HMS Drake was a twenty-gun sloop-of-war of the Royal Navy. Originally named Resolution, she was purchased in 1777. She served in the American Revolutionary War, and on April 24, 1778, off Carrickfergus, Ireland, she fought the North Channel naval duel with the 18-gun sloop Ranger of the Continental Navy, commanded by Captain John Paul Jones. Five of Drake's crew, including her captain, George Burdon, were killed, and after an hour-long engagement, Drake surrendered to the Americans. Jones was able to evade capture and deliver Drake to Brest, France as his prize on May 8, 1778. This was the first, and most decisive, American victory over any Royal Navy vessel in British waters.

Sources

• Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, history of USS Ranger http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/r/ranger.htm
• SeacoastNH French Buy Piscataqua Prize http://seacoastnh.com/Maritime_History/John_Paul_Jones/He_Bought_HMS_Drake/

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