The inaugural event of the Colonial Sailors Program took place July 13th - July 15th, 2012, near Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Some 550 naval and military re-enactors staged an historic land and sea battle demonstration at the Fort George National Historic Site (Queen's Royal Park).
The naval contingent consisted of four brigantines, two schooners, and fifteen longboats. Together they created a scene on Lake Ontario and the Niagara River not witnessed for two centuries.
The event was a collaborative effort organised by Parks Canada, The Directorate of Naval History, and Heritage of the Royal Canadian Navy.
I bid farewell to the gentlemen of the Nancy and the Western Lakes Station
At the conclusion of the Naval assault, I took my leave and made my way southward with the Tumbuschs and Miss Waterman.
Arranged to meet with some of the crew ashore at a large fair before returning to the Acasta, and invited the Tumbuschs and Miss Waterman to join in. Lt. Ramsey, Capt. May, Sailing Master L. Minnis, and Ship's Clerk Mr. Cushing were all on hand to enjoy the festivities.
Mr. Minnis with a rather unsightly beard!
Capt. L. May in a very different uniform.
Some of the activities to take part in were:
Bareknuckle Boxing
I took a turn in the ring for an impromtu boxing lesson.
Miss Waterman won Ten Pounds on the fellow in the red
I took afternoon tea with my girls
Picnic with the ladies
Walks about the scenic grounds
Lt. Ramsey and myself in the Hellfire Club.
I have discovered in the course of our time together in the Hellfire Club that Mr Cushing and Lt. Ramsey are the jolliest drunks I have ever known. They are quite the opposite of my own tendency to be overcome with sleepiness when intoxicated (as is evidenced perfectly by the image above). The gentlemen involved in the meeting of the Hellfire Club all drank port and bourbon and smoked cigars. More than I few tall tales were told.
The landing was a success, and the casualties were light. The ships raised anchor and sailed down the Niagara River to a place we could come to dock, I gathered my gear and prepared to go ashore, and then from the shore I espied the lovely face of none other but Miss Waterman!
She came aboard in the throng of activity and told me that she was there under the care of our mutual friends and itinerant dance instructors, the Tumbusches. She could not stay aboard the Playfair for long as she was beginning to experience symptoms of the mal de mar.
Miss Waterman informed me that the Tumbusches were encamped near the Navy Hall in a great tent, and had invited me to come and stay with them ashore. I was very pleased to accept their generous invitation.
We walked together along the lane from the docks to Navy Hall and caught up on the events of the past few weeks.
Once back at Navy Hall, I was greeted by Mr & Mrs Tumbusch and their little dog Bingley (a particular favourite of my daughters) and they pressed me for stories of my adventures and give me a great quantity of tea and the wine from a nearby vineyard.
I changed into my Royal Navy small cloathes, it was nice to have a fresh shirt on.
Miss Waterman in the Tumbusch camp.
Bingley guards the longboats by Navy Hall
And so began our social duties, there was the visiting and the retelling of the assault to all those interested. We spent a good deal of our time in the Nancy camp with Schifferdecker and his crew, we got to meet not only the men of the ship but many of their ladies and families as well. They were all kindness and hospitality, and the table they laid out was delicious. The steward and his boy brought glass after glass of port all evening.
Commander S. at the Nancy encampment.
Mrs. Schifferdecker and the Steward's boy.
There was also some dancing to be done...
Look for the lovely Miss Waterman at about 2:40
Whilst in the Nancy camp, we were introduced to Mr. Midshipman Bartgis (pronounced 'Barges') who told stories of his family history. After he felt comfortable among the new company, he boldly asked Miss Waterman to dance with him at the ball taking place within Navy Hall. I was too exhausted from the day to protest.
Before the sun was even up the next morning, we were up and stowing our cots. We boarded at two bells in the morning watch… two of the smaller, slower ships, the Caledonia and La Revenante, had departed even earlier so as to arrive at the location of the assault at the same time as the larger ships.
We departed and I watched from the foc'sle as the sun rose as a perfect red orb over the horizon.
I am particularly impressed with how young and inexperienced the crew seems. The youngest among them is twelve if the reports I have received are true.
Ships of the squadron all spread out across the lake, staying within sight of one another.
The St. Lawrence II as she overtakes us.
After several hours, Commander Schifferdecker spotted two ships far off the starboard side, barely hull up on the horizon. We took turns looking through my glass at them. After steadying the glass against the rail, the Commander announced they were the Caledonia and La Revenante. I agreed, given their relative size and configuration.
Taking my ease.
Commander Schifferdecker took out the charts that showed the area of the assault and I looked at it over his shoulder. We were to enter into the mouth of the Niagara River, anchor in a line there near a little section of beach, and off load the soldiers in the long boats.
As we grew closer, we heard what sounded to be ranging shot from Fort Niagara, the young crew suddenly understood the gravity of the rapidly approaching situation. All eyes were suddenly forward, looking toward the land with greater interest.
The fire from shore came with greater frequency as we grew closer to the landing zone.We finally got into the proper position and dropped anchor. The marines and sailors were loaded into the long boats and made for the shore with haste.
In the Longboats
Mr. Schifferdecker took to the quarterdeck with his musket firing round after round toward the shore as the longboats landed.
Look for the Doctor hauling ropes aboard the Playfair at about the 6 second mark
I arrived at Navy Hall earlier than ordered and it afforded me the opportunity to meet some of the Navy gentlemen that I had, up until this time, only corresponded with. The newly promoted Commander Schifferdecker and the crew of the Nancy had a lovely set up there by the Hall. A fine table set under a lovely canvas tent and on the Commander's new checkered floor cloth no less.
