USS Constitution Gets Underway on the 4th-- Part 2

The Constitution's cruise will be viewable from the Boston Harborwalk, Castle Island and Charlestown Navy Yard.  I saw no mention of whether the ship would be towed or actually underway under its own sail power.

The ship is open to the public Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m..

It is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat and America's Ship of State.

She played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, actively defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855.

The active-duty Sailors aboard the USS Constitution provide free tours and offer public visitation as they support the ship's mission of promoting the Navy's history and maritime heritage and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence.

The USS Constitution was undefeated in 33 at sea engagements with opponents.  The ship earned the nickname of Old Ironsides during the War of 1812 when British cannonballs were seen bouncing off the ship's wooden hull.

--Brock-Perry

USS Constitution Gets Underway for the 4th-- Part 1

From the June 28, 2024, Navy "USS Constitution to go underway in honor of Independence Day.'

The ship is scheduled to go underway from Charleston Navy Yard, Massachusetts, on Thursday, July 4, at 10 a.m..

It will be closed in the morning and will reopen to the public for tours following the underway from to 3 to 6 p.m..

The underway will celebrate the United States' 248th birthday and will include a 21-gun salute viewable from Fort Independence on Castle Island at approximately 11:30 a.m..

The USS Constitution will fire an additional 17-gun salute as she passes the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Boston, the former site of Edmund Hartt's Shipyard, where the USS Constitution was built and launched on October 21, 1797.

--Brock-Perry

Was Andrew Holmes Expelled from Princeton College?-- Part 3: The 1807 Princeton 'Riot' and Joseph Cabell Breckinridge

Joseph Cabell Breckinridge arrived at Princeton in late December 1805.  

In March, Cabell joined 125 other students protesting against the Presbyterian institution's strict rules and rigorous curriculum.

College administrators subsequently suspended everyone who refused to withdraw his name from the formal protest petition.

Breckinridge refused to apologize for his role in the protest.  He considered enrolling in the College of William and Mary for the fall term of 1807, believing he could complete his studies in nine months.  But he ultimately decided not to.

In July 1808 he decided to return to Princeton to complete his studies and received his bachelor's degree in 1810. 

I did not find out if he took his name off the petition or not.

--Brock-Perry

Was Andrew Holmes Expelled from Princeton?-- Part 2

Two of the "rioters" at least came to the next session at William and Mary, "but the records are lost, and only the name of Andrew Hunter Holmes is preserved.

They brought with them the 'Princeton dissipation" and a riot ensued, on account of which Holmes was expelled."

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

I found out what the 1807 Princeton "Riot" was about.  This was the one which got a lot of students expelled from Princeton, including Virginians Andrew Hunter Holmes and Joseph Cabell Breckinridge.

From Wikipedia Cabell Breckinridge.   (July 14,1788 to September 1, 1823)

He was from the Breckinridge family which had a lot of important people in it and later became a lawyer, soldier, slaveholder and politician from Kentucky.  He also enlisted for War of 1812 service.

--Brock-Perry

Was Andrew Holmes Kicked Out of Princeton for Rioting?- Part 1

Since I've been writing a lot about this guy.

From the 1908 William and Mary Quarterly Magazine. "'The Great Rebellion' at Princeton."

"In April, 1807, occurred some riotous proceedings at Princeton, which are known as The Great Rebellion.'  Among the students 'expelled' was Abel P. Upshur, of Northampton County, Virginia, who afterwards became Secretary of State of the United States.

"He appeared before the Board of Trustees in defense of his comrades and made, it is said, a fine display of argument and eloquence.

"He subsequently attended Yale College.

"Joseph Cumming, Robert Breckenridge, Edmund Pendleton, Charles Snead, and Andrew H. Holmes and probably others of the 'rioters' were Virginians."

I would like to find out exactly what the "riot" was?

Those Rowdy Virginia Boys.  --Brock-Perry

Andrew Hunter Holmes' Virginia Sword-- Part 2

"Being of the opinion that it would more comport with the views of the General Assembly, that these swords should be presented to the persons, authorised to receive them in public, than in private, after having given public notice to that effect, I presented two of them respectively, in person, in the chamber of the House of Delegates, on the 4th of July last, to the gentlemen authorised to receive them.

"The one to Thomas Ritchie, Esq. in behalf of his brother, Col. Archibald Ritchie, the nearest male relative of captain John Ritchie.  --The other to Philip N. Nicholaus, Esq. in behalf of Governor Holmes, of Mississippi, the nearest male relative of Major Andrew Hunter Holmes.

"Copies of my addresses to these gentlemen, with their replies respectively on this interesting occasion, marked B, will accompany this communication.  No person appearing to receive the one in behalf of captain Henley, it has been retained."

--Brock-Perry

Andrew Hunter Holmes' Virginia Sword-- Part 1

From the December 5, 1827,  Richmond Whig newspaper "Governor's Communication.

"Upon my first entering into office, I received a sword which had been voted by resolution of the General Assembly in the year 1816, to captain Robert Henley in honor of his gallant military exploits during the last war; and sometimes afterwards, I received two other swords, voted in like manner, to the nearest male relatives of the lamented captain John Ritchie, and major Andrew Hunter Holmes, both of whom fell in the defence of their country's rights.

"These swords were executed by Mr. Harvey Lewis, under the direction of general Cadwallander of Philadelphia, in a style of superior taste and elegance, highly honorable to the artist, and will ever do honor to the patriotic objects of the General Assembly.

"Gen. Cadwallander has received my thanks in behalf of this Commonwealth, for his polite attention on this occasion."

--Brock-Perry

Joseph Holmes (Father of David and Andrew Holmes)

From WikiTree.  Also his mother Rebecca (Hunter) Holmes.

Joseph Holmes (1746-1806) was the father of both David Hunter, Mississippi Territory Governor and Andrew Hunter Holmes who I have written about earlier.

He was born near Londonderry in Ireland.  He was a successful merchant in Winchester, Virginia before the American Revolution.  During the war he was Colonel Commissary of Prisoners. 

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

DAVID HOLMES

U.S. Congressman from Virginia.  Governor of Mississippi Territory in 1809.  Governor of the State of Mississippi 1817 (first governor).

