture _of the
horrors of war_ and _neglect_."[56]
In a paper published at Windsor, Vermont, in February, 1814, are found
allusions to Secretary Armstrong and Josiah Quincy:
"[_The following Extraordinary Advertisement is copied
from the last (Windsor) Washingtonian._]
"_SLAVES WANTED!_
"UNCLE SAM, a worthy gentleman Slaveholder (_of
Virginia_) wants to purchase, at 124 dollars a
head, 65,000 ('more or less') stout, able-bodied,
full-blooded YANKEES, to aid Field Marshall, _the Duke
of Newburgh_, in taking Possession of a Plantation he
has lately bargained for, (_with himself_) if he can
get it, IN CANADA. Apply at the truly fortunate Lottery
Office;--or, elsewhere, if more convenient;--as every
'Office-holder or Citizen,' in the United States, is
fully authorized and empowered to contract, as the
acknowledged agent of his _Uncle_.
"N. B.--Uncle Sam's _purse_ is rather low--but
no matter. The _Duke_ will guarantee the
pay--'FORCIBLY--_if he must_.'"[57]
In the _Herkimer American_ of April 28, 1814, was printed the following:
"_Economy._--A few days since, in a neighboring town
_twelve_ United States' waggons were _repaired_, for
which the blacksmith was paid _one thousand eight
hundred dollars_ out of _Uncle Sam's_ purse. _Query._
How much is the usual cost of a new waggon?"[58]
In or about May, 1814, the Keene _Sentinel_ printed the following:
"_More Economy!_--Colonel Pickering in his Speech on
the Loan Bill, stated, on direct information from two
members of the former Congress, that a waggon started
with 40 bushels of corn for the army--that the team of
horses consumed 18 bushels on the way--reserved 18 to
feed them on returning, and delivered 4 bushels, which
must, at this rate, have cost _fifty dollars_ a bushel!
"Everyone remembers the vinegar transported from Boston
to Albany, which might have been procured _cheaper_ at
the latter than the former place.
"_Uncle Sam's_ teams are continually passing thro'
this town, with cannon balls, &c. for the fleet at
Vergennes. These balls are transported from Boston,
at an expense of not less than _twenty shillings_ for
every 100 wt. i. e. every 32 lb. ball costs a dollar
for transportation only. Now it is well known there are
several foundaries in the vicinity of the Lake, and
one very extensive one in Vergennes.--What then could
induce the contractor to resort to this useless waste
of the _sinews of war_? Quere. Do not the contractors
have a certain per cent? If so, the larger the bills
are, the better for them."[59]
An extract dated Baltimore, June 22, 1814, reads as follows:
"A detachment of 260 Uncle Sam's troops, under Major
KEYSER have embarked from Baltimore, to aid in raising
the blockade of BARNEY'S flotilla. [This is as it
should be,--The regulars are paid and fed for the
common defense.]"[60]
The following passage is dated Keene, New Hampshire, November 5, 1814:
"The soldiers, drafted for the defence of Portsmouth
are mostly on their return home. By some _arrangement_
between the Governor and General Chandler, the latter,
it seems, undertook to provide for, and _pay_ the
troops. The _names_ of those poor fellows are on _Uncle
Sam's_ pay roll; but not a cent of money have any of
them received. This will come when the government loan
is filled, and this loan will be filled when public
credit is restored, either before, or _after_ 'the
_troubled night_ of this administration departs.'"[61]
The following story appeared in the _Columbian Centinel_ of December 3,
1814:
"_UNCLE SAM_ AND _JOHN BULL_.
"U. Sam pays his soldier-servants in Paper Money
('Chequer Bills) which the poor fellows carry to the
brokers, and sell at a loss from 20 to 30 dollars in a
hundred, and which Uncle Sam thinks is so much saved.
"But _John Bull_, an old fool, carries his Paper Money
to market himself, gets as much gold and silver for it
as he can--and pays off his soldier-servants in Ready
Rhino, thereby losing all the discount himself.
