Mary Ann (1807 ship) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids History
United Kingdom
Name	Mary Ann
Launched	1807, Liverpool
Captured	April 1813
General characteristics
Tons burthen	160, or 170, or 172, or 180 (bm)
Complement	25
Armament	1807: 14 × 9-pounder guns 1809: 14 × 9-pounder guns 1813: 10 × 6-pounder guns

The Mary Ann was a ship launched in 1807 in Liverpool, England. She had a varied career on the seas. First, she made one voyage as a ship involved in the historical triangular trade of people. Later, she became a West Indiaman, carrying goods to and from the West Indies. From 1811, she served as a Falmouth packet, delivering mail and passengers. In 1813, an American privateer captured her during a battle.

The Ship Mary Ann

The Mary Ann first appeared in official records in 1807. These records, like Lloyd's Register, kept track of ships. They listed details about the ship, its captain, owner, and what it carried.

Early Voyages

Captain John Ainsworth was her first captain. He received a special permit called a letter of marque on May 5, 1807. This permit allowed him to arm his ship and attack enemy vessels. The Mary Ann left Liverpool on May 29, 1807. She sailed to the Congo River to acquire captives.

A Controversial Voyage

While on her way to the West Indies, the Mary Ann met a British warship, HMS Rattler. The Rattler stopped the Mary Ann and sent her to Barbados. She was later released. This happened because the Slave Trade Act 1807 had just become law. This law made it illegal for British ships to be involved in the trade of people.

However, the Mary Ann had started her journey before the law officially took effect. So, her voyage was one of the last legal British voyages of this kind. The Mary Ann arrived in Barbados on February 13, 1808. She then sailed to Demerara. She returned to Liverpool on June 21, 1808.

After this, the Mary Ann became a West Indiaman. This meant she carried goods like sugar and rum between Britain and the West Indies.

Life as a Packet Ship

In 1811, the Mary Ann changed her role again. She became a Post Office packet. These ships carried mail, passengers, and valuable goods. She sailed from Falmouth, Cornwall. James Caddy became her captain in August 1811.

Final Battle and Capture

In early April 1813, the Mary Ann was sailing from Malta to Gibraltar. She was about 50 leagues (about 150 miles) west of Cape St Vincent. There, she met an American privateer ship called General Tompkins. A privateer was a private ship allowed by its government to attack enemy ships.

The General Tompkins had a crew of 99 men and ten guns. The two ships fought for about an hour and a half. Captain Caddy of the Mary Ann eventually had to surrender. His ship was badly damaged. The Mary Ann arrived in Boston, USA, on May 21. One man on the Mary Ann was killed, and several were hurt. The General Tompkins had no injuries.

The Mail Mystery

The Mary Ann was carrying $60,000 in gold and silver. Before being captured, Captain Caddy tried to throw the ship's mail overboard. He wanted to prevent it from falling into enemy hands. However, the mailbags did not sink properly. The General Tompkins was able to get them back.

Captain Caddy later explained what happened. He had used iron weights for the mailbags, but they still floated. A committee investigated his actions. They decided that Captain Caddy was not at fault. They believed the mailbags contained boxes that made them float. Captain Caddy continued his career and was given command of another ship, the Swiftsure.