Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site

Today's third installment from articles and notices in the Sackett's [sic] Harbor Gazette of Tuesday Oct. 8, 1818, raises a disturbing question. "If any person knows where Col. Electus Backus was buried, who nobly fell in defense of this village on the 29th May 1813, he will confer a particular favor on his surviving and afflicted family, by communicating to Zeno Allen." Hard to imagine that only five years after the pivotal battle that no one knew where one of the prominent ...military leaders was buried! Today we would find this unfathomable, the loss of this leader's final resting place. From their training camp in Pittsfield [MA] to Greenbush [NY] Lt Col Electus Backus and his dismounted 1st US Light Dragoons met up with troops for the trek to Sackets Harbor. Leading his men at the battle he was mortally wounded, succumbing to his wounds on June 7th. The next day, an honor guard of 120 infantry men and 80 artillerists with side arms escorted his remains to a burial site at Ft. Tompkins on the bluff overlooking the harbor. So, his burial place in 1813 should have clearly been known and not come as a surprise to newspaper readers in 1818. The newspaper inquiry was submitted by Zeno Allen. In a history of Jefferson County it says, "There are many anecdotes related of him during his long period on the bench. His perceptions were slow. Sometimes, after others had ceased to laugh at some humorous story, he would break out laughing all alone, the gist of the story having just come through his mind. Yet he was of sound judgment and had a good standing as judge." Fortunately, after reading the newspaper notice the Backus burial location was reported at Ft. Tompkins along with the body of BG Zebulon Pike. In 1821 these two officer’s remains were removed to the army's new Madison Barracks cemetery, but the sequence raises more questions. Although Backus burial at Ft. Tompkins in 1813 is well documented, he may have been moved to Watertown, because a newspaper article notes his return to Sackets Harbor in 1821 for burial in Madison Barracks. Maybe that article was incorrect? Whether or not, we do know the military cemetery was moved in 1909 from Madison Barracks to the current Dodge Ave. location.

Bones of the Sylph? Terms like horn timber, pitchers, cant frames, ribs, keel, and garboard peppered a newspaper article in the series Schooner Days. These stories from a Toronto newspaper capture details of Lake Ontario sailing history. One such article written in 1948, takes the reader on a quest to learn if a discovered shipwreck in Clayton [NY}] was truly the War of 1812 schooner Sylph built in Sackets Harbor in 1813. The sailing ship experts who reported the adventure ...sailed from Toronto to Clayton that season of 1948 only to find the wreckage was not the Sylph. The flowery tale recorded a description of the wood: . . . of an oak tree which had been growing on the shores of Jefferson County, NYS, one month in 1813, and furrowing the waters of Lake Ontario the next. The sour smell of white oak sap was still in it. Except the wreckage wasn’t the Sylph. Those investigating were disappointed but enjoyed the trip across the lake to examine a wreckage they did see on shore at Clayton. A statement in 1825: At Sackett’s Harbor, Lake Ontario the Chippewa and New Orleans, ships of the line, on the stocks, partly finished and sound; under cover. Superior, Mohawk, Pike, Madison, Jefferson, Jones, Sylph, Oneida, Lady of the Lake, fourteen-gun boats. Originally built of green timber, and now so much decayed as to be deemed unworthy of repair. It is recommended to break them up, or dispose of them, and to transport the stores at Sackett’s Harbor New York, or sell them, as may be found most advantageous to the public interest. Other reports say the Sylph was sunk at Clayton in 1843, and yet another report of its wreckage there in 1877 dredged up because it impeded the shipping lanes. Maybe the Sylph did have an ‘after life’ past 1825.

This is the second in a series of posts related to articles and notices in the October 1818 Sacketts [sic] Harbor Gazette. "J. V. Bacon & Co. will pay cash for Military Land Patents. March 24, 1818." Bounty land for War of 1812 military service was initially an incentive to recruitment and after serving it became a reward, a form of a pension. As time passed, soldiers could sell or exchange bounty land warrants, which many did. Sackets Harbor likely had a lot of candidates ...anxious for that cash! If you had an ancestor who served in the War of 1812, do an on-line search. War of 1812 Military Bounty Land Warrants starting in 1815 contain the veteran’s name, rank, company, and regiment, warrant date issued, and date the warrant was exchanged for land.