"Who then shall say, that Uncle Sam is not a prudent,
calculating fellow--and John Bull a fool and a
spendthrift?"[62]
The _Plattsburg Herald_ of December 9, 1814, contained the following:
"'UNCLE SAM'S PAY'--AGAIN.--The detatched Militia,
of this state, who have been stationed at this
post for these three months past, are principally
discharged, and are to leave this place to-day. For the
encouragement of the citizens of this state to unite in
defence of 'Free Trade and Sailor's Rights,'--... we
have to inform them that the aforesaid militia are now
permitted to leave this, and get to their homes as they
can, without (as they inform us) a cent of their pay,
or even so much as the offer of a single Treasury Note,
some of them the distance of 200 miles.... Who will not
unite in this righteous war, and support the just and
wise administration who declared it?--UNION! UNION!"[63]
In the _Salem Gazette_ of January 27, 1815, was printed the following:
"According to the Recruiting Orders lately issued,
all men enlisted, before they pass muster, must
be _stripped_. This is well enough, the peacable
_citizens_ have been _stripped_ by the war-hawk party
long since; and it is high time the system should be
extended to the _military_ of Uncle Sam's family."[64]
The _New Bedford Mercury_ of January 27, 1815, contained the following:
"_UNCLE SAM'S BARGAINS._
"On Tuesday last, the Deputy Collector of the 14th
Collection District, agreeable to previous notice,
proceeded to sell the real estate of about 30 persons
of this town, for payment of Direct Taxes. No person
appearing to purchase, the whole was _knocked down to
Uncle Sam_--Whether Uncle Sam or his agents will ever
DARE attempt to take possession of these purchases, is
another part of the business."[65]
The above passage was quoted early in 1815 by Hezekiah Niles, who
appended this note: "U.S. or Uncle Sam--a cant term in the army for the
United States."[66]
* * * * *
In the _Columbian Centinel_ of June 21, 1815, appeared the following:
A District Paymaster of the U.S. residing in N.Y. by
the name of _Whittleby_ has advertised having been
robbed of _Thirty Thousand_ dollars of Uncle Sam's
money intended to pay the militia. It was in his
Portmanteau, which _some how_ or other, and _somewhere_
or other, was cut open, and the money all rifled! The
pay-master having a bad memory, could not recollect the
denominations of bills; and forgot to offer a reward
for the detection of the 'nefarious and daring wretch'"
(p. 2-2).
Uncle Sam apparently made his first appearance in verse in a song
called "Siege of Plattsburg, Sung at the Theatre, in Albany in the
character of a Black Sailor. Tune--'Boyn Water.'" There are four
stanzas, the first as follows:
"Back side Albany stan' lake Champlain,
One little pond, haf full a' water
Plat-te-bug dare too, close pon de main,
Town small--he grow bigger do herearter.
On lake Champlain,
Uncle Sam set he boat,
And Massa M'Donough, he sail 'em;
While Gen'ral M'Comb
Make Plat-te-bug he home,
Wid de army, who courage nebber fail 'em."[67]
At this point, let us pause a moment and review the evidence--evidence
which thus far has been drawn wholly from the newspapers. The term
Uncle Sam is first found in September, 1813, or when the war was half
over, though even then it was alleged to have "got almost as current
as 'John Bull.'"[68] While this statement may be true as regards the
neighborhood of Greenbush,[69] at which place the camp was a rendezvous
for the soldiers, it is not true of the country as a whole.[70] The
term first appeared in papers published in cities or towns either
in New York--as Troy, Lansingburgh, and Herkimer; or in Vermont--as
Burlington and Windsor, In short, it arose exactly where one would
expect it to arise--either in the neighborhood of Greenbush or along
the Canadian frontiers where the fighting was done. Finally, there is
one singular feature of the evidence. Every instance of Uncle Sam thus
far given, except that in the "Siege of Plattsburg," is taken from a
peace paper, while not once does the term occur in a war paper. It is
not easy to see why the war papers should have avoided the term, and
the fact that they did would seem to indicate that it was employed
somewhat derisively by the peace men. Possibly the sobriquet was
regarded as merely lacking in dignity. Or it may be, feeling running
so high, that the mere fact of its being taken up by one party was
sufficient to condemn it in the eyes of the other. But whatever the
reason, the fact is striking, and is comparable to the avoidance of the
word Yankee by the New Englanders previous to the battle of Lexington.
