On September 11, 1814, 14,000 elite British soldiers invaded the town of Plattsburgh New York. Only about 2000 American ground troops were there to hold the city against the overwhelming force. Spencer Chamberlain was with the Vermont 31st Infantry. Their orders were to defend Fort Brown “to the last man”.
Sir George Provost watched the bay from the shore for the signal to begin the ground attack. The British were ready to cross the river, scale the steep banks of the Saranic, escalade the walls of the American works, while their forces in Plattsburgh village showered the Americans with musketry and cannon balls.
Provost spotted the first British masthead as it came around Cumberland Head. That was the signal. He shouted the order and the land battle of Plattsburgh and great navel battle on Lake Champlain were now underway.
This would become one of the most significant battles of the war of 1812. It followed a number of humiliating US defeats. A victory here was against all odds.
The War of 1812
On June 18, 1812, President James Madison declared war on Great Britain. Britain was at war with France and had placed economic blockades to disrupt trade between them and the United States. They also had been stopping American sea vessels and, by impressment, forced American men into the British military. They figured that American soldiers, once subjects of the King, were always subjects of the King.1
President James Madison
Great Britain was also providing arms to the Indians in the western frontier and violating American sovereignty by refusing to surrender western forts as promised in the Treaty of Paris after the Revolutionary War.1 These basically were contentions lingering from the war of independence. A faction of Congress known as War Hawks had been advocating war for several years. They also viewed this as a opportunity to expand U. S. territory into the north.
Congress authorized President Madison to detach 100,000 militia organized, armed and ready to march at a moments notice. Vermont’s portion would be four divisions comprising 3000 men.2a
July 12, 1812 US forces under General Hull invaded British Canada, (Canada did not become a nation until 1864). The poorly prepared U. S. Army met fierce opposition. American forces withdrew and Hull surrendered Detroit by August.4
Panic in Orleans County
Spencer and Millie Chamberlain were young parents with an eight month old daughter when the news of war sent a chill of fear through the county. Orleans county was on the northern border and therefore, vulnerable to border warfare. A direct attack through the defenseless Lake Memphremagog seemed a likely possibility. The threat of war became the center of conversation as old timers recalled vivid images of Indian atrocities, tomahawks and scalping.3
The people of Orleans County built up stockade forts, but when hostilities broke out many panicked. A general flight took place. Many abandoned their farms and took with them whatever they could carry. Fortunately, the more courageous residents of the county held firm. Therefore, they were able to retain possession of the territory and keep the institutions of civilization intact.3
Capture of the Sloops Growler and Eagle
June 2, 1813 Lieutenant Thomas Macdonough ordered the sloops Eagle and Growler to the north end of Lake Champlain where British gunboats were attacking some small crafts. The next morning the two ships left their port and headed north up the Richelieu River where they gave chase to three British gun boats. As they neared Ash Island, the two sloops soon found that both wind and current were against them.2b
Captain Thomas Macdonough
The Growler was a 112 ton ship armed with ten 18 pounders and one six pounder, while the Eagle was a merchant ship fitted for Navel service. The British saw their advantage in the situation and sent out three row-galleys with 24 pounders with superior range to those of the U. S. cannons. 2b
The situation became even more critical as the British lined the woods along both sides of the river firing their muskets. The U. S. ships returned fire with discharge of grape and canister. A battle ensued from 7 am to 12:30 pm. About that time, a shot from one of the galleys struck the Eagle under her starboard quarter which passed out the other side. It ripped off a plank underwater and the sloop sunk almost immediately. Fortunately, it was in shallow water. Fifteen minutes later the mast of the Growler was shot away. The ship became unmanageable and ran ashore.2b
Capture of the Eagle and the Growler
Of the 112 men on both ships, one died and 19 were wounded. The officers and men were taken prisoners and sent to Canada. The loss of the British was never certain but was likely very severe. The men along the shore were destitute of shelter and received broadside after broadside of grape and canister. Though the estimate is likely an exaggeration, up to 200 British may have been lost.2b
Refitted and transferred to service of British Navy
The two sloops, refitted and renamed Finch and Chub, were transferred to the service of the British Navy. On August 2, 1813 the two previously American ships accompanied by a galley were firing on Plattsburgh, Burlington and Swanton. They then retreated to avoid pursuit. 2b
In a letter, one Burlington man expressed his frustration with the war. The Albany Register, August 5, 1813:
“The British have landed at Plattsburgh, burnt barracks, arsenal and public property…. Swanton has shared the same fate since. Last Monday, Burlington was cannonaded, shot thrown into buildings, the people of Water Street had to leave there homes…. The British came with two sloops (previously the Eagle and Growler) and one small row galley with a twenty-four pounder. We had twice the number of vessels, but in no state of preparation, and no officers but a captain. The British ere long moved still south unmolested, took three merchant vessels with a rich booty, and returned in our sight back (towards) Plattsburgh. We expect another visit every hour. We have no means of defense. Is this taking Canada?“2b
British raid on Derby, Vermont
The major fields of battle of the 1812-13 campaigns had been centered around Lake Erie and the other Great Lakes. However, on December 27, 1813, British troops under Captain Barker crossed the line into northern Vermont. Derby Vermont is only twenty miles north of Spencer Chamberlain’s home in Glover.
