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Letter to Editor
March 9, 1838
Morning Herald
New York, New York County, New York
What is this article about?
On March 5, 1838, in Auburn, NY, a letter to James Gordon Bennett describes the excitement caused by the arrival of captured 'General' Van Rensselaer, a Patriot rebel, for examination before Judge Conklin. Locals oppose him, his trial is postponed, and he remains in jail despite bail offer.
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Auburn, N. Y., March 5, 1838.
James Gordon Bennett, Esq.
Dear Sir: Within the last few days our hitherto peaceful village has been thrown into some little excitement by the arrival of the self-dubbed "General" Van Rensselaer, who was apprehended in Watertown on the frontier, and brought in here, on Thursday last, to undergo an examination before Judge Conklin. The majority of our villagers have uniformly been opposed to the so-called "Patriots;" but even those few of them who were favorably disposed towards the rebels, have turned their backs upon the "General;" and, now that his Quixotic undertaking has exploded, speak of him in his true character, as being a loafer, rascal, renegade, &c. Since his arrival, he has been confined in jail, and, while there, his only visitors have been a few hair-brained youths who supplied themselves plentifully with rum and cigars as suitable presents for the "General," who gave in exchange drafts upon Queen Victoria, and grants of Canada lands.
Today, at 12 o'clock, the investigation before Judge Conklin commenced: but, after the examination of three witnesses, was postponed till Wednesday next at 10 o'clock, when the arrival of the United States Attorney, along with other material witnesses from the frontier, is expected. Before leaving the Bench, his Honor told the "General" that he might be bailed for the ensuing two days; but knowing the state of public opinion here, the latter declined accepting the proposal, and was forthwith remanded to "durance vile." The General was habited in drab pilot cloth inexpressibles, a Boston wrapper, with velvet collar, a plain, black satin stock, and black, fur cap. His appearance completely disappointed those who had read and heard of his chivalrous achievements.
If you have never seen him, and want his picture, here it is. Fancy to yourself a gaunt, unseemly figure, nearly six feet high, notwithstanding a most un-"General" looking stoop about the shoulders, a bloated face, with negro lips, but flaxen hair, and you have a pretty fair representation of the Navy Island Ex-general, who is now a candidate for the honors conferred upon the inmates of Governor Marcy's flourishing Institutions-the State Prisons. More anon of the "General's" trial.
Yours, &c.
A SUBSCRIBER.
James Gordon Bennett, Esq.
Dear Sir: Within the last few days our hitherto peaceful village has been thrown into some little excitement by the arrival of the self-dubbed "General" Van Rensselaer, who was apprehended in Watertown on the frontier, and brought in here, on Thursday last, to undergo an examination before Judge Conklin. The majority of our villagers have uniformly been opposed to the so-called "Patriots;" but even those few of them who were favorably disposed towards the rebels, have turned their backs upon the "General;" and, now that his Quixotic undertaking has exploded, speak of him in his true character, as being a loafer, rascal, renegade, &c. Since his arrival, he has been confined in jail, and, while there, his only visitors have been a few hair-brained youths who supplied themselves plentifully with rum and cigars as suitable presents for the "General," who gave in exchange drafts upon Queen Victoria, and grants of Canada lands.
Today, at 12 o'clock, the investigation before Judge Conklin commenced: but, after the examination of three witnesses, was postponed till Wednesday next at 10 o'clock, when the arrival of the United States Attorney, along with other material witnesses from the frontier, is expected. Before leaving the Bench, his Honor told the "General" that he might be bailed for the ensuing two days; but knowing the state of public opinion here, the latter declined accepting the proposal, and was forthwith remanded to "durance vile." The General was habited in drab pilot cloth inexpressibles, a Boston wrapper, with velvet collar, a plain, black satin stock, and black, fur cap. His appearance completely disappointed those who had read and heard of his chivalrous achievements.
If you have never seen him, and want his picture, here it is. Fancy to yourself a gaunt, unseemly figure, nearly six feet high, notwithstanding a most un-"General" looking stoop about the shoulders, a bloated face, with negro lips, but flaxen hair, and you have a pretty fair representation of the Navy Island Ex-general, who is now a candidate for the honors conferred upon the inmates of Governor Marcy's flourishing Institutions-the State Prisons. More anon of the "General's" trial.
Yours, &c.
A SUBSCRIBER.
What sub-type of article is it?
Informative
Satirical
What themes does it cover?
Crime Punishment
Military War
Politics
What keywords are associated?
General Van Rensselaer
Auburn Ny
Patriot Rebels
Arrest
Examination
Judge Conklin
Navy Island
Canada Frontier
What entities or persons were involved?
A Subscriber
James Gordon Bennett, Esq.
Letter to Editor Details
Author
A Subscriber
Recipient
James Gordon Bennett, Esq.
Main Argument
reports the arrest, jailing, and pending examination of 'general' van rensselaer in auburn, ny, highlighting local disdain for him and the patriots after his failed expedition.
Notable Details
Apprehended In Watertown
Confined In Jail With Visitors Bringing Rum And Cigars
Exchanged For Drafts On Queen Victoria And Canada Land Grants
Examination Postponed To March 7
Declined Bail
Described As Gaunt, Stooped, Bloated Face With Flaxen Hair
Candidate For State Prison