USS Hornet was a 20-gun sloop-of-war of the United States Navy. During the War of 1812, she was the first U.S. Navy ship to capture a British privateer.
Design
Hornet was launched 28 July 1805 in Baltimore and commissioned there on 18 October, Master Commandant Isaac Chauncey in command.
Hornets design was a compromise between the six original U.S. frigates and coastal gunboats championed by President Thomas Jefferson. The fledgling Navy needed a light-draft vessel that was fast and maneuverable, but also possessing sufficient firepower to deter or defeat enemy ships. Hornets design is attributed to Josiah Fox, but her builder, William Price, is said to have altered it based on the successful lines of the Baltimore Clipper, of which he had significant experience.
During his time as captain, Chauncey reported significant problems with Hornets rigging, hindering her overall potential. In response to these reports, Hornets sister ship, , constructed at the Washington Navy Yard, had her rigging changed to three masts and afterward reported excellent performance at sea. She then arrived at Martha's Vineyard on 19 March.
She departed Pensacola for the last time on 4 March 1829, setting course for the coast of Mexico, and was never seen again. On 27 October 1829, the commander of the West Indies Squadron received information that Hornet had been dismasted in a gale off Tampico on 10 September 1829 and had foundered with the loss of all hands.