USS Spitfire (1814)

USS "Spitfire" (1814) was a heavily-armed schooner in the United States Navy during the early years of the republic. She was built for service in the War of 1812, but did not see service until the Barbary Wars when she was sent with the American fleet to the Mediterranean to force an end to piracy of American ships.

Purchased for the War of 1812

The third ship to be so named by the U.S. Navy, "Spitfire" was purchased at Baltimore, Maryland, between October and December 1814 for service in a squadron commanded by Commodore David Porter which was to operate out of southern American ports against British shipping in the West Indies. However, the Treaty of Ghent ended the second American war with England before Porter could get the squadron to sea.

Assigned to the Barbary Wars

However, as the United States ended war with England, it was reopening hostilities with Algiers. As a result, the ships acquired for Porter's commerce raiding squadron were assigned to a squadron assembled for operations against the Barbary pirates, commanded by Commodore Stephen Decatur.

"Spitfire" departed New York City with the squadron on 20 May 1815 and sailed to the Mediterranean. On 19 June, she helped "Epervier", "Spark", and "Torch" to chase "Estedio" ashore at Cape Palos and capture that Algerian brig.

"Spitfire" then sailed with the squadron to Algiers where its presence forced the Dey to agree to American terms.

The squadron then sailed in turn to Tunis and Tripoli and successfully demanded indemnities for violations of treaties with the United States during the recent American war with England.

Post-war dispositioning

In September, "Spitfire" headed home and was laid up until she was sold on 3 April 1816.

See also

* United States Navy
* Barbary Wars

Reference

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