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1994.THE CASE OF
ALEXANDER SMYTHTHE CASE OF
BRIG. GEN. ALEXANDER SMYTH
AS SHOWN BY HIS OWN WRITINGS, SOME OF
THEM NOW FIRST PUBLISHED
By FRANK H. SEVERANCE
A singular figure in the war operations of 1812 on the
Niagara Frontier was Alexander Smyth, a Virginian, who
at the outbreak of the war with England was an inspector
general in the regular army of the United States. In
September, 1812, he was assigned to the command of a
brigade of regulars, to operate under Major General Van
Rensselaer on the Niagara. Smyth is said to have aspired
to the chief command in this quarter; and it was probably
pique at being made second in command, and subordinate
to a militia officer, that led him to assume from the first
an insolent and at times insubordinate attitude towards his
chief. If he was proud, he was also often ridiculous; and
has been remembered for a century, chiefly because of
certain bombastic proclamations which he issued during his
short career in Buffalo and vicinity. Historians for a hun-
dred years. have written of him only in a vein of amused
contempt. Lossing calls him “supercilious, dictatorial, im-
pertinent.” Samuel Williams, whose “ Sketches of the
War,” published in 1815, is a trustworthy and temperate
chronicle, characterizes Smyth as “indecisive, puerile and
cowardly.” One looks in vain through all the vast litera-
ture of the war of 1812 for any word in refutation of these216
THE CASE OF
charges. The kindest utterance in regard to him that I
have found is in the “Memoirs” of Gen. James Wilkinson
(himself not beyond criticism, as students know), where
one reads of Smyth: “Were I to hazard an opinion, it
should be that his designs were patriotic, but that his ardor
obscured his judgment, and that he was more indiscreet
than culpable.”1
For some years the Buffalo Historical Society has
owned a few of General Smyth's letters in the original
manuscript. There lately came into its possession his own
manuscript draft of his most famous “proclamation” to
his soldiers. A resident of Buffalo who owns a long and
interesting letter of General Smyth, not known to have
been published, has kindly allowed the Historical Society
to make use of it. From these and other sources—espe-
cially from the Buffalo Gazette of 1812—several of General
Smyth's letters, and sundry facts regarding his activities
in our region, are here brought together. With a desire to
do all possible justice to General Smyth, we print his own
words, so far as procurable. As for the rest, the reader
will find it a not wholly undiverting chapter of events on
the Niagara in the momentous year of 1812.
On arriving at Buffalo with his troops, Brigadier General
Smyth wrote to Major General Van Rensselaer, whose
headquarters were at Lewiston, as follows:
Buffalo, 29th September, 1812.
Sir: I have been ordered by Major General Dearborn
to Niagara, to take command of a brigade of the U. S.
troops; and directed, on my arrival in the vicinity of your
quarters, to report myself to you, which I now do. I in-
tended to have reported myself personally; but the con-
clusions I have drawn as to the interests of the service,
1. “Memoirs,” I., 581.BRIG. GEN. ALEXANDER SMYTH.	217
have determined me to stop at this place, for the present.
From the description I have had of the river below the
Falls, the view of the shore below Fort Erie, and the infor-
mation received as to the preparations of the enemy, I am
of opinion that our crossing should be effected between
Fort Erie and Chippewa. It has therefore seemed to me
proper to encamp the U. S. troops near Buffalo, there to
prepare for offensive operations. Your instructions, or
better information, may decide you to give me different
orders, which I will await.
I have the honor [etc.],
Alexander Smyth.
Instead of rebuking his subordinate officer for failing to
report in person at headquarters, and for offensively put-
ting forward his own views before learning the views of
his chief, the too-tolerant but ever-courteous Van Rensse-
laer replied at length, reminding Smyth that he (Van
Rensselaer) had long been familiar with the banks of the
Niagara and adjacent territory. “However willing I may
be,” he wrote, “as a citizen soldier, to surrender my opinion
to a professional one, I can only make such surrender to an
opinion deliberately formed upon a view of the whole
ground.” Stating his reasons and plan of campaign with
dignity and patience, he adds: “I hope soon to have the
pleasure of seeing you here.”
What an exhibition of weakness in a commanding
officer! Nothing could better illustrate the incapacity
which made the campaign of 1812 a costly farce.
Unrebuked, and apparently without having taken the
trouble to report in person to his chief, General Smyth
wrote a few days later:
Camp near Buffalo, Oct. 2, 1812.
Sir : I have had the honor to receive your letter of the
30th Sept., dated at Lewiston. The detachments of Col.218
THE CASE OF
Winder and Col. Parker have arrived. They are recruits
without clothing and with little instruction. Neither of
them have medicine chests. Col. Winder’s detachment is
already encamped on an excellent piece of ground for
exercise, where Col. Parker’s will join it today. Col.
Milton’s detachment will also arrive today; and within a
week I expect the other detachments. I have taken quar-
ters at the place, and propose to devote six hours daily to
their instruction, in discipline and evolutions.
The delay of a part until the whole arrive cannot pos-
sibly be injurious, and any order I may receive will be
obeyed with alacrity.
There has been a mutiny in the 5th, and a general court
martial has become necessary. Should you deem it proper
to order one to be held at this camp, Col. Parker might
preside, and the other members be detached by my Brigade
Major.
I have the honour to be
Very Respectfully,
Alexander Smyth.
This letter shows a more proper spirit than the earlier
one; but Smyth’s utterances and his conduct are seldom
in accord. October 6th, General Van Rensselaer sum-
moned Major General Hall, Brigadier General Smyth, and
other officers, to attend a conference; on the 10th we find
General Hall writing to the commander-in-chief: “I saw
General Smyth yesterday; he could not tell the day when
he would attend at Niagara for the consultation.” That day
Van Rensselaer ordered Smyth to bring his command,
“with all possible dispatch,” to Lewiston. Smyth did not do
so; and after the first attempt at Queenston had failed, he
was ordered to remain at Buffalo. Had he hastened to the
support of his chief at Lewiston, the result of the attempt
of October 13th might have been different.
Smyth always had at easy command a fine-sounding
phrase. On October 8th, on the eve of Lieut. Jesse D.BRIG. GEN. ALEXANDER SMYTH.
219
Elliott’s capture of the British brigs Detroit and Caledonia,
our brigadier wrote to that gallant officer as follows:
Sir: Mr. Prestman will bring you the aid we can give;
he is a gallant young man, and I request he may be allowed
to accompany you. The God who protects the brave guard
you and give you success.
The day before the battle of Queenston Smyth wrote to
Van Rensselaer as follows :
Camp near Buffalo, 12th Oct., 1812.
Sir: I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of
your letter at ten o’clock p. m. The badness of the weather
and roads harassed the troops yesterday more than can well
be conceived. Tomorrow I expect their clothing, and they
will wash; next day they might march, to the number of
1200 effective men,1 but imperfectly disciplined. It is said
the enemy are in considerable force opposite to Black
Rock; and as Lt. Cols. Scott and Christie have arrived
with you, the time for your attack is favorable—and may
you conquer! is my prayer.
I have the honor to be, with great respect,
Your most obedient
Alex. Smyth,
Brig. General.
Major Gen. Van Rensselaer.
To General Sheaffe, who since the death of Brock had
succeeded to the chief command in Upper Canada, Smyth
sent the following, from Buffalo:
October 18, 1812.
.	.	. As I am averse to taking a single life or occa-
sioning a single calamity without an object, I propose a
further continuance of the armistice indefinitely, each party
to have a right to terminate it, giving thirty hours’ notice
1. Smyth had in. camp at Buffalo at this time 1,650 regulars, according to a
“return of troops” dated Oct. 12th.220
THE CASE OF
to the other party, the armistice to extend along the frontier
from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario.
Two days later he wrote to William Eustis, the Secre-
tary of War:
Near Buffalo, October 20, 1812.
Sir:	On the 16th inst. General Van Rensselaer by a
general order invested me with the command of the troops
between the Lakes Erie and Ontario, with power to order
general courts martial and exercise the authority of com-
mander of a great military district.
On the 18th instant, I ordered Colonel Winder (an ad-
mirable officer) to Fort Niagara; on the 19th I broke up
the camp at Lewiston, ordered the militia, such as had not
deserted, and excepting the artillery, to Schlosser; the ar-
tillery were put under Colonel Winder's command, and
would most of them take post on the mountain opposite
Queenston. Colonel Parker, with the detachments of the
12th and 20th, will take post on a small creek near Black
Rock and collect the boats. Colonel Schuyler, with the
detachments of the 5th and 13th, will take a position near
him. The volunteers will encamp near Buffalo.
In the small creek I mention, I wish to have one hun-
dred boats that will carry across at once four thousand
men, and twenty or thirty scows or flats to take over
artillery or cavalry; and if you will increase my force to
eight thousand men, with twenty pieces of light or field
artillery and some troops of cavalry, I will enter Canada
and leave the rest to Heaven.
