A review of the case of Alexander McLeod: recently determined in the Supreme Court of Judicature of the state of New York (1841)

Alexander McLeod, a British subject, was tried for the murder of Amos Durfee and as an accomplice in the burning of the steamer Caroline, in the Niagara River, during the Canadian rebellion in 1837-1838.

Niagara Suspension Bridge Bank note, 1841

The Niagara Suspension Bridge Bank operated in Queenston in 1840. The bank issued notes in denominations of ten dollars, five dollars and one dollar, and featured a drawing of the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge, ten years prior to its construction. The notes are signed by the bank’s Cashier, Gilbert McMicken, and President, Joseph Hamilton. The bank failed a year after its establishment.

Summons for Court Upper Canada - 1841

A summons "in the court of Requests - Upper Canada" Niagara District Division for a debt of three pounds, one shillings and six pence. Summons to appear before the Court of Requests, Robert Osborn vs. John Shadwick, signed by Walter Sumner, clerk of the court, 1841.

Laura Dexter letter, commenting on the McLeod murder trial, October 5, 1841

Alexander McLeod was Deputy Sheriff of the Niagara District during the Rebellion of 1837-38 in Upper Canada. On December 24, 1837, he became aware of a scheme by the rebels to use the American steamboat Caroline to provide supplies to William Lyon Mackenzie and his followers on Navy Island in the Niagara River. McLeod notified the authorities in Upper Canada about the situation. A few days later, on December 29, Commodore Andrew Drew led a band of men, including McLeod, to the American side, where the Caroline was moored at Schlosser’s Wharf. A scuffle ensued, in which American Amos Durfee was killed. The Caroline was then released from its moorings, set on fire, and drifted downstream before sinking. Many Americans viewed the incident as a violation of their sovereignty. Tensions between the United States and England were already strained over a boundary dispute between Maine and New Brunswick, and the situation with the Caroline further escalated the tension. McLeod was subsequently arrested in November, 1840 in Lewiston, NY and indicted for arson and murder. The British foreign secretary, Lord Palmerston, insisted that McLeod be released and could not be held personally responsible for the incident, as he was acting on orders from authorities in Canada. Eventually, McLeod was acquitted.

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 11 April 1916

A letter from Eleanore Celeste Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon in the year 1916. She discusses her letter writing, a luncheon at the McCrackens and her work with the Red Cross. It is labelled the 84th letter.

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 12 June 1916

A brief note to Arthur Schmon that reads: "Monday 10 P.M. My dear Artie, Gladys is out of town, and does not expect to return for a couple of weeks. Sorry. Anything else I can do? In haste, Lessie"

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 21 July 1916

The letter describes Eleanore Celeste's time away with her brother. She has spent her time canoeing, playing golf, dancing and plans to attend the movies. The next day is a sailing trip to see Plymouth Rock. The next week she will be in Connecticut and then home.

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 6 April 1916

The letter mentions a trip to Princeton that is postponed.

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 25 March 1916

This letter discusses how Arthur is now responsible for "directing and supervising the work of ninety men". This letter is labelled number 75.

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 23 January 1916

The letter includes a poem entitled "Courage". It is labelled number 46.

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 24 November 1916

The letter mentions a debate that Arthur will be involved in and Eleanor Celeste jokes about which side she will favour.

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 15 May 1916

The letter mentions a train from Newark to Princeton. She writes "Shall keep all news until I see you". The second part of the letter is written another day and describes the time she spent with Arthur.

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 12 December 1916

Eleanore Celeste mentions that her mother will have to have another eye surgery. There is a membrane over the eye impairing her vision.

Letter - E.C. Schmon to Arthur A. Schmon, 13 April 1916

The letter states that they will see one another on the nineteenth and Eleanore Celeste is excited for the date to arrive. She also mentions some volunteer work "tagging" for donations for the "benefit of war sufferers". She also attends a concert of Columbia University given at Carnegie Hall.