The USS Lexington was a 16-gun brigantine constructed in 1776 and serving in the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War. Originally named the Wild Duck, she was purchased by Abraham van Bibber for the Maryland Committee of Safety at St. Eustatius in the Dutch West Indies in February 1776. The vessel was 86 feet long and served as a key asset in early American naval operations. After her purchase, she was renamed Lexington in honor of the Battle of Lexington and was fitted out for combat under the command of Captain John Barry. She quickly became active in patrol and engagement duties, slipping through British blockades and capturing British vessels, including the tender Edward, after a fierce hour-long battle. Lexington also engaged in chasing Sir Peter Parker's fleet, managing to evade two pursuing British ships, HMS Roebuck and Liverpool, after an eight-hour chase in May 1776. Throughout her service, Lexington participated in significant actions such as the Battle of Turtle Gut Inlet in June 1776, where she was involved in the destruction of the British brig Nancy, which carried crucial gunpowder. She also captured Lady Susan, a ship of Lord Dunmore's Tory fleet, and another sloop, Betsy, before sustaining damage from lightning that required repairs in Philadelphia. Later, under Captain William Hallock, she sailed for France in early 1777, capturing additional prizes en route to Bordeaux. In France, she joined other American ships in disrupting British shipping, capturing multiple vessels near Ireland before the American squadron scattered following a confrontation with HMS Burford. Lexington was eventually hemmed in by British warships at Morlaix, Brittany, and after a fight with the British cutter Alert, her rigging was damaged, and she ran out of powder. Captain Johnson was compelled to surrender her, marking the end of her service. The USS Lexington played a notable role in early American naval efforts, exemplifying the daring and resourcefulness of the fledgling Continental Navy during the Revolutionary 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.