heaving the vessel over on her bilge, with empty puncheons under her. During the summer of that year she was employed in carrying troops and supplies to the different garrisons. In Nov. we find her rated a sloop of war, and Lieutenant Kent appointed to the command of her sister vessel, the Newash, then in Mohawk bay. From thence he proceeded, with the Tecumseh under his orders, to the Deep Hole, Turkey Point, in which isolated situation both schooners remained at anchor upwards of four months.
In April 1817, Lieutenant Kent pushed through the ice to Amherstburg and Fort Erie, where he took under his orders two other schooners, and embarked several companies of the 70th regiment, destined to Drummond’s Island, Lake Huron, where they were landed in June following. He then proceeded through the Straits of Nancy to Nattawasanga and Penetenguishene, at which latter place he arrived on the 22d of that month. Three days afterwards despatches arrived over land, by which he found himself appointed superintendant of the naval dépôt then about to be established there, and also a magistrate for the district. The former was thus announced to him by Commodore Sir Robert Hall: –
“Sir,– Being fully aware of your zeal and ability, I have selected you for the superintendence of the naval establishment at Penetenguishene, on Lake Huron, and I inclose you your appointment.
Penetenguishene harbour, one of the finest in the world, is situated in the midst of an impenetrable forest, upwards of 100 miles from any habitation. At this place, with twenty artificers, thirty seamen, and a few soldiers at his disposal, Lieutenant Kent commenced the new settlement by constructing suitable buildings for officers and men, in the mean time messing and sleeping under canvas. He afterwards erected storehouses and workshops, made a careening wharf, and continued busily employed until attacked with fever and ague in the beginning of 1819. During his illness, which lasted eight months, he was reduced to a mere skeleton. In consequence thereof he removed to the naval establishment on
