MISCELLANY

A catch-all of newspaper research done by Richard Palmer of Syracuse, N. Y.

 

ARTICLE NO. 1

The First Telegraph Pole In The World Set in Oswego (NY)
Oswego Palladium, July 15, 1881

Mr. Thaddeus Poucher of this city claims to have set the first telegraph pole ever raised in the world, and this is how it happened, as he relates it.

About 35 years ago, when Prof. Morse was making his experiments in telegraphy, Mr. Poucher, who was a young man with a speculative turn, called on the professor to consult with him about some notions of his own about telegraphic inventions.

Morse then lived on his farm, about three-quarters of a mile from the village of Poughkeepsie and was about to put up a single experimental wire between his house and barn, which were about 400 feet apart. Between these buildings it was necessary to erect one pole, and this put up by Mr. Poucher and Prof. Morse's hired man. This was the first telegraph pole raised in this country.

Mr. Poucher distinctly remembers the particulars. From a pile of ordinary hop poles one was taken, one end sharpened and it was then set in a hole made in the ground with a crow bar. There was one cup nailed on it. About two years later the line between Washington and Philadelphia was constructed. Later Mr. Poucher built the first line between Syracuse and Oswego, copper wire being used. He also built the line along the railroad and the first lines between Watertown, Cape Vincent and Sackets Harbor and other places in that vicinity.

From Richard Palmer of Syracuse, N. Y.:



ARTICLE NO. 2

The second article concerns Madison Barracks in 1861 - a military facility at Sackets Harbor, Jefferson County, N. Y.:

OUR LAKE DEFENSES.
Wyoming County Mirror
December 18, 1861
Pg. 2 Col. 7
Vol. XIV No. 42

Friend Dudley: - As our present war has inspired with new life the old military station in this place, known as "Madison Barracks,": A brief description of the place may not be uninteresting to your readers.

The Barracks are situated about a third of a mile from the village of Sackets Harbor, on a plateau upon the South bank of Black River Bay; -and about twenty-five feet above the level of the bay. The grounds, lying between the bay and Brownville Avenue, contain some twenty acres. In the center of this enclosure, are located the officers, and soldiers quarters -consisting of three long Blocks of stone buildings a story and a half high, together forming three sides of a hollow square. This area, beautifully graded, contains about four or five acres and is used as a parade ground -from which the slope or terrace to the waterıs edge -six rods distant, is easy.

The Officers Block, directly fronting the bay and about forty rods from it, is about 440 feet in length. The interior arrangements are adapted for families and are finished up in style equal to the average of good farm houses. The chambers being attics, are lighted by windows projecting from the roof and are used for lodging rooms. The building is sufficient depth of two tiers of rooms in each story. From the extremes of this Block and at aright angles from it are extended towards the bay, the soldiers; quarters, each about 460 feet in length and fronting the parade ground. These are arranged so as to be occupied by the several companies separately. Each company, ten in all, now here, occupies a large dining hall with office, kitchen, storeroom and closets adjacent. The board for the soldiers is furnished by one of our citizens, who has placed in each kitchen two cook stoves and a male cook to each stove.

The attic, which covers the entire area over these several rooms, is used for the sleeping apartment of the company accommodated below. Each company therefore compose a separate family. The price of board as by contract with government is for each soldier thirty cents per day, and is of the most substantial kind and "well got up." The fare is said to be superior, and the whole arrangement satisfactory to all parties. Several large airy rooms have been fitted up for hospital use. Each of the blocks has a piazza on the side fronting the parade ground.

Upon the open side of the square and some three or four rods from the waterıs edge is a large commissary building, also of stone, two stories high above the basement, and 150 in length, tin roofed. - Near this is also a stone building fitted up at present for bathing, both warm and cold. A few rods distant is the hospital - a stately edifice of three stories, with two wings of one story and a half each. This structure was built at an expense of $30,000 or more; and is of elegant finish -with magnificent parlors, bath rooms, and arrangements suited to the purpose for which erected. This building is sadly out of repair and would cost a $1,000 to place it in a proper condition for use.

