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Domestic News
September 14, 1814
Virginia Argus
Richmond, Virginia
What is this article about?
British forces under Major-General Brisbane, numbering around 5000 including Indians and artillery, advance towards Plattsburgh from Champlain, prompting U.S. preparations with militia and fleet support. A brigade order emphasizes discipline and payment for damages to avoid harming civilians.
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OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
THE ENEMY NEAR PLATTSBURGH.
From the Correspondent of the Columbian.
Plattsburgh, September 1.
SIR,—In haste. The enemy are on their march for this place: force 5000, some say but 3500. We are all prepared. The fleet will act here with the army, in preventing their approach by way of Dead Creek road.
C.
Office of the Republican.
Plattsburgh, Sept 1—10 o'clock, A. M.
The enemy's force have advanced into our country—they last night encamped near Champlain—Their force is represented at 5000—18 or 20 pieces of artillery. Of this force 400 are said to be Indians, and 100 or 200 dragoons. It is believed they design to attack this place. Major Appling, with his corps, are in Chazy. An express who came in this morning, has furnished us with the following copy
BRIGADE GENERAL ORDER,
Camp near Odelltown, August 30.
Major-General Brisbane having received instructions to advance with the troops under his command into the territory of the United States, avails himself of the opportunity of requesting that commanding officers will use every exertion to maintain the strictest discipline in the troops under their command; and he holds them responsible—that in every instance where a complaint is made to him of any injury sustained by the inhabitants, that he will see them redressed and whatever damage is done, is instantly to be paid for and charged against those concerned: and where this cannot be ascertained, to the troops in general, so that unoffending people may not be sufferers. In taking the necessary precaution against individuals who may so far forget what is due to themselves and their country as to commit acts of plunder or violence, the Major-General is at the same time fully convinced that the whole of the troops are determined that their conduct shall not bring disgrace on the British name; he therefore calls upon them to discover who may be guilty of any acts of plunder or oppression, that they may be brought to the punishment they merit; and the soldiers must soon find that such a line of conduct will add much to their comfort, for the inhabitants of the country finding they are properly treated and protected, will bring every article requisite into the camp; for those who remain quiet in their houses are not in the smallest degree to be molested, nor their property taken from them, without their full consent, and it being paid for, as it is not against such persons that Great Britain makes war; but against the government, whose folly and ambition has brought the miseries of war into their country, and the army and individuals in arms in support of such a government.
The major-general commanding has requested the magistrates of the country to explain to the people his object and determination of entering the American territory, and he trusts that the conduct of the soldier will be such as to reflect no shade of dishonor on their country.
By command of major-general Brisbane.
JAS. CAMPBELL, Major of brigade.
The citizens of the United States are cautioned to beware of the indirect invitation to them in the above general order, to commit treason against their own government, by supplying the enemy with refreshments or provisions; and it may not be improper here to add a letter from general Washington, to his overseer, under similar circumstances, during the revolution.
SIR
It gives me extreme concern to hear that you have furnished the enemy with refreshments. It would have been a less painful circumstance to me to have heard, that in consequence of your non-compliance with the request, they had laid my plantation in ruins,
GEO. WASHINGTON.
The militia of this and Essex county have been ordered out en masse.
Americans! The enemy's forces have invaded your country—let every man do his duty. Be not lulled into security by the 'professions and promises of the enemy, lest there might be occasion for repentance when it is too late. No sacrifices are too great in defence of the freedom purchased by the blood of your ancestors.
'A day, an hour of virtuous liberty,
Is worth a whole eternity of bondage.'
From the Correspondent of the Columbian.
Plattsburgh, September 1.
SIR,—In haste. The enemy are on their march for this place: force 5000, some say but 3500. We are all prepared. The fleet will act here with the army, in preventing their approach by way of Dead Creek road.
C.
Office of the Republican.
Plattsburgh, Sept 1—10 o'clock, A. M.
The enemy's force have advanced into our country—they last night encamped near Champlain—Their force is represented at 5000—18 or 20 pieces of artillery. Of this force 400 are said to be Indians, and 100 or 200 dragoons. It is believed they design to attack this place. Major Appling, with his corps, are in Chazy. An express who came in this morning, has furnished us with the following copy
BRIGADE GENERAL ORDER,
Camp near Odelltown, August 30.
Major-General Brisbane having received instructions to advance with the troops under his command into the territory of the United States, avails himself of the opportunity of requesting that commanding officers will use every exertion to maintain the strictest discipline in the troops under their command; and he holds them responsible—that in every instance where a complaint is made to him of any injury sustained by the inhabitants, that he will see them redressed and whatever damage is done, is instantly to be paid for and charged against those concerned: and where this cannot be ascertained, to the troops in general, so that unoffending people may not be sufferers. In taking the necessary precaution against individuals who may so far forget what is due to themselves and their country as to commit acts of plunder or violence, the Major-General is at the same time fully convinced that the whole of the troops are determined that their conduct shall not bring disgrace on the British name; he therefore calls upon them to discover who may be guilty of any acts of plunder or oppression, that they may be brought to the punishment they merit; and the soldiers must soon find that such a line of conduct will add much to their comfort, for the inhabitants of the country finding they are properly treated and protected, will bring every article requisite into the camp; for those who remain quiet in their houses are not in the smallest degree to be molested, nor their property taken from them, without their full consent, and it being paid for, as it is not against such persons that Great Britain makes war; but against the government, whose folly and ambition has brought the miseries of war into their country, and the army and individuals in arms in support of such a government.
The major-general commanding has requested the magistrates of the country to explain to the people his object and determination of entering the American territory, and he trusts that the conduct of the soldier will be such as to reflect no shade of dishonor on their country.
By command of major-general Brisbane.
JAS. CAMPBELL, Major of brigade.
The citizens of the United States are cautioned to beware of the indirect invitation to them in the above general order, to commit treason against their own government, by supplying the enemy with refreshments or provisions; and it may not be improper here to add a letter from general Washington, to his overseer, under similar circumstances, during the revolution.
SIR
It gives me extreme concern to hear that you have furnished the enemy with refreshments. It would have been a less painful circumstance to me to have heard, that in consequence of your non-compliance with the request, they had laid my plantation in ruins,
GEO. WASHINGTON.
The militia of this and Essex county have been ordered out en masse.
Americans! The enemy's forces have invaded your country—let every man do his duty. Be not lulled into security by the 'professions and promises of the enemy, lest there might be occasion for repentance when it is too late. No sacrifices are too great in defence of the freedom purchased by the blood of your ancestors.
'A day, an hour of virtuous liberty,
Is worth a whole eternity of bondage.'
What sub-type of article is it?
Military
What keywords are associated?
British Invasion
Plattsburgh
Troop Advance
Militia Mobilization
War Of 1812
What entities or persons were involved?
Major General Brisbane
Major Appling
Jas. Campbell
Geo. Washington
Where did it happen?
Plattsburgh
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Plattsburgh
Event Date
September 1
Key Persons
Major General Brisbane
Major Appling
Jas. Campbell
Geo. Washington
Outcome
militia from plattsburgh and essex county ordered out en masse; u.s. forces prepared to defend with army and fleet.
Event Details
British forces of approximately 5000, including 400 Indians and 100-200 dragoons with 18-20 pieces of artillery, advanced into U.S. territory, encamping near Champlain on August 31 night, intending to attack Plattsburgh. Brigade order from Major-General Brisbane dated August 30 emphasizes troop discipline, payment for damages, and protection of civilians. U.S. response includes militia mobilization and caution against aiding the enemy, referencing George Washington's letter.