A Royal Navy post ship defeated two pirate vessels near Block Island, leading to the trial and execution of Harris's crew at Newport in 1723.
Key Facts
- Date
- June 10, 1723
- Location
- Near Block Island, Atlantic Ocean
- Royal Navy vessel
- HMS Greyhound (post ship)
- Pirate vessels
- Sloop Ranger (Harris) and schooner Fancy (Low)
- Outcome for Ranger crew
- Captured, tried, sentenced, and executed at Newport, RI
- Escaped vessel
- Fancy, commanded by Edward Low
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Pirates Edward Low and Charles Harris commanded two vessels operating in the Atlantic. Mistaking HMS Greyhound for an unarmed civilian whaler, they chose to attack the Royal Navy post ship, underestimating its firepower and combat readiness.
On June 10, 1723, near Block Island, HMS Greyhound engaged both pirate ships in a battle lasting several hours. Greyhound successfully captured Harris's sloop Ranger, while Low's schooner Fancy managed to escape the engagement.
All surviving crew members of the Ranger were taken to Newport, Rhode Island. There they stood trial, were convicted, sentenced to death, and executed, representing a significant enforcement of Royal Navy anti-piracy operations in American waters.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
HMS Greyhound captain (unknown).
Side B
1 belligerent
Charles Harris, Edward Low.