Battle of Galveston Harbor (1837)
Invincible
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| History | |
|---|---|
 Texas
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| Commissioned: | January 18, 1836 |
| Decommissioned: | August 27, 1837 |
| Fate: | Run aground and destroyed 1837 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type: | Schooner |
| Tonnage: | 125 tons |
| Length: | 75 ft (23 m) |
| Propulsion: | wind |
| Speed: | variable |
| Complement: | 70 |
| Armament: |
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| First Texas Navy | |
|---|---|
| Ships | |
| Brutus – Independence – Invincible – Liberty | |
| Skirmishes | |
| Matamoros – Brazos River – Galveston Harbor | |
The Texas schooner Invincible was one of the four schooners of the Revolutionary Texas Navy (1836-1837). She began her service in January, 1836 and immediately began attacking ships supplying the Mexican army in Texas, including capturing the United States merchant vessel Pocket and later the British ship Eliza Russell. Both of these actions caused diplomatic incidents between the Republic of Texas and the United States and the United Kingdom.
Invincible was refitted in New York City and barely avoided being seized by the United States Navy for violating the neutrality of the United States. She served until she was run aground at Galveston, Texas on August 27, 1837 while being pursued by two ships of the Mexican Navy and was wrecked. During her short career in the service of the Republic of Texas, she was a raider and flagship of the small navy.
With Mexican raiders along the gulf coast, the provisional government of Texas in the 1830s became acutely aware of the need of a navy. On the day that Texas acquired the first ship to the purpose, Liberty, the General Council reported that they were being offered another, Invincible, which they recommended be examined and, if suitable, purchased immediately. Originally built as a slave trader in a Baltimore shipyard, the schooner was being presented to the government by new owners, Texas special agents Thomas F. McKinney and Samuel May Williams, who had purchased her for $12,013.02 and were asking a 12.5% commission. She was approved and purchased three days thereafter, on January 8, 1836.
The schooner had been built sturdily, but for speed, and was fitted in New Orleans with two 18-pounder long guns, two 9-pounders and four 6-pounders. The costs were borne by General Thomas J. Green, Texas general agent William Bryan, and purchasing agent Edward Hall. By the time the 70-crew Invincible was prepared for service, she cost almost $20,000.00.
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Wikipedia