The USS Eagle was a merchant sloop purchased by the United States Navy in 1812 at Vergennes, Vermont, on Lake Champlain. Originally a civilian vessel, she was fitted for naval service as either a sloop of war or brig. Her dimensions and armament are not specified in the provided content, but she served as a warship during the War of 1812, primarily operating on Lake Champlain. During her service, Eagle was commanded by Sailing Master J. Loomis and participated in the American blockade against the British. Her notable combat engagement occurred on June 3, 1813, when Major George Taylor of the 100th Regiment captured her on the Sorrell River near Ile aux Noix, Canadian side. The battle lasted approximately three and a half hours, resulting in one American killed and eight wounded, with British casualties of three wounded. Following her capture, she was taken into the Royal Navy and renamed HMS Broke, later changing to HMS Finch. As HMS Finch, she supported British operations including the destruction of the arsenal at Plattsburgh, New York. On September 11, 1814, during the Battle of Lake Champlain, Finch was part of the rear British line, tasked with engaging the USS Preble. While maneuvering, Finch was attacked by the USS Ticonderoga, which damaged her rigging. Finch ran aground near Crab Island, where a small American shore battery fired upon her. With two men wounded and unable to free herself, Lieutenant William Hicks surrendered her. The United States recaptured the vessel, restoring her original name, USS Eagle. Following the conclusion of the war, USS Eagle was sold in July 1815 at Whitehall, New York. Her service illustrates the fluidity of vessel control during the conflict and highlights her role in the naval engagements on Lake Champlain, a strategic body of water controlling access between Canada and the United States during the war.

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