From the Oct. 6, 2012, Ottawa (Can) Citizen "Canadian War Museum Delves Into the Four Wars of 1812-Free Lecture."
Today, at 7 PM at the Barney Danson Theatre, there will be a free lecture, but ticket required. (English debate with simultaneous translation.) This is something you don't see much in the U.S..
Four historians will transform the stage into a battlefield with each presenting a different perspective of the war.
Dr. Sid Hart will give the American side.
Dr. Andrew Lambert the British side.
Mr. Alan Corbiere the Native American
Dr. peter MacLeod the Canadian side.
Should be interesting, but think I wouldn't make it in time.
Some Other Time, Perhaps. --Brock-Perry
2012 marks the 200th anniversary of America's "Forgotten War," the War of 1812 that took place over three years, 1812 to 1815.
Battle of New Orleans.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Sir Roger Schaeffe's Uniform and Sword Coming to Canada
From the Sept. 27, 2012, Toronto City News "War of 1812 uniform returned to Canada" by Erin Criger.
The uniform and sword of Sir Roger Hale Schaeffe is being returned to Canada. Schaeffe was second in command at the Battle of Queenstown Heights and took command after Sir Isaaac Brock was mortally wounded. Schaeffe then rallied the British and Canadian troops and turned the tide in what is considered to be a key battle of the war.
His belongings have been with his family in Australia for almost 200 years. His descendants will be on hand as Shaeffe's uniform, regimental sword and related documents are permanently loaned to Ontario.
This comes right before the 200th anniversary of the battle this weekend.
Schaeffe was also lt. governor of Upper Canada.
Someone Else I Had Not Heard Of. --Brock-Perry
The uniform and sword of Sir Roger Hale Schaeffe is being returned to Canada. Schaeffe was second in command at the Battle of Queenstown Heights and took command after Sir Isaaac Brock was mortally wounded. Schaeffe then rallied the British and Canadian troops and turned the tide in what is considered to be a key battle of the war.
His belongings have been with his family in Australia for almost 200 years. His descendants will be on hand as Shaeffe's uniform, regimental sword and related documents are permanently loaned to Ontario.
This comes right before the 200th anniversary of the battle this weekend.
Schaeffe was also lt. governor of Upper Canada.
Someone Else I Had Not Heard Of. --Brock-Perry
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
200th Anniversary of the Capture of HMS Caledonia and HMS Detroit
From Wikipedia
This took place during the night of October 8-9th.
The Caledonia was a brig built by the Canadian North West Company in Upper Canada in 1807 for use in the fur trade on the Great Lakes. In 1812, it was taken into military service by the British and commissioned the HMS Caledonia and played a major role in the capture of Fort Mackinac by transporting artillery.
After the surrender of Detroit, the Caledonia and brig Adams which had been captured there and renamed HMS Detroit were busy transporting troops and supplies from Detroit and Amherstburg to the Niagara River where an American attack was expected.
On October 8th, the two ships were anchored near Fort Erie at the head of the Niagara River. The Caledonia had two 4-pdr. guns on pivot and a crew of 12 as well as ten American prisoners along with a cargo of furs worth $200,000, when an American boarding party under Lt. Jesse D. Elliott and soldiers under Capt. Nathan Towson captured both brigs.
The Detroit ran aground and was set afire to prevent recapture and the Caledonia taken to the navy yard at Black Rock, New York and later became an American ship.
One sailor was killed and four wounded. The 12 Canadians on board were made prisoner.
An American Victory. --Brock-Perry
This took place during the night of October 8-9th.
The Caledonia was a brig built by the Canadian North West Company in Upper Canada in 1807 for use in the fur trade on the Great Lakes. In 1812, it was taken into military service by the British and commissioned the HMS Caledonia and played a major role in the capture of Fort Mackinac by transporting artillery.
After the surrender of Detroit, the Caledonia and brig Adams which had been captured there and renamed HMS Detroit were busy transporting troops and supplies from Detroit and Amherstburg to the Niagara River where an American attack was expected.
