Lengthy Soldier's Letter Written in the Aftermath of the War of 1812, Discussing Personal Expenses Incurred During the Formation of a Company During the Conflict

Fort Richmond, 1815. Single page, bifolium, 15 x 9 ½ inches. One area of loss measuring roughly an inch square and affecting the final paragraph of the letter, else about fine. Circular New York stamp with manuscript rate at the war rate of 25 ½ cents. An uncommonly detailed letter written by a Captain D. Crawford of the 46th Infantry to Colonel Charles K. Gardner, detailing his career in the army and asking Gardner to advocate on his behalf for further military service. Crawford's letter gives a detailed account of the process of forming a company by his own endeavors, writing, "in the fall of 1812, without bounty, when the pay of a Soldier was but 5 Dollars per month, I almost entirely by my own exertions enlisted a Company of 75 Volunteers." He continues to make his case, both for his career and for his reimbursement, stating "That we have been in no battles is our misfortune rather than our fault. We have done our duty." It is possible that his lack of engagement was a cause of the withholding of funds. Overall an interesting and detailed account of a Captain's experiences in the War of 1812, worthy of study for scholars of the United States military during the period.

Fort Richmond, S.I., April 28, 1815

Dear Sir,

Understanding that you have gone on to Washington, and expecting you will remain there during the selection of Officers for the Peace Establishment, I have thought proper to address you to make known my desire to continue in the Army and to solicit your assistance in that behalf, wishing that through you the Secretary at War and the Officers directed to assist him may know my claims, which will be briefly stated.

It is well known to you Sir, that in the fall of 1812, without bounty, when the pay of a Soldier was but 5 Dollars per month, I almost entirely by my own exertions enlisted a Company of 75 Volunteers. The character of the Regt. to which I was attached is sufficiently known. Col. Gray's reports will show in what state my Company was always found. The term of service of the principal part of the men expired on the 5th Novr. 1813. They generally volunteered a second time to stay till the January 1814, and as the Officers of our Regt. had no orders to engage them for a longer time, they were then discharged, and the most of them reenlisted in the 41st & 42nd Regts.

My appointment in the 46th Regt. is the 21st April, 1814. The last of May following, I was ordered on the recruiting service, & during the Summer, enlisted 49 men, all except 2 for 5 years. I have rec'd $1000 only of the public money, the amount necessary and that which is allowed by law to recruit the above number, with the contingent account would be $3288, leaving a balance in my favor of $1788, a great part of which I have advanced, and notwithstanding the exertions of Col. Tallmadge, remains as yet unsettled.

We shall have remaining in our Regt. for 5 years about 70 men. Of course above half that will remain were enlisted by myself, in fact, the greatest number that any other officer recruited was 37.

If to have been the means of bringing in service a great part of the numbers of Volunteers mentioned above, if to have recruited nearly 50 men for 5 years and by my own advances paid many of them the bounty, if being senior Captain, and enlisting a greater number of men by a fourth part than any other officer of our Regt. gives any claim, then may I confidently expect what I ask. That we have been in no battles is our misfortune rather than our fault. We have done our duty. We have obeyed the orders of those appointed over us. Capt. Gourlay having made arrangements to go in business, has given notice that it is his wish to be discharged.

I have only to observe that you have known me as a citizen, and perhaps may have understood my character as an Officer, and being well convinced that what anyone can do in my favor, you can do, I shall ever consider myself as gratefully obliged for any assistance you may render me.

Very Respectfully
Sir
Your obt. Svt.
D. Crawford
Capt. 46th Infantry

[to]
Col. Gardner

P.S. If it would not be asking too much, I would request from you a line on this business, which I could received at the Post Office in New York, with your opinion when the reduction will take place as soon as convenient.
D. C. (Inventory #: List2539)