American Privateers in War of 1812-- Part 4: The Famous American Captain Boyle and the Comet and Chasseur

One of the most successful privateers of the War of 1812 was Thomas Boyle.  His first ship, the Comet, once captured a Portuguese ship warship that was big enough to carry the Comet  on her deck.  The second one, the Chasseur,  carried sixteen 12-pdr. guns and was known as "The Pride of Baltimore."

During his first cruise in the Chasseur, Captain Boyle captured 18 British merchant ships  As a result, the British made extraordinary efforts to capture him.  He escaped from four men of war at once then nearly fell for a trap by two brigs, "but edged down on one of them... fired a shot at him, showed the Yanky flag, hauled upon a wind, and outsailed both with ease."

Over the next three days, he escaped groups of three, four and five British ships trying to capture him.

--Brock-Perry

The Baltimore Fencibles-- Part 2: Privateer Interests

The Fencibles were also very actively engaged in the lucrative Baltimore privateer trade.  A large percentage of the men in this unit had large investments and time in numerous privateer vessels sailing out of Baltimore Harbor to prey on British merchant shipping.

The most notable of these was Captain Tom Boyle's ship, the Chasseur.  This ship later was widely known as the "Pride of Baltimore."

Privateers in the War of 1812 caused massive damage to the British economy, to the tune of over $40 million.  This is nearly what Britain was paying to wage a single year of military campaigns in North America at the time.

--Brock-Perry

War of 1812 Privateers

From the July 11, 2012, New Hampshire Public Radio "The Tall Ship Privateers Who Shaped the War of 1812" by Brady Carlson.

The Pride of Baltimore II is a recreation of a topsail schooner like the ones that served so well as privateers during the War of 1812. Privateers served a vital role for the outmanned U.S. Navy in the war as, at its onset, the British Navy had 1,048 ships compared to just 17 for the United States.

Privateers were government sanctioned pirates whose job (for profit) was to go out and seize British merchants ships.

Several prominent New Hampshire families made their fortunes doing just this "annoying the heck out of the British" just like mosquitoes that sank, disabled or looted some 1700 of their merchant ships during the course of the war.

Maryland was attacked by the British fleet because of the many privateers built and based there. Shortly after the war, the original Pride of Baltimore, then known as the Chasseur, sailed to China and brought back tea and other goods.

Aye, It's a Privateer's Life for Me (And, It's Legal). --Brock-Perry

War of 1812 Tall Ships Coming To Chicago-- Part 2

LYNX (USA) The 122-foot long square topsail schooner Lynx is a replica of a naval schooner from the War of 1812. Served as a blockade-runner and warship, the original Lynx was among the first ships to defend American freedom.

 She serves today as a living history museum, flying flags and pennants from the 1812 era and crew members wear period uniforms in keeping with the 19th century American maritime traditions.

PRIDE OF BALTIMORE II (USA) Is a 157-foot reproduction of an 1812-era Baltimore-built topsail schooner. Pride of Baltimore's mission is to promote Maryland's importance to U.S. and maritime history, in particular the War of 1812 and the penning of "The Star-Spangled Banner.

She maintains an international sailing schedule with a crew of 11 and two rotating professional captains. 

--Brock-Perry