U.S. Navy in War of 1812-- Part 5: Lack of Interest in the U.S. Navy by the Government

In the year before the war, the government and Navy Department did little to prepare for it.  In a country where  many questioned the need or even dreaded  the existence of a standing military, the Navy Department was even afraid it would be done away with by the government.

Only months before the war, Congress began a slow, meager build up in preparation for it.

However, a few weeks after declaration, Congress approved $829,000  for purchasing, repairing and equipping captured enemy vessels.  But so much disinterest or outright opposition existed that Congress did not appropriate money to build ships until January 1813.  They then approved $2,500,000 for four ships of the line and six frigates.  This was 25% more than the entire Navy 1811 budget.

These warships would never see combat against the British.  Too late.

--Brock-Perry

U.S. Navy in War of 1812-- Part 4: Woefully Unprepared to Take on Britain

To say the U.S. Navy was in no shape to fight the British Navy is a huge understatement.  In 1812, the British Navy included 130 ships of the line mounting 60-120 guns and 600 frigates and smaller warships.

The U.S. Navy at the time had 7 frigates fit for the sea, 3 frigates needing repairs, 8 brigs, schooners or sloops, and 165 gunboats (of which 103 were in ordinary or in need of repairs).  The Navy was never large at any time and almost evaporated after hostilities ended with Tripoli in 1805.

Further cuts continued even after the Chesapeake-Leopard Affair and even up to 1810, despite worsening tensions with Britain.

Naval historian Charles O. Paullin described the shape of the U.S. Navy when war was declared being "unprepared in every essential means, instrument, and material of naval warfare.  It had no dry docks.  It had few ships.  With the exception of the naval establishment at Washington, the navy-yards were in a state of neglect and decay."

Thankfully for our Navy, Napoleon in France had the British attention, nor had they expected a declaration of war.    Of all the British ships, just one ship of the line, 7 frigates and a dozen smaller warships were operating out of the main base in Halifax, Canada.

--Brock-Perry

U.S. Navy in War of 1812-- Part 3: That Impressment Thing and Other Affronts Lead to War

The Chesapeake-Leopard Affair, as it came to be known, enraged the American public and embarrassed the Navy.  President Jefferson levied a big embargo against the British and the British Admiralty recalled the Leopard's commander and admitted the error.   The situation deescalated  and soon was replaced with Vice President Aaron Burr's  conspiracy and trial for treason.

Actually, the Chesapeake-Leopard Affair didn't end until 1820, when the disgraced American commander of the Cheasapeake, James Barron, challenged American naval hero Stephen Decatur to a duel stemming from it and killed Decatur.

But, impressments continued.  Since 1800, Great Britain had captured 917 American ships and impressed 6,257 American seamen.

On June 1, 1812, President James Madison spoke before Congress, citing British impressment of American sailors, disregard for American sovereignty and plundering of American commerce, and asked that a state of war be declared.

With support from the War Hawks, who were seeking to gain control of Canada, Congress declared war on June 18, 1812.  Ironically, the British had rescinded the Orders in Council two days earlier.

--Brock-Perry

U.S. Navy in the War of 1812-- Part 2: Impressment and the Chesapeake-Leopard Incident

After the Quasi War with France was settled in 1800 and the situation with the Barbary States was normalized in 1805, the major remaining threat to the U.S. Navy was clearly the British Navy.  The biggest thing the weak U.S. Navy had going for it was the almost uninterrupted war between Britain and France ever since the French Revolution.

This conflict intensified after Napoleon took over France in 1803.  To keep their ships manned, the British relied on impressment.  American sailors became a prime source for this.

In 1807, the British government increased their blockade on France, resulting in the stopping of American ships and the impressment of American sailors.  Then, on June 22, 1807, the British frigate HMS Leopard stopped the American frigate USS Chesapeake and opened fire when the American commander, James Barron, refused to let them come on board.  The British forced their way on board after a very one-sided fight with three American  dead and eighteen wounded and four sailors taken off for impressment.

Thomas Jefferson always believed that war between the two countries might have been declared right then had Congress been in session.

--Brock-Perry

The U.S. Navy in the War of 1812: Winning Battles, But Losing the War-- Part 1: Government Incompetence

From the November 18, 2019, CIMSEC  by William J. Prom.

