Thomas MacDonough
Encyclopedia
Thomas Macdonough was an early-19th-century American naval officer noted for his roles in the first Barbary War, and the War of 1812. He was the son of a revolutionary officer, Thomas Sr. who lived close to Middleton, Delaware. Being the sixth child born, he came from a large family of ten siblings and was raised in the countryside. He entered naval life at a early age, receiving a midshipman's commission at the age of sixteen. Serving with Stephen Decatur
at Tripoli, he was a member of "Preble
's Boys", a select group of U.S. naval officers who served under the command of Commodore Preble's during the First Barbary War
. Macdonough achieved great fame during the War of 1812
, commanding the American naval forces that defeated the British navy at the Battle of Lake Champlain
ultimately bringing an end to that war.
. He received a contemporary education here but it remains uncertain if he attended any sort of formal schools or was taught by family members or a tutor. Macdonough was a tall, dignified man with a commanding character which suited him well for military service. He was a devoutly religious man of Episcopal faith, as were his parents and greater family. He was known to adhere to a set of steadfast principles in his personal and military life.
Thomas Macdonough Jr. was born in New Castle County, Delaware
which later was named MacDonough, Delaware
in his honor. He was employed in Middletown as a clerk upon the return of his brother James who lost a leg in a naval battle with a French vessel in 1799 during the Quasi-War
with France
. Shortly after Macdonough requested a commission with the United States Navy
with the assistance of Senator Latimer from the state of Delaware.
Before joining the Navy, Thomas, Jr., for unknown reasons, changed the spelling of his last name from "McDonough" to "MacDonough.
On May 27, 1800 at the age of sixteen Macdonough secured a warrant and served as a midshipman
aboard the 24-gun , a corvette
class ship, converted over from a merchantman
vessel and outfitted as a man-of-war.
Under the command of Captain John Mullowny the Ganges then set sail for the West Indies. During operations there she captured three French merchant ships between May and September. When hostilities between the United States and France had finally ended the following year on October 20, 1801, Macdonough was assigned to the, , a 38-gun frigate, commanded by Alexander Murray which was about to embark on its mission in the Mediterranean sea. While serving aboard Constellation he received a thorough education in seamanship, navigation and gunnery from Murray.
during the First Barbary War
. This was the same ship that his brother James had served on a few years earlier. While serving aboard this ship Macdonough received lessons from Captain Murray in the nautical sciences and on how to improve his service as a junior office.
In 1803 Navy Secretary selected Macdonough to serve aboard the , a 38-gun frigate, commanded by William Bainbridge
. Macdonough was aboard this ship when it captured the Moroccan ship, the Mirboka on August 26, 1803. Shortly before the Philadelphia ran aground and was consequently captured by the Tripolitans Macdonough had gone ashore on leave. He was reassigned on October 31 to the 12-gun sloop under the command of Lieutenant Stephen Decatur
. Macdonough volunteered to join Decatur's successful raid into the harbor of Tripoli. On February 6, 1804, they succeeded in burning and destroying the Philadelphia. His role in the operation was a crucial one as Macdonough had recently served aboard that ship and knew the layout of the vessel from stem to stern. For his heroic actions he was promoted to acting Lieutenant.
the , the same vessel used to assist the Intrepid at Tripoli. Assisting Isaac Hull
he then supervised the construction of several gunboats in Middletown, Connecticut
. In January of 1806 Macdonough was promoted to a commission of Lieutenant.
As commander of the 18-gun , Macdonough served patrolling waters near Great Britain and in various points in the Mediterranean before finally returning to America and enforcing the Embargo Act and the Atlantic blockade from 1807 and 1808.
In 1809 he served aboard the USS Essex
with Captain Smith but later requested reassignment and was placed in charge of several gunboats located in Middleton, Connecticut, the town where his future wife Ann Shaler happened to be living.
With the repeal of the Embargo Act, the role of the navy became less active, with a fifth of its officers away on furlough at half pay. MacDonough remained in Middleton for only eight months before requesting a furlough in June of 1810. From 1810 to 1812, Macdonough took a leave of absence for two years as the captain of a British merchantman ship that was en-route to India.
and northern New York waterways. The roles played by commanders like Oliver Hazard Perry
at Lake Erie
and Isaac Chauncey
at Lake Ontario
and Thomas Macdonough at Lake Champlain
all proved vital to the naval effort that was largely responsible for winning that war.
Assigned to the USS Constellation, as 1st Lieutenant, Macdonough returned to active service just prior to the outbreak of the war in June of 1812. The ship at this time was being outfitted and supplied in Washington, DC, for its next mission but was still months away from being ready, moreover it did not escape from the British blockade at the Chesapeake Bay
until 1814.
Taking leave from his assignment at Lake Champlain Macdonough married Lucy Anne Shaler on December 12, 1812 at the Christ Church in Middleton by Bishop Abraham Jarvis.
