HMS Hussar 1784

HMS *Hussar* was a 28-gun Enterprise-class sixth-rate frigate of the Royal Navy, first commissioned in May 1790 under Captain Eliab Harvey. Between 1792 and 1794, she served as the flagship of Commodore Sir Rupert George during his command of the North America Station.

In May 1795, under Captain Alexander Cochrane, *Hussar* joined Rear Admiral George Murray's squadron in intercepting three French supply ships reported off Hampton Roads. On 17 May, the British encountered five French vessels near Cape Henry. After a battle, two of the French ships, *Raison* and *Prévoyante*, surrendered. *Hussar* captured *Raison*, while *Thetis* took *Prévoyante*. The remaining three French vessels—*Normand*, *Trajan*, and *Hernoux*—escaped. During the battle, *Thetis* lost eight killed and nine wounded, while *Hussar* suffered only two men wounded.

The British had intended to leave the prizes under the cutter *Prince Edward* after repairs but were delayed by a breeze that drove the escaping French vessels out of sight. The British squadron, including *Hussar*, sailed with their captured ships to Halifax. *Prévoyante* was subsequently taken into the Royal Navy as HMS *Prevoyante*.

On 20 July, *Hussar* joined *Thetis* and HMS *Esperance* in intercepting the American vessel *Cincinnatus*, sailing from Ireland to Wilmington. The British crew pressed many men from *Cincinnatus*, narrowly sparing Irish revolutionary Wolfe Tone, who was en route to Philadelphia.

Overall, *Hussar's* career included notable actions against French and American vessels during the late 18th century.