Frederick Hall was born a slave on Benjamin Oden's plantation in Prince George County, Maryland. Frederick Hall was better known by the alias of William Williams. Oden advertised in the Baltimore newspaper on May 18, 1814, that Williams was a runaway.  Despite being a wanted man, Williams enlisted in the 38th U.S. Infantry. It was not legal for the United States government to enlist slaves, but quotas needed to be filled. Williams earned a $50 bonus for signing and $8 a month salary. [1]  Image [William Williams - U.S. National Park Service]

William Willams traveled with his unit to Fort McHenry on September 10, 1814. He fought in the Battle of Baltimore on September 13th and received a severe wound to his leg. He later died in a Baltimore hospital.  Williams defended a homeland in which he would never be a full citizen. [2] 

African Americans fought on both sides during the War of 1812. "Even when on opposing sides, many were fighting for the same reason and that reason was freedom. The British offered Black soldiers freedom in exchange for their service. On the American side, African Americans played an important part in many battles such as the Battle of Lake Erie, the battles around Baltimore, during the bombardment of Fort McHenry, and the Battle of New Orleans. Many sacrificed everything for a country that did not treat them equally."[3]  "Black volunteers in large numbers stepped forward to defend homelands which paradoxically deprived them of basic freedoms for which they fought." [4] 

One of the leading proponents of black troops was Inspector General Nicholas Gray. "In the United Irish tradition, he was heavily invested in winning the war. With so many Irish immigrants serving in the beleaguered army, their leaders sought to ease their burden with black reinforcements.  In their openness to black potential, this generation of Irish-American leaders represented an alternative to the racism later embraced by white immigrants to escape their own subordination." [5] 

Letter sent by Nicholas Gray to Washington October 1, 1814, to  Honorable James Monroe  Secretary of War

I beg to address you on a project which I have submitted to Major Giles Galliard Taylor and several of the Southern Senators, and which most the approbation of General Armstrong.

I wish to have liberty to recruit in the neighborhoods of New York and Boston, a Brigade of free Blacks, which with the attention I should pay to them would be raised and disciplined by the Month of February ready for Service.  One half the time one White Regiment can be recruited, to be attached to the Northern Army or otherwise. 

My project will if it should be so fortunate as to meet your approbation and that of the President and Congress, gratify my wishes two-fold. It will give me Rank, and enable me to render great and lasting service to this Country.

I am Sir with great respect your most obedient Nicholas Gray, Inspector General [6]

David Coffey of Dublin, Ireland, discovered this interesting article that was published in New York.  "New York,  March 30, 1813,  Military Appointment -  Nicholas Gray has been in this country a few years and has earned a living during a considerable part of his time as a deputy clerk in Mr. Bloodgood's office at Albany -- This is certainly a reputable way of earning a livelihood, nor is it mentioned by way of disparagement to the new Inspector General.  But as the Inspector General has not yet been naturalized, as he is not an American citizen, but is an alien. I should be glad to know what there is to prevent the marshal of the district from arresting the Inspector General and sending him away from his troops forty miles from tidewaters." [7]

The above article was written right after Gray had been appointed Inspector General on March 23, 1813.  Nicholas Gray was still not a Naturalized Citizen as of Feb 13th, 1814,  as he writes in a letter to the Secretary of War,  John Armstrong. 

Inspector Generals Office  New York,  Feb 13, 1814, to  Honorable Secretary of War -  "Sir, I am induced to write you this letter, from the ground that Doctor Ackerly and his friends have taken, with relation to the pending Court-Martial. I have heard from undoubted authority, that an objection to my Competency as a prosecutor, is to be made in the score of my not being a Naturalized Citizen of these States. Notwithstanding my appointment by The President and Senate."[8]

