Governor Simcoe (1793 ship) facts for kids
The North West Company schooner Governor Simcoe was pursued by an American squadron while trying to enter Kingston harbour.
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 Great Britain |
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| Name | Governor Simcoe |
| Namesake | John Graves Simcoe, first lieutenant governor of Upper Canada. |
| Builder | Richard Cartwright |
| Launched | Kingston, 29 October 1793 |
| Fate | Sold to Provincial Marine, March 1813 |
| Notes | Merchant schooner |
 United Kingdom |
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| Renamed | Sir Sydney Smith |
| Acquired | March 1813 |
| Fate | Sold to Royal Navy, 1814 |
 United Kingdom |
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| Renamed | HMS Magnet 11 January 1814 |
| Acquired | 1814 |
| Fate | Blown up 5 August 1814 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tons burthen | 137 (bm) |
| Length | 74 ft (22.6 m) (deck) |
| Beam | 18 ft 6 in (5.6 m) |
| Sail plan | Schooner and later brig |
| Complement | 75–80 + 29 marines |
| Armament |
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The Governor Simcoe was a merchant ship launched in 1793. It was a type of sailing ship called a schooner. In 1813, a group called the Provincial Marine bought the ship. They renamed it Sir Sydney Smith after a British naval officer.
The ship served on Lake Ontario during the War of 1812. Later, in 1814, the Royal Navy took over the ship. They renamed it HMS Magnet. Just a few months later, its captain had to blow it up. This was to stop American forces from capturing the ship.
Contents
What the Ship Looked Like
This ship was built as a schooner for use on the Great Lakes. It was about 74 ft (22.6 m) long. Its width, called the beam, was about 18 ft 6 in (5.6 m). The ship weighed 137 tons burthen, which is a way to measure a ship's size.
When it was called Sir Sydney Smith, the ship had two large guns. These were 12-pounder (5 kg) long guns. It also had ten smaller guns called 32-pounder (15 kg) carronades.
Later, when it became HMS Magnet, it was changed into a brig. This means it had a different type of sail setup. Its weapons changed too. It had ten 24-pounder (11 kg) carronades and one 9-pounder (4 kg) long gun. The ship usually had a crew of 75 to 80 sailors. It also carried 29 Royal Marines, who were soldiers that served on ships.
Ship's Journey and Battles
The Governor Simcoe Years
The Governor Simcoe started its life helping the North West Company. This company was involved in the fur trade. The ship was launched in Kingston, Upper Canada, on October 29, 1793. Richard Cartwright, a merchant, was a key person in its building.
Before the War of 1812, the ship was often rented out. It carried supplies for the Provincial Marine. It did not have any weapons until 1813. Its captain for many years was James Richardson. He was a former Provincial Marine officer.
In October 1812, Captain Richardson delivered gunpowder. This was for the Battle of Queenston Heights. He then returned with prisoners and news of Major-General Sir Isaac Brock's death.
On November 11, 1812, the American navy chased Governor Simcoe. The ship was trying to get into Kingston harbour. It escaped capture but hit a shallow area. The damage caused it to sink at its dock in Kingston.
Becoming Sir Sydney Smith
In early 1813, the British bought the Governor Simcoe. It was an old ship, but they raised it from the harbour. After repairs in March 1813, it was renamed Sir Sydney Smith. It was not a full Royal Navy warship. So, it did not use the 'HMS' prefix.
Lieutenant G. Marjoribanks was its first commander. Later, Lieutenant Charles Radcliffe took command. The ship joined Commodore Yeo's squadron on Lake Ontario.
Sir Sydney Smith took part in several attacks. These included attacks on Sackets Harbor and Oswego. It also fought in battles against the American navy in August and September 1813.
After these battles, the ship returned to Kingston for repairs. Its lower masts were adjusted to make the ship more stable. On September 28, the British and American squadrons met in Burlington Bay. The British flagship, Wolfe, was badly damaged. The British ships had to retreat.
In November, Sir Sydney Smith helped attack American forces. It fired its guns at their camp in French Creek, New York. The ship was damaged and had one person killed. It also helped carry soldiers to Prescott, Ontario. These soldiers then fought in the Battle of Crysler's Farm.
The Final Days as HMS Magnet
In 1814, the Royal Navy took over all Provincial Marine ships. They renamed them and gave them Royal Navy crews. Sir Sydney Smith was changed into a brig and renamed HMS Magnet. The Royal Navy did not like naming ships after living people. Commander Collier remained in charge of the ship.
On May 4, 1814, Magnet joined a British squadron. They sailed from Kingston to attack Fort Oswego. Commander Collier was praised for his actions in the battle. The soldiers on Magnet were kept ready. They only went ashore after the battle was won.
The squadron then blocked the main American naval base at Sackett's Harbor. This blockade lasted from May 11 to June 5. After returning to Kingston, Lieutenant George Hawkesworth took command of Magnet.
In July, Magnet was in the Niagara River. It was ready to quickly move General Gordon Drummond's army. On August 5, 1814, Magnet was carrying supplies from York to Niagara. But the American squadron arrived and blocked its path.
To prevent the Americans from capturing the ship, Hawkesworth drove Magnet onto the shore. This was about 10 miles (16 km) west of the Niagara River. He saved what supplies he could. Then, he set a fuse to blow up Magnet and the rest of its cargo. The explosion was huge. People in York, about 30 miles (48 km) away, could hear and feel it.
Images for kids
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The attack on Fort Oswego, Magnet is the ship on the far right of the picture
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