New York Harbor 19th Century, James Smillie - New York Public Library Digital Collection
Charles Risby was born in Norway and arrived in Boston, the day that Jefferson's Embargo took effect. Charles served on two USS men of War; the Constitution during the War of 1812 and the Steamship Spitfire during the Mexican American War. Charles Risby received a land grant for his service and would sell it for $150. Charles Risby also served 42 years as a merchant sailor. His last place of residence was New York and Charles Risby entered Sailors' Snug Harbor on September 14, 1849, and would remain at the Harbor for 22 years, 6months, and three days. He would die on March 17, 1872. Charles Risby is buried in the Snug Harbor Cemetery in Plot 2, Row 1, Grave 14. This is grave 808 acording to the cemetery map.
USS Constitution taking the Guerriere, War of 1812, Painting Anton Otto Fischer 1960 - US Navel Command.
Charles Risby served in the War of 1812 and was assigned to the Constitution. On August 2, 1812, Charles Risby was with Captain Isaac Hull when he sailed the Constitution from Boston to the Coast of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Hull and his crew then sighted the British Frigate Guerriere. When Guerriere closed within a mile of the Constitution, the British hoisted their colors, and the two ships engaged in a firefight. The Constitution's build made it impervious to Cannonball shots, and one of her sailors commented, "Huzza, her sides are made of Iron" ( Naval History and Heritage Command ). After a long engagement, the severely damaged Guerriere was forced to surrender. Captain Hull, unable to salvage the Guerriere for a prize, scuttled the ship and returned to Boston. News of the Constitution's victory reached Boston. When the Constitution arrived in Boston Harbor on August 30, a procession of Bostonians was there to greet the sailors and Captain Hull in celebration of his great victory ( Naval History and Heritage Command).
_USS_Scourage_(Bangor).jpg)
USS Scourage (originally the Steamship Bangor) 1844, serves as a sister ship to the SpitFire - Heyl pg.59
The last ship that Charles Risby would serve on was the steamship USS Spitfire. He would serve during The Mexican American War. The Spitfire and the Steamship Vixen were purchased from the Mexican Navy. The USS Spitfire, on November 10, 1846, joined Commodore Conner ’s squadron and became his flagship. Risby was on the Spitfire when it traveled up the Pánuco River to attack Tampico, Mexico. After the surrender of Tampico, Spitfire continued up the Pánuco River, capturing two small Mexican Gun Boats. By March 9, 1847, Spitfire led a flotilla of gunboats to support the landing of American troops at Veracruz, Mexico. Once Veracruz surrendered, “Spitfire participated in the expedition against Alvarado and the capture of Tuxpan, as Commodore Perry ’s Flagship” (Naval History and Heritage Command). Most Naval Battles ceased by July 22, 1847, and the Spitfire headed to Norfolk, Virginia, to be decommissioned and sold.
The U.S. steamers SCORPION, SPITFIRE, VIXEN, and SCOURGE, crossing the bar at the mouth of the Tabasco River, Mexico.
Drawn by Lieutenant H. Walke, USN, 1847 - Naval History and Heritage Command
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