Many popular histories of the war like to point out the victories of individual U.S. ships (though often against a single overmatched British ship) against the world's most powerful Navy.  But, there were huge failures on the part of the U.S.Navy.   Also, the big U.S. fleet battle victories at the Battle of Lake Erie and Battle of Lake Champlain are extolled.

Rear Admiral Alfred Thayer Mahan, however, summed up the war thusly:  "Although  relieved by many brilliant incidents, indicative of the real spirit and capacity of the nation, the record upon the whole is one of gloom, disaster, and government incompetence, resulting from lack of national preparation, due to the obstinate  and blind prepossessions  of the Government, and, in part, of the people."

--  Brock-Perry

Naval Hero Jacob Jones

From the November 5, 2019, Cape Gazette (covering Delaware's Cape region)  "Historical Society to present Jacob Jones program Nov. 8."

Retired Navy officer, will present "Jacob Jones: His Life in Lewes During the Revolution" at the Lewes History Museum.

He was just five years old when five ships of the newly-formed Continental Navy sailed into Lewes in early 1776, but their activity stirred him to make himself a career in the Navy.  And, he became a hero in the War of 1812, receiving a gold medal from Congress for action off the Coast of North Carolina.

Jones spent his early life living at the Ryves Holt House on the corner of second and Mulberry streets in downtown Lewes. It is believed to have been built in 1665 and it is the oldest house in Lewes still on its original foundation.

Decatur County, Indiana, Named for Naval Hero Stephen Decatur, Greensburg Founded By War of 1812 Colonel

From the November 8, 2019, Greensburg (Indiana) Daily News  "Decatur County veterans through the years" by Pat Smith.

The county was named for Stephen Decatur, a War of 1812 naval hero who was killed in a duel in 1820.    The following year, the county was named after him.

Decatur County historian Russell Wilhoit says there are 52 known War of 1812 veterans buried in the county and another ten buried in nearby counties who lived at one time or another in Decatur County.  He is doing a book on veterans from the American Revolution, War of 1812, Mexican War and Civil War who are buried in the county.

The founder of Greensburg, Thomas Hendricks, was a colonel in the War of 1812 and came with other surveyors to the newly opened land and purchased four 80-acre tracts of land in the county.  He built the first cabin in what was to become Greensburg and donated 100 acres of land  for the town of Greensburg which he named for his wife Elizabeth Trimble's native town in Pennsylvania.

He was uncle to Thomas A. Hendricks, governor of Indiana and vice president of the United States.

--Brock-Perry

William Jenkins Worth-- Part 2: Second Seminole War and Mexican War

After the War of 1812, he became commandant of the military academy at West Point and was promoted to colonel.  After that, he was put in command of the newly-formed Eighth Infantry regiment stationed in Florida.  He gained victory there and was promoted to brigadier general in 1842.

Worth convinced Secretary of War John C. Spencer to allow  to allow the remaining Indians to stay in southwest Florida.  He also argued for an official end to the war in 1842.

Worth served under Zachary Taylor in Texas during the Mexican War.  Next, he commanded  the 2nd Regular Division Army of Occupation at the Battle of Monterrey in September 1846.  In 1847, he was transferred to  his old friend Winfield Scott army and placed in command of the First Division.

Worth died of cholera in 1849 in San Antonio, Texas.

The cities of Fort Worth and Lake Worth in Texas are named after him, as is Lake Worth in Florida.

--Brock-Perry

William Jenkins Worth-- Part 1: The War of 1812

From the December 13, 2019, Journal Gazette & Times Courier  "Little known characters of American history.

WILLIAM JENKINS WORTH (March 1, 1794- May 7, 1849)

United States Army officer in the War of 1812, Second Seminole War and Mexican War.

He served as an aide to Winfield Scott in the War of 1812 as a first lieutenant.  The two men developed a friendship  that would last a lifetime.

During the War of 1812, Worth distinguished himself at the battles of Chippewa and Lundy's Lane during the Niagara Campaign. In the last battle, Worth was seriously wounded  and not expected to survive, but after a year's  confinement, he recovered.

He rose to the rank of major, but that wound would leave him lame for the rest of his life.

