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Thomas Macdonough

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Thomas Macdonough
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USN
"The Hero of Lake Champlain" (Gilbert Stuart)
Born(1783-12-30)December 30, 1783
The Trap,New Castle County, Delaware,U.S.
DiedNovember 10, 1825(1825-11-10)(aged 41)
At sea aboard USSEdwin,nearGibraltar
Place of burial
Middletown, Connecticut,U.S.
AllegianceUnited States
Service/branchUnited States Navy
Years of service1800–1810; 1812–1825
RankCaptain
Commands
Battles/wars
AwardsCongressional Gold Medal
Relations

Thomas Macdonough, Jr.(December 31, 1783 – November 10, 1825) was aUnited States Navyofficer noted for his roles in theFirst Barbary Warand theWar of 1812.He was the son of a revolutionary officer, Thomas Macdonough, Sr. who lived nearMiddletown, Delaware.He was the sixth child from a family of ten siblings and was raised in the countryside. He entered naval life at an early age, receiving amidshipman's commissionat the age of sixteen.[1]

Serving withStephen Decaturat Tripoli, he was a member of "Preble's Boys", a select group of U.S. naval officers who served under the command ofCommodore Prebleduring theFirst Barbary War.Macdonough achieved fame during theWar of 1812,commanding the American naval forces that overpowered a British squadron at theBattle of Lake Champlain,part of the largerBattle of Plattsburgh,which helped lead to an end to that war.[2]

Early life

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Major Thomas Macdonough Sr., Captain Thomas Macdonough's father, lived at a farm referred to as "The Trap"(also spelled 'Trapp'), in the county of New Castle,Delaware.He received a contemporary education here but it remains uncertain if he attended any sort of formal schools or was taught by family members or a tutor. He was a major in theContinental Army.[3][4]Macdonough's great-grandfather, also named Thomas Macdonough, lived in Ireland in theSalmon Leapdistrict not far fromDublin.He was of the Protestant faith and succeeding generations were connected with the Episcopal Church in the United States,[5]

Thomas Macdonough Jr. was born in a small town nearOdessa,which later was namedMacDonough, Delaware,in his honor. He was employed inMiddletownas a clerk upon the return of his brother James, who lost a leg in a naval battle with a French vessel in 1799 during theQuasi-Warwith France.[6]Shortly after, Macdonough requested a commission with theUnited States Navywith the assistance of Senator Latimer from the state of Delaware.

Macdonough was a tall, dignified man with a commanding character which suited him well for military service. He was a devoutly religious man of Episcopal faith, as were his parents and greater family. He was known to adhere to a set of steadfast principles in his personal and military life.[7][8]

Before joining the Navy, Thomas, Jr., for unknown reasons, changed the spelling of his last name from "McDonough" to "Macdonough.[9] On May 27, 1800, at the age of sixteen, Macdonough secured a warrant and served as amidshipmanaboard the 24-gunUSSGanges,acorvetteclass ship, converted over from amerchantmanvessel and outfitted as aman-of-war.[10]

Under the command of Captain John Mullowny,Gangesthen set sail for the West Indies. During operations there she captured three French merchant ships between May and September. When hostilities between the United States and France had finally ended the following year on October 20, 1801, Macdonough was assigned toUSSConstellation,a 38-gun frigate. Commanded byAlexander Murray,Constellationwas about to embark on its mission in theMediterraneansea. While serving aboardConstellationhe received a thorough education from Murray in seamanship, navigation, gunnery, and other nautical sciences towards improving his service as a junior officer.[11]

First Barbary War

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Thomas Macdonough
Engraving byJohn Wesley Jarvis

AboardConstellationin January 1802, Macdonough served with distinction in naval operations againstTripoliduring theFirst Barbary War.This was the same ship that his brother James had served on a few years earlier.[12]

In 1803, Navy SecretaryRobert Smithselected Macdonough to serve aboardUSSPhiladelphia,a 38-gun frigate, commanded byWilliam Bainbridge.Macdonough was aboard this ship when it captured the Moroccan shipMirbokaon August 26, 1803. Shortly beforePhiladelphiaran aground and was consequently captured by the Tripolitans, Macdonough had gone ashore on leave.[13]He was reassigned on October 31 to the 12-gun sloopUSSEnterpriseunder the command of LieutenantStephen Decatur.Macdonough volunteered to join Decatur'ssuccessful raidinto the harbor of Tripoli. On February 6, 1804, they succeeded in burning and destroyingPhiladelphia.Having just served onPhiladelphia,Macdonough's familiarity made his role in the operation a crucial one. For his heroic actions he was promoted to acting lieutenant.[12][14]

