George, in order to check that movement, put his owni
army in motion, and crossed the lines at Odletown on the
1st of September. Here Macomb, left as it Avere alone,
with only a handfnl of men, was put to the utmost stretch
of his ability how to meet the occasion. It was one of those
turning points in the character and fortune of individual
history, when the weak sink, buried beneath the pressing
magnitude of the emergency ; but where the great more
greatly rise, discover and press into their service resources,
where others see nothing but a barren waste, and thus
exhibit the supremacy of genius, amidst the most discoura-
ging circumstances, the most untoward events. How he
acquitted himself in these trying predicaments, the result
has clearly demonstrated.
On the first of September, the United States force on
the Champlain frontier, amounted to one hundred and ten
riflemen. General Macomb had previously ordered about
seven hundred and fifty men to Plattsburgh, whither he
purposed to concentrate his forces, for the defence of our
military stores, and perhaps for the protection of our
squadron. Three redoubts had been commenced on the
South side of the Saranac, which, in its windings through
the town, forms a peninsula, the neck of which is about
twelve hundred feet broad. On this neck, the fortifications
were constructed. They consisted of works so disposed
as to defend each the other. Two of these were deemed
inaccessible on their river fronts, on account of their preci-
pitant banks. They were surrounded on the land side, by
wide and deep ditches, and defended by rov/s of abattis,
formed of trees well secured, and the branches well sharp-
ened. Two block-houses were mounted with cannon.
The artillery were assigned to the batteries. About
six hundred and fifty men were detailed under four ofiicers
for observation. A number of the young men of Platts-
burgh organized themselves into a company, under their
own commanders. A detachment of twelve dragoons
acted as videts, and escorted the General while reconnoiter-
ing the enemy. The light troops were employed in the
44.0 GLORY OP AMERICA.
avenues of approach, to watch the enemy's motions,
obstruct the passes, destroy the bridges, and annoy the
invaders by every possible means.
In this emergency, an appeal to the militia became
necessary, no authority having placed the power of draft-
ing men within his control. His appeal was made to the
patriotism and valour of the citizens in his neighbourhood,
and particularly to the governors and commanders of the
militia of Vermont and New York, and his appeal was
correspondingly answered. Much zeal was manifested by
General Mooers, an experienced officer of the Revolution,
as commander of the militia in the vicinity, whose coun-
sels in aid of General Macomb were properly appreciated.
With Commodore Macdonough he held a consultation,
and a plan of mutual co-operation was adopted. From his
very limited force, more than three hundred men were
detailed to serve in the squadron.
The British camp at Odletown, apparently sure of
victory from the known superiority of their numbers, was
easy of access to any American who chose to inspect it.
The number of the army was differently stated by various
individuals, but ten thousand was the most moderate
calculation made. The real number, as afterwards as-
certained, was fourteen thousand, besides a reserve of
two thousand, intended to guard the communication with
Canada, and prevent any American troops from attacking
the rear.
General Macomb was frequently advised to retreat, to
spare the blood and lives of his apology for an army, and
save Plattsburgh from the fate of a conquered country.
But the decision which he took, and to which he unwa-
veringly adhered, in his apparently forlorn situation,
proved the strength of his moral courage, and the wisdom
of his measures.
Champlain was entered by the British troops on the
third of September. The small detachment of riflemen
at Chazy still watched the movements of the commander
of the Canadas. The light troops and militia advanced
to meet him, and were ordered to dispute the ground by
inches, that the unfinished works might be strengthened,
ALEXANDER MACOMB. 441
and time gained to prepare for a vigorous defence. But
the delays of the British troops, to whatever cause they
may be ascribed, were disastrous to the British cause.
Sir George marched against Plattsbargh on the fourth
of September, when Macomb's riflemen slowly retreated,
and, in falling back, destroyed bridges, and placed every
obstruction in the way of the advancing enemy. On the
next day he continued at Little Chazy. On the sixth he
was to advance in two columns, on two distinct routes.
About one thousand men, regulars and militia, with two
pieces of artillery, marched to check the right column.
To oppose the left column, Colonel Appling, with his rifle
men, was to co-operate with a detachment of two hundred
men, already in the advance, with two field pieces, stationed
near a bridge at Dead Creek, prepared to defend the pass.
