Robert George Malcomson Papers, 1790s-2009 (non-inclusive)

Materials related to military and naval operations of the 1812 era, research of the late Robert Malcomson, Canadian author and historian. Materials include photocopies of materials relating to the War of 1812, photographs and detailed research notes Malcomson made regarding his approach to research (mainly found in Series VIII). Materials were originally arranged in binders relating to an area of research or a certain publication. Articles were removed from the binders and placed in folders using original titles from the binders as series or sub-series titles. Articles within the binders were separated by tabs indicating what the article related to in the publication or topic of interest. In order to avoid repetition, the writing on the tab was used for folder titles, as each folder would be a part of the Series under which it was grouped. The tab names could be authors, events, accounts etc. of the War. Series and sub-series titles were derived from the original titles on the binders. Original intellectual order was retained, grouping similar subjects into Series and Sub-series. Dates recorded were the publication dates of the articles; however, if no publication date was present the date of retrieval was used if from an academic database (ex. JSTOR). The black and white photos from various repositories are reproductions of paintings, microfilm etc. on photographic paper. The colour photographs from various repositories are actual photographs. All books donated by Malcomson were integrated into the University’s Special Collections book collection. These volumes are noted at the end of the finding aid under separated materials.

Naval Occurrences of the Late War Between Great Britain and the United States of America- 1817

Full title is "A Full and Correct Account of the Chief Naval Occurrences of the Late War Between Great Britain and the United States of America; preceded by a Cursory Examination of the American Accounts of their Naval Actions Fought Previous to that Period: to Which is Added an Appendix; with Plates" This is an expanded version of author William James' pamphlet "An Inquiry into the Merits of the Principal Naval Actions between Great Britain and the United States." (Halifax, Nova Scotia, 1816) In this work he discussed how American ships, during the War of 1812, were larger and more heavily armed and manned than those of the British. He therefore, stated that American victories were due only to their greater numerical force and not their superior seamanship. Naval Occurrences is a thorough documentation of the naval operations from the British perspective that addresses contradictions and inconsistencies within the American official documents as well as political and media accounts. This is perhaps his motivation for the words "Corrected Account" within the title. James' sentiments towards the US most likely sprouted from being held prisoner while visiting in 1812. (He was falsely accused of being a renegade seeking revenge on the US.) In 1813, he escaped to Halifax where he began writing on various naval topics. James became one of the leading authorities on British Naval History.

The Columbian Newspaper vol. IV no. 1105- June 12, 1813

The "Columbian" was established by Mr. Holt in 1808 as an "organ of the Clintonians" (Journalism in the United States, from 1690-1872 By Frederic Hudson) and a replacement to the "Citizen". It was a passionate Democratic paper that supported both Jefferson and Madison. Holt later sold the "Columbian" to Alden Spooner, who published the Long Island "Star". The Columbian ceased in 1821. This issue includes the following War of 1812 topics: Page 2: copies of letters from U.S. Gen. H. Dearborn describing the U.S. attack on Ft. George 27 May 1813; letter from Gen. H. Dearborn describing U.S. pursuit of British troops at Beaver Dams and the U.S. capture of Fort Erie; list of U.S. killed and wounded in Commodore Isaac Chauncey's squadron in attack on York 27 April, 1813; list of killed and wounded in Commodore Isaac Chauncey's squadron in attack on Ft. George 27 May 1813; abstract of the cartel for the exchange of prisoners of war between Great Britain and the United States; mention of troop movements through New York on their way to the battle front; list of persons killed or lost on the privateer Saratoga; Page 3: account of the loss of the U.S. war ships the Growler and Eagle to the British; news from Quebec and Kingston of troop movements; U.S. ship Syren unsuccessfully pursues British ship Herald; account of a U.S. cargo ship being captured by a British military ship; account of U.S. ship Siro capturing British ship Loyal Sam; report from Halifax of recent British troop and ship movements; list of recent troop enrollments in various states; report of British troop build up in Kingston;

