Escape of HMS Belvidera | William John Huggins | 19th Century

Escape of HMS Belvidera, 23 June 1812. Nine days after the start of the American War of 1812, HMS Belvidera, commanded by Captain Richard Byron, found itself near New London, Connecticut, awaiting the French privateer Marengo. At dawn, five American vessels appeared to the southwest: the frigates President, Congress, United States, and the sloops Hornet and Argos—nearly the entire active American navy at the time. The Americans launched a chase, with the President leading the pursuit. Commodore Rodgers of the President fired the first shot, but disaster struck when a second shot caused a gun explosion on his ship, killing and injuring 16, including Rodgers, who broke his leg. Captain Byron of the Belvidera retaliated by firing stern guns through the ship’s windows and from the quarterdeck. Despite having an opportunity for close combat, the President continued firing broadsides at the Belvidera’s retreating stern, with little success. Byron, seeking to lighten his ship and gain speed, cut away anchors, jettisoned boats, and dumped 14 tons of fresh water. These actions allowed the Belvidera to gradually outpace the President, which had lost time by adjusting course repeatedly.

In the painting, HMS Belvidera is shown on a broad reach, with shot holes visible in her sails and her stern guns firing. Behind her, the President is depicted firing its starboard broadside, while the Congress, United States, Hornet, and Argos follow in pursuit. This dramatic naval engagement was also illustrated in a French lithograph by Auger.

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