John B. Campbell-- Part 3: "The Whole Business Was Planned By Myself"

Campbell replied to British General Riall with this letter:

Niagara Frontier 16 June 1814

"Sir, - I have the honor to receive your communication of the 9th current. I commanded the detachment of the United States army which lately made a landing at Dover on lake Erie.

"What was done at that place and its vicinity proceeded from my orders.  The whole business was planned by myself and executed upon my responsibility."

This was the only time that letters were exchanged between opposing officers during the war.  Of course, British General Phineas Riall was no stranger to sacking American towns which was a big reason for Dover being so devastated.

--Brock-Perry

John B. Campbell-- Part 1: Born in Virginia, Moved to Kentucky

From Wikipidea.

March 13, 1777 to August 28, 1814

Famous for his expedition to destroy the Miami Indian villages along the Mississinewa River in Indiana and his infamous order to destroy private houses and other property in Dover, Canada, including stores of grain and mills.

This led to a Canadian Court of Enquiry and an unprecedented letter to the enemy explaining himself.

Mortally wounded at the Battle of Chippawa in July 1814.

Born in Virginia and his family moved to Kentucky around 1807 and became a lawyer in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.

He was the son of Colonel Arthur Campbell who fought in the American Revolution and Indian Wars.  Campbell County, Tennessee, was named for him.  He had a brother named James H. Campbell who also fought in the War of 1812 and died at Mobile, Alabama.

--Brock-Perry