Why the Tuscaroras Risked Their Lives for the Americans-- Part 2: The Sadness at Fort Neoheroka, N.C.

2.  The Tuscaroras had never forgotten what the British had done to them in 1713.    In the early 18th century, the Tuscaroras lived in North Carolina, before being driven from their homeland by the British in the Tuscarora War at Fort Neoheroka, North Carolina, in March 20-23,1713.

The British and their Indian allies burned the fort and hundreds of Tuscarora men, women and children perished inside it.  Almost 200 more were killed  outside of the fort and approximately 400 Tuscaroras were taken captive and sold into slavery.

The defeat of the Tuscaroras, once the most powerful Indian nation in the Carolinas, allowed the British to open up the frontiers of the Carolinas to white settlement.

Most of the surviving Tuscaroras moved way north and settled in the Lewiston, New York area, becoming the sixth nation of the Iroquois Confederacy.

--Brock-Perry

Why the Tuscaroras Helped Their Lewiston Neighbors-- Part 1: Peaceful Relations

From the Tuscarora Heroes Monument site.

The Tuscaroras could have looked the other way and done nothing when the British attacked, but they didn't.  They moved decisively to prevent a complete massacre.

No one would have expected them to take the stand that they did against the British and the overwhelming force of their blood brothers, the Mohawks.

But, there were two reasons for what the Tuscarora did.

1.  There was a long-standing bond of friendship with the white citizens of Lewiston.    As neighbors, the Lewistonians and Tuscaroras trusted each other and traded and did business together.  They lived peacefully together.

--Brock-Perry

The Tuscarora Heroes Story-- Part 2: The Tuscaroras to the Rescue

Tormented parents found themselves helpless in defending their children.  One 7-year-old was shot and scalped in front of his mother.

At the moment when all hope seemed to be lost and all thought they would become victims in the massacre, the local Tuscarora men  ran down to Lewiston from their village on top of the escarpment and offered the first resistance the enemy had seen.

The Tuscarora attack was so hard that the British and their allies believed there were a lot more of them than there were and the attack stopped in its tacks.

Though outnumbered 30 to 1, the Tuscarora had bought enough time for the surviving townspeople to escape.

Bravery.  --Brock-Perry

The Tuscarora Heroes Story-- Part 1: A Murderous Rampage

From Wikipedia.

In the early morning hours of December 19, 1813, the citizens of Lewiston, New York awoke to unimaginable horrors.   The small frontier village, situated on the Niagara River on the border of the United States and Canada, suddenly found itself on the front lines of war.

Hours earlier, under cover of night, British-Canadian troops had invaded the United States and captured American Fort Niagara without firing a shot.  Then they and their Indian allies  ran down River Road toward unsuspecting Lewiston, armed with torches, guns and tomahawks, intent on retribution and to turning Lewiston into a pile of ashes.

Poorly defended, the citizens of Lewiston were on their own.  They could only run for their lives through the snow and mud in hopes of escaping the impending atrocities.  Civilians were murdered in the rampage.

--Brock-Perry

Tuscarora Heroes Monument, Lewiston, New York

From Wikipedia.

Stands as testament of thanksgiving from the people of Lewiston to the Tuscarora Nation for saving the lives of dozens of local residents during the War of 1812 from British attack on December 19, 1813.  It consists of three 110% lifesize bronze statues that present a tableau of two Tuscarora men rescuing a local woman and her baby from the attack.

Thousands of spectators witnessed the unveiling ceremony of December 19, 2013, the bicentennial of the event.

The monument site has several symbolic aspects.    They are mounted on concrete in the shape of a turtle's back.    The Iroquois believe the earth was formed on a large turtle's back.  The turtle's head points toward an American flag representing the U.S.-Tuscarora alliance since the American Revolution.

Six northern white pines surrounding he monument represent the six nations of the Iroquois Confederacy.  The Iroquois flag also flies at the site.

--Brock-Perry

Lewiston (NY) Remembers War of 1812, Tuscarora Support

From the Dec. 21, 2019, Niagara Frontier Publications.

It was quite cold, but that didn't cancel Lewiston's annual War of 1812 remembrance ceremony held on Thursday, Dec. 19 at the Tuscarora Heroes Monument at the corner of Center Street and Portage Road.

It was emceed by the village historian Lee Simonson who told the story of Reuben Lewis "Lewiston's First Martyr"  who sent his wife and children to safety, but stayed behind to fight the attacking British who attacked and burned the village.

Tuscarora Nation elder and council member Neil Patterson Sr. offered his thoughts on the event.    They had been monitoring the British and tried to warn of the impending attack.  Though they were ignored, they stayed to defend the whites of the village.

--Brock-Perry

Andrew Jackson Statues in Missouri at Issue

The current Confederate Hatred groups ire has spread over to War of 1812 hero and former president Andrew Jackson who has two statues in Jackson County (Kansas City and Independence, Missouri) which are having plaques added to them with further context on the fact that he was a slave owner and the things he did to Indians.

To read more about it, go to my Civil War II:  The Confederacy Under Attack blog from today located in the My Blog List to the right of this.

At least they haven't defaced or torn down the statues.

--Brock-Perry

Naval Officers Dueling: An "Honorable" Way to Die, the End of Stephen Decatur

Captain Stephen Decatur himself died in a duel in 1820. 

As a military officer, Decatur believed he was obligated to accept  a challenge from anybody who was his social or professional equal or better.  He had survived a 1799 duel  and he was actually opposed to duels between midshipmen under his command.

However, Captain James Barron had taken offense in the role Decatur had taken at his court-martial after the 1807 Chesapeake-Leopard Affair, and he increasingly grew bitter afterwards.

He finally challenged Decatur and mortally wounded  him at Bladensburg, Maryland, the most famous duel in U.S. Navy history.

The blog entries on dueling were all taken from "Dueling Frigates" New London (CT.) Historical Society by Andrew W. German.

--Brock-Perry

Naval Officers Dueling: An "Honorable" Way to Die? The End of Hassard Stackpoole

From New London County Historical Society "Dueling Frigates."

The last ten posts were about ship-to-ship duels.  This one is about man-to-man duels and how two naval officers, one British and one American, lost their lives in duels.

Two of the officers mentioned in the earlier posts this month, not only lived by the dueling code of honor, but also died by it.

Captain Hassard Stackpoole of the Royal Navy's HMS Statira held a four year grudge against Lieutenant Thomas Cecil of the HMS Argo, who had said that Stackpoole "drew a long bow" (lied or exaggerated).  Three months after the frigate, sloop-of-war challenge at New London,  Stackpoole and Cecil met on a beach in Port Royal, Jamaica, in April 1814, and the crack shot Stackpoole was felled by Cecil.

--Brock-Perry

Dueling Frigates-- Part 10: Well, Now Dueling Sloops of War

Captain William Bowen Mends  of the HMS Loup Cervier suggested that he would make his crew equal to that of the USS Hornet and they could have their own little ship-to-ship duel if  Biddle would tell him the size of the Hornet's crew.

Biddle forwarded the proposal to Decatur, who replied that  'the Hornet shall meet the Loup Cervier, under a mutual and satisfactory pledge," but with their normal crews.

Since the Hornet's crew outnumbered the Loup Cervier's 167 to 103, another duel was averted, and Decatur soon moved his squadron back up the river to Gales Ferry.

So, Not Only Duels Between Men, But Also Ships.  Must Have Been a Naval Thing.  --Brock-Perry

Dueling Frigates-- Part 9: A Hornet-Loup Cervier Duel of Sloops?

The British had played a bit of psychological warfare in June 1813 when HMS Loup-Cervier   (French for the Canadian lynx) joined the squadron off New London.  When the war began, she had been the U.S. sloop of war Wasp and a part of Decatur's squadron at Hampton Roads in Virginia.

At the time, it was commanded by Jacob Jones, now commander of the former British frigate Macedonian.  In October 1812, the Wasp captured the HMS Frolic, but was then captured herself and placed into British service.

Perhaps, Captain Biddle of the Wasp's former sister ship Hornet (formerly Jones' lieutenant on the Wasp) was sent to the HMS Ramilles to arrange the challenge, he met Captain William Bowen Mends of the Loup Cervier.

Perhaps a ship duel was arranged between their two ships.

--Brock-Perry

Dueling Frigates-- Part 8: There Will Be No Frigate Duel

Then it was Sttephen Decatur's turn to balk:  "But sir, if the [HMS] Statira is to avail herself alone of this concession [ of adding crew], it must be obvious to you and everyone,that should I be yielding to you an advantage I could not excuse to my government; and in making the crew of the Macedonian in any degree equal to such a conflict I should be compelled to break up the crews of this ship and the Hornet, and thus render a compliance with my orders to proceed to sea utterly impracticable."

Like Hardy, he saved face for his subordinate:  "You will have the goodness, sir, to inform Capt. Stakpoole that his letter was shewn to Capt. Jones according to his request, that Capt. Jones is  is extremely desirous of  that a meeting should take place between the Statira and Macedonian, but it is controlled by me for the reasons I have stated."

Of interest, both Decatur and Stackpoole were later killed in duels.

--Brock-Perry

Dueling Frigates-- Part 7: Still Negotiating for That Duel

Presumably, had a frigate duel come to pass, with an American victory, at least that frigate would be free of the blockade and able to make its escape, since the rest of the British fleet would be held back from pursuing in the name of good sportsmanship. At least one of Decatur's ships would be free to roam.

*************************************

STILL NEGOTIATING FOR A SHIP-TO-SHIP DUEL

British officer Richard Coote, commander of the brig HMS Borer, was sent to Stephen by Thomas Hardy with Hardy's reply.    According to the Connecticut Gazette, the meeting went like this:

"Com. Decatur  offered to dismount (dismount cannons from his ships) until their force was precisely equal; but Captain Coote  replied, that they did not consider two or three guns of any consequence -- 'the difference  was in the men' --  'the crews were everything' -- because battles were commonly won by  boarders swarming aboard the enemy vessel."

--Brock-Perry

Three Montana Sailors on Battleship Row During Attack-- Part 3: Gary Holm on the USS California, Ed Bowers on the USS Ramapo

Lincoln's Gary Holm was on board the USS California when the planes attacked.  It sank after taking two bomb hits and one torpedo and had 100 killed and 62 wounded.  Holm survived by jumping 35 feet into the water and was rescued by a life boat.  He died in 2007.

The late Ed Bowers  of Helena, was on board the oil tanker Ramapo which was anchored near Ford Island.  He remembers the torpedoes hitting the Oklahoma, Arizona, California and West Virginia.

"A bomb went right down the Arizona's stack and into her magazine, and she blew up and the ship broke in half,"  Bowers, wrote.  "It put her down in a hurry."

Three Montana Sailors at Battleship Row on Dec. 7, 1941-- Part 2: Bill Ernst Was on the USS West Virginia

Gunner's Mate 1st class Bill Ernst was wounded by shrapnel on board the USS West Virginia and managed to jump overboard and swim through burning water to safety as the ship sank after being hit by seven torpedoes and two bombs.

