Lincoln Sneezed

by Brian Boyington

  One day after leaving Sarnia, the trains carrying Meade’s army halted five miles from London due to sabotage of the tracks. Five of the saboteurs were captured and hung as they were not in uniform. Meade’s infantry battalions formed up and moved into the city. The local militia had mustered and set roadblocks and barricades at many intersections. There was sporadic resistance at the outskirts which intensified as Meade’s soldiers moved forward. Not wanting a total bloodbath, Meade advanced on three sides, leaving the eastern side open for the militia to use as an escape valve. United States cavalry regiments deployed a few miles east of London, to cut off their escape.

  The next day, Meade’s forces were in the center of the city and pushed east. Following several hours of the house to house fighting, the militia began to withdraw. The retreat was orderly at first but quickly became disorderly when as the houses began to be more widely separated. More US troops began to move around the militia flanks. A quick advance up the middle resulted in a full retreat. The cavalry regiments then moved in from the rear to seal off the escape. Some units stood and fought bravely, but most threw down their weapons and surrendered.

  The battle for the city had been costly. Meade’s army had sustained 325 casualties including 96 slain. The Militia had suffered more. The entire 1000 man regiment had been either killed, wounded or captured. A cemetery situated on the side of the last battlefield became the final resting place of the dead Unite States soldiers. The Militia dead were laid out to be identified by residents and taken for burial. The captured militia rode the train back to Port Huron for internment in a prisoner of war camp.

  The city itself was severely damaged. Over 1/3 of the structures were still burning or totally collapsed. Meade’s men were assigned to prevent the fires from spreading. Dynamite explosions created fire breaks. Eventually, the fires burned themselves out.

  Telegraph messages went back to Port Huron requesting another 5,000 men from the Michigan militia to occupy the city and surrounding areas. The troop arrived by railroad within two days. Military hospitals were set up to treat the wounded, as the local hospitals were overwhelmed.

  Meade sent 5000 men by train to try to link up with Grant in Hamilton. A regiment of cavalry rode ahead as a screen and to scout out any British activity. Near the village of Paris, the cavalry discovered a damaged railroad bridge. They also met Grant’s cavalry which probed west. Two days later the railroad tracks had been replaced, and trains were again moving from Port Huron to Hamilton. Communications improved with telegraph lines connecting London to Hamilton and another from Hamilton to Buffalo. Within a week after the start of the war, Lincoln was informed that Canadian peninsula between Detroit and Buffalo was under American Control.

  Penobscot River, Maine

  Admiral Williamson’s reduced fleet sailed on up the Penobscot. He chose the west fork of the river at Verona Island, as troops could be landed south of Fork Knox in Prospect Maine. Fort Knox was a three-story granite fortification built on top of a 100-foot high cliff overlooking the Penobscot Narrows, where the east and west branches joined. There was a double wall protecting the land side of the fort that was cleared of trees up to 500 feet from the dry moat. The fort had 96 cannons. These included twenty 15-inch Rodman Cannons on the parapeted roof and twenty 10”-inch Rodmans, twenty 8” Rodmans and 36 thirty-two pounders mounted in casements. Barracks for the 750 man garrison were on the first floor.

  Admiral Williamson landed 2,100 regular army soldiers and Royal Marines, along with light artillery 3 miles south of the fort. The fleet then proceeded under steam upstream to engage the fort’s batteries. His battleships were each equipped with twenty 68lb rifled cannons on the upper deck, and he was confident these could reduce the granite walls.

  The infantry would also coordinate their assault with the naval bombardment. The attack was intense, with the rifled cannons blasting chunks out of the granite walls. The return fire from the Rodman Cannons and the 32 pounders sank one of the frigates and disabled one of the battleships forcing it to ground on the east bank of Verona Island. There it was bombarded until an explosive shell penetrated the magazine and the battleship exploded.

  The infantry assault went in under cover of the naval bombardment, supported by the infantry’s light artillery. The regiments stepped off as on parade marching in rows across the open field. Rank after rank was shot down by the explosive cannon shot and canister. The lines moved forward crossed the dry moat and climbed the outer wall on scaling ladders. The garrison spiked the guns, withdrew across the second moat and raised the drawbridges.

