Anne Louis Toussard-- Part 3: Impact on American Artillery, Forts, West Point and DuPont Gunpowder

Again, I have seen Toussard's name spelled with just one "s" and also with two of them.  I am using the double "s" spelling.

In April 1795, President Washington appointed Toussard  a major in the Corps of Artillerists and Engineers, beginning a period during which he had  enormous influence on the American military.  After supervising the construction of several significant fortifications, he restructured the U.S. artillery service on the French model, bringing uniformity to its use of cannons.

In 1798, he laid out the plans for what would become the  Military Academy at West Point.

Also, his "American Artillerists Companion" (1809) became the standard text for artillery instruction.  Along the way,  he aided Eleuthere Irenee du Pont in establishing gunpowder  mills in Delaware, which would prove vital to American interests.

Again, I don't know how I never came across his name before his letter about the Hurricane of 1812.  

An Important Person in American History.  Sadly, One Who Is Not Known. --Brock-Perry

Lt. Col. Anne-Louis de Toussard-- Part 3: A Major Force in Creation of the USMA

In 1798 he proposed the idea of a national military school, with a comprehensive curriculum, to  Secretary of War James McHenry.  He helped convert the West Point garrison into that academy in 1800.  He then began instruction to the first twelve cadets in the first Class at the academy on 1800.

His regiment was disbanded in 1802 and he returned to France via Santo Domingo in 1802.  French Vice-Consul in Philadelphia in 1805.  Served as the French Consul ad interim in New Orleans  1811-1816 (when he wrote the letter about the Hurricane of 1812).  Supported the work of General Jackson during the War of 1812.

Returned to Paris in 1816.  Made a Knight of the Royal Military Order of St. Louis in 1799  Wrote "American Artillerists Companion" in 1809.  Married  Maria Francisca Joubert in 1788 and then Anna Maria Geddes in 1795.

A grandson of his, Lt. -Col.  Anthony Eugene Stocker MD (1819-1897), a grandson, succeeded him in the Society of the Cincinnati, being admitted as a Heriditary Member in 1888.  He was a medical doctor during the Civil War, most of the time in a position of leadership in the medical corps.

--Brock-Perry

USS Constitution Continues Tradition; Names Gun 'Beat Army'

From the December 9, 2021, Charlestown Patriot-Bridge.

The USS Constitution named one of its 24-pound long guns "Beat Army" in support  of the U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen as they take on the U.S. Military Academy's Black Knights in the  2021 annual Army-Navy game on December 11.

"Beat Army" was chosen  after they named one of their guns "Go Navy" for the 2020 matchup.

Historically, 24-pounder long gun teams consisted of up to 14 men operating two guns on opposite sides of the ship.

When paired in a gun team, the two guns would read "Go Navy, Beat Army."

The official "Beat Army" unveiling can be seen December 11 on the USS Constitution's Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.

And, by the way, we watched the game at the McHenry, Illinois, American Legion and there was a whole lot of rivalry there, as well as a chili cookoff.  What a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon with all that tradition and good eating.

And, by the way, Navy won 17-13, in a close game.

Go Navy, Beat Army.

Old Fort Niagara to Host a War of 1812 Encampment-- Part 1

From the August 24, 202, Niagara Frontier  Publications.

The encampment is scheduled for  Labor Day weekend September 4-5.  This year's event will focus on U.S. troops who garrisoned the fort from June  1812 through December 1813, when the British captured the fort.

Activities include a Saturday afternoon presentation by acclaimed  historian  Richard V. Barbuto who will speak about "Seven Days in September 1814:  Turning Point of the War of 1812."  Her is author of  numerous books about the War of 1812, including "New York's War of 1812," recently published by  the University of Oklahoma Press.

He is also emeritus professor of history and has served as  deputy director of the Department of Military History at the U.S. Army Command & General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.  A 1971 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, he served for 23 years as armor officer with tours of duty in Germany, Korea and Canada.