Does not an absolute boycott point at least to a distaste? It should
also be noted that by "Uncle Sam's men" were meant, at first, not
soldiers but United States custom house officers.
Thus far, however, the term has been merely a colloquialism, found
only in the newspapers. Let us now follow its progress in the literary
language. Its first appearance in a book was in a political skit
published in 1816, and written partly in Biblical phrase. Whose
identity was concealed under the pseudonym of Frederick Augustus
Fidfaddy, the alleged author of The Adventures of Uncle Sam, I do not
know. The book itself,[71] like James K. Paulding's Diverting History
of John Bull and Brother Jonathan (published in 1812) and all similar
skits, is modelled on Arbuthnot's Law is a Bottomless Pit--usually
called the History of John Bull--published in 1712. In it we find not
merely Uncle Sam, but Sam, Samuel, Samuelite, Uncle Samuel, and Uncle
Samuel's Lady--meaning Congress. A few extracts follow:
"'WHAT! another history of the war? We cannot be always
reading' exclaims a Smoking Lounger, while he strikes
his silver headed rattan against the door-post of the
Bookseller. Softly, my friend, the work professes to
be the Adventures of your own dear Uncle, if you are
a native American, or of your _Uncle-in-Law_, if you
are not.... Shall Amadis de Gaul, Don Quixote and Earl
Strongbow, confer unfading glories on the respective
countries which were the theatres of their exploits;
and miser-like, pocket all the renown of romantic
chivalry? Forbid it Uncle Sam, and all his sons!...
In short, the learned Author, in imitation of high
authorities, solicits the indulgence of the public:--1.
With regard to the appearance of our common Uncle Sam.
Although, he is old enough to be very whimsical, he is
like the Author, a green character on the stage....
Behold said Thomas,[72] how mine Uncle Samuel hath
fought in times past against John Bull and hath
prevailed, nevertheless, he oweth at this time, many
talents of silver.... The place chosen for the second
attempt to innoculate the clownish Snowfieldians[73]
with blessings of Liberty, was Queenston, a pleasant
town separated from the dominions of Sam, by that
frith of water which is known by the name of the St.
Lawrence.... Now the man Proctor[74] the son of Belial
of whom we have spoken had his evil heart stirred
within him again to vex the sons of Samuel. And as
his manner was he assembled again the wicked sons of
Cain, and devised mischief against the small band of
Samuelites which lay at Lower Sandusky.... It becomes
us to notice a remarkable change in Uncle Sam's Lady.
She has lately discarded all her former notions of
parsimony and philosophic whims of economy, and has
most graciously bestowed on herself a very splendid
Salary, and whereas, formerly her family servants
received only six dollars _per diem_, they now receive
fifteen hundred, for each entertainment or levee she
holds, to see company."[75]
It has already been noted that in books published in 1812 and 1814,
Paulding did not employ the term Uncle Sam.[76] But in a work published
in 1817 he wrote:
"This subject reminds me of a queer fellow that went
by the name of _Paddy Whack_, who came over from a
place called _Knockecroghery_, as I think and palmed
himself upon a good-natured kinsman of mine, whom we
familiarly called _Uncle Sam_. Pat, ... was grandson,
by the mother's side, to the well known humorist,
_Paddy from Cork_, who wore his coat buttoned behind
to keep his belly warm; and the old man was so pleased
with his mode of eating buttermilk without any teeth,
that he insisted upon having him christened after his
name.... So he took up the business of patriotism,
and fastened himself upon _Uncle Sam_, who was a
liberal, good-hearted old fellow, that kept open house
to all comers, and received _Pat_ with kindness and
hospitality, because he was poor and an exile."[77]
The first foreigner to use the term was apparently W. Faux, who in a
book written between 1819 and 1823 frequently employed it. "Almost all
Americans," he quotes a Mr. Perry as saying, "are boys in everything
but vice and folly! In their eyes _Uncle Sam_ is a right slick, mighty
fine, smart, big man."[78] On November 24, 1821, Hezekiah Niles wrote:
"I am, however, diverted from the subject I meant
to speak of--that is, the 'ways and means' to keep
the wheels of the government a-going; a most serious
concern, especially to those who live upon the
treasury, or expect to become rich by _plucking_ 'Uncle
Sam's' great grey goose."[79]
In the _Baltimore Patriot_ of November 11, 1824, appeared the following:
"ANOTHER PRESIDENTIAL CARICATURE.