On October 8th, the two ships were anchored near Fort Erie at the head of the Niagara River. The Caledonia had two 4-pdr. guns on pivot and a crew of 12 as well as ten American prisoners along with a cargo of furs worth $200,000, when an American boarding party under Lt. Jesse D. Elliott and soldiers under Capt. Nathan Towson captured both brigs.
The Detroit ran aground and was set afire to prevent recapture and the Caledonia taken to the navy yard at Black Rock, New York and later became an American ship.
One sailor was killed and four wounded. The 12 Canadians on board were made prisoner.
An American Victory. --Brock-Perry
Coming Up On the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Queenstown Heights
This is often considered to be the first really big battle of the war, although the numbers engaged certainly did not compare with battles in the Civil War. I figure less than a thousand on both sides.
A lot of plans have been made to commemorate it on both sides of the border. Of course, this is where Canada and the British lost probably their best-known soldier, Sir Isaac Brock. He is the reason I sign off with the "Brock" in Brock-Perry.
I will be doing a lot of entries on it.
Brock-Perry
A lot of plans have been made to commemorate it on both sides of the border. Of course, this is where Canada and the British lost probably their best-known soldier, Sir Isaac Brock. He is the reason I sign off with the "Brock" in Brock-Perry.
I will be doing a lot of entries on it.
Brock-Perry
Isaac Chauncey
From Wikipedia.
Feb. 20, 1779-Jan. 27, 1840.
Became a lieutenant in the Navy in 1798 and fought in the Quasi-War with France and the First Barbary War.
During the War of 1812 commanded US naval forces on Lake Ontario and conducted many amphibious operations in cooperation with the Army and contained the much larger British fleet under Sir James Yeo.
Also served twice as the commandant of the New York Navy Yard.
Brock-Perry
Feb. 20, 1779-Jan. 27, 1840.
Became a lieutenant in the Navy in 1798 and fought in the Quasi-War with France and the First Barbary War.
During the War of 1812 commanded US naval forces on Lake Ontario and conducted many amphibious operations in cooperation with the Army and contained the much larger British fleet under Sir James Yeo.
Also served twice as the commandant of the New York Navy Yard.
Brock-Perry
Back to Fort Johnson
From Waymarking
In 1816, Fort Johnson at Warsaw, Illinois, was replaced by Fort Edwards, named for Ninian Edwards, governor of Illinois Territory and third governor of the state.
An obelisk was erected on the site with four bronze panels at the base. The first depicts the fort, the second Ninian Edwards, the third Zachary Taylor and the fourth reads "Erected September 1914, to commemorate the establishment of Fort Edwards built by Major Zachary Taylor, 3rd U.S. Infantry September, 1814. Abandoned July, 1824.
Brock-Perry
In 1816, Fort Johnson at Warsaw, Illinois, was replaced by Fort Edwards, named for Ninian Edwards, governor of Illinois Territory and third governor of the state.
An obelisk was erected on the site with four bronze panels at the base. The first depicts the fort, the second Ninian Edwards, the third Zachary Taylor and the fourth reads "Erected September 1914, to commemorate the establishment of Fort Edwards built by Major Zachary Taylor, 3rd U.S. Infantry September, 1814. Abandoned July, 1824.
Brock-Perry
Monday, October 8, 2012
Commodore Isaac Chauncey Plaque To Be Unveiled
From the Oct. 5, 2012, Bridgeport (Ct) News.
The official unveiling of a plaque dedicated to this naval officer will be at his boyhood home at 150 Seabright Avenue in Black Rock on Saturday Oct. 13th and the day has been declared to be the "Isaac Chauncey Day" in Bridgeport.
Commodore Chauncey was born in 1772 in Black Rock and was a Great Lakes naval commander during the War of 1812 after also fighting against the Barbary Pirates. He was later President of the Board of U.S. Naval Commissioners from 1837 to his death in 1840.