Seventy men perished.

He had trained throughout 1941 as an anti-aircraft gunner.  Prior to his Navy enlistment at age 17 in 1940, he had been the Helena Daily Independent head paperboy.  there was a picture of him in the Dec. 8, 1941, on the front page with a caption reading:  "Bill Ernst, 18,  was a member of the crew of the battleship West Virginia which was reported sunk yesterday."

Ernst carried a scar on his forehead for the rest of his life.  He went through the rest of the war on the cruiser USS Salt Lake City and took part in the battles of Midway and Guadalcanal.

Three Local Sailors at Battleship Row on Dec. 7, 1941-- Part 1: Jerry Dullum Was On the USS Arizona

From the December 7, 2019, Helena (Montana) Independent Record  "Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day:  Three local sailors were stationed at Battleship Row" by Curt Synness.

Jerry Dullum, Bill Ernst,  and Gary Holm were there.

Another Helenian, Ed Bowers, was aboard a ship by Ford Island.

Jerry Dullum was aboard the USS Arizona and became the first local man killed in WW II.  He was an electrician's mate 3rd class.  After graduating from Helena High in 1939, he worked at a smelter in East Helena before enlisting in the Navy in 1940.

His family first learned of the attack while getting ready for church.  His death was not verified until two weeks later by a telegram message.

East Helena's Cory-Dullum Post 1000 VFW is co-named for him.

Dueling Frigates-- Part 6: Duel Turned Down

It was Decatur's thought that which ever American frigate fought the British one and won, she would be able to escape out to sea as the rest of the British fleet would be held back from chasing in the name of good sportsmanship.

Although the HMS Endymion was the largest and most heavily armed of the British frigates, Thomas Hardy decided not to put her in play as he was afraid it couldn't match the USS United States' fire power and he informed Decatur:  "I must consider it my duty (tho very contrary to the wishes of Captain Hope) to decline the invitation on his part."

But, speaking with naval etiquette, he continued:  "The Captains of His Britannic Majesty's ships under my orders, as well as myself, cannot too highly appreciate the gallant spirit that has led to the communication from you, sir,  and are equally convinced that no personal feelings toward each other can ever influence a laudible ambition to add to the Naval renown of our respective countries."

Of interest, the HMS Endymion engaged the even heavier armed USS President in 1815 and was victorious.

--Brock-Perry

Dueling Frigates-- Part 5: Setting Up a Frigate Duel

However, after the American single ship-to-ship victories in 1812 greatly embarrassed the Royal Navy, the British Admiralty ordered its captains not to engage the enemy ship-to-ship.  To comply with this order, Sir Thomas Hardy stated that he would not permit such action if the challenge were issued by a British commander.

On January 17, 1813, Decatur dispatched Captain James Biddle of the Hornet to issue an invitation to Hardy reading:  "If  Mr. Moran's statement be correct, it is evident that Captains Hope and Stackpoole have the laudable desire of engaging with their ships, the United States and the Macedonian.  --We, Sir, are ready and equally desirous  for such a meeting forthwith."

Hard turned the matter over to his captains, and Captain Hassard Stackpoole of the HMS Statira immediately replied:  "It will afford her Captain, officers and crew the greatest pleasure to meet Capt. Jones in the Macedonian to morrow, next day, or whenever such a meeting may better suit his purpose, let him only be pleased to appoint the day and place; say six or ten leagues [18 to 30 nautical miles] south on Montaug Point, or further if he pleases."

--Brock-Perry

Dueling Frigates-- Part 4: Get Out With a Duel?

The day of the battle between the Chesapeake and Shannon off Boston, Captain Stephen Decatur of the 56-gun frigate USS United States, 38-gun frigate USS Macedonian (previously the HMS Macedonian) and 20-gun USS Hornet, into the Thames River, by New London, Connecticut.

They then found themselves blockaded there by British ships for the next six months.

Decatur tried various schemes to break out.  One of the first attempts were the blue light signals which caused him to cancel one attempt.  Then, he hit upon another scheme.

Captain Decatur was at Brown's tavern in New London, Ct., in January 1813, when Captain Nicholas Moran, a coasting ship commander, came to him and said that he had just been the "guest" aboard the HMS Ramillies, and that Captain Henry Hope of the 46-gun HMS Endymion had said he thought Decatur was afraid of an engagement between their two ships.

Moran also claimed that Sir Thomas Hardy had "remarked, that he should be delighted to see a match between the [HMS] Statira and [USS] Macedonian since they were sister ships."

In Other Word, "Duel."  --Brock-PerryDuel

Dueling Frigates-- Part 3: It's the HMS Shannon vs. USS Chesapeake

Two broadsides were exchanged between the two ships.  When the two ships became entangles, Broke order his men to board the Chesapeake.  What ended was a huge loss for the Americans.  With more than a third of her crew killed or wounded and its commander, James Lawrence mortally wounded and taken below for treatment, the ship struck her colors just 15 minutes after the engagement had begun.

Captain Lawrence reportedly uttered these famous words as he was being taken below, "Don't Give Up the Ship."

The Chesapeake became the first American frigate lost during the war

--Brock-Perry.

Dueling Frigates-- Part 3: The Shannon Versus Chesapeake

Proud of their ships and eager to fight them, captains sometimes went to the extreme of issuing an outright challenge  for a ship-to-ship duel.

One of the most famous ones of these took place between the HMS Shannon and USS Chesapeake on June 1, 1813.

British Captain Philip Bowes Vere Broke had such a well-trained crew on the HMS Shannon that he was really looking for a fight with an American frigate.  His counter-part, Captain James Lawrence, formerly of the USS Hornet, was also looking for a fight on his USS Chesapeake.

Both ships were rated at 38-guns, but both had  about 50, mostly 18-pounders.  The Chesapeake had a crew of 379 and Shannon 330.

On June 1, 1813, Captain Broke sent a challenge to Captain Lawrence, but he didn't get it as he was already on his way out of Boston Harbor and looking for a fight.  Late that afternoon, about 18 miles off of Boston, the Chesapeake, flying a large white banner reading "Free Trade and Sailors' Rights," came across the Shannon.

--Brock-Perry

Dueling Frigates-- Part 2: Advantages of American Super Frigates and Frigates

The strength of a warship were measured in several ways

First was number of guns carried.  The American Super-Frigates which carried at least 44 and sometimes 50 cannons were more heavily armed than all but a few British frigates, which usually carried 38 guns.

Second was the weight of cannon balls fired.    U.S. frigates were commonly armed with cannons firing 24-pound shot, whereas British vessels commonly had 18-pounders.

Thirdly, was the size of the crew.  Naval battles often were settled by boarding an enemy ship and hand-to-hand fighting.  A large crew would help in this case and American crews were generally larger.

So, especially when it was an American Super-Frigate like the USS Constitution up against a smaller British frigate like the HMS Guerriere, the American ship had a decided advantage in a ship-to-ship fight.

--Brock-Perry

Dueling Frigates: Why Standard British Frigates Were No Match for U.S. "Super Frigates" Like the USS Constitution

From the New London County (Connecticut) Historical Society "Dueling Frigates."

Not only did Navy personnel on both sides during the War of 1812 engage in duels, but also there were times when a sea battle between two enemy frigates was actually more of a duel in itself.

******************************

BACKGROUND

With a fleet of just six frigates (including three 44 gun super frigates), five smaller sloops of war, two brigs and a motley collection of  small coastal (Jeffersonian Gunboats) defense vessels, the U.S. navy was in no way in a position to face off with the Royal Navy which had more than 600 active vessels, about 100 of which were 74+ gun ships of the line.

Fleet actions characterized much of the fighting between the French and English,, U.S. ships went out singly or in small  squadrons to raid British commerce and engage single British ships when the opportunity arose.

--Brock-Perry

War of 1812 Author David C. Skaggs Named As a 2019 Knox Award Winner by NHF

From the October Naval History magazine.

At the 93rd annual meeting of the Naval Historical Foundation (NHF) held June 8, 2019 at the Washington Navy Yard, officials announced this year's three recipients of the Commodore Dudley W. Knox Medal for naval history.

Along with Mr. Skaggs, the other two were Commander U.S. Navy (Ret) Tyrone G. Martin and Norman Polmar.

Mr. Skaggs is of special interest to readers of this blog  because some of his books are:

A Signal Victory:  The Lake Erie Campaign, 1812-1813 (1997)
Thomas Macdonough:  Master of Command in the Early U.S. Navy (2003)
Oliver Hazard Perry:  Honor, Courage, and Patriotism in the Early U.S. Navy (2006)

In 2013, he was Naval History's Author of the Year.

And, who says we don't get enough War of 1812 books?

Not So Forgotten.  --Brock-Perry

HMS Acasta

From wiki hmssurprise.org. site.

HMS Acasta was a 40-gun fifth rate frigate laid down September 1795 and launched March 13, 1797 and sailed June 24, 1797.  154 feet at lower deck, 40-9 feet beam, crew 320 officers and men.  Thirty 18-pound cannons on main deck.  One of the largest of "Eighteen-Pounder Frigates."

Served in wars vs. France and Napoleonic Wars.

Under the command of Captain Alexander R. Kerr from 1812 to 1815.

1812:

Captured American brig Federal
Retook schooner Blonde
Participated in the capture of American privateer Snapper, American schooner Farmer's Fancy, and the letter of marque brigs Harold and Porcupine.

1814

Captured sloop Diana and Jane, schooners Providence, Stephanie and Hazard.

1815

Participated in the chase of USS Constitution and in the retaking of the Levant, one of the Constitution's prizes.

--Brock-Perry

Dueling in the Early 1800s in the United States

I have been writing about Hassard Stackpoole of the Royal Navy, who was killed by another officer of the British Navy in a duel in 1814.

Duels were popular in this era.

From Wikipedia.

In the 1600s and 1700s, most duels were with swords and rapiers, but starting in the 1800s, the pistol became weapon of choice.

Dueling became a popular way of settling differences in the United States.  In 1804, former secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton was killed in a duel by sitting Vice President Aaron Burr.

Between 1798 and the Civil War, the U.S. Navy lost  two-thirds more of its officers to dueling than to combat with the enemy at sea.  One of those was naval hero Stephen Decatur.  Most of the officers killed were midshipmen and junior officers.

Despite prominent deaths and public outcry, dueling continued before the Civil War, particularly in the South because of contemporary ideals of chivalry and because of threat of ridicule if a duel challenge was declined.

And, as we will see in upcoming posts, there was also "dueling" between warships.

--Brock-Perry

Captain Hassard Stackpoole

Fron the Three Decks Site.

HASSARD STACKPOOLE

British nationality.  First and last known service in Royal Navy:

February 8, 1795 to April 28, 1814.  Killed in a duel.

