HMS Dublin was a razeed third rate with heavy 32-pounder guns. At close range, an American ship's carronades could deliver a broadside strong enough to outmatch her. At medium and longer ranges, Dublin's guns and the experience of her crew are judged likely to give her an advantage. Her precise armament remains uncertain here: a 40-gun figure for 1840 is compared with another account giving 48 guns. Additional carronades and modifications made before Thomas took the ship out offer a possible explanation, but the competing figures remain unresolved. A description of Thomas as caring more for guns than silverware fits that proposed modification without proving it.
Notable Point · 1:19:23-1:22:19
Dublin's advantage depended on fighting range and an uncertain gun total
HMS Dublin's 32-pounders favoured a fight at longer ranges, while American carronades and conflicting gun totals qualify a simple comparison of ship strength.