Africa joined a British squadron pursuing USS Constitution, which escaped under full sail. Accounts differ about Africa's position and whether she was trying to overtake the frigate. One possible escape route could have left Constitution fighting Africa alone for some time. A heavy frigate and a 64-gun third rate made an unusually close comparison, though Africa retained the larger battery. Her stated standard armament included twenty-six 24-pounders and twenty-six 18-pounders. That specification comes with a qualification: Royal Navy ships could receive additional weapons in wartime.
Notable Point · 6:17-7:55
When HMS Africa joined the chase of USS Constitution
Africa's place in the 1812 pursuit frames a revealing hypothetical matchup between a 64-gun third rate and the American heavy frigate USS Constitution.