The Fox of France

One point where Britain of this era far surpassed the United States was in its scientific and technological advancements. Without Joseph Bonaparte's influence, Britain could proudly proclaim itself as the leading nation in technology, far ahead of others. However, due to certain circumstances, even the British hesitate to boast about their technological supremacy, though it remains significantly superior to that of the United States, almost like comparing civilized people to barbarians.

Typically, whenever the French introduce a new invention, the British soon release a similar, albeit slightly more expensive and less efficient version. Other countries simply acknowledge the superiority of French innovations, dismissing British alternatives as inferior knock-offs that are prone to failure, preferring to purchase the superior French products.

Although British imitations were known for their poor quality and high failure rate, there were instances when the British could dominate other nations with their knock-offs, especially when the French designated certain items as not for sale.

For instance, the British used an armor-piercing incendiary shell against the Constitution. Initially, the French had used white phosphorus incendiaries to devastate the cities of the Barbary pirates. The British, upon learning of this through survivors who had witnessed the horrifying effects of these fires, managed to uncover the secret behind this formidable weapon—the use of white phosphorus.

After conducting their research, the British not only replicated the French white phosphorus incendiaries but also innovated upon them. They noted that white phosphorus produced a significant amount of smoke during combustion. By adding certain substances, the toxicity of the resultant smoke could be increased, making it highly lethal in confined spaces such as ship interiors. Consequently, the British developed a specialized semi-armor-piercing shell filled with enhanced white phosphorus. Upon impact and fragmentation, these shells heated up and scattered burning phosphorus throughout the ship's interior, causing fires and releasing toxic fumes capable of quickly suffocating the crew.

A shell of this design struck the Constitution, breaking apart upon penetration and causing immediate and widespread devastation. Unlike conventional incendiary devices, which were merely heated iron balls, the British incendiary shells were much more efficient in setting fires, leading to uncontrollable blazes within moments.

General Cadé was on the Constitution when it was hit. Initially, he wasn't overly concerned by a single cannon strike—such occurrences were hardly unusual and seldom decisive. However, he quickly realized something was amiss as white smoke and flames began emerging from the gun ports.

"What...how could this happen?" General Cadé was bewildered, struggling to comprehend the rapid escalation from an isolated hit to a full-blown disaster.

Captain Johnson, in a state of panic, rushed to inform the general, "Commander, you must evacuate immediately!"

"The enemy has employed a new type of incendiary shell..." Johnson managed to say between coughs, "...it ignited the gunpowder, and...the smoke is too thick and toxic. Many who went to extinguish the fire...were overcome by the fumes...Commander, the fire is out of control. We must abandon ship."

By then, the flames had intensified, reaching the upper decks. Many soldiers, without waiting for orders, jumped into the sea with whatever they could grab. The steam engine ceased operation, indicating the fire had reached the engine room.

"Order an immediate dispersal and breakout," General Cadé decided, realizing the vulnerability of his ships to the British's new weapon. A single hit was all it took for the British to incapacitate an American warship—this was not a matter of incompetence but a testament to the enemy's advanced technology. Facing British naval prowess, the American fleet seemed as fragile as insects.

The order was relayed through flag signals. General Cadé and the captain launched a lifeboat and rescued the sailors who had jumped into the cold waters, which, influenced by the Labrador Current, were dangerously cold, even in summer.

General Cadé and the survivors rowed towards the southwest, towards the Nova Scotia peninsula, seeking refuge in Canadian territory.

The remaining American ships scattered. The Indomitable managed to catch up with one, setting it ablaze with a single shot. The Americans were forced to abandon ship. Without the positions of other American vessels, the British ceased pursuit, capturing the Americans and returning to the Saint Lawrence River mouth.

Days later, the fleeing American ships returned to their ports, bearing the news of their significant defeat at sea.

As if misfortune never comes singly, the Americans faced defeats not only at sea but also on land.

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