Existing comment:
John Rodgers
1772-1838
Rodgers entered the Navy in March 1798. Assigned to the frigate Constellation as second lieutenant, he helped capture the French frigate L'Insurgente. On the evening of May 16, 1811, Rodgers, in command of President, chased the British sloop-of-war Little Belt. When the British ship opened fire, President quickly subdued the smaller vessel. During the War of 1812, Rodgers captured 23 prizes and helped defend Baltimore during the attack on Fort McHenry. After the war, Rodgers sat on the Board of Navy Commissioners until his retirement in 1837. He died the following year. |