FOOTNOTES:

William Lord,}Magistrates.Alex. G. Smith,Joseph Smith,Warden.Amos Palmer,}Burgesses.Amos Denison,Geo. Hubbard,Thomas Ash,Reuben Chesebrough,

FOOTNOTES:[A]"Some respectable citizens from motives of curiosity weighed several shells &c., and found their weight to be as follows.One of the largest carcasses,partly full of the combustible,216lb.One of the smallest sortdo.103One of the largest kind empty,189One of the largest bomb shells,189One of the smallestdo.90One, marked on it (fire 16 lb)16One of the largest carcasses partly full, was set on fire, which burnt half an hour, emitting a horrid stench; in a calm the flame would rise ten feet. Some of the rockets were sharp pointed, others not, made of sheet iron very thick, containing at the lower end some of them a fusee of grenade, calculated to burst, and if they were taken hold of before the explosion, might prove dangerous; one or two persons received injury in this way. They appear to contain a greater variety of combustibles than the fire carcasses.

[A]"Some respectable citizens from motives of curiosity weighed several shells &c., and found their weight to be as follows.One of the largest carcasses,partly full of the combustible,216lb.One of the smallest sortdo.103One of the largest kind empty,189One of the largest bomb shells,189One of the smallestdo.90One, marked on it (fire 16 lb)16One of the largest carcasses partly full, was set on fire, which burnt half an hour, emitting a horrid stench; in a calm the flame would rise ten feet. Some of the rockets were sharp pointed, others not, made of sheet iron very thick, containing at the lower end some of them a fusee of grenade, calculated to burst, and if they were taken hold of before the explosion, might prove dangerous; one or two persons received injury in this way. They appear to contain a greater variety of combustibles than the fire carcasses.

[A]"Some respectable citizens from motives of curiosity weighed several shells &c., and found their weight to be as follows.

One of the largest carcasses,partly full of the combustible,216lb.One of the smallest sortdo.103One of the largest kind empty,189One of the largest bomb shells,189One of the smallestdo.90One, marked on it (fire 16 lb)16

One of the largest carcasses partly full, was set on fire, which burnt half an hour, emitting a horrid stench; in a calm the flame would rise ten feet. Some of the rockets were sharp pointed, others not, made of sheet iron very thick, containing at the lower end some of them a fusee of grenade, calculated to burst, and if they were taken hold of before the explosion, might prove dangerous; one or two persons received injury in this way. They appear to contain a greater variety of combustibles than the fire carcasses.

Letter from Capt. Amos Palmer, to the Secretary of War.[From Niles's Weekly Register, Oct. 21, 1815.]Defence of Stonington.

The defence of Stonington by a handful of brave citizens was more like an effusion of feeling, warm from the heart, than a concerted military movement. The result of it, we all know, and it afforded sincere delight to every patriot. But the particulars we have never seen so accurately described as in the following concise narrative from the chairman of the committee of defence, to the Secretary of War, of which we have been provided with a copy for publication.—Nat. Intelligencer.

