Rifles To A Corps Of Juvenile Volunteers 1814

When the British army, under the command of Sir George Prevost, invaded the United States, 1st of September, 1814, a number of young gentlemen, of Plattsburg and its vicinity, volunteered their services for the defiance of their country. This corps, consisting principally of those who were not yet liable to militia duty, being that these young men were 16,years and younger. They were organized into a company under the command of Captain Martin S. Aikin, and were received into the service of the United States by General Macomb.

This corps was eminently distinguished during the siege of Plattsburg, particularly in the battles of Beekrnantown, and at the crossing of the Saranac. As a reward for their gallant and meritorious conduct, General Macomb gave directions that each of the corps should be presented with a rifle, which direction was sanctioned by the then Secretary of War.

They accompanied General Mooers to Beekmantown, upon the approach of the enemy, and afterwards they were very active in assisting in the defiance of the passage of the Saranac. Their conduct corresponded with the laudable motives which led them to take up arms in defiance of their country. The services they rendered were important, and in consideration thereof they were individually promised that endeavors would be made to obtain from Government a handsome rifle for each. It was found at the end of the war that the rifles were made and ready for delivery, but the deliveries were never made. A number of letters were written to the Secretary of War, in 1822. It was found that General Alexander Macomb, did not have the right or the power to make this promise. The Secretary of War stated that this department was not authorized to dispose of public arms, without legislative provision. In March of 1822, petition was read before the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, the Bill would pass in 1826, the young men, now men would receive their rifles.

The names of the volunteer company of rifleman who did their duty in the service of the United States, on the invasion Plattsburg.

1.Gustavus A. Bird.
2. Hazen Mooers.
3. Frederick P. Allen.
4. Amos Soper.
5. Smith Bateman.
6. Ira A. Wood.
7. Henry K. Averill.
8. Hiram Walworth.
9. James Patten,
10. Melancthon W. Travis.
11. James Trowbridge.
12. St J. B. L. Skinner.
13. Ethan Everist.
14. Bartemus Brooks.
15. Flavel Williams.
16. Azariah C. Flagg.
17. Martin J. Aitkin.
18. Ira A. Wood.

Here is the Bill that passed.

A resolution authorizing the delivery of rifles promised to Captain .Aitkin’s volunteers, at the siege of Plattsburg.

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That the President of the United States be, and he is hereby authorized to cause to be delivered to Martin J. Aitkin Azariah C. Flagg Ira A. Wood, Gustavus A. Bird, James Trowbridge, Hazen Moers, Henry K. Averill, St. John B. L. Skinner, Frederick P. Allen Hiram Walworth, Ethan Everist, Amos Soper, James Patten, Bartelnus Brooks, Smith Bateman, Melancton W. Travis, and Flavel Williams, each, one rifle, promised them by General Macomb, while commanding the Champlain department, for their gallantry and patriotic services as a volunteer corps, during the siege of Plattsburg, in September, one thousand eight hundred and fourteen, on each of which said rifles there shall be a plate containing an appropriate inscription.
APPROVED, May 20, 1826.