anchored his flotilla some 15 miles from the entrance of the lake. Lockyer's force could not advance in striking range due to the low tide, opposing currents and adverse winds until the morning of 14 December, when conditions became more favorable. At 9:30am on 14 December, Lockyer's longboats first attacked the Alligator which had fallen behind the rest of the American flotilla, to the southward and eastward. Being lightly armed it fell in little time. The remainder of the British flotilla now formed a long line at 10:00am, in cannon range of the gunboats. At 10:39am they slowly advanced on the American positions on the lake. Jones had anchored his boats end to end forming a line and a broadside to block the anticipated British advance. As the British vessels came within striking range the American flotilla together fired a destructive broadside which temporarily repelled the attack. At this point the tide and current had changed again, two of the American gunboats had broken formation. Jones and Lockyer sustained serious wounds from the ensuing battle. As the battle continued the British managed to cut through the boarding nets and took over the American gunboats, turning and using the gunboats' cannons against the American forces to secure their victory by 12:30pm. Alligator's participation in the Battle of Lake Borgne — an American defeat, but one that helped to buy precious time for General Andrew Jackson's successful defense of New Orleans – proved very brief. Her disposition by the British is unknown. See also List of sailing frigates of the United States Navy Naval tactics in the Age of Sail Notes References Bibliography War of 1812 ships of the United States Sloops of the United States Navy Tenders of the United States Navy 1813 ships Vessels captured from the United States Navy Captured ships