Letter from Isaac L. Baker to Isaac Robertson Gwathmey, 6 December 1812

Camp Miami No 3 N W. Army December 6th, 1872

Isaac, I have long esteemed you as one of my best friends and would feel myself honoured as well as gratified in still being your intimate. I have often beguiled the weary hour in telling you the cares of a fantastic boy whose ideas of life were too glowing for this sublunary sphere and often have you given an attentive ear to my interests - yes Isaac I know you will still be pleased to hear from me tho I have quit the crowded city for the tented field and the theme of my epistle is changed from love to war.

When I was last with you I told you of my fearful hopes concerning an object that was once dear to me. By my subsequent letters you learned those fears were almost entirely resolved and that a prospect of the communication of my wishes was at hand, but this in the event I found a dream. Yes Isaac I would not wish to disgrace any one you think highly of in your eyes that do not believe me, so base as to speak from pique alone when I say that I almost believe her conduct was only to get my to make a second proposition that might revenge herself of my conduct to a certain scoundrel I brought to his senses, conduct of which I need not be ashamed in sight of man nor heaven. Scorn was all the return my proffers met with. The old one as usual acted the hypocrite. This aroused all the man within me. I have forgotten

all but any injuries. The evening before I left Lexington I though she made an attempt a conciliation but I thought with the Port.

"When one deceived I hurt not kings again." She has gone to seek for riches and honour instead of happiness. I will take my course through life guided by honesty and feeling. Undiverted from my course by any magnetic influence I will see which of us will be most prosperous.

For the two last months an humble Ensign in the Army I have I believe done my duty to the satisfaction of my superiors. I believe I may add with some applause. I have since I joined the Army been on three scouts one towards Fort McArthur one towards fort Wayne and one to the head of the Rapids which have given me an opportunity of seeing the most of the surrounding country. About half of it is very fine and will one day afford great settlements.

I yesterday evening returned from Ft. Wayne after an absence of 15 days. I was ordered to that place with others to ascertain what volunteer and what Regular clothing was on hand and the state of the other supplies coming our

For the Army.

The following is a list of the Kentucky Donations that have come on for this wing of the Army

Pantaloons - 527 Shoes - 377 Blankets - 246 Roundabouts - 164 Hunting Shirts - 80 Waist coats - 194 Socks - pairs - 1835 Mittens - [do?] - 637 Shirts - 49 Caps - 7 Comforts - 12 Worsted Stockings - 12 pair

and a few other articles besides about as much more to individuals and 18 waggon loads more that by last advices were on the way between. Cincinatti and St. Mary's - no clothing designated particularly for the Regulars have yet come on. Some Indian goods we have got hold of however I hope will prevent any more of them from dying so soon as we can get it made up. Government has been palpably negligent of the US Troops in this quarter.

We have no news here. We are all anxious to get on to Canada but supplies come on so slow that some begin to despair. The river is so high now that I hope provisions enough will be got on before it freezes. I believe it is Genl Harrison's determination to move on if possible. If the boats get down it will be possible.

We have had no fighting on scouts since Logan the Indian was killed, of which you have no doubt heard. I am well pleased with the [annoyance?] calculate as remaining here to we take [Malden?] long or short.

After you give my best respects to your brother John and family tell Miss Louisa the adjutant is well and makes a fine officer. He always gets into the raptures when he talks of the termination of the campaign and his returning to Kentucky. I hope you will frequently write to me and give me all the news. G. [?] and Capt [Edward?] are well. No more room good bye and believe me sincerely your friend Isaac L. Baker

Isaac R. Gwathmey Esqr Student at Law Louisville Jefferson County Kentucky

[Scout?] Donaldson

Isaac L. Baker Dec. 6, 1812