Macdonough also accompanied Decatur when they hunted down the murderer of Decatur's brother,James Decatur,who was killed by the commander when he boarded a Tripolitan ship that had pretended to be surrendering. After catching up with and pulling alongside the ship involved, Decatur was the first to board the enemy vessel with Midshipman Macdonough at his heels along with nine volunteer crew members. Decatur, Macdonough and the rest of the crew were outnumbered 5 to 1 but were determined, organized and kept their form, fighting furiously side by side, killing the commander and most of the crew along with capturing the Tripolitan ship.[15]

Other service

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After winning promotion to Lieutenant for his participation in the raid onPhiladelphia,Macdonough served aboard the 18-gunbrigUSSSyren,the same vessel assistingIntrepidat Tripoli. AssistingIsaac Hull,he then supervised the construction of several gunboats inMiddletown, Connecticut.In January 1806, Macdonough was promoted to a commission of Lieutenant.

As commander of the 18-gunUSSWasp,Macdonough served patrolling waters near Great Britain and various points in the Mediterranean. He returned to America and enforced theEmbargo Act,and the Atlantic blockade, from 1807 and 1808.

In 1809, he served with Captain Smith aboardUSSEssex,but later requested reassignment. Macdonough returned to Middletown, Connecticut, and was placed in charge of the several gunboats there. In Middletown Macdonough met his future wife, Ann Shaler.

With the repeal of the Embargo Act, the role of the navy became less active, with a fifth of its officers away on furlough at half pay. Macdonough remained in Middleton for only eight months before requesting a furlough in June 1810. From 1810 to 1812, Macdonough took a leave of absence for two years as the captain of a Britishmerchantmanthat was en route to India.[16]

War of 1812

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Main article:War of 1812

At the beginning of theWar of 1812American naval forces were very small, allowing the British to make many advances into theGreat Lakesand northern New Yorkwaterways.The roles played by commanders likeOliver Hazard PerryatLake ErieandIsaac ChaunceyatLake Ontarioand Thomas Macdonough atLake Champlainall proved vital to the naval effort on the lakes that was largely responsible for preserving American territory during that war.

Assigned to USSConstellation,asFirst Lieutenant,Macdonough returned to active service just prior to the outbreak of the war in June 1812. The ship at this time was being outfitted and supplied in Washington, DC, for its next mission, but was still months away from being ready. Moreover, it did not escape from the British blockade at theChesapeake Bayuntil 1814.[17]

Requesting transfer to a more active front, Macdonough was assigned the command of a squadron of gunboats defendingPortland, Maine.His stay there was brief when he received new orders from Secretary of the NavyHamilton.Macdonough was reassigned toBurlington, Vermontto command U.S. naval forces in Lake Champlain in October 1812.[18]

Taking leave from his assignment at Lake Champlain, Macdonough married Lucy Anne Shaler on December 12, 1812, at the Christ Church in Middletown by Bishop Abraham Jarvis.[19]

On June 2, 1813, Macdonough sent Lieutenant Sidney Smith withUSSGrowler,along with Sailing Master Loomis withUSSEagle,to guard against British advances at the Canada–US border at theRichelieu River.The impatient Smith sailed into British waters, an action which was contrary to his orders, and at once found himself overpowered by the British squadron. After enduring four hours of battle, Smith was finally forced into surrendering.

Lake Champlain Campaign

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On July 24, 1813, Macdonough was promoted to the rank ofmaster commandant.

When the war began in 1812, there were only two American naval vessels onLake Champlain,GrowlerandEagle,each carrying ten guns with a crew of fifty. On June 3, 1813, the two vessels were pursuing a British gunboat but were caught up in a strong current that prevented them from maintaining their heading and position, giving the advantage to British forces, resulting in their capture. The loss of the two and only American vessels on the lake gave undisputed control of this strategic waterway to the British. This prompted Macdonough to begin the construction of thecorvetteSaratogaand new sloopEagleand several gunboats at the shipyard in Otter Creek atVergennes, Vermont.While construction was underway,Ticonderoga,a schooner, was being converted to a warship carrying seventeen guns.[20]

