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The Enquirer
Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia
What is this article about?
On the evening of June 9, 1811, the U.S. Frigate United States accidentally discharged a gun while encountering the British frigate HMS Euridice near Hampton Roads, Virginia. The shot passed near the British ship, but the captain accepted the explanation as an accident, and tensions were resolved politely without escalation.
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U. S. Frigate United States,
10th June, 1811.
"A circumstance occurred yesterday evening, which may be misrepresented by the enemies of the Commodore, and made a handle of by the opposers of the government. Yesterday we left H. Roads for sea: at 5 P. M. discovered two sail just about the Capes, standing in. We immediately got all ready for action—and at 7 P. M. they came up. The frigate came under our lee—and, without being hailed by the Commander, said it was his majesty's ship the Euridice—and then asked, pray, sir, what ship is that? The Comd. mentioned the name of this ship, and asked, what ship it was astern of him—to—He answered, it was his majesty's ship the Attalanta. The Commodore of the frigate mentioned, that he came with dispatches for his majesty's minister in this country and that he had sent them in. While this conversation passed, one of the quarter-deck guns was discharged by accident. The shot passed just athwart his fore foot: After a pause of a moment, the Commodore hailed, and said it was an accident. The Capt. of the E. frigate said, that he was aware that such accidents did occur, and that he was willing to believe that this was one.
"As we were at some distance, he begged permission to send his boat on board, which the Commodore granted, and he was assured it was an accident.
"He, the Capt. of the E. frigate, was as polite as a man could be—for he had the weather gage, and he came under our lee—and he told his ship's name, without being asked. If he had wished for an opportunity to avenge himself, he had a glorious one: We did expect, that he would have immediately commenced an action.
"This accident was done by training the gun, and the lock string caught and was discharged. We all wish for an opportunity of wiping off the stain on our flag—Yet, we would wish to keep justice on our side. I yet hope we will meet with some of them who may attempt to be saucy.
N. B. The two ships are in sight, and I believe, the Comd. intends to keep them so."
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What entities or persons were involved?
Where did it happen?
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
H. Roads Near The Capes
Event Date
1811 06 09
Key Persons
Outcome
no casualties or damage; incident resolved peacefully with the british captain accepting it as an accident.
Event Details
The U.S. Frigate United States, after leaving H. Roads, encountered two British ships including H.M.S. Euridice near the Capes. During a conversation, a quarter-deck gun discharged accidentally, with the shot passing near the Euridice's bow. The Commodore explained it was an accident, and the British captain, who had the advantage, politely accepted the explanation and sent a boat to confirm.