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13th Congress.]

No. 112.

[3d Session.

CAPTURE OF THE BRITISH FLEET ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN.

COMMUNICATED TO THE SENATE, OCTOBER 6, 1814.

Navy Department, October 3, 1814.

In compliance with your request I have now the honor to enclose copies of all the documents received from Captain MacDonough, in relation to the brilliant and extraordinary victory achieved by the United States' squadron under his command, over that of the enemy, in Plattsburg Bay, on Lake Champlain.

This action, like that of its prototype on Lake Erie, cannot be portrayed in language corresponding with the universal and just admiration inspired by the exalted prowess, consummate skill, and cool persevering intrepidity, which will ever distinguish this splendid and memorable event.

This, like those brilliant naval victories which preceded it, has its peculiar features, which mark it with a distinct character: It was fought at anchor. The firm, compact, and well-formed line, the preparations for all the evolutions of which the situation was susceptible, and the adroitness and decisive effect with which they were performed in the heat of battle, mark no less the judgment which planned than the valor and skill displayed in the execution.

All these are heightened by the contemplation of a vigorous and greatly superior for moving down upon this line, in his own time, selecting his position, and choosing his distance, animated by the proximity of a powerful army, in co-operation, and stimulated by the settled confidence of victory.

To view it in the abstract, it is not surpassed by any naval victory on record; to appreciate its results, it is, perhaps, one of the most important events in the history of our country.

That it will be justly estimated, and the victors duly honored by the councils of the nation, the justice and liberality hitherto displayed, on similar occasions, is a sufficient pledge.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,

W. JONES.

The Hon. Charles Tait, Chairman of the Naval Committee of the Senate.

Sir

United States' ship Saratoga, off Plattsburg, September 11, 1814.

The Almighty has been pleased to grant us a signal victory on Lake Champlain, in the capture of one frigate, one brig, and two sloops of war, of the enemy.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,

T. MACDONOUGH, Commanding.

Honorable W. Jones, Secretary of the Navy.

United States' ship Saratoga,

at anchor off Plattsburg, September 13, 1814.

Sir:

By Lieutenant Commandant Cassin I have the honor to convey to you the flags of His Britannic Majesty's late squadron, captured, on the 11th instant, by the United States' squadron under my command. Also, my des-

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patches relating to that occurrence, which would have been in your possession at an earlier period but for the difficulty in arranging the different statements.

The squadron under my command now lies at Plattsburg: it will bear a considerable diminution, and leave a force sufficient to repel any attempt of the enemy in this quarter. I shall wait your order what to do with the whole or any part thereof; and, should it be consistent, I beg you will favor me with permission to leave the lake, and place me under the command of Commodore Decatur, at New York. My health, (being some time on the lake) together with the almost certain inactivity of future naval operations here, are among the causes of this request for my removal.

I have the honor to be, sir, with much respect, your most obedient servant,

T. MACDONOUGH.

Honorable W. Jones, Secretary of the Navy, Washington.

United States' ship Saratoga, Plattsburg Bay, September 13, 1814. Sir:

I have the honor to give you the particulars of the action which took place on the 11th instant on this lake. For several days the enemy were on their way to Plattsburg by land and water, and it being understood that an attack would be made at the same time by their land and naval forces, I determined to await at anchor the approach of the latter.

At 8 A. M. the lookout boat announced the approach of the enemy. At 9, he anchored in a line ahead, at about three hundred yards distance from my line; his ship oppossed to the Saratoga, his brig to, the Eagle, Captain Robert Henley, his galleys, thirteen in number, to the schooner, sloop, and a division of our galleys; one of his sloops assisting their ship and brig, the other assisting their galleys; our remaining galleys with the Saratoga, and Eagle. In this situation, the whole force, on both sides, became engaged, the Saratoga suffering much from the heavy fire of the Confiance. I could perceive, at the same time, however, that our fire was very destructive to her. The Ticonderoga, Lieutenant Commandant Cassin, gallantly sustained her full share of the action. At half past ten o'clock, the Eagle, not being able to bring her guns to bear, cut her cable, and anchored in a more eligible position, between my ship and the Ticonderoga, where she very much annoyed the enemy, but unfortunately leaving me exposed to a galling fire from the enemy's brig. Our guns on the starboard side being nearly all dismounted or hot manageable, a stern anchor was let go, the bower cable cut, and the ship winded, with a fresh broadside on the enemy's ship, which soon after surrendered. Our broadside was then sprung to bear on the brig, which surrendered in about fifteen minutes after.

