From the Otsego Herald
for Saturday, Nov. 14, 1812
Compiled, with comments
by HUGH C. MacDOUGALL
Weather: Utica 1812 Almanack: Cloudy dull weather. Look for rain or hail.
Otsego war casualties
Among the martyrs who gloriously fell on the heights of Queenston, it is with unfeigned regret that we learn were Captains Clark of Worcester, and Saunders of Unadilla, in this county. In their death their country has sustained the loss of two brave officers and worthy citizens. Hancatum est pro patria morr.
COMMENT: Captain Elisha Saunders was Commander of Company C, 16th New York Militia. He was described as a “36-year-old physician from Unadilla who was well liked by the men under his command.” He left a widow and seven young children. I have found no record of Captain Clark.
Another war casualty
Died — at Schlosser, in this state, on the 29th ult. (October), Mr. VINE GRIFFIN, late of this village, aged 21 years.
Mr. Griffin belonged to the detachment of militia which was called into the service of the United States from this county. Impelled by devotion to his country, he voluntarily bid adieu to friends and home, and dedicated himself to her service.
His manly and social virtues conciliated the friendship and esteem of his companions in arms; and his merit, activity, and faithful discharge of his duty as a soldier, early attracted the notice of his superiors, and were rewarded by promotion. Frankness, generosity, sincerity, benevolence, sensibility to the woes of others, and a sense of honor which rendered him incapable of a mean action — these were virtues which strongly marked his character, and endeared him to his associates.
A numerous circle of friends condole with his afflicted relatives on this melancholy occasion.
COMMENT: Vine Griffin, son of Joseph Griffin (1757-1840) and Zeruiah Griffin (1764-1835), was baptized at the Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown in 1801.
New law firm
Ambrose L. Jordan and Samuel Birdsall, have formed a connection in the Practice of Law: Their Office is one door south of Phinney’s Bookstore, in the village of Cooperstown, where commands relative to the profession will be received with pleasure. Cooperstown, Nov. 14, 1812.
COMMENT: Ambrose L. Jordan (1791-1865) had been a partner of Col. Farrand Stranahan (1778-1826). He was described as “a commanding figure, six feet tall, slim and graceful in stature; blue eyes that were at once keen and kindly added lustre to the impression produced by the sensitive features of his countenance. He had a profusion of brown curls and a complexion as fine as a woman’s. Dignified and courtly in manner, he was as brilliant in conversation as he was impressive and powerful as an orator....” He built his home, which still stands, on the north-west corner of Main and Chestnut streets, and his office was the small building behind it.
In 1820 Jordan moved to Hudson, N.Y., and eventually became a partner of Edward Clark (1811-1882), the founder of the Clark dynasty. In 1836 Clark married Jordan’s daughter, who brought the Clark family to Cooperstown.
Samuel Birdsall (1781-1872) began practice in Cooperstown, but moved to Waterloo, New York in 1817, where he spent the rest of his life. He served as a Democratic Member of Congress from 1837 to 1839.
Cure for kidney stones
The Subscriber has recently discovered a certain and easy remedy for that most distressing and ultimately fatal complaint, the Gravel. [kidney stones]. A complete relief from this disorder, is acknowledged by all who have been subjects of the remedy. Every attention will be bestowed on those who may apply.
The subscriber returns his most grateful thanks to the Public for the liberal patronage and support he has received during the past year, it being much greater than even his most sanguine hopes could anticipate, his future exertions in every branch of the business, will warrant its continuance
Terms of payment will be easy. THEODORE POMEROY. Cooperstown, Oct. 31, 1812.
COMMENT: Theodore Pomeroy (1785-1860) was a cousin of George Pomeroy, who married William Cooper’s daughter Anne. Theodore married Mary (Polly) Fuller (1796-1824), daughter of Cooperstown doctor Thomas Fuller, Jr. (1765-1835).
Militia duty
From a speech given November 3 by New York Governor Daniel D. Tompkins]:
All persons above the age of forty-five years, amongst whom it is to presumed the greatest proportion of wealth is distributed, and a great variety of persons under that age, are exempt from military duty altogether in time of peace, and there is no provision which subjects them to any contribution or duty in time of war.
Besides, the penalty for the disobedience of those who are liable to militia duty, and are The consequence is that an affluent portion of the community do not participate in the danger and burthens of service at all, and many of the most wealthy of those who may be detached avoid taking the field by the payment of a trifling amount, scarcely exceeding the value of the requisite clothing and equipments to fit a soldier for service; while the more indigent, perhaps with young families to support, are alone subjected to the sacrifice of supporting the government and defending the lives and property of their fellow citizens, and receive a compensation, which in a comparison with their earnings at home, is but a mere pittance.
Every principle of policy and justice requires that some other system be devised by which the hardships and perils of defending the country shall be more equitably diffused...
