Badge commemorating the capture of USS President, 1815

Badge in the shape of a shepherd's crook commemorating the capture of USS 'President' by HMS 'Endymion', 1815. Obverse: The name 'ENDYMION' in raised letters spaced out 12.5mm apart. Reverse: The name 'F. ORMOND' is engraved (2nd Lieutenant Francis Ormond). Fitted with a ring.

USS 'President' was being blockaded in the port of New York by a squadron of four British ships. The American vessel attempted to slip out during a gale on 14 January. She struck the bar leaving port and sustained some damage. The fastest of the four British ships, the 'Endymion', succeeded in catching up with her and poured broadsides into her starboard quarter from an angle at which the American was unable to get her guns to bear. Although the 'President' then damaged her opponents rigging and succeeded in getting away, 'Pomone' caught up with her three hours later and after two broadsides she surrendered. The 'Tenedos' took possession and her captain, Stephen Ducatur, delivered his sword to Captain Hayes of the 'Majestic'.

Henry Hope, 'Endymion's Captain, was presented with a silver plate by some of the inhabitants of Bermuda. He afterwards issued these silver crooks to the officers of his ship, possibly made from the silver of the plate. They were originally not engraved but some of the recipients had their names added later.

Object Details

ID: MEC1103
Collection: Coins and medals
Type: Badge
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Unknown
Events: War of 1812: Capture of the President, 1815
Vessels: Endymion (1797); President fl.1815 (USS)
Date made: 1815
People: Ormond, Francis
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 77 x 33 mm