In 1814 the ice covering Lake Champlain, which usually lasted well into May, began melting and breaking up early in April. Macdonough feared that the British, who he assumed by now knew of the ship construction going on there, would use the opportunity to capture or destroy the vessels being built. Having learned of Macdonough's ship building activity, the British constructed a heavily armed brig and five large gunboats at'Isle Aux Noix'over the winter.[21]As Macdonough had predicted, British forces attempted to navigate the lake. Because of unfavorable winds, the British commanderDaniel Pring,whose forces were based at Isle Aux Noix in upper Lake Champlain, didn't complete the 65-mile journey to Otter Creek until May 14. Upon arrival, Pring situated his squadron in the lake just off Otter Creek with eightgalleysand abomb sloop,preventing the American forces' passage north and to the sea.[22][23]For one hour, Commander Pring maintained a heavy fire. However, Macdonough had learned of the attack beforehand from his observers on land and had prepared a defense in anticipation of this likely event. Using the guns of his ships, he had them landed on shore at the mouth of Otter Creek. Macdonough constructed anartillery batterywith which he repelled the attack and drove theRoyal Navyback to Isle Aux Noix in Canadian waters by autumn. With the way now clear, Macdonough's squadron sailed out of Otter Creek and made its way toPlattsburgh, New York,where it anchored just off shore in anticipation of the next and inevitable British advance.[24]

Battle of Plattsburgh

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Main article:Battle of Plattsburgh
Macdonough'sSaratoga(left) andEagle(right) engagingConfiance.

By late August 1814, approximately 10,000 British troops under the command ofGeorge Prevosthad assembled near Montreal at the Canada–US border. Many of these soldiers were well-trained, regular troops who served under Wellington, already battle hardened from their recent defeat of Napoleon in Europe. Macdonough had little naval combat experience. His service in the Barbary wars was limited to gunboat actions and the capture and destruction ofPhiladelphia.He had yet to experience a ship-to-ship action, being on a vessel that was receiving broadsides, surrounded by dead and wounded men. Regardless of this lack in experience, Macdonough well understood that defending and holding Plattsburgh, thus not allowingGeneral Macomb'stroops to be surrounded by British forces on land and water, was vital to winning the war.[25] On September 3, Prevost's army crossed the border and marched into northern New York State, advancing onPlattsburgh.The city was held by General Macomb with less than 2,000 regular troops, with the support of the New York militia, under the command of General Mooers and the Vermont volunteers, under the command of General Strong.[26]However, Prevost who had arrived in earnest was yet aware of enemy strength and positions and refused to march on the city itself without adequate naval support to divert the American forces. A squadron under the command of CommodoreGeorge Downiesailed southward into the open lake to engage the American squadron commanded by Macdonough. In anticipation of the British squadron, Macdonough strategically positioned and anchored his ships a short distance off shore from Plattsburgh and made further preparations for Downie's advance.[27]

On September 11, Downie's forces departed from Isle-aux-Noix and sailed southward along the Richelieu River into Lake Champlain.[28]Upon encountering Macdonough's squadron waiting in Plattsburgh harbor, Downie immediately attacked, achieving the upper hand early in the battle, largely because of the great firepower of the 36-gun British flagshipHMSConfiance.As the battle unfolded, the British squadron incurred considerable damage from close-range cannon fire. In the process an American cannon shot blasted a British cannon off its mount, crushing and killing Downie.[29]Through use ofanchor and cable tactics,Macdonough in command ofSaratogawas able to swing his ship around the undamaged side of the British flagship, gaining firepower superiority over the British squadron. As the poorly and hurriedly equippedConfiancewith its inexperienced crew attempted the same tactic, Macdonough seized the opportunity and fired a broadside, severely damagingConfiance and forcing its surrender.[30][31]Having removedConfiancefrom action, the American forces captured or destroyed the remaining larger ships in the squadron.

Both commanders would have seen the parallels of Macdonough's anchorage on Lake Champlain to that of the French under Vice AdmiralFrancois-Paul Brueys,opposing British Rear Admiral SirHoratio Nelson,at theBattle of the Nilein Aboukir Bay on August 1, 1798. A study of Nelson's battles was part of the professional knowledge expected of naval commanders. But Macdonough did all that Brueys did not. He expected to take advantage of the prevailing winds on Lake Champlain that constrained Downie's axis of approach. "Because nearly every circumstance that worked to Nelson's advantage proved disadvantageous to Downie, the Battle of Lake Champlain is sometimes called theFalse Nile"by British sources.[32]The British naval historianWilliam Laird Clowesregarded Macdonough'sFalse Nilevictory as "a most notable feat, one which, on the whole, surpassed that of any other captain of either navy in this war."[33]Clowes echoed Roosevelt's view, "The British sailors on the lakes were as good as our own, but no better. None of their commanders compare with Macdonough."[34]

After the battle, Macdonough returned to the British officers their swords. Captain Pring wrote:

