My Brother and I are in the early stages of redesigning this Biography for Governor Richard Howell. We have already setup the new web page design We plan add many pages with a lot of content. If you are a descendent of Richard Howell, we would like to hear from you, please send us your information using the Contact Us page. We are collaborating with other family members to make sure this site as extensive and as thorough as possible.
We have many documents like the muster sheet here to add to this site. Please visit us often to see what we have added recently. So follow us on this exciting journey of discovery of this fascinating and heroic man and his family.
MacDonough’s Victory on Lake Champlain September 11,1814 by Eric Erskine Campbell Tufnell
William Burr Howell (1796 – 1863) is a very interesting figure. He was the father of Varina Banks “Howell” Davis “First Lady of the Confederacy” and son of Gov. Richard Howell. I am currently researching his military record and have found several references listed below. If you have other references for William please use the “Contact Us” link and let me know what you’ve found.
“United States Ship Saratoga, Lake Champlain , SIR , September 13, 1814 . I have the honor of enclosing to you a list of killed and wounded troops of the line ( acting marines, on board the squadron , Lake Champlain ) in the action of the 11th instant. In attempting to do justice to the brave officers and men I have had the honor to command, my feeble abilities fall far short of my wishes– First Lieut. Morrison , 33d infantry, stationed on board the U. S. brig Eagle, was wounded , but remained on deck during the action, animating his men by his honorable conduct. Second Lieut. James Young , 6th infantry , on board the U. S. schooner Ticonderoga, merits my warmest thanks : I would particularly recommend him to your notice. Second Lieut. William B. Howell, 15th infantry in the U. S. ship Saratoga, rendered me every assistance ; notwithstanding his having been confined, for ten days of a fever, yet, at the commencement of the action , he was found on deck , and continued until the enemy had struck , when he was borne to his bed . I would also recommend him to your notice. The conduct of the non -commissioned officers and privates was so highly honorable to their country and then selves, it would be superfluous to particularize them .I have the honor to be, Sir, your obedient servant, Com . T. MACDONOUGH, & c . WHITE YOUNGS, Capt. 15th Inf. com’ing detach. of acting marines.”
ref: The Naval Monument, Containing Official and Other Accounts of All the Battles Fought Between the Navies of the United States and Great Britain During the Late War – PDF Page 219-220 – Doc Page 153-154
“William Burr Howell, Varina’s father, was born in 1795. William acquired a good education, judging by his flu- ent letters. He left home to join the navy, and he matured into a tall blond with a taste for adventure. Most of his brothers stayed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, where they prospered in banking, the law, and agriculture.”
This quote form her book says William was in the navy, while in fact the overwheling primary sources indicate he was in the army and an “acting marine” in the action on Lake Champlain on Sept 11, 1814.
Vermont List of Pensioners
Page 75
OFFICERS OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY STATIONED AT BURLINGTON, VT., MAY20, 1814.
Page 76 William B. Howell, lieutenant, 15th Infantry,
Varina (Howell) Davis‘s Biography of her husband Jefferson Davis mentions her father
“My father, William Burr Howell, was the fourth son of Governor Richard Howell and Keziah Burr. When quite young he was appointed an officer in the Marine Corp (acting Marines), and served with distinction under Commodore Decatur in the war of 1812, in the engagements on the lakes. Though quite ill, he had come on deck to participate in the fight. At one time the fire was so hot that a stool was shot from under him, and a tin cup of water, which was being handed to him at the same time, was struck out of his hand by another ball. He was three times commended in orders for extraordinary gallantry in action. His brother, Franklin Howell, was killed by a splinter on the President, [47] and instead of the “bad bust” which Byron dreaded, was commended in orders, and his name printed “John Howell” in a book entitled “The naval monument.”
