USS Enterprise vs Flambeau

USS Enterprise vs Flambeau
Part of the Quasi-War

USS Enterprise engaging the French privateer Flambeau
Date25 October 1800
Location
Off the east coast of Dominica
Result American victory
Belligerents
 United States France
Commanders and leaders
John Shaw France Unknown
Strength
Schooner
83 men
12 six-pounder guns
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.

  1. ^ Hill 1903, p. 103
  2. ^ a b Emmons 1853, p. 52