Chesapeake Flotilla Gunboat No. 138
Gunboat · United States · Lost June 1814, following the actions at St. Leonard's Creek · Chesapeake Bay
A second numbered gunboat of Joshua Barney's Chesapeake Flotilla, scuttled with the rest of the fleet in St. Leonard's Creek during the War of 1812.
The Vessel and Her Loss
Gunboat No. 138 served in Commodore Joshua Barney's Chesapeake Flotilla, assembled to defend Maryland's tidal rivers against British raiders during the War of 1812. Cornered in St. Leonard's Creek by a Royal Navy blockading squadron, the flotilla fought several sharp actions in the spring of 1814. When escape proved impossible, Barney ordered his gunboats destroyed, and No. 138 was scuttled with the rest in June 1814. The British advance that followed led to the burning of Washington weeks later.
Vessel
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- No. 138
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- Wood
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- Sail/oar
- United States Navy, Chesapeake Flotilla
Loss
- June 1814, following the actions at St. Leonard's Creek
- Intentional sinking
- St. Leonard's Creek, Patuxent River
- Patuxent River
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The Wreck Today
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Position
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- Position not established
- St. Leonard's Creek, Calvert County, Maryland
Evidence
Overall confidence: Partially documented (55/100)
This vessel's individual specifications and exact scuttling position within St. Leonard's Creek are not established in the sources reviewed.
Calvert Marine Museum
History of the Battle of St. Leonard's Creek and the scuttling of Barney's flotilla.
Naval History and Heritage Command
Chesapeake Flotilla organization and War of 1812 service.
