Even without most of his cannons, William Nichols determined to push on and capture some British ships. His crew, despairing of prizes tried to mutiny, but Nichols overcame the attempt and fortunately the same day, captured two prizes and sent the Duke of Savoy and Elizabeth to Maine.
By September 1, he had a total of nine prizes. One of his biggest captures was the armed ship Diane with a cargo valued at $400,000.
By now, out of the crew of 160 Nichols had when he sailed, he was down to just 27, the rest being sent to crew the prizes to port.
--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.
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Captain William Nichols-- Part 2: A Case of Mistaken Identity
Back in the United States, Captain Nichols was put in command of the privateer Decatur and left Newburyport, Massachusetts, on Auguist 4, 1813. He spotted a large frigate ship which he took to be British and fled as quickly as he could, knowing a fight would come to nothing but bad for him. He ended up throwing 12 of his 14 cannons overboard in the attempt to escape, but was still overtaken by the frigate.
It turned out to be the USS Constitution. Once on board and greatly relieved, Nichols told the Isaac Hull, the Constitution's commander, that he had seen the HMS Guerriere prowling about in the local waters which set up the famous battle.
--Brock-Perry
It turned out to be the USS Constitution. Once on board and greatly relieved, Nichols told the Isaac Hull, the Constitution's commander, that he had seen the HMS Guerriere prowling about in the local waters which set up the famous battle.
--Brock-Perry
Friday, September 11, 2015
Remembering 9/11 in 2015
Today is the 14th anniversary of those horrible airline crashes. It was a beautiful day here in the Chicagoland area.
This will be the subject of all my blogs today.
One song that always brings me back to that day, and gets my patriotism boiling is Toby Keith's "Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue (The Angry American)" Especially the part about the boot. I wanted instant retaliation that day, I can tell you that.
From Wikipedia.
The song was written in late 2001 and inspired by the death of Toby Keith's father and 9/11. Released in May 2002 as the lead single from his album "Unleashed."
It topped the Billboard Hot Country and Tracks chart and even reached #25 on the Hot 100 chart of pop songs, his highest chart spot ever on it.
Continued on my Tattooed On Your Soul World War II blog.
This will be the subject of all my blogs today.
One song that always brings me back to that day, and gets my patriotism boiling is Toby Keith's "Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue (The Angry American)" Especially the part about the boot. I wanted instant retaliation that day, I can tell you that.
From Wikipedia.
The song was written in late 2001 and inspired by the death of Toby Keith's father and 9/11. Released in May 2002 as the lead single from his album "Unleashed."
It topped the Billboard Hot Country and Tracks chart and even reached #25 on the Hot 100 chart of pop songs, his highest chart spot ever on it.
Continued on my Tattooed On Your Soul World War II blog.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Captain William Nichols-- Part 1: Amazing Privateer Captain "Here Are Three Guineas"
While researching Newburyport, Massachusetts, I came across the name of a Captain William Nichols of the privateer Decatur.
From Ancestory Archives by Melissa Davenport Berry.
He was born and grew up in Newburyport and had sea experience from a young age before the War of 1812.
While in command of the brig Alert in 1811 and had been captured but had concealed a brace of pistols and when the prize crew aboard his ship weren't watching, he retook the ship.
Now, this was before the war was declared.
And then, he was captured again soon after that and this time he did not retake the ship. He was taken to England and put in prison. A prison from which he soon escaped and took a coach to London to procure passage home.. Once there, he was spotted by the sergeant from whom he had just escaped and Nichols said, "Here are three guineas you can have, but never me." Fortunately for him, the sergeant favored the coin more and looked the other way.
--Brock-Perry
From Ancestory Archives by Melissa Davenport Berry.
He was born and grew up in Newburyport and had sea experience from a young age before the War of 1812.
While in command of the brig Alert in 1811 and had been captured but had concealed a brace of pistols and when the prize crew aboard his ship weren't watching, he retook the ship.
Now, this was before the war was declared.
And then, he was captured again soon after that and this time he did not retake the ship. He was taken to England and put in prison. A prison from which he soon escaped and took a coach to London to procure passage home.. Once there, he was spotted by the sergeant from whom he had just escaped and Nichols said, "Here are three guineas you can have, but never me." Fortunately for him, the sergeant favored the coin more and looked the other way.
--Brock-Perry
Newburyport, Massachusetts
I'd never heard of this town so looked iy up in good ol' Wikipedia.
