HMS Seahorse (1794)

HMS Seahorse was a 38-gun Artois-class fifth-rate frigate of the Royal Navy. She was launched in 1794 and broken up in 1819.

Revolutionary Wars
Seahorse took part in Rear Admiral Nelson's attack on Santa Cruz on 25 July 1797. She was with Vice-Admiral Hood's squadron off Alexandria in August 1798. She arrived to Portsmouth in October 1799, and returned to the Mediterranean in May 1800 as the flagship of Rear Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton.

Mediterranaean
She was paid off for a first time, in October 1802, and was recommissioned in May 1803. She was in action at Lavandon (Hyeres) 11 July 1804. Her next notable action was against the Turkish vessel Badere Zaffere on 6 July 1808.

War of 1812
She was paid off for a second time, in June 1811 and was under repair at Woolwich from August to October 1812. She was recommissioned in September 1812 under the command of Sir James Gordon. She sank the American 16 gun privateer La Subtile off Beachy Head on 13 November 1813.

Coast of North America
The Seahorse was off the Atlantic Coast of Northern America in 1814, taking part in an action off the Potomac on 17 August 1814. (John Robyns, Captain of the Royal Marine detachment of HMS Albion, reckoned the Seahorse took £100,000 in prizes. ) In September, she was present at the Battle of Baltimore. In November, she was at Pensacola, until the arrival of General Andrew Jackson's forces caused the British to depart. Her boats were to partake in the Battle of Lake Borgne. Her officers and crew qualified for the clasps to the Naval General Service Medal that the Admiralty issued in 1847 to all surviving claimants, for the former and latter actions.

The Seahorse stopped off at Prospect Bluff, on the Apalachicola River, to embark 60 Royal Marines. She departed on 15 April 1815, and arrived at Portsmouth on 31 May 1815.

Fate
Seahorse was broken up in July 1819.

Sources and references

 * Sources


 * References
 * Brooks, Richard & Little, Matthew. (2008). Tracing Your Royal Marine Ancestors: A Guide for Family Historians - Published in Association with the Royal Marines Museum. Pen & Sword, Barnsley. ISBN 978-1844158690 pg86
 * Brooks, Richard & Little, Matthew. (2008). Tracing Your Royal Marine Ancestors: A Guide for Family Historians - Published in Association with the Royal Marines Museum. Pen & Sword, Barnsley. ISBN 978-1844158690 pg86
 * Brooks, Richard & Little, Matthew. (2008). Tracing Your Royal Marine Ancestors: A Guide for Family Historians - Published in Association with the Royal Marines Museum. Pen & Sword, Barnsley. ISBN 978-1844158690 pg86