Reading "North Carolina and the War of 1812"
As America celebrates 250 years as a nation in 2026, it seems worthwhile to venture into the history of the state of North Carolina as well. We’ll be taking a closer look at the publication from 1971 entitled North Carolina and the War of 1812 by Dr. Sarah McCulloh Lemmon. A quick review as to why the U.S. Congress declared war on Great Britain in 1812: the practice of "impressment" upon American sailors was being deployed by the British navy. Essentially, they were taking American sailors from commercial ships and forcing them to serve in the British navy against England’s war with France. This North Carolina state publication highlights key aspects of the war such as geographical perspectives, and how troops and supplies were raised to help support the war effort.
Dr. Lemmon tells us that there was a great need for men to serve in the U.S.'s army at this time. "When the war began, there were only 6,686 officers and men in the regulars…" The "regulars" were made up of men who were entirely volunteers. By the end of the War of 1812, the "number had grown to 38,186-an increase occasioned entirely through recruiting volunteers." Additionally, “Governor Hawkins (of North Carolina) issued an appeal to volunteers either for a twelve-month term or for a lifetime career in the army.” Ideals like "bravery and patriotism" and "golden opportunity," and promises of equipping volunteers with "rifle dress and giving you your favorite weapon," were pitched to attract men to serve in the army. Also, 160 acres of land were promised to those who enlisted, delivered once the war had come to an end.
Regarding North Carolina and its role in the war, "militia companies from Bladen, Brunswick, New Hanover, and Duplin counties went to Fort Johnson, while companies from Lenoir, Craven, Beaufort, and Onslow (counties), reported to Fort Hampton." All of these militia groups were sent upon the request from Major General Thomas Pinckney, who had been stationed in Charleston, SC. Additionally, one Robert Cochran, a customs officer living in Wilmington at the time, wrote to Governor Hawkins, stating that he did not believe there was a huge threat to the city of Wilmington, but he still asked for some artillery. Eventually, "two small cannon(s) were obtained for harbor defense."
Furthermore, North Carolina provided its fair share of privateers to the war effort. For example, Edenton, New Bern, Beaufort, and Wilmington all supplied privateers. During war time, these private ships carry official documents from governments, which gives them the right to act as if they were actual warships. If it were during a time of peace however, they would be called pirates. Many privateers were eager to help serve in this war effort since for them, it would provide a chance to capture enemy British ships, return them to coastal ports, and they could then sell the retrieved goods and retain the profits.
Otway Burns was North Carolina’s greatest privateer. He was from Beaufort and his ship was the Snap Dragon. Burns recruited men along the coastline of southeastern North Carolina, much to the chagrin of store owners and other merchants who opposed the war. They feared their small towns would be attacked and damaged and therefore resented Burns' efforts to recruit men for the war effort. However, many men were more than eager to join up and serve on the Snap Dragon as they saw this as a way to make their fortunes. Ironically, at the first attempt to chase a British ship, "some of those men who had been very brave in port, turned pale."
Overall, this publication is a brief and highly informational read on the War of 1812 and North Carolina’s role in it. It is a fascinating way to learn more about the war in general and how our state contributed to federal efforts in the war, which eventually led to a draw with the signing of the Treaty of Ghent.
