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M 0125
IN
NATIONAL ARCHIVES (413 ROLLS)
Note: Only those rolls covering periods when CONSTITUTION was in squadron service have been researched.
Roll 1 (January 8 ‑ June 29, 1805)
Commodore
John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, to Consul William Jarvis,
"The Spindle which is the essential
part of the old Bowsprit..."
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Jun 1805:
Reports the signing of the Tripoline peace
treaty on 3 Jun and the liberation of the
Roll 2 (July 1 ‑ August 31, 1805)
From
Commanding Officer, HMS PHOEBE, to Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 17
Jul 1805:
Has received petitions from Charles Wilson,
James Pearson, Stephen Kentle, and Edward Parker of CONSTITUTION wishing to surrender
themselves to him as deserters from HMS JUNO.
Has on board John Graves and John Pindar, deserters from CONSTITUTION,
as well as John Kelly and Allen Fish, American who he impressed from a ship at
sea. Willing to "trade."
Roll 3 (September 1 ‑ December 31, 1805)
NOTHING
Roll 4 (January 1 ‑ May 21, 1806)
NOTHING
Roll 5 (May 21 ‑ July 31, 1806)
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 26 May 1806:
Acknowledges receipt of permission to
return to the
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Jun 1806:
Believes his command of squadron is
temporary.
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Jul 1806:
Most men transferred to CONSTITUTION from
other squadron units prior to their return to the US are deeply in debt to the
Department and presently bereft of clothing.
Requests stoppage of all allotments in order that they might be clothed.
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Jul 1806 [2nd ltr]:
CONSTITUTION needs new standing rigging and
sails before winter, as well as spare cordage canvas, paints, etc. The hull is in good condition, but the rudder
head is "a little defective."
Roll 6 (August 1 ‑ December 31, 1806)
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Sep 1806:
Since writing from Cadiz on 28 Jul, has
visited the Barbary Coast. While
standing in to Larache [Morocco] on 14 Aug, met and examined the Russian
frigate [sic] SUWARROW [SUVAROV] (20 guns), which the Tsar received from the
British last year. Was informed they are
now at war with the Greeks. On 16 Aug,
anchored at Tangier, where all was well, and at Gibraltar on the 19th. Captain [David] Porter in ENTERPRIZE present;
told of being fired upon by Spanish gunboats off Algeciras on the 15th. I decided to let it pass as he gave better
than he got: no casualties and only some rigging damage.
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Sep 1806 [2nd ltr]:
A serious defect had been found in the
foremast "a little above the hounds."
A long‑standing defect according to longer‑serving officers,
but, in combination with the worn standing rigging places the ship in
danger. Accordingly, thought it prudent
to put into Lisbon for repairs. Now
fitting fishes and a gang of new standing rigging. Left Gibraltar on the 3rd.
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Oct 1806:
Foremast has proven unfit for service. A new set of courses and topsails
required. Understands the ship is to be
"called home next summer." Will
use old canvas for needed hammocks, etc.
Ship must be caulked "all over." A new anchor should be purchased. The new foremast will not be ready in less
than 20 days. (The same carpenter who
made the bowsprit is doing this job.)
References the mast's "main spindle."
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Oct 1806:
Midshipman Cheshire, court‑martialled
in JOHN ADAMS and transferred to NAUTILUS, was transferred to this ship at his
own request prior to her departure. Has
been repeatedly intoxicated and neglectful of duties. Sending him home for court‑martial on
charges of insolence, contempt toward a senior, and direct disobedience of
orders. Mentioned are Mr. Ludlow, 1st
Lt, and Mr. Wolsey, 2nd lt.
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Oct 1806:
Dr. Simm died of consumption on the
11th. Interred at the Church Corpo
Santo, as he was a Catholic. Dr.
McAllister acting in his stead.
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 Nov 1806:
All now in order. Will leave "tomorrow." Would have left sooner, but on 28 Oct found
the fore and main stays were "stranded" and needed replacement. New ones received yesterday; being rigged
now. New anchor purchased from
Portuguese Navy.
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 20 Dec 1806:
Sailed from Lisbon on 9th and arrived at
Gibraltar on 18th, after calling at Cadiz.
Will depart on 22nd and call at Algiers enroute Tunis.
Roll 7 (January 1 ‑ May 31, 1807)
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 26 January 1807:
Left Gibraltar 22 Dec 1806 and arrived
Algiers 29 Dec. Sailed 4 Jan 1807 and
arrived Tunis 11 Jan. All is well with
newly returned Ambassador and his report of his mission to the US.
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 26 Jan 1807 [2nd ltr]:
Dr. McAllister, who replaced the deceased
Dr. Simm is himself now incapacitated, his left arm crippled by
rheumatism. There is no Surgeon aboard
to attend the 30 currently sick; only a loblolly boy who can do tooth
extractions and blood letting. Crew's health
is bad enough that he will not permit Colonel Lear to travel in the ship. Too, Dr. Heap is seriously ill at Messina,
his place in HORNET being taken by a Mate from ENTERPRIZE.
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION 1 Feb 1807:
French and Spanish corsairs are now
attacking our shipping near Alicante, but resources with which to convoy them
are lacking ‑‑ even if the merchants would consider it. Thinks the Congress ought to pass a law
requiring insurers to mandate convoying as a part of their policies.
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Feb 1807:
British now occupying Syracuse, placing
accommodations at a premium.
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Feb 1807:
Our hospital at Syracuse is now being used
by the British. Would like to dispose of
2 gunboats and the trabacalos purchased in the Adriatic.
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Feb 1807 [2nd ltr]:
Repairs at Lisbon cost L1961.8.7.
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Feb 1807 [3rd ltr]:
When at Malta, was surprised to find Dr.
Heap fully recovered and immediately ordered him to duty in CONSTITUTION. Arrived at Syracuse on 2 Feb with HORNET,
which was met while inbound. Sailed on
16 Feb with HORNET, the latter to proceed to Leghorn.
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, n. d.:
Arrived at Tunis 18 Feb and on the 24th
learned from Colonel Lear that all was well.
Called on the Bey on the 27th, and on 3 Mar called again to take leave.
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Apr 1807:
ENTERPRIZE was in company on arrival at
Tunis. Sailed from Tunis on 7 Mar for
Algiers, leaving ENTERPRIZE behind to carry the Tunisian Ambassador to
Gibraltar. Arrived at Algiers on 20 Mar
and sailed again on the 23rd, arriving at Cagliari on the 30th to get fresh
provisions. Intend going to Malta next
when wind permits. [Sailed on 9 or 10
Apr.]
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 May 1807:
Arrived at Malta 13 Apr. Repairing head of ship, where head rails and bumpkins
were washed away on the night of 7 Mar in the Gulf of Tunis. A new mainsail from Lisbon was lost, as well
as a mizzen stormsail and the fore topmast staysail. Also repairing cabin bulkheads "which
received much damage on our passage from Algiers to Cagliari." Left Malta 2 May and intend leaving Syracuse
on the 25th for Leghorn enroute to Gibraltar where relief is expected.
Roll 8 (June 1 ‑ August 31, 1807)
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Aug 1807:
Left Syracuse 12 Jun and anchored at Malaga
on 2 Aug with HORNET. Received a Boston
newspaper and learned of CHESAPEAKE incident.
Will send ENTERPRIZE home as her crew's time has expired, and await
further news here. Has ordered the sale
of the trabacalos and all perishable articles at the hospital.
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 Aug 1807:
Your orders of 14 Jul received today from
the schooner BALD EAGLE.
Roll 9 (September 1 ‑ December 31, 1807)
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Sep 1807:
Left Syracuse on 12 Jun allowing time for
calls at Messina, Palermo, and Leghorn.
Arrived at Malaga 1 Aug and received report of the CHESAPEAKE
"misfortune." Of 8 carronades
on board, have mounted 2 on the forecastle and 2 in place of the after
quarterdeck guns. Have transferred the
other 4 to HORNET. 400 shot for these
guns have been purchased. Your 14 Jul
orders reached me on 18 Aug directing the return home of all public vessels as
secretly as possible. Names enclosed of
7 whose conduct has been so atrocious I am keeping in close confinement until
courts martial can be held [list missing].
From
Comodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Oct 1807:
"Defects of the Constitution and
Repairs necessary to put her in a State for Real Service
"Her
copper must be examined in consequence of a defect about the [obscured] That
Catch the cables when winding at Anchor---
A thorough Caulking of The upper works--
New Mainmast, Mizenmast [sic] doubtfull [sic], 1 fore and Main Topmast-- 1 fore, main, and Mizen Top Gt
Mast-- 1 Fore and Main Topsail yard-- 1
Cross Jack yard and set of Studdingsail Booms-- 1 Jibboom-- 1 compleat set of sails-- 4 Cables of 21 Inches--- A set of water Casks, at least a large
proportion of them.
"A set of boats-- A new Rudder At least a new Rudder
Head."
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Oct 1807 [2nd ltr]:
Forward charges against Marine
Sergeant Hughs and others he feels require court-martial.
[Enclosure]
From
Lieutenant Charles Ludlow, USS CONSTITUTION, Syracuse Harbor, 9 Jun 1807:
"Yesterday between 5 & 6
oclock in the evening I gave permission for the ships's company to bathe,
shortly after I came on deck andsaw two men swimming ahead of the ship towards
an English frigate[.] I immediately
inform'd the officer of the deck (Lt. Burrows) of their being further from the
Ship than usually allowed. He went
forward and call'd a number of times before they came and as soon as they got
on board took them forward to flog, (there being company on board and on the
quarter deck at the time)[.] A few
moments after I perceived a number of Men
rushing forward in the forecastle, who gave three cheers before I could
get forward to know the cause of the noise, at the same time saw Mr. Burrows on
one of the Guns surrounded by the men; After [sic] clearing them away he gave
me the following report:--
"That John Smith one of the above
mentioned men swimming from the ship) refused to take his jacket off or stand
and receive a ropes ending he intended giving him for not attending to his
orders, and the Boartswain's mate (George Prince) had hove his ropes end down
& refused to flog him, but previous to the Boatswain's mate refusing to
flog John Hughland came forward and told John Smith that he was a damned fool
if he pull'd his jacket off, at the same time told Mr. Burrows the man should
not be flog'd --- It was also reported to me, that Wm Pinkney (Boatswain's
mate) had taken up a crowbar near Mr. Burrows while the men were cheering--- After hearing this report, believing their
conduct very Mutinous I had Prince, Pinkney, Smith, & Hughland put
in Irons (the Guard during this time was under Arms) a few moments after the
ships company gave three cheers again, as if displeased at what had been done-- I immediately arm'd myself and desired the
officers to do the same (Mr. Amory Marine officer with all of his detachment
under Arms) but while arminig the Men broke out again with t here cheers &
a general cry among them, on the forecastle on the forecastle[sic],
where they were all rushing as fast as possible; I then had the drum beat to
quarters, which silenced them and they all went, except John Thompson who was
seen on the forecastle (by Mr. Chauncey and Mr. Willmore) pulling a man back
from his Quarters and crying out, on the forecastle very loudly after the drum
had beaten to Quarters--- I had Thompson put in irons and all the prisoners
brought from their usual pplace of confinement aft to the Cabin door with two
sentinels placed over them After which I muster'd the Men at t heir quarters,
beat the retreat and gave them their Hammocks----
"At 8 oclock had the starb'd
watch call'd, and the officers put ini two watches-- The officers, and marines of the Watch
arm'd-- All peaceable, and answer'd as
usual in the watch-- shortly after you cameon board-
"The boat that went for you, left
the Ship at thetime I desired the officers to Arm themselves.--
"Mr. Burrows, Mr. Rouchas, Mr.
McLaughlin, and Mr. Nicholson, was witness to the conduct of Prince, Pinkney,
Smith & Hughland-- Mr. Chauncey
& Mr. Willmore to Thompson's conduct----"
[Enclosure]
From Lieutenant William Lewis, USS CONSTITUTION, Syracuse Harbor, n.d.:
"While in the Harbour of
Syracuse, on the 30th day of May 1807, being my day of duty, the
officer (Mr. Wilmore) who had been with a party of men at the arsenal all day, on returning at sunset,
reported two or three of them for having run away from the arsenal into the
Town, where, after a long search, he had found them drunk. Wiliam Jones was one of them. On examination I found him very drunk, &
inclined to be insolent; which provoked me to strike him. He was then, exceedingly insolent, & as I
thought mutinous, saying repeatedly that his "time was up," and I had
"no right to punish him", Damn the service, & said he was a
"true Englishman," & I think threatened to demand English
protection. The Endymion (Engh
Frigate) was lying in the harbour ---
"I ordered him to be put in irons. While the Master at Arms was doing this he
continued to use the expressions I have mentioned, and others equally improper,
& was so riotous that I was obliged to go down myself & use force to
quiet him. Messrs Wilmer and
Shields are witnesses to the particulars of the above statement. Mr. Woolsey also, saw good deal of his
riotous conduct after he was confined."
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Oct 1807:
Reported having on board from Leghorn the
15‑ton Tripoli monument.
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Nov 1807:
Your orders for taking the ship to New York
received 30 Oct. Expect to sail 3 Nov.
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Nov 1807:
Still waiting for a fair wind.
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 Nov 1807:
Arrived last evening after tedious 13‑day
voyage. Be advised George Prince shipped
over in CONSTITUTION to return to US.
John Hewlan, Ordy, transferred to ship from SIREN.
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 Nov 1807:
The ship needs a new mainmast and probably
mizzen, a new complete set of sails, a fore topmast, main topmast, all
topgallant masts, fore and main topsail yards, a crossjack, a set of
studdingsail booms, jibboom, a gang of topmast and topgallant mast rigging, 4
21" cables, a set of boats, and many water casks.
From
Commodore Isaac Chauncey, New York Navy Yard, 1 Dec 1807:
Do I overhaul CONSTITUTION's rigging or
just stow it? CONSTITUTION's Carpenter
wishes orders to this yard.
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Dec 1807:
Paying off the crew began today and should
complete by noon tomorrow. Guns, stores,
and standing rigging still aboard should it be wanted for heaving down. Orders on officer furloughs just received.
From
Commodore Isaac Chauncey, New York Navy Yard, 12 Dec 1807:
Orders received on CONSTITUTION's
repairs. Will use gunboats crews to
offload her stores and guns, beginning today.
From
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, New York, NY, 12 Dec 1807:
Resigned command of CONSTITUTION to
Commodore Chauncey on 8 Dec. Have given
furloughs to Lieutenant and Midshipman Ludlow (30 days each), Lieutenant
Woolsey (8 weeks), Lieutenant Burrows (1 month), Dr. Heap, Mr. Shields,
Midshipman Chancey [sic] (20 days), Midshipman Anderson (2 months), Midshipman
Marshall the same. I will leave New York
about 17 Dec for Washington, pausing a week at Philadelphia. Bothered by rheumatism.
From
Commodore Isaac Chauncey, New York Navy Yard, 22 Dec 1807:
CONSTITUTION's wales too soft to permit
driving oakum home when caulking. It
appears all will have to be replaced.
From
Commodore Isaac Chauncey, New York Navy Yard, 26 Dec 1807:
CONSTITUTION requires much more repair than
previously reported. The wales, the
counter, and much side planking needs replacement. Have not yet had to hire more laborers; using
gunboat crews. Will minimize expense
wherever possible.
Roll 10 (January 1 ‑ March 31, 1808)
From
Commodore Isaac Chauncey, New York Navy Yard, 30 Jan 1808:
A list of personnel at the Yard identifies
the following men in CONSTITUTION: Boatswain's Mate French Kellan [sic]; Seamen
George Swinburn (a native of England) and Laurence Nielson (a Swede); Ordinary
Seamen James Remond (an Irishman), John Thompson (a Dane), John Reinholts (a
Dane); and Mattio Monocco (a Neapolitan).
From
Commodore John Rodgers, New York Station, 1 Mar 1808:
Twenty 32‑pdr carronades needed for
CONSTITUTION, not 16 as I wrote before.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, New York Station, 17 Mar 1808:
CONSTITUTION will be ready to receive her
guns by the time the carronade carriages are completed. The old main deck carriages can be used for
the new [long] guns.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, New York Station, 24 Mar 1808:
Have begun making carronade carriages per
your orders of the 21st. Iron work yet
to begin.
Roll 11 (April 1 ‑ June 28, 1808)
From
Commodore John Rodgers, New York, Station, 12 Apr 1808:
Notes SecNav orders of 18 Feb to discharge
all foreigners: George Swinburn, Mattias Monocco, John Thompson, Lawrence
Neilson, and John Reinholts among them.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, New York Station, 29 Apr 1808:
CONSTITUTION hove "keel out"
yesterday. "...discovered that her
Main Keel, directly in the wake of the scarf of the Stem, was considerably
mutilated for the space of 3 1/2 feet, and that about sixty feet of her false
keel was entirely off ‑‑ The defects in both, however, will be
repaired, I am in hopes, by tomorrow night ‑‑ The Copper is found
so good, generally, as to prevent the necessity of replacing it; indeed
I think the old, which was originally in weight thirty six ounces to the square
foot, better than the new now in store, as the latter is only 28 ounces ‑‑
I am in hopes we shall find the copper on the opposite side equally good ‑‑
Experiments have been made on several sheets of copper promiscuously taken from
different parts of the Bottom, and the average weight found to be 34 ounces to
the square foot, ... and considering that it has been six years on her
Bottom...is a sufficient proof of its superior quality..."
From
Commodore John Rodgers, New York Station, 5 May 1808:
CONSTITUTION was righted last night
"on the starboard side after having repaired the defects in the scarf of
the stem, and false keel." Larboard
side to be "hove out Monday, the 9th," and hopes to complete it that
day.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, New York Station, 14 May 1808:
CONSTITUTION's bottom finished last
evening. The copper was good.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, New York Station, 23 Jun 1808:
Carpenters will be done in CONSTITUTION
"in a few days."
Roll 12 (July 2 ‑ September 1808)
From
Commodore John Rodgers, New York Station, 14 Jul 1808:
Need carronades for CONSTITUTION: unable to
complete carriages without them.
CONSTITUTION powder, 146 barrels, needs remanufacturing. Not enough powder here to replace it. This Yard needs a magazine.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, New York Station, 25 Jul 1808:
The powder will be delivered for
remanufacture to John Bullus as ordered.
Roll 13 (October 1 ‑ December 29, 1808)
NOTHING
Roll 14 (January 1 ‑ March 31, 1809)
From
Captain Isaac Chauncey, New York Navy Yard, 3 Feb 1809:
What shall I do with the old CONSTITUTION
copper?
From
Commodore John Rodgers, Havre de Grace, MD, 5 Feb 1809:
Acknowledges orders to command
CONSTITUTION.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, New York, NY, 13 Feb 1809:
Officers now in CONSTITUTION: Lieutenants
Charles Ludlow (joined this date) and Samuel Angus; Sailing Master Wm F. Baggot
[sic]; Midshipmen R. H. J. Perry, Daniel Turner, Lawrence Kearney, John H.
Elton, John M. Funck, Augustus C. Ludlow, G. C. Read, Samuel Renshaw, and Seth
Nicholson; Boatswain George Nicholson; Gunner Robert Huntress; and Carpenter
Livingston Shannon. Lieutenant Trenchard
is still in command of Gunboat 43 at Passamaquoddy with Midshipman Adams under
him. Midshipman Hite is in Gunboat 50 at
New Bedford. Lieutenant Mitchell is in
ARGUS at Boston. CONSTITUTION,
therefore, still needs 3 lieutenants.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Feb 1809:
CONSTITUTION needs 800 32‑lb. and 500
24‑lb. shot. Shall I have them
made here?
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Feb 1809:
Acknowledges letter of 21st ordering the
Navy Agent at New York to purchase shot for CONSTITUTION.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Mar 1809:
Neither Surgeon's Mate ordered to
CONSTITUTION has reported. "Mr.
Butler" writes he is sick abed but will report when able.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Mar 1809 [2nd ltr]:
CONSTITUTION will be ready for powder the
1st of next month. She will need a total
of 250 barrels in all.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Mar 1809:
Merchant seamen are currently getting $20‑25
a month, making recruiting difficult.
Recommends a bounty.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Mar 1809:
It is rumored that $12/mo. and 3 mos.
advance are being offered at Boston, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, while my last
orders were $10/mo. and 2 mos. advance.
Is it true?
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Mar 1809:
CONSTITUTION needs "a detachment of
Marines."
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Mar 1809 [2nd ltr]:
Has given Midshipman Renshaw, in "a
deep decline," a furlough to recover.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CHESAPEAKE, 31 Mar 1809:
Reports that ARGUS will leave
"tomorrow" with 50 men for CONSTITUTION. In a few days will send more in Gunboat 57 or
a coaster.
Roll 15 (April 1 ‑ June 28, 1809)
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Apr 1809:
Requests a warrant for Carpenter Livingston
Shannon.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 7 Apr 1809:
Requests permission to discharge of
Corporal George Campbell of CONSTITUTION, a deserter.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Apr 1809:
CONSTITUTION's ordinary seamen and boys are
nearly complete; has 2/3 of her petty officers, but needs nearly 100 seamen due
to merchant ships offering $25‑35 a month.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Apr 1809:
Regrets the transfer of Surgeon's Mate
Reynolds tomorrow to UNITED STATES. He
is "far superior" to his peers.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 Apr 1809:
Regrets transfer of Midshipman Elton, an
energetic, mentally alert, modest, amicable young man.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Apr 1809:
Orders to lay up all gunboats
received. All able‑bodied men in
excess of two per boat will be transferred to CONSTITUTION.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Apr 1809:
Acknowledges orders returning Surgeon's
Mate Reynolds to CONSTITUTION.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 Apr 1809:
CONSTITUTION needs 5 quarter gunners, 6
quartermasters, and 60‑65 seamen to complete the crew. May get 10 or 12 from the gunboats.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 7 May 1809:
Will order Lieutenant Trenchard from
Gunboat 43 to ARGUS. Requests Lieutenant
Haswell, now on Lake Champlain, as his replacement.
From Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION,
14 May 1809:
Acknowledges report of Haswell being
ordered to the ship.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 May 1809:
Acknowledges receipt of warrant for
Carpenter Shannon.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 11 Jun 1809:
Requests a court martial for Sergeant
Charles Henry of CONSTITUTION on charges of drunkenness on guard and unbecoming
conduct.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, 28 Jun 1809:
Says Midshipman Thomas Gamble is
indefatigable in attention to duty and correct in his deportment.
Roll 16 (July 1 ‑ September 30, 1809)
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 4 Jul 1809:
Midshipman Morton Jackson died on 1 Jul
after a 6‑day illness thought to have been caused by his ingesting too
much ice when overheated.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Jul 1809:
Acknowledges orders transferring Lieutenant
[Charles] Ludlow to command of VIXEN and Lieutenant George W. Reed to replace
him in CONSTITUTION. Ludlow took command
today. Reed has not yet reported. Lieutenant Haswell joined on the 7th.
CONSTITUTION still needs Marine officers, and the Marines need clothing.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Jul 1809:
Lieutenant Reed has yet to join.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Jul [2nd ltr]:
Acknowledges furlough for Midshipman Thomas
Gamble to make his merchant voyage.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Jul 1809 [3rd ltr]:
Requests 12 rifles for CONSTITUTION is
available. Wants them for use against
enemy officers from the fighting tops.
[Annotated: Any rifles here? If not let them be purchased... P.H.]
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Jul 1809:
Will victual the ship for 2 months. She still needs 4 quartermasters, a quarter
gunner, 41 seamen, a Carpenter, and a Boatswain. Current Carpenter has resigned and the
Boatswain has been in sick quarters for 3 months with a poor prognosis.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Jul 1809:
Lieutenant Reed joined on the 18th; he
wishes to resign.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 20 Jul 1809:
Enclosed is Midshipman [Seth] Nicholson's
resignation. He is no loss.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 Jul 1809:
The ship is ready for sea except for noted
personnel shortages. Expect transfers
from CHESAPEAKE will fill needs but for 20 seamen. Will put to sea as soon as they arrive.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 Jul 1809:
Forwards letter from Gunner Huntress, who
has been AWOL since the 19th. He is no
loss: hardly smarter than a well‑bred horse.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Jul 1809:
Sailing Master William F Bagot has been
AWOL since the 13th. Have ordered
Sailing Master James E Carr from ARGUS to replace him. Bagot is an inveterate drunk.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Jul 1809:
Lieutenant Reed accepts your denial of his
resignation.
From Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION,
4 Aug 1809:
Acknowledges receipt of acceptance of
Gunner Huntress' resignation.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CHESAPEAKE, 9 Aug 1809:
Required men shipped to CONSTITUTION.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Aug 1809:
Men from CHESAPEAKE arrived last night.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Aug 1809:
Forwards resigned Midshipman Edward S.
Smith's warrant.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 20 Aug 1809:
Has ordered Lieutenant Haswell to WASP.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Aug 1809:
After trying for 4 days to clear the
Narrows, is finally at sea. New York is
a bad rendezvous for the heavy frigates.
CONSTITUTION draws 23 feet when loaded with 6 months provisions.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 Aug 1809:
Just arrived at Newport. Will be back at New York by 1 Sep. Happy with crew.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Sep 1809:
"The Constitution I find possesses all
her former good qualities, and with a little more practice, I think her crew
will be a very good one."
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 Sep 1809:
Departed New York this date. Will cruise the coast for 2 weeks.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Sep 1809:
Arrived New York this date. Nothing of note on cruise other than the loss
of the main topmast and fore topmast on 10 Sep in light to moderate breezes
when some 18 miles to seaward of Montauk Point.
Also lost the mizzen topgallant mast and all royal yards. Believe white pine masts are weak; yellow or
pitch pine preferred. Seaman John
Cockran [sic], masthead lookout, was lost in the accident. Requests replacement masts be ordered in the
rough from Norfolk, 58' long to finish 24" for the main and 54' long to
finish 22" for the fore. If they
can't be shipped, request sailing orders to Norfolk.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 26 Sep 1809:
Acknowledges sailing orders for Norfolk.
Roll 17 (October 2 ‑ December 31, 1809)
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 6 Oct 1809:
Lieutenant F. J. Mitchell has been
furloughed; Midshipman Thomas Gamble attached to CONSTITUTION as Acting
Lieutenant.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 7 Oct 1809:
Forwards the warrant of resigning
Midshipman Phineas Masters, found objectionable "by almost every
officer" in the ship. Only 14 years
old and incorrigible.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Oct 1809:
Has ordered Midshipman T. Gamble to
PRESIDENT as directed.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Oct 1809:
Consider reinstating Sailing Master Bagot. I am willing to give him another chance. Mr. Carr, now filling in, is anxious to leave
the service.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 20 Oct 1809:
Foul winds have kept me at New York since
the 11th.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Oct 1809:
Have ordered Midshipman A. Ludlow to SIREN
as Acting Lieutenant.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Oct 1809 [2nd ltr]:
Dr. Griffin joined yesterday and has
relieved Dr. Thorn.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 Oct 1809:
To sea this morning.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 26 Oct 1809:
Arrived Hampton Roads this morning, a 45‑hour
passage. Will cruise 10‑12 days
after getting in masts and return to New York.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, 3 Nov 1809:
To sea this morning, masts in. Expects to be at New York in a week.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Nov 1809:
Just arrived at New York. Had much bad weather, but ship handled
well. Preparing to overhaul rigging and
repaint her.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Nov 1809 [2nd ltr]:
Lieutenant John Brooks, USMC, ordered to
Washington to settle accounts.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Nov 1809:
Dr.
Reynolds furloughed as ordered. [Appears
to have tuberculosis.]
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Dec 1809:
Acknowledges receipt of orders to discharge
Private William Seely of CONSTITUTION.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Dec 1809:
Midshipman George Pearce of this ship
ordered to JOHN ADAMS.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 Dec 1809:
Acknowledges information that another
Marine officer will replace Lieutenant Brooks.
Roll 18 (January 1 ‑ April 30, 1810)
From
Captain John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Feb 1810:
Returns the warrant of Midshipman
[James] Bailey, a "genteel" young man too old to be a Midshipman.
From
Captain John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Feb 1810:
Acknowledges information that
"Mr. Thompson (Mathematician)" had been ordered to join the ship for
four months, then rotate for similar periods to other ships in commission.
From
Captain John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Feb 1810:
Reports that Midshipman John J.
Edwards has reported himself returned from a merchant voyage and was assigned
to CONSTITUTION by himself.
From
Captain John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Mar 1810:
Forwards resignation of Midshipman
[Samuel] Dusenberry of CONSTITUTION, "an amiable young man, but he is, by
no means, calculated for the Service."
From
Captain John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Mar 1810:
Ship is ready for sea. Intends to sail on the 18th or 20th and
"stretch south" to Port Royal, SC, then return north to Annapolis,
MD, then back to New York, a period of 4‑5 weeks.
From
Captain John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 20 Mar 1810:
Will remain in port until the 30th, as
ordered. HORNET will accompany on
"southern tour."
From
Captain John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 31 Mar 1810:
Acknowledges receipt of letter
"just at the moment of my departure from New York."
From
Captain John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Apr 1810:
Is cruising off Sandy Hook, ARGUS in
company, awaiting HORNET. Due to a
shortage of provisions, now intends sailing only to Norfolk and Annapolis
before returning to New York.
From Captain John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION,
11 Apr 1810:
Still off Sandy Hook, has sent
Lieutenant Ralph Izard ashore to sick quarters "with a hypochondriacal
turn of mind" and expects he will resign his commission. Requests a replacement.
Roll 19 (May 1 ‑ August 30, 1810)
From
Captain John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 May 1810:
"On the 2nd inst I sent into this
place the ships Galconda [sic] of New York & Rose of Phila for a violation
of the Non‑Intercourse Law; having met with them near Sandy Hook, and
within the Jurisdiction limits of the united states [sic] where they had been
seen several days prior to my meeting with them.
"The above ships were from
Liverpool with cargos of British manufacture on board & I was necessarily
obliged to anchor on the 11th inst inside of sandy [sic] Hook for the purpose
of consulting with & stating their cases to the District Attorney, &
which I shall make you acquaintance with a more particular manner the instant
my [1 word] will permit me to do so‑‑ I shall put to Sea the moment the [wind] will
permit."
From
Captain John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 May 1810:
"I have to inform you, that on
the Second Instant, Sandy Hook bearing W. by N. Distant about four Miles, I
fell in with, and sent into New York for adjudication, the ships Golconda of
New York, and Rose of Philadelphia, for a violation of the Non‑Intercourse
Law‑‑ The circumstances
under which I met with these Ships, were such as made it my duty to send them
into Port, to be dealt with as the Law directed, as they were direct from
Liverpool, with cargoes (the Manufactures of England) on board; In addition to
which, the Rose had no individual paper, to prove the legality of her Voyage, or
even to what Nation she belonged, except her Register‑‑ Your will observe, that it was on the 2d of
May I detained the above Vessels, consequently as the Law expired on the first
of May by its own limitation, it may be decided by the Court authorized to decide
on their Cases, that they had not incurred the penalties of the Law: and which
I presumed will be the case, should I not be able to prove that they had been
within the Jurisdictional limits of the U. States, previous to the day on which
I met them. This, I am in hopes I shall
be able to do, not only because I should wish to see those, capable of
violating the Law, punished; but on my own personal account as in case of their
acquittal, I presumed their owners will bring a suit against me for damages, in
consequence of some supposed Injuries they sustained in their Spars and Rigging
after they were detained‑‑ Be the result however what it may, it will
not prevent my proceeding in a similar way again, should I be similarly
Circumstanced, as the desire of doing my duty with scrupulous tenacity, will
always (I hope) outweigh every other Consideration, and should I ever be
brought to think differently it alone will be sufficient Cause for my quitting
the service in one hour after."
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 May 1810:
On the way to Annapolis.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 May 1810:
Arrived Annapolis this date with ARGUS
and HORNET in company.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Jun 1810:
Intends to proceed to Hampton Roads
"tomorrow."