Never Heard of Him. --Brock-Perry
The official unveiling of a plaque dedicated to this naval officer will be at his boyhood home at 150 Seabright Avenue in Black Rock on Saturday Oct. 13th and the day has been declared to be the "Isaac Chauncey Day" in Bridgeport.
Commodore Chauncey was born in 1772 in Black Rock and was a Great Lakes naval commander during the War of 1812 after also fighting against the Barbary Pirates. He was later President of the Board of U.S. Naval Commissioners from 1837 to his death in 1840.
Never Heard of Him. --Brock-Perry
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Some More on Illinois' Fort Johnson
From Wikipedia
Built on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. Construction began in September 1814 by Zachary Taylor near present-day Warsaw, after he retreated following the Battle of Credit Island, by Davenport, Iowa. It had a commanding view of the Mississippi River, the mouth of the Des Moines River and the foot of the Des Moines Rapids.
The fort could hold a company of soldiers, but was abandoned in late October 1814 when the company retreated to Cap au Gris near St. Louis.
In October 1815, the site was reoccupied and Cantonment Davis established. Troops from it helped build Fort Edwards by the site which was occupied by the army until 1824 and until 1832 by traders.
Build the Fort and They Will Come. --Brock-Perry
Built on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. Construction began in September 1814 by Zachary Taylor near present-day Warsaw, after he retreated following the Battle of Credit Island, by Davenport, Iowa. It had a commanding view of the Mississippi River, the mouth of the Des Moines River and the foot of the Des Moines Rapids.
The fort could hold a company of soldiers, but was abandoned in late October 1814 when the company retreated to Cap au Gris near St. Louis.
In October 1815, the site was reoccupied and Cantonment Davis established. Troops from it helped build Fort Edwards by the site which was occupied by the army until 1824 and until 1832 by traders.
Build the Fort and They Will Come. --Brock-Perry
200 Years Ago: Oct. 7th-- Winchester Arrives
OCTOBER 7, 1812
General James Winchester's army arrives at Fort Defiance, located in present-day Defiance, Ohio, in the northwest corner of the state.
Fort Defiance was built in 1794 at the confluence of the Auglaize and Maumee rivers by Gen. "Mad" Anthony Wayne and for many years was the forward American base against the Indians and their British allies.
Fort Winchester construction began in early October 1812 and was completed on Oct. 15th by troops under Gen. William Henry Winchester and named after Brigadier General James Winchester who had also been an officer during the Revolutionary War.
Some More Forts. --Brock-Perry
General James Winchester's army arrives at Fort Defiance, located in present-day Defiance, Ohio, in the northwest corner of the state.
Fort Defiance was built in 1794 at the confluence of the Auglaize and Maumee rivers by Gen. "Mad" Anthony Wayne and for many years was the forward American base against the Indians and their British allies.
Fort Winchester construction began in early October 1812 and was completed on Oct. 15th by troops under Gen. William Henry Winchester and named after Brigadier General James Winchester who had also been an officer during the Revolutionary War.
Some More Forts. --Brock-Perry
Friday, October 5, 2012
Illinois' Fort Johnson and Cantonment Davis
From the Sept. 15, 2012 Quincy (Il) Herald-Whig "Warsaw fort highlighted during Archaeology Awareness Month."
For years, archaeologists have been looking to find the long lost sites of Fort Johnson and Cantonment Davis, both established by future president Zachary Taylor when he was in Warsaw. However, an Illinois State Archaeological Survey recently located both and found 318 military buttons, gun flints, musket balls and cooking items.
The fort was built starting around September 7, 1814, but was burned to the ground the same year when Taylor and troops ran out of provisions and moved to St. Louis. While at the fort, the Americans had been continually harassed by the Sauk Indians and the British.
About 1500 troops returned in 1815 and built Cantonment Davis, which housed soldiers who built a series of military trading posts, including Fort Edward in Warsaw.
The Fort Johnson site was first sought in 1983.
