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The '''USS ''Constellation'' vs ''La Vengeance''''', or the '''Action of 1 February 1800''', was a [[single-ship action]] fought between frigates of the [[French Navy]] and the [[United States Navy]] during the [[Quasi-War]]. The battle resulted in the American [[frigate]] ''USS Constellation'' severely damaging the French frigate [[HMS Vengeance (1800)|''La Vengeance'']] and forcing her to flee. |
The '''USS ''Constellation'' vs ''La Vengeance''''', or the '''Action of 1 February 1800''', was a [[single-ship action]] fought between frigates of the [[French Navy]] and the [[United States Navy]] during the [[Quasi-War]]. The battle resulted in the American [[frigate]] ''USS Constellation'' severely damaging the French frigate [[HMS Vengeance (1800)|''La Vengeance'']] and forcing her to flee. |
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In 1798, an [[undeclared war]] had begun between the [[United States]] and [[France]] due to French seizures of American [[merchantmen]]. As part of an American effort to deter French attacks, Commodore [[Thomas Truxtun]] led an American [[naval squadron]] that was dispatched to the [[Lesser Antilles]]. Learning that regular French naval forces were in the region, Truxton set out in his [[flagship]] ''Constellation'' and sailed to [[Guadaloupe]] to engage them. On 1 February 1800, while nearing the French colony, ''Constellation'' met François Marie Pitot's frigate ''La Vengeance'' of the French Navy. Regardless of Pitot's attempts to flee, his frigate was drawn into a heavy engagement with ''Constellation''. Despite the fact that the French frigate [[striking the colours|struck her colors]] (surrendered) twice, ''Constellation'' was unable to take ''La Vengeance'' as a [[prize warfare|prize]]. Eventually Pitot was able to escape with his frigate to [[Curaçao]], though only after sustaining severe casualties and damage to his vessel. Truxton's ship also suffered heavy |
In 1798, an [[undeclared war]] had begun between the [[United States]] and [[France]] due to French seizures of American [[merchantmen]]. As part of an American effort to deter French attacks, Commodore [[Thomas Truxtun]] led an American [[naval squadron]] that was dispatched to the [[Lesser Antilles]]. Learning that regular French naval forces were in the region, Truxton set out in his [[flagship]] ''Constellation'' and sailed to [[Guadaloupe]] to engage them. On 1 February 1800, while nearing the French colony, ''Constellation'' met François Marie Pitot's frigate ''La Vengeance'' of the French Navy. Regardless of Pitot's attempts to flee, his frigate was drawn into a heavy engagement with ''Constellation''. Despite the fact that the French frigate [[striking the colours|struck her colors]] (surrendered) twice, ''Constellation'' was unable to take ''La Vengeance'' as a [[prize warfare|prize]]. Eventually Pitot was able to escape with his frigate to [[Curaçao]], though only after sustaining severe casualties and damage to his vessel. Truxton's ship also suffered heavy damage and was forced to sail to [[Jamaica]] for repairs before returning home to a hero's welcome. |
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==Background== |
==Background== |
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In 1800, the [[Quasi-War]] between the United States and France was in full force. In order to prevent French attacks against American [[merchantmen]] in the Caribbean, the United |
In 1800, the [[Quasi-War]] between the United States and France was in full force. In order to prevent French attacks against American [[Merchant vessel|merchantmen]] in the Caribbean, the [[United States Navy]] maintained four [[squadron (naval)|squadron]]s of vessels in the region. One such squadron was commanded by [[commodore (rank)|Commodore]] [[Thomas Truxton]], and tasked with patrolling the [[Lesser Antilles]]. Taking command on 19 January 1800 after arriving at [[Saint Kitts]] in his flagship [[USS Constellation (1797)|''USS Constellation'']], Truxton's squadron consisted of four [[frigate]]s, three [[schooner]]s, and a [[ship rig|ship-rigged]] [[Man-of-war|man of war]].<ref name=Palmer,183>Palmer 1987, p. 183.</ref> Besides the numerous [[privateer]]s operating in the area, the only [[French Navy|French naval]] forces in Truxton's area of operations were the frigate [[HMS Vengeance (1800)|''La Vengeance'']] under François Marie Pitot and the corvette ''la Berceau'' under Louis Senes. Both vessels had arrived at [[Guadeloupe]] on 10 December 1800 escorting the new administrators of the French colony.<ref name=Palmer,149>Palmer 1987, p. 149.</ref> Once at Saint Kitts Truxton dispersed his squadron, giving each ship orders to cruise independently. He then set sail for Guadeloupe on 30 January 1800 with his flagship ''Constellation'', intending to challenge the French frigate and corvette there.<ref name=Palmer,184>Palmer 1987, p. 184.</ref> The same day, Pitot in ''La Vengeance'' left Guadaloupe's capital of [[Basse-Terre]] for France.<ref name=Palmer,185>Palmer 1987, p. 185.</ref> |
