Commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the Enterprise-Boxer Battle-- Part 1

Continued from the Maine Historical Society.

To commemorate the bicentennial of this historic battle,  the Maine Historical Society on conjunction with Portland Landmarks, Spirit Alive and the City of Portland will host a series of events starting Tuesday , September 3, 2013, through Saturday, September 7.  

In addition to the exhibit, "Thundered Over Tide:  200th Anniversary of the Battle of  the Boxer & the Enterprise," will be exhibited at MHS from August 31st through October 25, 2013.

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PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 3

The Navy in the War of 1812:  A Dual  Book Talk: on  September 3 from noon to 1 pm.  Authors  George Daughan "1812:  The Navy's War" and George Emery "In Their Own Words:  The Navy Fights the War of 1812" will discuss their books in context with the Battle Between the Boxer and Enterprise.

SEPTEMBER 4

The War of 1812 Historian's Round Table Wednesday, September 4 from 6 to 8 pm.

SEPTEMBER 5

Graveside Memorial Service Honoring Capt. Burrows, Capt. Blyth and Lt.  Kervin Waters on Thursday, September 5 at Eastern Cemetery, Portland.

And, More to Come.  --Brock-Perry

Battle of the Enterprise and Boxer: Their Captains Both Killed, Buried Next to Each Other in Portland

From the Maine Historical Society "200th anniversary  of the Battle  of the Boxer & the Enterprise"

On September 5, 1813,  the HMS Boxer and USS Enterprise engaged in a naval battle off the coast of Monhegan, Maine, during the War of 1812.  This battle between two fairly evenly matched ships embodied a level of honor and respect not seen in modern warfare.

Both Captain William Burrows of the USS Enterprise and Capt. Samuel Blyth of the HMS Boxer were struck down early in the fighting and neither survived this legendary battle.  After a grueling exchange, the Boxer was forced to surrender and the Enterprise towed  her prize into Portland, Maine, as witnessed by Captain Lemuel Moody from the Portland Observatory on Munjoy Hill.

The City of Portland paid its respects not only for the fallen Capt. Burrows, but also to the much respected Capt. Blyth, with a joint procession through the city, ending with a side-by-side burial at Portland's Eastern Cemetery.

--Brock-Perry

Battle Between USS Enterprise and HMS Boxer-- Part 2: Both Commanders Died

The two ships finally met off Monhegan, where spectators from the local area had flocked to the shoreline to watch.  Within very close range, the two ships opened fire.  Captain Blyth of the HMS Boxer was killed  when an 18-pounder shot cut him in half.

Just minutes later, Burrows was hit by a canister that tore through his leg and lodged in his groin.  He refused to be carried below until the battle was over and the Boxer had surrendered.

For half an hour, the two ships pounded each other until their masts were broken and hanging overboard and their rigging was shot away.

As the Enterprise was maneuvering for  a killing rake,  the surviving lieutenant on the Boxer, unable to strike the colors because they were nailed to the mast, hailed the Enterprise and said he was striking the colors.

Only the HMS Boxer's quarterdeck guns were still manned (under the direction of the purser).  When offered Blyth's sword, Burrows declined it and requested that it be sent to the dead man's family.  He died a short time later and command of the Enterprise was handed over to Lt. Edward McCall who took the two battered ships and their complement of dead and wounded into nearby Portland, Maine.

Quite the Battle.  --Brock-Perry

War Ends 207 Years Ago on December 24, 1814-- Part 2

The Americans launched an invasion of Canada right away, but it was repulsed.  However, the young U.S. Navy  had more luck against the British at sea and especially on the Great Lakes.

When Napoleon fell in 1814, the British were able to turn their attention to the United States and won a series of victories and established a blockade of the American coast.  One of these victories resulted in the burning of the nation's capital at Washington, D.C..

The tide turned on September 11, 1814,  when a rousing American victory on Lake Champlain forced the British to abandon their  objectives in the U.S. northeast and retreat.

