2012 marks the 200th anniversary of America's "Forgotten War," the War of 1812 that took place over three years, 1812 to 1815.
** LT. OLIVER BRAY
Lieut. Mass Militia 1776 1823
** DR. JOHN P. BRIGGS
Died July 28, 1858
** CAPT. WILLIAM BURROWS
Commanded the USS Enterprise in the battle against the HMS Boxer. I have already written about him.
** CAPT. DUDLEY CAMMETT
Died 14 June 1863 age 74
** CAPT. WILLIAM CAMMETT
Died 6 April 1880 at age 94 years 7 months
** GEORGE CHADWICK
Mass Militia 1794 1853
** ENSIGN JOHN W. CHASE
Ensign Mass Militia 1790 1819
CAPT. SAMUEL CLARKE
--Brock-Perry
Near the Cape of Good Hope, the Hyder Ally was chased all day by a British East India Company sloop of war, but escaped under cover of darkness. After rounding the cape, she captured an East Indian merchant ship with a valuable cargo.
Thorndike sent it off with a prize crew to Portland. This prize never made it home as it was captured off Cape Elizabeth by the British privateer Tom.
That this prize was captured there is no big surprise because the coast of Maine was virtually under siege by the British for most of 1813 and 1814. Maine had begun fortifying its coast as a result.
In Portland, the militia had built a defensive earthwork they named Fort Burrows, after the captain of the USS Enterprise in the famed battle. Other batteries were around as well. Also, out toward the harbors entrance, there were Fort Preble at Spring Point and Fort Scammel on House Island. Both of these were built in 1809.
--Brock-Perry
On 5 September 1812, the HMS Boxer met the brig USS Enterprise under Lieutenant William Burrows. Blyth nailed his colors colors to the mast and died in the first broadside. That same broadside dismasted the Boxer, but the ship, under new command, continued to fight for half an hour before surrendering.
The Enterprise carried two more guns and could fire a heavier broadside and had almost twice the number of men. Regardless of the advantages the Enterprise had, the key factor in the American victory was the dismasting of the Boxer. The British ship could not maneuver and the Enterprise was able to rake her at will.
Furthermore, a British court martial found that several sailors had deserted their stations during the battle.
Blyth was buried with military honors in Portland, Maine, (the battle was fought off this port) and was next to the American commander who was also killed in the battle.
The surviving officers placed a tombstone over Blyth's grave. At the time of his death, Blyth was 29 years old and his counterpart, William Burrows was 28.
--Brock-Perry
From the U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command "Navy Officers: 1798-1900.
WILLIAM BURROWS
Midshipman: 10 November 1799
Lieutenant: 19 March 1807
Killed in Action: 5 September 1813 Action between USS Enterprise and HMS Boxer.
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KIRVEN WATERS
Midshipman:
Lieutenant:
Died of Wounds received in Action 26 September 1815. He received the wounds the same day that his commander, William Burrows died, 5 September 1813, so lived with his mortal wounds for two years.
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Edward R. McCall's rise through the ranks was given on December 22, 2021.
--Brock-Perry
I came across a book by David Hanna titled "Knights of the Sea: The True Story of the Boxer and the Enterprise and the War of 1812."
It is available at Amazon for $11.50 with $2.99 shipping.
Here's what it says about the book:
On a September day in 1813, the Age of Fighting Sail was coming to an end, two maritime warriors faced each other in the waters off Pemaquid Point, Maine....
"Samuel Blyth was the youthful commander of His Majesty's brig Boxer, and William Burrows, younger still, commanded the USS Enterprise. Both men valued honor over life and death, and on this day their commitment would be put to the ultimate test."
I may have to break down and buy a copy of this book, especially since I have been writing so much about it of late.
--Brock-Perry
Three War of 1812 naval officers are buried at Portland, Maine's Eastern Cemetery. Two are American officers, one a British officer. The Americans are William Burrows and Kervin Waters. Samuel Blyth is the British officer, Burrows commanded the brig USS Enterprise when it engaged the brig HMS Boxer on September 5, 1813, off Portland, Maine. The American ship was victorious, but,, both commanders died as a result of the fight. All sources I have read say that Waters was mortally wounded, but didn't die until two years later.
According to the list of U.S. Navy and USMC officers 1798 to 1900:
WILLIAM BURROWS
Midshipman: 10 November 1799
Lieutenant: 19 March 1807
Killed in action: 5 September 1813
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There is a Kirven Waters listed as well:
Midshipman: 1 September 1811
Lieutenant: 30 June 1814
Died of wounds received in action 26 September 1815. I'm taking it that those wounds were received in 1813 at the battle of the Boxer and Enterprise.
Most likely a spelling error on his first name. Was he promoted to lieutenant while still mortally wounded?
So, Who Is Kervin Waters? --Brock-Perry
The Eastern Cemetery in Portland, Maine, is unique for the fact that it has the graves of two officers who fought their ships against each other during wartime and both died in that battle. It also has a third grave for an American officer, Lt. Kervin Waters, who was mortally wounded at that battle, but didn't die until two years later. He was placed next to the other two.
