John O'Neill

This cannon of the War of 1812

marks the site of the battery on Concord Point

where

John O'Neill

1769-1838

served the guns single handed during the

British attack upon Havre de Grace

May 3, 1813 until disabled and captured.

He was released from the British frigate Maid Stone through the intercession of his young daughter, Matilda, to whom Admiral Cockburn gave his gold-mounted snuff-box in a token of her heroism. As a tribute to the gallant conduct of her father, the citizens of Philadelphia presented to him a handsome sword.

Erected by the citizens of Havre de Grace and the descendants of John O'Neill in the year of the National Star-Spangled Banner Centennial 1914.

Courtesy hmdb.org

Credits and Sources:

HMDB