Admiral Lee, realizing his fleet was in a blocking position between the British warships and Toronto ordered a formation of Line Ahead and to close with the enemy. Griswalls 68 pound bow chaser fired first, a ranging shot at 1,500 yards. On the third shot Hermes scored a hit, but because of the range, it bounced off. Admiral Lee ordered USS Mackinac turret guns to fire; both were short. The second salvo was long.
Hermes tacked to starboard to allow for a full broadside of solid shot which thundered at USS Mackinac, those that struck bounced off. Mackinac returned fire with the 20-inch Dahlgrens. There was one hit on the lower deck, dismounting one of the 32-pound cannons. After exchanging fire for 5 minutes, both ships passed on to the next in line. Mackinac sustained several hits, but the armor held. HMS Hermes suffered three additional hits then fired broadsides into USS Detroit which was next in line.
The battle soon dissolved into a general melee, with the armor of the monitors withstanding most of the shots from the more numerous British guns. At close range, the Dahlgrens wrought havoc on the wood Royal Navy vessels, punching numerous holes in the sides. At the height of the battle, HMS Mars rammed USS Hiawatha and attempted to board. The boarding party surged towards the pilot house. Two Gatling guns, located in the casement fired into the boarders, driving them off with heavy casualties.
USS Hiawatha’s 15-inch Dahlgrens fired at point blank range blowing huge holes in the side of HMS Mars. Taking on water, Mars fired one more broadside into Hiawatha, recovered the surviving boarding party, and then turned away. Hiawatha’s turret turned and fired. The cannon balls struck Mars in the stern disabling the rudder. Drifting, unable to maneuver and sinking from the stern, Mars struck its flag. An hour later it was over. Only HMS Hermes and HMS Ajax, both heavily damaged were able to escape to Toronto. The others were sinking and struck their flags.
Admiral Lee’s fleet also suffered. USS Mohawk and USS Detroit sustained damage to their boilers and were without power. Repairs to the engines allowed them to build up enough steam to maneuver. HMS Mars last broadside started uncontrolled fires in USS Hiawatha resulting in the crew abandoning ship. When the fires reached the magazine, she blew up spectacularly.
Lee called a meeting of his Captains. He began: “We have achieved a great victory, but must not rest. There are still Royal Navy vessels in Kingston. Addressing the captains of USS Detroit and USS Mohawk, he said: “Your ships fought valiantly, but are too damaged to continue without extensive repairs. Return to Port Dalhousie for repairs and give these orders to Captain Knox in USS Gitchegumme. She must steam to Toronto to assist in blockade duty. The Royal Navy must not escape.” Admiral Lee ordered the USS Algonquin to begin the blockade of Toronto.
Lee then spoke to Captain Jones of USS Hiawatha. “You fought your ship magnificently and defeated a much larger warship in single combat. You will be my liaison with General Grant and coordinate our efforts with the army.” Then addressing them all, he said: “Transfer the wounded to USS Detroit and USS Mohawk for transport back to hospital care. Able bodied seamen from USS Hiawatha will be re-distributed to the fleet to fill out our crews. That will be all, gentlemen, return to your ships and carry out your orders.” Within hours, the USS Detroit and USS Mohawk steamed away. One day later, they encountered USS Gitchegumme on patrol. Receiving Admiral Lee’s orders Captain Knox who steamed to Toronto.
After a day on Lake Ontario repairing his vessels, Admiral Lee steamed to Watertown New York aboard the USS Mackinac, accompanied by USS Huron, USS Tadodaho, USS Potawatomi and the USS Menominee. The first part of the battle of Lake Ontario had been a resounding victory. The final phase would be to prevent the troop ships and Royal Navy warships based in Kingston from escaping.
Toronto, Canada:
Commodore Griswalls’ two remaining warships limped past the lighthouse at Gibraltar Point into Toronto’s Harbor. Upon hearing the cannon fire from over the horizon, the city’s militia manned the lakeside defenses at Fort York. The sight of the two battered warships was a sobering sight. The city defenders were previously telegraphed to expect 11, with troopships to follow.