His inscription reads:
LIEUTENANT KERVIN WATERS
Beneath this stone by the side of his gallant commander rests the remains of Lieutenant Kervin Waters.
A native of Georgetown, District of Columbia, who received a mortal wound, September 5, 1813, while a midshipman aboard the U.S. Enterprise
In action with his B.M. Brig Boxer which terminated in the capture of the latter.
He languished in severe pain which he endured with fortitude until
September 25, 1815 when he died with Christian calmness of resignation
Aged 18
The young men of Portland erect this stone as a testimony to their respect for his valor and virtues.
--Brock-Perry
From Spirits Alive, Eastern Cemetery, Portland, Maine.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM BURROWS
Beneath this stone moulders the body of Captain William Burrows.
Late commander of the United States Brig Enterprise
Who was mortally wounded on the 5th of September 1813
In an action that contributed to increase the fame of American valor by capturing
His Britannic Majesty's Brig Boxer after a contest of 45 minutes.
AEt.28
A passing stranger has created this memorial of respect to the memory of a Patriot
who in his hour of peril obeyed the loud summons of an injured country,
and who gallantly met, fought, and conquered the foeman.
--Brock-Perry
When the two brigs opened fire, Samuel Blyth exclaimed, "Great God, what shots!" an instant before he was killed in the first shots of the battle. Moments later, while helping his crew run out a carronade, a musket ball tore through Burrows' thigh, a fatal wound, but he stayed on deck.
The fierce contest ended in 30 minutes. Command of the Enterprise devolved to Lieutenant Edward McCall. (I have been writing about him this last week in my Cooter's History Thing blog about the USS McCall (DD-28) named after him. I will also be writing about the second USS McCall (DD-400) in my Tattooed on Your Soul: World War II blog this week.)
While, on board the HMS Boxer, Lieutenant David McGrery had assumed command of that badly cripple ship. Towards that end, he described his new command as a complete wreck, with three feet of water in the hold. The flags on the mainmast had been shot away, but the colors that had been nailed to the foremast were still there.
McGery surrendered the Boxer and was towed to Portland by the Enterprise.
Newspapers in the United States rejoiced in "another brilliant naval victory."
After two days of planning in Portland, an impressive state funeral was held for the two commanders, who were buried side-by-side in Portland's Eastern Cemetery. They remain there to this day.
--Brock-Perry
From the Naval History and Heritage Command. "USS Enterprise vs. HMS Boxer."
This is a battle most people do not know, including myself before recently. It was quite a battle, involving essentially two equal ships and very good and brave commanders.
On September 5, 1813, the USS Enterprise spotted the HMS Boxer off Pemaquid Point, Maine. After six hours of maneuvering, the ship battle commenced. British commander Samuel Blyth prepared for a fight to the finish. He ordered a Union Jack nailed to the foremast and two on the main mast.
On the Enterprise, Lt. William Burrows moved one of his two long 9-pounder cannons from the bow to the stern port.
When the fighting began, the two ships were eight miles southeast of Seguin.
--Brock-Perry
SEPTEMBER 5
Sunset tours of Portland Observatory, Thursday Sept. 5 from 5 to 8 pm From here, Captain Lemuel saw the Enterprise towing the Boxer into port after the battle. Moody
SEPTEMBER 5
Boxer & Enterprise Lecture with Herb Adams Thursday Sept. 5 7 to 9 pm.
SEPTEMBER 6
First Friday, Thundered Over the Tide Exhibit opening Friday, Sept. 6, 5 to 8 pm. Maine Historical Society hosts exhibit with objects and documents related to the naval battle and the joint funeral procession which followed. The exhibit, taking its name from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem "My Lost Youth."
SEPTEMBER 7
Eastern Cemetery Tours Saturday, Sept. 7, 10:30 am. The burial ground, dating back to 1668, is steeped in Portland's history and is the final resting places of both Capt. Burrows and Capt. Blyth. Learn about the history of the cemetery, types of stones, mortuary art and the lives of those interred here.
--Brock-Perry
Continued from the Maine Historical Society.
To commemorate the bicentennial of this historic battle, the Maine Historical Society on conjunction with Portland Landmarks, Spirit Alive and the City of Portland will host a series of events starting Tuesday , September 3, 2013, through Saturday, September 7.
In addition to the exhibit, "Thundered Over Tide: 200th Anniversary of the Battle of the Boxer & the Enterprise," will be exhibited at MHS from August 31st through October 25, 2013.
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PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
SEPTEMBER 3
The Navy in the War of 1812: A Dual Book Talk: on September 3 from noon to 1 pm. Authors George Daughan "1812: The Navy's War" and George Emery "In Their Own Words: The Navy Fights the War of 1812" will discuss their books in context with the Battle Between the Boxer and Enterprise.
SEPTEMBER 4
The War of 1812 Historian's Round Table Wednesday, September 4 from 6 to 8 pm.
SEPTEMBER 5
Graveside Memorial Service Honoring Capt. Burrows, Capt. Blyth and Lt. Kervin Waters on Thursday, September 5 at Eastern Cemetery, Portland.
