Daniel Appling
| Daniel Appling | |
|---|---|
| Born |
August 29, 1787 Columbia County, Georgia |
| Died | March 5, 1817 (aged 29) |
| Allegiance |
 United States
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Army
|
| Years of service | 1805–1816 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | Regiment of Riflemen |
| Battles | |
| Relations | Rebecca C. Appling, Sister |
Daniel Appling (August 29, 1787 – March 5, 1817) was an officer in the United States Army during the first two decades of the nineteenth century. He was born and educated in Columbia County, Georgia. After joining the Army at age eighteen, he was commissioned into the Regiment of Riflemen, in which he served for his entire career. He led troops in Florida during the Patriot war and along the Niagara frontier during the War of 1812. Appling resigned his commission in 1816 and moved to Alabama. Appling died in 1817 (or possibly 1818). He died while the State of Georgia was procuring a sword to be presented to him in recognition of his service during the War of 1812. A county in Georgia is named after him and a U.S. Naval vessel after the county.
Appling was born in Columbia County, Georgia to John and Rebecca (Carter) Appling. He was educated in private schools judged to be among the best in Georgia, studying under David Bushnell, among others; his education included Greek and Latin.
In 1805, Appling enlisted in the United States Army. On May 3, 1808, Appling was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Regiment of Riflemen. Appling served as a recruiting officer for some time and was later stationed at Fort Hawkins, near Macon, Georgia under the command of Captain (later Brigadier General) Thomas A. Smith. He marched with his regiment to Point Peter on St. Mary’s River in Georgia. He commanded troops on Amelia Island in Florida during the Patriot War. On July 1, 1809, Appling was promoted to first lieutenant, and on April 1, 1812 he was promoted to captain.
During the War of 1812, Appling was ordered to Sackets Harbor in New York. Navy Captain Melancthon Taylor Woolsey was assigned to transport cables and cannons needed to outfit a frigate, USS Superior, and other vessels from Oswego, New York to Sackets Harbor. The equipment was loaded onto nineteen boats on the evening of May 28, 1814. Appling, who had been promoted to major the previous April 15 and 120 of his riflemen were assigned to support Woolsey. One of the boats was separated from the others and was captured by the British. Captain Sir James Yeo decided to pursue the remaining Americans, who had withdrawn up Big Sandy Creek to fortify their position. On the morning of 30 May, a large British force engaged the Americans. Appling, his riflemen and 120 Oneida Warriors had established an Ambuscade and surprised the British. The Battle of Big Sandy Creek lasted less than ten minutes and resulted in an overwhelming American victory. The Americans captured 143 prisoners (133 men and 10 officers), wounded 20 (18 men and 2 officers); and killed 14 (13 men and one officer). They also captured three gun-boats, one with a 24-pounder and a 63-pounder; two cutters; and one gig. Effective May 30, 1814, Appling was brevetted as a lieutenant colonel for gallant conduct in capturing a superior force of the enemy at the Battle of Big Sandy Creek.
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