The Louisiana remained the only federal ship in Louisiana Territory until June 17, 1806 when Gunboat 13 and Gunboat 14 arrived and were placed under command of Captain John Shaw, USN, (still in charge 1812).
I keep coming across Jefferson's gunboats, which were numbered instead of named. I'll have to find out more about them.
The Louisiana was severely damaged in a storm during September 1807. In 1810, it was bought by the US Navy to carry troops.
On April 17, 1812, the Louisiana's Captain Angus O. Frazer, wrote that he had engaged two pirate ships that had outfitted in New Orleans. He reported "twenty shots were exchanged, but their superior sailing and night coming on, made their escape."
The ship was sunk in the August 19, 1812, hurricane. Its guns removed, it was placed out of commission and auctioned off in her sunken state. Her new owner had her raised and placed in mercantile service.
Ship stats: 75 tons, 70.6 feet long, 22.4 beam, 5.7 draft, 30 crew and armament of ten 4-pdrs.
The second ship by the name Louisiana operated 1819 to 1824 and was a topsail schooner.
I believe this is the Louisiana Wikipedia referred to as the US Navy ship sunk in the hurricane.
So, That Ship. --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, August 31, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
The Revenue Cutter Louisiana
From the Louisiana Military Heritage Site.
I was still wondering about this USS Louisiana. If it was such a major Navy vessel, why would they not mention its sinking in the 1812 hurricane?
After the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the government needed a revenue cutter in newly acquired New Orleans. On June 18, 1804, the Collector at Baltimore, Md., was authorized by Congress to build a 60-foot cutter, about 60 tons with a six-foot draft.
It was named the Louisiana and set sail for New Orleans December 16, 1804, in a voyage that took twenty days. Its first commander was Revenue Captain Joseph Newcomb and, on his first voyage out of New Orleans, ignored his orders and went to Pascagoula (in still-disputed territory and occupied by the Spanish) and confiscated large quantities of coffee. To avoid a diplomatic incident, the Port Collector ordered the coffee returned.
On April 16, 1805,the Louisiana captured the schooner Felicity which had been privateering.
\
More to Come. --Brock-Perry
I was still wondering about this USS Louisiana. If it was such a major Navy vessel, why would they not mention its sinking in the 1812 hurricane?
After the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the government needed a revenue cutter in newly acquired New Orleans. On June 18, 1804, the Collector at Baltimore, Md., was authorized by Congress to build a 60-foot cutter, about 60 tons with a six-foot draft.
It was named the Louisiana and set sail for New Orleans December 16, 1804, in a voyage that took twenty days. Its first commander was Revenue Captain Joseph Newcomb and, on his first voyage out of New Orleans, ignored his orders and went to Pascagoula (in still-disputed territory and occupied by the Spanish) and confiscated large quantities of coffee. To avoid a diplomatic incident, the Port Collector ordered the coffee returned.
On April 16, 1805,the Louisiana captured the schooner Felicity which had been privateering.
\
More to Come. --Brock-Perry
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
A Follow Up on the USS Louisiana, the Hurricane, and War News
Continuing a bit further with my August 24th post. This ship was wrecked in the Louisiana hurricane of August 19, 1812, according to Wikipedia. I came across the Navy Department Library while researching this ship. They have letters from naval officers in New Orleans about the hurricane, and strangely, there was no mention anywhere of a USS Louisiana (which apparently was the most powerful ship in the squadron). And, no mention of it sinking.
Strange to be writing about an 1812 hurricane at the same time a new hurricane is pounding New Orleans and environs, coming on the 6th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Hurricanes were not named back in 1812.
That would be kind of strange that a capital ship like that would sink and there would be no mention of it.
News of the US declaration of war against Britain reached New Orleans July 9, 1812, (not the last time news reached the city late) the naval station here being the farthest one from Washington, DC. Captain John Shaw, USN, the station commander, had 400 officers and men on two brigs and 11 gunboats. He hurriedly put the station on war footing, figuring it would be a prime place for a British attack.
The August 19th hurricane set those efforts back considerably. There was great damage and loss of lives.
But, significantly, his report did not mention any USS Louisiana.
So, Was There a USS Loisiana or Not? I Think I Have an Answer. --Brock-Perry
Strange to be writing about an 1812 hurricane at the same time a new hurricane is pounding New Orleans and environs, coming on the 6th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Hurricanes were not named back in 1812.
That would be kind of strange that a capital ship like that would sink and there would be no mention of it.
