Morning journal and courier., 1891-02-06

the war of 1e12 came on We do not be- | ieve the fires lighted in the hearts of the l patriots during the war of the revolution | had entirely died out when England at tempted to throttle us 8 second time. It is unlikely that at the first much alarm was felt. Dr. Trumbull with all his previous war experience makes little or no mention of it. There is an absolute dearth of all "oficial record" concerning it. A single bit of paper six inches by two, saved by accident among hundred worth less ones, tells us who was one at least of the earliest persons to enter the service of his country-Eneas Blakeslee. We copy tho memorandum.
 To Oliver Blakeslee, Dr To Hat-Cloth for 9 shirts and making-1 Pair Shoes coh for G1at a1d %aRng spslng Book & Testament for M Eneas M Blakeslee alive probably prisoner among the British. His HaVsnn. n A'' pf''' " ''' ~ BIlI $500 April 6-1013
 This MT. Blakeslee was 8 sailor and one of the men seized by the British goven- ment and impressed into their service. In some manner he was able to communicate with our government and an agent came to North Haven to secure the necessary proof of his citizenship. Daniel Pierpont, esq.,, was town clerk. An examination of the town records failed utterly to find any mention whatever of Blakeslee. Men were living who remembered him. but as he had been absent several years their testimony was weak. The case seemed hopeless so far as documentary evidence was concerned. In the course of the search it came out that an old Bible, wherein was the family record, was in existence. This was hunted up and found to contain all the proof necessary to secure Blakeslee's release. Whether it actually had that effect on the English government, or whether the prisoner escaped is uncertain, but he re- ! turned to North Haven sometime after the war It is not known what finally became of him.
 The community experienced it's first real alarm in September, 1913, when small | squadron of British vessels appeared at the east end of Long Island sound. It was expected they would destroy the coast viii lages and ravage the interior. Instead, ! they passed harmlessly along toward New York. At this time the Fourth Connecti cut militia was garrisoning at Fort Hale. Another alarm came in the spring of 1874, to which two North Haven men at least responded. The third and final call came in September of the same year, and l it was to meet this that the community was aroused.
 The following is the muster roll of those l who served so far as known: I Eneas Blakeslee, enlisted 1812. Jesse Cooper, served days in June and 13 days | in September, 1914.
 John Todd served days in June and 1s days in
 John Bassett served 30 days September and l October, 1914.
 Timothy Bassett served 1a days September, | Levi Crockett served September to Septem-
 Samuel Cooper served September to Septen1-
 Joshua Dayton served September to septem- ber 21, 1914.
 Thomas Eaton served September to Sep
 Leverett Frost served September 8 to Septem-
 John Goodsen served September to septem
 Richard Mansfield served September 8 to Sep ! tember 21, 1914.
 Alfred Perpont served September to Sep
 James Pierpont served September to septem
 Joel Pierpont served September to septem
 Isaac Stiles served September to Septem
 Augustus Munson served September 8 to Sep | John Beach, -.
 Liba Shepard, -.
 Enoch Ray, y,-.
 Part of these men served in light bat. ! CoTy WHICH pdGrOueu or the time l the west shore below New Haven. They were finally quartered in Fort Wooster on Beacon Hill while this defence was building. John Bassett was chief gunner of this artillery company and the writer has frequently heard him say he fired the first cannon from this breastwork at its completion (not at the enemy, but fol practice.) It was at the construction o1 this fort that Dr. Trumbull and his one hundred North Haven men assisted.
 Unlike the war of the revolution or o1 the rebellion, the service of these mer was not voluntary. They were members of the state militia and were drafted. Int privilege of procuring substitutes was al lowed. Elijah Hull is the only perso1 recalled now who availed himself of thi permission. It was not thought the cam paign would be lengthy or dangerous and so in most cases the men drawn shouldered their muskets and reported il person.
 more famiiarly known in his latter day. as "Major," will not be out of place here Beach was captain in the militia and re ceived orders to march with his company : to the relief of New London. He campec the first night near Guilford. After sup per the men gathered around the camp fir' and produced pack of cards for diver sion. Captain Beach was solicited to takt hand at a game of 'old sledge'' with his men, and as a courtesy the cards were handed him for the first deal The sturdy old warrior and puri tan, very much more familiar witt his Bible than these paste boards, took tht latter much as he would a rattlesnake, anc opening the live coals of the fire with hil sword dropped them in. It was noticed he did not sheathe his weapon. Not { word was said, neither was "high-low jack" played in the camp that night o, thereafter while Beach had command.
 With the possible exception of the latter soldier, it is not probable any of the Nortl Haven men ever saw one of the enemy Their service was very light, yet many O. them secured pensions toward their lattel days. The last survivor was Levi Brock cit, who died in 1884.
 SHELDON B. THORPE.