Home


HISTORY

Sunk or not Sunk

Extract of a letter from an officer on board the U.S. ship Gen. Pike, on Lake Ontario, Sept. 14, 1813.

We have had a running fight with the enemy of six hours-this ship only able to get near him. We have driven him in, and have received very little damage-a few shot in the bull, and our sails and rigging a little cut. Could our fleet have got up, we should have gained a glorious victory-it is now half a one, as he is driven from the head of the lake, in the face of both armies. In great haste.

From information just received from Sodus, and in which we place much confidence, we state that two of the enemy's vessels, captured by Commodore Chauncey's squadron were seen lying off Putneyville; and it is reported from the same source, that another of their vessels, said to be the Royal George or Prince Regent, was sunk. We are in expectation momently to hear further particulars of this important event.

Although this article is not dissimilar to the one below from Springfield, still we must doubt its credibility, more particularly so, as the letter from an officer on board the Gen. Pike, of the same date, makes no mention of any captures, or particular loss on either side.

-- Published in the Boston Weekly Messenger - September 24, 1813.

The Boston weekly was correct, both sides sustained no losses.