Patterson, Robert M., 1787-1854 Collection of 27 manuscripts and 2 broadsides re: defense of Philadelphia [Decimalized .01- .27]

[Committee of Defence authorization for Dr. Robert M. Patterson to lead a Corps of Field Engineers]

The committee, empowered by the General Committee of Philadelphia, made Patterson the chief engineer and organizer of the corps and charged them with "the Defence of the City and its Environs."

GLC02978.01

to John Biddle

Indicates that the British attacked Washington, D.C., without any horses and may try to seize them wherever they land. Instructs Biddle to remove all horses from possible landing points for the British. The British had recently captured and...

GLC02978.02

[Call for applications to join a Corps of Field Engineers for the defense of Philadelphia]

Calls for 100 men to serve as artillerists. Indicates pay will be the same as artificers in the United States Army. The committee was authorized to raise the corps by the General Committee of Philadelphia.

GLC02978.03

[Announces that the Corps of Field Engineers will fortify the defenses of Philadelphia]

Indicates that a company of artillery will be devoted to building a defense of ports and obstructing the British army's approach during the War of 1812. The company would be outfitted with tools. They would come from the Corps of Field Engineers...

GLC02978.04

[Provision of Fortifications indispensable to the defense of Philadelphia] [French]

Fonciu, a French officer who had lived in Philadelphia, was Jonathan Williams' chief assistant in the volunteer association of field engineers organized by Philadelphia's Committee of Defence.

GLC02978.05

[Request for John Biddle to report to Dr. Robert M. Patterson and join the Corps of Field Engineers]

Biddle is identified as a member of the topographical engineers. Patterson had been appointed the chief engineer and organizer of the corps (see GLC02978.01) by the Philadelphia Committee of Defence. Williams signed this letter as "Chief Engineer."

GLC02978.06

[Request for Dr. Robert M. Patterson to continue building a fortification]

Asks Patterson, the chief engineer of the Corps of Field Engineers, to "direct & continue the operations on the heights next of Schuylkill [River] without delay.

GLC02978.07

to Robert M. Patterson

Tells Patterson, the chief engineer of the Corps of Field Engineers, that a man named Jonathan Jones, who knows the local terrain, can provide assistance to the topographical engineers. Also notes a man named Spencer Sargeant will be retained for...

GLC02978.08

to Robert M. Patterson

Requests that Patterson, the chief engineer of the Corps of Field Engineers, report whether or not a man named Dr. Paschall consented to having his grounds entered and upon what terms. Also asks him to report on others who had consented to have...

GLC02978.09

to Jonathan Williams

Patterson, the chief engineer of the Corps of Field Engineers, reponds to Williams' request (see GLC02978.09). Indicates that Dr. Paschall refused to allow works to be built upon his land, but may consent if the works are not near his buildings...

GLC02978.10

General Committee of Defence For the City and Liberties of Philadelphia

Applauds the formation of the Volunteer Associations for the Defence of the City and County of Philadelphia and outlines the authority vested in the Committee of Defence. Indicates that the rules governing its formation are prescribed by law, that...

GLC02978.11

to Robert M. Patterson

Reports that the General Committee of Defence had an interview with the Pennsylvania governor about the formation of a corps of engineers and pioneers. Governor Simon Snyder agreed to commission them as volunteers that could be called into service...

GLC02978.12

to Robert M. Patterson

Discusses expanding the Corps of Field Engineers & Pioneers. Hopes Patterson, the chief engineer, has decided to become the first captain, which Williams asked of him in GLC02978.12, and will help decide who else become officers. Claims Patterson's...

GLC02978.13

to Robert M. Patterson [French]

Fonciu, a French officer who had lived in Philadelphia, was Jonathan Williams' chief assistant in the volunteer association of field engineers organized by Philadelphia's Committee of Defence.

GLC02978.14

[Response to objections to the plans of the Philadelphia General Committee of Defence] [French]

Notes that "Certain observations in the Aurora...seem to disapprove of the system...of combining field fortifications with the maneuvers of troops for the defence of Philadelphia" during the War of 1812. Those who disprove recommend replacing...

GLC02978.15

[Response to objections to the plans of the Philadelphia General Committee of Defence]

Notes that "Certain observations in the Aurora...seem to disapprove of the system...of combining field fortifications with the maneuvers of troops for the defence of Philadelphia" during the War of 1812. Those who disprove recommend replacing...

GLC02978.16

to Robert M. Patterson

Reports that, in accord with Patterson's "request & to accelerate the works," he has given a lot of assistance in the previous twenty days. Indicates that some on the Philadelphia General Committee of Defence have observed that he did so without...

GLC02978.17

to Robert M. Patterson

Seeks an explanation for why his name was omitted from the list of persons on the volunteer association of field engineers organized by Philadelphia's Committee of Defence. Recounts his admirable service thus far and notes that "The corps was to be...

GLC02978.18

to Frederick Eckstein

Responds to Eckstein's complaint that he was omitted from the list of persons on the volunteer association of field engineers organized by Philadelphia's Committee of Defence (see GLC02978.18). Patterson recognizes Eckstein's service and...

GLC02978.19

to Robert M. Patterson

Quotes from Patterson's explanation of why his name was omitted from the list of persons on the volunteer association of field engineers organized by Philadelphia's Committee of Defence (see GLC027978.19) and seeks further explanation. Provides a...

GLC02978.20