A report from the British Captain told of the success of the expedition of The Frontier Light Infantry: “Against the enemy’s posts and deposits at Derby in the State of Vermont, which were taken possession at daybreak on the 27th of December; extensive barracks, lately erected, for 1200 men were destroyed, together with the stables and the storehouses, and a considerable quantity of valuable military stores have been brought away”2c
The Campaign of 1814
The cabinet determined that the 1814 Northern campaign, like previous campaigns, would invade the British in the north. There would be three parts to this scheme.
1- General Croghan was to move against the British on the upper lakes;
2- General Brown on the Niagara frontier.
3- General Izard in the Plattsburgh and Champlain region, was to cut the connection on the Saint Lawrence between Montreal and Kingston. Izard led most of the Vermont troops. This included part of Col. Clark’s 11th U. S. Regiment, Col. Fassett’s 30th, Col. Dana’s 31st, and Vermont militia and volunteers.2d
Spencer Chamberlain enlisted in the 31st Infantry Regiment
March 19, 1814 Spencer Chamberlain and his brother-in-law Barzilla French enlisted in the army, to serve in Captain Rufus’ company in Colonel Daniel Dana’s 31st Infantry Regiment.5 They enlisted at Glover Vermont.
The diversion Battle at La Cole Mill
March 29, 1814 It is possible that Spencer Chamberlain saw his first action at the Battle of La Colle Mill, under Colonel Isaac Clark. Clark commanded an advanced guard of the army riflemen under Major Forsyth’s 26th, and the 30th and 31st Vermont Infantry regiments totaling about 600 men. Clarks general mission was to cut the roots of a smuggling operation to prevent a daily supply of provisions from Vermont to the enemy.2d
Clark, however, accompanied Major General Wilkinson in the expedition against the mill at La Colle in the providence of Lower Canada. The attack on the mill was to create a diversion for Major General Brown’s action in the Niagara frontier.
Colonel Clark’s troops left the Missisquoi Bay and crossed to the western side of Lake Champlain. They joined forces with General Wilkinson at Champlain, NY about eight miles from La Colle. Wilkinson’s total force was now about 3000 men.2d
Map location of La Colle mill
The van left Champlain about 10 am on March 29. (Canadian sources have recorded this date as March 30). The roads were bad but it was nice weather considering the season. As they approached the mill they left the main road and traveled about four miles through the woods. Axe-men cut through trees and removed fallen timber to widen the path for the artillery. They had a mortar and two cannons, a twelve pounder and an eighteen pounder. There were some minor skirmishes along Odletown road as they drove light troops of the enemy before them. They arrived at about half past three.2d
Vermont 31st Infantry encircles the mill
The mill was about 40 feet wide and 60 feet long with walls two to three feet thick made of heavy stones. It was three stories high with loopholes and apertures for muskery in all direction. Several log houses were adjacent to the mill.
