The United States declared war on Great Britain on June 18, 1812. Just five days later, on June 23, an American squadron off the coast of New Jersey spotted a British frigate and gave chase. The running fight that followed between the frigate USS President and HMS Belvidera was the first naval action of the War of 1812. Marines were aboard President that day, manning their posts as they did on every American warship of the era. It was the opening chapter in a war that would test the young Marine Corps at sea and on land.
Quick Facts
- Date: June 23, 1812, five days after the United States declared war.
- Location: The Atlantic Ocean off the New Jersey coast, east of Sandy Hook.
- American force: A squadron under Commodore John Rodgers that included the frigates President, Congress, and United States.
- British ship: The frigate HMS Belvidera.
- Key moment: One of President’s bow guns burst during the chase, killing and wounding about 16 men and breaking Commodore Rodgers’ leg.
- Outcome: Belvidera escaped and reached Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Why Marines Were at Sea
In 1812, the Marine Corps was small, and much of it served in detachments aboard Navy ships. Shipboard Marines had several jobs. They kept order and security aboard the ship, served as sharpshooters during battle, and were ready to board enemy vessels or go ashore in landing parties. During a close engagement, Marines often took positions high in the rigging or along the rails, firing muskets at the enemy’s officers and gun crews. That close partnership between sailors and Marines is the root of what Marines today call the Navy-Marine Corps team.
The Chase of HMS Belvidera
Commodore Rodgers had put to sea from New York hoping to strike quickly at British shipping. On the morning of June 23, his squadron sighted Belvidera and set off after her. The British crew did not yet know that war had been declared. President, one of the fastest ships in the American Navy, pulled ahead of the others and closed the distance during the afternoon.
Rodgers opened fire with President’s bow guns, and early shots struck the British frigate. President’s Marines stood ready and added their fire as the range allowed. Then disaster struck. One of President’s guns burst as it fired, tearing up part of the forward deck and killing or wounding about 16 men. Commodore Rodgers himself was among the injured, with a broken leg.
The explosion cost the Americans valuable time. Belvidera’s captain lightened his ship by throwing heavy items overboard, including anchors, boats, and tons of fresh water, and the British frigate pulled away. She escaped and reached Halifax a few days later, carrying word that the United States was now at war.
What the First Action Showed
On paper, the June 23 action was a disappointment for the Americans. They lost men, their commodore was injured, and the British ship got away. Yet it sent an important message. The small United States Navy, with its Marines aboard, was willing to take on the most powerful navy in the world from the very first week of the war. The British convoy Rodgers had been hunting also escaped, but the Royal Navy now knew American warships were at sea and looking for a fight.
Marines in the Rest of the War of 1812
Marines went on to serve throughout the war. On August 19, 1812, USS Constitution defeated HMS Guerriere in one of the most famous single-ship battles in American history. Marine Lieutenant William Sharp Bush was killed in that fight while leading his Marines forward, making him the first Marine Corps officer killed in combat during the War of 1812.
On land, Marines stood with Navy sailors at the Battle of Bladensburg in August 1814, where they held their ground while much of the American force fled before the British advance on Washington. In January 1815, Marines took part in the American victory at New Orleans. Throughout the war, small Marine detachments fought on the Atlantic, on the Great Lakes, and in the Pacific.
What This Means for Your Recruit
The War of 1812 is part of the history your recruit will learn about during boot camp. Stories like this one help explain why Marines take such pride in being ready from day one. Five days after war was declared, Marines were already at their posts aboard a warship in action.
Your recruit will also come to understand how closely Marines and the Navy work together. Today’s Marines still deploy aboard Navy amphibious ships, and Navy corpsmen and chaplains serve alongside Marine units. When your Marine talks about the naval character of the Corps, they are describing a partnership that was already well established on the deck of USS President in June 1812.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened on June 23, 1812?
An American squadron under Commodore John Rodgers chased the British frigate HMS Belvidera off the New Jersey coast. The running fight between USS President and Belvidera was the first naval action of the War of 1812.
Were Marines involved in the President and Belvidera action?
Yes. President carried a Marine detachment, as American frigates of the period did, and its Marines were at their battle stations and added their fire during the chase.
Why did HMS Belvidera escape?
One of President’s guns burst during the chase, killing and wounding about 16 men and injuring Commodore Rodgers. The delay, combined with Belvidera’s crew lightening their ship, allowed the British frigate to pull away.
Who was the first Marine officer killed in combat in the War of 1812?
Lieutenant William Sharp Bush was killed aboard USS Constitution during her victory over HMS Guerriere on August 19, 1812.