THE SWEET BROTHERS IN THE PATRIOT WAR
(My Great-Grandmother's Brothers)
Four Articles by Ernest Cook
A little known War took place in Canada in the year 1838 -- one involving many men (even one woman) from Northern New York, surrounding counties, and a few other states. It has been only recently that I found the fact that my great-grandmother, Minerva Sweet Hosner, had two brothers who were involved in this War -- one of them was executed at Kingston, Ontario. Elsewhere on this website are many articles which will explain the war more fully. The articles found in a scrapbook at the Flower Memorial Library at Watertown, N. Y., were written by L. N. Fuller and presented in the Watertown Daily Times in 1923. Mr. John B. Johnson, editor of the WDT, gave me permission to use the Fuller articles on this website. However, also in the scrapbook were four additional articles relevant to the Sweet brothers. Those articles have been reproduced and appear below. Surely, this informatiion will broaden the reader's understanding of life in Jefferson County (NY) and its neighboring counties in the years not far removed from our own Revolutionary War.
A sincere thank you goes to Terry Mandigo and Alice Corbett, volunteers at Flower Memorial (Watertown) for their help in procuring legible copies of the material.
By Shirley Conklin Farone
June 13, 2000
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Old Papers Recall Theresa
Man's Part In Patriot War
Include Pardon for William Sweet, Signed by Queen Victoria--Youthful Soldier
By ERNEST G. COOK
Herewith The Times presents Part One of a series of articles by Ernest G. Cook on the life of William D. Sweet of Theresa, who fought in the Patriot War and the Civil War.
Part One
In looking through some old papers that have come down through the years in their family, Sidney Sweet of this village came upon some letters* written by his father, William D. Sweet, when William was in the Union Army during the Civil War. Also, among these papers were other records* of interest, for William D. Sweet had a most eventful life, colorful with adventures in two wars and some of the experiences he went through in his youth were exciting enough for a whole life-time. It was William D. Sweet who, from his dungeon-cell in old Fort Henry at Kingston, Ont., glued his eye to a little peek-hole he had made, to get a little hint of what was going on in the prison yard. It was from this peekhole that he saw his older brother, Sylvanus Sweet, led out, with others towards the grim scaffold. William shuddered, as he saw the little procession going out, for he knew what it meant. Four days before he had watched from that same peek-hole and saw Count Nils Szolrereky Van Schoultz, leader in the Patriot war and his staff, mount the same scaffold and give their lives for what they had thought to be a helpful cause. William knew that his brother was to face the same fate and turned aside, feeling that he might be the next to go. But there is a paper in the possession of the Sweet family of today that meant much for William D. Sweet when he was still a youth in the dungeon of Old Fort Henry. The paper is a pardon for William Sweet from Queen Victoria.
William D. Sweet was born among the Thousand Islands. His parents resided on Wells Island at the time of his birth, August 30, 1818. There he began his eventful life amid the stirring events of the islands during the time when much was taking place on the international border. Later his parents removed to the town of Alexandria near the village of Plessis. His was the life of a lad of the pioneer days and he was a hunter of no mean ability. Later came days at work on the farm with snatches of schooling at the Plessis school. Always of an adventurous nature and always ready to help where help was needed, be the danger what it might, Sweet became somewhat of a leader.
In much the same way, the older brother, Sylvanus, grew into manhood. Probably William was greatly influenced by his older brother and was always ready to lend a helping hand to any needy cause.
About this time there came a teacher to the Plessis school by the name of Hiram Hovey. This teacher had in him the spirit of freedom and gloried in the fact that the people of the United Colonies had bravely fought for, and won their freedom. He rejoiced greatly in the success of the United States in the war of 1812. He often said the war ended too soon and that Canada should have joined in and won her freedom at the same time. All this greatly interested the Sweet boys, who were patriots ready to defend their country. Often, in their home, the boys would ponder the words of their war-like teacher when the question of American freedom was discussed. The Sweet boys lived in their fancy the injustice of the manner in which the people of America had to live before they bravely succeeded in throwing off British rule. This fancy grew stronger and stronger in their breast until they were ready to fight if need be, to free any and all people.
