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OSL JOHN CAMPBELL TO MEIGS

Hamilton County Feby llth. 1813

Dear Sir

I have just read the Jounral of an American officer(captured at Queenston on the 18th Octr) kept on his passage from fort George to Boston, stating that while at Quebec between 15 and 20 Irishman (naturalized citizens and having several of them families in the United States) were seperated from the prisoners, and put on board a ship of war, to be sent to Botany Bay, or executed for having borne arms against a power, which by its multiplied opporessions had driven therl from their native homes to seek shelter in a foreign land. I have no doubt of the foregoing statement being correct the British have adopted this system of cruelty in order to deprive the United States of the aid of a numberous class of citizens -- It was my lot to be born in Ireland, I have been 16 years in the U States, maried here and have a numerous family, am on the next class for duty, (and it appears our land forces are in the habit of being taken prisoners) and to march in the ranks wit-- native citizens who if overpowerd might find safety in surrendering, appears to me to be highly imprudent, what would be safety to them -- wou] be certain distruction to me; I have talked with several well informed persons on the subject whose oppinion coincides with mine, and I have no doubt but the same sentiment pervades the breast of every Irishman in the state. I would march cheerfully enrold with native citizens against the Indians -- our cases would be equal, but to march against the British whatever.. let us be enrolld in a distinct Corps, Armed, and provided, placed under the direction of Genl. Harrison, and I have no doubt but we will deserve well of our adopted Country, we would expect no mercy -- and we would take no prisoners. If enrold in a distinct corps -- I would prefer marching against the British (the Indians have done us no essential injury) I have recd. much injury from the British personally and they have been in the habit of [illeg.] and insulting my progenitors these 12 hundred years, therefore Vengeance calls aloud and the issue is irresistable Dr. sir pardon the liberty I have taken in suggesting the foregoing -- the urgency of the case is evident -- Therefore I pray your excellency to divise some plan how (I presume) six or eight hundred men may be of service to their Country -- and at the same time take ample Vengeance on their Enemies -- I an with great respect your Hble Sert.

John Campbell -- Ensign
1st Det. 2d. Regt. 1st D O. Militia

His Excellency
Gov Meigs Esq.

P.S. Since the prince regent has declared thir shall be a war of ex- termination -- the sooner we commence business the better. I would glory to march in the rank of a Spartan Band whose best alternative would be to die with their face to the enemy

J C