Governor Simcoe (1793 ship)

The North West Company schooner Governor Simcoe was pursued by an American squadron while trying to enter Kingston harbour.
History
Great Britain
NameGovernor Simcoe
NamesakeJohn Graves Simcoe, first lieutenant governor of Upper Canada.
BuilderRichard Cartwright
LaunchedKingston, 29 October 1793
FateSold to Provincial Marine, March 1813
NotesMerchant schooner
United Kingdom
RenamedSir Sydney Smith
AcquiredMarch 1813
FateSold to Royal Navy, 1814
United Kingdom
RenamedHMS Magnet 11 January 1814
Acquired1814
FateBlown up 5 August 1814
General characteristics
Tons burthen137 (bm)
Length74 ft (22.6 m) (deck)
Beam18 ft 6 in (5.6 m)
Sail planSchooner and later brig
Complement75–80 + 29 marines
Armament
  • Sir Sydney Smith:
    • 2 × 12-pounder long guns
    • 10 × 32-pounder carronades
  • HMS Magnet
    • 10 × 24-pounder carronades
    • 1 × 9-pounder long gun

Governor Simcoe was a merchant schooner launched in 1793. The Provincial Marine acquired her in 1813 and renamed her after the British naval officer Sir Sidney Smith. She saw service on Lake Ontario during the War of 1812. The Royal Navy acquired her in 1814 and renamed her HMS Magnet. A few months later her captain had to blow her up to prevent the Americans from capturing the vessel.