Harper's Encyclopedia of United States History
Benson Lossing, Ed.

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Oneida, the

The first warlike measure of the Americans previous to the hostilities begun in 1812 was the construction, at Sackett's Harbor, N. Y., of the brig Oneida, 16 guns, by Christian Berg and Henry Eckford. She was launched in 1809, and was intended for a twofold [24] purpose—to enforce the revenue laws under the embargo act, and to be in readiness to defend American property afloat on Lake Ontario in case of war with Great Britain. Her first duty in that line was performed in 1812, when she was commanded by Lieut. Melancthon T. Woolsey. The schooner Lord Nelson, laden with flour and merchandise, and owned by British subjects at Niagara, was found in American waters in May, 1812, on her way to Kingston, and was captured by the Oneida and condemned as lawful prize. About a month later (June 14) another British schooner, the Ontario, was captured at St. Vincent, but was soon discharged. At about the same time still another offending schooner, the Niagara, was seized and sold as a violator of the revenue laws. These events soon led to retaliation.