James Monroe letter of marque, ca. 1812

James Monroe (1758-1831) was appointed Secretary of State by President James Madison in 1811. He remained in this position until March, 1817, with the exception of the period from October 1, 1814, to February 28, 1815, when he was ad interim Secretary of State. Monroe encouraged President James Madison and Congress to declare war on Great Britain, feeling it would be the most effective way to change offensive British policies. The United States declared war on June 17, 1812, after which he served as Secretary of War. Monroe later became President of the United States from 1817 until 1824.

John Miller Letter - December 1, 1812

Letter transcription: Truxton, Dec. 1, 1812. Sir, Enclosed I transmit the [receipt] of the Collectors at Truxton to David Griswold for the tax on 50 acres of no. 56 Truxton … showing that the tax has been paid on that portion of the Lot; Mr. Griswold wishes you to keep the receipt and he will call this winter sometime and get it… not being a writer he called on me to do it for him. I am Sir yours sincerely John Miller

Admiralty Commissioner's Orders - October 13, 1812

Admiralty Commissioner's Orders sent to Admiral Sir John Thomas Duckworth, Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Newfoundland, informing him of America's declaration of war against Great Britain and instructing him to seize and destroy all ships belonging to the United States of America which he may encounter. The document is dated October 13, 1812, and is signed by William Domett, Joseph Sydney Yorke, George Warrender, and John Barrow. The paper is marked "duplicate". It is likely that several copies were issued and sent via different ships to ensure that at least one made it to Admiral Duckworth.

H.A.S. Dearborn letter - May 29, 1812

Letter transcription: Dear Sir, My success in the line of recruiting has exceeded my most sanguine expectations. I have enlisted 24 1st Lt. 30—my 2nd Lt. 13, and my Ensign 9— Total 76. All very [ablebodied] men. In all probability my company will be full before the last day of June. I shall be in Boston on the 10th of June. I have not yet had the pleasure to hear of the arrival of your father at Boston. Please to offer my respects to your family, and to all my friends in the [office]. In haste, Yours, A.M. Clary.

London Gazette - October 6 & November 27, 1812

Two "extraordinary" issues of the London Gazette containing letters written by Isaac Brock, R.H. [Roger Hale] Sheaffe,George Prevost and Edward Baynes, dated from August-October 1812. The first issue is numbered 16653, October 6, 1812, pp. 2011-2014, and the second issue is numbered 16672, November 27, 1812, pp. 2363-2365. The gazettes include Brock's account of the British victory at Detroit in August, 1812, the terms of the Americans' surrender to the British under General Hull at Detroit, and Brock's proclamation to the residents of Detroit after the defeat. Also included is an account of the battle at Queenston Heights in October, 1812, in which Isaac Brock was killed, written by R.H. Sheaffe (Major General) and Edward Baynes (Adjutant-General)

James Monroe letter of marque, ca. 1812

A letter of marque addressed to Captain James Rogers, commander of the boat Retaliation, and signed by James Monroe, secretary of state. Letters of marquee provided legal authority for an armed vessel to capture enemy ships and commit acts which would otherwise constitute piracy. The letter has no date, but was likely created during the War of 1812, and authorizes the Captain to attack and capture enemy vessels.

Letter addressed by Benjamin Bates (bearer of the memorial) to a Member of the Legislature, ca. 1812.

Benjamin Bates was a member of the Religious Society of Friends, and served as Clerk of the Society at the time that the Memorial and Petition was written.

Orderly book, Second Regiment of U.S. Dragoons, New York, 1812-1813

An orderly book of the Second Regiment of U.S. Dragoons, New York, dated August 14, 1812-July 29, 1813. The book contains orders pertaining to day-to-day military matters, such as punishments for disobedience, court-martial proceedings, camp rules and regulations, and guidelines for interacting with civilians in the vicinity of the camp. The Regiment was stationed at various locations in upstate New York and Canada, including Greenbush, Albany, Sackets Harbor, Utica, Geneva, Fort Niagara and Fort George. General Henry Dearborn originally commanded the Regiment at Greenbush. Names noted in this book include:E. Beebe, Deputy Adjt. General; William King, Capt. 15th; John Chandler, General ;W. Gamewood, Major ;James Burns, Colonel;John Woodford, Major; Andrew McDowell, Capt.; Abm. Gustis, Major; C.W. Hunter, Brigade Major; Selden, Captain; Holland, Captain; Harris, Captain; Clarkson, Lieutenant; Johnson, Lieutenant; Robert Craig, Adjt.; R.G. Hith, A.A. General. Also included with the orderly book are a monthly return form, a contract for medical services, and a bonus pay voucher for Thomas Blunt. The monthly return form is partially completed and dated January 1813 at Greenbush, New York. It is signed by Captain Jonas Holland. The contract is dated May 20, 1812, between John Dodge, physician and surgeon, and Jonas Holland. The contract describes the services required of the physician and the salary to be paid. The bonus pay voucher is dated April 25, 1813, for $8.00 paid to Thomas Blunt by Captain Jonas Holland for 'enlisting into the army of the United States for five years'.