Allen, William Henry, 1784-1813

Variant names
Dates:
Birth 1784-10-21
Death 1813-08-18

Biographical notes:

William Henry Allen, U.S. Naval officer and son of General William Allen. He was appointed midshipman in the U.S. Navy in 1800 and served on the "George Washington," "John Adams," "Congress," and "Constitution" before joining, as a third lieutenant, the "Chesapeake" shortly before its surrender to the British ship "Leopard" in 1807. Allen was appointed first lieutenant of the "United States" in 1809, and given command of the sloop "Argus" in 1813. He was badly wounded in an action with the British brig "Pelican" later that year, and died in a British prison.

From the description of Papers of William Henry Allen, 1800-1838. (Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens). WorldCat record id: 122445654

William H. Allen (1784-1813), a U.S. naval officer and hero of the War of 1812. In Jan. 187 he was ordered to the firgate Chesapeake as third Lieutenant. The Chesapeake was to be sent to the Mediterranean as squadron flagship. On June 22, the Chesapeak was attacked by HMS Leopard, killing three men, killing three men, wounding 18, including the captain, damaging the ship severely, and carried off four men that were deserters from the British Navy. The only shot fired from the Chesapeake was fired by Allen. The frigate returned to Norfolk for repairs, and then with Captain Stephen Decatur in command, cruised off the New England coast enforcing the embargo laws.

From the description of Journal of a cruise on board of the U.S. ship of war Chesapeake James Barron Esq. Commander in the Mediterranean Command of Saturday, 16th June, 1807, by Lieut. W.H. Allen., 1807, June 6- 1808, Sept. 1 (Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens). WorldCat record id: 79371097

Naval officer.

From the description of William Henry Allen papers, 1793-1841. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 79449614

Links to collections

Comparison

This is only a preview comparison of Constellations. It will only exist until this window is closed.

  • Added or updated
  • Deleted or outdated

Information

Permalink:
SNAC ID:

Subjects:

  • Chesapeake
  • Chesapeake
  • Sailors
  • Warships

Occupations:

  • Naval officers

Places:

  • United States (as recorded)
  • United States (as recorded)