From Wikipedia.
PETER BUELL PORTER
(August 14, 1773-March 20, 1844) American lawyer, soldier, politician and U.S. Secretary of War. Graduated Yale College in 1791. Moved to Black Rock, New York, in 1809 and elected to Congress where he was a leading War Hawk. From 1810-1816 was a member of the Erie Canal Commission.
In the War of 1812, he was quartermaster general of New York State Militia. In 1812, he participated in and became a major critic of Alexander Smyth's botched invasion of Upper Canada. This led to the famous duel between the two. Neither hit their opponent.
Porter later raised and commanded a brigade of New York militia and he was presented with a Congressional Gold Medal for his conduct at the Battle of Chippewa, Battle of Niagara and the Battle of Erie.
His son, Colonel Petere A. Porter gained recognition, but died at the Battle of Cold Harbor during the Civil War.
--Brock-Perry
2012 marks the 200th anniversary of America's "Forgotten War," the War of 1812 that took place over three years, 1812 to 1815.
Battle of New Orleans.
Showing posts with label Porter Peter Buell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Porter Peter Buell. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Monday, November 18, 2013
Alexander Smyth
From Wikipedia. Doing some more research on the Nov. 16th blog entry.
(1765-April 17, 1830) American lawyer, soldier and politician from Virginia. Member U.S. House of Representatives. General in War of 1812. Smyth County, Virginia, named for him.
Born in Ireland and emigrated to Virginia in 1775. Served as member of the state's House of Delegates and Senate. From 1808 to 1813 served in U.S. Army and commissioned a colonel. At the Battle of Queenston Heights, he refused to support his commander, General Stephen Van Rensselear, a militia general with no experience. For his disobeying orders, Smyth was given Rensselear's command and proved to be very inept himself.
His plans to invade Upper Canada in 1812 had to be called off because of poor organization. A subordinate, General Peter B. Porter accused his commander of cowardice and Smyth challenged him to a duel. As historian John R. Elting wrote, the duel came off and "Unfortunately, both missed."
Smyth was later removed from the Army and returned to Virginia and served again in the House of Delegates and later the U.S. Senate. He died in Washington, D.C. and is buried in the U.S. Congressional Cemetery.
Brock-Perry
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