Posted on 08/19/2019 4:16:03 AM PDT by Bull Snipe
1812 Captain Isaac Hull’s USS Constitution engages HMS Guerriere about 400 mile S.E. of Halifax Nova Scotia. Over the course of the battle, Captain Hull’s ship handling and the heavier broadside weight of Constitution’s guns take their toll on the British warship. Guerriere loses her fore, main, & mizzen masts, and her hull is badly damaged, leaving her in sinking condition. Captain Dacres surrenders his badly damage Guerriere to Captain Hull. Hoping to make her a prize, Hull puts a prize crew on Guerriere. They soon realized the ship could not be salvaged and return to Consitution. Hull takes the British crew on board and has the Guerriere set on fire. She will eventually blow up and sink. Capt Hull will go ashore for the next 26 years, commanding several Navy Ship Yards. In 1839 he is given command of USS Ohio in the Navy’s Mediterranean Squadron. He retires after 45 years of naval service in 1841. Capt. Dacres career does not seem to be harmed by his defeat at the hands of the Constitution. Cleared of wrong doing by a Court Martial, Dacres will eventually command a 74 gun ship of the line and retire from the Royal Navy as Vice Admiral after 53 years of service.
You can still visit the USS Constitution today at the US Navy yard in Charlestown, MA on Boston harbor.
FYI, the ship has just gone through a refurbishment.
It was in dry dock for 2 years. It is by far one of the best historical attractions if you are visiting Boston.
+1.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.