Letter by G.H. Morton to Peter P. Dox, December 8, 1812
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Cameron, Chantal
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A letter written by G.H. Morton to Peter P. Dox, Albany, dated at Geneva, December 8, 1812. Morton is writing to Dox about the events related to Capt. Alexander Smyth’s invasion of Canada from Black Rock in November 1812, and the condition of Dox’s brother Captain Myndert M. Dox who was injured during the action. The letter includes a detailed description of General Smyth’s actions and his attack from Black Rock.
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Myndert M. Dox (1790-1830) was born in Albany, N.Y. He served as a Captain in the Thirteenth Regiment of Infantry and was later appointed Collector of the Port of Buffalo.
Alexander Smyth (1765-1830) was an American soldier and Congressman. In 1812 he 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.
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