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Mr. H. C. DENNISON’S RESOLUTION,

 CALLING ON

THE GOVERNOR

for COPIES OF ANY

CORRESPONDENCE HE MAY HAVE HAD WITH MILITARY OFFICERS

 RELATIVE TO
DETACHING THE MILITIA;

 TOGETHER WITH

HIS EXCELLENCY’S MESSAGE,

COMMUNICATING

THE CORRESPONDENCE.

 

PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE HOUSE.

 

MONTPELIER, VT.

PRINTED BY WATLONS AND GOSS, OCTOBER 1814

 OFFICIAL PAPERS

 

In General Assembly of the State of Vermont, October 21, 1814.

 

ON motion and leave, Mr. H. C. Dennison introduced the following Resolution, viz.

 

            “In General Assembly, October 21st, 1814.  “RESOLVED….That His Excellency the Governor, be requested to lay before this House, copies of any Correspondence he may have had, with any commanding Officer of the United States’ Army, or any Officer under his command, relative to detaching the Militia of this State; particularly the request of General Macome, alluded to in his Excellency’s Speech of the 15th instant, together with any other information on the subject, which, in his opinion, may not be improper to communicate  to his House.”  Which resolution was read, and ordered to lie on the table.

 

            In General Assembly, Oct. 26, 1814.  The Resolution lying on the table, calling on his Excellency for certain information, relating to any correspondence he may have had with Gen. Macomb, and other Military Officers, was called up, read and adopted;  and on motion, Ordered, that Mr. H. C. Dennison wait on his Excellency, with a copy of the Resolution.

 

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

MONTPELIER, OCTOBER 27, 1814

 

SIR,

            IN compliance with the Resolution of the Hon. House of Representatives, of the 25th instant, I herewith transmit to you, and through you to that Honorable Body, several letters and communications, Marked NO. 1 to 14, inclusive.

            A copy of the answer, to General Macomb’s first letter, dated the 1st of September last, I find, by examining my papers, has been mislaid.

            It was short, and in substance, as well as I recollect, that attention should be paid to his communication, and such aid afforded, as should be found necessary, and in my power constitutionally to grant.

            An introductory letter to General Macomb, was given to General Strong, on his crossing the Lake;  stating his laudable exertions, in inducing volunteers to turn out for the defense of their Country, and recommending his as an old and experienced Officer, in whose judgment and integrity the fallest confidence might be placed.

            Of this letter, it being made out in haste, I did not take a copy.

           

            I am Sir, respectfully, your humble servant,
                                                            MARTIN CHITTENDEN.

Hon. D. Chipman, Speaker
                        of the House of Representatives.

 

No.1

            COPY OF A LETTER FROM BRIGADIER GENERAL MACOMB.
                                                               Plattsburgh, August 31, 1814.

SIR,

            I AM this moment informed, that the enemy is advancing in full force towards this place, and have already proceeded so far as to cross the Chazy at Champlain village.  It is perhaps in your power to throw a detachment over the Lake, so as to advance to our assistance on the road leading from Essex.  These men should be light armed.  We shall be able to hold our ground until they come to our assistance, in case they should be too powerful for us to meet the enemy beyond our defenses.

            With sentiments of respect, I have the honour to be your most obedient servant,

                        Alexander Macomb,

Brig. General Commanding the U. States; troops.

 

His Excellency,

            Martin Chittenden, Gov. of the State of Vermont

 

No. 2

COPY OF ANOTHER FROM THE SAME

Plattsburgh, 1 P. M. September 4, 1814

 

SIR…

            IT is now ascertained, beyond a doubt, that the enemy will march for this place, with his whole force, this morning.  Every preparation is made and making that our time will admit.  The enemy must besiege us, as our works are now in a tolerable state o defense.  This will give time for succors to get to our assistance, which may possibly end in a complete discomfiture of his designs and oblige him to raise the siege.  Much is at stake at this place, and aid is actually wanted, as the garrison is small, and the enemy is considerable force.  Under these circumstances your Excellency will, I am sure, not hesitate to afford us all the assistance in your power.

