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.
HOW TO HELP
HOW TO HELP
HOW TO HELP
VOLUNTEER
What unique experiences, interests and talents are you willing to share with the Southold Historical Museum? Volunteers are the people that make things happen!
The three areas where we always welcome new Volunteers are:
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The Lighthouse Committee helps to run the Nautical Museum at the Horton Point Lighthouse which is a working lighthouse, open weekends and Monday holidays from Memorial Day to Mid-September. Volunteers are needed to meet and greet visitors, serve as informal guides or man the tower. The commitment is only two 2 1/2 hour sessions per month. Training is provided.
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The Museum Docents Committee welcomes those who like interacting with the public and sharing our history with guests. They are responsible for greeting and highlighting some key parts of our Museum Complex. New members will be provided with information and training as needed.
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The Treasure Exchange Committee runs the Treasure Exchange antiques and collectibles shop is open Tuesday through Saturday from April through December. It is completely staffed by volunteers who can work as little as 3 hours a week in regular shifts of 10:00 - 1:00 or 1:00 - 4:00. Interests in quality antiques, greeting and assisting customers, and scheduled availability are the only requirements. Located in the Prince Building.
There is something for everyone at Southold Historical Museum! Please also consider sharing your time and talents with us by becoming a committee member in Fundraising, Marketing, Building and Grounds, Collections, Education of Youth Events, Exhibitions, Finance, Hospitality, and in the Museum Shop.
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The Advertising/Publicity Committee develops ways to stimulate membership and community interest in the museum by publicizing through all available media the planned events, programs, workshops, research opportunities and special activities of the museum.
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The Buildings and Grounds Committee maintains the museum's physical plant and grounds and makes recommendations to the Board for improvements or changes.
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The Collections Management Committee helps to maintain and preserve the museum’s collections, the acquisition and acceptance of objects offered to the museum, and the supervision of the Archives/Library.
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The Development Committee works to find new financial resources, along with the Board, to carry out the museum's mission. This includes seeking major financial support from individual, corporate, and governmental sources and creating planned giving programs.
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The Education of Youth Committee plans and implements its educational programs for schoolchildren. Primary responsibility will be to Southold Hamlet schools then to Southold Town schools.
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The Events Committee initiates and plans the museum's events that are open to the general public.
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The Exhibitions Committee arranges special displays and shows for the public based upon the museum’s collections or loaned items of historic, artistic or cultural interest.
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The Fundraising Committee organizes fund-raising events that support the museum’s operations
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The Hospitality Committee provides refreshments for the museum’s functions.
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The Membership Committee solicits new members.
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The Museum Education Committee organizes and implements ongoing educational programming for children, families, and adults.
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The Museum Gift Shop Committee works on the day-to-day operations of the Museum Gift Shop in the Prince Building.
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The Strategic Planning Committee plans and executes an annual Board retreat at which a strategic plan will be formulated with input from all standing committees and stakeholders. The Strategic Planning Committee then operationalizes this plan.