USS Constellation vs La Vengeance

Significance

The engagement between USS Constellation and La Vengeance was one of the major single-ship actions of the Quasi-War, the undeclared naval conflict between the United States and France. Commanded by Thomas Truxton, Constellation sought to take La Vengeance as a prize, and the French frigate struck her colors twice in an acknowledgment of defeat. Despite this, La Vengeance escaped after Constellation's main mast fell, leaving neither side with a clear resolution. French casualties of 110–160 reflected the intensity of the fighting and demonstrated the combat effectiveness of the early U.S. Navy, even as the outcome underscored the difficulty of converting tactical advantage into a decisive capture when material damage intervened at a critical moment.

Forces & casualties

Commanders (2)