"Stonington Borough, Aug. 21, 1815.To the Hon. Wm. H. Crawford,Secretary of War.Sir:The former Secretary of War put into my hands, as chairman of the committee of defence, the two 18-pounders and all the munitions of war that were here, belonging to the general government, to be used for the defence of the town,—and I gave my receipt for the same.As there is no military officer here, it becomes my duty to inform you [of] the use we have made of it. That on the 9th of August last [year], theRamilies74, thePactolus44, theTerrorbomb-ship, and theDespatchgun brig, anchored off the harbor. Commodore Hardy sent off a boat, with a flag; we met him with another from the shore, when the officer of the flag handed me a note from Commodore Hardy, informing that one hour was given the unoffending inhabitants, before the town would be destroyed.We returned to the shore, where all the male inhabitants were collected, when I read the note aloud; they all exclaimed, they would defend the place to the last extremity, and if it was destroyed, they would be buried in the ruins.We repaired to a small battery that we had hove up—nailed our colors to the flag staff—others lined the shore with their muskets.At about seven in the evening, they put off five barges and a large launch, carrying from 32 to 9 lb. carronades in their bows, and opened their fire from their shipping, with bombs, carcasses, rockets, round, grape and cannister shot, and sent their boats to land under cover of their fire. We let them come within small grape distance, when we opened our fire upon them, from our two 18-pounders, with round and grape shot. They soon retreated out of grape distance, and attempted a landing on the east side of the village; we dragged a six-pounder that we had mounted over,and met them with grape, and all our muskets opened fire on them, so that they were willing to retreat the second time. They continued their fire 'till 11 at night.The next morning at seven o'clock, the brigDespatchanchored within pistol shot of our battery, and they sent five barges and two large launches to land under cover of their whole fire (being joined by theNimrod20 gun brig). When the boats approached within grape distance, we opened our fire on them with round and grape shot. They retreated and came round the east side of the town. We checked them with our six pounder and muskets, 'till we dragged over one of our 18 pounders. We put in it a round shot and about 40 or 50 lbs. of grape, and placed it in the centre of their boats as they were rowing up in a line and firing on us. We tore one of their barges all in pieces; so that two, one on each side, had to lash her up, to keep her from sinking. They retreated out of grape distance, and we turned our fire upon the brig, and expended all our cartridges but five, which we reserved for the boats, if they made another attempt to land. We then lay four hours without being able to annoy the enemy in the least, except from muskets on the brig, while the fire from the whole fleet was directed against our buildings. After the third express to New London, some fixed ammunition arrived. We then turned our cannon on the brig, and she soon cut her cable and drifted out.The whole fleet then weighed, and anchored nearlyout of reach of our shot, and continued this and the next day to bombard the town.They set the buildings on fire in more than twenty places, and we as often put them out. In the three days' bombardment they sent on shore 60 tons of metal, and, strange to say, wounded only one man, since dead. We have picked up 15 tons, including some that was taken up out of the water, and the two anchors that we got.[18]We took up and buried four poor fellows that were hove overboard out of the sinking barge.Since peace, the officers of theDespatchbrig have been on shore here: they acknowledge they had 21 killed, and 50 badly wounded; and further say, had we continued our fire any longer, they should have struck, for they were in a sinking condition: for the wind then blew at S. W. directly into the harbour. Before the ammunition arrived, it shifted round to north, and blew out of the harbour. All the shot suitable for the cannon we have reserved. We have now more 18 pound shot than was sent us by government. We have put the two cannon in the arsenal, and housed all the munitions of war."

"Stonington Borough, Aug. 21, 1815.To the Hon. Wm. H. Crawford,Secretary of War.

Sir:

The former Secretary of War put into my hands, as chairman of the committee of defence, the two 18-pounders and all the munitions of war that were here, belonging to the general government, to be used for the defence of the town,—and I gave my receipt for the same.

As there is no military officer here, it becomes my duty to inform you [of] the use we have made of it. That on the 9th of August last [year], theRamilies74, thePactolus44, theTerrorbomb-ship, and theDespatchgun brig, anchored off the harbor. Commodore Hardy sent off a boat, with a flag; we met him with another from the shore, when the officer of the flag handed me a note from Commodore Hardy, informing that one hour was given the unoffending inhabitants, before the town would be destroyed.

We returned to the shore, where all the male inhabitants were collected, when I read the note aloud; they all exclaimed, they would defend the place to the last extremity, and if it was destroyed, they would be buried in the ruins.

We repaired to a small battery that we had hove up—nailed our colors to the flag staff—others lined the shore with their muskets.

At about seven in the evening, they put off five barges and a large launch, carrying from 32 to 9 lb. carronades in their bows, and opened their fire from their shipping, with bombs, carcasses, rockets, round, grape and cannister shot, and sent their boats to land under cover of their fire. We let them come within small grape distance, when we opened our fire upon them, from our two 18-pounders, with round and grape shot. They soon retreated out of grape distance, and attempted a landing on the east side of the village; we dragged a six-pounder that we had mounted over,and met them with grape, and all our muskets opened fire on them, so that they were willing to retreat the second time. They continued their fire 'till 11 at night.

The next morning at seven o'clock, the brigDespatchanchored within pistol shot of our battery, and they sent five barges and two large launches to land under cover of their whole fire (being joined by theNimrod20 gun brig). When the boats approached within grape distance, we opened our fire on them with round and grape shot. They retreated and came round the east side of the town. We checked them with our six pounder and muskets, 'till we dragged over one of our 18 pounders. We put in it a round shot and about 40 or 50 lbs. of grape, and placed it in the centre of their boats as they were rowing up in a line and firing on us. We tore one of their barges all in pieces; so that two, one on each side, had to lash her up, to keep her from sinking. They retreated out of grape distance, and we turned our fire upon the brig, and expended all our cartridges but five, which we reserved for the boats, if they made another attempt to land. We then lay four hours without being able to annoy the enemy in the least, except from muskets on the brig, while the fire from the whole fleet was directed against our buildings. After the third express to New London, some fixed ammunition arrived. We then turned our cannon on the brig, and she soon cut her cable and drifted out.