To (several words unclear) ---ouldering flame within their breasts there came into Plessis one day a man with fiery-red hair and beard who talked long with the school master. He went away in quite the same mysterious manner in which he came and nothing more was thought of the matter. But this man returned and again had a long conference with Hiram Hovey, the school master. Later there came a mysterious gathering and William D. Sweet wondered what it was all about. Then one day the school master called the Sweet brothers (sic) one side and sounded them out as to how they would stand on a certain matter. Finding, as he was sure he would, that they were in perfect sympathy and full accord with him in the matter, he gave them the plan that was being worked out. Doubtless the Sweet brothers were much influenced by the acts of their teacher, whom they greatly admired. Later, they were further led along by some words of the red-headed and red-bearded man who had made some previous calls at Plessis.
According to the school master this stranger who had made a few calls upon them was none other than William Lyon McKenzie, a Scotchman was a fiery a temper as his hair was red and who had the spirit of liberty in every drop of his blood. The school master also said that McKenzie had a great and bold plan. It was to free Canada when the proper time should come. That McKenzie was working in secret on both sides of the border line to bring this freedom about. That others were working with him, the number being much greater than people even dreamed of. In fact few people had any true idea of what was going on. That down in lower Canada there was a leader and worker by the name of Louis Joseph Papineau who was doing the same work that McKenzie was doing in upper Canada. That everything was being made ready for the day when conditions would be most favorable and at that time there would come the secret signal and over night Canada would be free. The plan took in liberty loving people in the United States, men ready to do and dare for a brother, no matter if he did live across the international border line. It might be months, maybe years before the signal came, but everything was being made ready and when it came there would be one of the greatest surprises the world had ever known. That all who helped in such a great undertaking would be counted heroes and their names would be handed down through all history as leaders of a great and grand crusade. The Sweet boys were inspired by such words and were ready to go anywhere and do anything to help such a glorious undertaking.
But the school master explained still further. He said that all along the border were hundreds, yea, thousands, that wanted to help in this undertaking and were waiting for proper leadership to lead them on. That the plan evolved was to make use of this aid of so many freemen in America. They were doing in their communities what was to be done at Plessis.
In order not to arouse any suspicion in the minds of any body there had been worked out the scheme of secret lodges in about every community. These secret organizations were to be known as a Hunter lodge. It was to be told that they were organizations for those who liked to hunt, of which there was much to do in the wilderness lands bordering the settlements. That it was a social gathering of men mutually minded in the taking of wild animals and game of all kinds. That they could gather in this manner without any body mistrusting what was going on. Further, they would do a certain amount of target shooting to perfect them for the warfare, but to the public this practice work would be to perfect them in the better getting of game. As the Sweet brothers were good hunters and good shots, the school master argued and rightly, too, that the neighbors would think it only natural to have them join such an organization. And the Sweet brothers were only too happy to enroll. Theirs was the great mission to free the down trodden. With Sylvanus Sweet enrolled, it was but natural that the younger brother, William D. Sweet, some 17 years of age, should most willingly go in as a member.
And so during the weeks and months the members of the Hunter's lodge of Alexandria trained as expert marksmen. This was in the year 1837 that the lodge held its secret meetings and did much of its target shooting. The school master, whose home was in the town of Lyme, was active in his own town in getting a lodge started. His absence from Plessis did not matter so much now that the Plessis lodge was under full steam ahead. McKenzie made a call or two at Plessis and stopped at the home of the Sweet brothers and told that the organization had grown in a most wonderful manner. He was sure that when the proper time came they could do almost anything. He advised the continued training. And in the training Sylvanus Sweet stood out from all others in his ability as a marksmen. He was considered one of the best men with a gun in all the north. It was said that his record surpassed that of any member of any lodge in the United States. William was not far behind his brother in the ability to handle a gun. It was said that to give the Sweet brothers an even break with any foe their chances would be almost 100 per cent sure of a victory. No one could hope to stand before their deadly aim.
The school master confided in the Sweet brothers one sorrowing fact. It was the problem of what he was to do with Mollie Hustis. For he was dead in love with pretty Mollie Hustis and he was sure that Mollie was equally wrapped up in him. If the secret signal should come to the lodges to march away to battle he hardly knew what to do about Mollie. For Mollie had said she would not remain behind. She declared she would put on boys' clothes and march away with her lover. When the signal came that November day not a few in the company wondered about the fair youth who was carrying a gun beside Hiram Hovey. They never dreamed that the beardless youth was Hiram's sweetheart, Mollie.