--Brock-Perry

River Raisin Event Held in Bad Weather-- Part 2

This year, the musket demonstrations were visible from the front porch of the visitor center, where most took advantage of watching it.  The River Raisin could be seen in the background.

The ceremony took place shortly afterward in the front yard and featured a series of flag postings and wreaths, accompanied by salutes.  Representatives of the Essex and Kent Regiment of Canada, the Wyandot of Anderdon (Indians), local military veterans, park  volunteers and Cub Scout Pack  547 of Monroe were among the participants.

During one flag ceremony, a War of 1812-era US. flag  was used.  It had fifteen stars and 15 stripes.

Like in 813, this commemoration took place in winter conditions.  Ralph Naveaux of Monroe, whose years of volunteering at the battlefield go back to when it was a Monroe County park, said the conditions on January 18, 1813,  included 18-inches of snow on the ground, topped by a thin layer of ice.

Six inches of snow fell on the Monroe area Friday night into Saturday, followed by sleet and rain.

The battlefield park center at 1403 E. Elm Avenue is a long-time home for  historical and educational programs.  A long-range plan for development on both sides of the river has been dubbed the River Raisin Heritage Corridor plan.

--Brock-Perry

River Raisin Event Held in Bad Weather Last Weekend-- Part 1

From the January 19, 2020, LenConnect.com  "Commemorative battlefield event held during snowy weather" by Paula Wethington., Monroe (Mich.) News.

It was Monroe County's biggest snowstorm of winter season so far.

"We had a lot of brave souls with the weather," said Jami Keegan.  And, only the presentation of Mary  Stockwell was cancelled.  The tactical musket demonstration went on although only half of the 70 re-enactors were there.

The Battles of the River Raisin took place January 18 and January 22, 1813, in an area in and around the present-day City of Monroe, Michigan.  Americans, British, Canadians and Indians were involved and the defeat of the Americans is considered a pivotal moment in the War of 1812.

Many of those who died on the American side were from Kentucky.  The local community in the area, then known as French Town, was left desolated.

--Brock-Perry

Some More on the River Raisin Commemoration: "Remember the Raisin"

From the January 17, 2020, Monroe (Michigan) News  "River Raisin  Battlefield hosting commemoration Saturday" by Tyler Eagle.

Unfortunately,the speakers for Saturday were cancelled because of the inclement weather.  (Must have been what hit us here in northeast Illinois on Friday.)

But I will tells about the speakers anyway as they sounded very interesting.

The battle occurred on January  18 and January 22, 1813 and resulted in several hundred Americans slaughtered in what became known as the River Raisin Massacre, which later inspired  the "Remember the Raisin" slogan in reference to those massacred.

At 9 am,  author and historian Dr. Mary Stockwell was to deliver her presentation "Unlikely General:  'Mad' Anthony  Wayne and the Battle for America."  Wayne was a prominent American revolution general.

At 2:30, the museum was to host "The Archaeology of the Battle of Lake Erie and the War of 1812."

Ellen Kennedy of the National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo was to deliver a speech on  Great Lakes naval archaeological sites related to the war.

"Mapping the War of 1812  and Its Legacy" will take place on Sunday, Jan. 19 at 1 pm, given by former NPS ranger  Ron Jones on maps of the era.

--Brock-Perry

River Raisin Events Commemorate War of 1812 This Weekend

From the January 17, 2020, Toledo (Ohio) Blade.

The River Raisin National Battlefield Park in Monroe, Michigan, is commemorating  the War of 1812 battle that took place there this weekend.

For those of you who like a little alcoholic taste with your history, on Friday, today, the Battle of the Wines event will be held at the La-Z-Boy Center of the campus of Monroe County Community College from 5:30 to 8:30 PM.  Tickets are $40 and include nine wine tastings from  Michigan, Canada and France.  Food to pair with the wine will be provided.

The battle is also known as the Battles of Frenchtown, Battle of the River Raisin and River raisin Massacre.

The 207th commemoration of the battle, which took place January 18, 1812, and resulted in a major American defeat, is set for 9 am to 2:30 pm  at the battlefield's visitors center.  A musket and cannon demonstration at  11 am will be followed at noon by a remembrance ceremony.

