What if Congress funded a 90-gun second-rate based on HMS London, six 74-gun third-rates, and six heavy frigates before 1810, all carrying long 24-pounders?
Short answerThe Royal Navy would concentrate enough ships to blockade or destroy the force, exploiting superior depth and preventing isolated American ships from operating freely.
NotesThe Royal Navy would respond with a superior battle squadron and blockade the new American force. The suggested British detachment includes a first-rate, perhaps a second-rate as another flagship, and about a dozen third-rates. Keeping the American ships together would create a substantial local force able to cover frigates entering and leaving port. Dispersing them would let Britain contain each port separately, leaving individual American ships facing several opponents. The new battle line would therefore draw a heavier British response as well as add American firepower.