Besides the buildings mentioned there is of course a guard house, stone walled and tin-roofed, containing several cells in which some of he refractory "boys" have already found temporary lodgings. There are also several other buildings for armaments, both artillery and infantry, magazine, &c., &c. Upon a bluff at one corner of the grounds, and bout 25 feet above the water, is a substantial breastwork of earth, behind which lie, unmounted, about thirty cannon of various sizes, with piles of "shot and shell."

The bay at this place is a mile and a third in breadth, but soon expands to the breadth of some ten miles as it approaches lake Ontario, which is abut twelve miles distant from this place. In the direction towards the lake the view from the Barracks is beautiful, the entire distance being variegated by points of land and islands of different dimension, leaving two passages of three to six miles each, in breadth, through which the eye rests upon the broad expanse, beyond which no shore is seen. Our government might have saved thousands of dollars expense had it at an earlier day made this a recruiting depot instead of Elmira. The expense of fitting it up has been comparatively trifling, and trains of cars leave twice a day for Rome, seventy-five miles distant. The number at present enrolled in this regiment is something over six hundred; though not all yet mustered into the U.S. Service.

Here are at present several on the sick list and in the hospital, who are suffering from a fever which has for a few days past prevailed in the country adjacent. This place and vicinity is one of the healthiest locations in the State of New York; being almost wholly free from those fatal epidemics which so often prevail in different sections of the country The attending physician at the Barracks, who is also a resident physician of the place, considers the number of soldiers sick as in no greater proportion to the whole number than of persons in the country. One case in the Barracks has proved fatal -- as have several among the inhabitants in the country about here. Most of those sick however acknowledge themselves to have been careless in exposures to taking cold.

There is a chapel fitted up, at which two of the resident clergymen preach alternately once a week. It is the opinion of some that these Barracks will not again return into disuse very soon; but time will disclose.

Yours, Y.



ARTICLES NO. 3 & 4


The following articles (2) were sent to the webhost by Mr. Richard Palmer, of North Syracuse, N. Y. As I understand, Mr. Palmer researches old magazines and newspapers for historical articles about the Central and Northern New York area -- generally articles concerning early railroads, stages, canal and waterways, and other maritime affairs. Only recently, has Mr. Palmer sent me items concerning the War of 1812, etc. He has explained to me that he wants these worthy articles to be accessible to interested parties who might not ordinarily have access to such materials. (Feb. 16, 2006)

Battle of Sandy Creek
New York Times, July 7, 1889

SOME CANADIAN HISTORY

_____

A BATTLE ON LAKE ONTARIO IN 1814

THE BRITISH TROOPS BADLY BEATEN BY AN AMERICAN FLOTILLA - OFFICIAL REPORTS OF THE MATTER.

Ottawa, July 5. - Canadian historians are loth (sic) to admit the contention of American writers that the United States, in the war of 1812, maintained the sovereignty of the great inland lakes. The naval engagements on Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, as state documents show, proved the best contested of all of the engagements arising from Great Britainıs alleged attempt to interfere with American commerce on the high seas during her long and bloody war with Napoleon. If victory perched upon the American ensign in Lake Champlain and at the storming of Little York, (Toronto,) there is abundant evidence in the archives at the Canadian capital to show that the British flotilla, commanded by seamen from the Royal Navy, won laurels on more than one occasion. For many years past the Dominion Government, imbued with a patriotic sentiment, has devoted a large staff to the task of copying, both here and in England, valuable manuscripts relating to the achievements of Canadians in the war of 1812.