The number of the enemy was unknown because they were undercover. However, information from deserters and prisoners indicated that their were 600-700 in and around the mill.2d
Spencer Chamberlain’s unit, the 31st Infantry, was among Colonel Clark’s advance guard who nearly encircled the mill. They were about 100 yards from the mill, but pulled back to about 150 yards where they could find cover within range of their muskets. The infantry provided cover as the artillery battery set up. General Macomb held 800 troops in reserve.2d
Fire power directed toward the artillery
General Bissell and General Smith set up the artillery 250 yards away. At about 4 pm they fired up the twelve pounder. The ground shook as a stream of fire hurled the steel ball toward the south wall of the mill. When the smoke cleared they could see their work left no impression on the mill’s heavy stone wall. The cannon was re-set and again opened fire. A direct broadside of the wall again made no visible impression on the structure.2d
“Bring forward the eighteen pounder!” “Where is the eighteen pounder?” An investigation of its absence soon revealed that due to a broken carriage their big gun had been left behind.2d
The British 13th flank companies, assessing the artillery battery to be their chief threat, made an attack on the guns. They charged General Smith’s left, but were repulsed with considerable loss. The enemy kept up a galling fire, which included congreve rockets. They directed a great portion of their fire power toward the artillery. Two artillery commanders were wounded in succession, retired and replaced by a third.2d,6
Brisk fire and artillery continued for two hours with little effect. A company of Canadian Voitiguers from two miles away were ordered to reinforce the mill. Upon their arrival, they made an immediate attack on the canonniers. The heavy US infantry support of the battery again checked the attempt.6
Retreat at sunset
At sunset, it was apparent that the Americans did not have the cannon power to get the work done. This, with the British reinforcements and cannon fire from nearby British gunboats, General Wilkinson gave the order to withdraw. The withdrawal was orderly, cannons first, then gathering of the dead and wounded. They left nothing behind.2d
The Americans lost 13 men killed, 128 wounded and 13 missing. The British casualties were lighter with 11 killed, 46 wounded and 4 missing. Colonel Clark gave testimony that casualties within his own advance guard of riflemen and infantry were 9 to 10 killed and 30 to 40 wounded. Thus indicating they had shouldered a significant part of the battle.2d,6
A Court Marshall of General Wilkinson fully investigated the affair. He was honorably acquitted. It was evident that he failed to take the mill because it was impervious to the artillery.2d
Preparing for the Invasion of Plattsburgh, New York
Late in the summer of 1814, about 15,000 British troops arrived in Canada. Many of these were Wellington’s finest soldiers fresh from their victory over France.2e They were contemplating an invasion of New York of such magnitude that it would surely overwhelm all opposition.7
Sir George Provost, Governor General of the Canadas.
The US General Izard stationed eleven regiments of about 4500 effective men just south of the border at Champlain. They watched as the British commander Sir George Prevost built up a concentration of forces on the Isle aux Noix (Ash Island) on the Richelieu River. Their Navel forces were also being reinforced on Lake Champlain. A massive invasion of New York was imminent.7
Nevertheless, with full understanding of the situation, and at that critical moment, the secretary of war ordered General Izard to march the larger portion of his force westward to the support of General Brown on the Niagara frontier. General Izard was livid!
Izard, scarcely restraining his indignation, wrote on the 11th of August:
“I will make the movement you direct, if possible, but I shall do it with the apprehension of risking the force under my command, and with the certainty that every thing in this vicinity but the lately erected works at Plattsburgh and Cumberland Head will, in less than three days after my departure, be in the possession of the enemy. He is in force superior to mine in my front; he daily threatens an attack on my position at Champlain; we are all in hourly expectation of a serious conflict… My little army will do its duty.”7
General Macomb commands forces remaining in Plattsburgh
General Alexander Macomb
August 29, 1814 General Izard carried out his orders and left Champlain and Chazy and headed west. He continued to protest against the movement as unwise and perilous hoping he would hear orders to return.7
The British occupied Champlain the next day and within a few days there was a force of 14,000 at that location. They only had to complete a massive augmentation of their flotilla before beginning their advance.2e
General Alexander Macomb commanded the US army remaining at Plattsburgh. His force of twelve infantry regiments included Vermont’s 30th and 31st; two veteran companies of artillery under Captain Alexander Brooks; and another 250 infantry men serving on ships as marines. Also, left behind were about 1400 sick or invalid convalescing on Crab Island. The total effective force for the defense of Plattsburgh was about 2000 men.2e
Macomb moved to Plattsburgh south of the Saranac River to command the territory between the river and the western shore of Lake Champlain. There he manned three forts, Fort Brown, Fort Moreau and Fort Scott. Spencer Chamberlain, among his fellow Vermonters of the 30th and 31st infantries, garrisoned Fort Brown which stood on the bank of the Saranac River.2f,7
View of Saranac River from Fort Brown where Spencer Chamberlain was stationed. Notice the steep banks which helped in the defense.
