On 14 January 1815, under the command of Commodore Stephen Decatur left New York for a mission in the Indian Ocean. She then fell in with the British blockading-squadron, consisting of the razee (56 guns, Commodore John Hayes) and the frigates "Endymion" (Captain Henry Hope), "Pomone" (38 guns, Captain John Richard Lumley) and (38 guns, Captain Hyde Parker). Immediately, the British squadron gave chase with "Majestic" leading. At noon, "Endymion", being the much better sailer, overhauled her squadron and left them behind. At 2 pm she gained on the "President" and took position on the American ship's quarter, shooting into "President" as she tried to escape. "Endymion" was able to rake "President" three times and did considerable damage to her; by contrast, "President" primarily directed her fire at "Endymion's" rigging in order to slow her down. Finally at 7:58 pm, "President" ceased fire and hoisted a light in her rigging, indicating that she had struck. "Endymion's" foresails had been damaged in the engagement and she hove to for repairs to the rigging (being unable to take possession of her prize due to a lack of boats that would "swim"). Whilst Endymion was engaged in repairs Commodore Stephen Decatur took advantage of the fact and, despite having struck, made off to escape at 8.30 pm; "Endymion", still engaged in repairs could not immediately pursue and resumed the chase at 8.52 pm.