Capture of HMS Boxer

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Capture of HMS Boxer
Part of the War of 1812
Date September 5, 1813
Location off Pemaquid Point, near Bristol, Maine
Result American victory
Belligerents
Flag of the United Kingdom Great Britain Flag of the United States United States
Commanders
Flag of the United Kingdom Captain Samuel Blyth Flag of the United States William Burrows
Strength
1 brig 1 brig
Casualties and losses
1 brig captured 1 brig damaged

The capture of HMS Boxer in 1813 was a naval battle of the War of 1812, in which the United States Navy brig USS Enterprise defeated the Royal Navy brig HMS Boxer.

[edit] Battle

On September 5, 1813, the USS Enterpise of 16 guns with 102 men sighted HMS Boxer of 14 guns with 66 men off Pemaquid Point, Maine, and closed on the enemy brig. British Captain Samuel Blyth prepared for a fight to the finish. On the Enterprise, Lieutenant William Burrows demonstrated similar resolve. He moved one of his two long 9-pounders from the bow to a stern port, asserting: "We are going to fight both ends and both sides of this ship as long as the ends and the sides hold together."

The two brigs opened fire. Blyth was killed during the initial fusillade, and Burrows suffered a mortal wound moments later. The fierce contest ended in 30 minutes with the Boxer in ruins. The management of the Enterprise devolved on Lieutenant Edward McCall, while Lieutenant David McGrery found himself in command of the battered Boxer. The dying Burrows declined to accept Blyth's sword, directing it be sent to the family of the dead British captain. "I am satisfied, I die contented," Burrows exclaimed. McCall went into nearby Portland with the two ships and the casualties.

[edit] Aftermath

Newspapers in the United States rejoiced in "another brilliant naval victory," one of the few American successes during the third summer of the War of 1812. After two days of planning, authorities conducted an impressive state funeral for the two commanders, and they rest side by side in Portland's Eastern Cemetery. Next to them is the comparable grave of Lieutenant Kerwin Waters who suffered mortal wounds as a midshipman during the battle but lived for two more years.

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