On the 5th of March 1800, the HMS Phoebe, a 36-gun 5th rate, captured the Heureux, a 22-gun privateer. Heureux approached Phoebe, having mistaken her for a trade ship of the East Indian Companies. Though such ships were armed for protection against privateers, Heureux considered her conquerable. When positioned within point-blank musket shot, Heureux realized her mistake. She opened fire on Phoebe, hoping to immobilize the British ship enough to escape. Unfortunately for the privateer, Phoebe withstood her blasts and exchanged fire, culminating in the French ship’s capture. After the duel, Phoebe’s captain remarked on how exquisite of a ship the Heureux was, and that such a ship would be a worthy addition to the British fleet.

HMS Phoebe:
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For more on todays event, ships, and people:
http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/15241/pages/284 continued on page 285
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Phoebe_(1795)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_..._Navy_officer)