News of the US declaration of war against Britain reached New Orleans July 9, 1812, (not the last time news reached the city late) the naval station here being the farthest one from Washington, DC. Captain John Shaw, USN, the station commander, had 400 officers and men on two brigs and 11 gunboats. He hurriedly put the station on war footing, figuring it would be a prime place for a British attack.
The August 19th hurricane set those efforts back considerably. There was great damage and loss of lives.
But, significantly, his report did not mention any USS Louisiana.
So, Was There a USS Loisiana or Not? I Think I Have an Answer. --Brock-Perry
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
British Hero Charles Plenderleath
July 22nd Sun-News "Looks were deceiving when it came to 1812 hero Plenderleath" by Tom Villenarie.
Looking at him did not strike a person as the bearing of a hero with his narrow chest and weak chin. But, his actions spoke louder than looks. Charles Plenderleath was in the 49th Regiment, British Army which came over to Canada with General Isaac Brock. This unit captured Detroit.
At the Battle of Stony Creek, Plederleath proved his heroism. The British were outnumbered and decided to sneak up on the Amercan camp at night with unloaded muskets in what would be a bayonet attack. On first contact, however, British troops began cheering and alerted the Americans who rallied and began firing.
The British were in a really bad situation. They had partially disassembled their rifles, removing firing mechanisms to prevent accidental discharge, so the muskets had to be reassembled and loaded. If they turned and fled, they would be easy targets.
Plenderleath heard heavy cannons firing nearby and attacked the American battery and took four of the guns and, with just twenty men, continued attacking, capturing American generals Winder and Chandler, five field officers and captains and about 100 other prisoners.
Laterm he was the defacto commander of the 49th when he led it at the Battle of Crysler's Farm/Farm. Here he again charged American artillery and captured it and fought off American cavalry.
He was later promoted to Lt. Col and died in 1857.
I'd Never Heard of Him Before. --Brock-Perry
Looking at him did not strike a person as the bearing of a hero with his narrow chest and weak chin. But, his actions spoke louder than looks. Charles Plenderleath was in the 49th Regiment, British Army which came over to Canada with General Isaac Brock. This unit captured Detroit.
At the Battle of Stony Creek, Plederleath proved his heroism. The British were outnumbered and decided to sneak up on the Amercan camp at night with unloaded muskets in what would be a bayonet attack. On first contact, however, British troops began cheering and alerted the Americans who rallied and began firing.
The British were in a really bad situation. They had partially disassembled their rifles, removing firing mechanisms to prevent accidental discharge, so the muskets had to be reassembled and loaded. If they turned and fled, they would be easy targets.
Plenderleath heard heavy cannons firing nearby and attacked the American battery and took four of the guns and, with just twenty men, continued attacking, capturing American generals Winder and Chandler, five field officers and captains and about 100 other prisoners.
Laterm he was the defacto commander of the 49th when he led it at the Battle of Crysler's Farm/Farm. Here he again charged American artillery and captured it and fought off American cavalry.
He was later promoted to Lt. Col and died in 1857.
I'd Never Heard of Him Before. --Brock-Perry
Canadian Military to Wear Commemorative Pins
From the July 23rd Lookout "Minister MacKay introduces War of 1812 pins."
War of 1812 commemorative pins will ne worn by all Canadian military branches during the next three years. Also, all military units and establishments will fly a commemorative banner.
I do not think any of this is happening in the United States.
Brock-Perry
War of 1812 commemorative pins will ne worn by all Canadian military branches during the next three years. Also, all military units and establishments will fly a commemorative banner.
I do not think any of this is happening in the United States.
Brock-Perry
Monday, August 27, 2012
Ohio Teachers Learn About the War
From the July 23rd News messenger "Program teaches educators about War of 1812 in Ohio" by Vince Guerrieri.
Teachers and college professors visited Ohio sites in a week-long K-12 program sponsored by the Ohio Historical Society "The War of 1812 in the Great Lakes and Western Territories."
Among the sites visited were Fort Meigs in Perrysburg and Perry's Victory International Peace Monument in Put-In-Bay, Ohio. Perry's fleet sailed from Put-In-Bay before the Battle of Lake Erie, which took place nearby.
And, then, there are always the sights and sounds of Put-In-Bay which reminds me of Key West, only a whole lot closer.
Hope They Learned Something and Will Teach It to Their Students. --Brock-Perry
Teachers and college professors visited Ohio sites in a week-long K-12 program sponsored by the Ohio Historical Society "The War of 1812 in the Great Lakes and Western Territories."
