USS Argus

On the timeline I mentioned the USS Argus being captured by the HMS Pelican on August 14, 1813. I had never heard of the ship so further research was necessary.

From Wikipedia.

The Argus was a brig built in Boston and launched in 1803 with 142 crew and mounting 18 guns. Its first commander was none other than Stephen Decatur. It participated in the First Barbary War, the Blockade of Tripoli and Battle of Derna.

During the War of 1812, it broke through the blockade of New York 18 June 1813, with orders to bring William H. Crawford to his post as ambassador to France. After the Argus did that, it began to raid British shipping off the coast of Britain.

It captured 19 ships and caused the sloop HMS Pelican to set off in pursuit.

On August 13, 1813, the Argus took its last two prizes, one of which had wine. Reportedly, the Argus' crew fully imbibed before the vessel was burned. The Pelican was close enough to spot the smoke and closed in for action.

The next day, the two ships traded broadsides for 45 minutes before the Argus surrendered shortly before being boarded.

--Brock-Perry