Stuff I Didn't Know. Well, Actually, Most War of 1812 Stuff I Didn't Know About, But I'm Learning. --Brock-Perry
For years, archaeologists have been looking to find the long lost sites of Fort Johnson and Cantonment Davis, both established by future president Zachary Taylor when he was in Warsaw. However, an Illinois State Archaeological Survey recently located both and found 318 military buttons, gun flints, musket balls and cooking items.
The fort was built starting around September 7, 1814, but was burned to the ground the same year when Taylor and troops ran out of provisions and moved to St. Louis. While at the fort, the Americans had been continually harassed by the Sauk Indians and the British.
About 1500 troops returned in 1815 and built Cantonment Davis, which housed soldiers who built a series of military trading posts, including Fort Edward in Warsaw.
The Fort Johnson site was first sought in 1983.
Stuff I Didn't Know. Well, Actually, Most War of 1812 Stuff I Didn't Know About, But I'm Learning. --Brock-Perry
Thursday, October 4, 2012
The First Battle of Ogdensburg 200 Years Ago Today
Or, perhaps yesterday, I found conflicting reports.
From Wikipedia.
After the war broke out, there was much illicit trade between Ogdensburg and Prescott, Upper Canada (now Ontario) across the St. Lawrence River.
This trade was checked in early October when the local militia was reinforced with a detachment of the 1st U.S. Rifle Regiment under Major Benjamin Forsyth.
On October 3, 1812, British militia attacked, but were quickly repulsed and dispersed. During the next few months, Forsyth made several raids across the river, sniped at british troops and occasionally captured boatloads of supplies on their way to Kingston, Upper Canada.
Not All That Much. --Brock-Perry
From Wikipedia.
After the war broke out, there was much illicit trade between Ogdensburg and Prescott, Upper Canada (now Ontario) across the St. Lawrence River.
This trade was checked in early October when the local militia was reinforced with a detachment of the 1st U.S. Rifle Regiment under Major Benjamin Forsyth.
On October 3, 1812, British militia attacked, but were quickly repulsed and dispersed. During the next few months, Forsyth made several raids across the river, sniped at british troops and occasionally captured boatloads of supplies on their way to Kingston, Upper Canada.
Not All That Much. --Brock-Perry
Fort Knox I and II At Vincennes, Indiana-- Part 3
In 1813, it was determined that Fort Knox II was too far from Vincennes to be of defense, so the fort was disassembled and floated down the Wabash River and rebuilt a few yards from where Fort Knox I had been. So, technically, this would be Fort Knox III, I guess.
After the warm, friction again became an issue between the garrison and townspeople. Native Americans had moved to the north, so the garrison was moved to Fort Harrison in Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1816.
Within weeks, Vincennes residents had stripped the fort of anything useful and it ceased to exist.
The Story of a Bunch of Forts. --Brock-Perry
After the warm, friction again became an issue between the garrison and townspeople. Native Americans had moved to the north, so the garrison was moved to Fort Harrison in Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1816.
Within weeks, Vincennes residents had stripped the fort of anything useful and it ceased to exist.
The Story of a Bunch of Forts. --Brock-Perry
Fort Knox I and II At Vincennes, Indiana-- Part 2
FORT KNOX I
A new fort was built a few blocks north of St. Patrick and named after the U.S. Secretary of War William Knox, at the intersection of present-day First and Buntin streets. From 1787 to 1803, it was the western-most military post of the country. However, the garrison and townspeople did not get along.
Territory Governor William Henry Harrison petition Secretary of War Henry Dearborn to build a new fort and in 1803, the federal government authorized $200 to build a new fort three miles north of town at Petit Rocher.
FORT KNOX II
It too was named Fort Knox, but generally referred to as Fort Knox II. The fort had no better luck than the original and became known for duels and desertions. In 1811, Captain Zachary Taylor (later president) was put in charge with Indian problems rising.
The fort was used as a muster point for the US Army and militia during the Indian Wars and War of 1812.
Today, it is a state historic site and the outlines of the fort have been marked with short posts.