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Jun 1810:
Forwards warrant of Midshipman
Marcellin "a Young Man destitute of every principle that constitutes a
Gentleman, at the same time a Drunkard‑‑ What gives me most pain is that he is Brother
to Lieut Marcellin, who is a very deserving and correct Young Man..."
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Jun 1810:
Arrived this date at Hampton Roads
with ARGUS and HORNET. Will shift to
PRESIDENT "tomorrow," leaving Captain Hull in command of
CONSTITUTION, who will be sent to Boston to get a cable for the ship from
CHESAPEAKE.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 19 Jun 1810:
Exchanged commands with Captain Hull
on the 17th. Hull has reported ready for
sea and been ordered to Boston "with all...dispatch," there to await
his arrival.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 20 Jun 1810:
Mentions Marine Lieutenant [P. W.]
Winthrop in
CONSTITUTION.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 24 Jun 1810:
CONSTITUTION still in sight,
struggling aganst adverse winds to leave
Chesapeake Bay.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 27 Jun 1810:
Underway. Intends to proceed to vicinity of New York
with SIREN in company, there to be joined by WASP. Thence to Boston to be joined by
CONSTITUTION, and to patrol as far as Passamaquoddy before returning to Hampton
Roads about 15 Jul.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 5 Jul 1810:
Has changed plans and ordered
CONSTITUTION to join him in Hampton Roads about 15 Jul.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Jul 1810:
Reports that due to adverse winds and
the ship's "dull sailing" he did not arrive off Boston until 6 Jul,
and that adverse winds since then have prevented his entering port. Has informed Commodore Rodgers that he can't
be in Hampton Roads on 15 Jul. Mentions
Midshipman Jasper.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Jul 1810:
Reports he has taken Midshipman [Wm
B.] Hall into the ship as a replacement for Midshipman Jasper, who will be
furloughed at Norfolk, to be Acting Master's Mate. Also has taken aboard Midshipman [William]
Laughton in place of Midshipman Pitt, who reported in a sickly condition and
was transferred to CHESAPEAKE.
[Annotated: "All approved."]
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Jul 1810:
Expects to sail "this
evening" and hasten to Hampton Roads.
Bottom still requires cleaning, and will attend to that then. Has taken on board 50,000 gallons of water and
3 months' stores.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Jul 1810:
Has withdrawn Sailing Master [George
S.] Wade's warrant and turned him out of the ship. He had had bad words with the First
Lieutenant, [Chas.] Morris, that can't be overlooked or withdrawn. [Annotated: "I approve highly of Captain
Hull's decision."]
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Jul 1810:
Attempted to sail last evening, but
wind came ahead and had to anchor in lighthouse channel. Hopes pilot will be able to warp them out
this date.
From Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 15
Jul 1810:
Reports that when CONSTITUTION
departed Hampton Roads earlier, she had not been able to clear the Capes until
27 Jun.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 22 Jul 1810:
Reports CONSTITUTION in sight,
standing into Hampton Roads. Has
exchanged signals with her.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 23 Jul 1810:
CONSTITUTION anchored in the Roads at
4 PM yesterday.
From
Captain Isaac Hull USS CONSTITUTION, 24 Jul 1810:
Reports that while at Boston he
assessed the ship's trim, ballasting, rigging, and every other factor he could
think of that might have caused her lack of speed. He concluded that a "very foul"
hull must be the reason. In calml
weather on the voyage south, he put divers over from the ship's boats "and
in a very few moments they brought me nearly a bucketfull" of mussels and
oysters. Ten "waggon loads"
was estimated. "The men that were
under her bottom described them hanging like bunches of grapes, only much
longer... There were some thousands in
each bunch and adhering so closely together that it required some Stength to
separate them..."
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Jul 1810:
Reports having furloughed Midshipman
[Stephen] Wilson, who is ill with a "not very gentlemanly" disease,
and who failed to remedy the situation on a previous furlough "much to the
dread of his messmates." Midshipman
Jasper has decided against furlough and will remain in the ship, which pleases
Hull as he likes Jasper.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 5 Aug 1810:
Reports getting to sea "this
morning" with CONSTITUTION and ARGUS.
The former will proceed immediately to Newcastle, DE, to clean her
bottom.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Aug 1810:
Submits muster roll, noting he is
short of seamen. Requests permission to
recruit at Philadelphia and elsewhere.
Also need a Sailing Master.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Aug 1810:
Reports he arrived at Newcastle last
evening. Intends moving up to Chester,
PA, "this evening." Midshipmen
Tayloe and Hamilton given 10 days' furlough to visit Washington.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Aug 1810:
Reports from off Wilmington that
"since the ships arrival in fresh water the mussels on her bottom have all
opened, and the inside entirely washed out with the run of the tide, and they
are fast falling off‑‑ The
oysters I find do not feel the effect of the fresh Water so sensibly, yet I
have great hopes that a few days more will cause them to open and fall off in
the same manner as the mussels."
Shells are being "scrubbed" off. Sends a second sample, showing how much larger
the animals are than in the first.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 Aug 1810:
Reports he decided against going as
far up the river as Chester for fear of grounding where UNITED STATES did. The mussels are almost all gone, but the
oysters persist. Fortunately, they are
far less numerous than the mussels.
Divers sent down this day report the copper is rough in places and some
of the nails have started. Will attempt
to patch a spot bare of copper up forward.
Expects to depart for New York about the 23rd.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 24 Aug 1810:
Has ordered Lieutenant [James] Biddle
from CONSTITUTION to PRESIDENT.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 24 Aug 1810:
Intends to order Gunner William Taylor
to CONSTITUTION.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 27 Aug 1810:
Captain Hull reports he thinks he has
cleared CONSTITUTION's hull of all the marine growth. He reports that Hull plans to sail from
Newcastle "tomorrow" and cruise for about three weeks; requests
permission to put in to New London then.
Roll 20 (September 3 ‑ December 31, 1810)
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 4 Sep 1810:
"The Constitution arrived off
Sandy Hook yesterday, where she will remain until I join her. She sails (I understand from Capt. Hull) much
better since she has been in the Delaware."
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 17 Sep 1810:
"A few days since I had an opportunity of comparing the sailing of the President & Constitution & I think, since the latter has got her bottom cleansed, that she is the fastest sailing Vessel that the President has met with, since I commanded her; indeed, the difference is not very material, altho' the President is decidedly the fastest Ship of the two‑‑"
"...I was induced to direct Capt.
Hull to go into Boston with the Constitution, on the 15th Instant, and to sail
again on the 25h for his station off the Delaware..."
[Annotated: "I am pleased with
the performance of the President & the improvement of the
Constitution. P.H."]
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 Sep 1810:
Departing Boston. Intends to proceed to a point east of Georges
Bank, then make for the southern end of his patrol ground and then head for New
York. Has furloughed Midshipman [James]
Hall to make a merchant voyage and ordered Midshipman [William B.] Reily [sic]
in his place.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Oct 1810:
Arrived of Chesapeake Bay on the 6th,
and ran in to avoid bad weather. Sailed
this morning to proceed to Delaware Bay and then Sandy Hook.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 12 Oct 1810:
CONSTITUTION arrived off Sandy Hook
"last evening." Hull reports
having seen no foreign men of war.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 14 Oct 1810:
Has ordered Midshipman [Nathaniel D.]
Nicholson from CONSTITUTION to ENTERPRIZE.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 17 Oct 1810:
Reports the death of CONSTITUTION
Midshipman [Richard] Rodgers in a duel with Midshipman [Charles W.] Morgan, who
was wounded. The latter has been
arrested while the seconds, Midshipman {Archibald: SecNav's son] Hamilton and
Surgeons' Mate [Samuel] Gilliland have been suspended from duty. As the seconds did all in their power to
affect a reconciliation and as all the rules of honor were observed, requests
permission to return the three to duty with reprimand. Rodgers was buried at Sandy Hook.
Isaac Hull, in his enclosed report of
16 Oct 1810, states that Morgan was wounded in the breast. [No mention is made of the cause of the
duel.]
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 17 Oct 1810 [2nd ltr]:
Sailed from Sandy Hook at 10 this
morning with CONSTITUTION. She has been
detached to proceed to Newcastle.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Oct 1810:
Anchored off Newcastle "last
evening." Reports the death of
Midshipman [Thomas S.] Sprogle, who fell overboard from the main chains as the
ship stood in to Delaware Bay and drowned before help could reach him. Has no orders from Commodore Rodgers as to
how long he is to remain at Newcastle.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Oct 1810 [2nd ltr]:
Reports having discharged John Burnett
on 6 Oct upon arrival at Sandy Hook. Got
him a passage ashore in the pilot boat and informed him that his mother was in
a "distressed state" and wished him home immediately. That was his intention; what has happened to
him since is unknown.
From
Captain Isaac Hull USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Oct 1810:
Reports that Midshipman Sprogle could
not swim and sank almost immediately ‑‑ a few feet from the life
buoy that had been thrown to him.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, to Samuel R. Marshall, n. d.:
Discusses the distribution of prize
money for the captures made by Gunboat 98, CONSTITUTION's tender, under the
command of Midshipman John H. Elton.
[Elton was attached to CONSTITUTION Jun 1808‑Apr 1809.]
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Nov 1810:
Acknowledges receipt of order to
discharge [Private] John Davis.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Nov 1810:
Reports the departure of "Mr.
[Midshipman Archibald] Hamilton" on this date.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 10 Nov 1810:
Reports having ordered Captain Hull to
New London from Newcastle.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Nov 1810:
Reports receiving a letter for a
Midshipman Blair accepting his resignation, but notes that Blair never has been
in the ship.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Nov 1810:
Reports having received orders from
Commodore Rodgers to proceed to New London.
Intend to move to the mouth of the river "tomorrow" and await
a favorable wind.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 28 Nov 1810:
"I have the honour to acquaint
you that the Merchant Sloop Income of Rochester (Massachusetts) arrived here
yesterday in charge of Midn Riley of the Constitution by whom I received a
letter from Capt. Hull informing me of his having fallen in with said Sloop on
the 25th Inst., bound to Charleston (& from what I can learn from Mr.
Riley, about thirty leagues South East of Block Island) that she had in a Gale two
days before lost her Master overboard, and there being no person left on board,
capable of navigating her to her destined port, he was induced to put Midn
Riley on board with orders to navigate her to this place for the benefit of her
owners."
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Dec 1810:
Reports the loss of Seamen Samuel
Francis and Caleb Martin. Francis fell
from the mizzen shrouds, struck the mizzen chains, hit the water, and sank as
the ship was coming down the Delaware River.
She was clear of the Delaware Capes and making 8 knots before the wind
with all sail set when Martin fell overboard at the bow while helping to stow
an anchor. Life buoys were cut away on
both sides, and one was seen to be about five yards from him. Unfortunately, the strong wind blew the buoy
away faster than he could swim, and he drowned.
A subscription was taken for the support of Francis' mother and widow in
Philadelphia and an unexpectedly large amount (unspecified) was pledged.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 19 Dec 1810:
Acknowledges recceipt of order to have
Captain Hull discharge one Julian Oreille, aka Jean Gaspard.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS PRESIDENT, to Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 17
Dec 1810:
States that Lieutenant [Thomas R.]
Swift, in charge of his Marine Guard, reports his men extremely short of proper
winter clothing.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 23 Dec 1810:
Reports having ordered Midshipman
Charles Fowle, previously ordered to ARGUS by SecNav, to CONSTITUTION.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 27 Dec 1810:
Requests authority to convene a court
martial for Seaman John Wilson, who deserted from CONSTITUTION on 1 Feb
1810. [So ordered.]
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 30 Dec 1810:
States that John Cockeran [sic] was
lost overboard from the main topmast head of CONSTITUTION on 10 Sep 1809 when
the topmast gave way.
Roll 21 (January 1 ‑ May 31, 1811)
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 2 Jan 1811:
CONSTITUTION is ready for service
except for water, provisions, and some cordage.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 14 Jan 1811:
Acknowledges receipt of authority to
court martial John Wilson, a deserter from CONSTITUTION.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 16 Jan 1811:
Reports that CONSTITUTION Sailmaker
John Mankins has been furloughed due to ill health.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 8 Feb 1811:
Requests authority to convene a court
martial to try Ordinary Seaman Samuel McClarey and Seaman John Loring of
CONSTITUTION for mutinous and seditious conduct and disrespect to a superior on
the night of 5 Feb 1810 [sic].
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 17 Feb 1811 [enclosure]:
"List
of Men belonging late to the U. S. Schooner Revenge transferred to the U. S.
Frigate Constitution.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 19 Feb 1811:
Acknowledges receipt of authority to
court martial Samuel Mcclarey and John Loring.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, to Commodore John Rodgers, 20 Feb 1811:
Reports a duel between Midshipmen
Joseph Brailsford and Charles M. Fowle in which the latter waas wounded in the
thigh. Brailsford, together with the
seconds, Midshipmen William Laughton and John Packet, are under arrest aboard
ship. All have been guilty of
unofficerlike conduct in the past, and on such occasions have been suspended
from duty. He wishes them ordered from
the ship.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 21 Feb 1811:
Reports CONSTITUTION can be ready for
sea in four hours.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 24 Feb 1811:
Requests authority to conduct a court
martial on Boatswain's Mate John Nease and Seaman John Read of CONSTITUTION on
a charge of sedition.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 8 Mar 1811:
Forwards a chart of New London harbor
made by Lieutenant Charles Morris, First Lieutenant of CONSTITUTION, which
"does him much credit."
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 9 Mar 1811:
Per the Secretary's orders Midshipmen
Brailsford and Packett [sic] have been ordered from CONSTITUTION to ARGUS;
Midshipmen Fowle and Laughton will be returned to duty.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 9 Mar 1811 [2nd ltr]:
Acknowledges receipt of orders to
transfer Charles Cotton, Surgeon's Mate, to CONSTITUTION.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 12 Mar 1811:
"I have the satisfaction to
acquaint you that the boats of this Ship & the Constitution yesterday saved
the Merchant Brig Harriet (belonging to the house of Pierce & Beach,
Merchants of Harford [sic], of this State) from being wrecked, after she had
got on a Rock, near the entrance of this harbour, on which at low water, there
was three feet less water than she drew, & after she had been on the same
twelve hours‑‑ This is the
second vessel which our boats have saved from destruction within these foour
weeks."
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 16 Mar 1811:
Reports the death of Midshipman
Brailsford on the 15th ffrom the wound suffered in a duel.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 16 Mar 1811 [2nd ltr]:
Has authorized Captain Hull to
furlough Midshipman [William] Jasper for the purpose of making a merchant
voyage.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 19 Mar 1811:
CONSTITUTION will leave for Boston
"immediately." As about 150 of
her men are shortly due discharge, Captain Hull is to open a rendezvous to
recruit their replacements.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 20 Mar 1811:
Has discharged John Barley per orders.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Mar 1811:
Arrived Boston this date.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 29 Mar 1811:
Acknowledges receipt of authority to
court martial Boatswain's Mate Nease and Seaman Read of CONSTITUTION, both of
whom are now confined in PRESIDENT.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 30 Mar 1811:
Acknowledges receipt of orders placing
ARGUS, a smaller ship, in Delaware Bay instead of CONSTITUTION.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 6 Apr 1811:
"I yesterday received a letter
from Capt Hull, dated the 2nd Inst. informing that he had seized the American
ship Lothaire for supposed violation of the Non Intercourse Law; she having
sailed from Liverpool, with a cargo of British Manufactures, since the 2d of
February 1811; altho' she had previous to that date cleared out for Boston‑‑ I have this moment received a second letter
from Capt Hull informing me of his having released the Lothaire in consequence
of the opinion of Mr. Blake (District Attorney)..."
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 May 1811:
Intends sailing for Annapolis on the
13th. Recruiting has been insufficient
to make up loss of nearly 100 of crew.
Will want about 30 able seamen.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 May 1811:
Awaiting a fair wind. Has stationed Marines at the great guns to
make up for his deficiency in seamen.
[Annotated: "disapproved."]
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 May 1811:
Heading for sea. One 22" anchor cable found rotten and
surveyed; another required before going on extended service.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 May 1811:
Reports arrival at Annapolis this
date.
Mentions Purser Garretson.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 26 May 1811:
Mentions Midshipman Beatty.
Roll 22 (June 1 ‑ December 31, 1811)
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Jun 1811:
Joined the ship on "Monday
evening."
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 4 Jun 1811:
Ship ready for sea on short notice.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Jun 1811 [1st ltr of that date]:
Will discharge Benjamin Bowie as soon as
the Purser joins the ship.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Jun 1811 [2nd ltr of that date]:
"... The two Englishmen and several of
the Frenchmen, being seamen and the remainder good ordinary seamen will make a
great difference in the strength of the crew.
When they are discharged or turned over from this ship ‑‑
may I therefore be permitted to request that you will be pleased to order that
same number of men may be ordered to the ship to fill their places..."
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Jun 1811 [3rd ltr of that date]:
Recommends hospitalization for Nicholas
Hall ("a state of extreme debility"), Thomas Blenock ("a white
swelling of the knee"), John Thomson from the REVENGE (a fistula requiring
surgery), and Ed Lund and Antonio Mitchell (old men with urinary tract
problems).
Appended
list:
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 26 Jun 1811:
Requests court martial for Quartermaster
Thomas McCumber on charges of "mutinous conduct and disrespect" and
"mutinous and seditious language."
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS COMSTITUTION, 27 Jun 1811:
Acknowledges receipt of SecNav's response
to his [3rd] letter of 21 Jun.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 Jun 1811:
Requests permission to carry flour and make
bread as he needs it. Says one barrel of
flour will make three of bread.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Jul 1811:
Requests an expert opinion on the legality
of the shipping articles signed by Quartermaster Thomas McCumber, currently on
trial.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Jul 1811:
Reports that he has received Midshipman Baury on board, a young man who speaks French and has knowledge of European
ports; also Midshipmen Pierpoint, Barlow, and Haslett. Midshipman Phelps expected "to
day." Midshipman Duncan has left
the ship, having resigned.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Jul 1811:
Reports he has directed the local Navy
Agent to advance Midshipman Joseph L. Biggs $30 so he can comply with orders to
report to Philadelphia.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Jul 1811:
Acknowledges orders to discharge Frederick
Lubstein.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Jul 1811:
"I have the honor to inform you that I
have this day, made known to that part of the crew of the Constitution under my
command (whose term of service expires on the 12th of Sept. next) that they
have a choice, either to remain by the ship until she returns from Europe, or
to be turned over to other vessels to serve the remainder of their time.
"In doing so I made use of every
argument calculated to induce them to remain but to no effect, as they chose
every man but one to be turned over..."
Requests that ships to which these men are sent be ordered to send him
similarly skilled men in return.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Jul 1811:
Reports men exchanged with HORNET and
WASP. He is ready for sea except for
"Mr. Barlow."
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Jul 1811:
Reports finding smallpox in a Marine
recently received from the Washington barracks.
Has found there are 39 people aboard who have never had it and is taking
steps to isolate them. Vaccinations are
being done.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 31 Jul 1811:
Has given Gunner Currie [Correia], "a
foreigner," leave of absence as he has "made himself very unpopular
with the officers and crew generally."
Recommends his discharge; neither Hull nor Commodore Rodgers think him
fit. Gunner's Mate Robert Anderson, who
has been in the ship two years, has been appointed Acting Gunner.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Aug 1811:
Reports Mr. Barlow's arrival "late on
Wednesday evening."
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 Aug 1811:
Arrived in Hampton Roads on 2 Aug. Encloses supplementary muster list for men
exchanged with ESSEX and NAUTILUS.
"he crew is now very healthy, and the men vaccinated for kine pox,
are doing well..."
"List
of Men received on board the United States Frigate Constitution from the U. S.
Frigate Essex ‑‑
"Received
from the U. S. Brig Nautilus
"List
of Men Sent from the U. S. Frigate Constitution to the United States Frigate
Essex & Brig Nautilus ‑‑
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Sep 1811:
Reports his arrival at Cherbourg after a 30
day passage. Mr. Barlow landed
immediately. Headed for Den Helder 4
days later, but has been troubled by adverse winds.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Oct 1811:
Reports arrival off Deal the previous
evening after a difficult time at Texel, navigationally and
diplomatically. Additonally, a gale
forced him offshore for five days. A
second bad blow decided him to make for Deal.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 4 Oct 1811:
Getting underway from Deal for Cherbourg,
but weather again making things difficult.
Sir James Jay and "Judge Thompson" on board with dispatches
for Mr. Barlow.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Nov 1811:
Left the Downs (Deal) on 9 Oct and arrived
at Cherbourg on the 14th. Arrived at
Portsmouth, England on 11 Nov. Has taken
aboard 18 American seamen "in distress" for return to the US; expects
there will be more. Expects it will be
late December before he can leave France with the Minister's dispatches.
Roll 23 (January 1 ‑ May 31, 1812)
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 20 Feb 1812:
Reports giving Midshipman [Frederick S.]
Gibbon leave of absence to go to Richmond because his mother has died. Mr. [Octavius A.] Page's mother also has
died, and Mr. [William D.] Salter has lost both parents. Please advise on leaves for them.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 Feb 1812:
I have given Midshipman [Lewis S.] Germaine
permission to visit his father at Washington, taking with him a trunk of papers
for the State Department and a packet of papers for the French Minister.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Feb 1812:
"In giving you an account of the state
and condition of the Ship I fear much at a loss what to say of her. The upper works has evident marks of decay
yet if the copper was good on her bottom I should have no fear in runing [sic]
her Two years longer on summer service, but that is not the case the [sic]
copper is fast coming off so that She Sails dull and will not be fit to cruise
until she is hove out and whilst that is doing it would be a pitty [sic] that
her upper works should be left in a state that they would cause her to be laid
up again in a year or Two to repair them.
And on the other hand it would be a pity to take her to Pieces and loose
[sic] the year or Two of Service that the upper works would bore [sic] ‑‑ All her sails except Three Topsails and one
Foresail are b[?] indeed so much so that they are only fit for old canvas ‑‑
nearly all the [?] rigging is bad and must be replaced with new. Many of her Spars are bad and those that are
not are much too heavy ‑ her Cables will answer for the next [?] but not
longer ‑ her Powder must be Taken out and proved. grates that [?] prepared [?] where she will
best [?]. These repairs I Submit to you
considering I am told that There is no Vessel now at Newyork [sic] under
repairs if so would not that be the best place for doing it and for mooring (?)
her after it is done or as she is here have She might be soon got up to
Washington by leaving her lower deck guns here and other heavy stores and let
Her be repaired where she will I should recommend having all her Sails made at
the yard at Washington ‑ in taking her there the small crew that She will
have would answer but it would not be safe to Venture to Newyork [sic] with
them and it will take some time to recruit the number that She will be short of
Complement ‑ when you shall have determined what to do with her I shall
be pleased to be [?] with your wishes as soon as Possable [sic] that none of
the Season may be lost in geting [sic] her to Whatever place you may fix on.
"We are much in want of Money to Pay
the Men whose time are out they have been some months over their Time some of
them which makes them uneasy to get ashore ‑‑ i am now making them as comfortable as
possable [sic] is fast recovering both onboard and at the sick quarters."
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Mar 1812 [1st ltr of this date]:
Reports having given 10 day leaves of
absence to Midshipmen [Octavius A.] Page and [William L.] Gordon, both to visit
Richmond. Intends to begin caulking the
ship.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Mar 1812 [2nd ltr of this date]:
Requests permission to come to Washington
to visit his uncle, Governor William Hull, whom he hasn't seen in years and who
will be in town.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 4 Mar 1812:
Reports the crew continues sickly. Lost one man "yesterday" and
another "this morning."
Midshipman [William] Laughton is "very ill" and cannot be
moved; Midshipman [A. H. M.] Conklin also ill.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 Mar 1812:
Reports having moved as many sick crewmen
to the sick quarters as can be accommodated; hopes to get the rest into the
town hospital. Discharged 40‑70
men "yesterday." With the loss
of additional men, whose time is about up, the ship will be too shorthanded to
go to sea. Suggests it would quickest to
overhaul the ship at Norfolk.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Mar 1812:
Reports that the men he lately discharged
"have principally gone to Newyork [sic] and Boston."
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Mar 1812:
Crew is mending well.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUION, 28 Mar 1812:
Anchored off Blanton's "this
morning" as the ship draws too much to cross the shoal. Awaits the lighters from Washington.
From
Captain Thomas Tingey, Washington Navy Yard, 20 Apr 1812:
Expects to have little heavy copper
sheathing in stock after completing CONSTITUTION. Currently has 14,352 lbs of 28, 30, and 32
ounce copper sheets on hand.
From
Captain William Bainbridge, Charlestown Navy Yard, 21 Apr 1812:
Requests that CARP Rodgers of CONSTITUTION
be ordered to duty at his Yard. [Rodgers
not assigned to CONSTITUTION.]
From
Captain Thomas Tingey, Washington Navy Yard, 25 Apr 1812:
Requires 120 bolts of #5 British canvas, 50
bolts of #6, and 50 bolts of Raven's duck for CONSTITUTION's sails.
From
Captain William Bainbridge, Charlestown Navy Yard, 21 May 1812:
"A
List of Articles taken from the Navy Store, belonging to the Chesapeake, for
the use of the U. S. Frigate Constitution, ‑‑ July 11th & 28
Septr 1810. ‑‑ April 16th & May 10th, 1811.
Roll 24 (June 1 ‑ August 31, 1812)
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Jun 1812:
"...this moment anchored
in...Annapolis... ...the upper deck guns
on board only two days... ...upwards of
forty sick on board."
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 20 Jul 1812:
Written off Nantucket, reporting chase and
intention to call at Boston for orders, then "cruising in the Bay"
until they are received. Letter sent
ashore by pilot boat.
Roll 25 (September 1 ‑ December 31, 1812)
From
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Sep 1812:
Reports the death of brother and requests
relief from command as speedily as possible.
Prisoners have been offloaded.
From
Captain William Bainbridge, Boston Navy Yard, 2 Sep 1812:
Asks for command of CONSTITUTION.
From
Captain William Bainbridge, Boston Navy Yard, 13 Sep 1812:
Survey report on CONSTITUTION: fore and
main masts shot through and ought properly to be replaced; rigging and sails
much cut up, but repairable; stern of ship "considerable shott," but
repairable.
Roll 26 (January 3 ‑ February 28, 1813)
From
Commodore William Bainbridge, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Feb 1813:
Anchored off Boston Navy Yard, being
stripped. New coppering needed, and deck
beams, decking, waterways, and some knees.
Roll 27 (March 1 ‑ April 15, 1813)
From
Commodore William Bainbridge, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 Mar 1813:
Surgeon Amos Evans transferred to Boston
Navy Yard and Acting Surgeon Benjamin Kissem sent on board the ship
temporarily.
From
Commodore William Bainbridge, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Mar 1813:
The gun deck has been ripped out; 2/3 of
beams require replacement. Difficult to
get southern pine for decking.
From
Commodore William Bainbridge, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Mar 1813:
Notes that Lieutenant John Contie [sic],
USMC, was aboard for both actions to date.
Roll 28 (April 16 ‑ May 31, 1813)
From
Commodore William Bainbridge, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 Apr 1813:
Reports sending 100 of the crew to serve on
the Lakes, as local recruitment for that service has failed completely. Most of the remaining crew have been
discharged as their enlistments have ended.
From
Commodore William Bainbridge, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Apr 1813:
This date transferred 50 more from
CONSTITUTION to Sackett's Harbor.
From
Commodore William Bainbridge, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 May 1813:
Beams for the gun deck still are wanted.
From
Commodore Isaac Chauncey, Sackett's Harbor, NY, 16 May 1813:
147 very fine seamen arrived from Commodore
Bainbridge prior to 11 May; 50 of these will be sent on to Perry on Lake Erie.
Roll 29 (June 1 ‑ July 15, 1813)
From
Commodore Isaac Chauncey, Sackett's Harbor, NY, 4 Jun 1813:
Bainbridge sent 150 of CONSTITUTION's crew
"otherwise could not have man'd our present fleet."
From
Commodore William Bainbridge, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 Jun 1813:
Captain Charles Stewart arrived this
date. The ship is ready to heave out for
recoppering.
From
Commodore William Bainbridge, Boston Navy Yard, 27 Jun 1813:
Purser [Robert] Pottinger transferred from
SIREN to CONSTITUTION.
From
Commodore Isaac Chauncey, Sackett's Harbor, NY, 1 Jul 1813:
Received this date another 94 men from
Boston.
Roll 30 (July 16 ‑ August 31, 1813)
From
Captain Thomas Tingey, Washington Navy Yard, 28 Aug 1813:
"I...enclose here with a statement of
the number of rounds of shot of the different qualities taken on board...of the
public ships which have been fitted out here.
The number of shot has been chiefly at the will of the captains... But in submitting my opinion, I beg to
recommend that for every long gun mounted on board our ships of war, the
complement of shot should be 100 to 120 rounds of round shot, 50 to 60 round [sic]
of grape shot and 20 to 25 rounds of cannister.
For every carronade, 80 to 90 rounds of round shot, 30 to 40 round [sic]
of grape, and 10 to 15 rounds of cannister...
"Each stand of grape has heretofore
generally, one iron stool and twelve round shot and this practice should be
continued for proper proportioned long gun the stool and shot constructed as to
weigh fully the denomination of the piece intended for. But for carronades I would recommend only eight
balls and the stools to be made of wood...
My reason is that in consequence of the light charge of powder...to a
carronade they heavy iron stool will be very much...the velocity of the shot
and...cause these to fall short of the distance intended and of there [sic]
effective force... The Constitution
fired from her carronades two round shot each discharge during the entire
battle with the Guerriere."
Roll 31 (September 1 ‑ October 15, 1813)
From
Captain Thomas Tingey, Washington Navy Yard, to an unknown addressee, date
obscured:
"The
following is established by the department.
1rst Sept. 1813. "For long guns 100 rounds of round shot
40 do.
grape do.
# 5
do. double head
No cannister
"For carronades 60
do. round shot
40 do.
grape do.
20 do.
cannister
"All
grape to be made with iron stools, containing twelve shot the whole to weigh
the weight of the round shot as near as may be.
"#
This did great execution against the Guerriere, the enemy complain much of
their effect. One doublehead shot cut
her foremast about one third off."
From
Commodore William Bainbridge, Boston Navy Yard, 15 Sep 1813:
The ship has been ready for sea "for
some time," but is 60 hands short.
From
Commodore William Bainbridge, Boston Navy Yard, 24 Sep 1813:
Acknowledges receipt of the ship's sailing
orders dated 18 Sep.
From Commodore William Bainbridge, Boston Navy
Yard, 25 Sep 1813:
The ship needs about 50 seamen; recruiting
very slow.
From
Commodore William Bainbridge, Boston Navy Yard, 7 Oct 1813:
Reports Sailing Master Hixon and Acting
Midshipman Stearns in the ship.
Roll 32 (October 16 ‑ November 30, 1813)
NOTHING
Roll 33 (December 1 ‑ 31, 1813)
From
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 Dec 1813:
"I have constructed a portable sheet
iron furnace for heating red hot shot of the following
dimentions [sic] which would answer as well for land service as sea service‑‑ Lenth [sic] 3 feet depth 3 feet width 18
inches, it heated 21 shot 24 lbs. in 22 minutes with a pine wood fire. The construction of the pipe is such as gives
it a great draught. from its dimentions
[sic] you can readily conceive it occupies little room, and is calculated to
set to the back part of our Galley where it interferes with nothing‑‑ My purpose is only to use it against the
enemys [sic] ships of such force as would render our safety precarious, (if we
cannot otherwise escape,) by bringing them under out stern battery and firing a
few red hot ball in their hull. They are
not very expensive and all our frigates haveing [sic] them, the use of which
might facilitate their escape from a superior force by the confusion they would
be thrown into, if not the destruction of an enemy that is not disposed to
contend with us on fair and equal terms."
