So, Was There a New York Flotilla?

The gravestone of Richard Hill in Eastern Cemetery in Portland, Maine says he served during the War of 1812 on Gunboat 47 of the New York Flotilla.  In the last post I said that I have had no luck finding mention of Gunboat 47 anywhere.

A flotilla refers to a fleet or group of boats.

I also went looking for mention of a New York Flotilla.  I found plenty about a Chesapeake Flotilla.  I have written about it before.  But, at first I was having no luck with a New York Flotilla.

But, eventually I found a source that listed several American flotillas:  Baltimore, Chesapeake, Delaware, Gosport (Virginia), New York and Potomac.

I even came across the name of Jacob Lewis who is listed as the commander of the New York Flotilla.

So, there was evidently such a thing as a New York Flotilla.

But, I'd sure like to find information on Gunboat 47.

--Brock-Perry

Commodore Joshua Barney's Personal Items Donated to Maryland Historical Society-- Part 2

Joshua Barney was born in Baltimore 6 July 1759 and died 1 December 1818.  He was a hero in both the American Revolution and the War of 1812, going to sea at age 13.  During the Revolution, he was captured three times, held in a notorious prison ship and escaped twice.

In the 1790s, he was hired by the French to run their West Indies Squadron.

He achieved his biggest fame during the War of 1812, first commanding the legendary Baltimore privateer Rossie.

In 1813, he presented a plan to Secretary of Navy William Jones for defense of the Chesapeake Bay by proposing a flotilla of small, inexpensive barges perfect for the shallow bay waters and hence referred to as the "Mosquito Fleet."

This fleet proved a great disruption to British plans in the area and Barney became commander of this United States Chesapeake Flotilla.

--Brock-Perry