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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. 


NH 85529-KN: USS Constellation versus French frigate la Vengeance, engagement off West Indies, February 1, 1800. Artwork by Arthur N. Disney, Sr.
Caption: NH 85529-KN: USS Constellation versus French frigate la Vengeance, engagement off West Indies, February 1, 1800. Artwork by Arthur N. Disney, Sr.

NH 43170: Captain Thomas Truxtun, USN. “A representation of the medal presented by the United States to Thomas Truxtun esquire, and a copy of the Resolution of Congress, approved 29 March 1800, in honor of the action between USS Constellation and...
Caption: NH 43170: Captain Thomas Truxtun, USN. “A representation of the medal presented by the United States to Thomas Truxtun esquire, and a copy of the Resolution of Congress, approved 29 March 1800, in honor of the action between USS Constellation and the French ship la Vengeance on 1 February 1800. Engraving shows both sides of the medal, depicting Truxtun and the battle.

NH 60618: USS Constellation versus French frigate la Vengeance in the West Indies, February 1, 1800. Artwork by J. O. Davidson
Caption: NH 60618: USS Constellation versus French frigate la Vengeance in the West Indies, February 1, 1800. Artwork by J. O. Davidson
Published: Wed Feb 10 13:13:09 EST 2021