Back to I. --Brock-Perry
A new fort was built a few blocks north of St. Patrick and named after the U.S. Secretary of War William Knox, at the intersection of present-day First and Buntin streets. From 1787 to 1803, it was the western-most military post of the country. However, the garrison and townspeople did not get along.
Territory Governor William Henry Harrison petition Secretary of War Henry Dearborn to build a new fort and in 1803, the federal government authorized $200 to build a new fort three miles north of town at Petit Rocher.
FORT KNOX II
It too was named Fort Knox, but generally referred to as Fort Knox II. The fort had no better luck than the original and became known for duels and desertions. In 1811, Captain Zachary Taylor (later president) was put in charge with Indian problems rising.
The fort was used as a muster point for the US Army and militia during the Indian Wars and War of 1812.
Today, it is a state historic site and the outlines of the fort have been marked with short posts.
Back to I. --Brock-Perry
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Fort Knox I and II at Vincennes, Indiana-- Part 1
I had also never heard of a Fort Knox at Vincennes, Indiana. I thought they might be referring to Fort Knox in Kentucky where the gold is stores, but thought that might be far for the survivors of the Attack at the Narrows to go.
I was already familiar with the George Rogers Clark Memorial at the site of Fort Sackville in Vincinnes, but not Fort Knox.
From Wikipedia.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the French, British and United States built several forts at Vincennes overlooking the Wabash River.
TRADING POST, 1702, France
FORT VINCENNES, 1731, France
FORT SACKVILLE, Replaced Fort Vincennes in 1761 and named after Lord George Sackville, the site was at the intersection of First and Main streets. It fell into disrepair after the French and Indian War.
U.S. forces seized it in 1778, but the British retook it. U.S. Lt. Col. George Rogers Clark captured it in February 1779 and renamed it Fort Patrick Henry. It was abandoned in 1787.
Fort Knox Up next. --Brock-Perry
I was already familiar with the George Rogers Clark Memorial at the site of Fort Sackville in Vincinnes, but not Fort Knox.
From Wikipedia.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the French, British and United States built several forts at Vincennes overlooking the Wabash River.
TRADING POST, 1702, France
FORT VINCENNES, 1731, France
FORT SACKVILLE, Replaced Fort Vincennes in 1761 and named after Lord George Sackville, the site was at the intersection of First and Main streets. It fell into disrepair after the French and Indian War.
U.S. forces seized it in 1778, but the British retook it. U.S. Lt. Col. George Rogers Clark captured it in February 1779 and renamed it Fort Patrick Henry. It was abandoned in 1787.
Fort Knox Up next. --Brock-Perry
Another September 1812 Incident in Indiana: The Pigeon Roost Massacre-- Part 2
On September 3, 1812, Indians, mostly Shawnee, killed 24 settlers, including 15 children, in a massacre in the village. Two children were kidnapped and four Indians killed.
They first attacked the cabin of Elias Payne. His wife and seven children were killed and scalped. The Indians then found Elias and his brother-in-law Isaac Coffman in the woods and killed Isaasc. Elias Payne was wounded, but bled to death. His grave was later destroyed by I-65 construction.
Militia from nearby Charlestown gave chase, but lost the Indians.
Pigeon Roost was rebuilt, but later abandoned. The victims were buried in a mass grave.
In 1904, a $2,000, 44-foot obelisk was erected and in 1929, it became a state historic site.
More recently, markers of the event were placed on US-31.
I'd Never Heard of This Before. --Brock-Perry
They first attacked the cabin of Elias Payne. His wife and seven children were killed and scalped. The Indians then found Elias and his brother-in-law Isaac Coffman in the woods and killed Isaasc. Elias Payne was wounded, but bled to death. His grave was later destroyed by I-65 construction.
Militia from nearby Charlestown gave chase, but lost the Indians.
Pigeon Roost was rebuilt, but later abandoned. The victims were buried in a mass grave.
In 1904, a $2,000, 44-foot obelisk was erected and in 1929, it became a state historic site.
More recently, markers of the event were placed on US-31.
I'd Never Heard of This Before. --Brock-Perry
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Another September Incident in Indiana: The Massacre at Pigeon Roost-- Part 1
From Wikipedia.