RANKS

Lieutenant Feb. 8, 1795

Commander March 12, 1800

Captain  April 29, 1802

COMMANDS

March 1800 to July 21, 1801  HMS Iphigenia (16 guns) Commander and commanding officer.

1802 to April 29, 1802:  HMS Alonzo  (18 guns)  Commander and commanding officer.

April 1809 to August 1809:  HMS Phoebe  (36 guns) Captain and commanding officer

1811 to April 28, 1814:  HMS Statira  (38 guns)  Captain and commander.

--Brock-Perry

Who Knows What the Next Enemy Ship Commandeered on the High Seas By the U.S. Navy After the War of 1812 Was?

I am currently writing about that ship, well, actually submarine, in my Tattooed On Your Soul: World War II blog.

According to the article I am using, it was the first warship commandeered by the U.S. Navy since the War of 1812.

That ship was the German U-boat U-505 during World War II, which can be seen at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry.

Check It Out.  --GreGen

Captain Hassard Stackpoole, Royal Navy

From the New London (Ct.) County Historical Society  "British Royal Navy Figures."

HASSARD STACKPOLLE (1769-1814)

Born in Limerick, Ireland, and joined the HMS Termagent in 1783.  He was promoted to lieutenant in 1795 and was in command of the HMS Iphagenia when she burned  at Egypt in 1801.

He was promoted to captain in 1802.  While serving on the HMS Tonnant in 1810, Lieutenant Thomas W. Cecil remarked that Stackpoole  "drew a long bow" (lied).

Stackpoole was in command of the HMS Statira by 1811 and served off New London 1813-1814, and was involved in setting up and arrangement for a "duel" between the former sister ships USS Macedonian  (former HMS Macedonian) and Statira in January 1814.

That didn't come to pass.

Stackpoole later encountered Lt. Cecil (from the HMS Tonnant) in Jamaica and challenged him to a duel.  The usually sure-shot Stackpoole  was killed by Cecil (who had no dueling experience) in one of the most notorious examples of dueling in the British Navy.

--Brock-Don't-Shoot Perry

Hassard Stackpoole? Captures American Brig Federal 1814 or 1812

I found a source that related the following information:

September 17, 1814,  HMS Acasta , 40 gun fifth rate frigate, Captain Alexander Robert Kerr and HMS Statira, 38-gun Lively Class fifth rate frigate commanded by Captain Hassard Stackpoole, captured American brig Federal commanded by Samuel Swan , Jr..

The Federal was 115 tons and sailing  from Africa to Boston with a cargo of ivory, cam wood, coffee.

Another site lists the date as being September 17, 1812, which is probably correct as Hassard Stackpoole was dead by September 17, 1814, killed in that duel 28 April 1814 that I mentioned in my last post.

--Brock-Perry

Captain Hassard Stackpole Later Killed in a Duel

I mentioned that Captain Hassard Stackpole commanded the HMS Statira at the action of Alewife Cove in the last post.

I looked him up and found that he was later killed in a duel with another British officer.

The duel took place on 28 April 1814, between Stackpole, commander of the Statira and Lt. Thomas Walbeoff Cecil of the HMS Argo.  This  duel grew out of something that had happened on the HMS Tonnant, when Cecil had served with Stackpole.

Stackpole was still the commander of the HMS Statira at the time.

--Brock-Perry

Cannonballs Flew Near Alewife Cove-- Part 3

The fighting carried on for much of the day and local commanders General Burbeck, Commodore Decatur and Captain Jones came to observe.

It was estimated that between the frigate Statira and the sloop of war HMS Loup Cervier, 20 broadsides were fired on the American defenders on the beach who were fully exposed to the fire, but they miraculously suffered no casualties.

The Gazette mocked that "the plowing Stackpole [Captain Hassard Stackpole of the HMS Statira] gave to Roger's land is a fair offset to the holes he has made in his barn, crib and back-house."  Evidently, the Americans had had some rather nasty run-ins with Stackpole.

--Brock-Perry

Cannonballs Flew Near Alewife Cove, Ct.-- Part 2: The Fight

The Gazette reported that:  "A few inhabitants immediately assembled and from an adjacent wall so annoyed the marauders that they abandoned the vessel as soon as they could put fire to her."

According to the journal of Sylvanus  Griswold, ten men left the church service in New London and ran to Fort Trumbull, and "took two smart field pieces & hastened to the scene of Action & drove the three barges off."

A half hour of firing from both sides ensued as American reinforcements arrived.  Some of the locals boarded the vessel to try to retrieve what they could, but were driven off when the frigate Statira approached and fired two or three broadsides at the burning vessel.

--Brock-Perry

Cannonballs Flew Near Alewife Cove, Connecticut-- Part 1

From the Alewife Cove Conservancy. 

Alewife Cove is named for the herring fish by that name which at one time were a problem in Chicago.  It is near the city of New London, Connecticut.

During the War of 1812, the British fleet blockading the Connecticut shoreline constantly.  One of the skirmishes took place off Goshen Point, present-day Harkness State Park which involved some 1,500 cannon balls being exchanged between the Americans and British.

On Sunday, November 28, 1813,  an action took place between Royal Navy ships and about 200 local defenders.  It started when the coasting sloop Roxana, bound from New York to Providence, was run ashore about a half mile west of the New London Light to escape three barges from the fleet that were in hot pursuit.

The alarm sounded immediately as the Roxana's crew rowed ashore and local residents grabbed their their weapons and rushed to to defend the vessel.

--Brock-Perry

Five Places to Visit for Veterans Day-- Part 2: USS Constitution, Wright-Patterson AFB, National Museum of WW II

USS CONSTITUTION,  Boston.  The ship has the distinction of being  "the oldest commissioned warship in the world.  Launched in 1797.

Nicknamed "Old Ironsides" and defeated five British ships during the War of 1812.  Still manned by active duty U.S. Navy personnel and capable of sailing under her own power to this day.

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Dayton

Houses the National Museum of the United States Air Force with nearly 400 aircraft, missiles, several Presidential Planes,

Artifacts dating from the Wright Brothers to creation of NASA.

D-DAY MUSEUM, New Orleans

Now called the National Museum of World War II.  "Dedicated to remembering the American Experience during the war that changed the world."

--Brock-Perry

Five Places to Visit for Veterans Day-- Part 1: National Veterans Art Museum and Pearl Harbor

From the Nov. 8, 2019 Your Sun.

GOGROUP LLC,  has put together a list of five places to visit  in the next several days to honor our veterans:

1.  THE NATIONAL VETERANS ART MUSEUM,  Chicago.    (I'd never heard of this one.)    Over 2,500 works of art by veterans, including the Gulf War and War on Terror.

Paintings, sculpture and poetry.

2.  PEARL HARBOR NAVAL BASE,  Oahu, Hawaii.     A memorial to the 2,400 Americans killed that day and the thousands more killed in Pacific action.

Includes the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, USS Arizona Memorial and USS Missouri Memorial.

--Brock-Perry

Swords Seized in Connecticut May Be William Henry Harrison's-- Part 2: Real Or Not?

James Kochan, the sword's owner, said it was authentic and that it belonged to him, but he reluctantly turned it over to the police.  It is now in the custody of Hamilton County where the Harrison-Symmes Foundation says  they had donated it to the Hamilton County Probate Court in 1922.

Documents show the court loaned it to the Cincinnati Historical Society, which used it in their 1976 Bicentennial display,, but sometime in the next few years, it disappeared while in the society's storage in its museum.

The Society didn't publicize the  theft and the Harrison-Symmes Foundation became aware that it was gone when they asked for it back for a display in the 1993 celebration of the 175th anniversary of the founding of the Village of Cleves, 15 miles west of Cincinnati where John Simmes was a pioneering landowner.

So, Is It Or Isn't It The Real Deal?  --Brock-Perry

Sword Seized by Connecticut Cops May Have Been Wielded by President in the War of 1812-- Part 1

From the Nov. 7, 2019, Fox News by Frank Miles.

A sword from the American Revolution that may have been used by a future president of the United States has been recovered in Connecticut.  Studies will be made to determine whether it is or not.  Is it the same one that disappeared from the Cincinnati Historical Society forty years ago?

It is believed that this sword was carried into battle by future President William Henry Harrison in the War of 1812, and before him, carried into battle in the American Revolution by  Continental Army Col. John Cleves Symmes, Harrison's future father-in-law.

Police in Windsor, Ct. seized the sword just before it was to be auctioned by James Kochan of Wiscasset, Maine.  Kochan, a collector, said he bought the sword in 2015 from a collection being sold by Christie's auction house in New York.

It was spotted online by Dave Sunberg, a member of the Harrison-Symmes Memorial Foundation who alerted police.

--Brock-Perry

Provincetown's Timothy Parker Johnson's Service in War of 1812 Recognized-- Part 2

Verifying Parker's War of 1812 and raising money for the new grave marker was the work of author Amy Whorf McGuiggan and Conwell Enterprises, which operates Conwell  Lumber in Provincetown, and others.    After months of research, Johnson's service as a soldier was confirmed  by the National Society United States Daughters of 1812.

During the 19th century, the Johnson family contributed greatly to the growth of Provincetown from a remote fishing village to a prominent  whaling, cod fishing and  mackeral port.

Johnson owned a wharf between Johnson and Arch streets.  His business interests were salt works, ships ballasts and ownership of Ocean Hall, later known as Central House and now Crown & Anchor.

Between 1841  and 1848, he was managing owner of the 162-ton brig gem, one of Provincetown's first whaling ships.  He influenced the  the building of a Universalist meeting house and was selectman for two years.

Johnson died in Provincetown in 1864.  His wife lived until 1892.

The War of 1812 was fought largely outside of New England, Charlotte  Line, president of the Massachusetts State Society of the United Daughters of 1812.  "However, we did send people," she said.

A portrait of Johnson hangs in the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum.

--Brock-Perry

Provincetown, Massachusetts' Timothy Parker Johnson Recognized for Service in 1812-- Part 1

From the Nov. 1. Provincetown Banner (Mass.) by Mary Ann Bragg.

A lot of research went into the life of a prominent 1800s Provincetown citizen Timothy Parker Johnson and the result was that his grave was marked Saturday in the Provincetown Cemetery for his service in the War of 1812.

Timothy Parker Johnson was a 15-year-old when he served as a private and drummer boy in the war and is the only Provincetown resident known to have served in that war.  He is buried in a prominent family plot in the cemetery but his credentials as a soldier have only recently been verified.

He served as a member of a military unit from his Connecticut home town and after the war, settled in Provincetown with his wife.

A relative of Johnson, Martha Jaxtimer, said, "It's such an honor," when a new grave marker was unveiled.

--Brock-Perry

World War II Vetaran and First U.S. Coast Guard Member Captured Since War of 1812, Laid to Rest in NY

From the Nov. 2, 2019, Spectrum News "WWII Veteran Laid to rest in WNY " by Brandon Lewis.

