AAR For “Carleton's Raid ”2003
Signal following............
Dispatch from 1st Lieutenant Bruce Kominz to Captain Fisher, Commanding, Frigate
Richmond
Crew detachment successfully participates in
225th Anniversary of Carleton's
Raid (aka Rabble in Arms)
Sir, It is with pride and satisfaction that I wish to report on the action taken
on the weekend of August 22-24, 2003.
Our advance party, consisting of Francis Ross & Jonathan
Clarke, who having arrived the day before, helped row the Gunboat (replica)
Philadelphia II from it's homeport at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum (LCMM),
approx. 7 miles up Otter Creek to the base of the falls at Vergennes, VT. Joining
them at the base camp at LCMM were: Dave Valentine & Jeremy Goodwin and
myself (from the HMS Frigate Richmond) and Don Dill and his daughter Rachael,
and Al Hodson, of the Vessel Speedwell. This proved to be a hearty and spirited
crew.
The weather broke overnight bringing cooler, crisp winds - just right for pursuing
rebels! On Saturday morning, our crew joined in that of the Jersey (a captured
American gunboat) on board the Philadelphia II, to recreate the raid on the
Township of Monctown (now Vergennes) of November 8, 1778.
(Images courtesy of the Lt. Kominz, Frigate Richmond)
We supported raiding parties consisting of 2 bateaux and 4 or 5 smaller craft that landed British/ loyalist troops that sacked the town and took prisoners. The men valiantly manned several swivel guns providing protective cover for the raiding parties. It should be noted that this was the first time in many years that the Philadelphia II had left her port. There were 38 souls onboard (all properly dressed in 18th Century) (max. capacity 44). After the battle, with winds picking up, we were given a 21st century tow up the creek to Tom's Marine (about 1/2 way) with one leaking bateau also in tow, but before arrival we were ambushed/fired upon by rebels w/ artillery and we returned fire (including a detachment of 20th of foot serving as marines onboard). The Philadelphia II would remain stranded at Tom's Marine and was out of action for the rest of the evolution. Thus ended the action of the day.
Our crew (less Don Dill and his daughter Rachael) forayed into town for supper,
victualing at the Hungry Bear tavern, returning to camp for the evening. The
night was cooler and Sunday started slowly. The days main activity was to be
a raid at the museum grounds. Seamen Jeremy Goodwin, Al Hodson, Don Dill and
Lieutenant Kominz joined with the landing party of the HMS Somerset, (LT. Condrick,
Commanding). Simulating coming up from boats on the river (they were all out-of-commission),
we joined the British forces in first setting fire to the settlement (in our
case 2 wooden shacks) and then pursuing rebels into the fields, engaging, and
eventually retreating in force back to the settlement area.
Our crew was well gunned (Jeremy Goodwin & Don Dill with
muskets, and Al Hodson with a mortared musket??)(and me with a sword and a well
hidden cannon-camera), with the men of the Somerset performed bravely.
It was a very good evolution - the camping was on good ground (next to a beautiful
willow tree), at the LCMM (with flush toilets, a shower, water, etc.), good
public turnout, and best of all, a good, safe, fun and relaxed atmosphere!
I would strongly recommend returning to this event in the future.
Respectfully Yours,
Bruce Kominz, 1st. Lieutenant, His Majesty's Frigate Richmond
Bruce Kominz