September 3, 1814 The Governor General of the British army, Sir George Prevost, implemented the 1777 plan of General Burgoyne. He avowed his intention to take possession of the country as far as Ticonderoga. Like Burgoyne before him, he issued a proclamation inviting residents to cast off their allegiance to the US government and furnish him with supplies.7
Harassing British right column heading toward Plattsburgh
September 6, 1814 Early in the morning, the British army of 14,000 mostly veteran troops began their march toward Plattsburgh. They divided into two columns with the right heading for Beekmantown, and the left heading toward the lake shore and Dead Creek Bridge.7
A gallant and daring US Major John E. Wool led 250 regulars, including 50 men from Vermont’s 30th and 31st, to oppose the advance of the enemy.2e Spencer Chamberlain may have been a part of this group. Their orders were to impede the advance of the right column and to set an example of firmness for thirty uninitiated militia that joined the group. They reached Beekmantown before the enemy, (about six miles north of the Saranac River), and took position there near the residence of Ira Howe.7
Beekmantown Road
The British column was confidently and rapidly moving forward knowing they had over powering numbers. Suddenly, a burst of musketry erupted from Wool’s little band. This broke the enemy’s confident stride and slowed their advance. The less disciplined militia scattered and headed for Plattsburgh. Wool’s regulars held firm and amid desperate skimishes, slowly backed toward Culver’s hill to make a stand.
“They fired their guns and the British kept a coming”
The massive column of British ascended the slope of Culver’s hill. Wool’s band made another gallant attack. Some of the militia rallied and positioned themselves behind a stone wall along the road. There was a short but severe firefight. They drove the enemy back with several of their leaders killed or wounded.
The British resumed their advance pressing forward with irresistible force. Major Wool’s group fell back to Halsey’s Corners, about a mile and a half from the Plattsburgh bridge. Captain Leonard joined him there with two artillery pieces. They set up a battery at an angle in the road masked by Wool’s infantry and the few remaining militia. The heavy column of the enemy pressed ever closer. Captain Leonard opened fire sending cannon balls cutting through the enemy’s ranks. They loaded and fired their second and third rounds with deadly effect. However, the British kept coming.
The bugles sounded and the British threw off their knapsacks, fixed bayonets and began to charge full speed forward. Leonard ran for the village, occasionally turning his guns toward the pursuers to slow their advance. He crossed the Saranac River at the lower bridge and set up his battery near the stone mill. There he covered the other American’s crossing the bridge.
Retreat to get back across the bridges
The rapid advance of the British right column imperiled US units that had been falling trees to block the British left column. General Macomb perceived the danger and ordered them back to Plattsburgh at all speed to attack the enemy’s right flank. This they did, inflicting upon them additional pain. They reached the lower bridge before the rush of British on the right, barely avoiding being cut off. Major Wool’s troops arrived at the same time and both groups crossed the bridge together. When all were over the river, the heavy fire tore up the bridge.7
The British left column crossed the Dead Creek Bridge and made their way along the shore of Plattsburgh Bay. Macdonough’s galleys at the head of the bay were waiting for them. The land troops and gallelys exchanged heavy fire. Macdonough sent an order to the galleys to return to the fleet.7 Midshipman Silas Duncan was severely wounded as he delivered the order.
General Mooer’s militia crossed the upper bridge and likewise tore it up. This stopped the British advance at the river. Aiken’s volunteers in the stone mill and General Mooer’s milita at the upper bridge repulsed several of their attempts to cross the Saranac. The enemy then took position in some storehouses along the river. Captain Brooks hurled some hot shot and burned them out.7
Finding immediate passage of the stream impractical, Provost ordered his troops to make their encampments north of the village on an elevated ridge about a mile from the river. They set up headquarters at Allen’s farm house an began vigorous preparations for an attack. Provost could see that, even with overwhelming numbers, his task would not be easy. At the end of the day he had lost, either killed or wounded, over 200 men compared to the American’s forty-five.7
Adding Insult to Injury
September 9, 1814 Everything had been quiet for three days. The British fleet and Prevost’s land forces planned to make a coordinated attack. The order came down to Vermont’s 30th and 31st Infantry: “Defend Fort Brown to the last man”
Storm clouds were gathering at sun set when the British were observed busily erecting a rocket battery across the river from Fort Brown. Spencer Chamberlain, known for finding himself voluntarily at the center of extreme situations, may have taken part in the following adventure.7
General Macomb gave the go ahead to carry out a bold attack