            I have the honour to be, sir, with perfect respect, your most obedient servant,

                                    Alexander Macomb,

                                                Brigadier General Commanding,

 

To His Excellency,

            Martin Chittenden, Gov. Of the State of Vermont.

 

 

No. 3

COPY OF THE ANSWER

                                                                        Jericho, Sept. 4, 1814

 

SIR,

            I HAVE the honor of acknowledging your note of this day, and shall take the most effectual measure to furnish such number of Volunteers, as may be induced to turn out for your assistance.  They will probably cross at Mc’Neil’s ferry.

                        I have the honor to be, with respect, your humble servant,

                                    MARTIN CHITTENDEN.

Gen. A. Macomb.

 

No. 4

COPY OF A LETTER FROM GOV. CHITTENDEN TO GEN. NEWELL.

Jericho, Sept. 4, 1814.

 

SIR,

            ENCLOSED I transmit to you the copy of a letter, this moment received from Gen. Macomb, which will shew you the situation of our army at Plattsburgh, and the necessity of such assistance as can be afforded.  I would recommend it to you to take the most effectual method to procure such number of Volunteers as may be had, for his immediate assistance; from your brigade.  It would be advisable for the troops to cross the lake at M’cNeil’s ferry.

            I am respectfully, your humble servant,

                        M. Chittenden.

Gen. John Newell.

 

No. 5

COPY OF THE ANSWER

                        Charlotte, September 5, 1814

 

SIR,

            I RECEIVED, late last night, your Excellency’s letter to yourself, of the same date enclosed, in which you have referred me to Gen. Macomb’s letter to learn the defenseless situation of Plattsburgh;  the force and approach of the enemy, and his request for your assistance, with the Militia of Vermont.  You have, also, recommended to me, to procure such number of volunteers, from my brigade, as may be disposed to repair to Plattsburgh, and have them cross at M’Neil’s Ferry.  If I rightly understand you letter, I can perceive no request, or order, from your Excellency, directing me to have the Militia under my command, or any portion of them, march to Plattsburgh, or any other place, for the assistance of Gen. Macomb, or for any other purpose.  From your letter, therefore, I consider myself unauthorized to order out any portion of the Militia, under my command, or to do more than your Excellency has recommended, namely, to offer my advice, which may be followed or not.  As I consider myself, with the brigade I command, fully under your direction and controul, and as our assistance is requested, and seems very much needed at Plattsburgh, I regret that your Excellency has not ordered, either the whole, or a portion of this brigade to their assistance, as I shall cheerfully obey any request, direction, or order, you may give, to repair to Plattsburgh, or any other place, to assist in opposing the enemy, protecting our territory and citizens and defending our country from invasion.

            I am, sir, with respect, Your Excellency’s most obedient servant,

                                                            JOHN NEWWELL

His Excellency, Martin Chittenden

 

No. 6

 

            COPY OF A REPLY TO GEN. NEWELL

                                                Jericho, September 5, 1814

Sir,

            I HAVE received yours of this date, and state, in answer, that I do not consider myself, authorized, either by the constitution, or law, under which we act, and from which all our powers are derived, to order the Militia out of the State.  But considering the peculiar situation of the army at Plattsburgh, it was my desire,  that every aid, constitutionally in our power, should be afforded.  And I am induced to believe, that a request, in such a case, would have more effect, that an attempt to assume authorized power, on all such as are willing to turn out for the defence of our country.

            I am respectfully, your humble servant,

                                                MARTIN CHITTENDEN.

Gen. John Newell

 

No. 7

            COPY OF A LETTER FROM COL. FASSETT.

Sir,

            I LEARN by Mr. Wadsworth, there is considerable quantity of fixed ammunition at Vergennes, subject to your order.  Can I have a part of it for Volunteers?  Please to inform me by my son.

            I am, sir, yours,

                                                ELIAS FASSETT

His Excellency

            M. Chittenden, Jericho.

7th  September, 1814.

