Niagara on the Lake part 1

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.

to be continued...

A Letter to William - A Nephew

Quebec City, July 1oth

My dearest William,

I hope this post finds you in good health and good standing with your school master. As of her last letter your mother informed me that you been defaultant in the proper application you’re yourself to the academic ventures. Your actions have caused my sister much heartache and woe. You alone have the means to relieve her pain and I urge you to do so by the diligent practice upon your studies. But enough on this missive. I am at present in Quebec City having recently depositing my captain ashore for some week of business. It is a most particular place William. When walking on the streets and in the taverns one encounters not only good Englishmen, transplanted American loyalists, recognizable by the churlishness that is manifest in their conduct, and Canadian Frenchmen. This later group is most discommoding due to the fact they not only speak French but do so openly and unabashedly and with no attempt at theirs King ’s English. A generation has passed since the attainment of New France and still we have French being spoken in the public. I cannot see but this abnormality effecting civil strife in years to come. Perhaps you will someday make your way to this part of the empire and by then, God willing, the English language will all that remains. Your father writes me that the crops grow bountifully and that he has acquired a new stallion. Write me of the progress of this new beast as your father is always short on description believing that a naval officer has no interest in such matters. Give your mother and sisters my love. I am, my dear Sir, 

affectionately yours, 

LT. James Hamilton 

Post Sriptum. It is my intention to send forth a parcel of some interesting items that particular to this city. Tell your mother to expect this packet.

The Captain's Personal Post

C. Bertani

My Dear Captain Freymann,

I trust this letter finds you well, and that the Halifax station is not too onerous. If there is to be a war with the Americans, you will be well situated, I hope, in the way of prizes.

I would esteem it a great favour if you would consider entering my son on the books of the Acasta, such that he may have logged ample sea-time when he should enter the service as a Midshipman. 

Please remember me to your family, and I hope they are by God's grace keeping well.

With much regard I am, my dear Sir

Your affectionate humble servt.
C. Bertani 

Captain Rob't Freymann, Esq.
HMS Acasta Halifax Staton

Lieutenant Hamilton’s Log July 1

Aboard Acasta, currently anchored in Quebec harbor owing to the occasion of depositing Captain Freymann ashore for the purposes of official business of a nondescript and enigmatic nature and so soon after returning to his ship. 

I offer this in my log not a reproach of our good Captain but only as a good council for those in future who may be charged with the cogitation of Acasta’s logs and her seemly singular activities. Acasta lies six cables off the main docks in the main row. 

A most desirable anchorage as the land lay offers shelter from the weather, but the tidal ebb insures putting to sea in a predictable and creditable fashion. 

My orders are to provision the ship, allow all or none liberty as I see fit. And to return to independent patrol duty until the passage of 4 weeks at which time Acasta is to return to Quebec to retrieve the Captain. 

Lt. James Hamilton RN

From the Surgeon's Personal Log 16

The Doctor in sailor garb.

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, 

Your most affectionate & obt. servant, 

Doctor A. Roberts 

Ship's Surgeon, HMS Acasta

The Ships of the Squadron

St. Lawrence II

La Revenante

Fair Jeanne

Playfair

Pathfinder

Caledonia

Images of Life... Ashore?

Image by Dave McArdle

Lt. Ramsey and myself were invited to a delightful Garden
Party ashore. There were games, conversation, food and WOMEN.

Our trip also afforded us the opportunity to scout the location of 
our Traflagar Dinner to be held in October.

Trafalgar Day Dinner

All Navy men are cordially invited to join the crew of the HMS Acasta as they celebrate the life and victories of Lord Nelson at a fine meal in his honour! 

To be held at:

Historic Rock Castle 

139 Rock Castle Lane

Hendersonville, TN 37075 

Sunday, October 21, 2012

1:00pm until 5:00pm 

All attendees please bring one 'Navy themed' food or drink and dress in your Navy fines. Attendees should RSVP on the page designed for that purpose by selecting the link below:

Click the FB Logo to RSVP