An inconclusive frigate duel off New Jersey in 1793 notable for the disputed death of HMS Boston's captain and its large civilian audience.
Key Facts
- Date
- 31 July 1793
- British ship
- HMS Boston (frigate)
- French ship
- Embuscade (frigate)
- British commander
- Captain George Courtenay
- French commander
- Captain Jean-Baptiste-François Bompart
- Outcome
- Inconclusive; Boston escaped to St John's, Newfoundland
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Captain George Courtenay of HMS Boston arrived off New York in May 1793, disguised his ship as French to capture a French officer, then sent a formal challenge to the French frigate Embuscade anchored in New York harbor. The challenge was accepted and publicized widely, drawing thousands of spectators to the New Jersey shore on 31 July.
The two frigates fought a fierce engagement off the New Jersey coast on the morning of 31 July 1793. The smaller, more lightly armed Boston suffered heavy damage. At 6:20 Captain Courtenay was incapacitated — whether killed or merely knocked unconscious remains disputed — and was thrown overboard by second-in-command Lieutenant John Edwards. Boston's remaining officers set all available sail just after 07:00 and attempted to flee, with Bompart giving chase until 08:00.
Boston eventually escaped to St John's, Newfoundland after a close encounter with French ships in the Delaware River, while Embuscade returned to New York for repairs. The fate of Captain Courtenay became a lasting controversy, with his family and historian Edward Pelham Brenton disputing Edwards' account, though historian William James later defended Edwards' conduct.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
George Courtenay, John Edwards (acting).
Side B
1 belligerent
Jean-Baptiste-François Bompart.