A naval battle fought after the Quasi-War's peace agreement, resulting in a capture later voided and a court martial that dismissed most of USS Boston's officers.
Key Facts
- Date of action
- 12 October 1800
- USS Boston armament
- 32 guns
- French corvette armament
- 24 guns
- Distance from Guadeloupe
- 600 miles northeast
- Berceau's fate
- Repaired at American expense and returned to France
- Prize-master
- Robert Haswell
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the Quasi-War between the United States and France, USS Boston under Captain George Little was cruising northeast of Guadeloupe when it spotted two unidentified vessels, one of which proved to be the French corvette Berceau. Boston gave chase, pursuing Berceau through the afternoon and into the night.
On 12 October 1800, USS Boston engaged Berceau in a prolonged battle in which both crews attempted to disable each other's rigging. After drifting apart to make repairs, the combatants re-engaged after dark. Berceau was ultimately forced to strike her colors after losing her fore and main mast and having boarding attempts repulsed.
After several days of repairs, Boston towed Berceau to its home port, where it was discovered the battle had occurred two weeks after a peace agreement ended hostilities. Berceau was consequently repaired at American expense and returned to France. Most of Boston's officers, acquitted in a court martial over plundering charges, were nonetheless dismissed from the Navy.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
George Little.
Side B
1 belligerent
Louis-André Senez.