After he requested transfer to a more active front and was assigned command to a squadron of gunboats defending Portland, Maine
. His stay there was brief when he received new orders from Secretary of the Navy Hamilton
and was reassigned to Burlington, Vermont
to command U.S. naval forces in Lake Champlain in October of 1812.
On June 2, 1813, Macdonough sent Lieutenant Sidney Smith with the along with Sailing Master Loomis with to guard against British advances at the Canadian border at the Richelieu River
. The impatient Smith sailed into British waters, an action which was contrary to his orders, and at once found himself overpowered by the British squadron. After enduring four hours of battle Smith was finally forced into surrendering.
See main Article: War of 1812
On July 24, 1813 Macdonough was promoted to the rank of master commandant.
When the War began in 1812 there were only two American naval vessels on Lake Champlain
, the Growler and the Eagle
, each carrying ten guns with a crew of fifty. On June 3, 1813 the two vessels were pursuing a British gunboat but were caught up in a strong current that prevented them from maintaining their heading and position, giving the advantage to British forces, resulting in their capture. The loss of the two and only American vessels on the lake gave undisputed control of this strategic waterway to the British. This prompted MacDonough to begin the construction of the corvette
Saratoga
and the sloop Eagle
and several gunboats at the shipyard in Otter Creek at Vergennes, Vermont. While construction was underway, the Ticonderoga
, a steamboat, was being converted to a warship carrying seventeen guns.
In 1814 the ice covering Lake Champlain, which usually lasted well into May, began melting and breaking up early in April and MacDonough feared that the British, who he assumed by now knew of the ship construction going on there, would use the opportunity to capture or destroy the vessels being built. Having learned of MacDonough's ship building activity the British constructed a heavily armed brig and five large gunboats at 'Isle Aux Noix'
over the winter. As Macdonough had predicted, British forces attempted to navigate the lake but because of unfavorable winds British commander Daniel Pring
, whose forces were based at Isle Aux Noix in upper Lake Champlain, didn't complete the 65 mile journey to Otter Creek until May 14. Upon arrival Pring situated his squadron in the lake just off Otter Creek with eight galleys and a bomb sloop, preventing the American forces passage north and to the sea. For one hour commander Pring maintained a heavy fire, however Macdonough had already learned of the attack beforehand from his observers on land and had prepared a defense in anticipation of this likely event. Using the guns of his ship he had landed them on shore at the mouth of Otter Creek, constructing a battery with which he repelled the attack and drove the Royal Navy
back to Isle Aux Noix in Canadian waters by autumn. With the way now clear Macdonough's squadron sailed out of Otter Creek and made their way to Plattsburgh where they dropped anchor just off shore in anticipation of the next and inevitable British advance.
had assembled near Montreal at the US - Canadian border. Many of these soldiers were well-trained, regular troops who served under Wellington, already battle hardened from their recent defeat of Napoleon in Europe. Macdonough himself had little naval combat experience. His service in the Barbary wars was limited to gunboat actions and the capture and destruction of the Philadelphia. He had yet to experience a ship to ship action, being on a vessel that was receiving broadsides, surrounded by dead and wounded men. Regardless of this lack in experience Macdonough well understood that defending and holding Plattsburgh and not allowing General Macomb's troops to be surrounded by British forces on land and water was vital to winning the war.
On September 3rd Prevost's army crossed the border and marched into northern New York State and were advancing on Plattsburgh
, which was held by General Macomb with less than 2,000 regular troops. Macomb's troops also had the support of the New York militia, under the command of General Mooers and the Vermont volunteers, under the command of General Strong. However Prevost who had arrived in earnest was yet aware of enemy strength and positions and refused to march on the city itself without adequate naval support to divert the American forces. A squadron under the command of Commodore George Downie
sailed southward into the open lake to engage the American fleet commanded by Macdonough. In anticipation of the British fleet, Macdonough strategically positioned and anchored his fleet a short distance off shore from Plattsburgh and made further preparations for Downie's advance.
On September 11, Downie's forces departed from Isle-aux-Noix and sailed southward along the Richelieu River into Lake Champlain. Upon encountering Macdonough's fleet waiting in Plattsburgh harbor, Downie immediately attacked, achieving the upper hand early in the battle, largely because of the great firepower of the 36-gun British flagship . As the battle unfolded the British squadron incurred considerable damage from close-range cannon fire. In the process an American cannon shot blasting a British cannon off its mount crushing and killing Downie himself. Through use of anchor and cable tactics, Macdonough in command of USS Saratoga
was able to swing his ship around the undamaged side of the British flagship gaining firepower superiority over the British fleet. As the poorly and hurriedly equipped Confiance with its inexperienced crew attempted the same tactic, Macdonough sized the opportunity and fired a broadside, severely damaging the British vessel and forcing its surrender. Having removed the British flagship from action, the Americans forces captured or destroyed the remaining larger ships in the fleet. Upon wresting control of Lake Champlain from the British, Macdonough's victory forced the British forces to retire to Canada
, the actions of which left no grounds for any claims by the British for any territory when the Ghent peace conference
convened on December 24. For his success in forcing the retreat of Prevost into Canada, Macdonough was duly promoted to the rank of Captain. He was also awarded the Congressional Gold Medal of honor at this time. He was also awarded by the State of New York a thousand acres of land in Cayuga county, with another hundred acres awarded to him from the State of Vermont, making the once modest commodore a wealthy man.