Sackett's [sic] Harbor Gazette Tuesday Oct. 8, 1818 - Among a variety of articles and notices, ranging from passage rates for the steamboat 'Ontario,' to a selection of Martinique cordials sold at J. G. Parker’s store, are articles about the military. A series of Facebook posts will explore several of the news stories in more depth. "Notice: A reward of thirty dollars and all reasonable charges will be paid to any citizen or soldier, who may deliver to the Commanding Officer... of the Post of Sacket’s Harbor, any deserter from the United States army. Madison Barracks, October 4, 1818." In the village, the army's Madison Barracks post had opened, manned by the 2nd US Infantry. Before, during, and after the War of 1812 at Sackets Harbor desertion from military service was prevalent. Overall, harsh commanders, severe discipline, poor food and clothing, the barest of accommodations all contributed to a high desertion rate in those early 19th c. days. Officers even suggested relocating the military away from the lake environment to hopefully improve the health conditions. Reports said that during the war soldiers chose to brave being shot for desertion rather than succumb to diseases.

The latest edition of 'Hollowed Ground' features an article about he Sackets Harbor Battlefield's Horse Island cultural resources survey. 'Hollowed Ground' is the membership magazine of the American Battlefield Trust. The Trust purchased Horse Island as their first War of 1812 battlegrounds to preserve. It is now part of the Sackets Harbor Battlefield historic site. The National Park Service American Battlefield Protection Program awarded the historic site a grant to study the War of 1812 impact on the island since it was part of land involved in the 29 May 1813 Second Battle of Sackets Harbor. The archaeologist's study report will be an exciting document to read.

Winter project at the Sackets Harbor Battlefield site’s barn. Adding to the display about the army, staff is constructing a corner cabinet for a figure wearing a copy of a War of 1812 militiaman's outfit. During the war a very small army caused the nation to rely on citizen soldier state militias. Elisha Camp, co-founder of the village, recruited an artillery company, including African American Julius Terry. They defended the village at the 19 July 1812 first battle. Militi...a at the Second Battle of Sackets Harbor 29 May 1813 included Tuttle’s Jefferson County 76th and Oswego County’s 55th, and the private militia the Albany Volunteers. Camp Volunteer, Horse Island, 11th June 1813 For the future Commandants of Companies will see their respective Companies Parade, in front of their respective Tents, at Sun rise, and have Rolls called and see that their men have their rations of Whiskey / dealt out to them. The Regiment will Parade precisely at 8 O. Clock in the Morning, in the usual place of Parade, when the Guards will be turned out for duty - - At Sunset the Regiment will again Parade at the usual place of Parade, for Roll-Call. By Order S. Parsons Adj. Written 12 days after the 29 May 1813 Battle of Sackets Harbor.

A local collector purchased a letter at the Watertown Globe Mini Mall in 1977 that is certainly associated with the Sackets Harbor Navy Yard. The letter, written on April 26, 1851 by an employee in the Bureau of Ordinance and Hoydrogy [sic Hydrography] directed Commander H.B. Sawyer, Commanding Naval Station, Sacketts Harbor, NY in the care of cannon. You are requested to examine the 8 inch and 32 pounder cannon at Sacketts Harbor, and have them put in good order, agreeably... to the following extract from the regulations for the preservation of guns, viz. Guns should be covered externally with coal tar put on in hot weather when the metal is warmed by the rays of the sun, or with other suitable lacker [sic]. Before the coating is put on, the gun is to be perfectly cleaned with a wire brush. The bores and the vents after being freed from rust, should be greased with a mixture which will protect the metal and at the same time may be readily removed when the guns care required for service. For this purpose it is proper to use oil and tallow, tallow and beeswax, or beeswax softened with spirits of turpentine, as convenience and economy may require. Tampions with a score cut in the lower part to let out water, should be kept in the muzzles. In lacquering the outside of the guns, care is to be taken not to fill up the distinguishing marks and numbers. Bills for any expense incurred in carrying out the above directions, are to be forwarded to this Bureau for approval. How are the guns shot and shells stowed? Respectfully, Your Obedient Servant, Chief of the Bureau In summer 2020, historic site staff carried on the tradition, although using modern supplies to treat two different cannon, keeping the Navy Yard cannon preserved for a long time.

