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Photographer: Allen C. Browne
Taken: June 11, 2013
Caption: Macedonian Sign
Additional Description: in the "Seas, Lakes and Bay" exhibit in Mahan Hall
Macedonian

  October 25, 1812
USS United States, Capt Stephen Decatur, sailed from Boston with Commodore Rodgers' squadron on October 8, and four days later, on October 25, the quest was answered; the British frigate HMS Macedonian, 38, was seen about twelve miles to the south southeast. Macedonian had the advantage of wind and set more sail to close with the American.

A Prize Brought Home

As the Macedonian closed with the United States, the British captain John S. Carden, missed his best opportunity: wishing to keep the advantageous weather gage he turned his ship to run parallel with United States instead of crossing her bow and raking. The American ship's larger crew and heavier guns began to take their toll, firing so rapidly that it seemed the side of the frigate was on fire, United States drove ahead of Macedonian, then tacked to cross under her stern. At that point Carden, helpless and wishing to avoid further bloodshed, surrendered. Macedonian had lost her mizzenmast and her fore and main topmasts; more than a third of her crew were killed or injured. United States seemed hardly touched, and only twelve men killed or wounded.

Decatur had Macedonian jury rigged and escorted her to New London, where they arrived on December 4. The prize would be taken into the U.S. Navy as the USS Macedonian and would serve until 1828.
Submitted: June 19, 2013, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.
Database Locator Identification Number: p245084
File Size: 1.484 Megabytes

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