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Part Two of the Cook Articles follows:
Here's the second article concerning William and Sylvanus Sweet -- found in the Patriot War Notebook at Flower Memorial Library. As of May 2003, I am happy to have in my hands all four articles written by Mr. Ernest G. Cook in April and May of 1930. My deepest gratitude goes to Terry Mandigo and Alice Corbett of the Genealogy Dept. of Flower Memorial Library for their help in locating these articles and the dates on which they were appeared in the "Watertown Daily Times."
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Theresa Men Take Part in Battle of the Wind Mill
Sylvanus and William Sweet, Among American Riflemen
Who Gave a Good Account of Themselves at Prescott--
Both Were Tried at Kingston Following Capture.
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By ERNEST G. COOK
Herewith The Times presents one of a series of articles by Ernest G. Cook on the life of William D. Sweet of Theresa, who fought in the Patriot war and the Civil war. II Before following the adventures of Sylvanus and William Sweet, in their march that November day in their ill-fated expedition to free a neighboring people, or of the school-master Hiram Hovey and his devoted sweetheart, Mollie Hustis, clad in soldier clothes and bearing a gun, let us note the early days of the Sweet family in America. Back before the days of the French and Indian wars, there set sail from the shores of Wales three brothers, all bound for America. Two of the brothers decided to remain in New England and made settlement there. The third brother, William Sweet, was sure the older settlement of Canada offered a better place. So in Canada he located and he and his wife were feeling quite content when the French and Indian war broke out. The English emigrant felt quite secure in his land, but he did not know the nature of the Indians very well. There came a day when a band of Indians for some reason or another made an attack on the settlement where was located the Sweet home and in the mad butchery left many a home desolate. One of the places entered was the Sweet home and Mrs. Sweet was struck down and scalped and the party moved on. The blighted home was none too friendly after that with the Red men and a son of the pioneer from Wales, named after his father, William D. Sweet, decided he would locate on what he thought was a safer land. He came across the boundary line and settled among the Thousand Islands. He married Susannah Wells and to them were born eight children. The first baby, a girl, was named Lavina and the second child, also a girl, was named Maria. The third was a boy bearing the name of Samuel, and now enters Sylvanus as the fourth child in the family life. The fifth child was given the name that had been handed down in the family for years, that of William D. Sweet. These are the two boys who appear in this story and who became members of the Hunter lodge in Plessis. There were three other children of whom mention will be made later. (Note: Mr. Cook failed to return to mentioning the three other children. This researcher tried to find if Mr. Cook's notes were preserved and was told that his wife had destroyed a good amount of them.) William D. Sweet of Plessis told of his first visit to Theresa and the impression the settlement made upon his mind. When he was ten years old he was permitted to travel to Theresa with his father and he saw all the strange sights through boyish eyes. He saw the new mills, for this was in 1828, heard the hum of the wood-working machines and all of that. But the impression most lasting was the coming up of the big hill into the village, now known as the Sand Hill, where the high school is located, and noticing the big pine tree that stood just to the right of the road at the brink of the hill. It seemed so big, tall and straight. And the fact that made it still more remarkable was there was a big bear-skin nailed to the tree. This told its own story that there were bears about and also hunters. The tree crashed down some 15 or more years ago in a wind and ice-storm. When the members of the Hunter lodge of Plessis got the secret signal to form and march away to Canada, the men gathered at nightfall and after dark to slip away with the greatest caution out from the little hamlet. At the central point they began to meet men from other localities. There were members from Oxbow, Orleans, Redwood, Lyme--in fact most of the border towns. Sylvanus Sweet carried probably one of the best guns in the entire company and he was relied upon to give a good account of his service for he was also the best sharpshooter in the assemblying hosts. The story of the efforts of that little company, brave and probably well meaning in their efforts, have been told and retold. The plans miscarried and the bungles and the failure of cooperation upon the part of those who had promised support, are all too well known to be repeated. However, we want to follow for a little the efforts of William D. Sweet and his older brother, Sylvanus. After the little company of Americans discovered that their plan of a surprise attack had failed and that they had been deserted by the very men upon whom they most relied, there was nothing to do but to shut themselves up in the old windmill at Prescott and hope and pray for themselves. One thing they were quite sure of, as events began to turn out. (sic) There had been a spy among their number in some of the Hunter lodges in the