Plea for Aid
Local Militia in Dire Straits
War of 1812
The following counties of the Detached Militia were called
into service at Norfolk , Virginia
by orders in September of 1814 - Bertie, Chatham ,
Edgecombe, Franklin , Gates, Granville, Halifax , Hertford, Johnston ,
Martin, Nash, Northampton , Orange ,
Person, Wake, and Warren .
Those from Chatham, Orange ,
and Person were ordered to return to their respective homes before they arrived
at Gates Court House, the place of rendezvous.
ADDRESS
To the citizens of the counties of Hertford, Bertie, Martin,
Northampton , Halifax ,
Nash, Edgecombe, Johnston , Warren ,
Franklin , Granville and Wake, and to the
patriotic citizens of North Carolina
generally.
The undersigned take the liberty of addressing you in behalf
of the volunteers and drafted militia, detached from the several counties above
named for the service of the United States ,
and now stationed under your command at Norfolk .
— It is known to you that these men were suddenly called from their homes,
without being afforded an opportunity, and many of them not possessing the
ability, to make the necessary preparations for a six months tour of duty at an
unknown season. The United States do not furnish clothing to the militia in
their service—most of your friends and neighbors, therefore, who have repaired
hither, to the post of danger, are entirely destitute of the clothing necessary
to protect them from the inclemencies of the approaching season. Already they
have suffered much from the want of these conveniences which their situation required,
and we take pride in saying they have born those sufferings with a
cheerfulness, patience and constancy, highly honorable. It will be impossible
for them, however, to withstand the rigor of the approaching season unless they
are provided with blankets and comfortable woolen clothing.
The only means by which we believe the wants of these troops
can be speedily and effectively supplied, is by the appeal which we now make to
your benevolence, patriotism and humanity—an appeal which we are sure will not
be made in vain. We cannot believe that your patriotism will suffer the brave
men, who have marched with such alacrity to the post of danger, and who are
willing to risk their lives in their country’s defense, to perish by the
severities of the season for want of the common conveniences of life… when it
can be so easily afforded—We seek voluntary contributions from you, therefore,
either in woollen clothing and blankets, or in money, at your discretion. Let
receivers be appointed in each county, and let them transmit, without delay,
the amount received, together with the names of the generous donors, to one of
the field officers, who will be responsible for its faithful distribution. You
will thus enjoy the sweet reflection of having snatched from the grave many a
suffering soldier, and of having performed your duty to your country, to your
friends and neighbors, whose gratitude will follow you through life.
We are, with sentiments of the highest respect, Your
obedient servants,
D. McDonald , Col. 1st
Reg. NCDM
A. Joyner, Lieu. Col.
Jos. F. Dickinson, Major
John C. Green, do. (?)
James Iredell, Captain
John J. Inge, Captain
John Bell, Captain
Harry Bryan, Captain
John Green, Captain
Isaac Watkins, Captain
John L. (?) Laughter, captain
John F. (?) Walker, Captain
H. G. Williams, Captain\
Cantonned near Norfolk ,
20 Oct 1814
[Political Synopsis,
17 Nov 1814, Tarborough and North Carolina
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