A naval engagement between USS "Essex" and HMS "Alert" took place on 13 August 1812, in which the light frigate, , 32 (commanded by Capt. David Porter, USN) encountered and captured the British sloop , 20 (Captain T.L.P. Laugharne). With "so trifling a skirmish" Porter later said, "Alert" became the first American capture of the war.
The duel itself lasted a mere eight minutes, during which "Essex" fired only one broadside. Porter kept his gunports closed making Laugharne believe that "Essex" was a merchantman. This gave confidence to Laugharne in maneuvering his ship within pistol shot range of "Essex", which in turn ran out her carronades and devastated "Alert".
 ;templatestyles src="Template:Blockquote/styles.css" / ;In keeping with the chivalrous practice of the times, Porter then allowed Laugharne to sail his ship to Newfoundland so he could disembark his crew, after which he was honor-bound to surrender the Alert to American authorities in New York.
"Alert" remained in United States service until 1829.
A shipment of 3rd pattern Brown Bess sea service muskets was found aboard "Alert", which went towards arming the American Marines at the Washington and Boston Navy Yards. They were preferred for their larger caliber, longer bayonets, and shorter barrels.
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