USS Constitution vs HMS Guerriere

19 August 1812, About 400 miles south-east of Halifax

American victory; Guerriere destroyed

The Royal Navy had won almost every frigate action of the wars with France, and Captain James Dacres of Guerriere had openly challenged the American frigates to come out and fight. Isaac Hull's Constitution, a 44 carrying heavier guns, a thicker hull and a bigger crew, found her alone south of the Grand Banks. Hull held his fire until the ships were close, then shot away Guerriere's mizzen mast; it dragged in the water and swung her round, and Constitution crossed her bow and raked her. Her foremast and mainmast followed, and with Guerriere a rolling, dismasted hulk, Dacres struck. Constitution lost 7 killed and 7 wounded, Guerriere 15 killed and 78 wounded. The prize was too badly damaged to save and was blown up the next day. The news, coming after a run of defeats on land, was greeted with wild celebration across the United States.