From
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Dec 1813:
"Herewith you will receive a model of
the furnace for heating red hot shots.
The fronts [sic] of tin are to be made of thick sheat [sic]‑iron
riveted together as the dots represent, the grates of strong bar‑iron
which is represented by wood, the pan of tin goes under to received the ashes
and coals that fall. The construction of
the drauft [sic] pipe is the most important.
"This model is made on a scale of one
and a half inches to the foot and represents exactly the one made for the
Ship. The shot is placed on the upper
grate and the fire wood on the lower.
They are verry [sic] portable and would answer for Gunboats. The season has been so uncommonly mild that I
have not yet been able to make my escape from the force that is watching us,
but I hope a few day [sic] will bring a more easterly wind and enable us to do
so without much risque of meeting them.
On Sunday last the Raze [sic: razee] and Junon frigate was off Cape Ann,
and under Cape Cod a 74‑gun ship and two Frigates were at anchor, with
two or three Brigs of war cruizing betwene [sic] the capes."
Roll 34 (January 1 ‑ February 28, 1814)
NOTHING
Roll 35 (March 1 ‑ April 30, 1814)
From
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 4 Apr 1814:
"We closely pressed his Majesty's brig
of war Musquito [sic] off Surinam, where she escaped by running in the
mud... ...scorbutic symptoms began to
make their appearance..." He chose
to return to the US to repair/replace the mast so that, if blockaded, the crew
would be available for other service.
From
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 Apr 1814:
Notes that Midshipmen [John] Tayloe and
[Richard] Winter were on the previous cruise.
From
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 Apr 1814:
Reports the shift of the Ship from Salem to
Boston the previous day.
Roll 36 (May 2 ‑ 31, 1814)
From
Commodore William Bainbridge, Boston Navy Yard, 2 May 1814:
Reports the arrival of Oliver Hazard Perry
to chair Court of Inquiry ordered on Stewart by SecNav on 21 Apr. Will "convene tomorrow."
From
Commodore William Bainbridge, Boston Navy Yard, 9 May 1814:
Reports end of Court of Inquiry. Notes that CONSTITUTION almost was fired upon
by Marblehead fort while making her escape from the British frigates: only the
chance presence of a visitor who recognized her saved the day. Signals between sea and land forces are
strongly recommended.
From
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 May 1814:
Reports 30 men short, including a Gunner;
25 more are due for discharge in June.
Roll 37 (June 1 ‑ July 15, 1814)
From
Commodore William Bainbridge, Boston Navy Yard, 1 Jul 1814:
The ship needs 60‑70 men. Blockade is tight. Recruiting is nil due to the bounty being
offered for Lakes service and the lure of privateers.
Roll 38 (July 16 ‑ August 30, 1814)
From
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Aug 1814:
Forwards the flag captured in HMS PICTOU.
From
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Aug 1814:
"Will you do me the favour to order to
this ship three or four of those octagon swivel guns with the necessary
aparatus [sic]; the decided advantage they possess make me desirous to have
them on board."
Roll 39 (September 1 ‑ October 1, 1814)
From
Commodore William Bainbridge, Boston Navy Yard, 25 Sep 1814:
Recruiting is improving. The ship may be ready in 2‑3 weeks.
From
Commodore William Bainbridge, Boston Navy Yard, 26 Sep 1814:
Forwards following letter from Mr.
William Flagg, Salem, MA, 25 Sep 1814:
"The proprietors of the Private
armed schooner Fox, have an ordnance ship in this Port with sixty six 24 pound
Cannon on the Congreve principles, Thirty of which have ship carriages with
apparatus complete. Should the
Government want these for immediate service, I have no doubt but the
Proprietors would consent to an appraisement.
There is [sic] 3000 Round - & a quantity of Grape and Canister Shot
- quantity not yet known.."
From
Captain Isaac Hull, Portsmouth (NH) Navy Yard, 27 Sep. 1814:
Forwards a list of the ordanance
captured by the Portsmouth privateer Fox in Stranger. It is the entire armament for 2 frigates then
building at Kingston, Jamaica. As the
only heavy guns now in the area are those due to be returned to Congress,
requests authority to purchase them.
Roll 40 (October 1 ‑ November 16, 1814)
From
Captain Isaac Hull, Portsmouth (NH) Navy Yard, 1 Oct 1814:
Reports that the owners of privateer Fox
have offered ths guns captured by her to the Government. So confident is he that they will be
purchased, he has ordered "a complete set for the upper deck" of Washington. The guns will be considered
"borrowed" until the Secretary confirms purchase. Washington will be launched at noon
this date.
From
Commodore William Bainbridge, Boston Navy Yard, 3 Oct 1814:
Reports his inspection of the cargo of
the prize Stranger. Recommends
purchase of the 24 pdr Congreve cannon, shot, and associated implements, but
not the carriages "which are not worth purchasing." The canon are 7'5" long, with
"large breeches and trunnions located farther aft than is customary,"
and weighing an average 40 cwt 3 qtrs.
They were cast at Carron. Also
recommends purchase of the swords, gunlocks, rope rammer/sponges, and blankets
found in the prize.
From
Commodore William Bainbridge, Boston Navy Yard, 11 Oct 1814:
"By letter this day received from Mr.
Chambers of Philadelphia, he informed me that there are at that place, about 20
repeating swivels unappropriated‑‑
Pray, sir, will you be pleased to order ten of them to this place for
the Independence and Constitution."
From
Commodore William Bainbridge, Boston Navy Yard, 20 Oct 1814:
CONSTITUTION has a greater shortage of
ordinary seamen than she has excess of able bodied seamen. Her crew as of 16 Oct:
Total: 440
From
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 Oct 1814:
References made to Midshipman [Z. W.]
Nixon, [Lott L.] Payne [dismissed for misconduct], [William] Steele, Curtis,
and [Charles P.] Derby; as well as Lieutenants John Tayloe and Richard M. Hunter,
and Surgeon John A. Kearney.
From
Commodore William Bainbridge, Boston Navy Yard, 25 Oct 1814:
The ship's batteries are 22 32‑pounder
carronades; 30 24‑pounder long guns.
"...house is built over spar deck..
...most of her...spars unfit for service..."
From
Commodore William Bainbridge, Boston Navy Yard, 4 Nov 1814:
Reports 20 men have deserted in recent days
from the Yard and INDEPENDENCE.
Midshipman [Henry] Ward, one of the officers sent looking for them,
found John Baptiste on the privateer LEO of Boston. The Captain of LEO, John H. Hewes, knew the
man was a deserter but refused to give him up.
Captain Stewart ordered to send armed boats to LEO and take the man by
force, if necessary. When one boat went
alongside LEO and identified itself, the privateer's Second Lieutenant, John D.
Carnes, refused to allow any boarding.
CONSTITUTION's men tried, but were repulsed with several "severely
wounded." After a parley,
Lieutenant Henry E. Ballard was allowed on board, where he was abused verbally
by Hewes and his First Lieutenant, George D. Mack, before they finally
delivered up Baptiste. [Bainbridge
sought a court martial on the privateer officers, but it turned out that they
did not receive the ship's letter of marque until the day after the
incident, and so were not liable to the Articles of War. Baptiste was court martialled.]
Roll 41 (November 16 ‑ December 31, 1814)
From
Commodore William Bainbridge, Boston Navy Yard, 11 Dec 1814:
Reports that the ship's orders, dated 30
Nov, arrived on 8 Dec. A shortage of
funds is delaying the purchase of supplies.
From
Commodore William Bainbridge, Boston Navy Yard, 17 Dec 1814:
The ship sailed this date.
Roll 42 (January 1 ‑ February 27, 1815)
NOTHING
Roll 43 (March 1 ‑ 31, 1815)
NOTHING
Roll 44 (April 1 ‑ May 31, 1815)
From
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 May 1815:
Reports arrival in New York this date.
From
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, [?] May 1815:
Reporting events, notes that Madeira bore
WSW 60 leagues when he engaged CYANE and LEVANT, and that the Porto Praya chase
occurred on a Sunday.
[Enclosure]
"Commences with light breezes from the Ed and cloudy weather‑ At 1 discovered a sail two points on the larboard bow‑ hauled up and made sail in chace [sic]‑ at 1/4 past 1 made the sail to be a ship‑ at 3/4 past 1 discovered another sail ahead‑ made them out a [sic] 2 to be both ships, standing close hauled, with their starboard tacks aboard. At 4 p.m. the weathermost ship made signals and bore up for her consort, then about ten miles to leeward‑ [we] bore up after her, and set, lower, topmast, topgallant, and royal studding sails in chace‑ at 1/2 past 4 carried away our main royal mast‑ took in the sails and got another prepared. At 5 p.m. commenced firing on the chace from our two larboard bow guns‑ our shot falling short, ceased firing‑ At 1/2 past 5, finding it impossible to prevent their junction, cleared ship for action, then about 4 miles from the 2 ships‑ at 10 minutes after 5, they passed within hail of each other, and hauled by the wind on the starboard tack, hauled up their courses and prepared to receive us‑ at 45 past 5, they made all sail close hauled by the wind, in hopes of getting to windward of us‑ at 55 minutes past 5, finding themselves disappointed in their object, and we were closing with them fast, they shortened sail and formed on a line of wind about half a cables length from each other. At 6 pm having them under command of our battery, hoisted our colours [sic], which were answered [by] both ships hoisting English Ensigns. At 5 minutes past 6 ranged up on the starboard side of the sternmost ship, about 300 yards distant and commenced the action by broadsides, both ships returning our fire with great spirit for about 15 minutes,‑ then the fire of the enemy beginning to slacken and the great column of smoake [sic] collected under our lee induced us to cease fire to ascertain their positions and conditions.‑ in about 3 minutes, the smoke cleared away, we found our selves abreast of the headmost ship, the sternmost ship luffing up for our larboard quarter‑ we poured a brodside [sic] into the headmost ship, and then braced aback our Main and Mizen Topsails, and backed astern under cover of the smoake, abreast the sternmost ship, when the action was continued with great [crossed out in the original] spirit and considerable effect, until 35 minutes past 6 when the enemy's fire again slackened and we discovered the headmost ship bearing up.‑ furlled our topsails ‑ shot ahead, and gave her two stern rakes we then discovered the sternmost ship wearing also wore ship immediately after her, and gave her a stern rake, she luffing too [sic] on our starboard bows, and giving us her larboard broadside we ranged up on her larboard quarter within hail, and was about to give her our starboard broadside when she struck her colours, fired a lee gun, and yielded./[sic] At 50 minutes past 6, took possession of H.M. Ship Cyane, captain Gordon Falcon, mounting 34 guns./ At 8 pm filled away after her consort which was still in sight to leeward at 1/2 past 8 found her standing towards us, with her starboard tacks close hauled, with top gallant sail set, and colours flying at 50 minutes past 8 ranged close along to windward of her, on opposite tacks, and exchanged broadsides wore immediately under stern and raked her with a broadside, she then crowded all sail, and endeavoured escape by running hauled on board our tacks, set spanker [and] flying jib in chace at 1/2 past 9 commenced firing on her from our starboard bow chaser gave her several shot, which cut spars and rigging considerably‑ at 10 pm finding they could not escape, fired a gun, struck her colours, and yielded We immediately took possession of H.M. Ship Levant, Honorable captain George Douglas, mounting 21 guns 1 am the damages of our rigging was repaired, sails shifted and the ship in fighting condition.
From
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 May 1815:
Will sail for Boston on first fair wind.
From
Captain Samuel Evans, New York Navy Yard, 24 May 1815:
CONSTITUTION sailed this morning.
Roll 45 (June 1 ‑ August 31, 1815)
From
Lieutenant William B. Shubrick to Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 1
Jun 1815:
Indicates the ship has been in Boston at
least since preceding day.
From
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Jun 1815:
In Boston.
Mentions Midshipman Alexander W. Lufborough.
From
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Jun 1815:
Requests to be relieved of command to
attend to family matters.
Roll 46 (September 1 ‑ October 30, 1815)
From
Surgeon John A. Kearney to Lieutenant William B. Shubrick, both USS
CONSTITUTION, 2 Sep 1815:
Mentions Midshipman Arthur Latimer. Shubrick is termed "commanding
officer."
From
Captain Isaac Hull, Boston Navy Yard, 8 Sep 1815:
Mentions Midshipman Delaney in ship.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, Boston Navy Yard, 19 Sep 1815:
Reports that Lieutenant Shubrick of the
ship wishes 3 months leave.
Roll 47 (November 2 ‑ December 29, 1815)
From Captain Isaac Hull, Boston Navy Yard, 13
Dec 1815:
Mentions Midshipman Alexander Eskridge in
ship.
Roll 48 (January 1 ‑ February 28, 1816)
From
Captain Isaac Hull, Charlestown Navy Yard, 3 Jan 1816:
Forwards a list of officers and men
still assigned to CONSTITUTION (not included) and reports he has sent the
officers' names to Commodore Bainbridge to employ them as he will.
Roll 49 (March 1 ‑ July 1, 1816)
From
Captain Charles Stewart, Philadelphia, PA, to the Secretary of the Treasury, 13
May 1816:
Understanding that the Congress has
voted money to CONSTITUTION's crew for the capture of HMS LEVANT, inquires as
to whether or not he should apply for the money to the Treasury Secretary, and
if so, requests the money be paid in Treasury notes at Philadelphia so that he
can set distribution to the crew in motion.
Roll 50 (July 1 ‑ September 29, 1816)
NOTHING
Roll 51 (October 1 ‑ December 31, 1816)
From
Captain William Bainbridge, Boston, MA, 16 Oct 1816:
"...In the action with the Java,
two of the Carronades on board the Constitution were in the early part of the
action struck with violence by the enemy's round shot, so much so as to make
considerable indentation in the guns, yet these carronades continued the
remainder of the action in a active & servicable [sic] fire, and are to
this day safe pieces of ordnance...
"P.S. ...On board the Frigate
Constitution under the command of the gallant Preble a heavy 24‑pounder
was struck by a 32 pound shot from the Battery at Tripoli, so forcibly as to
make a considerable indentation yet the piece remained Servicable throughout
that noble attack, and was repeatedly tried in the various attacks of that
valuable Officer against the Batteries of Tripoli."
Roll 52 (January 1 ‑ March 29, 1817)
NOTHING
Roll 53 (April 4 ‑ May 31, 1817)
NOTHING
Roll 54
(June 2 ‑ August 31, 1817)
NOTHING
Roll 55
(September 2 ‑ October 30, 1817)
NOTHING
Roll 56
(November 1 ‑ December 30, 1817)
From
Captain William Bainbridge, Boston, MA, 4 Nov 1817:
Forwards correspondence with Navy
Agent George Harrison concerning his medal and requests that a new die of the
reverse side be made.
[Enclosures]
From
Bainbridge, 28 Oct 1817:
"...my medal...appears to be well
executed, but has one very material fault, and which I trust you will think is
absolutely necessary to be altered. I
remember Java's Flag to be Struck. The Flag at present on the die shows that the
ship has not surrendered. I know that
you took too much interest in the capture of the Java to alter the flag to be
kept flying, after so many hard knocks which old Ironsides
gave her."
From
Harrison, 31 Oct 1817:
Reports that the die cannot be altered
but will have to be remade and requests an order to do so.
[End
of Enclosures]
From
Captain William Bainbridge, Boston, MA, 15 Dec 1817:
Forwards a new sketch of the JAVA
action and again requests a new reverse die.
Roll 57 (January 1 ‑ March 31, 1818)
NOTHING
Roll 58 (April 1 ‑ June 30, 1818)
NOTHING
Roll
59 (July 1 ‑ August 31, 1818)
NOTHING
Roll 60 (September 2 ‑ December 31, 1818)
From
Captain William Bainbridge, Boston, MA, 12 Oct 1818:
Notes that Lieutenant William [V.]
Taylor is attached to CONSTITUTION in ordinary and requests his transfer to
INDEPENDENCE.
From
Commodore William Bainbridge, Boston, MA, 15 Dec 1818:
Lieutenant William Taylor now attached
to INDEPENDENCE.
Roll 61 (January 1 ‑ March 31, 1819)
From
Captain Isaac Hull, Boston Navy Yard, 25 Feb 1819:
Submits a report on the condition of
ships in ordinary at his yard as of 1 Nov 1818.
"Constitution‑‑44,
‑‑Hull‑‑Will require a thorough repair before she can
be sent to sea.
Rigging‑‑All
required to be new, a part having been
taken for
heaving down the
Macedonian & found bad – The
remainder Do. Standing and
Running having remained
a long time in store could not be trusted
Masts‑‑
Masts apparently good except the foremast which can
& be repaired. As her masts & bowsprit
however have been
Spars a long time in her & exposed to the
weather, it is believed
some of them would be found unfit for Service. Yards &
other spars mostly unfit for service ‑ some sprung &
others very old
& rotten.‑‑
Cables All required to be new.
Water Casks‑
A full set required.
Stores ‑
Nearly all required, having landed but few, a part of
which have been taken for other ships, and part on hand
in bad condition."
Roll 62 (April 2 ‑ May 30, 1819)
NOTHING
Roll 63 (June 1 ‑ July 29, 1819)
NOTHING
Roll 64 (August 7 ‑ October 31, 1819)
NOTHING
Roll 65 (November 3 ‑ December 31, 1819)
NOTHING
Roll 66 (January 1 ‑ March 31, 1820)
NOTHING
Roll 67 (April 2 ‑ June 30, 1820)
NOTHING
Roll 68 (July 1 ‑ September 30, 1820)
NOTHING
Roll 69 (October 2 ‑ December 28, 1820)
From
Captain Isaac Hull, Boston Navy Yard, 9 Oct 1820:
CONSTITUTION is "undergoing
repair."
From
Captain Isaac Hull, Boston Navy Yard, 7 Nov 1820:
Reports having received orders to fit
CONSTITUTION for sea. Notes that
Lieutenants Storer, Geisinger, and Jarvis have been ordered to her.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, Boston Navy Yard, 10 Nov 1820:
Reports he has ordered Lieutenant
William Berry aboard CONSTITUTION.
From
Captain Isaac Hull, Boston Navy Yard, 13 Nov 1820:
Reports he has ordered Purser Thomas
Breese aboard CONSTITUTION.
From
Captain John Shaw, USS INDEPENDENCE, 24 Nov 1820:
Has been absent and asks about the
order to move 30 of his main deck guns to CONSTITUTION.
Roll 70
(January 1 –
March 31, 1820)
From
Captain Jacob Jones, Head of Sassafras, MD, 30 Jan 1821:
Accepts orders to command CONSTITUTION
in the Mediterranean. Requests
permission to remain on his farm until the crew begins arriving.
From
Captain John Shaw, USS INDEPENDENCE, 31 Jan 1821:
A rendezvous for CONSTITUTION will be
opened immediately.
From
Captain John Shaw, USS INDEPENDENCE, 7 Feb 1821:
A rendezvous for CONSTITUTION has been
opened. Is the enlistment to be for two
or three years? Will a three‑ year
enlistee receive higher pay?
From
Captain Jacob Jones, Head of Sassafras, MD, 9 Feb 1821:
Acknowledges receipt of permission to
remain on farm. As that "Lieutenant
Gallagher" be ordered to the ship if possible as he would like to have
aboard "a seaman of experience & activity." [Not done.]
From
Captain John Shaw, USS INDEPENDENCE, 15 Feb 1821:
Eighty‑eight seamen, ordinary
seamen, and boys have enlisted for CONSTITUTION to date.
From
Captain Jacob Jones, Georgetown Crossroads, MD, 27 Feb 1821:
Request his son, Midshipman Richard A.
Jones, be ordered to CONSTITUTION.
[Done.]
From
Captain Jacob Jones, Georgetown Crossroads, MD, 9 Mar 1821:
Has no objection to "Mr.
Parker" as First Lieutenant in CONSTITUTION.
From
Captain Jacob Jones, Georgetown Crossroads, MD, 19 Mar 1821:
Has no objection to having Master
Commandant [Benjamin W.] Booth in CONSTITUTION, and requests Midshipman Samuel
F. Dupont because of his "perfect knowledge of the french [sic]
language." [Done.]
From
Captain Isaac Hull, Boston Navy Yard, 20 Mar 1821:
CONSTITUTION is in such a state of
forwardness as to require her officers present to take charge.
From
Captain Jacob Jones, Georgetown Crossroads, MD, 24 Mar 1821:
Has received his orders dated 19 Mar,
and will leave for Boston on the 27th.
Roll 71 (April 3 ‑ June 15, 1821)
From
Captain Jacob Jones, Boston, MA, 6 Apr 1821:
Reports arrived in Boston on 4
Apr. The ship will be ready to sail in
two weeks if all goes well.
From
Captain Samuel Angus, New York, NY, 7 Apr 1821:
Reports having shipped 28 seamen and
ordinary seamen for CONSTITUTION.
From
Captain Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Apr 1821:
CONSTITUTION now anchored in the
stream. When the New York draft arrives,
should have a crew of 415‑420.
Forty‑seven now on sick list and still no Surgeon.
From
Captain Samuel Evans, New York, NY, 23 Apr 1821:
Boatswain [Thomas] Smith of WASHINGTON
has been sent to CONSTITUTION.
From
Captain Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 Apr 1821:
Supplies and personnel have not
arrived as hoped; should be ready to sail in another 10 days. Joseph Hill and John Lyncoln [sic], who
enlisted for this ship, are said to be deserters from LYNX. As they have been pardoned, will take them
with me if they wish to go. [They
didn't.] Tested the paddling machine
yesterday, but didn't do so fully as it broke.
From
Captain Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Apr 1821:
Gunner William Johnson died last
night.
From
Captain Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 May 1821:
Departed Boston this morning.
From
Commodore Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 Jun 1821:
Arrived Gibraltar on 3 June. Expects to make port calls around the western
Mediterranean basin (and Tripoli) in the next 10‑12 weeks.
Roll 72 (June 18 ‑ July 31, 1821)
From
Commodore Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Jul 1821:
Writing from Leghorn, reports all is
peaceful in the region. There is news
that the Greek revolutionaries have had some success. Intends to sail for Port Mahon on the 29th
for supplies from the US.
Roll 73 (August 1 ‑ September 30, 1821)
From
Commodore Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 Aug 1821:
Writing from Gibraltar. Arrived on 16th. Four Midshipmen are being returned to the US:
[Thomas H.] Saul and [John] Buchanan, who intend to resign, and [Lucius C.]
Heylin and [James] Bradford for health reasons.
Roll 74 (October 1 ‑ December 28, 1821)
From
Commodore Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 7 Oct 1821:
Writing from Port Mahon. All is quiet.
Intends to sail "tomorrow" to touch ports in France, Italy, and
the Barbary shore before returning to Gibraltar in Dec. Captain [Master Commandant Benjamin W.] Booth
has been permitted to return to the US due to health reasons. First Lieutenant [Foxall A.] Parker has been
designated as "lieutenant commandant."
From
Commodore Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 26 Nov 1821:
At Gibraltar. All is quiet.
Intends to go to Port Mahon in about a week.
Roll 75 (January 2 ‑ May 30, 1822)
From
Commodore Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 7 Feb 1822:
At Port Mahon.
All
is quiet politically. Reports Midshipman
[Thomas B.] Worthington was killed by Midshipman [Samuel] Galiard [sic:
Gaillard] on 4 Feb. The cause was some
sort of horse play in steerage, and also involved Midshipmen [John D.] Bird,
[James] Bradford, [John S.] Paine, and [Wilson C.] Purviance. Jones admits being aware of squabbling among
his midshipmen, but had not realized how far things had deteriorated. Intends sailing for Gibraltar about 15 Mar.
From
Commodore Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 Mar 1822:
Arrived
at Gibraltar on the 17th after a 6‑day passage. All is quiet.
Neither the Turks nor the Greeks are reported to be impeding neutral
shipping. Intends leaving later in the
month for Leghorn and then Tunis, and then will make a run to Smyrna to see the
area for himself.
From
Commodore Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 11 Apr 1822:
At Gibraltar. No news.
Plans remain unchanged.
Roll 76 (June 3 ‑ September 28, 1822)
From
Commodore Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Jun 1822:
Arrived at Messina, Sicily, 2 days
since. No news. Intends to sail on the 10th for Smyrna. Has given permission to Midshipmen [Samuel
F.] Dupont and [Archibald R.] Bogardus to return to the US for their
lieutenant's exam. Believes that Dupont
"will be one of our most distinguished officers."
From
Commodore Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 Jun 1822:
All is tranquil at Smyrna.
"There was a final massacre of
the Greeks of Scio on thursday [sic] last, about 4, or 5 thousand, in
consequence of the Greek fleet having sent a fire ship among that of the Turks,
& succeeded in blowing up one of their new 74s with the Captain Pasha &
1500 men."
Intends to sail among the islands
beginning "tomorrow" to gather intelligence.
From
Commodore Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Aug 1822:
From Gibraltar, having arrived that
morning. Had left Smyrna on 25 Jun and
called at Ipsara and Idira Islands. The
Greeks currently are everywhere victorious, and have taken Athens.
From
Commodore Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 4 Aug 1822:
Concerned with an alleged debt of
$5000 from previous command which, he states, was the Purser's and, he thought,
settled.
Roll 77 (October 3 ‑ December 3, 1822)
From
Commodore Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Oct 1822:
Arrived at Leghorn on the 9th. No news.
Expects to leave about the 18th and take Consul Stith back to his post
at Tunis following surgery to remove an eye.
From Commodore Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION,
23 Nov 1822:
Sailed from Leghorn on 25 Oct, and
sent ONTARIO to Tunis. Left Port Mahon
on 12 Nov with NONSUCH and on the 13th sent her to Algiers to land Consul
Shaler and return to Mahon. No news.
Roll 78 (January 7 ‑ June 30, 1822)
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, Middletown, CT, 22 Jan 1822:
Reports his health is "much
better" and requests orders to CONSTITUTION upon her expected return from
the Mediterranean. Considers himself
"too young" to remain long inactive ashore. [Done in 1824.]
Roll 79 (July 1 ‑ December 30, 1822)
From
Commodore Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Dec 1822:
Arrived at Port Mahon on 20 Dec. All is quiet.
Roll 80 (January 1 ‑ March 31, 1823)
From
Commodore Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 6 Feb 1823:
At Port Mahon.
Roll 81 (April 1 ‑ May 26, 1823)
From
Commodore Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Apr 1823:
Arrived at Gibraltar on 20 Apr.
Roll 82 (May 26 ‑ July 10, 1823)
NOTHING
Roll 83 (July 10 ‑September 2, 1823)
From
Commodore Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 11 Jul 1823:
Arrived at Leghorn on 4 July, having
called at Algiers, Tunis, Malta, and Syracuse since leaving Gibraltar. All's well.
Intends going next to Port Mahon and then back to Gibraltar.
From
Commodore Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Aug 1823:
Sailed from Port Mahon on 5 Aug and
arrived at Gibraltar on the 10th with ONTARIO.
Relations peaceful. The Franco‑Spanish
War seems stalemated, with the Spanish keeping a firm hold on all fortified
cities and the French roaming the open country.
Roll 84 (September 2 ‑ November 8, 1823)
NOTHING
Roll 85 (November 8 ‑ December 31, 1823)
From
Commodore Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Nov 1823:
Arrived at Gibraltar on 16 Nov, having
landed Minister Nelson at Cadiz. He
reports that Surgeon Heap will act in the place of Mr. Stith, who died on 2
Nov, as US Consul at Tunis. Intends remaining
at Gibraltar until relieved.
From
Commodore Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 7 Dec 1823:
At Gibraltar. All's quiet.
Concerned about riding out winter gales at Gibraltar with anchor cables
that are not bad enough to survey, but clearly nearing the end of their
usefulness.
Roll 86 (January 2 ‑ April 14, 1824)
From
Commodore Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Jan 1824:
Awaiting his relief in CYANE. Peaceful relations continue with all nations.
From
Commodore Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Feb 1824:
Awaiting CYANE. The British Consul has been ordered out of
Algiers by his government; there may be war between Britain and Algiers.
From
Commodore Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Mar 1824:
Awaiting CYANE; concerned because crew
is beginning to "express dissatisfaction" over the prospect of
remaining in service beyond their enlistments.
With enlistments now for three years, he fears that delays will result
in his returning home with "the greater number of them in
Irons." Britain is rumored to have
declared war on Algiers.
From
Captain Melancthon T. Woolsey, Sackett's Harbor, NY, [?] Mar 1824:
In a statement of service, notes that
he served as Second Lieutenant in CONSTITUTION from his transfer from ESSEX in
May 1806 until CONSTITUTION returned to the US in 1807.
Roll 87 (April 14 ‑ June 9, 1824)
From Captain John O. Creighton, USS CYANE, 22
Apr 1824:
"The departure of the
Constitution after my arrival was so immediate, that it was out of my power to
write to you, and I therefore requested Commodore Jones to make my
excuse..." Britain has blockaded
Algiers.
From
Captain Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 20 May 1824:
From off Sandy Hook, reports a passage
of 39 days from Gibraltar. CYANE had
arrived on 9 apr and he sailed on 10 Apr.
Since most of the crew's time has expired, expects orders to discharge
them. Requests permission to visit his
family soonest.
From
Captain Samuel Evans, New York Navy Yard, 21 May 1824:
CONSTITUTION arrived last
evening. "In attempting to bring
her too off the Yard she parted both her bower cables and drifted upon a shole
[sic] near the Ship Yard on Manhattan Island where she lay until about eleven
oclock last night when she was got off without any apparent injury‑‑ She got on the Shoal on the top or nearly at
the top of high water, and as the tide ebbed rapidly she could not be got off
until about half flood, but as she did not I believe use more than a foot, was
from the Stern post and remained nearly upon an even keel, I do not believe she
received injury."
From
Captain Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 May 1824:
Arrived "yesterday, but upon
anchoring opposite the yard,...we parted two cables and drifted on a gravel
bank where we lay one ebb, the ship upright and waterborne, touching touching
only about fifteen feet a stern [sic], where she shewed [sic] but one
foot. We laid out two anchors and hove
taught [sic] the cables, and commenced lightening her, with the intention of
heaving off at high water, but at half flood, we having got out but a part of
the shot and one gun, she floated off, without heaving, and I am confident
without injury to her, as nothing of her touched ground but about fifteen feet
of her keel; I have requested Capt. Evans to prepare a place for our hauling in
to the Yard, which he about to do..."
From
Captain Samuel Evans, New York Navy Yard, 22 May 1824:
"...Constitution has hauled into
the Yard..."
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, Middletown, CT, 22 May 1824:
Repeats
his interest in gaining command of CONSTITUTION.
From
Captain Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 May 1824:
Ship is in Yard. Believes he can leave her in the care of
Lieutenants [Foxhall A.] Parker, [Samuel L.] Breeze, and [Joseph R.] Jarvis
while he visits his family. Has already
sent on shore leave Lieutenants [George W.] Storer, [David] Geisinger, [John
H.] Aulick, and [William] Boerum. Purser
[Thomas] Breese is involved in paying off crew.
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, Middletown, CT, 28 May 1824:
Acknowledges receipt of order to be
ready for active service.
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, Middletown, CT, 1 Jun 1824:
Asks that Purser W. Halsey be assigned
to his ship.
From
Master Commandant George W. Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, to Captain Charles G.
Ridgely, New York Navy Yard, 2 Jun 1824:
Notifies him that Captain Samuel
Evans, Commandant, New York Navy Yard, died of a burst blood vessel experienced
while boarding CONSTITUTION at about noon this date.
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, Middletown, CT, 4 Jun 1824:
Acknowledges orders to CONSTITUTION. Request that Lieutenant Elie A. F. Vallette
and Sailing Master Philip S. Meyer be assigned to the ship.
From
Captain Charles G. Ridgely, New York Navy Yard, 5 Jun 1824:
Reports that Midshipman Edward S.
Lewis would like orders to CONSTITUTION.
[So ordered.]
Roll 88 (June 9 ‑ October 12, 1824)
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, New York, NY, 11 Jun 1824:
Requests [Gunner] John Fair be
assigned CONSTITUTION.
