Dueling Frigates-- Part 9: A Hornet-Loup Cervier Duel of Sloops?

The British had played a bit of psychological warfare in June 1813 when HMS Loup-Cervier   (French for the Canadian lynx) joined the squadron off New London.  When the war began, she had been the U.S. sloop of war Wasp and a part of Decatur's squadron at Hampton Roads in Virginia.

At the time, it was commanded by Jacob Jones, now commander of the former British frigate Macedonian.  In October 1812, the Wasp captured the HMS Frolic, but was then captured herself and placed into British service.

Perhaps, Captain Biddle of the Wasp's former sister ship Hornet (formerly Jones' lieutenant on the Wasp) was sent to the HMS Ramilles to arrange the challenge, he met Captain William Bowen Mends of the Loup Cervier.

Perhaps a ship duel was arranged between their two ships.

--Brock-Perry

Cannonballs Flew Near Alewife Cove-- Part 3

The fighting carried on for much of the day and local commanders General Burbeck, Commodore Decatur and Captain Jones came to observe.

It was estimated that between the frigate Statira and the sloop of war HMS Loup Cervier, 20 broadsides were fired on the American defenders on the beach who were fully exposed to the fire, but they miraculously suffered no casualties.

The Gazette mocked that "the plowing Stackpole [Captain Hassard Stackpole of the HMS Statira] gave to Roger's land is a fair offset to the holes he has made in his barn, crib and back-house."  Evidently, the Americans had had some rather nasty run-ins with Stackpole.

--Brock-Perry

USS Wasp (1807)/HMS Loup Cervier

From Wikipedia.

The USS Wasp was constructed in the Washington Navy Yard and commissioned in 1807.  During the War of 1812, it captured the HMS Frolic, but was immediately afterwards captured and taken into British service as the HMS Loup Cervier and then the HMS Peacock.

It was lost with all hands, presumably foundered, on July 23, 1814, off tge Virginia Capes.

--Brock-Perry