April 15,1813
After an early Spring foray into the Atlantic, the Baltimore clipper Enterprise was returning home. Just west of Sharp's Island on the Chesapeake Bay, she found her way homeward blocked by HMS Swan. The wind was fair and from the west.
Attachment 41258
Being a close match, her captain chose to engage. At the very least, she only had to force her way past and run to windward.
Attachment 41259
The captain of Swan, realizing his handling disadvantage, moved quickly to gain the weather gauge and get the first shot.
Attachment 41260
The clipper bore off, and Swan turned to follow.
Attachment 41261
...swinging right into a raking broadside at close range from Enterprise.
Attachment 41262
More to come...