HMS Milford was a 28-gun Coventry-class sixth-rate frigate of the Royal Navy. On June 6, 1776, the Milford captured the American privateer Yankee Hero, a 14-gun, single-deck sloop, after a two hour battle. The Americans had believed they were chasing a merchantman, but reversed course when they came close enough to recognize the British ship of war. The Milford gave chase and caught up to the much smaller ship after about an hour, firing only bow chasers until she was able to come along and give a full broadside. The Yankee Hero's sails were shredded and almost half her crew incapacitated. Her commander, Captain James Tracy ordered the surrender when they were no longer able to either fight or flee. Four or five of the Yankee Hero's crew were killed and twelve or thirteen wounded, includin