THOMAS

See also:

• THOMAS MACDONOUGH (1786-1825)

MACDONOUGH (1786-1825)  , American sailor, was born in the state of Delaware, his father being an officer of the Continental Army, and entered the United States navy in 1800 . During his long service as a lieutenant he took part in the bombardment of Tripoli, and on a subsequent occasion• showed great firmness in resisting the seizure of a seaman as an alleged deserter from the British navy, his ship at the time lying under the guns of Gibraltar . When war with England broke out, in 1812, he was ordered to cruise in the lakes between Canada and the United States, with his headquarters on lake Champlain . He was instrumental in saving New York and Vermont from invasion by his brilliant victory of lake Champlain gained, on the 11th of September 1814, with a flotilla of 14 vessels carrying 86 guns, over Captain George Downie's 16 vessels and 92 guns . For this important achievement New York and Vermont granted him estates, whilst Congress gave him a gold medal .