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By this point in the Quasi-War, the 1,265-ton ''Constellation'' carried 38 cannon despite officially being classified by the United States Navy as a 36-gun frigate. Previously her armament had consisted of 24-pounder guns, but these had been proven inefficient during Truxton's [[USS Constellation vs L'Insurgente|action with ''L'Insurgente'']] and as a result were removed and replaced with twenty-eight 18-pounder cannon and ten 24-pounder [[carronade]]s.<ref name=Palmer,187>Palmer 1987, p. 187</ref> Truxton and his crew were hardened veterans and were well prepared for a fight. Their French counterparts were not as ready for an engagement. Pitot's frigate was carrying a large quantity of [[specie]] as well as 36 American [[prisoners of war]] and 80 passengers, two of whom were generals. Under such circumstances Pitot intended to avoid an engagement if possible,<ref name=Palmer,185/><ref name=Toll,132>Toll 2006, p. 132.</ref> even though ''La Vengeance'' was a more heavily armed vessel carrying eight 42-pounder carronades, twenty-eight 18-pounders, and sixteen 12-pounder cannon.<ref>Palmer 1987, pp. 187–188.</ref> The French also had a distinct advantage in the event of a [[boarding action]], as ''Constellation'' had only 310 men to ''La Vengeance's'' complement of 380 crew.<ref name=Toll,132/><ref>Hill 1903, p. 190.</ref> |
By this point in the Quasi-War, the 1,265-ton ''Constellation'' carried 38 cannon despite officially being classified by the United States Navy as a 36-gun frigate. Previously her armament had consisted of 24-pounder guns, but these had been proven inefficient during Truxton's [[USS Constellation vs L'Insurgente|action with ''L'Insurgente'']] and as a result were removed and replaced with twenty-eight 18-pounder cannon and ten 24-pounder [[carronade]]s.<ref name=Palmer,187>Palmer 1987, p. 187</ref> Truxton and his crew were hardened veterans and were well prepared for a fight. Their French counterparts were not as ready for an engagement. Pitot's frigate was carrying a large quantity of [[Bullion_coin|specie]] as well as 36 American [[prisoners of war]] and 80 passengers, two of whom were generals. Under such circumstances Pitot intended to avoid an engagement if possible,<ref name=Palmer,185/><ref name=Toll,132>Toll 2006, p. 132.</ref> even though ''La Vengeance'' was a more heavily armed vessel carrying eight 42-pounder carronades, twenty-eight 18-pounders, and sixteen 12-pounder cannon.<ref>Palmer 1987, pp. 187–188.</ref> The French also had a distinct advantage in the event of a [[boarding action]], as ''Constellation'' had only 310 men to ''La Vengeance's'' complement of 380 crew.<ref name=Toll,132/><ref>Hill 1903, p. 190.</ref> |
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==Engagement== |
==Engagement== |
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On 1 February 1800 at 07:00, Truxton's crew spotted what appeared to be a 54-gun frigate flying British colors two leagues off the Basse-Terre [[roadstead]]. In an effort to communicate with the mysterious frigate, ''Constellation'' flew [[British ensign|British colors]]. Pitot had sighted the American frigate by 07:45. Thinking the vessel chasing him was a superior 55-gun warship, he sought to avoid conflict, and continued to sail with the wind rather than head north as he had originally intended.<ref name=Palmer,185/> In an effort to increase her speed, the French frigate's crew put out [[studding sail]]s to catch more wind. The behavior of Pitot's frigate signaled to Truxton that she was really a French warship, so he ordered ''Constellation'' cleared for action and gave chase. By 08:00 he struck the British colors and raised the American flag. As he closed with ''La Vengeance'' he shouted through a [[speaking trumpet]] for the French vessel to surrender.<ref name=Toll,132/> |
