The HMS Sylph with the HMS Maidstone close behind by B. J. Phillips
The H.M.S. Sylph was constructed in Bermuda in 1812, but was not the first ship to have the name Sylph. Although rated an '18' (based on the number of cannons aboard a traditional sloop-of-war) she was actually armed with sixteen 24-pounder carronades, two long 12-pounders and two 12-pound carronades.
During the months of June and July 1814 the Sylph was extensively active in the interruption of commerce and the capture or destruction of merchant vessels on Long Island Sound. On May 11th the Sylph captured the merchant sloop Grace and took her cargo of iron and dismantled her for fuel. On the 18th the Sylph along with the Frigate H.M.S. Maidstone fired upon a Swedish vessel prior to joining the remainder of the British squadron in blockading the Sound. The blockade, in addition to the Sylph and Maidstone, included the H.M.S. Bulwark and Nimrod. On May 25th the Sylph and Maidstone were engaged in a battle with about a dozen small gunboats under the command of Commodore Lewis. After a three hour battle the American gunboats succeeded in their task of allowing a large contingent of small merchant packets and coasters to pass unmolested past the British warships. At the conclusion of the battle two 74 gun British ships arrived on site and the American forces retreated towards Guilford. The Sylph continued throughout June to make trouble on the Sound. She joined the Maidstone and Belvidera, another frigate, along with the La Hogue, one of the 74 gun ships that had arrived in the Sound in attacking more and more vessels.
In early June the Sloop Nancy was located along near Northville, Long Island when the British arrived, attempting to land marines to destroy the vessel. They were beaten off by the local militia under Capt. John Terry who shot at the marines from the bluffs. Soon after the Sylph arrived and bombarded the cliffs with cannon fire. She was joined by another ship, likely the Maidstone, and together they attempted to drive off the American militia and take the ship, but in the end were unable to capture the Nancy.
The HMS Sylph from a Model—Courtesy of the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, England
On June 23, 1814 an early submarine, called the "torpedoe boat" was forced ashore near Horton Point, Southold after her line was cut in an effort to save a man who went overboard. The boat arrived on shore and over the course of the next few days her crew tried to get her off the beach. In the meantime, word was received by the Sylph and Maidstone of the boats arrival and they set course for her. On Sunday, June 26th, 1814 the Sylph and Maidstone arrived off of Horton Point and launched several small barges (or skiffs) with armed men intent on destroying the "torpedoe boat." Several members of the Sag Harbor militia who were present fired upon the British, who took at least four men either killed or wounded. The militia was forced to retreat and the British succeeded in landing on the Beach and burning the "torpedoe boat." The boat was one of the earliest forms of submarine to be engaged in naval battles.
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CALLING ALL ARTISTS!
A Call for Artists for the 10” x 10” Online Art Exhibition and Sale entitled:
Ten Squared: Winter Wonders
Back by popular demand, Ten Squared is a fundraising exhibit and sale for the Southold Historical Museum. The theme of this winter exhibit is entitled Ten Squared: Winter Wonders. In this non-juried exhibition, artists are invited to submit pieces that are 10” x 10” excluding framing. Each work will be sold for $100, half of which will benefit Southold Historical Society. The online exhibit and sale will be Nov 15 - Dec 15, 2021.
“Winter” is a huge concept, so you’ll want to narrow down your creative ideas into a more cohesive theme. It might be winter on the North Fork, it might be a certain culture’s myths and traditions about winter, or it might be interpretations of winter seen through the eyes of different people. What are the natural processes governing winter? What animals and plants thrive during winter? Seasons of change are coming. Share your interpretation, literal or symbolic of Winter Wonders.
Artists are invited to submit up to 3 works which measure 10” x 10” and hang ready. All mediums are accepted. Art works should be dry. Please attach a label to the back of the artwork with Artist Name, Title, and Medium. (As noted: all artwork will be sold for $100.00, half which will benefit Southold Historical Museum.) Artists should visit the museum website at www.southoldhistorical.org for the artwork submission form and for more information.
Finished 10” x 10” works with submission forms are due by Friday, October 29, 2021. Please call the office at 631-765-5500 for drop off instructions. Unsold work must be retrieved by January 15, 2022 or it will be recycled. Instructions will follow for pick-up of unsold works.
For more information please email info@southoldhistorical.org (attn: art sale) or call 631.765.5500.