HMS Merlin (1757)

HMS Merlin was a sloop of war, bearing sixteen guns, commanded by Samuel Reeve, and saw service during the American Revolutionary War.

Background

Augusta and Merlin, after the attack on Fort Mercer, 23 October 1777

Merlin (second from right) at the action off Mud Fort on 15 November 1777

As part of the advance fleet of Francis Reynolds, these warships were to force the upper passage of the Delaware River, attack and silence Fort Mercer, and Fort Mifflin, during the Battle of Red Bank, which was intended to open navigation to Philadelphia, allowing the resupplying of British troops occupying that city. Along with HMS Augusta, it ran aground trying to avoid river obstacles while the river tide water was receding. On direction of vice admiral Howe, Captain Reynolds ordered the ship destroyed to prevent its capture by the Americans in October, 1777.

Sources

• McGeorge, Wallace (1905). The battle of Red Bank, resulting in the defeat of the Hessians and the destruction of the British frigate Augusta, Oct. 22 and 23, 1777. Camden, New Jersey, Sinnickson Chew, printers.
• McGuire, Thomas J. (2007). The Philadelphia Campaign: Germantown and the Roads to Valley Forge. Stackpole Books. ISBN 978-0-8117-4945-9.