Prelude
On 26 October, 1812, the frigate USS Constitution and sloop Hornet sortied from Boston, Massachusetts. (The frigate USS Essex was supposed to accompany them but was undergoing repairs. Several rendezvous were assigned for the Essex to meet the other two ships, but the arrangements miscarried.)
On 13 December, the two American ships arrived off the settlement of Salvador, Bahia on the coast of Brazil, where they found the British sloop of war HMS Bonne Citoyenne. Commodore William Bainbridge, commanding the Constitution, sent a letter to the captain of the Bonne Citoyenne, challenging him to fight the Hornet, an equal match. The British captain refused, as his ship was carrying a valuable cargo of bullion. Bainbridge left the Hornet to blockade the Bonne Citoyenne and cruised to the south, looking for other prizes. Eventually he found and sank the frigate HMS Java.
Aboard Hornet, Master Commandant James Lawrence was aware from Portuguese sources that a British ship of the line was expected. On 24 January 1813, HMS Montagu appeared and Lawrence retreated into Portuguese territorial waters. After dark, he headed north along the South American coast. On 14 February, the Hornet encountered and captured the British packet brig Resolution, which was carrying twenty thousand dollars in gold and silver.
Read more about this topic: Sinking Of HMS Peacock
Famous quotes containing the word prelude:
““We’re all friends here” is a prelude to fraud. “I am sincere” is a prelude to lying.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)
“I am a prelude to better players, O my brothers! An example! Follow my example!”
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)
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