Place no confidence in detached militia. They have
disgraced the nation. Do not rely on the contractor for
provisions. He has no salt meat and only damaged flour.
If you have any compassion on the service send money
either to Lieutenant Allison, my brigade quartermaster, or
some other public agent, under my orders. Without it we
cann'ot supply the contractors' deficiencies ; we cannot get
transportation by land, build boats, procure forage or any
thing else wanted by the army. Give me here a clear stage,
men and money, and I will retrieve your affairs or perish.BRIG. GEN. ALEXANDER SMYTH.
221
To General Dearborn he wrote as follows:
Camp near Buffalo, Oct. 24th, 1812.
Sir :	I have had the honor to receive your letter of
the 21 st instant, and shall fail in nothing in my power to
retrieve the state of our affairs.
The affair at Queenston diminished our force 2000
men; one-half of which were killed, wounded and pris-
oners, and the other half deserted or were discharged1, in
consequence of some battalions being greatly reduced.
General Van Rensselaer transferred to me the command
on the 15th and on the 16th, I broke up the camp at Lewis-
ton, sent the 14th Infantry, under Colonel Winder, to
Niagara, the militia artillery to a battery opposite the
Heights of Queenston, the militia infantry and riflemen to
Schlosser, and I returned with the 5th, 13th, 12th and 20th
to my camp near Buffalo; the troops of the Light and 2nd
Artillery are at Black Rock.
In a creek at Black Rock I am collecting boats, and there
I propose to cross. The Canadian shore is easy of access
from Erie to Chippewa. There are some batteries opposite
Black Rock which I can have carried when I please.
Boats are wanting. I have sent to have those which
Chrystie brought to Niagara carried to Schlosser; this will
be a difficult work. Scows are wanting and essential. As
yet I have no funds.
The reinforcement you mention I hope will encourage
those under my command. It is said 500 soldiers have
arrived at Fort George since the battle, that the Indians
have gone home to gather their corn, and that three-fourths
of the militia are called into service. As the enemy's
regular troops and flankers amount to 3000 men, their
militia, if called out as said, may swell their force to 10,000
men.
It has seemed to me, Sir, that the three armies should
strike on the same day. If not, the command of the Lakes
will enable the enemy to beat us in detail.
The sailors here will furnish me with excellent boatmen.
I shall take the opinions of a few of my most enlightened
officers at times, but I will decide.222
THE CASE OF
There is some difficulty in giving Colonel Parker a
brigade, as Schuyler contests his right to rank. Winder is
an officer of the first class.
In consequence of the loss of five companies of the
13th, I consolidated the 5th and 13th, as was done by the
Adjutant-General in the case of the 12th and 20th. In
consequence, Milton asked and obtained a furlough. His
regiment was badly governed and I found I had nothing to
expect from him.
I do not expect the contractor to supply us with pro-
visions. I received a number of returns at Lewiston;
“unfit for duty for want of ■provisions.”
We much want some cannon of large calibre, for the
fort of Niagara and the batteries of Black Rock. A power-
ful battery at the latter place would protect our landing at
noon-day.
The ship carpenters have gone off, which I much
regret.
Colonel Porter will doubtless be of great service to us,
but I should have preferred his coming to Black Rock.
I shall keep you advised of our progress.
Six days later he wrote again to General Dearborn:
Camp near Buffalo, Oct. 30, 1812.
Sir : I have had the honor to receive today at 4 o’clock
p. m. your letter of the 28th instant.
We may in a few days have together 70 boats that would
carry over 3500 men, but we have no scows. I have set
all the carpenters and some citizens to building of scows.
We want tools and materials. The Deputy Quartermaster
gives it as his opinion that we can have ten scows in
twenty days.
I would cross in three days if I had the means; without
them it would be an injustice to the nation and myself to
attempt it. I must not be defeated.
The New York Greens and a troop of volunteer cavalry
have arrived. The Twenty-third Regiment, the Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers and those from Baltimore have not
arrived.BRIG. GEN. ALEXANDER SMYTH.
223
The Deputy Quartermaster has brought on checks in-
stead of money, and he is unable to make payments. His
letter to the Quartermaster General is enclosed, and I
request that money may be sent to him immediately.
If I can beat the enemy on the plains of Erie and take
that place I will find means to get to Fort George, what-
ever may become of the bridge at Chippewa.
I have the honor to be [etc.],
Alex. Smyth.
Still another letter to General Dearborn may here
follow:
Camp near Buffalo, Nov. 9, 1812.
Sir:	Colonel McFeely arrived on the 1st instant with
about 180 men of the 22d. Captain Archer’s company of
artillery arrived on the 4th instant, and today Colonel
Brown, with 190 infantry, and also the light artillery,
arrived.
I have sent an officer to meet the Pennsylvanians. He
had gone as far as Erie when I last heard of him without
meeting them. They are volunteers to supply that State’s
quota of militia. Can they be forced to cross the line? I
am told they will refuse.
One of the aids of the Governor of New York has been
at Schlosser in the capacity of the Deputy Adjutant Gen-
eral, making a new organization of the militia there. I
caused them to encamp by themselves—not a soldier
within ten miles of them. One hundred of them deserted
the next night after the Governor’s aid left them.
What most disturbs me is the ill-health of the troops.
The measles has affected many, and the want of salt meat,
of ovens, and exposure to cold, until lately without winter
clothing has produced dysenteries and other diseases. Our
hospitals are filled with sick and wounded, and new cases
of disease are occurring daily.
Colonel Winder of the 14th is coming to this place from
Niagara. I shall trust the defence of it to two companies
of artillery and Lieut.-Colonel McFeely’s corps of infantry,
which will march tomorrow.224
THE CASE OF
The contractors have failed to supply, and I have or-
dered purchases of provisions for Fort Niagara.
Between the 20th and the 30th instant I shall be ready
to cross the river with about 1300 regular infantry, 300
artillery, 600 volunteers and 70 cavalry (if you will allow
me Captain Morgan’s troop). In this estimate is not in-
cluded the Pennsylvania and New York militia.
Two regiments will proceed on tomorrow to commence
building huts. If we cannot stay on the other side, we shall
have a shelter ready for the sick and wounded.
P. S. A district paymaster with money is necessary.
The volunteers cannot be retained in service unless paid.
Lieutenant Gansevoort of the artillery, who states he
was appointed district paymaster, was ordered to Albany
more than three weeks since to procure funds. I have
heard that he is sick. Colonel Brown’s regiment mutinied
at Manlius on account of their pay.
The following statement from General Smyth was also
sent, November 9th, to his superior officer:
General Smyth conceives the following facts should be
known and considered by the Secretary of War:
1.	That the 5th Regiment at Utica, on its march, did
mutiny for want of their pay.
2.	That the 23d Regiment at Manlius did mutiny on
account of their pay, which is still due.
3.	That a company of volunteers at Buffalo did mutiny
on account of their pay and clothing.
4.	That the captain of another volunteer company, the
best in the service, has stated that he believes his men will
not cross into Canada without their pay and allowance for
clothing.
5.	That the Deputy Quartermaster General states him-
self to be without money.
6.	That there is no district paymaster at Niagara sup-
plied with money.
7.	That Colonel Winder, commanding at Fort Niagara,
reports, “We are literally starving on this end of the line,BRIG. GEN. ALEXANDER SMYTH.
225
for bread.” In consequence of which the Deputy-Quarter-
master has been ordered to purchase provisions.
8.	That 1800 Pennsylvania volunteers will arrive next
week.
9.	That General Smyth will be ready in fifteen days to
cross into Canada.
The military conditions on the Niagara frontier at this
time are too well known to students of the war of 1812 to
call for extended recital here. While General Smyth’s
utterances by no means give the whole situation, they clearly
exhibit many striking features of tihe time. A deputation
of Indians having waited on him, about November 9th, he
was afforded an opportunity exactly to his liking; and made
them the following speech:
Brothers : I thank you for the tender of your services
in the defence of the United States which you have made,
and in their name accept them in case the troops and the
Indians of the British King should invade the United
States which I expect they will not dare to attempt.
It is the desire of Your Great Father the President that
you should take no part in the war between the United
States and Great Britain, but remain at peace and take care
of your wives and children.
The British nation is not able to maintain the contest
against the United States on this great island without help.
They ask the Indians for help, who have given it and will
be ruined by doing so.
We are able to beat the British without help, and al-
though we understand that you are willing to help us if
we ask it yet we do not ask it. The quarrel is ours, not
yours and we will fight our own battles.
