Monday, July 15, 2013

Lieutenant Joseph C. Eldridge


One of the essays in "THE WAR OF 1812: Writings from America's Second War of Independence" told of "The Death Of Joseph C. Eldridge...," a lieutenant with the 13th U.S. Infantry, who was ambushed by Chief Blackbird and other Ottawa warriors.  The Ottawas, from Michigan, "joined the British army during the siege of Fort George," and that is the vicinity where was killed.  An investigation conducted by Colonel William Claus, of Canada's Indian Department, ensued at the request of the Fort George commander after it was  reported that Eldridge was tortured and killed in captivity.  Chief Blackbird's response to Colonel Claus is included.

See my review of the book here.

Eldridge street in New York City is named after Lt. Eldridge.

On 20 March 1812, Eldridge wrote to Secretary of War Eustis accepting his appointment as a second lieutenant:

Source

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