Shipwreck Report: Adjutant Clitz

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Adjutant Clitz (formerly unnamed, possibly renamed upon sale in 1825)

• Vessel Type: Likely Schooner or small military auxiliary vessel

• Original Service: Ordinary (reserve fleet) at Sackets Harbor, New York

• Year Built: Likely part of the U.S. naval fleet during or just after the War of 1812

• Renamed: 1825

• Final Location: Clayton, New York, St. Lawrence River

• Final Disposition: Abandoned circa 1837, believed to form part of the Clayton Town dock

Vessel Type Description

The Adjutant Clitz was likely a Schooner or small auxiliary vessel, part of the U.S. Navy’s fleet stationed at Sackets Harbor. Ships designated as part of the “ordinary” fleet were decommissioned or laid up in reserve, often awaiting refitting, sale, or scrapping. Vessels of this type were versatile, built for reconnaissance, transport, or light defense duties during their operational period.

History

Service at Sackets Harbor

The vessel originally served as part of the ordinary fleet stationed at Sackets Harbor. This port was a critical U.S. naval base during the War of 1812, housing many reserve ships after the war’s conclusion. Adjutant Clitz remained in ordinary until it was sold in 1825.

Renaming and Civilian Use

Upon its sale, the vessel was renamed Adjutant Clitz. Its new role and owner remain unclear, though it likely transitioned to civilian use, possibly as a transport or freight vessel given the region’s burgeoning trade network.

Final Years and Abandonment

By 1837, the vessel had fallen into disuse and was Abandoned in Clayton, New York. According to research by Professor Ben Ford of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, the Adjutant Clitz may have been repurposed as part of the Clayton Town dock, where sections of old ships were often integrated into infrastructure projects.

Final Disposition

The Adjutant Clitz was Abandoned around 1837 in Clayton, New York. Historical evidence suggests parts of the vessel were used in the construction of the Clayton Town dock, a common practice during the period to recycle wooden ships no longer deemed seaworthy.

Current Condition & Archaeological Significance

• Site Description:

The remnants of the Adjutant Clitz are believed to be incorporated into the structure of the Clayton Town dock. If extant, the vessel’s components may be submerged or buried under successive dock expansions.

• Archaeological Insights:

If located and studied, the remnants of the Adjutant Clitz could provide valuable insights into ship construction methods of the early 19th century, particularly for naval auxiliaries repurposed for civilian use.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) relate to the site, as the vessel’s remains are integrated into the dock infrastructure.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Repository for vessel records and historical accounts.

• Professor Ben Ford’s Research: Indiana University of Pennsylvania studies on shipwrecks and submerged heritage sites.

• Clayton Historical Association: Local resources for maritime history and archaeological findings in the area.

Conclusion

The story of the Adjutant Clitz reflects the practical realities of early 19th-century ship life on the Great Lakes. From its service at Sackets Harbor to its presumed incorporation into the Clayton Town dock, the vessel’s lifecycle embodies the resourcefulness of maritime communities in repurposing aging vessels. As part of the dock, the Adjutant Clitz remains a quiet, unassuming reminder of the Great Lakes’ rich naval and shipping history.

Keywords

• Adjutant Clitz

• Sackets Harbor

• Clayton Town Dock

• War of 1812 Naval Ordinary

• St. Lawrence River Shipwrecks

• Early Great Lakes Commerce

• Professor Ben Ford Research

• Maritime Archaeology