Brothers! hold fast the chain of friendship between
you and the United States, who are great, powerful, just
and good and will vanquish all your enemies and protect
all their friends.226
THE CASE OF
After the disaster of Queenston, General Van Rensselaer
resigned, and General Smyth succeeded him as chief in
command on the Niagara. From his Buffalo camp, No-
vember ioth, he issued the following famous
PROCLAMATION.
To the Men of New York: For many years you have
seen your country oppressed with numerous wrongs. Your
Government, altho above all others devoted to peace, has
been forced to draw the sword, and rely for redress of in-
juries on the valor of the American people.
That valor has been conspicuous. But the nation has
been unfortunate in the election of some of those who have
directed it. One army has been disgracefully surrendered
and lost. Another has been sacrificed by a precipitated, at-
tempt to pass over at the strongest point of the enemies
lines, with most incompetent means. The cause of these
miscarriages is apparent. The commanders were popular
men, “destitute alike of theory and experience” in the art
of war.
In a few days the troops under my command will plant
the American standard in Canada. They are men accus-
tomed to obedience, silence and steadiness. They will con-
quer or they will die.
Will you stand by with your arms folded and look on
this interesting struggle? Are you not related to the men
who fought at Bennington and Saratoga? Has the race
degenerated ? Or have you under the baneful influence of
contending factions forgot your country? Must I turn from
you, and ask the men of the Six Nations to support the
Government of the United States? Shall I imitate the of-
ficers of the British king—and suffer our ungathered laurels
to be tarnished by ruthless deeds? Shame! where is thy
blush? No—where I command, the vanquished and the
peaceful man—the child, the maid and the matron shall be
secured from wrong. If we conquer we will “Conquer but
to save.”
Men of New York:	The present is the hour of re-
nown. Have you not a wish for fame? Would you not
choose in future times to be named as one who, imitating
the heroes whom Montgomery led, have in spite of the sea-BRIG. GEN. ALEXANDER SMYTH.
227
sons, visited the tomb of the chief and conquered the coun-
try where he lies? Yes—You desire your share of fame.
Then seize the present moment. If you do not you will
regret it; and say “the valiant bled in vain”—the friends
of my country fell and I was not there.
Advance then to our aid. I will wait for you a few days.
I cannot give you the day of my departure. But come on,
come in companies, half companies, or singly. Ride to this
place, if the distance is far and send back your horses. But
remember, that every man who accompanies us places him-
self under my command, and shall submit to the salutary
restraints of discipline.
Alexander Smyth,
Brig. Gen.
Camp near Buffalo, ioth Nov., 1812.
This proclamation, which was intended to gather at
Buffalo recruits from every part of New York State he
could reach, accomplished little except to offend the Fed-
eralists, many of whom were in his ranks. A week later
he issued another proclamation, as follows:
TO THE SOLDIERS OF THE ARMY OF THE
CENTRE.
Companions in Arms!
The time is at hand when you will cross the stream of
Niagara, to conquer Canada, and to secure the peace of
the American frontier.
You will enter a country that is to be one of the United
States. You will arrive among a people who are to become
your fellow-citizens. It is not against them that we come
to make war. It is against that government which holds
them as vassals.
You will make this war as little as possible distressful
to the Canadian people. If they are peaceable, they are to
be secure in their persons; and in their property, as far as
our imperious necessities will allow.228
THE CASE OF
Private plundering is absolutely forbidden. Any soldier
who quits his rank to plunder on the field of battle, will be
punished in the most exemplary manner.
But your just rights as soldiers will be maintained.
Whatever is booty by the usages of war, you shall have.
All horses belonging to artillery and cavalry ; all waggons
and teams in public service will be sold for the benefit of
the captors. Public stores will be secured for the service
of the United States. The Government will, with justice,
pay you the value.
The horses drawing the light artillery of the enemy, are
wanted for the service of the United States. I will order
two hundred dollars for each, to be paid to the party who
may take them.
I will also order forty dollars to be paid for the arms
and spoils of each savage warrior who shall be killed.
Soldiers! You are amply provided for war. You are
superior in number to the enemy. Your personal strength
and activity are greater. Your weapons are longer. The1
regular soldiers of the enemy are generally old men, whose
best years have been spent in the sickly climate of the
West Indies. They will not be able to stand before you*
when you charge with the bayonet.
You have seen Indians, such as those hired by the
British to murder women and children, and kill and scalp
the wounded. You have seen their dances and grimaces,
and heard their yells. Can you fear them? No. You hold
them in the utmost contempt.
VOLUNTEERS!
Disloyal and traitorous men have endeavored to dis-
suade you from doing your duty. Sometimes they say, if
you enter Canada, you will be held to service for five years.
At others, they say, that you will not be furnished with
supplies. At other times they say, that if you are wounded,
the Government will not provide for you by pensions.
The just and generous course pursued by the Govern-
ment towards the volunteers who fought at Tippecanoe,BRIG. GEN. ALEXANDER SMYTH.
229
furnishes an answer to the last objection. The others are
too absurd to deserve any.
Volunteers! I esteem your generous and patriotic
motives. You have made sacrifices on the altar of your
country. You will not suffer the enemies of your fame to
mislead you from the path of duty and honor, and deprive
you of the esteem of a grateful country. You will shun
the eternal infamy that awaits the man, who having come
within sight of the enemy, basely shrinks in the moment
of trial.
Soldiers of every corps! It is in your power to-re-
trieve the honor of your country; and to cover yourselves
with glory. Every man who performs a gallant action,
shall have his name made known to the nation. Rewards
and honors await the brave. Infamy and contempt are
reserved for cowards. Companions in arms! You came to
vanquish a valliant foe. I know the choice you will make.
Come on my heroes! And when you attack the enemy’s
batteries, let your rallying word be “The cannon lost at
Detroit—or death.”	Alex. Smyth.
Brig. Gen. commanding.
Camp, near Buffalo, Nov. 17, 1812.
Those amazing productions won for their valiant author
the derision of friend and foe. He was dubbed “Alexander
the Great” and “Napoleon the Second.” A contributor to
the New York Evening Post wrote:
“Just so! (and every wiser head
The likeness can discover),
We put a chestnut in the fire,
And pull the embers over;
And while it waxes hot and hotter,
And eke begins' to hop,
And after much confounded pother
Explodes a mighty Pop ! ! ”
Yet it was on a man of this calibre that the United
States Government relied, for a time, in Buffalo and on
the Niagara!230
THE CASE OF
Smyth became very busy, but not at all secret, in
planning his invasion of Canada. From his Buffalo camp
he sent to many officers the following orders:1
Head Quarters, 23d Nov. 1812.
Sir:	Be pleased to attend in a council of War today
at Landon’s in Buffalo at 3 in the evening.
Very respectfully Yr most obt
Alexander Smyth,
Brig. Gen. com’g.
“Landon’s” was the tavern at Buffalo, the most popular
rendezvous on the frontier; but no letters which have been
preserved, nor the incomplete files of the Buffalo Gazette
afford a report of this “council of war.” There was, soon
enough, war between Smyth and Porter, the latter not
endorsing Smyth’s plans nor the duty of submitting to all
his bizarre orders. One of them, preserved by the Buffalo
Historical Society, runs as follows:
General Porter will please issue Provisions for a party
of militia who will present this & commence organising
them giving them tents, &c.
Alexander Smyth,
19th Nov. 1812.	Brig- Gen’1 com’g-
On November 21st General Smyth wrote to Brigadier
General Adamson Tannehill “to ascertain whether there
are any companies in your brigade who will refuse to serve
the United States in Canada,” adding: “I deem it essential
we should know on whom we may rely with confidence.”
General Tannehill, who was encamped at “Granger’s
Farm”—then some four miles northeast of Buffalo, now
a pleasant residence section of the city, known as Parkside—
replied, November 22d, that to learn the facts, he had con-
1. The original MS. of this order, preserved by the Buffalo Historical
Society, is addressed to Brig. Gen. Peter B. Porter.BRIG. GEN. ALEXANDER SMYTH.
231
vened his field officers in camp: “The prevailing opinion
appears to be that if an efficient force can be had to cross
into Canada a very general embarkation of my brigade may
be expected. If, on the contrary, it is difficult for me to
say what number may be calculated on.” A “return” of his
force which he sent to General Smyth, though nominally
of four regiments, showed only 413 officers and men “who
have volunteered to cross the boundary line in the Province
of Upper Canada to assist in establishing the American
standard in that Province.”
On November 15th several offending soldiers were
court-martialed at Buffalo. Major Campbell was assigned
to conduct the proceedings, but in the findings, the fine
hand of “the General” appears. Some of the offenses were
trivial. The most serious was the mutiny of 31 men on
November 4th, for which Captain John Phillips was' tried
because “he did not use his utmost endeavor to suppress
the same.” The court acquitted Captain Phillips, but the
report of the court-martial has the following appended:
“The General believing that the mind of Captain Phillips
was not guilty, confirms the sentence of the court; and
orders that he resume his sword, and return to his duty.”
