Eagle III (Brig)
1814-1825
A large bird of prey of the falcon family, noted for its strength, size, grace, keenness of vision, and powers of flight, chosen for the national seal of the United States of America.
III
The third Eagle, a brig, was launched 11 August 1814 as Surprise at Vergennes, Vt., by Adam and Noah Brown. She was renamed Eagle 6 September and placed under the command of Lieutenant R. Henley. Finished in bare time to participate in the decisive Battle of Lake Champlain on 11 September 1814, Eagle rendered gallant service. As the first vessel in the American line she was holed 39 times and had 13 men killed and 20 wounded. After the battle she was laid up for preservation at Whitehall, N.Y., but was sold in 1825.
Eagle, a side wheel steamer, was renamed Rhode Island (q.v.) upon her purchase 8 July 1861.
