Possible Clues:

• Stroke head of retriever, taking note from master?
• Oarsman in commotion on East River
• Cause trouble in the boat?
• One ordered to have a stroke
• Oarsman carried by hero, we recall
• Perhaps stroke on back follows argument
• One in fight who's wielding blade?
• One fights on, with soldiers in retreat
• One wielding a blade, belligerent?
• Member of a racing crew