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HMS ''Atalanta'' was the American letter of marque schooner ''Siro'', launched in 1812, that the British captured in 1814. There is no evidence that she actually entered into active service with the Royal Navy. She was a merchant brig when the USS ''Wasp'' captured her in September 1814 and sent her into Savannah as a prize, where she was condemned and sold. ==Letter of Marque== ''Siro'' was built by William Flanagan, reportedly at a cost of US$40,000,〔Garitee (1977), p.109.〕 and launched in 1812 at Baltimore for her owner George Stiles.〔Footner (1998), p.119.〕 She was a relatively expensive vessel, having been made of the finest materials.〔 On her first trip her captain was Henry Levely.〔 In the autumn of 1812 she was sailing to France when she made one capture, the ''Loyal Sam'', of ten guns, which was carrying specie worth US$23,500, and a cargo of indigo. ''Loyal Sam'' had been on her way from Nassau for Britain when ''Siro'' captured her.〔Coggeshall (1856), p.119.〕 ''Siro'' sent her prize into Portland,〔Maclay (1900), p.475.〕 and arrived there herself soon after.〔 However, the British recaptured the ''Loyal Sam''.〔 In 1814 ''Siro'' was on a voyage under the command of Captain D. Gray and off the coast of Ireland.〔 She was carrying a cargo of cotton to Bordeaux, with the intent to engage in privateering after having landed her cargo.〔Marshall (1829), Supplement, Part 3, pp.314-5.〕 On 13 January captured ''Siro'' after a chase of 12 hours. She was only about two years old so the Royal Navy took ''Siro'' into service as ''Atalanta'', and even though ''Pelican'' had to share the prize money with , she proved to be a valuable prize. Captain Thomas Mansell described ''Siro'' in a letter as being pierced for 16 guns though carrying twelve 9-pounders, and new and a fast sailer.〔''Gentleman's Magazine'' (March 1814), p.274.〕 She had apparently already escaped several British cruisers through superior sailing.〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「HMS Atalanta (1814)」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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