USS `` Constitution '' vs HMS `` Guerriere '' was an action between the two ships during the War of 1812 , approximately 400 miles southeast of Halifax , Nova Scotia .

`` Guerriere '' had been detached from a squadron which had earlier failed to capture `` Constitution '' and was proceeding to Halifax for a refit .

When `` Guerriere '' encountered Hostile_encounter `` Constitution '' again , Captain James Richard Dacres engaged Participation , confident of victory despite the American ship being larger and more heavily armed .

During the exchange Exchange of broadsides , `` Guerriere '' was dismasted and reduced Cause_change_of_position_on_a_scale to a sinking condition .

The Americans removed Removing the crew and set Placing `` Guerriere '' on fire Damaging before returning Arriving to Boston with news of the victory , which proved to be important for American morale .