Few commanding officers in like cases, have shown such
discrimination.
General Smyth's idea, from his first coming to Buffalo,
had been to invade Canada at some point between Chip-
pewa and Fort Erie. His proclamations, although laughed
at, had undoubtedly brought in many recruits. Porter him-
self had sent Smyth's “eloquent appeal,” as he termed it, to
the men of Ontario and Genesee counties. On November
25th Smyth issued orders for “the whole army to be ready
to march at a moment's warning”:	“The tents will be
left standing, officers will carry their knapsacks. The232
THE CASE OF
baggage will follow in convenient time.” His manuscript
orders for this date contain the following directions’ for
attack:
1.	The artillery will spend some of their first shot on
the enemy’s artillery, and then aim at the infantry raking
them where it is practicable.
2.	The firing of musketry by wings or companies will
begin at the distance of 200 yards, aiming at the middle and
firing deliberately.
3.	At 20 yards’ distance the soldiers will be ordered to
trail arms, advance with shouts, fire at five paces’ distance,
and charge bayonets.
4.	The soldiers will be silent above all things, attentive
at the word of command, load quick and well, and aim low.
By the 27th, everything was ready for the invasion.
The troops gathered at Black Rock mustered about 4500,
made up of Smyth’s regulars, the Baltimore Volunteers
under Colonel Winder, the Pennsylvania Volunteers under
General Tannehill, and the New York Volunteers under
General Porter. To this last-named officer General Smyth
wrote, apparently on this day:1
Dr Gen’l: This day put forth your utmost exertions.
Have 2 or 3 days provisions ready to send over the water.
Let a faithfull party scour the bank from the mouth of
Buffalo to Scarajocaty (sic) and gather every boat that will
swim; there lies a very good one not far from your house.
Tell the brave men under your command not to be
impatient. See what harm impatience did at Queenstown.
Let them be firm, and they will succeed.
Very respectfully yr most obt
Alexander Smyth.
P. S. What do you think of a landing opposite the
upper part of Grand Island?
[To Brig. Gen. Porter.]
1. Undated MS. owned by the Buffalo Historical Society.BRIG. GEN. ALEXANDER SMYTH.	233
The operations of the next two days were hopelessly
bungled, a costly mistake. As the present purpose is less
to trace events in detail, than to preserve General Smyth's
writings, it may suffice to note that he had so long and
loudly proclaimed his intentions of invading Canada, that
the enemy were well prepared for him at any point above
the Falls, although the British force, from Chippewa to
Fort Erie, probably did not exceed 1000 men. Smyth, at
Black Rock, had over 5000—some accounts say 8000.
Before daybreak of the 28th, some 420 men in 21 boats
crossed towards the Canada shore, five miles below Fort
Erie. As they neared the shore they were warmly greeted
by a volley of musketry, whereupon six of the boats re-
turned to Black Rock. The small force that landed was
hotly engaged; many were taken prisoners; six were killed
and 22 wounded; the rest of the invading party recrossed
the river.
Many things connected with General Smyth’s conduct
of affairs appear incredible, but nothing is more amazing
than his behavior on this 28th of November. . From sun-
rise to late afternoon his army was embarking—the enemy
on the other side of the river, in constantly-increasing
numbers, looking on as at a show. General Smyth did not
appear at all, leaving all details to his subordinates. For
hours the troops shivered in the boats, some of which,
stranded on the shore, filled with snow and ice. Late in
the day, when at length everything seemed ready for a
grand movement across the stream, General Smyth issued
the amazing order: “Disembark and dine”! Disgusted and
angered, the whole force was on the point of rebellion.
Porter led his volunteers to Buffalo, where, that evening,
General Smyth issued the following:1
1. Here printed from General Smyth’s own manuscript, in the possession of
the Buffalo Historical Society.234
THE CASE OF
SMYTII TO HIS “HEARTS OF WAR."
Headquarters, Camp near Buffalo,
29th November, 1812.
Tomorrow at 8 o’clock, all the corps of the Army will be
at the Navy yard, ready to embark. Before 9 the embarka-
tion will take place. The General will be on board. Neither
rain, snow, or frost will prevent the embarkation.
It will be made with more order and silence than yester-
day ; boats will be allotted to the brave volunteers.
Fifty men will go in each red boat. Forty men in each
white boat. A piece of Artillery and its caisson in each
scow; the artillery men and about 20 men of some other
corps.
Seats will be put in the boats today, and oars added to
the long boats, each of which will carry 80 or 100 men.
Ropes will be provided that boats may take the scows in
tow.
A field officer from each corps will attend at the Navy
yard today, to see preparations made, and the boats ar-
ranged in order. They will cause seats to be made, and
every other preparation.
The cavalry will scour the fields from Black rock to the
bridge, & suffer no idle spectators.
While embarking the music will pla}' martial airs.
Yankee doodle will be the signal to get under way.
The regiments will act together, but without being scru-
pulously attentive to keep their places in line.
When we pull for the opposite shore, every exertion will
be made. The landing will be effected in despite of cannon.
The whole army has seen that cannon is to be little dreaded.
The information brought by Capt. Gibson assures us vic-
tory: But the enemy are as brave as we are, and will fight.
Hearts of War! Tomorrow will be memorable in the
annals of the United States.
Alexander Smyth,
Brig. Gen3l com}g.
This assurance held the forces from open mutiny, that
night. The morning of the 29th came, but there was no
embarkation. The enemy were so obviously prepared at
the point where Smyth proposed to land, that all his officersBRIG. GEN. ALEXANDER SMYTH.
235
insisted on a change of plan. Porter urged that a landing
be made December ist, before daylight, a little below the
upper end of Grand Island, with a view to taking Chip-
pewa, and to this plan Smyth reluctantly agreed; but on
the day named, only 1500 embarked. The Pennsylvania
brigade, and other troops, did not report for the embarka-
tion, raising the old bugaboo, that they were not required
to serve outside the State. The whole force was demoral-
ized. Smyth with his rare gift for multiplying blunders,
called a council of war, of regular army officers only, ex-
cluding all volunteers. From this council came presently
the announcement that the invasion of Canada was aban-
doned. In his subsequent report to General Dearborn,
Smyth stated that his orders were not to attempt the inva-
sion with less than 3000 men. The volunteers were dis-
missed to their homes, and the regulars went into winter
quarters at Buffalo and Williamsville.
Smyth was the object of execration throughout the State
and country. The people of Western New York were so
indignant at his conduct that they called on him for an
explanation. To their committee, consisting of Messrs.
George McClure, Lewis Birdsall, John Griffen and William
B. Rochester, General Smyth addressed the following
statement:
Headquarters, Camp near Buffalo,
Dec. 3d, 1812.
Gentlemen : Your letter of the 2d December is before
me; and I answer it in the following manner:
On the 26th October, 1 ordered that 20 scows should
be prepared for the transportation o-f artillery and cavalry,
and put the carpenters of the army upon that duty.
By the 26th of November, 10 scows were completed,
and by bringing some boats from Lake Ontario, above the
Falls of Niagara, the number was increased to 70.236
THE CASE OF
I had on the 12th November, issued an address to the
men of New York, and perhaps 300 had arrived at Buffalo.
I presumed that the regular troops and the volunteers under
Cols. Swift and McClure, would furnish 2300 men for
duty; and of General Tannehill’s brigade (from Pennsyl-
vania) reporting a total of 1650, as many as 413 had vol-
unteered to cross into Canada. My orders were to “cross
with 3000 men at once.” I deemed myself ready to fulfil
them.
Preparatory thereto, on the night of the 27th November,
I sent over two parties, one under Lt. Col. Boerstler, tfte
other under Captain King, with whom Lieut. Angus of the
Navy, at the head of a body of seamen, united. The first
was to capture a guard and destroy a bridge about five
miles below Fort Erie; the second party were to take and
render useless the cannon of the enemy’s batteries, and
some pieces of light artillery. The first party failed to
destroy the bridge; the second, after rendering unservice-
able the light artillery, separated by some misapprehension.
Lieut. Angus, the seaman, and a part of the troops, re-
turned, with all the boats while Capt. King, Capt. Morgan,
Capt. Sproule, Lieut. Houston and about 60 men remained.
The party thus reduced, attacked, took and rendered un-
serviceable two of the enemy’s batteries, captured 34 pris-
oners, found two boats, in which King sent the prisoners
and about half his party with the other officers; he himself
remaining with 30 men whom he would not abandon.
Orders had been given, that all the troops in the neigh-
borhood should march at revellee, to the place of embarka-
tion. A part of the detachment sent in the night having
returned and excited apprehensions for the residue about
250 men, under the command of Col. Winder, suddenly put
off in boats for the opposite shore; a part of this force had
landed when a force deemed superior, with one piece of
artillery, was discovered; a retreat was ordered; and Col.