The sloop that was opposed to the Eagle had struck sometime before, and drifted down the line; the sloop which was with their galleys having struck also; three of their galleys are said to be sunk, the others pulled off. Our galleys were about obeying, with alacrity, the signal to follow them, when all the vessels were reported to me to be in a sinking state; it then became necessary to annul the signal to the galleys, and order their men to the pumps.

I could only look at the enemy's galleys going off in a shattered condition, for there was not a mast in either squadron that could stand to make sail on; the lower rigging, being nearly all shot away, hung down as though it had been just placed over the mast heads.

The Saratoga had fifty-five round shot in her hull; the Confiance one hundred and five. The enemy's shot passed principally just over our heads, as there were not twenty whole hammocks in the nettings at the close of the action, which lasted, without intermission, two hours and twenty minutes.

The absence and sickness of Lieutenant Raymond Perry, left me without the services of that excellent officer. Much ought fairly to be attributed to him for his great care and attention in disciplining the ship's crew, as her first lieutenant. His place was filled by a gallant young officer, Lieutenant Peter Gamble, who, I regret to inform you, was killed early in the action. Acting Lieutenant Vallette worked the first and second divisions of guns, with able effect. Sailing master Brum's attention to the springs, and in the execution of the order to wind the ship, and occasionally at the guns, meets with my entire approbation; also Captain Young's, commanding the acting marines, who took his men to the guns. Mr. Beale, purser, was of great service at the guns, and in carrying my orders throughout the ship, with Midshipman Montgomery. Master's Mate Joshua Justin had command of the third division; his conduct during the action was that of a brave and correct officer. Midshipmen Monteath, Graham, Williamson, Platt, Thwing, and acting midshipman Baldwin, all behaved well, and gave evidence of their making valuable officers.

The Saratoga was twice set on fire by hot shot from the enemy's ship.

I close, sir, this communication with feelings of gratitude for the able support I received from every officer and man attached to the squadron which I have the honor to command.

I have the honor to be, with great respect, sir, your most obedient servant,

T. MACDONOUGH

Honorable William Jones, Secretary of the Navy.

P. S. Accompanying this is a list of killed and wounded, a list of prisoners, and a precise statement of both forces engaged. Also letters from Captain Henley and Lieutenant Commandant Cassin. T. M.

United States' ship Saratoga, September 13th, 1814.

Sir:

I have the honor to enclose you a list of the killed and wounded on board the different vessels of the squadron under your command in the action of the 11th instant.

It is impossible to ascertain correctly the loss of the enemy. From the best information received from the British officers, from my own observations, and from various lists found on board the Confiance, I calculate the number of men on board of that ship, at the commencement of the action, at two hundred and seventy, of whom one hundred and eighty at least were killed and wounded, and on board the other captured vessels at least eighty more, making in the whole, killed and wounded, two hundred and sixty. This is, doubtless, short of the real number, as many were thrown overboard from the Confiance during the engagement.

The muster books must have been thrown overboard, or otherwise disposed of, as they are not to be found.

I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEORGE BEALE, Jr. Purser.

Thomas Macdonough, Esq. commanding U. S. squadron on Lake Champlain.

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Return of killed and wounded on board the U. S.
squadron on Lake Champlain, in the engagement
with the British fleet, on the
11th of September, 1814

Ship Saratoga.

Andrew McEwen, seaman.

Zebediah Concklin, do.

Killed.

Joseph Valentine, do.

Peter Gamble, lieutenant.

John Hartley, do.

Thomas Butler, quarter gunner.

John Miclin, do.

James Norberry, boatswain's mate.

Robert Buckley, do.

Abraham Davis, quarter master.

Aaron Fitzgerald, boy.

William Wyer, sail maker.

Purnell Boice, ordinary seaman.

William Brickell, seaman.

John N. Craig, seaman.

Peter Johnson, do.

John McKenney, do.

John Coleman, do.

Matthew Scriver, marine.

Benjamin Burrill, ordinary seaman.

George Mainwaring, do.

Andrew Parmlee, do.

Henry Jones, do.

Peter Post, seaman.