On December 24, 1814,  the Treaty of Ghent was signed, though it would take weeks before the news got to the United States (and, of course, the Battle of New Orleans was fought January 8, 1815).As per the treaty, all occupied lands were returned and relations between the two countries remained peaceful until their alliance in World War I which joined them together in a bonded relationship that has lasted to this day.

--Brock-Perry

War Ends 207 Years Ago, Christmas Eve December 24, 1814

From the December 24, 2021, We Are the Mighty "Today in military history:  War of 1812 ends."

On December 24, 1814, the War of 1812 came to an end with the signing of the Treaty of  Peace and Amity in Ghent, Belgium, between the United Kingdom and the United States.

The conflict began in 1812.  The United States declared war of the United Kingdom because of three main issues.

First, the British had declared an economic blockade of France during the Napoleonic Wars.  Second, Britain also began forcing American sailors to serve on British ships in the Royal Navy  (impressment).  Thirdly, the British supported Native American tribes that were hostile against American expansion into their lands.

For their part, Americans hoped Britain would be too occupied with fighting Napoleon and that the Canadians would be happy to kick the British out of their country.

--Brock-Perry

Battle Between USS Enterprise and HMS Boxer-- Part 1

From the Mariners' Museum and Park site.

A Commemorative Medal Replica.

The obverse features a right-facing head and shoulders bust of the lieutenant.

On the morning of September 5,  1813, as the USS Enterprise approached Pemaquid Point on the coast of Maine, Lt. William Burroughs spotted the Royal Navy's brig HMS Boxer in the bay.  Upon spotting the Enterprise, the Boxer fired her guns to summon her shore parties back on board.

Quickly weighing anchor, the Boxer headed for the Enterprise.  The two brigs were fairly evenly matched, with the Enterprise slightly stronger having  fourteen 18-pounder carronades to the Boxer's ten.  As the two ships maneuvered towards each other, the Boxer's Captain, Samuel Blyth, had the ship's colors nailed to the mast and said that they would "never be struck" while he was still alive.

Lt. Burroughs on the Enterprise meanwhile was busy moving his two  long 9-pound3ers from the bow to the stern, saying "we are going to fight both ends and both sides of the ship as long as the ends and sides hold together."

Brock-Perry

Edward R. McCall, USN-- Part 5: Rising Through the Ranks

Advancement through the ranks:

MIDSHIPMAN:  1 January1808

LIEUTENANT:  11 March 1813

MASTER COMMANDANT:  3 March 1825

CAPTAIN:  3 March 1835

DIED:  31 July 1853

--Brock-Perry

Edward R. McCall, USN-- Part 4: His Service in the Navy

United States Navy.  He was appointed midshipman Jan. 1, 1808, and ordered to the USS Hornet.  On 20 March 1811, he was ordered to the USS Enterprise and 16 October, 1811, commissioned lieutenant.

He was highly distinguished in the capture of the HMS Boxer after his commander  (Burrows) had fallen.

In March 1814, he was ordered to Baltimore as one of the lieutenants on the frigate Java.

In 1829, he commanded the Peacock.

--Brock-Perry

Edward McCall-- Part 3: Find a Grave

From Find a Grave.

CAPT. EDWARD R. McCALL

BIRTH: 5 August 1790, South Carolina

DEATH:  1 August 1855 (aged 62) New Jersey

BURIAL:   Christ Church Episcopal Cemetery Bordentown, New Jersey

His wife Harriet who died in 1836 and and daughter  Anna, who lived just 6 days in 1820 and second wife, Eliza are also buried there.

There are people wanting his grave stone replaced as it is no longer readable because of the ravages of time.  I'm all for it.

--Brock-Perry

Edward McCall, USN-- Part 2: The Congressional Gold Medal

Promoted to captain 3 March 1835, he died at his home in Bordentown, New Jersey, 1  August 1853.

Two ships have been named  USS  McCall after him.

EDWARD McCALL's CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL CITATION

"That the President of the United States be requested  to present to the nearest male relative of lieutenant  William Burrows, and to lieutenant  Edward R. McCall of the brig Enterprise, a gold medal with suitable emblems and devices; and a silver medal with like emblems and devices to each of the commissioned officers of the aforesaid in testimony of the high sense entertained in the conflict with the British sloop Boxer, on the fourth of September, in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirteen.