Among the sites visited were Fort Meigs in Perrysburg and Perry's Victory International Peace Monument in Put-In-Bay, Ohio. Perry's fleet sailed from Put-In-Bay before the Battle of Lake Erie, which took place nearby.
And, then, there are always the sights and sounds of Put-In-Bay which reminds me of Key West, only a whole lot closer.
Hope They Learned Something and Will Teach It to Their Students. --Brock-Perry
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Ships Defending New Orleans
I have been writing about the sinking of the USS Louisiana in the August 1812 hurricane.
Other ships at New Orleans in what was termed the Upper Mississippi Brigade (for some reason, thought that was an army term) were six of President Jefferson's gunboats (I'll have to do some research on these, never heard of them before).
Present were
:
#5, launched in 1805 and carrying five cannons
#23 launched 1808 carrying five cannons
#65
#152
#162
#163
All the gunboats were captured Dec. 14, 1814, except #65.
Also present:
USS Alligator
USS Tickler, burned Dec. 13, 1864, to prevent capture
Etna
Bulldog
Eagle
Tchefonta
So, there was more to the Battle of New Orleans than just one day and there was naval action as well.
Something Johnny Horton Didn't Sing About. --Brock-Perry
Other ships at New Orleans in what was termed the Upper Mississippi Brigade (for some reason, thought that was an army term) were six of President Jefferson's gunboats (I'll have to do some research on these, never heard of them before).
Present were
:
#5, launched in 1805 and carrying five cannons
#23 launched 1808 carrying five cannons
#65
#152
#162
#163
All the gunboats were captured Dec. 14, 1814, except #65.
Also present:
USS Alligator
USS Tickler, burned Dec. 13, 1864, to prevent capture
Etna
Bulldog
Eagle
Tchefonta
So, there was more to the Battle of New Orleans than just one day and there was naval action as well.
Something Johnny Horton Didn't Sing About. --Brock-Perry
Friday, August 24, 2012
USS Louisiana
I mentioned this ship in my entry yesterday saying that it was sunk at New Orleans by the Aug. 19, 1812, hurricane. I'd never heard of the ship before, so had to do some research.
Wikipedia says the ship was a sloop-of-war launched in 1812 and broken up in 1821. It weighed 341 tons, was 99-feet in length, had a 28-foot beam and a 14-foot depth in its hold, carrying 16X24-pdrs.
Originally built as a merchant ship, it was purchased by the Navy for $15,500. Strangely, there was no mention of this ship sinking in the Aug. 19th hurricane.
However, it did participate in the fighting around New Orleans at the end of the war. From Dec. 23, 1814, to Jan. 8, 1815, it pounded British troops advancing upriver along the shore. These forces continued upriver until out of range of the Louisiana's guns, which ship could not go after them due to the river being low.
Crewmembers went on shore and then pulled the ship into position to fire its guns.
And the Battle Was On. --Brock-Perry
Wikipedia says the ship was a sloop-of-war launched in 1812 and broken up in 1821. It weighed 341 tons, was 99-feet in length, had a 28-foot beam and a 14-foot depth in its hold, carrying 16X24-pdrs.
Originally built as a merchant ship, it was purchased by the Navy for $15,500. Strangely, there was no mention of this ship sinking in the Aug. 19th hurricane.
However, it did participate in the fighting around New Orleans at the end of the war. From Dec. 23, 1814, to Jan. 8, 1815, it pounded British troops advancing upriver along the shore. These forces continued upriver until out of range of the Louisiana's guns, which ship could not go after them due to the river being low.
Crewmembers went on shore and then pulled the ship into position to fire its guns.
And the Battle Was On. --Brock-Perry
Thursday, August 23, 2012
1812 Louisiana Hurricane
No, we're not talking Katrina here. This is before hurricanes were named.
From Wikipedia War of 1812 Chronology.
AUGUST 19, 1812, a hurricane made landfall at New Orleans with high winds and storm surge. The parade ground at American Fort St. Philip, downriver, had eight vfeet of water in it. A British fleet was approaching at the time and it was scattered.
The 16 gun warship USS Louisiana, the largest ship at the port, sank, but evidenly was later raised because it took part in the events leading up to the 1815 Battle of New Orleans. Of interest, another USS Louisiana became the famous powdership at Fort Fisher during the Civil War.
The Big Blow. --Brock-Perry
From Wikipedia War of 1812 Chronology.
AUGUST 19, 1812, a hurricane made landfall at New Orleans with high winds and storm surge. The parade ground at American Fort St. Philip, downriver, had eight vfeet of water in it. A British fleet was approaching at the time and it was scattered.