General Macomb gave the go ahead to Captain M’Glassin to carry out a bold attack on the battery construction. The weather was tempestuous. As night fell, wind blown rain splattered in the thick darkness interrupted occasionally by flashes of lightning and cracks of thunder. M’Glassin and about fifty men crossed the Saranac half way between Fort Brown and the upper bridge. Unobserved, they reached the foot of the hill where the battery was rising. M’Glassin divided his group into two parties and sent one toward the front, the other circled to the rear.7
“Charge! men, charge! upon the front and the rear!“ As M’Gassin shouted the order, his men rushed forward with frightful yells. The British believing they were being swarmed with overwhelming numbers, fled back to the main body. The Americans quickly drove spikes into the touch-holes of the cannons making them non-functional. They then carried off any item they could and made a hasty retreat across the river. Not a single man was lost. They had surprised and frightened off over one hundred-fifty veteran troops with only fifty men. Sir George Prevost was mortified.2f,7
The Battle for Lake Champlain begins
September 11, 1814 In the early dawn Macdonough’s squadron of ships waited in Plattsburgh bay. The young commander had skillfully formed the American line of battle in the lake. His fleet extended completely across the the entrance to Plattsburgh bay from Crab Island to Cumberland Head.7
Plattsburgh Bay and Cumberland Head
The enemy fleet Commanded by Captain George Downie would come around the head with bows forward, giving the Americans an early advantage. The four larger U. S. vessels, the Eagle, Ticonderoga, Preble and Macdonough’s flagship Saratoga were positioned so their broadside guns would be facing the enemy when they came bearing toward them. These ships were anchored into position. Twelve galleys formed a second row behind and filled the spaces between the larger ships. Skilled oarsmen held them in position.7
Sir George Provost watched the bay from the shore and waited for the signal to begin the advance of British ground troops. Major General Robinson was ready to press forward with a portion of their overwhelming 14,000 man force. They would push across the Saranac, climb the steep banks with ladders and escalade the American works on the peninsula. British batteries in Plattsburgh village would shower musketry and cannon balls on the American forts and defenses across the Saranac.7
Sometime before eight o’clock Provost saw the masts of Downie’s squadron sailing along the far side of Cumberland Head. That was the signal. General Robinson gave the order and the coordinated invasion of Plattsburgh and Lake Champlain was underway.7
In the hands of Almighty God
Macdonough was now thoroughly prepared to receive the enemy. His vessels were cleared for action and all was in readiness. At that moment he gathered his officers and men around him. He knelt down upon the deck of the Saratoga, near one of the heaviest guns, and asked Almighty God for aid, and committed the issue into his hands. The galliant young commadore arose from his prayer with assured courage.7
The Confiance side by side with the Saratoga
Commadore Downie’s fleet rounded Cumberland Head at eight o’clock. When he began the day at the Isle La Motte, he boasted that when he met the Saratoga, within ten minutes he would board her.4 The fleet consisted of Downie’s flag ship Confiance, the Linnet, and the two previously captured U.S. sloops renamed Chub and Finch; and twelve gun boats. He gave final instructions for battle and then attempted to turn the Confiance side by side with the Saratoga. Meanwhile, the British Finch and gun boats would attack the Ticonderoga and Preble. Shifting winds compelled Downie to anchor his ship as it was getting too close to his opponent.7
Battle of Lake Champlain
The USS Eagle opened the action at 9 AM. It fired the first shot and then discharged its other three long eightteen pounders in quick succession. Commadore Macdonough personally set the sight of Sartoga’s long 24 pounder and gave the order. “Fire!” The ball entered the hawse hole of the Confiance crashing with deadly force through every obstacle the length of the ship, and demolishing the wheel.2f,7
A freed gamecock an omen of American victory
The Linnet took several shots at the Saratoga’s broadside as it passed toward its objective target, the Eagle. One ball smashed into some hen houses filling the air fluttering with feathers. This released a gamecock, which some of the seamen had brought on board. The startled fowl flew up on a gun slide, clapped his wings and defiantly crowed proclaiming his new found freedom. The delighted sailors cheered as this appeared to them an omen of American victory.7
Commodore Downie crushed by 24 pounder
This 24 pounder on the Confiance was hit on the muzzle by a ball from the Saratoga. This pushed the cannon onto the ship landing on Captain Downie, killing him.
The Confiance secured her optimal position and produced a sheet of fire from sixteen 24 pounders. They all fired at once along her larboard side aimed point blank at the Saratoga. The great ship trembled and quaked from the terrible blast. Forty crew members were disabled or killed including the first lieutenant, Peter Gamble.
