Letters to Secretary General Drummond from Thomas Scott, July 1814

Thomas Scott (1746-1824) was a politician and judge originally from Scotland. He came to Canada in 1800 after accepting the appointment of Attorney General of Upper Canada, and in 1806 was promoted to Chief Justice of Upper Canada. The declaration of war in 1812 brought into question the loyalty of the colony’s population, who were largely born in America. As concerns over allegiance intensified, the government sought out traitors in an attempt to make an example of them and deter others. The subsequent trials of citizens accused of treason resulted in 15 convictions, including Jacob Overholser. These trials were intended to assert the authority of the state, but also to demonstrate clemency. Only 8 of the convicts were executed, with the rest being banished from the colony. Scott supported these measures, although they were largely initiated by Attorney General John Beverly Robinson. Thomas Scott retired in 1816 and died in 1824.

Commemorative Medals of the War of 1812, 1963

In the original set, there were 10 medals with inventory numbers 1740-1749. This included Tecumseh, Chief of the Shawnees and construction in 1812 of Fort Prescott in Upper Niagara. These are not included in this collection. The Franklin Mint purchased the Wellings Mint in 1973.

Portsmouth Oracle, 15 January 1814 (vol. 25, no. 17) - Newspaper

Volumes of interest were published between 1812 and 1815 with articles about the War of 1812. Issue for July 16, 1814 includes a long report on the capture of Fort Erie on the Canadian-U.S. frontier, also a prominent front page headline and a very long and detailed report of the capture of the U.S. frigate USS Essex.

Portsmouth Oracle, 29 January 1814 (vol. 25, no. 19) - Newspaper

Volumes of interest were published between 1812 and 1815 with articles about the War of 1812.

Portsmouth Oracle, 12 February 1814 (vol. 25, no. 21) - Newspaper

Volumes of interest were published between 1812 and 1815 with articles about the War of 1812.

Portsmouth Oracle, 19 February 1814 (vol. 25, no. 22) - Newspaper

Volumes of interest were published between 1812 and 1815 with articles about the War of 1812.

Portsmouth Oracle, 23 April 1814 (vol. 25, no. 31) - Newspaper

Volumes of interest were published between 1812 and 1815 with articles about the War of 1812.

Portsmouth Oracle, 7 May 1814 (vol. 25, no. 33) - Newspaper

Volumes of interest were published between 1812 and 1815 with articles about the War of 1812.

Portsmouth Oracle, 28 May 1814 (vol. 25, no. 36) - Newspaper

Volumes of interest were published between 1812 and 1815 with articles about the War of 1812.

Portsmouth Oracle, 18 June 1814 (vol. 25, no. 39) - Newspaper

Volumes of interest were published between 1812 and 1815 with articles about the War of 1812.

Portsmouth Oracle, 16 July 1814 (vol. 25, no. 43) - Newspaper

Volumes of interest were published between 1812 and 1815 with articles about the War of 1812.

Portsmouth Oracle, 3 December 1814 (vol. 25, no. 63) - Newspaper

Volumes of interest were published between 1812 and 1815 with articles about the War of 1812.

Portsmouth Oracle, 17 December 1814 (vol. 25, no. 65) - Newspaper

Volumes of interest were published between 1812 and 1815 with articles about the War of 1812.

Portsmouth Oracle, 24 December 1814 (vol. 25, no. 66) - Newspaper

Volumes of interest were published between 1812 and 1815 with articles about the War of 1812.

Portsmouth Oracle, 31 December 1814 (vol. 25, no. 67) - Newspaper

Volumes of interest were published between 1812 and 1815 with articles about the War of 1812.