Newburyport is located about 35 miles northeast of Boston. Some notable facts about it:
** It is the home of the first U.S. Coast Guard Station.
** Many clipper ships were built here in the 1800s and I'm not sure, but possibly the first one.
** The "First" Tea Party rebellion against the British tax on tea took place here.
** The first Massachusetts mint and treasury building were here.
** It has the nation's oldest active and continuously operating court house.
It was the home of many privateers during the War of 1812.
--Brock-Perry
Newburyport is located about 35 miles northeast of Boston. Some notable facts about it:
** It is the home of the first U.S. Coast Guard Station.
** Many clipper ships were built here in the 1800s and I'm not sure, but possibly the first one.
** The "First" Tea Party rebellion against the British tax on tea took place here.
** The first Massachusetts mint and treasury building were here.
** It has the nation's oldest active and continuously operating court house.
It was the home of many privateers during the War of 1812.
--Brock-Perry
A Local Newspaper Reports the Death of George Augustus Wood, 9
A follow up to Tuesday's post.
A local Newburyport, Massachusetts, newspaper reported young master Wood's death as follows:
"In the midst of the rejoicing for peace, we regret that it is our painful duty to record one circumstance which very much dampened the general joy.
"George Augustus, the eldest son of Mr. John Wood, aged 9 years, was unfortunately, and instantaneously, killed by a gun carriage passing over him, on State Street, on which there was an 18-pound cannon.
"All sympathy with the afflicted parents in this sudden and difficult event."
The eighteen-pound cannon refers to the weight of the shell/cannonball it fired.
--Brock-Perry
A local Newburyport, Massachusetts, newspaper reported young master Wood's death as follows:
"In the midst of the rejoicing for peace, we regret that it is our painful duty to record one circumstance which very much dampened the general joy.
"George Augustus, the eldest son of Mr. John Wood, aged 9 years, was unfortunately, and instantaneously, killed by a gun carriage passing over him, on State Street, on which there was an 18-pound cannon.
"All sympathy with the afflicted parents in this sudden and difficult event."
The eighteen-pound cannon refers to the weight of the shell/cannonball it fired.
--Brock-Perry
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
End of War Celebration Causes Youngster's Death
From the July 31, 2014 "North Andover (Mass.) Eagle-Tribune "Backyard yields relic of 199-year-old Port tragedy" by Dyke Hendrickson
Newburyport, Massachusetts
The celebration of the end of the war caused a local youngster to be killed.
Michael Prendergast of Merrill Street has found parts of a grave marker under his backyard.
On February 14, 1815, George Augustus Wood, 9, was playing in State Street when he was run over by a gun carriage drawn by horses and died of his injuries.
The marker reads: "Inscrutable the ways of Providence! Sacred to the memory of George Augustus Wood, promising son of John and Elizabeth Wood, whose life yo the incomprehensible grief of his parents, was instantly destroyed in a fatal accident amidst the public rejoicing of peace Feb. 14, 1815
The War of 1812 hit Newburyport particularly hard because of maritime restraints and the impressment of American merchant sailors into the Royal Navy.
The article didn't mention how they think the marker came to be in that backyard.
A Sad End to a Great Day. --Brock-Perry
Newburyport, Massachusetts
The celebration of the end of the war caused a local youngster to be killed.
Michael Prendergast of Merrill Street has found parts of a grave marker under his backyard.
On February 14, 1815, George Augustus Wood, 9, was playing in State Street when he was run over by a gun carriage drawn by horses and died of his injuries.
The marker reads: "Inscrutable the ways of Providence! Sacred to the memory of George Augustus Wood, promising son of John and Elizabeth Wood, whose life yo the incomprehensible grief of his parents, was instantly destroyed in a fatal accident amidst the public rejoicing of peace Feb. 14, 1815
The War of 1812 hit Newburyport particularly hard because of maritime restraints and the impressment of American merchant sailors into the Royal Navy.
The article didn't mention how they think the marker came to be in that backyard.
A Sad End to a Great Day. --Brock-Perry
Foirt Erie Commemoration in 2014-- Part 2: Facts About the Fort
** Base for British troops, Loyalist Rangers and Iroquois during the American Revolution.
** Canada's bloodiest field of battle with over 3,000 troops killed and wounded during the Siege of Fort Erie August 3 to September 26, 1814.
** The major crossing point into Canada of the Underground Railroad 1793-1865.
** Occupied by the Fenians (Irish Republican Army) during their largest raid in 1866.
** Visited by Pontiac, General Isaac Brock, General Winfield Scott, Lord and Lady Simcoe, Prince Edward *(future King Edward VII) and Mark Twain.
** The new visitor center opened July 1, 2011.
--Brock-Perry
** Canada's bloodiest field of battle with over 3,000 troops killed and wounded during the Siege of Fort Erie August 3 to September 26, 1814.
