In 1882, Comus embarked the Marquess of Lorne, Governor General of Canada, and Princess Louise for British Columbia despite an anonymous threat that the ship would be destroyed. A search found no device, and the US revenue cutter Richard Rush escorted the corvette from San Francisco because any attack would have occurred in American waters. After delivering the couple to Esquimalt, Comus assisted two American vessels in distress off Vancouver Island. President Chester A. Arthur awarded Captain East a gold medal for the rescues. The mission built relationships through protection, cooperation, and aid without combat.
Chapter · 57:58-1:00:13
Royal transport and rescues off Vancouver Island
Comus carried Princess Louise and Canada's governor general under an American escort, then assisted two American vessels and earned presidential recognition.