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 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

The Gamble Family in the USN and USMC: Major William Gamble, the Father

In the last post, I wrote about William Gamble being a Marine veteran of the American Revolution and having four sons who followed him into service, building a bit of a Gamble dynasty.

What about this patriarch?

From Find-A-Grave

MAJOR WILLIAM GAMBLE

BIRTH:  Unknown

DEATH:  15 January 1833

BURIAL:  Congressional Cemetery, Washington, D.C.

From the Congressional

In this city, on Tuesday morning, the 15th instant, Major William Gamble, an officer of the Revolutionary war, aged 78 years.  The funeral will proceed from Mrs. Arguelles', Pennsylvania avenue, at one o'clock this afternoon.

The friends of the deceased, and those of his son,  Col. Gamble,  of the U.S. Marine Corps, are respectively invited to attend without further invitation.

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This would explain why John M. Gamble became a Marine after initially being a midshipman in the Navy.

--Brock-Perry

USS Gamble (DD-123) (DM-15): Named for Two Brothers

The ship was named after two brothers.  One, Peter, was in the U.S. Navy, and the other, John M. Gamble was in the USMC.  Both fought in the War of 1812 with one being killed.  This ship was at Pearl Harbor when the British attacked along with another destroyer named the Perry, after Oliver Hazard Perry.

From Wikipedia.

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.

He was killed  in action while sighting  his gin on  11 September 1814.

Macdonough deplored Peter's loss and commended his gallantry in action.

John M. Gamble was the brother of Peter Gamble and achieved the rank of brevet lieutenant colonel  in the United States Marine Corps.

--Brock-Perry

Richard Hill, OS. --Part 2: So That's an OS.

So, the current OS in the U.S. Navy would not likely hold up in the War of 1812 U.S. Navy.  It would not be Operations Specialist.  Hey, no aircraft or electrical systems in the War of 1812.

So, then, what is an OS in the War of 1812, which is the rank that Richard Hill held?

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I found the answer at the USS Constitution Museum site.

It gave the five ranks of men serving on the ship.

Commissioned Officers

Warrant Officers

Petty Officers 

Enlisted Men

Marines

Most likely OS would be an enlisted man.  And, since Hill was a black man, it would not likely be as as officer of any sort.

And, I looked at the three ranks of enlisted men:  Able Seaman, Ordinary Seaman and Boy.

Hey, OS.  Ordinary Seaman

I think I have his rank.

OS  --Brock-Perry

Marines in the War of 1812

Happy 246th birthday United States Marine Corps!!

From Wikipedia.

During the War of 1812, Marine detachments on ships took part in the great frigate duels that characterized the war at sea.  These were also the first and last engagements of the war.

Probably their most significant service took place when they held the center of General Andrew Jackson's defensive line at the Battle of New Orleans, the final major land battle and one of the most one-sided engagements of the war.

Then, there were victories of American ships over the HMS Cyane, HMS Levant and HMS Penguin in the last engagements of the war where the Marines gained a reputation as expert marksmen in ship-to-ship action.

They played a large role in the 1813 defense of Sackets Harbor, New York, and Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia.

--Brock-Perry

Midshipman Richard Dale-- Part 2: A Ceremony Held Every Year Now

After the battle, he was brought to St. George's for treatment and cared for at Stennet's Hotel where the Bank of Butterfield now sits on the Town Square.  However, he succumbed to his injuries on February 22, 1815.

But, he was not forgotten.  Every February 22, when the Us Marine Corps had a station on the U.S. base, a small parade would be held to honor the final the Midshipman who gave his life in the last action on the seas between the U.S. and Britain

This ceremony came to a stop when the base closed in 1995.    However, the friends of St. Peter's Foundation, which works to preserve and increase the  interest in the church in St. George, reintroduced the ceremony in 2006.

Descendants of Bermudian Scarret Adams, who served in the U.S. Navy and found Dale's grave and started the ceremony,  donate funds each year for a wreath of white Passion flowers to put on his grave.

--Brock-Perry

USS Constitution Sailor Receives Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal

From the January 13, 2021, Boston Globe "Seaman aboard USS Constitution earns achievement  medal from Secretary of the Navy" by Charlie McKenna.

Secretary of the Navy Kenneth J. Braithwaite awarded seaman Jaida Williams with a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal aboard the USS Constitution, the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat which fought in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812.  It was on active duty 1797 to 1855.

During normal operations, active duty sailors stationed aboard the ship provide free tours and offer public visitation to over 600,000 people a year.  The ship supports its mission of  promoting the U.S. Navy's history and maritime heritage as well as  raising awareness of the importance of continued naval presence.

The USS Constitution was undefeated in battle and either captured or destroyed 33 enemy ships.

