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The other Price of War - December, 1812. - USA

Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2006 7:08 pm
by pud
Source: from the Buffalo Gazette, Tuesday, 15th December, 1812.

"Respecting our situation-that is not to be envied. Since the failure of the expedition the citizens have been in constant alarm-some from the enemy, some from fear of the famine, and others from fear of an epidemic disorder, said to be contagious. The superstitious say, "what the sword spares the pestilence will destroy, and what pestilence spares will be overwhelmed with famine." as to the enemy, we do not believe their force sufficient to invade us; their policy has hitherto been defensive; the only thing we need fear from them is retaliation, which might be effected by small parties of the enemy, and which might be prevented by a strong line of sentinels on our exposed coast. Lt.-col. Boerstler, with a detachment of regulars, is stationed at black rock. While the roads remain in their present almost impassable state, there will unquestionably be a scarcity of provisions. Flour is now selling at six dollars per hundred, butter at two shillings and six pence per pound. The taverns and groceries are completely dried up. Even the whiskey distilleries are very hard run. The disease which has proved fatal to so many of our citizens and very many of the soldiers we hope is beginning somewhat to abate. Those volunteers who came out for a few days have suffered much, but the regular troops have suffered more. Not accustomed to the steady fare of the soldier or the solid lodging of tents, the new recruits and volunteers were much exposed to violent colds, &c."