U.S. Senator from Mississippi.  Mississippi Governor again in 1825.

--Brock-Perry

About Private Samuel Helms-- Part 2

According to Bobbie Reno, the court-martial was illegal.  Helms should have been punished for going AWOL, not executed for desertion.

Modern scientific research tools have been deployed to locate Helms' possible burial spot.  Ground penetrating radar swept the elementary school's athletic field last year and identified several possible locations for graves.  Bobbie Reno is attempting to track down Helms' descendants for possible DNA matches.

In order to verify the possible locations, a subsurface investigation is needed and it is the Army policy not to disturb burials of the fallen when possible.

However, reno has noted that soldiers remains have been disturbed in other parts of New York.

On June 14 there will be a ceremony at the state's Lake George Battlefield Park for the reinterment of remains of Continental soldiers who died during the American Revolution.  These remains were uncovered during a construction project in 2019. 

They were believed to have been buried in a cemetery for soldiers who did at a nearby hospital.  The ceremony is sponsored by the State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Courtland Street Reinterment Project.

--Brock-Perry

East Greenbush (New York) Town Historian Hears from U.S. Army About Soldier's Burial Site

From the June 7, 2024, Times Union by Kenneth C. Crowe II.

Town historian Bobbie Reno has a letter from the U.S. Army showing a ground penetrating radar scan where War of 1812 soldier Samuel Helms is perhaps buried.

Private Samuel Helms was executed during the war and is believed to have been buried in an unmarked grave behind Red Mill Elementary School.

Reno thought she was facing a roadblock from the Army over its policy not to disturb a soldier's buried remains if possible.

The Army's Office of Army Cemeteries told her to contact the New York State Historic Preservation Office and work with that agency regarding Helms.  She is doing just that.

Reno has spent the last 14 years researching Helms in an effort to clear his name after he was executed and buried at the Army's Greenbush Cantonment during the War of 1812.  He was absent without leave in October 1812, then returned.  In July 1813, he was ordered tried for desertion.  He was convicted and executed by firing squad in late August or early September 1813.

--Brock-Perry

USS Constitution to Host Change of Command Ceremony This Month-- Part 2

Commander Crystal Schaefer previously served on board the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN-77).

She is a native of Medford, Wisconsin, and a graduate of the University of Minnesota.

The USS Constitution is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for public visitation and is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat and America's Ship of State.

She played a crucial role in Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, and actively defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855.

The active-duty Sailors stationed aboard the USS Constitution provide free tours and offer public visitation as they support the ship's mission of promoting the Navy's history and maritime heritage and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence.

--Brock-Perry

USS Constitution to Host Change of Command Ceremony 21 June 2024

U.S. navy.

BOSTON--   The USS Constitution's 78th commanding officer will take command of the historic ship during a Change-of-Command ceremony scheduled for Friday, June 21, 2024, at noon.

Its current and 77th commanding officer, Commander Billie J. Farrell will be relieved by Commander Crstal L. Schaefer.

The 500 guest ceremony will be broadcast live on the USS Constitution's Facebook page.

The ship will be closed to public visitation during the ceremony, but will reopen from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Commander Schaefer will become the 78th captain in the ship's 226-year history, dating back to 1797.

--Brock-Perry

David Holmes (Major Andrew Hunter Holmes' Older Brother)

From WikiTree.

I mentioned Governor David Holmes of the Mississippi Territory several times when writing about Andrew Hunter Holmes.  He later became Governor of Mississippi.

Son of Joseph Holmes and Rebecca (Hunter) Holmes. This is where Andrew Holmes got his middle name.

Brother of Ann (Holmes) Boyd, Elizabeth (Holmes) McGuire, Rebecca (Holmes) Conrad, Andrew Hunter Holmes and Gertrude (Holmes) Moss.

Spouses and children unknown.

Born 10 March 1769 in Hanover, Pennsylvania.

Died 20 August 1832, at age 63, in Winchester, Virginia.

--Brock-Perry

Fort Holmes-- Part 2

In 1936, as part of its mission to provide employment through public works projects during the nationwide Great Depression, the Works Progress Administration used the original 1817 American survey to rebuild Fort Holmes to its War of 1812 appearance.  As of 1984, however, most of the reconstructed buildings of Fort Holmes had again disappeared, except for the redoubt's earthen walls.

In 2015 the Mackinac Island State Park completed a second reconstruction of Fort Holmes that resumes the appearance that the redoubt had in 1817.  The blockhouse includes interpretive panels inside, and is open in the summer.

Many visitors come to the fort site for a view of the Straits of Mackinac, much of which is visible from this lookout point approximately 320 feet above the surface of Lake Huron.

The redoubt and blockhouse can be rented for special occasions.

Getting Married in a Blockhouse.  --Brock-Perry

Fort Holmes on Mackinac Island-- Part 1

From Wikipedia.

Fort Holmes is a fortified earthen redoubt located on the highest point of Mackinac Island.  Originally built by the British in 1814 during the War of 1812, it was improved by the Army throughout the rest of the war.  It was built to find additional defense to nearby Fort Mackinac which was at a lower elevation.

The British named the redoubt Fort George (not to confused with Fort George in Ontario) and reinforced it with cannon, a blockhouse and a magazine for gunpowder and other munitions.  However, it never functioned as an independent fortification, but always dependent on nearby Fort Mackinac.

When U.S. forces reoccupied Mackinac Island in 1815 under the terms of the Treaty of Ghent, they took possession of Fort George.  After surveying and measuring it, they renamed it Fort Holmes in honor of Major Andrew Holmes, who was killed in the 1814 Battle of Mackinac Island.

However, they soon abandoned Fort Holmes.  The earthworks and buildings of the former redoubt slowly eroded and disappeared over the course of more than a century.

--Brock-Perry

Major Andrew Hunter Holmes-- Part 4: Honors

The British held Fort Mackinac until the end of the War of 1812 until it was returned with the Treaty of Ghent.  When the Americans reoccupied it, the name was changed to Fort Holmes in honor of the Major.  (Well, actually Fort Mackinac remained with that name, but nearby British Fort George had its name changed to Fort Holmes.)

