One of the last naval engagements of the War of 1812, fought after peace had already been ratified, resulting in the capture of two British frigates by USS Constitution.
Key Facts
- Date of action
- 20 February 1815
- Location
- ~100 miles east of Madeira
- British ships involved
- HMS Cyane and HMS Levant
- American ship
- USS Constitution
- Peace treaty ratified
- Days before the battle (Treaty of Ghent)
- Levant outcome
- Recaptured by British squadron at Porto Praya
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the Anglo-American War of 1812, USS Constitution was at sea when the Treaty of Ghent was ratified by both sides, ending the war. Neither the American ship nor the two British warships, HMS Cyane and HMS Levant, had received word of the peace, leaving both parties unaware that hostilities had officially ceased.
On 20 February 1815, approximately 100 miles east of Madeira, USS Constitution engaged HMS Cyane and HMS Levant simultaneously. After exchanges of broadsides and musket fire, both British vessels surrendered. Constitution then sailed with her two prizes to Porto Praya in the Cape Verde islands.
At Porto Praya, a British naval squadron arrived and HMS Levant was recaptured while attempting to escape, though HMS Cyane remained a prize. The engagement is notable as one of the final actions of the War of 1812, fought in ignorance of the peace already concluded by the Treaty of Ghent.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent