The Battle of Plattsburg Bay Further Reading An Overview of the Battle of Plattsburg Bay Background to the Battle of Plattsburg Bay The Plattsburg Bay Land Battle: The British Prevost at Plattsburg Bay The Plattsburg Bay Land Battle: The Americans The Plattsburg Bay Naval Battle: The British The Plattsburg Bay Naval Battle: The Americans

The Story of the US Ship Eagle The U.S. ship Eagle is desperately short of crew members. All the able-bodied men are preparing to repulse the British invasion and no one is available to serve onboard. The Eagle’s resourceful first lieutenant comes up with an idea: he asks for the release of soldiers who have been imprisoned for misbehaviour. The prisoners go straight from their ball and chains, into training as navy gunners. The naval officer also talks six army musicians into serving on the ship. At least one of the musicians brings along his wife. By 10:30 am on the day of the battle, the Eagle’s starboard anchor has been shot away. The vessel is in a precarious position as it swings on its remaining anchor. At this point the Eagle’s dead include two of the musicians who had been recruited at the last minute. The wife of one of the musicians volunteers to replace a powder boy who’s also been killed. To get to her post, she has to step over several corpses lying on the deck, one of whom she recognizes as her own husband.