ESSEX
\ˈɛsɪks], \ˈɛsɪks], \ˈɛ_s_ɪ_k_s]\
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By Princeton University
By DataStellar Co., Ltd
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U. S. frigate of thirty-two guns, Captain Porter, was attacked on August 13, 1812, by the "Alert," a twenty-gun sloop-of-war. One broadside from the " Essex " nearly sunk the " Alert," and caused its surrender. Date in the year the " Essex" started on an independent cruise in the Pacific. Here it did noble service. It captured nearly every British whaling vessel off the west coast of South America, and deprived the enemy of $2,500,000 worth of property and 360 seamen. In February, 1814, it was surprised while in the port of Valparaiso by the appearance of two British men-of-war, the " Phoebe," thirty-six guns, and the " Cherub," twenty-two guns. On March 28, 1814, the " Essex " set sail for the open sea, and was at once attacked by the enemy. It was a desperate and bloody battle. After two-thirds of its men had been killed or disabled, including every officer but one, and with his vessel a helpless wreck, Captain Porter surrendered.
By John Franklin Jameson