HMS Epervier (1812) facts for kids

The Peacock and Epervier, 1814. Engraving by Abel Bowen
Quick facts for kids History
United Kingdom
Name	HMS Epervier
Ordered	6 May 1812
Builder	Mrs. Mary Ross, Rochester, England
Launched	2 December 1812
Captured	by U.S. Navy on 29 April 1814
United States
Name	USS Epervier
Acquired	Captured by USS Peacock 29 April 1814
Fate	Disappeared in July or August 1815
General characteristics
Class and type	Cruizer-class brig-sloop
Tons burthen	38968⁄94 (bm)
Length	100 ft 5 in (30.6 m) (overall); 77 ft 8+3⁄8 in (23.7 m) (keel)
Beam	30 ft 8+1⁄2 in (9.4 m)
Depth of hold	12 ft 9 in (3.9 m)
Propulsion	Sails
Armament	2 x 6-pounder bow guns 16 x 32-pounder carronades

HMS Epervier was a British warship, an 18-gun brig-sloop. She was built in Rochester, England, and launched on December 2, 1812. In 1814, an American ship, USS Peacock, captured her. The US Navy then used her as USS Epervier. Sadly, USS Epervier vanished in 1815 while carrying important messages. These messages were about a peace treaty with the ruler of Algiers.

HMS Epervier in the War of 1812

Epervier began its service in January 1813. Her commander was Richard Walter Wales. During the War of 1812, Epervier captured several ships.

Capturing Enemy Ships

On August 20, 1813, Epervier captured the schooner Lively. This ship was sailing from St. Thomas to Halifax, Nova Scotia. A month later, on September 20, she captured a ship named Active. Active was carrying iron from Gottenburg to Boston.

Just three days later, Epervier worked with two other British ships. These were Majestic and Wasp. Together, they captured a ship called Resolution.

In October, Epervier and Fantome captured an American privateer. A privateer was a private ship allowed to attack enemy ships. This one was called Portsmouth Packet. It used to be a famous Nova Scotian privateer named Liverpool Packet. It had five guns and a crew of 45.

Almost a month later, on November 3, Epervier and Fantome captured Peggy. This ship was carrying timber and wood.

Capturing the Privateer Alfred

On February 23, 1814, Epervier was sailing near Cape Sable. She captured an American privateer-brig called Alfred. Alfred was from Salem, Massachusetts. It had 16 long 9-pounder guns and a crew of about 100 men. Alfred surrendered without a fight. Another British ship, Junon, was nearby.

While returning to Halifax with Alfred, Commander Wales discovered a plot. Some of his crew and the prisoners from Alfred planned to take over the ships. They wanted to escape to the United States. Wales quickly sailed to Halifax. He told his uncle, Admiral Sir John Borlase Warren, about his concerns. However, the Admiral did not believe him.

So, Epervier sailed on March 3 with the same crew. She joined Shelburne and a small group of ships. They were heading to Bermuda and the West Indies. Before leaving Halifax, Epervier changed some of her guns. She swapped two 6-pounder bow guns for two 18-pounder carronades.

Capture by the US Navy

On April 14, Epervier sailed from Port Royal, Jamaica. She stopped in Havana and took on board $118,000 in money. She left Havana on April 25, heading for Halifax.

On April 29, 1814, the American ship USS Peacock captured Epervier. This happened off Cape Canaveral, Florida, during the War of 1812. Epervier's crew was not in good shape. Many were sick or injured, making it the weakest crew on her station.

During the battle, Epervier suffered greatly. Eight of her crew were killed, and 15 were wounded. The ship was also badly damaged.

USS Epervier in US Service

USS Epervier in distress, 1815

Even with all the damage, the American crew managed to sail Epervier to Savannah, Georgia. After repairs, the US Navy officially took her into service. She was renamed USS Epervier.

Fighting the Barbary Pirates

USS Epervier then joined the Mediterranean Squadron. This group of ships was led by Commodore Stephen Decatur, Jr. Their mission was to stop attacks on American ships by the ruler of Algiers.

Epervier joined Guerriere, Constellation, and Ontario. On June 17, 1815, they fought in the Battle off Cape Gata. This battle led to the capture of a large Algerian warship. Epervier fired many shots to make the Algerian ship surrender.

Two days later, Epervier and three smaller ships captured another Algerian warship. This happened at the Battle off Cape Palos. After peace was made with Algiers, Commander Downes, who was on Epervier, moved to Guerriere.

The Mysterious Loss of USS Epervier

After the ruler of Algiers signed a peace treaty, Epervier was chosen for an important task. She was to carry a copy of the treaty and some captured flags back to the United States. Lieutenant John T. Shubrick was in command. Several passengers were also on board.

Epervier sailed through the Straits of Gibraltar on July 14, 1815. But she was never seen or heard from again. It is thought she might have been caught in a huge hurricane. A hurricane was reported in the Atlantic Ocean on August 9, 1815. In total, 132 sailors and 2 marines were lost with the ship.

See also

• List of people who disappeared mysteriously at sea