The 16 gun warship USS Louisiana, the largest ship at the port, sank, but evidenly was later raised because it took part in the events leading up to the 1815 Battle of New Orleans. Of interest, another USS Louisiana became the famous powdership at Fort Fisher during the Civil War.
The Big Blow. --Brock-Perry
Bits of War: Navy Ships-- New Museum-- Powder House
Some New News About an Old War.
1. NAVY SHIPS-- From 8-22 Detroit News-- The four Navy ships touring the US and Canada for the bicentennial were in Chicago and in Milwaukee next. September 4-10, they'll be in Detroit.
2. NEW MUSEUM-- From 8-21 College Park (Md) Patch-- The new War of 1812 Visitor Ceter in Bladensburg Waterfront Park opens this weekend with ribbon-cutting tomorrow. Prince George's County and Bladensburg played a big role in the war leading to the British sacking Washington, DC.
3. POWDER HOUSE-- From the 8-23 Fairfield (Ct) Citizen-- A tour and a talk will be given for the War of 1812 Powder House and Town Hall Green on Sunday August 26th. The role of forts Union and Defiance will also be discussed. And, there will be an ox roast. I don't think I've ever had roast ox.
Just Some News. Who Says Forgotten?--Brock-Perry
1. NAVY SHIPS-- From 8-22 Detroit News-- The four Navy ships touring the US and Canada for the bicentennial were in Chicago and in Milwaukee next. September 4-10, they'll be in Detroit.
2. NEW MUSEUM-- From 8-21 College Park (Md) Patch-- The new War of 1812 Visitor Ceter in Bladensburg Waterfront Park opens this weekend with ribbon-cutting tomorrow. Prince George's County and Bladensburg played a big role in the war leading to the British sacking Washington, DC.
3. POWDER HOUSE-- From the 8-23 Fairfield (Ct) Citizen-- A tour and a talk will be given for the War of 1812 Powder House and Town Hall Green on Sunday August 26th. The role of forts Union and Defiance will also be discussed. And, there will be an ox roast. I don't think I've ever had roast ox.
Just Some News. Who Says Forgotten?--Brock-Perry
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
A Fort Dearborn Monument
The Battle of Dearborn is depicted on a Michigan Avenue bridge house with warriors attacking and a U.S. Army officer fighting them off with his sword.
Under it is the inscription:
DEFENSE!
Fort Dearborn stood almost on this spot. After an heroic defense in eighteen hundred andtwelve, the garrison together with women and children was forced to evacuate the fort. Led forth by Captain Wells they were brutally massacred by the Indians. They will be cherished as martyrs in our early history.
Erected by the trustees of the E.F. Ferguson Monument Fund. 1928
Some great graphics accompanied the Tribune article that I have been using, including an overlay of the fort on present downtown streets and a map of Chicago showing the site of the fort and approximate site of the battle/massacre a little over two miles away.
"Though the exact location of the battleis not known, the location of Fort Dearborn is marked by brass plates on Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. The story unfolded near the foot of the Magnificent Mile, along Lake Michigan and near Soldier Field and the Museum Campus (Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum and Adler Planetarium)."
Brock-Perry
Under it is the inscription:
DEFENSE!
Fort Dearborn stood almost on this spot. After an heroic defense in eighteen hundred andtwelve, the garrison together with women and children was forced to evacuate the fort. Led forth by Captain Wells they were brutally massacred by the Indians. They will be cherished as martyrs in our early history.
Erected by the trustees of the E.F. Ferguson Monument Fund. 1928
Some great graphics accompanied the Tribune article that I have been using, including an overlay of the fort on present downtown streets and a map of Chicago showing the site of the fort and approximate site of the battle/massacre a little over two miles away.
"Though the exact location of the battleis not known, the location of Fort Dearborn is marked by brass plates on Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. The story unfolded near the foot of the Magnificent Mile, along Lake Michigan and near Soldier Field and the Museum Campus (Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum and Adler Planetarium)."
Brock-Perry
The Fort Dearborn Massacre-- Part 6
The U.S. Army determined to shorten its defensive perimeter and orders were sent to Fort Dearborn to evacuate, according to General Hull, if it was safe to do so. Captain Heald said he was simply told to proceed to Detroit. Either way, the orders came at the same time as 500 Indian warriors arrived, who had learned of the order.
I have read that Heald was going to Fort Wayne in Indiana and that the main reason orders to evacuate the fort happened because of the fall of Fort Mackinac earlier in the summer.