 

No. 8

                                    COPY OF THE ANSWER.

                                                            Jericho, September 7, 1814

Sir,

            I HAVE the honor of acknowledging your note of this date, on the subject of fixed ammunition, for the Volunteers.  If there is any at Vergennes, subject to my order, this letter may be considered as a sufficient order for such part of the same as may be wanted.

             I would inform you, that agreeably to your suggestion, I enclosed, and sent by express, on Sunday evening, to Gen. JOHN NEWELL, a copy of Gen. MACOMB’S letter, and strongly recommended it to him, to use every exertion to procure such number of Volunteers, from his brigade, as could be immediately induced to cross the Lake to the assistance of the army at Plattsburgh.

            I am, respectfully, your humble servant,

                                                            MARTIN CHITTENDEN

            Col. Elias Fassett.

 

No. 9

            COPY OF A LETTER TO GEN. MACOMB.

                                                                        Burlington, September 11, 1814

Sir,

            THE bearers, Amos W. Barnum, Esq. My Military Aid, and SAMUEL SWIFT, Esq. Secretary to the Governor and Council of this State, will go to Plattsburgh for the purpose, if practicable, of communicating with you, and of receiving any information you may please to communicate, that we may know how to govern ourselves, in endeavoring to furnish assistance.  They will communicate to me any necessary information you may give them for this purpose.

            I am, with high consideration, your humble servant,

                                                                        MARTIN CHITTENDEN.

             Gen. Macomb.

 

No. 10.

            COPY OF A LETTER FROM GEN. SAMUEL STRONG.

                                                                        September 10, 1814.

Sir,

            I AM sorry to have it in my power to give you a correct statement of the British force approaching this place.  From the best information I can obtain, which was from Gen. Moore, they are 8000, or 9000 strong, all regular troops, except a few.  Their artillery has not been made use of against us as yet, although it is believed they have considerable.  I have been up the river, this morning, five or six miles, which was lined with the enemy on the north side.  They have made several attempts to cross, but without success.  This is the line that is to be defended.  I have ascertained, to a certainty, the number of Militia, from Vermont, now on the ground, well armed is 1812-from New York 700.  regular troops under Gen. Macomb, he says, 2000.  He treated me very friendly.  I presume Doct. POMEROY gave you the particulars of the first interview we had.  We have strong expectations of 2000 detached Militia, ordered out by General Mooers, arriving soon.  He has written to Gov. TOMPKINS to send on the Militia, and says, he expects him in person.  I hope you and our friends will send four or five thousand to our assistance as soon as possible, if you should think best.  If not, we shall, if our courage holds out, keep close to them.  Do not, sir, let my wishes turn you from the correct principles you have heretofore pursued, as Governor of Vermont.  Permit me, sir, to subscribe mtself, your friend and humble servant,

                                                                                    SAMUEL STRONG.

            His Excellency,

                        Martin Chittenden.

 

No. 11

            COPY OF A LETTER FROM THE SAME

                                    September 11, 1814-Sunday, 7 o’clock, P.M.

Dear Sir,

            We are now encamped, with two thousand five hundred Vermont Volunteers, on the south bank of the Saranac river, opposite the enemy’s right wing, which is commanded by Gen. Brisbane.  We have had the satisfaction to see the British fleet strike to our brave Com. MACDONOUGH.  The Fort was attacked at the same time, the enemy attempting to cross the river at every place fordable, for four miles up the river.  But they were foiled at every attempt, except at Pike’s encamped, where we now are.  The New-York Militia were posted at this place, under Gens. Mooer and Wright.  They were forced to give back a few miles, until they were reinforced by their artillery.  The general informed me of his situation, and wished for our assistance, which was readily afforded.  We met the enemy, and drove him across the river, under cover of his artillery.  Our loss is trifling.  We look twenty of thirty prisoners.  Their number of killed is not known.  We have been skirmishing all day on the banks of the river.  This is the only place he crossed, and he has paid dear for that.  I presume the enemy’s force exceeds the number I wrote you.  What will be our fate to-morrow, I know not; but am willing to risqué the consequence attending it-being convinced of the bravery and skill of my officers and men.  We are abundantly supplied with ammunition and provisions, from Gen. Macomb.

