Battle off Halifax (1780) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle off Halifax (1780)
Part of the American Revolutionary War
Date 10 July 1780 Location Halifax, Nova Scotia Result American victory
Belligerents
United States of America	Kingdom of Great Britain United Kingdom
Commanders and leaders
William Williams	Thomas Ross
Strength
1 Privateer (16 guns) British report: 130 men American report: 90 men	1 Brig unknown
Casualties and losses
British report: 33 killed and wounded American report: 1 killed, 2 wounded	8 killed; 10 wounded 1 Brig captured

The Battle off Halifax happened on July 10, 1780. It was a fierce sea fight during the American Revolutionary War. Two ships, called privateers, battled near Halifax, Nova Scotia. The British privateer Resolution fought the American privateer Viper. Both sides had many casualties, meaning many people were killed or hurt. This battle was known as one of the bloodiest privateer fights ever.

What Led to the Battle?

During the American Revolution (1775-1783), Americans often attacked Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia was a British colony at the time. American ships, called privateers, caused big problems for the local economy. A privateer was a privately owned ship. Its crew was allowed by their government to attack enemy ships. These privateers raided many towns along the coast. For example, they attacked Liverpool and Annapolis Royal.

Just a few months before this battle, in December 1779, a ship called Hope crashed. It wrecked near the Sambro Island Light. Its captain and six crew members died. Weeks later, two more British ships, North and St Helena, sank in a storm. This happened as they tried to enter Halifax harbour. About 170 British sailors were lost. These events showed how dangerous the seas were.

The Battle Unfolds

The battle took place near Sambro Island Light. The American privateer Viper had 22 guns and 130 men. It was led by Captain William Williams. The Viper met the British brig Resolution. A brig is a type of sailing ship. The Resolution had 16 guns and was commanded by Captain Thomas Ross.

The fight was very intense and lasted for 90 minutes. It was a "hot engagement." The British ship suffered greatly. Eight British sailors were killed, and ten were wounded. The American side also had many casualties. Thirty-three American sailors were killed or wounded. Both ships were badly damaged. In the end, the British ship surrendered to the Americans.

What Happened Next?

American privateers continued to be a danger to Nova Scotian ports. They remained a threat for the rest of the war. For instance, in 1782, American privateers tried to raid Chester, Nova Scotia. This attempt failed. However, they later succeeded in the Raid on Lunenburg in the same year.