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, New York, NY, 11 Jun 1824 [2nd ltr]:
Repeats request for Gunner Fair and
adds Passed Midshipman Benjamin Tallmadge, Jr., to be Acting Master.
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, New York, NY, 12 Jun 1824:
Says he has received many requests for
assignment to CONSTITUTION. Since he
knows of no officers ordered to the ship he submits a list of those he would
prefer:
Elie A. Vallette - Lieutenant William Laughton - Lieutnant Benjamin Page, Jnr.- Lieutenant Thomas W. Wyman- Lieutenant Josiah Tattnall - Lieutenant Charles T. Platt - Lieutenant
Leonard Osborne ‑ Surgeon
James M. Halsey - Purser
Benjamin Tallmadge - Acting Master
James H. Ward - Midshipman Richard H. Morris - Midshipman
John Fair ‑ Gunner
[Vallette,
Page, Wyman, Tattnall, Tallmadge, Ward, and Morris received orders to the
ship.]
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, New York, NY, 16 Jun 1824:
Forwards requests for orders to
CONSTITUTION from Midshipmen Miller and Lewis.
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, New York, NY, 17 Jun 1824:
Requests, since Dr. Osborne has been
ordered to ONTARIO, that Dr. Andrew B. Cook be ordered to CONSTITUTION. Says he has little confidence in the
abilities of Dr. Thorn.
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, New York, NY, 22 Jun 1824:
Acknowledges receipt of a letter
concerning Chaplain Cook.
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, New York, NY, 23 Jun 1824:
Forwards a request from Midshipman
Ellison in CONSTITUTION to be transferred to the New York Station in order to
recover his health and attend school in WASHINGTON. He agrees.
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, 26 Jun 1824:
Reports that Lieutenant Page has
received an injury which has led him to request to remain ashore. He agrees and asks for Lieutenant Joseph
Cross in his place. [So ordered.]
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, New York, NY, 28 Jun 1824:
Says that if Midshipman Tallmadge is
unavailable, he would be happy with Sailing Master Doxey "or any other
capable, steady man." Reminds the
Department that he still has no doctor assigned and that Dr. Cook is his
candidate.
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, New York, NY, [?] Jun 1824:
Forwards request from Midshipman
Magruder to join CONSTITUTION. [No.]
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, New York, NY, 2 Jul 1824:
Forwards request from Midshipman
Morris to join CONSTITUTION. [Yes.]
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, New York, NY, 9 Jul 1824:
Forwards requests from Midshipmen
[John W.] Mooers and McMullin to join CONSTITUTION. [Mooers yes.]
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, Middletown, CT, 15 Jul 1824:
Reports he left CONSTITUTION a week
ago to visit his family and, perhaps, improve his health. Unless otherwise directed, intends to remain
at home for another "five or six" days.
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, New York, NY, 2 Aug 1824:
Requests cancellation of his request
for Lieutenant Joseph Cross because he understands that since the days they
sailed together he has become "very intemperate."
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, New York, NY, 14 Aug 1824:
Requests that Midshipman Van Dyke be
ordered to CONSTITUTION. [No.]
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, New York, NY, 31 Aug 1824:
Reports that CONSTITUTION still lacks
a Surgeon and a Gunner.
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, New York, NY, 21 Sep 1824:
Requests permission to take his 4‑5
year‑old son on voyage as a passenger.
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, New York, NY, 22 Sep 1824:
Reports that Midshipman Charles E.
Hawkins very much wants to go in CONSTITUTION, and has gotten Midshipman
Barnhouse to agree to be replaced.
Barnhouse, however, is under suspension.
Referred for decision. [No.]
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, New York, NY, 28 Sep 1824:
Dr. Samuel G. Howe has requested
passage to Greece in CONSTITUTION.
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 Sep 1824:
As requested, forwards a list of the
ship's officers, noting that Surgeon Turk has not yet reported and that no
Gunner, Boatswain, or Sailmaker has yet been assigned. Recommends John Ball as Boatswain and says
there is a good sailmaker's mate in the ship who might be warranted.
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Oct 1824:
Having learned the Secretary is at
Trenton, repeats his submission of officers aboard, noting this time that a
Chaplain and a Surgeon's Mate also are wanted.
He suggests a "Mr. Wells of Hartford" as Chaplain, John Lord
as Gunner, John Ball as Acting Boatswain.
Expects to take powder aboard "Monday next."
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Oct 1824 [2nd ltr]:
Readdresses and forwards a letter from
the ship's midshipmen requesting an advance of four months' pay with which to
prepare for the forthcoming deployment.
[annotated: forbidden by law.]
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 7 Oct 1824:
Neither Surgeon Turk nor Surgeon's
Mate Williamson has yet reported; only Surgeon's Mate Waters Smith is present.
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Oct 1824:
Surgeon Turk reported this date.
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 11 Oct 1824:
Mr. Coxe, our Consul in Tunis, came
aboard today with his family and effects, ready to sail. The powder first tested failed proof; now
expects to load satisfactory powder beginning "tomorrow." Slop clothing is expected to be ready for
loading in "two or three days."
That done, will only be short Chaplain, Gunner, and Surgeon's Mate to be
ready for sea. Doctor Turk's health is
delicate. Dr. Williamson is not wanted
as he is understood to be intemperate.
Roll 89 (October 12 ‑ December 31, 1824)
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Oct 1824:
Has completed loading powder except
for a few barrels being made into cylinders which will be loaded "the day
after tomorrow (Monday)." Still
needs a Chaplain, Gunner, and Surgeon's Mate.
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 Oct 1824:
Has received orders for Gunner John
Lord and has appointed John Ball Acting Boatswain.
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 20 Oct 1824:
Mentions [Purser] Timberlake and
[Midshipman] Barnhouse.
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Oct 1824:
Requests disposition of deserter
Marine Private James Scott, who has been returned by authorities in
Philadelphia, where he had turned himself in.
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Oct 1824 [2nd ltr]:
Reports he has had a further
conversation with Purser Timberlake and Midshipman Barnhouse regarding their
differences and believes things have been resolved. Barnhouse recognizes he acted improperly and,
hopefully, has learned a lesson. Is he
to be returned to duty?
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 Oct 1824:
Discusses his decision to deny Master
at Arms James Sterett's request to have his wife accompany them to the
Mediterranean, something already denied to a number of others. "Women are frequently serviceable with
the sick, but I have seldom known them to be on board, without producing
difficulty among the men, and being otherwise troublesome."
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 Oct 1824 [2nd ltr]:
Chaplain McCarty joined this date.
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Oct 1824:
Acknowledges receipt of sailing orders
dated 16 Oct. Will sail as soon as
"Dr. Burch" and "Lieut Armstrong" join. Sailmaker Burchstead has reported himself by
mail from Boston. Will not delay
ship for him.
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Oct 1824 [2nd ltr]:
Forwards a petition from the ship's
Marine Guard seeking his restoration to duty with all pledging themselves to
his future good conduct. Signed by: J.
W. Swords, George Hackett, Nicks Hurley, Petre [sic] Pope, Benjamin Norcross,
Benjamin Johnson, Brooks Beard, James F. Curran, Jno M. Keenan, Andrew
Scarling, William Sawer [sic], P. Quinn, John Miller, Nicholes [sic] Lee,
William Scott, William Shirkey, William Speed, William Dever, William Dudley
Walsh, James Foster, John Nash, Jonas Abbott, Charles McCracken, Jas Wall,
David Lochart [sic], Hugh Clifford, Isaac V. Shoemaker, William Fleming, [?]
Laws, Wm Browne, Primrose McPherson, John Scofield, Roderick McLane, and James
P. Walsh.
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Oct 1824:
All officers have now reported except
the Sailmaker and Midshipman Charles E. Hawkins, who is known to be in New
York. Lieutenant Newcomb has come aboard
as a passenger, enroute to take command of NONSUCH.
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Oct 1824 [2nd ltr]:
Lieutenant William M. Armstrong and
Surgeon's Mate DeWitt Birch reported today.
Will sail soonest.
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Nov 1824:
Arrived at Gibraltar on 24 Nov. Once filled with water, will sail for
Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli. Our
relations are everywhere peaceful.
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 26 Nov 1824:
Reports no deaths, desertions, or
discharges this month.
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 Nov 1824:
Has given Acting Midshipman Skipwith
permission to return to the US to resign.
Roll 90 (January 1 ‑ February 18, 1825)
From
Commodore Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Jan 1825:
Came into Syracuse on 22 Dec because
of a defective mainmast. Had arrived at
Tunis on 24 Dec [sic] to offload Consul Coxe and family after trying
unsuccessfully for three days (due to weather) to send a boat in to Algiers. Coxe well received. Subsequently discovered a portion of the
larboard fish near the head was rotten, allowing the bib and trestletrees to
settle. (The fish was made up of two
pieces.) Trestletrees, too, were found
to be defective. Now repairing. Also, at Tunis broke a new anchor. Examination showed a flaw in the iron
involving about one‑third the shank's diameter. Have given Lieutenant Cross and Midshipmen
Colhoun and Skipwith permission to return to the US, the latter with the
intention of resigning.
From
Commodore Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Jan 1825:
Midshipmen James B. Glentworth, John
W. Mooers, Samuel Swartwout, and Henry W. Morris were involved in a duel
yesterday, the first two as principals.
As a mark of disapproval, have ordered all back to the US.
From
Commodore Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Feb 1825:
Left Gibraltar on 30 Nov. Now at Messina. No discharges or desertions during December;
no deaths or desertions during January.
From
Commodore Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Feb 1825:
Still at Messina. Has given Lieutenant Gibbon permission to
return to the US for his health.
Roll 91 (February 18 ‑ April 11, 1825)
From
Commodore Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Feb 1825:
Still at Messina. No deaths or desertions this month.
From
Commodore Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Mar 1825:
Still at Messina. Forwards proceedings of court martial of
Midshipman Edward M. Vail.
From
Commodore Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Mar 1825:
At Messina. Forwards the warrant of Midshipman Augustus
Barnhouse, who has resigned to avoid court martial. Cheated at cards.
From
Commodore Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 31 Mar 1825:
At Messina. Forwards monthly returns of the squadron.
Roll 92 (April 11 ‑ June 3, 1825)
From
Commodore Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 Apr 1825:
At Messina. Forwards monthly returns. Reports the death of Lieutenant Gardner,
officer in charge of his Marine Guard, after a short illness: an amiable and
excellent officer.
From
Captain John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 30 Apr 1825:
Reports being surprised and mortified
not to find even a single vessel of the squadron awaiting him when he arrived
at Gibraltar yesterday; furthermore, no‑one knew where they were or what
they were doing. They may be at
Messina. If Captain Macdonough was
apprised that I was coming, will remove him from command for neither meeting me
nor leaving word of where he was.
Roll 93 (June 5 ‑ July 7, 1825)
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 17 Jun 1824:
At Gibraltar.
"Capt
Mcdonough [sic] I am sorry to find still continues in delicate health; and from
the explanations he has given on relation to his not joining me, or putting it
in my power to know where orders were certain to reach him, I shall not be I am
glad to say, under the necessity of using measures towards him, which would
have been disagreeable not only to him but to me also..."
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Jun 1825:
Requests a Boatswain's warrant for John
Ball.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 26 Jun 1825:
Has given Chaplain J. McCarty of
CONSTITUTION permission to return to the US.
McCarty has promised to resign if the Secretary disapproves of his
return.
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 26 Jun 1825:
No desertions or discharges during the
previous month.
Roll 94 (July 7 ‑ August 15, 1825)
NOTHING
Roll 95 (August 15 ‑ September 22, 1825)
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 30 Aug 1825:
Arrived at Smyrna on 20 Aug with
CONSTITUTION, ERIE, and ONTARIO.
From
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Sep 1825:
At Vourla. No deaths, desertions, or discharges during
the past month.
Roll 96
(September 22 ‑ October 25, 1825)
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 18 Oct 1825:
"I am sorry to inform you that
the extreme ill health of Capt. Mcdonough [sic], and the distress of mind
occasioned by the recent death of his wife has induced him to require to be
superceded [sic] in the command of the Constitution, with permission to return
to the U. States. I have accordingly
ordered Capt. Patterson to supercede him
in the command of that ship, and Capt. Mcdonough's passage is already engaged
on board the Brig Edwin bound to New York for the cabin of which vessel and the
putting on board of her twenty invalids necessarily discharged from the
squadron I was under the necessity of engaging to pay the extravagent [sic]
demand of $1300.
"I hope that my having permitted
Doctor Turk the Surgeon of the Constitution to return with him will be approved
by the Department...
"Doctor Jackson who has been sick
on shore for the last five months has at length recovered ‑ and I shall
order him to take the place of Doctor Turk on board the Constitution..."
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 18 Oct 1825 [2nd ltr]:
Has given permission for Midshipman
Joseph Arnold of CONSTITUTION to return to the US for reasons of health [a
"catarrhal complaint" and a "tendency to pulmonary
disease"].
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 19 Oct 1825:
Has given permission to Midshipman
Joseph A. Hemphill of CONSTITUTION to return to the US in order to resign.
From
SecNav to Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 11 Jul 1825 [received
and returned by Captain Rodgers after Macdonough's departure]:
Approves of the action taken against
Midshipmen Swartwout and Mooers.
Roll 97 (October 26 ‑ November 28, 1825)
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 1 Nov 1825:
[Enclosures]
"Monthly Pay of the Commsd. & Warrant Officers of the United States Ship Constitution.
--|Pay|Rats/Day|Whole Amt.
"Provisions
required by the U. States Ship Constitution, Danl T. Patterson, Esqr.,
Commander ‑ for Six Months ‑ calculating for Four Hundred &
fifty Men, with the addition of five percent ‑‑
Raisins
as a substitute for Suet.
Oil
for Candles.
John B.
Timberlake
Purser"
"The
quantity of Slop clothing for a first years supply having been received, the
following articles will be required for the year 1826
534
ea. Duck Frocks, Duck Trowsers, Black Silk
Handkerchiefs -- required
to be 140 Pea Jackets, 400 Blue Cloth Jakcets, 800 Blue Cloth Trowsers, 800 Pair Stockings, 600 White Flannel Shirts, 600 White Flannel Drawers, 600 Pair of Shoes, and 100 Red Vests -- required to be delivered Oct 1st 1826
Of
the other articles of clothing allowed by the regulations, none are wanted,
except hats which can be purchased of a better quality and on better terms
here.
John B. Timberlake
Purser"
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 4 Nov 1825:
"...Captain Patterson since the
return of Captain McDonough [sic] to the U. States has been in command of the
Constitution, but will be put in command of the Brandywine as you directed ‑‑
"...I received a letter from Capt
Read (dated at Havre on his leaving [Brandywine]) requesting service and I have
written him to join me at Mahon as early as possible ‑ when he arrives I
shall appoint him to the command of the Constitution..."
Roll 98 (November 28 ‑ December 31, 1825)
From
Captain Isaac Chauncey, New York Navy Yard, 28 Nov 1825:
Reports to the death of Captain Thomas
Macdonough aboard the brig EDWIN on 10 Nov off the Delaware capes. The body was delivered to the New York Navy
Yard for further disposition.
From
Captain Isaac Chauncey, New York Navy Yard, 2 Dec 1825:
Macdonough's funeral took place
yesterday in New York, then the body was placed on the steam boat COMMERCE for
return to Middletown, CT, and interment.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 20 Dec 1825:
Arrived at Port Mahon on 28 Nov in
company with CONSTITUTION, BRANDYWINE, and ERIE.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 26 Dec 1825:
Reports having held a board of
promotion examination, assisted by Captains Patterson and Deacon, for
Midshipmen Samuel F. Dupont, John Pope, Levin M. Powell, and John A. Carr. All are felt qualified for promotion.
Roll 99 (January 1 ‑ April 1, 1826)
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 22 Jan 1826:
"Captain [George C.] Read arrived
here [Port Mahon] yesterday...and is now in command of the CONSTITUTION."
Read brought with him word of Thomas
Macdonough's death. Squadron flags were
flown at half mast and minute guns fired at noon.
Roll 101 [sic] (February 10 ‑ March 20, 1826)
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, to Captain David Deacon, USS ERIE,
18 Feb 1826:
[Enclosure]
Midshipman
Henry W. Morris transferred from CONSTITUTION to BRANDYWINE, 17 Feb 1826.
Midshipman
L. B. Newell transferred from CONSTITUTION to BRANDYWINE, 18 Feb 1826.
Lieutenant
J. Tattnall of CONSTITUTION and Lieutenant R. Voorhees of BRANDYWINE
exchanged, 20 Feb 1826.
Midshipmen
G. M. Bache, Henry Hoff, & Page, Mr. Jones Schoolmaster & Mr.
Fairlie Captains Clerk
transferred from BRANDYWINE to CONSTITUTION, 20 Feb 826.
Midshipman
P. H. Hayne transferred from BRANDYWINE to CONSTITUTION, 21 Feb 1826.
Midshipman
W. D. Porter transferred from BRANDYWINE to CONSTITUTION, 23 Feb 1826.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 10 Oct 1825 [duplicate]:
Just arrived at Gibraltar,
CONSTITUTION in company. Captain
Macdonough's health is such that he has requested permission to return to the
US, "but which poor fellow, I fear he will not reach alive."
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 25 Feb 1826:
"On acquainting Captains
Patterson & Read of the changes it had been deemed necessary to make, they
were much distressed; but as they are both men of sense they have borne the
disappointment without complaint, notwithstanding Read had his heart set on
visiting the Archipelago in command of a superior Frigate and Patterson of
exhibiting there, the finest one in the world."
Roll
102 (March 20 ‑ April 9, 1826)
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 10 Apr 1826:
Arrived at Gibraltar "this
morning" in company with CONSTITUTION and PORPOISE. ONTARIO expected shortly from Algiers.
Roll 103 (May 1 ‑ 28, 1826)
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 7 May 1826:
Surgeon Samuel Jackson of
CONSTITUTION, due to an "extreme debility & no prospect of his
recovery," has been given permission to return to the US.
Surgeons currently are distributed as
follows in the squadron: CONSTITUTION has Surgeon L. Osborne (whose health is
poor) and Surgeon's Mate J. Brooke.
Doctor DeWitt Birch died on 1 May of
typhus.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 13 May 1826:
Captain Patterson believes the crew of
CONSTITUTION, many of whose enlistments expire next summer will ship for an
additional year, especially if he can advance them one or two months pay and
give them a run ashore at a port like Port Mahon.
Roll 104 (May 29 ‑ June 26, 1826)
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 25 Jun 1826:
Arrived at Vourla in company with
CONSTITUTION, ONTARIO, and PORPOISE on the 20th. ERIE has since joined, bringing whole
squadron together. Intends to have
CONSTITUTION replace ERIE in the Aegean when that ship leaves in August.
Roll 105 (June 25 ‑ July 27, 1826)
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 18 Jul 1826:
Left Vourla with CONSTITUTION,
ONTARIO, and PORPOISE on 30 Jun. Arrived
at Tenedos on 2 Jul.
"On the 4th Inst. a Division of
the Turkish fleet consisting of two ships of the Line, four Frigates and
seventeen Corvettes and Brigs [under the Capudan Bey]...made its appearance
coming out of the Dardanelles."
Departed Tenedos on the 9th. Anchored off Myteline on the 11th. On the 14th, the Capudan Pasha's fleet
appeared: 2 ships of the line, 7 frigates, 7 corvettes, and 11 brigs and
schooners.
Roll 106 (July 27 ‑ August 31, 1826)
NOTHING
Roll 107 (September 1 ‑ October 14, 1826)
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 11 Sep 1826:
Arrived at Vourla on 19 Jul from the
Dardanelles in company with CONSTITUTION and PORPOISE. Sailed on 11 Aug with CONSTITUTION, ONTARIO,
and PORPOISE for Milos by way of Mytilene, Scio, Negropont, and Cape Colonna,
arriving on the 15th. Sailed on 21 Aug,
detaching ONTARIO, and arrived off Malta on the 29th, where PORPOISE was
detached to await the monthly mail packet.
NORTH CAROLINA and CONSTITUTION proceeded to Port Mahon, which was
reached on 10 Sep. Thusfar, no American
merchant has been victimized by pirates in the Aegean Sea. Intends to go to Gibraltar once PORPOISE
arrives with dispatches.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 17 Sep 1826:
Has transferred an ailing Surgeon L.
Osborne from CONSTITUTION to ERIE for return to the US, as well as Midshipman
Richard H. Morris who suffers from a chronic prostate problem.
Roll 108 (October 14 ‑ November 27, 1826)
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 5 Nov 1826:
Arrived at Gibraltar this date,
CONSTITUTION and PORPOISE being left at Port Mahon for the purpose of
overhauling rigging, etc., and reentering their crews to extend their terms of
service until May 1828.
From
Commodor John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 11 Nov 1826:
Has permitted the exchange of
Lieutenant Voorhees of CONSTITUTION with Lieutenant McCulloch of ERIE so the
ailing former officer may return to the US.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 11 Nov 1826 [2nd ltr]:
CONSTITUTION's crew "have already reship'ed" until May 1828.
"Captain Patterson is a sensible
and discreet Officer...entire Confidence may be placed [in him]..."
Roll 109
(November 3 ‑ December 31, 1826)
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 21 Dec 1826:
Intends to send CONSTITUTION "into the Levant" in Mar to replace
ONTARIO.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 27 Dec 1826:
Has approved the following Bill of
Exchange for CONSTITUTION:
Pay & Subsistence 2000 ‑
Repairs 2000 ‑
Provisions 2000 ‑ 6000 ‑
Roll 110 (January 2 ‑ March 17, 1827)
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 21 Jan 1827:
Reiterates intention of sending
CONSTITUTION eastward at resumption of sailing season. Reports first two instances of piratical acts
against American merchants [Boston brigs FALCON and SUSAN] in that area.
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 3 Mar 1827:
Reports arriving at Port Mahon and
being surprised and disappointed at not being able to order CONSTITUTION east
immediately because her mainmast is so defective that it must be "taken
out & repaired," which will require an estimated 8‑10 days.
Roll 111 (March 19 ‑ May 14, 1827)
From
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 23 Apr 1827:
"...The defects in the
Constitution's Main Mast...were found so extensive after taking it out, as to
require more labour to repair it effectually than was at first anticipated, and
consequently prevented her departure until the 30th ulto..."
[Enclosure:
Commodore Rodgers' orders to Captain Daniel T. Patterson]
"As
soon as the Constitution under your command is ready for sea, you will proceed
with her to the Archipelago for the purpose of affording protection to our
commerce in that sea against the rapacity of the numerous pirates with which it
at present, and has been for considerable time past infested. In the performance of this duty you will have
occasion not only for the constant practice of vigilance in affording to our
Merchant vessels the desired protection; but for the exercise of your soundest
judgment and discretion in avoiding yourself, and preventing in others under
your command the commission of any act which might conpromit [sic] in any
degree the neutral character which it is the desire of our Government to
sustain in respect to the contest in which the parties at War are engaged. By the last accounts piracies have increased,‑
some of the vessels of the Greek Navy have been engaged in piratical
expeditions, and it is feared more will follow their example. In this State of things, it will be difficult
to distinguish which are pirates and which are not, and on this account
advisable for you to Communicate with all Greek vessels you may fall in with,
not sailing in fleet or squadron, for the purpose of ascertaining their real
character & the nature of the pursuits they have been engaged in.
"As the whole force that will be
left on the Station after the departure of this Ship for the United States,
will not be greater than will be generally required for the effectual
protection of our commerce in the Levant, so long as the present state of
things continues, I shall as soon as the Porpoise can be got ready, despatch
her for Smyrna, directing her commander to report to you for orders; and before
my final departure from the Station, I shall order Captain Nicholson to do the
same, as soon as his crew shall have reentered and the Ship is in other
respects ready for service.
"I have written to Mr. McCall our
Agent at Gibraltar suggesting to him the necessity of establishing a credit at
Smyrna, and at this place [Port Mahon], such as will enable the Pursers on
their requisitions, approved by the Commanding Officer, to obtain the requisite
funds ion the manner pointed out in the 24th Article of the Regulations of the
Navy under the Head of Commanders of Fleets or Squadrons.
"It is expected however that no
money will be drawn by any Purser except on requisitions stating specifically
the object or objects for which it is required‑ In addition to this, to enable the Agent to
advise the Department from time to time of the monies he has disbursed in
payment of Bills, it will be necessary that the letter of advice sent by the
Purser with each set of Bills, should state the Specifick [sic] Heads of
Appropriation under which each amount so drawn is to be charged.
"In relation to the manner in
which funds are to be obtained, I herewith send for your government, Copies of
two letters of the 30th October, and 8th of November from the Honnble Secretary
of the Navy.
"On entering the Archipelago it
is desirable that you proceed direct to Smyrna, it beng the most likely place
for falling in with the Ontario and delivering to Capt Nicolson the enclosed
order requiring his return to this port without delay.‑
"Should either of the Store
vessels now expected be bound from this to Smyrna, I will cause a quantity of
Beef, Pork, Bread, Flour, Beans, whiskey and Molasses equal to four months
rations to be shipped to that place, subject to your orders. You had better therefore advise Mr. Offley of
this and make arrangements with him for its reception and Storage in the event
of its being sent and arriving there in your absence.
"Altho it has been thought
advisable to keep our interests as distinct as possible from those of other
nations trading in the Levant, yet from the nature of the war, and the
impossibility of the Greek Government to control or impose any restraint
whatever on the most abandoned of its subjects, or to prevent in its present
imbecile and disregarded state, even its vessels of war from committing acts of
piracy, I would advise you to afford, if required, the benefit of convoy to the
Merchant vessels of nations whose men of war have afforded protection to ours. I would not advise your giving them however,
instructions other than verbal; but before even doing this, it would be
necessary to ascertain that no part of their Cargoes belonged to either of the
Belligerents, or was Contraband of war.
"I would suggest your declining
to reciprocate in this way with the Austrians, whose Conduct towards the Greeks
has been such as to merit the reproach of the Civilized world.
"Wishing you an agreeable and
prosperous cruise..."
Roll 112 (May 14 ‑ July 31, 1827) [sic]
NOTHING
Roll 113 (July 30 ‑ October 6, 1827) [sic]
From
Commodore Daniel T. Patterson, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Aug 1827:
Reports receipt of Commodore John
Rodgers' letter of 30 May apprising him of the commodore's departure from the
Mediterranean and his accession to squadron command until superseded. Now down to four weeks provisions; will have
to head for Port Mahon about the 20th.
Roll 114 (October 6 ‑ December 31, 1827)
From Commodore Daniel T. Patterson, USS
CONSTITUTION, 12 Nov 1827:
Reports learning of the Battle of
Navarino on 27 Oct and total defeat of Turkish fleet.
Roll 115 (January 1 ‑ 29, 1827)
NOTHING
Roll 116 (March 1 ‑ April 30, 1827)
NOTHING
Roll 117 (May 1 ‑ June 30, 1827)
NOTHING
Roll 118 (July 1 ‑ 31, 1827)
From
Commodore Daniel T. Patterson, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 Jul 1827:
Has given permission for Midshipman
Allen Harwood to return to the US to permit him to keep "in step"
with others of his seniority. His place
as Acting Sailing Master of CONSTITUTION has been taken by Midshipman John H.
Marshall, "an officer of much experience & exemplary deportment."
Roll 119 (August 1 ‑ September 30, 1827)
From
Commodore William M. Crane, USS JAVA, 7 Sep 1827:
Found CONSTITUTION at Vourla on 25
Aug. She will remain in the Aegean until
near the end of October, when she will return to Port Mahon.
From
Midshipman E. O. Blanchard, USS CONSTITUTION, to Commodore William M. Crane,
USS JAVA, 28 Aug 1827:
Requests permission to return to the
US for examination. [Granted.]
Letter,
Midshipman Paul Hayne, USS CONSTITUTION, to Commodore William M. Crane, USS
JAVA, 28 Aug 1827:
Also requests permission to return to
the US for examination. [Granted.]
Roll 120 (October 1 ‑ November 30, 1827)
NOTHING
Roll
121 (December 1 ‑ 31, 1827)
NOTHING
Roll 122 (January 1 ‑ 31, 1828)
From
Captain Daniel T. Patterson, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 Jan 1828:
Reports rumors that promotions to
"commander" are anticipated during the present session of Congress
and so recommends Lieutenant E. A. F. Vallette, his "First."
From
Commodore William M. Crane, USS JAVA, 6 Jan 1828:
CONSTITUTION is caulking and
overhauling. Reports the death of
Lieutenant George B. McCulloch of CONSTITUTION on 31 Dec.
Roll 123 (February 1 ‑ 29, 1828)
NOTHING
Roll 124 (March 1 ‑ 31, 1828)
From
Commodore William M. Crane, USS JAVA, 19 Mar 1828:
"Upwards" of 50 men from
CONSTITUTION re‑entered for service in JAVA and PORPOISE in the place of
those whose terms are about to expire or who are invalids transferred to
CONSTITUTION.
Roll 125 (April 1 ‑ 30, 1828)
From
Commodore William M. Crane, USS JAVA, 2 Apr 1828:
Reports the death of Purser John
Timberlake of CONSTITUTION "this morning after a long and painful
illness."
From
Commodore William M. Crane, USS DELAWARE, 26 Apr 1828:
Reports from Port Mahon that
CONSTITUTION "will sail with the first wind for Boston."
From
Commodore William M. Crane, USS DELAWARE, 26 Apr 1828 [2nd ltr]:
Reports that Lieutenant Bladen Dulany,
former First Lieutenant of JAVA, will return to the US in CONSTITUTION due to
poor health.
Roll 126 (May 1 ‑ 31, 1828)
From
Captain J. D. Henley, Baltimore, MD, 21 May 1828:
Reports the death of Sailing Master
Briscoe Doxey (inventer of the "propello marino"] "last evening
after a long and painful illness."
Has left a widow and 8 children "in distressed circumstances."
Roll 127 (June 2 ‑ 30, 1828)
NOTHING
Roll 128 (July 1 ‑ 31, 1828)
From
Captain Daniel T. Patterson, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Jul 1828:
Reports that, due to the death of
Purser J. B. Timberlake, Lieutenant R. B. Randolph was detailed to fill his
duties. Forwards requisition for monies
with which to pay off the crew.
From
Captain Daniel T. Patterson, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Jul 1828 [2nd ltr]:
Reports ship's arrival off Boston
Light, having sailed from Port Mahon on 29 Apr and Gibraltar on 9 May. Was windbound near Gibraltar until 30 May.
From
Captain Charles Morris, Boston Navy Yard, 5 Jul 1828:
Reports CONSTITUTION anchored at the
yard "yesterday."
From
Captain Charles Morris, Boston Navy Yard, to Marine Lieutenant William Dulany,
USS CONSTITUTION, 5 Jul 1828:
Grants him 1 week's leave.
From
Captain Charles Morris, Boston Navy Yard, 10 Jul 1828:
Expects that when orders arrive to
discharge CONSTITUTION's crew, "a considerable number" will reenlist.
From
Captain Charles Morris, Boston Navy Yard, 11 Jul 1828:
Forwards request of Gunner John Lord
of CONSTITUTION for orders to the yard.
From
Captain Charles Morris, Boston Navy Yard, 12 Jul 1828:
Acknowledges
receipt of orders to discharge CONSTITUTION's crew and authorization of leaves
of absence for the officers.
From
Captain Charles Morris, Boston Navy Yard, 16 Jul 1828:
Reports that 33 invalids arrived in
CONSTITUTION and have been transferred to the receiving ship. CONSTITUTION's crew is now paying off.
From
Captain Daniel T. Patterson, Boston Navy Yard, 22 Jul 1828:
Reports having turned over
CONSTITUTION to the yard on 19 Jul.
Roll 129 (August 1 ‑ 30, 1828)]
From
Captain Daniel T. Patterson, New York, NY, 7 Aug 1828:
Reports that Midshipman Daniel L.