states. They could account for their failure to surprise the government forces in no other way. Also they had been badly misinformed as to the sentiment in Canada in regard to their fighting for freedom. Now that the little company was cooped up and trapped in this old windmill they must sell their lives dear, or surrender upon the mercy of the government forces. They concluded to fight for a time, at least. In this small company of brave men none was said to be more brave than the beardless youth who fought by the side of schoolmaster Hovey and seemed not to fear the onslaughts of the government troops. It was plain from the very first that it was to be an unequal fight. The little company in the windmill saw British veterans form and advance towards them. Also there were companies of Canadian militia and not a few of the Scotch �Kilties� were in the fray. Of course the troops could make but little impression against the stone walls of the mill, but there came a time where there was some different kind of fighting. Planting their guns the British opened a furious cannonade. With such methods it seemed to the little company from the Hunter lodges that they were fighting a losing cause. Besides, as time went by, the food they had taken into the mill was growing less and less and would soon be exhausted. Likewise their supply of lead bullets was about used up. It surely told that the end was not far off. But all this time there was one man who was giving a good account of himself. Up in the top of the building there seemed to be one sharpshooter, who with unerring aim, was picking off some of the best commanding officers of the advancing forces. The government forces soon noticed that with clock-like regularity a gun would crack from a port-hole on that top floor and always some man would drop dead. Generally it would be some commanding officer whom they could ill-afford to lose. Hour after hour the gun on the top floor barked out its death message, if there were any soldiers in sight. The government forces vowed that when the company was captured inside the walls there was one man who ought to suffer. When the company from the windmill sent out a truce and asked for terms, Sylvanus and William D. Sweet were still in good fighting trim. It was known to the Americans that Sylvanus Sweet was the man on the top floor who did so much damage to the government forces. The men who surrendered were marched to old Fort Henry at Kingston. Sylvanus Sweet still defiant. It was said that School-master Hovey had fallen in the fight and was buried in the trenches at Prescott. By his side had fallen the fair youth -- his sweet-heart, it was said, and she had been buried at his side. When the trial took place at Fort Henry, the Americans saw that it was just a matter of form. They reported that the whole proceedings was largely a farce with the fate of the prisoners settled before the court started. In the court-marshal Officer Brewster was Judge Advocate. He had seven field officers and seven captains of the line around the table with him. William D. Sweet and his chum, Nelson Truax, used to tell that it was a holiday event for the officers. They had plenty of drinks to cheer them on and the work of dealing out death sentences was just a matter of detail. Most of the company expected that the leaders would be given a death sentence, but they were not sure about the rank and file. They might escape with a lighter sentence. Again, as the court marshal proceeded, it was apparent that there had been a spy in some of the Hunter lodges for the government seemed to have a record of the men and the proceedings of different meetings on the American side. When Sylvanus Sweet was accused of being the man who caused so much destruction in the government troops at the battle of the Windmill, he would not deny the charge. He faced his accusers with a boldness that almost awed them. He was asking for no mercy. He was still a fighter. About this time some of the officials on the American side who were known as men of the finest repute, began to make an effort to save the lives of some of the Americans whom they said were misguided by their leaders from the Canadian side, and ought to be shown mercy. Note: This article appeared in the Watertown Daily Times on Friday, 2 May 1930, 11:4-6 _____________________________________________________________________________________ Here's the third article concerning William and Sylvanus Sweet -- found in the Patriot War Notebook at Flower --
published on unknown date by the Watertown Daily Times (Watertown, N. Y.).
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Sweet Pardoned For Part In
Revolt But Brother Is Hung
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Plessis Man Returns Home and Decides to Forget the Patriot War -- Marries and Settles Down But Joins Forces
When Civil War Breaks Out -- Second Brother Dies While in Army.
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By ERNEST G. COOK
Herewith The Times presents one of a series of articles by Ernest G. Cook on the life of William D. Sweet of Theresa, who fought in the Patriot war and the Civil war.
III
But strong leaders on the American side began to make a vigorous attempt to secure a pardon for the men of Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties. So strongly did they plead their cause and so well did they show that many of these men were mis-informed and mis-guided, that pardons began to be given out for certain of the Americans.
