Saturday, September 8, 2012

The Captain Who Failed To Perform Impossibilities

Heading towards the Battle of Plattsburg:

Captain Downie was ordered to act in conjunction with the land forces under Sir George Prevost; but the general suffered the brunt of the work to fall on the flotilla, which, unhappily, was barely in a condition to protect itself.


Finding his letters and messages to fail in making Captain Downie perform impossibilities, Sir George had the assurance to cast a slur upon his exertions [and]..."hoped Captain Downie allowed himself to be delayed by nothing but the wind." The insinuation was felt, and ...the Confiance and squadron got underweigh from Isle aux Noirs... .

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