The whole fleet then weighed, and anchored nearlyout of reach of our shot, and continued this and the next day to bombard the town.

They set the buildings on fire in more than twenty places, and we as often put them out. In the three days' bombardment they sent on shore 60 tons of metal, and, strange to say, wounded only one man, since dead. We have picked up 15 tons, including some that was taken up out of the water, and the two anchors that we got.[18]We took up and buried four poor fellows that were hove overboard out of the sinking barge.

Since peace, the officers of theDespatchbrig have been on shore here: they acknowledge they had 21 killed, and 50 badly wounded; and further say, had we continued our fire any longer, they should have struck, for they were in a sinking condition: for the wind then blew at S. W. directly into the harbour. Before the ammunition arrived, it shifted round to north, and blew out of the harbour. All the shot suitable for the cannon we have reserved. We have now more 18 pound shot than was sent us by government. We have put the two cannon in the arsenal, and housed all the munitions of war."

Extract from the Speech of Gen. Erastus Root, of New York,

In the House of Representatives, on the Bill to provide for the payment of Militia called out by State authority, and not placed under the command of the United States.

[After animadverting with great severity on the affair at Pettipaug point,[19]and the course pursued by Governor Smith, of Connecticut, for the defence of New London]—

"There wasoneachievement, said Mr. R., which brightened the annals of Connecticut and shed lustre on the American character. He alluded to theDefence of Stonington. A more brilliant affair, said he, had not taken place during the late war. It was not rivalled by the defence of Sandusky, the glorious triumph on the Niagara, nor the naval victories on Erie and Champlain. And yet that heroic exploit is claimed in favor of Governor Smith's militia, and is to gild the pill which we are called upon to swallow. The detached militia, said Mr. R., had nothing to do in that affair. It was achieved by fourteen democrats,volunteerdemocrats, who were determined to defend the town or perish in its ruins. Commodore Hardy, fearful that that democratic town would send torpedoes among his squadron, demanded a pledge that no harm should be done to his ships. No pledge being given, and afteradvising the removal of women and children from the town, the enemy made a vigorous attack, first in barges, and afterwards in a brig of war. This heroic little band, with a single gun mounted on a small battery, drove off the brig as they had before driven off the barges. They sent havoc and death among the enemy,—saved the town,—and crowned themselves with never fading laurels."—The (Hartford) Times, March 18, 1817.

The Battle of Stonington, on the Seaboard of Connecticut.

by philip freneau.

In an attack upon the town and a small fort of two guns, by theRamillies, seventy-four gun ship, commanded by Sir Thomas Hardy; thePactolus, 38gun ship;Despatchbrig, and a razee, or bomb ship,—August, 1814.

Four gallant ships from England cameFreighted deep with fire and flame,And other things we need not name,To have a dash at Stonington.Now safely moor'd, their work begun,They thought to make the Yankees run,And have a mighty deal of funIn stealing sheep at Stonington.A deacon then popp'd up his head,And Parson Jones's sermon read,In which the reverend doctor saidThat they must fight for Stonington.A townsman bade them, next, attendTo sundry resolutions penn'd,By which they promised to defendWith sword and gun old Stonington.The ships advancing different ways,The Britons soon began to blaze,And put th' old women in amaze,Who feared the loss of Stonington.The Yankees to their fort repair'd,And made as though they little caredFor all that came—though very hardThe cannon play'd on Stonington.TheRamilliesbegan the attack,Despatchcame forward—bold and black—And none can tell what kept them backFrom setting fire to Stonington.The bombardiers with bomb and ballSoon made a farmer's barrack fall,And did a cow-house sadly maulThat stood a mile from Stonington.They kill'd a goose, they kill'd a hen,Three hogs they wounded in a pen—They dash'd away,—and pray what then?Thiswas not taking Stonington.The shells were thrown, the rockets flew,But not a shell, of all they threw,Though every house was full in view,Could burn a house at Stonington.To havetheirturn, they thought but fair;—The Yankees brought two guns to bear,And, sir, it would have made you stare,This smoke of smokes at Stonington.They bor'dPactolusthrough and through,And kill'd and wounded of her crewSo many, that she bade adieuT' the gallant boys of Stonington.The brigDespatchwas hull'd and torn—So crippled, riddled, so forlorn—No more she cast an eye of scornOn the little fort at Stonington.TheRamilliesgave up th' affray,And, with her comrades sneaked away.Such was the valor on that day,Of British tars, near Stonington.But some assert, on certain grounds,(Besides the damage and the wounds,)It cost the King ten thousand poundsTo have a dash at Stonington.