On 1 February 1800 at 07:00, Truxton's crew spotted what appeared to be a 54-gun frigate flying British colors two leagues off the Basse-Terre [[roadstead]]. In an effort to communicate with the mysterious frigate, ''Constellation'' flew [[British ensign|British colors]]. Pitot had sighted the American frigate by 07:45. Thinking the vessel chasing him was a superior 55-gun warship, he sought to avoid conflict, and continued to sail with the wind rather than head north as he had originally intended.<ref name=Palmer,185/> In an effort to increase her speed, the French frigate's crew put out [[studding sail]]s to catch more wind. The behavior of Pitot's frigate signaled to Truxton that she was really a French warship, so he ordered ''Constellation'' cleared for action and gave chase. By 08:00 he struck the British colors and raised the American flag. As he closed with ''La Vengeance'' he shouted through a [[speaking trumpet]] for the French vessel to surrender.<ref name=Toll,132/> |
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At this point the action began, with Pitot's [[stern chaser]]s opening fire upon ''Constellation''. In an effort to cut the American frigate's advantage in speed, ''La Vengeance'' changed course to the south-east where the wind would give it an advantage. As he maneuvered his vessel, Pitot was able to unleash a [[broadside]] aimed at ''Constellation's'' [[rigging]]. The American frigate waited to return fire until it gained the [[weather gage]]. Now having the advantage of the wind, Truxton's opening [[double-shotted]] broadside slammed into the port side of ''La Vengeance's'' hull.<ref name=Palmer,186>Palmer 1987, p. 186.</ref> Sailing side by side, the two frigates continued to engage each other for two and a half hours while Truxton attempted unsuccessfully to move his ship into a [[raking fire]] position. As the French tended to aim for the rigging, at one point ''Constellation's'' foresails were shot away and the frigate lost its maneuverability until they could be replaced.<ref name=Toll,132/> |
At this point the action began, with Pitot's [[stern chaser]]s opening fire upon ''Constellation''. In an effort to cut the American frigate's advantage in speed, ''La Vengeance'' changed course to the south-east where the wind would give it an advantage. As he maneuvered his vessel, Pitot was able to unleash a [[broadside]] aimed at ''Constellation's'' [[rigging]]. The American frigate waited to return fire until it gained the [[weather gage]]. Now having the advantage of the wind, Truxton's opening [[double-shotted]] broadside slammed into the port side of ''La Vengeance's'' hull.<ref name=Palmer,186>Palmer 1987, p. 186.</ref> Sailing side by side, the two frigates continued to engage each other for two and a half hours while Truxton attempted unsuccessfully to move his ship into a [[raking fire]] position. As the French tended to aim for the rigging, at one point ''Constellation's'' foresails were shot away and the frigate lost its maneuverability until they could be replaced.<ref name=Toll,132/> |
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''La Vengeance'' prepared for a [[boarding action]] when the two frigates drew closer together at 22:45, but this attempt was foiled when ''Constellation'' fired broadsides of [[grapeshot]] at Pitot's ship while [[American Marines|American marine]]s fired their [[musket]]s and hurled [[grenade]]s down from the rigging. With the French ship drawing off, the two vessels began a longer range [[roundshot]] duel that lasted until 02:00 on 2 February 1800, when ''La Vengeance'' [[striking the colours|struck her colors]] for the second time. At some point earlier in the action, Pitot had struck his flag but the Americans did not notice because of darkness.<ref name=Palmer,186/> Truxton moved ''Constellation'' to within {{convert|25|yd}} of his vanquished opponent aiming to take her as a prize. The American commodore's ambitions were spoiled when at 03:00 ''Constellation's'' mainmast fell overboard, killing several [[Captain of the Top|topmen]] who went down with it. With the Americans unable to come alongside his vessel, Pitot took advantage of the situation and simply slipped away into the darkness.<ref>Toll 2006, p. 133.</ref> |
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==Aftermath== |
==Aftermath== |
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[[File:Truxtonmedal.jpg|thumb|right|The reverse of Truxton's Congressional Gold Medal|alt=The reverse of a Congressional Gold Medal, depicting two frigates engaging each other in combat.]] |
[[File:Truxtonmedal.jpg|thumb|right|The reverse of Truxton's Congressional Gold Medal|alt=The reverse of a Congressional Gold Medal, depicting two frigates engaging each other in combat.]] |
