The Revenue Cutters in Action Wartime
In 1794, the cutter Virginia arrested Unicorn, which was being fitted-out as a privateer by supporters of the French republic. It was also during 1794 that Congress passed resolutions to construct ships for a navy.
During the Quasi-War with France (1797- 1801), eight cutters (one sloop, five schoo- ners, and two brigs) operated along the U.S. southern coast and among the West Indies. Eighteen of the 22 prizes captured by the United States, from 1798 to 1799, were taken by unaided cutters. Revenue cutters also assisted in capturing two others. The cutter Pickering made two West Indies cruises and captured 10 prizes.
The revenue cutter Pickering.
The revenue cutter Eagle pursues the French privateer Bon Pere during the Quasi-War with France. USCG Bicentennial painting.
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Proceedings Spring 2012
www.uscg.mil/proceedings
