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USN 902788 USS HORNET and HMS PEACOCK, 14 February 1813

USS HORNET and HMS PEACOCK, 14 February 1813
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Title: USS HORNET and HMS PEACOCK, 14 February 1813
Caption: On 24 February 1813, the 20-gun United States ship sloop USS HORNET, Captain James Lawrence, while beating around Caroband Bank, Demerara River, discovered a sail bearing down for her. This was the 16-gun British sloop HMS PEACOCK, Captain William Peake. At 5:10pm, in passing each other on opposite tacks within half pistol shot, the ship and brig exchanged broadsides. At 5:35pm, HORNET ran PEACOCK close on board on the starboard quarter. In this position, HORNET poured in so heavy and well-directed a fire that at 5:50pm, having had her commander killed and being with 6 feet of water in the hold and cut to pieces in hull and masts, the PEACOCK hoisted from her fore rigging an ensign, union down, as a signal of distress. Shortly after her mainmast went by the board. A very few minutes after she had anchored, PEACOCK went down in 5½ fathoms with 13 of her men, 4 of whom got into the foretop and escaped, as well as 3 men belonging to the HORNET.
Description:
Catalog #: USN 902788
Copyright Owner:
Original Creator: Artist, Warren (attributed)
After this Year: 1812
Before this Year: 1815
Original Medium: Watercolor Painting, BW Photo
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