Commander Schifferdecker pulled me aside and told me that he had received correspondence stating that Capt. Freymann had been unavoidably detained and would be unable to join the squadron.
Midshipman Swanson
We were transported to the ships on Friday afternoon, and taken to the docks were they lay in wait for our arrival.
After being informed that our ships were not yet ready for us, I watched the crew of the Pathfinder up in the rigging as she lay in dock from the shade of an obliging tree. I was so tired from my long journey that I lay on the ground there with my hat over my face and fell fast asleep. I didn't awaken until Capt. Allie and Mr Cussick returned from scouting the nearby ale houses.
By this time we were able to stow dunage aboard the ships as they lay in the harbor across Lake Ontario from our intended point of assault.
Took our supper in a little place along the shore next to the Dock Shoppe and Ship's Chandler.
Mr. Cusick
Ate with Commander Schifferdecker who sat at the head of the table, flanked by Capt. Allie of the 95th Rifles, whom I had met whilst tracking the American Spy in Mississinewa. At the table were also the elder Mr. Swanson and his son Midshipman Swanson and Mr. Cusick.
We were all so thirsty from the heat of the day and our work that nearly every one of us drank down three large glasses before our food arrived.
Our table was situated comfortably next to a great window that looked out into the busy street where I could indulge in my favourite pass-time of watching people as they passed. My meal consisted of an excellent vegetable pie which I was unable to completely finish.
Afterword, I played Whist with some of the gentlemen and followed it with some dice games in an attempt to relax before the coming assault. Mr. Cusick and Capt. Allie tried to tempt me into another game of whist, but I was far too tired for it. I eventually retired to my cot and did a little writing before finally turning in.
After my Letter of Temporary Transfer of March from this Present Year, the time has seemed to pass very quickly. I have packed my things and am preparing to report to Navy Hall in York, Upper Canada and then be transferred over to the Pathfinder.
The Pathfinder is to be part of His Majesty's squadron that shall consist of the Pathfinder herself, her sister ship the Playfair, St. Lawrence II, Caledonian and the La Revenante. The Commodore’s own Broad Pendant will be hoisted in the Squadron flagship, Fair Jeanne.
I have since discovered that my own Captain Freymann is to be part of the squadron as well aboard the Playfair! It gives me every confidence in the mission with Robert Freymann added to the group. We will travel to Navy Hall separately, but arrive at roughly the same time to take part in the coming assault.
In an effort to disguise myself whilst traveling overland through what has become 'enemy territory', I shall be disguised as a common sailor. I am especially grateful to Lt. Ramsey for the loan of the slops, as I did not have any of my own to make use of. So long as I am not detained and a close examination made of the state of my hands… and no one asks me about ropes, knots and sailor jargon… I should fare well.
I beg that you and the other Acastas think on me with gentle regard, and know that I most sincerely wish you all health and success; and am, with great respect, dear Friend,
I have recently received orders that I am to transfer to the Pathfinder, a brigantine based out of York in Upper Canada, and will be a Surgeon attached to aid the British Forces. My orders state that I am to report to Navy Hall there by Saturday, 14th July of this Present Year. The Pathfinder will be part of His Majesty's squadron that shall consist of the Pathfinder herself, her sister ship the Playfair, St. Lawrence II, Caledonian and the La Revenante. The Commodore’s own Broad Pendant will be hoisted in the Squadron flagship, Fair Jeanne.
The Pathfinder in the fog...
Lt. Schifferdecker
I will be assigned under the command of Lieutenant P. Schifferdecker, normally of the HMS Nancy in the Western Lakes Station. You would do me a great service Sir, if you were to write me a letter of recommendation to Lt. Schifferdecker. It might certainly serve to smooth along our introductions and service together, and I should be much obliged to you.
Please do not alarm yourself, as this transfer is temporary, and shall only last for the duration of whatever special mission the Admiralty has in mind, and will afford me the opportunity to meet Dr. W. L. Davis, who I understand is assigned to the squadron as well. After the successful completion of the mission to Newark, I will be returned back home to the Acasta. I am certain that the cramped quarters aboard the tiny Pathfinder will give me a new appreciation of the spacious accommodations on the Acasta.
Mr. Cushing, Ship's Clerk
Additionally, I have inclosed three impressment documents for your consideration per the request of our ship's clerk, Mr. Cushing. One is for your records, and if you would be so kind as to sign over one to our Lt J. Hamilton and the other to our Lt. M. Ramsey, this will allow them to continue to legally 'press gang' men into the service of the King's Navy. Something to the effect of, 'Giv'n over to Lt. 'So-forth' on this day by my hand &c.' should suffice. Once signed, please return them to me at your earliest convenience and I shall get them into the proper hands.
Our assignment of late has been little more than a perpetual hurry of doing nothing; and I think, I never had more business of that sort on my hands than in the past few weeks. But as I can generally find time to do anything I've a mind to do, so can I contrive to be at leisure to pay these final respects to you, my dear friend. As is my custom, I shall keep my journal whilst in the field, and transcribe it upon the occasion of my return.
The Doctor's daughters
Should I not be so fortunate, I have left behind a small blue parcel in the upper drawer of my desk that should be sent to London. It contains letters to my girls and all those of consequence, as well as directions for the paying off of my meager debts to Young & Erskine, Glasgow.
I beg that you and the other Acastas think on me with gentle regard, and know that I most sincerely wish you all health and success; and am, with great respect, dear Friend,
