From the Encyclopedia of North Carolina.
One of the most successful North Carolina privateers during the War of 1812. It was built on the West River in Maryland in 1808 and originally named the Zephyr. The Snap Dragon was a 85.5 feet long, 12.5 foot beam, 8.67 foot draft and weighed 147.42 tons, crew of 80 and six guns.
Captain Otway Burns commanded it on three highly profitable cruises between 1812 and 1814: two to West Indies waters and one in Canadian waters. During these, it harried British shipping while capturing 42 prizes and their cargoes valued at more than $4 million. More than 300 English officers and sailors were taken prisoner.
Unfortunately, on the fourth cruise under another captain, it was captured by a Bristish sloop off Nova Scotia.
American Privateers. --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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