Winder’s detachment suffered a loss of six killed and 19
wounded, besides some officers.
The general embarkation commenced as the troops ar-
rived ; but this being a first embarkation, the whole of theBRIG. GEN. ALEXANDER SMYTH.
237
scows were occupied by about one third of the artillery,
while about 800 regular infantry, about 200 12-months’
volunteers, under Col. Swift, and about 200 of the militia
who had volunteered their services for a few days, occupied
all the boats that were ready. The troops then embarked
moved up the stream to Black Rock without loss; they
were ordered to disembark and dine.
I had received from my commanding general an instruc-
tion in the following words: “In all important movements
you will, I presume, consider it advisable to consult some
of your principal officers.” I deemed this equivalent to an
order; and the movement important. I called for the field
officers of the regulars, and 12-months’ volunteers em-
barked; Col. Porter was not found at the moment. These
questions were put:
“Is it expedient now to cross over?
“Is the force we have sufficient to conquer the opposite
coast ?”
The first question was decided in the negative by Col.
Parker, Col. Schuyler, Col. Winder, Lieut.-Col. Boerstler,
Lieut.-Col. Coles, and Maj. Campbell. Col. Swift, of
volunteers, alone gave an opinion for then crossing over.
The second question was not decided. Col. Parker,
Col. Schuyler, Lieut.-Col. Coles and Maj. Campbell, were
decidedly of opinion that the force was insufficient. Col.
Winder, Col. Swift, Lieut.-Col. Boerstler, and Captain
Gibson, deemed the force sufficient.
I determined to postpone crossing over until more com-
plete preparation would enable me to embark the whole
force at once, the counsel prescribed by my orders. The
next day was spent in such preparation, and the troops
were ordered to be again at the place of embarkation at 8
o’clock on the morning of the 30th November. On their
arrival, they were sent into the adjacent woods, there to
build fires, and remain until 3 o’clock in the morning of the
1st of December; when it was intended to put off two
hours before daylight, so as to avoid the fire of the enemy’s
cannon in passing the position which it was believed they
occupied below, to land above Chippeway, assault that238
THE CASE OF
place, and, if successful, march through Queenston for
Fort George. For this expedition the contractor was called
on to furnish rations for 2500 men for four days, when it
was found he could furnish the pork but not the flour; the
deputy quarter-master called for 60 barrels and got but 35.
The embarkation commenced but was delayed by cir-
cumstances so as not to be completed until after daylight,
when it was found the regular infantry, 688 men, the
artillery, 177 men, Swift’s volunteers estimated at 23, six
companies of Federal volunteers, under Captains Collins,
Phillips, Allison, Moore, Mather, and Marshall, amounting
to 276 men, commanded by Lieut.-Col. McClure, 100 men
of Col. Dobbins’ militia, and a few men in a boat with
Gen. P. B. Porter, had embarked—the whole on board
amounting, exclusive of officers, to 1466 men, or there-
abouts ; and it was now two hours later than had been con-
templated.
There were some groups of men not yet embarked; they
were applied to, requested, and ordered by the brigade-
major to get into the boats; they did not. The number of
these the brigade-major estimated at about 150. It was
probably greater.
It then became a question, whether it was expedient to
invade Canada in open daylight, with 1500 men, at a point
where no reinforcements could be expected for some days.
I saw that the number of regular troops was declining
rapidly, I knew that on them chiefly I was to depend.
I called together the officers commanding corps of the
regular army. Col. Parker being sick, those present were,
Col. Porter of the artillery, Col. Schuyler, Col. Winder,
and Lieut.-Col. Coles.
I put to them this question: “Shall we proceed?” They
unanimously decided that we ought not.
I foresaw that the volunteers, who had come out for a
few days, would disperse—several of them had on the
evening of the 28th, broke their muskets. I foresaw that
the number of the regular troops would decrease, measles
and other diseases, being among them; and they were now
in tents, in the month of December. I informed the officersBRIG. GEN. ALEXANDER SMYTH.
239
that the attempt to invade Canada would not be made, until
the army was reinforced; directed them to withdraw their
troops, and cover them with huts immediately.
You say that on Saturday every obstruction was re-
moved, and that a landing might have been- effected “with-
out the loss of a single man.” This proves you unac-
quainted with the occurrences of the day. Col. Winder, in
retiring from the enemy’s shore in the morning, lost a tenth
part of his force, in killed and wounded. The enemy
showed no more than 5 or 600 men, as estimated by Col.
Parker, and one piece of artillery, supposed a 9-pounder.
That force, we no doubt might have overcome, but not
without loss; and that, from the great advantage the
enemy would have had, might have been considerable.
To recapitulate. My orders were to pass into Canada
with 3000 men at once. On the first day of embarkation
not more than 1400 men were embarked, of whom 400, that
is, half of the regular infantry, were exhausted with fatigue
and want of rest. On the second embarkation, only 1500
men were embarked, and these were to have put off immedi-
ately, and to have descended the river to a point where
reinforcements were not to be expected. On both days
many of the regular troops were men in bad health, who
could not have stood one day’s march; who, although they
were on the sick report, were turned out by their ardent
officers.
The affair at Queenston is a caution against relying on
crowds, who go to the banks of Niagara, to look on a battle
as on a theatrical exhibition; who, if they are disappointed
of the sights, break their muskets; or, if they are without
rations for a day, desert.1
I have made to you this frank disclosure, without ad-
mitting your authority to require it, under the impression
that you are patriotic and candid men; and that you will
not censure me for following the cautious counsels of
experience; nor join in the senseless clamor excited against
me by an interested man.
1. Gen. Smyth added a foot-note: “Six hundred of Gen. Tannehiirs brigade
deserted in 24 hours. A court-martial of this brigade have fined a man 12%
cents for the crime of desertion.” This was at once denied.240
THE CASE OF
I have some reason to believe that the cautious counsel
given by the superior officers of my command, was good.
From deserters, we learn that 2314 rations were issued
daily on the frontiers on the British side. Capt. King,
prisoner at Fort George, writes to an officer thus: “Tell
our friends to take better care of themselves than it appears
I have done.”
I am, gentlemen, with great respect, Your most obt
Alexander Smyth,
Brigadier General.
P. S. It will be observed that the force ready could be
no otherwise ascertained than by an actual embarkation—
it being uncertain what portion of the volunteer force would
embark.
General Smyth’s statement, which was much the same
as his official report, stirred General Porter to a prompt
retort. He did not hesitate to ascribe the abandonment of
the invasion to the cowardice of Smyth; and under date of
December 8th wrote to Editor Salisbury of the Buffalo
Gazette as follows:
Buffalo, Dec. 8, 1812.
To the Editor of the Buffalo Gazette:
Sir—A friend has just handed me the proof sheet of
your paper of this morning, in which is contained what
purports to be General Smyth’s official account of the
affairs of the 28th of November and 1st of December.
I beg that you will suspend the publication so long as to
assure the public, that in your next, I will give a true
account of some of the most prominent transactions of
those days.
When our lives, our property—when the precious and
dear-bought gift of our ancestors—the sacred honor of
our country: when everything that we prize as men, or
ought to hold dear as patriots, are falling or fading before
us, it is time to speak out, whatever be the hazard.BRIG. GEN. ALEXANDER SMYTH.
241
In ascribing, as I shall not hesitate to do, the late dis-
grace on this frontier, to the cowardice of General Smyth,
I beg to be understood as not intending to implicate the
characters of the officers whose opinions he has brought
forward to bolster up his conduct. Several of them I know
as brave men as ever wielded a sword; and their advice, if
indeed they gave the advice imputed to them, may be ac-
counted for in the obvious consideration, with which every
one who saw him must have been impressed, that any mili-
tary attempt under such a leader must, in all human proba-
bility, prove disgraceful.
Your very humble servant,
Peter B. Porter.
The Gazette added a comment of its own:
The military volunteers, who came forward under the
invitation of General Smyth, have all returned home curs-
ing their stars, because they had not “seen” or “felt” a
battle. The Pennsylvania Volunteers, consisting of nearly
1700 men, have nearly all gone home for winter quarters.
These troops were much dissatisfied. Since their arrival
here, they have been exposed in tents. We understand that
last week they were ordered to build huts—which they
would not comply with. The United States twelve-month
volunteers are to be stationed in this village with the ex-
ception of Swift’s regiment. Several families in this
village have relinquished their houses for the comfort of
the troops. The articles of provisions and forage are now
very dear and scarce.
General Porter’s open denunciation of General Smyth
was more than even that dubious warrior could stand. He
challenged Porter to a duel, an account of which, con-
tributed by witnesses to the Buffalo Gazette of December
15th, is as follows:
A meeting took place between Gen. Smyth and Gen.