Four gallant ships from England cameFreighted deep with fire and flame,And other things we need not name,To have a dash at Stonington.

Now safely moor'd, their work begun,They thought to make the Yankees run,And have a mighty deal of funIn stealing sheep at Stonington.

A deacon then popp'd up his head,And Parson Jones's sermon read,In which the reverend doctor saidThat they must fight for Stonington.

A townsman bade them, next, attendTo sundry resolutions penn'd,By which they promised to defendWith sword and gun old Stonington.

The ships advancing different ways,The Britons soon began to blaze,And put th' old women in amaze,Who feared the loss of Stonington.

The Yankees to their fort repair'd,And made as though they little caredFor all that came—though very hardThe cannon play'd on Stonington.

TheRamilliesbegan the attack,Despatchcame forward—bold and black—And none can tell what kept them backFrom setting fire to Stonington.

The bombardiers with bomb and ballSoon made a farmer's barrack fall,And did a cow-house sadly maulThat stood a mile from Stonington.

They kill'd a goose, they kill'd a hen,Three hogs they wounded in a pen—They dash'd away,—and pray what then?Thiswas not taking Stonington.

The shells were thrown, the rockets flew,But not a shell, of all they threw,Though every house was full in view,Could burn a house at Stonington.

To havetheirturn, they thought but fair;—The Yankees brought two guns to bear,And, sir, it would have made you stare,This smoke of smokes at Stonington.

They bor'dPactolusthrough and through,And kill'd and wounded of her crewSo many, that she bade adieuT' the gallant boys of Stonington.

The brigDespatchwas hull'd and torn—So crippled, riddled, so forlorn—No more she cast an eye of scornOn the little fort at Stonington.

TheRamilliesgave up th' affray,And, with her comrades sneaked away.Such was the valor on that day,Of British tars, near Stonington.

But some assert, on certain grounds,(Besides the damage and the wounds,)It cost the King ten thousand poundsTo have a dash at Stonington.

[Few of Freneau's earlier andbetterpoems were so popular as this of "The Battle of Stonington," in its day. All Connecticut boys knew it by heart, and it had an established place among the 'declamations' of school exhibitions. Until within a few years it was to be found in the assortment of every street vender of ballads and patriotic poems,—sometimes in its original form, but more often, with 'emendations and corrections.' In the broad-side from which I first learned it (bought at a stall in the neighborhood of Fulton market, some thirty years ago,) for the twelfth and thirteenth verses was substituted this:—

"They bored theDespatchthrough and through,And kill'd and wounded half her crew;'Till crippled, riddled, she withdrew,—And curs'd the boys of Stonington."]

Celebrations of the Anniversary of the Attack.

1815.

Thursday, Aug. 10th, the first anniversary of the battle, was observed as a day of thanksgiving and prayer. The old flag was again hoisted on the flag-staff at the battery: and a procession, formed at that place, marched to the Congregational meeting-house, to listen to a discourse by the pastor, Rev. Ira Hart. On its conclusion, the procession returned to the battery, where the exercises of the day were closed by prayer. "On Friday evening a grand anniversary ball was given; the assembly being both numerous and brilliant."—Conn. Gazette, Aug. 23d.

1818.

Celebration at the Borough, on Monday, Aug. 10th. "The company was very numerous, and the business of the day went off with great eclat."—Id. Aug. 12th, 1818.

1824.

An Oration was delivered at the Congregational meeting-house, by Rev. David Austin, "characteristic of his talents, patriotism, and eloquence." The concourse of citizens from Stonington and the neighboring towns was unusually large and respectable. An excellent dinner was provided by Major Babcock, at the Borough Hotel, to which a large number of citizensand invited guests did ample justice. The following were among the volunteer toasts:

By Capt. Edmund Fanning.The Grasshopper Fort[B]—may it never be forgotten by those whom it defended.

By Samuel Copp, Esq.American Eighteen-pounders—as handled in the Grasshopper Fort.