Holmes was to receive other honors.  A town and county in Ohio were named after him.  On December 16, 1816, an act was passed by the Mississippi General Assembly to name a town in Pike County Holmesville in his honor.

--Brock-Perry

Battle of Stoney Creek Re-enactment Set for This Weekend

 From the June 2, 2024 CHCH (Canada) by Kiana Ferreira.

The Battle of Stoney Creek started on the night of June 5, 1813 and was a turning point for the British. 

This weekend is the 41st re-enactment of the battle which was a night raid by the British on American forces.  It is the longest continually running war of 1812 re-enactment in the province (Ontario) and will bring more than 10,000 attendees.

Along with the Battle of Beaver Dams two weeks later, it returned the Niagara Region to British and Canadian control and ended the U.S. attempt to conquer the western part of the province.

Well, It Was Last Weekend.  --Brock-Perry

Major Andrew Hunter Holmes-- Part 3: War of 1812 Service

During March 1814, the commander of American forces at Detroit, Colonel Butler, ordered Captain Andrew Holmes of the 24th Tennessee Regiment on a raid into the British Western District in Upper Canada.  His objective was to capture a British military post.  

He won a skirmish/battle near Longwood, a heavily forested tract of land that lay between Delaware and the present town of Thamesville, near present-day Wardsville, Ontario.

Exactly five months later the American forces tried to attack the heavily fortified Fort Mackinac in August 1914.  Major Holmes was killed while leading a force of troops in the attack.

The British ambushed them in a bloody skirmish which left 13 Americans dead including Holmes.

On the 30th of the same month, Andrew Jackson wrote Governor David Holmes a note of condolence saying:  "I sympathize with you most cordially in the afflicting loss of your brother, Major Holmes."

(David Holmes was the governor of the Mississippi Territory.)

--Brock-Perry

Major Andrew Hunter Holmes-- Part 2: His Duel

Andrew Holmes fought a duel with a man named Peyton Smith near present-day Shepherdstown, West Virginia.  Both men were from prominent families in and around Winchester, Virginia.  Andrew killed Peyton.

This was one of three famous duels that took place which caused the Virginia legislature to pass the Anti-Dueling Act in 1810.

Mortified at killing his friend, Holmes left Winchester and enlisted in the U.S. Army.

As a member of the U.S. Dragoons, young Captain Holmes first military assignments were in Louisiana chasing smuggler and prate Jean Lafitte.  Lafitte managed to evade them for months, but was finally captured.

--Brock-Perry

Major Andrew Hunter Holmes

From Find-A-Grave

BIRTH:  1782, Frederick County, Virginia

DEATH:  4 August 1814, (aged 31-32),Mackinac Island, Michigan

CENOTAPH:  Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery, Mackinac County, Michigan

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

Holmes County, Ohio, named for him.

His descendants moved to Canada shortly after his death.  Many of his living descendants are named after him and living in Atlantic Canada.

FATHER:  Governor Joseph Holmes  WikiTree just lists him as Joseph Holmes.

MOTHER:  Rebecca Hunter

--Brock-Perry

Andrew Hunter Holmes-- Part 4: Killed at Mackinac

At the Battle of Longwoods, Holmes' 164 men defeated a British force of 240 men under Major James Basden.  The Americans suffered 4 killed and 3 wounded; the British lost 14 killed, 51 wounded, 1 wounded prisoner and 1 man missing.

Holmes returned to Amherstburg and was promoted to major.

Later in 1814 Holmes received command of a battalion and was assigned to the American force sent to retake Fort Mackinac from the British.

Holmes was killed on August 4,1814, leading one of the first assaults on the British defenses; ultimately the American effort failed.

--Brock-Perry

Andrew Hunter Holmes-- Part 3

After the Battle of Lake Erie (September 10, 1813) when Americans recovered Fort Detroit, Holmes' regiment was ordered to assist Major General William Henry Harrison's invasion of Canada.  Holmes was present at the Battle of the Thames (October 5, 1813) and was later assigned to the U.S. garrison at Amherstburg (Fort Malden).

From Amherstburg, Holmes commanded a raid against British outposts at Delaware (present-day Middlesex Centre, Ontario) and Port Talbot, Ontario.  On March 2, 1814, as Holmes neared Delaware, he received news that the British were aware of his presence and had dispatched a large force to intercept him.

Holmes withdrew to Twenty Mile Creek. 

On March 4, 1814, he fought at the Battle of Longwoods.

--Brock-Perry

Andrew Hunter Holmes-- Part 2: Service in New Orleans

From the Encyclopedia of the War of 1812.

U.S. Army officer, Andrew Holmes, was born in Frederick County, Virginia, in 1782.  He graduated from the College of New Jersey (Princeton University) in 1799 and moved to Kentucky where he became a merchant.

He was appointed an attorney in Mississippi by his brother, David, the territorial governor, on October 8, 1809, and then established a law practice in Washington, Mississippi and was admitted to the bar in Louisiana in 1812.

When the War of 1812 began, he volunteered for service and received a commission as captain in the 24th U.S. Infantry to command a company of mounted light dragoons.  When Louisiana governor William C.C. Claiborne was forced to deal with illegal smuggling by Baratarian pirates, he dispatched Holmes to intervene.

Holmes seized contraband from Jean Lafitte in a raid on November 16, 1812, after a brief engagement and later testified at Lafitte's trial.

--Brock-Perry

Andrew Holmes

From Wikipedia.

Major Andrew Hunter Holmes (1782-August 14, 1814)

Born in Fairfax County, Virginia, was a War of 1812 American officer.

He was captain of the 24th Infantry in the War of 1812 and promoted to major on June 8, 1813.

On April 18, 1814, he was major of the 32nd Infantry.

His victory at the Battle of Longwoods in Upper Canada, near present-day London, Ontario was lauded.

But, he was killed on August 4, 1814, in an attack on Fort Mackinac, Michigan, in the Battle of Mackinac Island.

Holmes County, Ohio, and Holmesville, Mississippi , are named after him.

