Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1815-07-05
From The .qnalctie Magazine.
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICE
or
MAJOR GENERAL BROWN.

lSJnSylVanla, q lew miles b Glow Trenton; his
father was respectable farmer of the society of
Cuakers and in their religious principles and ha-
bits of life young Brown was educated. His
early education was such as the youth of that
sect commonly receive accurate and useful, so
FAR as 1t went, without aspiring TO elegant itera-
ture, or mere speculative science: but his
mind was naturally too active and inquisitive to
rest content with these humble rudiments, and,
ny seIzlng upon every opportunity Of improve
ment in the course ofhis very diversified life, he
has gradually acquired a large fund of various
and well digested knowledge.
Durng some period of his youth, hewas employ
ell as the teacher of a respectable Quaker school
III New-Jersey. This he left at the age of twen-
T. one, when he removed to Cincinnati in Ohio,
where he resided about two years, and followed
the business of a land surveyor. From thence
he migrated again, and fixed his residence in the
CITY OF New-york, where he took charge of the
public school OF the society Of Friends, which
ne taught for several years with great assduity
Siid reputation. In this situation, which afford
Cd nm little opportunity to mix actively in the
busy world, he continued to improve his mind
by general reading and study, and by attentive
observation Opposing life and public transacti-
ons 1t is said, that, at some time about this pc
rod, hehad determined upon studying law, and
trying his talents at the bar happily for him.
self and his country, his fortunes took another
direction. In 1892 he was induced, by the offer
OF an advantageous purchase of a large tract of
land, near the shores OF Lake Ontario, to remove
thither and establish settlement. The current
OF population, which has since run with so strong.
and full a tide toward the western part of the
state OF New-York, was then lust beginning to
set in. Brown established himself on his new
possessions, entered actively into various schemes
of business and speculation, soon attained nfu-
ence and Importance in the district around him,
and, after time, as his lands rose in value, from
lf Il.
wealth. As the country continued to improve,
Brown rose with it inimportance 8. public estima-
ton He was appointeda county court judge,
and becamea leading man in all the public bu-
sine5s of the country. He now gradually threw
off thedress and manners of his sect, and on a
change which took place in the organization of
the militia, was appointed to the command ola
regiment; and not long after, was promoted to
the rank of Brigader General.
In this situation, which gave him military rank
without attording him much opportunity for ac-
CURING military knowledge, the late war found
him, and when the first detachment of the wes-
tern militia of New-York was ordered into the
service ofthe U. States, General Brown was de-
signated By Governor Tompkins to the command
OF a brigade, and entrusted with the general care
OF the northern frontier. He applied himself,
with his usual diligence and activity to the dis
charge ofthese new and Important duties doubt
less, at first, with no further views of military
life, tban the natural and laudable desire of fill
ing the station in which he was placed for short
term of service, with credit and usefulness.
BY constant aud unwearied activity, he soon
placed the most important points of the lAe OF
the frontier committed to his charge, in respect
able state obedience
Every one who has seen any thing OF the mill
tia service, knows The numerous difficulties and
perpiexities attendingit. In meeting and olivia
ting these, in soothing discomfort, and REFRESHING
disobedfence, Browns knowledge of mankind,
and adtoitness in business, made him emnently
useful but except in repeliing On attempt of the
enemy TO dislodge him from Ogdensburg, he was
not,during this campaign, placed in any situation
fitted to evolve his military talents and, at the
close of it retired to private life with the charac-
Ter of an active and intelligent militia officer
but without its being known BY the public, and,
probably, without knowing himself, that he was
possessed OF every requisite of great comman-
der.
In May, 1915, General Dearborn, und erstanding
that an attack was medhated'by he enemy upon
Sackett's IIarbor, from which a considerable
part of our regular force, together with the
whole OF Commodore Chauncey's squadron, had
been withdrawn for the purpose of cooperating
~ their enterprise againstfFort George, wrote to
General Brown, requesting him TO repair with
such militia force rs he could collect, to Sack
etts Harbor, and take the command there
Brown, knowing that col. BecSus, regular Off
Ger Ot character and eypeFe nce, was then IN com
fnand at that post, at FIRST hesitated at resumne
dis responsible and arduous command. But the
request being again repeated, and urged by Col
Bsckus himself, he finally yielded, and innmed,-
ately set out for that post where he arrived With
= small body ofmilitia curly IN the morning of
the 2Sth May. On the morning Of the 3Oth, at
day break, Sir Gerge Provost landed at the head
OF 1000 picked men, under cover of heavy Gre
from hls gun boats. General Brown, depending
chiefly upon tie wei known superiority Of the
American musk etry, had posted 500 Of his mill
tia, TO receive The enemy on their landing, with
orders that they should lie close, and reserve
their iire until the enemy had approached so nigh
that every shot might hit Hs object But The
Tepmation and confusion Of the moment excited
one OF those sudden panicks TO which undisci-
pinned volunteers are SO subjects and the Who'll.
Ire bred al the very instant Of the cnemy's land
me, with considerable effect, indeed, but then
suddenly rising from their covert, they broke
and fed in disorder Brown tbrew himself
among them TO stop their flight. Having rallied
about hundged men, with this handful of raw
troops be gained position on the enemy's loft
flank and harpassed them by CALLING fire. BY
which they were held IN check until they ware
NET by our regular troops (about 400 in aIl) I'M
Ger Colonel BacicUs. General Brown now hurri-
eh 20 this point Of action, and found the gallant
Vol backCB dangerously wounded, and the bat
nc suu raging, but with very evident advantage
on the American side. After short conflict, he
w. '''piS"7iJ victorious, and sE George Pre-