Letter from Isaac Baker to Isaac Gwathmey, 6 December 1812.

Writing from Camp Miami, Isaac Baker tells Isaac Gwathmey of matters of the heart and his service in the army. He writes of going on scouting missions to Fort McArthur and Ft. Wayne, visiting St. Mary's to ascertain the amount of clothing available for soldiers, and relays a list of goods donated to his wing of the army by Kentuckians for the war effort.

Gwathmey family. Papers, 1811-1902, Filson Historical Society

cmf0018

Mss. A G994 f1

Camp Miami No 3 N W. Army December 6th, 1872

Isaac,
I have long esteemed you as one of my best
friends and would feel myself honoured as well as gratified
in still being your intimate. I have often beguiled
the weary hour in telling you the cares of a fantas-
tic boy whose ideas of life were too glowing for this
sublunary sphere and often have you given an atten-
tive ear to my interests - yes Isaac I know you will
still be pleased to hear from me tho I have quit the
crowded city for the tented field and the theme
of my epistle is changed from love to war.

When I was last with you I told you of
my fearful hopes concerning an object that was
once dear to me. By my subsequent letters
you learned those fears were almost entirely re-
solved and that a prospect of the communica-
tion of my wishes was at hand, but this
in the event I found a dream. Yes Isaac
I would not wish to disgrace any one you
think highly of in your eyes that do not be-
lieve me, so base as to speak from pique alone
when I say that I almost believe her conduct
was only to get my to make a second propo-
sition that might revenge herself of my conduct
to a certain scoundrel I brought to his senses,
conduct of which I need not be ashamed
in sight of man nor heaven. Scorn was
all the return my proffers met with. The old
one as usual acted the hypocrite. This aroused
all the man within me. I have forgotten

all but any injuries. The evening before I left Lex-
ington I though she made an attempt a conciliation
but I thought with the Port.

"When one deceived I hurt not kings again."
She has gone to seek for riches and honour instead
of happiness. I will take my course through life
guided by honesty and feeling. Undiverted
from my course by any magnetic influence
I will see which of us will be most prospe-
rous.

For the two last months an humble
Ensign in the Army I have I believe
done my duty to the satisfaction of my supe-
riors. I believe I may add with some
applause. I have since I joined the Army
been on three scouts one towards
Fort McArthur one towards fort
Wayne and one to the head of the
Rapids which have given me an op-
portunity of seeing the most of the sur-
rounding country. About half of
it is very fine and will one day afford
great settlements.

I yesterday evening returned from Ft. Wayne
after an absence of 15 days. I was ordered to that
place with others to ascertain what volunteer
and what Regular clothing was on hand
and the state of the other supplies coming our

For the Army.

The following is a list of the Kentucky Dona-
tions that have come on for this wing of the
Army

Pantaloons - 527
Shoes - 377
Blankets - 246
Roundabouts - 164
Hunting Shirts - 80
Waist coats - 194
Socks - pairs - 1835
Mittens - [do?] - 637
Shirts - 49
Caps - 7
Comforts - 12
Worsted Stockings - 12 pair

and a few other articles besides about as much
more to individuals and 18 waggon loads
more that by last advices were on the way
between. Cincinatti and St. Mary's -
no clothing designated particularly for the Regulars
have yet come on. Some Indian goods we have got
hold of however I hope will prevent any more of
them from dying so soon as we can get it
made up. Government has been palpably ne-
gligent of the US Troops in this quarter.

We have no news here. We are all anxious
to get on to Canada but supplies come on so
slow that some begin to despair. The river is
so high now that I hope provisions enough
will be got on before it freezes. I believe
it is Genl Harrison's determination to move
on if possible. If the boats get down it
will be possible.

We have had no fighting on scouts since Logan
the Indian was killed, of which you have no doubt
heard. I am well pleased with the [annoyance?]
calculate as remaining here to we take
[Malden?] long or short.

After you give my best respects to your brother
John and family tell Miss Louisa the adjutant
is well and makes a fine officer. He always
gets into the raptures when he talks of the termi-
nation of the campaign and his returning to
Kentucky. I hope you will frequently write
to me and give me all the news. G. [?]
and Capt [Edward?] are well. No more room
good bye and believe me sincerely your friend
Isaac L. Baker

Isaac R. Gwathmey Esqr
Student at Law
Louisville
Jefferson County
Kentucky

[Scout?] Donaldson

Isaac L. Baker
Dec. 6, 1812