| |
| History | |
|---|---|
 United StatesUnited States | |
| Name | General Armstrong |
| Namesake | John Armstrong, Sr. |
| Operator |  Samuel Chester Reid |
| Homeport | Baltimore, Maryland |
| Fate | Scuttled on September 27, 1814 at Fayal. |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | brig |
| Complement | 90 officers and men |
| Armament | 7 guns |
| Notes | list error: mixed text and list (help) War of 1812 |
The General Armstrong was an American brig built for privateering during the Atlantic Ocean theater of the War of 1812. She was named for Brigadier General John Armstrong, Sr. who fought in the American Revolutionary War.
The General Armstrong was commanded by Captain Samuel Chester Reid with about ninety men and seven guns, including a Long Tom. General Armstrong is most remenbered for her involvement in the Battle of Fayal from September 26 to 27, 1814. In the engagement, the British brig-sloop HMS Carnation and several armed boats, filled with cannon, sailors and marines, attempted to cut out the General Armstrong. All of the attacks were beaten off at close range but Captain Reid felt he had no chance of escaping the Azores so he ordered the scutting of his ship after fighting off the Carnation on September 27. The Americans escaped the British and made it to shore where they were protected by the Spanish colonists. Casualties amounted to two killed and seven wounded for the United States and the British lost thirty-six killed and ninety-three wounded. Two of their boats were also sunk and two others were captured.