After peace was declared my father came in 1815 in a flat-boat down to Natchez, to look at the country; he was then an officer on half-pay and on leave. Very soon after he reached there he became intimate with Mr. Joseph Emory Davis, who was practising law. They became so mutually attached that when, in 1818, Mr. Joseph E. Davis, attracted by the great fertility of the alluvial land on the Mississippi River, called by the settlers “the bottoms,” had taken up a section of the “wild land,” thirty-six miles below Vicksburg, in Warren County, in the State of Mississippi, he proposed to my father, who thought of leaving the United States Navy, to join him in the purchase and cultivation of the land; but, after riding over the tract, my father feared the malarial effect of the lowlands upon his health and declined.”
ref: Jefferson Davis: Ex-President of the Confederate States of America, A Memoir by his Wife, Volume 1 by Varina Davis
Below is a transcript of a letter from Richard Howell to his friend, and Commanding Officer, Colonel Israel Shreve about some personal letters Richard wrote to his future wife, Kaziah Burr, that were left unattended by the mail carrier and opened by an unknown individual. The letters were then presented to “the council,” presumably the Quaker Council of Elders. This greatly incensed Richard. It is known that Kaziah was a Quaker. Quakers, being anti-war, generally discouraged their daughters from being involved with military officers.
It appears that Kaziah’s parents found out that Richard was courting Kazaih and took steps to place her in “severe and agonizing confinement,” to keep her from seeing Richard. Richard was much distressed by his separation from Kaziah, but wanted Israel Shreve to keep what he knew about this situation to himself. The letter requested Shreve to “appear a stranger to the affair when you go down but observe what you can.” Richard was stationed at “Black Point” New Jersey near Sandy Hook, at the time he wrote this letter.
Dear Colo:
I received yours and thank you for the mention
and I wish I could have seen you below. I went
down incognito and am now to assure you of a
circumstance of a most extraordinary nature.
Some letters written by me to Philadelphia
lost by the careless puffery who took
charge of them and (then) found by some foolish zealot,
who laid them before the council. My
private letters were barely read and sent on un-
sealed. Had they open(ed) them, saw the signature,
and transmitted them sealed, it would not have
been extraordinary_ Oh damn them! Heaven
or vengeance unnecessary_ There were letters
from the enemy to people in New York Philad.a
but they had been examined by me and endorsed as
such under my signature commanding at this
post. What business then had they to open
the(?)- Curse on their ungentlemanly and fatal
curiosity- fatal indeed to my peace and that of a=
nother who’s happiness must ever be dearer
than my own- The secret of my affections for
a particular lady whom you know has transpired
perhaps by that means and her parents alarmed
at the designs of a soldier snatch the
Page 2
dear girl from me into severe and agonizing
confinement- Oh Colo: I am the most wretched
man alive- and if I know myself much more
so on her account than my own- vengeance
on this man who destroyed my peace and hers.
Please to appear a stranger to the affair
when you go down but observe what you can.
Present my affections compliments to
Colo: Dayton Ogden Bearly DeHart Rhea
Major Bloomfield and Conway and all the officers
of my own corps- tell Jack that the person
is now attacking Miss Becky in favor and I
fear she will praise a Coquit in ingenuous to both.
Show this all to Jack Peck to whom I send the
twist he mentions if possible.
5th Oct
Rd Howell
To Colo: Shreve,
I received Schraud last evening and for-
word by Capt. Cummings:_should come
with him but can not possibly get a horse_
I wish you all possible pleasure and hap=
pines during your absents and a safe
return when layed with enjoyment.
(Oct 18th)
Jn.o Peck
Map of New Jersey showing Revolutionary War Battles 1974
This is a map of New Jersey at the time of the Revolutionary War. Black Point, where Richard was stationed on Oct. 5 1778 is located in the middle of the map on the right hand side, near Sandy Hook.
Sources:
Letter from Richard Howell to Israel Shreve – Howell, Richard (1) page 1. October 5, 1778. Special Collections, University of Houston Libraries. University of Houston Digital Library. Web. February 21, 2015. http://digital.lib.uh.edu/collection/p15195coll12/item/63/show/60.