Canadian documents at all hazards tend to confirm the manner in which the Americans in one instance redeemed their reputation the day following the successful attack of Gen. Sir George Prevost, on Sackett's* Harbor, N.Y. The following correspondence, taken from the original manuscript, explains the affair of Sandy Creek:

Sacketts Harbor, June 1, 1814

Sir: Having obtained certain information that the enemyıs boats, with their guns and stores, had taken shelter in Sandy Creek, I proceeded to that place (having ordered Capt. Spilsbury to accompany me) and reached the entrance of it shortly after day-light yesterday morning. I landed, accompanied by Capt. Spilsbury and some of the officers, and, having reconnoitered their position, determined on an immediate attack.

The masts of their boats (consisting of eighteen) wee plainly seen over the marsh, and from their situation did not appear to be very near the woods, and their not attempting to interrupt our entry into the creek led me to hope that they were only protected by militia. This circumstance, added to the very great importance of the lading of their boats, to the equipment of their squadron, was a strong motive for me to risk the attack, not aware that they had brought their riflemen in their boats and that a body of Indians had accompanied them along the beach.

The boats advanced cautiously to within a quarter of a mile of the enemyıs, when Lieut. Cox of the Royal Marines was landed with the principal part of his men on the left bank, and Capt. Spilsbury and Lieut. Brown, with the small army party, accompanied by Lieut. McVeagh, with a few marines, were landed on the right bank. Their respective parties advances (sic) on the planks of the gunboats (which had from their fire dispersed a body of Indians) to a turning which opened the enemyıs boats to our view, when unfortunately the sixty-eight-pounder carronade, on which much depended, was disable (sic). Seeing us pulling the boat round to bring the twenty-four-pounder to bear, the enemy thought we were commencing a retreat, when they advanced with their whole force, consisting of one hundred and fifty riflemen, near two hundred Indians, and a numerous body of militia and cavalry, which soon overpowered the few men I had. Their resistance was such as I could have expected from a brave and well-disciplined body, but opposed to such numbers unavailing. Their officers set them an example honorable to themselves and worthy of a better fate. Capt. Spilsbury for a time checked the advance of the enemy by the fire he kept up with the Coharn (a field gun) and his party, and I feel much indebted to him for his conduct throughout. Lieuts. Cox and McVeagh, who nobly supported the honor of their corps, are, I am sorry to say, dangerously wounded. Our loss in killed and wounded (mostly dangerous) is great.

The winding of the creek, which gave the enemy great advantage in advancing to intercept our retreat, rendered any further perseverance unavailing, and would have subjected the men to certain death. The exertions of the American officers of the rifle corps, commanded by Major Appling, in saving the lives of many of the officers and men whom their own men and the Indians were devoting to death, were conspicuous and claim our warmest gratitude. I have the honor to be, Sir,

STEPHENÊ POPHAM, Captain Commander Sir James Yeo.
Kingston, July 2, 1814.

Sir: It is with extreme regret that I have to report to your Excellency the unfortunate result of our enterprise by the boats of our squadron under the Royal Navy, with nearly two hundred men, against a flotilla of the enemyıs craft, laden with naval stores from Oswego to Sackettıs Harbor, at Sandy Creek, from whence the stores were to have been conveyed by land to that place.

On Sunday morning, the 29th ult., a large boat, with two twenty-four pounders, and a nine-and-a-half-inch cable for the enemyıs new ship, were captured by our squadron, having sailed from Oswego the evening before with fifteen others, having on board eight or ten riflemen each. Capt. Popham was immediately sent in pursuit of the others with two gunboats and some smaller craft to cut them off from the creeks, and at night Capt. Spilsbury, with a reserve of boats, was sent in that direction also.

The enemy's flotilla having been discovered in Sandy Creek, parties were landed on each side of the river. But as the enemy was in considerable force, in riflemen and Indians as well as well as militia, I am distressed to say that not a man escaped from our brave little force, one masterıs mate and eighteen men having been killed and two officers of marines (dangerously,) and fifty men wounded.

