Chapter 18

The heat of August came in waves and so too did the shock of war. The Americans under the command of General Hull marched over Upper Canada’s western frontier with superior numbers, expecting the tiny settlements in their path to crumble easily. The Americans, however, found themselves in a bitter clash stuck between Sandwich and Ft. Malden, embroiled in battle with the British forces and their native alliance with Tecumseh.

General Brock scrambled to keep the colony of Upper Canada together. On first order of business he declared martial law. He then ordered the militia to rotating duty to finish harvesting the rest of the wheat. Then on August 6th, with great determination, he called several hundred regular troops from the 41st at Ft. George and mounted a massive journey westward to meet the American invaders head-on at Ft. Malden and Sandwich.

Aaron and Solomon worked with Humphrey Water’s trying to get the rest of his wheat harvested while news of Brock’s departure circulated through town.

“Why you think Brock didn’t call us militia to go with him? He thinks he can win with just a few hundred men?” Aaron asked of everyone.

“Hold on there little warrior, don’t be so keen on going to war. A lot of men lose limbs or even their lives. Fighting is not all the glory it’s made to be. Besides, if Brock beats the western invasion we may not have to go. The eastern forces at Lewiston may lose their stomachs for a fight here.” Humphrey said reassuringly.

“But what if Brock loses? There are over three thousand men lookin’ at us right now. Hell, even the Iroquois is afraid of ‘em. Are we gonna run if they start pourin’ over? An’ where we gonna run to? There ain’t nothin’ but bush all around here.” Solomon said nervously.

“Well there’s Quebec. We could retreat to Quebec like some of the folks here did.” Humphrey replied.

“Quebec? The Americans’ll send another three thousand soldiers to Quebec too. Soon this whole colony’ll be covered with damn Yankees. Then what? They gonna reinstitute slavery? ‘Cus it’s still legal in New York. Naw brother, runnin’ don’t seem much of a way out. It looks like our only option is to stay an’ fight, win or lose, ‘cus dyin’s better than goin’ back to the South in chains.” Solomon said angrily.

“Those are brave words brother. Let’s just hope everyone else has the same courage as you when the muskets and cannons belch their terror. I don’t have much of a plan to be honest; I’m just hoping God does.” Humphrey mused.

By mid August the wheat was harvested and in stores. The threat of low food supplies subsided while the threat of a full scale invasion loomed. Lieutentant-Colonel Myers, upon learning the harvest was completed, called the militia back to duty. The Americans were menacing the British more haughtily along the river’s edge.

Back on duty at a half hour before sunrise, everyone was on edge. Rumours and facts mixed fluildly as everyone was trying to make sense of it all, and trying to anticipate what would happen next.

Richard Pierpoint, while leaning on his musket spoke in a low tone to those in his midst, “My Iroquois sources tell me that General Brock has pushed the Yanks back to Ft. Detroit. With the help of Tecumseh, the Shawnee, Chippawa and Wyandotts are putting the fear of God in them Yanks.”

“ATTENTION!” echoed across the parade grounds.

When the company commanders conducted the customary roll call and inspection of the troops, Lieutenant-Colonel Myers addressed the soldiers and militimen with the sun slowly rising:

“Our Illustrious general has shown unwaivering courage and dealt a mighty blow to the forces that now threaten our very existance. With our friends and allies under Tecumseh we have routed the American invanders with determination and efficiency.

Here on the homefront, the Americans have bombarded Ft. Erie on several occasions. Their troops continue hostile actions by shooting at our soldiers on patrol.

Yet, the American Major General Dearborn, the senior major general in the United States Army for the northeastern sector, has issued a cessation of hostilities on their part. This has prompted our General Sheaffe and the American General Van Rensselaer to meet and agree to terms of armistace, in the year of our Lord, eighteen hundred and twelve on the twenty first day of August.

Captains, you may release your men.”

With a resounding cheer echoing throughout the parade grounds, Aaron turned to Humphrey Waters standing beside him and said with a smile, “I’ll be damned Corporal Waters, you was right. General Brock facin’ down them Yanks must have broke their will.”

