Letter to Captain Alex. Hamilton. N. Lt. Dragoons from Charles Askin, 28 July 1812

Abstract

Please note: This letter contains language that reflect the time period when it was created and the view of its creator. This can include offensive and negative language, references, and stereotypes that are no longer used or appropriate today. The item(s) retain their original content to ensure that attitudes and viewpoints are not erased from the historical record. The Archives & Special Collections are actively working on including more respectful and representative language in our own descriptions now and into the future.------------------------------------------- Letter to Captain Alex. Hamilton. N. Lt. Dragoons, Niagara, from Charles Askin, Oxford. He writes that he has arrived here with most of his party, which he is sorry to say is very small, and there is little probability of it being much stronger. He adds that the "Indians" have not joined us yet and seem very unwilling to do so. He notes that one hundred and fifty were to go with us, and that Norton will hardly be able to bring fifty. He writes that the Regimental coats of the 41st Regiment are worn by many militia and they appear to be very proud of them. On their way they have mustered a few volunteers, including Thomas Racey, Col. Bostwick, and one of John D[?]’s brothers. He understands that Mr. Pallinson [?] & Mr. Baby had passed Long Pt. yesterday on their way to York to attend the Parliament and was told there has been two or three skirmishes at Amherstburgh. He adds that Division two of the 41st Regiment were attacked by 40 of the enemy and refused to surrender. They made a charge at them, but the cowardly yankees fired a volley at them and wounded them both. One was taken prisoner and died soon after, the other supposedly died as well. He writes that he was extremely happy to find that the militia at Sandwich did not behave in the shameful manner it was said they had. He states that he has seen a man who was present when they marched down from Sandwich to Amherstburg, who said that Col., Ft. George [?] was up there and gave three cheers on their arrival, and then ordered them to march. He writes that he still has hopes that the militia there will behave as well as that in any other part of the Province. He adds that Alex is Lieut. of a troop of horse commanded by Capt. Jacobs. He has not heard how James is employed. He adds that he is not at all pleased with this letter and asks that it be destroyed, July 28, 1812.