"And the President  is also requested to  communicate to the nearest male relative of lieutenant Burrows the deep regret which Congress feel for the loss  of that valuable officer, who died in the arms of victory, nobly contending for his country's rights and fame."

--Brock-Perry

Edward McCall, USN-- Part 1: USS Enterprise vs. HMS Boxer

From Wikipedia.

I am writing about the USS McCall (DD-400) in my Tattooed on Your Soul: WW II blog.  This was the second U.S. Navy destroyer named after Edward McCall who served and gained honors during the War of 1812.

EDWARD R. McCALL

Captain Edward R. McCall (5 August 1790 - 1 August 1853) was an officer  in the U.S. Navy during the War of 1812.  He was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal.

Born in South Carolina, he was appointed midshipman 1 January 1808.  Appointed acting lieutenant on the brig USS Enterprise 16 October 1811, he took command of that ship during action with the HMS Boxer 5 September 1813.  

Early in that action the Enterprise's captain, Lieutenant  William Ward Burrows II was mortally wounded.

In acknowledgement of the victory over the Boxer, McCall received the Thanks of Congress and a Congressional Gold Medal.

--Brock-Perry

USS McCall (DD-400), A World War II Ship (What Does This Have to Do with the War of 1812?)

So, the first thought has to be exactly why is a World War II destroyer here in a War of 1812 blog?

In my Tattooed On Your Soul: World War II blog I am writing about the USS Gridley (DD-380) which was the lead ship of her class of US Navy destroyers and fought in World War II.  This was a relatively small class of destroyers with just four ships. 

One of those other three destroyers was named the USS McCall (DD-400) which served during World War II.  This ship was named after War of 1812 naval officer Edward McCall.

There was also an earlier destroyer named after him, the USS McCall (DD-28), a modified  Paulding-class destroyer that saw service in World War I and was a part of the Coast Guard's Rum Patrol.  I'll be writing about this one in my Cooter's History Thing blog.

--Brock-Perry

USS Constitution Continues Tradition; Names Gun 'Beat Army'-- Part 2: Naming the Cannons and How It Got It's Name

Early Navy sailors frequently named guns they served on, and while there are no available records for the original names of the Old Ironside's cannons, some of her current ones have been given names based on records of her sister ships:  USS Chesapeake and USS United States.

These names include Brother Jonathan, True Blue, Yankee Protection, Putnam, Raging Eagle, Viper, General Warren, Mad Anthony, America,  Washington, Liberty For Ever,  Defiance and Liberty or Death.

The USS Constitutions current cannons are all replicas produced in the 1920s.

The ship is open for visitation from Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.  Just watch out for long lines.

It is also the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat and played a critical role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812 and actively defended sea lanes from  1797 to 1855.

The Constitution was undefeated in action and destroyed or captured 33 opponents.

The ship earned the name Old Ironsides during the War of 1812 when British cannonballs were seen bouncing off the ship's wooden hull.

--Brock-Perry

USS Constitution Continues Tradition; Names Gun 'Beat Army'

From the December 9, 2021, Charlestown Patriot-Bridge.

The USS Constitution named one of its 24-pound long guns "Beat Army" in support  of the U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen as they take on the U.S. Military Academy's Black Knights in the  2021 annual Army-Navy game on December 11.

"Beat Army" was chosen  after they named one of their guns "Go Navy" for the 2020 matchup.

Historically, 24-pounder long gun teams consisted of up to 14 men operating two guns on opposite sides of the ship.

When paired in a gun team, the two guns would read "Go Navy, Beat Army."

The official "Beat Army" unveiling can be seen December 11 on the USS Constitution's Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.

And, by the way, we watched the game at the McHenry, Illinois, American Legion and there was a whole lot of rivalry there, as well as a chili cookoff.  What a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon with all that tradition and good eating.

