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Letter to Editor
August 13, 1814
Daily National Intelligencer
Washington, District Of Columbia
What is this article about?
A correspondent from Camp, Indian Bridge, on August 9, 1814, corrects the National Intelligencer's report that British ships had left the Potomac, detailing increased enemy forces there and in the Patuxent, praises local militia spirit despite poor laws, and lauds New York's defensive preparations against the invaders.
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TO THE EDITORS.
Camp, Indian Bridge,
August 9th, 1814.
Gentlemen--I observe in the National Intelligencer of last week, that you give it as your opinion that the enemy's ships had left the Potomac. The fact is otherwise; there has on the contrary been an increase of force of two ships, a brig and some schooners. The whole force in the Potomac now lies just below the mouth of St. Mary's river, and is as follows: One 74, the Albion, one Razee, three frigates, two ships and two brigs,--sloops of war one large schooner and twelve smaller ones.
The force in the Patuxent lies opposite Drum Point, and consists of two ships and a brig; the names of the ships are the Severn and Prince William.
The militia in this county and at the lower end of it, particularly, have so long been accustomed to the sight of the enemy that they are not afraid of them, and I feel confident would behave well if they had a chance, but our militia laws are really worse than nothing; they have palsied every thing.
In the work of defence, New York is exhibiting a praise worthy example to her sister cities. We perceive by the papers, that the most spirited appropriations have been made, and the greatest alacrity pervades all ranks and parties in rendering that great emporium safe from the attacks of the insatiate robbers, who despise all the laws held sacred among civilized nations; and whose conduct on the shores of Virginia and Maryland affords a sample of what might be expected from them in the midst of a city offering so many temptations to violence and plunder as that of New York.
Camp, Indian Bridge,
August 9th, 1814.
Gentlemen--I observe in the National Intelligencer of last week, that you give it as your opinion that the enemy's ships had left the Potomac. The fact is otherwise; there has on the contrary been an increase of force of two ships, a brig and some schooners. The whole force in the Potomac now lies just below the mouth of St. Mary's river, and is as follows: One 74, the Albion, one Razee, three frigates, two ships and two brigs,--sloops of war one large schooner and twelve smaller ones.
The force in the Patuxent lies opposite Drum Point, and consists of two ships and a brig; the names of the ships are the Severn and Prince William.
The militia in this county and at the lower end of it, particularly, have so long been accustomed to the sight of the enemy that they are not afraid of them, and I feel confident would behave well if they had a chance, but our militia laws are really worse than nothing; they have palsied every thing.
In the work of defence, New York is exhibiting a praise worthy example to her sister cities. We perceive by the papers, that the most spirited appropriations have been made, and the greatest alacrity pervades all ranks and parties in rendering that great emporium safe from the attacks of the insatiate robbers, who despise all the laws held sacred among civilized nations; and whose conduct on the shores of Virginia and Maryland affords a sample of what might be expected from them in the midst of a city offering so many temptations to violence and plunder as that of New York.
What sub-type of article is it?
Informative
Political
What themes does it cover?
Military War
What keywords are associated?
British Fleet
Potomac River
Patuxent River
Militia Laws
New York Defense
War Of 1812
What entities or persons were involved?
The Editors
Letter to Editor Details
Recipient
The Editors
Main Argument
corrects the newspaper's report by detailing the current increased british naval forces in the potomac and patuxent rivers, notes the militia's readiness hampered by poor laws, and praises new york's defensive efforts.
Notable Details
British Fleet Composition In Potomac: One 74 (Albion), One Razee, Three Frigates, Two Ships, Two Brigs, One Large Schooner, Twelve Smaller Ones.
Patuxent Force: Ships Severn And Prince William, Plus A Brig.
Criticism Of Militia Laws As 'Worse Than Nothing'.
Reference To British As 'Insatiate Robbers' Violating Civilized Laws.