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Online Library of Selected Images -- Picture Data

Photo #: NH 42067 (extended caption)

Action between USS Constitution and HMS Guerriere, 19 August 1812

Engraving by B. Tanner, published by him at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on 10 November 1812. It depicts the explosion of the captured and crippled British frigate Guerriere after Constitution had rescued her crew and set her afire.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 188KB; 740 x 640 pixels

 


The following text is provided in the lower part of the original print ...

Lower center:

"Explosion
of the British frigate Guerriere, James R. Dacres Esqr. Captn.
and Rescue of the Prisoners &c. the day after her
Capture by the U.S. Frigate Constitution Isaac Hull Esqr. Commr.
Friday 20th August 1812
Published Novr. 10th 1812 by B. Tanner, Nr. 74 South 8th St. Phila."

Lower left:

"EXTRACTS 'At 7. P.M. wore ship, and stood under the lee of the prize -- sent our boat on board which returned at 8 with captn. Dacres, late of his majesty's ship Guerriere, mounting 49 carriage guns, and manned with 302 men; got our boats out, and kept them employed in removing the prisoners and baggage from the prize to our own ship. Sent a surgeon's mate to assist in attending the wounded, wearing ship occasionally to keep in (the) best position to receive the boats.' "

Lower right:

" 'at daylight was hailed by the lieut. on board the prize, who informed, he had 4 feet of water in the hold, and that she was in a sinking condition; all hands employed in removing the prisoners, and repairing our own damages through the remainder of the day. Friday the 20th commenced with light breezes from the northward and pleasant; our boats and crew still employed as before. At 3 P.M. made the signal of recall of our boats, having removed all the prisoners. (They?) immediately left her on fire, and a quarter past 3, she blew up.' "


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18 February 2003