--Brock-Perry

After the Battle of Longwoods-- Part 2

The Battle of Longwoods represented a major turning point in the war in the London district.  The British subsequently withdrew from Delaware to Burford, turning this part of Upper Canada into a no-man's land.

It was subject to American raids from Detroit against area farms in search of food and supplies.  It is 126 miles between London and Detroit.

Settlers in the Thames Valley were constantly robbed and pillaged.  Many frightened families abandoned their farms and did not return when the war ended in late 1814.

--Brock-Perry

After the Battle of Longwoods

Still from the HMdb.

This is a Canadian marker erected in 2014.

After an hour of continuous gunfire exchange, the British began to withdraw.  Soon the area was empty, except for the dead British regulars.

Even though his men had won a clear victory, Captain Andrew Holmes would not allow them to rob the dead British soldiers of their shoes and clothes, in respect for the bravery they had shown.

The American casualties amounted to 5  killed and 3 wounded.

Captain Holmes and his officers were concerned that the British would counter attack and they also withdrew.

--Brock-Perry

Battle of Longwoods-- Part 5: American Forces and Casualties

From HMdb.

AMERICAN FORCES

Commanded by Captain Andrew Hunter Holmes

24th U.S. Infantry

27th U.S.Infantry

28th U.S. Infantry

Michigan Mounted Infantry

Michigan Militia Cavalry

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

CASUALTIES (Killed)

Philip Beard, Levi Bunnell, Joseph Donahue,  Thomas Watkins, Eri Wooden

--Brock-Perry

Battle of Longwoods-- Part 4: British Forces and Casualties

From HMdb.

British forces at the battle:

Commanded by Captain James Basden

Royal Scots Light

Western (Caldwell) Rangers

89th Foot Light

Kent and Middlesex Militia

British Indian Department

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

SOME OF THE BRITISH CASUALTIES

Captain D. Johnstone

Lieut. P. Graeme

John Bunn, Wm. Condon, Thom Connors, John Hazeldine, James Hogan, Tomas Jones, Thomas Murphy, Wm. Shaw, James Sheldon, Alex Smith, Abraham Taylor, Uriah Trimm, Lawrence Wall

--Brock-Perry

Battle of Longwoods-- Part 3

 Although Andrew Holmes had defeated the British, he knew he was outnumbered and decided he would be unable to capture the post at Delaware.  At 9 p.m., a short time after the British retired from the field, he abandoned his position at Twenty Mile Creek where the battle was fought and retreated to Detroit.

The British later abandoned their outpost at Delaware.

However, two American six-pounder guns which Holmes had abandoned near Pointe au Pelee were discovered by a Canadian militia unit who destroyed their carriages and concealed the guns in a black ash swamp where they remained until the end of the war.

Holmes was promoted to major, but was killed a few months later at the Battle of Mackinac Island.  The British commander, British Captain James Lewis Basden had been wounded at the Battle of Longwoods, recovered and later fought at the Battle of Lundy's Landing.

The battle site was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1924.

--Brock-Perry

Battle of Longwoods-- Part 2

In the aftermath of Harrison's withdrawal, there was what essentially amounted to a no war.  The British established outposts at Delaware and Port Talbot.  On 23 December 1813, the garrison at Delaware surprised and captured a small American post near Chatham.

The American commander at Amherstburg, Lt. Col. Anthony Butler sent an expedition under Captain Andrew Holmes, to capture one of the two British posts.  They left 21 February 1814 but met problems with weather and hunger.  

The Americans fell back to a hill and fortified it.  A sharp firefight took place on March 4.

The next day, some 240 British troops along with their Canadian militia and Indian allies clashed with the American force of 164.  An attempt was made to outflank the Americans while a direct attack was made on their center.

As dark fell, the entire British force retreated.

British losses were 14 killed, 51 wounded, 1 wounded prisoner and 1 missing. American losses 4 killed and 3 wounded.

--Brock-Perry

Battle of Longwoods

From Wikipedia.

Took place during the War of 1812 (I see it is now referred to as the Anglo-American War of 1812) but I will continue to just refer to it as the War of 1812).

On 4 March 1814, a party of mounted Americans defeated an attempt by British regulars, volunteers from the Canadian militia and Native Americans to intercept them near Wardsville, in present-day Southwest Middlesex, Ontario.  (Near London, Ontario)

In October 1813 following the American naval victory at the Battle of Lake Erie, an American Army under Major General William Henry Harrison recaptured Detroit and the abandoned British post of Fort Malden at Amherstburg in Canada.

They then defeated a retreating British and Native force at the Battle of Moraviantown, in which Indian leader Tecumseh was killed.  However, further American operations were called off as the enlistments of Harrison's militia was about to expire.

--Brock-Perry

Battle of Longwoods Re-enactment-- Part 2

The weekend will include:

**  Tactical and artillery demonstrations, including a afternoon battle.

**  Period music.

**  A military medicine presentation, demonstrating procedures available in 1812.

**  Tours of a historical military encampment.

**  Mini militia offering children a taste of life as a 19th-century soldier, including simple arms drill and marching.

**  Children's games and rope making.

**  Merchants and artisans selling items.

**  Self-guided tours of Ska-Nah-Doht Village and conservation area nature trails.

**  Food for sale by local service club members.

--Brock-Perry

Battle of Longwoods Re-enactors to Bring War of 1812 Back to Life-- Part 1

From the April 24, 2024, Chatham (Canada) Daily News by Trevor Terfloth.

Musket-toting re-enactors in period uniform will gather next month to recreate the Battle of Longwoods and offer visitors a taste of life during the War of 1812.

The Battle of Longwoods will be brought back to life at Longwoods Conservation Area May 4 and 5.  The Upper Thames Military Re-enactment Society and Lower Thames Conservation Authority are partnering in the event.

On March 4,1814, an American raiding party defeated an attempt by British regulars, Canadian militia volunteers and Indigenous forces to intercept them near Wardsville.

About 200 re-enactors, including men, women and children are expected for the Longwoods event.  They're to arrive Friday, May 3, and camp in period tents until Suday night.

Visitors are invited to experience life as a soldier, camp follower, Indigenous member and merchant, while walking through an authentically recreated camp.

