Dueling Frigates-- Part 5: Setting Up a Frigate Duel

However, after the American single ship-to-ship victories in 1812 greatly embarrassed the Royal Navy, the British Admiralty ordered its captains not to engage the enemy ship-to-ship.  To comply with this order, Sir Thomas Hardy stated that he would not permit such action if the challenge were issued by a British commander.

On January 17, 1813, Decatur dispatched Captain James Biddle of the Hornet to issue an invitation to Hardy reading:  "If  Mr. Moran's statement be correct, it is evident that Captains Hope and Stackpoole have the laudable desire of engaging with their ships, the United States and the Macedonian.  --We, Sir, are ready and equally desirous  for such a meeting forthwith."

Hard turned the matter over to his captains, and Captain Hassard Stackpoole of the HMS Statira immediately replied:  "It will afford her Captain, officers and crew the greatest pleasure to meet Capt. Jones in the Macedonian to morrow, next day, or whenever such a meeting may better suit his purpose, let him only be pleased to appoint the day and place; say six or ten leagues [18 to 30 nautical miles] south on Montaug Point, or further if he pleases."

--Brock-Perry