US Paymaster Gen James Taylor Reimbursement Request War of 1812 Recruit Expenses for Sale

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US Paymaster Gen James Taylor Reimbursement Request War of 1812 Recruit Expenses For Sale

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US Paymaster Gen James Taylor Reimbursement Request War of 1812 Recruit Expenses:
$4900.00

This is a rare multi-signed reimbursement request letter from General James Taylor to the United States government in 1823. The letter was addressed to the US government regarding reimbursement to General Taylor on behalf of monies given to Captain Henry C Gist for his efforts in recruiting for Kentucky based militias, on his way to Michigan. It offers a glimpse into the political and financial dealings of the time and would be a great addition for any collectors of US political memorabilia. The letter is in good condition and has been well-preserved over the years.

The letter addresses monies that need to be reimbursed for Captain Henry C Gist that were used to recruit troops during the War of 1812 from his travels from Kentucky to Michigan This was an important facet in defending the country and leading up to the battle of Detroit. The letter is signed several times as it appears this was an ongoing correspondence and issue some 8 years after the conflict was over.

James Taylor provided $500 to Captain Henry C. Gest for recruiting soldiers during the War of 1812. Despite Gest\'s successful recruiting efforts, the transaction\'s receipts were misplaced, causing Taylor difficulty in accounting for the funds. Taylor requests the U.S. government to recognize the expense and credit him accordingly to avoid personal financial loss.

General James Taylor Vwas a prominent figure in American history, known for his significant contributions as a banker, Quartermaster general, and one of the wealthiest early settlers of Kentucky. Born into a family with deep roots in the nation’s development, he was a key founder of the city of Newport, Kentucky.

From his early days in Midway, Virginia, Taylor demonstrated a keen sense of leadership and vision. His journey to Kentucky marked the beginning of a series of accomplishments that would leave a lasting impact on the region. With a strategic mind and a dedication to the growth of his community, he played a pivotal role in the development of Newport, laying out its first roads and advocating for its incorporation.

Taylor’s influence extended beyond urban development. During the War of 1812, he served as Quartermaster General and paymaster of the Northwestern Army, positioning Newport as a crucial hub for war supplies. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to operate ferries across the Ohio and Licking rivers, found banks, and invested in local industry, further cementing his legacy as a builder of American prosperity.

A man of diverse interests, Taylor also engaged in salt-works, ran a tanning business, and in his leisure, was known to collect fossils and hunt buffalo. His life was a testament to the pioneering spirit that characterized the nation’s early years, and his contributions continue to be remembered as a cornerstone of Kentucky’s rich history.

Captain Henry C. Gistwas a valiant leader from Kentucky who served with distinction during the War of 1812. His military career was marked by courage and a deep commitment to his country. As a captain, he led his men through challenging campaigns, contributing to the defense and growth of the young nation. His legacy is remembered in Kentucky’s rich military history, and his service in the War of 1812 stands as a testament to his dedication and bravery.

The Battle of Detroit (1812): A Defining Moment with Kentucky’s Valor

The Battle of Detroit, fought during the War of 1812, was a pivotal moment in American history. On August 16, 1812, British forces under Major General Isaac Brock, alongside their Native American allies led by Tecumseh, compelled the surrender of the American fort at Detroit. This event marked a significant British victory early in the war.

Kentucky troops played a crucial role in the War of 1812, particularly in the efforts to reclaim the territory lost at Detroit. Although not directly involved in the battle itself, Kentucky’s soldiers were instrumental in subsequent engagements that sought to counter the defeat. Their bravery and commitment were exemplified in battles such as the Siege of Fort Meigs, where they fought valiantly against British forces and their Native American allies.

Kentucky’s contribution to the war effort was immense, with the state providing more troops than any other and suffering the highest number of casualties. The valor of these troops was a testament to their dedication to the nation’s cause and their desire to defend their homeland.

The sale is for the document only. The graphic photos are included for informational purposes and are not included with the sale.

