Remarks & c on the Navigation of the Lakes Erie, St. Clair, Huron & Ontario, ca. 1816

Cameron, Chantal

Remarks & c on the Navigation of the Lakes Erie, St. Clair, Huron & Ontario, ca. 1816

Files

Remarks on the navigation of the Great Lakes RG 729.pdf (124.88 KB)

Date

2022-03-22

Authors

Cameron, Chantal

Abstract

Includes an unpublished manuscript report titled Remarks & c on the Navigation of the Lakes Erie, St. Clair, Huron & Ontario by Henry Kent, Lieut., R.N. [Royal Navy]. The document appears to be a guidebook for Great Lakes navigation, with special consideration to naval operations. It describes the various harbours, sheltering places, and British and American military and naval establishments on the Great Lakes during the early 19th century. There are numerous references to naval operations on the great Lakes during the War of 1812. The document is divided into two parts: “Sailing directions & c for Lakes Erie & Huron” and “Sailing directions for Lake Ontario”.

References to Niagara and the War of 1812 are included in the document. Kent writes that “the Welland River or Chippewa Creek is situated about a mile and a half above the Falls on the Niagara River and from the mouth of it being a military post during the War was considered a secure place for sinking the small Vessels after the Fleet on Lake Erie was captured by the Americans…to this place I was dispatched in 1815…to assist in the construction of two large Schooners, taking 120 Artificers with me and a Guard of Thirty Marines…we lay up the Keels and on the [ ] of August launched them, the one names Tecumseh and the Newash & former I obtained command of”. He also mentions Black Rock, Fort Erie, and Snake Hill.

Also includes a letter by William Robins of the United States Navy to Lt. Silas Duncan of the United States Navy, dated at Kingston, Upper Canada, August 2, 1819. The letter concerns Henry Kent. The writer states that “this will be handed by Lieutenant Henry Kent of his Majesty’s Navy. Permit me to say that his general deportment to our Countrymen has given him a sincere reception by the Navy Officers on the station at Sackett’s Harbour where I am at present Station’d. The very marked politeness I have received through his introduction strongly claims from me a reciprocity—any attention you can render Mr. Kent will be acknowledged by me with true regard and will be esteemed as conferred on myself”.

Description

Henry Kent entered the Royal Navy in 1800 as a First Class Volunteer. In 1804 he was appointed Midshipman. He was later promoted to a Master’s Mate and finally Lieutenant aboard the HMS Fantome in 1811. The Fantome was part of the British squadron operating in Chesapeake Bay in 1813. He was highly regarded by his peers and was appointed First Lieutenant of the Princess Charlotte frigate in 1814. In the absence of the ship’s Captain, Kent assumed command of the ship during the Battle of Fort Oswego. That same year he was placed in command of a division of the Ontario squadron and was later appointed Superintendent of the Naval Depot at Penetanguishene. In 1819 he took up residence at Champlain due to illness, and remained there until 1822. That same year he returned home and was promoted to the rank of Commander.