HMS Express was originally an American merchant vessel named Achilles, launched in 1809 in the United States. In 1813, her owners renamed her Anna Maria. The vessel’s early history includes her capture by the British Royal Navy, likely on 27 November 1813 when HMS Plantagenet captured the sloop Anna Maria, of 7 men and 60 tons, sailing from Philadelphia to New York. This vessel participated actively in the War of 1812, notably in the expedition up the Potomac River in August–September 1814. On 17 August 1814, Anna Maria, along with bomb vessels and a rocket ship, was detached under Captain Gordon of HMS Seahorse to bombard Fort Washington. During this campaign, she helped in efforts to defend British positions and contributed to the blockade efforts, sharing in prize money for captures such as the schooner Mary and goods from transports Lloyd and Abeona. In May 1815, the Royal Navy purchased her, and she was commissioned in June as HMS Express, serving as a ship’s tender in the Mediterranean. Her notable service included participation in the bombardment of Algiers on 27 August 1816. From September 1821, she served as a tender to HMS Revenge, with Mate James Gordon commanding her, and was involved in the blockade of Algiers in 1824, assisting in enforcing maritime restrictions against the Barbary Coast. During her service, she was reported arriving at Marseilles on 29 February 1824, and her commanding officer, Gordon, left her on 27 June 1826 upon promotion to lieutenant. The vessel’s service record highlights her role in key naval campaigns during the early 19th century, including the War of 1812 and the Mediterranean operations against Algiers. The Royal Navy sold HMS Express at Malta on 26 July 1827. Her career reflects the typical utilization of smaller vessels as tenders and support ships during this period, contributing to significant British naval actions in North American waters and the Mediterranean.

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