HISTORY

Lack of Equipment

At the outbreak of the War of 1812, the Niagara Frontier was unprepared for the defense of its settlements. Along the Niagara River, which separates Canada from New York, the citizens were alarmed by the military activity on the Canadian side of the river. They wrote to New York Congressman and Quartermaster General, Peter B. Porter, on April 15, 1812, about their concerns of the lack of arms and ammunition, adding "there is not five muskets that is fit to use in this place and they are not to be had in this quarter." Governor Daniel D. Tompkins was made aware that the New York Militia was destitute of arms, camp equipment, blankets, and other items . . . particularly at the settlements of Black Rock, now a part of Buffalo, New York, and the settlement at Lewiston, New York.