1813 Volunteer Statement

Henry J. Walrath, of Schoharie County, swore to volunteer as a soldier on May 24, 1813.  This was signed at Sackets “Harbour.”  Walrath served in Captain Giles Kellogg’s company of artillery, which mustered out of Schoharie County.  Kellogg’s company was involved in the Battles of Ogdensburg, Sackets Harbor, and Crysler’s Farm in 1813 as well as Plattsburgh in 1814. For more information on Kellogg’s company of artillery, see Kellogg’s Artillery Inventory Loss at the Battle of Ogdensburg: War of 1812 Document Exhibit.  According to the payroll cards for the War of 1812 in the New York State Archives, Walrath began his service on April 27, 1813.  Although he joined after the Battle of Ogdensburg, his payroll card states that he was in service at both Ogdensburgh and Sackets Harbor.

Walrath’s rank was that of matross, meaning he was part of the artillery.  However, his job would have been to assist the gunners with loading and firing the guns in addition to guarding the guns and supplies with firelocks.  The Battle of Sackets Harbor took place on May 29, 1813, just 16 days after this statement was signed.  His payroll card states that he was paid from April 27, 1813 to May 31, 1813, meaning he likely survived the battle.  During the period that he was paid, he received $43.51.  At the time, this would have been about $8.50 per week.  Today, this amounts to about $810 total or about $158 per week.