** The major crossing point into Canada of the Underground Railroad 1793-1865.
** Occupied by the Fenians (Irish Republican Army) during their largest raid in 1866.
** Visited by Pontiac, General Isaac Brock, General Winfield Scott, Lord and Lady Simcoe, Prince Edward *(future King Edward VII) and Mark Twain.
** The new visitor center opened July 1, 2011.
--Brock-Perry
Monday, September 7, 2015
Fort Erie Commemoration in 2014-- Part 1
From the August 1, 2014, Niagara At large "War of 1812 Commemoration Anniversary of the Siege of Fort Erie.
Held August 9-10, 2014, the 200th anniversary.
Re-enactment camps were set up on the battlefield grounds on Saturday and there was a re-enactment of General Drummond's night assault on the fort. Over 1,000 re-enactors registered for the event, making iy the largest to tale place in Canada during the war's bicentennial.
The fort is located on the site of ancient Indian flint quarries. It was the first fort built by the British in Ontario. It was rebuilt in 1764 during Pontiac's Rebellion.
--Brock-Perry
Held August 9-10, 2014, the 200th anniversary.
Re-enactment camps were set up on the battlefield grounds on Saturday and there was a re-enactment of General Drummond's night assault on the fort. Over 1,000 re-enactors registered for the event, making iy the largest to tale place in Canada during the war's bicentennial.
The fort is located on the site of ancient Indian flint quarries. It was the first fort built by the British in Ontario. It was rebuilt in 1764 during Pontiac's Rebellion.
--Brock-Perry
Francis Hoyt Gregory, USN: War of 1812 and Civil War
Continued from June 20, 2014.
He continued his naval career until 1858, when he retired. Returning to the Navy during the Civil War while in his 70s, he superintended the construction and fitting out out of Navy vessels in private shipyards, including ironclad ones.
Promoted to Rear Admiral on July 16, 1862.
Francis Gregory died in Brooklyn on October 4, 1866, after having served in three wars.
--Brock-Perry
He continued his naval career until 1858, when he retired. Returning to the Navy during the Civil War while in his 70s, he superintended the construction and fitting out out of Navy vessels in private shipyards, including ironclad ones.
Promoted to Rear Admiral on July 16, 1862.
Francis Gregory died in Brooklyn on October 4, 1866, after having served in three wars.
--Brock-Perry
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Lt.Col. William S. Hamilton-- Part 4: In Insane Hospital When He Died
From Find-A-Grave.
He was born in Edenton, N.C. on April 3, 1789 and educated at Princeton. Served as aide-de-camp for Gen. Wade Hampton. Later was a planter in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana and a member of the board of trustees of the College of Louisiana in Jackson.
Served in the Louisiana legislature from 1828-1830 and made an unsuccessful run for governor in 1830
Died December 24, 1862, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 1860 Census lists him as being at the Pennsylvania Hospital for the Insane in Philadelphia. He was listed as a planter.
His death notice in the Philadelphia North American dated Dec. 27, 1862, gives his age at 78 and from Laurel Hill, West Feliciana, Louisiana.
He is buried at the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia.
--Brock-Perry
He was born in Edenton, N.C. on April 3, 1789 and educated at Princeton. Served as aide-de-camp for Gen. Wade Hampton. Later was a planter in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana and a member of the board of trustees of the College of Louisiana in Jackson.
Served in the Louisiana legislature from 1828-1830 and made an unsuccessful run for governor in 1830
Died December 24, 1862, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 1860 Census lists him as being at the Pennsylvania Hospital for the Insane in Philadelphia. He was listed as a planter.
His death notice in the Philadelphia North American dated Dec. 27, 1862, gives his age at 78 and from Laurel Hill, West Feliciana, Louisiana.
He is buried at the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia.
--Brock-Perry
Lt.Col. William S. Hamilton-- Part : Moved to Louisiana
During the War of 1812, he served as aide-de-camp for General Wade Hampton and was later appointed Assistant Inspector General by President Madison in 1813 and worked in Washington. He later returned to command the 3rd U.S. Infantry, a post he continued with until the end of the war.
Afterwards, he settled in Francisville, Louisiana, and became a prosperous planter.
His coat was given to the Louisiana State Museum by his descendants in 1923. Estimated cost to conserve his uniform coat is put at $35,000.
--Brock-Perry
Afterwards, he settled in Francisville, Louisiana, and became a prosperous planter.
His coat was given to the Louisiana State Museum by his descendants in 1923. Estimated cost to conserve his uniform coat is put at $35,000.
