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HMS Linnet (1814) facts for kids

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HMS Linnet (1814) - Battle of Plattsburgh (cropped).jpg
Linnet
Quick facts for kids
History
Royal Navy EnsignUnited Kingdom
Name HMS Linnet
Builder Isle de Noix, Lake Champlain
Launched April 1814
Captured 11 September 1814
United States
Name USS Linnet
Acquired By capture, 11 September 1814
Fate Sold 1825
General characteristics
Class and type 16-gun brig-sloop
Tons burthen 350 (bm)
Length 82 ft 6 in (25.1 m)
Beam 27 ft (8.2 m)
Depth of hold 6 ft 8 in (2.0 m)
Propulsion Sails
Sail plan Brig
Complement 99
Armament 16 x 12-pounder guns
Macdonough’s victory on Lake Champlain and defeat of the British Army at Plattsburg by Genl. Macomb, Sept. 11 1814 (cropped)
Linnet viewed from Cumberland Head, on Lake Champlain at the Battle of Plattsburg 11 September 1814

HMS Linnet was a British warship built in 1814. She was a 16-gun brig, a type of sailing ship. The Royal Navy built her in Canada, near Lake Champlain. Her original name was Niagara, but she was renamed Linnet.

Commander Daniel Pring led the Linnet. She played a part in the War of 1812 on Lake Champlain. In 1814, American forces captured her during the Battle of Lake Champlain. The Americans then used her as a ship, but she never sailed again. Linnet was eventually sold in 1825.

Linnet in Battle

Linnet joined Captain George Downie's group of ships. They took part in the Battle of Lake Champlain on September 11, 1814. This battle was a major event during the War of 1812.

Facing the Eagle

As Linnet sailed into the bay, she fought against an American ship. This ship was the brig Eagle, which had 18 guns. Linnet caused a lot of damage to the Eagle.

Turning the Tide

However, the American commander, Commodore Thomas Macdonough, had a plan. His main ship, the Saratoga, moved into position. The Saratoga then fired along the side of Linnet. This type of attack is called "raking" and is very damaging.

Linnet's Capture

Because of the heavy damage, Linnet had to surrender. This is called "striking the colors." During the battle, 10 of Linnet's crew were killed. Another 15 crew members were wounded.

What Happened Next

After the battle, the Americans fixed Linnet. They added her to the U.S. Navy and called her USS Linnet.

Placed in Reserve

However, the War of 1812 ended soon after. Because of this, the USS Linnet was not needed for active duty. She was placed in "ordinary" at Whitehall, New York. This means she was kept in a reserve fleet, ready if needed, but not actively sailing.

Final Sale

USS Linnet stayed in reserve for several years. In 1825, the ship was sold.

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