HISTORY

First Battle of Sacket's Harbor July 19, 1812

Defending the Harbor from the sudden appearance of a British fleet, an American naval officer took command of a 32-pounder and fired the first shot of the battle, falling far short of the British ships. The British returned fire at the American battery and the engagement continued for almost two hours. Also during the bombardment, USS Oneida's 32-pounder broadsides inflicted numerous hits or near misses on the British vessels.

Towards the close of the engagement, as the H.M.S. Royal George was maneuvering to fire another broadside, a 24-pound shot struck her stern and raked her whole length, killing eight men, and doing considerable damage. The Royal George also lost her top mast and extensive rigging. Commodore Yeo, fearing the loss of even a single ship, ordered a withdrawal. The signal of retreat was thus given and the British fleet bore away for Kingston.