Boerstler, Charles G.

Boerstler was a Lt. Col. in 1813. (For further information on the battle see G. Tucker's Poltroons and oatriots (1954).) Winder was a lawyer, soldier, and politician. Born Feb. 18, 1775, he served in the state legislature of Penn. (1798). A year later Winder married his cousin, Gertrude Polk, with whom he had a son. After studying law in Baltimore, he became the state's leading attorney by 1812. In March 1812 Winder was commissioned as Lt. Col. of the 14th U.S. Infantry to recruit in Baltimore. In July 1812 he was promoted to full Col. and served on the Niagara frontier. His successes included capturing Ft. Erie (Nov. 1812) and Ft. George (May 1813). He was promoted to Brig. Gen. in March 1813. Captured in June 1813, Winder was released in April 1814 and promoted to Adj. Gen. and Inspector Gen. of the Army. In July 1814 his troops failed to protect Washington from the British. A Court of Inquiry later exonerated him. Winder was honorably discharged in June 1815. He then served two terms in the Md. senate and died on May 21, 1824. (Information from the Dictionary of American biography.).