Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1860-05-03
Pionosr Printsr's war Remiuiseenees.


Pionosr Printers war "Reminiscences.
Al the recent Pioneer Association oelsbra-
ton in Cincinnati, the following interesting
communication was received from Mr.. R, 1.
Curtis, one Of the Pionssr Printers Of the
West. Mr. Curtis was the editor and proprietor
ofA newspaper at Erie for time, and after.
wards at Wheeling. For many years past he
has resided on bis beautiful farm near Mound
Vile, Va. He has sketched with fidelity the
patriotic spirit Of the 'brsthron Of the shooting
stick" during the war of 1919, as the army
rolls can establish. Mr. Lodge referred 70,
died some years ago n Cincinnati:
ANNApALE, Va, Feb 80, 1860.
r BucHlEAN--DEAR FRIEND: Your narrative
is very interesting TO me; more 30 than you
can imagine, was at Lancaster, Pa, at the
tiae-Auqust, 1912, when / heard that the
BritiIh asst had appeared off Erie, and that IT
was expected that the town would be taken
and burnt. and that all the men and boys in
Meadville capable Of bearing arms had marched
thither. How did wish to be with them =
The news of Hulrs surrender reache6 me at
the same time. l was q journeyman in print
ng office. laid down my composing stick
and said would go and join the army, and
asked the other jOurneymsn if they, one and
all, would 90 with me. Ssys James Lodge;
"Tli 20" John Ssxton said he would GO
Saxton went home and Joined volunteer
company Just about to march from Belletont,
Pennsylvania met him Afterwards at Hut-
falo After a cordial greeting the tirst inquiry
was: ''Do you want any money = mo, but
would like to have q light cololed shirt, "
which was Immediately produced. Lrdge aud
started on foot, intending to JON volunteer
company at Chambersburgh, but it had march
cd few days before we arrived We were
bosom friends. He subsequently, went to Gin
cinnati, and became one Of the proprietors Of
the "Liberty Hall and Cincinnati Gazette. -
No doubt YOU know him. hurried on to
Meadville, Joined q volunteer company and
went to Erie, from whence, with General TennS
chiIlis brigade we marched to Buffalo. There
We bad a disagreeble time, under poor tents
and lying on wet stone. 1t became very sleky,
and the whole brigade deserted, with the ex-
eeption Of Major Herriott's Mesdyille battalion.
| I was discharged in December and returaed to
Erie, where We had q very exciting time during
| the war. When the British burnt Buffalo, we
were looking for them every hour at Erie
| The merchants removed their goods into the
country. A mischievous fellow named D5v-
email, would occasionally, at the dead Of night,
FIRE off bombshell outside of the town, which
would be taken for an alarm gun. The drums
would beat, the troops and citizens would be
promptly under arms, and every man, woman
and child aroused from their slumbers.
Before olose, must tell you Of pleasant
evening spent in company with Commodore
Perry and General Harrison on their arrival at
Erie. They "fought their battles Ger ag ain. b"
Commodore Perry first described the naval er-
gagement, and the manner which he broke the
ensmy's lines. Taen General HarrisOn gave
Us full description OF the battle Of the Thane'.
Il brought up the army" says he, ''in the
usual order Of6attle-the infantry in 'front.' but
when / saw the disposition of the enemy's
forces and the nsture of the ground, l caused
the infantry to fall back, brought up the cavalry,
broke their lines, Il learned that from you, Com
mOdore, turning to Perry, and charged right
and left" 'Itwss," said Commodore Perry,
"the finest military movement on TecoTdi there
is nothing to excel it in history"
You have neglected to say whether you
would join DR.. Parsons and me at Erie next
September.
Your sincere friend,
| R. I. CURTIs.