- USS Rattlesnake (1813)
USS "Rattlesnake" was a
brig built inMedford, Massachusetts as aprivateer and purchased by theUnited States Navy in 1813. She sailed fromPortsmouth, New Hampshire 10 January 1814, under the command ofMaster Commandant John O. Creighton, and sailed with USS|Enterprise|1799|2 cruising theCaribbean . The two ships took three prizes prior to their separation which was forced by a more heavily gunned British ship on 25 February."Rattlesnake", fleeing back to more friendly waters, put into
Wilmington, North Carolina on 9 March, but was soon back at sea. Operations in northern waters followed, but were terminated on 22 June when the brig, under the command of Lt. James Renshaw, was captured by the 50 gun, Britishfrigate HMS|Leander|1813|6. The brig had jettisoned all but two of her guns during the long pursuit which preceded her capture offCape Sable , the southern point of the island of the same name which lies offNova Scotia . Poor weather, however, negated that possible slight gain in speed and gave the advantage to the heavier frigate.References
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