HENRY CLAY Tragic Tale of Storm and Sorrow
In the annals of maritime history, the story of the HENRY CLAY stands as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable and unforgiving nature of the Great Lakes. Born in the shipyards of Oswego, NY, in 1831, the HENRY CLAY embarked on a maiden voyage that would be tragically cut short. With a destiny marked by stormy waters and heart-wrenching loss, the vessel’s tale is one of courage, sorrow, and the relentless power of Lake Ontario.
The Vessel’s Genesis
Crafted by the skilled hands of shipbuilder H. Fitzhugh, the HENRY CLAY was a schooner born from the wood of Oswego. With two masts proudly holding its sails, the vessel set out on its inaugural voyage with the promise of a journey filled with hope and anticipation. As it embarked on its journey from Oswego to the Welland Canal and then Cleveland, the HENRY CLAY carried a cargo of 7-800 barrels of salt—a cargo that would never reach its intended destination.
A Storm’s Fury Unleashed
The date was around July 19th, 1831, when the HENRY CLAY encountered a squall that would forever alter its fate. Roughly 10-12 miles off Port Dalhousie, Ontario, the vessel was caught in the merciless grip of a storm that capsized and sank it into the depths of Lake Ontario. The vessel’s crew and passengers found themselves in the midst of a tempest that left them helpless against its power.
A Glimmer of Hope Amidst Tragedy
As the HENRY CLAY succumbed to the churning waters, its crew and passengers faced a dire situation. Of the 11 souls aboard, only three were fortunate enough to be rescued. The steamer CANADA, which was ahead of the ill-fated vessel, played a pivotal role in saving the lives of these survivors. Amidst the chaos and despair, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of the rescue efforts led by the CANADA.
A Captain’s Legacy
The tragedy of the HENRY CLAY was compounded by the reported disregard of its captain, a sailor with a background in salt rather than the lakes. The vessel’s maiden voyage was to be its last, a journey cut short by the forces of nature and the choices made by those entrusted with its safe passage. The HENRY CLAY ‘s master, Captain Campbell, would ultimately become a tragic figure in the story of the vessel’s demise.
A Memorial of Loss
The HENRY CLAY now rests beneath the waters of Lake Ontario, its story preserved in the annals of history. A memorial to the six lives lost and the sorrow that befell those aboard, the vessel’s fate serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the Great Lakes. The story of the HENRY CLAY echoes through time, carrying with it the memories of a tragic voyage and the lives forever changed by the stormy waters of Lake Ontario.