Colonel Booker was waiting at quayside with a carriage when the Hermes docked. The battle damage was very visible, and the once majestic battleship looked more like a wreck. The Ajax was in worse condition and was run aground to prevent it from sinking. Griswalls walked down Hermes’ gangplank and entered the carriage which took him and Colonel Booker to the Government House. There he was ushered into the City Council chambers. Mayor Smith, who was recently selected by the council, was the chairman of the meeting. Mayor Smith spoke up saying: Commodore Griswalls, where are the rest of your warships? Telegraphs indicated that eleven should be arriving, followed by troop ships.”
Griswalls replied: “Your Honor, there are not any more ships. Several American ironclads intercepted the fleet. The warships two which just arrived barely escaped sinking or capture. As for the troop ships, with American ironclads controlling the lake they are unlikely to venture out of Kingston.”
Mayor Smith replied: “What ironclads, for years the Americans have only had the USS Michigan, which is a gunboat and a few revenue cutters.” Griswalls commented: “That was our information also, it seems that we were misinformed. The ironclads are real, they sank my fleet and are doubtless heading to Kingston.”
The city council members now began to shout all at once, and confusion reigned. “How can we defend ourselves, the Americans burned Toronto in 1813” shouted one, … “Where is our army” shouted another … “How can we hope to defend ourselves” cried a third … “We must surrender or be destroyed” shouted another … “Yes, we must seek terms” was shouted out … “What conditions can we expect, he is known as Unconditional Surrender Grant.” Finally, Mayor Smith was able to pound his gavel loud enough to restore order. He then spoke to Colonel Booker.
“Colonel, what are the condition of our defenses.” Booker Replied: “We have constructed a line of strong redoubts protecting the city. However, my men are militia, who have never fought an army such as Grant’s. I am concerned that they will break under the first cannonade. The troops fought for London, and they suffered destruction with the city. The militia surrendered at Hamilton, and they did not suffer. The men know what happened. I will fight, and many of the militia will also join me in the struggle … but for how long and for what purpose? We have no hope for relief from the army or navy. Grant is reported to have 100,000 men.”
Mayor Smith then asked: Colonel, what do you recommend? Colonel Booker replied: “We cannot successfully defend Toronto and we have no hope of relief. We only have one option left to save the city from destruction; and the populace from hardship during the coming winter. When General Grant arrives, we must seek the best terms we can get.”
With that sobering assessment, a quiet descended onto the council chamber. Suddenly, two couriers arrived. One from Fort York and the other from the defense line north of the city. Both soldiers presented their dispatches to Colonel Booker who read them then walked up to the podium and said: “Mr. Mayor, council members it appears the time for decision is at hand. The commander at Fort York reports that two ironclad warships are now blockading the entrance to the harbor. My adjutant at the defense line reports that General Grant has arrived and is setting up a perimeter to close us in. He also indicates that thousands of US soldiers, led by cavalry are continuing to advance to the east. You have my recommendations, and I await your decision.”
Mayor Smith placed his elbows on his desk and steepled his fingers. He briefly rested his head between his thumbs, then spoke up. “Council members, we need a motion.” One council member spoke up and said: “I motion we send a messenger to General Grant asking for terms.” Another quickly seconded the motion. Mayor Smith said: “The motion has been stated and seconded. Any discussion.” Hearing none after a minute of silence, he called for a vote. One by one they all raised their hands. Mayor Smith said: “The motion is unanimously approved, please so note the record.” After a pause
, he said: “The only thing left to consider is who will comprise the delegation.”
Colonel Booker stood up and said: “As commander of the garrison I will lead the delegation.” After a moment Mayor Smith stated: “I will accompany you as head of the city government.” The other council members looked around at each other, but there not any more volunteers. Mayor Smith then said: “We will require a written authorization to negotiate a surrender.” A lawyer was brought in to draft the document.