Recovering quickly from the stunning blow, Macdonough gallantly resumed the conflict. One ball sent from the Saratoga struck the muzzle of one of the 24 pounders on board the Confiance. This hurled the big gun inboard violently striking and killing Commodore Downie.7
Convalescents capture disabled Finch
The larger ships now exchanged a horrific and steady stream of fire power. The Chub received a broadside from the Eagle, she was crippled so badly she drifted aimlessly. Midshipman Platt from the Saratoga took possession of the severely damaged sloop. He towed and anchored her near the mouth of the Saranac. Almost half her crew were killed or wounded.7
The Ticonderoga drove off and damaged the Finch which drifted aimlessly until it grounded on the rocky shoal of Crab Island. The 1400 sick and wounded were on Crab Island for their recovery. Anyone able bodied manned their two gun battery. They turned the guns on the Finch, which then surrendered to the group of convalescents.7
Emboldened British Galleys swarm the Ticonderoga
The British gun-boats ganged up on the Preble. They compelling her to cut her cables and flee to a safer place near the shore, thus, putting her out of action. This success emboldened the British galleys which in mass then went after the Ticonderoga. The galleys, which carried about 50 men per boat, made a furious attack with the intention of boarding. Lieutenant Stephen Cassin walked the rail in a storm of grape and canister directing the firing of muskets and other light missiles. Several times the enemy was within a few feet of the sides, but each time vigorous action of the crew drove them back.7
Macdonough’s brilliant manuver
At the other end of the American line the situation had become critical. The Eagle lost the springs of her cable and became exposed to the combined fire of the Linnet and Confiance. Captain Henley at once placed her between and a little astern of the Saratoga and Ticonderoga. He anchored there and opened his larboard guns on the Confiance and the British galleys. This however, left the Saratoga exposed to the whole broadside fire of the Linnet.7
The two flag-ships soon became disabled. The Saratoga was silent. It did not have a single serviceable starboard gun left. The Confiance was not much better off. Macdonough, here exhibited his splendid seamanship. Quickly and effectively, with the aid of his skillful sailing-master, they wound the ship around by means of a stream anchor and hawsers. These were attached in such away that by winding them tight, the head of the vessel would be turned around. This brought the guns of his larboard side to bear on the opponent. The Confiance made a vain attempt to imitate the manuver.4,7
Acting Lieutenant Lavallette, opened up with the new set of guns with such destructive power on the British flag-ship that she soon surrendered. The Saratoga then turned her fire on the Linnet, and within fifteen minutes she also struck her colors. The Ticonderoga, a half mile away, had turned the tables on the British galleys. They had scattered and were attempting to give aid to their beleaguered fleet. However, seeing the colors of the larger vessels go down, they too dropped their ensigns. By a little past noon, not a single British flag was flying above its squadron on Plattsburgh bay.7
“The Almighty has been pleased to grant us victory”
The victory on the lake was complete and substantial. On the Saratoga, one half hour after the Linnet struck her colors and the British galleys fled to the north, Macdonough sent a dispatch to the Secretary of the Navy. He gave credit to the source of power he had requested only hours before. He wrote: “SIR, – The Almighty has been pleased to grant us a signal victory on Lake Champlain in the capture of one frigate, one brig, and two sloops of war of the enemy.”7
The land Battle in Plattsburgh
While the roar of battle raged over the water, an equal drama of fire, smoke and thunder bellowed over Plattsburgh. The sails of the British fleet seen over Cumberland Head was the signal to the British land forces under Major General Robinson to begin their advance. The masts were sighted and Robinson gave the order. The ground troops began their move in three columns toward the Saranac. They positioned themselves at the two bridges and at the ford at Pike’s encampment three miles from the mouth of the river. They then prepared to force their way across the Saranac river and take the American works by storm.
Saranac River showing the three forts to the left on the map. Fort Brown is next to the river. Lower bridge is near the mouth of the river, upper bridge – upper left corner.
