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On October 25, 1812, the US frigate "United States" defeated the HMS "Macedonian." The battle takes place off the coast of Africa. Captain Stephen Decatur is the commander of the "United States." At dawn on 25 October, five hundred miles south of the Azores, crewmen of the United States commanded by Captain Decatur reported seeing a sail 12 miles away. Decatur identified the ship as the HMS Macedonia Both ships were immediately cleared for action and commenced maneuvers at 0900. Capt. Carden elected not to risk crossing the bows of United States to rake her, but chose instead to haul closer to the wind on a parallel course with the American vessel. For his part, Decatur intended to engage Macedonian from fairly long range, where his 24-pounders would have the advantage over the 18 pounders of the British, and then move in for the kill. The actual battle developed according to Decatur's plan. United states began the action at 0920 by firing an inaccurate broadside at Macedonian. This was answered immediately by the British vessel, bringing down a small spar of United states. Decatur's next broadside had better luck, as it destroyed Macedonian's mizzen top mast, letting her driver gaff fall and so giving the advantage in maneuver to the American's frigate. United States next took up position off Maced onian's quarter and proceeded to riddle the hapless frigate methodically with shot. By noon, Macedonian was a dismasted hulk and was forced to surrender. She had suffered 104 casualties as against 12 in United states, which emerged from the battle relatively unscathed. The two ships lay alongside each other for over two weeks while Macedonian was repaired sufficiently to sail. United states and her prize entered New York Harbor on 4 December amid tumultuous national jubilation over the spectacular victory. Wherever they went, Capt. Decatur and his crew were lionized and received special praise from both Congress and President James Madison. Macedonian was subsequently purchased by the Navy, repaired, and had a long and honorable career under the American flag. |
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