With the militia released from duty life quickly returned to normal. As word of the armistice traveled throughout the District of Niagara, Nathan caught a ride to the Town of Niagara. With all that had happened over the spring and summer, commerce between the towns had slowed considerably. But with peace assured commerce and travel were picking up again. Upon arriving at the Town of Niagara, Nathan was a welcome sight. Solomon and Aaron had stories to tell as there was a lot catching up to do.

“Ya’ll are in the what?” Nathan said astonished.

“We’re in the Lincoln Militia along side the 41

st

Infantry.” Aaron said to an astonished Nathan.

“Come on, you lyin’ to ol’ Nathan?” He said in disbelief.

“Sho’ ‘nuff. Didn’t ya’ll here about us in the militia in Chippawa?” Solomon asked.

“Well no...I...uh didn’t get called in to the militia in Chippawa.” Nathan said stammering.

“How’d that happen? They was knockin’ on doors here.” Aaron said shocked.

“Oh they was knockin’ on doors there too. But I tol’ ‘em I was sixty-one. I don’ rightly know my age, but I do know I’m too old to be runnin’ around doin’ all that soldierin’. Ya’ll young folks can handle that. Ya’ll remember when we was in that swamp in Virginia? Hell, ya’ll almost lost me in there.” Nathan said defending himself.

“Yeah, you right brother. It’s best if you rest them ol’ bones a yours, besides somebody’s gotta grind the wheat ‘round these parts.” Solomon said chuckling.

“Did, they give ya’ll uniforms?” Nathan asked enthusiastically.

“No not yet. They are on order; we’re just wearing civilian clothes for now.” Solomon and Aaron replied a little deflated.

“Say, you remember John Smith that teamster you used to ride with?” Solomon asked of Nathan.

“Yeah, yeah, I remember. He always askin’ fo’ a shilling every time you look at his wagon.” Nathan said chuckling.

“Well that brother got his own tavern back in April.” Solomon said.

“You lyin’. A black man with his own tavern?” Nathan said shocked.

“No sir, this man don’ lie. Aaron and I been by a few times, but we ain’t had time to go in on account they keep callin’ us back for duty.” Solomon replied.

“Well come on then, let’s go on over fo’ a drink and ya’ll can tell me about Army life. We’ll celebrate, how’s that?” Nathan said his heart filling with pride.

As the three friends made their way inside John Smith’s tavern; the owner recognized them right away. They ordered three rums and sat down. As John Smith brought the drinks over he looked at the three friends and said, “Well since you two are in the milita, I’m gonna give you the first round on the house. And you Nathan, your shillings helped me get my licence, so this one’s on me.”

Nathan picked up the tin cup of rum and began his toast, “I just thank the Lord I lived to see this day. Ya’ll two brother’s in the Army, servin’ fo’ our freedom. When you think about where we came from...” Nathan stopped. He was choked up in his throat and couldn’t go on. Tears began to well up in his eyes.

Solomon picked up from there and said, “We’re family.”

“Here, here.” Nathan said as the three tin cups came together with a metallic click.

Four days later the Iroquois allied with Ft. George were sent home. Everyone believed that peace was assured and they would no longer be needed.

But somehow British Brigadier General Dodge up in Montreal had not received word of what was happening in Niagara and ordered his troops to Sacket’s Harbor, Ogdensburg and Plattsburg New York. When Major General Dearborn, learned of this he dispatched General Van Rensselaer. A furious Van Rensselaer saw this troop movement by General Dodge as an act of war and on August 25

th

the armistice was annulled.

Once again the officers from the army at Ft. George scurried through the town of Niagara calling the militia back to service.

A brief moment of solice evaporated when Lieutenant-Colonel Myers addressed the soldiers and militimen:

“Men it is with a heavy heart that I must announce that the truce between the Americans and Great Britain has been anulled.

The American President James Monroe has ordered some two thousand militia from Pennsylvania to Black Rock New York. They will be joining some three thousand troops already stationed along the Niagara River.