To the Honorable John Armstrong,  Aug 6, 1814: "I have the honor to again assist you, that this morning I have been ordered under arrest by the Commanding General. I only desire impartial men upon the court and such as are not frantic enough to accuse the government for having employed me.”  The 3rd Military district of the U.S. Judge Advocate's office: "Sir, the charges against Col. Nicholas Gray, Inspector General of this District, having been withdrawn by the prosecution, Charles Humphrey, and for discharging the prisoner from his arrest. Henry Wheaton, Judge Advocate." [9]  With not being a Naturalized Citizen the approaching trial and possibility of Court-Martial made Gray's duties as Inspector General more stressful to perform.  Gray had thoughts of returning to Ireland, as written in his letter to Mr. Patten:  “If the news of old George’s death be true, do you think anything will be done for the unfortunate exiles, for I should wish to return in case persecution had ceased and no further danger of prisons.” [10] 

Francis Bloodgood was born on June 12 , 1775 in Albany, New York.  He studied at Yale University and established a law firm in Albany. He became director and president of the State Bank and president of the Albany Insurance Co.  From 1797 to 1825 he was clerk of the New York Supreme Court.  He was elected Mayor of Albany, New York in 1831 and 1833. When Francis Bloodgood entered office in 1831,  he paid all debts of those in debtors prison. Bloodgood was involved in a street brawl in April 1807 over a political dispute with Solomon Van Rensselaer.  They exchanged blows and it was reported Mr. Bloodgood struck Van  Rensselaer on the head with a large cane. He later paid Solomon Van Rensselaer for injuries he received in the brawl. [11] 

Nicholas Gray in a letter to Mr. Patten in Ireland writes;  [Gray along with John Patten, brother-in-law to Thomas Addis Emmet, were state prisoners at  Kilmainham in 1804]  " I am an Officer of the State and hold my situation under the Supreme Court." [Deputy clerk in Mr. Bloodgood's office ]  Gray goes on to describe his income and work day. " I support tolerably my family upon 400 dollars yearly or 90 British that I earn by walking four miles each day to Town, for I live in the summer house of a friend, not as yet being able to afford to rent one mile from the City of Albany; there at nine in the morning, home at one dine, and back at two, stay there till five quill driving, and then home. If I live till spring I shall have my salary doubled. Yours Nicholas Gray.  [Thomas Addis Emmet married in 1791, Jane, daughter of the Rev. John Patten of Clonmel,  Ireland]. [12] 

In a letter dated New York, March 23, 1813 to John Armstrong, the Secretary of War: Nicholas Gray states:

"I have the honor this morning to receive the appointment of Inspector General in the service of the United States and shall accept the appointment with many thanks. Permit me to request you to inform further in the duty expected to be performed by the Inspector General, my department or district." Signed Nicholas Gray Inspector General U.S. Army. [13]

Gray describes in the letter below to General John Armstrong, his difficulties in preforming the duties of Inspector General. He is asking for a promotion or an increase in wages as Inspector General. Gray is unable to adequately support his family due to the high price of rent and provisions in New York City.  At present he is unable to purchase horses so must visit Arsenals, depots, batteries and hospitals on foot.

Letter sent by Nicholas Gray to Honorable General John Armstrong Secretary of War  July 7, 1813:

Sir: Having always through an active discharge of my duty, endearment to do credit to the appointment with which you honored me. I beg to be permitted to add something concerning myself, while officially reporting on things and persons connected with the Service.

Owing to the rent and the high price of provisions, the pay of Inspector General is not sufficient for the maintenance of a Man with a family residing in the City of New York.

He is not allowed quarters in the City, nor money in lieu of them. When his duty requires him to visit distant parts by land, the trifling compensation allowed him is entirely inadequate to the expense of living in Towns. It is only twelve dollars per month his forage allows. If he goes by water he must have a special order from the Commanding General to entitle him to any part of his expenses.

From my straightened circumstances, I cannot at present purchase horses, and I have been obligated to perform on foot all my duties in the City and its suburbs, such as visiting Arsenals, depots, laboratory, batteries, hospitals.

To all these matters I have attended personally and without appointment to lighten the fatigue of such duty.

In consideration of all which I respectfully submit, if it is not proper to make any additional allowance to the Inspector General of this district, That the Secretary of War would be pleased to appoint me to a different service in some other Capacity. The manner in which I have acquitted myself here, may I humbly trust, some recommendation to that further promotion, to which as a Military Man I must naturally aspire.