of command on July 1, 1815, and was placed in command of the Portsmouth Navy Yard for three years after which he returned to the Mediterranean Squadron as commander of the , a frigate
bearing 44 guns. In April 1818 Macdonough was striken with tuberculosis
but he still remained on duty for as long as possible.. After returning to America later in the year, he was given command of the a Ship of the line
, bearing 74 guns, which at the time was still under construction in New York harbor. From 1818 to 1823 Macdonough served as her captain.
After submitting several requests for active sea duty, Macdonough finally received command of the a 44-gun frigate
, in 1824. However, after he returned to the Mediterranean on October 14, 1825, Macdonough had to relieve himself of his command as his health continued to worsen. Intending to return to New York, Macdonough departed in , but his condition continued to worsen and on November 10, 1825, he died aboard ship while it was passing Gibraltar
.
MacDonough's body was returned to the United States and was buried in Middletown, Connecticut
. He was laid to rest alongside his wife Ann Shaler, a lady of a prominent family in Middletown, she having died just a few months earlier.
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Stephen Decatur
Stephen Decatur, Jr. , was an American naval officer notable for his many naval victories in the early 19th century. He was born on the eastern shore of Maryland, Worcester county, the son of a U.S. Naval Officer who served during the American Revolution. Shortly after attending college Decatur...
at Tripoli, he was a member of "Preble
Edward Preble
Edward Preble was a United States naval officer.-Early life and Revolutionary War:Preble was born at Falmouth, Eastern Massachusetts, now Portland, Maine, 15 August 1761, the son of Gen. Jedidiah Preble. As a boy, his home was destroyed in the burning of Falmouth by British Naval Commander Henry...
's Boys", a select group of U.S. naval officers who served under the command of Commodore Preble's during the First Barbary War
First Barbary War
The First Barbary War , also known as the Barbary Coast War or the Tripolitan War, was the first of two wars fought between the United States and the North African Berber Muslim states known collectively as the Barbary States...
. Macdonough achieved great fame during the War of 1812
War of 1812
The War of 1812 was a military conflict fought between the forces of the United States of America and those of the British Empire. The Americans declared war in 1812 for several reasons, including trade restrictions because of Britain's ongoing war with France, impressment of American merchant...
, commanding the American naval forces that defeated the British navy at the Battle of Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain is a natural, freshwater lake in North America, located mainly within the borders of the United States but partially situated across the Canada—United States border in the Canadian province of Quebec.The New York portion of the Champlain Valley includes the eastern portions of...
ultimately bringing an end to that war.
Early life
Major Thomas Macdonough Senior, Captain Thomas Macdonough's father, lived at a farm referred to as “The Trap” (also spelled 'Trapp'), in the county of New Castle, DelawareDelaware
Delaware is a U.S. state located on the Atlantic Coast in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It is bordered to the south and west by Maryland, and to the north by Pennsylvania...
. He received a contemporary education here but it remains uncertain if he attended any sort of formal schools or was taught by family members or a tutor. Macdonough was a tall, dignified man with a commanding character which suited him well for military service. He was a devoutly religious man of Episcopal faith, as were his parents and greater family. He was known to adhere to a set of steadfast principles in his personal and military life.
Thomas Macdonough Jr. was born in New Castle County, Delaware
New Castle County, Delaware
New Castle County is the northernmost of the three counties of the U.S. state of Delaware. As of 2010 its population was 538,479, an increase of 7.6% over the previous decade. The county seat is Wilmington. The center of population of Delaware is located in New Castle County, in the town of...
which later was named MacDonough, Delaware
MacDonough, Delaware
MacDonough is a small unincorporated communiy in New Castle County, Delaware, United States. The community lies north of Odessa and just due south of St. Georges. It is named for Captain Thomas MacDonough....
in his honor. He was employed in Middletown as a clerk upon the return of his brother James who lost a leg in a naval battle with a French vessel in 1799 during the Quasi-War
Quasi-War
The Quasi-War was an undeclared war fought mostly at sea between the United States and French Republic from 1798 to 1800. In the United States, the conflict was sometimes also referred to as the Franco-American War, the Pirate Wars, or the Half-War.-Background:The Kingdom of France had been a...
with France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
. Shortly after Macdonough requested a commission with the United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
with the assistance of Senator Latimer from the state of Delaware.