--Brock-Perry

Fort Worth, Texas, Named for War of 1812 Hero-- Part 2: The USMA, Second Seminole War and Mexican War

Despite the injury, William Jenkins Worth was determined to continue serving in the U.S. Army.  He was appointed to Commandant of the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1816 while he was a major.  

As commandant, Worth instilled the lessons of duty and honor into the aspiring young officers.  He taught the importance of never excusing a dishonorable act in another officer and the necessity of integrity in all matters, to keep one's word bio matter what.    His essays in honor are still required reading  for West Point cadets.

In 1838, he was promoted to colonel and given command of an infantry regiment.  he fought in the Second Seminole War in Florida as tribes and settlers clashed.  He was promoted to brigadier general afterward.

After Texas was admitted to the United States in 1845, Mexico threatened war over its former possession.  Worth was assigned to patrol the border between the two countries along with  General Zachary Taylor, and war erupted in 1846.

--Brock-Perry

William J. Worth-- Part 2: Glad I Didn't Have to Memorize This

Also, while a major,  Worth uttered his most famous words which are now inscribed in West Point's "Bugle Notes", a book of knowledge that all cadets must know by heart.

They are as follows:

"But an officer on duty knows no one -- to be partial  is to dishonor himself and  the object of his ill-advised favor.  What will be thought of him who exacts of his friends that which disgraces him?  Look at him who winks at  and overlooks offences in one, which he causes to be punished in another, and contrast him with the inflexible soldier who does his duty faithfully, not withstanding it occasionally  wars with his private feelings.  The conduct of one will be venerated and emulated, the other detested as a satire upon soldiership and honor."

Brevet Major William Jenkins Worth

I am sure glad I didn't have to memorize this as the wording is particularly hard to comprehend.

After the War of 1812, he was Commandant of  Cadets at West Point and rose to the rank of colonel in 1838 when he was put in command of the newly formed 8th U.S. Infantry Regiment.

So, was this the end of Gen. Worth's career?  Stay tuned.

Personally, I Think This Could Have Been Significantly Shortened.  --Brock-Perry

William Jenkins Worth-- Part 2: Second Seminole War and Mexican War

After the War of 1812, he became commandant of the military academy at West Point and was promoted to colonel.  After that, he was put in command of the newly-formed Eighth Infantry regiment stationed in Florida.  He gained victory there and was promoted to brigadier general in 1842.

Worth convinced Secretary of War John C. Spencer to allow  to allow the remaining Indians to stay in southwest Florida.  He also argued for an official end to the war in 1842.

Worth served under Zachary Taylor in Texas during the Mexican War.  Next, he commanded  the 2nd Regular Division Army of Occupation at the Battle of Monterrey in September 1846.  In 1847, he was transferred to  his old friend Winfield Scott army and placed in command of the First Division.

Worth died of cholera in 1849 in San Antonio, Texas.

The cities of Fort Worth and Lake Worth in Texas are named after him, as is Lake Worth in Florida.

--Brock-Perry

The Family of Ann Minerva Rodgers Macomb and John Bavarre Macomb-- Part 2

Looking at the military side of things.

One of their sons was General Montgomery Meigs Macomb (1852- 1924) who is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.  Graduated 4th in Class of 1974 USMA.  Served ion the American Frontier

Commissioned brigadier general in 1910  During WW I he was post commander of Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Montgomery Meigs is definitely a military name.

--Brock-Perry

Alexander J. Williams-- Part 6: A Highly Regarded Officer

So perished this brave and gallant officer, not yet twenty-four years old, sincerely lamented by his friends for his private worth, and deeply regretted by the whole army, with which he was a favorite.

Though ambitious of distinction, he was perfectly unassuming; with laudable spirit, he was indefatigable in the discharge of every duty; and by his intelligence, zeal, and exemplary deportment, won the esteem and applause, not only his subordinates, but of every superior in command.


**  Note.  he was the son of Jonathan Williams, the first Superintendent of the Military Academy and Chief Engineer of the U.S. Army.

