This document compiles the records of Connecticut men who served in both the Regular Army and the Militia during the War of 1812, based on rosters maintained in the Adjutant-General’s Office in Washington, D.C. It includes detailed listings of both officers and enlisted men from the state, as authorized by the Connecticut General Assembly.
In 1811, Tecumseh, the Shawnee leader, met with Apushamatahah, a prominent Choctaw chief, to rally southern tribes against American encroachment amidst looming war between the U.S. and England. Tecumseh passionately urged unity against their common foe, warning of the dire consequences of inaction. Apushamatahah countered with a call for prudence, advocating for peaceful measures. Ultimately, the council resulted in favoring American alliance, thwarting Tecumseh’s ambitions. This pivotal meeting highlighted the contrasting strategies of the two influential leaders, shaping tribal responses during a critical historical period.
In June 1812, as war with Great Britain loomed, Norwich, Vermont, convened a town meeting to express their views. A carefully crafted document was adopted, voicing support for President Madison and Congress’s war measures, while denouncing critics. The resolutions outlined grievances against both Britain and France, affirming the right to declare war for just causes. Coincidentally, Congress declared war on the same day, prompting Norwich to raise taxes to support military efforts, reflecting strong local commitment to the war.
This post features the military rolls from Mrs. Dunbar Rowlands’ notable study on the Mississippi Territory during the War of 1812. It lists various regiments and companies, including multiple regiments of the Mississippi Militia and Mississippi Volunteers, along with notable leaders and their respective units, such as Colonel Claiborne’s Regiment, Hinds’ Battalion of Cavalry, and several companies of mounted spies and infantry. These records serve as a crucial resource for understanding the organization of Mississippi’s military efforts in the conflict.
Major Shoot’s Battalion of the Mississippi Militia comprised several companies led by Captains William Bates, Samuel Dales, John Jones, and Josiah D. Lister. It included ranks of privates, sergeants, lieutenants, and ensigns, such as Evan Austin and Henry Evans. A diverse group of soldiers, with various backgrounds and roles, served under the command of Major B.S. Smoot, highlighting the structured organization and the commitment of these men to their military duty in Mississippi.
Major Samuel Dale commanded a battalion within the Mississippi Militia, consisting of various ranks including first lieutenants, sergeants, corporals, and privates. Notable members included Captain Evan Austill, Adjutant James Baffin, and several sergeants such as James Ford and John Pearson. The battalion featured a diverse array of soldiers, illustrating a structured hierarchy and the commitment of its members to military service.
The roster for Lieutenant-Colonel Nixon’s Regiment includes a comprehensive list of individuals serving at various ranks, from privates to officers. Notable positions include sergeants, ensigns, lieutenants, majors, captains, and a colonel, showcasing the regiment’s structured hierarchy. The members, comprising a diverse group of soldiers and support roles, demonstrate the collective efforts made during military engagements. The detailed documentation reflects the regiment’s composition and provides insight into the military organization and the contributions of each soldier within the unit.
Lieutenant-Colonel Neilson’s Detachment of the Mississippi Militia comprised several companies commanded by Captains David T. W. Cook, John Joor, William A. Lucas, Nathan H. Luse, Samuel K. Sorsby, and Francis Woods. The roster includes various ranks such as privates, sergeants, corporals, and lieutenants, detailing personnel like Joseph Adams, Ephraim Anderson, and Thomas C. Adams. This extensive account provides a glimpse into the organizational structure and personnel of this militia unit during its service.
Colonel Claiborne’s Regiment of Mississippi Militia comprised several companies led by captains such as Gerard C. Brandon, William Elliott, and Philip A. Engel. The regiment included a diverse roster of ranks, from first lieutenants to privates, with individuals like Zachariah Lea and John H. Shanks serving as captains. This extensive list of men reflects the organized structure of the militia, highlighting the contributions of numerous soldiers to regional defense during its active service.
The Company of Mounted Spies consisted of several enlisted personnel, including privates James Langham, Andrew Milton, William Mimbs, Jason Moye, Edward Stedham, and Thomas Williams, along with Sergeant George Stiggins. This unit played a crucial role in reconnaissance and intelligence gathering during their operational period.
