The Jewish American Military Historical Society

John Ordronaux, a French-born Jew, took command of the privateer Marengo at the start of the War of 1812. The six-gun vessel had been outfitted in New York the year before. Sailing across the North Atlantic, Ordronaux captured British brigantines near Europe, returning with their cargoes to New York and sending captured crews to the Azores or Canary Islands to exchange for American prisoners.

After selling the captured Concord, he used the proceeds in 1813 to acquire a larger, more heavily armed ship—the Prince de Neufchatel. He sailed her to France, outfitted her with 18 guns, and began raiding on the return journey taking more than 20 British ships.

On the night of October 10, off the coast of Nantucket, Ordronaux and the Prince de Neufchatel manned by just 33 sailors faced a fierce battle. At 9 p.m. while towing a captured vessel, five British pinnacles carrying over 100 soldiers and marines from the 40-gun frigate HMS Endymion attacked from all sides.

Ordronaux and his crew fought back fiercely. Within 30 minutes, the British assault was repelled.

Recognized as one of the most successful American privateers of the war, John Ordronaux captured or destroyed over 30 British merchant ships, evaded more than a dozen warships, and seized cargo valued at over $250,000—equivalent to more than $6 million today.