Lt. Thomas Crotty died in a Japanese POW camp in the Philippines in 1942 and his remains have finally been returned to his family and hometown of Buffalo.

He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in Lackawanna

With American forces about to surrender in the Philippines, he went about his duty destroying supplies and facilities to prevent them falling into Japanese hands.

He served in four branches of the military and was the first Coast Guard member captured since the War of 1812.  I was unable to find out who the last member of the U.S. Coast Guard (then called Revenue Service) captured in the War of 1812 was.

--Brock-Perry

Sackets Harbor Battlefield Museum Requires Roof Work-- Part 2

The Hall House is home to an exhibit that tells the story of the War of 1812 from a different perspective.  "It's about understanding the War of 1812 through archaeology," said Connie Barone.

Despite the damage to the building, as far as they can tell, there were no problems for its contents

"Metal objects, the archaeological materials, can be subjected to rust.  If, all of the sudden, their surface temperature is really cold, like your ice glass and you get condensation on that, condensation on metal items causes rust," said Chris Flagg.

Both Flagg and Barone will be monitoring the collection for the next two days.

If the heat isn't turned on by then, metal objects, paintings and textiles from the exhibit will be moved across the street to the Lieutenant's House.

--Brock-Perry

Sackets Harbor Battlefield Museum Requires Roof Work from Recent Storm-- Part 1

 From the Nov. 2, 2019, WWNY TV 7 News  "Quick work to repair roof on Sackets Harbor museum" by Keir Chapman.

The historic Hall House at the Sackets  Harbor Battlefield is missing half of its roof after heavy winds on Friday morning (Nov. 1).

"The side toward the village  is the portion that blew off in two large pieces, said Connie Barone, site manager of the Sackets Harbor Battlefield,  "This is not the time of the year when you want the roof off a building."

The roof is expected to be patched up by Sunday.  Crews were already on site Saturday morning working on it.

However, the upcoming wet weather is a threat to the artifacts in the house which serves as a museum.  "I believe there's rain in the forecast tomorrow, possibly Monday, Tuesday.  So with the roof wide open like that, you want to keep water out of the building.  Water is your worst enemy," said Chris Flagg, director for the Bureau of Historic Sites.

--Brock-Perry

Ohio's War of 1812 Forts-- Part 1: The Land and Rivers Were Different Back Then

Since I have been writing about Fort Stephenson and Meigs in Ohio during the war, I came across this on all of the state's forts during the war.

From the Touring Ohio site "Ohio's forts during the War of 1812."

When the war broke out and after the surrender of Hull at Detroit, Ohio's new commander, William Henry Harrison began preparing for the expected invasion of northwest Ohio by the British

At that time, northwest Ohio was often called the Black swamp.  It was a mucky ware-logged area that made travel by land very difficult.  Harrison decided to build a number of forts and supply depots along the rivers.

The rivers of northwestern Ohio back then were different than they are today.  They were mostly slow-moving, deep water rivers that retained their levels most of the year. thanks to the swampy land supplying them with water.

Even during hard rains the rivers would remain relatively level since the water had to flow through the swamps before entering the river.  Later, as the land was cleared and turned into farmland, came the wide fluctuations in water level we have today.

--Brock-Perry

Battle of Fort Stephenson-- Part 5: Honors and Reburial

Once the British and General Proctor were defeated at Fort Stephenson, he withdrew back to Fort Detroit, with the Americans under Gen. Harrison following closely.  Shortly after Fort Stephenson, Commodore Perry would defeat the British fleet at the Battle of Lake Erie near Put-In-Bay.

The Americans now had complete control of Lake Erie and British prospects of supplies and reinforcements essentially ceased.

For his exploit, despite disobeying orders, George Croghan was brevetted to lieutenant colonel by the President of the United States.  In 1835, the U.S. Congress awarded him the Gold Medal.  later, he was made Inspector general with the rank of colonel.

During the Mexican War, he served with General Taylor.  Two years later, he died in New Orleans.  In 1906, he remains were disinterred from his family plot in Kentucky and  moved to Fremont, Ohio (site of Fort Stephenson) and placed in a special crypt at the base of the Soldiers' Monument honoring Fremont's veterans and specifically the Battle of Fort Stephenson, 1813.

--Brock-Perry

Battle of Fort Stephenson-- Part 4: An American Victory

When the British grenadiers arrived at the south at the south gate, they were met with a destructive volley that quickly sent them back into the woods  This marked the end of the attack.

Storm clouds were brewing to the west and breezes blew the smoke away  All that was left were the dead, dying and wounded in the ditch  As twilight descended, Major Croghan addressed his troops with words of praise and thanks for service well rendered.  As night came, the cries and groans of the wounded could be heard inside the fort.

Buckets filled with water were let down from the fort's walls.  The gates could not be opened because of means of safety during the night, so Croghan ordered his men to dig a ditch out to them so the wounded could be brought in.for treatment.

On August 2, 1813, 21-year-old George Croghan against a vastly superior force, won a victory that proved to be a turning point of the War of 1812.

--Brock-Perry

Battle of Fort Stephenson-- Part 3: "Old Betsy" Speaks and the British Listen

It was at this moment that the single cannon the Americans had,which Major Croghan had named "Old Betsy,"  was once again heard from.  Slugs and grapeshot roared through the ditch spreading havoc and terror among the troops in it.  British troops observing the attack could not see the carnage and assumed the attack had been successful.

They sent a second column which also met the same welcome from "Old Betsy" along with more shots from the Kentuckians.  Lt. Col. Short and Lt. Gordon were dead in that ditch along with 25 dead and another 25 wounded.

Only three of those advancing were able to escape and make it back to their lines.

--Brock-Perry

Battle of Fort Stephenson-- Part 2: The Attack Begins

The British bombardment continues, but Gen. Proctor hears rifle fire out to the east of his position, and, fearing they might be American reinforcements, orders an assault.  But what he was hearing was actually his Indian allies firing at a farmer after he came upon their position.  The farmer manages to escape uninjured.

By 4 p.m. August 2, the British have formed into two columns led by Brevet Colonel  Short and Lt. Gordon.  They began to advance toward Fort Stephenson's northwest corner.  At the same time, another 200 British grenadiers under Lt. Col. Warburton are making a wide sweep to the west and feigning an attack on the fort's  southern front.

Cannon fire and smoke continues and the group under Col.Short are able to get within 15 feet of the walls before being seen.  Kentucky sharpshooters start picking off  some of the advancing men, causing the group to temporarily be thrown into disorder.

British axe men push forward, over the glacis and into the ditch where Croghan had his men dig in preparation for such an attack.  Lt. Col. Short was with these men, whose job was to chop their way through the damaged walls with axes so that the next wave of men could enter the fort.

Lt. Col. Short could be heard shouting  from the ditch:  "Cut away the pickets, my brave boys, , and show the damned Yankees no quarter."

--Brock-Perry

Battle of Fort Stephenson (Fremont, Ohio)-- Part 1: A Standoff Ensued

Continuing from the last post.  From the Touring Ohio site.

Lt. Shipp and his group ran back to Fort Stephenson just as the British  opened fire from their gunboats.  The firing continued sporadically throughout the night.  The Americans occasionally returned fire.  Because they only had one cannon, after each firing they would relocate it to confuse the British.    This continued throughout the  night of August 1.

During the night, the British moved three of their six 6-pounder cannons to positions in the woods northwest of the fort.  This was slightly higher ground than the fort.  Today, there is a sign marking their position.

Towards sunrise, the British increased their rate of fire, but the Americans remained quiet.  The standoff continued throughout the day  It became clear to Major Croghan that the British were concentrating their fire on the northwest corner of the fort.  He ordered bags of sand and sacks of flour to be stacked up against those walls to help  deaden the impact of cannonballs striking those walls.

--Brock-Perry

Last Major Action in Ohio-- Part 3: Greetings, Salutations and Demands, Defending "The Post to the Last Extremity"

British officers Colonel Elliott and Captain Chambers, along with a group of Indians under a flag of truce approached the fort.  Major Croghan sent out 2nd Lt. Shipp along with 15 others to meet them.

After the usual salutations, Col. Elliott is reported as saying:  "I am instructed to demand the instant surrender of the fort, to spare the effusion of blood, which we cannot do should we be under the necessity of  reducing it by our powerful force of regulars, Indians and artillery."

Lt. Shipp replied:  "My commandant and garrison are determined to defend  the post to the last extremity, and, bury themselves in its ruins, rather than surrender it to any force whatever."

The British colonel then replied:  "Look at our immense body of Indians.  They cannot be restraining from massacring  the whole garrison in the event of our undoubted success.  It is a great  pity that so fine a young man as you and your commander, should fall into the hands  of the savages.  Sir, for God's sake, surrender, and prevent the dreadful massacre that will be caused by your resistance!"

Shipp then calmly replied:  "When the fort shall be taken,  there will be none to massacre.  It will not be given up  while a man is able to resist."  With these words, Shipp and his men turned to return to the fort.  But as they did, an Indian jumped forward from some bushes and tried to grab Shipp's sword.  The British captain stopped Shipp from killing the Indian on the spot.

Major Croghan had been watching from the fort and yelled,  "Shipp come in , and we'll blow them all to hell!!"

Croghan and the Americans did not fall for the Indian threat like William Hull did at Detroit.

The Battle Is On.  --Brock-Perry

Last Major Action in Ohio-- Part 2: Confrontation at Fort Stephenson

British plans called for a demonstration toward Fort Seneca, which they expected William Harrison would reinforce with troops from heavily defended Fort Meigs.  Tecumseh and his warriors had been left by Fort Meigs and as soon as the Americans left the fort to defend Fort Seneca, they were to attack.

The British were not expecting any problems at Fort Stephenson as related in the last post.  However, they hadn't figured on the fort's commander, 21-year-old Major George Croghan.

British ships came up the Sanduskey River from Sanduskey Bay in Lake Erie and their scouts reported that Fort Stephenson was just ahead and was occupied.  British General Proctor hadn't expected Harrison to defend such a weak post and determined to capture it and its garrison,  (Harrison had actually ordered Croghan to abandon the fort,)

When Croghan received the word that the British were on their way, he immediately alerted Harrison of the situation.  Harrison ordered him to abandon Fort Stephenson (where present-day Fremont is located) and burn it.  However, before those orders could arrive, Croghan had decided to defend his fort.  He ignored Harrison's orders.

He had but one cannon operating.  The British arrived and took up position to the north of the fort.  They sent messengers under a flag of truce to demand he surrender his fort.

What did Major Croghan tell the British?

Here's Where It Gets Interesting.  --Brock-Perry

Last Major Action in Ohio (1813): Going Up the Sanduskey River and George Croghan at Fort Stephenson

From the Touring Ohio site.

The British failed to take Fort Meigs in a second attack and then turned their attention to the Sanduskey River as a way to get around Fort Meigs.  They came up the river from where Port Clinton is located today.

