Early July, 1812

[Dobbs]

This is a "what if?" scenario.

In the real world, the American squadron was President-44, United States-44, Congress-38, Hornet-18, and Argus-18. Constitution was supposed to be there but was late for the party.

The British squadron was Africa-64, Guerriere-38, Shannon-38, Belvidera-36, and Aeolus-32.

The two squadrons never met. The British squadron found Constitution which barely managed to escape.

In our encounter, Africa, Belvidera, and Aeolis meet United States, Congress, and Hornet. It was definitely an old technology vs. new in that the Americans were definitely carronade-heavy. Belvidera and Aeolus had some, and Africa had none. United States had a heavier broadside than Africa at close range. Congress was comparable to an amped up Leda-class frigate. Hornet was equipped entirely with carronades and at close range could hit better than a small frigate.