On Sunday, Ron Jones  will give a presentation  at the visitor center mapping  the War of 1812 and its legacy from 1 to 2 pm.  Maps designed by Scottish cartographer John Melish will be on display.

Remember the Raisin  --Brock-Perry

About That Uncle Sam-- Part 3: Most Likely Was Sam Wilson

The true origin of Uncle Sam is disputed, but a resolution of Congress in 1961 declared that an upstate New York meat packer and inspector named Sam Wilson was the original Uncle Sam.  He was a soldier during the American Revolution from Troy, New York,  and provided rations to American troops during the War of 1812.

It is not known whether Wilson's appearance was the inspiration for Uncle Sam's appearance, but James Montgomery Flagg's depiction of the man has certainly stood the test of time.

Flagg's Uncle Sam was used again during World War II.

I had a copy of Flagg's Uncle Sam up in my classroom with the words "For the U.S. Army" covered up and the words "To Do Your Homework" written.  I told my students that no matter where they were in the room, he was looking and pointing directly at them.  I often winder how many stared at him.

--Brock-Perry

About That Uncle Sam-- Part 2: Uncle Sam Poster Based On a British Poster

James Montgomery Flagg was a creator of cartoons, illustrations, and drawings of publications of all sorts.    He worked for advertisers, magazines, newspapers, book publishers and was commissioned by  Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper in  in 1916.  It was a weekly publication  that pioneered in the use of early photography (and illustrations especially during the Civil War) during its 70+ year run and he used himself as a model.

The headline of that week's issue was "What Are You Doing For Preparedness?" At this time, the U.S. was drawing closer to entering the war raging in Europe.   He decided to make a poster of the then-famous recruiting poster of the British Army depicting the famous  Field Marshal Lord Kitchener pointing his finger and looking directly at the viewer and  telling them they're wanted in the British Army.  But he was going to use the likeness of Uncle Sam instead.

Okay, then, so who was this Uncle Sam?

Well that harkens back to our war, the War of 1812.

--Brock-Perry

About That Uncle Sam-- Part 1: A War of 1812 Connection

From the Jan. 13, 2020, We Are the Mighty  "Uncle Sam is a real guy and his poster is a self-portrait" by Blake Stilwell.

And, he has a War of 1812 connection and a World War I one as well.

In 1917, artist James Montgomery Flagg created his most famous work, a recruiting poster for the U.S. Army as the United States prepared to enter World War I.  It featured a white-haired, white-whiskered old man in an old-timey top hat, coat  and tie in bold red, white, and blue colors.  And the words "I Want You for the U.S. Army."

He was inspired by similar recruiting posters in Europe (which had been at war since 1914). It was designed to appeal to American patriotism.  (I myself like how the finger points to you as well as the eyes follow you when you're looking at it.  That used to really get my students.)

And, it is basically a portrait of Flagg himself.  This article has a photo of Flag next to his creation and you can see the resemblance.

--Brock-Perry

Jackson Was Trusting to His Lord for the Victory at New Orleans

Before the battle, Jackson had  told his aide-de-camp Major Davezac of his confidence of victory.  "I was sure of success, for I knew God would not give me previsions of disaster, but signs of victory.  He said  this ditch can never be passed.  It cannot be done."

On January 26, 1815, Andrew Jackson wrote to Robert Hays and talked about the Battle of New Orleans:  "It appears that the unerring hand of Providence shielded my men from the shower of balls, bombs, and rockets, when every ball or bomb from our guns carried with them the mission of death.

On February 17, 1815, Jackson wrote to Secretary of War James Monroe:  "Heaven, to be sure, has interposed most wonderfully in our behalf, and I am filled with gratitude, when I look back to what we have escaped."

--Brock-Perry

The Battle of New Orleans

On January 8, 1815, nearly 10,000 battle-hardened British troops advanced on Andrew Jackson's defensive positions under the cover of a dark, heavy blog.  They were intending to launch a surprise attack on Jackson's Kentucky and Tennessee soldiers aided by pirate Jean Lafitte and his men.

The Battle of New Orleans is portrayed  in the 1958 movie "The Buccaneer," starring Charlton Heston and Yul Brenner.