Spencer Chamberlain was garrisoned with the 30th and 31st Infantries at Fort Brown between the lower and upper bridges. My guess is that the 30th and 31st were among those who went to defend the upper bridge location where riflemen and infantry aided by some of the militia repeatedly held back the advance of the enemy. Guards at the stone mill and cannon fire from the forts repulsed the enemy at the lower bridge.2e,7
The Battle of Plattsburgh
At Pike’s ford the militia were mostly new arrivals from Clinton and Essex Counties New York. They put up a strong defense and stopped the British. Again they came, and again they drove them back. The enemy made another bold charge. Several companies of British pushed across the river and began moving forward with overwhelming force.7
News of victory on Lake Champlain
The militia retreated. Then, General Strong’s detachment of 2500 Vermont volunteers with an artillery field-piece joined in the defense. The militia and newly arriving volunteers rallied and took a stand. As they were preparing to meet the advancing foe, they heard the thunder of horse hooves coming from the rear. The horse galloped into camp and the rider called out his urgent intelligence from General Moore: “The British fleet has surrendered!”7
Hearty and enthusiastic cheers erupted from the Americans. At that moment, the British turned and in all haste headed toward the Saranac with the Strong’s Green Mountain Boys in pursuit. The Americans shouts of joy reiterated as the knowledge of victory on the lake spread from corp to corp. Sir George Prevost experienced “extreme mortification to hear the shout of victory from the American works.”2f,7
General Brisbane continues attack on Fort Brown
Essentially the battle was over. However, one British general was very persistent. General Brisbane offered to cross the Saranac in force and take the American works in twenty minutes. He kept his battery firing on Fort Brown until sunset. Fort Brown, under command of Lieutenant Mountfort, kept up such an excellent defense that the British believed the Americans had employed the French Artillery.7
Rifle and powder horn used by Spencer Chamberlain in the Battle of Plattsburgh
Spencer Chamberlain was among the 30th and 31st infantry and others stationed at Fort Brown. They managed to keep the enemy in check until night fall. Sir George Provost soon gave the order to recall all his cannons. By 9 pm Provost and his entire army were heading toward Canada. Their retreat was so hasty, they left behind their sick and wounded and vast quantities of munitions.
At the dawn’s early light of September 12, the American Star Spangled Banner waved proudly over Fort Brown, just as it would two mornings later at Fort McHenry in Baltimore.
Victory and celebration of Plattsburgh and Lake Champlain
Provost wisely saw that further prosecution of the battle was impractical. Even though his numbers were over whelming, it was a wise decision. Provost was really in peril. There is little question that, at the cost of many lives, he could have crushed Macomb and captured the post at Plattsburgh. However, the lake was lost absolutely and his life line of supplies from Canada was cut off.
Volunteers from New York and Vermont continued to pour in. Governor Chittenden of Vermont had issued a patriotic address when the invasion at Plattsburgh began. He had called on the militia to rush aid of the American army. By the end of the day of the battle, 2500 of the Green Mountain boys were at the Saranic under Major General Strong.7 Many more volunteers watched the spectacular show in Plattsburgh from the east shore of Lake Champlain, finding a means of passage difficult.4
The victorious events on Lake Champlain and on the soil of Plattsburgh on September 11, 1814 sent a thrill of intense joy throughout the country. When Macomb announced the victory of his little army, spontaneous praise and honor was showered upon both him and Macdonough. The victory at the Battle of Plattsburgh coupled with the successful defense of Fort McHenry and the city Baltimore on September 13 restored American pride after the burning of Washington DC in August. The two victories also greatly bolstered the nation’s bargaining position at the Ghent peace talks which brought the war to an end.8
Honorable discharge of Spencer Chamberlain
June 3, 1815 Spencer Chamberlain was “honorably discharged from the army of the United States, having faithfully served out the full period of his enlistment...Given at the Inspector General’s office, Plattsburgh this third day of June 1815.”5
1816 the year without a summer
The Spring of 1816 arrived early bringing hope of a bountiful harvest, but on June 5 the weather turned cold. Severe frosts hit Northern Vermont on June 8th and 9th. Snow fell over one foot deep and drifted up to three feet in places. It damaged crops and foliage of the trees. Mysterious mists of darkness reddened and dimmed the sunlight bringing terror and fear of God’s judgement to the residents of Vermont.
Optimism returned toward the end of June and early July. A heat wave encouraged replanting of lost fields. Some days the temperature neared 100 degrees F. However, on July 6, northwest winds brought the arrival of another cold air mass with freezing temperatures damaging the replanted crops. Another spell of cold weather hit in mid August and lasted to the end of the month.9
There was now no hope of harvest and scarcity and famine was a real possibility. Some wheat cut in the milk stage was dried in the oven and baked into bread or boiled like rice. Corn and rye had to be imported from abroad from a long distance and cost up to $3.00 a bushel, and sometimes more. Fish and any kind of vegetable that was edible was used for food.
Mount Tambora
Spencer Chamberlain and his small family along with many in the North Eastern states suffered greatly through the summer, fall and winter. Residents moved out of the state in droves. Vermont experienced a decrease in population of between 10,000 and 15,000, erasing seven previous years of population growth.10
The cause of the unusual weather of 1816 was unknown at the time. It is believed to have been caused by the eruption of Mount Tambora on the island of Sumbawa, Indonesia in August 1815. This was one of the strongest eruptions in modern history. It sent tons of ash into the upper atmosphere, about 90 times the amount of the eruption of Mount Saint Helens in 1980.9
Spencer Chamberlain and his family
Spencer and Millie’s first child was born October 11, 1811, a daughter they named Jeanette. Before Spencer went off to war their second daughter was born, Amanda in 1813. During the non summer of 1816 their third daughter, Delana, was born between cold snaps on August 1, 1816. Their first and only boy, Alonzo, was born on May 7, 1818. Another daughter, Sarah was born in January of 1820. And their sixth child, Melssa was born in 1824.
