Raleigh

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Raleigh

Post by shipstamps » Tue Aug 05, 2008 5:03 pm


The combined 40c and 75c, stamps depict the American 32-gun frigate Raleigh attacking HMS. Druid in 1776, The American frigate was built at Portsmouth, New Hampshire and was launched on March 21, 1776. She was 131 ft. 5 in. on berth deck, 34 ft. 5 in. beam; and 11 ft. depth of hold. Gross tonnage was 697 and she carried 26 12-pdrs 10 6-pdrs., and two Cohorns, similar to mortars. After a successful cruise in conjunction with the Confederate Alfred, she attacked a West India convoy and was engaged by HMS. Druid, a 16-gun sloop (ex-Brilliant), 285 tons builders'measurement, 97 ft. in length, 25 ft. beam, purchased in 1776, presumably for convoy duties. She was renamed Blast, converted into a fireship in September 1779, and sold on September 25, 1783. In the engagement with the Raleigh the Druid was disabled, but by then HMS. Camel and HMS. Weaselcame to her aid and the American frigates were driven off. Another account of the engagement states that the action was broken off because of a sudden squall. The Raleigh was finally Captured on September 25, 1778, when she was driven ashore by H.M.S. Experiment and H.M.S. Unicorn while trying to escape. Her captain, John Barry and some of the crew escaped in the ship's boats. Refloated undamaged she was sold out of the service in July 1873. SG392 and 393

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