They were hoping to draw out the Fort Meigs defenders and to have them make a stand, not at Fort Stephenson, but Fort Seneca.

Fort Stephenson (where Fremont, Ohio, is located today) was the first of three forts Harrison had built along the Sanduskey River.  Then next one upriver was Fort Seneca and then there was smaller one, essentially a depot) called Fort Ball (present-day Tiffin, Ohio).

The British knew that Fort Stephenson was a poorly constructed outpost and only mounted one or two cannons so they figured it wouldn't be too difficult of an obstacle.  However, what they hadn't counted on was that the fort was commanded by 21-year-old Major George Croghan.

Meet George.  --Brock-Perry

Harrison Takes Charge in Ohio-- Part 4: Heading for the Sanduskey

Once the British had left, William Henry Harrison sentn his forces east to the Sanduskey River to construct a series of forts along it.   Like the Maumee River, British ships could go up it from Lake Erie until they reached a distance where they could go no further.

It was here that Harrrison built another fort for defense.  In addition, several forts were constructed further upriver as fall-back positions  However, these additional forts were not as heavily protected and not expected to withstand a major assault like Fort Meigs

They were there for supplies and a point of safety for soldiers as they moved from one position to another.

The Touring Ohio site has a picture of Gen. Harrison's headquarters at Franklinton which appears to be nothing more than a very rustic log cabin.  The Harrison House, which I have written about, is a much more luxurious structure and I imagine this is where the general lived.

There is also a picture of a weather vane from the top of the Franklinton  courthouse which is pockmarked by bullet holes from Harrison's recruits who were using it for target practice during training.

--Brock-Perry

Harrison Takes Charge in Ohio (1812)-- Part 3: Siege of Fort Meigs

A good defensive spot, Harrison believed, would be at the point where the first set of rapids on the Maumee River would force ships to stop and unload.  Here, near present day Perrysburg, he determined to build Fort Meigs.

Construction on the fort began in the late winter of 1813 and weather conditions were horrible, but the fort was completed in just three months.  And that was just in time.

The fort was designed for defense and as a major supply area for the proposed invasion of Canada.  Because of its large size, the interior of the fort was constructed to protect men and supplies from bombardment.  As it turned out, this was a good thing.

The fort was attacked by British forces almost immediately.  On May 1, 1813,  British forces under General Proctor came down the Maumee River and took up position across the river from the fort.  Despite a few successes, they were never able to dislodge the Americans from the fort before additional American forces arrived.

The siege of Fort Meigs lasted four days.

Tecumseh and his Indians could not understand why the British withdrew so quickly   Even more puzzling was why they were to remain opposite Fort Meigs while the British left to flank the Americans there by coming down the Sanduskey River.

--Brock-Perry

Harrison Takes Charge In Ohio-- Part 2: Building Roads and Forts

Fresh recruits soon began pouring into Franklinton and William Henry Harrison set out to train them.  As the new troops were being trained, he sent the first 700 he had received out to what is today Muncie, Indiana, where they caught a group of Miami Indians by surprise  and soundly defeated them on December 17, 1812.

At this time, most of Ohio was still a wilderness.  There were a few roads built along existing Indian trails, but for the most part, land north and west of Columbus was flat marshy land which made travel extremely difficult.

Making roads to the north of the town caused many deaths from disease in Harrison's army.  To make travel easier, Harrison ordered that an old Indian trail along the Scioto River be expanded.  That road today is State Route 23.

After that he began concentrating on building forts.  He first rebuilt Fort Defiance which had had major use during the Indian Wars of 1793-1794.  It was located at the confluence of  the Auglaiz and Maumee rivers.  During the War of 1812, the major threat to Ohio came from Canadian and British troops and their Indian allies massed along the northwest end of Lake Erie.

Fort Defiance gave Harrison a good point for a staging area, but wasn't as much help as a defensive post.  Another fort was needed.

--Brock-Perry

Harrison Takes Charge In Ohio-- Part 1: Rebuilding the Army of the Northwest at Franklinton

From Touring Ohio; The Heart of America site.

After the loss of Fort Detroit and Detroit by William  Hull General James Winchester became commander of what was left of the Army of the Northwest.  he offered William Henry Harrison, the governor of the Indiana Territory a rank in his army as a brigadier general, but Harrison wanted complete command of the army and refused.

When the president learned that Harrison wanted the command, he immediately removed Winchester and on September 17, 1812, Harrison assumed command of the Army.

Just a few months before war was declared, Columbus had been named the new capital of Ohio.  When Harrison arrived in Central Ohio in mid 1812, there was no question where he'd set up his headquarters.  It would be at Franklinton, across the river from Columbus.

With Hull's defeat and the capture of most of the Army of the Northwest, Harrison's first order of business was to get new recruits and rebuild the army.  Then he had defensive positions put up across northwest Ohio to stop or at least slow down any British advances.

--Brock-Perry

Franklinton, Ohio-- Part 2: Role in the War of 1812

After the flooding, the town was located less than a mile away, but off the banks of the Scioto River.  It became the county seat of Franklin County in 1803 and the town and population grew during the War of 1812  as it served as the staging point of General Benjamin Harrison's Army of the Northwest.

In 1846, traveler Henry Howe wrote:  "During the late war, it was a place of general rendezvous for the northwestern army, and sometimes from one to three thousand troops were stationed there.

After the war, it continued to grow, as did Columbus, across the river as it became the new state capital.

So, Franklinton is now a neighborhood of the city of Columbus which is the capital of Ohio.

However, Columbus was not the first capital of Ohio.  It wasn't even the second one.  The first capital was Chillicothe and the second one was Zanesville.

--Brock-Perry

Franklinton, Ohio (In Case You're Wondering)-- Part 1: Named for Benjamin Franklin

From Wikipedia.

In the last post I mentioned the Harrison House in this place getting a plaque.  I'd never heard of Franklinton, Ohio.

Franklinton is a neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio, and was the first settlement in Franklin County, Ohio. As the City of Columbus grew, it annexed and incorporated the settlement and today is a Columbus neighborhood located directly to the west of the downtown.

The neighborhood gets its nickname "The Bottoms" from the fact that it is prone tp flooding from the Scioto and Olentangy rivers.

In 1795, Lucas Sullivant was sent from Virginia to survey the Central Ohio District of the Virginia Military District.  As payment for this work, he received 6,000 acres  in the Refugee Tract reserved for those who fought in the American Revolution.

In 1797, he laid out 220 lots in Franklin County which he named Franklinton in honor of Benjamin Franklin, who had recently died.  The original settlement was abandoned because of flooding the next year.

--Brock-Perry

Franklinton (Ohio) Set to Celebrate Historic Harrison House

From the October 17, 2019, Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch by Rita Price.

This Saturday, Oct. 19, the historic Harrison House, built in 1807, will be getting a historic marker along with historic exhibits, food and children's activities.  The marker will be dedicated at 2 p.m..  It is hosted by the Frankinton Historical Society, Franklinton Board of Trade and Ohio History Connection.

Also the 1822 Sullivant Land Office, the only remaining structure built by Franklin and Columbus founder Louis Sullivant, will also be open.

During the War of 1812, future U.S. president Benjamin Harrison had his headquarters of his U.S. Northwest Army located at the Harrison House.

--Brock-Perry

Garrison Cemetery Called the War of 1812 Cemetery in New York

From Wikipedia.

Located in Cheektowaga, New York.

Garrison Cemetery is also known as the War of 1812 Cemetery in western New York near the Niagara River.  It is the final resting place of both British and American soldiers who fought in the Niagara  Campaign during the war.

It is located on the site of the former General Military Hospital which was established August 1, 1814,at Williams Mill.

It was listed on the on the NRHP in 2002.

--Brock-Perry

HMS Canso-- Part 3: Capturing American Vessels

The attack on Fort Peter occurred at the same time as the siege of Fort St. Phillip in Louisiana and was part of the British occupation of St. Marys and Cumberland Island.

At Fort St. Peter, the British captured two American gunboats and twelve merchant ships, including the East  Indianman Countess of Harcourt which an American privateer had captured on her way between India and London.  Prize money from it and other Canso captures was finally paid in April 1824  (and it had to be a lot).

During her service with the British, the former American privateer did much better than she did in U.S. service.

On 31 January, the British squadron captured St. Simons, Georgia, and later three more prizes.  In July 1815, the Canso seized four more vessels at Bermuda.

The Royal Navy sold the Canso 30 May 1816.

A Real Bane to America.  --Brock-Perry

HMS Canso-- Part 2: As A Ship in the Royal Navy

So, the Lottery didn't have much success as a privateer. but, considering the odds she faced when captured, it was no surprise that she was taken.

After capture, she convoyed several prizes to Bermuda and was taken into British service and renamed the HMS Canso  under the command of Lt. Wentworth P. Croke, who commanded her the whole time she was in the Royal Navy.  On September 11, it captured the Massachusetts and in November, it and several other vessels were  grounded in hurricane off Halifax, but soon got off.

On 11 May 1814, the Canso recaptured the brig Traveller, which had previously been captured by the American privateer Surprise.

In the second half of the year, the Canso operated with several other ships in the Chesapeake Bay, capturing six American ships.  The squadron then sailed to St. Mary's, Georgia, under Admiral George Cockburn, where they attacked Fort Peter in January 1815.  This was after the Treaty of Ghent, but before it was ratified.

--Brock-Perry

HMS Canso-- Part 1: Formerly An American Privateer

From the Feb. 2014 entry on HMS Statira.

From Wikipedia.

The HMS Canso was originally the American Letter of Marque schooner Lottery, launched in 1811. and captured by the British in 1813.  The Royal Navy took her into service for the duration of the War of 1812 and it served for awhile afterwards.

93 feet long, 23.8 foot beam, armament 16 guns. (though armed with just six 12-pounder carronades when captured)

Sailed under a letter of marque  dated 24 July 1812 with a crew of 30 under the command of  John Southcomb.     She captured one prize that proved to be of so little worth that it was released.  She captured a brig on her way back to Baltimore where she remained until February 1813.

On 8 February 1813, the Lottery was captured by nine boats and 200 men in Lynnhaven Bay (on the Chesapeake Bay).  It was quite a bloody fight.

--Brock-Perry

Henry A.S. Dearborn-- Part 3: Other Positions

He replaced his father as Collector of the Port of Boston from 1813 to 1829.  Other honors were membership in the American Antiquarian Society and Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Then, he got into politics at Massachusetts state level as a representative  and senator.  Then he was a one-term U.S. representative as an Anti-Jacksonian.  Later he was the mayor of Roxbury, Massachusetts.

In 1847, he was selected as running mate for Zachary Taylor by the Native American Party (precursor of the Know-Nothing Party).  But the Whig Party nominated Taylor as their presidential candidate with Millard Fillmore as his running mate so that was it for Dearborn's vice presidential effort.