To avoid this pass, which was by nature advantageously
situated for defence, a road was ordered to be cut through
the woods by Major-General Brisbane, but circumstances
rendered necessary the withdrawal of the troops at the
Creek. Colonel Williams, who had penetrated the woods,
met the troops under Colonel Appling, who, having poured
a brisk fire into the enemy's line, retreated in good order.
The other detachment, ordered to oppose the right column,
was also compelled to fall back, and crossed the bridge of
the Saranac, and rejoined the main army.
On the same day, General Macomb, with his Staff", took
post at the junction of two roads leading into Plattsburgh,
that he might the better regulate the motions of his
retreating forces. Gunboats were also stationed on the
flats, to annoy the enemy on his march, but they were
finally compelled to rejoin the squadron. Having retired
behind the Saranac, the American troops took up the
planks of the bridges, which were then used as defences
for the detachments posted near them.
All the stratagems of war were now brought into action
to deceive the enemy, and produce a false impression of
our strength. The mental and physical energies of officers
and men were employed in strengthening the works, and
preventing a surprise. So far as tW permitted, the works
were made defensible, and nothinor left to the chances of
442 GLORY OF AMERICA.
war, which the most unremitting vigilance and activity
could accomplish.
Believing that the works could not be taken by assault,
nor reduced by a siege, before he would be succoured by
the gallantry of his countrymen, Macomb rested in full
confidence as to the final result of the conflict. He judg-
ed correctly, for volunteers and militiamen soon came
into camp in considerable numbers. They were patriotic,
but inexperienced, and mostly undisciplined troops. The
magazines supplied them with arms and munitions ot
war. The General presented them his thanks for thus
coming to his relief, in the face of so powerful an enemy,
and gratefully accepted their offer of services.
The manner in which he purposed to use these recruits
was that of guerillas. They were to choose their own
leaders, act in small parties, fall on the enemy any where,
attack the pickets night and day, harass him in flank and
rear, pick up stragglers, and gain information, and in fact
to act independently, but resolutely, as partisans. Provi-
sion and ammunition were provided at diflerent points, to
which they could resort for supplies. They were to avoid
the stronof holds of the enemy, but to fall on him should
our works be attacked. Should he attempt to cross the
river, they were to annoy his march, and throw every
possible obstacle to prevent him from passing" the fords.
The directions given to these recruits were faithfully
followed, and daily skirmishes ensued, while the artillery
incessantly played on the works erected by the British.
On the ibth, Macomb learned that the enemy would
make a general attack on the next day, and that twelve
hundred scaling ladders were provided for the storming
parties. Presuming that he was surrounded by spies
under the appearance of militiamen, he gave out that Ge-
neral Izard's army was at hand, waiting only the crossing
of the British army to move up and attack it ; that
more than ten thousand militia were in the woods, and
that double the number would join them by the next day.
These fellows, at night, were seen to pass over the Sara-
nac into the enemy's camp, carrying, no doubt, the in-
spiring intelligence, with which Macomb had filled them.
ALEXANDER MACOMB. 443
At this juncture, Macomb conceived an idea of reta-
king the American fleet, in case it should be captured. He
had the control of a number of small boats. These were
ranged under the banks, ready to receive from six to
eight hundred men. After a severe action the fleet would
be crippled, the men fatigued and intoxicated, and to
board with fresh troops, would probably lead to an easy
- victory. It was well conceived, and the situation of the
squadron, after its defeat, is a proof that it might have
been accomplished, under a change of circumstances.
A battery of two twelve pounders had been planted on
' Crab Island, which was served by invalids in the hospi-
tals, under command of Surgeon Mann, for the protection
of the left flank of our squadron. The British galleys in-
tended to operate against that flank, were beaten ofl" in the
attack, and a sloop of ten guns driven on the rocks, and
captured.
Being convinced that the attack would be made on the
south front of the works, Macomb caused the roads and
avenues leading in that direction to be planted with ever-
green?, and the fallen leaves were strewed over the
ground, to hide every appearance of a road ; while other
roads were opened leading tovv^ards Salmon river. On
the old road, into which the new ones led, a field piece
was planted, under Lieutenant Sumpter, of the artillery, to
await the march of the enemy.
