From the May 28, 2013, YNN (NY) "The War of 1812, 200 years after the British invade Sackets Harbor" by Brian Dwyer.
Sackets Harbor played a crucial role throughout the war, but none so much as in 1813. It was the only site where Americans could operate a naval force on Lake Ontario (and build one).
On May 27, 1813, a British fleet left its home port at Kingston, Upper Canada (Ontario) and arrived at Sackets Harbor the following day. This was their second attack on the place. One big reason for this new one was the American force from Sackets Harbor attacking York, the capital of Upper Canada.
Some of the supplies from York were now stored at Sackets Harbor. Plus the main American Army was gone as was the fleet. Mostly only militia remained to protect the harbor.
Fortunately for the Americans, the wind died on May 28th and stopped the attack.
Very Good Fortune for the Americans. --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.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Follow Up On Fort Cassin
The North American Forts site says that Fort Cassin (1813-1815) was a seven-gun earthwork located at the mouth of Otter Creek near Kingsland Bay State Park. No remains, no marker. Too bad as there should really be a marker there.
I thought I recognized the name Cassin from the famous picture of Pearl Harbor at the dry dock with two destroyed destroyers and the battleship USS Pennsylvania. The USS Cassin (DD-372) was named for Stephen Cassin. It and the other destroyer, the USS Downes were essentially destroyed, but parts used later to build a new ship by the same name.
--Brock-Perry
I thought I recognized the name Cassin from the famous picture of Pearl Harbor at the dry dock with two destroyed destroyers and the battleship USS Pennsylvania. The USS Cassin (DD-372) was named for Stephen Cassin. It and the other destroyer, the USS Downes were essentially destroyed, but parts used later to build a new ship by the same name.
--Brock-Perry
Vermont's Battle of Fort Cassin 200 Years Ago-- Part 2
The British, fully aware of the American buildup, determined to strike first. In early May 1814, Captain David Pring sailed south, intent on either entering Otter Creek to smash the American fleet or blocking the entrance to pen up Macdonough's fleet.
On May 14th, the British fleet appeared at the mouth of Otter Creek and encountered the hastily construction American fortifications at Fort Cassin, named for Macdonough's key subordinate, Lt. Stephen Cassin.
A battle ensued for two hours before the British fleet withdrew back to Ile aux Noix with the loss of one sailor. The Americans had just one wounded casualty.
The American victory at Fort Cassin saved Macdonough's fleet. The British returned to their base and redoubled their shipbuilding effort, finally launching a 37-gun largest-ever ship on Lake Champlain, the HMS Confiance. The two fleets would meet again in just a few months in September at the decisive Battle of Plattsburgh Bay, or Battle of Lake Champlain as it is also called.
--Brock-Perry
On May 14th, the British fleet appeared at the mouth of Otter Creek and encountered the hastily construction American fortifications at Fort Cassin, named for Macdonough's key subordinate, Lt. Stephen Cassin.
A battle ensued for two hours before the British fleet withdrew back to Ile aux Noix with the loss of one sailor. The Americans had just one wounded casualty.
The American victory at Fort Cassin saved Macdonough's fleet. The British returned to their base and redoubled their shipbuilding effort, finally launching a 37-gun largest-ever ship on Lake Champlain, the HMS Confiance. The two fleets would meet again in just a few months in September at the decisive Battle of Plattsburgh Bay, or Battle of Lake Champlain as it is also called.
--Brock-Perry
Vermont's Battle of Fort Cassin, 200 Years Ago Yesterday-- Part 1
From May 13, 2014, Vermont Public Radio "Coffin: Fort Cassin" by Howard Coffin.
Two hundred years ago, there was no busier place than Vergennes, Vermont, where the U.S. Navy was shipbuilding at a fever pace.
One of the many battlefronts of the War of 1812 was on the 120 mile long Lake Champlain. For the past two years there had been minor clashes as British ships prowled the lake from the Richilieu River and Ile aux Noix in the northern part.