To replace the casualties arising from which I trust your Excellency will see the necessity of hastening up the reinforcements of seamen and artificers lately arrived at Quebec in His Majestyıs ship Dover, until which time Commodore Sir Yeo intends taking out the crews of the Magnet and Hetley, except about eight hands, for the purpose of carrying supplies to the head of the lake.

Sir James Yeo intended to have changed the point of blockade to Oswego, but I have written to recommend his continuance of Sackettıs Harbor, (detaching one or two of his smaller vessels to the former place), as the confidence with which the enemy must be already possessed from their success at Sandy Creek would be considerably increased in the idea that, by the loss we sustained on the occasion, we had been driven to the necessity of raising the blockade of that all-important station, Sackettıs Harbor; and besides our communication with the head of the lake, from hence, must be considered very insecure.

My latest communications from Major. Gen. Riall are of the 27th ult. All is quiet on the Niagara frontier. The enemy at Buffalo still computed to be about 1,200. A Canadian, who returned to his farm a short time since, at Four Mile Creek, reports them, however, to be at 1,500.

I have the honor to be, Sir, your Excellency's most obedient humble servant,
GARDNER DRUMMOND, Lieutenant General.
Sir George Prevost, Commander of the forces.

Canada, though apparently a pygmy beside her mighty neighbor, has profited by the experiences of that three yearsı campaign. The exigencies of the hour led to the establishment of a militia force out of which has arisen the present militia system. Canada to-day has nearly two thousand 'regulars' and thirty-seven thousand well-trained men. On the basis of the last census, she could put in the field over one million men.

The possibility of war with the United States in the future is regarded as very remote, as each succeeding year brings with it a better feeling and better understanding between the peoples, if not between the Governments, of both countries.

*(Note: the correct spelling is Sackets Harbor).


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Proceedings of the Jefferson County Historical Society, 1895 P. 32

Mr. Nat Frame, of Belleville, N.Y., who at the present time is contributing to the Academia, a paper published by the students of Union Academy, a series of papers on the Battle of Big Sandy, kindly furnishes additional data as he has been enabled to gather from those who are now living in the vicinity of the battle.

____________________________

THE BATTLE OF SANDY CREEK,
Collected by Nat Frame.

____

THE BATTLE.

What a wealth of interesting stores of adventure and escapade during the Civil War could be obtained from the veterans of every little hamlet in the land, which ought to form the basis of a literature of more than national renown. In the households of the members of but a single regiment are related incidents that, if put in print, would form an ever-remembered picture of war times. Now we can learn facts; fifty years from now we must collect traditions.

We know but little of the occurrences of fifty years before the Civil War, because they were not personally recorded. The people of Jefferson County took an active part in the second war against Great Britain, but after the war had closed, they were too busy developing the resources of the land and the river, to write out the part they had taken in the conflict. It was not until Hough published his history, forty years after, that we find many accounts of what the inhabitants of our county did during these exciting times. Limited by space and time he could touch the topics only in a general way.

A few years later still, when, naturally, the younger element would have gathered more minutely the deeds of war, they were themselves called into action, and the stories told by their fathers gave place to remembrance of their own adventures.

The Battle of Sandy Creek was, perhaps, one of the most important and far-reaching events that ever occurred in the county, yet the knowledge of the affair among those who have always lived within a few miles of the battle-ground is very meager. Only now (P. 33) and then can anyone be found who has any definite account to relate. Being somewhat anxious to learn of this affair of local importance, the editor of this article has spent a little spare time in gathering together a few stories and traditions, which he has never seen brought together in print, and a few of which he judges never to have been published. Some may be the result of too vigorous imagination, and a few are contradictory, but all, perhaps, interesting and possibly made straight through being published.

In the spring of 1814 our government was making a great endeavor to get ready at Sackets Harbor, a fleet capable of engaging the enemyıs fleet on the lake. On the first of May, three boats, the Superior, 66 guns, the Mohawk, 44, and the Jones were waiting for their armament.