At this time it is stated that Sir Allen McNab, grand master of all the Orangemen of all of British North America, put in a protest as to the pardon of Sylvanus Sweet. He contended that the death of Lieut. Col. Gowan should be accounted for. It was McNab's contention, so it is stated, that the most of the Canadian troops in that fray were soldiers known as the Queen's Royal Borders and that they came from the pick of the Orange lodges of that portion of Canada. That the officer shot was one of their finest men and the forces under his command demanded the death of Sweet. It is stated that McNab also told the officers at Fort Henry that if Sylvanus Sweet was not hanged that he, McNab, would call in his clansmen and march upon Fort Henry himself and when they left there would not be one stone on another. This seemed to seal the fate of Sylvanus Sweet. To make it even more certain Sylvanu (sic) did not attempt to deny any of the shooting. If he had put some of the blame upon some dead comrade he might have been permitted to go. But he calmly admitted all and calmly awaited his fate. The officers at the fort seemed to waver a little in their action because of the strong pressure brought to bear upon them from the American side. It is told that Sylvanus Sweet admitted all the charges brought against him and even went further. He told that it was he who fired the shot at Col. Dundas. That seemed to about settle the matter as far as Sylvanus was concerned.
It was not (sic) wonder that William D. Sweet and Nelson Truax felt strangely sad that morning as they heard sounds in the prison yard that seemed to come from about the gallows. They wondered who next was to go. They had seen four days before Count Von Schoultz and his staff taken out where they paid with their lives the error of a mis-guided judgment. And now, with the stir that was being made in the yard, the eyes of William D. Sweet and Nelson Truax went to the peep-hole and remained there until they saw two men appear. The two who were being led to the gallows were Sylvanus Sweet and his friend, Joel Peleer (sic) from Watertown. The brother within the prison knew what was to take place and shuddered and withdrew from the lookout as he saw the playmate and friend of all his boyhood days ascend the platform. It was this brother, who had helped him over many a rough place and he soon was to be no more. For aught William D. Sweet and Nelson Truax knew they too might be the next to be taken out. Maybe their time on earth was short and their friends back in Plessis would know them no more.
It was never generally told, it is stated, but according to information in the Sweet family the remaining prisoners in Fort Henry would not have been there much longer if events had not happened as they did. In a few days came the pardon from Queen Victoria of a number of prisoners. Among the number pardoned were William D. Sweet and his companion.
But if the pardon had not come when it did there probably would have been some trouble within the prison walls. Most of the prisoners were satisfied that they were facing death and had about concluded to sell their lives dearly in an effort to escape. It is told that they had their plans all made. That a certain amount of work had been carried on in digging under the walls so that in a few more days there probably would have been an attempt to break prison with the chances being very good for the escape of some, at least.
When on April 8, 1939 (sic), a British vessel appeared off Sackets Harbor there were a number of Americans interested. Some on the shore who had heard the news were awaiting the landing of the boat. On the ship were 22 Americans who held pardons from the government of Canada. The home land looked pretty good to the Americans and the people of Sackets Harbor gave them a royal welcome. But William D. Sweet had little heart for feasting or for joy making. He was thinking of his brother, so young and full of life, struck down and sleeping in a trench in the prison cemetery. He himself had come too close to death to get very joyous over any of the welcome proceedings.
As soon as possible he was back home in Plessis and determined to settle down to the quiet life of a home maker. He had seen enough of war. He learned the carpenter and joiner trade and became quite successful in his work. He married Hannah Hosner and they established a home in Plessis. They were contented with their home and family and seldom did Mr. Sweet speak of his experiences in old Fort Henry. Hannah Hosner had some family history that was quite thrilling. Back in their family record mother was scalped by the Indians. Stories of the Indians formed some of the tales told about the family fireside when the children were growing up.
But the peaceful land of the United States seemed to be facing trouble. After the election of Lincoln came the threat of the South and it looked as if there would be more fighting. Everybody thought that William D. Sweet had seen enough of fighting and none could blame him if he did not volunteer at the start. But his old friend, Nelson Truax came along and they talked the matter over. It looked as if their country needed them. If Uncle Sam needed help they were not afraid to go. So later these two men, comrades in battle for what they supposed was for the freedom of their brothers, and comrades in a prison dungeon, enlisted in the Union army. Sweet was to be the drummer of the company. Later he became a corporal in his company which was Company F of the Tenth New York Heavy artillery.
The spirit of that which sent William D. Sweet into the Union cause was working in the family and a brother came foward to join in the ranks. Thus William D. Sweet was again going to fight for the cause of liberty and again he had a brother to join him. Doubtless had Sylvanus been alive he would have joined, for he had the same spirit as the others and was ready to give his life if need be for his country. When William D. Sweet marched away he hoped that in someway (sic) he could have the brother who was to join them kept from harm and brought back to the family.
