News of the US: October 1815

October 1:  From Georgia — “At a council held at Tookanhatchie on the 1st ult. the chiefs and warriors of the Creek nation, in entire disregard to the most solemn obligations, refused to abide by the terms of the treaty heretofore recognized by them, and duly ratified in February last.”

October 1:  From Buffalo — “The American schooner Mink Captain Hammond, on her passage from Detroit to Buffalo, when passing the British armed schr. Nawash, Lieut. Drury, on the 1st instant, near Ballast Island, about two miles from Put-In Bay, was fired upon by the schr. without being hailed, or receiving the least other previous intimation.”–Centinel of Freedom, November 7, 1815

October 3:  From the Mediterranean — “The Ontario sailed from Algiers 7th July for America, and it is feared is lost.  . . .  She must have passed out of the Streights about the 10th or 12th July.”–Salem Gazette, October 3, 1815

October 3:  From Charleston — “A detachment of 200 U. S. troops, under command of Col. Clinch, and another of 150 under Colonel King, arrived in town yesterday from Fort Johnson.  They have halted a few days at the barracks near the lines, and will directly commence their march towards Fort Hawkins.  We have never seen better materials to act against either Indian or any other enemy.”–Baltimore Patriot, November 8, 1815

October 4:  From Charleston — “By the ship Three Sisters, Capt. Shepperd, arrived at this port last evening, in 13 days from New Orleans, we learn that the U. S. Schooner Fire Brand, Capt. Cunningham, had captured a Pirate, supposed to belong to the noted Barratarians, loaded with specie, silk, &c. and carried her in.”–Richmond Enquirer, October 11, 1815

October 4:  From Ohio — “I was presented with an apple called Pound Pippen, of an enormous size from Judge Wood, which grew in his orchard on the Great Miami.  This apple weighs 22 ounces, is 15 inches in circumference each way, and 5 inches in diameter, and of an excellent quality.  John S. Gano”–Baltimore Patriot, November 1, 1815

October 5:  From Pittsfield, Massachusetts:  “The Cattle Show and Fair in this town, was the most satisfactory and brilliant one which has taken place here, and was attended by a large number of gentlemen and ladies from various parts of the Union.  All the exhibitions were greatly improved in quality; and the products of female ingenuity and industry in particular did honor to our fair countrywomen.”–New York Spectator, October 18, 1815

October 7:  From Cincinnati, to a friend in Boston — “I have to inform you that Massachusetts’ particular friend, BARNHAM BIDWELL, is here in this place, living in great style, taking airings in his coach in pleasant weather.  I understand he is wishing to purchase a tract of land, and says he will immediately advance ten thousand dollars; as a number of his friends are wishing to move here from your state.  We wish to inform those friends that we have as many such characters here as we wish for.”–New York Spectator, October 28, 1815

October 7:  From Lexington — Public dinner given to honor Henry Clay on his return to Kentucky following the Peace negotiated at Ghent.–Kentucky Gazette, October 16, 1815

October 7:  From Warren, Ohio — “Almost every corner of the Connecticut Western Reserve, since the return of peace, has been continually receiving additional strength in population.  The industrious and enterprising citizens of the eastern states, are at length wisely appreciating the advantages of the Reserve, and are exchanging the barren and worn-out soils of their native states for the fertile lands of this interesting section of the western country.”– Commercial Advertiser, November 16, 1815

October 8:  From Kingston, Jamaica — “Accounts have reached this city, via Santo Domingo, of the arrival there of an American schr. in nine days from Carthagena, the master of which stated that gen. Morillo had been repulsed in an attack made upon Boca Chic, with the loss of 1300 killed and 300 prisoners.  A number of the royalists had in consequence, joined the Carthagenian army.”–Aurora, November 15, 1815

October 9:  From Charleston — “Arrived this morning, the sch. Saucy Jack, Capt. Taylor, in 40 days from Bordeaux.  Capt. T. brings Bordeaux papers to the 5th ult. inclusive, and verbal intelligence to the 11th.  They contain no important news.”–Salem Gazette, October 31, 1815

October 10:  From Edenton, North Carolina — “Sometime about the latter part of September, a party of gentlemen in Martin County, twenty in number, ten on a side, killed for a bet of a ‘barbacue and trimmings,” in two days, upwards of one thousand five hundred and seventy Squirrels; and one gentleman of the party in particular, killed in one day, seventy four; a number far surpassing any we ever recollect to have heard of before in the same space of time.”–New York Spectator, October 18, 1815

