George R. Roberts (privateer)
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George R. Roberts | |
|---|---|
 Portrait of George R. Roberts by Daniel and David Bendann at H. Furlong Baldwin Library, Maryland Historical Society, Baltimore. C. 1859-1865. | |
| Born | 1766 Baltimore, Maryland |
| Died | 14 January 1861 (aged 94–95) Baltimore, Maryland |
| Occupation | Privateer |
| Known for | Privateer in the War of 1812 |
George R. Roberts (1766 – 14 January 1861) was an American privateer in the War of 1812.[1]
He began his career as a privateer in July 1812, a month after the start of the war, sailing from his native Baltimore on Captain Richard Moon's privateer Sarah Ann.[1][2][3][4] The next month, in the Bahamas, their ship attacked and captured a British ship transiting from Kingston, Jamaica to London, England and brought its cargo of sugar and coffee to Savannah, Georgia.[3] Back in the Bahamas on 13 September 1812, the Sarah Ann was captured by HMS Redbridge.[5] Roberts was among six sailors accused of being British deserters, but Captain Moon asserted him "a native born of the United States [with] every sufficient document, together with free papers."[2][3]
Aboard the Chasseur
Released from British custody and back in Baltimore, in July 1814 he signed on as a gunner under Captain Thomas Boyle on the privateer Chasseur, called the "Pride of Baltimore."[3][6][7] After sinking seventeen ships and declaring a facetious paper blockade of the British Isles, the Chasseur returned, passing Fort McHenry on 8 April 1815, with Roberts and the other crew welcomed as war heroes.[3][6] According to Boyle, Roberts "displayed the most intrepid courage."[4]