BATEAU "ROOSTER"

                For many years before and after the War of 1812, Bateaux were used as the work horses on the waterways of North America. 

                These small (30 foot) sturdy boats carried goods and personnel up and down Lake Champlain, and were an integral part of the

                fighting fleets providing transportation and aiding in the positioning of larger ships during battles.  Many were used by both sides

                during the Battle of Plattsburgh, Sept. 11, 1814.

                In 1999, a group of six reenactors had the idea to build a bateau for Plattsburgh.  The boat took shape over many months and hundreds

                of man hours. The reenactors met weekly to interpret plans, layout and build a full scale replica.  It was christened and launched on the

                Battle weekend, Sept. 1999. The replica bateau has been given the name "ROOSTER" to recall an incident of legend, believed to be

                rooted in fact, which is said to have occurred at the beginning of the naval engagement.

                   "As the English squadron stood bravely in, young Thomas Macdonough, who feared his foes not at all, but his God a great deal, knelt

                  for a moment, with his officers on the quarter-deck; and then ensued a few minutes of perfect quiet, the men waiting in grim expectancy

                  for the opening of the fight.  The American ship Eagle spoke first with her long 18's (cannon) but to no effect, for the shot fell short.  Then,

                  as the British ship Linnet passed the American ship Saratoga, she fired her broadside of long 12's, but her shot also fell short, except one

                  that struck a hencoop that happened to be aboard the Saratoga. There was a gamecock inside, and, instead of being frightened at his

                  sudden release, he jumped up on a gun-slide, clapped his wings, and crowed lustily.  The men laughed and cheered; and immediately

                  afterward Macdonough himself fired the first shot from one of the long guns.  The 24-pound bal struck the British ship Confiance near the

                  hawse-hole and ranged the length of her deck, killing and wounding several men. All the American long guns now opened and were

                  replied to by the British galleys." 

              The story of the plucky rooster has been handed down over time and is dedicated in several paintings of the battle including one on a

              mural in Plattsburgh's City Hall.  Today, the U.S. Navy continues to have the rooster as a mascot on the USS Saratoga aircraft carrier.

                                                                                         .

Bateau 'ROOSTER" crew

                              Photos by Jack Barrette                 'Rooster' (with Veterans Exempt flag) engaged in reenactment battle during the 2006 Battle of Plattsburgh.