During the war of 1812 when the young American Navy sailed forth to oppose the powerful British Royal Navy few could have guessed the unprecedented string of victories the Americans would achieve. One of the greatest engagements was fought on October 25, 1812 between the American 44 gun frigate U.S.S. UNITED STATES and Britain's 49 gun frigate H.M.S. MACEDONIAN.
Under the command of the hero of Tripoli, Stephen Decatur, the outgunned UNITED STATES returned the opening salvos from the highly favored MACEDONIAN with devastating accuracy and effect. Within 90 minutes the British vessel had received over 100 cannon shot in her hull and was completely dismasted and unable to maneuver. It became known as one of the most humiliating defeats in the history of the Royal Navy.
Thomas Chambers has captured here the staggering victory with the virtually untouched UNITED STATES pouring yet another devastating broadside into the hull of MACEDONIAN. The figure of young Stephen Decatur may be seen directing fire from the quarter deck, while his counterpart, British captain John Carden surveys the damage on his once proud vessel.
