Escape of the Royal George 1812
Text from the plaque
Opposite here is the gap between Amherst Island and the eastern tip of Prince Edward County. On November 9, 1812, the British Corvette "Royal George" (22 guns), commanded by Commodore Hugh Earl(e), was intercepted off False Duck Islands by an American fleet, comprising seven ships under Commodore Isaac Chauncey. Pursued by the enemy, "Royal George" escaped through this gap into the Bay of Quinte's North Channel. The chase resumed in light winds the following day when she arrived safely in Kingston harbour. Chauncey, intent on capturing the largest British warship then on Lake Ontario, attacked her in the harbour, but after exchanging fire with "Royal George" and shore batteries, was forced to withdraw.
Transcribed from the marker, not summarised.
Find the place
The County of Lennox & Addington
The Town of Greater Napanee
At a pull-off on the south side of Highway 33
just west of Road 21
Also recorded for this place: The Town of Greater Napanee
N 44 08.430 W 76 51.109
Recorded December 2010. Check current access before visiting.
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Visitors' notes
September 28, 2010
What the plaque doesn't mention (perhaps due to space limitations) is that a storm was moving in. This played a part in Commodore Chauncey's decision to withdraw to safety and abandon his bid to capture the corvette. There is a model of the Royal George at Fort Henry in Kingston, where this is explained.
October 12, 2008
why did she escape.