Porter yesterday afternoon on Grand Island, in pursuance
of previous arrangements.242
THE CASE OF
They met at Dayton's tavern and crossed the river with
their friends and surgeons; both gentlemen behaved with
the utmost coolness and unconcern. A shot was exchanged,
in an intrepid and firm manner by each gentleman, and
without effect. It was then represented by General Smyth's
second, that Gen. Porter must now be convinced that the
charge of cowardice against Gen. Smyth was unfounded,
and should, in honor, be retracted; which after mutual
explanations, as to the matters which had given rise to the
charge, was accordingly done by him.. General Smyth then
explained that his remarks on General Porter were the
result of irritation, and were intended as provocatives, from
having been assailed by General Porter, and that he knew
nothing derogatory to Gen. Porter's character as a gentle-
man and officer.
The hand of reconciliation was then offered and re-
ceived.
We congratulate the friends of these gentlemen upon
the fortunate termination of a difference, arising from too
much precipitation, but which has been adjusted in a man-
ner so honorable to both.
Wm. H. Winder.
Saml. Angus.
Black Rock, Dec. 13, 1812.
Colonel Winder was Smyth's second, Lieutenant Angus
was Porter’s. The duel was of course a violation of the
Articles of War, but army sentiment at that time favored
the appeal to pistols as a proof of courage, and it is clear
that the affair was far from secret. One of the attending
surgeons was a Dr. Roberts, the other was Dr. Usher
Parsons who the next year was surgeon on Perry's flagship
Lawrence, A duel in which no one is hurt is generally
looked on . as a solemn comedy, and this one was much
laughed at, the country over, though there can be no doubt
that popular sentiment was with Porter. The historian
Lossing, commenting on it as “disgraceful and humiliating”BRIG. GEN. ALEXANDER SMYTH.
243
adds that according to one account the adversaries returned
to Dayton’s tavern, “where they supped and spent a con-
vivial evening together.”
Official comment on Smyth’s Niagara career was in
some quarters singularly frank. “Believing that there was
some courage and virtue left in the world,” wrote Governor
Tompkins to Lieut.-Col. George Fleming, “I did not, indeed
could not, anticipate such a scene of gasconading and of
subsequent imbecility and folly as Gent. Smith [jic] has
exhibited. To compare the events of the recent campaign
with those of the days of the Revolution, is almost enough
to convince one, that the race of brave men and able com-
manders will before many years become extinct.”1
General Smyth’s Niagara service ended his military
career. There was nowhere any confidence in his military
ability, and three months later he was dropped from the
service—“disbanded,” in the language of the Army
Register; “in other words, he was deposed without a trial,
and excluded from the army.” Under date of January 28,
1813, General Smyth sent the following letter to the
National Intelligencer:
Gentlemen:	A publication signed “Peter B. Porter”
has appeared in sundry public prints, in which the writer
professes to give a true account of the prominent transac-
tions of the 28th November and 1st of December, at Black
Rock—some facts are truly stated; but wherever the writer
gives numbers, his statements are (I must assume wilfully)
incorrect.
He states on the 27th November, there were collected
near Black Rock 4500 effective men, under my command;
that on the 28th, 2000 or 2600 were embarked; that on the
morning of the 1st December, 4000 men, without order or
restraint, were discharging their muskets at the Navy
Yard.
1. Tompkins to Fleming, Albany, Jan. 2, 1813.244
THE CASE OF
I affirm that on the 27th November, there were collected
in the neighborhood of Black Rock, not more than 3500
effective men, non-commissioned officers, and privates, of
every corps under my command ; not more than 1500 of
those were liable to be ordered to cross the Niagara, ac-
cording to opinions generally received.1 On the 28th there
were 1050 good troops embarked, and also so many irregu-
lar volunteers as occupied five boats, estimated at 150. On
the morning of the 1st December, the number of men armed
with muskets, who were at the Navy Yard, embarked or
not embarked, did not exceed 2000 men.
This statement is as correct as I can make it; and is
essentially correct.
He says he is informed that Gen. Tamiehiirs volunteers
were ready to cross. I had in my possession) a return show-
ing that of 150 officers of that brigade, only 87 were willing
to cross—that only 211 men volunteered unconditionally,
and 165 on various conditions. A part of Gen. Tannehill’s
volunteers (I have been told 360) marched to the Navy
Yard by a route I had prescribed, and was prepared to
embark. The remainder went to Black Rock by the way
of Buffalo, I presume to be spectators. If they ever for a
moment intended to cross the Niagara, that intention was
not communicated to me.
If there were 4500 effective men near Black Rock, how
will General Porter, in his capacity of contractor, answer
to his country for having on the 30th, only 35 barrels of
flour on hand, not tiuo pounds of dour to each manf
The hostility of General Porter to myself, grew out of
the contract. The troops were starving for provisions2;
the officers complained of unfair practices; that damaged
flour was forced on them3; that the lean beef was stripped
1.	It is an error to rely on any troops except those wfc«y are bound to obey.
Of Capt. Richardson’s company of riflemen, and the companies of “Greens”
under Capts. Powers, Dillon, Tate and Walker, there were embarked on the
1 st December only Capt. Tate, two lieutenants and eight men of the Greens.—
Note by Smyth.
2.	For this fact I refer to Col. Winder.—A. S.
3.	To Lieut. Col. Boerstler.—A. S.BRIG. GEN. ALEXANDER SMYTH.	245
of every morsel of fat1; that vinegar, candles and soap
were not furnished; and in the sickly state of the camp,
those wants were severely felt.
Under such circumstances, after making ineffectual
requisitions, I was compelled to order purchases to be
made.
If Congress desire that our armies should conquer, they
will consider that “an army is an edifice of which the basis
is the belly”; and they will prescribe some effectual mode
of honestly and amply supplying our armies with good and
wholesome provisions. They will consider that “the prin-
ciple of victories is discipline”; and subject to courts
martial of regular officers all their irregulars who join the
army.
Respectfully your obedient servant,
Alexander Smyth.
In this same month General Smyth wrote the following
elaborate statement, which may have appeared in the
Columbian or other publication of the time. It is here
printed from the original manuscript,2 with the author’s
peculiarities of spelling, etc., preserved:
Mount Hope [Va.], Jany, 1813.
Owing to a publication in the Columbian, of 12th Ins’t,
I am very reluctantly competed to appear before the public.
Gen’l Porter complains that I did not contradict the state-
ment in the Northern Wig [sic]: as I had no agency in
that publication and as I reside in the Country and seldom
or ever see that paper or the Evening Post, I am no more
answerable for any mistatements in them, then for the pal-
pable falshoods in the Columbian.
In my letter to Gen'l Porter I apprised him that I should
at a proper time unmask him to the wourld, and at that time
it was my intention to do so, but my aversion to a paper
warfare in which others might be Implecated, and the
1.	To Col. Parker.—A. S.
2.	Courteously placed at the service of the Buffalo Historical Society by
the owner, Mr. A. C. Goodyear of Buffalo.246
THE CASE OF
knowledge that Peter B. Porter was a pittiful Scoundrel
and Coward, unworthy of my notice, determined me to the
Contrary—that my charge against him was not wanton, I
leave to the candid and Honorable of all parties to decide
from the following facts:	let them decide also whether
his empty professions or my actions deserve their approba-
tion. It never was my wish to Injure Gen’l Porter or any
other man, if even at this moment I could be satisfied, that
I had done so, I should have no hesitation to make him
every acknowledgment, but facts must speak for themselves.
In giving these I shall avoid as far as possible to devulge
the secrets of the Army, or to draw into this discussion the
Names of some who might be Implicated.
Soon after the Armistice was concluded, and the Honor
of the Nation pledged, through the commander that every
act of Hostility should cease, and orders issued to the
Troops strictly to conform to it: Gen’l Van Rensselaer re-
ceived a Communication from Major Gen’l Hall that a
British Sergeant and six privates had been taken from
Buckhorn Island (where they had Been stationed for a
length of time) by a Detach, of Col. Swifts Regiment. I
received orders to make enquiry as to this breach of faith
and of the General orders and adopt measures to Return
the Guard from whence it had been taken. On my way tip
to Black Rock, I called at Gen’l Halls quarters who pro-
posed to accompany me, while he was gitting ready, I steped
over to Judge Porters where I found his Brother Peter and
of him I enquired whether he knew who had Given orders
for the attack of the British on the Island, he told me he did
not, but that he had been applied to for a boat for that pur-
pose, but had refused unless an order was obtained from
Gen’l V. R. I observed that he knew perfectly that such
an order would have been Refused and if the application
had been made the person would have been arrested—that
if he (Porter) had said one discouraging wourd, the In-
terprise would have been abandoned. I told him that he
knew in consequence of my Negotiation with Gen’l Sheaffe
in procuring the Navigation of Lake Ontario, Gen’l V. R.
had sent an Express to Ogdensburgh to order up the vessels
there to Sackets Harbour to join Lieut. Woolsey with a
view to enable that excellent officer to git Command of that
lake, and that Col. Fenwick with Cannon and Military StoresBRIG. GEN. ALEXANDER SMYTH.	247
was on his way from Oswego, to Niagara and that all this
property was in jeopardy by this dishonourable act; that if
the armistice was broke on our part, the British had a right
to retaliate, and I had no doubt would do so to our costs.