... It is a proof sheet of a print entitled--'CAUCUS
CURS _in full_ YELL, _or a_ WAR WHOOP _to saddle
on the_ PEOPLE _a_ PAPPOOSE PRESIDENT.' In the
background stands the President's house, on the right
of which '_Uncle Sam's Treasury pap house_,' with its
'_amalgamation-tool department_'" (p. 2-2).
In 1826 Mrs. Anne Royall, an eccentric lady who wrote several books of
travel, not lacking in sharp hits, remarked:
"It often happened while in Washington, that I met
with 'uncle Sam's' men, as they call themselves.
Walking in the capitol square one day, I stepped up
to a man whom I found there at work, and asked him
whom he worked for, (meaning his employer, from whom
I wished to obtain some information,) 'me,' said
the fellow, 'I work for uncle Sam,' in a tone of
unqualified impudence. No matter where you meet those
understrappers you may distinguish them by their
unparalleled effrontery."[80]
One of Paulding's innumerable skits was "The History of Uncle Sam and
his Boys: a Tale for Politicians," originally published in the _New
York Mirror_ in 1831. In this we read:
"ONCE upon a time there lived, and still lives, in a
country lying far to the west, a famous squire, rich
in lands and paper money. Report made him out to be
the son of John Bull, who every one knows has children
in all parts of the world.... John Bull had christened
this son of his by the name of Jonathan; but by and
by, when he became a man grown, being a good hearty
fellow, about half horse half alligator,[81] his
friends and neighbours gave him the nickname of Uncle
Sam; a sure sign that they liked him, for I never
knew a respectable nickname given to a scurvy fellow
in my life. Be this as it may, his family and all his
neighbours at last came to call him nothing else but
Uncle Sam; and all his beef, pork, and flour, in fact
everything that belonged to him, was marked with a huge
U. S., six inches long. As I have a great respect for
universal example, I shall give him this name in the
sequel of my history, which I hereby commend to the
special attention of all wise men, more especially the
wise men of the east. As to the fools, everybody knows
they are so scarce now-a-days, that I hereby snap my
fingers and defy them."[82]
In 1835 David Crockett wrote:
"Them that danced should pay the piper; but I suppose
they will all say as the young man said of the old
quaker when the robbers stopped the mail-coach. The old
gentleman gave up his purse; the young man held back:
a pistol was presented at him: 'Oh,' says he, 'don't
shoot; old uncle always pays for me!' So poor old Uncle
Sam, I suppose, will pay for all: and I am glad that
the funding system has paid off our national debt, so
that a few hundreds of thousands won't hurt us much
now. General Jackson can pay off the post-office debt
as he said he would the old debt, _by borrowing_; and
then we'll burn all the books and old extra contracts,
and begin _dee novo_, as the Latin scholars say in
Congress."[83]
In 1835 Charles J. Latrobe, Australian governor and traveller, remarked:
"You may recollect I mentioned in a former letter,
a certain double-barrelled fowling-piece which the
commissioner had brought away from a government agent
on the Missouri. It had kept us company ever since,
going among us generally by the name of 'Uncle Sam,'
such was the _soubriquet_ given by the Americans to the
General Government, from the usual initials U.S. or
United States, affixed upon Government property."[84]
In 1835 Edward S. Abdy, an Englishman, observed:
"I mention this trifling circumstance, because it
illustrates a striking feature in the national
character. 'Uncle Sam' is the veriest slave of habit in
existence, and dislikes trouble. He would rather put up
with an inconvenience than put himself out of his way."
