October 25, 1812, the two ships cleared decks for action and commenced battle maneuvers at 0900. The Macedonian pulled parallel to the United States and Decatur intended to stay at a distance to allow his longer-range and heavier guns to blast the British ship.. At 0920, the United States fired an inaccurate broadside and the Macedonian returned the favor and brought down a small spar.
Decatur's next broadside destroyed the British ship's mizzen topmast and with it, much of the steering. The United States took position on the Macedonian's quarter and riddled her. By noon, the Macedonian was a dismasted hulk and forced to surrender with 104 casualties compared with 12 on the American ship, which, for the most part was undamaged.
The two ships lay alongside each other for two weeks as repairs were made and in December they entered New York Harbor.
The Macedonian was purchased by the US Navy, repaired and placed in service.
On June 1, 1813, the Macedonian, United States and sloop Hornet were driven into New London, Ct., by a powerful fleet and remained there until the end of the war.
Big Naval Victory. --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.
No comments:
Post a Comment