We will train and prepare for war as never before. Aggression by the United States can be expected at any moment. It is imperative that everyone remain present and vigilant.”

After muster, Aaron and Solomon were sent to Brown’s Point to relieve Captain Dick and Robert Jupiter. While exchanging reports of what was observed along the banks of the American side, a large commotion was advancing toward them along the road leading out of Queenstown. The four men stopped and listened as the noise got louder. Through the dust and commotion an army was advancing toward them. The four militiamen froze in fear, isolated from the rest of their regiment, as almost 2,000 men, horses and artillery advanced closer and closer to their position.

Aaron looked behind him to the American side of the river at the American soldiers waving their fists and shouting curses from their posts. Aaron then looked back down the parkway to make out who was advancing on their position. As the entourage got closer General Brock rode in front of the five hundred captured American soldiers and one General Hull. The captured cannons and armaments were being carefully guarded by the 41st regulars in tow.

Riding high atop his prized horse Alfred, General Brock looked every bit the conquering hero. This stalwart general turned to the four black militiamen looking up from the riverbank, and acknowledged them with a piercing acuteness that caused them to roll their shoulders back and snap to attention. The four miliatiamen knew from previous orders not to salute while on guard, but the site of the general and his captured forces evoked respect.

The following morning, a half hour before sunrise, the muster of August 28 spirits were high. General Brock’s victory sent a cascade of emotions racing through everyone’s hearts. Reporting for morning muster until now had been mundane, but this morning something special was in the air. As the rising sun gently peaked over the horizon in the eastern sky, Colonel Claus addressed the militia under his command:

“Men, we are truly emboldened by the events of the recent days. Our gallant major-general has attained a most auspicious victory.

To his personal staff the major-general feels himself under much obligation, and he requests Lieutenant- Colonel McDonald, Majors Glegg and Givens that their zealous exertions have made too deep an impression upon his mind to ever be forgotten.

The conduct of the Indians under the command of Colonel Elliot, Captain Mckee and the other officers of that department, joined to that of the gallant and brave chiefs of their respective tribes, has since the commencement of the war been marked with acts of true heroism and in nothing can they testify more strongly their love of their great father than in the following dictates of honor and humility by which they have hitherto been actuated; two fortresses have already been captured from the enemy without a drop of blood shed by the hands of the Indians, the instant the enemy submitted his life became sacred...”

Although the men were disciplined, their hearts could no longer contain their emotion, raucous cheers of “HERE, HERE” erupted throughout the parade ground. Then almost as if on command, the men became quiet again. Colonel Claus continued, himself moved by the emotion of the moment:

“...Finally here in garrison, Major-General Brock having been pleased to order the formation of a company of people of colour of which Robert Runchey is appointed to command with rank and pay of captain for the time, the said company may be embodied.

SERGEANT ROBERT RUNCHEY, front and center!” Colonel Claus ordered.

Sergeant Robert Runchey broke ranks and marched forward to report to Colonel Claus. When the salutes were exchanged, Colonel Claus applied the captain’s epaulets. Solomon and Aaron looked at each other in utter disbelief; a feeling of complete shock enveloped everyone.

Captain Runchey saluted upon receiving his rank. Colonel Claus then proclaimed, “Anyone desiring to serve in the newly formed Coloured Corp, report to Captain Runchey.”

Just before the respective companies were released, Sergeant Gough addressed the Lincoln Militia members before him with a wide smile and a gleam in his eye, “Well I’m headed over to report to Captain Runchey, anybody else with me?”

One by one black soldiers of the Lincoln Regiment broke ranks to make their way across the parade field. Richard Pierpoint, Humphrey Waters, Robert Jupiter and the rest couldn’t get over there fast enough. Aaron and Solomon broke ranks and fell in with the others. In all, twenty four privates and two sergeants hustled across the parade field to report to Captain Runchey.

“Men, we are being upgraded to a flank company,” Captain Runchey said addressing his new command. “I am grateful for this honour and I am grateful to you for volunteering. But as it stands, we are in a state of war with the United States. I need every one of you to remain loyal; we may not be as large a force as the Yanks, so every one of you is that much more important.