In a note he added:
"This appellation corresponds with our 'John Bull';
and is supposed to be derived from the initials U.S.
As the nation has not yet been able to fix upon a
distinctive title, perhaps that of Caucasia would not
be inappropriate."[85] #/
On December 28, 1836, General George A. McCall said: "At the usual hour
for the examination of recruits, one bright spring morning, the surgeon
and myself having _assembled_ in my office high up in Market Street for
the purpose I have stated, the sergeant brought, among other candidates
for the honor of serving '_Uncle Sam_,' a perfect Hercules in physical
Development."[86]
In 1838 there appeared in Bentley's Miscellany a series of articles
called Uncle Sam's Peculiarities, from which the following is extracted:
"We must here digress from our immediate subject, for
the purpose of properly introducing one of the most
celebrated characters now _talked_ of. This personage,
_Major Jack Downing_ by name, is in everybody's notice
as a great American jester, but, like _Uncle Sam_,
is _but a name_. There may originally have been a
Major Jack Downing, a comical 'military' officer,
and there may also have been an Uncle Sam in Boston,
whose initials happening to be the same as the initial
letters of the United States was, from a postmaster, or
government contractor of Massachusetts Bay, converted
into the impersonation, or great federal representative
of the twenty-six States, including Jonathan's own five
particular States, New Hampshire, Connecticut, New
England, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. But Major
Jack and Uncle Sam of Boston (_mortal_ Sam) both sleep
with their forefathers, if they ever had any, leaving
only their names behind; glorious Jack being famous in
_story_, and Uncle Sam's initials, U. S., being wedded
to _E. Pluribus unum_, for better or worse, until the
twenty-six stars of North America shall be separated by
some violent effort of nature, or a general convulsion
of Yankee Republicanism. But if _Major Jack_ is never
seen _in propria persona_, he is sometimes represented
by others, who prefer his name to their own. One of
Mister Joseph Miller's jokes is of a fanatic, who gave
thanks for being shown some relicts in a monastery, and
added, 'This is the sixteenth head of John the Baptist
I have seen in Italy.' A traveller in the United
States is reminded of this Joe, and of King Dick's
'six Richmonds in the field,' by hearing of Major Jack
Downing of American ubiquity, who is spread abroad and
met with as a resident in most of the large towns and
many of the quiet villages, and is moreover, one of the
most witty correspondents of that many-headed monster,
the Public Press.... The military are for a minute
obstructed by six gaily-painted covered carts filled
with merchandise, which their owners, the 'western
merchants,' are carrying home; one 'fresh spring-water'
locomotive from Long Island, an 'American ginger
champagne' waggon, and a dirty cart carrying the mail
of 'U. S.' (Uncle Sam, or United States)."[87]
In 1839 Marryat wrote:
"I fell in with Major F----, with whom I had been
previously acquainted, who informed me that he was
about to send a detachment of troops from Green Bay to
Fort Winnebago, across the Wisconsin territory. As this
afforded me an opportunity of seeing the country, which
seldom occurs, I availed myself of an offer to join the
party. The detachment consisted of about one hundred
recruits, nearly the whole of them Canada patriots, as
they are usually called, who, having failed in taking
the provinces from John Bull, were fain to accept the
shilling from uncle Sam."[88]
Having thus traced the history of Uncle Sam from its inception in 1813
down to 1840, previous to which no example has hitherto been cited, let
us now turn our attention to the origin of the term. Three explanations
have been advanced. Nearly the entire third page of the Boston _Sunday
Herald_ of August 9, 1903, was filled with an article and illustrations
on the "Nova Scotia Home of Uncle Sam. Origin of his Odd Costume. Sam
Slick of Slickville, the Product of Judge Haliburton's Pen, and his
Sayings." The writer said: "Strange as it may seem, one must go beyond
the borders of the United States to find the birthplace of 'Uncle
Sam.'" Then followed a description of Windsor, where Judge Haliburton
was born. The notion is apparently based wholly on the pseudonym
assumed by Judge Haliburton--"Sam Slick." This newspaper yarn does not,
of course, deserve serious consideration, and may be dismissed with the
remark that Thomas Chandler Haliburton, having been born December 17,
