War of 1812 E43 Don’t Give Up the Ship: Perry’s Gamble on Lake Erie
In this episode, we trace a pivotal year in the War of 1812 when the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps were tested at every turn. We begin with the fallout from Captain James Lawrence’s defeat aboard USS Chesapeake, a loss that reshaped naval policy and led to a controversial court-martial. While the British tightened their blockade and launched brutal raids across the Chesapeake, U.S. privateers struck back hard, capturing hundreds of British merchant ships.
We cover the defense of Craney Island, the sack of Hampton, and a daring but failed torpedo attack. Meanwhile, the Marines fought to hold ground along the coast, from Norfolk to Annapolis.
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REFERENCES:
Abbot, W. J. (1899). The naval history of the United States. New York: Peter Fenelon Collier.
Brenton, E. P. (1970). The naval history of Great Britain: from the year Mdcclxxxiii. to Mdcccxxxvi. London: H. Colburn.
Cooper, J. F. (1856). History of the Navy of the United States of America: continued to 1856. New York: Stringer & Townsend.
Dundonald, T. E. of. (1860). The autobiography of a seaman. London: Bentley.
James, W., & Chamier, F. (1847). The naval history of Great Britain, from the declaration of war by France in 1793, to the accession of George Iv. London: R. Bentley.
Marshall, J. (1835). Royal Naval Biography: Or, Memoirs of the Services of All the Flag-Officers, Superannuated Rear-Admirals, Retired-Captains, Post-Captains, and Commanders. Place of publication not identified: publisher not identified.
Miller, W. M., & Tyson, C. A. (1965). A chronology of the United States Marine Corps. Washington: Historical Branch, G-3 Division Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.
Roosevelt, T. (2011). The Naval War of 1812, or, The history of the United States Navy during the last war with Great Britain: to which is appended an account of the Battle of New Orleans. United States: publisher not identified.