Naval Battles of 1783
January 7, 1782 at Bahama Channel, Atlantic Ocean (Frigate South Carolina) – Frigate South Carolina, commanded by Commodore Alexander Gillon, captured five ships going from Jamaica to Europe loaded with sugar and lumber.
Conclusion: American Victory
March 19, 1782 off the coast of Charlestown, South Carolina (HMS Alligator captured) – On March 19, as the Patriot forces surrounded Charlestown, the British stationed the armed galley HMS Alligator in the Ashley River. This was to prevent any movement towards the city by the Patriots. Maj. Michael Rudolph was put in charge of planning and conducting the raid on the Alligator.
Rudolph concealed a group of men under some vegetables in a boat and rowed for the Charlestown Market. He was dressed as a farmer and 4 of his men were dressed as slaves. At 10:00 P.M., a sentry aboard the Alligator hailed Rudolph and told him to pull alongside. When he was within 60 yards of the ship, the sentry challenged him. As Rudolph’s boat struck the side of the Alligator, the hidden men sprang into action. They killed the sentry and 4 other sailors. The Patriots quickly shut the hatches and captured the captain and 28 of the crew. The remainder of the crew jumped overboard and swam for shore. Rudolph took what stores he wanted and then burned the Alligator.
Conclusion: American Victory
April 9-12, 1782 at Saintes Passage, West Indies (British Fleet vs French Fleet) – On April 9-12, a British fleet of 37 ships defeated the 33-ship French fleet, commanded by Adm. Compte de Grasse, off of Saintes Passage in a 3-day naval battle. The British captured de Grasse, his flagship, and 4 other French ships.
Conclusion: British Victory
August ??, 1782 at Halifax, North Carolina (HMS Packhorse Captured) – In June, the prison ship HMS Packhorse was headed northfor a prisoner exchange. Lt. Edward Barnell and 35 other prisoners took over the ship and into a North Carolina harbor.
Conclusion: American Victory
Naval Battles of 1783
Conclusion: ? Victory
