HMS Merlin (1757)

HMS Merlin was a 16-gun sloop-of-war of the Royal Navy. Commanded by Samuel Reeve, she saw service during the American Revolutionary War.

Merlin (first from left) at the action off Mud Fort on 15 November 1777

Background

Augusta and Merlin, after the attack on Fort Mercer, 23 October 1777

As part of the advance fleet of Francis Reynolds, these warships were to force the upper passage of the Delaware River, attack and silence Fort Mercer, and Fort Mifflin, during the Battle of Red Bank, which was intended to open navigation to Philadelphia, allowing the resupplying of British troops occupying that city. Along with HMS Augusta, it ran aground trying to avoid river obstacles while the river tide water was receding. On direction of vice admiral Howe, Captain Reynolds ordered the ship destroyed to prevent its capture by the Americans in October, 1777.^[1][2]