Arnold, Dorcas (fl. 1813) to Joseph Sarles
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.719.04 Author/Creator: Arnold, Dorcas (fl. 1813) Place Written: Dekalb, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 February 1813 Pagination: 1 p. : address ; 31.5 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses how the British successfully attacked and took control of their village (Ogdensburg, New York) on 22 February 1813 during the War of 1812. Comments on how her husband was captured and paroled and remarks on the growing strength of Canada. Ichabod, whose name also appears at the bottom of the letter, possibly was her husband.
Dear father I take this opertunity to inform you that we are well at present and hope this w[i]ll find you in saying the same we have much to write but not time to write it I must tell you we have trobellsome times in this land and we have no hopes of any bet[t]er soon we have had a severe atack of the british they over powred us and took our village on the 22 of february there was a number killed and wounded and and sixty three men taken prisoner and one lieutenant which was wounded and my husband was won of them and is Come home on porroal not to fight more til exchanged he is listed for one year in A horse Company George is in the same company but they took his horse and he retreated with A rifle Company and Came Across the woods and broke track five miles he was the first I See of the army O what A merciful God he Can Save in the midst of battle or we think it a harde Case that the newingland States Cant afford us troops to a[s]sist us on our frontiers the Cannadas are gitting very Strong against us and wll not be conkered without a grade of blud shed we here the amerikens have very good luck at present at see no mor[e] time at present Decalb February the 28 - 1813. I remember my love all my friends and Relations in Rhodiland and want to See you very much
Ichabod Arnold
Dorcas Arnold
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