During good weather the supplies for use at Sackets harbor were brought mostly by way of Black River Valley or Redfield Woods route. At this time, however, the roads were impassable from mud, so this armament was brought from New York on boats rigged with a single mast, which was joined near the centerboard, to be lowered or raised at convenience. A foot-walk on each side gave room for men to push with poles, when going up stream. In this way they reached Rome: then by Wood Creek entered Oneida Lake and so down the Oswego River to Lake Ontario.

Escaping the British attack on Oswego, the eighteen boats set out on Saturday night, May 28th, for the mouth of Stony Creek, but were compelled, on Sunday afternoon, to row up the south branch of Big Sandy Creek. They went up nearly two miles and stopped about where the present iron bridge spans the creek. After delaying long enough to see for sure that the approaching fleet was British, Lieutenant Woolsey sent a swift Indian runner to notify Commodore Chauncey, at Sackets Harbor, of his arrival. Couriers were also dispatched to rally teams to get the stores removed by land to their destination.

Whether teams were there that day and the next is doubtful, for the freight was not yet unloaded, and they would have been of no service, but of the men, Dr. Sturdevant said:

"On Sunday an alarm was sent through the town, warning every man and boy to hasten to the landing for the British were coming. Well, we all turned out, some with guns, some with guns without locks, some with locks without any flints, others with pitchforks, etc. A motley throng - backwoodsmen, hunters, trappers and boys; a sorry-looking crowd to fight British regulars. (P.33) During Saturday night one of the American transports became separated from the rest and rowing out from the shore, was seized by the British fleet. The prize thus captured was taken into the main body of their fleet, which was watching the passage around the Henderson Points, but a small fleet of three gunboats, a cutter, and a gig were left to watch for the rest of the American boats. Sunday afternoon they followed the Americans into Sandy Creek; but relative to their movements there, are several traditions that do not agree.

Website host’s Note: The following paragraph appears to be a duplication of material from the preceding paragraph -- however, I am presenting this piece exactly as sent to me by Mr. Palmer.

(P. 34) During Saturday night one of the American transports became separated from the rest and rowing out from the shore, was seized by the British fleet. The prize thus captured was taken to the main body of their fleet, which was watching the passage around the Henderson Points, but a small fleet of three gunboats, a cutter, and a gig were left to watch for the rest of the American boats. Sunday afternoon they followed the Americans into Sandy Creek; but relative to their movements there, are several traditions that do not agree.

Mr. Kit Edmunds lived at the head of navigation on the north branch of the creek. He and a Mr. Van Wormer were rowing down the creek, intending to go up the other branch to where the American boats were, when the British fleet came upon them near the mouth. They endeavored to get away, but the shot falling pretty close, they returned and surrendered. After taking them on board, but leaving a battery of brass field pieces on the beach, the enemy left the creek and sailed north along the shore. Van Wormer would tell nothing and all they could learn from Edmunds was that "Many a bitter weed grows there, and you are likely to catch hell if you go up." Having furnished no information, the two men were carried nearly to the mouth of Stony Creek and then landed. They at once started back down the beach toward Sandy Creek. When nearly to the mouth of the creek, they met the artillery left by the British, who were going up and down the beach firing at every few rods. Van Wormer and Edmunds hid behind some brush while they went by, and then went on and up the creek.

Another report is, that during the night the British came to Edmund’s house and taking him compelled him to pilot them around the creek. After the British fleet left Edmunds and Van Wormer, it went on down to Henderson Point where a Mr. Hill then lived. Mr. Hill used to tell the story:

"British boats often came along near the shore and would frequently fire with rifles, and a number of balls were taken out of the cracks in the rocks into which water had washed them. Well, one day my wife and I were alone, when in popped some British officers. They wanted to something to eat. We kept a cow but didn’t have many luxuries, and the best my wife could give them was bread and milk. They seemed satisfied and ate heartily. When they finished, they sat down the bowls and wanted to know how much it was. My wife was pretty scared and she couldnıt make any answer. So they took out their purses and (P. 35) began throwing down gold pieces on the table, and they kept throwing them down and throwing them down until they had made what seemed to be, a pretty large pile, then turning to me they said that I was their prisoner, and that they wanted me to pilot them up to Sandy Creek. There was no getting around it, so I took them into the creek."

