Now showing items 1-3 of 3

    • Letter from J.M. O'Connor to Harriet O'Connor, 15 November 1813

      O'Connor, J.M. (1813-11-15)
      The third letter is dated at French Mills, N.Y., 15 Nov. 1813. O’Connor describes at length some military engagements with the British as they traveled down the St. Lawrence River. This included fighting at Prescott and near Cornwall. He writes "My dear Sister You will doubtless be surprized at finding my letter dated from the N States territory. We returned from Canada on the 13th inst, having been disappointed in joining Genl Hampton's division of the Army; this Genl it appears has taken upon himself to go into Winter quarters of his own authority spite of orders to contrary. The Army here is about hutting for the winter, as the severity of the season preculdes operations. The cold is intense. From French Creek we glided down the majestic St. Lawrence in tranquillity to Prescott, which port we passed at night in our boats amidst a furious Cannonade from that fortress & altho we were within 10 or 1200 yds of it, we had only 3 or 4 wounded & killed - The Elite of which I was Brigade Major landed in Canada first (being the advanced Corps) had some skirmishing from the 8 to the 11th Novr on which day the rear Corps of the Army was attacked by 1600 regulars & 800 Militia (equal to our force engaged) and after a sanguinary conflict succeeded in repulsing the Enemy with great loss on both sides. We lost many Officers and some of high rank. Genl Covington was killed. The several Corps formed a junction on the 12th near Cornwall (WC) on which day it was discovered that Genl Hampton had moved off to Winter Qrs. At this time we had in our rear nearly 2000 regulars (all the force from Kingston & Prescott) besides Milita & a much larger force of both Regulars & Militia were advancing in f upon our left to turn that flank & form a junction with the Corps in rear. The Indian summer of which we had 6 or? 8 days was over, & the winter fast closing in around us with his ___ fetters. To sum up the calamities which have befallen us, the Commander in chief was confined to his bed & his second in command was unequal to the task while the Brigadiers were worse; under these circumstances a retreat was determined upon as the only means of saving the Army from the united effects of the Elements & the Sword. To picture to you our grief & chagrin is impossible; we remembered our bleeding Country, our unfortunate Army & the expectations of our friends; there were many eyes that wept over our misfortunes on that day. But it is weakness to despair and folly to repine; the Army has not disgraced itself by either cowardice or any act unworthy of the brave. The fault is with the Generals not the men. I fear that our Genl (Wilkinson) has not long to live; ever since we left French Creek he has been sick. No doubt his illness has been increased by the he was necessitated to make by retaining of the Army which he could not trust in any hands subordinate to his own. I dread to return (?) home amid such disheartening scenes. Your letters of the 18 It reached me in Canada, but from friend Hutchison_ the Mr. Mix who you inquire about is Commander of the 'Lady of the Lake' Lake Ontario & is a pretty prodigal fellow; has nothing but his pay, which is little enough to support himself. You will therefore use caution. This place in which are 5 or 6 miserable houses, is situated on Salmon River, 4 or 5 miles above its mouth & 70 miles NW of Plattsburg; a dreamy place. To my dear friend Hutchison, my dear Eliza & Mrs Chappell, Mr Taylor & all others remember me most kindly & affectionately. Yours truly J.M. O'Connor Miss Harriet E. O'Connor. No. 64 Pearl Street, City of New York"
    • Letter from J.M. O'Connor to Harriet O'Connor, 3 June 1813

      O'Connor, J.M. (1813-06-03)
      The second letter is dated at Sacketts Harbour, 3 June 1813. O’Connor writes: "My dear Harriet, I arrived here in the Ship of War Madison on the 1 just from Fort George which place we took on the 27 nlt, with the loss of about 60 men killed and wounded having taken wounded and destroyed 400 British Regulars & many of the Militia. Part of our Army was to pursue the Enemy to York when I left Niagara ~ We were ordered here to defence of this place, but it had been attacked previous to our arrival. The British had 1300 Regulars & 50 Indians (Sir Geo(?) Provost's body guard.) They were repulsed by about 500 American Regulars & 200 irregulars. The British both here & at Niagara fought badly because their generals evinced the greatest ignorance & stupidity in their arrangements. The Troops personally fought bravely. Our men in both instances evinced a degree of intrepidity and gallantry that reflects credit on our Country. In fact the amazing valour of our Troops has been the salvation of our generals!! To the former we are indebted only. We are now very strong at this Post and I would to God that Sir George Prevost would again visit us. We expected to have met the British fleet but they did not chose to come out of Kingston altho! they saw us. To Eliza, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Kleine, Mr. & Mrs. Green(field?) & all others remember me. Yours affectionately, J.M. O'Connor. Miss Harriet E. O'Connor 64 Pearl Street New York"
    • Letter from J.M. O'Connor to Harriet O'Connor, 30 May 1813

      O'Connor, J.M. (1813-05-30)
      The first letter is dated at Fort George, U.C., May 30, 1813. O’Connor describes the American attack on Fort George on May 25 and 27, writing "My dear Harriet,We arrived at Niagara on the 25th May and on the 27th we attacked and carried Fort George and the village of Newark, having killed, wounded and taken prisoners better than 400 British Regulars, exclusive of Militia. The killed were 140; the wounded 160; and the prisoners upwards of 100. Our loss was trifling, say say 50-60 killed and wounded. The Enemy have abandoned all the Niagara frontier which is now in our possession blown up their Magazines and retreated with nearly 1400 Regulars towards York. They blew up the Magazine of Fort George upon us, but it did not harm any of our men. From excellent management on our part the British effected their escape. The made a wretched defense. I am in good health and to-morrow morning I embark with Colonel Macomb and a party of Troops on board the fleet destined for - God knows where for I cannot divine. Adieu my dear Sister, and tell Eliza that her dutiful and affectionate conduct to you and herself gives me great happiness. Yours with affection J.M. O'Connor P.S. I have just learned that our destination is Sachett Harbor which is threatened by the Enemy. Miss Harriet E. O'Connor, 64 Pearl Street City of New York."