During the period of early navigation on the Great Lakes, Alexander Grant was granted permission to build a fleet of schooners and sloops for the purpose of transporting merchandise across the lakes. Among these vessels were the HOPE and FAITH, which were constructed at The River Rouge, and the largest ship named CHARITY, built near Fort Niagara specifically for navigating Lake Ontario. Additionally, Grant owned the sloop ANGELICA, which was built at The River Rouge, and the sloop CHIPPEWA.
Grant, who had been entrusted by General Gage with the direction of all the vessels on the several lakes, played a crucial role in organizing and overseeing the maritime activities in the region. The fleet consisted of both merchant ships and vessels belonging to the British Crown. The GENERAL GAGE, a ship of 120 tons and sixteen guns, was employed in navigating Lake Erie, while the EARL OF DUNMORE, a ship of 90 tons and 12 guns, was typically engaged in the navigation of Lake Huron.
In November 1775, the schooner CHIPPEWA met its unfortunate fate during a fierce gale near Long Point. The vessel was driven ashore and ultimately became a total wreck. Captain Thomas Robinson of the GENERAL GAGE wrote to Richard Cornwall, the master of the CHIPPEWA, expressing his regret for the incident but also providing consolation that no lives were lost. It was decided that the crew should abandon the wreck and bring with them whatever valuable items they could salvage, destroying the remaining cargo to prevent it from falling into enemy hands.
The loss of the CHIPPEWA had significant financial consequences, particularly for Adhemar St. Martin, who suffered a loss of over four hundred pounds. Lieutenant Colonel Caldwell deemed it necessary to have the ship’s cargo destroyed, further exacerbating the financial impact of the incident.
These accounts highlight the challenges and risks associated with early navigation on the Great Lakes. The loss of the CHIPPEWA serves as a reminder of the perils faced by sailors and the unpredictable nature of the region’s waters. The efforts to establish a maritime presence during this period laid the foundation for future developments in trade and transportation on the Great Lakes.