The next day, shortly after sunrise the gate at the defense line opened and Colonel Booker and Mayor Smith rode out with two unarmed militia officers under a flag of truce. Colonel Booker ordered the gate to remain open. A troop of US cavalry, led by Colonel G.A Custer met them half way. Colonel Booker stood tall in the saddle and saluted. Colonel Custer returned the courtesy. Mayor Smith rode forward and stated: “We request a meeting with General Grant to discuss his peaceful occupation of our fair city.” Custer replied: “Follow me.” As the Canadian delegation rode forward, the troop of cavalry closed ranks behind. After a few minutes, they arrived at a recently abandoned farmhouse, requisitioned as General Grant’s headquarters.
Colonel Custer, seeing Grant walk onto the porch rode his horse ahead. Grant said: “Colonel, what is happening.” Custer saluted and replied: “There is a delegation from Toronto seeking terms for your ‘peaceful occupation’ of their city.” Grant chuckled saying: “Well that is one way of stating the facts. Please bring them into the parlor.” Grant strode back into his office. He opened his desk and pulled out copies of the surrender agreement at Hamilton. Grant, scanning the document briefly he said to himself, “This will do.”
Custer ushered the delegation into the parlor and said: “Please take a seat. The General will be with you shortly.” A few minutes later, General Grant and his staff walked into the room. Colonel Custer saluted, Grant returned the salute and said: “Dismissed.” Custer turned on his heel and left. Mayor Smith and Colonel Booker immediately stood. Booker gave an immediate salute, which Grant returned. Grant then spoke. “I understand you came here seeking terms. I will offer you exactly what I offered the City of Hamilton.”
“You must surrender the city, disarm the police, turn over all weapons and turn over the armories intact to officers of my choice. You must yield in entirety Fort York and all naval assets. The militia must muster and stack their arms. My officers will need the militia roster. Once identified, the members can return to their families. The officers who personally give me their parole will be able to keep their swords and side arms. Those who do not to do will be as prisoners of war. I also want the dispositions of all British regular regiments and naval personnel. They will also be considered prisoners of war.”
Colonel Booker stated: “The British regular units received orders to march east towards Kingston three days ago. I suspect they are there already. Grant replied: “So they left you to your own devices.” Booker smiled then said: “It is not appropriate for me to question the orders of my commanders.” Grant laughed and said: “No it is not.” Mayor Smith asked: “Who will administer the city government, teach in the schools, man the fire stations and other city workers”?
Grant responded: “Any who sign a loyalty oath will be able to retain their positions. Replacement administrators, teachers, and employees from the United States will fill in for those who refuse to sign.” Until a new government is elected, the city will be under Martial Law. I have no desire to destroy your city or harm any of its residents. However, punishment for any resistance or sabotage will result in the execution of the resistors and any who assisted them.”
Mayor Smith then said: “Colonel Booker and I would like to discuss this in private.” Grant replied, by all means. However, my terms are not negotiable.” He then gestured to his staff, and they walked outside. After the door was closed, Smith said: “This is better than I expected as the legally designated representative of the city government I suggest we agree to the terms.” Booker also agreed and said: “There will be some dissent and many will opt to become prisoners of war. I will sign and give my parole.”
Colonel Booker opened the door and strode onto the porch. He met Colonel Custer and indicated that he and Mayor Smith had agreed to sign the surrender documents. Grant walked over, shook their hands and said: “Have breakfast with me while my staff prepares the paperwork. Your officers can breakfast with mine.”
Grant’s cook prepared a breakfast of fresh eggs, bacon, sausage, rolls and coffee. The conversation was relaxed talking about the countryside and the merits of Toronto. Grant inquired about their families, then said: “I am sure they will be relieved to have you home for dinner tonight.” At that, Grant motioned for his stewards to clear the dining table and the prepared documents were brought over to be signed. Both Colonel Booker and Mayor Smith carefully read before affixing their signatures to both. Grant signed below, and Colonel Custer the privilege to sign as the witness.
The Canadians then mounted their horses and were escorted by Colonel Custer and a color guard, which rode at the head of a band of musicians and a battalion of infantry. They marched through the still open gates and up to the flagstaff on the parade ground.