Before joining the Navy, Thomas, Jr., for unknown reasons, changed the spelling of his last name from "McDonough" to "MacDonough.
On May 27, 1800 at the age of sixteen Macdonough secured a warrant and served as a midshipman
Midshipman
A midshipman is an officer cadet, or a commissioned officer of the lowest rank, in the Royal Navy, United States Navy, and many Commonwealth navies. Commonwealth countries which use the rank include Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Kenya...
aboard the 24-gun , a corvette
Corvette
A corvette is a small, maneuverable, lightly armed warship, originally smaller than a frigate and larger than a coastal patrol craft or fast attack craft , although many recent designs resemble frigates in size and role...
class ship, converted over from a merchantman
Merchantman
A merchantman is any non-naval vessel, including Tankers, freighters, or cargo ships, but not troopships.Merchantman may refer to:*ST Merchantman, a tug in service with United Towing Co Ltd from 1946 to 1962...
vessel and outfitted as a man-of-war.
Under the command of Captain John Mullowny the Ganges then set sail for the West Indies. During operations there she captured three French merchant ships between May and September. When hostilities between the United States and France had finally ended the following year on October 20, 1801, Macdonough was assigned to the, , a 38-gun frigate, commanded by Alexander Murray which was about to embark on its mission in the Mediterranean sea. While serving aboard Constellation he received a thorough education in seamanship, navigation and gunnery from Murray.
First Barbary War
Macdonough served aboard the Constellation in January 1802 under the command of Captain Alexander Murray, and served with distinction in naval operations against TripoliTripoli
Tripoli is the capital and largest city in Libya. It is also known as Western Tripoli , to distinguish it from Tripoli, Lebanon. It is affectionately called The Mermaid of the Mediterranean , describing its turquoise waters and its whitewashed buildings. Tripoli is a Greek name that means "Three...
during the First Barbary War
First Barbary War
The First Barbary War , also known as the Barbary Coast War or the Tripolitan War, was the first of two wars fought between the United States and the North African Berber Muslim states known collectively as the Barbary States...
. This was the same ship that his brother James had served on a few years earlier. While serving aboard this ship Macdonough received lessons from Captain Murray in the nautical sciences and on how to improve his service as a junior office.
In 1803 Navy Secretary selected Macdonough to serve aboard the , a 38-gun frigate, commanded by William Bainbridge
William Bainbridge
William Bainbridge was a Commodore in the United States Navy, notable for his victory over HMS Java during the War of 1812.-Early life:...
. Macdonough was aboard this ship when it captured the Moroccan ship, the Mirboka on August 26, 1803. Shortly before the Philadelphia ran aground and was consequently captured by the Tripolitans Macdonough had gone ashore on leave. He was reassigned on October 31 to the 12-gun sloop under the command of Lieutenant Stephen Decatur
Stephen Decatur
Stephen Decatur, Jr. , was an American naval officer notable for his many naval victories in the early 19th century. He was born on the eastern shore of Maryland, Worcester county, the son of a U.S. Naval Officer who served during the American Revolution. Shortly after attending college Decatur...
. Macdonough volunteered to join Decatur's successful raid into the harbor of Tripoli. On February 6, 1804, they succeeded in burning and destroying the Philadelphia. His role in the operation was a crucial one as Macdonough had recently served aboard that ship and knew the layout of the vessel from stem to stern. For his heroic actions he was promoted to acting Lieutenant.
Other service
After winning promotion to Lieutenant for his participation in the raid on the Philadelphia, Macdonough served aboard the 18 gun BrigBrig
A brig is a sailing vessel with two square-rigged masts. During the Age of Sail, brigs were seen as fast and manoeuvrable and were used as both naval warships and merchant vessels. They were especially popular in the 18th and early 19th centuries...
the , the same vessel used to assist the Intrepid at Tripoli. Assisting Isaac Hull
Isaac Hull
-External links:* *...
he then supervised the construction of several gunboats in Middletown, Connecticut
Middletown, Connecticut
Middletown is a city located in Middlesex County, Connecticut, along the Connecticut River, in the central part of the state, 16 miles south of Hartford. In 1650, it was incorporated as a town under its original Indian name, Mattabeseck. It received its present name in 1653. In 1784, the central...
. In January of 1806 Macdonough was promoted to a commission of Lieutenant.
As commander of the 18-gun , Macdonough served patrolling waters near Great Britain and in various points in the Mediterranean before finally returning to America and enforcing the Embargo Act and the Atlantic blockade from 1807 and 1808.