By Gen. J. Isham.August 10th, 1814—May no vile calumniator hereafter attempt to tarnish the hard earned fame of the heroes of that day.

By Gurdon Trumbull, Esq.John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson—Their elevation to the first offices of our government, will demonstrate that sovereignty is yet with thepeople, and guarantee the defence of our national rights, whether assailed by thepenor thesword.

By Dr. Swift.Capt. Amos Palmer—His memory; his energy and perseverance.

By W. Storer Jun.Gen. La Fayette[C]—Whom God doth bless, we will honor.

By Jesse Dean, esq.Major Simeon Smith—Who made cartridges of his stockings, for our defence, on the day we celebrate.—New London Gazette, Aug. 18th.

1826.

The installation of Benevolent Chapter of Royal Arch Masons took place at Stonington, on the anniversary of the attack. The revenue cutters Eagle, fromNew Haven, the Newport cutter, and the steamboat Long-branch (Capt. Mather), from New London, brought numerous masonic and other guests,—military companies,—and a band of music. A procession of some three hundred brethren and companions was formed, by order of Doct. Thomas Hubbard, M. E. G. H. P., under the direction of Companions Gen. W. Williams, Samuel F. Denison, and others, as marshals. The procession marched to the site of the battery, where a spacious tent had been erected, with seats for 2500 persons,—and listened to a prayer from the Gr. Chaplain, Rev. Seth B. Paddock, and an Oration by Asa Child, Esq.; after which the new chapter was dedicated in ample form, and the several officers duly installed. A grand dinner closed the exercises of the day.—N. L. Gazette, Aug. 16th.

1827.

A grand celebration, on the battle ground, where a large tent had been erected. Among the guests were his Excellency Governor Tomlinson and his staff. The procession formed early in the morning, and marched through the principal streets, escorted by the Stonington artillery and Norwich rifle companies, to the tent,—where an address was delivered by Gurdon Trumbull, Esq.: after which, the procession re-formed, and proceeded to the dinner table (spread in Mr. Faxon's rope walk, under the supervision of Major Paul Babcock). Samuel F. Denison, Esq., presided at the table, assistedby Major General Wm. Williams, George Hubbard and B. F. Babcock, Esquires. A long account of the celebration, with the toasts drank at the dinner, &c.—is given in theNew London Gazette, of August 15th.

FOOTNOTES:[B]"Alluding to a term used by the Rev. Orator of the day."[C]Gen. La Fayette's arrival at New York was daily expected. He landed at Castle Garden, Aug. 16th.

[B]"Alluding to a term used by the Rev. Orator of the day."

[C]Gen. La Fayette's arrival at New York was daily expected. He landed at Castle Garden, Aug. 16th.

Note 1, page 9.

Stonington Borough, incorporated by the Legislature [of Connecticut,] in 1801, is situated on a narrow point of land about half a mile in length, at the eastern extremity of Long Island sound. On its eastern side lies Paucatuck bay, and on its west the harbour, terminating in Lambert's Cove. It has four [two] principal streets running north and south, intersected at right angles by nine cross streets, and contains about one hundred and twenty dwelling houses and stores. It has also two houses for public worship, an academy, where the languages are taught, and two common schools; two rope-walks, commodious wharves, and ware houses for storage.... In the census of 1810, thetowncontained 3043 inhabitants, and there are now [1819], 335 qualified electors.—Pease & Niles's Gazetteer of Connecticut.

Note 2, page 9.

Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy, Bart.—afterwards Vice-Admiral, and G. C. B.,—was at this time not far from thirty-five years of age. He entered the British navy, as a midshipman, at twelve; and was promoted to the rank of commander in 1797, for distinguished gallantry in the capture of a French brig, under the walls of Vera Cruz. He commanded theMutinebrig, in the battle of the Nile,—became the favorite of Nelson, and was appointed to the command of his flag-ship, serving with him, successively, in theVanguard, theNamur, theSt. George, (at the battle of Copenhagen), theIrisandAmphitrion, and theVictory, on board which Nelson conquered and fell at Trafalgar. Capt. Hardy was created a baronet, in February, 1806; from which period, until 1824, he was almost constantly on active duty in the West Indies and on American stations. He was made a knight commander of the Bath, Jan. 1815, and knight grand cross, in 1831. In October, 1827, he retired from the service; was appointed a lord of the admiralty in 1830; and governor of Greenwich Hospital, in 1834, retaining that office until his death, Sept. 20th, 1839.—Annual Register, vol.lxxxi, p. 363.Dispatches & Letters of Nelson.

