The HM galley Pigot was a vessel acquired by the Royal Navy in 1778 during the American Revolutionary War, serving initially as a converted schooner named Lady Parker. This vessel was transformed into a galley, a type of armed river or coastal craft, and was fitted with eight 12-pounder guns and ten swivel guns, mounting a total tonnage of approximately 200 tons (bm). She was commanded by Lieutenant Sir Henry Edwyn Stanhope and operated in the waters around Newport, Rhode Island. Constructed from a former tender, Lady Parker, Pigot was a significant part of the British naval presence in Narragansett Bay, supporting operations such as the 25 May raid on Warren Creek and providing artillery support during the attack on sawmills at Fall River. During her service, Pigot was involved in the capture of multiple vessels, sharing prize money with other Royal Navy ships. Her operational activity was curtailed by the arrival of French forces supporting the Americans; when French ships of the line entered Narragansett Bay in late July 1778, Pigot was anchored off Arnold's Point. On 5 August 1778, Lieutenant Stanhope ran her ashore and deliberately set her on fire to prevent capture, leading to her destruction. This action marked the end of her service in the Royal Navy, which had already lost her earlier in the same year. Subsequently, the British purchased a brig, later renamed Pigot, which they converted into a galley of 200 tons (bm). This vessel was armed with eight 12-pounder guns and ten swivel guns, and commanded by Lieutenant William Dunlop. Stationed in the Seconnet River, she played a notable role in the American efforts to recapture her. On 28 October 1778, American forces under Major Silas Talbot, aboard the schooner Hawk, captured Pigot in a daring night operation by tearing open her anti-boarding nets. The capture was celebrated and led to Talbot's promotion and recognition. Pigot was condemned as a prize of war and entered service with the Rhode Island State Navy, serving until 1779 before being sold in 1780 due to her poor condition. Her capture and subsequent service marked a notable episode in the naval history of the American Revolution, illustrating the fluidity of vessel fortunes and the importance of small craft in coastal and riverine warfare.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.