Existing comment:
General Armstrong:
Although privateers generally avoided engaging British warships, the choice was not always theirs. On 26 September 1812, General Armstrong was trapped at Fayal in the Azores by three British naval vessels. Captain Samuel C. Reid in Armstrong took the initiative and opened fire. The British fought their way in small boats up to Armstrong's bow and attempted to board. In a final thrust, with all his officers killed, Reid repelled the British and then scuttled his vessel. |