Jaida Williams is a Macon, Georgia, native and has served in the Navy for two years.

I'd Even Join the Navy at My Advanced Age If I Could Serve On This Ship.  --Brock-Perry

Captain Sever's Commission As Captain in U.S. Navy-- Part 2

The commission reads:

"Know ye, that reposing special Trust and Confidence in the Patriotism, Valour, Fidelity and Abilities of James Sever, Esquire, I have nominated , and by  and with the Advice and Consent  of the senate, do appoint him a Captain in the Navy.

"He is therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Captain by doing and performing all Manner of Things thereunto belonging.

"I do strictly charge and requite all Officers, Seaman and Marines under his Command to be obedient to his Orders as a Captain.

"And he is to observe and follow such Orders and Directions from time to time, as he shall receive from me, or the future President of the United States, or his Superior Officer set over him, according to  to the Rules and Discipline of the Navy.

"This Commission to continue in Force during the pleasure of the President of the United States for the Time being.

"Given under my Hand at Philadelphia this Eleventh Day of May  in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety-Eight and in the Twenty ___?__ Year of the Independence of the United States.

"By Command of the President of the United States of America.   JOHN ADAMS"

Registered Josiah Fox

Got $24,000 Lying Around?  --Brock-Perry

David Rubenstein's Donations to American History

Continued from the previous post.

This man has been very nice to history.  Over the past two decades, his donations have included:

$50 million to the Reach Addition of the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts

$20 million to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello plantation outside Charlottesville, Va.

$10 million to James Madison's Montpeleier Estate in Orange, Virginia

$10 million to George Washington's Mt. Vernon

$18.5 million to the Lincoln Memorial

$12.3 million to Robert E. Lee's Arlington House at Arlington National Cemetery

$10.5 million to the Washington Monument

$5.4 million to the Renwick Gallery

$5.37 million to the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial

$5 million to the visitor center at the White House

$4.5 million to the National Zoo's panda reproduction program

$1 million  to Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument.

Again, a Big Thank You to Mr. Rubenstein.  --Brock-Perry

Burning of the Washington Navy Yard

From Wikipedia  The Burning of Washington.

The Americans had already burned much of the Washington Navy Yard to prevent capture of naval stores and cannons.  The 44-gun frigate USS Columbia and 22-gun USS Argus, both nearly completed, were also burned.

The only buildings to escape destruction were the Navy Yard's Latrobe Gate,  Quarters A and Quarters B.  Also spared were the Marine Barracks and Marine Commandant's House.  I have heard the Marines were spared because their fighting at the Battle of Bladensburg was so remarkable.

--Brock-Perry

"They Are Tough, Cocky, Sure Of Themselves" USMC

Captain Samuel Nicholas received orders to raise two battalions of Marines back in 1775.  Sadly, at the end of the American Revolution, both the Marines and Navy were disbanded.  Big mistake with enemies all around.

"The American Marines have it [pride], and benefit from it.  They are tough, cocky, sure of themselves and their buddies.  They can fight and they know it."

General Mark Clark, U.S. Army

What You Call Esprit de Corps.  --Brock-Perry

1872 River Raisin Reunion-- Part 2: 121 War of 1812 Veterans Attended

The 1871 reunion of the River Raisin survivors went so well, it was determined to have one on July 4, 1872.  On July 4, 1872, 121 survivors of Harrison's Army, serving at Fort Meigs and elsewhere responded in person to the invitation to come to Monroe, Michigan.

A grand review of the survivors of the War of 1812 was planned.  A large crows was expected.  A large delegation of Tennessee and Ohio survivors, 75 in number, arrived July 3.

They were accompanied by general George A. Armstrong, one of the Committee of Invitation and they first went to Toledo.

They were met at the station by the Monroe Band

Among them was General Leslie Coombs of Kentucky, 78, General Samuel Williams of Kentucky who played a huge role in the War of 1812, age 91, and Henry Gaither, of Cincinnati, age 82.

--Brock-Perry

The Marines in the War of 1812-- Part 2: Frigate Action

Marine detachments took place in the great frigate fights which resulted in many American victories.  They acquired the reputation as marksmen in ship-to-ship actions.

On 27 April 1813, they assisted the U.S. Army in Colonel Winfield Scott's attack on York, Upper Canada (now Toronto).

Under Navy Commodore Joshua Barney and Captain Samuel Miller, they helped delay the British advance on Washington, D.C., at the Battle of Bladensburg by holding the line after the Army and militia retreated, though they were eventually overcome.  Tradition hold s it that the British did not destroy the Marine Barracks and Commandant's house when they burned Washington out of respect for their fight at Bladensburg, though it is thought that they might have been intending to use them as headquarters.

