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Thomas Boyle and the Chasseaur
(The Pride of Baltimore)
One of the most famous privateers was Captain Thomas Boyle aboard the Baltimore Clipper, Chasseur. On his first voyage as master of Chasseur in 1814, Boyle unexpected sailed east, directly to the British Isles, where he unmercifully harassed the British merchant fleet. In a characteristically audacious act, he sent a notice to the King of England, by way of a captured merchant vessel, that the entire British Isles were under a naval blockade. This notice sent the shipping community into panic and caused the British Admiralty to call vessels home form the American war to guard merchant ships. In all, Chasseur captured or sank 17 vessels before returning home.
On Chausseur's triumphed return to Baltimore on March 25, 1815, the Niles Weekly Register dubbed the ship, her captain, and crew the "pride of Baltimore" for their daring exploits. |