On November 22d, the United States brig Vixen was captured by the English frigate Southampton, and both were subsequently shipwrecked on December 29th, the United States frigate Constitution, under Commodore Bainbridge, captured the British frigate Java, off the coast of Brazil.  The American loss was 44 and the British 151.  The American victories of the year of 1812 with such little loss produced much exultation in America and surprise and mortification in England.  American seamen had been the greatest sufferers at the hands of the British, and they had long burned to avenge the insults of the English Navy.  They fought for patriotism, glory and vengeance.

The year 1813 was noted for the continued success of the American Navy.  On February 24th, the Hornet captured the British brig Peacock on the coast of South America.  On June 1st, the British frigate Shannon captured the Chesapeake after a terrible battle, in which the Americans lost 133 and the British half as many.  Captain Lawrence of the Chesapeake was mortally wounded, and his dying command, “Don’t give up the ship!” has been the motto for many worthy enterprises.

In August, Captain Porter, with the American frigate Essex, cruising in the Pacific Ocean, captured twelve armed British whalers.  In the same month, the American sloop-of-war Argus, cruising in the English channel, captured twenty-one British merchantmen, but on the 13th was herself captured by the British man-of-war Pelican after a severe engagement.  On the 3d of September, the American brig Enterprise captured the British Boxer off the coast of Maine.  Perry’s victory on Lake Erie, which occurred on the 10th of this month, has already been noticed.

The year 1814 was not a line of unbroken success, though American victories were many and brilliant.  On the 28th of March, the brilliant career of the United States frigate Essex, in the Pacific Ocean, was terminated by her capture by two British war vessels at Valparaiso.  On April 21st, the United States sloop-of-war Frolic was captured by the British frigate Orpheus.  On the 27th of the same month, the United States sloop-of-war Peacock captured the British brig-of-war Epervier with $118,000 in specie on board.  On June 9th, the United States sloop-of-war Rattlesnake was captured by a British man-of-war.  This reverse was followed by the loss of the United States sloop Syren on the 12th.  On the 28th, the American sloop Wasp captured the British sloop Reindeer, in the British channel.  On the 1st of September, the Wasp captured the British sloop Avon, and after taking three other prizes, this remarkably successful vessel mysteriously disappeared.  Her fate was never known, though it is supposed she was lost at sea.

On January 15, 1815, the United States frigate President was captured by four English vessels.  On the 28th of February, although peace was declared, the United States frigate Constitution captured two British vessels of war, off the island of Madeira.  In March, the United States frigate Hornet captured the British brig Penguin, off the coast of Brazil.