Dueling Frigates-- Part 5: Setting Up a Frigate Duel

However, after the American single ship-to-ship victories in 1812 greatly embarrassed the Royal Navy, the British Admiralty ordered its captains not to engage the enemy ship-to-ship.  To comply with this order, Sir Thomas Hardy stated that he would not permit such action if the challenge were issued by a British commander.

On January 17, 1813, Decatur dispatched Captain James Biddle of the Hornet to issue an invitation to Hardy reading:  "If  Mr. Moran's statement be correct, it is evident that Captains Hope and Stackpoole have the laudable desire of engaging with their ships, the United States and the Macedonian.  --We, Sir, are ready and equally desirous  for such a meeting forthwith."

Hard turned the matter over to his captains, and Captain Hassard Stackpoole of the HMS Statira immediately replied:  "It will afford her Captain, officers and crew the greatest pleasure to meet Capt. Jones in the Macedonian to morrow, next day, or whenever such a meeting may better suit his purpose, let him only be pleased to appoint the day and place; say six or ten leagues [18 to 30 nautical miles] south on Montaug Point, or further if he pleases."

--Brock-Perry

James Biddle: USS Hornet Commander, Statesman and Negotiator

From Find-A-Grave.

Born Feb. 18, 1783 in Philadelphia.  Died Oct 1, 1841 in Philadelphia.

Member of the famous Biddle family in Philadelphia.  Midshipman in 1800 and fought in the Tripolitan War and War of 1812.  Commander of the USS Hornet when it captured the HMS Penguin 23 March 1815.  Received Congressional Gold Medal for that action.

In Naval service throughout most of his life.  Also known as a statesman and negotiator.  In 1817, took possession of Oregon Territory for the United States.  In 1826 he negotiated a treaty with Turkey.

He helped support the founding of the U.S. Naval Academy.

In 1845, he negotiated a treaty with China and later landed in Japan.

He is buried at Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia.

--Brock-Perry

USS Hornet-- Part 2: Sank Off Mexico With Loss of Whole Crew in 1829

The Hornet was later able to escape to the high seas again.

On November 14, 1814, it was on a second raiding voyage to the South Atlantic.  On March 23, 1815, under the command of James Biddle, it captured the HMS Penguin in a short battle off Tristan de Cunha.  This battle came several weeks after the hostilities were over and was among several naval engagements that also took place after the war was over.

On 27 April, it engaged the HMS Cornwallis after mistaking her for a merchant vessel.  The Hornet came near being captured and just barely escaped after throwing cannons, boats and other items overboard..

After the war it was on anti-piracy patrols before foundering in a storm off Tampico, mexico on 29 September 1829 with loss of the entire crew.

--Brock-Perry

Famous War of 1812 U.S. Naval Officers

From the Naval History and Heritage Site.

William Bainbridge
Joshua Barney
James Biddle
Stephen Decatur
Isaac Hull
James Lawrence
Thomas Macdonough
Oliver Hazard Perry
David Porter (father of Civil War Admiral David D. Porter who was at Fort Fisher.)
Edward Preble
Silas Talbot
Thomas Truxton

I've heard of all but the last two.

Brock-Perry