Expanded Ownership and Historical Context of the Hamilton (formerly Diana):

Original Owner: Matthew McNair (Oswego, New York)

•Background on Ownership: Matthew McNair, a prominent merchant and shipowner in Oswego, commissioned the Diana in 1809 for use in the thriving trade across Lake Ontario. Oswego was a critical port during this period, and McNair likely used the Schooner to transport goods such as timber, agricultural products, and other commodities that were central to the regional economy.

•Economic Role: As a private merchant Schooner, the Diana served an essential role in the interconnected trade routes between the U.S. and Canada. These routes saw brisk commerce prior to the disruptions caused by the War of 1812.

U.S. Navy Acquisition (1812)

•Transition to War Service: The Diana was purchased by the U.S. Navy during the early stages of the War of 1812, reflecting the urgent need to bolster American naval forces on the Great Lakes. Upon acquisition, the Schooner was renamed Hamilton in honor of Paul Hamilton, then the Secretary of the Navy.

•Conversion to a Warship:

•Equipped with ten cannons, the Hamilton was transformed from a trade vessel into a military asset. These modifications were part of a broader U.S. strategy to match British naval strength on the Great Lakes.

•Commanded by officers experienced in lake navigation, the Hamilton was integrated into the U.S. fleet based out of Sackett’s Harbor, New York, a critical naval and shipbuilding center during the war.

Final Role in the War of 1812

•Strategic Use: The Hamilton was part of the squadron tasked with maintaining American control over Lake Ontario. This involved patrolling strategic waterways, disrupting British supply chains, and supporting land-based operations such as the planned assault on York (now Toronto).

•Fatal Incident:

•On August 18, 1813, while the Hamilton and its sister ship, the Scourge, awaited orders, a sudden line squall engulfed the fleet.

•Both ships capsized due to their high center of gravity and the added weight of military equipment, including cannons and ammunition, which reduced their stability in severe weather.

Legacy and Preservation Efforts

The Hamilton is not only a war grave but also an invaluable archaeological site. The cold waters of Lake Ontario have preserved the wreck in exceptional condition, offering insights into early 19th-century naval warfare, ship construction, and life aboard warships during the War of 1812.

Significance:

•Cultural and Historical Importance:

•The Hamilton and Scourge are among the few War of 1812-era wrecks that have been located and documented. These vessels symbolize the sacrifices made during this tumultuous period in North American history.

•The wreck serves as a stark reminder of the dual dangers of war and nature faced by sailors.

•Modern Preservation:

•Recognized as Canadian National Historic Sites, the Hamilton and Scourge are protected under Canadian law. The wrecks are treated as war graves, with restrictions on diving to ensure the sites remain undisturbed.

•Side-scan sonar and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) have been used to study the wrecks without causing physical disruption, ensuring their preservation for future generations.

Ownership in War Service Context:

While initially a privately-owned merchant vessel, the U.S. Navy’s acquisition and repurposing of the Hamilton (as part of its War of 1812 fleet) reflect the dynamic shifts in vessel usage necessitated by wartime conditions. The partnership between private shipbuilders, such as Henry Eagle, and the U.S. Navy highlights the collaboration required to meet the demands of early 19th-century naval warfare.