USS Tom Bowline (1814)

"Tom Bowline" was a schooner in the United States Navy during the War of 1812.

"Tom Bowline" was purchased by the Navy in late 1814 at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, for use as a storeship, Lieutenant B. V. Hoffman in command. Subsequently proceeding to New York, she joined "President", "Hornet", and "Peacock" in preparations for a raiding foray into the East Indies.

"President's" sortie on 14 January 1815, however, ended in disaster—grounding and suffering severe damage, the frigate fell victim and captive to a superior British squadron on the following day—15 January. On the 22d, a strong northeasterly gale blew up and provided the three other American ships at New York an opportunity to escape the vigilant eyes of the British blockaders. "Tom Bowline" bent on storm canvas to accompany "Hornet" and "Peacock" in their bid for freedom of the open sea.

Unaware of "President's" fate, the three ships made for Tristan da Cunha for the prearranged rendezvous. "Hornet" became separated en route, leaving her two consorts to press on without her. "Tom Bowline" and "Peacock" reached the volcanic island on 18 March—only to be driven off by a gale.

"Hornet" arrived five days later, but her landfall coincided with the appearance in the area of British brig-sloop "Penguin". The two ships closed for action, and "Hornet" damaged "Penguin" seriously enough to warrant destruction of the Briton. The sighting of strange sail on the horizon hastened "Hornet's" burning of the prize, but apprehension turned to relief as the sails proved to be "Peacock" and "Tom Bowline" returning to Tristan da Cunha for the planned rendezvous. "Tom Bowline" embarked the "Penguin's" captive crew and took the prisoners to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Records giving details of "Tom Bowline's" subsequent service have not been found, but the vessel was apparently sold in 1818.

As of 2005, no other USN ship has been named "Tom Bowline".