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War of 1812 Period, Archive of Three Extraordinary Military Content Letters

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:1,800.00 - 2,400.00 USD
War of 1812 Period, Archive of Three Extraordinary Military Content Letters
War of 1812
Great “War of 1812” Archive: Three Extraordinary Military Content Letters Reporting Extensive Firsthand Accounts
1813-Dated War of 1812 Period, Archive of Three Extraordinary Military Content Letters, each written by noted U.S. Army Officer John M. O’Connor, Choice Extremely Fine.
Important Historical Archive Consisting of THREE (3) Autograph Letters Signed, “Jno M. O’Connor”, all (3) measure 8” x 10”, each addressed to his wife in New York City, boldly written in rich brown ink and easily readable on clean “HURDS NEW YORK” watermarked wove period paper. These Three Letters report extensive firsthand accounts of military action during the War of 1812 Period. This exceptional content (3) Letter Archive Includes:

1. First Letter: May 30, 1813 dated, 1 page, at Fort George, and reads, in part:

“...We arrived at Niagara on the 25th May & on the 27th we attacked and carried Fort George & the village of New Ark, having killed, wounded & taken prisoners better tahn 400 British Regulars, exclusive of Militia. The killed were 140; the wounded 160; & the prisoners upwards of 100. Our loss was trifling say 50 or 60 killed & wounded. The enemy have abandoned all the Niagara frontier which is now in our possession blown up their magazines & retreated with nearly 1400 Regulars towards York. They blew up the Magazine of Fort George upon us, but it did not harm any of our men. From excellent management on our part the British effected their escape - They made a wretched defence...”.

2. Second Letter: June 3, 1813 dated, 2 pages, at Sacketts Harbor, and reads, in part:

“...I arrived here in the Ship of War Madison on the 1st Inst from Fort George which place we took on the 27 ult. with the loss of about 60 men killed & wounded having taken wounded & destroyed 400 British Regulars & many of the militia. Part of our Army was to pursue the enemy to York when I left Niagara. We were ordered here to the defence of this place, but it had been attacked previous to our arrival. The British had 1300 Regulars & 50 Indians (Sir. Geo. Prevost’s Body Guard) They were repulsed by about 500 American Regulars & 200 irregulars. The British both here & at Niagara fought badly because their generals evinced the greatest ignorance & stupidity in their arrangements. The troops personally fought very bravely. Our men in both instances evinced a degree of intrepidity & gallantry that reflects credit on our country. In fact the amazing valour of our Troops has been the salvation of our generals!!. To the former we are indebted only...”.

3. Third Letter: November 15, 1813 dated, 3 pages, at French Mills (near the boundary line of Canada the United States), and reads, in part:

“...We returned from Canada...having been disappointed in joining Genl. Hampton’s division of the Army. This Genl. it appears has taken upon himself to go into Winter Quarters of his own authority spite of orders to the contrary. The army here is about hutting for the winter...From French Creek we glided down the majestic St. Lawrence in tranquility to Prescott, which post we passed at night in our boats amidst a furious cannonade from that fortress & altho we were within 10 or 1200 yds of it, we had only 3 or 4 wounded & killed. The Elite of which I was Brigade Major landed in Canada first (Being the advanced corps) & had some skirmishing from the 8 to the 11th Novr. on which day the rear corps of the Army was attacked by 1600 regulars & 800 militia (equal to our force engaged) and after a sanquinary conflict succeeded in repulsing the enemy with great loss on both sides. We lost many officers and some of high rank. Genl. Covington was killed. ...To picture to you our grief & chagrin is impossible, we remembered our bleeding country, our unfortunate army & the expectations of our friends! There were many eyes that wept over our misfortunes on that day...”.

Overall, a highly important historical content War of 1812 Archive. These Three Letters are each in outstanding high quality, transmitting firsthand accounts of the War. (3 items).
John Michael O'Connor (1790-1826) who entered the army as a First Lieutenant in 1812, serving in the 3rd New York Artillery, and was cited for “Gallantry” at the Battle of Chippawa in 1814, and brevetted Major, Assistant Adjutant General, in the same year.

While serving under Major General George Izard, he obtained a transfer order without Izard's consent, precipitating a long-standing feud between the two men. Izard brought O'Connor before a court martial, and O'Connor received a two-month suspension and loss of his brevet, but he was honorably discharged in June 1815, and promoted to Captain, 4th Infantry, during his reinstatement in January 1816.