Blockading New York

ACTION IN AMERICA: HENRY'S LAST CRUISE

America had declared war on Britain in 1812, and supported Napoleon. HMS Forth had been built in Deptford in 1813 but did not sail immediately to America. Instead she was deployed to Holland. Despite some action, life was becoming boring for Henry, only aleviated by balls arranged to meet the local Dutch girls.

At last HMS Forth was ordered to blockade New York where USS President was refitting. However Forth was relieved by HMS Endymion, which eventually had the satisfaction of capturing the President off Sandy Hook. Peace was signed with America and Forth was ordered home, but not before running aground on rocks off Massachusetts. By forcing the ship over in a gale she was refloated. Henry was by now only 24 years old, but a veteran of 12 years' naval service. Peace with France had seemed inevitable when Napoleon abdicated. Before Henry left for America he had asked Aunt Georgiana for one last favour: to use her influence to have him included in the peace promotions. Accordingly, in June 1815, Henry was promoted Commander. He was thus able to use the courtesy title of Captain for the rest of his life.

With little prospect of continuing hostilities, the prospect of obtaining command of a ship in peacetime faded. Henry was still writing to Aunt Georgiana in 1821, trying to obtain a ship.

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