1796, was less than sixteen years old at the outbreak of the war with
England, and that it was not until 1835 that he employed the pseudonym
of "Sam Slick."[89]
The most popular explanation of the origin of Uncle Sam first appeared
in print, so far as I have been able to ascertain, in John Frost's Book
of the Navy, published in 1842. It did not originate with Frost, and no
doubt he obtained it from a newspaper. It is as follows:[90]
"_Origin of 'Uncle Sam.'_
"Much learning and research have been exercised in
tracing the origin of odd names, and odd sayings,
which, taking their rise in some trifling occurrence
or event, easily explained or well understood for a
time, yet, in the course of years, becoming involved
in mystery, assume an importance equal at least to
the skill and ingenuity required to explain or trace
them to their origin. 'The Swan with two necks'--'The
Bull and Mouth'--'All my eye, Betty Martin,' and many
others, are of this character--and who knows but, an
hundred years hence, some 'learned commentator' may
puzzle his brain to furnish some ingenious explanation
of the origin of the national appellation placed at the
head of this article. To aid him, therefore, in this
research, I will state the facts as they occurred under
my own eye.
"Immediately after the declaration of the last war
with England, Elbert Anderson, of New-York, then a
Contractor, visited Troy, on the Hudson, where was
concentrated, and where he purchased, a large quantity
of provisions--beef, pork, &c. The inspectors of these
articles at that place were Messrs. Ebenezer and
Samuel Wilson. The latter gentleman (invariably known
as '_Uncle Sam_') generally superintended in person a
large number of workmen, who, on this occasion, were
employed in overhauling the provisions purchased by
the contractor for the army. The casks were marked E.
A.--U. S. This work fell to the lot of a facetious
fellow in the employ of the Messrs. Wilson, who, on
being asked by some of his fellow-workmen the meaning
of the mark (for the letters U. S., for United States,
were then almost entirely new to them,) said 'he did
not know, unless it meant _Elbert Anderson and Uncle
Sam_'--alluding exclusively, then, to the said 'Uncle
Sam' Wilson. The joke took among the workmen, passed
currently; and 'Uncle Sam' himself being present, was
occasionally rallied by them on the increasing extent
of his possessions.
"Many of these workmen being of a character denominated
'food for powder,' were found shortly after following
the recruiting drum, and pushing toward the frontier
lines, for the double purpose of meeting the enemy,
and of eating the provisions they had lately laboured
to put in good order. Their old jokes of course
accompanied them, and, before the first campaign ended,
this identical one first appeared in print--it gained
favour rapidly, till it penetrated and was recognized
in every part of our country, and will, no doubt,
continue so while the United States remain a nation. It
originated precisely as above stated; and the writer
of this article distinctly recollects remarking, at
the time when it first appeared in print, to a person
who was equally aware of its origin, how odd it would
be should this silly joke, originating in the midst
of beef, pork, pickle, mud, salt, and hoop-poles,
eventually become a national cognomen."
This story was introduced by Bartlett into his Dictionary of
Americanisms in 1848; was repeated, with variations, by John F.
Watson[91] in 1844 and again in 1846; was given, also with variations,
by Arthur James Weise[92] in 1870, in 1886, and again in 1891; and is
now found in almost every book of reference.[93] Before submitting
the story to critical examination, let us see who Anderson and the
Wilsons were. Elbert Anderson, Jr., of whom we have already caught
a glimpse,[94] need not detain us long. The following advertisement
appeared in several Albany, Troy, and New York newspapers in 1812 and
1813:
"_Proposals for Beef and Pork._
"SEALED Proposals will be received through the medium
of the Post-Offices at Albany and New-York, directed
to the subscriber, until the 25th of October, for 2000
barrels PRIME PORK and 3000 barrels PRIME BEEF, to be
delivered in the months of January, February, March and
April, at Waterford, Troy, Albany and New-York. The
whole to be put up _in full bound barrels_ of white
oak. No proposals need be offered for less than one
hundred barrels. 20 per cent will be paid in advance
at the time of executing the contract, 20 per cent on
the first day of January, and 20 per cent the first day
of March, the remainder on the first day of May, 1813.