John McCarty, do.

David Bennett, do.

Ebenezer Johnson, do.

Schooner Ticonderoga.

Joseph Couch, landsman.

Thomas Stephens, seaman.

Killed.

Randall McDonald, ordinary seaman.

John Stansbury, lieutenant.

John White, do.

John Fisher, boatswain's mate.

Samuel Smith, seaman.

John Atkinson, do.

Thomas Malony, ordinary seaman.

Herny Johnson, seaman.

Andrew Nelson, seaman.

Deodrick Think, marine.

John Sellack, do.

John Sharp, do.

Peter Hanson, do.

Jacob Laraway, do.

Wounded.

Edward Moore, do.

Patrick Cassin, seaman.

Jerome Williams, ordinary seaman.

Ezekiel Goud, do.

James Carlisle, marine.

Samuel Sawyer, do.

John Smart, seaman.

William Le Count, do.

Henry Collins, do.

Wounded.

John Condon, marine.

James M. Baldwin, acting midshipman.

Joseph Barron, pilot.

Sloop Preble.

Robert Gary, quarter gunner.

George Cassin, quarter master.

Killed.

John Hollingsworth, seaman.

Thomas Robinson, do.

Rogers Carter, acting sailing master.

Purnall Smith, do.

Joseph Rowe, boatswain's mate.

John Ottiwell, do.

John Thompson, ordinary seaman.

Wounded.

William Tabee, do.

William Williams, do.

None.

John Roberson, seaman.

John Towns, landsman.

Gunboat Borer

John Shays, seaman.

John S. Hammond, do.

Killed

James Barlow, do.

James Nagle, ordinary seaman.

Arthur W. Smith, purser's steward.

John Lanman, seaman.

Thomas Gill, boy.

Peter Colberg, do.

James Day, marine.

William Newton, ordinary seaman.

Neil J. Heidmont, seaman.

Wounded.

James Steward, do.

John Adams, landsman.

Ebenezer Cobb, corporal marines.

Charles Ratche, seaman.

Benjamin Jackson, marine.

Gunboat Centipede.

Jesse Vanhorn, do.

Joseph Ketter, do.

James Taylor, landsman, wounded.

Samuel Pearson, do.

Gunboat Wilmer.

Brig Eagle.

Peter Frank, seaman, wounded.

Killed.

Peter Vandermere, master's mate.

Gunboats.

John Ribero, seaman.

Nettle,

None killed or wounded.

Jacob Lindman, do.

Allen,

Perkins Moore, ordinary seaman.

Viper,

James Winship, do.

Burrows,

Thomas Anwright, do.

Ludlow,

Nace Wilson, do.

Aylwyn,

Thomas Lewis, boy.

Ballard,

John Wallace, marine.

Killed.

Wounded.

Joseph Heaton, do.

RECAPITULATION.

Robert Stratton, do.

James M. Hale, musician.

John Wood, do.

Saratoga,

28

29

Eagle,

13

20

Wounded.

Ticonderoga,

6

6

Preble,

2

00

Joseph Smith, lieutenant.

Borer,

3

1

William A. Spencer, acting lieutenant.

Centipede,

00

1

Francis Breeze, master's mate.

Wilmer,

00

1

Abraham Walters, pilot.

52

58

William C. Allen, quarter master.

James Duick, quarter gunner.

GEORGE BEALE, Jr. Purser.

Approved: T. Macdonough.

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List of Prisoners captured on the 11th September, and sent to Greenbush.

OFFICERS.

Daniel Pring,*

Captain.

Dowell,

Midshipman.

Hicks,

Lieutenant.

Aire,

do.

Creswick,

do.

Bondell,

do.

Robinson,

do.

Toorke,

do.

McGhie,

do.

Kewstra,

do.

Drew,

do.

Davidson,

Boatswain.

Hornby,

do.

Elvin,

Gunner.

Childs,

do. Marines.

Mickell,

do.

Fitzpatrick,

do. 39th Regt.

Cox,

Carpenter.

Bryden,

Sailingmaster.

Parker,

Purser.

Clark,

Master's Mate.

Martin,

Surgeon.

Simmonds,

do.

McCabe,

Assistant Surgeon.

Todd,

Surgeon.

340 seamen.

Giles,

Purser.

47 wounded men paroled.

Guy,

Captain's Clerk.