There is also an unfounded tale that two Marine NCOs buried treasure there to prevent its capture.

At the Battle of New Orleans they held the center of Andrew Jackson's defensive line.

During the war, the Marines had 46 killed and 66 wounded.

--Brock-Perry

The Marines in the War of 1812-- Part 1: Sackets Harbor

From Wikipedia.

The first land action of the Marines in the War of 1812 was the establishment of an advanced base at Sackets Harbor, New York, by 63 Marines.  This gave the Navy a base on the shores of Lake Ontario.  Sackets Harbor later became the headquarters of the Navy for all action on the Great Lakes..

Marines helped defeat two British attacks on Sackets Harbor (the First and Second Battles of Sackets Harbor.

They later also established a base at Erie, Pennsylvania, where Oliver Hazard Perry's fleet at the Battle of Lake Erie was built.

--Brock-Perry

Charles Rinaldo Floyd-- Part 2: Served in USMC

Next, he received a commission in the USMC as a lieutenant, but in 1820, was arrested for caning a  naval store keeper.  For this, he was tried and suspended from duty for twelve months but with full pay.

In 1824 he served as the commander of the Marine Honor Guard charged with protecting the Marquis de Lafayette in New York City and his tour of the United States.

He also served in the Second Seminole War and the Okefenokee.

He was appointed a brigadier general in the Georgia militia on October 1838 and ordered to chase the Seminoles into the Okefenokee swamp in Georgia.

Death came March 22, 1845.

--Brock-Perry

War of 1812 Memorial for Marines Now Has Names-- Part 2

After the battle of Lake Erie, Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's vessels returned to Put-in-Bay on September 11, 1813 and prepared for the journey back to Erie, Pennsylvania.

Ten days later, the USS Lawrence was transporting sick and wounded from the Battle of Lake Erie and Dr. Usher Parsons, a surgeon on the ship, noted in his journal that the two Marines died of typhus near what is now Avon Lake.

Bill Krejci and John Shondel are now working on getting veterans headstones for the men at the cemetery.

Relatives of both men have been contacted as well.

War of 1812 Memorial for Marines Now Has Names-- Part 1: The Battle of Lake Erie

From the September 23, 2015, Lorain County (Ohio) Chronicle-Telegram by Jon Wysochanski.

Two hundred and two years ago, two Marines who sustained major injuries at the Battle of Lake Erie, were buried at sea.  Tuesday these two men were honored at Lakeshore Cemetery where they are believed to have been buried after their bodies washed up on shore.

For years a local legend spoke of the two men being found by a passerby on a supply trail that is now Lake Road, who buried them.

They went unnamed until local au Bill Krejci delved into the story and discovered their names.

Henry Van Poole and Richard Williams were privates in the U.S.M.C., serving in a detachment under Lt. John Brooks Jr.

--Brock-Perry

200 Years Ago: The Battle of Bladensburg and Occupation of Washington, D.C.

AUGUST 24TH-25TH:  The British campaign in the Chesapeake Bay began in earnest on August 24th when the British entered Bladensburg, Maryland,  just outside the capital city of Washington.  With the Americans waiting on the other side of the Potomac River, the British crossed the bridge and attacked.

Major General Robert Ross ordered the launching of Congreve rockets, the terrible and unfamiliar noise caused the enemy to run.  It was a humiliating episode in the war for the Americans.

Ross and his men marched on and later that evening scored a major victory by taking Washington and setting most of its public buildings on fire, including the recently-vacated presidential mansion.  One of the few to be spared was the Marine Corps Commandant's house, now the oldest public building in Washington.

I have heard that the Marine commandant's house was spared because the British were impressed with the resistance put up by the Marines at the Battle of Bladensburg.

One of the public buildings burned by the British was the U.S, Capitol.  In 1815, a temporary Capitol was built to house Congress while the original was rebuilt.  During the Civil War, this temporary Capitol became a prison for Confederates called Old Capitol Prison where many Confederate prisoners died.  I have been writing about it in my Saw the Elephant Civil War blog.

--Brock-Perry

USMC in the War of 1812

From Wikipedia.

Just a short summary of the Marines in the War of 1812 in honor of yesterday's 238th birthday of the Corps, established November 10, 1775.

Marine detachments participated in all of the great frigate battles during the war. Marines delayed the British march to Washington at the Battle of Bladensburg. I have written that their bravery and determination were one of the reasons the British didn't sack the Marine Corps headquarters and barracks in Washington, D.C..

Marines held the center of General Andrew Jackson's line at the Battle of New Orleans.

By the end of the war, Marines had earned a reputation for their excellent marksmanship, especially in ship actions.

Ooo-Rah!!! --Brock-Perry