Death and Burial of Ross
Above: The Death of Ross.
Who killed General Ross ranks alongside some of the great mysteries
in world history.
For a short essay on the subject by Chris George entitled ‘Who
killed Robert Ross’ see
http://www.baltimoremd.com/monuments/whokill.html
Following his death at North Point near Baltimore on 12th
September 1814, the body of General Ross, legend has it, was
transported to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, in a 129 gallon barrel of rum.
Katherine Sherbrooke, wife of Lieutenant-General Sir John Sherbrooke,
Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia, recorded that the fleet bearing
Ross’ body arrived on Wednesday 28th September with the
funeral occurring the following day at three o’clock. ‘The Coffin
was landed at the King's Wharf from the Tonnant, minute guns being
fired from the Ships during the time it was waterborne & when it
landed, Minute guns were fired from the Forts till it reached the
burial ground…There was an amazing crowd which prevented my seeing
much of the Processions. Three salvos were fired over the grave. The
funeral was over about half past four’. (Library and Archives of
Canada, Ottawa, Microfilm Reel A-888, Journals of Lady Katherine Sherbrooke, vol
9, 1814-1816. Transcription courtesy of Dianne Graves. The assistance
of Don Graves is also appreciated in this respect).
General Ross was interred in the old burying ground of St Paul’s
Church, Halifax, Nova Scotia. The inscription on his tombstone reads
as follows:
Here
On the 29th of September 1814
Was committed to the Earth
THE BODY
OF
MAJOR GENERAL ROBERT ROSS
WHO
After having distinguished himself in all ranks as an officer
IN
EGYPT, ITALY, PORTUGAL, SPAIN, FRANCE & AMERICA
WAS KILLED
At the commencement of an Action
Which terminated in the defeat and Rout
Of
The troops of the United States
NEAR BALTIMORE
On the 12th of September
1814
At ROSSTREVOR
The seat of his Family in Ireland
A MONUMENT
More Worthy of his Memory has been erected
BY
The Noblemen and Gentlemen of his Country
And
The officers of a gallant army
WHICH
Under his Conduct
Attacked and dispersed the Americans
AT BLADENSBURG
And the same day victoriously entered
The Capitol of the United States
IN
ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL
A MONUMENT
Has also been Erected to His Memory
By
His Country
For photos of General Ross’ tomb see:
http://www.myedgemere.com/ross_tomb.htm