A successful First Day Hike from the Union Hotel building in Sackets Harbor! The state parks annual event drew over 85 people to the check-in location at the historic building in downtown Sackets Harbor. Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the hotel's opening, we wondered what 1821 New Year's resolution Mr. White might have made for himself. Hike attendees could write down their own resolutions for 2021. There were some clever ones. And it was a fine weather day for hiking through the historic battlefield grounds, on the community's trails, and along village streets.

The Sackets Harbor Battlefield state historic site invites you to the NYS Parks annual First Day Hike January 1, 2021 New Year's Day. Sign-in at the grand old Union Hotel building between 1pm and 3pm to pick up a snack and a 2021 event button. Veteran participants from previous years will remember the route. Those new to the event can find maps on-line or hard-copies at sign-in. Previous year’s string back packs and cotton bandannas giveaways are available while the supply ...lasts. The Union Hotel’s official naming in 1821 must have brought hope for developer Frederick White and his fellow Sackets Harbor citizens. Imagine two hundred years ago anticipating the village would become a bustling lake port. What might Mr. White have chosen for his New Year’s resolution? Local residents may have resolved to become literate, prepare a spring planting for a bountiful autumn harvest, or hope to survive the financial Panic of 1819 with the subsequent nation-wide Depression. On a large sheet of paper we invite you to add your own 2021 resolutions for posterity. The suggested trail route is approximately 2 miles on flat surfaces. If icy conditions prevail, the hike is not recommended. The Union Hotel building is located at 401 W. Main St, corner of Main and Ray Sts. Inside the building practice social distancing with masks on. Call the Battlefield site with any questions: 315-646-3634

Wreaths Across America installation at the Sackets Harbor Military Cemetery.

Timing is everything! Contemplating a unique marker in the Sackets Harbor military cemetery a puzzling question arose. Why was Henderson [NY] resident Joseph Hawkins, who never served in the military, buried in the military cemetery? Coincidentally, Henderson Historical Society’s Eric Anderson was simultaneously researching Hawkins so shared clues. Connecticut-born Joseph Hawkins settled in nearby Henderson around 1810 where he lived until his death. Following the War of 181...2, Sackets Harbor’s massive War of 1812 shipbuilding transitioned back into commercial shipbuilding. During his career Hawkins greatly influenced Great Lakes shipping commerce through legislation after elected to the US Congress in 1828. Hawkins died in April 1832 at age 50. In nearby Sackets Harbor, attorney Elisha Camp, active in lake shipping ventures, co-sponsored an impressive marble tablet for the Hawkins grave in the Henderson rural Clark Cemetery. It reads The navigation of our lakes was relieved from grievous custom house fees by his zealous efforts as Member of Congress in 1830. While Joseph Hawkins and his wife are buried in the Clark Cemetery, in 1987 his descendants obtained approval to have that plaque removed. After restoration it was placed in the Sackets Harbor military cemetery, allowed there because of his service to his nation as a US Congressman. Mystery solved!

The Sackets Harbor Battlefield site Commandant’s House claims countless unfamiliar artifacts of the 1860 period. In the accompanying photo you see a stylish heavy flat bottom circular ceramic vessel with an inward slanting rim. Chewing tobacco culminated in spitting the resulting sluggish brown liquid, with some acquired skill, into the spittoon’s hollow interior. This spittoon in the Commandant’s House library is earthenware with an attractive decorative seashell design. We... don’t know if Commandant Josiah Tattnall used tobacco in any form, but if he did, the spittoon was handy. Another similar receptacle is in the son’s bedchamber for use by Josiah Jr. age 33 or Paulding age 20. Where there were men, spittoons could be found in public places and homes. Until the 1918 flu epidemic, use of spittoons represented an advance in manners and health, discouraging spitting on floors in public places. As knowledge of health issues advanced, around 1920 these foul receptacles were being discarded due to their unhygienic nature.

