Duel - 1720 - September 26 - Duel with the Pirate King Brigante

Ships in Action:
Officers: James Maddox [50] - HMS Confounder, Mercy-class naval frigate

Enemies: Antoine Brigante [50] - Cursed Blade-class pirate refit frigate

Action Setup:
What follows are the notes of Admiral Bainbridge, HMS Lyoness (64)

On the 26th of September, 1720, Captains Pemrose, and Murphy joined me in presiding over the court martial of Captain James Henry Maddox, of His Majesty's Frigate Confounder due to the frightful damage taken in a recent action, following the loss of a battle with the reputed leader of the Scurvy Seadogs, and some say the leader of the entire pirate "nation," Captain Antoine Brigante.

The facts are as such. Departing from Whitby to Grand Turk, Maddox spotted, and was spotted by, Captain Brigante, flying under a flag of battle. Though neither made a threatening move to the other, and in fact exchanged pleasantries, Maddox, assessing the situation, engaged in combat with Brigante.

The Action Itself:
According to Captain Maddox's account, which is supported by his officers, Captain Maddox considered the fight to be fair. The Cursed Blade-class ship had many benefits over the Mercy, but a weaker armor, and Maddox considered it to be his duty to rid us of such a dreadful criminal as Brigante.

Neither had the wind advantage at the outset, but soon enough Maddox found himself pulling in front of the pirate, and into a precarious situation. Brigante was utilizing his maneuverability, likely benefited by outfittings and the wind. In response, trying to keep his vulnerable stern from the pirate's broadside, Maddox fell on old habits of relying on turns and speed; neither elements his Mercy-class vessel possessed in sufficient quantities. Brigante was devastating Maddox's armor and crew, as well as doing enough damage to his masts to prevent escape.

Captain Maddox, thinking of his crew, attempted to offer terms, but was rejected, Brigante demanding unconditional surrender. Another broadside, however, cracked Confounder in several crucial places and it began to sink. Brigante sailed away as a patrol fleet came into sight.

The Result:
Quick action prevented HMS Confounder from being totally destroyed, but the damage to his vessel is truly miserable. His loss in battle could only sting all the more at having to be towed into port, men working at the pumps 24 hours a day.

Lessons Learned:
Their ships were equally matched; it was Captain Maddox who was outclassed. The court martial finds that the failure was in Maddox not knowing the strengths and weaknesses of his own ship. The Mercy is a long range fighter, with long range damage and speed enough to pummel an enemy over a safe distance, over a long time. Taking one into close range, and turning it about so, is folly.

However, despite this failure, it is the opinion of this court that Captain Maddox will be all the more valuable after this failure, and it would be ill-advised to take him from his vessel. But it is stressed, in the strongest possible terms, that if Maddox wishes to galavant close to a ship, or weave about the sea, he would be well advised to command a vessel which excels at such action, and to keep HMS Confounder at a respectable distance.

More training of all our captains is required.