As the British neared Jackson's line, however, the fog lifted. and the British were exposed on the open field.  The Americans opened fire.  British commanding officers fell and their troops fell into confusion.

In the next 30 minutes, the British sustained 2,042 killed and wounded.

American losses were 13 killed.

This is generally considered the greatest American land victory of the war.

--Brock-Perry

From Fort Mims to Horseshoe Bend to New Orleans

The massacre of Americans at Fort Mims demanded a response.  Col. Andrew Jackson  was sent to fight the Red Stick Creek Indians and defeated them at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend  on March 27, 1814.  Sam Houston, who was to become famous in the Texas was one of Jackson's lieutenants at this battle and continued fighting despite being shot in the thigh.

As a result of this battle, the Creeks ceded half of what was to become Alabama to the U.S. government.

Jackson was promoted to general and sent 150 miles west to defend New Orleans.

The War of 1812 technically ended two weeks before the Battle of New Orleans when the Treaty of Ghent was signed (though it wasn't official until the U.S. ratified it and that took place after the battle was fought.  (February 16, 1815 by the Senate)

--Brock-Perry

The Fort Mims Massacre

From Jan. 7, 2020, News Maven Fort Mims' Massacre, Battle of New Orleans , & General Andrew Jackson" by Bill Federer.

Five hundred men, women and children were massacred at Fort Mims, Alabama, just north of Mobile, on August 30, 1813, by Red Stick Creek Indians.

There is a historical marker there that reads:

"FORT MIMS--  Here in the Creek Indian War 1813-1814 took place the most brutal massacre in American history.  Indians took the fort with heavy loss, then killed all but 36  of some 550 in the fort.  Creeks had been armed  by British in Pensacola in this phase of the War of 1812."

The Indians had been incited to riot, attack and pillage by a foreign power.

Rumors circulated that the British would pay cash for American scalps.

--Brock-Perry

Commemorating the Battle of New Orleans, January 8, 1815 (205th Anniversary)

From the Jan. 8, 2020 WGNO ABC News "How you can celebrate  the Battle of New Orleans this week."

Wednesday, Jan. 8, morning events began with a wreath-laying ceremony at Chalmette Battlefield.

Also Wednesday, there will be a ceremony at Jackson Square in the French Quarter at noon.  The United States Daughters of 1812 are hosting the event.

At 4 p.m. Wednesday there will be a Mass of Thanksgiving with Archbishop Gregory Aymond at Ursuline Academy , 2635 State Street.

In the Battle of New Orleans, General Andrew Jackson and the pirate Jean Lafitte joined forces  to defeat the British in the War of 1812.

On Friday and Saturday there will be American and British camps set up at Chalmette Battlefield inside the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.  Along with games, talks,  and story-telling, there will be people  dressed in period clothing.  There will be firing of cannons and muskets throughout the day.

--Brock-Perry

Tuscaroras to the Rescue at Lewiston, NY-- Part 3: "Sacrifice Their Blood Upon the American Altar"

**  "The overwhelming massacre was prevented by the appearance of Chief Longboard and his company.  Their war whoop caused  the attacking force to at once take flight."

--New York Times, April 8, 1883.

**  "It is evident that the timely intervention of the Tuscarora Indians , saved great slaughter of men, women and children among the white people.  In every instance when the United States was in trouble, the Tuscaroras  were ever ready to sacrifice their blood upon the American altar."

--Tuscarora Chief Elias Johnson

--Brock-Perry

Tuscaroras to the Rescue at Lewiston-- Part 2: "Bravely Repulsed a Party of the Enemy"

**  "Tuscaroras stood their ground long enough to allow the rest of the American force to escape.  While the main body of Tuscaroras held their position, three warriors moved past the western tribesman flank, blew a horn, and fooled their enemies into thinking they were being surrounded."

--Carl Benn "Iroquois in the War of 1812"  1998/

**  "The Tuscarora Indians bravely repulsed  a party of the enemy."

--  National Intelligencer, Washington, D.C., January 4, 1814.

--Brock-Perry

Tuscaroras To the Rescue-- Part 1: "A Few Lucky Minutes to Escape"

From the "Tuscarora Heroes" book by Lee Simonson.