Randolph boarded CONSTITUTION the "day before I sailed from Mahon,"
but was not ordered aboard for duty.
Roll 130 (September 1 ‑ 29, 1828)
NOTHING
Roll 131 (October 1 ‑ 31, 1828)
NOTHING
Roll 132 (November 1 ‑ 30, 1828)
NOTHING
Roll 133 (December 1 ‑ 31, 1828)
NOTHING
Roll 134 (January 1 ‑ 31, 1829)
NOTHING
Roll 135 (February 1 ‑ March 31, 1829)
NOTHING
Roll 136 (April 1 ‑ 29, 1829)
From
Captain Charles Morris, Boston Navy Yard, 6 Apr 1829:
In
reporting yard naval personnel strength for the first quarter of 1829, ends
with note that "an invalid from the Constitution died."
Roll 137 (May 1 ‑ 30, 1829)
NOTHING
Roll 138 (June 1 ‑ 30, 1829)
NOTHING
Roll 139 (July 1 ‑ 31, 1829)
NOTHING
Roll 140 (August 1 ‑ 31, 1829)
NOTHING
Roll 141 (September 1 ‑ 30, 1829)
NOTHING
Roll 142 (October 1 ‑ 31, 1829)
NOTHING
Roll 143 (November 1 ‑ December 31, 1829)
NOTHING
Roll 144 (January 1 ‑ 31, 1830)
NOTHING
Roll 145 (February 1 ‑ 28, 1830)
NOTHING
Roll 146 (March 1 ‑ 31, 1830)
NOTHING
Roll 147 (April 1 ‑ 30, 1830)
NOTHING
Roll 148 (May 1 ‑ 31, 1830)
NOTHING
Roll 149 (June 1 ‑ 30, 1830)
NOTHING
Roll 150 (July
1 ‑ 31, 1830)
NOTHING
Roll 151 (August 1 ‑ 31, 1830)
From
Captain John Rodgers, Washington, DC, 2 Aug 1830:
Attests to the good service of Gunner
William S. Cowan while serving under him in CONSTITUTION and PRESIDENT [in 1809‑11].
Roll 152 (September 1 ‑ 27, 1830)
From
Captain Charles Morris, Boston Navy Yard, 27 Sep 1830:
Requests, because the BNC has directed
him to prepare to repair CONSTITUTION, that officer vacancies in the yard be
filled: 1 or 2 lieutenants, a Master, a Boatswain, a Carpenter, and
"some" midshipmen for the ordinary and a Boatswain for the yard
staff.
Roll 153 (October 1 ‑ 30, 1830)
NOTHING
Roll 154 (November 1 ‑ December 31, 1830)
NOTHING
Roll 155 (January 1 ‑ 25, 1831)
NOTHING
Roll 156 (February 1 ‑ 28, 1831)
NOTHING
Roll 157 (March 1 ‑ 31, 1831)
NOTHING
Roll 158 (April 1 ‑ 30, 1831)
NOTHING
Roll 159 (May 1 ‑ 31, 1831)
From
Captain Isaac Hull, Washington Navy Yard, 9 May 1831:
Recommends Gunner's Mate Jacob
Carpenter, a former crewman with him and Captain Bainbridge in CONSTITUTION,
for appointment as Gunner.
Roll 160 (June 1 ‑ 30, 1831)
NOTHING
Roll 161 (July 1 ‑ 31, 1831)
NOTHING
Roll 162 (August 1 ‑ 31, 1831)
NOTHING
Roll 163 (September 1 ‑ 30, 1831)
NOTHING
Roll 164 (October 1 ‑ November 31, 1831)
[sic]
NOTHING
Roll 165 (December 1 ‑ 31, 1831)
From
Lieutenant John Gwinn, Philadelphia Navy Yard, to Captain James Barron,
Philadelphia Navy Yard, 25 Nov 1831, enclosed in the latter's letter to SecNav,
6 Dec 1831:
States that Thomas Scipion "was
on board the Constitution Frigate during the whole of the late war and in all
three actions of that Ship..." and is an excellent seaman.
Roll 166 (January 1 ‑ 31, 1832)
NOTHING
Roll 167 (February 1 ‑ 29, 1832)
NOTHING
Roll 168 (March 1 ‑ 31, 1832)
NOTHING
Roll 169 (April 1 ‑30, 1832)
NOTHING
Roll 170 (May 1 ‑ 31, 1832)
From
Captain Charles Morris, Boston Navy Yard, 8 May 1832:
Acknowledges
receipt of directive to chair a court of inquiry into the conduct of Lieutenant
Robert B. Randolph while acting as Purser of CONSTITUTION.
From
Captain Charles Morris, Boston Navy Yard, 31 May 1832:
Acknowledges receipt of a certified
transcript from the Fourth Auditor stating that the accounts of Lieutenant
Robert B. Randolph, acting Purser of CONSTITUTION, had been "examined
adjusted, & closed..." [The
court finally was held in Jan 1833.]
Roll 171 (June 1 ‑ 30, 1832)
NOTHING
Roll 172 (July 1 ‑ 31, 1832)
NOTHING
Roll 173 (August 1 ‑ 31, 1832)
NOTHING
Roll 174 (September 1 ‑ 28, 1832)
NOTHING
Roll 175 (October 1 ‑30, 1832)
NOTHING
Roll 176 (November 1 ‑ 28, 1832)
From
Captain William Bainbridge, Boston Navy Yard, 20 Nov 1832:
"...as the Commissioners have
decided not to bring her [CONSTITUTION] in Dock until next Spring..."
intends going on leave on 26 Nov.
Roll 177 (December 1 ‑ 31, 1832)
NOTHING
Roll 178 (January 1 ‑ 31, 1833)
NOTHING
Roll 179 (February 1 ‑ 28, 1833)
NOTHING
Roll
180 (March 1 ‑ 30, 1833)
From
Captain Wolcott Chauncey, Washington, DC, 25 Mar 1833:
Requests to be considered for command
of CONSTITUTION, which is said to be fitted out for duty. Has been unemployed for 10 years!
Roll 181 (April 1 ‑ 30, 1833)
NOTHING
Roll 182 (May 1 ‑ 31, 1833)
NOTHING
Roll 183 (June 1 ‑ 30, 1833)
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, Boston Navy Yard, 24 Jun 1833:
Reports the drydocking of CONSTITUTION
at 0530 this date. The ship was safely
shored and secured by 1300.
Roll 184 (July 1 ‑ 31, 1833)
From
Captain James Barron, Philadelphia Navy Yard, 27 Jul 1833:
Reports the death of Commodore William
Bainbridge at 4 PM this date.
Roll 185 (August 1 ‑ 31, 1833)
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, Boston Navy Yard, 12 Aug 1833:
Requests permission to carry old
Seaman Richard Gray on the yard's payroll at the pay of a Boy. He is a former crewman of CONSTITUTION,
having been in her for the GUERRIERE fight, and is worthy of
consideration. [Also was present at JAVA
fight.]
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, Boston Navy Yard, 17 Aug 1833:
Notes the presence of Sailing Master
[Samuel C.] Hixon, former CONSTITUTION crewmember, in the yard.
Roll 186 (September 2 ‑ 30, 1833)
NOTHING
Roll 187 (October 1 – 31, 1833)
NOTHING
Roll 188 (November 1 ‑ 30, 1833)
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, Boston Navy Yard, 15 Nov 1833:
Refers to a musician, "Ordinary
Seaman Raymond," whom he has employed "making small matters [sic] of
the Frigate Constitution for the friends of union and of the country, ...for
the gratification of men who have performed much for their country, and who
certainly deserved such a small compliment for their exalted stations &
services..."
Roll 189 (December 1 ‑ 30, 1833)
NOTHING
Roll 190 (January 1 ‑ 31, 1834)
From
Captain John Smith, Sailing Master Samuel C. Hixon, and Carpenter John
Southwick, Boston Navy Yard, to Captain Jesse D. Elliott, 11 Jan 1834
[enclosure to Elliott's ltr to SecNav, 11 Jan 1834]:
Reports that "we find the Breast
Hook under the Birth [sic] Deck of the Constitution, well fayed & fastened;
there are three clamps under the beams of the Birth Deck.‑‑ In faying the Breast Hook to its proper
place, it was found necessary to snipe off [sic], at the Apron, about one a
half [sic] of said clamps. this [sic] we
are informed, is sometimes done on the lower Decks of Ships or vessels of any
class. The bolts which fastened that
part of said clamps that were removed, were of course cut off, but this in our
opinion could produce no injury In [sic]
no part of the Birth Deck as complained of, can we perceive defect, no [sic]
can we discover any thing wrong about the Counter timbers."
From
Captain Wolcott Chauncey, Washington, DC, 15 Jan 1834:
Requests consideration as
CONSTITUTION's (or BRANDYWINE's) next captain.
Has been left inactive for the past five years despite his regular
requests for service.
Roll 191 (February 1 ‑ 28, 1834)
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, Boston Navy Yard, 22 Feb 1834:
"I
herewith enclose an anonymous hand bill which seems to have been struck off and
distributed in Boston to produce an excitement among the lower classes of
society, upon a subject, which above all others I would have considered, above
the comments of intelligent partizans [sic].
"The cause of this hand bill is
as follows ‑ shortly after the President of the United States had left
Boston, I conversed with the Architect who was to superintend the repairs of
the Constitution, about the propriety of putting a Figure on her, for a head;
and concluded to do so, as she had been thus ornamented originally.
"The person who had been in the
habit of carving the ornaments for our Vessels of War was therefore sent for
and directed to make for a head a figure of the President of the United States,
dressed as represented in the Hermitage scene, holding in his hand a scroll
having for its motto, "the Constitution must be preserved," taken
from the remarks which you had occasion to make on her deck at the time she was
received into Dock, under the direction of the Officer who commanded her when
she took the Guerriere.
"I furthermore directed him to
carve the bust of Hull, Bainbridge, and Stewart, for her stern ornaments;‑
thus presenting our Chief Magistrate and the 3 successful commanders of that
favourite ship, in an attitude which I deemed highly honorable to the Navy, and
the Nation.
"Prompted by my own feelings of
respect which had been generated by 3 or 4 years service under the immediate
authority of the executive; a portion of which was spent in the discharge of a
delicate duty in our own Country, where I could perceive in his instructions to
me, the finest feelings of the human heart embodied: and being aware of the
high honors conferred upon him during his late tour by the State of
Massachusetts and her Literary institution, and more particularly by the
Inhabitants of Boston and the neighboring towns ‑ I considered that in
putting his figure upon the Stem of the Constitution I should be uniting with
them in this demonstration of respect, and doing an act which could not but be
acceptable to our whole corps.
"I therefore at that time ‑
which was at least 6 months ago ‑ gave the order to have it done, and
although I have spoken of the fact often to persons without regard to party, I
have never heard the fitness of the ornament questioned until this week, nor
have I conversed with the person on the subject who is to execute the work,
since I gave him the order until this day.‑
"This morning I have seen him, and
he informs me that he has been engaged for some time past in the execution of
this work.
"There is no question but what
the hand bill is got out for present political purposes, and that had the
figure been made and put on to the Frigate at the time of the Presidents [sic]
visit, many of the persons who now express such intemperate opinions, would
have been equally zealous in raising it with acclamations to its appropriate
place.
"I had no political motives
whatever in placing the figure there, as Politics are not suffered to be the
subject of communication or action within this yard.
"I did not bring the subject to
your notice before from feelings of delicacy, as I knew that custom would
furnish a precedent for my so doing ‑ as I had been informed and as
appears on reference to my own office my predecessors have heretofore
ornamented Ships with Figures, Eagles and Billet Heads, at their Option.
"I regret exceedingly that a
General Order of the Department should forbid my bringing this subject to the Pubic:
but through you, and must offer truth as my apology for so doing."
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, Boston Navy Yard, 26 Feb 1834:
"Since my letter to the
Department of the 2nd inst in relation to the Ornaments of the Constitution I
have been further satisfied that the excitement got up at that time was only
for political purpose.
"The enclosed letter received by
me on the evening of the 24th inst will shew [sic] the Department the
disposition of the Raisers of the excitement and I imagine if the Figure Head
of the Constitution should be changed to please them, there is no telling what
they will ask next ‑ as they have now demanded the removal of the
Inscription from the Head of the Dry Dock.
"The excitement has nearly passed
away since I have informed those who had the means of making it public that the
Figure Head was ordered by myself 6 months ago unbeknownst to the Government
but yet fully known to one of the move active movers in the excitement."
[Enclosure]
"North
End ‑‑ 24th.
"We
have made you abandon the Constitution take Jacksons name of [sic] the dock or
in 48 ours [sic] you breath [sic] no more ‑
Many North
Enders
Como
Elliott
Navy Yard‑"
Roll 192 (March 1 ‑ 31, 1834)
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, Boston Navy Yard, 1 Mar 1834:
"I herewith enclose a copy of a
letter which I have this day sent to the Navy Commissioners in answer to one
from them of the 24th ulto directing a Billet Head and other plain ornaments to
be put on the Bow a [sic] Stern of the Constitution.
"As it is uncommon, as far as I
can learn, for the Board to say what ornaments shall be placed upon the public
Vessels repaired or Built at the different Naval Establishments I have deemed
it proper to bring the subject to your notice more particularly as I have
referred them to my letter to you of the 22nd ulto."
[Enclosed
copy]
From
Captain Elliott to Captain John Rodgers, BNC, 1 Mar 1834:
"I have received the Commissioners
letter of the 24th ultimo and have to remark in answer to that part which
refers to the ornaments of the bow and Stern of the Frigate Constitution that
some six months since after a conversation with the naval architect I concluded
upon different ornaments embracing the Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy
and the three victor captains.
"The former has so far progressed
as nearly to be completed and will be a remarkable [sic] strong resemblance to
the original.
"Should it ‑ under these
circumstances together with the excitement which has been so unnecessarily
gotten up for an apparent political effect ‑ be the wish of the Board
that the ornaments should be changed I must await their further instructions
and offer as my apology that on an examination of the papers on file in my
office I could find nothing which had offered as a guide to my predecessors but
what left the ornamenting of public vessels built or repaired at t his yard
entirely to their discretion."
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, Boston Navy Yard, 31 Mar 1834:
"As the operations of this yard
have of late been subjected to the criticism and unnecessary attention of a few
of the citizens of Boston and its environs, and as several of my official acts
have been misrepresented through the Public prints, I have deemed it my duty to
give the Department a statement of facts relating to the subject, that should
any call be made upon it for Documents, it may be enabled to comply with it by
answering the whole subject at once.
"Having understood from the
Artist who was to carve the Figure Head for the Constitution, and from hand
bills extensively distributed outside that threats had been made against its
completion or removal, and wishing to prevent the people of Boston from being
eternally disgraced by a few heated political partizans [sic] by a midnight
movement, I determined to remove the head to the Yard in the usual manner,‑
that is by boxing it up, and bringing it from Boston in the Launch.
"I accordingly on the 21st inst
directed Sailing Master Hixon upon whose discretion I could rely, with a Boats
[sic] crew composed of the Seamen and Ordinary Seamen of the Yard, to proceed
to Boston and receive the Head‑ I
also ordered him not to take any arms with him nor to let any of his party.
"The Officer executed his duty at
9 oclock [sic] in the morning, and the whole affair was conducted to my entire
satisfaction‑
"In the evening of the same day,
having been informed by Anonymous hand bills and by the report of conversations
outside, that an attempt would be made to take the Head from the Yard; I sent
for Master Commandant Percival and directed him confidentially, to receive on
board the Columbus certain cutlasses and Boarding pikes that would be sent down
to him by Captain Smith, so that in case of any necessity they could be used by
the Seamen and Ordinary Seamen of the Yard: but of this necessity I stated both
to him and Captain Smith confidentially, I had no expectation of its occurring,
but still deemed it my duty to take this precautionary measure.
"Capt Percival received this
order without raising a question against complying with it, and went on board
as I concluded, to make necessary preparations for having it executed.
"Capt Smith the Executive Officer
of the yard was then ordered to send the arms on board, this he did by giving
instructions to the Gunner to go with them‑
"Upon the Gunners [sic] going on
board the ship, Capt Percival sent for him and refused to receive them without
a written order from Captain Smith,‑
The Gunner then went for Captain Smith, but not finding him returned and
took the arms away[.]
"The Gunner then reported the
same to me when I sent for Captain Percival and demanded an explanation‑
this he refused to give in any other manner than by saying 'he would receive no
orders from a Gunner'‑
"I told him that it was my order
and he knew it previously, he again replied he would receive no order from a
Gunner or any officer of a Navy Yard[.]
I then suspended him from duty and placed the direction of the ship in
the hands of Lt [Frederick] Varnum [ed: First Lieutenant of COLUMBUS], who
received the arms and executed the order with promptness.
"The next day Capt Smith came to
me and said that Capt Percival was wrong, and would probably make an
explanation that would be satisfactory.
"Captain Percival did so as per
copy marked A, and I restored him to
duty as per copy marked B.‑
"This Sir is the true statement
of the case and I should not have deemed it necessary to bring it to the notice
of the Department, were it not for the attempt that has been made to produce a
wrong impression upon the Public mind, without a proper disposition to correct
it."
Roll 193 (April 1 ‑ 30, 1834)
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, Boston Navy Yard, 4 Apr 1834:
Forwards transfer request of Master
Commandant John Percival with his own request to make it so.
Roll 194 (May 1 ‑ 31, 1834)
NOTHING
Roll 195 (June 1 ‑ 30, 1834)
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, Boston Navy Yard, 19 Jun 1834:
Forwards a model of CONSTITUTION as
requested "during your visit to this establishment in July last."
Roll 196 (July 1 ‑ 31, 1835)
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, Boston Navy Yard, 2 Jul 1834:
Reports that they "can commence
upon the Constitution immediately" after completing POTOMAC on 1 Sep. Expects that it will take "an exceeding
short time" to fit CONSTITUTION for sea.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, Boston Navy Yard, 3 Jul 1834:
"I herewith enclose a
communication from Lt. Commandant James Armstrong, of the Receiving Ship
Columbus, relating to an outrage committed upon the Frigate Constitution, a
Vessel of War of the United States, while moored between the 74s Columbus and
Independence at this yard, by some person, or persons, unknown.
"This insult to the Government
appears to have been long premeditated, and while the Head was in the
possession of the Carver in Boston, a bribe was offered to him, by three
persons, of high standing in the city, provided he would let them carry it off
and insult it, without molestation.‑
this [sic] bribe was rejected by the Carver, who gave me information
which induced me to have it removed to,
and finished at, this yard; as I informed the Department on the 31st of March
last.‑
"Some one however, last night, in
spite of the Sentinels and the Watch on board the Columbus, found means to
carry their project into execution during a severe storm of wind and rain.
"Suspicion rested at first upon
the marines on post, and the Ship keeper, but it seems to me at present, more
than probable that some person from outside the yard, concealed himself on
board the ship during the day, and at night, when the storm raged at its
highest, accomplished his work and made his escape. I come to this conclusion, as the lower gate
of this yard which is for the use of the Officers was found opened in the
morning, although fastened at 10 oclock, last night.
"A few days doubtless will enable
me to obtain further information as to the planners and executors of this
midnight outrage.‑
"Immediately upon learning the
fact, this morning, I sent for the Carver of the Head and demanded the names of
the individuals who offered him the bribe previous to its removal from his
charge, these he declined giving to me until compelled to do so, in due course
of law, as he said, he was under a charge of secrecy.
"From this, and other
circumstances I am satisfied, that the head was removed by some person who was
acting under the influence of a bribe.‑
"But a small part of the Head
however was mutilated, and that part will be replaced immediately.
"Understanding from the public
print that there has been a change in
the Head of the Department, I would respectfully call your attention to
my letters of the 22nd Febry and March 31st now on file in your office [for] a
correct statement of my transactions in regard to this ornament, from its
commencement to its removal to this yard.
"I am sorry to say that I
perceive a hostile feeling existing against the continuance of this ornament,
in the highest circles of those opposed to the administration.
"I make this communication that
the Department may give me such instructions with regard to taking legal steps
on the subject, as it may deem proper."
[Enclosure]
"U. S. Receiving
Ship, Columbus
Boston July 3rd 1834
"Sir
A Few minutes past, four oclock
this morning I was called and informed by Lieut [Peter] Turner the officer of
the deck that the Head of the Figure on the Bows of the Frigate Constitution
was gone,‑ on examination It appears to have been sawed off by some
person or persons from under the Bowsprit in the Head as there is a space of
two feet or less where a man could
stretch himself at full length and operate with a hand saw[.] It was taken off at the junction of the nose
and upper lip. A centinel [sic] was
placed on Board that ship at my request for some time past during the night for
the safety of recruits committed to any charge to Keep off all Boats &c a
ship Keeper or the lookout during the day.
I cannot readily conceive How the mutilation of the Figure could have
been affected without the Knowledge of the soldier on post‑ The ship Keeper left the centinel [sic] after
ten oclock last night at his post in the Bows of the ship, and remarked to him
that he slept on the Larboard side of the gun deck near the Bridle port ‑
that if he heard any suspicious noise to stamp on the deck and he would be up
immediately. The night was extremely
dark with uncommonly heavy rain with an occasional gust of wind &c &c.
I am Sir
very respectfully
Como your obt Svt
J D Elliott Jas Armstrong
U. S. Navy Lieut. commanding"
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, Boston Navy Yard, 4 Jul 1834:
"I find the clerk of the yard
Samuel Etheridge to be strongly opposed to the Government.
"He has lately made bets that the
Figure Head of the Constitution would be mutilated and now exults that it has
been thus treated.
"He has also stated that he would
make it a point to see the Secretary of the Navy whenever he should be in be
same town with him and insult him, for he believed him to be a great Blackguard
and a mean dirty fellow (meaning Mr. Woodbury).
"As he is an officer of
appointment by the Commandant, with the consent of the Secretary of the Navy, I
cannot remove him without your authority.
"I therefore request that such
authority may be given me and that I may be authorized to appoint a clerk of
the yard in his place."
From
Captain Charles W. Morgan, Boston, MA, 4 Jul 1834:
Reapplies for command of CONSTITUTION
due the change in SecNav. He had applied
earlier, in Apr, while at Washington.
Roll 197 (August 1 ‑ 30, 1834)
NOTHING
Roll 198 (September 1 ‑ 30, 1834)
NOTHING
Roll 199 (October 1 ‑ 31, 1834)
NOTHING
Roll 200 (November 1 ‑ 30, 1834)
NOTHING
Roll 201 (December 1 ‑ 31, 1834)
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, Boston Navy Yard, 7 Dec 1834:
Advises that, in view of the
precarious diplomatic relation with France and the inevitable delays New
England winter weather cause in the outfitting of ships, he has done a
"preparatory fitment of the Constitution and her rigging...is now in a
state of forwardness."
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, Boston Navy Yard, 20 Dec 1834:
Reports having received instructions to
fit CONSTITUTION for sea.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, Boston Navy Yard, 27 Dec 1834:
Requests order to CONSTITUTION for
Lieutenant J. H. Ward of Connecticut, Midshipman George Terry Sinclair of
Virginia, and Passed Midshipman Stedman [sic: Charles Steedman] of South
Carolina. [Sinclair and Steedman were so
ordered.]
Roll 202 (January 1 ‑ 31, 1835)
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, Boston Navy Yard, 5 Jan 1835:
Reports that the severe winter has
resulted in the harbor icing over "as far down as Fort Independence,"
and this may cause a delay in CONSTITUTION's sailing at the time expected.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, Boston Navy Yard, 19 Jan 1835:
Requests that Gunner Thomas Ryley and
Boatswain William Hart be ordered to CONSTITUTION, as well as Acting Carpenter
James Miskelly. [Ed: Ryley was so ordered.]
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, Boston Navy Yard, 22 Jan 1835:
"Official
but confidential...
"This day I was called upon by
the Artist Mr Laban S Beecher who executed the Ornaments for the Frigate
Constitution who prefaced his remarks by stating that he had been called upon
by Captain Benjamin Rich and others the former an East India Merchant of Boston
doubtless the same East India Merchant to whom reference was made in my letter
to the Department of the 5th of July apprizing it of the mutiliation of the
Figure Head of the Constitution who prefaced his remarks with the statement
that he Mr Beecher was authorized to call and see me and say that any Figure
which I might name save that of General Jackson would be made and placed upon
the Ship without expense to the Government‑‑ to which I replied
that the Figure had been mutilated in the most barbarous and wanton manner that
the object for which it had been taken away by them had I supposed been accomplished
and that the mutilated portion could only be received to which he replied that
he believed it was all cut up‑‑
I farther [sic] stated that I had no control over the subject which
belonged to the Government and that I would not repair this or allow another
image to be placed there without its authority.
"He then stated that they
remarked that the Ship would not be allowed to go to Sea with even the
remaining part of the image on her bows even if they were compelled to resort
to placing Guns at the narrows to prevent her passage out[.] I replied that they had better think well of
that subject and desired the conversation to cease as I wished to have none on
this subject. the [sic] Artist Mr
Beecher then took his leave.
"I have however deemed it my duty
to give such orders to redouble our vigilance without ostentation so that 500
men could not injure the ship further than they have done.
"Since your departure from this
place with a determination not to repair the Figure I have had a marine sentinel
with an Officer by his side constantly at night to defend it[.]
"I believe I have not brought to
your notice the fact that a second attempt was made to carry off a larger
portion of the figure on the night of the 5th of July but which proved abortive
as they were discovered, I believe one of the Actors was drowned in attempting
to escape while the other succeeded in passing the wall; the Boat however in which the attempt was
made was captured and is now at this yard.
"P.S. I understand these people perfectly well you
need therefore feel under no apprehension[.]
From the present appearance of the Weather I think I shall have the Ship
ready for her Officers & men by the 15th of next month‑‑ I shall deem it my duty if necessary to see
the Ship outside the narrows when she
departs the Port."
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, Boston Navy Yard, 26 Jan 1835:
Reports CONSTITUTION will be ready for
officers and men "in 10 Days."
Roll 203 (February 1 ‑ 28, 1835)
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, Boston Navy Yard, 9 Feb 1835:
Reports CONSTITUTION ready to receive
crew.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, Boston Navy Yard, 24 Feb 1835:
Reports that "tomorrow" he
will embark in CONSTITUTION 132 seamen, 50 ordinary seamen, 53 landsmen, 26
boys, and "the Marine Guard fom New York." This is 18 seamen and 67 ordinary seamen
short of complement. Lieutenants Ellery,
Pearson, and Neville, Sailing Master Ferguson, Purser Etting, Chaplain Everett,
3 midshipmen, the gunner, and the carpenter have reported for duty. Five months worth of provisions have been
stowed; the rest are to be delivered at New York by 10 March. Expects to be at sea "in 6 Days."
"I have 14 Rounds of Ammunition
[per gun] now filled and on board the Ship and as naval Actions are determined
in a very short time I expect I shall have powder sufficient to meet any
contingency which might occur...
"I have caused a plan of the part
taken from the Figure Head to be sent to the Artist whom you named at New York
who will I trust be enabled to have the same got out so as to be ready to be
placed upon the Figure shortly after my arrival...
"...the Constitution cannot I
think be other than the fastest sailer in the Navy."
From
Captain Jessse D. Elliott, Boston Navy Yard, 25 Feb 1835:
Forwards report of ship's inspection board.
"I agree with them perfectly in
their opinion of the Channels and lest you might think that I had been
instrumental in placing them there, I herewith enclose the copies of letters
which have passed between the Commissioners and myself in relation to the same.
"Upon my expressing my opinion,
to the Surveying Officers, of the channels after they had finished, they
politely furnished me with a copy of their letter to the Board which will
undoubtedly be laid before you.
"Feeling however desirous to have
the whole matter settled at once, I have forwarded the copy as stated above and
upon my arrival at New York shall be enabled to report fully upon the chains
& channels."
[Enclosures]
Ltr
from Elliott to Captain John Rodgers, BNC, 26 Mar 1834:
"Herewith you will find a box
containing [word omitted; possibly "models"] of the Gun Deck &
ports of a Frigate with the chains.
"The one made in the usual manner
(the Board will perceive by placing the wooden gun upon the pivot in the center
of the port) will prevent the gun raking fore and aft almost two points more
than the other channel, which is bent to an inverted arc.
"My attention has been brought to
this subject by the conviction that the Guns have not a sufficient rake, owing
to the obstruction of the chains formed in the usual manner.
"As I wish to give the officer
commanding that Ship every possible means of defending her, I would suggest
that the chains for the Constitution, on each side of the ports where they
interfere, should be formed & fitted in the new manner now presented to the
Board."
Ltr
from Captain John Rodgers, BNC, to Elliott, 21 Apr 1834:
"The caulking & first coat of
paint may be put on the Constitution as it will not interfere with any
disposition of the channels which the Board may eventually direct."
Ltr
from Captain Isaac Chauncey, BNC, to Elliott, 28 May 1834:
"The Constitution need not be
detained in dock on account of her chains and channels for which the Board will
give instruction in due season.
Ltr
from Elliott to Captain John Rodgers, BNC, 30 Aug 1834:
Reports his Naval Constructor is at a
loss as to how to attach the channels in the new position on CONSTITUTION;
requests instructions.
Ltr
from Captain Charles Morris, BNC, to Elliott, 3 Sep 1834:
"You will be pleased to direct
the underside of the Channels of the Frigate Constitution to be placed on the
lower part of the second strake above the spar deck port cill [sic] (as pointed out by the
Commissioners when they were at the Navy Yard) so far from the seam only as
will allow for caulking‑ this will bring the under part of the channels
about 16 or 17 inches above the Spar deck.
"The chain bolts are to be driven
in the strake next above the top of the gun deck ports, abut one third of the
width of the strake from its lower edge.
The preventer bolts are to go through the strake of spirketing next
above the gun deck water ways."
Ltr
from Captain John Rodgers, BNC, to Elliott, 31 Oct 1834:
"Before the Board gave the
instructions to raise the Channels of the frigate Constitution they consulted
ship Builders & had the experience afforded by the Frigate Hudson. They are unable to perceive how the use of
the spar deck guns can be more injured or impeded by raising the Channels than
they would have been with them placed as usual, if they & the dead eyes
have been placed as directed, nor are they able to comprehend what danger can
be reasonably apprehended to to [sic] persons stationed on the spar deck from
the concussion of her main deck guns, or that their exertions will be thus
destroyed in action, or that the spar deck guns will be rendered useless ‑
under these expressions & the circumstances of case, the Board do not deem
it expedient to order a Board of Naval Officers & architects to examine
& report on a subject upon which they have deliberately decided."
Ltr
from Elliott to Captain John Rodgers, BNC, 8 Nov 1834:
"I have received the Commssrs
letter of the 31st ult. The one to which
it is an answer was written after finding an universal condemnation [sic] of
the arrangements of the Channels of the Constitution by every Officer of rank
who had visited the Yard & had seen them, including Com. Creighton, who
commanded the Hudson on her cruise to the Brazils. The Constructor of this Yard & other architects
not belonging to the service had observed them, coincided in opinion &
believed the Ship would be much weakened by the arrangement.
"The particular effects to which
I alluded would arise from the Channels being shortened to fit between each
port & thus allow the concussion to ascend & descend when as previously
arranged each gun on the gun & spar deck having the projecting channels
were secure from the effects of concussion, now it is the reverse; when the
carronades are depressed, the intervening dead eye prevents training more than
1/2 a point. The channels are arranged
exactly in conformity to the Commissioners instructions of the 4th Sept last.
"The subject has been brought to
the notice of the Board in a conscientious discharge of my duty as Comdt of
this yard, of course the subject rests here, trusting that the arrangements as
made by the instructions may be satisfactory in the end that the matter might
be finally settled, as the standing rigging for the present arrangement will be
considerably shorter than if the channels were lower down & if changed
would then be too short, & as the Contractor is called upon to let the
yarns lay three months in Tar, no time was to be lost."
