November 13 1812: Brock is Captured

On November 13, 1812, S.T. Anderson writes to the Secretary of Navy to advise that the Growler has captured the British sloop Elizabeth, and that on board was Captain James Brock.  Anderson misidentifies Captain James Brock as Isaac Brock's brother, when in fact he was his first cousin.  James was returning his cousin's belongings on the Elizabeth when the vessel was captured.  Every sailor with a claim to Brock's belongings as  a prize waived his right to them.  James Brock was later paroled and allowed to return to Upper Canada with his cousin’s belongings. Anderson's letter reads:

S. T. Anderson to the Secretary of the Navy Sackett's Harbor, 13th Nov., 1812, at night.

Sir,—Since the enclosed letter from the Commodore was written the Growler has returned with a prize, and in her Capt. Brock, brother to the late General of that name, with the baggage of the latter. By the prize we learned that the Earl of Moira was off the False Ducks, and the Commodore has put off in a snow storm in the hope of cutting her off from Kingston.

From information received from Captain Brock there is no question but Kingston is very strongly defended. He expressed surprise to find our vessels had got out of the harbor after having been in it, and says that the regiment to which he belongs is quartered there 500 strong, besides other regulars and a well appointed militia The resistance made fully justifies this report. Be assured, Sir, that in the action of which the Commodore has given you an account the national honor has been most ably supported.

Notes

For more on James Brock see the excellent article by Stephen Otto "James Brock Brockton’s Name Recalls Isaac Brock’s Cousin" which can be found here. The attack on Kingston is described by Robert Henderson in his fine article "Full of Confidence” The American Attack on Kingston Harbour in 1812" which can be found here.