HMS Atalanta was originally the American letter of marque schooner Siro, launched in 1812 in Baltimore. Built by William Flanagan at an estimated cost of US$40,000, Siro was constructed from the finest materials, reflecting its relatively high expense and quality. She was designed as a merchant brig, and her early service included a notable capture during her maiden voyage: the Loyal Sam, carrying specie valued at US$23,500 and cargo of indigo, was taken by Siro while en route from Nassau to Britain. Siro initially sailed under Captain Henry Levely, but by 1814, she was under Captain D. Gray, engaged in a voyage off Ireland carrying cotton to Bordeaux with privateering intentions. In September 1814, the British ship HMS Pelican captured Siro after a 12-hour chase near Ireland. The Royal Navy, recognizing her value, took her into service as HMS Atalanta, although records suggest she may not have undergone formal commissioning. Captain Thomas Mansell described her as pierced for 16 guns, though she carried twelve 9-pounders, and noted her as a fast sailer capable of escaping British cruisers, thanks to her superior sailing qualities. Following her capture, the vessel was sold by her owners, Liverpool merchants Berkely (or Barclay), Salkeld & Co., who converted her from a schooner into a brig. Registered in Lloyd’s Register for 1814 with R. Jackson as master, she traded between Liverpool and Bordeaux. Her owners, having cotton plantations in Pensacola, chartered her for a voyage from Bordeaux to Pensacola. However, on 21 September 1814, the USS Wasp, commanded by Captain Johnston Blakeley, captured Atalanta approximately 75 miles east of Madeira. Wasp deemed her too valuable to destroy and placed her under the command of Midshipman David Geisinger, sending her back to the United States. At Savannah, Georgia, on 4 November 1814, she arrived with a cargo of brandy, wine, and silk from Bordeaux. Her capture led to legal disputes in the United States over the status of neutral cargo aboard an enemy vessel, highlighting her significance in maritime law and the broader context of the War of 1812.

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