USS Essex Defeat the HMS Alert

On August 13, 1812, the USS "Essex", commanded by Captain Porter, defeated and captured the British vessel, the HMS “Alert”.

On August 13, the USS Essex, commanded by Captain Porter, encountered the British Sloop of War, the Alert. Despite the Essex’s superior firepower, the Alert, commanded by Captain Laugharne, attempted to gain an advantage by disguising itself as a merchant vessel. The Essex, however, remained vigilant and was prepared for the Alert when it approached. Porter skillfully maneuvered the Essex to turn abruptly as the Alert prepared to fire, resulting in a feeble volley that missed its target. In response, the Essex unleashed a broadside, striking the Alert’s colors and making it the first British ship to be captured by the Americans during the war.
On September 7th, Porter and the USS Essex arrived at Delaware Bay during the course of its voyage. The Essex had successfully captured eight merchant vessels, one warship, and captured 400 prisoners.