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Casualties were heavy on both sides, and both vessels were in such poor condition that each commander thought he had sunk his opponent. Once the action ended, ''Constellation'' sailed towards [[Port Royal, Jamaica]], in order to refit, having suffered heavy damage with 15 of her crew slain and a further 25 wounded of whom |
Casualties were heavy on both sides, and both vessels were in such poor condition that each commander thought he had sunk his opponent. Once the action ended, ''Constellation'' sailed towards [[Port Royal, Jamaica]], in order to refit, having suffered heavy damage with 15 of her crew slain and a further 25 wounded, of whom 11 later died.<ref name=Palmer,187/><ref>Allen 1909, p. 172.</ref> Pitot's frigate was in worse condition, with ''La Vengeance'' having most of her rigging blown away. Only the lower [[foremast]], lower [[mizzenmast]], and [[bowsprit]] were operational. Pitot set course for Curaçao though once there he was forced to ground his vessel in order to prevent it from sinking. The number of French casualties is somewhat unclear: official French accounts report 28 dead and 40 wounded, while accounts from Curaçao state that the French frigate had lost 160 men.<ref name=Palmer,187/> Once Pitot reached Curaçao he was beset with further problems. ''La Vengeance'' remained out of action for months due to difficulties in acquiring support from the Dutch officials there. A French expedition to seize the island brought the [[materiel]] needed to repair the frigate, but when asked to help attack the island Pitot refused and slipped away to Guadaloupe.<ref>Palmer 1987, p. 196.</ref> |
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Once reaching Port Royal, Truxton began repairing his frigate. Unfortunately the region was suffering a shortage of [[naval stores]] and he could not complete the necessary repairs. ''Constellation'' left Jamaica a week after she arrived, with only her mainmast replaced. After escorting a convoy of 14 merchantmen back to the United States, Truxton sailed his battered frigate to [[Hampton Roads]] in order to refit his vessel properly. Only after he returned to the United States did the American commodore finally learn that the ''La Vengeance'' had not been sunk.<ref>Toll 1987, p. 134</ref> Truxton was considered a hero and received considerable praise for his actions. In response to his engagement with Pitot's frigate, the American government commended Truxton with a [[Congressional Gold Medal]] depicting the battle.<ref>Shaffner 1864, p. 188.</ref> |
Once reaching Port Royal, Truxton began repairing his frigate. Unfortunately the region was suffering a shortage of [[naval stores]] and he could not complete the necessary repairs. ''Constellation'' left Jamaica a week after she arrived, with only her mainmast replaced. After escorting a convoy of 14 merchantmen back to the United States, Truxton sailed his battered frigate to [[Hampton Roads]] in order to refit his vessel properly. Only after he returned to the United States did the American commodore finally learn that the ''La Vengeance'' had not been sunk.<ref>Toll 1987, p. 134</ref> Truxton was considered a hero and received considerable praise for his actions. In response to his engagement with Pitot's frigate, the American government commended Truxton with a [[Congressional Gold Medal]] depicting the battle.<ref>Shaffner 1864, p. 188.</ref> |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:USS Constellation vs La Vengeance}} |
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Revision as of 13:49, 15 August 2011
USS Constellation vs La Vengeance | |||||||
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Part of the Quasi-War | |||||||
USS Constellation engaging the French frigate La Vengeance | |||||||
| |||||||
Belligerents | |||||||
United States | France | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Thomas Truxton | François Marie Pitot | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
1 frigate | 1 frigate | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
1 frigate damaged 14 dead 25 wounded |
1 frigate damaged 28 – 160 dead 110 wounded |
The USS Constellation vs La Vengeance, or the Action of 1 February 1800, was a single-ship action fought between frigates of the French Navy and the United States Navy during the Quasi-War. The battle resulted in the American frigate USS Constellation severely damaging the French frigate La Vengeance and forcing her to flee.
