USS Growler (1812 schooner)

For other ships with the same name, see USS Growler.

USS Growler was a 53-ton wooden schooner of 5 guns that served in the War of 1812, changing hands three times.

History
United States
Name	USS Growler
Launched	As Experiment
Acquired	Purchased, 1812
Fate	Captured by the British, 10 August 1813
United Kingdom
Name	HMS Growler
Acquired	10 August 1813
Fate	Re-captured by the Americans, 5 October 1813
United States
Name	Growler
Acquired	5 October 1813
Fate	Captured by the British, 5 May 1814
United Kingdom
Name	HMS Hamilton
Acquired	5 May 1814
General characteristics
Type	Schooner
Tons burthen	53 (bm)
Propulsion	Sail
Armament	4 × 4-pounder guns 1 × 32-pounder carronade

The United States purchased Growler as Experiment on Lake Ontario during 1812, and was first commanded by Sailing Master M.P. Mix. She was actively employed with Isaac Chauncey's squadron on Lake Ontario from 1812 to 1814. Growler took part in attacks on Kingston, York, and Fort George, and the engagement with the British squadron 7–11 August 1813.

The British captured her on 10 August 1813, but USS Sylph recaptured her on 5 October 1813. Growler was libelled and purchased by the United States Navy, rejoining the squadron.

The British captured her again 5 May 1814 at Oswego, New York, and she was taken into the Royal Navy as HMS Hamilton.

References

•  This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. The entry can be found here.