Ltr
from Elliott to Captain John Rodgers, BNC, 14 Feb 1835:
"The chain pumps for the
Constitution are now fitted & work to my entire satisfaction. I wish however I could say as much in praise
of the chains & channels of the Ship but the accompanying plates will
convince the Board of the insecurity of trusting to them or to the bolts when
fitted in that manner upon setting up the rigging the Shrouds drew the bolts
into the wood & twisted & fractured the plates as you will
perceive. to [sic] obviate this
difficulty I caused the plates to be made stouter & a little larger, but
still there seems to be danger of their giving away to extraordinary strains.
"I shall however proceed to New
York in her in a short time & during my passage shall pay particular
attention ot them & if necessary make a more full report to the Board from
hence.
"Should the Board conclude to
continue this mode in other Ships, I should recommend that the channels should
be placed lower down & thus take the dead eyes altogether from the range of
the Gun when placed at its lowest depression & that a permanent iron
fixture be placed within to give greater security to the bolts that hold the
chains."
Ltr
from Captains J. Downes and T. H. Stevens to Captain John Rodgers, BNC, 25 Feb
1835:
"In compliance with the order of
the Honble Secretary of the Navy, we have examined into the repairs &
equipment of the Constitution & the state & fitness of that Vessel for
service at sea & of the manner & fidelity with which the repairs &c
have been executed, & have to report to the Board of Navy Commissioners
that her repairs, so far as we can judge from appearances not having seen her
during the time her repairs were being made have been thorough & made with
perfect fidelity. Her equipment is
certainly of the very first order ‑ indeed we may say she is fitted in
every respect in very superior style‑
We feel however constrained to remark that in our opinion, the security
of the masts is considerably impaired in consequence of the raising of her
Channels from their original position, to where they now are[.] The dead eyes & lanyards of the lower
rigging also, interfered more with the training of the spar deck guns, in
consequence of raising the channels. In
every other respect the ship is in our opinion fully prepared for service at
sea."
Roll 204 (March 1 ‑ 31, 1835)
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Mar 1835:
Reports underway in CONSTITUTION from
Boston for New York.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 6 Mar 1835:
Reports his arrival in CONSTITUTION
off Sandy Hook.
"During a part of the passage the
weather was exceedingly boisterous thereby affording me an opportunity of
testing the properties of this Ship[.]
"It will be recollected that at
the time she was launched in 1797 she hung on the ways in consequence of which
she became hogged to a considerable extent say 2 1/2 feet. When recently docked at the Navy Yard at
Boston particular attention was paid by me to remedy this defect by means of
chocks &c and the Ship is now restored to her original architectural form
with all the properties appertaining to her superior model; and I now
unhesitatingly say that there is not a more weatherly fine and faster ship in
the service n fact the Constitution almost beats herself[.] I beg leave to state that whatever articles
belonging to her equipment which were not received at Boston I have ordered to
be forwarded to New York[.] I found it
necessary to call into requisition the services of Surgeon Doyers[.] On the Surgeons joining the Constitution I
shall order him to resume his previous duty at the Yard at Boston..."
Purser Etting also will join at New
York. Expects to be towed up to the city
by a steamboat at 10 AM tomorrow through "a great deal of drifting
ice."
"You may not be aware of the fact
that there existed in Boston an inquisitional disposition as to the repairing
of the mutilation of the Figure Head one supposing it had been repaired there
and the other that it would be in New York this disposition however I have
taken no steps to gratify.
"Having placed a covering of
Canvas upon it soon after its mutilation I have not had it exposed but previous
to leaving Boston I had it enveloped in the American Flag and left the Port in
that appropriate manner."
From
Captain Charles G. Ridgely, New York NY, 9 Mar 1835:
Reports that CONSTITUTION arrived at
the bar on the 5th, and requested a tow to the city. But his request was not received until 10 PM
on the 7th, long after a gale arising on the morning of the 6th had forced the
frigate out to sea. As it is snowing
heavily now, it is presumed she will remain offshore until the weather clears.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 11 Mar 1835:
"Knowing the wishes of the
Government, and being well aware of your previous communications of my
destination, I assumed command of the Constitution previous to the reception of
my regular appointment to her, calculating to be in New York in a short time
where I could receive it."
A gale on the 6th forced him offshore
after losing his bower anchor and 15 fathoms of chain cable. Made the Hook again on the 8th, crossed the
bar on the 9th, and with the aid of a steam boat came to the city this morning,
exchanging 13 gun salutes with the French brig of war D'Apas. Commodore Ridgely has provided a replacement
anchor and chain.
"If in leaving Boston, I have
given offence by displaying the American Ensign upon the Figure Head of the
president, the same disposition does not seem to exist here, for upon my
entering this port the different vessels bound out paid salutes by lowering
their Flags as they passed..."
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Mar 1835:
Has received dispatches from the State
Department and expects to sail "on Sunday morning." Any officers who haven't reported will be
left behind.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Mar 1835:
Reports having cleared the bar aided
by two steam boats. Says the replacement
head on the figurehead is "even truer" than the Boston original.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Mar 1835 [2nd ltr]:
Expresses gratitude that he has been
allowed to take his son out "as a boy to do a midshipmans [sic]
duty."
From
Captain John W. Downes, Boston Navy Yard, 16 Mar 1835:
Reports that William Wheeler, alias
William A. Meade, was transferred from COLUMBUS to CONSTITUTION prior to her
sailing.
From Captain Charles G. Ridgely, New York Navy
Yard, 16 Mar 1835:
Reports the figurehead repairs were
completed "on Saturday last" at 2 PM and the ship sailed at Sunday's
dawn. She had arrived "wanting
almost everything" and all was given her, including 126 seamen, ordinary
seamen, and boys.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Mar 1835:
Reports the presence of Assistant
Surgeon [Robert] Woodworth. Now underway
for "Havre."
From
Captain Charles G. Ridgely, New York Navy Yard, 20 Mar 1835:
Provided CONSTITUTION, among other
things, with a boat, a mizzen royal yard, a set of sliding gunter royal masts
with hoops for the topgallant mastheads, a ringtail boom, 1 22" hemp cable
of 120 fathoms, 1 7" hawser, 2 9" hawsers, 1 10" hawser, 100
fathoms 8" rope for stoppers, 1 2" chain cable of 150 fathoms and 4
stoppers, 250' of cable platt, a 6720 lb anchor, and iron work for
billboards. Also, 2 charts each for the
English Channel, the North Atlantic, the North Sea, and the north coast of
France and the bay of Biscay (with sailing directions), a sextant, a quadrant,
3 spy glasses, 1 night glass, and 2 Nautical Almanacs for 1836 and 1837. Plus hide rope tyes for the topsail yards,
hide rope truss pendants, 150 fathoms 3" rope, and a rope making machine,
as well as a brass magazine lock and 2 brass padlocks. Among provisions, CONSTITUTION received 2302
lbs of cheese, 836 of butter, 79,853 of bread 858 1/2 gallons of whiskey, and
20 barrels of flour. The Gunner took
aboard 12,812 lbs of cannon powder, 2000 lbs of priming powder, 3 drum head,
160 fathoms of 2 1/2" rope for muzzle lashings, 96 cutlasses, 1 pair of
ball moulds "for 7 barrel pieces," and a port fire mould. Her Carpenter received 6 patent lights (6
1/2" x 3 1/2"), 2 lignum vitae rollers, 2 cherry boards, 2 paint
knives, 2 putty knives, a quantity of copper boat rivets, 2 lbs of London white
lead, 2 of Ivory black, 1/2 of best vermilion, 2 of stone yellow, 1/4 of India
red, 1/4 of Prussian blue pigments, as well as 2 dozen camel hair paint
brushes, a dozen Lyons (portrait) brushes, a pallet knife, a quart of copal
varnish, 100' of oak board, 2 ash ladders "for the passage hatch,"
220 lbs of 20d nails, and 110 lbs of 30d nails.
The Sailmaker received 150 fathoms of 1" bolt rope, 220 fathoms of
2", 200 fathoms of 3", and 150 of 4", and 200 yds of old canvas.
And "one patent water closet" for $24.75.
Roll 205 (April 1 ‑ 30, 1835)
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Apr 1835:
"...Were it not for the
unfortunate alterations made by the Order of the Navy Board, in the Channels,
which cause her upper Works to work, I should say, that the Constitution was,
as the President directed "preserved," and is now more than
herself. You will perceive that she is
very superior in sailing; but I am compelled to say, that she has all the
peculiarities of a fast Ship. She is as
fleet and as wet as a Dolphin..."
Is happy with his officers except for
the Purser.
"On the 18th of March, I had to
regret the loss of a Seaman...named William Emerson. His real name...was Wm Shaw ‑ resided
in Washington, DC... He fell from the
main yard into the water...and was doomed to a watery grave. On the 2nd inst I lost a Marine by the name
of [?] Danson of New York City."
Died of consumption.
"Yesterday a seaman by the name of Thompson died on board..."
due to dissipation. Also lost a 2426 lb
"shifting gun" at night in a storm while making perhaps 13 knots.
Roll 206 (May 1 ‑ 31, 1835)
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 May 1835:
When winds prevented entering Le Havre
on 23 Apr, and his intended call at Cowes, Elliott took the ship to Cherbourg
[on 24 Apr?]. Departed Cherbourg on 1
May and arrived at Le Havre the next day, where Mr. Livingston and family
awaited him. To sea again on 3 May under
adverse conditions. Anchored at Plymouth
on the 10th. Now underway and hoping for
a quick passage.
Roll 207 (June 1 ‑ 30, 1835)
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 Jun 1835:
Reports CONSTITUTION has crossed the
Atlantic in 35 days.
"...It however becomes my duty
again to call your attention to the want of stability in her channels, which
have well risked not only her loss to the nation, but the lives of all on
board, constantly against strong winds in the British Channel, to get out of
which and [obscured] Scilly Isles I was called upon to put her under a heavy
press of canvas: and when just to windward & passing, the chains forward began
[obscured], and had a second one have given way, the Foremast most [obscured]
by the board, the Ship & all hands with it." Every naval architect and officer who visited
the ship in France and England condemned her channels.
Suggests that five ought to be the
maximum number of lieutenants in a frigate.
Mentions his "efficient & indefatigable" First Lieutenant,
[John B.] Montgomery. Claims there is
nothing but harmony among all in the ship.
Has given Midshipman [Frederick] Oakes shore leave to seek recovery from
a severe pulmonary complaint. Reports
that Carpenter J. A. Dickason has a bad hernia and requests his replacement.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Jun 1835:
Mr. Livingston landed this morning,
saluted with 17 guns, with yards manned and the ship decorated with
"numerical flags."
From Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS
CONSTITUTION, 23 Jun 1835 [2nd ltr]:
Mentions Surgeon Thomas J. Boyd and
Assistant Surgeon Brinckerhoff, both of the ship.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Jun 1835:
Forwards applications for orders or
leave from several officers: Lieutenant [Edward C.] Rutledge because he is ill,
Lieutenant [George F.] Pearson because he wishes to be First Lieutenant of a
sloop of war, Sailing Master [James H.] Ferguson for family reasons, and
Midshipman [Benjamin F.] Shattuck for no good reason.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Jun 1835:
Forwards request of Marine 2nd
Lieutenant [Thomas T.] Sloan for order ashore to relieve him of financial
embarrassment.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Jun 1835:
Is willing to have Midshipman Thomas
T. Horgan [?] of South Carolina on board.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Jun 1835 [2nd ltr]:
Is willing to have Passed Midshipman
Percival Drayton of South Carolina on board.
[So ordered.]
Roll 208 (July 1 ‑ 31, 1835)
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Jul 1835:
Midshipman J. F. Duncan requests leave
due to sickness in family.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Jul 1835:
Proposes establishing a school for
midshipmen at West Point and notes there is river shoreline available where a
training vessel might call.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Jul 1835:
Acknowledges receipt of orders
detaching Purser Henry Etting.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Jul 1835:
Reports on Captains of the Hold
William Penny and John Sadler.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 Jul 1835:
Forwards a request for transfer from
Lieutenant W. C. Nicholson and indicates a willingness to have Lieutenant J.
Colhoun ordered to the ship.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 Jul 1835 [2nd ltr]:
Would be happy to see Sailing Master
James Ferguson given an appointment as acting lieutenant.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 Jul 1835:
Forwards requests for transfer from
Assistant Surgeon Brinckerhoff and Acting Sailing Master John M. Berrien.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 26 Jul 1835:
Forwards charges and specifications on
Seamen George Adams and James Taylor: stealing a ship's boat and
desertion. Witnesses: Lieutenant L. M.
Powell and Midshipmen G. W. Randolph and G. T. Sinclair.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Jul 1835:
Recommends transfer for Lieutenant
John B. Montgomery due to family concerns and requests Lieutenant William
Boerum in his place. Highly laudatory of
both officers. [Done.]
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Jul 1835:
Forwards formal request for transfer
from Lieutenant Montgomery and again asks for Lieutenant Boerum in his
stead. Also says Lieutenant Powell may
have orders if he wishes and that his replacement must be junior to Lieutenant
Neville.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Jul 1835 [2nd ltr]:
Forwards charges and specifications
against Seamen Philemon Noble, John Peterson, and William John 4th:
desertion. Suggests they be tried with
the earlier pair. Witnesses: Lieutenant
John B. Montgomery, Passed Midshipman William T. Muse, Midshipman Francis A.
Haggerty.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 Jul 1835:
Reports expiration dates of his crew
as follows:
Says
the men are being lured away by the high rates of pay current in the merchant
service. Also suggests that the second
Marine officer is superfluous in a frigate.
Roll 209 (August 1 ‑ 31, 1835)
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Aug 1835:
Reports receiving requests for
discharge from S. H. McLean Blood, Samuel H. Durwald, James Dearing, Henry
Shute, the grandson of Samuel Jacobs, and Charles Williams. Of these, he states that Blood is no minor
and that Durwald, Dearing, and Jacobs enlisted when there was no work and now
there is. Williams "is a good
man" and a leader of the band, but his time is soon out and he will be
discharged prior to sailing, as will Henry Shute (whose mother had been aboard
"several times" to see Elliott!).
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Aug 1835:
Reports the arrival, "this
day," of Passed Midshipman Henry A. Steele to be the ship's acting sailing
master. Suggests that, since Passed Midshipman
J. F. Duncan is still attached to the ship and senior, that he be designated
sailing master and Steele second master.
Forwards a request from Midshipman G. T. Sinclair to remain in the ship. Comments on Seamen William Raymond and
William Penny that "they are drunken worthless fellows" and, if
discharged, "will be as near brutes as possible."
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 6 Aug 1835:
"The repairs and outfits of this
ship have so far progressed that I am satisfied she will be ready for sea
between the 15th and 20th of the current month."
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Aug 1835:
Reports that prior to his becoming
aware of the new policy regarding the appointment of professors of mathematics,
requiring formal examination, he had chosen "Mr. Hall" to fill that
billet. He has since informed Hall of
the new requirements and will await the outcome of the examination of three
candidates before selecting a qualified person.
Also requests that Midshipman Richard H. Loundes be ordered to the ship
as his parents wish. Finally, he asks
not to have Sailing Master Vaughn as he is "a good fresh water
sailor" (Elliott had known him on the Lakes) but he wants someone saltier
to support him as he acts as both squadron commander and ship captain. [None of the three joined the ship.]
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Aug 1835:
CONSTITUTION has dropped down to the
quarantine anchorage and is awaiting supplies that have been unaccountably
delayed. Only 30 days worth of bread
aboard.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Aug 1835 [2nd ltr]:
Reports receipt of his sailing
orders. "The special agent will be
aboard tomorrow."
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Aug [3rd ltr]:
Reports arrival of the State
Department's special agent, who informed Elliott that there were 124 packages
of various sizes containing diplomatic "presents" that would have to
be brought aboard. Elliott wonders where
they can be stowed.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Aug 1935 [4th ltr]:
All persons authorized for discharge
have been processed except for William McKeever who was in the brig for two
days for knocking down a citizen while
intoxicated.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Aug 1835:
Reports underway outside the bar. Weather had prevented his earlier departure.
Roll 210 (September 1 ‑ 30, 1835)
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Sep 1835:
Enroute to the Mediterranean, he
suggests that a small copper‑fastened vessel like a New York pilot boat,
armed with 1 gun and manned by a lieutenant, sailing master, midshipman, and 15
men, would make an admirable and most useful tender to the squadron.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Sep 1835 [2nd ltr]:
Reports having appointed Passed
Midshipman Henry Darcantel, the senior passed midshipman aboard, second master
since Sailing Master Vaughn did not report.
Also reports that he left without a schoolmaster, which he regrets. Says Lieutenant Oscar Bullus, whose health is
not good, would like to be Elliott's Flag Secretary if the Department approves.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 11 Sep 1835:
Arrived at Gibraltar "this
afternoon" after a passage of 23 days.
Had made a brief call at Tangier on the way in. The presents for the Emperor of Morocco could
not be landed at that time, and will be landed here for later delivery. Doesn't know where Commodore Patterson
is. Expects to sail for Mahon the day
after tomorrow.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Sep 1835:
At Port Mahon 19 Sep, 6 days from
Gibraltar. No US units present, but 2
French liners, 3 frigates, and a sloop of war, all quarantined because of
cholera. CONSTITUTION quarantined for 5
days "just because." Has made
arrangements that American and French sailors will not be permitted ashore at
the same time in order to prevent incidents.
Still has no idea where Commodore Patterson is.
Roll 211 (October 1 ‑ November 30, 1835)
From Captain Charles G. Ridgely, New York Navy
Yard, 22 Oct 1835:
Reports the appearance of Boy Albert
Grinnell, identifying himself as a deserter from CONSTITUTION. Requests instructions.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Oct 1835:
At Port Mahon.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 31 Oct 1835:
Still at Port Mahon. Reports having relieved Commodore Patterson
on 26 Oct. Will take SHARK to Smyrna
with CONSTITUTION; POTOMAC and JOHN ADAMS will proceed on separate, previously
made assignments. Reports a slight
outbreak of cholera in CONSTITUTION which a week at sea ended. Intends to cruise the squadron as a whole
around the Mediterranean beginning about 1 Apr 1836. Requests the ordering of a captain for
CONSTITUTION as he finds his squadron commander duties "arduous."
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Nov 1835:
Sailed from Mahon on 1 Nov; now in the
"Grecian Archipelago."
Anchored at Piraeus on 8 Nov; called on the Greek king the next day, and
received his return call in the ship on the 10th. Sailed on the 14th and anchored at Syra
"this afternoon."
Roll 212 (December 1 ‑ 31, 1835)
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Dec 1835:
At Smyrna.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Dec 1835 [2nd ltr]:
Reports the occurrence of a duel
between Passed Midshipmen Wood and Barton of SHARK in which the latter received
a ball near the knee, shattering the bone and rendering amputation likely. Both have been suspended from duty, along
with their seconds. Barton is being
attended to in CONSTITUTION.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Dec 1835:
Still
at Smyrna. Intends to go to Malta on 1
Jan hoping to find dispatches from the US; then, about 1 Mar proceed to Mahon
or Gibraltar to rendezvous with all the squadron. CONSTITUTION was denied permission to visit
Constantinople as no armed foreign vessel is allowed to pass the Dardanelles
except when conveying a "public agent."
Roll 213 (January 2 ‑ 31, 1836)
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 Jan 1836:
Intends to depart Smyrna "this
morning" for Malta and Gibraltar.
SHARK is enroute Port Mahon and POTOMAC and JOHN ADAMS on patrol off
Gibraltar. Is concerned there might yet
be war with France.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 11 Jan 1836:
Off Malta, checking for letters. He had had two cases of small pox in the ship
late in December, but put them ashore until well. If war comes, plans to leave JOHN ADAMS and
SHARK off Gibraltar, and attack French shipping toward and in the English
Channel with CONSTITUTION and POTOMAC.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Jan 1836:
Arrived at Gibraltar yesterday
morning. After provisioning the
squadron, intends to call at Cadiz and Lisbon, then proceed to Toulon, touching
at Marseilles enroute. Thereafter, will
resume cruising the Mediterranean without stopping at Mahon. Has now been made aware of orders previously
given his predecessor, and will now return the squadron to the US if war with
France occurs.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 Jan 1836:
Lieutenant [George F.] Pearson is
performing satisfactorily in the absence of Lieutenant William Boerum,
temprorarily commanding SHARK.
Roll 214 (February 1 ‑ 29, 1836)
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Feb 1836:
Now feels war not likely. Intends to sail from Gibraltar "this
morning for Tangier," to be joined by the whole squadron.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Feb 1836:
CONSTITUTION and POTOMAC arrived at
Tangier on 5 Feb to find that a pending treaty had not yet been signed, perhaps
because Ramadan had not yet ended.
Leaving POTOMAC there, he arrived at Lisbon on 11 Feb. Will remain at Lisbon until word that the
Moroccan treaty has been signed, then proceed with the squadron to Mahon,
arriving about 1 Apr.
Roll 215 (March 1 ‑ 31, 1836)
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Mar 1836:
From Lisbon, forwards the sentence of
aa general court martial held on Passed Midshipmen Harry P. T. Wood (a
principal) and James T. McDonough and William S. Ringgold (seconds) relating to
the duel in which Passed Midshipman C. C. Barton was wounded last December. When last known, Barton was recovering slowly
at Smyrna. Wood was suspended from duty
for six months and banished from the squadron; Ringgold, who tried to stop the
duel, was given a private admonition, as was McDonough. The court was composed of Captain J. J.
Nicholson of POTOMAC, Master Commandant Silas H. Stringham of JOHN ADAMS, and
Lieutenant Commandant William Boerum of SHARK.
Elliott was presented to Her Majesty
Dona Maria on 22 Feb.
"Health and the utmost harmony
continue to prevail..."
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 4 Mar 1836:
Still at Lisbon. Reports diplomatic situation unchanged;
France expected to remain peaceful.
From
Captain Alexander Claxton, Washington, DC, 7 Mar 1836:
Requests command of CONSTITUTION.
From
Captan Charles Ridgely, New York Navy Yard, 9 Mar 1836:
Reports that Boy John Stansbury, a
deserter from CONSTITUTION, was delivered to him this date "by his
friends." Awaits instructions.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 Mar 1836:
Still at Lisbon.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 31 Mar 1836:
Expects to depart Lisbon about 7 Apr.
Roll 216 (April 1 ‑ 30, 1836)
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 4 Apr 1836:
Reports his secretary, Mr. Dow, has
returned to the US for personal reasons.
He is, however, bearing Elliott's official dispatches and those of the
Consul, and it is requests that his travelling expenses therefore be
recompensed.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 11 Apr 1836:
Reports having surveyed the squadron
to determine when enlistments will expire in the several crews. In CONSTITUTION's case, only five mens'
service ends in 1836, 3 in Jul and 2 in Aug.
In 1837, 1 is due out in Apr, 5 in May, 15 in Jun, 75 in Jul, 17 in Aug,
2 in Nov, and 48 in Dec. In 1838, 109 in
Jan, 18 in Feb, 2 in Mar 3 in Apr, 18 in Jun, 58 in Jul, 14 in Aug, and 2 in
Dec.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Apr 1836:
From Lisbon, forwards record of
general court martial of midshipman from POTOMAC.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Apr 1836:
Reports to visit of Prince Ferdinand,
consort of Her Majesty Dona Maria of Portugal, to the ship in 11 Apr. Intends to sail "today" for Mahon.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Apr 1836:
Off Malaga.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Apr 1836 [2nd ltr]:
Dr. [Thomas J.] Boyd wishes to return
to the US due to his bad health and a family calamity.
From Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS
CONSTITUTION, 20 Apr 1836:
As background to the Barton duel of
last Dec, which has now made the papers in the US, be advised that Mr. Barton,
in the heat of passion, had dirked a crewman.
In lieu of court martial, he was ordered to SHARK amd restricted to the
ship. He managed, however, to get ashore
and into the duel over his actions. On
the Surgeon's advice, he was brought to CONSTITUTION for observation after his
wounding, at a time Elliott was not aboard.
Upon his return, concerned about further problems, Elliott ordered him
installed ashore, but in circumstances that would preclude any more
disturbances. Arrangements for his
support were made with the US Consul, David Offley, including both supplies and
letters of credit.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 April 1836:
From Gibraltar forwards examples of
percussion locks used by the Austrian Navy.
Roll 217 (May 1 ‑ 31, 1836)
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 6 May 1836:
From Mahon, requests authority to
grant leaves of absence to deserving young officers to travel in Europe just
before the ship heads for the US.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 May 1836:
At Toulon. Sailed from Lisbon on 22 Apr after learning
the French tensions were over. Has benn
well received by the French.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 31 May 1836:
Reports that allowing men to draw
money monthly in lieu of rations has had a "happy effect." Ten‑man messes are getting along on
allowances for eight.
Roll 218 (June 1 ‑ 30, 1836)
NOTHING
Roll 219 (July 1 ‑ 30, 1836)
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Jul 1836:
At sea. Forwards the 20 May court martial proceedings
on board POTOMAC against Thomas D. Allen of JOHN ADAMS, found guilty of
murder. The court, after seeking
unsuccessfully some evidence that the man had done the crime in a moment of
insanity, sentenced him to be hung.
Elliott ordered the man into confinement in CONSTITUTION "where he
may receive the consoling reflection of the Rev. clergymen of the
squadron," to be returned to JOHN ADAMS
"on the last Thursday of June next...and the sentence carried into
effect the following Friday [1 Jul] at Meridian." The sentence was carried out as scheduled and
after 20 minutes the body was lowered and buried at sea.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 Jul 1836:
Since leaving Toulon, has called at
Genoa, Leghorn, and Civitavecchia prior to arriving at Naples. Elliott paid a call on the Pope while the
ship was at Civitavecchia. Reports he
will not go up the Adriatic because of a reported epidemic of cholera, but will
go to Corfu, where he expects to rendezvous with UNITED STATES. "Good health and harmony prevails
throughout the Squadron."
From
Captain Jesse Wilkinson, USS UNITED STATES, 10 Jul 1836:
Just arrived at Gibraltar after 27 day
passage. No report on squadron's
whereabouts; will go to Mahon.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 Jul 1836:
Off Palermo. Going to Corfu and the Archipelago next.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 Jul 1836:
Just arrived at Corfu. Touched at
Messina enroute. Has learned the UNITED
STATES left Gibraltar in 12 Jul bound for Malta; expects her momentarily. Once she joins, and having learned that the
cholera has "considerably abated," now intends proceeding to
"Trieste, Venice, &c."
Roll 220 (August 1 ‑ 31, 1836)
From
Captain John Downes, Boston Navy Yard, 1 Aug 1836:
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 Aug 1836:
At Athens. "General health & happiness
continues..."
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 Aug 1836 [2nd ltr]:
Did not go to Trieste because of
quarantine regulations. Visited Napoli
di Romani enroute to this place. Expects
to leave in 3 days for Crete and the coasts of Syria and Egypt.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 Aug 1836:
At Athens.
Would like to have a captain for CONSTITUTION as "the duties of a
captain of a ship and a commander of the Squadron should be very
distinct..." Understands that Captain
[Alexander] Claxton "would like to come out and take this Ship."
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Aug 1836:
Off
Milo.
Roll 221 (September 1 ‑ 30, 1836)
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Sep 1836:
At "Beyrout, Syria." UNITED STATES joined on 21 Aug and POTOMAC
was been sent home [on the 25th]. After
Milo, touched at Crete prior to arriving at this port. Departs today for Tyre, Jaffa, and
Alexandria.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 Sep 1836:
Has just arrived at Alexandria, having
touched at Tyre and Jaffa. Expects to
remain 4 days, then move on to Tripoli, Tunis, and Mahon. All is well.
Roll 222 (October 1 ‑ 29, 1836)
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 4 Oct 1836:
Still at Alexandria, reports that two‑thirds
of the men in the squadron have foregone their grog ration, lured by the
prospect of being paid its equivalent in cash monthly.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 Oct 1836:
Upon leaving Beirut, adverse winds
caused him to sail north to Tripoli, where he called on Ibrahim Pasha and
Capudan Pasha, which call was returned by both Ottomans the next day. Leaving Tripoli, he touched at Jaffa and
arrived at Alexandria on 30 Sep. Was
received by "His Highness Mehemit Ali," who subsequently visited
CONSTITUTION with the yards of all ships of the squadron manned and a salute of
21 guns. Two Turkish swords later were
presented to Elliott and his First Lieutenant as marks of His Highness'
esteem. Intends to sail this date. "...good health & harmony
prevails..."
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 6 Oct 1836:
Still at Alexandria. Reiterates that, given the impression he
received from the American Consul, he felt he had to accept the swords, pending
a decision from Washington, or risk displeasing Mohammed Ali.
[Annotated:
"Shew the Secy the Secy Genl Orders on the subject of presents from
foreign powers."]
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 20 Oct 1836:
Called at Tripoli [Libya] on the 17th
and arrived at Tunis this date. Will go
next to Mahon to provision, then move on to Tangier, Lisbon, etc.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Oct 1836:
Arrived at Mahon in company with UNITED
STATES on the 26th. Due to expiration
dates of many members of the crew, recommends that CONSTITUTION returns to the
US in October 1837. Believes the
squadron ought to number 7 vessels, "even should they all be
Schooners."
Roll 223 (November 1 ‑ 30, 1836)
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 Nov 1836:
At Port Mahon.
Roll 224 (December 1 ‑ 31, 1836)
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Dec 1836:
While other units of the squadron
disperse, will take CONSTITUTION to Malaga, Tangier, Cadiz, and Lisbon. Reports having appointed Lieutenant
Commandant William Boerum as his flag captain, having Lieutenant George Pearson
replace him in SHARK. Has appointed his
secretary, John C. Holland, to act as purser in SHARK in place of the invalid
Daingerfield Fauntleroy.
"...perfect harmony and good feeling prevails..."
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Dec 1836:
At Cadiz.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Dec 1836:
Arrived at Cadiz on the 27th. Had intended to go to Lisbon first, but fell
in with an English schooner [PERSEVERANCE of Dartmouth, on the 22nd] in
distress and the winds required she be towed in here.
Roll 225 (January 1 ‑ 31, 1837)
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Jan 1837:
From Mahon, reports having seen a
public journal "having access to the Department" that is publishing
scurrilous and abusive material as truth in the "matter" between
himself and Lieutenant Hunter.
[Annotated:
"Enquire of Mr. Homans verbally what publications have made [inquiries?]
in relation to this matter and whence he obtained his information."]
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Jan 1837:
Arrived at Cadiz from Mahon on 31 Dec,
and arrived at Lisbon on 3 Jan. Spain in
a state of revolution and counter‑revolution. Reminds the Department that nearly 100 of the
crew have terms expiring next Jan.
Thinks that between those willing to reenter to stay in the
Mediterranean and "the number of distressed seamen whom we pick up,"
CONSTITUTION could remain on station "for a year from next
fall." He would like to return
then, himself. Expects to leave for
Mahon on the 25th, and touch at Tangier enroute.
[Annotated:
"Inform Com. Elliott that if his Crew have consented to continue in
service until the Autumn of the year 1838 he may remain in command until that
time. The term of the greater part of
the Crew will expire in Jany next to avoid the expense of sending those to the
United States who may be then entitled to their discharge I request that you
leave appropriate instructions with the Senior U.S. Naval Officer in the
Mediterranean taking on board all [?] return in the Frigate Constitution and
enter the harbour of Norfolk and announce his arrival to the Department."]
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Jan 1837:
At Gibraltar. Reports that he called at Tangier, where,
having learned that the treaty with the U.S. had been signed, he fired a 50‑gun
salute (1 for each year the treaty is to be in force) which was answered by the
Moroccans. Expects to leave for Mahon
this date, and to be at Marseilles on 15 Apr to meet Governor Cass and suite,
by which time "all necessary arrangements for their accommodations"
will have been made.
Roll 226 (February 1 ‑ 27, 1837)
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Feb 1837:
At Port Mahon, having left Gibraltar
as intended.