In 1798, an undeclared war had begun between the United States and France due to French seizures of American merchantmen. As part of an American effort to deter French attacks, Commodore Thomas Truxtun led an American naval squadron that was dispatched to the Lesser Antilles. Learning that regular French naval forces were in the region, Truxton set out in his flagship Constellation and sailed to Guadaloupe to engage them. On 1 February 1800, while nearing the French colony, Constellation met François Marie Pitot's frigate La Vengeance of the French Navy. Regardless of Pitot's attempts to flee, his frigate was drawn into a heavy engagement with Constellation. Despite the fact that the French frigate struck her colors (surrendered) twice, Constellation was unable to take La Vengeance as a prize. Eventually Pitot was able to escape with his frigate to Curaçao, though only after sustaining severe casualties and damage to his vessel. Truxton's ship also suffered heavy damage and was forced to sail to Jamaica for repairs before returning home to a hero's welcome.
Background
In 1800, the Quasi-War between the United States and France was in full force. In order to prevent French attacks against American merchantmen in the Caribbean, the United States Navy maintained four squadrons of vessels in the region. One such squadron was commanded by Commodore Thomas Truxton, and tasked with patrolling the Lesser Antilles. Taking command on 19 January 1800 after arriving at Saint Kitts in his flagship USS Constellation, Truxton's squadron consisted of four frigates, three schooners, and a ship-rigged man of war.[1] Besides the numerous privateers operating in the area, the only French naval forces in Truxton's area of operations were the frigate La Vengeance under François Marie Pitot and the corvette la Berceau under Louis Senes. Both vessels had arrived at Guadeloupe on 10 December 1800 escorting the new administrators of the French colony.[2] Once at Saint Kitts Truxton dispersed his squadron, giving each ship orders to cruise independently. He then set sail for Guadeloupe on 30 January 1800 with his flagship Constellation, intending to challenge the French frigate and corvette there.[3] The same day, Pitot in La Vengeance left Guadaloupe's capital of Basse-Terre for France.[4]
By this point in the Quasi-War, the 1,265-ton Constellation carried 38 cannon despite officially being classified by the United States Navy as a 36-gun frigate. Previously her armament had consisted of 24-pounder guns, but these had been proven inefficient during Truxton's action with L'Insurgente and as a result were removed and replaced with twenty-eight 18-pounder cannon and ten 24-pounder carronades.[5] Truxton and his crew were hardened veterans and were well prepared for a fight. Their French counterparts were not as ready for an engagement. Pitot's frigate was carrying a large quantity of specie as well as 36 American prisoners of war and 80 passengers, two of whom were generals. Under such circumstances Pitot intended to avoid an engagement if possible,[4][6] even though La Vengeance was a more heavily armed vessel carrying eight 42-pounder carronades, twenty-eight 18-pounders, and sixteen 12-pounder cannon.[7] The French also had a distinct advantage in the event of a boarding action, as Constellation had only 310 men to La Vengeance's complement of 380 crew.[6][8]
Engagement
On 1 February 1800 at 07:00, Truxton's crew spotted what appeared to be a 54-gun frigate flying British colors two leagues off the Basse-Terre roadstead. In an effort to communicate with the mysterious frigate, Constellation flew British colors. Pitot had sighted the American frigate by 07:45. Thinking the vessel chasing him was a superior 55-gun warship, he sought to avoid conflict, and continued to sail with the wind rather than head north as he had originally intended.[4] In an effort to increase her speed, the French frigate's crew put out studding sails to catch more wind. The behavior of Pitot's frigate signaled to Truxton that she was really a French warship, so he ordered Constellation cleared for action and gave chase. By 08:00 he struck the British colors and raised the American flag. As he closed with La Vengeance he shouted through a speaking trumpet for the French vessel to surrender.[6]
