OHIO STATEWIDE FILES - Know your Ohio: Tidbits of Ohio -- Part 85 ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES(tm) NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm All documents placed in the USGenWeb Archives remain the property of the contributors, who retain publication rights in accordance with US Copyright Laws and Regulations. In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, these documents may be used by anyone for their personal research. They may be used by non-commercial entities so long as all notices and submitter information is included. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit. Any other use, including copying files to other sites, requires permission from the contributors PRIOR to uploading to the other sites. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgenwebarchives.org ************************************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Darlene E. Kelley http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00026.html#0006374 August 4, 2006 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Historical Collections of Ohio And Then They Went West Know Your Ohio Tid-Bits - Part 85 by Darlene E. Kelley notes by S. Kelly [ ] Quotes from James H. Kennedy +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Tid-Bits - Part 85 Cleveland in the War of 1812 The year 1812 was in marked contrast to the year presiding it, as the shadow of the second great war wth England fell across the thresehold of Cleveland. Although actual hostilities never touched the city, and no direct force of the enemy appeared at its gates, the center of the war upon the lakes and in the west was near enough to keep it in hourly fear, in apprehention of danger. The Port of Cuyahoga became an important base for supplies, and a point for the gathering and moving of the troops. On the 18th of June, 1812, Congress declared War. A swift riding expressman came galloping into Cleveland, with the announcemant of that important fact. Ten days of the most rapid work of which riders on horseback, with frequent relays, had been consumed in carrying news fom the Potomac to the Cuyahoga. This news meant much to all this thinly settled and undefended portion of the west. The fear of England was secondary in consideration, as England had fostered the friendship of the Indians. There was no telling what fearful havoc might be wrought ny the savage allies of the foreign foe. The hope of regaining her lost colonies had never left the minds of England, and her secret endeavors of her diplomats to froment disturbances upon the western frontiers of the United States, hoping for an Indian uprising to destroy the power of the Government in these sections, was cause enough for the United States to declare war. During this war, Cleveland became an important military stations of the Lake country. It was a place of gathering for the militia of this secton whose services were made use of by the government. Fort Huntington, a small stockade, was erected on the shore of the Lake near the foot of Seneca Street, and named after Ohio's recent governor. Major Jessup, of the United States Army, was in command, and the fort was largely used as a guard house for soldiers who were under arrest. The declaration of war did not come as a surprise, as such action had been expected for some time. The people were therefore prepared for action when the messenger rode into town with his news. Such measures for defense as possible had been taken. Arms and ammunition had been issued, and the military were being drilled in a manner that suggested service, rather than muster day. There was naturally great anxiety, as no one could tell at what moment a British war-ship might anchor off the harbor and knock the little town to pieces, or a band of Indians might creep in by night and set the settlement to fire and death. The hope of the settlers pointed in two directions. They depended upon General Van Rensselaer, on the Niagara, to defend them toward the east, and General Hull, at Detroit, to guard them upon the west. It was further believed the forces under these two leaders would be able at an early day to conquor that portion of Canada north of Lake Erie, and thus remove the main danger in that direction. The hope was somewhat dampened, when a messenger brought the news that Hull had advanced into Canada, been driven back, and now was endeavoring to hold his own upon the American side of the Detroit River. Worse news was to follow, and along in August came the dire intelligence that Hull had surrendered his entire force, and that the British and their Indian allies were already in possession of one of the most important military and civil posts in the west. No one could tell what hour the successful foe might come sweeping along the south shore of Lake Erie, upon a path of devastation and death. The excitement in Cleveland was naturally at fever heat. Messengers were quickly mounted and sent in all directions to carry the warning, and ask for aid. One was sent to General Wadsworth at Canfield, asking him to lend such aid as the militia under his command could give. The manner in which the people received the news has been described by eye witnesses and a direct quote from Alfred Kelley as writen in the accounts of James H. Kennedy is as follows: " Information was received at Cleveland, through a scout from Huron, that a large number of British troops and Indians were seen from the shore, in boats, proceeding down the lake, and that they would probably reach Cleveland in the course of the ensueing night. This information spread rapidly through the surrounding settlements. A large proportion of the families in Cleveland. Newburg ( then part of Cleveland ), and Euclid, immediately on the receipt of the news, took such necessary articles of food, clothing and utensils as they could carry, and started for the more populous and less exposed parts of the interior. About thirty men only remained, determined to meet the enemy if they should come, and, if possible, prevent