Battle of the Choptank

[Dobbs]

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.



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.



The captain of Swan, realizing his handling disadvantage, moved quickly to gain the weather gauge and get the first shot.



The clipper bore off, and Swan turned to follow.



...swinging right into a raking broadside at close range from Enterprise.



More to come...