David Ropes

Captain David Ropes (died 1781) was a notable American privateer from Salem, Massachusetts who fought in numerous naval battles during the American Revolution.[1] He was taken prisoner twice during the war and then killed in the Battle off Halifax (1782).

Death of David Ropes, Battle off Halifax (1782) by Robert Dodd

Career

On 14 August 1778, Ropes became the commander of the schooner Lively (14 guns, 40 men). He was captured off Jeddore, Nova Scotia by the armed sloops Howe on 10 November 1778.[2]

Six months later, on 22 May 1779, he became the commander of the Brigantine Wildcat (12 guns, 65 men). On 14 June, he chased a brig and drove it ashore.[3][4] In August 1779, the Wild Cat was taken by Robuste (64 guns), and Ropes was brought to Newfoundland and imprisoned.[5]

The following year, on 9 September 1780, Ropes became the commander of the schooner Dolphin (8 guns, 20 men).[6][7]

On 14 March 1781, Ropes became the commander of the ship Congress (20 guns, 130 men). On 1 July 1781, Ropes was taken prisoner along with 20 men in a battle with the British frigate HM Oiseau (Bird), under the command of Captain Henry Lloyd, and carried into St. John's, Newfoundland. Ropes was released and arrive in Boston on 15 August.[8][9][10]

On 16 September 1781, Ropes became commander of the ship Jack (14 guns, 60 men). He fell in with the British brigantine Observer (12 guns, 173 men) off of Halifax, Nova Scotia on June 29, 1782. The British had killed Ropes by the first broadside and then half the crew before Lieutenant William Gray surrendered the ship.[11]

His son was Captain Joseph Ropes.[12]

See also

References
  1. Old Naumkeag : an historical sketch of the city of Salem, and the towns of Marblehead, Peabody, Beverly, Danvers, Wenham, Manchester, Topsfield, and Middleton By Webber, C. H. (Charles Henry); Nevins, Winfield S, p. 236
  2. Massachusetts privateers of the revolution, by Gardner Weld ... Allen, Gardner Weld, 1856-1944. p. 209
  3. p. 253
  4. Massachusetts privateers of the revolution, by Gardner Weld ... Allen, Gardner Weld, 1856-1944. p. 325
  5. p. 353
  6. Massachusetts privateers of the revolution, by Gardner Weld ... Allen, Gardner Weld, 1856-1944. p. 118
  7. "American Privateer schooner 'Dolphin' (1782)".
  8. Massachusetts privateers of the revolution, by Gardner Weld ... Allen, Gardner Weld, 1856-1944. p. 104
  9. "Massachusetts Privateer Ship Congress [Ropes]".
  10. p. 353
  11. Massachusetts privateers of the revolution, by Gardner Weld ... Allen, Gardner Weld, 1856-1944. p. 190
  12. "Some famous privateers of New England". [Boston] Priv. print., State street trust company. 1928.
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