In 1813, Captain Charles Ross, took command of "Sceptre" as the flagship of Rear Admiral Sir George Cockburn for operations against the United States. On 11 July 1813, "Sceptre", with , , , and and the tenders and , anchored off the Ocracoke bar, in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. They had on board troops under the orders of Lieutenant Colonel Napier. An advanced division of the best pulling boats commanded by Lieutenant Westphall and carrying armed seamen and marines from "Sceptre" attacked the enemy's shipping. They were supported by Captain Ross with the rocket-boats. The flat and heavier boats followed with the bulk of the 102nd Regiment and the artillery.