Remarks on the navigation of the Great Lakes, 1816
This unpublished manuscript report titled Remarks & c on the Navigation of the Lakes Erie, St. Clair, Huron & Ontario is by Henry Kent, Lieutenant, R.N. [Royal Navy]. The document appears to be a guidebook for Great Lakes navigation, with special consideration given to naval operations. It describes the various harbours, sheltering places, and British and American military and naval establishments on the Great Lakes during the early 19th century. There are numerous references to naval operations on the Great Lakes during the War of 1812. The document is divided into two parts: “Sailing directions & c for Lakes Erie & Huron” and “Sailing directions for Lake Ontario”.
References to Niagara and the War of 1812 are included in the document. Kent writes that “the Welland River or Chippewa Creek is situated about a mile and a half above the Falls on the Niagara River and from the mouth of it being a military post during the War was considered a secure place for sinking the small Vessels after the Fleet on Lake Erie was captured by the Americans…to this place I was dispatched in 1815…to assist in the construction of two large Schooners, taking 120 Artificers with me and a Guard of Thirty Marines…we lay up the Keels and on the [ ] of August launched them, the one names Tecumseh and the Newash & former I obtained command of”. He also mentions Black Rock, Fort Erie, and Snake Hill.
RG 729 Remarks & c on the Navigation of the Lakes Erie, St. Clair, Huron & Ontario, ca. 1816