--Brock-Perry
Friday, September 4, 2015
Lt.Col. William Sutherland Hamilton-- Part 2: His Coat Is in Louisiana
From the Artist Preservation Group, Inc.(APG) April 2013 "The uniform coat of Lt.Col. William S. Hamilton, 3rd U.S. Infantry."
The APG was approached in 2013 to see if they could give help in preserving the officer's coat. They contributed $2,500 to it of the expected $35,000 cost.
The rare wool coat of William Sutherland Hamilton was given to the Louisiana State Museum in 1923 by members of his family.
Hamilton was in the 3rd U.S. Infantry early in the War of 1812 and the rifle regiment later.
He was born in North Carolina in 11787 and served in the 3rd U.S. before the war.
his family had cotton plantation interests in Louisiana and his father relocated there.
--Brock-Perry
The APG was approached in 2013 to see if they could give help in preserving the officer's coat. They contributed $2,500 to it of the expected $35,000 cost.
The rare wool coat of William Sutherland Hamilton was given to the Louisiana State Museum in 1923 by members of his family.
Hamilton was in the 3rd U.S. Infantry early in the War of 1812 and the rifle regiment later.
He was born in North Carolina in 11787 and served in the 3rd U.S. before the war.
his family had cotton plantation interests in Louisiana and his father relocated there.
--Brock-Perry
Lt.Col. William Sutherland Hamilton-- Part 1: Service
In the last post I mentioned this man as being responsible for recruiting troops for the U.S. Army from the state of North Carolina.
From Find-a-Grave
Lt. Col. in 3rd U.S. Rifle Regiment
First Lt. in 3rd U.S. Infantry. resigned Nov. 1, 1812
Major 10th U.S. Infantry March 3, 1812
Lt.Col 3rd U.S. Infantry Feb. 21, 1814.
--Brock-Perry
From Find-a-Grave
Lt. Col. in 3rd U.S. Rifle Regiment
First Lt. in 3rd U.S. Infantry. resigned Nov. 1, 1812
Major 10th U.S. Infantry March 3, 1812
Lt.Col 3rd U.S. Infantry Feb. 21, 1814.
--Brock-Perry
Getting North Carolina Troops to Enlist: $8-12 a Month and 160 Acres
From NC1812 site.
U.S. Army Major William S. Hamilton was appointed to the rank of colonel and placed in charge of recruiting troops for the U.S. Army from North Carolina. Pay was between $8 and $12 a month, plus a $124 bounty for enlisting and 160 acres of free land after the war.
Most North Carolinians served in the 10th U.S. Infantry Regiment under Col. James Wellborn of Wilkes County, North Carolina. He resigned his commission in the N.C. militia to join the regular army.
Detached militia in North Carolina was 7,000 men.
--Brock-Perry
U.S. Army Major William S. Hamilton was appointed to the rank of colonel and placed in charge of recruiting troops for the U.S. Army from North Carolina. Pay was between $8 and $12 a month, plus a $124 bounty for enlisting and 160 acres of free land after the war.
Most North Carolinians served in the 10th U.S. Infantry Regiment under Col. James Wellborn of Wilkes County, North Carolina. He resigned his commission in the N.C. militia to join the regular army.
Detached militia in North Carolina was 7,000 men.
--Brock-Perry
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Known U.S. Navy Officers That Served in North Carolina
All of these men were stationed at Wilmington during the War of 1812.
E.D, Morrison-- Surgeon's Mate
Julius Humphreys--Midshipman
William Jaspar-- Midshipman
Joseph Spikenall-- Midshipman
John Mooney-- Sailing Master
James Moore-- Gunner
--Brock-Perry
E.D, Morrison-- Surgeon's Mate
Julius Humphreys--Midshipman
William Jaspar-- Midshipman
Joseph Spikenall-- Midshipman
John Mooney-- Sailing Master
James Moore-- Gunner
--Brock-Perry
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
North Carolina in the War of 1812: Call for Wilmington and 1812 and 1814 Musters
From the NC1812 site.
Detached militia called to Wilmington by orders issued September 28, 1814, when it appeared the British were about to attack.
Militia from Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Cumberland, Duplin, New Hanover, Robeson and Sampson counties.
1812 Muster
1st Brigade N.C. Militia
2nd brigade N.C. Militia
1st Regiment N.C. Cavalry
1st Regiment N.C. Artillery
1st Regiment N.C. Riflemen
On the 1814 Muster
1st through 7th Regiments N.C. Militia
--Brock-Perry
Detached militia called to Wilmington by orders issued September 28, 1814, when it appeared the British were about to attack.