[Col. Green gave thesubstanceof this note, from memory. A correct copy of it was published with the official account, in theGazetteof Sept. 7th. Commodore Hardy wrote from on board thePactolus,—his own ship, theRamilies, then lying at anchor off the west end of Fisher's Island.]

Note 3, page 10.

Capt. Amos Palmer, and Dr. Wm. Lord. The former was the senior warden of the Borough, and chairman of the committee of citizens who had been entrusted, some months previously, with the preparations for defence. "He was distinguished for his integrity, his republican principles, and his patriotism."—Pease & Niles's Gazetteer, 1819.Capt. Palmer's own account of the attack (in a letter to the Secretary of War,) will be found on pages 33-36. He died at Stonington, March 1, 1816, æt. 69.

Note 4, page 10.

Brigadier-General Thomas H. Cushing, who commanded at New London. After the ratification of peace, in 1815, General Cushing received the appointment of collector of the port of New London, and retained the office till his death, Oct. 19th, 1822, æt. 67.—Hist. of New London, p. 649.

Note 5, page 12.

An account of the "Bombardment of Stonington" [by the Rev. Frederick Denison] printed in theMystic Pioneerof July 2d, 1859, contains many interesting particulars, "gathered from the lips of prominent actors in the battle." This account says, "The first men, so far as remembered, that took stations in the battery, were four, William Lord, Asa Lee, George Fellows, and Amos Denison. Just before six o'clock, six volunteers from Mystic, Jeremiah Holmes, Jeremiah Haley, Ebenezer Denison, Isaac Denison, and Nathaniel Clift, reached the place, on foot, and ran immediately to help to operate the gun in the battery."...

... "The battery being small, but few men could work in it, and at this time [later in the morning of the 10th,] it was operated, as nearly as remembered, by Jeremiah Holmes, Simeon Haley, Jeremiah Haley, Isaac Denison, Isaac Miner, George Fellows, and Asa Lee." This list is notcomplete, but is doubtless correct so far as it relates to theMysticvolunteers.

Note 6, page 12.

The wound proved mortal. Mr. Denison died November 1st, 1814. He was the fourth son of Isaac and Eunice [Williams] Denison, of Mystic, born Dec. 27th, 1795. On the morning of the attack, Frederick,—a youth not yet nineteen years old,—hastened, on foot, to the Borough, to join the little band of volunteers, with whom were already his two elder brothers, Ebenezer and Isaac, and his brothers-in-law, Capt. Jer. Holmes and Capt. Nath. Clift. He went immediately to the battery, where he helped to work the guns, and during the heat of the action, when the match-rope proved unserviceable, volunteered to go out to procure a new supply. While on this dangerous errand, he was struck by a shot from the brig, or, as other accounts say, by a fragment scaled from a rock by a passing ball. The wound was not considered dangerous, and if surgical aid could have been promptly obtained, Mr. Denison's life might have been spared.

In May, 1856, the Legislature of Connecticut made an appropriationfor a suitable monument to his memory, which was erected in Elm Grove Cemetery, at Mystic.—F. D. [Rev. Fred. Denison,] inMystic Pioneer, Aug. 27th, 1859.

Note 7, page 13.

"The colors on the flag staff were shot through nine times. A fence near by was pierced bysixty-threeballs."—Mystic Pioneer.The flag has been carefully preserved, and was in the keeping of Francis Amy, Esq.,—orderly sergeant of Capt. Potter's Company, at the time of the attack,—until his death in 1863. Its future preservation should be insured by depositing it with the Connecticut History Society.

Note 8, page 13.

Jirah Isham, Esq., commanding the 3d Brigade of the State Militia,—in the 3d Division, (William Williams, Esq., Major General.)

Note 9, page 15.

"On Sunday [Aug. 7] a flag came up [to New London] from the frigateForth, Com. Hotham. The object was to obtain permission for James Stewart, Esq., formerly consul here, to take off his family. Mr. Stewart was on board. General Cushing, we understand, replied that the request would be forwarded to Washington."—Conn. Gazette, Aug. 10th.

Note 10, page 17.

