Alliance (Frigate)

The USS Alliance was a 36-gun frigate built in 1777 by Massachusetts shipbuilders William and James Hackett. Initially named Hancock, the ship was launched in April 1778, then renamed a month later to recognize the newly-formalized alliance between France and the United States. The first mission of the Alliance, initially under the command of Captain Pierre Landais, was to carry the Marquis de Lafayette back to France. Once there, the Alliance was assigned to a squadron commanded by John Paul Jones.

In September 1779 several vessels belonging to Jones's squadron were involved in a battle with the HMS Serapis and the HMS Countess of Scarborough. During the battle, Landais, in command of the Alliance, disobeyed orders and missed most of the fight, returning to the action only to indiscriminately fire upon the other American ships. Jones's flagship, Bonhomme Richard, was severely damaged, largely by the Alliance, and foundered the next morning. Not long after, Landais, who had frequently been insubordinate, was relieved of duty. Jones himself assumed command of the Alliance after the battle. The ship spent much of that winter cruising European waters looking for prizes. In June 1780, she set sail for Boston. After her arrival, John Barry was appointed her new commander.

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