On the night of December 13, 1814, British Admiral Alexander Cochrane ordered Captain Lockyer of the HMS Armide to proceed to Lake Borgne with 42 armed longboats and 1200 sailors and Marines along with 8 to 24-pdr cannons.
The USS Sea Horse, commanded by Sailing Master William Johnson was on a mission at that very moment to Bay St. Louis with orders to destroy weapons and gun powder before the British captured it (as they would be passing by the bay on their way to Lake Borgne.
The ship one 6-pdr. cannon and 14 men. The USS Alligator was also in the bay at the time as it was stationed there.
The Sea Horse was spotted by Lockyer and longboats were sent to capture it. A fight ensued and the Alligator was destroyed and Sea Horse damaged. The Sea Horse retreated to a dock in the bay and continued the fight. As the British came into range, a U.S. shore battery opened fire as well, forcing the British to withdraw.
--Brock-Perry
2012 marks the 200th anniversary of America's "Forgotten War," the War of 1812 that took place over three years, 1812 to 1815.
Battle of New Orleans.
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