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JAtTHE SEA COAST ECHO—THURSDAY, MARCH 26,1987
Funds sought to purchase marker for Battle of Bay St. Louis
The Hancock Historical Society is in the process of raising funds to place a marker commemorating the Battle of Bay St. Louis in 1814.
The historical marker was approved by the Mississippi Legislature in 1985, but no funding was provided, Dr. William Bradford, Historical Society president reports.
An article authored by George Schilling appeared in the March 27, 1936 issue of The Sea Coast Echo describing the battle.
A copy of the article follows:
“When the fleet of British battleships and smaller vessels appeared off Chandeleur Island on Dec. 8,1814, the only obstacle was a little American flotilla of five gunboats (No. 156, 163, 162, 35 and 23) and two small tenders (Alligator and Sea Horse) under the command of Lt. Thomas Catasby Jones. These 182 men had a broadside fire power of 14 guns throwing a total of 212 pounds of shot at one discharge.
“The British forces were commanded by Captain Nicholas Lockyer who had negotiated with Jean Lafitte. Capt. Lockyer was responsible to Admiral Cochrane who on the night of Dec. 12 dispatched 42 launches and 980 seamen and marines to engage the American ships. Admiral Cochrane had boasted he would eat his Christmas dinner in New Orleans. The British planned transportation in open boats of the assault force (approximately 7,000 men) from Cat Island to Bayou Bienvenu at the head of Lake Borgne (62 miles). A shortage of boats allowed only 2,000 men to be transported in any one wave.
“Lt. Jones had orders from Commodore Patterson to “sink the enemy...or be sunk.” His duty was to gain delay for General Jackson gathering forces in New Orleans.
“The tiny tender Sea Horse guided by Sailing Master William Johnson was sent to destroy the stores at Bay St. Louis. It is a mystery how the stores, storehouse, and two small cannons got to Bay St. Louis. The Sea Horse was attacked by seven of the smaller British boats and repulsed them after a 30-minute battle. A regiment of militia stationed in sup-
on shore made a hasty retreat to big stream. An invalid lady of Natchez implored the Colonel to fire the gun for the honor of the country but he failed to do so. She ignited the cannon’s fuse with a cigarette handed her by John B. Toulme (from 1876 address by J.F.H. Claiborne).
“The evening of Dec. 13 had an explosion and large fire from Bay St. Louis as the moored tender Sea Horse was burned to prevent capture. The other tender, the Alligator with one four-pound gun and eight men was captured by the British.
“The battle off Bay St. Louis and Waveland occurred on Dec. 14,1814 from 10:50 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The American loss was six killed and 35 wounded. British losses were 17 killed and 77 wounded. The Americans were attacked by superior numbers andd forces. They exhibited skill, courage and fought with the certainty of ultimate defeat.
“The capture of these five gunboats removed the last hindrance to the advance of General Edward Pakenham whose forces reached the mouth of Canal Villere nine miles below New Orleans in Dec. 23, 1814.”
Bradford said, “The Hancock County Historical Society is spearheading a fund raiser for the purchase of a historical marker to remember this Naval engagement off our shores.”
“Hancock County was founded in 1812, only two years prior to the battle, and I hope we might find a suitable manner to commemorate both the birthday of Hancock County and its Naval battle,” Bradford added.
Persons wishing to make a contribution to the fund can do so by sending ;t to: Hancock County Historical Society, P.O. Box 1340, Bay St. Louis, Miss. 39520.
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Mr. and Mrs. Willia. Waveland announc^ proaching marriage daughter, Deanna Mari to David Clark, son of ft! Dallas Clark of Bay St.} Mr. Clark is a gradir
Community Prayt set for 10 a.m. Fi
Christ Episcopal Church, 912 munity Prayer Service South Beach Boulevard, Bay St. a.m.
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