HMS Viper (1779) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
|
|---|---|
 South Carolina |
|
| Name | Rutledge |
| Captured | 4 November 1779 |
| UK | |
| Name | HMS Viper |
| Acquired | 4 November 1779 by capture |
| Fate | Broken up in 1785 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Galley |
| Tons burthen | 113 (bm; British), est. from measurements below |
| Length | est. 65 ft (20 m) (between perpendiculars) |
| Beam | est. 20 ft (6.1 m) |
| Propulsion | oars and sails |
| Complement | 39 (including 20 black oarsmen) |
| Armament | 2 x 24-pounder guns in the bow + 4 x 6-pounder guns amidships at capture; possibly swivel guns as well |
| Notes | Rutledge had been converted to a galley from a large flat boat. |
HMS Viper was a small warship called a galley. It had six guns. Before it became HMS Viper, it was a ship named Rutledge belonging to the South Carolina Navy. The British captured Rutledge on November 4, 1779, near Tybee. The ship was later taken apart in 1785.
How Viper Was Captured
In November 1779, Captain Henry, from the British ship Fowey, led his ships to capture Rutledge. They also got back their supply ship, Myrtle. The French had captured Myrtle earlier and were using it to carry water.
A few days before, both Myrtle and Rutledge had been pushed out to sea by strong winds. When they returned to Tybee, they didn't know that the British now controlled the area. This led to their capture. Captain Henry then renamed Rutledge to Viper. He put a new crew on board, led by Mr. John Steel, who was a Master's Mate from Rose.
Viper's Time in Service
Interestingly, some old records show that the galley Viper was part of Captain John Henry's group of ships. This was during the Siege of Savannah in September and October 1779. This was when the French fleet, led by the Comte d'Estaing, surrounded the city of Savannah.
The Royal Navy officially put Viper into service on November 18, 1779. Lieutenant Charles Wroughton was put in charge of the ship.
Viper was also involved in the Siege of Charleston. This event happened from March 28 to May 12, 1780. At that time, Acting Lieutenant Thomas Chambers was in command. Later, in 1781, Viper was listed as being with Admiral Parker in Jamaica. W. Bowman was the commander then. For the next two years, W.R. Dunlop commanded Viper. It was part of the North America squadron, led by Rear-Admiral Robert Rigby.
What Happened to Viper
Viper was taken out of service in May 1784. The ship was then broken up, meaning it was taken apart, in 1785.
