Bid my dear and loving wife adieu

The War of 1812 separated loved ones, causing anxiety for those who did not know if their loved ones would return. One couple that found the war disruptive to their relationship was British Lieutenant Maurice Nowlan and his wife Agathe. Maurice and Agathe were newlyweds who were separated by the war after only six months of marriage.

Maurice wrote that he most enjoyed being alone reading Agathe letters than amongst the jovial society functions. Although Maurice longed for his wife, he firmly believed that a military camp was no place for a woman. Agathe was desperate for letters from Maurice and complained that she did not hear from him as much as she liked.

British soldiers at Fort Niagara

The couple’s situation became worse when Maurice’s regiment, the 100th Foot, was transferred to the Niagara in autumn of 1813. As their distance grew, Maurice wrote “Nothing on Earth could give me more pleasure than to have the infinite happiness of pressing you to my Heart.” During their separation, Maurice attempted to reassure his wife by writing “Try to be a little more patient,” while asking, “what can I do my dear so far away?”

On December 10, 1813, Lieutenant Nowlan was about to take part in the night attack on Fort Niagara. Although his was confident that he would survive, Maurice found it difficult “to bid my dear and loving wife adieu and perhaps the last time.” He went on to write,

My dearest jewel don’t torture yourself with grief if you should chance to get this before I have time to write you again. Hope for the best, my only Heart. You know you are my only care, it’s but for you I live, may the Almighty bless you, my only wife.

Sadly, Maurice was killed in action during the attack. There is no record of how Agathe coped with her husband’s death but she could take small comfort in knowing that she was loved by a devoted and brave officer.

This weekend head out to Old Fort Niagara for their annual 1812 encampment. You can find out more about Fort Niagara’s role during the war with activities happening during the day, and at night with the British storming the fort. Click here for more information.

Robust, active, and good looking – 100th Regiment of Foot

The 100th Regiment of Foot formed during the Napoleonic Wars in 1804. Most of the men in the regiment were raised in Ireland from a Protestant background. The regiment’s commander, John Murray, joined the regiment shortly after it was formed, remaining with the regiment for most of its service.

By 1805 the 100th was sent to Nova Scotia were they remained until being sent to Quebec in 1807. Colonel Isaac Brock wrote a letter to the adjutant-general of the Crown Forces in 1807 reporting on the state of the 100th Regiment in Canada. The colonel had high praise for the men, writing that they were very well behaved and wrote that, “The men were principally raised in the north of Ireland, and are nearly all Protestants; they are robust, active, and good looking.” Brock also had high praise for Colonel Murray and Brock wrote about Murray to his brother in 1811 noting, “Colonel Murray, 100th, went home last year, married, and brought out a charming little creature, full of good sense and spirit.” Clearly, Brock approved of the colonel’s wife as well.

Private and officer, 100th Regiment of Foot

During the War of 1812, the regiment served in various areas and in December 1813, the whole regiment participated in the Capture of Fort Niagara. The regiment’s participation guaranteed prize money for officers and men since a large quantity of military and civilian goods were captured. Later in December, the 100th participated in the raids on Buffalo and Black Rock.

In 1814, the 100th fought at the Battle of Chippawa where they received a number of casualties since they were leading in the centre of the line of infantry. Later on in 1814, the men fought at the Siege of Fort Erie. For their service, the 100th regiment was awarded the battle honour Niagara.

After the war, many soldiers in the 100th accepted land grants in Canada, many near modern-day Ottawa. A later 100th regiment was raised in Canada in 1858 and was eventually declared the successor to the original 100th regiment. The new 100th regiment was amalgamated into another regiment in 1881 and finally disbanded in 1922.

If you want to find about more about the 100th Regiment of Foot, check out the re-enactor website by clicking here.