In December 1813, the U.S. navy department ordered a massive increase in its Lake Champlain fleet. The flotilla was commanded by Thomas Macdonough, 29, and already a veteran of Tripoli. He chose Vergennes because of its surrounding supply of timber and iron. The place already had forges, furnaces and sawmills powered by the falls of Otter Creek.
Knowing that the British were busily strengthening their fleet, he ordered non-stop work on his. One of his projects was the 140-foot long, 26-gun USS Saratoga. He also built six 75-foot row galleys mounting two cannons each.
--Brock-Perry
Two hundred years ago, there was no busier place than Vergennes, Vermont, where the U.S. Navy was shipbuilding at a fever pace.
One of the many battlefronts of the War of 1812 was on the 120 mile long Lake Champlain. For the past two years there had been minor clashes as British ships prowled the lake from the Richilieu River and Ile aux Noix in the northern part.
In December 1813, the U.S. navy department ordered a massive increase in its Lake Champlain fleet. The flotilla was commanded by Thomas Macdonough, 29, and already a veteran of Tripoli. He chose Vergennes because of its surrounding supply of timber and iron. The place already had forges, furnaces and sawmills powered by the falls of Otter Creek.
Knowing that the British were busily strengthening their fleet, he ordered non-stop work on his. One of his projects was the 140-foot long, 26-gun USS Saratoga. He also built six 75-foot row galleys mounting two cannons each.
--Brock-Perry
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Underwater Archaeologists Discover Wrecks of USS Linnet, Allen and Eagle
The Poultney River runs through New York and Vermont and enters the south end of Lake Champlain.
In 1981, divers in the lower Poultney River found the wrecks of War of 1812 warships USS Eagle and USS Linnet (formerly HMS Linnet) Then the wreck of the row galley USS Allen was discovered near the Eagle. The Allen was one of five row galleys built at Vergennes, Vermont, in the spring of 1814.
At the conclusion of the war, the Navy tried to sell the row galleys, but kept possession of them because of low bids. The rest were sunk in the lake for preservation, but the Allen was kept in service for patrol and survey duties until 1825 when it was laid up in ordinary at the mouth of the Poultney River with other War of 1812 vessels.
Essentially, only the bottoms of the ships remain.
--Brock-Perry
In 1981, divers in the lower Poultney River found the wrecks of War of 1812 warships USS Eagle and USS Linnet (formerly HMS Linnet) Then the wreck of the row galley USS Allen was discovered near the Eagle. The Allen was one of five row galleys built at Vergennes, Vermont, in the spring of 1814.
At the conclusion of the war, the Navy tried to sell the row galleys, but kept possession of them because of low bids. The rest were sunk in the lake for preservation, but the Allen was kept in service for patrol and survey duties until 1825 when it was laid up in ordinary at the mouth of the Poultney River with other War of 1812 vessels.
Essentially, only the bottoms of the ships remain.
--Brock-Perry
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Naval Arms Race on Lake Champlain
From the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, History: War of 1812.
Thomas Macdonough had quite a naval shipbuilding program underway during the winter of 1813-1814 at Vergennes, Vermont. He had six 70-ton row galleys constructed armed with one 24-pdr. and one 18-pdr. cannon. They were the Allen, Boxer, Burrows, Centipede, Nettle and Viper.
In late spring 1814, the 26-gun ship USS Saratoga (143-feet) was built in just in just 40 days. Then, he had a steamboat hull converted into the 120 foot long schooner USS Ticonderoga (17 guns).
--Brock-Perry
Thomas Macdonough had quite a naval shipbuilding program underway during the winter of 1813-1814 at Vergennes, Vermont. He had six 70-ton row galleys constructed armed with one 24-pdr. and one 18-pdr. cannon. They were the Allen, Boxer, Burrows, Centipede, Nettle and Viper.
