Program

NYS Historic

Subject

Event

Location

Bayside Park, Water St, Morristown, NY 13664, USA

Lat/Long

44.5869, -75.6502

Grant Recipient

Town of Morristown

On July 31, 1812, shortly after the start of the War of 1812, the Gunboat USS Julia, commanded by Lieutenant Wells, encountered two British ships, the HMS Duke of Gloucester and HMS Earl of Moira, off the shores of Morristown, New York. The Julia was travelling down the St. Lawrence River on a mission when it encountered the British vessels and was fired upon. The ships exchanged volleys for several hours. However, there was no recorded loss of life and Lieutenant Wells reported that the Julia survived the skirmish undamaged.