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Anav
12-09-2011, 14:19
The American ship, Enterprise, was under the command of Lt. William Burrows. In the way of weapons, it carried 16 carronades, and she had a crew of 102 men.

On September 5, the Americans spotted a ship which proved to be the H.M.S. Boxer. The British ship was under the command of Capt. Samuel Blyth. The Boxer had 14 carronades and a crew of 66 men.

When the Boxer first spotted the Enterprise, the crew hoisted 3 British flags and headed for the Enterprise. When the 2 ships were still some 4 miles away from each other the wind died down. The wind picked up again around noon, and the 2 ships manuvered for position. The Americans hoisted their flags at about 3:00 P.M. and moved slowly toward the British ship. Blyth had ordered the British flags nailed to the mast, and told his crew that they should not be lowered while he was still alive.

At 3:15 P.M., both ships opened fire, as both crews cheered wildly. The battle was intense, with both commanders falling early. Blythe was struck by an 18-pound shot and killed instantly. Lt. David McCreery was now in command of the Boxer. Burrows was wounded severely. In spite of great pain, he refused to leave the deck, instead he cryed out that the flags must never be lowered.

At 3:30 P.M., the Enterprise came around and raked the Boxer. About 5 minutes later, the Boxer lost her main-top mast and top-sail yard. The Enterprise moved into position and began to deliver broadside after broadside that raked the Boxer's deck. Boxer's crew fought bravely on, except for 4 men who were later court martialed for cowardice. At 3:45 P.M., unable to manuver the defenseless ship, the Boxer surrendered.

Both ships had been damaged severely, but the British ship had suffered more. Burrows, after he receieved the sword of the British commander said: "I am satisfied, I die contented."

Aftermath

Newspapers in the United States rejoiced in "another brilliant naval victory," one of the few American successes during the second summer of the War of 1812. After two days of planning, authorities conducted an impressive state funeral for the two commanders, and they rest side by side in Portland's Eastern Cemetery. Next to them is the comparable grave of Lieutenant Kerwin Waters who suffered mortal wounds as a midshipman during the battle but lived for two more years.

The Cowman
12-09-2011, 14:26
Steve... why 3 British flags... what is the significance of the number?

Anav
12-09-2011, 14:40
an educated guess.....
In the day ships often flew flags of the enemy. this allowed them to close to determine who they were facing. Right before the first shots the correct flags would be broke and the fight would start.
The Boxer wanted no doubt of her identity and wanted a fight.

The Cowman
12-09-2011, 15:24
an educated guess.....
In the day ships often flew flags of the enemy. this allowed them to close to determine who they were facing. Right before the first shots the correct flags would be broke and the fight would start.
The Boxer wanted no doubt of her identity and wanted a fight.

I have to wonder what Sigmund Freud would have to say about that... LOL

Thanks for the answer!

csadn
12-09-2011, 16:03
Steve... why 3 British flags... what is the significance of the number?

None, really, that I can find -- perhaps they were trying to hammer home the point "You are about to fight the Royal Navy".

Not realizing a point was about to be hammered home to *them*.... >:)

Berthier
12-09-2011, 20:39
Another possibility is that the captain did not want any possibility of his flag being shot away and being misinterpreted as striking the colours. A signal to the opponent that we will not surrender, a bit of one upmanship or bravado. Even if he did end up striking.

Anav
12-09-2011, 20:43
To be fair the captain was already dead when the ship struck.

Berthier
12-10-2011, 02:49
Steve, yes quite so, he thus may have kept his promise to himself.