Letter to the Baltimore Patriot, published 29 November, 1814, from Henry Amey,
Messrs. Editors. – it is, at all times, unpleasant to a man, who retired and unassuming in life, would prefer the silent but solid benefits arising from wholesome industry, to the glare of a more elevated station in society to appear in a public paper before an intelligent and discriminating people. But the rank which I lately held in an efficient military capacity, and which gave rise to official reflections, bearing with severity, not only on me, but also on the brave officers and privates whom I have had the honor of commanding at the Battle of Patapsco neck, on the 12th Sept. last, has compelled me, though reluctantly, to make a defense of my own and their conduct on that day. In executing this duty, I feel no desire, no violent or malignant disposition to recriminate; on the contrary, I have every wish to do justice to the capacity and military talents of the Brigadier General commanding, as well as to his worth as a citizen, and for whom, generally, as a man I feel a most sincere esteem and respect,
On the 11th of that month, the Brigade took up the line of march about half past 2 o’clock, the 51st regiment, according to grade, in the centre, and arrived on their destined ground, after a fatiguing march in excessively warm weather – the 51st in a line diagonally West from the meeting-house, on the main road to North Point where it encamped for the night. On the morning of the 12th, at daylight, the roll was called in the line formed on the ground of encampment awaiting the orders of the general, when the 5th and 27th moved in advance with the artillery and riflemen. I received orders to form in advance of my first position to the right of the 39th – they were instantly obeyed, my right flanked by a fence, my left extending across the road and formed on the right of the 39th, in which position the regiment remained until about 2 o’clock, with orders to open, and let the regiments in advance pass by files, in the event of their retreat; then close in order and await the enemy, give him battle, and retreat, should his force be superior. The orders were delivered to the men, with one from myself, not to retreat until it should be sounded. Shortly after the 39th were ordered in advance, the 51st still in its last position, the men in high spirits and anxious to meet the enemy. The firing from the artillery now became distant and gradually approached; some of the wounded passing us to the rear, and which caused no other emotion in my men than desire of revenge. Our position being within range of the enemy’s artillery, though not apparent to him as he advanced; his round shot passed over us, and 1 of 6 pound, disabled a man drawn out from the 4th company, first battalion, under the command of Captain Deems, to take care of the wounded, passed over Captain Deems’ head, and struck the root of a tree, within a few feet of where I stood. – Still, although not in view of the enemy, nor any situation where he could be annoyed, not a man flinched from his post – their constancy was unshaken. – Brigade Major Frailey now advanced, and ordered me to move my regiment from the right by platoons in succession, and form on the left of the 39th, – this movement was executed with alacrity, and in good order, the round shot of the enemy still passing over us. We formed on the fence in a parallel line with and to the left of the 39th – the enemy in our front and in view, and desirous to come to close quarters with him. The Brigade Major again advanced, and ordered me to form my regiment in a right angle with the left of the 39th – this movement was also executed in good order. The regiment remained in this position, for more than ten minutes exposed, to a raking fire, by which several were killed, without a chance of seeing the enemy. – In the fulfillment of these several movements, under repeated discharges of round, grape and canister shot, and by which many brave fellows were consigned to the grave, my fellow citizens will perceive that the 51st (devoted to the best interest of their country,) stood unappalled and resolute, under disadvantages sufficient to test the firmness of veterans. An alarm was given from some corps to the right that we were out-flanked, and would be immediately surrounded. I audibly cried out to the men not to be discomposed but to do their duty; the 39th fired and a movement took place — my regiment fired in succession, and retreated, by the example shown them; both myself and officers endeavored to rally them, but the impression of having been surrounded, being so prevalent amongst them, our efforts were useless. The Brigade then moved towards the city, but the 51st were not in advance
The official report, (as before observed) of the Brigadier General to the Commander in Chief having bore with great severity on the 51st, and on me, particularly as its Colonel, induced me to call for a court of inquiry into my conduct on that day, and the result of their decision has caused me to resign. The court, indeed was composed of men whose impartiality from their deportment in private life might be expected; but in the exercise of their duties, on this occasion as judges, I think impartiality was not strictly attended to, and I found my opinion on the principle, that evidence from the ranks of the 51st was excluded, although there were men in them of honor and intelligence.
The court did, not withstanding their adoption of this inequitable rule, report unfavorably of the field and company officers, and approached them with a shameful neglect of duty. It is not my wish to ascribe any cupidity of intention, either individually or collectively, to the members composing that court; although in the closing of the report, they state that “the court in closing this report of their unanimous opinion, take the opportunity to observe, that they have not thought proper, for a variety of reasons, to bring before them any evidence from any person attached to the 51st regt. but have derived their information mostly from commissioned officers of the 3d brigade, of high rank and character.”
Now I aver, that for some time before and during the action, for any officer of high rank and character, or person, other than those attached to the regt. to give any precise or definite account of our movements, was impossible, unless indeed he was placed in a situation degrading to a soldier, and out of his proper station – nor could this ambiguous evidence prove tenable, (in an equitable court) in opposition to an host, which could be adduced from the regiment, if suffered to appear.
As to myself, personally, I feel no anxiety to enter into any defense relative to my conduct; to those acquainted with me, I am assured it is unnecessary. They know my attachment to my country and its constitution, as well as my resolution to defend its rights in any situation in which it may be my province to act; I feel the justice of her cause, and shall in all emergencies assist in protecting her rights. I am not actuated by any unworthy motive, in thus appearing before my fellow citizens; but solely with the view of doing justice to the hardy and patriotic materials of which the 51st is composed, both company officers and privates – they are as a body in my estimation, as brave as is hitherto existed.
If the field officers, (whom it hath pleased the executive council of the state, in the strained plenitude of their power, to appoint to command them,) will, by conciliatory measures, secure their affections, I have no doubt, when again brought into action, and if placed where they can display their native heroism, that they will merit the approbation of their country, and cover themselves with glory.
Henry Amy
Baltimore, Nov. 25, 1814.
Editor: Documentation on the court of enquiry mentioned by Henry Amey has not been found