The lake shore near the mouth of Sandy Creek, has been the scene of a great many wrecks. From a list kindly furnished by Captain William Jenkins of Woodville, the editor finds that up to the time of the erection of the station house in 1878, eighty boats are recorded to have been driven into Mexico Bay. Of this number, forty, or one-half, were total wrecks, with a loss of life of seventy persons.

Captain Fish, of the Life-Saving Service, reports that since the founding of the station, there have been three total wrecks; the Cortez, the Ariadne, three lives lost, and the Hartford, whose crew of seven men were all lost. "Boat assistance rendered, twenty-five; assistance rendered vessels and boats entering Sandy Creek, twenty seven boats lost their bearings, etc., seven."

Several years before 1814, there had been erected just south of the mouth of the creek, a house which served as a beacon light and a place of refuge for shipwrecked sailors. The man who dwelt here, besides fishing himself, kept a sort of hotel for fishing parties. At the time of the battle, according to an old couple who lived in the same house for a number of years, it was occupied by Mr. John C. Tull and his wife. When the Americans came in, he went up the creek with them, but left his wife at the house. When the British came, they stopped and noticed some young roosters about the yard, gave her instructions to have some chickens cooked ready for them when they returned, in a short time. She told them in answer, that they might get all they wanted of something besides chickens up the creek.

Entering the house, the British officers ordered the landlord to set before them the choicest liquors they had; and while seated at the table enjoying their drink, they plied him with questions relating to the condition and amount of stores up the creek. Landlord Lawrence, who had been employed at various times, at the landing, in assisting in stowing away the supplies, was enabled to answer questions satisfactorily.

"Are there any soldiers there to guard the stores?" demanded the lieutenant. "No" was the reply. "They are in charge of a (P. 36) deputy commissary, assisted only by two or three hired men.” “Are you sure there are no soldiers there?" "Certainly I am, for it’s scarcely three hours since I returned from the landing, and the only persons then there were those I have mentioned. "Well, my man, you must go aboard with us, and pilot us to the place, and mind ye, if you lied to us, we will hang you to the first three (sic) there. " I have no objection to piloting you, gentlemen," returned Lawrence, "but that is scarcely necessary, as there is enough water all the way to the landing to float the largest boat in your fleet; you have only to sail up the south branch, and the stores you are in search of are on the first solid ground you will reach."

Satisfied with these words, the officers returned to the schooner. But to prevent his escape, in case he had deceived them, they took his boats with him, and proceeded on their way.

Lawrence had answered truly so far as he knew. But the attack on Sackets Harbor had aroused the country, and every man capable of bearing arms was on the alert. The progress of the British fleet had been watched from all the headlands; and when it was seen to start toward the mouth of Sandy Creek, fleet horsemen were sent out to spread the alarm. Bodies of militia on their way to the Harbor, turned back at the tidings, and hastened toward the threatened point (Dr. S. Compton Smith.)

_______

Sunday night the British fleet lay off the shore, but about sunrise moved into the creek. "Monday was a bright, beautiful morning. The air was balmy, and stillness sat upon stream, marsh, and wood. After they entered the creek, a halt was ordered, and an inspection made of the condition of things at the landing. Not a man, however, was to be seen. Nothing but the American flag proudly floating in the breeze above the tree-tops. the order to advance was then given. In a moment canvas was spread and all sail set. The bans of music filled the air with lively strains and slowly they moved up the creek. Their gay uniforms - red coats, gilt buttons, and white belts - and the bright guns and bayonets gleaming in the morning sun, gave a splendid appearance as they approached the American lines."