At day break on the 11th, the whole British camp was
in motion. The troops were all under arms, and their
fleet was descried abreast of Cumberland Head, and was
soon seen in the bay of Plattsburgh. The land and water
batteries were opened at the same instant, and the conflict
between fleet and fleet, army and army, was soon gene-
ral. The British made a demonstration before the Ameri-
can works, merely to amuse, v/hfle the assaulting columns
were marching to the place of their destination." But the
false roads had deceived the assailants, till, after march-
ing five miles out of their way, they received a very un-
expected fire from the field piece under Lieutenant Sump-
ter. The militia and volunteers had already harassed
them on the march ; they were fatigued by carrying the
444 GLORY OF AMERICA.
scalino; ladders ; involved in the labyrinths of a wood
which was thron2:ed with sharpshooters their burdens
were dropped, and those in the rear made their escape,
rather than to share the fate of the van, which was near-
ly all destroyed or captured. By this time, the contest on
the lake was decided, and at sunset, the noise of battle
had ceased between the armies.
The Governor-General retreated ; and scattered equi-
page, abandoned wagons, broken carriages, and straggling
plunderers, were theWidences which sealed the fate of the
mighty enterprise. The wounded were left in charge of
a hospital surgeon, with a notCj recommending them to
the humanity of the conquerors.
Thus closed the invasion of Plattsburgh, its siege and
attack, by sixteen thousand Wellington invincibles, who
retreated from fifteen hundred American regulars, aided
by militia and volunteers, unskilled in the use of arms,
but for the destruction of game, and ignorant of the art of
war.
The whole history of Macomb, from boyhood to the
moment of this splendid achievement, unties the gordian
knot of the mystery how this battle was won, and a victo-
ry so complete was accomphshed. The science of war
was his constant study, his daily occupation. His skill
was matured by deep thought on the stratagems particu-
larly required by one who dared to meet an enemy of
such superior numbers. His science measured lances
against the commander who depended on a dead weight
of physical forces, and mind conquered matter. By the
deception of the roads, the enemy missed the point of at-
tack. Lost in the woods, they were the victims of m. rks-
men, and a prey to ambush they were cut off in detach-
ments by the harassing mode of warfare which he con-
stantly pursued. Their batteries were destroyed by night,
and they were deceived by their own spies. The shouts
of soldiers which simultaneously rent the air the manner
of mounting guard, and countermarching his men for a
military display, gave the appearance of large re-enforce-
ments, and numerous garrisons.
After the victory, the militia and volunteers were
i
Commodore Macdonough^s Victory, and Battle of PlaitsburgJi.
P. 362 ^ 443.
Battle of Bridgeivater, July 2^ili, 1814. P. 382.
ALEXANDER MACOMB.
445
honourably and thankflilly dismissed to their homes, and
the papers througliout the Union noticed the actors in
this glorious event with vv^ell merited eulogy. Resolutions
of public thanks were voted to Macomb, his fellow-offi-
cers, and men, and New York voted him a sword, which
was presented by Governor Tompkins, and he was re-
quested to sit for'his portrait to be added to its gallery of
patriots. Congress resolved that a gold medal should be
struck, in honour of his triumph.
He remained at the head of the command which he
had so gallantly led, and continued at Plattsburgh. The
sufferers in this border war were soon relieved ftom its
vexations, by an arranafernent between General Macomb
and General Sir Thomas Brisbane, by vvdiich the inhabi-
tants on both sides of the line, were enabled to pursue,
unmolested, their usual occupations, enjoying all for which
neutrals could ask.
After this conflict, Avhich resulted so gloriously for the
interests of our government and people, war seemed to
have taken a ne\^^ aspect. In the intercourse of the offi-
cers, and in the conduct of opposing pickets, a sort of for-
bearance and uniform courtesy was observed. Individual
affrays, and the barbarities of savage warfare, such as
shooting sentinels, was totally abohshed. Mutual acts of
kindnes^s, which, carried out' to their full bearing, would
totoUij ahQlish icar and all its horrors, were now prac-
tised between the officers and soldiers of the respective
^armies. Did our limits permit, we could give the benefi-
cial tendency of these conciliatory dispositions, and name
the acts which were the consequence of this reciprocal
courtesy. We name but one. The servant of a British
Adjutant stole the charger, money, and clothing of his
master, and brought them into the American camp. They
w-ere returned to the enemy's camp by a flag, borne by
Lieutenant Riley. While nobly performing this duty, an
American deserter, who had stolen the horse of General
Macomb, brought him into the British camp ; v.diere he
was recognised by the Lieutenant, and as honourably re-
stored by the British commander.
