Name/Title
Cuff linkEntry/Object ID
2023.033.003Description
Oval metal cuff link or button with an anchor crudely etched on it.Context
The donor described this as a "navy" cufflink. If that is the case, it might be associated with the seamen associated with Thomas Macdonough during the War of 1812.
Here is an account of Macdonough's time in the Vergennes/Ferrisburgh area from Wikapedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Macdonough
"Lake Champlain Campaign
On July 24, 1813, Macdonough was promoted to the rank of master commandant.
When the war began in 1812, there were only two American naval vessels on Lake Champlain, Growler and Eagle, each carrying ten guns with a crew of fifty. On June 3, 1813, the two vessels were pursuing a British gunboat but were caught up in a strong current that prevented them from maintaining their heading and position, giving the advantage to British forces, resulting in their capture. The loss of the two and only American vessels on the lake gave undisputed control of this strategic waterway to the British. This prompted Macdonough to begin the construction of the corvette Saratoga and new sloop Eagle and several gunboats at the shipyard in Otter Creek at Vergennes, Vermont. While construction was underway, Ticonderoga, a schooner, was being converted to a warship carrying seventeen guns.[20]
In 1814 the ice covering Lake Champlain, which usually lasted well into May, began melting and breaking up early in April. Macdonough feared that the British, who he assumed by now knew of the ship construction going on there, would use the opportunity to capture or destroy the vessels being built. Having learned of Macdonough's ship building activity, the British constructed a heavily armed brig and five large gunboats at 'Isle Aux Noix' over the winter.[21] As Macdonough had predicted, British forces attempted to navigate the lake. Because of unfavorable winds, the British commander Daniel Pring, whose forces were based at Isle Aux Noix in upper Lake Champlain, didn't complete the 65-mile journey to Otter Creek until May 14. Upon arrival, Pring situated his squadron in the lake just off Otter Creek with eight galleys and a bomb sloop, preventing the American forces' passage north and to the sea.[22][23] For one hour, Commander Pring maintained a heavy fire. However, Macdonough had learned of the attack beforehand from his observers on land and had prepared a defense in anticipation of this likely event. Using the guns of his ships, he had them landed on shore at the mouth of Otter Creek. Macdonough constructed an artillery battery with which he repelled the attack and drove the Royal Navy back to Isle Aux Noix in Canadian waters by autumn. With the way now clear, Macdonough's squadron sailed out of Otter Creek and made its way to Plattsburgh, New York, where it anchored just off shore in anticipation of the next and inevitable British advance.[24]"Collection
Jeremy Walsh CollectionInscription/Signature/Marks
Location
Location
Box
Box 3Rolling Rack
Unit B, Shelf 2Room
Museum Storage RoomCategory
StorageMoved By
Kelly BartlettDate
October 16, 2025Condition
Overall Condition
FairDate Examined
Mar 26, 2024Relationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Commodore Thomas MacdonoughRelated Places
Place
* Untyped Place
Vergennes, FerrisburghCounty
Addison CountyState/Province
VermontCreated By
Nancy RemsenCreate Date
March 14, 2024Updated By
Kelly BartlettUpdate Date
October 16, 2025