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Re: Researching Col. Henry Forno, 5th LA Inf

Although I have no relationship to the Forno/Forneau family, I thought you might be interested in the following transcription of an article from the old Charleston Times (although the information was obviously taken from the Charleston Courier):

CHARLESTON
Saturday Evening, May 18, 1811

Loss of Gun Boat No. 157

The U.S. Gun Boat, No. 157, Lieut. John Kerr, Commander, bound for St. Marys. In attempting to beat out at the south channel yesterday morning, missed stays and drifted upon the breakers, the wind being strong at east, and a heavy sea upon the bar, rendered it impossible for any boat to approach her, and the small boat which they had on board having been dashed to pieces by the sea, immediately after she she struck, the crew had no other alternative but to cling to the rigging in the hope that something might come to their relief. It was about eight o'clock in the morning when the Gun Boat struck on the breakers, and at ten her mast having worked out of the step, she instantly rolled over and the whole crew (22 in number) were precipitated into the waves. Those among them who could swim, got upon the bottom of the vessel, where they remained for some hours, and about 2 or 3 o'clock, when the wind lulled, those who had suffiecient strength remaining, swam about 70 or 80 yards to some fishing boats which were on the lookout for them, but who could not approach the place where the vessel struck, without certainty of sharing in their fate. ---out of the whole number of which the crew was comprised nine only were rescued from a watery grave. ---- Among those who were saved, were Messrs. Atwood, of Maryland, Hertot, of Georgetown, and Gyles, of this city, all young men who had just entered the navy as midshipmen, and who were entirely unacquainted with the sea. Mr. Forneau, the pilot, and five of the crew were also saved; several of these persons were nearly exhausted when taken up by the fishermen. --- The following are the names of the persons drowned: Lieut. John Kerr, Wm. Tupper, boatswain, James Dogarthy, Oliver Corry, John Card, Is. Campbell, Bartholomew Fuller, Jos. Daily, John Adams, William Trotter, Joseph Lucas, ________ Duboise, and Wm. Mackey, a boy.

Courier

I believe the John Adams who drowned may have been my ancestor.

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Re: Researching Col. Henry Forno, 5th LA Inf