USS Essex vs HMS Alert

A naval engagement between USS Essex and HMS Alert took place on 13 August 1812, in which the light frigate, USS Essex, 32 (commanded by Capt. David Porter, USN) encountered and captured the British sloop Alert, 20 (Captain T.L.P. Laugharne). With "so trifling a skirmish" Porter later said, Alert became the first American capture of the war.

USS Essex vs HMS Alert
Part of the War of 1812

USS Essex captures the crippled HMS Alert
Date13 August 1812
Location
Atlantic
Result American victory
Belligerents
United States  United Kingdom
Commanders and leaders
David Porter T.L.P. Laugharne
Strength
1 Frigate (36 guns)[1] 1 Sloop (20 guns)
Casualties and losses
1 Sloop and cargo captured

The duel itself lasted a mere eight minutes, during which Essex fired only one broadside. Porter kept his gunports closed making Laugharne believe that Essex was a merchantman. This gave confidence to Laugharne in maneuvering his ship within pistol shot range of Essex, which in turn ran out her carronades and devastated Alert.

In keeping with the chivalrous practice of the times, Porter then allowed Laugharne to sail his ship to Newfoundland so he could disembark his crew, after which he was honor-bound to surrender the Alert to American authorities in New York.[2]

Alert remained in United States service until 1829.

A shipment of 3rd pattern Brown Bess sea service muskets was found aboard Alert, which went towards arming the American Marines at the Washington and Boston Navy Yards. They were preferred for their larger caliber, longer bayonets, and shorter barrels.

References
  1. "National Museum of the United States Navy". Archived from the original on 8 February 2010. Retrieved 27 February 2010.
  2. Gruppe, Henry E. (1979). The Frigates. The Seafarers. Time-Life Books. pp. 111, 112. ISBN 9780809427178.

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