The _Armstrong_ was a New York privateer. She was owned by Renselaer Havens, Thomas Formar, and Thomas Jenkins. In the early part of the war she carried nineteen guns, of which one was a long twelve-pounder and the others long nines. Manned by one hundred and fifty men under Captain Tim Barnard, she took nineteen prizes. Later twelve of the long nines were removed for use in a fort and a forty-two pounder placed amidship for a “long tom.” In this style, under Captain Samuel C. Reid, she sailed from New York Harbor on September 9, 1814. The letter of instruction from her owners to her captain suggested that he cruise near the Madeiras to intercept the Brazil fleet. To this was added a paragraph worth quoting. It said, “Be particular in strictly prohibiting any plunder or depredations.” With a fair wind and the Gulf Stream to help him along, Captain Reid arrived at Fayal Roads on September 26th and anchored there for the purpose of getting water and such fresh provisions as the port afforded. The American consul, Mr. John B. Dabney, informed him that no British cruisers had been among the Azores for several weeks, but at about dusk that afternoon, while the captain, the consul, and some friends were standing on the deck of the _Armstrong_, the British brig _Carnation_ suddenly came into view under the northeast head of the harbor within range of long guns. Consul Dabney was quite certain that the British would respect the neutrality of the port, but as soon as a pilot had arrived alongside of the _Carnation_ “she hauled close in and let go her anchor within pistol-shot of us.” And then as her anchor splashed into the water the big British liner _Plantagenet_ and the frigate _Rota_ came in sight. Thereafter for some time there was a rapid exchange of signals between the _Carnation_ and the big ship. All of the boats of the _Carnation_ were dropped into the water. One boat was sent off from her to the _Plantagenet_ and there was, in short, no end of bustle about her decks. A full moon was shining that night, and in the clear air of the Azores every move of the enemy was distinctly seen from the _Armstrong_ and from the shore as well. The significance of the bustle on the _Carnation_ was unmistakable, and Captain Reid, after clearing for action, got up his anchor, and with the aid of long oars began to sweep the _Armstrong_ away from the enemy and close inshore. There was only a faint air blowing and no sails were set on the _Armstrong_. But as soon as the crew of the _Carnation_ saw the Yankee leaving them they cut cable and made sail in pursuit while four boats were manned with armed men and sent after her.