Windsor Castle (1804 packet ship) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 United Kingdom |
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| Name | Windsor Castle |
| Namesake | Windsor Castle |
| Owner | Sutton |
| Builder | Yarmouth |
| Launched | 1804 |
| Captured | 1815 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tons burthen | 191 (bm) |
| Propulsion | Sail |
| Sail plan | Brig |
| Complement |
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| Armament |
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The Windsor Castle was a sailing ship launched in Yarmouth, England, in 1804. For 11 years, she worked as a packet ship for the Falmouth Post Office. Her main job was to carry mail, passengers, and important goods across the Atlantic Ocean.
She mostly sailed on two busy routes: one from Falmouth to Halifax (Canada) and New York (USA), and another to the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean. During her time at sea, the Windsor Castle was involved in two important battles. In 1807, she bravely captured a French privateer ship. Later, in 1815, an American privateer captured her. She was then sold in Virginia, USA.
Contents
What Was the Windsor Castle's Job?
The Windsor Castle first appeared in official records in 1804. Her captain was Robert Shuttleworth Sutton. He was appointed to lead the ship on June 20, 1804.
Her first major journey began on September 15, 1804, when she sailed from Falmouth towards Jamaica.
Early Voyages and Adventures
In 1805, the Windsor Castle made several trips. She arrived back in Falmouth from Jamaica on January 6, after a 46-day journey. She then sailed for Jamaica again in February.
Captain Sutton also took the ship to Halifax and New York. On one of these trips, there was a false report that the Windsor Castle had been captured. Luckily, it turned out she had safely arrived in Halifax.
The ship continued her busy schedule in 1806 and 1807. She sailed between Falmouth, Halifax, New York, and the Caribbean islands. These journeys were long and often dangerous.
A Brave Battle: The Jeune Richard Encounter
On October 2, 1807, the Windsor Castle faced a fierce battle. She was commanded by William Rogers, who was acting as captain. The Windsor Castle had eight guns and 28 crew members. She was attacked by a French privateer ship called Jeune Richard. This French ship was much larger, with 14 guns and 96 men.
The fight lasted for two and a half hours. The French tried to board the Windsor Castle, but the British crew fought them off bravely. The battle was very intense, with many casualties on both sides. The French ship lost 56 men, either killed or wounded. The Windsor Castle had three crew members killed and ten wounded.
Eventually, the British crew managed to board the Jeune Richard. They took control of the ship and captured it. Captain Rogers brought the captured French ship to Barbados.
Captain Rogers wrote a letter to Admiral Alexander Cochrane, describing the heroic victory. He was praised for his bravery, and his crew were rewarded. This victory was widely reported and celebrated.
After this exciting event, the Windsor Castle returned to Falmouth in December 1807.
More Journeys Across the Seas
From 1808 to 1814, the Windsor Castle continued her important work. She made many more voyages, carrying mail and passengers to various parts of the world.
She sailed to the Leeward Islands again in 1808 and 1809. Captain Sutton remained her master for many of these trips. The ship also continued her regular route to Halifax and New York.
In 1810, the Windsor Castle sailed to Jamaica and Barbados. During one journey, her crew rescued the crew of another ship called Severn, which was sinking. This shows the dangers of sea travel at the time.
The ship also traveled to places like Demerara, Cadiz, Malta, Gibraltar, Madeira, and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. These long voyages show how far and wide the packet ships traveled.
What Happened to the Windsor Castle?
The Windsor Castle arrived back in Falmouth on January 28, 1815. Captain Sutton then set sail again on February 28, heading for Halifax.
On March 15, 1815, the Windsor Castle met an American privateer ship called Roger. The Roger was a schooner with 10 guns and 120 men. The Windsor Castle had fewer guns, with two 9-pounder guns and eight 9-pounder carronades.
During the battle, the Windsor Castle had four people wounded, including Captain Sutton. Before the ship was captured, Captain Sutton made sure to sink the important mail so it wouldn't fall into enemy hands.
The Americans took Captain Sutton and some of his crew members onto another ship, which took them back to England. The rest of the Windsor Castle's crew were kept on board.
The American captain, Roger Quarles, put his own crew on the Windsor Castle. Both ships sailed together for a few days before separating. They both arrived in Norfolk, Virginia, around April 25.
After arriving in Norfolk, some of the Windsor Castle's original crew tried to take back their ship. However, two of them were killed in the attempt.
Even though the war had officially ended, a court decided that the Windsor Castle was a legal prize of war. She was sold at an auction on June 1 for $7000.
Images for kids
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Captain William Rogers Capturing the 'Jeune Richard', 1 October 1807, by Samuel Drummond
