John McDonald

I represent John McDonald. I was a Supernumerary Seaman aboard the U.S. Sloop of War HORNET. The muster roll indicates I was working for provisions – which meant I wasn’t getting paid. I reported on board for the first time on May 18, 1821 in Havana, and got off July 18, 1821, in Pensacola. Not only did the HORNET participate in the changing of the flag ceremony on July 17, 1821, gaily decked out in Pensacola Bay for the festivities, we brought James G. Forbes from Havana to Pensacola with the official orders from the Captain General of Cuba authorizing the transfer. We were also one of the vessels that evacuated Spanish officers and citizens who were leaving Pensacola when it became American. (Note: There was another John McDonald on board, a Seaman.)