USS Alligator (Gunboat No. 166)

From Wikipedia.

Yesterday, I mentioned three of the Jeffersonian gunboats built at Wilmington, NC, that served in the War of 1812.

One was No. 166, a 60 foot-long schooner with crew of 40 and mounting four cannons.It was built in 1809 and its first commander was Joseph Tarbell.  It was built and commissioned as part of the Democratic-Republican party's defensive "Gunboat Navy."  Not only considerably cheaper to build than the oversized frigates like the USS Constitution, they required far fewer men in their crews.  Its primary duty was to protect coastal commerce.

In 1812, it received the name Alligator.

It's biggest action during the War of 1812 came on the night of January 28, 1814, when, while anchored at the mouth of Stone River, SC, they were spotted by a British frigate and brig earlier in the day.  That night, the enemy approached with seven boats with muffled oars in an attempt to capture the Alligator. 

They were spotted and gunfire exchanged.  The Alligator raised sail to make a getaway, but ran aground.  However, the British had suffered heavy casualties and broke off the engagement.  The Alligator had two killed and two wounded.

It was refloated and returned to service, but in July was sunk in a storm in Port Royal Sound with a loss of 21 of her crew.

Refloated again, it served until sold June 12, 1815.

Brock-Perry