This took place September 3, 1812, in southeast Indiana near the Ohio River as part of a coordinated attack on Fort Harrison and Fort Wayne.
The site is now an Indiana State Historic Site located between Scottsburg and Henryville, Indiana, near Underwood. A one-lane road off US-31 takes the visitor to the site of a village where Indians massacred 24 white settlers.
Pigeon Roost was established in 1809 by William E. Collins, by settlers primarily from Kentucky. It got the name Pigeon Roost from the great number of passenger pigeons living in the vicinity. It essentially was a single line of cabins running north-south about one mile east of present-day Underwood.
More to Come. --Brock-Perry
This took place September 3, 1812, in southeast Indiana near the Ohio River as part of a coordinated attack on Fort Harrison and Fort Wayne.
The site is now an Indiana State Historic Site located between Scottsburg and Henryville, Indiana, near Underwood. A one-lane road off US-31 takes the visitor to the site of a village where Indians massacred 24 white settlers.
Pigeon Roost was established in 1809 by William E. Collins, by settlers primarily from Kentucky. It got the name Pigeon Roost from the great number of passenger pigeons living in the vicinity. It essentially was a single line of cabins running north-south about one mile east of present-day Underwood.
More to Come. --Brock-Perry
Monday, October 1, 2012
War of 1812 Timeline for October 1812
OCT. 4-- Battle of Ogdensburg, NY
OCT. 7-- US General James Winchester's army arrives bear Fort Defiance.
OCT.9-- US Navy Lt. Jesse Elliott captures the brigs Caledonia and Detroit.
OCT. 13-- Artillery duel between US Fort Niagara and British Fort George.
Battle of Queenstown Heights. British General Isaac Brock Killed.
OCT. 18-- USS Wasp captures HMS Frolic
HMS Poictiers captures the USS Wasp.
OCT. 23-- Battle of St. Regis
OCT. 25-- The USS United States captures the HMS Macedonian.
Now You Know. --Brock-Perry
OCT. 7-- US General James Winchester's army arrives bear Fort Defiance.
OCT.9-- US Navy Lt. Jesse Elliott captures the brigs Caledonia and Detroit.
OCT. 13-- Artillery duel between US Fort Niagara and British Fort George.
Battle of Queenstown Heights. British General Isaac Brock Killed.
OCT. 18-- USS Wasp captures HMS Frolic
HMS Poictiers captures the USS Wasp.
OCT. 23-- Battle of St. Regis
OCT. 25-- The USS United States captures the HMS Macedonian.
Now You Know. --Brock-Perry
Fort Wayne Today
The Fort Wayne site in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is at Clay and Berry streets and has a historical marker. Another marker in town shows the location of Fort Miami, a French fort on the east bank of the St. Joseph River at Delaware Avenue and St. Joseph Boulevard.
AnotherPlace to Check Out. --Brock-Perry
AnotherPlace to Check Out. --Brock-Perry
Fort Harrison Today
Without a doubt, the next time I'm in Terre Haute, I will go out to the site of Fort Harrison, "The Fort of the Two Presidents."
It is located north of the city in what is called The Landing at Fort Harrison, which has been built on the site of the old fort.
The Terre Haute Lodge #86 Benevolent & Protective Elks purchased the site in 1926 and established a country club there in 1925. Today, there is an 18-hole golf course, a 22,000 square foot clubhouse with restaurant, lounge and banquet hall. In 1959, they added an 8-lane bowling alley and in 1997, a swimming pool.
In 2008, it was sold to a group and it became The Landings at Fort Harrison, a no-membership required country club.
You can find it off North 7th Street and Fort Harrison Road, just off US-41 north of where it joins Ind-63.
In 1963, Fort Harrison was located and outlined by the William Henry Harrison Trail Commission.
The Tale of a Fort. --Brock-Perry
It is located north of the city in what is called The Landing at Fort Harrison, which has been built on the site of the old fort.