In late spring 1814, the 26-gun ship USS Saratoga (143-feet) was built in just in just 40 days. Then, he had a steamboat hull converted into the 120 foot long schooner USS Ticonderoga (17 guns).
--Brock-Perry
Monday, May 12, 2014
War of 1812 Timeline: May 1814
MAY 12TH: The American schooner USS Ticonderoga (17 guns) is launched at Vergennes, Vermont, to strengthen the Lake Champlain squadron.
MAY 14TH: Failed British attack on American naval yard at Otter Creek )Vergennes, Vermont). The expedition had left the British base at Ile aux Noix, Lower Canada, on May 8th.
MAY 14-16, 1814: American forces under Colonel John Campbell raid and burn Port Dover, Charlottesville, Patterson's Creek and Long Point, Upper Canada.
MAY 18TH, 1814: Lt. Col. Robert McDouall relieves Fort Mackinac.
--Brock-Perry
MAY 14TH: Failed British attack on American naval yard at Otter Creek )Vergennes, Vermont). The expedition had left the British base at Ile aux Noix, Lower Canada, on May 8th.
MAY 14-16, 1814: American forces under Colonel John Campbell raid and burn Port Dover, Charlottesville, Patterson's Creek and Long Point, Upper Canada.
MAY 18TH, 1814: Lt. Col. Robert McDouall relieves Fort Mackinac.
--Brock-Perry
Saturday, May 10, 2014
War of 1812 Timeline: May 1814
APRIL 25-MAY 30TH, 1814: British extend blockade to the New England states.
MAY 1ST, 1814: American General William Clark and troops leave St. Louis headed for Prairie du Chien in Wisconsin Territory.
--Brock-Perry
Battle of Fort Oswego-- Part 2
The British force for the expedition consisted of 550 soldiers, 400 Marines and 200 sailors along with eight ships, including the two frigates. Arranged against them were 242 regulars, 25 sailors and 200 New York militia commanded by Major George Mitchell (mentioned in an earlier post this week).
The British left the main British base on Lake Ontario at Kingston on May 3rd and arrived off Oswego on the 5th. Bad weather delayed landing the troops until the next day. Major Mitchell had his 200 militia at Fort Oswego and manned five small cannons. He was seriously outgunned.
The HMS Prince Regent, HMS Princess Charlotte and six sloops engaged the fort while the troops landed. A soon as they got to the fort's walls, the Americans hastily abandoned it. Casualties: BRITISH: 17-18 killed, 63 wounded. AMERICAN: 6-21 killed, 38 wounded and 69-119 captured.
The British captured a large amount of supplies and a few small schooners, including the USS Growler, which had been previously captured by the British in 1813 and then recaptured by the Americans. It was carrying seven badly-needed cannons for Chauncey's fleet at Sackets Harbor. The fort and anything of value that could not be carried off was destroyed the next day when the British withdrew.
Yeo, however, missed another 21 cannons which were just 12 miles away at the Oswego Falls as he sailed away to put Sackets Harbor under blockade. The Americans later tried to get the cannons to Sackets Harbor which led to the British defeat at the Battle of Sandy Creek May 29-30, 1814.
--GreGen
The British left the main British base on Lake Ontario at Kingston on May 3rd and arrived off Oswego on the 5th. Bad weather delayed landing the troops until the next day. Major Mitchell had his 200 militia at Fort Oswego and manned five small cannons. He was seriously outgunned.
The HMS Prince Regent, HMS Princess Charlotte and six sloops engaged the fort while the troops landed. A soon as they got to the fort's walls, the Americans hastily abandoned it. Casualties: BRITISH: 17-18 killed, 63 wounded. AMERICAN: 6-21 killed, 38 wounded and 69-119 captured.
The British captured a large amount of supplies and a few small schooners, including the USS Growler, which had been previously captured by the British in 1813 and then recaptured by the Americans. It was carrying seven badly-needed cannons for Chauncey's fleet at Sackets Harbor. The fort and anything of value that could not be carried off was destroyed the next day when the British withdrew.