--Brock-Perry

Andrew Jackson's Head-- Part 3

Samuel Dewey presented Andrew Jackson's head to the Secretary of the Navy Mahlon Jackson and it was presumed that he discarded the head.

But, in fact, he took it home and it descended through his family for generations.  Eventually it ended up with a relative in France.  In 1998 a curator of the Museum of the City of New York located the head in the home of Dickerson family members in the Paris suburbs.

Today, the Museum of the City of New York has in its collection the original Beecher figurehead with a second head  carved by Dodge & Sons of New York in 1834.  The museum also has the original Beecher head decapitated by Dewey.

--Brock-Perry

The Attack on Andrew Jackson's Head-- Part 2

There was a thunderstorm of unusual violence on the night of July 2, 1834 and the young  Sam Dewey, he was just 28,  took his row boat from Billy Gray's Wharf in Boston and rowed over to the USS Constitution.  Climbing over the ship's side by use of the manropes, he went to the bow.

There he accomplished the decapitation and rowed back to safety.  He took the fruits of his labor with him with the idea of presenting the head to President Jackson himself.  However, Jackson was seriously ill and no one permitted to visit him.

He did get to see Vice President Van Buren though, who was not amused.

Dewey then gave the head to the Secretary of the Navy, Mahlon Dickerson, and no charges were filed, however.

You Sure Would Have Thought. --Brock-Perry

The Attack on Jackson's Head-- Part 1: The Offending Figurehead

From the USS Constitution Museum "Off with his head" by Margherita M. Desy and Kate Monea.

I wrote about this episode in a blog entry earlier.

When the USS Constitution entered Dry Dock 1 in the Charlestown Navy Yard (Boston) on June 24, 1833, her docking had been delayed so that President Andrew Jackson and Vice President Martin Van Buren could be in attendance.  However, Jackson was too unwell to attend it.

Jackson was generally liked by the people of New England at the time, but fell out of favor less than a year later after he vetoed a bill to recharter the Second Bank of the United States, resulting in financial hardship for merchants.

Just prior to Jackson's fall in popularity, the commandant of the Charlestown Navy Yard, Jesse Elliott had hired a local carver named Leban S. Beecher to create a figurehead of President Jackson, a hero of the War of 1812.

When news of this figurehead got out, Bostonians were enraged.  A call went out to save the famous ship "from this foul disgrace" and threats were made to Beecher.

After the figurehead was installed, the Constitution was refloated from the dry dock and placed under the protective cover of the USS Independence and Columbus.

However, this did not deter one brave local captain named Samuel Worthington Dewey, who took it upon himself to decapitate the offending figurehead.

--Brock-Perry

Elliott and the USS Constitution-- Part 3

Elliott then strong-armed his crew into buying him a set of plates.

When a midshipman was sorely wounded in an unauthorized duel, Elliott abandoned him without funds in a Turkish port.  On his last circuit through the Mediterranean, before returning to the United States, Elliott encumbered the gun deck with stalls to contain his menagerie of hogs, sheep, horses and donkeys.  All this was done without the Navy Department's approval.

When the ship returned to Norfolk, Virginia, in July 1838, he faced down a mutiny when he delayed payment and discharge of the crew.

He was removed from command of the Constitution and court-martialled in 1840 and found guilty on five counts which saw him sentenced to four years suspension from service and loss of pay.

The loss of pay was rescinded and the suspension shortened, thanks to his powerful political friends.

When he was restored to duty in December 1844 and made commandant of the Philadelphia Navy Yard where he died in office the next December.

--Quite An Interesting Story.  --Brock-Perry

Elliott and the USS Constitution-- Part 2: What Went On Aboard the Ship

Jesse Elliott received orders to sail to the Mediterranean Sea and take charge of the squadron there.  The next years, from 1835 to 1838, were a surreal experience for the Constitution's crew as Elliott repeatedly ignored regulations and abused his authority.

He took advantage of the annual circuits of Mediterranean ports to sightsee and gather memorabilia.  Along the way, he acquired antiques, "exotic" animals including donkeys, a set of papal busts, a stuffed ibis, a pair of Roman sarcophagi, antique coins and large marble spheres.

He toured parts of the Middle East with an entourage from the ship and swam in the Dead Sea.  Elliott also accepted unauthorized gifts from the Marmeluke ruler of Egypt.

Living in Style, That Elliott.  --Brock-Perry

Elliott and the USS Constitution: The President's Head

As you have read in recent pots, Jesse Elliott's time commanding the USS Constitution also led to situations.

This is from the USS Constitution museum blog.

Jesse Elliott took command of the Boston Navy Yard in 1833 where the USS Constitution was beginning its first major restoration.  To impress President Andrew Jackson, Elliott had a full-length figurehead of Jackson carved and installed on the ship's bow.

Bostonians who disliked Jackson were outraged.  To underscore the point, a local sea captain named Samuel Worthington Dewey climbed aboard the ship on the night of July 2, 1834, and beheaded the figurehead.

Jackson was infuriated and embarrassed by the controversy, but no charges were filed.

Elliott received orders to sail the USS Constitution and take command of the Mediterranean Squadron.

--Brock-Perry

Jesse Elliott, USN-- Part 8: Last Years

Because of the allegations, Elliott was recalled to the United States in 1838, where he was politically unpopular at the time (possibly stemming back to his performance at the Battle of Lake Erie and subsequent feud with Perry), and was convicted of the charges.

Suspended from duty for four years until the remaining charges were dismissed by President John Tyler in October 1843.

Appointed commander of the Philadelpha Navy Yard in December 1844, he remained there until his death on 10 December 1845.

He is buried in Mount Moriah Cemetery in Philadelphia. After being overgrown for many years, his grave was reidentified in 2012.

--Brock-Perry

Jesse Elliott, USN-- Part 7: A Duel, Command of USS Constitution and More Charges

In 1820, Elliott was second to Commodore James Barron when the latter fatally shot Stephen Decatur in a duel.  He was transferred to the Brazil Squadron in 1825, served as the captain of the USS Cyane for two years and commanded the West Indies Squadron from 1829 to 1832.