  The naval bombardment continued. Only four of the 15” Rodmans were still firing, and the casements were nearing collapse. Still, the fort’s defenders continued the fight. One of the sloops sustained a hit at the waterline developed a list, then capsized and sank. Within an hour one after another the remaining 15-inch Rodmans were silenced. The surviving casement cannons fired back. A frigate crossed in front of the fort and fired its broadside into the casements. An explosive shot from the fort exploded midway up the mizzen mast. Rigging fell onto the deck, and splinters slaughtered officers and crew alike. As the crew of the frigate was cutting away the wreckage, several more cannon balls struck taking away the rudder. Without a means of steering, the frigate drifted down the river in the current.

  The British infantry made an assault across the inner dry moat. Scaling ladders reached holes in the granite walls and up went the attackers. Garrison members were cut down by volley fire into the breeches, and the Redcoats were inside the fort. The outnumbered, the garrison gave ground slowly, but soon the Redcoat infantrymen were firing at the cannon gunners. Using the cannon-fire as cover the surviving garrison continued to fight.

  With victory within his grasp, Admiral Williamson focused the fire of his two remaining battleships on the casements, blasting huge holes in the granite, silencing more of the 32 pounders. Unseen three Neosho ironclads, which had steamed down from Bangor rounded the bend in the river. One at a time fired their 15-inch Dahlgrens into the exposed sides of the battleships. The impact staggered admiral Williamson’s flagship. The 68lb cannons could not depress enough to hit the low-hulled Neosho’s, and the 32lb cannon balls bounced off. The Neosho’s closed in, turrets rotated around again and fired in unison. At point blank range the effect was devastating, and both battleships began to take on water. The casement Gatling guns maintained a constant fire into the battleship gun decks.

  Trying to salvage what he could, Admiral Williamson ordered a withdrawal of the remaining warships and infantry. With the two remaining sloops of war, he broke off the engagement and steamed south. The trailing battleship was not able to disengage and continued to fight on until it was a battered wreck. That fight gave the remnants of Admiral Williamson’s fleet time to escape and recover 1525 infantry who were rapidly boarding the troop ships. The disabled frigate drifted down the river while the crew replaced the rudder. Four hours later, as dusk was approaching the lookouts sighted smoke approaching from the south. Thinking the smoke was from the naval units he dispatched to capture Searsport, Williamson ordered to increase speed.

  Seeing smoke on the horizon, Commodore Treat ordered his flotilla consisting of USS Abenaki, USS Biddeford, and USS Naubuc to increase speed. The masthead lookout identified the approaching vessels as Royal Navy warships. He wanted to catch them before nightfall. Too late, Admiral Williamson realized he was facing three ironclads which could cut off the escape. Not wanting to lose the rest of his fleet, Williamson ordered the sloops and troopships to sail to Halifax. He ordered his flagship HMS Vengeance cleared for action and closed with the ironclads.

  Treat ordered the USS Naubuc to take the rear position, and with USS Abenaki in the lead, his three ironclads closed rapidly on HMS Vengeance. The 15 inch rifled Parrot Gun on USS Naubuc fired first as it had the longest range. Shooting at a high angle the first shot plunged over HMS Vengeance long, the second short, and the third was on target and scored a hit amidships with an explosive
round knocking out one of HMS Vengeance’s 68 pounders. The next explosive shot exploded above the quarterdeck, killing Admiral Williamson, his flag captain, and the helmsman. Without someone at the wheel, HMS Vengeance drifted into the wind, the sails went slack, and she slowed to a halt. The First Lieutenant came up from the gun deck, saw the carnage and bodies, grabbed the wheel and ordered a replacement helmsman to take the wheel. Slowly HMS Vengeance gained the wind gauge and moved to engage the closing ironclads.

  Quickly, USS Abenaki and USS Biddeford were alongside HMS Vengeance firing the Dahlgren cannons at a range of 100 yards. HMS Vengeance, now commanded by the First Lieutenant fought back hitting both USS Abenaki and USS Biddeford with 68lb shots on the sloped casements. The impact broke the iron plating but did not penetrate. However, wood splinters caused several casualties. The turrets rotated around again and fired into Vengeance’s hull from less than 100 feet.