Yeo, however, missed another 21 cannons which were just 12 miles away at the Oswego Falls as he sailed away to put Sackets Harbor under blockade. The Americans later tried to get the cannons to Sackets Harbor which led to the British defeat at the Battle of Sandy Creek May 29-30, 1814.
--GreGen
Battle of Fort Oswego, NY (Battle of Oswego)-- Part 1: Naval Arms Race on Lake Ontario
From Wikipedia.
I have been referring to this as the battle of Oswego.
The article considered the British attack on the American fort and village as "partially successful." The battle led directly from the naval arms race on Lake Ontario. Both the Americans and British were building two frigates apiece as 1814 opened. The two British frigates (HMS Prince Regent and HMS Princess Charlotte) were finished at Kingston, Upper Canada, in April.
British commander James Yeo knew that the American frigates were stronger and quickly nearing completion, so he decided to strike while he had the edge. His first thought was the main American naval base at Sackets Harbor, NY, but he did not have enough troops and Canada's Governor General, Lt. Gen. George Prevost refused to give him any more soldiers.
So, he and Drummond decided to attack the weaker Fort Oswego and village of Oswego farther down the Lake Ontario shore. It was a major American staging point and still had importance.
--Brock-Perry
I have been referring to this as the battle of Oswego.
The article considered the British attack on the American fort and village as "partially successful." The battle led directly from the naval arms race on Lake Ontario. Both the Americans and British were building two frigates apiece as 1814 opened. The two British frigates (HMS Prince Regent and HMS Princess Charlotte) were finished at Kingston, Upper Canada, in April.
British commander James Yeo knew that the American frigates were stronger and quickly nearing completion, so he decided to strike while he had the edge. His first thought was the main American naval base at Sackets Harbor, NY, but he did not have enough troops and Canada's Governor General, Lt. Gen. George Prevost refused to give him any more soldiers.
So, he and Drummond decided to attack the weaker Fort Oswego and village of Oswego farther down the Lake Ontario shore. It was a major American staging point and still had importance.
--Brock-Perry
Friday, May 9, 2014
General William Hull's Court Martial: Sentenced to Be Execiuted
From the May 5, 2014, War of 1812 Blog.
From the May 5, 1814 Maryland Gazette and Political Intelligencer.
General Hull had surrendered Detroit without much of a fight in the first year of the war and because of his action, had been court martialed.
GENERAL HULL: "The court, in consequence of their determination respecting the second and third charges, and specification under those charges exhibited against the said brig. General Wm. Hull, and after due consideration, do sentence him to be SHOT to death, two thirds of the court concurring in the sentence."
However, they added: "The court in consideration of brigadier general's revolutionary service, and his advanced age, earnestly recommend him to the mercy of the president of the U.S.."
Signed, Henry Dearborn, Maj. Gen. President of the Court April 25, 1814.
James Madison: "The sentence of the Court is approved, and the execution remitted."
--Brock-Perry
From the May 5, 1814 Maryland Gazette and Political Intelligencer.
General Hull had surrendered Detroit without much of a fight in the first year of the war and because of his action, had been court martialed.
GENERAL HULL: "The court, in consequence of their determination respecting the second and third charges, and specification under those charges exhibited against the said brig. General Wm. Hull, and after due consideration, do sentence him to be SHOT to death, two thirds of the court concurring in the sentence."
However, they added: "The court in consideration of brigadier general's revolutionary service, and his advanced age, earnestly recommend him to the mercy of the president of the U.S.."
Signed, Henry Dearborn, Maj. Gen. President of the Court April 25, 1814.
James Madison: "The sentence of the Court is approved, and the execution remitted."
--Brock-Perry
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Report From Sackets Harbor About Attack on Oswego-- Part 2
Then, General Brown continued: "A letter by him yesterday says 'the British fleet are now at this place.' A cannonading in the afternoon for three hours, and again this morning, was distinctly heard here, hence I conclude there have been two attacks.