Elliott commanded the Boston Navy Yard in 1832 and then  to command of the frigate USS Constitution and the Mediterranean Squadron from 3 March 1835 to 18 August 1838.  During his Mediterranean assignment, he was charged for minor offenses by several of his junior officers, including using his official position for personal gain and  transporting animals he had purchased aboard the Constitution.

This looks like an interesting topic for more detail.

--Brock-Perry

Jesse Elliott, USN-- Part 6: The Feud Continues and Further Service

Oliver Hazard Perry left his list of charges and specifications against Elliott with his friend, Commodore Stephen Decatur when he left for his diplomatic mission to Venezuela (during which he died).  Elliott served as second for Captain James Barron in the duel in which Barron killed Decatur in 1820.

Decatur's widow published Perry's charges years later as she held Elliott at least partially responsible for her husband's death.

These people obviously did not like each other.

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

LATER CAREER

Elliott commanded the sloop USS Ontario during the Second Barbary War, and was promoted to captain in 1818, serving as on a naval commission selecting sites for navy yards, lighthouses and other coastal fortifications until 1822.

--Brock-Perry

Jesse Elliott, USN-- Part 5: Honors and Major Controversy

HONORS

On January 6, 1814, both Perry and Elliott received Congressional Gold Medals and the Thanks of Congress.  This was in recognition of the first-time ever capture of an entire British squadron at the Battle of Lake Erie.  In addition, each man received an equal portion of the prize money ($7,140 apiece)  

In recognition of Perry's position as commodore of the squadron, Congress gave him an extra $5,000.  This became a bone of contention with Elliott.

CONTROVERSY

Even before the medals were awarded, Elliott and Perry became embroiled in a 30-year battle over their respective conduct and fault in the battle.  This extended even beyond Perry's death in 1819.  Perry claimed that Elliott had failed to offer timely support; Elliott decried there was a lack of communication and signals on Perry's part.

In 1818, Perry drew up a list of charges against Elliott, but was evidently dissuaded by the Secretary of the Navy against formally filing them.

And it still wasn't over, even in death.

--Brock-Perry

Jesse Elliott, USN-- Part 4: The Battle of Lake Erie (Commendation, Then Censure)

In the center of the American battleline, the Niagara was astern of the USS Caledonia, which in turn was astern of the USS Lawrence, Perry's flagship.  During the early stages of the battle, the Lawrence fought alone against several of the bigger British ships and took a pounding.  The Niagara was little engaged.

After the Lawrence was battered into a wreck, Perry rowed over to the Niagara and took command to continue fighting.  (That incident is pictured  at the right of the entries.)

Then Elliott was dispatched by boat  to urge the smaller American gunboats at the rear of the battleline to close in for action.

The battle ended with a complete American victory and surrender of the entire British squadron.

Elliott earned distinction for his role in the battle and official praise from Perry and was given command of the Lake Erie American squadron the following month.

There was, nevertheless, some controversy over Elliott's role in the battle.    Some (including Perry) suspected that he had deliberately held the Niagara out of the battle in its early stages.  The two men would feud over this for the rest of their lives.

--Brock-Perry

Jesse Elliott, USN-- Part 4: Service in Lake Ontario and Back to Lake Erie

Jesse Elliott was then transferred to Lake Ontario where he served under Commodore Isaac Chauncey as captain on the flagship, the USS Madison,  and took part in the Battle of York on 27 April 1813 and the Battle of Fort George on 27 May.

He was promoted to master commandant in July and reassigned to the Lake Erie Squadron, to serve as Perry's second in command.  He felt Perry had insufficient combat experience and was particularly outspoken Perry's decision to use Presque Isle for his shipyard.   

The two me were on collision course at thus time.  No doubt Elliott was still smarting over being replaced in Lake Erie by Perry to begin the problems.

BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE

Then came the famous battle.

During the Battle of Lake Erie against a British squadron under Captain Robert Barclay on 10 September 1813, Elliott commanded the USS Niagara.  Perry commanded the Niagara's sister ship, the USS Lawrence.

--Brock-Perry

Jesse Elliott, USN-- Part 3: A Remarkable Feat and Replacement

On 8 October 1812, he and Army Captain Nathan Towson captured captured the British brigs HMS Caledonia and HMS Detroit, anchored near the British Fort Erie in the upper reaches of the Niagara River (the Detroit was the former American USS Adams).

The Caledonia was loaded with furs and managed to make it to an American port.  The Detroit, on the other hand, was swept down the Niagara River into range of the British guns at the fort.  Elliott battled the fort until he ran out of ammunition and then beached his ship on Squaw Island and fled to the American side of the river.

British and American guns then destroyed the ship.  Elliott and Towson were later commended  for this action by Congress.

However, in February 1813, Elliott was replaced as commander of the Lake Erie American fleet by Master Commandant Oliver Hazard Perry.

(This very likely led to the problems between the two men at the Battle of Lake Erie later that year.)

--Brock-Perry

Jesse Elliott, USN-- Part 2: Pre War of 1812 Service

From Wikipedia.

JESSE DUNCAN ELLIOTT  (14 July 1782 - 10 December 1845) was a United States naval officer and commander on American naval forces on Lake Erie during the War of 812.  He is well-known for his controversial actions during the Battle of Lake Erie.

He was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, and enlisted in the Navy as a midshipman in April 1804 and saw action in the Mediterranean Sea during the Barbary Wars between 1805 and 1807, serving on the USS Essex under Commodore James Barron.

In June 1807, Elliott was on board the USS Chesapeake when Barron was forced to allow his ship to be searched by the HMS Leopard.

Elliott was promoted to lieutenant in April 1810 and was assigned to Lake Erie to oversee the construction of the American squadron there upon the outbreak of the War of 1812.

--Brock-Perry

Roadtripping Through History: From a Civil War Sailor to the War of 1812's Naval Officer Jesse Elliott

I have been writing about Henry Schutes, a Civil War sailor who received the Medal of Honor and is buried in Philadelphia's Mount Moriah Cemetery.  So, I had to check out this cemetery and see if anyone else was buried there of interest and a lot of people were.