Some of the Indian chiefs argued against attacking the Americans. One brave, Nuscotnumeg, argued: "Now's the time--we have them within our grasp; we must kill them all." This answers my earlier thought, news of the fall of Fort Mackinac swayed the Indians to attack and Heald was going to Fort Wayne and then from there to Detroit.
The Americans left the fort and into history on August 15th. The site of the tragedy is now covered with high rises along Lake Shore Drive, just west of Soldier Field, where the Chicago Bears play. The Americans were following the lake shore, but it has since been filled in considerably.
In the middle of the buildings is the Battle of Fort Dearborn Park.
In 1835, the Potawatomis assembled in Chicago to receive a final payment from the government for agreeing to move westward. Before leaving, in full regalia, 500 warriors brandishing tomahawks had a procession through the city and past the rebuilt Fort Dearborn.
Brock-Perry
I have read that Heald was going to Fort Wayne in Indiana and that the main reason orders to evacuate the fort happened because of the fall of Fort Mackinac earlier in the summer.
Some of the Indian chiefs argued against attacking the Americans. One brave, Nuscotnumeg, argued: "Now's the time--we have them within our grasp; we must kill them all." This answers my earlier thought, news of the fall of Fort Mackinac swayed the Indians to attack and Heald was going to Fort Wayne and then from there to Detroit.
The Americans left the fort and into history on August 15th. The site of the tragedy is now covered with high rises along Lake Shore Drive, just west of Soldier Field, where the Chicago Bears play. The Americans were following the lake shore, but it has since been filled in considerably.
In the middle of the buildings is the Battle of Fort Dearborn Park.
In 1835, the Potawatomis assembled in Chicago to receive a final payment from the government for agreeing to move westward. Before leaving, in full regalia, 500 warriors brandishing tomahawks had a procession through the city and past the rebuilt Fort Dearborn.
Brock-Perry
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
The Old Ship Comes Through
From the August 20th Boston Globe "Old Ironsides comes through sail in Boston Harbor in good shape" by Melissa M. Werthmann.
The USS Constitution sailed under its own power Sunday for only the second time in 131 years. Spokesman Frank neely said, "Structurally speaking, the ship held up fine. She's a very tough girl."
The ship was tugged until just before 10 AM with 285 lucky people aboard. Once the Constitution reached President Roads in Boston Harbor, the crew set three sails and detached from the tugboats. She then sailed under her own power for 17 minutes at a maximum speed of 3.1 knots.
After that, the ship was towed by Castle Island where thousands of spectators saw the ship fire a 21-gun salute.
It returned to its pier just after 2 PM and reopened to the public at 4 PM. It will be going into drydock in 2015 for restoration work.
I sure would have loved to be there to witness it, but just imagine how great it wuld have been to actually have been aboard.
I saw videos of the celebration and was that ever impressive. There wre lots of small boats along the route as well.
Not Bad for a 215-Year-Old Lady. --Brock-Perry
The USS Constitution sailed under its own power Sunday for only the second time in 131 years. Spokesman Frank neely said, "Structurally speaking, the ship held up fine. She's a very tough girl."
The ship was tugged until just before 10 AM with 285 lucky people aboard. Once the Constitution reached President Roads in Boston Harbor, the crew set three sails and detached from the tugboats. She then sailed under her own power for 17 minutes at a maximum speed of 3.1 knots.
After that, the ship was towed by Castle Island where thousands of spectators saw the ship fire a 21-gun salute.
It returned to its pier just after 2 PM and reopened to the public at 4 PM. It will be going into drydock in 2015 for restoration work.
I sure would have loved to be there to witness it, but just imagine how great it wuld have been to actually have been aboard.
I saw videos of the celebration and was that ever impressive. There wre lots of small boats along the route as well.
Not Bad for a 215-Year-Old Lady. --Brock-Perry
The Fort Dearborn Massacre-- Part 5
Far from Fort Dearborn, Britain and France were locked in a life-or-death struggle. Napoleon and France controlled mainland Europe. Britain continued to rule the seas. Frustrated, both sides resorted to economic warfare, each imposing a blockade on the other. As a neutral country, the U.S. claimed a right to continue trading with France which England opposed. They began stopping American ships and taking off any British-born sailors in what they cal;led impressment.
The United States declared war and invaded Canada which had remained loyal to England, even after American independence. Lacking forces to fight the Americans in the interior of the country, the British enlisted Indian allies who were fighting the onslaught of settlers flooding into their lands.
In the spring of 1812, the famous chief Black Hawk put the Indian view in the spotlight, "Why did the Great Spirit ever send the whites to this island, to drive us from our homes, and introduce among us poisonous liqours, disease and death?"