Mr. Gurdon Trumbull was the bearer of this flag, and was accompanied by Dr. Wm. Lord. The boat was rowed to theRamilliesby Noyes Brown and Jabez Holmes. Gen. Isham's explanation of the firing on Lieut. Claxton, under a flag of truce, had not been received by Com. Hardy when the boat with this letter from the civil authoritycame along side. The bearer of the letter was met, at the head of the gang-ladder by a lieutenant, and informed that the Commodore was much incensed at the insult offered to the flag, and would not receive any communication from the shore until it should be explained. Mr. Trumbull replied that he came as a messenger from theciviland not themilitaryauthorities, and was not instructed to offer any explanation: but, as an eye-witness of the transaction, he would state the circumstances, as they occurred. The lieutenant reported these to the Commodore, and returned with a message that the latter was "perfectly satisfied;" that the defenders of the place were fully authorized to prevent the nearer approach of the flag-boat; and that his officer [Lieut. Claxton] was in the wrong. Mr. Trumbull was then conducted to the cabin, where he found the Commodore, in consultation with all the other commanders of the squadron, and delivered the letter from the Borough authorities.

Note 11, page 18.

This is not exactly correct. He said nothing of Mrs. Stewart; but, after reading the letter, remarked, "I learn from this, Sir, that I am under the necessity of resuming hostilities,—which I shall do, at one o'clock."

Note 12, page 18.

Lieut. John Lathrop, of the Norwich Artillery or "Matross Company" (Capt. Charles Thomas). It will be seen, by the narrative of the magistrates, that Lieut. Lathrop was anticipated in the execution of this service, by a party of volunteers.

Note 13, page 19.

Lieut. Samuel L. Hough, of Canterbury, Lieutenant of the L. Infantry Company (Capt. James Aspinwall), detached from the 21st regiment of militia,—in the service of the U. States. Lieut. Hough's wound was not serious. He is still living (June, 1864),—and in receipt of a pension from the U. States.

Note 14, page 24.

This account was written by Alex. G. Smith, Esq.

Note 15, page 26.

Col. Wm. Randall, of Stonington, commanding the 30th Regiment of State Militia.

Note 16, page 31.

Too much praise can hardly be awarded to the volunteer firemen, who, during the whole of the engagement, continued to patrol the streets, watching the fall of every rocket and shell, and extinguishing fires as soon as lighted. Two of this band may be named without injustice to others, as having rendered efficient and constant service,—Capt.Charles H. SmithandFrancis Amy, Esq., both serjeants in Capt. Potter's company. Capt.Thomas Swanwas not less active or persevering. He remained in the Borough, (except for an hour's visit to his family, placed in safety at a farm house, a mile distant,) from the beginning of the attack till the departure of the ships; serving, as necessity required, with the volunteer firemen, and with the guard stationed on the east side of the Point to prevent a landing of the enemy from their boats.

Note 17, page 32.

See Capt. Palmer's letter to the Secretary of War, next following.

Note 18, page 36.

The anchor left by theDispatchbrig, at Stonington, when she 'cut and run,' has been got up and brought to New London. It weighs upwards of 20cwt.—Niles's Weekly Register, Sept. 10, 1814.

"Mr. Chalmers, late master of theTerror, bomb-vessel, employed in the attack on Stonington, has been captured in a British barge and sent to Providence. He says 170 bombs were discharged from that ship in the attack on Stonington, which were found to weigh 80 lb. each; the charge of powder for the mortar was 9 lbs.; adding to this the wadding, that vessel must have disgorged eight tons weight."—Ibid.

"The following appears in a New York paper, in the shape of an advertisement:

English Manufacture, and Memento of the "Magnanimity" of Commodore Hardy.

Just received, and offered for sale, about

THREE TONS OF ROUND SHOT,

consisting of 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, and 32 lbs., very handsome, being asmallproportion of those which were fired from his Britannic Majesty's ships, on the unoffending inhabitants of Stonington, in the recentbrilliantattack on that place.

Likewise, a fewCarcasses, in good order, weighing about 200 lbs. each.

Apply to S. TRUMBULL, 41Peck-slip.

N. B. The purchaser of the above can be supplied with abouttwo tons more, if required.

New York, November 19th, [1814.]"

Niles's Weekly Register, Dec. 3d, 1815.

Industry.—Many of our readers will recollect the anecdote of the thrifty American who asked CommodoreHardy, when he would attackStoningtonagain? so that he might have his cart ready to carry off the shot; and also the accounts we have had of the mighty mass of metal collected there and sold at New York, &c. It seems, however, that theiron mineis not yet exhausted, for certain persons with a diving machinehave raised no less than 11,209 lbs. of shot, which was thrown overboard from thePactolus, when she was in such a hurry to get away from the two guns of Stonington! They have also picked up a quantity of copper.—Niles'sWeekly Register, June 3, 1815.

