Loring Richmond

Loring Richmond's War of 1812 service was mentioned in the Richmond Family book:

1188. LORING RICHMOND (6) (Edward 5, Perez 4, Silvester 3, Edward 2, John 1) was born in Westport, Mass., December 19, 1781, and died in 1858. He married, first, March 11, 1804, Lydia Thomas, who was born June 6, 1782, and died April 8, 1829. He married, secondly, June 23, 1830, Mrs. Sally Hall, widow of Elisha Hall, who was born January 16, 1790, and died November 5, 1854. They resided in Camillus, Onondaga County, N. Y. He served in the War of 1812.

He's buried in the Oswego Bitters Cemetery in Camillus, New York.  His will was found online here.

Note:  Silvester Richmond's descendants are Mayflower descendants.

Artist's Rendering Of Fort Knox I

The Fort Knox in Vincennes, Indiana:

Major Merrill's Pistols

Source

He [Major Thomas Merritt] was appointed Major Commandant of ' 'Niagara Light Dragoons" on June 12th, 1812. He was present at the Battle of Queenston Heights and in Major-General Sheaffe's report is alluded to as follows: "Major Merritt, commanding the Niagara Dragoons, accompanied me and gave much assistance with part of' his corps."

Capture Of Fort George Engraving

Source: Cassier's Magazine

Battle of Fort George.

Capt. Anderson's Journal And His Orders For The Rock River Expedition

Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online's entry for Thomas Gummersall Anderson "Indian agent; b. at Sorel, Province of Quebec, 12 Nov. 1779, sixth son of Captain Samuel Anderson, loyalist, and Deliverance Butts; d. at Port Hope, Ont., 10 Feb. 1875."

Source

[Excerpt from above letter]
Fort McKay, Aug. 26, 1814

 To Lieut. [Duncan] Graham--

Sir--The expedition for the Rock River under your command, being now in readiness,... . On your arrival there you will assemble the Indians and explain to them that the intention of the expedition is to support them in defending their lands and women and children according to promises made to them by their father Robert Dickson and Lieut Col. McKay.... .

That they must not amuse themselves during the action in taking scalps. They must destroy the enemy as much as possible except prisoners.

Thos G Anderson, Capt Comd'g

Note:  Lieutenant Graham's forces met the American forces under Zachary Taylor at Credit Island.  The War of 1812 Archaeology blog described it as "The Forgotten Battle."

Confidential Communications

"Confidential communication sent by [British] Capt [John] B[askerville] Glegg from York 27th February 1812 to Mr. Dickson residing among the Indians near the Mississippi and received by him early in June"

"War may result from the present situation: I wish to know:--

1 The number of your friends that might be depended on;
2 Their disposition towards us;
3 Would they assemble and march under your orders;
4 State the succor you require and the most eligible mode of its conveyance;
5 Can equipments be procured in your country;
6 An immediate direct communication with you is very much required;
7 Can you point out how it can be accomplished;
8 Send without loss of time a few faithful and very confidential agents selected from your friends;
9 Will individuals approach the Detroit frontier next spring? If so state time and place we may meet.  Avoid mentioning names in your written communications. I have received your two letters. Recollect to whom you promised to procure shrubs and small trees."

Reply dated 18th June 1812 and received at Fort George [War was declared that date]

Source: Robert Dickson, the Indian Trader

Consideration Of A Triangular War

For my first foray into the substance of  The War of 1812 book, a valuable nugget of information was discovered.

As pre-war tensions were rising, President Madison faced a dilemma of great magnitude.  Since Great Britain AND France were "hostile to neutral shipping," how would the United States justify war against the British and ignore France's transgressions?  Would it be a "triangular war?"  Madison consulted with Thomas Jefferson (on May 25th); Jefferson's response (of May 30, 1812) was included in the book.

The correspondence between the Madison and Jefferson bespoke of a complicated relationship between the U.S. and France.