Henry A.S. Dearborn died July 29, 1851, and is buried  at Forest Hills Cemetery in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts.

--Brock-Perry

Henry A.S. Dearborn-- Part 2: Built Forts, Commanded Militia, Military Societies

Obviously, he must have learned some military engineering from his father, Secretary of War Henry Dearborn, as he oversaw the construction of Fort Preble and Fort Scammel in Portland Harbor (Maine).  During the War of 1812, he commanded volunteers manning the defenses of Boston Harbor.

He was promoted to brigadier general in the Massachusetts Militia in 1814.  Also serving as adjutant general of the Massachusetts Militia from 1834 to 1843 with the rank of major general.

In 1816, he was elected captain of the Ancient and Honorable  Artillery Company of Massachusetts  In 1832, after his father's death (Henry Dearborn was an officer in the American Revolution), he was admitted to the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati.  This organization is made up of those who were officers during the Revolution and their descendants.

He eventually became the first  president general of the organization who was not a veteran of the Revolution.  As president he had the Society change its rules to where other descendants

--Brock-Perry

Henry Alexander Scammell Dearborn-- Part 1: Son of Sec. of War Henry Dearborn

While I was researching John A. Winslow in my Civil War Navy blog, I found he was buried in Forest Hills Cemetery in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts.  (He sank the Confederate commerce raider CSS Alabama.  While looking at that cemetery's notable burials, I came across this man.

From Wikipedia.

March 3, 1783 to July 29, 1851.

Soldier, lawyer,  author and statesman.  First president of Massachusetts Horticultural Society, member of the Society of Cincinnati and author of many books.

I came across that he was a brigadier general.

He was the son of Secretary of War and Major General Henry Dearborn, studied law, admitted to the bar and practiced law in Salem, Mass. and Portland, Maine.

--Brock-Perry

Amherstburg Royal Navy Dockyard-- Part 5: Abandoned After the Battle of Lake Erie

Commander Robert Barclay's fleet met Oliver Hazard Perry's American fleet 10 September 1813 at the Battle of Lake Erie and the result was the capture of the entire British fleet.  With American control over Lake Erie and supplies cut off British land forces were forced to retreat to to Burlington Heights for supplies.

The yard was burned and abandoned in September 1813.  In 1814, a new Royal Navy Yard was established at Penetanguishene on Lake Huron.

The site of the Amherstburg Royal Naval Dockyard  was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1928.    The site has a four-sided monument featuring four brass  plaques detailing the site's historic significance and is located in a 10-5 acre park.

--Brock-Perry

Amherstburg Royal Naval Dockyard-- Part 5: Royal Navy Takes Control and A Plan

During the War of 1812, the dockyard was first the base of operations for the Provincial Marine's operations on Lake Erie and Lake Huron and later the Royal Navy's.

However, due to the yards location at the far end of Lake Erie, supplies for it had to be shipped across the lake from Fort George and overland from Niagara Falls or shipped to York and Burlington Heights, transported overland to Long Point before being transported on the lake again to the yard.

In May 1813, the Royal Navy took control of all of the Provincial Marine forces and establishments on Lake Erie.  With the construction of superior American ships in 1813, , Commander Robert Heriot Barclay, the commander of the Royal Navy's Lake Erie Squadron and sought to defeat the Americans before they could cut his supply lines.

--Brock-Perry

Amherstburg Royal Navy Dockyard-- Part 4: Four British Ships Captured at Battle of Lake Erie Built Here

The last four ships listed in the last post were all captured by the Americans at the Battle of Lake Erie  "We Have Met the Enemy and They Are Ours."

HMS General Hunter  10 gun brig

HMS Queen Charlotte  17 gun ship/sloop

HMS Lady Prevost   13 gun schooner

 2nd HMS Detroit  19  gun ship/sloop

There were two other British ships captured at the Battle of Lake Erie but not built at the Amherstburg Royal Navy Dockyard:

HMS Chippawa (Chippeway)  schooner 1 gun

HMS Little Belt   sloop  2 guns

--Brock-Perry:

Amherstburg Royal Navy Dockyard-- Part 3: Seven Ships Built There

Ships built at the Amherstburg Royal Navy Dockyard:

GENERAL HOPE--  schooner

EARL OF CAMDEN--  schooner

HMS CALEDONIA--  brig 1807

HMS GENERAL HUNTER--  brig 1809

HMS QUEEN CHARLOTTE--  1810  Ship/Sloop

HMS LADY PREVOST--  schooner 1812

2ND HMS DETROIT--  1813  Ship/Sloop

--Brock-Perry

Amherstburg Royal Navy Dockyard-- Part 2: Heavily Defended

In 1796, Fort Amherstburg (Fort Malden) was selected for the site of a new  dockyard for the construction of vessels for the Provinvcial Marine after the former site in Detroit was ceded to the Americans.  It was the only British naval base west of Kingston and located on the Detroit River with easy access to Lake Erie and Lake Huron.

The dockyard comprised  a large storehouse, two blockhouses,  a timber yard, saw pit and a wharf.  The blockhouses flanked the Navy Yard with Fort Amherstburg (Fort Malden) and the town of Amherstburg on either side, with the dockyard overlooking the channel which ran between it and Bois Blanc Island.  The dockyard was further protected by defenses erected on the island which watched over the entrances to both ends of the channel.

Many of the town's residents worked at the dockyard.

Many of the British ships that participated in the 1813 Battle of Lake Erie were built here.

--Brock-Perry

Amherstburg Royal Navy Dockyard-- Part 1: Served Both the Provincial Marine and Royal Navy

From Wikipedia.

I have recently been writing about Amherstburg and Fort Amherstburg (more commonly called Fort Malden) and I then came across the Navy Dockyard that was located there.

It was a Provincial Marine (built warships for the province) and the Royal Navy Yard from 1789 to 1813, in Amherstburg, Ontario, situated on the Detroit River.  The yard comprised of blockhouses, storehouses,  magazine, wood yard and wharf.

The yard was established in 1796 to support the Upper Canada Provincial Marine after Great Britain ceded a pre-existing navy yard on the Detroit River to the United States.  Amherstburg Royal Navy Dockyard constructed four warships  for the Lake Erie Detachment of the Provincial Marine before and during the War of 1812.

In 1813, the dockyard was abandoned and destroyed when the British retreated and never reopened.  In 1928, the site was designated a National Historic Site of Canada.

--Brock-Perry

Other USS Fultons in U.S. Navy

From Wikipedia.

Besides the USS Demologos, there were other ships by the name of Fulton in the U.S. Navy.

USS FULTON  (1837)--  Sidewheel steamer launched in 1837, captured by Confederates  in 1861 and destroyed when they evacuated Pensacola, Florida, in 1862.  I'll be writing about this ship in my Running the Blockade blog later today.

USS FULTON  (AS-1)--  A submarine tender launched in 1914, reclassified as a gunboat (PG-49) in 1930, and decommissioned  in 1934.

USS FULTON (SP-247), a tugboat, converted into a patrol vessel in commission 1917-1919.

USS FULTON  (AS-11)    A Fulton-class submarine tender, launched in 1940 and struck in 1991.

--Brock-Perry

USS Fulton-- Part 3: A Dead-End in Naval Architecture

The Demologos had an entirely innovative and unique design.  It was actually a catamaran, with its paddlewheel between two hulls. that were 5 feet thick to protect against cannon fire.  It was capable of 5.5 knots an hour under favorable conditions and designed to carry thirty 32-pounder cannons with 24 along the sides and 6 fore and aft.  However, it never had the full amount as the Navy had trouble acquiring that man guns.  It was also fitted for two 100-pounder guns fore and aft, but they also were never mounted.

The design protected the paddlewheels from enemy fire and also allowed for easier placement of broadside guns.

However, with its hull the way it was, the Demologos was not suited for travel on the open seas.

The design eventually ended as a dead end in naval architecture, especially with the introduction  of the screw propeller. in the 1840s.

--Brock-Perry

USS Fulton-- Part 2: Just One Day of Service

On March 9, 1814, Congress authorized construction of a steam frigate to the design of Robert Fulton, a pioneer in the construction of steam ships.  Construction began in June at the civilian yard of famed shipbuilders Adam and Noah Brown in New York City and launched  October 29.

Delivered to the U.S. Navy in June 1816, but never formally named.  Fulton christened it the Demologos (or Demologus), but after his death, it was named the USS Fulton.

By the time of completion, the War of 1812 was over and she saw only one day of actual service when it carried President James Monroe on a tour of New York Harbor.

Its first commander, Captain David Porter (father of David Dixon Porter of Civil War and Fort Fisher fame and essentially a step father to David Glasgow Farragut) ordered a two-masted lateen rig built on the ship.  In 1821 its armament and machinery were removed and the remainder of its career spent in reserve.

After 1825, she became a floating barracks ship for the Brooklyn Navy Yard.  Its end came on June 4, 1829 in a gunpowder explosion while at anchor.  An officer and 47 men were killed.

--Brock-Perry

Baltimore Celebrating Defenders Day This Weekend

From the Baltimore Sun.

This weekend is the 205th anniversary of the Battle of Baltimore and the attack on Fort McHenry.  It will be celebrated where a lot of it took place, at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Site.

September 13 they had a parade to the fort.

September 14 had family-friendly activities from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., followed by an evening of music, photo ops with U.S. Army soldiers, living history exhibitions and a flag-raising, all culminating with  an 8:25 fireworks display.

Today, September 15, there are more family-friendly activities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Admission to the grounds is free.  Admission to the fort is $15 and free for kids under 16.

A Great Victory and the "Star-Spangled Banner."  --Brock-Perry

The USS Fulton (United States Floating Battery Demologos): Part 1

From Wikipedia.

Last month I was writing a lot about Stephen Champlin's naval career and one of his commands was the steamer Robert Fulton during the 1838 Patriot War.  Initially, I had some confusion until I figured out that the USS Fulton and the steamer Robert Fulton were two different ships.

But the USS Fulton had a War of 1812 connection.  And then there was a second USS Fulton that had a Civil War connection.

This is about the first USS Fulton, originally named the Demologos, a steam driven catamaran-type U.S. Navy frigate.

The Demologos was the first warship to be propelled by a steam engine and built to defend New York City from the Royal Navy during the War of 1812.  It was based on a design by inventor Robert Fulton and was renamed the USS Fulton after his death.  Because the war was over soon after it was built, it never saw action.  No other ship built by the U.S. Navy was anything like it.

Stats:  Laid down 1814,  Commissioned 1816.  Blown up 1829.

153.2 feet long.  58 foot beam.    Regarded as a steam battery.   Thirty  32-pdr. cannons  Two 100-pdr Columbiads

It was armored with five foot thick wooden planking.  It had two hulls with the paddle wheel between them.

