War of 1812 Bicentennial

Extract From Gen. Orders.

The general is not insensible to the merits and patriotism of those who, upon the approach of hostile forces upon this frontier, have gallantly flown to the defence of their country, and who under his command still continue steadfastly to oppose the progress of the enemy. The general regrets that there are some who lost to patriotism and to honor, after coming forward in obedience to his call, fled at the first approach of the enemy, and afterwards basely disbanded themselves and returned to their homes; thereby disgracing themselves, and furnishing to their fellow-soldiers an example of all that brave men detest and abhor.

The General is determined to have all deserters punished in the most exemplary manner, and all officers and others are directed to bring back such as are attempting to escape.

Those brave men of the militia and volunteer corps, who manfully kept their posts and fought the enemy on their retreat before a far superior force, for the distance of nearly seven miles, deserve the General's warmest thanks, and the love and gratitude of their country.

The cool, intrepid and admirable skill and good order displayed by the small detachment of less than three hundred regulars, under that excellent officer Major Wool was highly honorable to themselves, and furnishes an example worthy of our future imitation.

The General cannot avoid noticing that the determined resilance by Capt. Vaughan and his small band, at the upper Bridge, which obliged a much superior force of the enemy to retire with loss, was both honorable to himself and the men under his command.

Captain Aikin's Company of Riflemen, and others of the volunteers have displayed throughout, a degree of gallantry in opposing the enemy, and of enterprise and boldness in reconnoitring him under all circumstances, highly gratifying to the General, & which merits his warmest thanks.

Let every man strive to do his duty at this crisis, as it will be much easier to retain our present position than to regain it after it is lost. By order of Maj. Gen. Mooers,