I have the honor to be Sir, with the highest respect your obedient Humble Servant Nicholas Gray Inspector General 3rd Military District [14]

Letter from Inspector General Office 3 Military District Jan 29, 1814 to the Honorable Secretary of War:

Sir,

The Port of Sandy Hook is now garrisoned by a detachment of the 41 Regiment. My anxiety for this Post as well as the honor of this district induces me to entreat you will please to give this Regiment a competent Commanding officer.  For the command of a post this key to all our fortifications. I have spoken to General Porter on this subject, who promised  to write to the War Department - I suspect many of the Platoon Officers of this Regiment will request to resign. I have understood so much since the detachment was ordered to the Hook. I beg this letter may be considered as confidential. Signed Nicholas Gray.   P.S.  I recommend to notice for promotion Lieutenant Henry R.Wendall, a brave and good Officer, he served with me in Niagara, and proved himself to me he has been a Lieutenant more than two years and is now in this city. Nicholas Gray [15]

Nicholas Gray was appointed Inspector General to the Military District, No. 3 - New York from the Sea to the Highlands, and East Jersey, on March 18, 1813.  Gray writes to Secretary of War James Monroe on December 22, 1814:

There were from twelve to fifteen thousand men in the District, all of whom were three times mustered and Inspected.  On July 31, 1814, New York. NY  Gray relays to Major General Lewis the numbers of men stationed at Sandy Hook [372], New Utrecht [462], and  Staten Island [338], totaling 1,172. " The troops stated as for service are in the very best order." [16]
 -- Inspector General Gray, in a letter dated May 2, 1813, New Brunswick,  to John Hulick outlines his responsibilities as captain in the New Jersey Militia.

Nicholas Gray gives a series of excellent observations to Major General Lewis, to the readiness of the 3rd Military District on July 21, 1814.  He states: "The Sea Fencibles under Captain Morris are a fine body of seamen.  They complain that they are made to drill with the infantry and artillery. They say this is contrary to their engagement."  They wish to be stationed at Long Island Sound and also request to be allowed a Surgeon to be attached to the Corps.

The U.S. Corps of Sea Fencibles were established on July 26, 1813, by the United States Congress to defend the ports and harbors of the United States. The Sea Fencibles were a unique branch of the U.S. Army. They consisted of U.S. Army officers who received the uniform, pay, and rations of the Army. While the boatswains, gunners, and privates received the uniform, pay, and rations of the Navy. The Sea Fencibles operated harbor gunboats, heavy cannons and also served as infantry when needed. [17]  In his book titled "American Sea Fencibles in the War of 1812," Eric Eugene Johnson describes the Sea Fencibles as one of the least understood military organizations in the history of the United States.

Inspector General Gray describes the lack of money in the Third Military District  "Owing to the scarcity of Money in the Pay and Quarter Masters departments the Service have suffered great injury in this district."  This is especially true of the 32nd Regiment stationed at Sandy Hook. "One hundred and twenty-five of the discharged men have remained there, some time, waiting for pay."  Gray is also concerned about the soldiers knapsack being considerably too large -- being so large the Soldier will put everything he can catch into it.  "The blanket straps could be fastened to the knapsack in such a manner, that the straps could in a moment be loosened, so that knapsack in case of retreat could be thrown off, and the blanket kept -- These observations are with great difference submitted." 

Semi-Annual Report of Inspector General of Third Military district - New York, July 21st, 1814

To the first Article of my Instructions.

The Infantry in this district continues to improve - Much attention is paid to their discipline.

The four Companies of Artillery are as usual in good order, obedient to orders, and have a good appearance. Their discipline the same as in my last report.

To the 2nd Article of Instruction. The Field and Company Officers with the exception of those hereinafter mentioned are beginning to know their duty, the only want is sufficient subordination and attention to orders. There is no instance of insobriety which have come to my knowledge unpunished.

The Regimental Adj Quarter Masters and Paymasters, continue to do their duty with credit.

The Regimental Books are well kept, but the Non Commissioned officers are not so attentive to the personal appearance of the Men as they should be. 