Now with the upgrade to Flank Company we’ll train alongside the 41

st

to support the regulars. I want you all looking every bit a soldier in this, the king’s army. We don’t have red coats enough for all but we have trousers the Army will issue us. Your civilian coats and hats will have to do.

Now look troop, General Brock is attempting to make peace with the United States. If you come under fire do not fire back. This practise of shooting across the river is contrary to the known rules established among civilized nations. Sergeant Gough, march the men over to the Blockhouse and get our issue then appoint the men to guard duty and establish a rotating watch. When not on guard duty we’ll drill; prime and reload, bayonet drills and cover fire.”

That evening, hovered around a big black kettle, while preparing their rations, Robert Jupiter voiced his frustration, “We’re still short on kettles, hoversacks, blankets and some tents are still on order. How long are we supposed to be out here short supplied like this?”

Sergeant Gough tried to reassure the men, “I have been informed that these are on order. They haven’t forgotten about us. Most of this stuff is coming from England. We just have to be patient.”

Solomon snuck up to Aaron with blankets from home. “How’d you get these?” Aaron asked surprised.

“Well you know I’m on water detail. I kind a’ took a wrong turn with the wagon an’ ended up gettin’ lost in town. Then I passed by the house...” Solomon explained.

“All right, I get it. Good show you ol’ mule. Let’s have some stew here.” Aaron said smiling.

“I’m going to pretend I didn’t see or hear that.” Sergeant Gough interjected.

The black troops were becoming even closer. Captain Dick loved an audience and recounted his stories from his days with Butler’s Rangers. Everyone was used to it by now. But Pierpoint suddenly got serious, “Brothers, you do know what’s going to happen to you if the Yankees get their hands on you—right?”

“What they gonna do, kill us?” Aaron said concerned.

“No son, you are worth more to them alive then dead. They’ll sell you into slavery, whether you were born free or not.” Pierpoint said lowering his head.

“They can drag my dead body back, ‘cus I ain’t goin’ back alive.” Aaron said angrily.

While they mulled over their prospects and ate their rations, groups of white soldiers, regulars from 41,st made their way over to the newly formed Coloured Corp.

“You men...well...we wanted to congratulate you and have a drink to the Coloured Corp.” They said offering some of their rum rations.

Despite the desertions of the past few days the men of the Coloured Corp stayed on. For the regulars this earned their respect. The impression that the black soldiers could be counted on got many of the regulars to issue promises that, should hostilities break out they had their backs.

One white soldier who had been working with Aaron over the past few days said, “Hey Private Gibbons, word around here is that you know how to cook up these bland rations into something half decent—is that true?”

“Sho’ nuff. I’ll show you how if you want.” Aaron replied confidently.

“ATTENTION!” Sergeant Gough shouted.

Everyone stopped what they were doing and snapped to the position of attention as General Brock and his aide-de-camp Lieutenant-Colonel Macdonnell walked among them.

“At ease men,” The general calmly addressed them with his arms clasped behind his back. “Despite the desertions over the past few days the coloured elements of the militia have remained loyal and stayed on.

I received a written request some time back to form a Coloured Company of sorts. At first I thought it odd, considering I have Irish, Scottish, Welsh, English and Loyalist Americans in my ranks. Why should a general favour one group over another? I thought long and hard.

Since you have been determined to display your loyalty the decision has been weighing on me heavily, but I decided in your favour. Now is the serious attention of every militiaman to the efforts being made by the enemy to destroy and lay waste this flourishing country. The militia must be sensible of the great stake they have to contend for, and will by their conduct convince the enemy that they are not desirous of bowing their necks to a foreign yoke.

Carry on men.” The general said as he walked off into the setting sun to address other groups of soldiers.

Throughout the summer General Brock made a habit of talking with the troops and making light conversation to keep their spirits up, but this was different, this time his words lay heavy on everyone’s heart and left a long moment of silence and reflection.