their landing. They determined at least to do all in their power to allay the panic, and prevent the depopulation of the counrty. Several ladies of Cleveland, among whom were Mrs. George Wallace, Mrs. Jon Walworth and Mrs. Dr. Long, resolved not to desert their husbands and friends. When Mrs. Long was told that she could not fight or forcibly oppose the enemy, she replied that she ' could nurse the sick ----wounded -- encourage and confort those who could fight, at any rate she would not, by her example, encourage disgraceful flight.' " Isham A. Morgan added other details of interest; " One day the people at the mouth of the Huron River discovered parties coming in boats; they were of a good deal alarmed, as they supposed them to be British and Indians to be let loose on the almost defenseless settlers. A courier was immediately sent to Cleveland to give the alarm there. Major Samuel Jones, of Cleveland, got on his horse and scoured the country round, telling people to go to Doan's Corners, and there would be a guard to protect them as best as they could. My brother yoked and hitched the oxen to the wagon, as we then had one horse. After putting a few necessary articles into the wagon and burying a few others, all went to Doan's Corners -- East Cleveland, there most of the people in Cleveland and vicinity assembled. My father had been ill with a fever, and was scarcely able to be about; he took a gun, which had been brought along, and handed it to my brother, Y.L. Morgan, who was a good shot, and said to him, ' If the Indians come, you see that there is one less to go away!' That night was spent in expectation was not pleasant. A few men had stayed in Cleveland, to watch developments there. In the morning, Captain All Gaylord was seen approaching the encampment, waving his sword, and saying, ' To your tents, Oh Isreal ! General Hull has surrendered to the British general, and our men, instead of Indians, were seen off Huron. They were returning to their homes.' Thankful were all that it turned out with them to be nothing worse than the inconvenience of fleeing from their homes on short notice under unpleasant circumstances." While the refuges were gathering at Doan's Corners, a little band of men were down at Cleveland, determined to meet the foe with such resistance as they could offer. When night came on they posted sentinels along the water front, and lay down to rest, but were soon awakened by an alarm that a vessel was approaching. The men sprang to their arms, and lined up along the landing place, ready to answer the first sign of an attack. A challenge was shouted from the shore. and back came the response. " We are paroled prisoner's of Hull's army !" The Army of defense became a committee of welcome, and the troops were brought ashore, and cared for. Some of tem suffering from wounds, and were carried up to the still vacant Murray store on Superior street, which was turned into a temporary hospital. Two companies of militia were ready for service within the present limits of the city, one hailing from Cleveland and one from Newburg. the Clevelanders mustered about fifty men, each being uniformed in his citizen's suit, and armed with his own rifle or shotgun, whatever the make. In a few months the company disbanded, subject to call. The full company roll is here given. Captain: Harvey Murray Lieutenant: Lewis Dille Ensign: Alfred Kelley Sargeants: Ebenezer Green, Simeon Moss, Thomas Hamilton, Seth Doan, Corporals; James Root, John Lauterman, Asa Dille, Martin G, Shelhouse. Drummer; David S. Tyler. Fifer; Rodolphus Carlton. Privates; Aretus Burk, Allen Burk, Charles Brandon, John Bishop, Moses Bradley, Silas Burk, Sylvestor Beacher, James S. Bills, John Carlton, Mason Clak, Anthony Doyle, Luther Dille, Samuel Dille, Samuel Dodge, Moses Eldred, Sanuel Everts, Ebenezer Fish, Zebulon R.S. Freeman. Robert Harberson, Daniel S. Judd, Jackson James, Stephen King, Guy Lee, Jacob Mingus, Thomas McIlrath, William McConkey, Samuel Noyes, David Reed, John Sweeney, Parker Shadrick, Luther Sterns, Bazaleel Thorp, John Taylor, Thomas Thomas, Hartman Van Duzen, Joseph Williams, Matthew Williamson, Jon Wrightman, William White, Joseph Burk, Robert Prentice, Benjamin Ogden A somewhat simular company was orgnized at Newburg, under the command of Captain Allen Gaylord, whose scriptural admonition to the fugitives at Doan's Corners has already been noted. General Wadsworth made immediate response to the request for help that frightened Cleveland had sent him. he ordered all the militia of his division into the field, and on August 23rd left Canfield for the Lake shore, escorted by a troop of horseman. He came by the way of Hudson, Bedford and Newburg, and reached Cleveland on the afternoon of the 24th, receiving a most hearty welcome. Along with him came, Elisha Whittlesey, who so long represented one of the districts of the Reserve in Congress, and also Benjamin Tappen, another prominent man of his day, both of whom were Walworth's aids. Col. Lewis Cass reached Cleveland fom Detroit on the same evening, and his denunciation of Hull's surrender was expressed in terms of te most vehement anger. He was then er route to Washington, and was accompanied upon his journey by Ex Governor Huntington, who had ridden over from his home in Painsville, and met these other distinguished gentlemen in Cleveland. Mr. Huntington carried to the war department a letter from General Wadsworth, in which he described the situation in this section, and set forth his needs. he informed the Secrtary of War that he had called out three thousand men; was in need of arms, equipment, ammunition, and rations, and asked for immediate aid; but, like the prompt man he was, did not sit idle and wait for a response. He appointed three commissioners, whose business it was to purchase food and forage from the people giving certificates in return, which were based upon the future good faith of the government. Toward the end of August, an accession of force came in the person of General Simon Perkins, who was accompanied