More to Come. --Brock-Perry
The United States declared war and invaded Canada which had remained loyal to England, even after American independence. Lacking forces to fight the Americans in the interior of the country, the British enlisted Indian allies who were fighting the onslaught of settlers flooding into their lands.
In the spring of 1812, the famous chief Black Hawk put the Indian view in the spotlight, "Why did the Great Spirit ever send the whites to this island, to drive us from our homes, and introduce among us poisonous liqours, disease and death?"
More to Come. --Brock-Perry
Monday, August 20, 2012
The Fort Dearborn Massacre-- Part 4
Continuing from the August 12th Chicago Tribune.
Regardless of whether you cal it a battle or massacre, it was a classic example of winning a battle, but losing the war. The event convince Americans flooding into the territory that the Indians had to go. Fort Dearborn was rebult in 1816 and the Potawatomi Indians were forced to move west of the Mississippi River.
One of the four stars on the Chicago flag represents Fort Dearborn.
The battle was just "one small episode in a global conflict that stretched from a European continent dominated by Napoleon Bonaperte to America's western frontier.
Sand dunes and woods covered what would become the Loop. The future Magnificent Mile had but one store, Kinzie's trading post. The site of Millenium Park was still underwater with the shoreline being farther west than it is today. Indeed, all of Grant Park was under water.
Captain Nathan Heald, commander of the fort in 1812, wrote that the place was "so remote from the civilized part of the world."
To Be Continued. --Brock-Perry
Regardless of whether you cal it a battle or massacre, it was a classic example of winning a battle, but losing the war. The event convince Americans flooding into the territory that the Indians had to go. Fort Dearborn was rebult in 1816 and the Potawatomi Indians were forced to move west of the Mississippi River.
One of the four stars on the Chicago flag represents Fort Dearborn.
The battle was just "one small episode in a global conflict that stretched from a European continent dominated by Napoleon Bonaperte to America's western frontier.
Sand dunes and woods covered what would become the Loop. The future Magnificent Mile had but one store, Kinzie's trading post. The site of Millenium Park was still underwater with the shoreline being farther west than it is today. Indeed, all of Grant Park was under water.
Captain Nathan Heald, commander of the fort in 1812, wrote that the place was "so remote from the civilized part of the world."
To Be Continued. --Brock-Perry
Sunday, August 19, 2012
200th Anniversary of the USS Constitution-HMS Guerriere Battle Today
And, this vaunted ship is supposed to sail under its own power (as in sails) in Boston Harbor today for only the second time since 1881!! However, it is periodically towed around the harbor.
From the August 17th New York Daily News "USS Constitution, ship that fought in War of 1812, to sail again" by AP.
It will be a ten-minute cruise under its own power to mark the 200th anniversary of its victory over the British ship Guerriere where it earned its nickname, "Old Ironsides." This sortie will take place as long as the winds are more than 5 mph (less than that and there is not enough) and not more than 15 mph (more than that there is the fear that it will place too much stress on the old ship).
The ship has just undergone a three-year restoration project partly for today's sail
Commanded by Captain Isaac Hull, the battle with the Guerriere took place off Nova Scotia on August 19, 1812. It wasn't much of a battle actually, the Constitution was much bigger and mounted heavier cannons. Its 24-pdr. cannons pounded the British ship in close quarters (indeed, the two ships collided once), knocking down its mast. Meanwhile, the Guerriere's 18-pdr shot often bounced off the two-foot thick live oak (Mom says from North Carolina). Thus earning the nickname.
On board the Constitution, still a commissioned US Navy ship, will be its 65 man crew and an additional 150 sailors. Tugs will be nearby, just in case.
I'm Looking Forward to Seeing It. --Brock-Perry
And, by the way, also a happy birthday to my brother Bob who turns 59. One to go to the Big 6-0!!
From the August 17th New York Daily News "USS Constitution, ship that fought in War of 1812, to sail again" by AP.
It will be a ten-minute cruise under its own power to mark the 200th anniversary of its victory over the British ship Guerriere where it earned its nickname, "Old Ironsides." This sortie will take place as long as the winds are more than 5 mph (less than that and there is not enough) and not more than 15 mph (more than that there is the fear that it will place too much stress on the old ship).
The ship has just undergone a three-year restoration project partly for today's sail
Commanded by Captain Isaac Hull, the battle with the Guerriere took place off Nova Scotia on August 19, 1812. It wasn't much of a battle actually, the Constitution was much bigger and mounted heavier cannons. Its 24-pdr. cannons pounded the British ship in close quarters (indeed, the two ships collided once), knocking down its mast. Meanwhile, the Guerriere's 18-pdr shot often bounced off the two-foot thick live oak (Mom says from North Carolina). Thus earning the nickname.
