Dueling Frigates-- Part 9: A Hornet-Loup Cervier Duel of Sloops?

The British had played a bit of psychological warfare in June 1813 when HMS Loup-Cervier   (French for the Canadian lynx) joined the squadron off New London.  When the war began, she had been the U.S. sloop of war Wasp and a part of Decatur's squadron at Hampton Roads in Virginia.

At the time, it was commanded by Jacob Jones, now commander of the former British frigate Macedonian.  In October 1812, the Wasp captured the HMS Frolic, but was then captured herself and placed into British service.

Perhaps, Captain Biddle of the Wasp's former sister ship Hornet (formerly Jones' lieutenant on the Wasp) was sent to the HMS Ramilles to arrange the challenge, he met Captain William Bowen Mends of the Loup Cervier.

Perhaps a ship duel was arranged between their two ships.

--Brock-Perry