Canada's Coloured Corps-- Part 4: Captain Robert Runchey

But, instead of making Richard Pierpont commander of the corps,  that went to a local white officer,  Captain Robert Runchey.

Characterized as a "worthless, troublesome malcontent" by his superiors, Runchey fulfilled his  reputation for poor leadership by segregating  black men from  other militiamen.  In  some cases, Runchey hired out black soldiers as domestic servants to  other officers.

Not surprisingly, recruitment in  the Niagara Peninsula proved to be very difficult and "Runchey's Company of Coloured Men" remained small.    In early October 14, 1812,  14 black soldiers were transferred to the unit from the 3rd York Militia.

The majority of the men of the unit lived in Upper Canada -- in towns and villages in the Niagara region, in York (Toronto) and Bay of Quinte, near Belleville.  One of the men, George  Martin, from Niagara, had been freed from slavery by his father, Peter, in 1797.

Four years before that, Peter Martin had witnessed and reported the Chloe Cooley Incident to Lt.-Gov. Simcoe--  an event that led to the Act to Limit Slavery in Upper Canada.

Once raised to about 40 men, the unit began training at Fort George.

--Brock-Perry

Cornwall, Upper Canada, in the War

From the November 9, 2013, Seaway News (Canada) "Visual reminder of Cornwall's role in the War of 1812" by Adam Brazeau.

Hostile Americans forced the evacuation of Cornwall after the defeat at Crysler's Farm.

A plaque has been placed in front of the United Counties building on Water Street by the SD&G Historical Society.

Its inscription:

"THE OCCUPATION OF CORNWALL

"The United Counties west of Cornwall were invaded by American forces in November of 1813.  On November 11, American cavalry also occupied Cornwall, which had been deemed indefensible by British authorities.

"The King's Stores, situated near the present site of the Court House, had been brimming with war materials which were removed to the St. Andrew's area in 150 wagons.  With the stores then empty, Cornwall was plundered by the invading American troops.

"At the same time the bulk of the American army was being defeated at the Battle of Crysler's Farm by Canadian and British forces.  This defeat led to the withdrawal of 2,000 American invaders."

--Brock-Perry