US Frigate Essex and Whaler, War of 1812, South America

oil on canvas, 18" x 24"

$7,500

‘Essex’ was built in the port of Salem, Massachusetts, an act by the Navy Department to build, by subscription, warships through the yards of private builders.. She was launched September 30, 1799.

After a number of years under different commanders, she was taken by Master Commandant David Porter into the Pacific and during the second year of the War of 1812 harassed and captured 14 British whalers off the ciast of South America. In 1814 she was finally brought to bay by HMS Frigate ‘Phoebe’ and HM Sloop ‘Cherub’ on 28 of March,

 After her capture, she was anchored in Plymouth, England on November 13, 1814. She was dismantled, tied up as a hulk, or prison ship, from October 1823 and finally sold on 16 July, 1837.

 This picture shows ‘Essex’ in May of 1813 firing across the bows of a British whaler prior to boarding and capture.