On this day 23 March

[7eat51]

On the 23rd of March 1815, the U.S.S. Hornet defeated the HMS Penguin off Tristan da Cunha in the south Atlantic. The Hornet, under the command of James Biddle, spotted the Penguin late morning. The two ships closed in on each other, and at 1:40 p.m., the battle began. Exchanging broadsides, the Hornet pounded the Penguin, mortally wounding her commander, James Dickinson. The American sloop-of-war was armed with eighteen 32-pounder carronades and two 12-pounder long guns. The British brig-sloop was armed with sixteen 32-pounder carronades, one 12-pounder carronade, and two 6-pounder bow guns. The Penguin, having become entangled in the Hornet’s rigging, suffered additional damage as the two ships separated. Approximately 20 minutes after the fight began, the British surrendered. The Penguin was too far-gone to be salvaged. Her crew was taken onboard the U.S. Schooner Tom Bowline and transported to Rio de Janeiro. American casualties were minor compared to the British, all the result of musket fire from the Royal Marines. The Penguin’s guns proved completely ineffective against the Hornet. Unfortunately, this battle occurred a little over a month after the war between the United States and England ended. Neither ship was aware of the peace.

James Biddle:


The Duel:





For more information on today’s event:
http://books.google.com/books?id=Vlj...enguin&f=false
http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/e...a/hnt-peng.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Penguin_(1813)

[Volunteer]

Another good one Eric. Keep them coming!