Despite tensions over the “impressment of seamen” into the British Navy, the War of 1812 was unpopular in maritime New England. On the western frontier, some feared British incitement of attacks by Native people.
“Don’t Give Up the Ship,”
- Captain James Lawrence, off Marblehead, 1813
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Perry reports victory
Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry reports his “signal” victory over a British fleet on Lake Erie in 1813. He named his ship “Lawrence” after his friend Captain James Lawrence and flew a flag with the words “Don’t Give Up the Ship.” Although forced to abandon the Lawrence, Perry won the battle.
- National Archives
A partial list of armaments
A partial list of armaments for coastal defense during the War of 1812.
- Massachusetts Archives
Tippecanoe and Tyler Too
In a sad incident William Henry Harrison moved to confront a growing confederacy of native nations. Tecumseh, a respected warrior and diplomat, was traveling to promote unity. His brother, known as “The Prophet,” unwisely ordered a pre-dawn attack on the American forces. Warriors knew that Harrison rode a white horse. In the confusion another officer mounted the horse and was killed. Harrison and running mate John Tyler won the 1840 Presidential election.
- by Alonzo Chappel, Smithsonian Institute
1812 Overture
William Henry Harrison’s 1811 victory over native warriors in Tippecanoe, Indiana propelled him into the White House. Troops stationed at Fort Independence participated in the battle. Their commander, John P. Boyd of Newburyport, had been a “soldier of fortune” who offered his services to various rulers in India. Returning to America he served at Castle Island and was second in command to Harrison. Troops traveled from Boston to Philadelphia by ship, then marched most to the way to Vincennes, Indiana.
Commemorating Tippecanoe
Commemorating the Battle of Tippecanoe,
- The Exponent
The Peshwa of Poonah
Before serving at Castle Island, Newburyport’s John P. Boyd fought in India’s colonial wars, at one point offering his services to the Peshwa of Poonah.
- James Wales, 1792
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Randers Art Museum
Captain Lawrence - National Archives
Foncin’s Design of Fort Independence
Traditional castles had high walls that were easily shattered by modern cannons. The star shaped fort had lower, thicker walls that could absorb some cannon shots. Multiple angles made direct hits more difficult. Five bastions allowed defensive fire from every direction.