Disclaimer: This is a general citation for reference purposes. Please consult the most recent edition of your style manual for the proper formatting of the type of source you are citing. If the date given in the citation does not match the date on the digital item, use the more accurate date below the digital item.
Letter from Richard Howell to Israel Shreve – Howell, Richard (1) page 2. October 5, 1778. Special Collections, University of Houston Libraries. University of Houston Digital Library. Web. February 21, 2015. http://digital.lib.uh.edu/collection/p15195coll12/item/63/show/61.
Disclaimer: This is a general citation for reference purposes. Please consult the most recent edition of your style manual for the proper formatting of the type of source you are citing. If the date given in the citation does not match the date on the digital item, use the more accurate date below the digital item.
Letter from Richard Howell to Israel Shreve – Howell, Richard (1) page 3. October 5, 1778. Special Collections, University of Houston Libraries. University of Houston Digital Library. Web. February 21, 2015. http://digital.lib.uh.edu/collection/p15195coll12/item/63/show/62.
Disclaimer: This is a general citation for reference purposes. Please consult the most recent edition of your style manual for the proper formatting of the type of source you are citing. If the date given in the citation does not match the date on the digital item, use the more accurate date below the digital item.
The writings of George Washington from the original manuscript sources Volume 13 George Washington John Clement Fitzpatrick
U. S. Govt. Print. Off.
Washington
1931-1944
Source copy consulted: UVA Library A 1931 .W36 The National Digital Library Program at the Library of Congress makes digitalized historical materials available for education and scholarhsip.This transcription is intended to have and accuracy rate of 99.95 percent or greater and is not intended to reproduce the appearance of the original work. Accompanying images provide a facsimile of this work and represent the appearance of the original. Published: 1745-1799
Washington family United States — History — Revolution, 1775-1783 United States — History Fitzpatrick, John Clement, 1876-1940 Matteson, David Maydole, 1871-1949 George Washington Bicentennial Commission (U.S.)
Below is a letter that Richard Howell wrote on June 20st just 8 days before the battle of Monmouth, which was June 28, 1778. It contains vital enemy tactical intelligence for the planning of that battle to be relayed from Arnold to General Maxwell. Source citations are at the end of this post. It also describes some the atrocities the British were visiting on the civilians in New Jersey.
To George Washington from Major General Benedict Arnold, 21 June 1778
From Major General Benedict Arnold
Philada June 21. 1778,
Dear General
3 oClock Sunday morning
The Inclosed Letter this Minute came to hand, and contains every Intelligence, I have received respecting the Enemies Army,1 Thier Fleet were all below Ready Island except two Ships who lay opposite to it at seven o Clock yesterday morning, which is the last Advice I have received from them.
Seventy Odd Deserters from the Enemy had Arived here last Night, I hope this day will greatly augment the Number. I am very respectfully Dear Genl Your Excellencys Most Obedt Servt
B. Arnold
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. The enclosed letter from Maj. Richard Howell to Arnold, dated 20 June at Haddonfield, N.J., reads: “As I am to give Intelligence to Genl Maxwell of the Enemy by the most Immediate Means, I beg Leave to present the Enclos’d Letter to Genl Maxwell, and request it may be sent on the Pennsilva. Shore as the Extent of the Enemy’s flank and the Intricacy of the roads in the Barons, will make the Conveyance on this side, too tedious as well as precarious. If the Letter is transmitted immediately to Bordentown, it will reach them early enough to serve them. before we Left our Detachment, the Genl had no Intelligence and, being acquainted with the Country, I have procured such as was in my powr—The amt of it I beg Leave to mention to you—The Enemy march’d in 3 Columns—the first approach’d Ayre’s Town yesterday the 2d arriv’d at foster town & the 3d did not remove. this day the 1st arrivd at Mt Holly, 2d at Ayre’s town, (perhaps at Holly) & the 3d Marchd to Morr’s Town. Genl Leslie commands the advanc’d Column of perhaps, 2000 men, Gen. Clinton the 2d perhaps of 5000 men & Gen. Kniphauzen the Last, of 2000 also. Each of these devisions has a great many Waggons, artillery & pontoons: They have many Desertions, & move with great Caution & Slowly—I believe they will halt at Holly until the rear arrives. Their March has been obstructed as much as possible & their flancks harrass’d by our parties. The General is now posted at Black Horse, where he will contend every advantageous post. The Militia are Collected & collecting, resolv’d to do great Things … P.S. The Inhabitants are villianously plundered & some Houses burnt” (DLC:GW).