I then returned to Gen’l Hills and we road up together to
Black Rock to which place the guard had been sent instead
of Lewiston which was much nearer. On our way we found
with Indignation that all or most of the Smaller guards had
been Engaged in this Gallant & Honorable interprise. We
reached Col. Swifts quarters where we dined, after dinner
was over I told Col. Swift that I would Inspect his Regi-
ment that afternoon or the next morning as he pleased, the
morning was agreed on, I then asked him By whose orders
the attack had been made on the British, he replied that he
did not know by whose order, but that it had been made by
Lieut. Hewett of his Regiment and his guard. I told him
that the British prisoners should Immediately be returned
to the Island they were taken from, he observed that he
believed they did not wish to go back and if they were sent
back it would dissatisfy his men and he believed the pris-
oners would return. In this Dr. Wilson the friend of
Porter joined. I told him if they did return he should send
them under guard to Lewiston. I shewed the necessity of
this measure by stating to them what I had to Porter. Col.
Swift and his Surgeon Wilson then walked out of the Room
and soon after returned and Reported to me that the Guard,
excepting the Sergeant would not return alive—I observed
to them with some warmth, that dead or alive they should
return and ordered Col. Swift in the name of Gen’l Van
Rensselaer to return them to the same spot that they were
taken from, and to send down Lieut. Hewett the next day to
Lewiston under arrest for trial—this had the desired effect.
I then walked in the next Room and found the prisoners in
high glee dinning at the same table we had rose from, but
with all their kind treatment they were sent back without
blood shed—to this affair Porter and his friends to say the
least were accessory on which thousands of property was
depending, the safety of the army for the want of military
stores, there not being in camp five rounds of cartridges pr
man—this conversation passed in the presence of Gen’l Hall,
and the Honor of the country, the last to a mind like his is
the least consideration—some were even heard to say that248
THE CASE OF
they wished the army would be sacrificed for that would
rouse the feelings of the country, if his opinion had rec’d
that attention which those who do not know him would
suppose it ought, this army would have been sacrificed to
their wish, for this finished Scoundrel Peter Billigerent
Porter recommended to Gen’l V. R. to cross over at Black
Rock and open a Communication with Gen’l Hull as he as
he states, “through a fine country and good Roads of about
240 miles” an enemies country with Broke and Procter in
our frouiit and Major Gen’l Sheaffe in our rear—to give a
finishing stroke to all, that evening we had the mortifying
scene to witness of the disimbarkation of Gen’l Hulls army
at Fort Erie and Brouk [sic] dissatisfied with the armistice
because Gen’l Sheaffe, owing to the decided Stand I took
with him, after three days negotiation surrendered to us the
use of the waters of the Ontario, which if the war continues
must prove their ruin—of which this Gallant Soldier &
Great man was fully aware.
On my return to Lewiston the next day I fell in with
some Gentlemen from Chautagua County, who shewed me
an order from Governor Tompkins to Genl Porter to de-
liver them five Hundred stand of arms, from the arsinel at
“Canandarqua or else zvhere” they expressed a wish to
receive them at Black Rock as it would save one Hundred
miles of transportation. I told them it was Impossible to
spare the arms from this place that they were required for
the Troops then on their March. At the Falls of Niagara
they saw Gen’l Porter, they were in conversation with him
opposite Gen’l Hall’s quarters. I knew he was a Scoundrel
and therefore walked up to them to hear what passed, his
back was towards me, I got along side of him before he saw
me, he observed to those Gentlemen he was willing to ac-
commodate them, if they got an order from Gen’l V. R. I
observed with some warmth to Porter that he knew the
Critical situation in which we were placed, the order was
to him and not to Gen’l V. R., that it was unnecessary to
send those gentlemen down to Gen’l V. R. for he knew no
such order would be obtained, that it was optional with him
to deliver them at “Canandarqua or else where” that I
would cut the matter short with him, and again observed,
that he knew the precarious situation on the Niagara, that
Troops were on their march to join us, wdio would requireBRIG. GEN. ALEXANDER SMYTH.
249
those arms, if you think the nature of the service will admit
of it, Deliver them on the orders you have received and on
your own Responsibility—he replied well, it is left to me
and I will act as I please and walked off.
Soon after this I mounted my horse and in company with
those Gentlemen and a Col. Brooks a member of Congress
elected last Spring with Porter and a friend of his was in
company for Lewiston, on the road the Subject of the arms
was renewed by one of the Gentlemen, feelings which were
already sufficient roused by the conduct of Porter now
broke perhaps the bounds of prudence. I stated that Porter
had on all occasions thrown the responsibility on Gen’l V. R.
that he attempted to imbarrass his command,, that he had
voted for the war, and now did not furnish the necessary
supplies to bring it to an honorable conclusion, that If he
could make his fortune by it, he did [not] care how long it
lasted, that thousands of poor people on the fronteers had
deserted their farms and their little all in consiquence of it
—and that when he should be the first man the [to] shew
his zeal in the cause, he neglected his duty as Quarter Mas-
ter Gen’l, that he was seldom in Camp and did not even
furnish Straw for the poor Soldiery to lay on, or forage
for a few public horses. In short I stated that he was a
damned Scoundrel— Col. Brooks defended his friend
Porter, and I observed neither of you care any thing about
the public good, which you pretend to have at heart, for you
too voted for $4 a day when a less sum was proposed, (an
impression which at the moment I took from the Albany
Crisis which was incorrect) he with much warmth denyed
it, and I called him a Iyer, he then fell back and the conver-
sation dropt—we reached early that afternoon our Camp,
where I saw Col. Brooks several times that evening and the
next morning he was even In Gen’l Van R[ensselaer’s] tent
without asking for any explanation, finding on reflection
that I had injured the man and seeing him on parade about
eleven o’clock that morning, I called to one of the Gentle-
men who heard our conversation on the road and who then
happened to be at hand and went up to Col. Brooks and
told him, that in the warm conversation I had with him the
day before, I had treated him very rudely, that on reflection
I found I had injured him, that I regretted it, and therefore
made that voluntary acknowledgement—he replied that he250
THE CASE OF
readily accepted my apology, that he intended to call on me
for an explanation about the charge against him of having
voted for four Dollars per day. I observed in answer that
“If you had asked me in a decent manner I should as readily
have given it as I do now” here the matter dropted and
Col. Brooks was in my tent afterwards and appeared well
satisfied—but this man very dishonorably, I presume, told
Porter, what I am told he mentioned in Ontario, that I had
treated him ill, but that he had compeled me to make a very
humble apology—on this apology poor Peter Belligerents
challange must have been predicated, he thought this would
be a glorious time to establish himself as a brave man, by
gitting me to make another humble apology to him also, it
would be a very good story for him to tell at Washington
this winter (for next winter he could not go) and it would
retreave his character at Canandarga on occasion of this
kind he had there, if I have been rightly informed— But
he counted without his host—equally ready to repair an in-
jury as to resent an insult. I had no hesitation to make an
apology in the case of Brooks. I had injured the man, it
was therefore due to myself and to him to repair it. But
Porters base conduct give rise to my declaration, it was
provoked by the occasion, it arose from a sinse of public
duty, I had truth and justice on my side, and with these no
earthly consideration would induce me to recall what I had
said—he was too Indolent and too fond of whiskey to at-
tend to his duty— the horses of half a company of Light
Artillery and of one Troop of Light Dragoons were not
half of the time provided with forage, for the truth of
which I appeal to Captain Camp, Lieut. Branch & Col. Fen-
wick, (if they will not speak out their letters will) and to
every officer and soldier in our camp as to the want of
straw. Let it not be said by Porter that those articles could
not be procured, or that he was in want of funds, for both
would be false—the Country at that time could furnish suf-
ficient, and as to funds, Governor Tompkins had paid all
his drafts on him and transmitted to Porter on [blank] ten
thousand Dollars for that Department by Major Noon
Deputy Q’r M’s Geh’1 neither of those Gentlemen will deny
this fact— these were some of the reasons which enduced
my declaration, we witnessed the distress about us, the re-
sponsibility rested with Gen’l V. R. Porter incurred none,BRIG. GEN. ALEXANDER SMYTH.
251
he took his ease and kept aloff, notwithstanding frequent
Gen’l orders to the contrary.
