American Historical Ephemera & Photography

ALLEN, Barnabas Jr. (1783-1863) . "Colonel Albert Lockwood Farewell Address to the Troops under his Command." Manuscript document signed ("Barnabas Allen"). N.p., n.d. [ca 1815-1816]. 2pp, 7 1/2 x 12 1/2 in. (completely separated along horizontal folds, soil, ink smudges).  Allen, from Canterbury, Connecticut, served in the Connecticut Militia as a private during the War of 1812 and recorded the address. Col. Lockwood (1757-1846) served in both the American Revolution and the War of 1812, leading the 4th Regiment from Connecticut during the latter conflict. His farewell address as recorded by Allen states, in small part: "My old age, my long service in office together with any body infirmities call me to resign my commission...having had the honor this day to command you in the 4th brigade...I return you my hearty thanks...."

[With:]  BROWN, Jonathan Jr. (1786-1855). Manuscript letter describing the death of troops and difficulty at Lake Champlain during the War of 1812. Addressed to his wife Mrs. Abbey Brown in Granville [NY]. Champlaign [sic]. 29 November 1812. 2pp, 8 x 10 in. (dampstaining, tears at folds with adhesive tape repairs, wear). A newlywed of just five months, Brown writes to his wife describing the the difficulties he is encountering as part of the American forces at Lake Champlain. Written early in the war effort, the letter reflects early losses sustained by American troops during the conflict. "I must confess that my spirits are not very high and have nothing to raise them...Death is around us here on every side scarcely an hour but some one is dying there is distemper raging among the men that carrys them off in a very few hours...we are in no great danger of the enemy now unless the Indians should see fit to make us a visit...."

[Also with:] IVES, Chauncey (1785-1855), Captain of the Connecticut Militia. Manuscript letter describing receipts and payments from a Captain Blanchard and others before turning to discussion of non-business matters including shipping. Addressed to Lieut. James L. Halsey. Fort Trumbull [Connecticut]. 8 July 1813. 1p, 7 3/4 x 12 1/2 in. (creasing, toning, small tears at folds). Ives was a captain of Connecticut Volunteers during the War of 1812 in the 37th Infantry Regiment and commanded at Fort Trummbull. Ives invites Halsey for a visit, and utilizes colloquial slang for thier foe: "Our frigates lye six miles up Norwich river & John Bulls shipping have left the harbour...." He was discharged in June 1815.