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NavSource Online: "Old Navy" Ship Photo Archive

US Continental ship Surprize

Lugger

Purchased at Dover, England, by agents of the American commissioners to France early in 1777

Fitted out at Dunkirk, France

Surprize, commanded by CAPT Gustavus Conyngham, departed Dunkirk, on or about 1 May 1777 for the North Sea

In the English Channel On 3 May, she captured British mail packet Prince of Orange

On 4 May she also captured British brig Joseph in the English Channel with a cargo of wine and citrus fruit

Forced by contrary winds and British cruisers, CAPT. Conyngham returned to Dunkirk with his prizes

In order to prevent a diplomatic break with England, France confiscated Surprize and release her prizes

Specifications:
Displacement unknown
Length unknown
Beam unknown
Depth of Hull unknown
Draft unknown
Speed unknown
Complement 50
Armament 10 guns
Propulsion sail

Click On Image For Full Size Image	Size	Image Description		Contributed By
098687602	134k	Water Color by E. Turnell for the Curator for the Department of the Navy. "*Surprize* Captures the Harwich Packet, 3 May 1977" depicts the Continental lugger *Surprize* capturing the Harwich Packet, *Prince of Orange* in the North Sea, 3-4 May 1777". This was the 8th in a series of early-19th Century Dutch engraving, reproduced in "The Cruises of Captain Conyngham". This image is also available in black and white at the U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command NH 2086-A.		Robert Hurst
098687603	40k	*Surprize* - 1976 BICENTENARY OF AMERICAN REVOLUTION Stamp issues for Saint Lucia printed by the Format International Security Printers Ltd.		Tommy Trampp

Surprize
Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships (DANFS)

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Last Updated 18 February 2022