"United States and Macedonian Frigates"

1817

Maker

Peter H. Hansell (b. c. 1795)

Measurements

Frame: 16-3/4 in x 22-1/4 in x 1-1/8 in; sight, 12 x 17-1/2 in

Materials

Ink engraving and etching on paper

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp

Accession Number

1959.3601

Inscription

“United States and Macedonian Frigates passing Hurl Gate for New York / Being the first British Frigate brought into the U. States during the Late War, fireing a salute as they pass’d.” is on the banner below the image.  “Published by P.H. Hansell Carver and Gilder No177 Race St. Philadela 1817.” occurs immediately below the image.

Provenance

Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp

Comments

The highly detailed picture of two frigates engaged in battle shows the USS United States, one of the original six frigates of the US Navy (the United States was completed in 1797), and the HMS Macedonian.  The two frigates battled on October 25, 1812, near the Madeira Islands.  The United States, captained by Stephen Decatur, won and subsequently brought its prize back to Newport RI, the first such prize of the War of 1812.

“Hurl Gate,” referenced in the banner, is another name for Hell Gate, a tidal strait in the East River immediately east of Manhattan where it meets the Harlem River.