Antelope

[shipstamps]

The stamp of Montserrat depicts a well-known Post Office packet vessel the Antelope which became famous in 1793 for her capture of the French privateer Atlanta.
The Antelope had sailed from Port Royal, Jamaica, homeward bound, with a few passengers and mail, when about 15 miles off Cuba she was sighted by the French vessel which gave chase. The Frenchman had a crew of 65 men and was armed with eight carriage guns. The Post Office vessel had only a crew of 29, but three of these were in sick bay; her armament was six four-pounders. Contrary to orders she did not try to get away from the French vessel. She exchanged broadsides with the French ship which tried boarding tactics fore and aft, only to be repulsed with great loss of life aboard the packet vessel.
The captain was killed and the mate wounded, the boatswain then having to take command. Fortunately there was a young midshipman among the passengers who used his naval training with telling effect. Taking up a position by the helm, he repelled the enemy boarders with his pike, and then flayed the next lot with musket bullets. It was totally unexpected resistance and the Frenchmen decided to fight another day and prepared to make a get-away. This was prevented by the boatswain, who lashed the French ship's square tail yard to the fore shroud of the packet. Volley after volley of small arms fire was then poured into the Atalanta. Only 31 of the privateer's crew survived, half of these being wounded. Naturally the boatswain proudly towed his prize into Anotta Bay, and was duly rewarded.
The House of Assembly in Jamaica awarded the sum of 500 guineas for distribution to the survivors and families of those killed. The Society for Encouraging the Capture of French Privateer awarded the victors 375 guineas. The Postmaster General distributed small pensions and gratuities. As a culminating reward the Atalanta herself was given to her captors.
Montserrat SG361 696

[aukepalmhof]

The stamp of Montserrat depicts a well-known Post Office packet vessel the ANTELOPE which became famous in 1793 for her capture of the French privateer L’ATALANTA.
Built in 1780 at the River Thames for the British Post Office. Launched as the ANTELOPE. Tonnage 190 ton. Armament: 6 – 3pdr. guns. Crew 60, later reduced to 27. Building cost more as £3,500.

In April 1793 her taxation worth was £2,750 16sh and 8 pence.

19 January 1780 Captain William Kempthorne appointed.

01 December 1781 she was capture outside Cumberland Harbour, Jamaica by two French schooners. At that time Captain Edward Curtis was in command, and most probably after paying ransom money she was allowed to proceed.
16 October 1782 captured and as prize sailed to Nantes, France. Captain Kempthorne was allowed to travel to the U.K.. After the war in May 1783 he returned to Nantes to buy the ANTELOPE back.from the French. The Post Office paid him £430 12sh and 6p for the loss of provision, clothing and bedding etc. after the ship was captured.

July 1783 again in service for the Post Office as packet and used in the service to New York and the Caribbean, sometimes made a voyage to Quebec.

17 November 1794 the ANTELOPE at that time again under command of Captain Kempthorne and bound for Halifax, sailing in fog, when the fog lifted she was surrounded by a French squadron, and surrendered to the SURVEILLANTE Captain Kempthorne died a few days later on yellow fever..
ANTELOPE’s fate is not known.

Wikipedia has also her details and history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antelope_ ... cket_ship)

Montserrat 1976 $1.10 sg 361, 1986 90c sg 696, scott 617
Great Britain label 2018