Attack on Fort Cassin

Hi All. I don't have much to write about today but I did want to share a few pictures from the event I went to last weekend. All these pictures, except for the last one, were taken by my friend Kris Jarrett who is the events coordinator at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum (LCMM). Kris did an excellent job organizing this event and I think everyone had a really great time! You can see additional pictures on the LCMM's Facebook page.

McDonough's Victory on Lake Champlain, September 11, 1814. [detail] - Source, LCMM

So a little bit of history ...
Although it was small skirmish, the British attack on Fort Cassin was significant to the War of 1812 and the history of Vermont. Fort Cassin was located at the mouth of Otter Creek which empties into Lake Champlain. It was at this location in 1813 that American forces were hard at work building a fleet of ships to protect Lake Champlain. In May of 1814 the British began an expedition from their posts in Quebec on the Richelieu River. American Captain Thomas Macdonough was at the shipyard when he received the news that British ships were traveling down Lake Champlain. Macdonough quickly set up a fortification to defend his ships.

Captain Thornton’s company of artillery protects the fort - Source

Captain Thornton’s company of artillery fires on the British - Source

Captain Macdonough, together with Lieut. Stephen Cassin, some sailors, and Captain Thornton’s company of artillery, who had been sent from Burlington, Vermont, defended the fortification and saved the American naval fleet. The fortification was later named Fort Cassin in honor of Lieut. Cassin. Because of this little American victory, the British were unable completed their expedition. The naval fleet took part in the Battle of Plattsburgh in September 1814. Another, this time major, American victory over the British.

British fleet. The gunboat Philadelphia II played the role of HRM Linnet for the weekend. - Source

British Marines fire on Fort Cassin - Source

In other news, I didn't finish the dress I was working on for this event so I borrowed one from a friend. It was made of a lovely cotton print and closed in the back with ties. The neck and high waist both had draw strings. Although it was comfortable to wear it was difficult to put on without help. This was the best picture I could find. We were standing in line for our Guinness ration, the 27th Inniskilling is an Irish regiment after all!

Guinness ration!