In 1809 he served aboard the USS Essex
USS Essex
USS Essex may refer to:, was a 32-gun sailing frigate launched in 1799, participated in the War of 1812, and captured in 1814**Essex Junior, was a British whaler captured by Essex and put into service until recaptured in 1814...
with Captain Smith but later requested reassignment and was placed in charge of several gunboats located in Middleton, Connecticut, the town where his future wife Ann Shaler happened to be living.
With the repeal of the Embargo Act, the role of the navy became less active, with a fifth of its officers away on furlough at half pay. MacDonough remained in Middleton for only eight months before requesting a furlough in June of 1810. From 1810 to 1812, Macdonough took a leave of absence for two years as the captain of a British merchantman ship that was en-route to India.
War of 1812
At the beginning of the War of 1812 American naval forces were very small, allowing the British to make many advances into the Great LakesGreat Lakes
The Great Lakes are a collection of freshwater lakes located in northeastern North America, on the Canada – United States border. Consisting of Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, they form the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth by total surface, coming in second by volume...
and northern New York waterways. The roles played by commanders like Oliver Hazard Perry
Oliver Hazard Perry
United States Navy Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry was born in South Kingstown, Rhode Island , the son of USN Captain Christopher Raymond Perry and Sarah Wallace Alexander, a direct descendant of William Wallace...
at Lake Erie
Lake Erie
Lake Erie is the fourth largest lake of the five Great Lakes in North America, and the tenth largest globally. It is the southernmost, shallowest, and smallest by volume of the Great Lakes and therefore also has the shortest average water residence time. It is bounded on the north by the...
and Isaac Chauncey
Isaac Chauncey
Isaac Chauncey was an officer in the United States Navy.-Biography:Chauncey, born in Black Rock, Connecticut, 20 February 1779, was appointed a Lieutenant in the Navy from 17 September 1798...
at Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario is one of the five Great Lakes of North America. It is bounded on the north and southwest by the Canadian province of Ontario, and on the south by the American state of New York. Ontario, Canada's most populous province, was named for the lake. In the Wyandot language, ontarío means...
and Thomas Macdonough at Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain is a natural, freshwater lake in North America, located mainly within the borders of the United States but partially situated across the Canada—United States border in the Canadian province of Quebec.The New York portion of the Champlain Valley includes the eastern portions of...
all proved vital to the naval effort that was largely responsible for winning that war.
Assigned to the USS Constellation, as 1st Lieutenant, Macdonough returned to active service just prior to the outbreak of the war in June of 1812. The ship at this time was being outfitted and supplied in Washington, DC, for its next mission but was still months away from being ready, moreover it did not escape from the British blockade at the Chesapeake Bay
Chesapeake Bay
The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States. It lies off the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by Maryland and Virginia. The Chesapeake Bay's drainage basin covers in the District of Columbia and parts of six states: New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and West...
until 1814.
Taking leave from his assignment at Lake Champlain Macdonough married Lucy Anne Shaler on December 12, 1812 at the Christ Church in Middleton by Bishop Abraham Jarvis.
After he requested transfer to a more active front and was assigned command to a squadron of gunboats defending Portland, Maine
Portland, Maine
Portland is the largest city in Maine and is the county seat of Cumberland County. The 2010 city population was 66,194, growing 3 percent since the census of 2000...
. His stay there was brief when he received new orders from Secretary of the Navy Hamilton
Paul Hamilton
Paul Hamilton was the 3rd United States Secretary of the Navy, from 1809 to 1813.Paul Hamilton was born in Saint Paul's Parish, South Carolina, on October 16, 1762. He left school at the age of sixteen due to financial problems...
and was reassigned to Burlington, Vermont
Burlington, Vermont
Burlington is the largest city in the U.S. state of Vermont and the shire town of Chittenden County. Burlington lies south of the U.S.-Canadian border and some south of Montreal....
to command U.S. naval forces in Lake Champlain in October of 1812.
On June 2, 1813, Macdonough sent Lieutenant Sidney Smith with the along with Sailing Master Loomis with to guard against British advances at the Canadian border at the Richelieu River
Richelieu River
The Richelieu River is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows from the north end of Lake Champlain about north, ending at the confluence with the St. Lawrence River at Sorel-Tracy, Quebec downstream and northeast of Montreal...
. The impatient Smith sailed into British waters, an action which was contrary to his orders, and at once found himself overpowered by the British squadron. After enduring four hours of battle Smith was finally forced into surrendering.
War of 1812
The War of 1812 was a military conflict fought between the forces of the United States of America and those of the British Empire. The Americans declared war in 1812 for several reasons, including trade restrictions because of Britain's ongoing war with France, impressment of American merchant...
Lake Champlain Campaign
When the War began in 1812 there were only two American naval vessels on Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain is a natural, freshwater lake in North America, located mainly within the borders of the United States but partially situated across the Canada—United States border in the Canadian province of Quebec.The New York portion of the Champlain Valley includes the eastern portions of...