Sometime in his young life, Alonzo was kicked by a horse dislocating his hip. It was never set right which caused him problems throughout his life. Another tragedy came on January 9. 1826, when their 5 year-old daughter, Sarah, died.
Work on the farm consumed much of the the family’s time. However, when the work was done, they enjoyed gathering around the fireplace to listen to their father tell stories of his many life experiences. Perhaps he told stories of his time during the war, we don’t know. However, we do know the family’s favorite story from a verse from Jeanette’s poem:
In after years, when winter was cold,
Piled high the wood fire the children at home,
In the light of the blaze, piped out the young fawns,
“Father, tell us about Runaway Pond!”
Spencer’s family also discussed the burning issue of the time. Slavery was a passionate subject of debate during these years.
In October 1835, abolitionist Samuel May, by invitation, gave a lecture series in Montpelier. However, forty civic leaders opposed the series. They threw stones and eggs at the building as he gave his lecture. He received threats, and placards were placed around town warning people not to attend. May continued his lectures anyway. The angry mob rushed him when he began to speak. Colonel Jonathan Miller, an abolitionist and Underground Railroad agent came to his defense. Miller stood up and threatened the mob with bodily harm if they persisted. He was a veteran of the Greek wars and they knew that he meant it. The mob backed off.11
The 17 year-old Alonzo Chamberlain apparently took notice of this situation.
To be continued……
Chapter 18- The Secret Life of Alonzo Chamberlain The story of Alonzo Chamberlain is told here for the first time. His story as an agent in the Underground Railroad was previously unknown to his extended family, his home town of Glover, and to the historians of Vermont. Includes a tour of the house and farm today, where Alonzo Chamberlain lived 1843-1855. Also, see the surprising significance of Alonzo’s 1860s photo album.
More stories about Spencer Chamberlain and his family 1802-1855
Chapter 15- The Unusual Household of Increase Chamberlain, Jr. In October 2014, I received an email from Joan Alexander, Secretary of the Glover Historical Society. It was the first big clue to what my grandfather, Harry Chamberlain, was looking for 80 years before- a major break in finding Spencer Chamberlain and his parents in Westmoreland.
Chapter 16- Spencer Chamberlain and the Runaway Pond
The story of the day the pond ran away, June 6, 1810. In 1889 E. T. Wilson sat down with Jeanette Chamberlain Phillips who told the story she has known by heart since she was a small child.
Chapter 19- Spencer Chamberlain’s Family Before the Civil War Jeanette Chamberlain Phillips and the 50th anniversary of Runaway Pond. Photos and families of Spencer and Millie Chamberlain’s children.
© Dennis D. Chamberlain, The Chamberlain Story, 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of the written content of this site without express and written permission from the author and owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that credit is given to Dennis D. Chamberlain and direction to www.thechamberlainstory.com.
References:
1- http://mrnussbaum.com/causes-and-effects-of-the-war-of-1812/
2a- Records of the Governor and Council of the State of Vermont, Vol. 6. p.466.
2b- Abid., pp. 481-484
2c- Abid., p. 491
2d- Abid., pp. 496-501
2e- Abid., pp. 516-517
2f- Abid., pp. 518-533
3- Pliny H. White, Orleans County, Vermont Historical Magazine, Volume III, Orleans and Rutland Counties, 1877.4- The Centenary of the Battle of Plattesburgh, 1814 September 11 1914, Albany, University of the State of New York. 1914
5- Spencer Chamberlain’s U. S. Army discharge Certificate, June 3, 1815
6- Robert Henderson, The Battle of La Colle Mill, 1814, www3.sympatico.ca/dis.general/lacolle.htm
7- Benson J. Lossing, Events on Lake Champlain, Lossings Pictorial History of the War of 1812, Chapter XXXVII, 1869
8- https://www.thoughtco.com/war-of-1812-battle-fort-mchenry-2361371
9- Derek Marout, The Year Without a Summer, Northeast Kingdom weather website.
10- L. D. Stillwell, en.wikapedia.org
11- Michelle Arnosky Sheburne, Abolition & The Underground Railroad in Vermont, The History Press, Charleston SC 29403, 2013, pp. 29-30
