HMS St. Lawrence-- Part 3: The Power on Lake Ontario

The St. Lawrence cost the British government 500,000 pounds.  It immediately became Commodore Sir Francis Lucas Yeo's flagship.This ship gave the British Navy unmatched domination of Lake Ontario.  The day of the launch, the American fleet under Isaac Chauncey showed up off Kingston and offered battle, hoping to engage the St. Lawrence before the crew was properly trained.

But, the British declined.

The St. Lawrence put to sea October 19 and was struck by lightning with a mast damaged and several deaths.  Later, there was an American attempt to destroy the St. Lawrence with a "torpedo" in Kingston Harbor.

Nothing came of it.

--Brock-Perry