USS Enterprise vs Flambeau | |||||||
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Part of the Quasi-War | |||||||
USS Enterprise engaging the French privateer Flambeau | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
United States | France | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
John Shaw | Unknown | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
1 Schooner 83 men 12 six-pounder guns |
1 Brig 110 men[1] 12 eight-pounder guns | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
3 killed 7 wounded[2] |
7 killed 33 wounded 70 prisoners 1 Brig captured[2] |
USS Enterprise vs Flambeau was a single ship action fought in October 1800 during the Quasi-War, and the final battle between French and American forces. During the action, USS Enterprise defeated the French brig Flambeau off the leeward side of the island of Dominica in the Caribbean Sea. Although Enterprise was outgunned by Flambeau, she was still able to take her as a prize after a short battle. The battle helped bring to fame Enterprise's commanding officer, John Shaw, who added the capture of Flambeau to his already long list of French prizes.
Enterprise continued patrolling the Caribbean, chasing down and capturing French vessel Pauline, and later Guadaloupeenne. Chronic illness forced Shaw to transfer command of Enterprise to Lieutenant Andrew Sterett, who continued the patrol and took several more French prizes before returning home.