A few days after the conversation I had with Col.
Brooks, Gen’l Porter and his friend Dr. Wilson came down
to Lewiston from Black Rock, when Dr. Wilson called on
me with a note from Porter, enquiring whether I had made
use of the Language imputed to me, that he (Porter) was
a damned Rascal. I told Dr. Wilson I had— after a short
pause, he asked me where he could find me in half an hour,
I told him In my tent, he soon returned and requested that
I should send a friend to meet him at seven that evening at
Mr. Bartons to make the Necessary arrangements, I told
him that Mr. L. would attend him at that hour. Dr. Wilson
then began to talk about my being in a Passion & an apology.
I told him I had no apology to make— that evening the
necessary arrangements were made and a solemn pledge of
secrecy passed, but in violation of that pledge Gen’l Porter
immediately communicated the affair to his partner Mr.
Barton, who it appears informed Gen’l V. R. and beged that
he would put a stop to it and Several times in the course of
the week importuned him on the subject. Gen’l V. R.
asked Mr. Barton where he got his information from, he
replied from Gen’l Porter himself, he said that I had been
in passion and Porters friends Had urged him to this
measure or they would Desert him— the Monday follow-
ing Mr. L. went to meet Dr. Wilson at the falls of Niagara
when he returned he reported that the Doctor had not meet
him agreeable to appointments. I was then in the act of
writing the following letter to Gen’l Porter, when Gen’l
V. R. entered my tent, as caution then was no longer neces-
sary he discovered what the subject was, he Laughed very
hartily and told us he knew it from the begining he had
kept a watchful eye on both of us and was determined to
arrest us if we had left the camp together, and then men-
tioned what I have stated above— I felt very Indignant
and declared That I should horsewhip the Scoundrel the
first time I saw him— fearful that this might give some
uneasiness in the Camp he ordered me to drop the business
here and wrote also to Porter, and this letter which was
written and sent after Mr. L. returned, to meet Dr. Wilson,
this barefaced Scoundrel and a few of his friends (for he
has but few) have insinuated was procured by me, but252
THE CASE OF
Gen,l V. R. never can say that he received the information
from me or any of my friends and if he was put under oath
he would be competed to say so.1
It was an attempt, hopeless but not final, to excuse his
blunders and bolster up his ruined reputation. Almost a
year later—December 28, 1813—Alexander Smyth pre-
sented the following memorial to the House of Represen-
tatives, which promptly referred it to the Secretary of
War:
To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States in Congress assembled:
The petition of Alexander Smyth, a citizen of Virginia,
respectfully presents:
That having in 1807 written to an honorable member of
the House of Representatives, that in case of war with
Great Britain he was desirous to enter into the regular
service, he received in 1808 an appointment as colonel of a
regiment of riflemen. That although war had not com-
menced, yet, the event being probable, he abandoned his
profession, which was then lucrative, left his family,
vacated his seat in the Senate of Virginia as the represen-
tative of thirteen counties, and joined the army of the
United States. That your petitioner had the good fortune
to give the utmost satisfaction to his superiors, Gen. Wil-
kinson, Gen. Hampton, Gen. Dearborn, and the late Secre-
tary at War, while acting under their immediate orders ;
was promoted to the rank of brigadier and inspector-gen-
eral in July, 1812; given the command of a brigade in
September, and one of the armies of the United States in
October in the same year.
That at the expiration of five weeks, during which period
he made every exertion in his power to serve the nation, he
found it necessary to put his troops into winter quarters.
Having determined on that measure, as your petitioner had
been absent from his home the last eight winters, much the
1. The MS. ends as above, without signature.BRIG. GEN. ALEXANDER SMYTH.
253
greater part of the last five years, and the whole of the
last 14 months, and had been refused leave to visit his
family in the month of July preceding, and calculating that
it was probable the campaign, of 1813 might terminate his
existence, he, without resigning his command, asked for
leave of absence, which was granted until the first of
March, 1813, at which time your petitioner was ordered to
report himself to the Secretary at War.
That your petitioner left his troops in cantonments,
under an officer of 36 years’ experience, and in February,
1813, reported himself by letter to the Secretary of War
and solicited orders; and as the failure of your petitioner
to take Fort George, York and Kingston, and to winter in
Canada, as he was instructed, had created some clamor,
your petitioner proposed that an inquiry into his conduct
should take place, which the hon. Secretary, through the
medium of the adjutant-general, was pleased to promise;
since which time your petitioner has not had the honor to
hear from the War-office.
Your petitioner would further represent, that he had
heard that some members of your honorable body are of
opinion, that by an act of the last session, regulating the
staff of the army of the U. States, your petitioner has
become a private citizen; and with this opinion, his own
might perhaps accord, were it not impossible to believe that
the Congress of the United States, at their last session,
could have intentionally committed an act of injustice.
Your petitioner affirms that he has not done or omitted
any thing to the injury of the nation; that his chief if not
his only error has consisted in expressing too freely his
indignation against those who had done injuries, or omitted
to perform duties, to the nation. The motive which led
astray, he conceives, might procure for this error forgive-
ness. That this affirmation is true, he believes he can
satisfy a committee or committees of your honorable body,
on short notice.
Your petitioner has essayed to engage again in the pur-
suits of civil life; but he finds that, while the din of war
continues, it is impossible for him to give the necessary254
THE CASE OF
attention to any peaceful pursuit. He desires to serve, to
die, if heaven wills it, in the defence of his country; a
country that has protected his infancy, given him a family
and at times distinguished him with considerable honors;
from whose government no act of wrong, personal to him-
self, will force his esteem, while it maintains, with steady
perseverance, that country’s rights.
Your petitioner confidently trusts, that on deciding on
his prayer you will be mindful of the rule of justice: “To
others do, the law is not severe, what to thyself thou
wishest to be done”; and of the rule of policy: “The social
body is oppressed, when one of its members is oppressed.”
The prayer of your petitioner is, that you will revise the
act organizing the staff of the army of the United States
and by a declaratory act preserve the rank of your peti-
tioner, as brigadier-general in the line, abolishing only his
authority as inspector-general. And your petitioner, &c.
Alexander Smyth.
John Lovett, writing to Stephen Van Rensselaer from
Washington, on this 28th of December, 1813, said: “Alas,
poor General Smyth! This day we had him before us, at
full length, on petition drawn by himself. He states that
he was a great lawyer, turned to a great soldier, served his
country most faithfully, and after all, was disgraced—
denied enquiry, etc., and prays to be restored to his rank
as brigadier in the line. The House almost hissed while
the vagabond’s petition was read, then referred it to the
Secretary of War, of whom it chiefly complains!”
Although the episode of his military service at Buffalo
and on the Niagara presents General Smyth in so unfavor-
able a light, it is plain that he still retained many friends,
especially in the State where he resided; nor did his public
career end with his failure to invade Canada.
Some writers who refer to him as a Virginian, overlook
the fact that he was an Irishman, born in the isle of Rathlin,BRIG. GEN. ALEXANDER SMYTH.
255
in 1765. He was ten years old when he came to America
with his father, the Rev. Adam Smyth, who became rector
of Botetourt parish, Botetourt Co., Virginia. His youth
was spent in Botetourt Co., where he studied law and was
admitted to the bar, beginning practice in Abingdon, Va.,
but removing to Wythe Co. in 1792. For a number of years
he was a member of the Virginia House of Representatives.
His military career appears to have begun prior to 1808,
for on July 8th of that year President Jefferson appointed
him colonel of the “United States rifle regiment,” which he
commanded in the Southwest until 1811, when he was or-
dered to Washington “to prepare a system of discipline for
the army.” It will be noted that he was neither inexperi-
enced nor without reputation when the war of 1812 broke
out. On July 6, 1812—only 18 days after war was declared
—he was appointed inspector-general, and, with the rank of
brigadier-general, ordered to the Niagara frontier. What
followed is sufficiently set forth by the preceding documents.
Failing in his efforts to be reinstated in the army, General
Smyth resumed his long-interrupted practice of law. He
was appointed a member of the Virginia Board of Public
Works; served again in the Virginia House of Representa-
tives; and in 1817 was elected a Member of Congress, as a
Democrat, serving from Dec. 1, 1817, till March 3, 1825,
and again from Dec. 3, 1827, till April 17, 1830. On the
26th day of April in that year he died, at Washington.
Smyth Co., Virginia, was named for him.
General Alexander Smyth was the author of a work en-
titled “Regulations for the Infantry,” published at Philadel-
phia in 1812; and—an excursion into a far-distant field—-
“An Explanation of the Apocalypse, or Revelation of St.
John,” published at Washington in 1825. Whatever his
worth or abilities in other fields, history has thus far granted
him little recognition save for his inglorious service on the
shores of the Niagara.