Merrimack Intelligencer Vol. 5 No. 48

This was a weekly paper that was published every Saturday. The motto of the Merrimack was: "Not too rash--Yet not fearful--We aim to be just." It was published from 1808-1817. Topics of interest include: Page 1: State of New York Republicans published a statement arguing against the war and the policies of John Adams and James Madison; account of the capture of York by the Americans, 27 April 1813; Page 2: account of the capture of York by the Americans, 27 April 1813; letter from American Brig. Gen. Henry Miller to Sir John B. Warren warning the British not to execute captured U.S. citizen O'Neal; response from Sir John B. Warren to Brig. Gen. Henry Miller stating that O'Neal had been released; account of Stephen Girard buying back his ransomed ship from the British; Page 3: account of Stephen Girard buying back his ransomed ship from the British; U.S. General Harrison repels British and Indian forces that attack Fort Meigs; account of British forces capturing U.S. privateer ship Alexander; report of British forces near Newport, New York, the Delaware river, and the Potomac River; report of Indian attacks in Kaskaskia, Randolph County; report of a boat load of provisions attacked by Indians near Fort Harrison; Commodore Isaac Chauncey arrived at Sacket's Harbor to unload stores taken from York before leaving for Niagara to commence attack against Fort George; U.S. Army announcement recruiting men 18 to 45 years of age to enlist in the army;

Boston Patriot Vol. 8 No. 13- October 24, 1812

A semi-weekly paper that began in 1809 and ceased in 1816. Its succeeding title was the Boston Patriot and Morning Advertiser. Publishers included: Everett and Munroe, 1809-Mar. 7, 1810; Isaac Munroe, Mar. 10, 1810-May 1, 1811; Munroe and French, May 4, 1811-1813; D.C. Ballard, 1814-1816. Editor: David Everett, Mar. 10, 1810-Oct. 23, 1811. Topics of interest include: Page 1: announcement of war against Great Britain and the reasons for the war; Page 2: announcement of nomination of war supporter Francis Carr for Congress; Statement of the Senate of Massachusetts in support of the war; 3 accounts of the American attack on Queenston; Page 3: report of the movement of war ships in and out of the port of Boston; news of naval movements by American and British ships; Page 4: advertisement of American and British muskets and swords for sale;

The Bee Newspaper, Vol. I, No. 13

An original Niagara area newspaper containing an account of the Battle of Queenston Heights and the death and burial of Sir Isaac Brock. The newspaper is dated October 24, 1812, eleven days after the death of General Brock. Topics of interest include: Page 1: Sheaffe announcement regulating the sale of alcohol in Niagara; Myers announcement asking citizens for the return of American muskets recovered from the battle at Queenston; local notices on business claims and education; want ads for wood, straw, flour and pork for military use; announcement by the Prince Regent in Council putting an embargo on American ships. Page 2: release of American prisoners captured at Queenston; news of the British Navy; the security of Canadian properties in wartime; American ships leaving Britain with licenses. Page 3: American ships leaving Britain with licenses Page 4: report on the Battle of Queenston Heights and the death of Isaac Brock.

National Intelligencer Vol. XVI, No. 2193- October 15, 1814

The Intelligencer was an American newspaper that was established, in 1800, in Washington by Samuel Harrison Smith, a young Jeffersonian- Republican from Philadelphia. War of 1812 related content includes: Page 1: Major General Winfield Scott's arrival in Washington escorted by Colonel Laval's cavalry; report from Sackett's Harbour on the American and British navies; a debate on a bill to temporarily remove the seat of government from the City of Washington due to the war; the Military Committee wishing to have the President commission gold medals for distinguished service for Major Generals Brown and Scott and silver medals to Brigadier Generals Ripley, Miller and Porter for their efforts at Chippewa, Erie and Niagara as well as gold medals to Brigadier General Gaines for efforts at Erie and Brigadier General Macomb for efforts at Plattsburg; resolutions of the House on the victory of Commodore Thomas Macdonough at the Battle on Lake Champlain; Page 2: more detail on the proposed removal of the seat of government from Washington; Page 3: a letter from Major General Andrew Jackson to the Secretary of War on repelling the British at Fort Bowyer on the Point of Mobile and naval battle reports on the vessels Hermes, Sophie, and Carron; a letter from Major William Lawrence to Andrew Jackson on the battle at Fort Bowyer; military promotions of Alexander Macomb, Roger Jones, J. Hindman; more on the removal of the seat of government; citizens of Washington offering to volunteer in defense of the city; banks willing to loan the government funds to re-build destroyed government buildings; assignments of Major General Scott, General Winder and Major General Gaines; report of 300 British prisoners from Fort Erie passed through Washington; Montreal newspaper report condemning Provost for his actions at the Battle of Lake Champlain; trouble with stage coaches traveling between New Haven and Bridgeport due to cannon fire; report of a British naval squadron appearing off New Port and by Long Island and New Bedford; report of enemy naval movements from Norfolk; announcement of a book entitled "A Narrative of the Battle of Bladensburg" by and officer of General Smith; Page 4: report on the amassing navy at Kingston under Drummond and the defenses at Sackett's Harbor; report of American and British naval news from Nova Scotia and the east coast; actions of the American sloop of war, The Peacock, in international waters; an enlistment announcement by Captain Perrin Willis of the 2nd Regiment Infantry; listing of American officers and privates released from parole on October 13; Other notices report on stray horses, properties for sale, runaway slaves, imprisonments, missing livestock, medical lectures at the University of Maryland, stage lines, auctions, etc. The paper was a supporter of the Jefferson and Madison administrations until 1810 when it was sold to Joseph Gales Jr. from North Carolina. In 1812 William Seaton joined Gales as a publishing partner. This paper made significant contributions to the nation and wielded considerable influence in political circles during its publication. It has been praised for its "high standard of journalistic excellence and high intellectual level of its contents". (William E. Ames , National Intelligencer: Washington's Leading Political Newspaper) The Intelligencer was, until 1810, named the National Intelligencer, and Washington Advertiser. It was a tri-weekly paper and had a peak circulation of 6, 000. Publication was suspended in 1869.