\"The United States (To) James Taylor late a Pay Master Dr.To this sum advanced to Capt. Henry C. Gist of the 25th U. States Infantry for the recruiting service per his requisition & Vouchers dated Sept. 19th, 1814.$510.00I do certify that the above sum of five hundred dollars was furnished said Capt. Henry C. Gist some days previous for the sole purpose of enlisting the U. States service, then seeing that men were then very much wanted to fill our ranks. Capt. Gist stated to me that he was ordered to use every exertion to procure recruits, that by following a Militia Regt. which was marching into Detroit he thought he could get nearly a company of men. I assured him I had no public funds. I had largely in advance for the U. States in my hands, but to benefit my country I would do any thing I could that I had procured funds for my office on my own personal responsibility I could procure more, and that if he would make a requisition on me stating the necessity of having this money, I would let him have from $500 to 1000. He only took the $510. if more was wanted he would apply for it. Capt. Gist informed me he was quite successful but the recruits were generally from his own quarter of the country & preferred to have their money at a future day that he made some private funds. This had sufficed. That when I was at the City of Washington in the Winter & Spring of 1816 endeavoring to close my accounts in looking over my Abstracts of payments I did not discover any charge for the said $510. at which I was much surprised, as this circumstance under which I advanced this money I could never have forgotten. On my return I examined for the vouchers & finding no papers

```

that they were mislaid and finding of them I applied to

Capt. Gest for information who informed me that he found

he could make out without using the money that on his re

turn he called at my said office and was not in mine

he requested George Williamson clerk in my said office

to hand him his application receipts for the said $75

which was given to him that the said Gest paid over

the said amount to said Geo. Williamson & took back

his receipts, said that he thought he had preserved

them among his public papers, but which were at a

distance. It so happened that I could not instantly

lately obtain from said Gest the said receipts.

This said Williamson is wholly insolvent to the

best of my knowledge & belief that the said Wil

liamson did not refund this money to me or any

part thereof & there is no prospect of obtaining any part

of it from him. I therefore ask of the proper Department

of the U States to pass the same to my credit & to

notify the U States attorney at Frankfort Ky of

the same. As it certainly ought not to be the wish

of the U States government under the circumstances

it was advised that I should lose this money.

James Taylor late G. L. office

Newport Ky. Aug 7, 1808

Personally appeared before the undersigned George

Williamson whose signature is affixed to the foregoing state

ment & made oath that the facts therein stated are

true, that the said Williamson did at that time deli

ver the said office said certificates & totally insolvent that

the said five hundred dollars was a total loss to him with

out the government will allow it to him, that his sole

object in calling the funds was to save his bonds

-ity. That he was apprised from various sources

that the accounts were mislaid would be the

```

successful operation on our Northern frontier, having

every officer in the naval as deeply implicated to

treat their endeavors to recruit as many men as they

could. Capt Gest informed me he had got near equites

a company of men for the U S to follow Col Mathews to

forward the Regt. which he expected he could not have

if he had not paid and the said funds of mine, for although

he did not use them for the reason I stated, he could

not have known that the men would not wish to receive

information in hand. Please now nobody contributed

much in recruiting the army on our Northern frontier

without funds. Can I believe that my government

will suffer me to loose so much, to our individual & its

considerable, to such a powerful government it is, I

mean as G. Capt Gest I have no doubt supposed as he was

not in my office, probably not even heard, that this man

Williamson would be so far to lodge the funds with.

even to a so highly honorable man, he would not have

paid him the money if he had, had any doubt of his

Williamsons fidelity in using it, & of me.

James Taylor

D. of Columbia

County of Washington

Sworn by. appointed to before me, a Justice

of the Peace for the county aforesaid, on

this 10th April 1823

George W. Wharton JD

```

---

```

Mark of plate

will

vessels

James Taylor late

George W Taylor Dece\'d

by his administratrix S. P. A. Taylor

in advance to Capt.

Williamson

It will be seen that Capt. Gest declared in his certificate

evidence to me that he would be accountable to the Depu-

artment for the said five hundred dollars. Williamson

had no right to ____, I am ___ the opinion now. He

had no right to receive the money. This amount should

may be done against him ____, I am allowed the amount

of said bonds against him. I cannot claim the sum.

Williamson died soon after. I returned my ____

____ Report my affidavit in this case.

Under the circumstances in which the money was

advanced I certainly expect not to lose it

which is referred to the Hon. Commissioner of Claims

James Taylor Late Paymastr

```

Page 1:

Recipient and Purpose: James Taylor recounts advancing $500 to Captain Henry C. Gest of the 28th U.S. Infantry for recruiting purposes, based on a requisition dated September 19, 1814.
Certification: Taylor certifies that the funds were provided to help enlist soldiers during a critical time when men were urgently needed to fill ranks.
Captain Gest\'s Efforts: Gest was instructed to use every effort to procure recruits and intended to follow a militia regiment into Detroit to find recruits.
Taylor\'s Support: Despite not having public funds readily available, Taylor used his own advanced funds to support Gest\'s recruiting efforts.

Page 2:

Misplacement of Receipts: Taylor explains that he was informed about missing receipts related to the transaction. He tried to get the receipts from George Williamson, a clerk who had issued them but misplaced them among his papers.
Efforts to Recover: Despite multiple attempts, Taylor was unable to obtain the necessary receipts from Williamson.
Financial Impact: Taylor expresses concern about losing the advanced funds if the receipts aren\'t accounted for. He asks for the amount to be credited to him by the U.S. government to avoid financial loss.

Page 3:

Recruitment Challenges: Taylor recounts the difficulties on the Northern frontier, with officers like Gest recruiting men for the army.
Verification of Events: He asserts that Gest was successful in his recruiting efforts and implies that the funds were used appropriately. However, due to missing receipts, there\'s a bureaucratic issue.
Official Statement: Taylor reaffirms the authenticity of his claims, underscoring his efforts to support the army and the necessity of resolving the financial discrepancy.