Chapter 1

THE WINTER OF 1812-1813--BAINBRIDGE'S SQUADRON: ACTIONS BETWEEN "CONSTITUTION" AND "JAVA," "HORNET" AND "PEACOCK"--INCREASING PRESSURE ON ATLANTIC COAST Page

Bainbridge's squadron sails 1

His plans for the cruise 2

The "Essex" fails to join 3

Proceedings of "Constitution" and "Hornet" 3

Action between "Constitution" and "Java" 4

The "Constitution" returns to the United States 7

Proceedings of the "Hornet" 7

Action between the "Hornet" and "Peacock" 8

The "Hornet" returns 9

The Chesapeake and Delaware blockaded 9

Subsequent extension of blockade to the whole coast south of Newport 10

Three periods into which the War of 1812 divides 10

Difficulty of American frigates in getting to sea 11

Difficulty of manning the navy 12

Cruise of the "Chesapeake" 13

Gradual suppression of American commerce 14

Increasing stringency of the commercial blockade 15

British occupation of Delaware and Chesapeake Bays 16

Diminution of the coasting trade, and increase of land carriage 17

Effects upon prices 18

Abandoned condition of the western Atlantic 20

Diminution in number of prizes taken by Americans 20

Estimate of relative captures by the two belligerents 21

Relative captures no indication of relative immunity 23

American deprivation makes for the prosperity of Halifax and Canada 23

The blockade the chief offensive maritime operation of Great Britain, in 1813 24

No opposition longer possible to the American Navy 25

Strength of the British blockading divisions 25

Escape possible only by evasion 25

The brunt of the British naval operations falls upon the Chesapeake and Delaware 26