Down in Dixie Land the brother was taken ill and ordered to the hospital where he lay sick for sometime (sic) with the measles, having the disease quite hard. When he rejoined his company he was in a very weakened condition but ready to answer to duty. Almost the first night it came his turn to go on guard. Lieut. Watson came at once to speak out for the help of the soldier in such a weakened condition to go on sentry duty in the night when it was hardly fit for a well man to be out. A cold rain was falling which would wet a person through in no time and chill them to the bone. Mr. Watson contended the soldier would catch cold, for he had not yet recovered sufficiently to stand such hardships. He asked that the turn be changed so that Sweet could go on sentry duty at some later date. But the captain was strong for discipline and felt that he wanted no favoritism shown. He would not change the order and Sweet was the kind of a fellow who would not ask for favors. He stood sentry duty in the rain and caught a cold that sent him back to the hospital and this time never to return. It was just as Mr. Watson feared.
Again William D. Sweet saw a second brother go from him in a way that did not improve his idea of the justice of things. He had other things in mind, also. Let us look at a letter or two he wrote home.
*Note: Those letters and records did not appear with the article.
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Here's the fourth article concerning William and Sylvanus Sweet, of Patriot War (1838) fame. The articles, written by Ernest G. Cook, appeared in late April and early May of 1930 in the �Watertown Daily Times,� Jefferson County, N. Y. My deepest gratitude goes to Terry Mandigo and Alice Corbett of the Genealogy Dept. of Flower Memorial Library for their help in locating the two articles which I had so much difficulty in finding. All four of the series can be read by returning to my Index of Patriot War articles.
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Old Letters Describe Life
In Army During Civil War
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William D. Sweet, Writing From Southern Camp, Confident ___________ By ERNEST G. COOK Herewith The Times presents one of a series of articles by Ernest G. Cook on the life of William D. Sweet IV Extracts from two or three letters, written by William D. Sweet while he was in the Union army during the Civil war, may give a little picture of army life in its every day activities. No effort will be made to picture the usual battle scenes, but the side, little told about in a soldier�s life will be given. The side of their life that doesn�t often get into print, but was often the largest part of their experience. Mr. Sweet had a warm friend in the hose section by the name of Jackson Makepeace. Many a person in northern New York knew Mr. Makepeace. He became a leader in the milling industry and at one time Snell & Makepeace were the pioneers in the making of roller flour and had the largest mill of its kind north of the old Central tracks. Their mill was located in Theresa. But at the time of the war Mr. Makepeace was in Plessis. Extracts from one of the letters follow: �Fort Meigs, Dec. 5, 1862. �Mr. Jackson Makepeace. :Dear friend: �I received your letter of Oct. 30. I was very much pleased to hear from you. I have always taken you to be my sincere friend. To hear from such ones does me good. I am as well as usual. I hope these lines will find you all well. �Solomon is with me. He is well. A. D. Rundlet and William Forbes left us Monday for the hospital. They are not so sick but they can help themselves. They have better cars there than can be had here. It has left Solomon and I in the tent alone. Samuel Miller stays nights with us. �We have had two deaths in our company in two days. Their names are Ebgert Stears and Byron Van Tassel. The rest of our company are as well as usual. We have been somewhat neglected. In the first place at Sackets Harbor, they put 2500 men in the barracks when it was not made for half of that number. It was not fit for any person to live in. They have brought us here with no doctor. Some have lain in their tents sick for three days or a week before they get to a hospital to be doctored. It is just neglect for they must know that there would be some sickness. I think we will stay here till spring, perhaps longer, if the
Union Army Making Good Gains -- Returns to Plessis
After War and in Later Years Visits Scenes of Early
Adventures in Canada.
of Theresa, who fought in the Patriot war and the Civil war.
�We had a little fun here Tuesday. We could not think of letting the day pass without voting. I proposed to John Vandeburg to have a vote on the governor at home. We stood as follows: In Fort Meigs, for Wadsworth 53; Seymour 8. In Fort Dupont, Wadsworth 35 and Seymour 14. That makes in our company a majority of 65 for Wadsworth. You can see for yourself how the Democrats sustain our army. That is Buchannan Democrats. I claim there should be a distinction. I think there are Union Democrats and Buchannan Democrats.
�The weather is wild here, much like September at home. There has been but a very little frost here. The roads are good. The war news is favorable. We have all the passes. Our army is advancing. We are in better condition than ever. It will not be the fault of the soldiers if we don�t succeed in subduing the Rebels. There is one thing I would like to know. How a man like Jason Clark can vote for a man like Seymour who has done nothing to put down the war. If our New York army could have been at home and voted there would have been a different majority in New York state. But some day we will be home to fight the rebels.