  As the three combatants turned around each other in circles, USS Naubuc came within range of the 68-pound cannons. Naubuc fired one last round into HMS Vengeance, then the return broadside struck the Parrot gun, killing the gun crew, knocking the gun out of action. USS Naubuc still closed directly at Vengeance with several cannon balls hitting the deck, shattering iron plate, resulting in numerous leaks. At full speed, USS Naubuc rammed HMS Vengeance opening a hole below the waterline.

  Mortally wounded HMS Vengeance began to sink. The surviving senior Lieutenant struck her colors before ordering the crew to abandon ship. 250 sailors and Marines were rescued and were guarded on the decks of the monitors, and in trailing lifeboats. The other Royal Navy ships escaped into the night and sailed to Halifax.

  USS Abenaki towed USS Naubuc from the stern, but an hour later her pumps failed. The commander and remaining crew members abandoned ship, first cutting the tow lines. Slowly, USS Naubuc settled by the bow. Then as the stern began to tilt upward, she sank rapidly disappearing below the waves.

  USS Abenaki and USS Biddeford steamed back to Searsport. Commodore Treat telegraphed Admiral Farragut and General Chamberlain that the Royal Navy flotilla was defeated, and the threat to Bangor ended.

  Chapter 17

  Hamilton, Ontario

  With his combined 100,000 man army in place, Grant held a council of war. Attending officers included Generals, Sherman, Meade and newly promoted Admiral Lee, transferred from San Francisco. The plan was to take Toronto, which was only 40 miles away before winter. Grant began by first introducing Admiral Lee and requested him to outline the naval support. Lee began: “The ten upgraded Neosho class monitors are completed and are transiting the Welland Canal into Lake Ontario. Nine including USS Mackinac, USS Huron, USS Algonquin, USS Detroit, USS Mohawk, USS Hiawatha, USS Tadodaho, USS Potawatomi and the USS Menominee will join in shielding the assault and cutting off reinforcements. The USS Gitchegumme and the gunboat USS Michigan will patrol from Port Dalhousie to protect the canal.

  I expect a flotilla of Royal Navy Warships to sail down the St Lawrence with troopships to reinforce Toronto. The presence of the Neosho’s should give them an unpleasant surprise. We have lookouts stationed on the New York shore south of Montreal. When the Royal Navy moves south, we will receive telegraph messages with their progress.” After questions and answers, Admiral Lee nodded to General Grant and resumed his seat.

  General Grant then stood and spoke: “Garrison troops from the New York Militia are scheduled to arrive tomorrow. As soon as we brief their commanders on the policy of how to govern the locals, we will march on Toronto. Our current policy of offering generous terms to the local defenders is very successful. Most of the commanders are inexperienced in actual battle and ill-prepared for all out combat. They are local self-defense forces and have no stomach for resistance, which would result in the destruction of their communities. Even though unfortunate, the battle of London was an object lesson. That lesson bore fruit here in Hamilton, and I sincerely hope it will carry forward as the Army advances. Prepare your divisions to be ready; my intention is to depart in two days.”

  Grant waited until the murmurs of assent passed, then continued: “Once we move, I estimate that within three days we should be able to invest the city. Our intelligence indicates there is 10,000 militia defending the city and three regiments of British Imperial Army in positions west and north of the city.

  I am not concerned about the militia, for if they offer battle, we will push them aside. I suspect the Imperial troops will offer a demonstration before retreating to positions closer to the city, while they wait for support from Montreal.” Admiral Lee’s fleet should be invaluable in blocking those plans.

  Pointing to the map Grant addressed General Sherman. General, once we invest Toronto, you will advance east with 30,000 troops to Oshawa and fortify the area against counter-attack. Follow-up with cavalry to probe forward to determine the British intentions.”

  Then turning to Meade, he said: “General, you will secure the area north of the city to guard against any attacks. Use the cavalry to impress the populace we are here to stay. Make sure your officers understand not to abuse unresisting civilians.”

