Historical Battle Overview
On Lake Ontario, near the mouth of the Genesee River on 11 September 1813, an American squadron, commanded by Commodore Isaac Chauncey exchanged gunfire with their British counterparts, commanded by Commodore Sir James Lucas Yeo.
Historical Outcome
Though the British received the worst of it, the long range exchange lasted about an hour and a half. The Americans gave chase the to the British who are becalmed on Lake Ontario. Due to the American superiority in long guns, damage to both sides proved almost inconsequential but several ships were badly damaged; and the British escaped afterwards into Amherst Bay.
The campaign of 1813 had been intensely frustrating to both commanders: Chauncey, superior in long guns, had failed to find or create an opportunity to use them decisively, while Yeo had consistently lacked the favourable winds which would have enabled him to make effective use of his powerful but short-range carronades.
Briefings and Orders of Battle
Commodore Sir James Lucas Yeo :
The Americans must be swept from Lake Ontario if only to prevent raids such as the one on York in April of this year.
Your squadron has consistently lacked the favourable winds which would have enabled you to make
effective use of your powerful but short-range carronades. Perhaps, today will be that favourable day.
It is now 9:00am, 11 September 1813. What orders do your commanders have?
For a detailed
Order of Battle click HERE.
Commodore Isaac Chauncey, U.S.N. :
The British must be swept from the lake. Once the Lake Ontario is secured, an earnest assault of the
key British base at Kingston could soon be undertaken. Your squadron is superior to the British
in long guns, but have since failed to find or create an opportunity to use them decisively.
Perhaps, today a decisive victory can be gained.
It is now 9:00am, 11 September 1813. What orders do your commanders have?
For a detailed Order of Battle click HERE.
Genesee River : September 11, 1813 - Map :
Genesee River : September 11, 1813 - After Action Report
A faint breeze was blowing from the southwest as the two opposing squadrons slowly closed the distance between them.
The British squadron, found itself, in a faltering wind, positioned between the American squadron and the Lake Ontario shoreline of New York, was slowly sailing in a southeasterly direction in a line ahead formation. Leading the British squadron was Commodore Yeo's flagship, the Wolfe, followed by the Royal George, Lord Melville, Earl of Moira, Sidney Smith, Beresford, Confiance, and Hamilton.
The American squadron, also sailing in a southeasterly direction found itself positioned off the port bow, and moving parallel to their British counterparts. Leading the American squadron was Commodore Chauncey's flagship the General Pike, followed by the Madison, Sylph, Oneida, Governor Tomkins, Conquest, Ontario, Fair American, Asp, Pert, and Lady of the Lake.
As the distance gradually closed between the two opposing squadrons, a signal was sent from Commodore Yeo, aboard the Wolfe, to the Sidney Smith ordering it to turn to directly towards the American line. As well, the Beresford, Confiance, and Hamilton were ordered to follow the Sidney Smith, and turned in succession towards the enemy. Soon afterwards, the first fire was exchanged between the two opposing squadrons.
At the van of the respective lines, the leading ships exchanged fire, inflicting minor damage to each other.
At the rear of the American line, the Ontario turned sharply to port to avoid the Sidney Smith, who was raking both the Ontario and Conquest as it crossed was crossing its bow.
With the van of the two opposing squadrons now at close range, the damage suffered by both sides mounted with each successive broadside. Chauncey brought his ships around to the starboard in an effort to rake the lead British ships, but his British counterpart, began turning to starboard and successfully turned inside the American maneuver. During the opening salvoes of this engagement, a fire broke out on the Madison that was quickly brought under control and extinguished.
The engagement began breaking down into a series of individual, yet fierce actions along the now two separate battle lines. The two respective flagships squared off against each other with the Wolfe taking considerably more damage than it was delivering to the General Pike. As well, the Madison continued to focus its fire on the British flagship.
Further down the line, the smaller ships of the respective squadrons were similarly engaged, but owing to their limited firepower, overall damage sustained was relatively minor.
Yeo, aboard the Wolfe, continued engaging the General Pike and Madison, even though cumulative damage had reduced the Wolfe's maneuverability considerably. Adding to this loss of maneuverability, the Wolfe's wheel was temporarily lamed by enemy fire, which prevented her from turning.
At the other end of the line, the British ships now began concentrating the fire on the Ontario and Fair American, forcing the latter to strike its colors.
Accepting the fact that the Wolfe, having lost its main masts, and therefore the ability to maneuver, Yeo resolved himself to transfer his flag to the Lord Melville, which was accomplished almost unnoticed owing to the smoke hanging over the lead ships. No sooner was this transfer completed and Yeo's command ensign hoisted on the Lord Melville, that the Wolfe finally succumbed to damage and began taking on water, forcing the remaining crew to abandon ship.
The General Pike and Madison now focused their fire on the next ship in the British line, the Royal George, whose crew was detailed to repair extensive waterline damage sustained in the recent exchanges.
The Royal George, now unable to continue, stuck its colors. Before an American prize crew could take control, the Royal George shared the same fate as the Wolfe and slid beneath the waves.
Yeo, having lost his two largest ships, had no intention of losing any more this day, and signaled the squadron to break off action.
The only British success was the taking of the Fair American, now being towed off by the Hamilton.
Conclusion
Though the battle did result in an American victory, both sides can be commended for their respective actions. The British took a bold move by severing the American line, which succeeded in netting only one small ship.
The Americans remained focused on the largest enemy ships, and by dispatching them, assured their eventual victory.
Hats off to all participants!
Next Naval Action
Burlington Races : September 28, 1813 - To be tabled at CanalCon III (September, 2005)