by quite a body of militia. He was sent to the Huron River, with a thousand men, with orders to protect the people, and build block houses where needed. General R. Beall was also dispatched in the same direction, with another body of troops; while Wadsworth soon followed with the greater part of his remaining force. When General William Henry Harrison took command in the northwest, General Perkins, at the head of some five hundred men, was stationed near the mouth of the Huron River, and before long came in conflict with a force of British and Indians, and fought the engagement known in Ohio's history as the " Battle of the Peninsula." Soldiers from the Cuyahoga were engaged, and one member of the Cleveland company -- James S. Hills, was killed, and two others wounded. Only a small guard was on duty at Cleveland during the quiet that accompanied the winter of 1812/13. With the spring came Major Jessup, of the regular army, who took command at this point. A company of regular troops under command of Captain Stanton Sholes arrived in May of the year, and under his orders a plain, but substantial, hospital was erected. It was also at this time that Fort Huntington, already referred to, was constructed. It was built of logs some twelve feet long, that were sunk into the ground three or four feet; the sides of those adjoining each other being hewed down a few inches, thus fitting solidly together. This formed a good defense against small arms, while dirt was heaped up against the outside, to deaden the effect of heavier missles. Trees and brush were next cut and piled along side toward the lake, making a long abatis very difficult to scale. Captain Sholes, in the later days of peace, after his country had passed through its war with Mexico, and was upon the verge of the most terrible conflict of all -- in 1858, when 87 years of age -- penned an account of his reception in Cleveland on May 10th, 1813, when his company of regulars marched into the city. " I halted my company. " said he, " between Major Carter's and Wallace's. I was here met by Gov. Meigs, who gave me a most cordial welcome, as did all the citizens. The governor took me to a place where my company could pitch their tents. I found no place of defense, no hospital and a forest of large timber ( mostly chestnut ), between the lake and, the lake road. There was a road that turned off between Mr. Perry's and Major arter's that went to the point, which was the only place that the lake could be seen from the buildings. This lttle cluster of buildings was all of wood, I think none painted. There were a few houses further back from the lake road. The widow Walworth kept the post office, or Ashbel, her son. Mr. L. Johnson, Judge Kingsbury, Major Carter, N. Perry, Geo. Wallace, and a few others were there. At my arrival I found a number of sick and wounded who were of Hull's surrender, sent here from Detroit, and more coming. These were crowded into a log cabin, and no one to care for them. I sent one or two of my soldiers to take care of them, as they had no friends. I had two or three good carpenters inmy company, and set them to work to build a hospital. I very soon got up a good one, thirty by twenty feet, smoothly and tightly covered, and floored by chestnut bark, with two tier of bunks well strawed, and the sick and wounded good and clean, to their joy and comfort, but some had fallen asleep. I next went to work and built a small fort, about fifty yards from the bank of the lake, in the forest. This fort finished, I set the men to felling the timber along and near the bank of the lake, rolling the logs and brush near the brink to serve as a breastwork. On the 19th of June, a part of the British fleet appeared off our harbor, with the apparent design to land. When they got within one and a half miles of our harbor, it became a perfect calm, and they lay there till afternoon, when a most terrible thunderstorm came up, and drove them from our coast. We saw them no more as enemies. Their object was to destroy the public or government boats, then built and building, in the Cuyahoga River, and other government stores at that place." The war vessels to which Captain Sholes refers were the " Lady Provost," the " Queen Charlotte." and several smaller vessels. Had an attempt been made to land, the city was prepared to make a valiant defense; as each man that could muster a gun had seen that it was well loaded, and had hastened to the water front. There was one small cannon in the place, and for the lack of a better carriage, it was swung upon the hind wheels of a wagon, and loaded ready for business. The battle never fought, for the sudden squalls for which Lake Erie is famous sprang up, and drove the enemy away. A visit from General Harrison, on a tour of inspection, was one of the events of the midsummer. He was accompanied by his staff, among whom was Governor Huntington, Major George Tod. Malor Jessup, and Col. Wood. He was cordially received by the people, and remained three days, when he returned to headquarters at the mouth of Maumee. When Commodore Perry passed up Lake Erie, just before that memorial battle that won him such glorous fame, and broke the British power in the northwest, his fleet lay off the mouth of the Cuyahoga, while he paid a visit to the shore. Only a few weeks later, the people along the lake shore heard the deep roar of his guns in the still September air. Before long came the glad tidings that have made the 10th of September, 1813, a glorious day in the annuals of our country. When Harrison won the battle of the Thames in October, he and Perry came down the lake together, on route to Buffalo, and visited Cleveland on the way. They were entertained at a banquet while at Cleveland, and the Masons of all the neighborhood met them in a special session, at the hospitable home of Judge Kingsbury. Although peace was not formally declared until 1815, the war was at an end so far as Cleveland was directly concerned. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Tid-Bits continued in part 86.