Complains of scurrilous published
reports concerning the Barton matter.
Contrary to what was published, be advised that, while at Mahon in Oct
1835, Barton struck Elliott's Clerk and "mutilated his face," for
which Barton was restricted to his ship and the Clerk required to promise not
to call him out. Furthermore, when
Barton was left recuperating at Smyrna, orders were left that, when
sufficiently recovered, he was to go to Malta and there rejoin SHARK. Instead, it appears that he has deserted and
returned to the US. It had been
Elliott's intention to court martial him.
It now appears that, contrary to the
apparent good will with which Dr. Boyd went home, he did so under the
unjustified claim that his wife had become insane, and with other motives. He now has allowed "his name to go with
a party whose sole object appears to produce heart burnings and discontent
among a certain portion of Officers, and if possible to excite them to acts of
hostility and disobedience towards me..."
Feels the Department ought to investigate Barton and Boyd.
[Enclosures]
"Deposition
of Robert Whittaker Boatswain U.S. Frigate Constitution February 10th 1837
"On the morning alluded to
sometime between the first and the eight [sic] of November, one thousand eight
hundred and thirty‑five, I was sent (by the Officer of the Deck) down on
the Gun deck to send all hands belonging to the Watch on deck to make Sail‑ George Dennett Seaman was at the time Fore
Top Sweeper, he went on deck carrying his broom along with him, and went to the
Fore Lift Jigger on the Starboard side, that, Passed Midshipman Barton came up
the Starboard fore ladder and called out for George Dennett, who immediately
answered him, he Mr. Barton asked him what he was doing on deck, to which he
answered that he was sent on deck by me to make Sail, that Mr Barton then said
damn your eyes go down below and dont come on deck again without an Order from
me, he, George Dennett turned round to go below, when Mr Barton took the broom
out of his (George Dennet's) hands and commenced pushing against his legs with
it. He (George Dennett) then told him
that if he had done wrong, to take him to the Officer of the Deck, and have him
punished, that Mr Barton then raised the broom to strike him, and he George
Dennett seized it and took it from Mr Barton and hove it down on deck, and then
turned around the Fore Mast to go down the Larboard Fore ladder, that Mr Barton
pulled out a Dirk from his inside (jacket or Coat) pocket and plunged it into
his (Dennett's) ham or thigh and said there I'll let you [?] whether you will
attempt to strike an Officer or not.
"During this time I was standing
on the Fore netting forward of the Swifter.
There were also several men looking on at the time viz: Allen Conant,
Jesse [?], John Cooper and William Atkins, who are willing to testify to this."
"Sir,
"In relation to your request in relation
to the affair between Passd Midn Barton and yourself I give you such
particulars as I now remember. Mr Barton
was on board this ship when I joined her, a few days previous to her sailing
from New York in August 1835 for this station.
Some time after our arrival at Mahon, a difficulty occurred between Mr
Barton and your Clerk, during which your Clerk received a blow from Mr Barton,
the particulars I do not now remember, but the result of the investigation was
that the parties were not allowed to go on shore for some time.
"The circumstance of Mr Barton's
running his Dirk in the man, as near as I can remember the case, is this, Mr
Barton was Mate of the Gun Deck, and this George Dennett was one of the
Sweepers, and had been set at some work on the Deck by Mr Barton, the duty was
neglected, and the man absent, he was found on the Forecastle, and ordered
below by Mr Barton, he refused to go ‑ and either had in his hand, or
picked up at the time, a broom by which Mr Barton supposed was intended to defy
him, Mr B. forced him to the hatchway, where the man making some resistance Mr
Barton in the heat of passion ran a dirk
in his thigh ‑ Mr Barton was suspended in consequence.
"At Smyrna you mentioned to me
that Lieut Ridgeway Commng the Shark had several times applied for a P[assd]
Midshipman, and to avoid a Court Martial you would [order?] Mr Barton there.
"I know nothing as to the cause
of the Duel, but when Mr Barton was brought alongside, I consulted Dr Boyd as
to the necessity of his coming on board, he said was necessary, and I admitted
him. When you came on board I reported
the circumstance, and you ordered him sent on board his own vessel. Dr Boyd remonstrated but you renewed the
order and he was sent to the Shark. His
removal from the Shark, to the shore [I?] know no more of than, I as ordered by
you to hoist out the 1st Cutter for that purpose. After I relieved Lt. Ridgeway in command of
the Shark and was about to sail from Smyrna Dr. Egbert told me there were some
articles belonging to the Hospital Dept. [that/] would be required for Mr
Barton's use, and that we had [?] set on board.
I applied to you. You ordered the
Sh[ark?] be left, you also ordered two months pay and a letter of Credit on the
Schooner to be left.
I have the honor to be
Very Respy
Your Obt Svt
W.
Boerum"
"Deposition
of George Dennett, Seaman U.S. Ship Constitution, February 10th 1837.
"That sometime between the first
and the eighth day of November, one thousand eight hundred and thirty‑five,
I was gun‑deck sweeper for the Fore Top, that Robt Whittaker Boatswain,
came on the gun deck and ordered all the watch on deck, sweepers included, that
in accordance thereto, I went on deck with my broom in my hand, and I proceeded
to the Starboard Fore Lift Jigger; that whilst there, Passed Midshipman Barton,
master's Mate of the Gun deck came up the Starboard Fore ladder and called out
for me, and I immediately answered him; he then asked me what I was doing on
deck, I told him I was sent up by the Boatswain to make sail; he said damn your
eyes, go down below & dont come on deck again without an order from
me. Upon which I turned to go down below
when he took the broom out of my hand, and commenced pushing me in the legs
with it. I turned round and told him
that if I had done wrong to take me to the Officer of the Deck and let him
punish me, or something to that purpose, that he then raised the broom to
strike me when I seized it and took it from him, and threw it on deck and turned to go around the Foremast to go down
the Larboard Fore [ladder?] when I immediately felt a sharp instrument entering
[my?] thigh, which proved to be a dirk thrust by the said Passd Midshipman
Barton.
"Witnessed his
James Conway George X Dennett
mark"
"Sir,
"...I have attentively read your
letter to the Honble Secretary [of 20 Apr 1836] and have no hesitation to
say that as far as I have any knowledge
of that affair, everything you have stated is correct in all material points...
Ebenr Ridgeway
Lt, U.S.
Navy"
Roll 227 (March 1 ‑ 31, 1837)
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Mar 1837:
From Mahon, forwards the scimitar
presented by Mahomet Ali via Lieutenant Ringgold.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 4 Mar 1837:
JOHN ADAMS is coming home with
invalids from CONSTITUTION and SHARK.
Reports that all his crew have reentered for the duration of the cruise
with the exception of 142 men whose terms expire between February and October
1838. Expects they will, too,
eventually. Influenza is sweeping the
crew, as it has Europe.
[Enclosure]
The invalids going home:
From USS UNITED STATES
From USS SHARK: Ordy Jas C. Reed ‑ hernia
These
men in CONSTITUTION found ineligible for invaliding home: Midn Wm H. Carnes,
Pvt Henry Walker, Ordy Maurice Williams, Sea Chas Blinn, Sea Geo Seymore, and Ordy Geo Fitzgerald.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Mar 1837:
From Mahon.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliot, USS CONSTITUTION, [after 15] Mar 1837:
From Mahon, praises the efforts of
Captain Silas Stringham in JOHN ADAMS in aiding British ships endangered by a
gale near Malaga.
Roll 228 (April 1 ‑ 29, 1837)
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Apr 1837:
"Circumstances of a disagreeable
nature made it expedient that Midn Wm H. Carns, who came out in the United
States, should be transferred to another Ship; and in the hopes that the causes
which made him objectionable in the eyes of his messmates, might, in a measure,
be removed by an exchange, I gave him orders to the Constitution.‑‑
"Here the same complaints were
preferred against him; and the same annoyances which made it requisite to
remove him from the United States, made it necessary to send him from the
Constitution.‑‑ He was
transferred to the Shark, but all efforts to restore to a decent attention to
his person, have proved equally fruitless, and the hopes of awakening him to a
sense of his depraved condition, are now over.
"I herewith enclose you his
resignation..."
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 Apr 1837:
At
Mahon. Assistant Surgeon G. B. Elliott
has been found insane and has been ordered home. Expects to leave for Marseilles on or about
the 15th. Chaplain James Everett of
CONSTITUTION died on the morning of the 12th.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Apr 1837:
At Marseilles.
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Apr 1837 [2nd ltr]:
Forwards record of court martial of
Lieutenant Charles G. Hunter. "I
would remark, in reference to these proceedings, that my interference at the
time, was to check a threatening personal altercation between two of my
Officers, before an excited and excitable multitude,‑ prevented by
subsequent explanation between the parties,‑ and that the movement of my
cane, was an involuntary motion of my hand, to give emphasis to my words,
without intending a threat, or a menace toward Lt. Hunter..." Completely dissatisfied with Hunter's
acquittal, but recognizes that he can't change it.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Apr 1837:
Arrived at Marseilles on 27 Apr. Expects to depart with General Cass and suite
on the 1st, heading for Italy.
Roll 229 (May 1 ‑ 31, 1837)
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 May 1837:
Left Marseilles on the 1st and arrived
at Genoa on the 6th; sailed on the 7th and arrived at Leghorn on the 10th. Expects to sail for Civitavecchia about the
15th. "...the utmost harmony
prevails..."
Roll 230 (June 1 ‑ 30, 1837)
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Jun 1837:
At Palermo. Reports that he again visited Rome while the
ship was at Civitavecchia, and that he invited the Pope to visit the ship. Regretting that he could not, the Pontiff
sent Elliott a medal bearing His Holiness' likeness. Intends passing it on to the State
Department. Elliott and Cass, and some
of the latter's suite, had an audience with the Pope on 24 May in the Vatican
library.
From Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS
CONSTITUTION, 7 Jun 1837:
Sailed from Palermo on the 7th to
Malta.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Jun 1837:
Arrived at Athens on 14 Jun. The King and Queen of Greece have visited the
ship. Leaving on the 28th for
Constantinople. "...health and
harmony prevail..."
Roll 231 (July 1 ‑ 31, 1837)
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Jul 1837:
Since arriving in the Gulf of Corinth
on 27 Jun, we have visited that city, Cape Colonna, Aegina, Tenedos, Marathon,
and Alexandria Troas. Dressed ship on
the 4th "with our two additional stars, and the accustomary
salute..." Having a firman, entered
the Dardanelles, passed Gallipoli on the 12th under tow from an Austrian
steamer and reached Constantinople on the 15th.
Will depart as soon as possible as the plague is spreading in the
city. Commodore [David] Porter lies ill with
it, but seems to have passed the critical point. Has given his son Hambleton permission to
remain with him and rejoin at Mahon by the middle of Nov. No call made on the Sultan due to the health
situation. "...most perfect harmony
continues to prevail on board..."
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Jul 1837:
At "Sudor."
"It was my wish to have
superceded the necessity of forwarding the accompanying communication; but the
Officer who has made it, has so far, in a personal discussion, deviated from
facts; and he having declined to go over the whole ground, as I had requested,
in justification of myself, I deem it proper to submit the matter to your
consideration, with a brief statement of my own of the case. The Constitution on the night of the 21st
inst. being somewhat endanged [sic] from her approximity [sic] to the shore, I
deemed it necessary to give my own personal aid in relieving the Ship, and
ordered her to be brought to anchor; the forward sails not being worked then,
or previously, by Lt Colhoun, in a manner pleasing to me, and not hearing the
answer to the hail of the officer conducting the duty, and the duty not done, I
directed Capt. Boerum to send and know the reason; he accordingly sent, and on
his coming aft, Capt. Boerum asked why the hail was not answered, and the
foresail hauled up? Lt. Colhoun said that he was not ready, that
he had answered the hail, but could not get the men to work; when I replied to
him that he was negligent, and had not done his duty, at which he contradicted
me, repeating that the men would not work, and that the Forecastle was too
small to enable them to do so:‑ I relied that it was no such thing, and
that it was his duty in such cases to send them aft for punishment, and coerce
an obedience to his orders; all of which was not replied to in a becoming and
conciliatory manner. On the morning
following, I had caused the boat to be sent on shore; Lt. Colhoun had the
watch, after 8. in appearing on the quarter deck, I asked him if the boat was
returning,‑ when, with a distorted countenance, and offensive manner, he
replied 'No,' accompanied with violent gesticulation of the body;‑
presuming this to be the result of feeling on the previous occurrence, I passed
it,‑ but during the whole of the same day, and following, his manner bore
the same character towards myself; I represented it to him the next day,‑
and reproved him for it; previously by stating the same to Capt. Boerum, who
was instructed to communicate to Lt. C. the cause of his suspension, which was
accordingly done. The number of persons
which were in my cabin at the time, prevented my personal conference with Lt.
C. but all proper information as to the cause of his suspension was subsequently
communicated to him, by Capt. Boerum. On
my leaving the ship, I directed Capt. B. to place another Officer on deck, at
the same time ordered Lt. Colhoun to go below, observing to him that 'he did
not know his man,' alluding to my determination to submit to no disrespect of
the kind, from a subordinate officer.
"I would here respectfully draw
your attention to the closing part of Lt. Colhoun's letter to me, where he
takes upon himself the liberty of sending a duplicate of his own communication
to the Department: This leads me to
remark that since I have had occasion to introduce some temporary changes among
the senior Lieutenants on board, I have observed a spirit of discontent on the
part of the Officers in question;‑ and I regret to add, that I have also
noticed in him an unbecoming deportment toward myself, and a want of
willingness and alacrity in the discharge of his usual duties.
"N.B. The above letter has been submitted to Capt.
Boerum, who affirms to the correctness of the statement. On meeting of the Squadron in Mahon, Lt.
Colhoun will be disposed of for duty on board of another vessel."
[Enclosure]
"U.S.S.
Constitution
"At
Sea, July 26, 1837.
"Sir
[Elliott],
As I am unconscious of having been
guilty of the slightest offence, or impropriety, that would justify the
treatment, I have received, and am still receiving, at your hands, I must avail
myself of the only remedy left, that of referring the whole affair to the Navy
Depart. and therefore respectfully request that you will forward the enclosed
communication by the earliest opportunity, as I shall take the liberty of
forwarding a duplicate to the Navy Depart from Syra." [Enclosure not included.]
Roll 232 (August 1 ‑ 31, 1837)
NOTHING
Roll 233 (September 1 ‑ 30, 1837)
NOTHING
Roll 234 (October 2 ‑ 31, 1837)
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION,25 Oct 1837:
Since leaving Constantinople, the ship
has called at Tenedos, Scio, Sera, Suda, and Candia, Island of Crete, and
Jaffa. From Jaffa, the Cass party and
Elliott visited Jerusalem, Baalbek, and Damascus, rejoining the ship at
Tripoli. Sailed from thence on the 30th
and arrived at Beirout on 1 Sep. Arrived
at Alexandria on the 14th, and were presented to Mahomet Ali the next day. Made a trip up the Nile to Cairo, called on
Ibrahim Pasha, and visited the pyramids.
Departed Alexandria on the 26th and subsequently anchored at
Lanarca. Visited Nicosia overland. Sailed on the 4th, and after a passage of 20
days reached Mahon. Cass and suite now
ashore awaiting passage back to France.
"Health & Harmony prevail on board."
Roll 235 (November 1 ‑ 30, 1837)
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 6 Nov 1837:
At
Mahon.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 7 Nov 1837:
Lieutenant A. A. Harwood is being
invalided home because of an "asthmatic affection" which disqualifies
him for exposed active duty."
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Nov 1837:
If
the expiration of terms of service make it necessary for CONSTITUTION to return
to the US in the spring, he intends to transfer his flag to UNITED STATES,
hoping the Secretary will allow him to return in her.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Mar 1837:
"Private & Confidential...
"My official letters will apprise
you that after a six months cruize of a most delightful character we have
returned to Mahon and had not the Small Pox have made its appearance on board I
should have included Naples and Venice‑ you aware of the limited
sphere of a Frigates Cabin and a time on shore I have much pleasure in re[?]ing
back to the fact that in all this time nothing has occurred to mar the previous
good feeling between the Gov. and myself
My letter of winter[?] will say at what [?] I could keep the
[C]onstitution here that has trans[?] [?] yet
I will hold on to her until the Spring in the hope that relief will be
out and I can return in her, should that not be the case I will shift my flag
to the U States in the hope that I will be instructed to return in her in all
next summer the period of the enlistment of her crew will [?] of them [?] and
in the coming spring and summer, To this end I will feel obliged if you will
drop me a line immediately a receipt of this under cover to Genl. Cass, who
will forward the [?] via Marsuls [sic: Marseilles?], a duplicate to Madrid and
Barcelona may [?] reach me, should I
send the Constitution home and my successor be my [?] I may be placed in the
dilemma of having no ship to ride in which would be extremely mortifying to me
Philadelphia [?] to complain a little to put [?] in [??] would it do to send
the Constitution [?] she would [?] new gun carriages & Sails..."
Memorandum,
Lieutenant J. L. C. Hardy, USMC, to "Capt. Boerum," USS CONSTITUTION,
10 Nov 1837:
The Marine Guard consists of 41
men. Hardy commands the Guard.
Memorandum,
Purser John N. Hambleton, to "Capt. Boerum," USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Nov
1837:
The crew numbers 412.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Nov 1837 [2nd ltr]:
At Mahon. "Aggreeably to your Instructions,
permission has been given Lt. [Charles] Hunter for leave of absence, on his
arrival in France in the Frigate United States.
I thank you for the option left me to permit or withhold his return, and
of detaching from the Squadron an Officer who has shewn such dispraising[sic]
example of insubordination."
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Nov 1837 [3rd ltr]:
"In conformity with your
Instructions of the 18th Oct. 1836, in reference to furnishing accommodations
for Genl Cass and Suite, for the object of visiting Egypt, Syria, Turkey,
Greece, and the Islands of the Archipelago, I have the honor to state that on
the 23d April, I proceeded from this Port [Mahon] to Marseilles, at which place
on the 1st of the following month, the General, family, and Suite, embarked on
the projected tour. They were received
on board, with every convenience furnishable from the Cabin of a Ship of War.
"I have had the honor since the
period last mentioned, to transmit information of our progressive course, but
apprehensive from the remoteness of some places, from which my communications
were directed, that they failed reaching you, I herewith send a more
circumstantial detail of our movements, from the period of the ship's departure
from this Port, to her present arrival at the same.
"We left Marseilles on the 1st
May, and arrived at Genoa on the 7th. On
the 10th anchored at Leghorn; from this point, passing through Pisa, and the
Vale of the Arno, we reached the City of Florence, and visited the Treasures of
the Arts, and the environs of the Tuscan Capital. Thence we crossed the country to Rome.‑ After viewing the antiquities and interesting
monuments of the ancient City, and making a short excursion to Civita Vecchia
and joined the Ship, which was ordered to meet us at that Port.‑ at each
of these places we were complimented with honorary marks of notice by all the
public Authorities.
"At Rome, Genl Cass and myself
accompanied by a portion of his family, were introduced to His Holiness the
Pope, at the Library of the Vatican, where we were received in the most cordial
manner. His Holiness in testimony of
regard, presented me with a medal of his own face, the compliment was made
thro' the hands of Prince Musignani, and accepted conditionally, reserving it
to be deposited with the Department on my arrival in the United States. On the 28th we sailed from Civita Vecchia,
the third day following arrived at Palermo, but were prevented visiting shore
by the quarantine regulations.
"On the 2d the following month,
passing Gergenti, we proceeded to Malta, where we anchored on the 5th. [H]ere we were also prohibit communication
with the Port, and altho' under the restrictions of the Health Office, we
received every possible civility at the hands of Admiral Rowley, and the Public
Functionaries of the Island; exchanging
Salutes from Ship and from shore. Sailed
from Malta on the 8th; here we landed our small Pox Patients, & arrived off
the Harbour of Athens the 15th.
"While we lay in the Bay, the
King and Queen of Greece, with their Corps diplomatique, and other
distinguished personages, visited the Ship, and expressed great gratification
at the honors and attentions paid them.
Previous to the visit of the Royal Family on board, Genl Cass and Suite,
with myself and the Officers of the Squadron, were presented to their
Majesties, who received us with the utmost affability, at the Royal Palace, at
Athens, reciprocating civilities on shore.
"The chief consequence arising
from such interviews, and on such occasions, is the good feeling promoted
between the highest authority of one nation and that of another, through its
representatives abroad. I would here
remark, that at every important point along the Grecian coast, our Flag has
been honored, and the American name repeated with respect.
"After viewing the memorable
relics of the Attic Capital, we proceeded along the coast to Egina, thence, on
the 25th June, to Cape Colonna, the ancient Sunium. We landed at the Promontory, and taking a
short view of its pillared remains, we departed for Corinth and anchored in the
Gulf on the 27th. At this point we were
joined by the Genl. and Suite, who had left the Ship at Athens, making a hasty
excursion through the interior of the Country of Greece. We ascended the Acropolis at Corinth;‑
from this place the General visited Sicyon, the ancient City of the Greeks, of
the remotest antiquity. On the 30th
anchored off Marathon, and landed for a few hours on the Plains, also at Tenedos. On the 3d the following month, arrived at the
Mouth of the Dardanelles; next day visited Alexandria Troas, and explored a few
remains of the ruined City. On this
occasion of our National Anniversary, the Ship was dressed with two additional
Stars and the customary Salutes fired in honor of the day.
"We entered the Hellespont on the
5th here, through our Consular Agent, the Firman was furnished us to pass the
Castles of the Dardanelles. Salutes were
exchanged as we passed the Batteries.
While off Gallipoli, we fell in with an Austrian Steamer, by whose
assistance we were enabled for some time to make considerable progress against
current and wind, and to reach Constantinople on the 15th. On our arrival, Salutes were exchanged, and
such other ceremonies observed, befitting the etiquette of a Ship of War. In the City the Plague was raging to such an
alarming degree, that a guarded and limited intercourse was held with the
shore, and the few articles of necessity, which were received on board, were
first passed through water, by which precaution we escaped the contagion. At a presentation to Achmet Pasha, Commander
in Chief of the Turkish Naval Forces, he informed me that the highest
satisfaction had been expressed on the part of the Sultan, on the subject of
the present friendly relations between the two Countries. The danger of contact with the shore,
deprived us of a promised visit from His Highness, who had expressed a wish to
inspect, in person a first rate American Ship of War.
"The Pasha had been instructed by
the Sultan, to say to me, that His Highness desired to invite into the employ
of the Turkish Navy, such Officers from among Americans, who had, through
resignations, or other causes, become detached from our Service; to which I
took occasion to remark, that those who had retired from objectionable causes
would be of no use to him, or credit to ourselves ‑ that the better
course would be to invite an Officer of high rank into his Service, one who
could bring with him his materials, and render effectual aid in the operations
of Naval Tactics.
"The alarming progress of the
pestilence on shore, interrupted the preparations of the Reis Effendi, who had
been appointed to present us to the Sultan.
I found it necessary to depart forthwith, and on the 23d left the
harbour of Constantinople. I should have
mentioned that while the Ship lay in the Bosphorus, the General, and myself,
with a small party, made a short trip to the Black Sea. On the 24th we arrived at Tenedos, following
day departed for Scio, touching at Mycone [sic], Delos, Sudor, and Candia,
Island of Crete; at the last mentioned place met with Mahomet Ali, exchanging
Salutes, but prohibited visiting shore, from quarantine. On the 2d August reached Jaffa, from this
point we traversed the land of Palestine, through Ramala, to Jerusalem,
Bethlehem, Bethany, Jericho, to the Jordan and the Dead Sea:‑ leaving
Jerusalem, we passed through Rama, Beer, Nablous, Samaria, Genim, Nazureth
[sic], Nain, Tiberias Capernaum, Susa, Sidnaia, Demascus [sic], to Balbec
[sic];‑ crossing the mountains of Lebanon, we encamped at the Cedars ‑
thence to Eden, arriving at Tripoli on the 30th. From a firman obtained at Jaffa, to
facilitate our progress through the interior, I found that our approach had
been anticipated;‑ we met with numerous attentions along our route,
particularly at Damascus, where Sheriffe Pacha [sic] used every exertion to
make the time acceptable to his visitors.
In the remotest deserts, and among the wildest tribes, our Flag has been
displayed. The one used in our
excursions through the Holy Land, and the countries of the far East, is
herewith conveyed to the Department. On
the 3d we proceeded to Beirout; from this point, the General, with a small
party, visited Sidon; from which place they made an excursion into the interior
of Syria, and visited the Emir Beschir [sic], Prince of the Druses [sic], and
lady Hester Stanhope. Pursuing their
route they arrived at Tyre, thence to St. Jean d'Acre, Kaipha [sic], Mt.
Carmel, Casarea [sic], and Jaffa, rejoining the Ship at the last mentioned
place. During this interval of the
absence of the party, I proceeded with the Ship from Bairout [sic], to Cyprus,
touching at Limasol and Larnaca, where for the first time, our Naval Flag had
ever been displayed; then to Jaffa, where the party rejoined the Ship.
"Previous to the embarkation of
General Cass at Marseilles, I addressed a letter to Mr. Glidden, our Consul at
Alexandria, to make arrangements to obtain a Firman, which is herewith appended
‑ from Mahomet Ali, that would give us those facilities usually extended
to Strangers travelling in those Countries.
This was obtained at Jaffa, as already stated.
"On my arrival at Sidon in the
Summer of 1836, I sent an Officer on shore, with respects to the Governor,
about the Salutes; and on asking the question if the same number of Guns would
be returned, he considered it an insult, and objected at first; after an
explanation on the part of the Consul, that our Government exacted it, the
matter was understood, and salutes exchanged.
"On my arrival at Jaffa, I
despatched an Officer on shore to say, with my respects to the Governor, that
the salute fired was for thirteen. He
returned for answer, that he had no Guns:‑ Some days after, on my return,
and on the eve of my departure, I was informed that he had guns, but was not
disposed to exchange courtesies with a Christian. This I subsequently brought to the notice of
Mahomet Ali, who assured me that he had Guns, and that the Salute should be
returned.
"On my arrival at Jaffa, the
present year, I sent an Officer to
require the Salute due me, by the omission of the former Governor, to be returned ‑ the Governor sent for
answer, that not being n authority at that period, he could not repair the
omission of his predecessor. On being
informed by that Officer, that the accustomary Salute could not be tendered, he
consented to repair the omission, and fired 21 Guns. I then saluted the Town, and was answered gun
for gun.
"During the interval of our
excursion through the Holy Land, the Ship under Commander Boerum touched at
Caesarea, Kaipha, Tyre, Sidon, Beirout, to Tripoli where, as before stated, the
party again embarked. From this point we
returned to Beirout thence to Cyprus. On
the 11th September we reentered the harbour of Jaffa; and on the 14th anchored
in the Port of Alexandria, Egypt. The
Genl, family, myself, and a few young Officers, proceeded from this to Grand
Cairo, visited the Pyramids at Sakara [sic] & Gezas [sic], passing through
the City of Memphis. At Alexandria we
were presented to Mahomet Ali;‑ at Cairo, to Ibraha [sic] Pasha, both
expressing every kindness, and shewing every civility to us as visitors. The Plague, in a partial degree, threatening
the inhabitants of Alexandria, we made a hasty departure from the place. Adverse winds drove us again off Cyprus,
where, our provisions being short, we received a supply of bread. From this, the Genl and Suite, visited Nicosia,
the Capital of the Island, Idalium, and other points, receiving every hospitality
at the sumptuous Convent of the Grecian Arch Bishop. After a boisterous passage of 20 days, nearly
on our last biscuit, we arrived on the 24th ultimo at this Port.
"It affords me pleasure to add,
that Genl Cass, and family, have professed to me to be amply gratified,
throughout, with their interesting and extensive tour.
"I have the honor to transmit
copies of the General's communications to me, together with my reply, which I
am happy to submit to your perusal. They
embark immediately in the Frigate United States, now prepared for Sea, and
ready to depart for Marseilles..."
[Enclosure]
From
General Lewis Cass, Minister to France, to Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, 3 Nov
1837:
"... The Crew appears to me
contented & efficient in the performance of their duty, and the necessary
discipline was maintained, with very little punishment, that I saw but one man
struck during the voyage."
From
General Lewis Cass, Minister to France, to Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, 7 Nov
1837:
"Allow to me say [sic] in a
private letter what I could not so properly say in a public one, that I shall
ask your acceptance of a token of remembrance from Paris, upon which will be
engraved the names of the principal Cities, we have had the pleasure of
visiting together this season..."
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Nov 1837:
In
a conversation with commodore David Porter at Constantinople, Elliott was led
to believe that orders would be coming soon requiring him to embark a number of
Turkish youths in ships of the squadron for training. While at Malta, he ordered SHARK, already
under orders to the Aegean Sea, to reascend the Dardanelles and see if Porter
had any later news.
"...While in the Dardanelles, the
Schr received on board four Colossal granite Balls, which I had requested the
Consul to procure for me for the purpose of conveying to the United States, two
to be placed over the gate of the Naval Asylum, at Philadelphia, the remaining
two, obtained by Come. Porter, for the Carlisle Institute.
"I also procured, while at
Bairout [sic], to convoy home, two marble Sarcophagi, weighing each about one
and a half tons, ornamented with antique devices,‑ they are of remote
antiquity, & purchased on private account.
To keep up old associations of my native state, I have presented one to
Carlisle College, Pennsylvania, to be preserved among the treasures of that
institution; the other I intend for some similar disposal.
...
"While in Syria, I improved the
opportunity of securing, at much trouble and risque, a sample or two of the
pure Arabian breed of Horses,‑ these, with a few other choice animals,
during times of peace, with a view of improving our Equestrian stock, I thought
might be introduced with advantage in the United States..."
...
"Since writing the above
communication, it has occurred to me that the circumstances connected with
receiving the Marble Balls referred to, and the manner of their coming into my
possession, might, if not more fully explained, lead to some misapprehension,
and hereafter to be made a question as to the propriety of my taking them
home. I did not ask them as presents, my
original object was to purchase them, and to take them to the United States for
the purposes already explained. To this
end, I applied to the Consular Agent at the Dardanelles, presenting at the same
time, a couple of Canisters of glazed powder for the Capitan [sic] Pasha. In case the Consul procured the Balls, he was
requested to forward them by some Merchant Vessel.
"The return of the Shark to the
Dardanelles furnished the opportunity of obtaining them. It appears, however, that they were procured
by Como. Porter, through the agency of the Grand Vizier, the permission of the
Government authority being necessary to be had, before the balls could be
removed,‑ a custom in all similar matters with the Turks... I shall therefore take the Marble Balls to
the United States, conditionally, reserving to the Government the sole
right and propriety of disposing of them as it may see fit."
Roll 236 (December 1 ‑ 30, 1837)
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Dec 1837:
Reports that Chaplain Thomas R.
Lambert, transferred from UNITED STATES to CONSTITUTION [about 19 Apr 1937]
after repeated requests, after the arrival of the Cass party conducted himself
in an unbecoming fashion: "a freedom of manner and a levity of conduct I
considered did not become a gentleman of the Cloth." He was increasingly present in the Cabin, a
space already crowded by the Cass party, and largely ignored orders to make his
visits both less often and shorter. When
spoken to directly, he began "to openly avow a feeling of opposition
towards myself..." and "to create a spirit of discontent." Elliott expected some incident would occur as
a result of which he could suspend Lambert from duty, and this occurred when
they were at Suda and Lambert was transferred to SHARK. According to Elliott, General Cass, on that
occasion, observed that "it was high time that he was out of the
Ship." In a postscript, Elliott
suggests that this matter be kept in the Department's private files.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Dec 1837:
Reports Fleet Surgeon Bailey
Washington too ill [an habitual drunk] for service and hospitalized at
Mahon. In his stead, Elliott has
transferred Surgeon S. [Samuel] Barrington to CONSTITUTION. Bailey has permission to go home, but, at the
moment, refuses.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Dec 1837:
SHARK will shortly leave for the US,
having on board men due for discharge from the squadron (40 from
CONSTITUTION). "...With the
exception of some thirty five men, nearly all have reentered on board
Constitution,‑ who, if they do not return in the Spring, will in the
Fall. They have all reentered, with the pledge
on my part, that if they should remain out beyond the period of their first
Enlistment, that they should have the advantage of the new law regulating the
increase of pay." Hopes the
Department might allow him to extend the raise to all hands, whether they
reenlisted before or after enactment of the new pay scales.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Dec 1837:
Forwards a commendatory memorial from
the officers and midshipmen of CONSTITUTION honoring Professor of Mathematics
Martin Roche, whose frail health is ending his sea service.