During; the suspension of hostilities, General Macomb
"33
446 GLORY OF AMERICA.
visited New- York city and Belleville, in New- Jersey. On
tliis visit, he was at alaiost every place of note, the reci-
pient of congratulations which demonstrated the regard
of the magistracy and the people. But his tarry in the
scenes of domestic peace and enjoyment was brief. News
arrived that Plattsburgh was to be the theatre of another
attack. He speedily returned, with authority to call for
assistance on all the reo^ular troops, not immediatelv want-
ed for other specific purposes, who were east of New-
York and the Lake. The militia and volunteers were
also placed under his command. Troops daily arrived,
the discipline duly improved, and the works strengthen-
ed, in anticipation of the expected attack. But the news
that a treaty of peace had been signed, arrived in time to
prevent a further effusion of blood. A suspension of hos-
tilities was ordered by the Presideut. and General [Macomb
convcA'ed the io\'ful tidings to Sir Georf^e bv a flas: of
truce, and the war terminated.
The peace establishment was settled at ten thousand.
Four brigadiers were retained in the service. ^Tacomb, Rip-
ley, Scott, and Gaines, of whom General Macomb was the
senior. The troops enlisted for the term of the war were
then discharged, and Alacomb repaired to Washington, to
assist in the organization of a peace establishment. In the
distribution of the various commands, ]\Iacomb was as-
signed to the third militan,' department in the northern
division. Subsequently, however, his head quarters were
removed to Detroit, and he commanded the fifth military
department. This was certainly a ofratityina" incident.
His absence had been lons"; and his life had been one of
hardship, toil, and adrenture, when he returned to the
scenes of his juvenile years. He was received vnih evi-
dent manifestations of satisfaction.
The unfortunate surrender of this frontier fortress, at
the openinor of the contest with Great Britain, was the pre-
lude to Indian incursions. The territory had been swept
with the besom of destruction. To bring order from chaos,
and symmetry and beauty from confusion and deformity,
were the tasks assigned him : and the result evinced a
mind capable of their accomplishment. His forces were
ALEXANDER MAGOMB. 447
SO disposed as to keep the savage bands in awe. Various
military posts were put in a state of defence, and garri-
soned. Roads were constructed, public edifices built, and
arsenals established. Citizens returned to their dwellings,
trade and agriculture flourished, and general improvement
was rapidly on the advance. As a token of gratitude which
should continue the remembrance of his services to after
generations, his name was given to one of the territorial
counties.
In June, 1821, the army was reduced, when he returned
to the seat of government, as head of the engineer depart-
ment. When his intended removal was announced, a
general meeting of the citizens was called, when the pre-
sidential office was filled by the territorial sfovernor. An
address was voted, and a piece of plate presented him in
the name of the citizens. All classes, without respect to
sect or party, bade him an affectionate adieu, with the
liveliest tokens of esteem.
On the decease of his consort, during the year of his re-
turn, the general sent for his aged father and mother, then
residinof iuNew York, who had been reduced from afiiuence
to poverty. He received them under his owm roof, and
subsequently enjoyed the satisfaction, which none but a
grateful son can appreciate, of discharging in some degree
those obliofations, which can never be entirely cancelled, by
placing them in a situation of comfortable competency.
In February, 1828, Major General Brown, till then com-
mander-in-chief of the army, deceased. From the position
wiiich Macomb occupied, as head of the engineer depart-
ment, he had not, since he quitted his command on the
Canadian frontier, been before the public eye, in the capa-
city of a military commander ; but was rather regarded as
a labourer for the public benefit in the occupations of
peace even while in the act of preparing the country to
resist hostile aggressions, and superintending the academy
in which v/arriors are trained. But, after well consider-
ing the subject, the President nominated him to the Senate,
as successor to General Brown. The nomination was
con finned, and he became General-in-chief of the army of
the United States.