I have much satisfaction in making you acquainted with the humane treatment the wounded have received from Commodore Macdonough; they were immediately removed to his own hospital on Crab Island, and furnished with every requisite. His generous and polite attention to myself, the officers, and men, will ever hereafter be gratefully remembered.[35]

— Captain Pring

Upon wresting control of Lake Champlain from the British, Macdonough's victory forced the British forces to retire to Canada, the actions of which left no grounds for any claims by the British for any territory when theGhent peace conferenceconvened on December 24. For his success in forcing the retreat of Prevost into Canada, Macdonough was duly promoted to the rank of captain. He was also awarded theCongressional Gold Medalat this time.[36]He was also awarded by the State of New York a thousand acres of land in Cayuga county, with another hundred acres awarded to him from the State of Vermont, making the once modest commodore a wealthy man.[37]

Later days

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USSConstitution,painted 1934

Macdonough relievedIsaac Hullof command of thePortsmouth Navy Yardon July 1, 1815. In command there for three years, he returned to theMediterranean Squadronin 1818 and was appointed commander ofUSSGuerriere,afrigateof 44 guns and later transportedHon. G.W. Campbellto the Court of St. Petersburg in Russia stopping in ports in England, Elsineur and Copenhagen along the way.[38]

In April Macdonough was stricken withtuberculosisbut he still remained on duty for as long as possible. After returning to America later in the year, he was given command ofUSSOhioaship of the line,bearing 74 guns under construction in New York harbor. From 1818 to 1823 Macdonough served as her captain.[39]In the fall of 1822 Macdonough toured western New York State visitingNiagara Fallsand then battling the rapids sailed down theSt. Lawrence RivertoQuebecin abatteaux[40]

After submitting several requests for active sea duty, Macdonough received command of the 44-gunfrigateUSSConstitutionin 1824. However, his health continued to worsen. On October 14, 1825, Macdonough had to relieve himself of his command. On October 14 he turned command ofConstitutionover to CaptainDaniel T. Pattersonat Gibraltar. Intending to return to New York, Macdonough departed the Mediterranean in the merchant brigUSSEdwin.The day before his death, in the presence of Dr. Turk, Macdonough drew up and signed a will leaving a small sum of money to his servant, his wife having died several months beforehand. On November 10, 1825, Thomas Macdonough died aboard ship while it was passingGibraltar.[41][42]

Macdonough's body was returned to the United States and was buried inMiddletown, Connecticut.He was laid to rest alongside his wife Ann Shaler, a lady of a prominent family in Middletown, she having died just a few months earlier.[43]

Legacy

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The firstUSSMacdonough,1900
Decatur~Macdonough
U.S. postage, Navy Issue of 1937

Macdonough in this battle won a higher fame than any other commander of the war, British or American. He had a decidedly superior force to contend against, the officers and men of the two sides being about on a par in every respect; and it was solely owing to his foresight and resource that we won the victory. He forced the British to engage at a disadvantage by his excellent choice of position; and he prepared beforehand for every possible contingency. His personal prowess had already been shown at the cost of the rovers of Tripoli, and in this action he helped fight the guns as ably as the best sailor. His skill, seamanship, quick eye, readiness of resource, and indomitable pluck, are beyond all praise. Down to the time of the Civil War he is the greatest figure in our naval history.[35]

