USS Constellation vs L'Insurgente

Significance

The capture of L'Insurgente by USS Constellation was a significant engagement of the Quasi-War, the undeclared naval conflict between the United States and France that ran from 1798 to 1800. In a single-ship action between frigates, Constellation — with a smaller complement of 316 men against L'Insurgente's approximately 400 — succeeded in taking the French vessel after an intense exchange of broadsides and musket fire. The French suffered 330 casualties, a toll that underscored the severity of the engagement. As one of the defining frigate actions of the Quasi-War, the battle demonstrated the early combat effectiveness of the United States Navy and its ability to engage and defeat a larger French force at sea.

Tactics

Forces & casualties

Commanders (3)