Democratic Sentinel, Volume 10, Number 5, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 March 1886 — The Capture of Gen. Scott. [ARTICLE]

The Capture of Gen. Scott.

After Hull’s surrender in August, 1812, the army was greatly demoralized, and it was evident that an attack must be made to retrieve the national honor. The Army of the Center, under Gen. Van Renssalaer, was therefore massed on the banks of the Niagara River, with the purpose of invading Canada. Oct. 13, Van Renssalaer crossed the river at Lewiston. The British were entrenched on Queenstown Heights, nearly opposite. The lauding w r as desperately resisted. Col. Scott and Capt. Wool led the Americans in charge after charge, driving the British before them. Three times they won the victory. Van Renssalaer then returned to the American shore to bring over the rest of his troops. These were mainly. New York militia, altogether unus d to the terors of battle. The sight of the bloody druggie on the opposite side of the river, of the field strewn with dead and lying, wholly unnerved them. To the General’s order, therefore, their officers returned the reply that he had no right to take the militia out of the State, and hey refused to follow him. “f ifteen mndred able-bodied men,” says an listorian of the time, “stood cowardly >y their constitutional rights while heir comrades vainly struggled against he odds of the r swarming foes.” Scott, m the other side, finding that no help ould be sent lnm, mounted a log beore the remnant of his troops, and irged them to renew the attack. ‘Hull’s surrender,” ho said, “must be redeemed. Our condition is desperate.

Let us die arms in hand. Our co.ntr/ demands the sacrifice. The example will not be lost. The blood of the slain will make heroes of the living. Those who follow will avenge onr fall and our country’s wrongs. Who dares to stand?” A loud “All!” rang along the line. Another charge was made with desperate courage, but the numbers of the enemy were overwhelming, and all who were not killed were taken prisoners. In January, 1813, Scott Was exchanged, and joined the army under Gen. Dearborn as Adjutant General.— Inter Ocean.