Much on the Constitution & the Java...

Item # 695207

June 29, 1813

THE WAR, New York, June 29, 1813

* USS Constitution - William Bainbridge
* HMS Java - Henry Lambert

The entire front page is taken up with: "British Official Account of the Capture of the Java" as well as: "Constitution And Java" which carries over to take most of page 2 as well. Terrific detail & great to have these reports in a newspaper focused on the War of 1812.
Other items inside include: "British Account of the Capture of 2 of our Armed Vessels on Lake Champlain" "General Orders" "Official Account of the Action at Stony Creek" "From Norfolk" "From Lake Ontario" "The Chesapeake" and more.
Four pages, 9 1/4 by 11 1/2 inches, light damp staining at the bottom, nice condition.

AI notes: The battle between USS Constitution and HMS Java on December 29, 1812, off the coast of Brazil, was a dramatic and decisive engagement during the War of 1812 that showcased the strength of the emerging United States Navy. Commanded by Captain William Bainbridge, Constitution—a heavily built, 44-gun frigate nicknamed "Old Ironsides"—faced the 38-gun British frigate Java, led by Captain Henry Lambert. Though Java was initially more maneuverable and attempted to outflank her opponent, Constitution's superior firepower, stronger construction, and effective gunnery soon turned the tide. After nearly two and a half hours of intense combat, during which Bainbridge was twice wounded and Lambert mortally so, Java was left dismasted and unmanageable, forcing her surrender. The Americans, unable to sail the wrecked British frigate, ultimately burned her. This victory marked Constitution’s second defeat of a Royal Navy frigate and significantly bolstered American morale, while also shocking the British, who had not expected such resistance from the comparatively small U.S. Navy. The encounter further solidified Constitution's legendary status and challenged British assumptions of naval superiority.

This is a fascinating, short-lived newspaper, having begun in 1812 for the exclusive purpose of reporting on the War of 1812 (hence the title) with no advertisements. When the war ended, so did this newspaper.