Battle off Cape Gata

Infobox Military Conflict
conflict=Battle off Cape Gata
partof=Barbary Wars


caption=
partof=Second Barbary War
date=June 17 1815
place=off Cape Gata,Mediterranean sea
result=Decisive American victory
combatant1=
combatant2=
commander1=
commander2=†
strength1=3 frigates
2 sloops
2 brigantines
2 schooners
strength2=1 frigate
casualties1=4 KIA
10 WIA
casualties2=1 frigate captured
406 POW
30 KIA
many woundedThe Battle off Cape Gata, which took place June 17 1815, was the first battle of the Second Barbary War where a fleet of American vessels captured the flagship of the Algerian Navy

Background

Stephen Decatur's fleet left New York on May 20th with orders to destroy Algerian vessels and bring the dey of Algiers to terms for attacking American shipping. He reached the Strait of Gibraltar on the 15th of June and began his mission.

Battle

After learning that several Algerian cruisers had crossed the Strait of Gibraltar shortly before he did, Commodore Stephen Decatur, Jr. decided to give them chase. Commanding a fleet of nine vessels, he encountered the Algerian flagship "Meshuda" of forty-six guns off Cape Gata, Spain. Being heavily outnumbered the admiral Ra'is Hammidia decided to try to flee to the port of Algiers, but was overtaken by the American squadron. After receiving damage from the USS|Constellation|1797|2 and the admiral himself being wounded, the Algerians instead decided to change course and try for the safety of a neutral port along the Spanish coast. Unfortunately for the Algerians the "Constellation" and the sloop USS|Ontario|1813|2 were able to close in and hammer the Algerian frigate. The Algerians resorted to replying with musket fire at close range, but Decatur was able to get his flagship the USS|Guerriere|1814|2 alongside the Algerian. Firing a devastating broadside, the "Guerriere" devastated the enemy and killed the Algerian admiral. Decatur ceased firing, expecting the Algerian ship to surrender. Instead the Algerians continued to fight hopelessly with muskets as long as they were able. As a result Decatur had the sloop USS|Epervier|1814|2 fire nine broadsides into the "Meshuda" with disastrous effect. The bloodied Algerians then struck their colors and ended the battle.

Aftermath

Four hundred and six Algerians were captured, with most being wounded as well as thirty killed. The American losses were remarkably light losing only four dead and ten wounded all on the "Guerriere". Most of the American casualties were due to a gun explosion, but a few were due to enemy action. After sending the captured frigate off to Cartagena Decatur continued to Algiers.

ources

*"Victory in Tripoli", by Joshua E. London pgs, 237-239
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/e4/epervier.htm Dictionary of American Fighting Ships:Epervier]