October 10:  “Joseph Bonaparte has purchased the seat formerly owned by Lord Courtney, on the banks of the Hudson, 7 miles above New-York.” –Albany Gazette, October10, 1815

October 11:  From Milledgeville — “A requisition has been made on the Executive of this state by Gen. Gaines, commanding the eastern section of the southern division of the United States army, for two thousand militia to be held in readiness to assemble at Fort-Hawkins at a short notice,  for the purpose of aiding the regular troops, should occasion require it, in checking any hostile movement of the neighboring Indians against our frontier . . . .”–Augusta Herald, October 19, 1815

October 11:  From  Worcester, Mass. — “On the Monday preceding the late hurricane, a very large flock of Hen Hawks and white headed Eagles, consisting of not less than 5000, were seen by persons in Millbury and Shrewsbury, flying to the westward.”–New York Spectator, October 18, 1815

October 11:  From Lexington, Kentucky — “On Saturday last a public dinner was given by the citizens of this town to Mr. Clay, at the house of Capt. Postlethwait, as a testimony of their approbation of his public conduct.  . . .  There were upwards of one hundred gentlemen sat down to dinner.”–Richmond Enquirer, November 1, 1815

October 12:  “The elegant and accomplished Mrs. Patterson, formerly the wife of Jerome Bonaparte, (says a Liverpool paper) arrived here last week in the American ship Milo, which is already on her second voyage since the ratification of peace in January last.”–Augusta Herald,October 12, 1815

October 12:  From Kaskaskia — “Gov. Edwards had not arrived from the treaty when this paper went to press . . .  there is a report in circulation that many horses have been stolen from Boon’s Lick settlement by some of the Indians who treated with us on their return home from the treaty–such has unfortunately been the result of every negotiation with them, and we again repeat it that nothing but hard knocks can bring them to a sense of their duty; for while ever we continue to treat with them, and load them with presents, they will, Norman or savage alike, again invest our settlements that they may again be paid.”–Pittsburgh Mercury

October 13:  From Norfolk — “This morning arrived here the sloop Hiram, Capt. Evans, from Baltimore, bound to New York, having on board 42 seamen, under command of Lieut. Bubier, for the Java frigate.  She put into this port in consequence of some indications of a mutiny; it was their intention to throw the navy officer overboard and proceed with the sloop to Bermuda or Halifax.”–Baltimore Patriot, October 13, 1815

October 14:  From St. Louis — “A few days ago, a number of the principal chiefs and warriors of the Kansah nations of Indians arrived here.  It is said they wish to enter into a treaty of friendship with the United States.  These people are of Osage origin, and reside below the Otto’s and Maha’s, on the Missouri river.”–Pittsburgh Gazette, November 4, 1815

October 15:  From New York — “Sailed from this port on the 15th inst. in the brig Ceylon for France, Dr. Thomas M’Auley, Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in Union College in Schenectady . . .. we are authorised to state he goes out commissioned by his college, to select and purchase in France and England a very extensive Chemical Apparatus, together with valuable additions to the Philosophical Apparatus and Library.”–New York Evening Post, October 17, 1815

October 15:  Bonaparte arrives at St. Helena.  “Bonaparte is stated to be in good health and tolerable spirits.”  Alexandria Herald, February 5, 1816

October 16:  From the Augusta Gazette, of the Creeks — “every opportunity they have of injuring the United States, will be made use of with avidity, as long as they have a national existence within our borders; and more particularly as long as the British Mercantile Houses in Pensacola take so great an interest in exciting them to acts of hostility against us.”–Richmond Enquirer, November 1, 1815

October 16:  From Louisville — “At length our flourishing town has availed itself of the genius of Fulton, by forming a STEAM BOAT COMPANY.  On Thursday last the company’s Engineer, Dr. Ruble, of this town (who has distinguished himself by some capital improvements on the Steam Engine) started to Pittsburgh, to obtain the requisite machinery.”–Kentucky Gazette,  October 23, 1815

October 16:  From Albany — “Maj. Gen. Brown and suite, are now on a tour to the northern frontier for the purpose, it is said, of selecting a suitable site for a military post, in the vicinity of the boundary line between the U. States and Lower Canada; and which, in case of a future war, would prevent the enemy’s ships from entering Lake Champlain.  Rouse’s point, it is generally believed, is the place which will be fixed on.”–Adams Centinel, November 8, 1815

