Collection search - Proclamation of General Alexander Smyth [textual record]

Record information – Brief
1
Proclamation of General Alexander Smyth [textual record]

Hierarchical level:

Item

Date:

1812.

Reference:

R6453-0-X-E, MG24-F11, Volume number: 1

Type of material:

Textual material

Found in:

Archives / Collections and Fonds

Item ID number:

99550

Context of this record:

Show detail Hide detail

Proclamation of General Alexander Smyth
Link to this record

Add to My Research

Link to this record

This link identifies the web page describing this particular record. Unlike the temporary link in your browser, this link will allow you to access, and reference, this page in the future. To link to this descriptive record, copy and paste the URL where ever needed (wiki, blog, document).

Sign in

Sign in to start saving records using My Research

Sign in
Record information – Details
Date(s):

1812.

Place of creation:

No place, unknown, or undetermined

Extent:

0.3 cm of textual records (7 p.).

Language of material:

English

Scope and content:

Show detail Hide detail

Item is the original draft of the proclamation issued by Smith, 17 November 1812, to the soldiers of the American Centre Army before the invasion of Canada.

Provenance:

Show detail Hide detail

Smyth, Alexander, 1765-1830

Biography/Administrative history:

Show detail Hide detail

Smyth, Alexander, 1765-1830 : American Alexander Smyth (1765-1830), was born in Ireland but emigrated to Virginia with his family when he was a young boy. Smyth studied law and later became a member of the state senate. After receiving a colonelcy in the American army in 1808, he was appointed as inspector general for the army by William Eustis, the acting war secretary. Smyth hoped to distinguish himself as a field commander, and he eventually convinced Eustis to send him to the Niagara frontier.

Smyth was stationed at Buffalo in September of 1812, only to find he was outranked by a militia commander, Stephen Van Rensellaer. Smyth eventually took over from General Van Rensellaer as commander of the Niagara campaign. However, his men had virtually no respect for him. Smyth boasted constantly about crossing the Niagara River taking Fort Erie, thereby redeeming America's reputation after the debacle in Queenston. But with 4500 at his disposal in November, his vague planning and lack of military skill botched the invasion. His men were on the verge of rebellion and even made attempts on his life.

Congress abolished Smyth's position in March of 1813. Smyth returned to Virginia and was eventually dropped from the army rolls. He continued to practice law and went on to serve six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Finding aid:

Show detail Hide detail

(No finding aid)

Additional information:

Show detail Hide detail

Availability of other formats note:

Includes a copy of the proclomation.
Subject heading:

Show detail Hide detail

Canada - History - War of 1812, 1812 American Centre Army, 1812

Military proclamations, 1812
Source:

Private

Former archival reference no.:

Show detail Hide detail

MG24-F11
Ordering and viewing options

Conditions of access:

Show detail Hide detail

Textual records

[Consultation90 Open]

Volume [MG24 F 11] 1

[Consultation 90 Open]

You can order materials in advance to be ready for you when you visit. You will need a user card to do this.

Cannot visit us on site? You can purchase a copy to be sent to you. Some restrictions may apply.

Report a problem on this page

Date modified:: 2024-07-24