Seymour, Samuel "Brilliant Naval Victory, With the U. States Frigate Constitution of 44 Guns, Capn. Hull & the English Frigate Guerriere of 38 Guns, Capn. Dacres..."

Samuel Seymour (ca. 1775–ca. 1832).  “Brilliant Naval Victory, With the U. States Frigate Constitution of 44 Guns, Capn. Hull & the English Frigate Guerriere of 38 Guns, Capn. Dacres...” 

Philadelphia: J. Pierre & F. Kearney, 1812.   Aquatint.  11 ¾ x 16 ¾ (image).  Original hand color.  Second state with publisher and date.  Three short tears in bottom margin.  Print has been professionally conserved.  Very good condition.  Partial engraving of “Langdale Head” by William Green, published 1809, on verso.  Ref: Fielding 1428, Olds 124, Smith 57.  A/A 

A very colorful and detailed print of the first American naval victory of the War of 1812.  This battle was fought on August 19, 1812.  The captain of the American ship, Isaac Hull, was considered to be the most respected and most competent American naval captain at the time.  The Constitution sighted the Guerriere in the open sea east of Boston.  The engagement lasted only forty minutes and ended with the surrender of the English vessel.  The Guerriere was so badly damaged that Hull had her blown up and sunk, and the surviving English sailors were taken to Boston.           

This battle was important because it was the first American naval victory of the war.  Up until then the war had not gone well for the United States, and when the news of this victory reached the American people; it was greeted with much celebration.  All in all, a very early print of this important event in American naval history.