--Brock-Perry

Deaths of 9-11 First Responders Continue to Rise

Tom Frey now lives in Florida and is one of the many 9-11 First Responders with serious illnesses brought on by exposure to the dust, smoke and chemicals at Ground Zero.  A battle with Hodgkins lymphoma, tied to his 9-11 exposure, included multiple rounds of chemotherapy.  That treatment led to a secondary diagnosis:  pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable scarring of the lungs that can be have many causes and is one of the latest diseases to be correlated with Ground Zero exposure.

On 9-11, Frey remembers looking up to see gray ash falling like soft rain and realizing that he and other cops were wearing only paper masks:  "I said, 'This is not going to be good down the road.' "

When he was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2016, his doctor told him "that the chemo drugs had started a fire in my lungs with some of the debris from the Trade Center, and he said there was nothing they could do for me."

Though Frey had long thought of himself as invincible --  "I figured, hey, all those hot dogs I ate from the street vendors, I must be immune to everything," he jokes --  he is part of the growing toll of victims of the 9/11 attacks.

Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning?)-- Part 2

Continued from the Tattooed On Your Soul:  World War II blog from today.

This being the 18th anniversary of that dastardly attack.

And as Mary Dixon and Linn Brehmer on Chicago's WXRT, 93.1 FM pointed out, hard to believe that we have a whole new generation who was not even born when it happened.  Hopefully, it will not be forgotten.  Every September 11 all seven of my blogs are devoted to the story.

This song brought tears to my eyes when I saw Alan Jackson performing it shortly afterwards.

*****************

Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones

Pray for the ones you don't know?

Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble

And sob for the ones left down below?

Did you burst out with pride

For the red, white and blue

And the heroes who died

Just doin' what they do?

*******************

Not Forgotten Here.

Fort Malden-- Part 11: The Fort's Roles After the Upper Canada Rebellion

After the Upper Canada Rebellion and Patriot War, the fort was abandoned, but the people of Amherstburg complained they had no defense, so British troops were again stationed and, since there was no defending to be done, they improved the fort.

From 1851-1859, Fort Malden was  occupied by army pensioners in what became known as the Pensioner Scheme which was a way for Britain to replace active military units with retired personnel.  This worked well and most pensioners stayed and with their pensions and hard work, helped Amherstburg's development.

Before the Civil; War, Amherstburg and Fort Malden  played major roles in the Underground Railroad, enabling runaway slaves to get to Canada for their freedom.

From  1859 to 1875, the province of Ontario had ownership of the fort and it was turned into the Malden Lunatic Asylum.

From 1876 to 1935, Fort Malden was surveyed and sold at public auction after being divided into eleven lots.  Then, from 1935 to the present, Fort Malden has been  a National Historic Site of Canada.

--Brock-Perry

Fort Malden-- Part 10: The End of the Upper Canada Rebellion

One attempt by the Hunters' Lodge Americans to defeat the British  took place on January 9, 1838, when they crossed the Detroit River on the schooner Anne (which I have written a whole lot about, click the Anne/Ann (schooner) label).  They attacked Amherstburg, which Fort Malden defended.

All three British regiments and a town militia and Native American warriors defended the town successfully and captured twenty Americans prisoner, including their commander Edward Alexander  Theller.

There were also two other battles fought in the vicinity.  One was at Fighting Island and the other at Pelee Island.

Once the fighting in the Upper Canada Rebellion was quelled, the fort was no longer needed for active military regiments.  The Royal Artillery left between June and July  1839 and the  32nd Regiment also withdrew.  The militia was disbanded a few months later.

--Brock-Perry

Fort Malden-- Part 9: Used During the Upper Canada Rebellion and Patriot War (1837-1838)

After the American withdrawal from Fort Malden, the British allowed it to deteriorate over the years until 1837-1838 when the Upper Canada Rebellion took place.  This also involved what I was recently writing about, the Patriot War of 1838.

The Upper Canada Rebellion involved a group of Canadians wanting to break away from British rule and the Patriot War were Americans willing to help them.  Between the two groups, this strained relations between Great Britain and the United States.

Much of Fort Malden's involvement with this was protecting Upper Canada from American citizens (the Patriots) operating out of Hunters' Lodges who frequently embarked on border raids along the border by the Detroit River.

As a result of this threat, Fort Malden experienced a rebirth of sorts with several buildings added and the earthworks repaired.  Much of this was conducted under Major H.D. Townshend in 1838 and involved the  24th and 32nd regiments who occupied the fort during this period.

--Brock-Perry

Fort Malden-- Part 8: American Occupation

After General Henry Proctor abandoned and burned Fort Malden in the fall of 1813, American forces occupied the towns of Sandwich (Windsor) and Amherstburg, including the land the fort had stood on.

During that time, the area was used to conduct raids on nearby Chatham-Kent and London, Upper Canada (Ontario) for supplies.  The Americans began reconstructing Fort Malden near the site of the original fort.

After the ratification of the Treaty of Ghent in February 1815, the border between the United States and British North America was restored to prewar status and the Americans returned the land and left.  The U.S. Army officially  withdrew from Fort Malden on July 1, 1815.

--Brock-Perry

Fort Malden-- Part 7: Fort is Abandoned By the British

Again, the official name of the fort is Fort Amherstburg, but most everyone refers to it as Fort Malden.

Throughout the War of 1812, the Detroit Frontier (where Fort Malden is located)  was considered as an afterthought to British strategy.  It was "a distant and expendable outer branch"  of Canada.  One that Britain would sacrifice in order to protect Montreal and Quebec in Lower Canada, and Niagara, York and Kingston in Upper Canada.

The losses of York and Niagara in the spring of 1813 placed the Upper Canada's western border in jeopardy.  Resources were directed at the Niagara region and with no chances of receiving significant reinforcements,  General Proctor was forced to abandon Fort Malden in September 1813.

With the British defeat at the Battle of Lake Erie the fort was burned and the fort's inhabitants were forced to flee with American forces hot on their heels.  After the American victory at the Battle of the Thames, general Proctor was able to continue his retreat to Niagara.

--Brock-Perry

Fort Malden-- Part 6: The Surrender of Fort Detroit

On July 16th, General Hull's American Army met  its first British resistance at the River Canard where two British soldiers were killed, marking the first fatalities of the War of 1812.

Major General Isaac Brock assumed command at Fort Malden on August 13, 1812, and it was Brock who led British troops across the Detroit River a few days later.  With the help of Chief Tecumseh's native warriors, Brock marched on Fort Detroit.

It was reported that General Hull was fearful of "hordes" of Indians swooping down on the civilian population of Detroit and it was this fear that Brock and Tecumseh decided to capitalize on and let Hull know that there were some 5,000 Indians with Brock and that he didn't know if he could control them in a battle if it took place.

This was, even after the fearsome proclamation he had made, why General Hull surrendered Fort Detroit without a fight.

This success at Fort Detroit was a big reason support of the First Nations during the War of 1812.

--Brock-Perry

Fort Malden-- Part 5: Hull's Brazen Proclamation to Canadians

The first stroke of the Tomahawk, the first attempt with the scalping knife, will be the signal for one of indiscriminate scene of desolation. No white man found fighting by the side of an Indian, will be taken prisoner.  Instant destruction will be his lot.

The UNITED STATES offers you peace, liberty and security.    Your choice lies between these & WAR, slavery, and destruction.  Choose them but choose wisely, and may he who knows the justice of our cause, and who holds in his hand the fate of NATIONS, guide you to a result that is most compatible with your rights  and interest, your PEACE and prosperity.

Big words for a man who surrendered Fort Detroit for fear of those Indians.

--Cooter

Fort Malden-- Part 5: Hull's Brazen Proclamation to Canadians

Considering how this incursion ended and the surrender of Detroit, this proclamation by Hull certainly didn't bear out his words.

"INHABITANTS OF CANADA!

After  thirty years of PEACE & prosperity, the UNITED STATES have been driven to Arms.  The injuries & aggressions, insults & indignities of Great Britain have once more left them no alternative but manly resistance or unconditional submission.

The ARMY under my command has invaded your country, & the Standard of the UNION now waves over the Territory of CANADA.  To the peaceable unoffending inhabitant, it brings neither danger nor difficulty.  I come to find enemies, not to snake them.  I come to protect, not to injure you.

If the barbarous & savage policy of Great Britain is pursued, and the savages are let loose to murder our citizens, & butcher our women and children, the war, will be a war of extermination.

More to Come.  --Brock-Perry

Fort Malden-- Part 4: Opening of War of 1812

Part 3 is on August 31.  Parts two and three are out of order.

General Hull reacted to the Cuyahoga's capture on July 12 when he moved his forces across the Detroit River east of Sandwich (Windsor today) and took the town without opposition.  Sandwich was then used as a base of operations for the American advance into Upper Canada.

General Hull used the Francois Baby House in Sandwich as his headquarters and on July 13, issued a proclamation to the citizens of Canada.  (See next post for his proclamation.)

The Francois Baby House construction began in 1812 and it was unfinished when General Hull used it as his headquarters.  It was later used as British headquarters.  Today it is a National Historic Site of Canada.

--Brock-Perry

Fort Malden-- Part 2: A History of the Fort and Amherstburg

From Wikipedia Amherstburg.

Amherstburg town is a Canadian town near the mouth of the Detroit River about 16 miles south of the city of Detroit.  It is part of the Windsor metropolitan area.

French colonists had originally settled in the area.  In 1796, after losing the American colonies and Fort Detroit (present-day Detroit), Britain established Fort Malden (Fort Amherstburg) as a military fort overlooking Lake Erie at the Detroit River's mouth.

This caused the region's population to grow as did the Crown granting land in Upper Canada to  Loyalists from the U.S. (now known as United Empire Loyalists) in compensation for losses in the former colonies or for payment for service in the American Revolution.

Amherstburg and the fort also played a role in the Underground Railroad to get runaway slaves to their freedom in the years leading up to the Civil War.  It was a major crossing point into Canada.  The town is even mentioned in the famous book "Uncle Tom's Cabin" as being where George and Eliza escaped slavery.

--Brock-Perry

Fort Malden-- Part 3: War of 1812

Aside from its military history, the fort  was the setting for the British Pensioner Scheme and later became the Ontario Provincial Asylum in 1859.    After that closed, it became privatized.and divided into lots for public sale and that lasted until the 1900s.

Fort Malden's War of 1812 involvement began on July 2, 1812,  when British forces at the fort captured the American schooner Cuyahoga.  The declaration of war was made by the U.S. on June 18, but the American General William Hull at Detroit still did not know about it.

He had chartered the Cuyahoga to transport goods and military records, officer wives and the ill from Toledo, Ohio, to Detroit.  But it had to pass Amherstburg and Fort Malden on the Detroit River and it was captured by the British brig  HMS General Hunter.

--Brock-Perry

Fort Malden-- Part 1: Formal Name Is Fort Amherstburg

From Wikipedia.

This fort played a large role in the War of 1812 and was also involved in the Patriot War of 1837-1838.