Had the Inspector General a power to break Non Commissioned Officers whose squad appears slowly and in bad order on parade, these would be more attention to the regularity of drills, and the putting on of accouterments. 

In fact, the knapsack are considerably too large - being so large, the Soldier will put everything he can catch into it until it is full - and the construction is bad - the whole weight lays in the small of the back, instead of on the shoulders - his blanket should be rolled up round and tight, and strapped on the top, instead of being put inside.

The blanket straps could be fastened to the knapsack in such a manner, that the straps could in a moment be loosened, so that knapsack in case of retreat could be thrown off, and the blanket kept - These observations are with great difference submitted. 

To the 3rd Article. There are complaints against Mc Kenny as usual - Want of fresh Meat and good flour for Sandy Hook - The other contractor I have heard no complaint against. 

To the 4th Article. The forage is good and sufficient, but great complaint is constantly making of Master Romanine who seems to consider all other Staff departments subordinate to his and endeavor to avoid all kind of responsibility attached to his Office - Much trouble and inconvenience have arisen from his refusing to give necessary receipts to the Officers of the Ordinance department here, for articles received by him, for transportation, alleging, that, as he only provides the carriage, he should not be responsible for the articles and endeavoring to put a responsibility upon other Officers, which does not belong to their department or duty.

In fact, he entered the service, by refusing to incur trifling charges for transportation to the different posts inside and outside the Harbor, where Staff Officers and others are frequently called by their public duties, to visit posts.

He has hired a small vessel by the mouth, and will not make use of any other boat so that every emergency must wait and bend to suit his purposes. He is in truth a pest and burden to the service and his conduct is calculated to bring it into disrupt-----

To the 5th Article. More attention has been paid to the Hospital regulations and supplies since my last report but few patients are now in our Hospitals. There are too few Surgeons for the number of Men, the 32 Reg has but one, and the 42 but one - Three or four more are wanting.

To the 6th Article. On this, I know nothing for the causes stated in my last. 

To the 7th. Article. The quantity of Ammunition in store is thought sufficient and well secured, about eight Hundred stored of small arms, over what are necessary for the troops, are on hand, and in good order: two thousand stored more, are expected Daily. 

Owing to the scarcity of Money in the Pay and Quarter Masters departments the Service have suffered great injury in this district. The recruitment of the once fine Regiment the 32nd is at Sandy Hook about, three hundred. One hundred and twenty five of the discharged men have remained there, some time, waiting for pay. Those who were sent to this City for discharge, from the Regiment, until within a day or two, used to ramble our streets in bodies, unpaid, and dissatisfied. Many of these Men would have again entered the service, in this district if there had been Money to pay the bounty. The 32nd Regiment has lost two good officers the Colonel and a Major.

The non payment of the retained bounty, is a great cause of complaint with many of the men of the other Regiments of Infantry.

Officers anxious to fill their Companies, pay the Recruit a small sum, and give a due bill for the remainder, which due bill is often lost, to the injury of the Soldier.

Another cause of complaint arises from the Deputy Com General of Purchases issuing due bills, to Officers and Soldiers, for parts of clothing, which due bills also, are often lost. 

Some of the Infantry Officers here are in the habit of chastising Soldiers with their own  hand, by knocking them down with their fists, for trifling offense or neglects, which practice, when adopted by some, and not by all, causes great jealousy, not only amongst the Officers themselves, but amongst the Soldiers. 

The practice should either be sanctioned by the War department, or discontinued by its orders. 

The Sea Fencibles under Captain Morris are a fine body of Seamen. They complain that they are made Infantry, and Artillery of, and are obliged to drill with both, which they say is contrary to their engagements.

They wish to have three [cayer] - each to contain thirty five Men. Mounting a 12# canon or a 6 in the bows, and to be stationed in Long Island Sound.

They also request to be allowed a Surgeon to be attached to the Corps, which is mainly One hundred in number. 

