Frigate Constellation vs French Frigate la Vengeance
On February 1, 1800, during the Quasi-War with France, the frigate Constellation, commanded by Captain Thomas Truxtun, engaged the French frigate la Vengeance off Guadeloupe, West Indies, in a five-hour battle. La Vengeance struck her colors several times but was not observed by Constellation. When Constellation's mast was shot away, la Vengeance eluded capture but ran aground at Curacao four days later and was completely destroyed.
A model of Constellation is on display in The Forgotten Wars of the 19th Century exhibit area in Building 76.
Published: Wed Feb 10 13:13:09 EST 2021