H.M.S. Java, 1,083 tons, was built as the French fifth rate Renommée, 38 guns, and captured by a British squadron off Tamatave, Madagascar, on 20 May 1811. Commisssioned into the Royal Navy as the frigate Java on 17 August the same year, she was ordered to Bombay with the newly-appointed Governor Lieut. General Hislop aboard. She could only be crewed with the greatest difficulty however, and her final complement consisted mostly of men who had either been pressed or taken from prisonships, or were landsmen with no experience of the sea at all. Clearing Spithead on 12 November 1812, on 12 December she captured the American merchantman William and, as a result, decided to put into San Salvadore on the coast of Brazil for fresh water.
On the morning of 29 December, Java sighted the American frigate onstitution, 44 guns, but, as neither vessel was flying any colours, it was not until just after 2.00 pm. that the first shots were fired when the contestants revealed themselves to each other. Constitution received a damaging broadside from Java first volley, but almost from the start the action was in the American,s favour. By 4.00 pm. Java had been seriously disabled and practically dismasted by a murderous fire from her opponent, and it therefore caused some surprise when Constitution broke off the engagement at 4.30 pm. In fact, this feigned withdrawal was simply to effect urgent repairs and at about 5.45 pm. Constitution returned to the fray ready for the 'coup de grace'. At 6 o,clock Java struck her colours and surrendered. Losses were substantial on both vessels, but considering her crew's almost total lack of battle experience, Java had put up a commendable fight. The following day Java's smouldering hulk was put to the torch and burned; it was a considerable victory for the United States and one from which they would exract the maximum capital.