The "fair American" is significant in the history of the American Revolution as a participant in the battle of Delaware Bay.

Model made by Mr. J. Roche

Several brigs bore the name "Fair American" during the American Revolutionary War, and operated as privateers. The 10 gun brig "General Washington" had a successful run as a privateer operating out of Boston first capturing a British ship carrying clothing and cheese for British troops. She next captured a ship in the West Indies laden with rum, and then outside Martinique captured a brig laden with codfish. However, the tide turned when the " George Washington" was in turn captured by a large British warship ,and was renamed "Fair American". The ship now operated out of New York as a Loyalist privateer. The ship took part in the Battle of Delaware Bay, in company with the British 32 gun frigate HMS "Quebec" and the 24 gun sloop-of-war HMS "General Monk". The American fleet was led by 16 gun privateer sloop "Hyder Ally", accompanied by 10 gun privateer sloop "Charming Sally" and 12 gun sloop "General Greene". The three American sloops were escorting five merchantmen up the Delaware Bay.
The Hyder Ally".and "General Greene" moved to attack while the merchantmen ran for safety up the bay ,protected by the "Charming Sally " . The "Charming Sally" grounded on a shoal and was abandoned, and was captured after the battle . The "Fair American" pursueing the American merchantmen, also grounded ,and suffered such severe damage to her hull that she was abandoned. There was a fierce battle between the "General Monk" and the "Hyder Ally" resulting in the capture of the "General Monk' and considerable damage to the "Hyder Ally". The "General Greene" also grounded but was refloated. The "Quebec" retreated from the bay without having participated in the battle.

Partly constructed model of 18th century American Brig O' War "Fair American". Hull only, no masts or rigging. Deck detail includes catheads, belaying rails and pins, capstan, gratings, tiller and lanyards. Finished in brown and black with red channel. Mounted on stand attached to wooden base.

H5182

100 mm

90 mm