During the American Revolution, in the Battle off Halifax (1780), the British privateer brig "Resolution" (16 guns) under the command of Thomas Ross engaged the American Privateer ship "Viper" (16 guns) off of Halifax at Sambro Light. Described as “one of the bloodiest battles in the history of privateering”, the two privateers began a “severe engagement” during which both pounded each other with cannon fire for about 90 minutes. "Resolution" was eventually captured by the American "Viper" but at a cost of 33 American lives versus 18 aboard the "Resolution".