One of them was a War of 1812 naval officer of some repute named Jesse Elliott.  So I had to do sone research on him.

I have already written about Elliott in this blog in connection with John B. Montgomery having served under him at the Battle of Lake Erie.

It turns out that a big disagreement between Elliott and Oliver Hazard Perry grew out of the Battle of Lake Erie.

--Brock-Perry

Things You Didn't Know About Oliver Hazard Perry-- Part 6

In 1814, Perry received a Congressional Gold Medal, the Thanks of Congress, and a promotion to the rank of full captain for his efforts at the Battle of Lake Erie.

He died at the age of 34 from yellow fever.  Six years after his victory at the Battle of Lake Erie, Perry succumbed to  yellow fever near Trinidad while at sea on a diplomatic mission to Venezuela on behalf of the United States.

The Navy has honored Perry by naming several ships and classes of ships after him.  As early as 1843, there was a USS Perry.  Four have been destroyers and one was a guided missile frigate.

--Brock-Perry

Things You Didn't Know About Oliver Hazard Perry-- Part 5: 'Don't Give Up the Ship'

Perry is known for his "Don't Give Up the Ship" flag, which serves even to this day as a rallying cry for the U.S. Navy.

As a tribute to his dying friend Captain James Lawrence of the USS Chesapeake, killed in a June  1813 battle in Boston Harbor.  Lawrence had issued a plea to his crew during his clash with the HMS Shannon as he lay dying.  (Sadly, they did surrender.)

Perry had a group of women in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he was building his fleet.  The flag became a symbol of victory and perseverance when it flew over Perry's flagship, the USS Lawrence, at the Battle of Lake Erie.  When his ship was so battered that it could no longer fight, Perry transferred himself and that flag to the USS Niagara, continued the fight and won dramatically.

--Brock-Perry  (The Perry in my signoff is for Oliver Hazard Perry.)

Things You Didn't Know About Oliver Hazard Perry-- Part 4: 'Perry's Luck'

6.  Known for his leadership skills and abilities to raise  a crew of inexperienced sailors, Perry instilled discipline in his men that is part of his Navy legacy even today.

In addition to seafaring skills, he had the ability to pick the right men for the right job and to turn a group of novices into crews of sailors.  When Perry first arrived in Erie, Pennsylvania in 1812,   he was unfamiliar with the area and additionally was tasked with training men, most of whom had no knowledge of ships.

He was firm in his discipline.  There is frequent references to "Perry's Luck" as this approach and an orderly mind proved to be successful throughout his career.

--Brock-Perry

Things You Didn't Know About Oliver Hazard Perry-- Part 3: 'We Have Met the Enemy and They Are Ours'

5.  Perry led the American fleet to victory at the Battle of Lake Erie which was a major turning point in the War of 1812.

On September  1813, the American fleet under Master Commandant Oliver Hazard Perry  came out to fight the British (from Put-in-Bay).  Within hours, the Americans had defeated the British.  This victory allowed the United States to gain control of Lake Erie, preventing the British from attacking the interior of the continent.

It also meant that the British could no longer reinforce or provide provisions for their Army at Detroit and caused them to evacuate and meet disaster at a battle during that retreat.

Before this victory American forces had suffered defeat and losses causing a great drop in morale.  This victory inspired the country.

--Brock-Perry

Things You Didn't Know About Oliver Hazard Perry-- Part 2: A Builder

3.  Perry was promoted to Master Commandant in the Navy at age 28.  After being a midshipman, he returned to Rhode Island and supervised the construction of a flotilla of small gunboats.  In March 1812, he achieved the high rank of Master Commandant, something few as young as he achieved.

4.  In 1813, he was given command of naval forces on the Great Lakes and appointed to supervise the construction of an American fleet on Lake Erie.  His headquarters were at what is today Erie, Pennsylvania.  When he arrived, there were no American ships and the British already had eight ships.

Despite the fact that he had no nearby resources other than trees, in short order he had nine vessels with the 490 ton brigs Lawrence and Niagara being the largest.

--Brock-Perry

Things You Didn't Know About Oliver Hazard Perry-- Part 1: Family Ties

Perry is part of my signoff for this blog:  Brock-Perry (the Brock part is named for British/Canadian hero Isaac Brock).

From the Feb. 27, 2024, Military History Now Oliver Hazard Perry--  10 Things You Didn't Know About America's Iconic Naval Commander."

1.  He came from a family with strong ties to the U.S. Navy.  His father, Christopher Raymond Perry was a privateer in the American Revolution and captain in the U.S. Navy during the Quasi-War with France.  His brother, Matthew Perry, also in the U.S. Navy played a major role in the opening of Japan to the United States.

2.  Perry became a midshipman at the age of 13.  He spent his youth sailing with his father.  He became a midshipman in 1799 and spent the next six years in the Quasi-War and the Tripolitan War against the Barbary Pirates.

--Brock-Perry

Commodore David Conner, USN-- Part 2

In the decade following the War of 1812, Lieutenant Conner had shore duty at Philadelphia and commanded the schooner USS Dolphin.  Attaining the rank of Commander in March 1825, he was commanding officer of the sloops of war USS Erie and USS John Adams before receiving promotion to captain in 1835.

In 1841, he became a naval commissioner and was later Chief of Bureau of Construction, Equipment & Repair.  Late in 1843, he took command of the West Indian and Home squadrons.

He led U.S. naval forces in the Gulf of Mexico during the first months of the Mexican War 1846-1847.  During this time, he was responsible for amphibious operations against several coastal towns and for the successful landing of the U.S. Army at Vera Cruz in March 1847.

Leaving seagoing service soon afterwards, Conner subsequently  commanded the Philadelphia Navy Yard.  However, ill health kept him from seeing much other active employment.  Commodore Conner died in Philadelphia on 20 March 1856 and is buried at the Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Two destroyers have been named after him.

--Brock-Perry

Commodore David Conner, USN

I listed some naval officers who were in the War of 1812 in my last post.  David Conner is one of them.  I'd never heard of him before.

From the Naval History and Heritage Command.

