Brownville and the War of 1812

THE WAR OF 1812

The war of 1812 caused much excitement in these frontier towns. Jacob Brown, who had been made colonel of the 108th Regiment of New York State, militia, received the commission of brigadier-general, and has personal direction of military operations on the frontier during most of the first season. Large bodies of militia assembled here for service, a hospital was established, and troops stationed in the village, and vicinity at different times during the war. At Perch River, a fort or block-house was put up by voluntary labor on the site of the residence of the late S. F. Spicer. It was also signed as a place of safety for the women and children, the sick and infirmed. It was never used for this purpose, but served as a storehouse for grain. Another block-house was built on the site of the present Baptist church, but, instead of being used as designed, was afterwards used for religious meetings.

The old inhabitants relate many incidents connected with the War of 1812 to which they or their ancestors were parties, among them the following: The British had some of our men prisoners of war at Prescott, Canada, and were taking them by boat to Kingston, under a boat’s crew and guard of about an equal number of themselves. A plan was formed among our men to overpower the guard and take the boat to Cape Vincent instead of Kingston. The watchword “whiskey” was to be given, when each of our men was to attack and make sure of his man. The plan was successful; the crew and guard were overpowered, and made prisoners in their turn, and brought to Cape Vincent, and from thence to Brownville.

At this time men were intolerant of those who wre suspected of being in sympathy with the other side. There is a story told of a resident of the little hamlet of Perch river, who was thought by his neighbors to lack patriotism. He lived just beyond the first bridge crossing Perch river. There was another bridge two miles farther up near which lived Mr. Moffatt, an ardent patriot. At Brownville village the British sympathizer had formed the acquaintance of one Lieutenant Showers, a British prisoner of war on parole. It was agreed between two parties that Showers, under cover of night, should go to the house of this friend, where he would find help to escape to Canada. Accordingly, he started, but, mistaking the road, went on to the second bridge. All was quiet within, but he succeeded in rousing Mr. Moffatt, and in the darkness not recognizing him, said, “Well, I got here at last!” Mr. Moffatt was a man of quick perceptions, and suspected who he was. He directed him to go back to the first bridge, where he would find the right house. As soon as he had gone, Mr.Moffatt hastily dressed, roused his neighbors, Wait Franklin and Benjamin Prior, and, by a nearer way, reached the bridge and secreted themselves under it to await his arrival. They were scarcely hid before his quick steps were heard, and he was quietly followed to the designated house. A candle was soon lighted and through the window they saw food given him, and heard the two in earnest discourse. Plans were matured for his escape,--names of parties were given on whom he should call for aid,--the listeners hearing all the details. In the mean time, one of their number hurriedly ran and aroused a neighbor, and sent him to Brownville for the guard. Before morning both men wre under arrest. The Tory was tried for treason; but, for some reason, severe punishment was not inflicted. He returned after a time to his old neighborhood, where he lived for many years a respected citizen, having learned more wisdom by experience, and having become imbued with more patriotic sentiments.

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Transcribed by Holice B. Young from Jefferson Co. History by L. H. Everts.