USS Constellation vs La Vengeance

USS Constellation vs La Vengeance
Part of the Quasi-War
USS Constellation engaging the French frigate La Vengeance
Date 1–2 February 1800 Location Off Saint Kitts Result Indecisive; French withdrawal
Belligerents
United States	France
Commanders and leaders
Thomas Truxton	François Marie Pitot
Strength
1 frigate 336 crew 38 guns	1 frigate 380 crew 40 guns
Casualties and losses
14 dead 25 wounded 1 frigate severely damaged	28–160 dead 110 wounded 1 frigate severely damaged

USS Constellation vs La Vengeance, or the action of 1 February 1800, was a single-ship action fought between frigates of the French Navy and the United States Navy during the Quasi-War. In the battle the American frigate USS Constellation tried to take the French frigate La Vengeance as a prize. Both ships were heavily damaged. Although the French frigate struck her colors (surrendered) twice, she managed to flee only after the main mast of her opponent had fallen.

In 1798, an undeclared war had begun between the United States and France due to French seizures of American merchantmen. As part of an American effort to deter French attacks, Commodore Thomas Truxton led an American naval squadron that was dispatched to the Lesser Antilles. Learning that regular French naval forces were in the region, Truxton set out in his flagship Constellation and sailed to Guadeloupe to engage them. On 1 February 1800, while nearing the French colony, Constellation met François Marie Pitot's frigate La Vengeance of the French Navy. Despite Pitot's attempts to flee, his frigate was drawn into a heavy engagement with Constellation. Although the French frigate struck her colors twice, Constellation was unable to take La Vengeance as a prize. Eventually Pitot was able to escape with his frigate to Curaçao, though only after sustaining severe casualties and damage to his vessel. Truxton's ship sustained serious damage and sailed to Jamaica for repairs before returning home to a hero's welcome.