--Brock-Perry

Alexander J. Williams-- Part 4: Father Was First Army Chief of Engineers, Jonathan Williams

Captain Alexander Williams was the oldest son of Colonel Johnathan Williams, the first Chief of Engineers on the U.S. Army.  He was born October 10, 1790, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.   Entered the Military Academy as a Cadet, July 9, 1806, and was graduated from that institution, and promoted March 1, 1811, to 2nd Lieut. of Engineers.

He continued at duty at West Point until 1812, when he was ordered to superintend the construction of Fort Mifflin, Pennsylvania, and was promoted to 1st Lieut. July 1, 1812.

Believing that he would see more active service and be more rapidly advanced in rank in the Artillery during the now-declared war with Great Britain, he  asked for a transfer to that Corps, in which he was commissioned a Captain, March 17, 1813.

--Brock-Perry

Alexander J. Williams-- Part 3: On Niagara Frontier and Killed At Fort Erie

Served at West Point, 1811-1812.

In the War of 11812, served 1812 to 1814.   1st Lt. Corps of Engineers, July 1, 1812., Captain , 2nd Artillery, March 17, 1813.

In command at Fort Mifflin, Pennsylvania, 1812-1814.

Campaign of 1814 in the Niagara Frontier (Command of three 18-pounder guns at Lundy's Lane.)

Engaged in defense of Fort Erie, Upper Canada.  Where, in hand-to-hand encounter, while repulsing the enemy's fourth desperate assault upon the bastion of the work, he was killed , August 15,  1814, aged 24.

He is buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo, New York.

--Brock-Perry

Alexander J. Williams-- Part 2: First In Class of 1811

From For What They Gave On Saturday Afternoon.

Captain, 2nd Artillery, killed while being engaged in the Defense of Fort Erie, Upper Canada, where, in hand-to-hand encounter, while repulsing the enemy's fourth desperate attack upon the bastion of the work.

Born in Pennsylvania.  Appointed to USMA from Pennsylvania.

Alexander John Williams:  Born October 10, 1790, Philadelphia, PA.

Cadet of Military Academy May 5, 1805, to March 1, 1811, when he graduated First in his Class, and was promoted in the Army to Second Lieut., Corps of Engineers, March 1, 1811.

--Brock-Perry

Battery Hobart-- Part 3: An Endicott Period Fortification

From Fort Wiki.

Battery Hobart  (1900-1913).  Battery Hobart was a concrete reinforced, Endicott Period  6 inch  coastal gun battery on Fort Williams, Cumberland County, Maine.  It was named in G.O.78, 25 May 1903, after 1st Lt.  Henry A. Hobart (the 56th cadet to graduate West Point, U.S. Light Artillery, who was killed 27 May 1813, at Fort George, Upper Canada.

Battery construction started in 1898, was completed in 1898 and transferred to the Coast Artillery for use 6 January 1900 at a cost of $6,545.33.

Deactivated  in 1913.

More.  --Brock-Perry

Battery Hobart-- Part 1: Fort Williams, Maine

In the last post I mentioned that I couldn't find anything else on Henry A. Hobart, but came across this on a battery named for him in Maine.

From the Maine Attraction.

Visited the battery and took a picture of it.  Located in Fort Williams, Maine.

Battery Hobart was built in 1898 and named after Lt. Henry A. Hobart,  one of Maine's first graduates of the U.S. Military Academy, who was killed in action during the War of 1812.  The battery mounted one six-inch Armstrong gun whose function was  to help protect the mine field laid in the main channel in time of war from hostile minesweepers.

Battery Hobart was manned during the Spanish-American War.

I was unable to find a photo of what the gun looked like at Battery Hobart, but the Fort De Soto Park Six-inch Armstrongs has a picture.

--Brock-Perry

Henry A. Hobart, USMA Class 1811, Killed At Capture of Fort George in 1813

From For What They Gave On Saturday Afternoon.

Born Maine.  Appointed from Maine.

