The attack on Kingston Harbour during the War of 1812

Warof1812
Attack on Kingston Harbor

Chauncey launches his attack

Chauncey had prepared his fleet by November 6, 1812. Commodore Chauncey wrote on that day that "I have reason to believe that Royal George, Prince Regent and Duke of Gloucester [British ships harbored in Kingston] have gone up the lake with troops to reinforce Fort George", and he took steps to intercept them. Chauncey's fleet consisted of the Oneida and six armed merchant schooners including the Hamilton, for a total of 40 guns and 430 men and he estimated the British fleet at 108 guns and 890 men. Moving into Lake Ontario the American fleet saw the British vessels at a distance and pursued them into the Bay of Quinte but lost them as night fell.

The next day, Chauncey's fleet saw the British at anchor in the channel leading to Kingston. The Americans moved into the channel and captured two schooners; but since the new vessels would delay their pursuit, one ship was burnt, while the second was kept to bait the Royal George the next day.

On the morning of the 9th of November, the American flotilla followed the Royal George right into Kingston harbour, and engaged the British ships and the harbour batteries for an hour and 45 minutes.

View of Kingston Harbour

Ned Myers was aboard the Oneida and gives this account of the battle:

"The firing was sharp on both sides...We drove the Royal George from a second anchorage, quick up to a berth abreast of the town...We gave her nothing but round shot from our gun..."

Chauncey's Report of the Battle

Chauncey reported that some of the shot fired at the Royal George passed into town, causing some destruction. As for the Royal George, her rigging was cut away, three of her guns were unmounted, and she received four shot "between wind and water".

The Kingston Gazette described the battle on November 17, 1812:

"Early on Tuesday morning last, information was conveyed to town that seven American vessels, full of men, were approaching. At day light the troops and militia were under arms, and detachments were immediately sent to occupy the different avenues to the town...should [the enemy] be disposed to land....About two o'clock they approached the town and were fired at from all our Batteries. They kept up a brisk fire..til after sunset,...having done no other mischief than killing one man on board the Royal George... Persons of every age flocked into town from every quarter, eager to repulse the invaders..."

After this attack, Chauncey retired to Sackets Harbor, but he maintained a blockade at Kingston harbour until winter set in.

To see how ships are maintained in the winter, click here.

How did the crew keep busy during the winter months? Click here.

Captain Yeo takes command of the English fleet

Back to the War of 1812 Page

| Continue the Guided Tour |