            I am, dear sir, yours, with esteem,

                                                                        SAMUEL STRONG

His Excellency,

                        Martin Chittenden.

 If God permits, you shall hear from me again, soon.

 

No.12

            COPY OF A LETTER FROM THE SAME

                                                                        Vergennes, September 16, 1814

Dear Sir,

            I RECEIVED your letter of the 14th inst. On my return at Burlington, where I had the satisfaction of expressing your thanks to the citizens who had turned out to repel our invading foe at Plattsburgh.  At the same time I was mortified to hear citizens of a government like ours-where all officers are limited in their official powers, urging the propriety of that power being exceeded in an unconstitutional and arbitrary manner.  We, as citizens, have rights and privileges, that ought not, and I say, with thousands of others, shall not, be infringed on.  The late invasion will convince our enemies, and our citizens at home, that our freedom and liberties are not be taken by force, or intrigue.

             I wrote you on the 11th.  Nothing appealed to oppose us on the 12th, and we all left the ground in harmony, returning to our families, except a few, who were killed or wounded.  If God be with us, who can stand against us?

            I am sir, your Excellency’s friend, and humble servant,

                                                                                    SAMUEL STRONG.

            His Excellency,

                        Martin Chittenden.

 

No. 12

            FROM THE SECRETARY OF WAR.

                                    War Department, September 15, 1814

Sir,

            THE force under Gen. Macomb, being exposed to imminent danger, I have to request your Excellency, to order to his aid, immediately, such a reinforcement, not less than two thousand of the Militia of your State, as may be adequate to the object.

            The emergency is such, as to make it necessary that you call into service, en masse, the Militia from the countries most convenient to the scene of action.

            The extravagant and pernicious views of the enemy, make it of the highest importance, to the best interest and union of these States, that their career should be checked.

            It is in the power of your Excellency, with the means in your hands to afford such aid as effectually to check it.

            I rely on your patriotic zeal, to make the exertious necessary to the end.

            I have the honor to be very respectfully, sir, your most obedient servant

                                                                                                JAMES MONROE

His Excellency,

            Martin Chittenden.

 

No. 14

            COPY OF A LETTER FROM CH. J. NOURSE

                                                                        Assist. Adj. Gen.

                                    Burlington, Vermont, September 27, 1814

Sir,

            THE dispatch herewith would have been handed to your Excellency, at an earlier day, but that the late glorious success of our Navy and Army in this quarter, rendered it unnecessary.

            I am directed by the Secretary of War, to present the thanks of the General Government, through you, to the brave and patriotic citizens of your State, for their prompt succor and gallant conduct in the fate critical state of this frontier.

            It is the wish of the Government, that two thousand of the Militia of your State should be drafted and organized, for immediate service, subject to the call, when necessary, of the commanding officer in this quarter.

            There are arms at Montpellier, from which such as may be without, can be furnished.

            I have the honor to be, air, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

                                                                                    CHS. J. NOURSE,

                                                                                                Assist. Adj. Gen.

His Excellency,

            Martin Chittenden, Gov. of Vermont

 

            COPY OF A LETTER TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR.

                                                                        Burlington, September 28, 1814

Sir,

            I HAVE the honor to acknowledge yours of the 15th inst. And have the great satisfaction to inform you that every object contemplated in your communication has been effected.

            Volunteers to a much larger number, than that mentioned in your request, turned out, and crossed the Lake to meet the enemy, without distinction of age, character, or party, exhibiting a spirit and zeal for the defence of their country, which reflects the highest honor on themselves and the country they have signally aided in defending.  The glorious event of our success against a  far superior force, both by land and water, is of the highest importance to this portion of the Union and cannot fail, so to be considered, in a national point of view.

            I have the honor to be, respectfully your humble servant,

                                                                                    MARTIN CHITTENDEN

Hon. James Monroe, Secretary of War.