The militia assembled into ranks, and the surrender terms were read aloud by Colonel Booker, with Mayor Smith standing at his side. The Sergeants barked out commands and the militia, many with tears streaming down their faces stacked their arms and resumed their ranks. A table was set up for the officers to sign their paroles. One by one they signed, with Colonel Booker taking the lead.
Then, while the bagpipers played a mournful rendition of The World Turned Upside Down, the Union Jack was lowered, folded and given to Colonel Custer. The Stars and Stripes rose to the top of the flagstaff as the band played The Star Spangled Banner. At the end of the ceremony, the militia members and the officer who signed their paroles left for their homes.
Grants’ army marched into the city. The ceremony was repeated at Government House and again at Fort York. With the raising of the Stars and Stripes over Fort York the USS Algonquin and USS Gitchegumme steamed into the harbor.
In the act of defiance, Commodore Griswalls ordered the HMS Hermes to be set on fire and scuttled. HMS Hermes sank quayside with the fire consuming her upper works. Damage to the city was averted when Griswalls first ordered the magazine to be flooded. Griswalls and his officers then surrendered their swords and were held as prisoners of war in the brig at Fort York. The British seamen built a stockade and barracks for themselves adjacent to the fort, then interned as prisoners of war.
The police then were mustered and were told of the surrender terms. The chief of police signed the loyalty oath, then resigned. Given the opportunity keep their jobs by signing loyalty oaths, more than half did immediately, and a common American and Canadian police patrol established. Those who did not have 24-hours to reconsider before being replaced.
Grant established Martial Law. Colonel Custer was named the chief of security. He met with General Meade and was instructed privately to police with a “light” hand, except for an insurrection; which was to be dealt with harshly. The next day schools and public buildings reopened. Within a week, most of the prior teachers were back on the job and classroom attendance was strong.
Chapter 18
Boston Mass.
Governor General Chapman flew his flag on the main masthead on HMS Zeus, a 90 gun three-deck ship which led two battle lines, each with four battleships. The plan was to bombard Fort Warren from both sides. The five trailing frigates led by HMS Achilles were ready to exploit the anticipated destruction of Fort Warren. Behind the frigates were the sloops of war and the troopships.
Observing the Royal Navy formation, Colonel Alexander Wickes, commander of the 1,000 man garrison hoisted signal flags to Fort Heath and Fort East Point. They were to concentrate shot on the north side Royal Navy battle line while the heavier armed Fort Warren would fire at ships of opportunity. When the British ships were within 5 miles, Fort Warren opened f
ire with the thirty-two 15 inch Rodman. Splashes from near and far miss erupted along both battle lines. At four miles, the first hits were registered but did minimal damage as the range was extreme.
The 68lb cannons on both battle lines fired at the fort, carving chunks out of the granite walls, but no significant damage due to the range. As the battle lines grew nearer, the cannon fire against the fort intensified, killing the crews of three of the roof mounted Rodman guns. Replacement crews moved to man the guns in the midst of the heavy cannonade.
At three miles, Forts Heath and East Point joined the battle firing a combined eighteen Rodman cannons. Suddenly splashes bracketed the north battle line, then several hits followed. Finding the range, the guns of the fort began to pound the battle line with explosive shot. Two shells almost simultaneously hit HMS Themes which was second in the battle line. Moments’ later two more exploded between the tops of the mizzen and main masts showering metal shrapnel and wood splinters onto the quarter deck below seriously wounding the Captain and several gun crew members. Spars and rigging plunged onto the main deck causing confusion.
Observing their success, gun crews of both forts now focused on HMS Themes, as her crew frantically tried to cut away the fallen rigging. Two more explosive shells hit the fo’c’sle penetrating two decks before exploding, devastating the forward gun decks. Moments later a shell struck the deck at the base of the funnel. The explosion ruptured the steam boiler which exploded below decks killing scores of sailors with metal shards, and dozens of others sustained scald burns. With her back broken, she began to settle into the water slowly. The end came very quickly, as the next shell hit and penetrated into the magazine. HMS Themes disappeared in a ball of flame.
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