New-York daily tribune., 1861-09-09
HISTORICAL "REMINISCENCES.

Extract from private letter from on aged Judge In a"senu
setts
have been taking lesson from hstory-the history
Of our war with England of Isl2-l5. We can remem-
Der some of It's stirring incidents. Our people take
pride in and eory themselves for their victories and
successes And yet we cannot review the early scenes
Of that war without feeling deep modification. Our
frat object was the conquest Of Canada, which was
supposed to be easy and cure.
Gen. Huh, who had acquired high reputation for
courage and conduct 10 our Revolutionary war was ap
pointed to command the invading army. He entered
Canada with his army approached Maiden, and issued
q splendid proclamation. The historian (iieadeyl says
be sent out two detachments, mounted two heavy
cannon and three bowitzers, and then-mareied back
again I Such were the astonishing results accom-
plished by tho fret great army of invasion !"
But this was not all. He recrossed the line and en-
tered Detroit was followed by British force under
Gen. Proctor at whose approach Hull raised the white
Aag and surrendered without firing gun. He was
condemned for cowardice by court martial, aud
ordered TO DO shot but permitted to live and die
in dfgTace.
Gen Dearborn, another Revolutionary officer Of some
renown. was then appointed az Hulls SUCCESSOR He
clothed himself In military uniform the elegance and
glitter Of which charmed the eyes Of all the admirng
ladies of Boston. lie assumed the command and kept
il through two campaigns. lie accomplished literally
AotLiHg and deputaon, at last, waited on the Pres
dent and demanded bis removal He resigned in July,
1913, and the historian says the prospects on our
Northern border grew gloomer the longer he held
command" About this time Gen. Smytbe Il believe
one Of the Southern chyalry) appeared as conspcu-
ous actor in the drama. His career was brief-a mere
fash. He was at Buffalo, and issued proclamation
to the people Of Eew-York saying that In II few
days tho troops under my command will plant the
American standard in Canada TO conquer or die, and
calling on all those desrous Of honor fame 10 rai
10 bic standard" He conducted hmreli in such manner
aeryard that shout Of wrath burst from the whole
arply" He was branded coward, shot at ia the
.treets" ." driven In and rags from the army
and chased and mobbed by an indgnan, people from
the State he had dshonor-d." But will not under
take 10 give history Of early disasters. Suffice it
10 add that Gems Wnder and Chandler invaded Cana
da and with their commands were taken prisoners;
large part of Maine was for long time in pos
session of the enemy and our capital was taken and
sacked, and our whole coast was blockaded by
a hostile feet. Under these dscouragements and dis
asters the people did not despond. Their spirits and
courage rose ne their Generals. one after another, fal
tered and fell Armies conquered but the spirit
Of the nation was not and success and victories finally
crowned our efforts. Such will be the One
or ten Big Bethel discomhtures, ten Bull
Run" panics need not discourage us. They may re-
tard but they will not prevent our final success.
did not intend to fill this sheet in this way, but
when had begun did not know where to stop. If
we can learn to "possess ourselves in patience by
attending to the teachings Of historical "reminiscences,
il is well to give beed to the Lessons.