**  Bravery brought a company of armed Tuscaroras to the rescue. led by war chief orator Longboard, Col. Johnson, Ovid, and Littlegreen.  They had heard the alarm and seen the torch, and fired a single volley which sufficiently surprised the British and Mohawk natives to cause a retreat and delay that furnished the inhabitants a few lucky minutes to escape from the blow of the tomahawk and thrust of the fatal knife."

--  Chipman P. Turner, "Dark Days On the Frontierof Western New York" 1879.

**  "It should be mentioned to the credit of a small band of Tuscarora Indians, that they effectually aided the flight of the citizens of Lewiston."

--  O. Turner, "Pionerer History of WNY" 1850

--Brock-Perry

The Events at Lewiston-- Part 3: "Many Innocent Persons Were Butchered"

**  "The citizens about Lewiston escaped by the Ridge Road, all going the one road on foot--  old and young, men, women , and children flying from their beds, some not more than half dressed, without shoes or stockings, together with men on horseback, wagons, carts, sleighs, and sleds overturning and crushing each other, stimulated by the horrid yells of the 900 savages in pursuit, which last eight miles, formed a scene awful and terrific in the extreme."

Jonas Harrison, Lewiston resident, December 24, 1813.

**   "Lewiston was sacked, , plundered, and destroyed -- made a perfect desolation.    Free course was given to the blood-thirsty Indians, and many  innocent persons were butchered, and survivors were made to fly in terror through the deep snow to some forest shelter or remote cabin of a settler far beyond the invaders track."

--Benson Lossing , "Pictorial Field Book of the War of 1812", published1869.

--Brock-Perry

The Events at Lewiston-- Part 2: "Horribly Cut and Mangled By Tomahawks"

**  "The sight we witnessed was shocking beyond description.  Our neighbors were seen lying dead in the fields and roads, some horribly cut and mangled by tomahawks, others eaten by the hogs, which were probably left for that purpose, as they were the only animals found alive."     Portion of a letter to the Editor from the Albany Argus, dated Buffalo, dated December 26, 1813.

**  "The most savage cruelty was fiendishly enacted upon such as were unable to escape.  The sequel was but another scene of distress and affliction, transpiring in bloody tragedy."     Chipman P. Turner in "Dark Days on the Frontier of Western New York," 1879.

--Brock-Perry

The Events at Lewiston Were "Shocking Beyond Description"-- Part 1

I have been writing about the events that took place at Lewiston, New York, on Dec. 19, 1813, when British, Canadian and their allied Indians attacked this American town on the border of Canada.  The heroic actions of the local Tuscarora Indians saved the situation from becoming much worse than it might have.

These quotes are from the "Tuscarora Heroes Book" by Lee Simonson.

"I never witnessed such a scene before and hope I shall not again."  Charles Askin, Canadian citizen, 1813.

"They were stripped, scalped and had their hearts torn out."   Baltimore Weekly Register, Jan. 29, 1814.

"The British entered the house at Lewistown in which the sick soldiers and wounded, and not withstanding the entreaties, shrieks and cries of the helpless soldiers, not a life was spared, and it was reported that the houses  were all burned before they were all dead."    Niles Weekly Register, December 24, 1814. (1813?)

--Brock-Perry

3,188 Posts and Nine Years Later

As of this post, this blog is now nine years old and this is my 3,188th post.

I started three new blogs in 2012, this being one of them.  The other two are my Running the Blockade: Civil War Navy and Tattooed On Your Soul:  World War II blog.  2012 was a significant anniversary year for the wars:  200th for the War of 1812, 70th of World War II and 150th of the Civil War.

Even though I was supposed to teach the War of 1812 to my 7th grade students, I usually didn't get there.  I also knew that I didn't know a whole lot about the War of 1812 so this looked like a perfect way to gain some knowledge.  And, I have learned a lot about it.

The very first thing was the difference between Upper and Lower Canada.  Here in the United States, we would regard Lower as being southward and Upper northward.  But, in Canada, this is based on the St. Lawrence River which flows south to north, so Upper Canada is the part by the United States.  I didn't know that.

The sign off, by the way, Brock-Perry stands for a hero on each side during the War of 1812.  Brock is Sir Isaac Brock and Perry is Oliver Hazard Perry.

Learning All the Time.  --Brock-Perry