Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

American Frigate Constitution Capturing British Frigate Guerriere
1813
Thomas Birch; Cornelius Tiebout
USA: Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Engraving on paper
overall: 24"h x 32"w
Special Acquisitions Fund
79.18.2

Steel engraving showing scene of the American and British frigates "Constitution" and "Guerriere"; bottom reads "Painted by T. Birch, A.C.S.A. / The Constitution had 7 men killed and 7 wounded. / Fought August 19, 1812. / The Guerriere had 15 men killed and 63 wounded. / Engraved by C. Tiebout, A.C.S.A. / This representation of the U.S. Frigate Constitution Isaac Hull, Esqr Commander, Capturing his Britannic Majesty's Frigate Guerriere, James R. Dacres, Esqr, Commander; / Is respectfully inscribed to Capt. Isaac Hull, his Officers and Gallant crew by their devoted humble Servant. / James Webster / Subscription Price $5.00"; with explanation of battle and "Entered according to Act of Congress the 18th day of August 1813 by James Webster of the State of Pennsylvania"; in center, design of flags, anchor, portrait of John Paul Jones, with "Veni Vidi Vici" and "B---Edwin."

The Constitution's most well-known battle, against the HMS Guerriere, took place on August 19, 1812. The two ships engaged southeast of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. As the Constitution approached, the British ship fired but the cannons did little damage to the ship's solid oak hull. This reportedly led one American sailor to shout "Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron!" Since then, Constitution has also been known as "Old Ironsides." On August 19, 1812, in the space of about 35 minutes, the Constitution and her crew soundly defeated the Guerriere, losing only seven men, while the British ship lost 78, and was virtually destroyed.