The Mr. Hill of whom we have already spoken, piloted the enemy into the creek. he said that as soon as they were inside they began firing their cannon, but far too high. He could see limbs breaking off the trees and knew that no damage was being done.

When within a little distance of their embarking place, he was (P. 37) taken below and put in chains. Finally they halted and the soldiers landed. Suddenly a sharp firing was heard but it soon subsided. Pretty soon word came on board to surrender, but some of the sailors still endeavored to get overboard the cannon and, he thought, did pry over several.

A light firing continued, but not long afterward he heard Capt. Gad Ackley order the Indians to cease firing, but the old chief grunted out in answer, “Oh, Buffalo, Buffalo, me remember Buffalo." Mr. Hill thought that some of the Indians were in the swamp on the south side.

Capt. Gad Ackley and his company of Ellisburgh militia arrived just after the surrender. The Indians were paying no attention to it, and Ackley, taking in the situation, rode his horse through the creek and threatened the Chiefıs life if he did not stop their firing.

"Among the wounded was a huge negro as black as the ace of spades, who was reeling on the ground and groaning at a fearful rate. Being asked if he was wounded, he said, "Yes, I am almost killed." "Where are you wounded?" was the next question. He replied, "I am hurt so bad that I cannot tell where I am hurt the worst." His clothing was stripped off and his body examined. It was a ruse; he was not hurt at all. A few sharp words from the officer, and a few applications of the toe of his boot, brought the negro to his feet, who dressed himself and took his place among the prisoners."

Totally unlike this one, was the negro who was killed trying to get the guns overboard.

"While the prisoners were being mustered preparatory to the march towards Sackets Harbor, the following amusing and characteristic incident occurred. The officers were furnished wagons, but the private soldiers and sailors were to follow on foot under a sufficient guard. Among the last was a large, burly, double-fisted John Bull, whose form had been conspicuous during the fight, and who was a brave fellow.

Though a prisoner, this huge sailor had not surrendered; and with a dogged sullenness, he swore that no live Yankee should for him to march. Hearing this, a young farmer lad, not large, but compactly built, who was sergeant of the guard, stepped up to the sullen fellow and good-naturedly, requested him to fall into place, adding: “You are among friends now, Jack, whatıs the use of being obstinate? Move along old fellow.ı The sailor, casting upon the stripling a look of genuine English scorn, whipped his knife from its sheath, and aimed a fierce and deadly blow at his breast.

The sergeant, seeing mischief in the sailorıs eye, was on (P. 38) his guard, and springing aside, avoided the blow; then throwing his musket to the ground, he struck the Englishman a blow that felled him to the ground. The sailor was taken by storm, and rising slowly, with an expression of surprise, and muttering something about the kick of a jack-ass, took his place among the prisoners with the most perfect submission

__________

Webhost’s Note: The following genealogy entry was included as sent to me by Mr. Palmer. I have not altered the margins or wording in any way.

 

 

Here is some material on the Appling family Descendants of John (Jr.) Appling

 

Generation No. 1

1. JOHN (JR.)6 APPLING (JOHN (SR.)5, THOMAS4, RICHARD3, RICHARD2,
RICHARD1) was born Abt. 1754 in Amelia County, VA, and died Abt. 1809 in
Columbia County, GA. He married (1) REBECCA CARTER. She died December
03, 1788. He married (2) ELEANOR DORSETT NAYLOR September 21, 1797 in
Columbia County, GA. She died Abt. 1838.

