Ships of the War of 1812-- Part 1

From the War of 1812 Blog www.eighteentwelve.ca

I use the names brigs, frigates and ships-of-the-line quite often.  I know what the ships are, but perhaps others don't.  This blog entry on the excellent site puts it in perspective.

One of the major problems facing the British was supplying Upper Canada.  Shipping was extremely vulnerable along the St. Lawrence River to Lake Ontario.

BRIGS had two square-rigged masts and carried 10-20 guns.

SHIP-OF-THE-LINE--  These ships were made specifically to take their place in a line of battle, the method navies back then fought, with ships in a line.  Opposing fleets would form two opposite lines and hammer away at each other. 

They carried between 60 and 110 guns.  A First Rate had three decks and carried 90+ guns, a Second Rate also had three decks but80-89 guns, Third Rate over 54 guns on two decks and Fourth Rate also with two decks and over 38 guns.  These ships were used most often for communication and convoy duty.

Fifth and Sixth Rate were considered too small to be in large sea battles.

These would have been considered to be the battleships of their day.  Early battleships were also used in lines to pound away at the enemy fleet.

More to Come.  --Brock-Perry