History
United Kingdom
NamePreston
BuilderDenmark[1]-Norway[2]
Acquired1809 by purchase of a prize
FateFoundered October 1812
General characteristics
Tons burthen161,[1] or 162[2] (bm)
Sail planSnow
Complement13
Armament6 × 6-pounder guns + 4 × 12-pounder carronades[1]
NotesBuilt of fir and oak

Preston was a Dano-Norwegian vessel that the British captured c.1809. As a British merchantman she initially traded with the Iberian peninsula. An American vessel captured and released her in 1812 and she foundered later that year.

Preston first entered Lloyd's Register (LR) in 1809 with Simpson, master, Ditchburn, owner, and trade London–Gibraltar.[2]

Year Master Owner Trade Source & notes
1811 Simpson
Ditchburn
Ditchburn London–Gibraltar LR; thorough repair 1806
1812 Ditchburn Ditchburn London–Corunna Register of Shipping; small repairs 1811[1]

Preston, Ditchburn, master, was sailing from Newfoundland to Trinidad in 1812 when she encountered the American letter of marque Lottery at 29°N 43°W / 29°N 43°W / 29; -43. Lottery took sails, cables, and other stores. Lottery then released Preston, which arrived at Trinidad on 15 September.[3] When Preston arrived at Trinidad, Ditchburn reported that the Americans had behaved more like pirates than privateersmen, looting private property and cabin stores.[4]

In October Preston foundered while on her way from Trinidad to London.[5] The Register of Shipping for 1813 carried the annotation "Lost" by her name.

Citations

References

  • Cranwell, John Philips; Crane, William Bowers (1940). Men of marque; a history of private armed vessels out of Baltimore during the War of 1812. New York: W.W. Norton & Co.
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