And, by the way, Navy won 17-13, in a close game.

Go Navy, Beat Army.

USD 1812 Holds Annual Wreath-Laying in Arkansas

From the December12, 2021, Hot Springs (ARK.) Sentinel-Record.

Continuing a tradition that began in 2015, members of the Baseline-Meridian Chapter, United States Daughters of 1812, recently laid artificial Christmas wreaths at the graves of Unknown Soldiers buried at the Little Rock National Cemetery (Arkansas).

They were able to lay 150 wreaths and plans are in effect to obtain donations so that all the 3,100 soldiers buried there can have one  in the future.

After five years, USD 1812 has been able to lay wreaths for  approximately 2,800 Unknown Soldiers an they still need another 300 wreaths so every soldier will have one. In addition, the bows and some of the wreaths need replacing.

Forty-one volunteers, on December 3,  laid the 2,800 wreaths.

Volunteers came from the following organizations:

U.S.D. 1812, Daughters of the American Revolution,  Dames of the Court of Honor, Colonial Dames 17th Century, Arkansas National Guard,  Sons of Confederate Veterans Robert C. Newton Camp,  Sons of the American Revolution, General Society War of 1812, United Daughters of the Confederacy and Daughters of American Colonists.

--Brock-Perry

The War of 1812 USS Montgomery on Lake Champlain

From Wikipedia.

I wasn't able to find out too much about this ship.

This ship was also named after Richard Montgomery who was an American general in the American Revolution who gave his life for the cause.  (So was the USS Montgomery from that war.)

It was either a sloop or schooner and carried nine 9-pounder long guns and two 18-pounder carronades.

Built in 1813 by Thomas Macdonough and purchased on  6 August 1813 for duty on Lake Champlain in New York.

Its role was to prevent plundering expeditions by the enemy and it also helped convoy Wade Hampton's  troops for their attack on Canada.

She continued her service on the lake until deactivated and sold in 1815.

I am unable to find out any more information on this ship.

--Brock-Perry

USS Constitution Commemorates the 80th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor

From the December 7, 2021, WVCB Channel 5 ABC Boston.

The USS Constitution commemorated the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor Tuesday at the Charlestown Navy Yard.

The commemoration included the laying of a wreath aboard the USS Cassin Young (DD-793), a World War II destroyer named after Captain Cassin Young who received a Medal of Honor at Pearl Harbor and was later killed at Guadalcanal.

The Cassin Young is a museum ship today and tied up across from the USS Constitution.

There was a gun salute from the USS Constitution.

The USS Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat and  played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812 and actively defended sea lanes from 1797 to 1855.

--Brock-Perry

USS Montgomery

Earlier this month, I wrote about a current U.S. warship named the USS Montgomery (LCS-8) in my Cooter's History Thing blog.  I got to wondering if there had been other warships by that name and checked out good ol' Wiki to find out if there were.

There were.

There was a frigate in the American Revolution, a sloop or schooner in the War of 1812, a warship from the Civil War that took part in the attacks of Fort Fisher (of natural interest to me), a protected cruiser from the Spanish American War and a WW II destroyer/minelayer.

I will be writing about these ships in my appropriate blogs: Civil War Navy, History and World War II blogs.

--Brock-Perry

101-Year-Old Pearl Harbor Survivors on the USS Oklahoma Returns for the 80th

This is continued from my Saw the Elephant, Running the Blockade and Cooter's History Thing blogs.  I am writing about Pearl Harbor today in most of my blogs as it is the 80th anniversary of the attack.

In 2015, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) exhumed 388 sets of remains from the "Unknown Oklahoma" graves in the National Cemetery of the Pacific.  Using DNA and dental records, they were able to identify 361 of them.

David Russell's brother-in-law was among them.  Fireman 1st Class Walter "Boone"  Rogers was in the Oklahoma's fireroom when the torpedoes hit.  That would be deep in the ship's bowels. His remains were identified in 2017.  He has since been buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

David Russell  remained in the Navy until retiring in 1960.  He worked at Air Force bases for the next two decades before retiring for good in 1980.