Fort Malden, formally known as Fort Amherstburg, is located in Amherstburg, Ontario.  It was built in 1795 to defend against potential American invasion.

During the War of 1812, Sir Isaac Brock and Tecumseh met here to plan the siege of Detroit.  It was then a British stronghold during the rest of the war.  It also had an important role in the Upper Canada Rebellion and the Patriot War of 1837-1838.

It is now one of the National Historic Sites of Canada.

Because of the 1795 Jay Treaty, the British had to relinquish their Fort Detroit, located at present day Detroit.  They were assigned to Fort Malden, south of Detroit.  In 1797, Robert Prescott, commander of British troops in Canada, ordered it named Fort Amherstburg, for General Lord Amherst, who served during the Seven Years' War.

That name has never changed, but most people call it Fort Malden  as it is in the township of Malden.

--Brock-Perry

Patriot War of 1838

I am going to quit writing about the Patriot War of 1838 now.

But you can find out more by looking up Patriot War in Wikipedia.

--Brock-Perry

The Patriot War, Schooner Ann/Anne-- Part 11" And, the George Strong

This involved another ship, the George Strong, that the Anne had captured and evidently used as a tender.

Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
Friday, February 2, 1838

The GEORGE STRONG --  It appears that the robbery of this vessel amounted to the buying , by the British officers,  of ten cords and a quarter of wood, and sundries, for which full payment was made.

It also appears that she was sort of a tender to the piratical Anne.

So, at least some Americans regarded the actions of the Patriots as piratical.

--Brock-Perry

Patriot War, the Schooner Ann/Anne: 53 Feet Long, 13.4 Foot Beam, Launched 1836

Schooner ANN.  Of 25.75 tons.  Built Detroit, Mich.,  1836 by W.H. Simmons.  owned by Shadrack Gillet, a Detroit Commission and Forwarding  Merchant.

Home Port, Detroit, Mich. 53.0 X 13.4 X 4.10  (53 feet long, 13.4 foot beam and 4.10 depth)   No gallery; no figurehead; one deck; two masts.

Former enrollment of Detroit surrendered by reason of new owners, dated May 24, 1836.

Detroit Enrollment No. 13 of 1836.
dated May 24, 1836.

I'm guessing enrollment refers to registration here.

More Than You'd Ever Figured To Know About the Schooner Ann/Anne.  --Brock-Perry

The Patriot War-- Part 9: Schooner Ann/Anne

From the Cleveland Herald and Gazette
Wednesday, June 13, 1838

Some twenty of the State prisoners at Toronto, have been moved to Kingston, among them are Sutherland and Theller.  Spencer, Sutherland's aid, and five or six of the crew of the schooner ANN, captured at Malden, have been discharged.

**************************************

Western Herald
Tuesday,  October 30, 1838

Yesterday morning, the schooner BROCK brought up from Amherstburgh, and landed  at our wharf, the long nine-pounder, which was taken from the schooner ANN of Detroit, two smaller  guns, 200 stand of musket  and accoutrements, and 20,000 rounds of ball cartridge.

The BROCK left this,  the same day for Amherstburgh, and will return shortly  with more destructive  implements; we do not say what kind -- but  will leave our sympathising neighbors opposite to guess.

--Brock-Perry

The Patriot War-- Part 8: Schooner Ann/Anne

Then the paper said what they thought about the Americans who were intent on taking Upper Canada into the United States.

"Thus ended an expedition  which was to have terminated in the plunder of our property, the massacre of our families, and the total subversion of our Constitution and Government.

"We can tell Mr. Sutherland and his crew, (who by this time are hungrily seeking to devour,) that if he wants to have another set-to, we are prepared with 1,200 'gallant souls,' as Mr. Bates called the Pirates, --who are eager for something to do to keep them warm in this cold weather."

Western Herald and Farmers' Magazine (Sandwich, Upper Canada)
Tuesday, January 23, 1838

The Second Storming of Washington, D.C. By the British: Only This Time They Had Guitars and Mop Tops

Of course, most people know of the British burning of D.C. in 1814, but 150 years later, another group of British also came to town and to thousands of screams.

If you'd like to read about it, go to the labels section and down to Beatles and click.  These were posts from 2014:  Feb. 17, 18 and 21.  It also includes the setlist they played for the concert.

Beatlemania Strikes the Capitol City.  --JohnPaulGeorgeRingo

The Patriot War, Schooner Ann/Anne-- Part 7: Kindness, Humanity and Consideration

Our men  plunged into the water and boarded her, a jolly little man of the name Lighton, climbed the mast and pulled her colors down.

The prisoners were brought on shore, and the wounded treated with ever kindness, humanity and consideration.  Indeed we need only to refer to the spontaneous declaration of W.W. Dodge, who is by far the most respectable among them, as evidence of their treatment.

The capture consisted of  a schooner, called the "ANN" of Detroit --  21 prisoners (most of them American citizens),  3 pieces of cannon -- and upwards of 200 stand of arms -- and a large quantity of ammunition, besides some stores and provisions.

The Militia engaged in this capture were all Volunteers, and behaved most gallantly.

--Brock-Perry

The Patriot War, Schooner Ann-- Part 6: Talking Pirates and Brigands

The Western herald & Farmer's Magazine  of Sandwich, Upper Canada, wrote a lengthy account of the problems between Canada and the Patriots around the time of the Ann's capture.  It was very anti-Patriot and American.

Part of the end was about the capture of the the schooner Ann/Anne:

But to proceed.  The Pirate Schooner (Ann/Anne) had of course, been narrowly watched through the day, but at sundown she sailed slowly and steadily from the head of Bois Blanc, between the island and the town, hugging the Island as closely as she could for fear  of our musketry and rifles, and firing about a dozen shots of ball, grape and canister , into the very heart of Amherstburg.   The houses sustained but little damage, and the inhabitants none.

Our men followed her, (first leaving a force of about 150 men to defend the upper part of town  near the King's store upon which the decent from the Brigand scows and boats was expected every minute,) and as she neared Elliot's Point, a rifle ball killed the helmsman, and the wind blowing very  strong, the schooner came ashore.

They were called upon to surrender, and take their colors down - but they declined, or rejected to do so, and several shots were exchanged, and two of the Pirates killed after she had stranded.  She was about eight or ten rods from the shore.

More to Come.  --Brock-Perry

The Patriot War-- Part 5: Schooner Anne/Ann

   We copy the following from the Detroit Daily Advertiser of the 13th inst.  The force assembled at Bois Blanc Island under 'Gen.' Sutherland was dispersed by Gove. Mason, who went with the steamboat ERIE, with about 100 citizen volunteers, for that purpose.

   The persons taken in the schr ANN, captured by the British, said by the Detroit Post to have been 'all massacred' appear to have been marched through the country to London, for safe keeping.

Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
Tuesday, January 23, 1838

--Brock-Perry

The Patriot War of 1838, the Schooner Anne-- Part 1

From the Maritime History of the Great Lakes  "Ann of Detroit (Schooner), captured Patriot War, 1 Jan. 1838."

Detroit. Jan 11. 1838, Messrs Editors:

   The schooner Ann, commanded by Dr. E.A. Theller, of this city, in the patriot service, against the Royalists of Upper Canada, was yesterday captured near Malden, while cruising near that port, for the observation as to the situation of the Royalists.  She had on board 17  men in all.

   The officers were Theller, Davis of London (Upper Canada),  and Dodge of Monroe, Davis is supposed to be mortally wounded.  Dodge had his left eye shot out.  These were the only persons injured.

   A heavy wind drove the vessel nearer the shore than was desired.  She was fired upon and captured.  She had two cannon on board, and about 300 muskets belonging to the Patriots at Bois Blanc Island near Malden, where the patriots are encamped, numbering about 700.

Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
January 22, 1838

--Brock-Perry

The Patriot War of 1838-- Part 3: Severely Disorganized and Against Both British and U.S. Governments

However, the failure of Duncombe's Revolt in Canada caused the island to be abandoned  on January 14, 1838.

CAROLINE AFFAIR

On December 29, 1837, there was the Caroline Affair, which raised an international outcry when Royal Navy men crossed the international border between the U.S. and Canada and seized the steamship Caroline   The ship had been carrying supplies to the men occupying Navy Island.  The ship was set afire and sent adrift and plunged over Niagara Falls.

THE SCHOONER ANNE

The Anne, under Patriot control, attacked Fort Malden but was captured.  Further attempts to take Fort Malden were stymied by American troops.

FIGHTING ISLAND AND HICKORY ISLAND, (Feb. 1838)

The steamboat Erie headed for Fighting Island, seven miles south of Detroit with more than 400 troops from Cleveland and their arms were captured by American authorities.  British troops crossed the ice and dispersed them and then announced they would cross into U.S. territory to pursue them, American troops put flags on the frozen river and announced they would shoot any British soldier attempting to cross.  They didn't cross.

The attack on Hickory Island fizzled when the Patriot leaders had a disagreement.

--Brock-Perry

The Patriot War of 1838-- Part 2: The "Hunter's Lodge" Gets Organized

Participants in the war were  a secret organization known as the "Hunter's Lodge" formed in the United States in sympathy to the 1837 rebellions in Upper and Lower Canada.It arose in Vermont among Lower Canada refugees and spread westward under the direction of of Dr. Charles Duncombe, William  Lyon Mackenzie and Donald McLeod.

They formed the Republic of Canada and headquartered at Navy Island, but were bombarded by the British and retreated to Buffalo, New York, where they were seized by U.S. forces and sentenced to 18 months for violating the neutrality between Britain and the U.S..

On December 7, 1837, the initial rebellion in Upper Canada ended at the Battle of Montgomery's Tavern at which time many of the rebels fled to the U.S..  Two days before the battle, a group of 13 had organized in Buffalo to support the rebels.

Rensselaer van Rensselaer, a West Point graduate and who had fought alongside Bolivar in South America, became the head of the Patriot military forces.  (I am not sure this is a correct name.)  They occupied Navy Island, in Canadian waters.  During the month of December much work was done getting supporters and soon they had 500 men.

--Brock-Perry

The Patriot War of 1838-- Part 1

I wrote about the steamship Robert Fulton in the last four posts which Stephen Champlin of the U.S. Navy commanded as troops were sent to the Detroit area during this crisis which had the possibility of conflict with Britain.  The U.S. government chartered the Robert Fulton.

Even though this was after the War of 1812, the fact that Britain might get involved and Champlin being a War of 1812 veteran means I will take a look at this war.

From Wikipedia.

The Patriot War was a conflict along the Canada-United States border involving bands of raiders attacking the former British colony of Upper Canada (today's Ontario) more than a dozen times between December 1837 and December 1838.

This was not a declared war between nations.  The groups responsible for the war were both American and Canadian with the intention of liberating Upper Canada from British rule.

And, before Writing About Stephen Champlin I'd Never Heard Of It.  --Brock-Perry