Notes for JOHN (JR.) APPLING:

Census: 1820 Columbia County GA - page 31
Elinor Appling 26-44
1 female 45-over
9 slaves
Census: 1830 Columbia County GA
Eleanor Appling 40-49
9 slaves

Member of House of Representatives of GA which created County of

Columbia and the county seat was named "Appling" in his honor. Pvt GA
troops and granted land for services. Member of Constitutional
Convention from Richmond County GA 1782-1784: John Appling, Register of
Probate, Richmond County GA, resigned 7/25/1784, just as land grants
were beginning. John Appling was certified as a refugee soldier by
Benjamin Few, 2/25/1784. 1785-1789: John was Quartermaster General of
Georgia. In 1790, the county of Columbia was created from Richmond
County. Appling was the county seat.
As a member of the legislature, John Appling, stoutly resided the Yazoo
Fraud. 1793-1799: Name of John Appling appears on the Plotter of the
Treasurer of Georgia as one of the money lenders to the State of Georgia.
WILL OF JOHN APPLING, ESQUIRE - COLUMBIA COUNTY GA 1803-21 VOLUME H PAGE
177
Registered 4th Dec 1809
I, John Appling, being weak of body do constitute, make and ordain
this to be my last will and testament in the manner and form following.
Viz.
Item. It is my will and pleasure that my estate be kept together until
all my just debt are paid. After that my whole estate both real and
personal I wish to be equally divided between my beloved wife, Eleanor,
my son, Daniel, and my daughter, Rebekkah, share and share alike.
I do hereby nominate Peter Crawford to be executor of this my last
will and testament, hereby revoking and annulling all former wills made
by me.
Signed, sealed and published and pronounced in the present of
Elizabeth Wynne, Thomas Goodwin, A. Hampton.
signed John Appling (his mark)
Below his name his usual signature - J. Appling
Columbia County GA - Will Book W page 413
....I, Eleanor D. Appling, of the County of Columbia....being weak of
body...
Item:...the whole of my personal estate, consisting of the following
negroes to wit - Phebe, a woman and her increase, George, a boy, Nelson,
a boy, and Darcus, a girl, unto my cousin, Fedelia Jane Dozier...I do
....
hereby appoint my friend Green J. Dozier Executor .... Witnesses: A. L.
Collins Jno A. Staples
Will registered November 14, 1838

 

More About JOHN (JR.) APPLING:

Burial: Garden, Columbia County, GA
Children of JOHN APPLING and REBECCA CARTER are:
i. REBECCA CARLOS7 APPLING, b. Bef. 1787, Richmond County, GA; m.
CHARLES STEWART, September 20, 1835, Columbia County, GA.

Notes for REBECCA CARLOS APPLING:

Census: 1820 Columbia County GA page 31
Rebecca Appling 26-44
12 slaves
Census: 1830 Columbia County GA page 345
Rebecca Appling 30-39
1 female 10-14
16 slaves 9 males - 7 females
Census: 1840 NEEDED
Census: 1850 NEEDED [7 Charles Stewart - none with wife Rebecca]
Marriage: Columbia County GA - Book B (1829-1852) page 65

 

ii. COL DANIEL APPLING, b. August 25, 1787, Richmond County, GA; d.
March 18, 1817, Fort Montgomery, Montgomery Co., AL.

Notes for COL DANIEL APPLING:

Little is known of the early life of Daniel. He was only an infant when his mother died, and his grandmother died two years later, but his father had two sisters. But we are told that he received the best education the period could afford. One writer said Daniel Appling graduated from West Point at the age of eighteen but no record can be located. He did receive military training somewhere as he did serve with distinction in War of 1812. Daniel Appling served as recruiting officer at Fort Hawkins in present day Macon GA and recruited some of his Appling and Green cousins.



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Results of Mr. Palmer's research about Major Robert Carr and his command of War of 1812 posts along the Northern Frontier -- a Biography and Diary.

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Three articles about Stage Driver Aaron Kirk sent by Richard Palmer in June of 2011:

Has Driven 254,082 Miles

Veteran of the Road

Oldest Surviving Stage Driver In U.S.
  Celebrates 90th Birthday in Auburn

Richard Palmer's newspaper research:

Maritime Memories (50 articles)
Railroad Lore & Data
Stories by Bertrande -- A Syracuse (NY)Post-Standard Columnist
The Stages
Waterways & Canals (New York State)
Miscellaneous Items of Historical Value
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