Independent Chronicle Vol. XLVI No. 2476- August 4, 1814

A semi-weekly paper that was published from 1801 to 1817. It was previously called the Independent chronicle and the universal advertiser, and was later the Independent chronicle and Boston patriot (Semiweekly). Publishers were Abijah Adams and Ebenezer Rhoades. Topics of interest in this issue include: Page 1: Proclamation from James Madison pardoning military deserters if they return to military service; announcement to officers and soldiers in the military offering reward for the return of military deserters; U.S. General W. Scott's account of the battle of Chippewa; U.S. General P. B. Porter's account of the battle of Chippewa; Major J. Hindman's account of the battle of Chippewa; news of British war ships attacking and capturing U.S. cargo ships; Page 2: news of a soldier shot for desertion; military news from Erie, Pennsylvania; New York appropriates money to pay troops and build two encampments; James Madison issues orders for state of Rhode Island to raise a militia of 500 troops; U.S. military news from Bermuda; report of the death of Capt. Parker of the U.S. ship Syren; account of the battle of Chippewa and a list of important officers wounded; report of a raft captured that was taking supplies to the British; report of U.S. General Brown being wounded in battle; list of further details of the battle of Chippewa; report of Indian attack near Champlain; news of prisoner exchange and announcement that exchanged prisoners should return to their regiments; listing of the total number of British forces in the U.S.; report of British shipwrecks; Naval news for the Port of Boston; news of various U.S. war ships; Page 4: Marshal's notice announcing a trial for members of a private American ship accused of supplying the British with provisions;

Independent Chronicle Vol. XLVI No. 3477- August 8, 1814

A semi-weekly paper that was published from 1801 to 1817. It was previously called the Independent chronicle and the universal advertiser, and was later the Independent chronicle and Boston patriot (Semiweekly). Publishers were Abijah Adams and Ebenezer Rhoades. Topics of interest in this issue include: Page 1: notice from the U.S. War Department seeking proposals for the supply of rations to troops; account of the battle of Bridgewater; list of important military figures wounded in the battle; news of prisoner exchange; Americans and the British negotiate and new prisoner exchange convention; Page 2: report of more British troops sailing to North America; report of some Indian tribes signing a treaty to fight against the British; report of battle near Detroit; report of militia moving from Fredricksburg, Virginia to Baltimore, Maryland; report of troop numbers and casualties in the battle of Bridgewater; report that Commodore Chauncey has recovered from his illness; news of American Naval forces sailing from Sackett's Harbor; Indian tribes sign peace treaty with U.S.; news of U.S. relations with Indians in the southern U.S.; account of battle of Bridgewater and list of casualties; report of the number of men killed and wounded on both sides in the battle of Chippewa; Page 3: report of surprise attack on the British; news of warship movements in and out of Halifax; frigate Java launched in Baltimore; news of British ship movements; 3 companies of Massachusetts militia arrive at Fort Warren; news of ship movements in and out of the Port of Boston; various Marshal's notices alleging U.S. ships supplying goods to the British;