On board the Constitution, still a commissioned US Navy ship, will be its 65 man crew and an additional 150 sailors. Tugs will be nearby, just in case.
I'm Looking Forward to Seeing It. --Brock-Perry
And, by the way, also a happy birthday to my brother Bob who turns 59. One to go to the Big 6-0!!
100th Post: Those USS Constitution Forever Stamps
This being my 100th post in this, my newest, and hopefully, LAST blog.
I came across an alert that the US Post Office had a First-Day-of-Issue USS Constitution Forever Stamp yesterday, so got myself over to the Spring Grove one and bought two sheets for $9 apiece. I was just getting one, but wanted to mail myself a letter with the stamp on it and they only come in sheets.
The stamp features a painting of the Old Ironsides under full sail and the words "USS CONSTITUTION: War of 1812."
The front of the sheet has:
"THE WAR OF 1812" and another painting of several ships.
"On June 18, 1812, the United States declared war on Great Britain. President James Madison charged the British with violatingthe nation's sovereignty by restricting American trade with Europe and by removing seamen from American merchant ships and forcing them to serve in the Royal Navy."
I believe this is the first commemorative stamp for the War of 1812 Bicentennial issued by the United States. Canada already has released two of them.
I was surprised there wouldn't be anything about the ship on the front, but if this is the first one for the war, I guess you need to have some background.
America's Forgotten War? Well, Not Here. --Brock-Perry
I came across an alert that the US Post Office had a First-Day-of-Issue USS Constitution Forever Stamp yesterday, so got myself over to the Spring Grove one and bought two sheets for $9 apiece. I was just getting one, but wanted to mail myself a letter with the stamp on it and they only come in sheets.
The stamp features a painting of the Old Ironsides under full sail and the words "USS CONSTITUTION: War of 1812."
The front of the sheet has:
"THE WAR OF 1812" and another painting of several ships.
"On June 18, 1812, the United States declared war on Great Britain. President James Madison charged the British with violatingthe nation's sovereignty by restricting American trade with Europe and by removing seamen from American merchant ships and forcing them to serve in the Royal Navy."
I believe this is the first commemorative stamp for the War of 1812 Bicentennial issued by the United States. Canada already has released two of them.
I was surprised there wouldn't be anything about the ship on the front, but if this is the first one for the war, I guess you need to have some background.
America's Forgotten War? Well, Not Here. --Brock-Perry
Saturday, August 18, 2012
The USS Constitution Gets Its Nickname
Tomorrow, 200 years ago, the frigate USS Constitition came up against the British frigate HMS Guerriere and won a decisive battle. In the process, British cannonballs bounced off the sides of the ship, earning it the name "Old Ironsides."
The Constitution has always been afavorite ship of mine, dating back to 3rd, 4th or 5th grade when we had to memorize that famous poem, "Aye, tear her tattered ensign down, long has it flown on high." That's all I remember now. I think it was written during an effort to raise money to save the ship in the 1800s.
Sure glad they did.
I have actually seen the ship. During a trip to Boston and up the coast to Maine, we went to the ship and saw it, but didn't go aboard because of a rather really long line.
This morning, I went to the post office and bought two sheets of the Day-of-Issue USS Constitution stamps and even sent a letter to myself with one of the stamps.
Tomorrow, the ship goes for a sail under its own power.
That Is Something I Really Wish I Could See. --Brock-Perry
The Constitution has always been afavorite ship of mine, dating back to 3rd, 4th or 5th grade when we had to memorize that famous poem, "Aye, tear her tattered ensign down, long has it flown on high." That's all I remember now. I think it was written during an effort to raise money to save the ship in the 1800s.
Sure glad they did.
I have actually seen the ship. During a trip to Boston and up the coast to Maine, we went to the ship and saw it, but didn't go aboard because of a rather really long line.
This morning, I went to the post office and bought two sheets of the Day-of-Issue USS Constitution stamps and even sent a letter to myself with one of the stamps.
Tomorrow, the ship goes for a sail under its own power.
That Is Something I Really Wish I Could See. --Brock-Perry
Friday, August 17, 2012
Another British Victory: The Fall of Detroit
From August 16th WKAR "War of 1812: The Surrender of Detroit" by Scott Pohl.
Yesterday marked the 200th anniversary of the surrender of Detroit, regarded as one of the most embarrassing moments in American history.