Note 19, page 38.

Capt. Coote, of H. B. M. brigBorer, landed two hundred men at Pettipaug, (Saybrook,) in barges and launches, on the 8th of April, 1814, and destroyed upwards of twenty sail of vessels, without meeting any opposition (until after they had re-embarked,) and without the loss of a man.—Conn. Gazette, April 13, 1814.

Since the foregoing pages were printed, my friend Professor D. C. Gilman, has brought to my notice the original letters of Commodore Hardy, to the inhabitants of Stonington and to General Isham, which are now in the Library of Yale College. The first (of August 9th) was copied with sufficient accuracy in the account published by the magistrates, warden and burgesses (page 25), I reprint it here, but with a facsimile of the signature.

His Britannic Majesty's Ship,Pactolus,9th August, 1814.½ past 5 o'clock, P. M.Not wishing to destroy the unoffending Inhabitants residing in the Town of Stonington, one hour is granted them from the receipt of this to remove out of the town.To the Inhabitants of the Town of Stonington.

His Britannic Majesty's Ship,Pactolus,9th August, 1814.½ past 5 o'clock, P. M.

Not wishing to destroy the unoffending Inhabitants residing in the Town of Stonington, one hour is granted them from the receipt of this to remove out of the town.

To the Inhabitants of the Town of Stonington.

The second, is in reply to the letter from the magistrates which was sent on board theRamillies, by Col. Isaac Williams and Dr. William Lord, on Wednesday, the 10th. As "official etiquette" did net permit Col. Green to obtain "an exact copy," he could only print its substance "as far as memory served" (see page 14). The magistrates allude to it, in their published account (p. 30), as "the singular communication received from Commodore Hardy, which preceded the fire on Thursday." It is evident that the British commander was strangely in error as to the assurances and engagements which he professed to have received, or that the gentlemen entrusted with the delivery of the letter from the magistrates must, in their conference with the Commodore, have exceeded their instructions.

Ramillies, off Stonington,10th August, 1814.GentnI have received your letter and representation of the State of your Town, and as you have declared that Torpedoes, never have been harbored by the Inhabitants or ever will be, as far as lies in their power to prevent—and as you have engaged that Mrs. Stewart the wife of the British vice consul late resident at New London, with her family, shall be permitted to embark on board this Ship to-morrow morning, I am induced to wave the attempt of the total destruction of your Town, which I feel confident can be effected by the Squadron under my Orders.I amGentnYour most obedient servant,T. M. Hardy, Captain.To DoctorLaw[Lord]and ColonelWilliams,Stonington.

Ramillies, off Stonington,10th August, 1814.Gentn

I have received your letter and representation of the State of your Town, and as you have declared that Torpedoes, never have been harbored by the Inhabitants or ever will be, as far as lies in their power to prevent—and as you have engaged that Mrs. Stewart the wife of the British vice consul late resident at New London, with her family, shall be permitted to embark on board this Ship to-morrow morning, I am induced to wave the attempt of the total destruction of your Town, which I feel confident can be effected by the Squadron under my Orders.

I amGentnYour most obedient servant,T. M. Hardy, Captain.

To DoctorLaw[Lord]and ColonelWilliams,

Stonington.

In reprinting the response of the civil authorities of Stonington, to the foregoing letter, on page 17,ante, an error in the date should have been corrected. It was written and despatched on theeleventhof August.

The following note acknowledges the explanation sent by General Isham, of the circumstances under which a flag of truce from theRamillies, was fired upon by a sentinel at the Battery, on the morning of the 11th (see pages 16, 17, and note 10).

Ramillies, off Stonington,11th August, 1814.Sir,I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, apologizing for the Flag of Truce I sent on shore this morning, having been fired at; and I beg to assure you that under the Circumstances you have stated, the apology is perfectly satisfactory.I have the honor to be, Sir,Your most obedienthumble Servant,T. M. Hardy, Captain.To BrigadierIsham—Commanding at Stonington.

Ramillies, off Stonington,11th August, 1814.

Sir,

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, apologizing for the Flag of Truce I sent on shore this morning, having been fired at; and I beg to assure you that under the Circumstances you have stated, the apology is perfectly satisfactory.

I have the honor to be, Sir,Your most obedienthumble Servant,T. M. Hardy, Captain.

To BrigadierIsham—Commanding at Stonington.

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