Existing comment:
Sir George Cockburn:
Sir George Cockburn played a major role in the War of 1812 as second in command to Admiral Sir John Borlase Warren until the end of March 1814 and then to Warren's successor, Admiral Sir Alexander Cockrane. Cockburn cruised unremittingly up and down the Chesapeake Bay and other parts of the Atlantic coast in 1813 and 1814, seizing American shipping, disrupting commerce, raiding ports, burning homes, and barns, and absconding with livestock and supplies. From April 1814 to the end of the war, Cockburn was responsible for carrying out his government's instructions to encourage the emigration of the enslaved Black population. In addition he implemented his own plan of recruiting a Corps of Colonial Marines from among the Black population.
Cockburn was a highly capable commander and brilliant strategist. He understood the advantages of a hit-and-run amphibious campaign and avoided extended land operations. The farthest he went from his ships while in the Chesapeake region was during the attack on Washington.
Cockburn underestimated Americans, however, and seemed unable to understand their resistance to a British invasion. He punished the civilian population mercilessly whenever they took up arms and allowed brutality by his men.
"At a banquet in Annapolis the following toast was given with great enthusiasm: "Admirals Warren and Cockburn: May the eternal vengeance of Heaven hurl them to some station that will terminate their inhuman butcheries and savage cruelties -- they disgrace human nature."
$1,000 Dollar Reward:
For the head of "the notorious incendiary and infamous scoundrel, and violator [of] all laws, human and divine, the British admiral COCKBURN -- or, give hundred dollars for each of his ears on delivery."
-- James O. Boyle, "naturalized Irishman," Pugh Town, Va.
-- Niles' Weekly Register, Baltimore, August 21, 1813 |