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Story
May 6, 1815
Virginia Argus
Richmond, Virginia
What is this article about?
A U.S. Naval Court of Enquiry in New York Harbor on April 20, 1815, investigates Captain Jesse D. Elliott's conduct in the Battle of Lake Erie on September 10, 1813. The court clears him of British accusations, affirming his bravery under Captain Perry and refuting claims of withdrawal from battle.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
NAVAL COURT OF ENQUIRY.
The following is the opinion of the Court of Enquiry, held on board the U. S. Sloop of War Ontario, in the harbor of New York, in pursuance of the following orders:
Navy Department,
April 20th, 1815.
SIR—It has been stated to this department, that, by the proceedings of a Court of Enquiry in Great Britain, ordered to investigate the causes of the loss of the British Fleet on Lake Erie, on the 10th of September, 1813, the conduct of Captain Jesse D. Elliott of the U. S. Navy, who commanded the Brig Niagara on that day, is misrepresented; justice to the reputation of Captain Elliott, and to the Navy of the United States, requires that a true statement of the facts, in relation to his conduct on that occasion, be exhibited to the world. The Court, therefore, of which you are President, will immediately proceed to enquire into the same, to ascertain the part he sustained in the action of that day, and report its opinion thereon to this Department.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
B. W. CROWNINSHIELD,
Cm Alexander Murray,
New York
The Court of Enquiry, convened at the request of Captain Jesse D. Elliott, having deliberately examined all the evidence produced before them, for the purpose of investigating his conduct in the glorious battle on Lake Erie, on the 10th of September, 1813, in which he bore so conspicuous a part, sincerely regret, that there should have been any diversity of opinion, respecting the events of that day, and imperious duty compels the Court to promulgate testimony that appears, materially, to vary in some of its important points: The Court, however, feel convinced, that the attempt to wrest from Captain Elliott the laurels he gained in that splendid victory, as second in command, under the gallant and highly meritorious officer, Captain Perry, ought in no wise to lessen him in the opinion of his fellow citizens, as a brave and skilful officer; and that the charge made in the proceedings of the British Court Martial, by which Captain Barclay was tried, of his attempting to withdraw from the battle, is malicious and unfounded in fact. On the contrary, it has been proved to the satisfaction of this Court, that the enemy's ship Queen Charlotte bore off from the fire of the Niagara, commanded by Captain Elliott
ALEX. MURRAY,
President.
HENRY WHEATON.
Judge Advocate.
Approved,
B. W. CROWNINSHIELD.
The following is the opinion of the Court of Enquiry, held on board the U. S. Sloop of War Ontario, in the harbor of New York, in pursuance of the following orders:
Navy Department,
April 20th, 1815.
SIR—It has been stated to this department, that, by the proceedings of a Court of Enquiry in Great Britain, ordered to investigate the causes of the loss of the British Fleet on Lake Erie, on the 10th of September, 1813, the conduct of Captain Jesse D. Elliott of the U. S. Navy, who commanded the Brig Niagara on that day, is misrepresented; justice to the reputation of Captain Elliott, and to the Navy of the United States, requires that a true statement of the facts, in relation to his conduct on that occasion, be exhibited to the world. The Court, therefore, of which you are President, will immediately proceed to enquire into the same, to ascertain the part he sustained in the action of that day, and report its opinion thereon to this Department.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
B. W. CROWNINSHIELD,
Cm Alexander Murray,
New York
The Court of Enquiry, convened at the request of Captain Jesse D. Elliott, having deliberately examined all the evidence produced before them, for the purpose of investigating his conduct in the glorious battle on Lake Erie, on the 10th of September, 1813, in which he bore so conspicuous a part, sincerely regret, that there should have been any diversity of opinion, respecting the events of that day, and imperious duty compels the Court to promulgate testimony that appears, materially, to vary in some of its important points: The Court, however, feel convinced, that the attempt to wrest from Captain Elliott the laurels he gained in that splendid victory, as second in command, under the gallant and highly meritorious officer, Captain Perry, ought in no wise to lessen him in the opinion of his fellow citizens, as a brave and skilful officer; and that the charge made in the proceedings of the British Court Martial, by which Captain Barclay was tried, of his attempting to withdraw from the battle, is malicious and unfounded in fact. On the contrary, it has been proved to the satisfaction of this Court, that the enemy's ship Queen Charlotte bore off from the fire of the Niagara, commanded by Captain Elliott
ALEX. MURRAY,
President.
HENRY WHEATON.
Judge Advocate.
Approved,
B. W. CROWNINSHIELD.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Military Action
Heroic Act
What themes does it cover?
Justice
Bravery Heroism
Triumph
What keywords are associated?
Naval Enquiry
Battle Of Lake Erie
Captain Elliott
British Court Martial
U.S. Navy
Heroic Conduct
What entities or persons were involved?
Captain Jesse D. Elliott
Captain Perry
Captain Barclay
B. W. Crowninshield
Alex. Murray
Henry Wheaton
Where did it happen?
Harbor Of New York; Lake Erie
Story Details
Key Persons
Captain Jesse D. Elliott
Captain Perry
Captain Barclay
B. W. Crowninshield
Alex. Murray
Henry Wheaton
Location
Harbor Of New York; Lake Erie
Event Date
April 20th, 1815; 10th Of September, 1813
Story Details
U.S. Navy Department orders a Court of Enquiry to investigate and clear Captain Elliott's conduct in the Battle of Lake Erie, refuting British claims of his withdrawal and affirming his bravery as second in command under Perry.