The territorial governor of Michigan, William Hull, had been appointed to command the 2,000 man army made up mostly of Ohio militia charged with defending Detroit from British attack. British General Isaac Brock bombarded Detroit and made the Americans think he had more regular troops through ruse, but used his trump card, a veiled threat that should a battle take place, he couldn't assure the Americans he could control his many Indian allies and no-telling what atrocities they might commit. Hull was deathly afraid of Indians.
Hull immediately surrendered without even consulting his officers. The regular U.S. Army troops were taken to prison in Canada while the Ohio militia were paroled and sent back home.
This capped a month of great success for the British in the territories. Fort Mackinac, guarding the strait between Lake Huron and Michigan, had been captured in July and the day before, Fort Dearborn (present-day Chicago) had been captured.
William Hull had a three-month-long trial for cowardice, neglect of duty and treason and was found guilty on the first two charges. He spent the remaining ten years of his life trying to clear his name. The real situation was that he was the wrong man for the job.
Another Big American Loss. --Brock-Perry
At that time, most Detroiters were French and may have numbered about 1,000.
Yesterday marked the 200th anniversary of the surrender of Detroit, regarded as one of the most embarrassing moments in American history.
The territorial governor of Michigan, William Hull, had been appointed to command the 2,000 man army made up mostly of Ohio militia charged with defending Detroit from British attack. British General Isaac Brock bombarded Detroit and made the Americans think he had more regular troops through ruse, but used his trump card, a veiled threat that should a battle take place, he couldn't assure the Americans he could control his many Indian allies and no-telling what atrocities they might commit. Hull was deathly afraid of Indians.
Hull immediately surrendered without even consulting his officers. The regular U.S. Army troops were taken to prison in Canada while the Ohio militia were paroled and sent back home.
This capped a month of great success for the British in the territories. Fort Mackinac, guarding the strait between Lake Huron and Michigan, had been captured in July and the day before, Fort Dearborn (present-day Chicago) had been captured.
William Hull had a three-month-long trial for cowardice, neglect of duty and treason and was found guilty on the first two charges. He spent the remaining ten years of his life trying to clear his name. The real situation was that he was the wrong man for the job.
Another Big American Loss. --Brock-Perry
At that time, most Detroiters were French and may have numbered about 1,000.
The Fort Dearborn Massacre-- Part 3
Yep, that's what I'm calling it, despite what others say that it was just a battle.
Lt. Helm feared his wife was among the dead, but found that she had been rescued by Potawatomi Chief Black Partridge, who had opposed the attack. He dragged her to the lake and pretended to drown her. John Kinzie, her stepfather, also survived as he had friends among the Indians.
This took place August 15, 1812. Of the 55 soldiers who left the fort, 26 were killed; seven of the ones who surrendered were murdered; the remainder were enslaved, as were the civilian survivors. Some died in captivity and some were later ransomed. Potawatomi losses are unknown, but most likely were less than the Americans.
The next day, the Indians burned Fort Dearborn to the ground.
The bloody clash took place somewhere between what is now Roosevelt Road and 18th Street and through the years has been referred to as the Fort Dearborn Massacre. That site was recently renamed the Battle of Fort Dearborn. The reasoning being that both sides committed atrocities during the long struggle for control of what is today the United States.
In 1899, Simon Pokagon, a Potawatomi writer, observed, "When whites are killed, it is a massacre; when Indians are killed, it is a fight."
It Was a Massacre. --Brock-Perry
Lt. Helm feared his wife was among the dead, but found that she had been rescued by Potawatomi Chief Black Partridge, who had opposed the attack. He dragged her to the lake and pretended to drown her. John Kinzie, her stepfather, also survived as he had friends among the Indians.
This took place August 15, 1812. Of the 55 soldiers who left the fort, 26 were killed; seven of the ones who surrendered were murdered; the remainder were enslaved, as were the civilian survivors. Some died in captivity and some were later ransomed. Potawatomi losses are unknown, but most likely were less than the Americans.
The next day, the Indians burned Fort Dearborn to the ground.
The bloody clash took place somewhere between what is now Roosevelt Road and 18th Street and through the years has been referred to as the Fort Dearborn Massacre. That site was recently renamed the Battle of Fort Dearborn. The reasoning being that both sides committed atrocities during the long struggle for control of what is today the United States.
In 1899, Simon Pokagon, a Potawatomi writer, observed, "When whites are killed, it is a massacre; when Indians are killed, it is a fight."
It Was a Massacre. --Brock-Perry
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