448 GLORY OF AMERICA.
In examining the long and honourable military career
of General Macomb, thelact is worthy of remark, that we
learn nothing of his engagement in tlie too common prac-
tice of dueUmg. Nor is it less remarkable, that in what-
ever place he was stationed, he paid the most marked
respect to the magistracy, and the civil law. No piibhc
functionary no private citizen, had occasion to complain
of violated rights, or impaired interests. His sword v/as
drawn in defence of the public good, of justice, and inno-
cence ; not for their subversion, or injury.
Perhaps no station in life is so fertile in the production
of tyrants, as that of a commander in the army or navy.
The boasted escutcheon of our national glory has already
accumulated its sombre shades and indelible spots. Yet
has the character of Alexander Macomb passed the ordeal
of public scrutiny, without sulfering from an accusation
of despotic rule, or tarnishing his fame by acts of injustice
or cruelty. As a private citizen, he is said to be amiable,
as he is great in the profession of arms. Exemplary in
the social relations of husband, father, son, and friend, he
is not known to have a personal enemy, and certainly not
to have deserved one. In conversation and manners, he is
such as might be expected from one of his quick ]^>ercep-
tions, and good opportunities.
Should the reader be inquisitive as to his size, appear-
ance and habits, he may be gratified to learn ihat the
General is more than five feet nine inches high, and well
proportioned, haviuij a pleasant countenance, a xiiild blue
eye, indicating much intellect and benevolence. He has
an excellent constitrUion, enjoys good health, and drinks
no intoxicating liquors.
The battle of Plattsburgh is the best commentary on his
militarv character.
449
OLIVER HAZARD PERRY.
The '-'Hero of Lake Erie,"' was born at Newport,
Rhode-Island, in August, 1785. In the disturbance be-
tween France and the United States, during the ad-
ministration of President Adams, his father, Christopher
Raymond Perry, commanded the United States' sloop of
war General Greene, on board of which, in 1798, young
Perry entered as a midshipman, under the immediate eye
of his parent. He was, soon after, ordered to the squad-
ron destined for the Mediterranean, in whicli he served
daring the Tripoline war. After affairs were adjusted
with that regency, the tranquil state of things threw him
into the vale of obscurity, until 1810, when he was ad-
vanced to the rank of Lieutenant-commandant, and was
ordered to take charge of the United States' schooner Re-
venge, and to cruise in Long-Island sound, for the pni'pose
of enforcing an observance of the Embargo law.
In the following spring, he lost his vessel on Watch-hill
reef, during the existence of a thick fog. He used every
possible exertion to save the guns and property, and par-
tially succeeded. A court of inquiry, instituted at his own
desire, not only exonerated him from blame, but applaud-
ed his zeal, which was seconded by a complimentary let-
ter from the Secretary of the Navy.
Shortly after his return to Newport, he was married to
Miss Mason, daughter of Dr. Mason, and niece of Christo-
pher Champlin, Esq. one of the Senators from Rhode-
Island in the Congress of the United States.
He took charge of the flotilla of gun-boats stationed in
the harbour of New-York, early in 1812, with the rank of
Master-commandant. Here he remained about a year,
disciplining his crews. As war had begun its ravages
between Great Britain and the United States, he sought a
more active sphere ; and, at his own request, he was
transferred to the service on the Lakes.
38*
450 GLORY OF AMERICA.
In pursuance of this disposition of his sendees, he re-
paired with a reinforcement of seamen to Sackett"s Har-
bour, on Lake Ontario, to act under Commodore Chaun-
cey. The transp':rtation of the seamen from the sea-board
to the harbour, from its novelty to the sons of Neptune,
afforded them the highest amusement, particularly as it
was a " land cruise^ in the depth of winter.
After remaining at Sackett's Harbour some time. Com-
modore Chauncey despatched Perry to take charofe of the
squadron then fitted and fitting out on Lake Erie, and to
hasten their equipments. At this time, the British fleet on
that lake Vv'as commxanded by Captain Barclay, an ofiicer
of high standing, rank, and skill, vrho had seen much ser-
vice, and whose force was of superior strength to the
American squadron.
Perry pursued his object unmolested by the enemy,
who was continuallv hoverino^ about the harbour. Hav-
mg equipped and manned his vessels, he buoyed them
over the bar, on which was only five feet water, at the
harbour's mouth of the port of Erie, on the 4th ofAuo-ust,