"Mitchell and his detachment will do their duty, but as the naval ascendancy of the enemy enables him to bring his whole force upon the place, the issue must be held doubtful.
"The commodore [Chauncey] has not ascertained that the new ships of the enemy are out."
In other words, Brown did not think Oswego had much of a chance at defeating the British.
--Brock-Perry
"Mitchell and his detachment will do their duty, but as the naval ascendancy of the enemy enables him to bring his whole force upon the place, the issue must be held doubtful.
"The commodore [Chauncey] has not ascertained that the new ships of the enemy are out."
In other words, Brown did not think Oswego had much of a chance at defeating the British.
--Brock-Perry
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Report From Sackets Harbor About Attack on Oswego-- Part 1
From the War of 1812 Blog.May 6, 2014 "Extract of letter to War Department from Sackets Harbor May 6th, 1814." Published in the Raleigh Register and North Carolina Gazette, May 27, 1814. This is a great source of War of 1812 primary source materials.
The blog did not mention the author, but it was probably written by Sackets Harbor commander Major General Jacob Brown.
"My letter of the 4th advised you that the British fleet had made their appearance on the Lake, and that I suspected Oswego was their object, as the many navy stores, necessary for the large vessel was believed to be there...."
He had then alerted Colonel Mitchel of the 3rd Artillery at Oswego.
And, Oswego was captured by the British on May 6, 1814.
More to Come. --Brock-Perry
The blog did not mention the author, but it was probably written by Sackets Harbor commander Major General Jacob Brown.
"My letter of the 4th advised you that the British fleet had made their appearance on the Lake, and that I suspected Oswego was their object, as the many navy stores, necessary for the large vessel was believed to be there...."
He had then alerted Colonel Mitchel of the 3rd Artillery at Oswego.
And, Oswego was captured by the British on May 6, 1814.
More to Come. --Brock-Perry
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
200 Years Ago: British Capture Oswego, New York
MAY 6TH, !*!$: Denied reinforcements by Governor General Sir George Prevost for a large-scale attack on Sackets Harbor, NY, Lt. Governor Gordon Drummond and Commodore Sir James Yeo decided instead to capture Oswego, a less fortified but important transhipment port on Lake Ontario from which the U.S. Navy obtained supplies and ordnance.
The British used eight warships and three gunboats to bombard the village and Fort Ontario as well as cover the troop landing.
The British suffered many casualties but were rewarded with a bounty of provisions, artillery and ammunition, as well as several vessels.
The victory put a temporary strain on supplies for the Americans and delayed Commodore Isaac Chauncey's ship-building at Sackets Harbor but otherwise did not deal the Americans a decisive blow on Lake Ontario.
--Brock-Perry
The British used eight warships and three gunboats to bombard the village and Fort Ontario as well as cover the troop landing.
The British suffered many casualties but were rewarded with a bounty of provisions, artillery and ammunition, as well as several vessels.
The victory put a temporary strain on supplies for the Americans and delayed Commodore Isaac Chauncey's ship-building at Sackets Harbor but otherwise did not deal the Americans a decisive blow on Lake Ontario.
--Brock-Perry
Monday, May 5, 2014
Annapolis and Chesapeake Bay Commemorate the War of 1812
From the March 8, 1813, Eye on Annapolis "Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay Celebrate War of 1812 Bicentennial."
It will be part of Maryland's Star-Spangled 200.
No major sea or land battles were fought in or near Annapolis.
The United States Naval Academy at Annapolis is opening a 2,500 square foot exhibition April 1, 2013, a part of "Seas, Lakes & Bay: The Naval War of 1812." It features hundreds of artifacts including the anchor of the USS Constitution and carved wooden figureheads from the USS Chesapeake and HMS Shannon.