, the Growler and the Eagle
USS Eagle (1812)
The second USS Eagle, a sloop, was a merchant ship purchased at Vergennes, Vermont on Lake Champlain in 1812 and fitted for naval service. The British captured her in 1813 and renamed her HMS Finch, only to lose her to the Americans at the Battle of Lake Champlain in 1814...
, each carrying ten guns with a crew of fifty. On June 3, 1813 the two vessels were pursuing a British gunboat but were caught up in a strong current that prevented them from maintaining their heading and position, giving the advantage to British forces, resulting in their capture. The loss of the two and only American vessels on the lake gave undisputed control of this strategic waterway to the British. This prompted MacDonough to begin the construction of the corvette
Corvette
A corvette is a small, maneuverable, lightly armed warship, originally smaller than a frigate and larger than a coastal patrol craft or fast attack craft , although many recent designs resemble frigates in size and role...
Saratoga
USS Saratoga (1814)
The second USS Saratoga, named for the Battles of Saratoga, was a corvette built on Lake Champlain for service in the War of 1812.-Service history:...
and the sloop Eagle
USS Eagle
USS Eagle may refer to:, was a 14-gun schooner in service from 1798 to 1801, was an 11-gun sloop in service on Lake Champlain during the War of 1812...
and several gunboats at the shipyard in Otter Creek at Vergennes, Vermont. While construction was underway, the Ticonderoga
USS Ticonderoga (1814)
The first USS Ticonderoga was a schooner in the United States Navy. Ticonderoga was built as a steamer in 1814 at Vergennes, Vermont. She was purchased by the Navy at Lake Champlain, converted to schooner rigging, and relaunched on 12 May 1814....
, a steamboat, was being converted to a warship carrying seventeen guns.
In 1814 the ice covering Lake Champlain, which usually lasted well into May, began melting and breaking up early in April and MacDonough feared that the British, who he assumed by now knew of the ship construction going on there, would use the opportunity to capture or destroy the vessels being built. Having learned of MacDonough's ship building activity the British constructed a heavily armed brig and five large gunboats at 'Isle Aux Noix'
Ile aux Noix
Île aux Noix is an island on the Richelieu River in Quebec, close to Lake Champlain. The island is the site of Fort Lennox National Historic Site. Politically, it is part of Saint-Paul-de-l'Île-aux-Noix.-Background:...
over the winter. As Macdonough had predicted, British forces attempted to navigate the lake but because of unfavorable winds British commander Daniel Pring
Daniel Pring
Daniel Pring was an officer in the British Royal Navy. He is best known for the part he played in the War of 1812 between Britain and the United States.He was born near Honiton in Devon...
, whose forces were based at Isle Aux Noix in upper Lake Champlain, didn't complete the 65 mile journey to Otter Creek until May 14. Upon arrival Pring situated his squadron in the lake just off Otter Creek with eight galleys and a bomb sloop, preventing the American forces passage north and to the sea. For one hour commander Pring maintained a heavy fire, however Macdonough had already learned of the attack beforehand from his observers on land and had prepared a defense in anticipation of this likely event. Using the guns of his ship he had landed them on shore at the mouth of Otter Creek, constructing a battery with which he repelled the attack and drove the Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
back to Isle Aux Noix in Canadian waters by autumn. With the way now clear Macdonough's squadron sailed out of Otter Creek and made their way to Plattsburgh where they dropped anchor just off shore in anticipation of the next and inevitable British advance.
Battle of Plattsburgh
By late August 1814, approximately 10,0000 British troops under the command of George PrevostGeorge Prevost
Sir George Prévost, 1st Baronet was a British soldier and colonial administrator. Born in Hackensack, New Jersey, the eldest son of Swiss French Augustine Prévost, he joined the British Army as a youth and became a captain in 1784. Prévost served in the West Indies during the French Revolutionary...
had assembled near Montreal at the US - Canadian border. Many of these soldiers were well-trained, regular troops who served under Wellington, already battle hardened from their recent defeat of Napoleon in Europe. Macdonough himself had little naval combat experience. His service in the Barbary wars was limited to gunboat actions and the capture and destruction of the Philadelphia. He had yet to experience a ship to ship action, being on a vessel that was receiving broadsides, surrounded by dead and wounded men. Regardless of this lack in experience Macdonough well understood that defending and holding Plattsburgh and not allowing General Macomb's troops to be surrounded by British forces on land and water was vital to winning the war.
On September 3rd Prevost's army crossed the border and marched into northern New York State and were advancing on Plattsburgh
Plattsburgh (city), New York
Plattsburgh is a city in and county seat of Clinton County, New York, United States. The population was 19,989 at the 2010 census. The population of the unincorporated areas within the Town of Plattsburgh was 11,870 as of the 2010 census; making the population for the immediate, urban Plattsburgh,...