Cadet of the Military Academy, Jan. 20, 1808, to March 1, 1811, when he was graduated and promoted to Second Lieut. , Light Artillery, March 1, 1811.

Served:    In garrison at Atlantic ports, 1811-1812; and in War (First Lieut., Light Artillery, Aug. 15, 1811) of 1812-1815 with Great Britain, being engaged in the capture of York (now Toronto), Upper Canada, April 23, 1813, and capture of Fort George, Upper Canada May 27, 1813, where he was killed while valiantly leading his company to attack.

Age 22.

I am unable to find out anything else on him.

--Brock-Perry

Henry A Burchstead, Class of 1811, Killed in Creek Campaign

From "For What They Gave On Saturday Afternoon."

HENRY A. BURCHSTEAD

Born New York.  Appointed USMA from New York.

Cadet of Military Academy, Feb. 16, 1809, to Mar. 1, 1811, when he graduated and was promoted to the Army as Ensign, 2nd Infantry, Mar. 1, 1811.

Served:  on the Northwestern Frontier, 1811; in General Harrison's (2nd Lieutenant, 2nd Infantry, March 13, 1811) Campaign of 1811 in Indiana Territory, being engaged in the Battle of Tippecanoe, Nov. 7, 1811, where he was wounded; on frontier duty in the Gulf States, 1811-1812;  and in the War of 1812-1815 with Great Britain, (First Lieutenant, 2nd Infantry, May 5, 1813) being engaged in the Campaign of 1813 against the Creek Indians, in which he was killed, November 30, 1813, on the Alabama River.

--Brock-Perry

1st Lt. Vincent Marie Boisaubin-- Part 1: Graduated West Point Class of 1811

From Find-A-Grave.

Born 1791 in Guadalupe.  Died 10 August 1813 Niagara-On-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada.

Burial Old Fort Niagara Cemetery, Niagara Falls, New York.

From Heitman's Register and Dictionary of the U.S. Army:

Boisaubin, Marie V.  Mo. NJ, Cadet Military Academy  14 April 1809, two years.  .  1st Lt. Light Artillery 1 March 1811.

Died 10 August  1813.

From U.S. School Catalogs 1811:

Marie V. Boisaubin.  Died August 10, 1813, at Fort George, Upper Canada.

--Brock-Perry

West Point Class of 1811 Members Who Served in the Civil War

From the Civil War in the East site.

Hard to believe, but two members of George Ronan's West Point Class of 1811 were still serving in the U.S. Army at the time of the Civil War.

They were John James Abert who headed the Corps of Topographical Engineers for 32 years and Gustavus Loomis who is considered the oldest soldier to serve in the Civil War.

I will definitely be writing about these two men in my Saw the Elephant:  Civil War blog.

--Brock-Perry

George Ronan-- Part 11: Died A Hero, First West Pointer Killed in the War

The massacre happened on August 12, 1812,  and a very interesting fact is coming out about that bloody day and that is the connection between West Point and Chicago.

"Ensign George Ronan, a West Point graduate of 1811, was killed here in 1812 according to West Point records.  he's the first West Pointer killed in action," says Victorio Giustino.

And survivors of the battle say he died a hero.  He was fatally wounded but fought on trying to protect the others.

There is a small patch of land set aside to honor George Ronan.

--Brock-Perry

George Ronan-- Part 7: His Legacy

George Ronan is usually considered the first West Point-educated officer to die in the War of 1812.  He was an ensign, which made him the lowest rank of officer in the U.S. Army at the time.  That rank has been abolished and today would be a second lieutenant.

Sculptor Henry Hering, in his 1928 "Defense" bas relief mounted on the Michigan Avenue Bridge, adjacent to the site of Fort Dearborn, centered it on an unnamed junior officer depicted as protecting women and children civilians.  That was probably Ronan.

Ronan Park, a 3-acre unit of the Chicago Park District is located at 3000 West Argyle Street on the Chicago River and named in his honor.

--Brock-Perry