A self-guided walking tour of historic War of 1812 sites in Annapolis was unveiled last summer. It features ten stops: five at the Naval Academy and five in Annapolis' Historic District. Stops at the Academy: USNA Museum, Mahan Hall, cannon from the HMS Confiance that surrendered at the Battle of Lake Champlain and the HMS Macedonian monument.
In Annapolis: Chase-Lloyd House where Francis Scott Key got married, St. John's College where Key was educated, St. Anne's Church where he attended services, the Historical Annapolis Museum and the Maryland State House.
Tour guides are available.
--Brock-Perry
It will be part of Maryland's Star-Spangled 200.
No major sea or land battles were fought in or near Annapolis.
The United States Naval Academy at Annapolis is opening a 2,500 square foot exhibition April 1, 2013, a part of "Seas, Lakes & Bay: The Naval War of 1812." It features hundreds of artifacts including the anchor of the USS Constitution and carved wooden figureheads from the USS Chesapeake and HMS Shannon.
A self-guided walking tour of historic War of 1812 sites in Annapolis was unveiled last summer. It features ten stops: five at the Naval Academy and five in Annapolis' Historic District. Stops at the Academy: USNA Museum, Mahan Hall, cannon from the HMS Confiance that surrendered at the Battle of Lake Champlain and the HMS Macedonian monument.
In Annapolis: Chase-Lloyd House where Francis Scott Key got married, St. John's College where Key was educated, St. Anne's Church where he attended services, the Historical Annapolis Museum and the Maryland State House.
Tour guides are available.
--Brock-Perry
War of 1812 Timeline: May 1814:
MAY 6TH, 1814: A British amphibious force captures Oswego, New York.
MAY 12TH, 1814: The American schooner Ticonderoga (17 guns) is launched at Vergennes, Vermont, to strengthen the Lake Champlain squadron.
MAY 14TH, 1864: Failed British attack on the American Navy yard at Otter Creek (Vergennes, Vermont. The expedition had left the British naval base at Ile aux Noix, Lower Canada, on May 8th.
MAY 14-16, 1814: American force under Colonel John Campbell raid and burn Port Dover, Charlottesville, Patterson's Creek and Long Point, Upper Canada.
--Brock-Perry
MAY 12TH, 1814: The American schooner Ticonderoga (17 guns) is launched at Vergennes, Vermont, to strengthen the Lake Champlain squadron.
MAY 14TH, 1864: Failed British attack on the American Navy yard at Otter Creek (Vergennes, Vermont. The expedition had left the British naval base at Ile aux Noix, Lower Canada, on May 8th.
MAY 14-16, 1814: American force under Colonel John Campbell raid and burn Port Dover, Charlottesville, Patterson's Creek and Long Point, Upper Canada.
--Brock-Perry
Saturday, May 3, 2014
HMS Epervier
From Wikipedia.
On April 29, 1814, the USS Peacock captured the HMS Epervier off Cape Canaveral, Spanish Florida.
The HMS Epervier was an 18-gun Cruzer-class brig-sloop built by Ross at Rochester, England and launched 2 December 1812. It was commissioned in January 1813. On August 20, it captured the schooner Lively and later several other American ships and a privateer.
It was captured by the USS Peacock in 1814 and taken into U.S. service. The ship disappeared in 1815 while carrying dispatches announcing the signing of the treaty with the Dey of Algiers.
--Brock-Perry
On April 29, 1814, the USS Peacock captured the HMS Epervier off Cape Canaveral, Spanish Florida.
The HMS Epervier was an 18-gun Cruzer-class brig-sloop built by Ross at Rochester, England and launched 2 December 1812. It was commissioned in January 1813. On August 20, it captured the schooner Lively and later several other American ships and a privateer.
It was captured by the USS Peacock in 1814 and taken into U.S. service. The ship disappeared in 1815 while carrying dispatches announcing the signing of the treaty with the Dey of Algiers.
