Broadside by Alexander Smyth, 1812

Cameron, Chantal

Broadside by Alexander Smyth, 1812

Files

Broadside by Alexander Smyth 1812 RG817.pdf (109.58 KB)

Date

2023-01-17

Authors

Cameron, Chantal

Abstract

A broadside issued by Alexander Smyth from the Camp near Buffalo, November 10, 1812. The broadside is addressed “To the Men of the state of New York” and was issued during the War of 1812. Smyth hopes to raise support for an invasion of Canada led by him, and criticizes the efforts made in the war to date, noting that “the nation has been unfortunate in the selection of some of those who have directed it. One Army has been disgracefully surrendered and lost. Another has been sacrificed by a precipitate attempt to pass it over at the strongest point of the enemy’s lines, with most incompetent means. The cause of these miscarriages is apparent. The commanders were popular men, ‘destitute alike of theory and experience’ in the art of war”.

He continues that “in a few days, the troops under my command will plant the American standard in Canada…They will conquer, or they will die…Advance then to our aid…but remember, that every man who accompanies us, places himself under my command…”

Description

Alexander Smyth (1765-1830) was an American soldier and Congressman. He was raised in Botetourt County, Virginia during the American Revolution. Smyth practiced law in Abingdon, VA, and later served in the Virginia House of Delegates and the state Senate. In 1808 he was commissioned colonel of the Southwest Virginia rifle regiment, and in 1812 was appointed inspector-general with the rank of brigadier-general in the United States Army. Smyth was given command of a brigade of regulars stationed in Niagara with the intent to invade Canada. After Stephen Van Rensselaer’s failed attack at Queenston in October 1812, Smyth took over command of his forces. Shortly after he issued a confident proclamation declaring that he would quickly conquer Canada. On November 25 he ordered troops at Black Rock, near Buffalo, to prepare to cross the river to Canada. However, he soon realized that only a fraction of the men available would be able to cross on the boats from the navy yard and decided to abandon the attack. A subsequent attempt also proved unsuccessful and Smyth realized that the untrained and ill-equipped army had little chance of success. He was harshly criticized for his failure after his confident proclamation. The U.S. government took him out of the army and he subsequently served in the House of Delegates representing Virginia as well as Congress.