Concur Walrus - also recomend C S Forester's "The Age of Fighting Sail" aka "The Naval War of 1812"

The big American Frigates were in a class of thier own, with regard to the 'Spar Decks', Scantlings and sheer size.

But then Humphries had to live with his political restrictions, a similar situation arose with the Kriegsmarine "Pocket Battleships", constrained by treaty to under 10,000 tons.

Admitedly they were armed with 6 X 11 inch guns in two turrets. But I wonder if they would not have been more effective as commerce raiders with 4 X 8 inch guns, and the freed tonnage used for extra stores and fuel ?

Turning back to the big USA frigates - never underestimate the effects that the two year enlistment program, and good pay had.

A USA Commander such as Decature, or Rodgers, did not have to spend the first months of a Commission training his crews in basic seamanship. He could concentrate on Gunnery, not basic evolutions.

With the notable exception of Phillip Broke (HMS Shannon), those frigates and Razee's on the North American Station, were undermanned, and undertrained - And as the "Gurrierie" and "Macedonian" showed, not trained to play (and a quote from O'Brian) "Long Bowls with the Enemy"

The "Java" was a different case, being used as a transport, and newly commissioned.

Or have I trodden on some toes here ?

Gareth