--Brock-Perry
Friday, May 2, 2014
USS Superior
From Wikipedia.
Was a 58-gun frigate mounting thirty Columbiad 32-pdrs., two long 24-pdrs. and twenty-six 42-pdr. carronades.
Built at Sackets Harbor, New York, by Henry Eckford in rapid time. Laid down February 1814 and launched May 2nd. Commanded by Lt. John H. Elton.
It joined Commodore Isaac Chauncey's squadron in July and blockaded the fleet of Sir James Yeo at the British base at Kingston, Ontario. In late September 1814, the Superior escorted General Izzard's 3,000 troops from Sackets Harbor to Genessee, New York. It then returned to Kingston before returning to Sackets Harbor for the winter.
With peace in 1815, it was put into ordinary and sold sometime before 1824.
Was a 58-gun frigate mounting thirty Columbiad 32-pdrs., two long 24-pdrs. and twenty-six 42-pdr. carronades.
Built at Sackets Harbor, New York, by Henry Eckford in rapid time. Laid down February 1814 and launched May 2nd. Commanded by Lt. John H. Elton.
It joined Commodore Isaac Chauncey's squadron in July and blockaded the fleet of Sir James Yeo at the British base at Kingston, Ontario. In late September 1814, the Superior escorted General Izzard's 3,000 troops from Sackets Harbor to Genessee, New York. It then returned to Kingston before returning to Sackets Harbor for the winter.
With peace in 1815, it was put into ordinary and sold sometime before 1824.
200 Years Ago: Launch of the Frigate USS Superior at Sackets Harbor
From historicplaces.ca. site timeline.
MAY 1ST (or MAY 2ND) Americans launch USS Superior (58 guns) at Sackets Harbor, New York. This vessel, along with the USS Mohawk (42 guns) launched in June, will help restore naval superiority on Lake Ontario to Commodore Isaac Chauncey over Sir James Yeo's British fleet at Kingston, Ontario, for the summer of 1814. (Wikipedia had the launch taking place May 2nd.)
A British expedition had attempted to destroy the Superior on April 25th, but had been driven off.
--Brock-Perry
MAY 1ST (or MAY 2ND) Americans launch USS Superior (58 guns) at Sackets Harbor, New York. This vessel, along with the USS Mohawk (42 guns) launched in June, will help restore naval superiority on Lake Ontario to Commodore Isaac Chauncey over Sir James Yeo's British fleet at Kingston, Ontario, for the summer of 1814. (Wikipedia had the launch taking place May 2nd.)
A British expedition had attempted to destroy the Superior on April 25th, but had been driven off.
--Brock-Perry
War of 1812 War Galleys
From the history.navy.mil. site.
The last post I mentioned the Row Galley Allen being launched at Vergennes, Vermont, near the end of April 1814. I wasn't very familiar with them, but figured with the word row i n it, it probably had something to do with oars for power.
Row galleys were especially advantageous in Lake Champlain because they could be quickly built and relatively inexpensive and perfect for shallow waters. Their low freeboards made then difficult to hit, especially at distances. Movement was accomplished by sails or sweep oars.
Row galleys were 75-feet long, 15 foot wide, drew 22 inches of water and armed with a long 24 pdr cannon and 42-pdr carronade. Forty oars complemented the sail power.
--Brock-Perry
The last post I mentioned the Row Galley Allen being launched at Vergennes, Vermont, near the end of April 1814. I wasn't very familiar with them, but figured with the word row i n it, it probably had something to do with oars for power.
Row galleys were especially advantageous in Lake Champlain because they could be quickly built and relatively inexpensive and perfect for shallow waters. Their low freeboards made then difficult to hit, especially at distances. Movement was accomplished by sails or sweep oars.
Row galleys were 75-feet long, 15 foot wide, drew 22 inches of water and armed with a long 24 pdr cannon and 42-pdr carronade. Forty oars complemented the sail power.
--Brock-Perry
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