Boatman Ellis Drake

Boatman Ellis Drake

United States Department of the Treasury - United States Customs Service, U.S. Government

End of Watch Wednesday, August 3, 1808

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Ellis Drake

Boatman Ellis Drake and Boatman Asa Marsh were shot and killed along the Onion River (modern day Winooski River), in Vermont, while they and other Customs officers attempted to stop a ship that was smuggling illegal goods through Canada into the United States. A militia lieutenant and a militia captain were also wounded.

Boatman Drake was aboard the cutter Fly when he was shot in the head by smugglers who were on land. Boatman Marsh had gone ashore when he was shot and killed by the smugglers.

Eight suspects were indicted by a jury, but only four were in convicted: one was sentenced to death, reprieved and then executed; two were sentenced to 50 lashes and to stand for an hour in a pillory. The two that received lashes and another suspect were were sentenced to 10 years in prison and to pay court costs. All three suspects were pardoned by the state Governor between 1811 and 1815.

The funerals of both officers were held at the Chittenden County Courthouse, Vermont.

Bio

Age 20
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Location Vermont
Weapon Rifle
Offender Not available

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Most Recent Reflection

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Boatman Drake, it has been 215 years since you were taken from us. Your successors in the US Coast Guard and US Customs and Border Protection are still fighting the same battles you did, and still facing the same risks.

Northern New England law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your military and law enforcement service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

August 3, 2023