October 17:  “The steam-boat Vesuvius, Capt. De Hart, on the 17th ult. concluded a passage from New-Orleans to Natchez in 73 hours sailing; but with detentions at Baton Rouge,  Fort Adams, &c. 3 days and 20hours in all were consumed in the voyage.”--Shamrock, November 4, 1815

October 17:  From Philadelphia — “Capt. Paul Cuffe, a man of colour is about to proceed to Africa, with several families to form a settlement there.  He will sail in the brig Traveller, now at Philadelphia, receiving two families there–afterwards to go to New Bedford and receive the remainder of her company, and proceed the latter part of October on her voyage.”--SciotoSupporter, October 17, 1815

October 17:  From Zanesville, Ohio — “Emigration to this state is almost immence:   The road leading through town seems to be covered with waggons and carriages of all descriptions.  We have counted eleven waggons crossing the river at one time.  In all probably by the next census, we shall be equal to most of the states in point of population.”–Ohio Register, October 17, 1815 

October 18:  From Detroit — “one of our soldiers shot and killed an Indian last week for impudently levelling a rifle at a party of our soldiers.  The circumstance has made some noise here, as the Indian was under the protection and charge of his Britannic majesty.  The British have brought in a coroner’s verdict of murder; and some letters have passed between the British colonel James and governor Cass.  Our governor has been pretty severe with his pen, and treated the ‘bulwark’ rather roughly.  The affair, however, is dying away.”--Aurora, November 9, 1815

October 18:  “The democrats at Norfolk have it, that the man who is now travelling in the United States under the character of Joseph Bonaparte, is the Emperor NAPOLEON himself . . . .”–Vermont Mirror, October 18, 1815

October 19:  From New York — “The new frigate General Brown, built in this city by A. & N. Brown, and pierced for 32 guns, has hauled into the north river.  She is bound to Port au Prince, and, it is said, she was built for Petion [President of Haiti].”–National Advocate, October 19, 1815

October 21:  From the Plattsburg Republican — “We understand the British are employed in strengthening their position at Isle-aux-Noix.  . . .  We mention these preparations, not as indications of hostility–they are designed, no doubt, for a peace establishment.  But we ought to be admonished of the necessity of meeting these exertions by a corresponding preparation.  Lest the British government, finding us off our guard, should renew its determination, as expressed by Governor Prevost, last autumn, of driving our Chief magistrate from the Presidential Chair.”–Richmond Enquirer, November 4, 1815

October 22:  From Fort Johnston — “From the last accounts from the Creek Indians, war with them is certain.  Their force is estimated at 5,000; that is, including all parties.”–Carlisle Gazette, November 8, 1815

October 23:  From Lake Champlain — “On Monday night, the 23d ult. the steam boat Vermont, capt. Winns, sunk on lake Champlain, near the Isle-au-Noix.  She was going to land a passenger near Windhall point, when she grounded and immediately sunk.  The passengers and crew we hear were saved.”–Aurora, November 2, 1815

October 23:  From Washington — “The new building on Capitol Hill, preparing for the accommodation of Congress, is in such a state of forwardness that it is expected to be finished in early November.  The spacious room for the House of Representatives has been furnished for several weeks.  The senate room has been plastered for some time, and will require but a week or two more to be completely dry and ready for the reception of that body.”–Green Mountain Farmer, November 6, 1815

October 24:  From Knoxville — “On the 24th ult. the defender of New-Orleans, his Lady and suit, arrived at Knoxville.  They were met on the road by hundreds of citizens, and on their arrival, were greeted with the firing of cannon and the loud huzzas of the multitudes.   . . . on the 26th, they left Knoxville for the city of Washington.”–New York Spectator, November 8, 1815

October 24:  From Newburyport — “We announce with pleasure that the elegant brig Dryade, James Buffington master, bound to Ceylon and Calcutta, went to sea from this port yesterday afternoon  . . .  Passengers the Rev. James Richards and lady; Rev. Daniel Poor and lady; Rev. Horatio Burdwell and lady; Rev. Benjamin C. Meige and lady; and Rev. Edward Warren.  These gentlemen have left their native land and their friends under the patronage of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions . . . .”–Scioto Supporter, November 21, 1815

