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Letter from Askin
to his son
The following letter was written by John Askin to his son Charles,
detailing the preparations for war.
Strabane April the 28th 1812
My Dear Charles,
I'm now two letters in your debt, the last of which dated the 16th
instant came to hand two days ago. It makes your mother and I happy
that you do not complain of bad health, God be praised, the family here
enjoy the like great blessing.
The Militia-Law has arrived, but I have not yet seen it. Indeed, unless on
my children's account I have little to do with it. Except my wishes for the
success of the British arms, which can only end with my last breath. I can
not comprehend how a man of honour & honesty can ever change his
allegiance. There are some preparations making at Detroit, and great
ones at Malden for War. I hope it may not take place, yet I dread it
much. The contracts at Malden for wood etc for furnishing say to repair
the garrison & make a vessel, its thought will exceed 6,000 [pounds].
This will throw a good deal of ready money into this part of the country
....
The Indians have done a good deal of mischief in different quarters of
the United States. The people of Detroit, not in the garrison, are much
alarmed; Alice was here a few days ago. Poor woman, she suffers
amazingly from fear, for I understand none of the town's people will be
received into the garrison. Alexander was over yesterday & says they
are now taking precautions against Indian surprise, & therefore she is
not so much alarmed. The guns, blunderbusses etc here are all loaded &
in good order; I hate to be taken prisoner & he who attempts it, if
openly may lose his life; having only my children & self we can not do
much, but will try not to be surprised. I advised Captain McKee to move
to Malden. There is too great risk here. I believe he moved yesterday.
Most of Robert McDougall's property is on this side. Poor Meldrum I think
is much embarrassed. I think him in his heart a true British subject. The
conduct of his boys bears hard on him.
Your tender Father,
John Askin
to his son
The following letter was written by John Askin to his son Charles,
detailing the preparations for war.
Strabane April the 28th 1812
My Dear Charles,
I'm now two letters in your debt, the last of which dated the 16th
instant came to hand two days ago. It makes your mother and I happy
that you do not complain of bad health, God be praised, the family here
enjoy the like great blessing.
The Militia-Law has arrived, but I have not yet seen it. Indeed, unless on
my children's account I have little to do with it. Except my wishes for the
success of the British arms, which can only end with my last breath. I can
not comprehend how a man of honour & honesty can ever change his
allegiance. There are some preparations making at Detroit, and great
ones at Malden for War. I hope it may not take place, yet I dread it
much. The contracts at Malden for wood etc for furnishing say to repair
the garrison & make a vessel, its thought will exceed 6,000 [pounds].
This will throw a good deal of ready money into this part of the country
....
The Indians have done a good deal of mischief in different quarters of
the United States. The people of Detroit, not in the garrison, are much
alarmed; Alice was here a few days ago. Poor woman, she suffers
amazingly from fear, for I understand none of the town's people will be
received into the garrison. Alexander was over yesterday & says they
are now taking precautions against Indian surprise, & therefore she is
not so much alarmed. The guns, blunderbusses etc here are all loaded &
in good order; I hate to be taken prisoner & he who attempts it, if
openly may lose his life; having only my children & self we can not do
much, but will try not to be surprised. I advised Captain McKee to move
to Malden. There is too great risk here. I believe he moved yesterday.
Most of Robert McDougall's property is on this side. Poor Meldrum I think
is much embarrassed. I think him in his heart a true British subject. The
conduct of his boys bears hard on him.
Your tender Father,
John Askin