At the outset of the War of 1812, the Provincial Marine force on Lake Ontario comprised four vessels, making it more powerful than their American foe.

[3] In July 1812, Earl of Moira was commanded by Lieutenant Theophilius Sampson and was part of the squadron that sailed to Sackets Harbor, New York.

[5] A few weeks later, Earl of Moira and HMS Duke of Gloucester were sent downriver to capture American merchant vessels at the port of Ogdensburg, New York.

[6] In November, Earl of Moira was escorting the sloop Elizabeth off Wolfe Island when the American schooner Growler happened upon them.

[7] By the end of November, the Provincial Marine was considered a weak link in the defence of Upper Canada and was placed under review.

The review found that Earl of Moira had been anchored in Navy Bay and her crew reduced to a few dozen sailors.

Sampson had done so little by the time the inspection of the ship took place, that he was arrested on the spot and confined to quarters until his affairs were put in order and command of the brig was given to Lieutenant George Smith.

[10] Once the ship was ready, Earl of Moira was positioned at the opening of Navy Bay at Kingston, keeping a watch for the American squadron.

A company of Royal Newfoundland Fencibles was distributed amongst the Lake Ontario squadron, with Earl of Moira's complement rising to fifty-four.

Shortly after assuming command, England became sick and was invalided home and Lieutenant Alexander Dobbs was made acting-commander.

Earl of Moira, HMS Wolfe and Sir Sidney Smith sailed on to Forty Mile Creek to disembark the troops.

Earl of Moira was fourth in the line of battle and engaged the American ships Madison, Oneida and Governor Tompkins.

[18] In October, Earl of Moira was among the flotilla sent to support operations against American ground forces at French Creek.

The next morning, the British began their bombardment again but were driven off by the intense American fire, suffering one killed and five injured.

[22] During the assault Charwell and HMS Star escorted the bateaux filled with troops towards the landing near the fort's glacis, firing on American positions as they closed.

[23] Yeo then ordered a blockade of Sackets Harbor, with the smaller vessels of the squadron ferrying troops or patrolling for American shipping.

Spence), Magnet (Edward Collier), Netley (Lieutenant Charles Radcliffe), and Star (Alexander Dobbs), captured two American schooners, Somers and Ohio.

The American blockade lifted and the trapped vessels sailed out to rejoin the squadron, transferring the soldiers to shore from the larger ships.