War of 1812: strong frigates versus naval mass

The American heavy frigates held real tactical advantages in their own encounters. Concentrating on frigates was also a strategic choice because their operations were less likely than deploying American ships of the line to provoke overwhelming British reinforcement. Yet the Royal Navy's deeper pool of frigates, captured ships, and third rates meant it could still mass several line-of-battle ships against each American capital ship that reached sea. Individual victories therefore reveal only part of the naval balance.