And, More to Come. --Brock-Perry
From the Maine Historical Society "200th anniversary of the Battle of the Boxer & the Enterprise"
On September 5, 1813, the HMS Boxer and USS Enterprise engaged in a naval battle off the coast of Monhegan, Maine, during the War of 1812. This battle between two fairly evenly matched ships embodied a level of honor and respect not seen in modern warfare.
Both Captain William Burrows of the USS Enterprise and Capt. Samuel Blyth of the HMS Boxer were struck down early in the fighting and neither survived this legendary battle. After a grueling exchange, the Boxer was forced to surrender and the Enterprise towed her prize into Portland, Maine, as witnessed by Captain Lemuel Moody from the Portland Observatory on Munjoy Hill.
The City of Portland paid its respects not only for the fallen Capt. Burrows, but also to the much respected Capt. Blyth, with a joint procession through the city, ending with a side-by-side burial at Portland's Eastern Cemetery.
--Brock-Perry
The two ships finally met off Monhegan, where spectators from the local area had flocked to the shoreline to watch. Within very close range, the two ships opened fire. Captain Blyth of the HMS Boxer was killed when an 18-pounder shot cut him in half.
Just minutes later, Burrows was hit by a canister that tore through his leg and lodged in his groin. He refused to be carried below until the battle was over and the Boxer had surrendered.
For half an hour, the two ships pounded each other until their masts were broken and hanging overboard and their rigging was shot away.
As the Enterprise was maneuvering for a killing rake, the surviving lieutenant on the Boxer, unable to strike the colors because they were nailed to the mast, hailed the Enterprise and said he was striking the colors.
Only the HMS Boxer's quarterdeck guns were still manned (under the direction of the purser). When offered Blyth's sword, Burrows declined it and requested that it be sent to the dead man's family. He died a short time later and command of the Enterprise was handed over to Lt. Edward McCall who took the two battered ships and their complement of dead and wounded into nearby Portland, Maine.
Quite the Battle. --Brock-Perry
From the Mariners' Museum and Park site.
A Commemorative Medal Replica.
The obverse features a right-facing head and shoulders bust of the lieutenant.
On the morning of September 5, 1813, as the USS Enterprise approached Pemaquid Point on the coast of Maine, Lt. William Burroughs spotted the Royal Navy's brig HMS Boxer in the bay. Upon spotting the Enterprise, the Boxer fired her guns to summon her shore parties back on board.
Quickly weighing anchor, the Boxer headed for the Enterprise. The two brigs were fairly evenly matched, with the Enterprise slightly stronger having fourteen 18-pounder carronades to the Boxer's ten. As the two ships maneuvered towards each other, the Boxer's Captain, Samuel Blyth, had the ship's colors nailed to the mast and said that they would "never be struck" while he was still alive.
Lt. Burroughs on the Enterprise meanwhile was busy moving his two long 9-pound3ers from the bow to the stern, saying "we are going to fight both ends and both sides of the ship as long as the ends and sides hold together."
Brock-Perry
United States Navy. He was appointed midshipman Jan. 1, 1808, and ordered to the USS Hornet. On 20 March 1811, he was ordered to the USS Enterprise and 16 October, 1811, commissioned lieutenant.
He was highly distinguished in the capture of the HMS Boxer after his commander (Burrows) had fallen.
In March 1814, he was ordered to Baltimore as one of the lieutenants on the frigate Java.
In 1829, he commanded the Peacock.
--Brock-Perry
Promoted to captain 3 March 1835, he died at his home in Bordentown, New Jersey, 1 August 1853.
Two ships have been named USS McCall after him.
EDWARD McCALL's CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL CITATION
"That the President of the United States be requested to present to the nearest male relative of lieutenant William Burrows, and to lieutenant Edward R. McCall of the brig Enterprise, a gold medal with suitable emblems and devices; and a silver medal with like emblems and devices to each of the commissioned officers of the aforesaid in testimony of the high sense entertained in the conflict with the British sloop Boxer, on the fourth of September, in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirteen.
"And the President is also requested to communicate to the nearest male relative of lieutenant Burrows the deep regret which Congress feel for the loss of that valuable officer, who died in the arms of victory, nobly contending for his country's rights and fame."
--Brock-Perry
From Wikipedia.
I am writing about the USS McCall (DD-400) in my Tattooed on Your Soul: WW II blog. This was the second U.S. Navy destroyer named after Edward McCall who served and gained honors during the War of 1812.
EDWARD R. McCALL
Captain Edward R. McCall (5 August 1790 - 1 August 1853) was an officer in the U.S. Navy during the War of 1812. He was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal.
Born in South Carolina, he was appointed midshipman 1 January 1808. Appointed acting lieutenant on the brig USS Enterprise 16 October 1811, he took command of that ship during action with the HMS Boxer 5 September 1813.
Early in that action the Enterprise's captain, Lieutenant William Ward Burrows II was mortally wounded.
In acknowledgement of the victory over the Boxer, McCall received the Thanks of Congress and a Congressional Gold Medal.
--Brock-Perry