, which was held by General Macomb with less than 2,000 regular troops. Macomb's troops also had the support of the New York militia, under the command of General Mooers and the Vermont volunteers, under the command of General Strong. However Prevost who had arrived in earnest was yet aware of enemy strength and positions and refused to march on the city itself without adequate naval support to divert the American forces. A squadron under the command of Commodore George Downie
George Downie
George Downie was a British Royal Navy officer during the War of 1812. He commanded the British squadron which attacked the American fleet anchored at Plattsburgh Bay in Lake Champlain during the Battle of Plattsburgh on September 11, 1814...
sailed southward into the open lake to engage the American fleet commanded by Macdonough. In anticipation of the British fleet, Macdonough strategically positioned and anchored his fleet a short distance off shore from Plattsburgh and made further preparations for Downie's advance.
On September 11, Downie's forces departed from Isle-aux-Noix and sailed southward along the Richelieu River into Lake Champlain. Upon encountering Macdonough's fleet waiting in Plattsburgh harbor, Downie immediately attacked, achieving the upper hand early in the battle, largely because of the great firepower of the 36-gun British flagship . As the battle unfolded the British squadron incurred considerable damage from close-range cannon fire. In the process an American cannon shot blasting a British cannon off its mount crushing and killing Downie himself. Through use of anchor and cable tactics, Macdonough in command of USS Saratoga
USS Saratoga (1814)
The second USS Saratoga, named for the Battles of Saratoga, was a corvette built on Lake Champlain for service in the War of 1812.-Service history:...
was able to swing his ship around the undamaged side of the British flagship gaining firepower superiority over the British fleet. As the poorly and hurriedly equipped Confiance with its inexperienced crew attempted the same tactic, Macdonough sized the opportunity and fired a broadside, severely damaging the British vessel and forcing its surrender. Having removed the British flagship from action, the Americans forces captured or destroyed the remaining larger ships in the fleet. Upon wresting control of Lake Champlain from the British, Macdonough's victory forced the British forces to retire to Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, the actions of which left no grounds for any claims by the British for any territory when the Ghent peace conference
Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent , signed on 24 December 1814, in Ghent , was the peace treaty that ended the War of 1812 between the United States of America and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland...
convened on December 24. For his success in forcing the retreat of Prevost into Canada, Macdonough was duly promoted to the rank of Captain. He was also awarded the Congressional Gold Medal of honor at this time. He was also awarded by the State of New York a thousand acres of land in Cayuga county, with another hundred acres awarded to him from the State of Vermont, making the once modest commodore a wealthy man.
Later days
Macdonough relieved Isaac HullIsaac Hull
-External links:* *...
of command on July 1, 1815, and was placed in command of the Portsmouth Navy Yard for three years after which he returned to the Mediterranean Squadron as commander of the , a frigate
Frigate
A frigate is any of several types of warship, the term having been used for ships of various sizes and roles over the last few centuries.In the 17th century, the term was used for any warship built for speed and maneuverability, the description often used being "frigate-built"...
bearing 44 guns. In April 1818 Macdonough was striken with tuberculosis
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis, MTB, or TB is a common, and in many cases lethal, infectious disease caused by various strains of mycobacteria, usually Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis usually attacks the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body...
but he still remained on duty for as long as possible.. After returning to America later in the year, he was given command of the a Ship of the line
Ship of the line
A ship of the line was a type of naval warship constructed from the 17th through the mid-19th century to take part in the naval tactic known as the line of battle, in which two columns of opposing warships would manoeuvre to bring the greatest weight of broadside guns to bear...
, bearing 74 guns, which at the time was still under construction in New York harbor. From 1818 to 1823 Macdonough served as her captain.
After submitting several requests for active sea duty, Macdonough finally received command of the a 44-gun frigate
Frigate
A frigate is any of several types of warship, the term having been used for ships of various sizes and roles over the last few centuries.In the 17th century, the term was used for any warship built for speed and maneuverability, the description often used being "frigate-built"...
, in 1824. However, after he returned to the Mediterranean on October 14, 1825, Macdonough had to relieve himself of his command as his health continued to worsen. Intending to return to New York, Macdonough departed in , but his condition continued to worsen and on November 10, 1825, he died aboard ship while it was passing Gibraltar
Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a British overseas territory located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula at the entrance of the Mediterranean. A peninsula with an area of , it has a northern border with Andalusia, Spain. The Rock of Gibraltar is the major landmark of the region...
.
MacDonough's body was returned to the United States and was buried in Middletown, Connecticut
Middletown, Connecticut
Middletown is a city located in Middlesex County, Connecticut, along the Connecticut River, in the central part of the state, 16 miles south of Hartford. In 1650, it was incorporated as a town under its original Indian name, Mattabeseck. It received its present name in 1653. In 1784, the central...