Militia from Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Cumberland, Duplin, New Hanover, Robeson and Sampson counties.
1812 Muster
1st Brigade N.C. Militia
2nd brigade N.C. Militia
1st Regiment N.C. Cavalry
1st Regiment N.C. Artillery
1st Regiment N.C. Riflemen
On the 1814 Muster
1st through 7th Regiments N.C. Militia
--Brock-Perry
West Florida's William King-- Part 2: Military Governor
William King was with Andrew Jackson during his controversial invasion of the Spanish colony of West Florida and occupation of Pensacola. Jackson interpreted the surrender of the Spanish governor there as giving the United States control over all of West Florida.
Jackson then appointed King as the military governor and charged him with enforcing Spanish laws and protecting Spanish people and property. In addition, King oversaw the dispersal of Tennessee and Kentucky militia.
However, Jackson's invasion of West Florida was a serious threat to U.S. negotiations with Spain to get all of Florida and President James Monroe wanted West Florida restored to Spanish control as soon as possible. King served at his post until relieved by Edmund P. Gaines.
William Gaines was discharged from the Army in June 1821 and died in January 1826.
Fort King in Florida was named for him.
--Brock-Perry
Jackson then appointed King as the military governor and charged him with enforcing Spanish laws and protecting Spanish people and property. In addition, King oversaw the dispersal of Tennessee and Kentucky militia.
However, Jackson's invasion of West Florida was a serious threat to U.S. negotiations with Spain to get all of Florida and President James Monroe wanted West Florida restored to Spanish control as soon as possible. King served at his post until relieved by Edmund P. Gaines.
William Gaines was discharged from the Army in June 1821 and died in January 1826.
Fort King in Florida was named for him.
--Brock-Perry
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
West Florida's Col. William King-- Part 1: Fort King Named for Him
I have been writing about Florida's Fort King in the last two posts. It was named for William King.
From Wikipedia.
Born in Delaware in the late 18th century. Died in January 1826.
U.S. Army officer and military governor of West Florida from May 26, 1818, to Feb. 4, 1819. He was appointed by Andrew Jackson who led the U.S. occupation of Spanish West Florida during the First Seminole War.
King was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1808 and served in the War of 1812. In 1813, he was promoted to colonel and led the 4th U.S. Infantry regiment. After the war, he served with Jackson in the First Seminole War and was with him during Jackson's controversial 1818 invasion of the Spanish colony of West Florida.
--Brock-Perry
From Wikipedia.
Born in Delaware in the late 18th century. Died in January 1826.
U.S. Army officer and military governor of West Florida from May 26, 1818, to Feb. 4, 1819. He was appointed by Andrew Jackson who led the U.S. occupation of Spanish West Florida during the First Seminole War.
King was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1808 and served in the War of 1812. In 1813, he was promoted to colonel and led the 4th U.S. Infantry regiment. After the war, he served with Jackson in the First Seminole War and was with him during Jackson's controversial 1818 invasion of the Spanish colony of West Florida.
--Brock-Perry
Fort King, Florida-- Part 2: Thompson, Dade and Osceola
I am writing about the Seminole Indians in Florida and the U.S. Army in this blog even though it took place after the War of 1812 because it is directly related to the war. All the main Americans participated in the war, though I have been unable to find out much about their service. But, the Indians were definitely one aspect of the war.
From Exploring Southern History.
To say that Wiley Thompson and the Seminoles, and especially warrior Osceola, didn't like each other would be an understatement. At one point, Thompson had Osceola clapped in irons and held for a period of time. Osceola decided to have his revenge.
On December 28, 1835, as Francis L. Dade was leading his troops to Thompson's relief, as Wiley Thompson and associates went for a walk, Osceola and his warriors ambushed him and Thompson was shot 14 times and scalped along with six others.
That same day, a larger force of Seminoles attacked Dade and killed him and over 100 others.
This caused the second Seminole War to take place.
--Brock-Perry
From Exploring Southern History.
To say that Wiley Thompson and the Seminoles, and especially warrior Osceola, didn't like each other would be an understatement. At one point, Thompson had Osceola clapped in irons and held for a period of time. Osceola decided to have his revenge.
On December 28, 1835, as Francis L. Dade was leading his troops to Thompson's relief, as Wiley Thompson and associates went for a walk, Osceola and his warriors ambushed him and Thompson was shot 14 times and scalped along with six others.
That same day, a larger force of Seminoles attacked Dade and killed him and over 100 others.
This caused the second Seminole War to take place.
--Brock-Perry
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