Battle Off Newport News-- Part 4

On Gunboat No. 139, a master's mate from the USS Constellation was killed by a cannonball.  Several of the other boats reported wounded as well as damaged oars and rigging.

Norfolk residents were awakened by this dawn battle and went to the waterfront to watch the action.

Having regular Navy men on the gunboats made a big difference in their handling and firing. (Evidently, the gunboats were usuallu manned by militia.)

Captain Joseph Tarbell broke off the action at 6 a.m..

On the British side, one Royal Marine was killed and several sailors wounded.  American newspapers reported 70 casualties.  The HMS Junon had several hull hits and its sails and rigging cut up.  Its commander, James Sanders ordered a pursuit, but the American gunboats got over the shoals and the British ship stopped.

--Brock-Perry

Joseph Tarbell, USN

Earlier this week I was writing about the USS Alligator, Gunboat #166, and found out that its first commander was Joseph Tarbell.  I'd never heard of him, so Wiki here I come.

(1780-1815)  Served in the First Barbary War and War of 1812.  Born in Norfolk, Virginia.  Became a midshipman in 1798.  From 1800-1804, served on the USS Constitution and other ships in the Mediterranean Squadron.  He was with Commodore Edward Preble's command at Tripoli in 1804.

During the War of 1812, he commanded a boat expedition June 19-23, 1813, against the British at Craney Island .  His fifteen ships battled them for 15 hours and forced them away, sinking 3 British boats, capturing 43 and killing 90.

Never Heard of Him Before.  --Brock-Perry