USS Vixen (1803)-- Part 3: Lawrence, Ludlow and the HMS Moselle

BETWEEN WARS

The Vixen was placed in ordinary at Washington Navy Yard as soon as she got back from the Mediterranean.  She left the yard one year later and operated along the Atlantic Coast of the United States.  During this time, she was commanded by Lieutenant James "Don't Give Up the Ship" Lawrence and Charles Ludlow.

On 18 June 1810,  the Vixen came upon the brig-sloop HMS Moselle off Barbados, which opened fire on her with no provocation.  The Moselle's captain, Commander Henry Boys apologized, saying he had been unable to make out the Vixen's colors and that he had thought she was a French privateer he had been seeking.

And, of course, this was the era of impressment which was such a sticking point between the United States and Britain.

The Vixen suffered one casualty, a man who was wounded in the mouth by a splinter.

--Brock-Perry