Sunday, April 1, 2012

The Search On for HMS Diana from the Revolutionary War

July 19, 2009, AP.

The search is on for the HMS Diana, whose wreckage is believed to be in Chelsea Creek which separates the city of Chelsea and the East Boston neighborhoods of Boston.

The ship was involved in the first naval engagement of the American Revolution. It was part of a two day battle, May 27-28, 1775. British forces were attempting to reach friendly farmers and the Diana sailed upriver to support the ground forces. It ran aground.

The State of Massachusetts has received a $48,300 grant for the Chelsea Creek Battlefield from the National Park Service to preserve it. This money is earmarked to fill in the gaps of this largely unknown battle (I'd never heard of it) and to find the Diana.

After running aground, the ship was attacked by Continental forces and the 120 ton schooner became the first British vessel to be captured or destroyed. It was built in 1774 in Massachusetts and was an unarmed private fishing boat before being purchased by the British Navy for 750 pounds.

They mounted four six-pounders and twelve swivel guns on it.

The Diana ran into unfavorable wind while engaging Colonial forces and ran aground. They refused an offer to surrender. The crew escaped and Americans boarded and removed its armament.

I Wonder If They Found It? --Cooter

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