Invasion of Curaçao (1800)

Invasion of Curaçao
	Part of the War of the Second Coalition and the Quasi-War
	; 1800 illustration of Curaçao
Date	22 July – 25 September 1800 ; (2 months and 3 days)
Location	Curaçao, Batavian Republic12°11′N 69°00′W / 12.183°N 69.000°W
Result	Allied victory British occupation of Curaçao;
Belligerents
Batavian Republic; United States; Great Britain	France
Commanders and leaders
Johan Lausser; Moses Brown; Henry Geddes; Frederick Watkins	Unknown
Strength
1 frigate ; 2 ship-sloops ; shore defences	2 brig-sloops ; 3 schooners; 11 additional vessels,; 16 in total; At least 1,400 troops, sailors and militia
Casualties and losses
American:; 2 wounded	150 killed or wounded; Unknown number of; ships damaged

An invasion of Curaçao was launched by French forces against the Dutch colony in 1800 during the War of the Second Coalition. French forces landed on the island on 22 July, and on 5 September attacked and captured a fort protecting the town of Willemstad. The American consul there sent for help, and on 10 September the Dutch governor of the island surrendered to the British frigate HMS Nereide under the command of Frederick Watkins. On 22 September the American sloops USS Patapsco and USS Merrimack arrived, and on 23 September the Patapsco sailed into the harbor and landed troops to reinforce the garrison protecting the town.

On 23 September and 24 September the French fired upon the defenders, consequently exchanging cannon and musket fire with them throughout the day and night. Though it appeared a French assault was imminent, French forces left the island during the night. Significantly, the French suffered many killed or wounded in contrast to two American wounded. The British occupied the colony, and American forces sailed away.