Existing comment:
Lake Champlain Campaign:
"Our Guns on the starboard side, being nearly all dismounted, or not manageable, a Stern anchor was let go, the bower Cable cut, and the ship winded with a fresh broadside on the Enemy's ship, which soon after surrendered..."
-- Thomas Macdonough
In summer 1814, both the United States and British massed troops and ships for a decisive battle at the northern end of Lake Champlain. The fighting resulted in a victory for the Americans, leading to the successful conclusion of treaty negotiations in Ghent, Belgium. Located in a strategic position, Lake Champlain became the focus of American and British naval efforts. American control would permit a United States attack on Montreal, and British control would have isolated the New England states.
Thomas Macdonough distinguished himself during the First Barbary War rising to Lieutenant. During the War of 1812, he served as Commander of the Champlain Fleet. His skillful leadership at the Battle of Lake Champlain earned him a promotion to captain. Macdonough's victory ended the British offensive aimed at splitting the United States, which led British negotiators in Ghent to drop demands for a separate American Indian nation. |