Statement of the American Force engaged on the 11th September, 1814,

Saratoga,

long 24

pounders,

8

42 pound

carronades,

6

32 do.

do.

12

Total guns, 26

Eagle,

12

32 pound

carronades.

And 8 long 18 pounders,

20

Ticonderoga,

long

12pounders,

8

do.

18 do.

4

32 pound

carronades,

5

17

Preble,

long

9 pounders,

7

10 Galleys, viz

Allen,

1 long

24 pounder,

and 1

18 pound Columbiad,

2

Burrows,

1 do.

do.

and 1 do.

do.

2

Borer,

1 do.

do.

and 1 do.

do.

2

Nettle,

1 do.

do.

and 1 do.

do.

2

Viper,

1 do.

do.

and 1 do.

do.

2

Centipede,

1 do.

do.

and 1 do.

do.

2

Ludlow,

1 do.

12 pounder,

1

Wilmer,

1 do.

do.

1

Aylwyn,

1 do.

do.

1

Ballard,

1 do.

do.

1

Guns, 86

 

Recapitulation.

14

long 24 pounders,

6

42 pound do. carronades, do.

29

32 18 pounders,

12

long

12

do. 12 do.

7

do.9 do.

6

18 pound columbiads,

Total, 86

guns.

T. MACDONOUGH.

Statement of the Enemy's Force engaged on the 11th September, 1814.

Frigate Confiance,

long 24 pounders,

27

33 pound carronades,

4

24 do.

6

long 18 pounders, on berth deck,

2

Total guns, 39

Brig Linnet,

long 12 pounders,

10

16

+Sloop Chub,

18 pound carronades,

1

long 6 pounder,

+Sloop Finch,

18 pound carronades,

6

18 pound Columbiad,

1

long 6 pounders,

4

11

 

13 Galleys, viz:

Sir James Yeo,

1

long 24

pounder, and

1

32

pound carronade,

2

Sir George Prevost,

1

do.

do. and

1

do

do.

2

Sir Sidney Beckwith,

1

do. 18

pounder, and

1

do

do.

2

Broke,

1

do.

do, and

1

do

do.

2

Murray,

1

do.

do. and

1

18

do.

1

Wellington,

1

do.

do.

Tecumseh,

1

do.

do.

1

Name unknown,

1

do.

do.

1

Drummond,

1

32

pound carronade,

1

Simcoe,

1

do.

do.

1

Unknown,

1

do.

do.

1

Do.

1

do.

do.

1

Do.

1

do.

do.

Total,

95

* On parole.

+ These sloops were formerly the United States' Growler and Eagle.

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RECAPITULATION.

30

long 24 pounders.

7

do. 18 do.

16 

do. 12 do.

do 6 do.

13

32 pound carronades.

6

24 do.

17

18 do.

1

18 pound Columbiad.

Total,

95 guns.

T. MACDONOUGH.

United States' brig Eagle, Plattsburgh, September 12, 1814.

Sir:

I am happy to inform you that all my officers and men acted bravely, and did their duty in the battle of yesterday with the enemy.

I shall have the pleasure of making a more particular representation of the respective, merits of my gallant officers to the Honorable the Secretary of the Navy.

I have the honor to be, respectfully, sir, your most obedient servant,

ROBERT HENLEY.

P. S. We had thirty-nine round shot in our hull, (mostly twenty-four pounders) four in our lower masts, and we were well peppered with grape. I enclose my boatswain's report.

U. S. schooner Ticonderoga, Plattsburgh Bay, September 12, 1814.

Sir:

It is with pleasure I state that every officer and man, under my command, did their duty yesterday.

Yours, respectfully,

STEPHEN CASSIN, Lieutenant Commandant.

Commodore Thomas Macdonough.

U. S. ship Saratoga, off Plattsburgh, September 15, 1814.

Sir:

As Providence has given into my command the squadron on Lake Champlain, of which you were (after the fall of Captain Downie) the commanding officer, I beg you will, after the able conflict you sustained, and evidence of determined valor you evinced, on board His Britannic Majesty's brig Linnet, until the necessity of her surrender, accept of your enclosed parole, not to serve against the United States, or their dependencies, until regularly exchanged.

I am, &c. &c.

THOMAS MACDONOUGH.

To Captain Pring, Royal Navy.