Bitter Beyond Expression

Sixty Years In A School-room

Captain Robert Charles Wilkins

Mr. Wilkins was appointed Captain of a flank company in Kingston. He was to obtain supplies for the army and to secure safe transportation for the troops.

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Greenleaf's Point Explosion

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"...the British were bent on destroying before they left the district [about 24 August 1814]

"A squad of soldiers was on the line of march toward the foundry while the public buildings were burning. They had reached the bridge thrown over the little creek which separates Washington from Georgetown, when they were called to a sudden halt by a tremendous explosion. Soon after a courier came dashing up at full speed, warning them not to cross the bridge; that the explosion just heard was from Greenleaf's Point, a fort on the opposite side of the Potomac from Washington, recently vacated by the Americans. One hundred and fifty British soldiers had been blown up, their mangled remains flying in every direction.

"The fact was, several barrels of powder had been thrown into a dry well by the garrison before leaving, to keep it from falling into the hands of the enemy. The detachment sent over to destroy the fort were dying of thirst and one of the men threw a torch into the well to ascertain if it contained any water, hence the catastrophe. [Source]

Burning The Don Bridge

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A Thrilling Experience

Tall Ship On The Great Lakes

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"He had one thrilling experience in the war of 1812. He belonged to an Artillery Company stationed at Fort Ontario in Oswego. One day the British man-of-war 'Royal George' sailed into the Port, or near enough to seem very threatening--'Our men were all called to action, and every thing made ready for battle with the British; but after a short time the war vessel turned and left in peace."

Letter To Wilkinson

Archives Online At Indiana University, specifically War of 1812....with an example:

Excerpt Of Letter Described Below

1798 Apr. 6
McHenry, James, 1753-1816
Autographed letter draft 1 p. 26 cm.
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War Department. To James Wilkinson. Deals with recruiting in Kentucky.
Purchased. Source unknown. 1944-1945
McHenry, James, 1753-1816, United States Secretary of War
Recruiting and enlistment
Wilkinson, James, 1757-1825, General

Falls Of Ohio

Falls of Ohio Mural

Letter written by Colonel Jonas Simonds of the 6th Infantry (23rd March 1811?) from his post at Fort Fayette:

Fold3

"...for better security of the transports under my command in descending the river--but I find no authorized pilot in that place or any authority for the employ of one.... ."  "...fully secure without employing a citizen pilot--except for the Falls of the Ohio."

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