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JAMES CALDWELL TO WORTHINGTON

Chillicothe 8th Feby 1813

Dear Sir

You no doubt have been informed of the dreadful defeat and surrender of the detachment of the army under Genl Winchester, and tlie probability affect it would have on the appointment of Genl Harrison -- on this first day of this month, Genl. Harrison again advanced to the rapids with a determination to proceed imediately to Malden, his effective force is not precisely known here, but is supposed not to exceed 3000, overall appears to be at stake on the issue of one battle, on the success of which depends the salvation of our frontieers, indeed of almost our whole sta-te, should he be defeated and cut off the consequences would be dredfull indeed. What could our militia do, without arms, without discipline, and almost without amunition, god only knows when they would be able to make an effective stand, against an invading enemy, flushed with victoiy, & pouring in on our fronteers on every quarter -- some thing must be done spedily. I hope the new army may be recruited in time to relieve our fronteers -- greate care ought to be taken in selecting officers for this army, experience I hope has taught the President That it would be impolitick, nay dangerous to make any appointments in the army from Federal or even quid materials

permit me sir to recommend Col. Robert McConel of Muskingum County as a man well quallified and every way worthy of being appointed to an important command, the Col. would accept of a majors commission for which he could have a recommendation, signed by at least nine tenths of the present Legislature, but not knowing what may be the event of his application he is onwilling that it should be known (except to his intimate friends) that he is an applicant, I believe that those are but few officers in this state who are better ac- quainted with military tacticks than the Co].., he is brave, indefatagable persevering & industrious capable of enduring almost any fatigue, I wish that all our officers had been composed of such material. the Canadas would have been ours before the winter set in -- permit me also to recommend to your notice Wm. Brown Jun of St. Clairsville as a proper person to be appointed a Lieutenant in the new army, I think him as verry deserving young man & one who would fill that station with honor to himself and country --

I also recommend Dr. Elisha G. Lee of Guernsey County, who wishes the appointment of a surgeon in the new army -- the Dr. is a firm friend to Gov- ernment and a man of considerable information he has the reputation of being a good Phisician, should he meet with the appointment he solicits I make no doubt but he would discharge the duties of his station to the entire satis- faction of his country and those comnanders -- our Election for senator took place Saturday last Jeramiah Morrow had 63 votes and Calvin Pea[s] his only oponant liad 18 votes, this overwhelming majority for Morrow proves how the Clinbonians stand in this state -- poor Col Pritchard is no more he was buried yeasterday -- I have nothing further to add but sir my Esteem -- please to remember me to Messrs Morrow & Campbell I am sir your friend

James Caldwell

P,S. Enclosed is a recommendation for Dr. Lee & Wm. Brown which you will oblige me by presenting to the secretary of war, till Dr. Campbell and Mr. Morrow that they will much oblige me by interesting themselves in procuring the appointments of Lee & Brown & also the appointment of McConnel & Davidson & Gavet the 2 last entioned are recommended & enclosed to you by Mr. Dillon & Yarnal &c

James Caldwell

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