Existing comment:
Quasi War with France:
The United States was a pawn in the struggle for maritime domination between England and France. Trouble erupted when Jay's Treaty of 1795 seemed to recognize England as American's primary trading partner.
Angry that the United States would turn its back on its long-time ally, France released privateers and warships to attack American commerce in the West Indies. When the American government sent its small navy to the West Indies to protect American shipping, the result was an undeclared naval war; a Quasi-War with France.
Delaware vs La Croyable -- July 1798:
The unofficial war with France provided the occasion for the US Navy's first capture of an enemy ship. The Delaware's commander, Stephen Decatur, Sr. learned that French privateers were operating off New Jersey. On the morning of July 7, Decatur saw a schooner he believed to be one of the privateers. To attract its attention, Decatur pretended that his ship was a merchant vessel and stood away. The ruse worked, as La Croyable ranged alongside, Decatur turned the tables. |