FAMOUS NAVAL BATTLE! “CONSTITUTION” DEFEATS THE “GUERRIERE;” DETROIT SURRENDERS TO THE BRITHISH
“OLD IRONSIDES” OUTSAILS AND OUTGUNS A STRONG BRITISH FRIGATE – BOOSTS AMERICAN MORALE IN THE WAR OF 1812
National Intelligencer, Washington, DC
Saturday, September 5, 1812
See scans for incredible eyewitness action told by an officer on board the frigate Constitution during the famous U.S. Naval victory in the War of 1812. The lead-in reads: “Brilliant Naval Victory! The United States frigate Constitution, Captain Hull, anchored yesterday in the outer harbor, from a short cruize, during which she fell in with the English frigate Guerrier, which she captured, after a short but severe action. The damage sustained by the fire of the Constitution was so great, that it was found impossible to tow her into port, and accordingly the crew were taken out, and the ship sunk. The brilliancy of this action….will still excite the liveliest emotions in every American bosom.”
SURRENDER OF DETROIT TO THE BRITISH. The disastrous capitulation of Detroit to the British is confirmed. The American Army surrendered to an inferior force without even a fight, evoking severe criticism in this and other newspapers (see scan).
4 pp., complete, and in fine condition. There are a few inside page archival tape repairs, but the paper itself is really nice. A major historic issue for the collector of U.S. Naval history (like myself)! Price is very reasonable, too!
$435