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HISTORY

Privateers 1814

Despite difficulties American Privateers scored considerable successes in 1814. The Prince-de-Neufchatel (18 guns) captured one Million dollars in British shipping and successfully defended itself under Captain John Ordronaux when attacked by the British frigate Endymion (47 guns), inflicting 65 casualties against losses of only 30 and escaping to port. The Harpy (14 guns) captured $400,000 worth of British goods.

The Governor Tompkins (14 guns) took 14 prizes.

The Chasseur (16 guns) under Captain Thomas Boyle took 17 prizes off England and actually attempted to blockade the English coast! On February 26, 1815, just off Havana, Chasseur took HMS St Lawrence. The action lasted only about 15 minutes, during which St Lawrence suffered six men killed and 17 wounded. Chasseur had five killed and eight wounded, including Captain Boyle.

The General Armstrong (7 guns), under the command of Captain Samuel Chester Reid, on 19 April 1814 captured the British armed merchantman Fanny (18 guns) off the coast of Ireland. The engagement, which lasted about an hour, was fought within "pistol shot range."

General Armstrong also engaged in the Battle of Fayal off the Azores 26-27 September 1814. In this engagement, the General Armstrong fought the Carnation (18 guns) and several boats armed with cannon and carrying sailors and marines. The British took 200 casualties against nine loses aboard the General Armstrong's 90 man crew. Damaged, Captain Reid felt he had no chance of escaping the Azores so he ordered the General Armstrong scuttled.