History | |
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Name | Surprise |
Owner | John Hollins, John Smith Hollins, Michael McBlair, Jas. A. Buchanan, Sam. Smith, Lemuel Taylor, Gerrard Wilson |
Launched | 1813, Saint Michaels, Maryland |
Fate | Wrecked 1815 |
General characteristics [1] | |
Tons burthen | 301 (bm) |
Length | 110 ft 0 in (33.5 m) |
Beam | 25 ft 7 in (7.8 m) |
Depth of hold | 11 ft 10 in (3.6 m) |
Sail plan | Schooner |
Complement | 120-130 men |
Armament | 10 × 18-pounder cannons |
Surprise was a highly successful American privateer schooner. She was launched in 1813, and operated out of Baltimore. She captured over 40 British vessels during her brief career. In one case the capture followed a single-ship action. She was wrecked in April 1815, shortly after the end of the War of 1812.
During the voyages below Surprise would often based out of Brest. From there she would go on cruises of six to eight weeks.
Captain Clement Cathell commissioned Surprise on 14 March 1814. Under his command she captured some 12 British vessels. [1]
Captain James Barnes commissioned Surprise on 16 August 1814. Under his command she captured some 21 British vessels. [1]
Surprise had only been out ten days from Rhode Island when she captured:
Eliza arrived at Swansea on 17 October with the three crews. [14]
Captain Samuel Barstow commissioned Surprise on 8 November 1814. Under his command she captured some ten British vessels. [1]
Surprise returned to New York about 6 March. She had been out four months (48 days from Brest) and had captured 11 vessels. [17] She ran aground on 3 April 1815, in a storm at Manasquan. Fifteen of her crew drowned. [18]