Independent Chronicle Vol. XLVI No. 3470- July 14, 1814

A semi-weekly paper that was published from 1801 to 1817. It was previously called the Independent chronicle and the universal advertiser, and was later the Independent chronicle and Boston patriot (Semiweekly). Publishers were Abijah Adams and Ebenezer Rhoades. Topics of interest in this issue include: Page 1: report of Independence Day celebration including multiple toasts to the military; Page 2: report of South Carolina militia marching home; report of U.S. schooner Alligator being lost to a tornado in Port Royal; report of 10,000 militia and 2,000 regular Army troops to be used in defense of the District of Columbia and vicinity; report U.S. is to try to raise 100,000 militia for defense; news of British deserters providing information to the U.S.; report of skirmishes along the U.S. coast; statement from U.S. Navy Capt. David Porter stating he had taken possession of Sir Henry Martin's Island; report of British troops burning a militia barracks in Lewiston, N.Y.; 4 accounts of the battle of Chippewa and the taking of Fort Erie; statement from Maj. Gen. Brown in praise of his troops in the battle of Chippewa; copy of General Brown's orders to attack at Fort Erie; essay arguing against U.S. citizens boarding enemy ships; report of peace treaty rumours; Page 3: account of Capt. Porter's capture and subsequent escape from the British; list of American prisoners held on the British ship Nymph; report of British cargo ship captured by U.S. war ship; Proclamation from James Madison pardoning military deserters if they return to military service; announcement to officers and soldiers in the military offering reward for the return of military deserters; Page 4: 2 reward advertisements for return of military deserters;

American Mercury Newspaper, Vol. XXXI, No. 1571. August 9, 1814

A weekly newspaper published in Hartford, Connecticut by Elisha Babcock and Son, "(Printers of the Laws of the Union)". Babcock arrived in Hartford not long after the war in 1784 and created the Mercury. It became the leading Democratic newspaper in Connecticut and ceased not long after his death in 1821.

In Senate of the United States: February 27, 1816

Caption title: [U.S. 14th Congress, 1st session. Senate Doc. 55].

The salvo combat model with area fire

This paper analyzes versions of the salvo model of missile combat where area fire is used by one or both sides in a battle. While these models share some properties with the area fire Lanchester model and the aimed fire salvo model, they also display some interesting differences, especially over the course of several salvos. Whereas the relative size of each force is important with aimed fire, with area fire it is the absolute size that matters. Similarly, while aimed fire exhibits square law behavior, area fire shows approximately linear behavior. When one side uses area and the other uses aimed fire, the model displays a mix of square and linear law behavior.

Baltimore Patriot and Evening Advertiser Vol. 3 No. 89- April 15, 1814

This daily paper, except Sundays, began publication on August 17, 1813 and ceased April 30, 1817. It was also published tri-weekly for a "COUNTRY" edition. The paper later became the Baltimore Patriot. Topics of interest include: Page 1: announcement Capt. M. Simmones Burnbury is seeking men to form a company of Sea Fencibles; Page 2: U.S. Legislature authorizes bill to increase the Marine Corps; U.S. Legislature authorizes bill to purchase vessels captured on Lake Erie; U.S. Senate bill authorizes the appointment of officers for the flotilla service; President of United States authorized to accept service of volunteer corps for defence of United States; Letter from Capt. A. H. Holmes to Lieut. Col. Butler detailing an American victory over the British near Detroit; announcement of British forces building barges for the purpose of attacking Detroit; War sloop Erie returns to Baltimore unable to reach sea due to British forces in the Chesapeake; Page 3: Death notice of Mr. Ward Fairchild of the U.S. Army; Page 4: Commander of the U.S. Flotilla seeks men for the Chesapeake Flotilla.

National Intelligencer Vol. XIII, No. 1984- June 8, 1813

The Intelligencer was an American newspaper that was established, in 1800, in Washington by Samuel Harrison Smith, a young Jeffersonian- Republican from Philadelphia. The paper was a supporter of the Jefferson and Madison administrations until 1810 when it was sold to Joseph Gales Jr. from North Carolina. In 1812 William Seaton joined Gales as a publishing partner. This paper made significant contributions to the nation and wielded considerable influence in political circles during its publication. It has been praised for its "high standard of journalistic excellence and high intellectual level of its contents". (William E. Ames , National Intelligencer: Washington's Leading Political Newspaper) The Intelligencer was, until 1810, named the National Intelligencer, and Washington Advertiser. It was a tri-weekly paper and had a peak circulation of 6, 000. Publication was suspended in 1869.