President Thomas Jefferson had two alternatives at this point. Either it was to be war or an economic embargo. There was no way the United States was ready for a war with the most powerful country in the world (nor were we in 1812). So, cessation of trade with any countries interfering with American trade was the order of the day. In December 1807, the Embargo Act was passed.
Jefferson believed that a suitable naval force for the young country should consist of small gunboats to defend coastal waters so he ordered a cutback in construction of major vessels like frigates (the USS Constitution). Small gunboats were built. After all, they had been effective at Tripoli in the Barbary Wars.
These gunboats mostly just carried a number and were 50 feet long, 18 feet wide and shallow draft for use in coastal waters. These were not offensive weapons. The ships had different riggings and could be either powered by sail or oars. A crew of twenty manned the boat which carried 2-3 guns: 18-to 24- pound swivel mounted or 32-pounders mounted on travering carriages weighing 7,000 pounds.
These ships would not fare well in rough seas or against a heavy enemy warship.
More to Come. --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.
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