Контра-адмирал Уильям Сандом: карьера британского офицера в Канаде, омраченная вспыльчивым характером

An honourable navy officer, with a temper Article content Bold, brave, and brash, Captain Williams Sandom was a Royal Navy officer assigned to duty in Upper Canada. With his steamers and troops from Kingston in 1838, Sandom took part in rebuffing the American invaders at Prescott’s Battle of the Windmill. Although he was an experienced seaman and equally valuable warrior, Sandom lost his advantage through his undisciplined temper. Williams Sandom was born in 1785 in England, and just 13 years old when he was drawn to the Royal Navy for a life at sea. Serving as midshipman, “for a long period he was in the Mediterranean, and he took part in the attack on Constantinople (Istanbul) in 1807,” according to John Spurr and Donald Schurman in Dictionary of Canadian Biography, Vol. 8, 1985 (University of Toronto/Université Laval). Recommended Videos Promoted to Lieutenant in 1808, Sandom “distinguished himself in the capture by the Bonne Citoyenne… of the French frigate Furieuse and commanded the prize during an epic, 25-day tow to Halifax, N.S., with French prisoners below deck,” noted Spurr. The naval officer served during the War of 1812 and held several posts during peacetime, becoming “an expert at fitting out vessels in emergencies.” Made Captain in 1828, Sandom went on half pay the next year to spend time at shipyards, learning steam engines technology. Returning to Canada in the spring of 1838, Sandom was appointed “Commander-in-Chief of the naval force on the Canadian lakes,” noted A Naval Biographical Dictionary, edited by William R. O’Byrne, 1849. Stationed on the Niagara at Kingston’s Fort Frederick, Sandom heard whispered warnings about a covert invasion planned by American Patriot Hunters wishing to liberate Canada from British tyranny. Prior to the now-anticipated skirmish at Prescott, troops were organized along the St. Lawrence River in May. They were on the lookout for pirate William Johnson, wanted by authorities in both USA and Canada. Months earlier, Johnson had robbed and destroyed a Canadian steamboat, the Sir Robert Peel, creating “an international incident,” mentioned Donald Graves in Guns Across the River: Battle of the Windmill 1838 (Friends of the Windmill, 2001). Assisting the search, Sandom “started regular patrols of the Thousand Islands area.” “Sandom had acquired or rented various steam vessels so that when the cross-river attack occurred he had posted at Brockville the small paddle-steamer Experiment,” said Spurr. Captain Sandom brought two more vessels on November 13, 1838, the Queen Victoria and Cobourg. “A detachment of the 83rd Foot, serving as marines, and 30 Royal Marines were landed to head the two militia columns.” Enroute to Prescott with the two vessels, “Sandom stopped briefly at Gananoque for wood and then steamed to Brockville, where he arrived at 8 p.m.,” Graves said. The captain learned that the Hunters were already at Prescott, however there was a delay. Sandom’s vessels were filled with civilian cargo, and “it took the men four frantic hours to land these useless articles.” They steamed for Prescott after midnight. Approximately 600 militiamen from nearby counties hurried to the scene. The incursion by the Hunters was initially a cascade of misadventures. Their leader Colonel Nils Gustaf von Schoultz approached Prescott with schooner Charlotte and other vessels, plus about 250 men and 3 field guns. The officer realized there was great potential in holding the Windmill, but the British and the Canadians had a plan. “Sandom positioned his steam vessels in front of the mill to create a diversion and batter it with artillery,” said Spurr. Shots were fired, and a white flag was waved for an exchange of the wounded. The American officer offered to surrender if Dundas would “treat the Hunters as prisoners of war,” said Shaun J. McLaughlin in “Raiders and Rebels,” January 29, 2011. Dundas told von Schoultz that he would only accept complete surrender. Gunfire rang out again, bloody and deadly. Thirteen British soldiers were killed and almost 80 more were wounded. The Americans suffered about 18 killed and 20 wounded. British troops blockaded the Americans, and von Schoultz surrendered, waving a white flag on November 16th. Many of the enemy fled back across the river; those captured were taken to Kingston for trial and punishment for some. One dire miscalculation was made—the Americans thought Canadians wanted rescue. They did not. Afterward, military awards were presented. Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Dundas received a “CB” for duty at the Battle of the Windmill. (The CB was Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, awarded to senior officers for distinguished service.) Sandom expected similar recognition for his service and bringing the weapons that resolved the conflict. He was left emptyhanded and bitterly disappointed. He returned to organizing patrols at the border, capturing pirate William Johnson in 1839. While hunting for the pirate, Sandom had attempted diplomacy with American military commanders in New York State, with mixed results. It seems that “Sandom’s seafaring and fighting capabilities were not matched by corresponding talents in the areas of diplomatic and personal relations,” wrote Spurr. Sandom angered his superiors when he disciplined a Royal Navy officer. A court martial was ordered by the Admiralty, releasing the officer from punishment. Sandom faced rebuke and Governor Lord Sydenham “demanded his recall.” Although Captain Sandom “sustained a considerable presence in Kingston,” according to Spurr, “his ungovernable temper prejudiced his relations with his officers and men.” One ship NCO sued Sandom for “unjust imprisonment” in 1843. Sandom lost. Shortly after, Sandom sailed for England, and was placed on half-pay. He received the Good Service pension in 1848, but “Capt. Sandom’s Canadian services still remain unrewarded,” noted O’Byrne in 1849, “although they were identical with those of Lieut.-Col. Dundas.” Sandom married Jane Gabrielle Constable (1811-1860) on March 12, 1844, and he received good news ten years later—he was promoted to Rear Admiral. Williams Sandom died at age 73 on August 15, 1858. No matter what his temperament was, Kingston can think kindly of Sandom. He and his troops rescued the Penny Bridge during the frightening and disastrous waterfront fire in 1840. Susanna McLeod is a writer living in Kingston, Ontario.