Hold Fast

Scenario II: Battle of L'Insurgente

by Timothy S. Gerritsen

February 5th, 1799 United States vs. France

USS Constellation (38 Gun 5th Rate) vs. Insurgente (36 Gun 5th Rate carrying 40 Guns)

OVERVIEW:

The close relations between the newly formed United States and the nation of France faded quickly in the waning years of the 18th Century. The French Revolution put into question the status of the treaties signed between the two nations, and that question was settled by the election of the decidedly anti-French new President John Adams.

Tensions between the nations boiled over as French warships and privateers began to prey on American merchantmen who had lost the protection of the British Navy due to the American Revolution. The infant United States Navy was pressed into what became known as the `Quasi War' with the revolutionary French Government. The war was fought entirely at sea between an energetic new American Navy and a lethargic French Navy who was unsure of their future due to the chaos occurring at home.

The brand new American Frigate Constellation and her energetic Captain Thomas Truxton went to sea spoiling for a fight. On February 5th, 1799, she found it in the form of the Insurgente, a closely matched frigate off the Island of Nevis in the West Indies.

Setup: Open Ocean
Wind Direction: NW

Place the Constellation 8" to the Northwest of the Insurgente, heading SE at a speed of 3. Place the Insurgente 8" to the Southeast of the Constellation, heading SE at a speed of 2

AIM:

French- The French Captain must aim at the Constellation's masts.
American- No restrictions

Victory Conditions: Duel

HISTORIC OUTCOME:

The Constellation was the fastest ship in the American fleet, gaining the nickname "The Yankee Racehorse." She used her speed to great advantage, easily avoiding the French attempt to close up alongside and then pummeled the French vessel into submission. In the space of 75 minutes, the French ship struck her colors with a loss of 28 dead and 71 wounded. The Constellation suffered just 2 dead and 2 wounded.

Just before the battle, a wind squall tore off the top mast of the Insurgente, putting her at a disadvantage in maneuverability. The scenario above is set up to be a more balanced fight between the ships, but if you wish to fight the actual battle from a more historic standpoint, start the Insurgent with two mast hits, and a resultant speed reduction of her top speed to 3.

Hold Fast Rules for the Age of Sail

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© Copyright 2004 Hal Thinglum
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