Lear, Tobias

Archive of 18 documents relating to his role as American negotiator in a prisoner exchange during the War of 1812, Washington, D.C. and Plattsburgh, New York, 27 June–19 August 1814



7 manuscript documents, 4 autograph letters signed by Lear, 3 letters signed by others, 4 extracts of letters in the hand of an amanuensis, various sizes of folio, 4to and 8vo, 57 pages written; formerly folded, generally very clean. In a tan half-morocco drop-box.

The last public business of Tobias Lear.

The northern theater in the War of 1812 was characterized by a series of botched and bloody encounters along the Canadian border and in the Lake Champlain valley. During the battle of Stoney Creek in 1813, Brigadier General William H. Winder was taken prisoner along with several hundred of his soldiers. Sir George Prevost, Governor General of Canada, paroled Winder and sent him to Washington with a plan for a prisoner exchange. Winder returned with a partial agreement but a stumbling block was a group of twenty-three Irishmen who were captured while fighting for the Americans, and whom the British would not release. Winder was removed from the negotiations and Tobias Lear sent in his stead. On 15-17 July, Lear met with the Governor General's emissaries after President Monroe had been assured that the Irish prisoners would be released, and not tried for treason (as was originally threatened). The mission was speedily concluded as many of the points of contention were already resolved.

The present collection includes President Monroe's letter appointing Lear to this mission, Lear's retained copies of his own letters, letters received by him, memoranda and other documents essential to his task.

A complete inventory will be supplied on application to the department.