Hinds’ Battalion of Cavalry, part of the Mississippi Militia, comprised several companies led by various captains, including John Doherty, Henry Dunn, and Samuel Gerald. The roster includes a diverse range of ranks from privates to sergeants, alongside a notable presence of support staff. This unit reflects the organizational structure of military groups during the period, showcasing the involvement of individuals of different backgrounds, including enslaved servants. The battalion highlights the significant mobilization of local forces in the broader context of military engagements.
Lieutenant Drury M. Allen led a company of mounted gunmen comprised of several privates, including James Box, John Briant, and Alexander Brown. The roster also featured Thomas G. Brown, John Crage, James Dublin, David Ferrell, Thomas Ice, Aaron Lancaster, Thomas Lancaster, Henry Landers, and Nathan Leonax, among others. This unit was characterized by its diverse membership of enlisted men serving under Lieutenant Allen’s command.
Carson’s Regiment of Mississippi Militia consists of a diverse cadre of ranks, including privates, corporals, sergeants, and officers, totaling over a hundred individuals. Notable figures include Colonel Joseph Carson, Captain Peter Cartwright, and Surgeon George Buchanan, among others. This extensive roster highlights the commitment and service of these men, reflecting a well-structured military organization during its time, with roles designated for leadership, medical care, and support. The regiment’s composition demonstrates the local militia’s reliance on citizen soldiers to fulfill military obligations.
Captain Welkins’ Rifle Company included a structured hierarchy with roles ranging from captain to private. The company was led by Captain Wilkins, with first lieutenants William S. Alexander and Anthony Campbell, and a team of non-commissioned officers such as sergeants and corporals. The ranks were filled by numerous privates, demonstrating a diverse group of soldiers prepared for military duty. This listing reflects the composition and organization typical of a military company during the period.
Captain John A. Allen led a company of the Mississippi Militia comprising various ranks, including privates, sergeants, corporals, and musicians such as drummers and fifers. Notable members included sergeants Wyatt Cheatham and Taylor Harden, as well as corporals John Bland and Joel Taylor. The company included distinct roles, with waiters and musicians contributing to its diverse composition. This unit reflects the structure and organization of local militias during its time, showcasing the array of individuals serving in the defense of their community.
Captain Green’s Company of the Mississippi Militia included a diverse group of enlisted men and non-commissioned officers. Among them were sergeants, corporals, and lieutenants alongside many privates, totaling over a hundred individuals. Notable ranks included James Green as captain and several corporals and sergeants, such as David Beck and James Rushton. The company also had support personnel, such as servants, indicating a structured military unit ready for service. This cohort reflects the organizational dynamics of military groups in Mississippi during this historical period.
Captain Arthur Foster’s Company of Mounted Infantry consists of a well-structured hierarchy with Foster at the helm, supported by Lieutenant Robert Callier. The ranks include Sergeants William Wood and other privates such as Benjamin Arnold and David Blackwell. The company features a diverse group of 20 privates known for their commitment to military service. This composition reflects a strong unit, essential for the operational effectiveness of the mounted infantry.
Captain Hugh Cassity led a unit known as the Company of Mounted Spies, which included privates Armistead Cole, William Cole, John Curran, Edward Easly, Samuel Easly, and James Williams. This company was likely engaged in reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering operations, essential duties during military campaigns. Their work was critical for providing vital information to support strategic decisions.
Captain Calvit’s Company of Mounted Infantry consisted of a structured hierarchy with Captain Alexander Calvit at the helm. The company included various ranks such as first lieutenant Henry H. Cox, sergeants Wilie Jones and Thomas W. Powell, and corporals Ford and Steele. The unit was made up of numerous privates, including Joseph Ardrey, Josiah Byrd, and Henry H. Castles, reflecting the diverse personnel under Captain Calvit’s command.
Captain James Bradberry led a unit known as the Company of Mounted Spies, which included Sergeant Alexander Autry and several privates: Wiley Davis, Jesse Dodd, Henry Jackson, Wilson Perry, and the Walker brothers, Daniel and Mathias. This company was organized for reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering purposes, contributing to military operations during its time.