Dec. 30th 1812, during the War of 1812

[usmc1855]

Today in 1812, during the War of 1812, the frigate Constitution, commanded by William Bainbridge, captures HMS Java off Brazil. Though twice wounded during the three-hour battle, Bainbridge directs his ship’s fire until the British ship becomes helpless after being dismasted. Java surrenders upon seeing Constitution maneuver for another raking. Upon Java, 50 men die and 170 are wounded, while Constitution claims only 34 casualties. Constitution’s crew burns Java the following day. The defeat of Java, the second frigate lost to Constitution in six months, motivates a change in the tactics of the Royal Navy. No longer are their frigates to engage American frigates like Constitution alone. Only British ships-of-the-line or squadrons are permitted to come close enough to these ships to attack.