DAVID CONNER (1792-1856)

He was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1792 and became a midshipman early in 1809 and served on the frigate USS President for the next several years.  In 1811, he joined the sloop USS Hornet, serving in her during the War of 812 except for a time as a prisoner of war early in the conflict.

He participated in  the Hornet's two most significant combat actions, that with the HMS Peacock in February 1813 and the March 1815 capture of the HMS Penguin.

He received a promotion to lieutenant in July 1813.

--Brock-Peerry

Road Trippin' Through History: Notable War of 1812 Persons Buried at Laurel Hull Cemetery

Laurel Hill is a cemetery in Philadelphia.  This is a continuation of a Road Trip that started in my Running the Blockade blog with Richard Binder, USMC, who received a Medal of Honor for action at the Second Battle of Fort Fisher during the Civil War.  He is buried at West Laurel Hill Cemetery which is a part of Laurel Hill Cemetery.

There are several War of 1812 notables buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery.

DAVID CONNER (1792-1856)--  Naval officer in War of 1812 and Mexican War.  Served on the USS Hornet.

ISAAC HULL  (1773-1843)--  Commanded USS Constitution in its battle with the HMS Guerriere.

ELIE AUGUSTUS F. LA VALLETTE  (1790-1862)--  War of 1812 American officer at Battle of Lake Champlain.  Also served in Mexican War.

--Brock-Perry

John M. Gamble-- Part 5

While in command of the Greenwich, he captured the British armed whaler Seringapatam after a sharp engagement on or about  13 July 1813.  This engagement earned him much publicity in American newspapers of the time as the British ship was considered the biggest threat to American whalers in the Pacific at the time.

Porter later ordered the Greenwich burned to deprive Britain of valuable whale oil.  Later, during the Nuku Hiva Campaign, David Porter again ordered Gamble to take command of the prize ship Sir Andrew Hammond.

After the Seringpatam Mutiny, Gamble set out to the Leeward Islands in the Sir Andrew Hammond, but was intercepted on the way by the HMS Cherub.

--Brock-Perry

John M. Gamble, USMC-- Part 4: The Only Marine Officer to ....

Lt. Colonel John M. Gamble is chiefly remembered in history as the only Marine to ever command a U.S. Naval vessel, and he did this not once, but twice.  He commanded two separate prizes captured by the USS Essex while operating in the Pacific Ocean.  

The Essex was commanded by David Porter, father of eventual Union Admiral David Dixon Porter. and raised another Union Admiral who achieved fame also in the Civil War, David Glasgow Farragut.  As a matter of fact, Farragut accompanied David Porter in this Pacific cruise.

The two ships that Gamble commanded were the aforementioned Sir Andrew Hammond and Greenwich.  For want of Navy officers, Gamble was placed in charge.

--Brock-Perry

John M. Gamble, USMC-- Part 3: His Brother Peter Also in War of 1812 Where He Lost His Life

It should be mentioned that John M. Gamble had a brother by the name of Peter Gamble who was an officer in the U.S. Navy during the War of 1812.

Peter Gamble was born on 5 November 1793 in Bordentown, New Jersey.  He was appointed midshipman on 16 January 1809, and served on Thomas Macdonough's flagship USS Saratoga at the Battle of Lake Champlain.

There, he was killed in action while sighting his gun on 11 September 1814.

Macdonough his deplored the loss and commended his bravery in action.

A destroyer was named for both Peter and John M. Gamble, the USS Gamble DD123/DM-15).  This ship was at Pearl Harbor when the attack came.

--Brock-Perry

John M. Gamble, USMC-- Part 2

From Wikipedia.

JOHN MARSHALL GAMBLE

(1791 - 11 September 1836)

He remains the first and only-known U.S. Marine to command a U.S. Naval vessel for commanding the prize ships Greenwich and Andrew Hammond.

He was born in Brooklyn, New York, and commissioned a second lieutenant in the USMC on 16 January 1809, at the age of 17.

During the War of 1812, he was stationed in the Pacific Ocean on the frigate US Essex where he rose to be a captain by June 1814.  Among his accomplishments during that time was sailing the whaling ship Albert Hammond, a prize taken by the Essex, with a 4-man crew and without benefit of a chart to the Hawaiian Islands in 17 days.

--Brock-Perry

John M. Gamble, USMC

From "Records of officers and men of New Jersey in wars 1791-1815."

GAMBLE, JOHN M.

Midshipman, January 16, 1809

Ordered to duty at New York, N.Y.:

Transferred to merchant service, July 5, 1809.

He remains the only known US Marine ever to command a Navy ship, which he did twice during the War of 1812.

(For subsequent and continued record, see Officers of the United States Marine Corps, War with Great Britain.)

--Brock-Perry

Back on Line Agin'... Well, Sorta

It has been a long journey for me since last May in the ever-fun world of new technology and the internet. You may have noticed there have been few posts. 

I ended up having to buy a new pc and somehow got it hooked up by myself.  However, I am unable to get all of my e-mail sites and blogging sites back, but am working on it.

Hopefully, when I get the other four back on, I won't lose this one, but who knows.

Anyway, regardless, there will be a major difference in posting,  Before I was shooting for 20 posts a month minimum in all eight blogs.  Now, several of them will be posts every so often, maybe five a month, including this one.

Anyway, it is good to be back, even if just part way

Lovin' It.  --Brock-Perry

Mammoth Caves Black History

From the February 2, 2023, Wave, (Louisville, Ky) "Slaves explored, discovered cave paths at Mammoth Cave National Park" by Kelly Dean.

According to Molly Schroer, Public Affairs Officer at the park, "They were some of the first people to take our early visitors into the cave.  But they also served as early explorers.

Over 200 years ago, black slaves  worked in the cave to create gunpowder used during the War of 1812.

"What's ironic about the whole thing is they were working hard for us to keep our freedom while they didn't have theirs," said Schroer.

In the mid-1800s,  slaves were used  to not only act as tour guides, but also to go deep down into the caves to discover new paths.

Stephen Bishop was one of the first black tour guides who discovered miles and miles of trails that visitors today walk.

Helping the Cause Even Back Then.  --Brock-Perry