The Contractor reserves to himself the privilege of
choosing his inspector in the counties the provisions
are put up in--The preference will be given to those
whose reputation and security will insure the faithful
compliance of the terms of the contract.
"ELBERT ANDERSON, Jun.
"October 1st, 1812. _Army Contractor._"[95]
On November 23, 1757, Edward Wilson, said to have been born July 6,
1734,[96] at West Cambridge (now Arlington), Massachusetts, married
Lucy Francis of Medford.[97] At West Cambridge were born Ebenezer
Wilson on August 18, 1763, and Samuel Wilson on September 13, 1768.
About 1780 Edward Wilson took his family to Mason, New Hampshire,
and later he went to Troy.[98] Ebenezer and Samuel Wilson removed to
Troy about 1789 and soon became prominent in the life of the young
town. In September, 1805, the following advertisement appeared in Troy
newspapers:
"SLAUGHTERING & PACKING
"The undersigned having two large and convenient
SLAUGHTER-HOUSES, beg leave to acquaint their customers
and others, that they will be enabled to _kill_, _cut_
and _pack_ 150 head of Cattle per day; and, from their
local situation, pledge themselves to accommodate those
who may favour them with a call, on terms as low as can
be obtained in the State.
"They have on hand a large supply of BARRELS and SALT,
which will be disposed of on the lowest terms.
"All those who shall be under the necessity of waiting
24 hours for their Cattle to be slaughtered, shall have
them pastured free of expence.
E. & S. WILSON.
"_Troy, September 17, 1805._"[99]
In the _Troy Post_ of October 6, 1812, appeared this paragraph, which
may or may not refer to the Wilsons:
"We are informed that one house in this town has paid
Twenty Thousand Dollars during the last month for
transporting provisions, flour, whiskey, &c. from this
place to Plattsburgh, for the use of the army of the
North" (p. 3-3).
In the same paper of June 1, 1813, under the head of "HOGS----wanted,"
was printed this advertisement:
"BOARDMAN, MANN & CO. wish to purchase One Hundred
and Twenty thrifty Barrow SHOTES, for which Cash will
be paid on delivery at their Stillhouse in Troy. For
further particulars inquire at the store of WILSON,
MANN & Co." (p. 2-1).
In the _Troy Post_ of September 28, 1813 (p. 3-4), appeared the
following:
"NOTICE
"The Copartnership of the subscribers, under the firm
of Wilson, Mann & Co. is by mutual Consent this day
dissolved. All persons indebted to, or that have any
demands against said firm are requested to call on
James Mann for settlement, who is duly authorized to
settle the same.
"EBENEZER WILSON
"JAMES MANN
"SAMUEL WILSON
"Troy, Sept 28, 1813.
"N. B. The Business in future will be conducted by
James Mann at the store lately occupied by Wilson, Mann
& Co."[100]
Edward Wilson, the father of the two brothers, died at Troy, June 17,
1816; but neither the Troy nor the Albany papers contained an obituary
notice.[101] Ebenezer Wilson died July 22, 1825, the following notice
appearing in the New York _Commercial Advertiser_:
"New York, Saturday, July 23.
"Died--Suddenly, yesterday afternoon, Mr. Ebenezer
Wilson, Sen. aged 63. Mr. W. has for years been
extensively engaged in business as an inspector and
packer of Beef both in Troy, and this city. He was
an ornament to the Christian church, and a worthy,
industrious, and excellent man in all the duties of
life."[102]
In the Troy Directory (I, 61) for 1829, the first published, is found
this entry: "Wilson, Samuel, ferry continued,"--which, Miss Jessie
F. Wheeler writes me,[103] "means, I suppose, Ferry Street continued
up the hill." Samuel Wilson died at Troy on July 31, 1854. Of the
many notices which appeared in the Troy papers, the following, signed
"Trojan," is the most interesting:
"DEATH OF THE LATE SAMUEL WILSON.