Historical Context of the Letter

Ogdensburg at the time.

When the War of 1812 broke out there were many Americans who did not agree with their government’s decision. Citizens of northern New York especially bordering the St. Lawrence River did not view the people across the river as enemies, rather family members, friends, and business partners. At the beginning of the war an illegal trading system had been established between Ogdensburg and Prescott, in Upper Canada. The Americans upon realizing that Ogdensburg was a critical supply point reinforced the militia in the town with the 1^st US Rifle Regiment. On February 22^nd 1813 British troops crossed the river. When it looked as if the British were going to surround the town the militiamen dispersed back into the civilian population. The British captured Ogdensburg and throughout the war were able to trade with American merchants for much needed supplies. The result of this battle shows that the Americans in Ogdensburg were likely Loyalists or more content on their survival than to lose their lives for the American Government in what they saw as a ridiculous war.