USS Constitution defeats HMS Java

Background. USS Constitution, a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate launched in 1797 as one of six original frigates authorized by the Naval Act of 1794, was among the warships that made her name during the War of 1812. HMS Java, a British frigate captured from the French in 1811, was commissioned in August 1812 under Captain Henry Lambert, a senior commander with combat experience in His Majesty's service.

Approach off Brazil. On 13 December 1812, Constitution, sailing from Boston by way of Cape Verde under Captain William Bainbridge and accompanied by USS Hornet under James Lawrence, arrived off the coast of Brazil at St. Salvador. There the American squadron encountered HMS Java under Captain Lambert.

Aftermath. After the engagement, Java's masts and fallen rigging had hardly been cleared when Constitution returned from repairing her damage and took a raking position from which Java could not defend herself. On New Year's Day 1813, two days after the fight, Bainbridge ordered Java set ablaze; she subsequently blew up. Constitution returned to São Salvador on 1 January 1813 to disembark Java's prisoners, meeting Hornet and two British prizes. On 23 April 1813, Lieutenant Chads and the surviving officers and men of Java faced the customary court martial aboard HMS Gladiator for the loss of their ship.