I beg to apologize for the great delay in sending in this confidential report, and to state that three of the Captains J B Smith, W Smith, and H Davis of the 32nd Regiment stationed at Sandy Hook have not yet sent in their returns, through the Muster and Inspection has been made since 28th of June last, this has been the cause of the delay

Major  Banach Master Dyer has forwarded to me a letter he wished to be forwarded to the War department it is here with enclosed.

The rolls which are defined will be forwarded so soon as they arrive.

 Confidential Report - Signed by Nicholas Gray Inspect General 3rd Military District  New York,  July 21st, 1814  [18]

Remarks by Major General Morgan Lewis, Third Military District Head Quarters,  July 23, 1814 to the semi annual report of Inspector General Nicholas Gray of the Third Military District.

The commanding General concurs in the first and second specifications of the Report with the opinion of the Inspector General except as to his being invested with the power of reducing non - commissioned officers to the rank, which he believes to be contrary to military usage and the rights of the officers of the Line.

The third has already been noticed by the Commanding General in his communications with the War Office.

The Seventh is understood to be correct, except as to the 32nd Regiment having lost it's Colonel, which is a mistake, and -2000- plans of arms in addition to those now here will be an inadequate supply in the event of serious invasion. 

Singed Major General Commander Morgan Lewis, Third Military District

Nicholas Gray in the letter below to General Armstrong Secretary of War requests permission to raise a ten-eighteen company regiment of Irish volunteers as part of the standing military establishment.  In the War of 1812, as in other wars, the military relied heavily on immigrant recruits, which in 1812 meant the Irish.  "The Irish had the desire to fight the British and due to poverty joined the army, navy or privateer service. The Irish recruits had a powerful incentive to deny Irish birth in recruiting records in case they were captured by the British. To control their own Irish troops, the British took a hard line against any subjects captured while bearing American arms. The British gave captured subjects a choice to enlist in their military or face trial and execution as traitors.  Desperate for men, the British preferred enlistment of the Irish to their execution." [19]  Alexander Denniston commanded the Twenty-seventh Infantry, primarily composed of Irish recruits from New York. 

Letter sent by Nicholas Gray to Washington Feb 4, 1813 to General Armstrong Secretary of War

I wish to have liberty to recruit a Regiment of Irish, to consist of Ten or Eighteen companies enlisted for the War, and to remain if possible on a permanent establishment.

I should also wish to be allowed to recommend such officers to it, as from education, and gentleman, and who from inclination, zeal, and patriotism, will ensure the good opinion of the government of the United States, and  who have more or seen service.

It is my wish to interview with the views of any officer, wishing for the command of one of the Regiments to be raised. My object will be to enroll men who will not enter into any other Regiment, and to enlist the feelings and patriotism of Irish gentlemen, who otherwise would not think of joining the Army.

I have honor to subscribe myself for your obedient Nicholas Gray Lt. Col [20]

Letter from Nicholas Gray to the Secretary of War,  James Monroe  Sept 29th, 1814

John P. Emmet son of Thomas Addis Emmett, who wishes to be appointed a Cadet in the Military school at West Point is recommended by Inspector General Nicholas Gray. "That you would order this appointment to be made out, and which will be thankfully received by Mr. Emmet [Thomas Addis Emmet]. He is sixteen years old and has had a fine education. Signed by Nicholas Gray Inspector  General 3rd Military District." [21]

Letter from Thomas Addis Emmet to the Secretary of War,  New York, Aug 31, 1814

Sir,  "I take the liberty of soliciting from you a Cadets life at West Point for John Patten Emmet, one of my sons. He is just 17 and his education is considerably advanced. He would so much sooner be enabled to engage in active service. The present crisis has excited in him a desire to be useful but my wish is that he should first be qualified for whatever he may be appointed to undertake.  Your Obedient Servant Thomas Addis Emmet." [22]

John P. Emmet accepts his appointment to the Military school at West Point on Oct 4th, 1814. 

New York Oct 4th, 1814  "Sir, I had this day the honor to receive your letter enclosing my appointment - which I thankfully accept. I shall in assurance proceed immediately to the Military Academy at West Point, and report myself to the Commanding officer there. I have the honor, sir, to be with the highest sentiments of respect and esteem your obedient Servant.  J P. Emmet" [23]