At this point the action began, with Pitot's stern chasers opening fire upon Constellation. In an effort to cut the American frigate's advantage in speed, La Vengeance changed course to the south-east where the wind would give it an advantage. As he maneuvered his vessel, Pitot was able to unleash a broadside aimed at Constellation's rigging. The American frigate waited to return fire until it gained the weather gage. Now having the advantage of the wind, Truxton's opening double-shotted broadside slammed into the port side of La Vengeance's hull.[9] Sailing side by side, the two frigates continued to engage each other for two and a half hours while Truxton attempted unsuccessfully to move his ship into a raking fire position. As the French tended to aim for the rigging, at one point Constellation's foresails were shot away and the frigate lost its maneuverability until they could be replaced.[6]
La Vengeance prepared for a boarding action when the two frigates drew closer together at 22:45, but this attempt was foiled when Constellation fired broadsides of grapeshot at Pitot's ship while American marines fired their muskets and hurled grenades down from the rigging. With the French ship drawing off, the two vessels began a longer range roundshot duel that lasted until 02:00 on 2 February 1800, when La Vengeance struck her colors for the second time. At some point earlier in the action, Pitot had struck his flag but the Americans did not notice because of darkness.[9] Truxton moved Constellation to within 25 yards (23 m) of his vanquished opponent aiming to take her as a prize. The American commodore's ambitions were spoiled when at 03:00 Constellation's mainmast fell overboard, killing several topmen who went down with it. With the Americans unable to come alongside his vessel, Pitot took advantage of the situation and simply slipped away into the darkness.[10]
Aftermath
Casualties were heavy on both sides, and both vessels were in such poor condition that each commander thought he had sunk his opponent. Once the action ended, Constellation sailed towards Port Royal, Jamaica, in order to refit, having suffered heavy damage with 15 of her crew slain and a further 25 wounded, of whom 11 later died.[5][11] Pitot's frigate was in worse condition, with La Vengeance having most of her rigging blown away. Only the lower foremast, lower mizzenmast, and bowsprit were operational. Pitot set course for Curaçao though once there he was forced to ground his vessel in order to prevent it from sinking. The number of French casualties is somewhat unclear: official French accounts report 28 dead and 40 wounded, while accounts from Curaçao state that the French frigate had lost 160 men.[5] Once Pitot reached Curaçao he was beset with further problems. La Vengeance remained out of action for months due to difficulties in acquiring support from the Dutch officials there. A French expedition to seize the island brought the materiel needed to repair the frigate, but when asked to help attack the island Pitot refused and slipped away to Guadaloupe.[12]
Once reaching Port Royal, Truxton began repairing his frigate. Unfortunately the region was suffering a shortage of naval stores and he could not complete the necessary repairs. Constellation left Jamaica a week after she arrived, with only her mainmast replaced. After escorting a convoy of 14 merchantmen back to the United States, Truxton sailed his battered frigate to Hampton Roads in order to refit his vessel properly. Only after he returned to the United States did the American commodore finally learn that the La Vengeance had not been sunk.[13] Truxton was considered a hero and received considerable praise for his actions. In response to his engagement with Pitot's frigate, the American government commended Truxton with a Congressional Gold Medal depicting the battle.[14]
References
- ^ Palmer 1987, p. 183.
- ^ Palmer 1987, p. 149.
- ^ Palmer 1987, p. 184.
- ^ a b c Palmer 1987, p. 185.
- ^ a b c Palmer 1987, p. 187
- ^ a b c d Toll 2006, p. 132.
- ^ Palmer 1987, pp. 187–188.
- ^ Hill 1903, p. 190.
- ^ a b Palmer 1987, p. 186.
- ^ Toll 2006, p. 133.
- ^ Allen 1909, p. 172.
- ^ Palmer 1987, p. 196.
- ^ Toll 1987, p. 134
- ^ Shaffner 1864, p. 188.
Bibliography
- Allen, Gardner Weld (1909). Our naval war with France. Cornell University Library. ISBN 1112127070.
{{cite book}}
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(help) - Hill, Frederic Stanhope (1903). Twenty-six Historic Ships. New York and London: G.P. Putnam's Sons. OCLC 2622223.
{{cite book}}
: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=
(help) - Palmer, Michael A. (1987). Stoddert's War. Annapolis: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 1-55750-664-7. OCLC 15162322.
- Shaffner, Taliaferro Preston (1864). History of the United States of America. London: The London Printing and Publishing Comapny. OCLC 634744808.
- Toll, Ian W (2006). Six Frigates: The Epic History of the Founding of the US Navy. New York: W. W. Norton. ISBN 978-0-393-05847-5. OCLC 633333009.