P. 143:
“We then crossed to Fort Henry, which commands and defends the dock-yard. The embrasures, formed of wood, are in a very dilapi-
p. 144: dated state; but in the progress of the line of fortification which is carrying on for the defence of Canada, this fort will shortly undergo a complete repair. As a protection to the dock-yard, it is admirably situated, and from its ramparts I enjoyed a fine view of the Lake and surrounding country.
The dock-yard is built upon a peninsula, having a harbour on either side. Beyond the northern harbour, lies the town, which, though small and scattered, is the second city in Upper Canada. It was a cause of great regret to me that I was unable to cross the Lake to Sackett’s Harbour, where the dock-yard of the United States, corresponding to our own, is situated. I am indebted, however, to a friend, for the assurance that as a naval depot the place is, at present, utterly insignificant. Since the war, the Americans have taken no pains to keep the establishment in order, or to preserve their ships from decay. Some of these have never been launched, some are sunk, and ot-
p. 145: hers laid up in ordinary; but they are all said to be in a very ruinous state, having been hastily constructed of bad materials. In equipping their squadron on the lakes, the Americans evinced great energy. The three decker which they built at this place was run up in forty-two days, and 800 shipwrights were employed in her construction. The dimensions were 182 feet 8 inches keel, 212 deck, and 52 beam. She was never launched, in consequence of the cessation of hostilities.”
Source
Fred. Fitzgerald de Roos. Personal narrative of travels in the United States and Canada in 1826. London, 1827.
