Through Water, Ice, and Fire: Schooner «Nancy» of the War of 1812

Clint MacNeil teaches history, geography, and world religion at St.
Charles College in Sudbury.

Although not necessarily the most exciting of military engagements, the
War of 1812 did play a pivotal role in Canadian history. It repelled the
American invaders and thus ensured that British North America would
remain independent and loyal to its sovereign king. Americans perceived
themselves as liberators and anticipated an easy victory, since Britain
was preoccupied with Napoleon. However, there was resistance on the
Great Lakes and Nancy was at the forefront.

This seemingly insignificant schooner was hardly suited for battle.
Built in 1789, she was fashioned from white oak and cedar measuring 80
feet in length. Owner Alexander Mackintosh operated Nancy for the
Montreal-based North West Company between the various fur trading posts.
When the United States declared war on British North America on June 18,
1812, Nancy immediately assisted the war effort by transporting
supplies, civilians, troops, and even POWs following the capture of Fort
Michilimackinac on July 17, 1812.

A decisive victory for Captain Perry over Captain Robert Barclay on
September 10, 1813, annihilated the British presence on Lake Erie,
precipitating their retreat and the capture of Detroit and Amherstburg.
As a result, “Nancy was the only sailing vessel the British possessed
... The future of the North West Company and the Native resistance
hinged on the Nancy and her cargo.”

Nancy and her patriotic crew refused to surrender and on one occasion
were forced to fight. However, Nancy’s heroism and luck would be
short-lived. As the newest member of the Royal Navy, HMS Nancy ferried
supplies from the mouth of the Nottawasaga River to Michilimackinac,
since all other water passages were in American hands. The Niagara,
Scorpion, and Tigress discovered Nancy on the Nottawasaga River.
Outgunned and outnumbered, the schooner’s crew hopelessly fought the
Americans before blowing Nancy out of the water to prevent her
inevitable capture. The remains of the schooner were discovered in 1927
and are currently on display at the Nancy Island Historic Site.

Using a balance of sources in his thoroughly researched narrative,
Gough writes with passion and authority. He vividly brings to life an
episode long forgotten in Canadian history, but one that will
undoubtedly be examined in the future.