October 24:  From Paris — “I leave this country full of regret for what it has been made to suffer; the allies have plundered in every direction; there remain about 150 pictures in the Louvre, out of, I suppose, 1500.  They are now engaged in removing the statues; nothing remains at St. Cloud; Luxembourg has been plundered, and the elegant gardens have been turned into a camp for savages.”–Louisiana Courier, January 10, 181o6

October 25:  From Auburn, New York — “On Friday last, a drove of between two and three hundred hogs, of the largest size, in good condition, passed through this village on their way to Kingston market.  They were principally purchased in Scipio.  [It is expected, as we learn by gentlemen from that quarter, that a great proportion of the trade of the western district will go into Canada, by the Lakes and St. Lawrence, unless prevented by the opening of the projected great canal, or some other facility of communication with the Hudson and Atlantic.]”–Shamrock,November 4, 1815

October 25:  From Worcester, Mass. — “At the late session of the S. J. Court at Northampton it was decided that a justice of the peace could not issue a warrant for a breach of the Sunday laws against an offender that is not an inhabitant of the county where the offence is committed, but that he must be prosecuted only before a grand jury; and that justices of the peace could not issue warrants, nor sheriffs serve them, on the Lord’s day, for any breaches of those laws.  Damages were awarded against a justice, a tythingman, and a sheriff, upon the latter principle.”–Salem Gazette, October 31, 1815

October 26:  From Mogadore, Morocco — “I received two notes yesterday from captain Riley, informing me of the dreadful sufferings he and some of the crew have experienced in their journey across the desert of Zahara, imploring me to redeem them from the horrid slavery without loss of time, or their lives would pay the forfeiture.”–National Intelligencer, February 2, 1816

October 26:  From Milledgeville, Georgia — “It is stated that the talk lately held at Fort Jackson with the Creek Indians has certainly broken up without effecting its object.  The Big Warrior, and those who lately fought with the United States, together with the several tribes who have been at war with us, are determined to oppose the  running of the  line.”–Carlisle Gazette,November 15, 1815

October 26:  From Boston — ‘AMERICAN ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY:  In the celebration of the third anniversary of this interesting Institution THIS DAY, the Address will be delivered in the afternoon, in the Stone Chapel, by Dr. Payne, of Worcester, and lessons by the Rev. Dr. Bentley, of Salem.”–Boston Independent Chronicle, October 26, 1815

October 27:  From the Creek Agency — “A Cossetau Chief was here to-day.  He came for the express purpose of informing Mrs. Hawkins, that two Seminole Indians had come up to let them know that it was all peace and friendship throughout their land–that they had been assisting the British till the white people had taken all their land–and had it not been for that, they might have had it yet.  They now say, they have thrown down their arms, and if the British wish to fight those engaged in running the line, they might do it themselves–that they were sick and tired of war.”–Providence Patriot, December 2, 1815

October 29:  Tennessee Executive office — “By a letter received from Maj. Gen. Gaines, dated, Head Quarters, Eastern Section, 14th October, 1815, I am directed to cause one thousand of the militia of the state of Tennessee to be raised, organized and held in readiness to rendezvous at South West Point, when ordered.”–Kentucky Gazette, November 6, 18150

October 30:  From St. Louis — “His Excellency Governor Edwards and Colonel Auguste Chouteau, two of the Commissioners for treating with the Indians on the Mississippi and its waters, concluded, a few days ago, a Treaty of Peace and Amity with the Kansas Indians–Governor Clark is absent in the State of Kentucky.”–Richmond Enquirer, December 5, 1815

October 31:  From New York —  “The U. S. sloop of war Peacock, Capt. Warrington, arrived at this port last evening, from a cruize of nine months and six days in the Straits of Sunda.  Before hearing  of the peace, she captured four Indiamen, two of which were sunk, one given up for the transportation of prisoners, and the other (a cruizer belonging to the East India Company) was restored in consequence of having furnished the intelligence of Peace.”–Providence Patriot, November 4, 1815

About the Author

Mary Bowden is a researcher working at the Texas Collections Deposit Library at the University of Texas. A little-known but invaluable treasure of U.S. history and the history of American journalism is archived in the collection of bound United States’ Newspapers at the University of Texas at Austin. The collection began more than a century ago and has been stored in recent years in the Texas Collections Deposit Library on the campus of the University of Texas. The sizeable archive is currently in the early stages of being digitized before being moved to a more climate-controlled environment at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus of the University, on the north side of Austin.