— Theodore Roosevelt, 1882
  • SeveralU.S. Navyships have been namedUSSMacdonoughin his honor.
  • In 1937, at the urging ofFranklin D. Roosevelt,the U.S. Post Office issued a series of fivepostage stampshonoring the U.S. Navy and various naval heroes in American history.Stephen Decaturand Thomas Macdonough (right) appearing on the two-cent denomination, were among the few chosen to appear in this commemorative series.[44]
  • The annual Commodore Macdonough sailboat race (a nonstop 74-nautical-mile (137 km) overnight event sponsored by the Lake Champlain Yacht Club ofShelburne, Vermont) has been held on the lake every September since 1968.
  • The New York State University of New York located at Plattsburgh, Plattsburgh, N.Y. has a dormitory with the name Macdonough Hall; the hall being the oldest dormitory, and the initial dorm building.
  • McDonough, NY and East McDonough, NY, and the greater Town of McDonough, Chenango County, NY are named after the war hero.
  • Macdonough Hall, at theUnited States Naval Academy,is home to the boxing,sprint football,water polo, and gymnastics programs, as well as housing a gymnasium, racquetball courts, a swimming pool, and recreational weight rooms for Midshipmen.
  • There is a 135-foot-tall (41 m)obeliskthat is located across from City Hall in Plattsburgh, N.Y. known as the Macdonough Monument which honors the victory of American soldiers and sailors in the Battle of Plattsburgh.
  • In 1925, a Macdonough Monument was erected in thecity greenin Vergennes, Vermont to commemorate the building of the USS Saratoga and other ships at Otter Creek that were used in the Battle of Plattsburgh.[45]Vergennes Union High School's mascot is the Commodores, and their gym is called the Commodore Thomas Macdonough Gymnasium
  • Camano Island(formerly known as Macdonough Island), Washington.Charles Wilkes,during the Wilkes Expedition of 1838–1842, named the island in honor of Macdonough in tribute to his victory at the Battle of Plattsburgh (aka Battle of Lake Champlain) that ended the War of 1812.
  • McDonough County, Illinoisis named after Thomas Macdonough, its seat beingMacomb.
  • Two elementary schools, one inSt. Georges, Delawareand one inMiddletown, Connecticutare named in honor of Macdonough.
  • MacDonough Street in the Stuyvesant Heights section of Brooklyn, New York is named after Thomas Macdonough. MacDonough Street runs parallel to Decatur Street, one block away, named after Stephen Decatur, with whom Macdonough served during the Barbary War.
  • McDonough,thecounty seatofHenry County, Georgia,is named in honor of Macdonough.[46]
  • McDonough Street inMontgomery, Alabamais named for Macdonough. It runs parallel to streets named after other Barbary War/War of 1812 naval Heroes: Bainbridge Street, named forWilliam Bainbridge;Decatur Street, named forStephen Decatur;Hull Street, named forIsaac Hull;Lawrence Street, named forJames Lawrenceand Perry Street, named forOliver Hazard Perry.
  • TheComdr. Thomas MacDonough Housewas listed on theNational Register of Historic Placesin 1978.[47]
  • In October 1814 a fort was constructed on Westport Island, Maine near Clough Point and named after Thomas MacDonough (McDonough) the fort was actiive till the end of the war of 1812.

See also

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References

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  1. ^Lewis, 1924p.163
  2. ^Skaggs, 2006pp.62-64
  3. ^Barnes, 1896pp.209
  4. ^Skaggs, 2006pp.128
  5. ^Macdonough, 1909p.11
  6. ^Skaggs, 2006p.27
  7. ^Frost, 1845p.304
  8. ^Macdonough, 1909p.11.
  9. ^Frost, 1845pp.293-294
  10. ^Skaggs, 2006pp.22-30
  11. ^Skaggs, 2006p.39
  12. ^abHeidler, 2004p.311
  13. ^Skaggs, 2006p.41
  14. ^MacKenzie, 1846pp.67-68
  15. ^Abbot, W. John, 1886
  16. ^Skaggs, 2006,p.53
  17. ^Malcomson, 2006p.45
  18. ^Heidler, 2004p.312
  19. ^Skaggs, 2006p.56
  20. ^Heidler, 2004p.269
  21. ^Malcomson, 2006p.150
  22. ^Mahon 1909,p. 320.
  23. ^Malcomson, 2006p.404
  24. ^Maclay, 1894pp. 26–28
  25. ^Skaggs, 2006p.123
  26. ^Holden, 1914,p. 20.
  27. ^Maclay, 1894pp.26-28
  28. ^Roosevelt, 1889p.376
  29. ^Lewis, 1924p.175
  30. ^Heidler, 2004pp.160, 290
  31. ^Malcomson, 2006p.149
  32. ^Potter and Nimitz, 1960p. 221.
  33. ^Quoted inHagan,p. 88
  34. ^Roosevelt, 1889p.280
  35. ^abRoosevelt, 1889p.398
  36. ^Lewis, 1924pp.191-184
  37. ^Hickey, 1989 p. 193.
  38. ^Macdonough, 1909pp.30-31
  39. ^Lewis, 1924p.129
  40. ^Macdonough, 1909p.32
  41. ^Macdonough, 1909pp.249-251
  42. ^Skaggs, 2003p.xix
  43. ^Skaggs, 2006p.201
  44. ^Trotter, Gordon T."Army & Navy Issue".Smithsonian National Postal Museum.RetrievedApril 19,2012.
  45. ^Commodore Thomas Macdonough Monument
  46. ^Gannett, Henry (1905).The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States.U.S. Government Printing Office. p.193.
  47. ^"National Register Information System".National Register of Historic Places.National Park Service.July 9, 2010.

Bibliography

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Further reading

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