The engagement between USS Peacock and HCS Nautilus on June 30, 1815 was the last military action of the War of 1812.
Key Facts
- Date
- June 30, 1815
- US Commander
- Master Commandant Lewis Warrington
- British Commander
- Charles Boyce
- US Vessel
- USS Peacock (sloop-of-war)
- British Vessel
- HCS Nautilus (brig)
- Treaty ending conflict
- Treaty of Ghent (signed ~6 months prior)
Cause → Event → Consequence
The War of 1812 had officially ended with the Treaty of Ghent roughly six months before this encounter. However, USS Peacock's commander Lewis Warrington, aware of the treaty, encountered the East India Company brig HCS Nautilus. When Nautilus commander Charles Boyce refused to strike his colours, Warrington chose to engage.
On June 30, 1815, USS Peacock opened fire on HCS Nautilus, inflicting several casualties among the British crew and compelling the brig's surrender. This single-ship action took place during Peacock's third voyage and represented an engagement fought after the formal conclusion of the war it was meant to prosecute.
After Boyce provided documents confirming the Treaty of Ghent, Warrington released the Nautilus without claiming her as a prize. The engagement became historically notable as the final military action of the War of 1812, occurring months after the conflict had legally concluded.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Lewis Warrington.
Side B
1 belligerent
Charles Boyce.