�You said it was lonesome there. We feel lonesome here. To leave our families and friends is a great undertaking. It would be very agreeable to me to see and to talk with my family. But it is a great privilege to write. I have heard that some of my folks are sick and that they have sent for the doctor.
�Jackson, I feel very bad over the loss of my little girl at home. Otherwise, I feel like helping to put down this rebellion. Give my best regards to all of my friends. I have a poor place to write.
�From your sincere friend.
"William D. Sweet.�
These letters are all written upon paper that is as white and crisp today as the time it was written some 70 years ago. The ink has not faded hardly any and the writing shows that the writer took considerable care in his penmanship. On one of the letters written by William D. Sweet is a page given over to Solomon Makepeace to write and we give a little of what Solomon has to say. He too is at Fort Meigs. He says:
�Dear brother:
�I will try and write a few lines as William has left some room for me. First, I must tell you that I have been very sick since William Forbes left, but am better now and I think I will get along if I don�t have a pull back.
�Yesterday, the paymaster was here and paid off the company up to the 30th day of Oct. (This was written Dec. 18.) Those who had enlisted after August 22nd was not paid to that date, so I only received one month�s pay as I enlisted after the 22nd of Aug. He says I will get my full pay next time. The first of Jan. I will receive $42. I am going to send five dollars home to Lucinda and have got to buy a pair of boots which will take another five dollars. I will keep the balance because I don�t know how long I may be sick and I am sure that what I eat I shall have to buy. I bought a chicken the other day for three shillings and they said they sold it to me one shilling less than what it was worth because I was sick.
�S. Makepeace�
On Christmas day, a year after -- it was in 1863, William writes another letter to Jackson Makepeace. He starts his letter in the old time way of �the pen in hand� style. He says.
�Dear friend:
�I now take my pen in hand to write a few lines to you. I am well at present and hope these few lines will find you all well. I am glad that Solomon has reached home. I think that is the place for him, and have thought so for sometime. I think Dr. Moak a good doctor but I think he never can cure Solomon, as all hopes of his recovery is vain.
�I think the cause of the Union is progressing steadily. I don�t look at victory as a great many do. I look at the steady progress our army is making. If this progress continues we shall have control of the south in another year. In 1861 the rebels had control of 13 states. In �62 they controlled eight. Now they only control four.
�So it is with profound gratitude and devout thanksgiving that we close the old year and with much joy and happiness look towards the new.
�Your sincere friend.
�William D. Sweet.�
Mr. Sweet made a poor guess as to his tent mate. Solomon Makepeace, for he lived years after the war closed. He was merchant at Plessis for years and also postmaster. *
When William D. Sweet sent his ballot home which he voted in the presidential election of November, 1864, he was with the New York Heavy Artillery at Winchester, Va.
In after years, long after the Civil war was over and William D. Sweet had reached the sunset of his life, he had a longing to revisit the places in Canada where he had seen much adventuresome days. So he and his son, Sidney W. Sweet, of this village, decided to pay a visit to Canada and go over again some of the roads that William once went over and revisit the places he once knew with sorrow. They had splendid treatment and even in old Fort Henry were given every courtesy possible. At first the officials of the fort were not inclined to grant the request to visit in the old prison. They saw no reason why an American should be shown everything the fort contained. But when Mr. Sweet told the commanding officer that he had a brother buried somewhere in the prison yard and that in that distant day, as a boy, he was confined in that same prison and had a pardon to free him from the place, the officer was ready to grant every kindness possible. He sought the records and showed Mr. Sweet right where his brother was buried, and took him down where he was once a prisoner. Mr. Sweet never forgot their kindness.
William D. Sweet lived to the good age of 87 and died in November of 1905. He had seen much in his life time. When he was laid away the comrades of the George W. Flower Post at Theresa, of which Mr. Sweet was a charter member, gathered about his casket, knowing that a brave mad had fallen.
(The End.)
Note: According to Bartlett�s Cemetery Inscriptions on the Jefferson County GenWeb site, Solomon was born 17 May 1837 and died in 1922.
William D. Sweet is listed on the same source cited above as born in 1818 and passing away in 1903. Research uncovered an obit written in a Watertown newspaper, dated November 28, 1905, which more closely agrees with the information in the last paragraph of this article.