Naval Engagements in 1812-1813

In 1812, while American land forces were in nearly total disarray, some success was gained on the high seas:

• The Constitution under Isaac Hull defeated the British ship Guerriere
• Stephen Decatur, of Barbary pirate fame, led the United States to victory over the Macedonian, which was greeted with great fanfare as it was brought into the harbor at New London, Connecticut
• American privateers successfully preyed upon British shipping.

In 1813, the tide turned against the American navy, notably after the defeat of the Chesapeake by the Shannon. The British managed to concentrate a greater portion of the fleet in the war against the United States and the American navy remained bottled-up for the duration.