A classic image of Sackets Harbor looks out at Navy Point from the inner harbor at just about where the 1817 Union Hotel building stands. Possibly, French naturalist and artist Jacque Milbert stayed at the new hotel and sketched the scene before him. He toured New York State between 1815 and 1823, most probably Jefferson County toward the end of his travels here. Examining the scene, the viewer can see Navy Point with four War of 1812 ships ‘in ordinary’ (mothballed) and a sh...ip on the left which might be the USS Jefferson. In 1815 after the war, navy commander Chauncey recommended selling or dismantling war ships which happened between 1816 and 1825. The huge ship house, built between 1816 and 1820, covers the unfinished War of 1812 ship-of-the-line USS New Orleans. In the foreground at the wharves are wagons pulled by oxen at several warehouses and a cluster of people stand near a smoky fire. Large ship’s anchors nearby could remain from the war’s shipbuilding efforts, or more likely on-hand for the constant shipbuilding that made the harbor famous prior to the war and long afterward. Slightly past the harbor on the right, toward the army post Madison Barracks, the Stone Mill on the shore is a landmark still standing. Further on the right, the Madison Barracks Stone Row or rows built between 1816 and 1819 can be seen. A recent article in the Jefferson County New York Genealogical Society’s Informer details this artist’s travels in the county.

Alarm Rattle - Today’s military term for all the gear carried by soldiers battle rattle is very different from an actual battle rattle noise maker, or alarm rattle, used by navy personnel in the past century. Our photo of a wooden rattle (circa 1860) in the Sackets Harbor Battlefield Commandant’s House shows the low-tech devise to call a crew to arms. Held by the handle and spun in a fast-circular motion produced a rapid clicking sound. Commandant Josiah Tattnall, a nav...y man for 53 years, served at Sackets Harbor and during his career likely used a gadget like this one as Flag Officer at sea. To actually hear a wooden alarm rattle go to the British Utube video sponsored by the Manchester Police Department.

Efforts to establish a National Native American Heritage Month began over a hundred years ago, successfully culminating in 1990, and since then celebrated each November. Interestingly, one proponent Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca, directed the Rochester [NY] Museum of Arts and Science, the institution where Sackets Harbor Battlefield historic site manger Connie completed a museum studies internship. Now, the Sackets Battlefield site staff search for documentation on the role... Indigenous People played in the Second Battle 29 May 1813. Historical records confirm Crown Forces Mohawk and Mississauga allies in that engagement. The following year, close to Sackets Harbor at Sandy Creek, Oneida warriors aided American troops. Clearly linking the Oneida to Sackets Harbor slowly evolves with an emerging trove of Internet resource discoveries. Moses Abram’s quest for medical disability compensation spanned fifty years resulting in a flowing narrative of his story including the May 29th battle, and of the Oneida who accompanied him, and the men who vouched for him as the years passed. The historic site staff’s future education programming efforts include Moses and others whose stories have yet to be told in context. Dr. Parker’s legacy continues through his extraordinary efforts in the museum field that encouraged successive generations to share new research discoveries.

Approaching Thanksgiving, the Sackets Harbor Battlefield historic site Commandant’s House dining room table features a unique glass vase that looks like it should hold an ice cream sundae. Instead, imagine celery! Celery, highly prized due to its theoretical medicinal aid to rheumatism, held a prominent place on the late 19th c. dining table. Served in the rough with leaves still attached to the stalk in a vase like ours took on a floral appearance. As a result of the cra...ze between 1830-1890, celery vase popularity soared in the United States. The historic site’s vase features a waffle design with trumpet shaped bowl and scalloped rim. Celery popularity is traced to an Albany, NY German immigrant Theophilus Roessle who arrived in 1825 and developed a knack for celery cultivation. This hard to grow vegetable became a luxury food item. By 1840, he sold thousands of celery bunches each day to restaurants and hotels. Twenty years later, he published How to Cultivate and Preserve Celery and soon everyone in America had the ability to grow or acquire the vegetable. Unfortunate, by the turn of the century, celery vases were replaced with celery dishes and the unique vase no longer held its table-top attraction. In the state’s Southern Tier, from 1880 to 1920 Horseheads The Celery Capital of The United States was home to one of the largest annual celery crops in the United States, transported by rail throughout the nation.