Randolph defeats Yarmouth

OKay so I first heard of this fight a while ago and on that web page the Captain of the Yarmouth admitted that he was close to striking his colors when the American frigate disintegrated.

http://members.aol.com/tjoschultz/randolph.html

So WI the Randolph had prevailed? In the War of 1812 the losses to American frigates enraged the British pblic what would be the reaction to the loss of a ship of the line to a frigate in single combat?
 
The rebels probably invest more in the navy. maybe some more minor victories, but no real changes immediatly. The british blockade will be weaker, though.

In Europe, however, the effects of this change are pretty major. This result is one that was never meant to happen. This may not be the peak of british naval power, but it is pretty close. The Royal Navy, if not invincible, was recognized as the premier naval power in Europe. In this sort of fight, the british ship was expected to win even if outgunned. The morale effects the defeat of a British Ship of the Line by a rebel frigate with half its number of guns will potentially change the european balance of power. The french and spanish will believe that they can win in a confrontation, and the british will reel from the shock of this loss. We will probably see more naval battles, as the French believe that they can reverse their defeat at Quimberton Bay in the 7 years war and the British will be forced to prove they have not lost their edge.
 
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