From the Otsego Heraldfor Saturday, Aug. 15, 1812
Compiled, with comments by HUGH C. MacDOUGALL
Weather: Utica 1812 Almanack: Very sultry and hot Thunder showers with sharp lightning.
Most horrible!
The passengers in the Pilot stage from Baltimore, arrived here yesterday afternoon, inform, that on Tuesday night, between the hours of 8 and 12 o’clock, the mob forced the goal [jail] and murdered General Henry Lee, Gen. Lingan, (of Georgetown,) Alexander C. Hanson, Esq. and twelve others, who were confined with them. After they were dead, they took the bodies of General. Lee, Mr. Hanson, and a Mr. Thompson, tarred and feathered them, and carried them through the streets of Baltimore, committing many indignities on them. After which they brought them back to the goal, where when the stage came away, the mob was raging worse then ever, still increasing, and the whole city continued in a state of unutterable tumult and terror.
COMMENT: The whole paper is filled with accounts of the riots -- some pro-Federalist (like this) and some pro-Republication. General (Lightfoot Harry) Henry Lee (1756-1818), a Revolutionary hero, in fact barely survived the attack, though he suffered "extensive internal injuries as well as head and face wounds, and even his speech was affected.” Hanson (1786-1819), the editor of Baltimore’s Federalist Paper, though left for dead, also survived. General Lingan was killed.
Glory! Glory!
Zanesville, July 25. Glory! Glory! to the volunteers of Ohio, and the Tippecanoe boys who have first planted the American standard in CANADA ! ! ! We are happy to announce the glorious news that Gen. HULL and his army have landed safe in Canada, with little or no opposition, and taken possession of the town of Sandwich, two miles below Detroit on the English side. There is no mar to this pleasing news, but the capture of a number of Americans in some vessels laden with provision, and some baggage of the army, among whom we are sorry to learn is Mr. Lewis Dent, paymaster, from this town, capt. John Sharp of Marietta, a lieut. in the 4th regiment, some women and others. It is said the total prisoners are about 30; and the loss of property 40,000 dollars (including some vessels not here enumerated). The report of Mr. Hughes, chaplain of the army, and two of col. Byxbee’s daughters being taken is unfounded. The post rider last evening direct from Urbanna [sic], and who brot’ us Gen. Hull’s proclamation of the 12th inst. states, that a quartermaster had arrived at Urbanna from Sandwich, who verbally gave the melancholy information that after crossing the river, a soldier in the act of trying his gun, not supposing it loaded, it went off and the ball passed thru’ maj. Munson’s arm and entered his body as he was going into his tent. He was not expected to live. Col. Cass, after the army arrived at Detroit (which was on the 6th and 7th) went to Fort Malden [aka Amhurstburg] with a flag of truce and demanded the prisoners, but without effect. By deserters it was ascertained that the force in Malden consisted of some 1100, 700 of whom are Indians.
Elopement
Whereas my wife Eunice has eloped from my bed and board without any just cause or provocation; this is to forbid any person trusting or harboring her on my account, as I will pay no debts of her contracting after this date. JOHN MATTHEWSON. Westford, August 4,1812.
British Desertions
Halifax, July 22, 1812.... The Blood-Hound. Since the arrival of this vessel at Annapolis, about thirty-one of its crew have deserted and taken refuge in the country notwithstanding a declaration of war; in act they leave her so fast that it is doubted whether she will have hands enough to return to England. The greater part of those who have deserted are excellent tradesmen of different kinds, and of course cannot fail to be a considerable acquisition to this country. One captive released from British Bondage. Robert Young Hyde, an American seaman has got his release from H.B.M.’s brig Blood-Hound since she arrived in our harbor. -- Annapolis (Nova Scotia) paper.
Praiseworthy munificence.
Pittsfield [Mass.], July 25. On the 17th inst. the citizens of Cheshire and Adams, who have long been characterized for their liberal and hospitable disposition, as well as their ardor and stedfastness in support of republican principles, made a very generous donation to the soldiers of the United States army, stationed in this town, consisting of about 400 lb of cheese; 150 lb butter; 5 or 6 barrels of cider; a quantity of dried fish, white beans, potatoes, lettuce, &c. This noble and generous act was cordially received by the soldiery, and the gentlemen officers tendered the donors, in their behalf, their grateful acknowledgements there for, with a pledge of their utmost exertions in vindicating the rights, and maintaining the honor and independence of their injured country, whenever they shall be called into active service.