The enclosed letter from Howell to Maxwell, written on 20 June at Haddonfield, N.J., reads: “As I knew the Country & was Inform’d by Colo: Ellis That an Attempt to gain true Intelligence would be grateful I went on that Buisiness altho’ you were gone out & I could not wait on You for Directions. I went sir, round their flank and found that a very Large body had been at Foster Town and were marched towards Holly. No Intelligence could be obtain’d until I approach’d their rear. Gen: Clinton Commands this Column in person & It consists of 5000 men as it is suppos’d. At Foster town, I Heard that there was another column at Evesham, On which, I resolv’d to Learn the rout of that also by going in the rear; This I perform’d & found their March to be through Moor’s-Town where they are now. This Devision is commanded by Gen: Kniphauzen. The Detachment in front is commanded by Gen: Lesly consisting of about 2000, Their Flanks are very extensive & Their soldiers plunder daringly & Indiscriminately. some rashally refugees or Common Tories fire upon the Travellers or Videts a great way from their main Body. They have pulled up the Bridges in their rear to secure their rear Guard; but they straggle about unarm’d. 30 Deserters have been here, Who report that another party had taken their Colo: & were hid in the wood—This was told us as we past, by the Inhabitants, but we derided the very Idea. Each party has Waggons & pontoons, but the last devision has Infinitely the most. I believe they will continue at Mt Holly till the rear comes up. It now is left without Dispute that they mean to push through Jersey. Captn Cummings Party will be here as Mitchels is now here. But I have resolv’d to Continue and Collect th so that I may attempt something on their rear. When I see yo will find my Stay necessary. They are fatigued, but have behav’d exceeding well. to be encourag’d now is requisite. Captn Cummings nor Mitchel is here at present but tomorrow I will make a party march to gain their rear as we are now too distant from fatigue & want of provisions but as soon as I reach them I’ll attact their parties in flank & rear. Every body cries aloud the Numbers of the Enemy, & their Camps are very extensive—Please to Let me Know if you Choose I should return, but at present I ought to be here … they have burnt some fiew houses & Plundered all—Please to order my Bay immediately round with my Cloaths” (DLC:GW).
Arnold forwarded Howell’s letter to Maxwell under the following note dated 21 June: “The Inclosed Letter was this Minute Delivered me, The Enemies Fleet were all below Ready Island except two Ships Opposite to it at Seven oClock Yesterday morning.
“Seventy Odd Deserters had Arived last Night at this place, and many more have taken Different Routes.
“I hope you will have it in your power to Ruin the Enemy and reap a harvest of Laurels” (DLC:GW).
Source Project
Washington Papers
Title
To George Washington from Major General Benedict Arnold, 21 June 1778
Author
Arnold, Benedict
Recipient
Washington, George
Date
21 June 1778
Cite as
“To George Washington from Major General Benedict Arnold, 21 June 1778,” Founders Online, National Archives (http://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-15-02-0506 [last update: 2014-12-01]). Source: The Papers of George Washington, Revolutionary War Series, vol. 15, May–June 1778, ed. Edward G. Lengel. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2006, pp. 485–486.
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