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Auction: 313 - Numismatic Collector's Series - Ft. Worth, TX
Lot: 1502

War of 1812: Connecticut Militia Choice series of letters, including ALS by Capt. A Bray, 6 pages, legal folio, Fort Fenwick (present-day Old Saybrook), CT, September 12, 1814. He writes to Governor John Cotton Smith to report: "On Sunday the 6th Inst. 2 Ships & a Brig belonging to the Enemy ankered abreast of Shillingworth Harbour nearly opposite East Guilford...Sunday...the Enemy removed & took their station abreast of Say Brook, where they now remain..." Their harassment "rendered it necessary that Capt Hurd should cooperate with me in the Defence...with the Militia company under his command - which was Cheerfully done...On Sunday morning the 11th Inst...I received an express from Cornfield Point informing me that the BRIG was making evident preparation for landing men... I immediately repair´d to the Point - with the Brass 6 Pounder & 6 or 8...artillery men to act with the guard stationed on the point...I had a consultation with the officer of Capt Ingraham´s militia Company at Say Brook & recommended the calling out of his company & a number of volunteers paraded on the Point in force. Prior to this some of the Inhabitants...had prematuresly sent to Petty Paug [now Essex, CT] to notify Capt Southard & Jewett & the companies under their command...I had made the ncessary arrangements with Capt Ingraham´s company & the voluntiers to put them in the best Possible Position of Defence...Capt Jewett on his arrival immediately claimed the sole command both of Capt Ingraham & myself & the men under our command...I remarked that I thought an improper time for officers to contend - when the Enemy was at our Door - but as your Excellency had appointed me to the COMMAND of THIS post & the force stationed here - I considered myself on my own ground..." Jewett went further, commandeering the six-pounder artillery piece and the men to fire it, and Bray asks the governor to decide the matter. With ALS "John Cotton Smith," 1 page, 4to, September 19, 1814, forwarding the letter to Brig Gen Nathaniel Terry of the militia for his investigation. First letter with fold wear, both toned, VG. The United Kingdom attempted to blockade the Atlantic coast during the War of 1812. At first, ships from New England were ignored as they formed an important part of British commerce, and the move helped fuel the region´s opposition to the war. In May 1814, the blockade was extended to New England, though smuggling was rampant.

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