A minor Quasi-War engagement in which Haitian picaroons captured two American merchant ships, illustrating the broader threat to U.S. commerce in Caribbean waters.
Key Facts
- Date
- 1 January 1800
- American escort vessel
- USS Experiment (schooner)
- Merchant ships in convoy
- 4
- Merchant ships captured
- 2
- American fatalities
- 1 (captain of schooner Mary)
- Location
- Near Gonâve island, Bight of Léogâne
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
French-aligned Haitian general André Rigaud ordered his forces, known as picaroons, to attack all foreign shipping within their operational range. As the American convoy of four merchant vessels escorted by USS Experiment approached the island of Gonâve, it fell within the zone where Rigaud's picaroons were active, making an attack inevitable.
On 1 January 1800, Haitian picaroons in armed barges attacked the American convoy near Gonâve in the Bight of Léogâne. They succeeded in capturing two of the four merchant ships before withdrawing. USS Experiment defended the remaining two vessels and escorted them to a friendly port. The only American fatality was the captain of the merchant schooner Mary, while the picaroons suffered heavy losses.
Despite heavy picaroon casualties, the raiders remained capable of continuing attacks on American shipping in the region. The threat persisted until Toussaint L'Ouverture, leader of the Haitian Revolution, forced Rigaud from power, after which the picaroon attacks against foreign vessels ceased.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent
André Rigaud (ordering commander).