. He was laid to rest alongside his wife Ann Shaler, a lady of a prominent family in Middletown, she having died just a few months earlier.
Legacy
- Several U.S. NavyUnited States NavyThe United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
ships have been named in his honor. - In 1937, at the urging of Franklin D. RooseveltFranklin D. RooseveltFranklin Delano Roosevelt , also known by his initials, FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States and a central figure in world events during the mid-20th century, leading the United States during a time of worldwide economic crisis and world war...
, the U.S. Post Office issued a series of five postage stampsPostage stampA postage stamp is a small piece of paper that is purchased and displayed on an item of mail as evidence of payment of postage. Typically, stamps are made from special paper, with a national designation and denomination on the face, and a gum adhesive on the reverse side...
honoring the U.S. Navy and various naval heroes in American history. Stephen DecaturStephen DecaturStephen Decatur, Jr. , was an American naval officer notable for his many naval victories in the early 19th century. He was born on the eastern shore of Maryland, Worcester county, the son of a U.S. Naval Officer who served during the American Revolution. Shortly after attending college Decatur...
and Thomas MacDonough (right) appearing on the two-cent denomination, were among the few chosen to appear in this commemorative series. - The annual Commodore Macdonough sailboat race, is a nonstop 74 nautical miles (137 km) overnighter sponsored by the Lake Champlain Yacht Club located in Shelburne, VT that has been held every September on the lake since 1968.
- The New York State University of New York located at Plattsburgh, Plattsburgh, N.Y. has a dormitory with the name Macdonough Hall; the hall being the oldest dormitory, and initial dorm building.
- There is a 135 feet (41.1 m) tall obeliskObeliskAn obelisk is a tall, four-sided, narrow tapering monument which ends in a pyramid-like shape at the top, and is said to resemble a petrified ray of the sun-disk. A pair of obelisks usually stood in front of a pylon...
that is located across from City Hall in Plattsburgh, N.Y. known as the Macdonough Monument which honors the victory of American soldiers and sailors in the Battle of Plattsburgh. - Camano IslandCamano IslandCamano Island is a large island in the Possession Sound portion of Puget Sound, located in Island County, Washington, between Whidbey Island and the mainland. The body of water separating Whidbey Island and Camano Island is called Saratoga Passage. Camano Island is separated from mainland...
(formerly known as Macdonough Island), Washington. Charles WilkesCharles WilkesCharles Wilkes was an American naval officer and explorer. He led the United States Exploring Expedition, 1838-1842 and commanded the ship in the Trent Affair during the American Civil War...
, during the Wilkes Expedition of 1838-1842, named the island in honor of Macdonough in tribute to his victory at the Battle of Plattsburgh (aka Battle of Lake Champlain) that ended the War of 1812. - McDonough County, Illinois is named after Thomas MacDonough, its seat being located in MacombMacomb, IllinoisMacomb is a city in and the county seat of McDonough County, Illinois, United States. It is situated in western Illinois southwest of Galesburg. The population was 18,588 at the 2000 census. Macomb is the home of Western Illinois University.- Geography :...
. - Two elementary schools, one in St. Georges, Delaware and one in Middletown, ConnecticutMiddletown, ConnecticutMiddletown is a city located in Middlesex County, Connecticut, along the Connecticut River, in the central part of the state, 16 miles south of Hartford. In 1650, it was incorporated as a town under its original Indian name, Mattabeseck. It received its present name in 1653. In 1784, the central...
are named in honor of MacDonough. - MacDonough Street in the Stuyvesant Heights section of Brooklyn, New York is named after Thomas MacDonough. MacDonough Street runs parallel to Decatur Street, one block away, named after Stephen Decatur, with whom MacDonough served during the Barbary War.
See also
- Naval tactics in the Age of SailNaval tactics in the Age of SailNaval tactics in the Age of Sail were used from the early 17th century onward when sailing ships replaced oared galleys. These were used until the 1860s when steam-powered ironclad warships rendered sailing line of battle ships obsolete.-Early history:...
- List of sailing frigates of the United States Navy
- History of the United States NavyHistory of the United States NavyThe history of the United States Navy divides into two major periods: the "Old Navy", a small but respected force of sailing ships that was also notable for innovation in the use of ironclads during the American Civil War, and the "New Navy", the result of a modernization effort that began in the...
- Naval artillery in the Age of SailNaval artillery in the Age of SailNaval artillery in the Age of Sail encompasses the period of roughly 1571-1863: when large, sail-powered wooden naval warships dominated the high seas, mounting a bewildering variety of different types and sizes of cannon as their main armament. By modern standards, these cannon were extremely...
- United States NavyUnited States NavyThe United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
- List of United States Navy ships