The Terre Haute Lodge #86 Benevolent & Protective Elks purchased the site in 1926 and established a country club there in 1925. Today, there is an 18-hole golf course, a 22,000 square foot clubhouse with restaurant, lounge and banquet hall. In 1959, they added an 8-lane bowling alley and in 1997, a swimming pool.
In 2008, it was sold to a group and it became The Landings at Fort Harrison, a no-membership required country club.
You can find it off North 7th Street and Fort Harrison Road, just off US-41 north of where it joins Ind-63.
In 1963, Fort Harrison was located and outlined by the William Henry Harrison Trail Commission.
The Tale of a Fort. --Brock-Perry
Perry's Ship, the USS Revenge, Discovered Off Rhode Island
From Jan.7, 2011, Yahoo News.
A team of divers say they've discovered the remains of the USS Revenge, commanded by U.S. Navy hero Oliver Hazard Perry, famous for his victory over the British at the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813 and his "I have met the enemy and they are ours." During this battle, he flew the equally famous flag, "Don't Give Up the Ship."
Charles Buffum and Craig Harger say the wreck changed history. Had it not sunk in 1811, Perry wouldn't have been sent to the backwaters of Lake Erie.
The Sunday was the 200th anniversary of the wreck.
Buffum has been interested in the USS Revenge ever since his mother gave him the book "Shipwrecks on the Shores of Westerly" which included Perry's account of the wreck where he hit a reef in a storm during a heavy fog off Watch Hill on Westerly. Perry was bringing his ship from Newport to new London, Ct.
Buffum, Harger and Mike Fournier used a metal detector and after several dives, came across a cannon and then another. They made their first discovery in August 2005 but kept it secret while continuing the search, finding four more 42-inch long cannons, an anchor, cannister shot and other metal objects. All the wood is gone.
They are 99% sure the wreck is that of the Revenge, but have not found the ship's bell which would be conclusive proof.
Many of the found objects were just 15 feet deep and they fear other divers coming to the site now.
Perry was demoted after the incident. His ship,the Revenge, was a schooner that had been purchased in New Orleans and mounted twelve 6-pdr. guns. The Revenge had been plotting coastal waters and harbors when it sank. The ship was initially pulled off the rocks, but the tow rope broke and the Revenge drifted into the rocks again and this time sank..
So, That's How He Got to lake Erie. Arrive Dejected and Then Win Big. --Brock-Perry
A team of divers say they've discovered the remains of the USS Revenge, commanded by U.S. Navy hero Oliver Hazard Perry, famous for his victory over the British at the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813 and his "I have met the enemy and they are ours." During this battle, he flew the equally famous flag, "Don't Give Up the Ship."
Charles Buffum and Craig Harger say the wreck changed history. Had it not sunk in 1811, Perry wouldn't have been sent to the backwaters of Lake Erie.
The Sunday was the 200th anniversary of the wreck.
Buffum has been interested in the USS Revenge ever since his mother gave him the book "Shipwrecks on the Shores of Westerly" which included Perry's account of the wreck where he hit a reef in a storm during a heavy fog off Watch Hill on Westerly. Perry was bringing his ship from Newport to new London, Ct.
Buffum, Harger and Mike Fournier used a metal detector and after several dives, came across a cannon and then another. They made their first discovery in August 2005 but kept it secret while continuing the search, finding four more 42-inch long cannons, an anchor, cannister shot and other metal objects. All the wood is gone.
They are 99% sure the wreck is that of the Revenge, but have not found the ship's bell which would be conclusive proof.
Many of the found objects were just 15 feet deep and they fear other divers coming to the site now.
Perry was demoted after the incident. His ship,the Revenge, was a schooner that had been purchased in New Orleans and mounted twelve 6-pdr. guns. The Revenge had been plotting coastal waters and harbors when it sank. The ship was initially pulled off the rocks, but the tow rope broke and the Revenge drifted into the rocks again and this time sank..
So, That's How He Got to lake Erie. Arrive Dejected and Then Win Big. --Brock-Perry
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