Naval History and Heritage Command

The frigate President, commanded by Stephen Decatur, encounters HMS Endymion out of New York and attempts to board her, not realizing the War of 1812 ended with the Treaty of Ghent in Dec. 1814. After British reinforcements arrive, Decatur is forced to surrender.

The sloop of war Jamestown captures the slaver Robert Wilson off Porto Praya.

In a joint amphibious force with the Union army, Rear Adm. David D. Porter and Maj. Gen. Alfred H. Terry capture Fort Fisher, Wilmington, N.C., which is the last port by which supplies from Europe could reach Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lees troops at Richmond, Va.

The submarine E-2 explodes at the New York Navy Yard because of escaping gases during an overhaul. The interior ship is severely damaged and four men are killed.

Bad weather off Iceland causes destroyer Mayo (DD 422) and British trawler HMS Douglas to collide, and damages destroyer Simpson (DD 221).