  Looking around at his generals, Grant stated: “The military occupation of Upper Canada is at hand. I will direct the assault on Toronto itself. Once the city has been captured supplies can begin to arrive across Lake Ontario from New York. As we move forward, we will string telegraph lines back to Hamilton. I intend to present President Lincoln Upper Canada as a Christmas gift. Gentlemen, meet with your officers and give them their instructions. We move at dawn, two days hence.” At that summation, the meeting was over, the generals returned to their divisions, and Admiral Lee boarded his flagship USS Mackinac and rejoined his fleet at Port Dalhousie.

  Ottawa, Ontario, October 15, 1867

  Viscount Monck held a council of war at Rideau Hall. In attendance were Sir John McDonald the 1st Prime Minister of Canada, General Whitehall, the commander of the troops from India and Commodore Griswalls who commanded the fleet which had transported the regular troops down the St. Lawrence River, leaving garrisons in Quebec in Montreal.

  Monck began the meeting with alarming news. “General Grant with an army of over 100,000 men moving in a three-pronged assault from Buffalo, Detroit, and Port Huron has captured the north side of Lake Erie. He has also captured Hamilton. Excepting the defense of London, most of their advance was unopposed. At London, the militia defended the city and suffered annihilation in 2 days. Hamilton surrendered without resistance, and the militia went home. Two militia companies were east of the city, but more than half surrendered to re-join their families inside the city. Apparently, Grant offered them generous terms if they did not resist. Toronto is our last bastion before Kingston.”

  General Whitehall stated: “A concerted defense of Toronto would result in the destruction of our army. A conflict that is what Grant desires. “Whitehall then recommended: “We should order an evacuation of all essential personnel and their families to Kingston by naval units. Troopships, which should first deliver their regiments to Kingston, will then be escorted to Toronto to conduct the evacuation. Kingston should be the center of our defense. Kingston has strong fortifications and short lines of support from Montreal.”

  I strongly suggest you and the Prime Minister evacuate to Quebec, as if Kingston were to fall, you could be trapped. We will maintain a reserve force here in Ottawa. Colonel Alfred Booker, the commander of the forces in Toronto, received a telegraph. He was to prepare what looked like a strong defense but to be ready to evacuate.

  Port Dalhousie, Ontario, October 18, 1867

  The Telegraph lines were very active. Watchers located on the New York side of the St Lawrence River had numerous sightings of the Royal Navy convoy moving towards Lake Ontario. Reports indicated sightings of one battleship, three frigates seven sloops of war and eight troopships.

  Lake Ontario October 19, 1867

  Commodore Griswalls led the fleet with his pennant aloft the 74-gun Battleship HMS Hermes. Hermes had twenty, 68
-pound cannons and forty-four, 32 pounders. The three frigates were the 44-gun HMS Mars, HMS Apollo, and HMS Jupiter. They contained with twenty-four 68-Pounders and twenty 32-pounders. As the fleet transitioned into Lake Ontario, the transports changed course for Kingston, and the warships continued towards Toronto.

  Admiral Lee, assigning, the USS Michigan and USS Gitchegumme to defend the Welland Canal, sortied with the other eight ironclads to meet the Royal Navy fleet. The three revenue cutters stationed on the Great Lakes scouted ahead.

  The USRC Johnson sighted smoke on the horizon and signaled the other cutters she was sailing ahead to investigate. An hour later, USRC Johnson signaled Enemy in Sight, which was relayed by signal flag back to Admiral Lee who ordered full speed ahead. The USS Mackinac, equipped with a turret with two 20-inch Dahlgren guns was in the lead. The other ironclads had turrets of twin 15-inch Dahlgren guns.

  Commodore Griswalls ordered the sloops of war Ajax and Zeus to investigate. Seeing the Ajax and Zeus changing course towards them the cutters broke off turning towards Lee’s fleet. Within an hour, the lookouts on the tops of Ajax sighted the smoke of Admiral Lee’s fleet. Steaming closer, the Ajax was to make out the shape of the opposing vessels. It soon became apparent they were facing nine Neosho class ironclad monitors, which were on an intercept course.

  Ajax signaled his discoveries to the flagship and Griswalls signaled for Ajax and Zeus to continue to shadow the American vessels. His vessels formed a Line of Battle formation, with HMS Hermes in the lead. Griswalls was puzzled. His commanders had told him the United States only had token forces in the Great Lakes. Now he was facing nine ironclad monitors.