The USS Sea Horse was a one-gun schooner acquired by the United States Navy in 1812, primarily for service on Lake Borgne near New Orleans, Louisiana. As a relatively small vessel, it played a supportive role in the naval operations during the War of 1812. The schooner was among an estimated 15 vessels available to Commodore Daniel Todd Patterson in New Orleans at the outbreak of the conflict. Constructed as a schooner, the Sea Horse was equipped with a single gun, which was typical for small tenders and patrol vessels of the period. Its primary function was to serve as a tender to a squadron of gunboats under Lieutenant Thomas ap Catesby Jones, providing logistical support and engaging in combat as needed. During the intense fighting in December 1814, the Sea Horse participated in defending the New Orleans area against the British advance. On December 13, 1814, the vessel was dispatched to a storehouse to remove its contents to prevent capture. Later that afternoon, she was moored at Bay St. Louis, alongside a storehouse and a small battery of two 6-pounder cannons. The schooner and the battery engaged three approaching British launches with grapeshot, forcing the attacking vessels to retreat. Subsequently, four more launches, reinforced by Captain Samuel Roberts of HMS Meteor, attacked the schooner. Despite a nearly half-hour-long fire that caused significant damage, the Sea Horse and its defending forces repelled the attack. Faced with overwhelming British numbers and firepower, the crew scuttled the Sea Horse and set the storehouse on fire to prevent its capture. An explosion occurred at 7:30 pm, destroying the vessel and causing a large fire. Lieutenant Jones confirmed that Sailing Master William Johnson, her commanding officer, authorized the destruction of the schooner to deny its use to the enemy. The USS Sea Horse's actions exemplify the small vessel's role in the broader naval defense during the Battle of New Orleans, marking its maritime significance in the conflict.

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