His wife Violet passed away 22 years ago and David now lives alone in Albany, Oregon. He drives himself to the local grocery store and the local American Legion in a black Ford Explorer while listening to polka at top volume.

The 80th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor

Tomorrow marks the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor which launched the United States into World War II, which had been going on since 1939.

I will be putting up my U.S. flags to mark it.

Growing up, most everyone of my friends' dads had been in the service during the war. And, to me, World War II veterans were just there.  So sad now that time has gone by and we are losing them at the current rate.

But, hope they always will know that they are held in high esteem.

Thanks.

Events During the War of 1812 Occurring in December: Hartford Convention, Fort Niagara, Embargo Act, Treaty of Ghent, USS Constitution

From the December 2021 American Battlefield Trust calendar.

**  DECEMBER 14, 1814

Delegates of the Hartford Convention meet in Hartford, Connecticut.

**  DECEMBER 19, 1813

Capture of Fort Niagara.

**  DECEMBER 22, 1807

The Embargo Act passes.

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**  DECEMBER 24, 1814

Treaty of Ghent signed.

**  DECEMBER 28, 1812

William Henry Harrison formally resigned as governor of the Indiana Territory and takes the rank of brigadier general in the U.S. Army.

**  DECEMBER 29, 1812

The USS Constitution defeats the HMS Java.

--Brock-Perry

Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles: The Catholic Regiment

From the Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles site.

The enlistment of this group  was begun in the autumn of 1811 when war with the United States seemed all but inevitable.  On the first of December of that year, Sir George Provost wrote to Lord Liverpool, the Colonial Secretary:

"I have sent Capt. Macdonell, of the King's Regiment, into the townships where the Glengarry  emigrants are settled in Upper Canada, to ascertain their ability to form a  regiment of light infantry.

"Capt. Macdonell is selected for his zeal, ability, and intelligence, with a name and national character acceptable to them, and the same religious persuasion, as they are all Roman Catholics."

--Brock-Perry

Glengarry Light Infantry-- Part 5: Uniforms and Equipment

When Governor General Sir James Craig first tried to form the unit he proposed that it wear the dress of the Scottish highland regiments with a Glengarry tartan plaid.  Prevost intended the unit to be used as a skirmishing light infantry and it adopted a dark green uniform with black facings as worn by the 95th Rifles.

However, they were armed with the smoothbore Brown Bess musket rather than the Baker Rifle.

Also, unlike the 95th, the Glengarry Light Infantry were granted colors.

The regimental badge, worn on the  front of the shako  (cap), was a strung bugle on which the letters "G L I" were superimposed in white metal.  The crossbelt featured the thistle surrounded by   the words "Glengarry Light Infantry."

Officers' uniforms consisted of a dark green dolman and pantaloons, with a crimson sash. They also wore a black shoulder sash, with a silver whistle and chain.  Their shako  badge was the same design as that of other ranks, but was of solver.  They may also  have had a dark green pelisse (a short fur trimmed jacket), with black chords and black fur trim.

Now You Know.  --Brock-Perry

Glengarry Light Infantry Fencibles-- Part 4: About Toronto's Mystery Murder

During the remainder of 1814, the regiment performed outpost duty during the unsuccessful Siege of Fort Erie and a detachment was present  at the Battle of Malcom's Mills, the last action of the war  on the Niagara Peninsula.

Two Irish-born soldiers of the regiment, John Henry and John Blueman, are notable for their alleged involvement  in one of Toronto's most enduring mysteries -- the 2 January 1815 murder of John Paul Radelmuller, keeper of the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse.  Tradition holds that Radelmuller was killed by several soldiers from Fort York in a dispute over alcohol.

Research by one person has shown that these two were tried in March 1815 for the murder, although they were ultimately acquitted of the crime.

The regiment was disbanded in 1816.

Today the regiment's history and service is commemorated by  the Canadian Army's Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders, an Army Reserve regiment headquartered in Cornwall, Ontario.  It has the words Glengarry Fencibles on its badge.

--Brock-Perry