Constellation
2/2/1800
Battle with frigate Vengeance

On February 2, 1800 the 50-gun La Vengeance, was en route to France from Guadeloupe when Commander Thomas Truxton spied the French ship. A four-hour battle ensued. ... The French directed their fire on Constellation's rigging, Constellation concentrated on La Vengeance's hull and timbers. The punishment to La Vengeance was so great that three times the French attempted to haul down their colors. However, in the growing darkness, Truxtun was not able to see the signal. ... The French fire finally weakened Constellation's mainmast so it snapped off at the deck. Truxtun pulled back to repair the damage, and La Vengeance escaped into the darkness.