Roll 237 (January 1 ‑ 31, 1838)
From
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Jan 1838:
"...the number of men who have
reentered, at my instance [sic], did so under the conviction that they would
return in the Spring; but they subsequently freely extended their term to
continue with me whilst I was in command, and return home in the
Constitution. Hence I will avail myself
of your letter which extends the term of command, & proceed from this [port]
on the 13th inst to Malta and be back here on or about the 1st of
April." After provisioning, intends
to go to the Adriatic, Venice and Trieste, returning to Mahon about 1 Aug to
prepare for return home.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Jan 1837:
Mentions the presence of a
"chronometer watch," made by Brockbank, London, in the ship. It had been purchased at Boston in 1835 for
$137.40.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Jan 1838:
Still at Mahon.
Roll 238 (February 1 ‑ 28, 1838)
NOTHING
Roll 239 (March 1 ‑ 31, 1838)
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Mar 1838:
Off Malta. Heading for Mahon.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 Mar 1838:
At Mahon. Meeting with gales, had to put into Syracuse
after departing Malta. Arrived at Mahon
on 18 Mar. Mentions that PMidn
Steedman's home state is SC.
Roll 240 (April 1 ‑ 30, 1838)
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Apr 1838:
At Mahon.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Apr 1838:
Forwards the proceedings of a court of
inquiry in the case of Lt. C. H. McBlair; also an examination of Chaplain
Lambert's libelous statements printed in the 17 Feb New York Enquirer.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Apr 1838:
"As I apprehended the crew of the
Constitution might be somewhat restive, and 1/3 of the Marine Guard on board
the U. States their terms of service expiring in all the coming Summer, with
all the Sick and invalids of the Squadron, in case of no relief, I shall depart
this for U. States about the 15th June to 1st July next."
Roll 241 (May 1‑ 31, 1838)
NOTHING
Roll 242 (June 1 ‑ 13 [sic: 30] 1838)
From
Commodore Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Jun 1838:
At Mahon. Reports that as some of the crew are somewhat
restive, and he has decided to depart Mahon on the 15h, bound for Norfolk via
Genoa, where he will take aboard invalids from the hospital and leave
information for his successor, Gibraltar and Madeira. Expects to arrive in August.
Roll 243 (July 2 ‑ 31, 1838)
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Jul 1838:
"Off the Coast, U.S." Mentions the fact that Assistant Surgeon D.
C. McLeod joined the ship at Tangier in Feb 1837.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 31 Jul 1838:
Announces his arrival in Hampton
Roads. Says the ship is in good
condition and needs only "a few slight repairs" to be ready for
further service.
Left Mahon on 15 Jun, looked in at
Gibraltar and Madeira, leaving the latter on 5 Jul. Materials for his successor left with the
Consul at Mahon.
Recommends that all those who
reenlisted to complete the cruise prior to the passage of the latest pay law be
paid at the higher rate paid to those who reenlisted after that date.
Reports that a number of Marines whose
terms had expired on the cruise refused to do duty after their end date. Elliott considered court‑martialling
them but was disuaded from it by other senior officers. He settled for their "passive
obedience," and will pay them only to the dates of their refusals.
"Passd Midshipman [James L.] Heap
returns an invalid from the Frigate U. States."
[Enclosure]
"List
of Men who re‑entered for the Cruise of the U. S. Ship Constitution.‑
previous to the law passed by Congress
dated 3 March 1837 granting additional pay
Please note that the last part of the above last column is empty due to no data.
"List of Men who re‑entered for the
Cruise of the U.S. Ship Constitution after the passage of the Act of Congress,
dated 3d March 1837 ‑ granting additional pay ‑
*
Annotated "USS U. States"
#
Annotated "DD"
$
Annotated "to return to U States"
Roll 244 (August 1 ‑ 31, 1838)
From
Captain Lewis Warrington, Gosport Navy Yard, 1 Aug 1838:
Reports the arrival in Hampton Roads
of CONSTITUTION, "27 days from Madeira."
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Aug 1838:
Carpenter Francis Sagee of
CONSTITUTION is recommended for shore duty.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 7 Aug 1838:
Wants to know what is to be done with
the "colossal granite balls" he has on board.
From
Captain Lewis Warrington, Gosport Navy Yard, 25 Aug 1838:
Privates Thomas Harrison, Dennis McCarty,
and Matthew Webster, formerly of CONSTITUTION, have never reported to receiving
ship JAVA and apparently have deserted.
Fifer Aaron Francis reported to JAVA, but has since run.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, Carlisle, PA, 29 Aug 1838:
Says that CONSTITUTION's crew was
rated "by her late Capt. Commander W. Boerum."
Roll 245 (September 1 ‑ 29, 1838)
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, Carlisle, PA, 1 Sep 1838:
Responds to SecNav's query about the
matter in a letter he received from a former lieutenant in CONSTITUTION,
"a communication which it seems to me the occasion did not call
for... ...on the arrival of the
Constitution in Hampton Roads, the term of service of very nearly the whole
crew expired. The wind ahead for
Norfolk, she was anchored, the boats hoisted out, & the Ship placed in a
state to surrender her to the officer in Command at Norfolk, who was informed
that as some time must intervene previous to the discharge of the crew for want
of funds, I should engage their minds by a stay of a few days in Hampton
Roads. For the purpose of improving the
breed of Animals in our Country, under an order of the Government, I had
collected some care[?] & excellent ones, & directed them to be landed
at Hampton, with instructions to Capt Boerum to direct the Midshipmen not to
allow the men to land, this however was neglected they were permitted to
indulge in the use of liquor, & bring it on board, entering the Ship in a
high state of intoxication, which led to much altercation among themselves which
Capt Boerum was ordered to suppress, & write up to town for a Steamer to
take up the Ship, or the rioters out of her, some little time after the 1st Lt
came to me in the Cabin & complained that he had been insulted by two of
them, who were ordered to be put in irons, soon after two more attacked the
Master At Arms, they too were ordered in irons.
On coming on deck I found one running forward before the main mast,
& on inquiry learned from Capt Boerum that he refused to be put in irons,
in consequence of his term of service having expired, when I ordered his return
& the irons to be placed on him.
Night coming on & the hammocks not down I enquired the cause &
directed that they should be piped down, whilst the men were in the act of
moving aft for their hammocks, the prisoners rushed amongst them for the
forecastle. On the Sentinels calling out
that the prisoners had escaped I went forward where I found much noise &
confusion, commanded silence, & asked what was meant by such conduct? Go back to the mainmast! when the crew
replied nothing farther saying that our times were up & that we could not
be put in irons, perceiving a large number of the Crew in a state of
intoxication & others in excitement, I remarked that every effort was
making to get the Ship to town & they discharged but that discipline must
be preserved, these remarks seemed to produce quiet. To save an effusion of blood, & as the new enlistment bill would
prevent a recurrence of these scenes which had taken place in almost every
returning Ship similarly situated, I adopted a Course which humanity would seem
to dictate towards a parcel of drunken & deluded sailors which I was
concurred in by both the Capt & 1st Lt, & as no suggestion was made by
the officers thought it was approved by all, namely to withhold the direction
of the use of the small guns then on board unless, in self defense for the
officers, an occasion which I did not apprehend to have the pilot boats in
readiness to take the rioters up to town.
It was true that a most abandoned Character, a Negro on board had made
himself obnoxious to the whole crew, & that an impression existed, it was
their intention to hang him,‑ on learning the same, I had him placed aft
at the mizzenmast, armed myself & remained near him all night, gradually
the noise lessened & by 12 oclock every thing was quiet, & the crew
retired. On the morning following I
despatched Lt Drayton to Hampton for Pilot boats to take that portion of the
crew to Norfolk whose term of service had expired & wished to go up,
retaining the 80 who were still bound to [?]ing the Ship up, at about 2 PM, a
breeze springing up the Ship was got underway & early in the evening
anchored near the forts at Norfolk, & after furling the sails, the crew
made an application to Capt Boerum to be permitted to leave the Ship. This they were allowed to do in shore boats,
with the understanding they were not to return untill [sic] the Government was
ready to discharge them, there being but few shore boats, I directed our own
boats to be used for that purpose when all were landed I had the balance of the
Crew called aft to muster & stated to them that the lenity expressed to the
offenders on the previous day must not be considered as arising from a
disposition to encourage insubordination but to prevent the effusion of blood
in the exercise of pity towards a deluded set of men. I was not aware untill [sic] the receipt of
the communication you have forwarded that any one had proclaimed himself in
command of the Ship, the rioting on board being confined entirely to those in a
state of intoxication amongst themselves, nor did I at any time hear loud
threats against the officers, or threats of any kind against them or the 1st
Lt., some who seemed to be in apprehension of the Crew, the 1st of whom [?] the
same feelings, I gave permission to leave the Ship & return to his family,
previously to his removal to the Navy Yard & the paying off the crew. You are perhaps not aware that in every ship
of war there is a portion of the crew abandoned to the worst feelings which
were exhibited when on shore, without the pale of my authority [?] a few with
whom they had taken exception, [?] both my written & verbal instructions to
Capt Boerum in my absence from the Ship he was directed to maintain the most
rigid & strict discipline based upon the principles of law &
Justice."
From Captain John Downes, Boston Navy Yard, 1
Sep 1838:
Reports the death of Sailing Master
Charles F. Waldo on 30 Aug.
From
Captain John Gallagher, near Wilmington, DE, 3 Sep 1838:
Requests command of CONSTITUTION. [Annotated: "Inform him his application
is noted but it is not likely his services will be required for the
Constitution."]
Roll 246 (October 1 ‑ 29, 1838)
NOTHING
Roll 247 (November 1 ‑ 29, 1838)
From
Captain William C. Bolton, Philadelphia, PA, 11 Nov 1838:
Acknowledges receipt of orders to
proceed to Norfolk and take command of CONSTITUTION. Is currently convalescing.
From
Captain William C. Bolton, Philadlephia, PA, 13 Nov 1838:
Proposes Lieutenant John Kelly as his
First Lieutenant.
From
Captan William C. Bolton, Philadelphia, PA, 19 Nov 1838:
Proposes "the Rev. Mr.
Stewart" as chaplain of CONSTITUTION.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, Carlisle, PA, 27 Nov 1838:
Acknowledges receipt of the
Secretary's request to what government order directs the import of jackasses.
"It may have escaped the notice
of the Department that by its order emanating from the Hon. S. D. Southard to
Com Crane one of my predecessors in the command of the Mediterranean squadron,
and which orders were handed down to his successors in the same command, it was
stated to him that it would probably be in his power to subserve the
agricultural interests of the nation by procuring information respecting
valuable animals, seeds and plants and importing such as he could conveniently
without inattention to his more appropriate duties or expense to the government‑‑ Extracts from these instructions were
delivered to me by my immediate predecessor as I had the honor to advise you on my return in a letter
dated the 31 July last, and have served as the rule of my conduct, as they have
all of my predecessors in their importation of the animals seeds plants and
curiosities from time to time brought to the United States in the different
public vessels constituting a part of their and my command‑‑"
Roll 248 (December 1 ‑ 31, 1838)
From
Captain Alexander Claxton, Washington, DC, 7 Dec 1838:
Requests assignment as Inspector of
Ordnance and Ammunition.
From
Captain Lewis Warrington, Norfolk Navy Yard,18 Dec 1838:
"I have made particular inquiries
[respecting the antiquities belonging to Governor Cass brought home in the
Constitution frigate] & have not been able to hear any thing of them. None were placed in charge of myself, or any
officer of the yard; nor has the Store Keeper any knowledge of them. Commodore Elliott may have shipped them
direct, to some place, without landing them here."
Roll 249 (January 1 ‑ 31, 1839)
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, Washington, DC, 1 Jan 1839:
Requests that, at his expense, a
replacement gold medal [commemorating the Battle of Lake Erie] be struck for
him to replace the one he lost.
From
Captain Alexander Claxton, Baltimore, MD, 2 Jan 1839:
Requests that, as he may not report,
requests a purser other than Henry Etting for CONSTITUTION. [Annotated: Another will be ordered.]
From
Captain Alexander Claxton, Baltimore, MD, 4 Jan 1839:
Since 2 lieutenants already have
declined orders to CONSTITUTION, has now to propose Lieutenant Alexander B.
Pinkham. [Annotated: Not available.]
From
Captain Alexander Claxton, Baltimore, MD, 4 Jan 1839 [2nd ltr]:
Suggests that, as the station is so
remote and replacements so long in arriving, that the frigate be given 7‑8
lieutenants and 8 passed midshipmen. He
also feels only 1 Marine officer will suffice.
[Enclosure]
From
Captan Alexander Claxton to Lieutenant [Thomas A.] Dornin, 4 Jan 1839:
Says that, upon finding their views
are so "wide apart," he could not now propose Dornin as 1st
Lieutenant of CONSTITUTION although he had once positively considered him.
From
Captain Daniel Turner, Newport, RI, 8 Jan 1839:
Acknowledges receipt of orders. Will leave for Norfolk "tomorrow."
From
Captain Alexander Claxton, Baltimore, MD, 8 Jan 1839:
Requests the Secretary consider the
following officers, in order of preference: John Kelly, Frederick Engle, John
Rudd, Edward C. Rutledge. [Annotated:
See if Claxton will accept Lt. Prentiss; the Department wants a more senior
officer as 1st Lt.]
From
Captain Alexander Claxton, Baltimore, MD, 11 Jan 1839:
Carpenter John Cahill requests orders
to CONSTITUTION. [So ordered.]
From
Captain Alexander Claxton, Baltimore, MD, 13 Jan 1839:
As he knows nothing about Lt.
Prentiss, requests Lieutenant [Edward W.] Carpenter [sic] as First Lieutenant
of CONSTITUTION. [So ordered.]
From
Captain Alexander Claxton, Baltimore, MD, 15 Jan 1839:
Proposes that a "light poop
cabin" be erected in CONSTITUTION "for the accommodation of Captain
Turner." [Done.]
From
Captain Alexander Claxton, Baltimore, MD, 17 Jan 1839:
Having learned that Lieutenant Engle
may not be available, now suggests Lieutenants Hull, Kelly, Carpenter, or Rudd
as First Lieutenant of CONSTITUTION.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, Carlisle, PA, 21 Jan 1839:
Takes
notice of a congressional resolution calling for judicial proceeding "in
the case of Lieutenant Hunter," and also for charges made against Elliott
by Hunter.
Notes there is also a clause appended
to the resolution proposing an inquiry into how Elliott came to be presented
with a certain "plate."
Elliott writes about Passed Midshipman
Barton's attacks on himself in "political journals, and sent out for
distribution among the crew of the frigate Constitution." According to him, the crew, as a means of expressing
their disbelief in the journals, demonstrated their loyalty to Elliott by
subscribing "a sum of money" with which to present him with a
suitable token of their regard. This was
done on 9 Jan 1837, according to an enclosed letter, and not after many had
reenlisted and before a number who didn't do so were sent home, as Elliott
states in the present letter. The gift
was not a plate, but a service of plate.
Elliott says it was "unexpected" and
"unsolicited." The actual
presentation was made in the crew's name by "Captain" Boerum and
Lieutenant [Oscar] Bullus, the "flag lieutenant."
From
Captain Lewis Warrington, Norfolk Navy Yard, 23 Jan 1839:
Hasn't "half enough" seamen
for CONSTITUTION.
Roll 250 (February 1 ‑ 28, 1839)
From
Captain Lewis Warrington, Norfolk Navy Yard, 9 Feb 1839:
Will forward "the granite
balls" to Philadelphia for the Naval Asylum "as soon as a vessel can
be found."
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, Philadelphia, PA, 15 Feb 1839:
Requests the following officers be ordered
to Washington to testify at the congressional hearing into his tour as
Mediterranean squadron commander: Commodores Charles Stewart and W. F. Bolton;
Commanders Silas Stringham, W. Boerum, and E. Ridgeway; Lieutenants O. Bullus,
G. F. Pearson, F. Ellery, W. H. Watson, Chas Chancey [sic], B. Washington
Hunter; Sailing Master James Ferguson; Midshipmen Stilwagon[sic], Wm Lewis,
Hunt, Hagerty, [?], and Dulaney; Marine Lieutenants J. C. Hardy and Rich;
Surgeon Barrington; Boatswains R. Whitaker and Steinback; Carpenter Sagee;
Gunner Riley; and Pursers Terry, Barry, and Walker.
From
Captain Alexander Claxton, Baltimore, MD, 17 Feb 1839:
Supports
"Lt. [Richard A.] Jones'" request for detachment from CONSTITUTION
due to poor health. Reports having
appointed R. Ogden Glover of New York, a man "familiar with French and
Spanish," as his secretary.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, Carlisle, PA, 17 Feb 1839:
Adds to his requested witnesses:
Commanders T[?], Mervine, and Mayo; Lieutenants Joseph Pearson, Henry Pinkney,
and Richard Jones; Midshipmen Jenkins and Wager; Marine Lieutenants Williams
and McCaully; Pursers Stockton, Southall, and Walker [repeat from earlier
letter?].
From
Captain Alexander Claxton, Baltimore, MD, 18 Feb 1839:
Requests Lieutenant Franklin Buchanan as Flag Lieutenant.
[Done.]
From
Captain Alexander Claxton, Baltimore, MD, 24 Feb 1839:
Says he has not yet boarded
CONSTITUTION because Captain Turner has not yet reported.
From
Captain Lewis Warrington, Norfolk Navy Yard, 25 Feb 1839:
Such officers and men as are present
will be transferred to CONSTITUTION.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, Washington, DC, 25 Feb 1839:
Requests a court of inquiry.
From
Captain Lewis Warrington, Norfolk Navy Yard, 26 Feb 1839:
Requests a Marine Guard for
CONSTITUTION.
From
Captain Lewis Warrington, Norfolk Navy Yard, 27 Feb 1839:
All available ordinary seamen,
landsmen, and boys will be placed aboard CONSTITUTION
"tomorrow." She still needs
stores, bread, and spirits; sails bent and stowed; and the poop cabin
furnished. Needed are 152 seamen and 40
Marines.
Roll 251 (March 1 ‑ 31, 1839)
From Captain Daniel Turner, Newport, RI, 2 Mar
1839:
Acknowledges orders to CONSTITUTION
and "shall proceed...without delay."
From
Captain Lewis Warrington, Norfolk Navy Yard, 4 Mar 1839:
CONSTITUTION is loading as fast as
possible; still needs seamen and nautical instruments.
From
Captain Lewis Warrington, Norfolk Navy Yard, 6 Mar 1839:
Reports poor health of Gunner Kelly of
CONSTITUTION and suggests substituting Gunner Newman from BRANDYWINE.
From
Captain Alexander Claxton, Norfolk, VA, 7 Mar 1839:
Expects the ship to be ready in 10
days.
From
Captain Jesse Duncan Elliott, Carlisle, PA, 8 Mar 1839:
Reports receipt of announcement of
requested court of inquiry. Asks that it
be convened as soon as possible and adds still more names ‑‑ dozens
‑‑ to his witness list, including former SecNav Dickerson. Asks that the court be convened in
Philadelphia.
From
Captain Daniel Turner, Norfolk, VA, 12 Mar 1839:
Reports his arrival at Norfolk and
apologizes for not having come forward sooner.
Says he was under the misunderstanding that the original notice of his
assignment was just that and not orders to proceed.
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, Norfolk, VA, 12 Mar 1839:
Reports arrival of Captain Turner and
the hoisting of his broad command pennant in CONSTITUTION.
From
Captain Alexander Claxton, Norfolk, VA, 15 Mar 1839:
Forwards evidence of unfitness of
Boatswain Nicholas Steinback [sic] of CONSTITUTION and requests a replacement.
[Enclosure]
From
Lieutenant William H. Kennon, Surgeon Thomas Dillard, and Assistant Surgeon
Charles D. Maxwell, to Commodore Alexander Claxton, 15 Mar 1839:
They found Boatswain Steinbach
"unfit from defect of voice."
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, Norfolk, VA, 17 Mar 1839:
CONSTITUTION still needs 60
seamen. Lieutenants Buchanan and Smith
have yet to report; the ship is 3 midshipmen short.
From
Captain Lewis Warrington, Norfolk Navy Yard, 18 Mar 1839:
CONSTITUTION shifted to the man of war
anchorage on the 13th.
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, Norfolk, VA, 20 Mar 1839:
CONSTITUTION also lacks a Professor of
Mathematics.
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Mar 1839:
After receiving a draft of men from
New York, would like to proceed to sea to exercise the crew for a week or 10
days, then make a port call at New York to complete her complement. [Permission granted.]
Roll 252 (April 1 ‑ 30, 1839)
From
Captain Daniel Turner, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Apr 1839:
Reports having put to sea.
From
Commdore Alexander Claxton, New York, NY, 18 Apr 1839:
Requests that the President of the
court of inquiry in Commodore Elliott's case take the testimony of those
officer witnesses still in CONSTITUTION as soon as possible so as to facilitate
her departure for the Pacific.
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, New York, NY, 20 Apr 1839:
CONSTITUTION has arrived after a
"boisterous" 10‑day passage.
From
Captain Charles G. Ridgely, New York Navy Yard, 24 Apr 1839:
CONSTITUTION
needs 3 quarter gunners, 1 quartermaster, 44 seaman, and 1 landsman to complete
her complement. She has an excess of 14
ordinary seamen. Has only 4 seamen and
20 apprentices available. Recruiting
will be impossible.
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 26 Apr 1839:
Says Seaman Francis Davidson, shipped
at Norfolk, reports he is a deserter from the Army and wishes to
surrender. Recommends an accommodation
with the Army to allow him to serve his time in the Navy.
Roll 253 (May 1 ‑ 31, 1839)
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, New York, NY, 3 May 1839:
CONSTITUTION now undergoing caulking,
an odd circumstance, he observes, for a ship so recently out of drydack. Acknowledges the assignment of 20 apprentices.
From
Captain Charles G. Ridgely, New York Navy Yard, 6 May 1839:
"...in the Constitution there is
an evident indisposition to receive them [the apprentices] at all, nor do the
officers appear to understand their duties toward them..."
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, New York, NY, 12 May 1839:
"Indispensable" caulking
completed last evening; may proceed on cruise this week.
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, New York, NY, 13 May 1839:
Acknowledges receipt of general orders
for the Pacific Squadron.
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, New York, NY, 16 May 1839:
Intends to sail "on
Saturday," but may be prevented from doing so because the camboose boilers
are burned out. New boilers being made
at this Yard.
From
Captain Charles G. Ridgely, New York Navy Yard, 18 May 1839:
Captain Turner reports CONSTITUTION
ready for sea.
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 May 1839:
Reports having placed Naval
Constructor Grice and the Master Blacksmith at the Norfolk Navy Yard "on
report" with the Board of Naval Commissioners for what appears to have
been poor preparation of the ship for this cruise.
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 May 1839 [2nd ltr]:
Refers to Passed Midshipman Haggerty
as possible acting Professor of Mathematics.
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 20 May 1839:
CONSTITUTION at sea.
From
Captain Lewis Warrington, Norfolk Navy Yard, 23 May 1839:
CONSTITUTION was not recaulked while
in the Yard because no‑one from either the Yard or the ship thought it
necessary.
Roll 254
(June 1 ‑ 30, 1839)
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 4 Jun 1839:
Expects to reach Turk Island tomorrow.
From
Commodore Alexander Ellis, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Jun 1839:
Has this day landed "Mr.
Ellis" at Vera Cruz.
Roll 255 (July 1 ‑ 31, 1839)
From
Surgeon Thomas Dillard, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Jul 1839:
Havana. Chaplain J. P. B. Wilmer of CONSTITUTION
suffers from a "gastric disease" and is becoming steadily more
feeble. Recommends return to the
US.
Commodore Claxton concurs.
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Jul 1839:
Stopped at Havana a few hours for
water; on to Rio next.
From
Captain Charles Ridgely, New York Navy Yard, 29 Jul 1839:
Reports the arrival from Havana of two
invalids from CONSTITUTION.
Roll 256 (August 1 ‑ 31, 1839)
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 Aug 1839:
Expects to be in Rio "within
three days."
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 26 Aug 1839:
At Rio de Janeiro. Appointed Passed Midshipman [Louis] Sartori
Acting Professor of Mathematics on 10 Jul.
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 26 Aug 1839 [2nd ltr]:
Private Jonathan Pimm died on 14 Aug
of "inflammation of the intestines."
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 26 Aug 1839 [3rd ltr]:
Reports arrival at Rio after 52‑day
passage. Replenishing water and
provisions. Crew "partially touched
by incipient scurvy."
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Aug 1839:
Reports USS ST. LOUIS arrived at the
same time he did; hopes they will make the remainder of the passage together.
Roll 257 (September 1 ‑ 30, 1839)
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 7 Sep 1839:
Intends to sail for Valparaiso
tomorrow.
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 7 Sep 1839 [2nd ltr]:
Reports he has invalided 8 men to the US:
Seaman Leverett Kimberly (disease of the lungs), Ordinary Seaman Joseph Hoffman
(disease of the testicle and spermatic cord), Ordinary Seaman Wm C. Graham
(chronic sore leg and cough), Seaman Michael Lynch (epilepsy), Ordinary Seaman
James Patterson (epilepsy), Quarter Gunner Ludovic Cooper (tumors of the neck),
Ordinary Seaman Antonio Gandolph (deafness and syphilitic rheumatism), and
Seaman Charles Baker (dislocated right elbow).
All were examined by fleet Surgeon Thomas Dillard, Surgeon B. R.
Tinslar, and Assistant Surgeons J. B. Brownlee and Charles D. Maxwell. The only ship's master willing to provide
transport is charging $37.50 each!
From
Fleet Surgeon Thomas Dillard to Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION,
3 Sep 1839:
Reports that Passed Midshipman
Woodhull suffers from recurring swelling of the spermatic cord. Recommends his transfer to INDEPENDENCE and
return home, something the young man does not want to do. [Claxton transferred him about 7 Sep.]
Roll 258 (October 1, 1839)
From
Captain Charles G. Ridgely, New York Navy Yard, 25 Oct 1839:
Reports the arrival of eight invalids
from CONSTITUTION in the ship ORBIT.
Roll 259 (November 1 ‑ 30, 1839)
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Nov 1839:
Arrived at Valparaiso after a 52‑day
passage. Reports the death of Lieutenant
[R. R.] Pinkham on 27 Oct from "consumption of the lungs." USS ST. LOUIS arrived 3 days previous to
CONSTITUTION's appearance.
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Nov 1839:
Intends proceeding to Callao tomorrow,
where he will overhaul the ship after having been "severely dealt with in
the tempest off Cape Horn."
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Nov 1839:
Still at Valparaiso.
Roll 260 (December 1 ‑ 31, 1839)
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Dec 1839:
At Callao. To replace the deceased Lieutenant Pinkham,
he has transferred Lieutenant John Graham from ST. LOUIS to CONSTITUTION. Graham has never sailed in a frigate. [Annotated: "...send out a Lieutenant to
replace Lt. P. by the Relief..."]
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 Dec 1839:
"...So frequent are the
revolutions in this country... that the great commercial powers feel compelled
to maintain a naval force continually in this harbor..."
CONSTITUTION is in "great
disorder" because they have broken out her hold, are overhauling the
rigging, painting the ship, etc.
FALMOUTH and LEXINGTON are present.
Has promulgated a "motto" [unspecified] to the ships, and, "from
its stirring import, to [?] for improvement in seamanship and morals."
HMS PRESIDENT is in port.
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 Dec 1839 [2nd ltr]:
ST. LOUIS has just arrived from
Conception, Valparaiso, and Coquimbo.
From
Captain F. Forrest, USS ST. LOUIS, 18 Dec 1839:
Has on board Seaman Charles Peterson,
who deserted at Valparaiso and subsequently surrendered to the U.S. consul
there.
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 Dec 1839:
Reports Lieutenant Kennon has departed
for the U.S. per departmental orders.
Overhaul of CONSTITUTION completed but for painting, which begins
tomorrow.
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Dec 1839:
At Callao. Midshipmen Polk and McCrohan have been
transferred from CONSTITUTION to LEXINGTON as that ship is deficient in
midshipmen.
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Dec 1939 [2nd ltr]:
"A painful investigation is now
being held on board of the Ship, touching malpractice in the Purser's
Department..." Alledgedly, 78 silk
handkerchiefs worth $819 were smuggled to liberty‑bound crewmen who then
sold them ashore for liquor money. The
babbling of a drunken seamen alerted authorities as to what was going on. "I must proceed to lay bare the rotten
matter still concealed, and correct abuses thus officially brought to light." Suspects Purser [McKean] Buchanan is
involved.
Memorandum,
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 6 Jan 1840:
Having considered the results of the
investigation, has decided, rather than arrest and suspend the Purser from
duty, try him, and send him home, to correct abuses and hold Captains to their
responsibilities.
Roll 261 (January 1 ‑ 31, 1840)
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton to Captain Daniel Turner, USS CONSTITUTION, 26 Feb
1840 [sic]:
Sailing orders to proceed to
Concepcion, communicating enroute with Juan Fernandez I. "to receive the
mail for the continent" and going far enough to windward to make
rendezvous with USS COLUMBIA [coming from Hawaii] likely.
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 26 Jan 1840:
"The voluminous correspondence
growing out of malpractice in the Purser's Department is not yet in a state to
be forwarded..."
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Jan 1840:
"Midshipman [W. A.] McCrohan,
transferred from this Ship to the Lexington, is a man of low manners and
associates; to eradicate which, all attempts have failed. I respectfully recommend that he be discharged
the service ‑ his example being pernicious to the youths of the
steerage, and he too far advanced in age to hope for an amendment."
Roll 262 (February 1 ‑ 28, 1840)
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 4 Feb 1840:
"Midshipman [John H. M.] Madison
returns in this Ship [LEXINGTON]: he has been several times stricken down by
epileptic fits, which [obscured] his life; he should resign, unless speedily
cured, of [obscured] there is no hope in this climate."
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton to Lieutenant Franklin Buchanan, USS CONSTITUTION,
21 Feb 1840:
Grants him permission to return to the
US in FALMOUTH in light of his "declining health."
From
Captain Daniel Turner, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 Feb 1840:
Requests a Carpenter's warrant for
Acting Carpenter John Cahill of CONSTITUTION.
He is "a temperate industrious man."
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 Feb 1840:
Notes he has transferred Passed
Midshipman [Hunn] Gansevoort from FALMOUTH to CONSTITUTION [on or after 18
Feb], resulting in a disgruntled young man who had been Acting Master in the
smaller ship.
Roll 263 (March 1 ‑ 31, 1840)
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 20 Mar 1840:
Writes from Concepcion, Chile, "a
principal rendezvous for vessels engaged in" whaling. Intends to sail for Callao "in a few
days, merely touching at Valparaiso for letters."
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 20 Mar 1840 [2nd ltr]:
"Since assuming the command on
this coast, it has frequently become my duty to oppose the interests,
the resentments, and the prejudices, of various individuals, in
and out of the Squadron. The most
forcible public and private appeals have been made to me; but, for my guidance
I have looked steadily to the laws, regulations, and instructions
of the Department: so fully do these embrace the grounds of
dispute, the while the many were dissatisfied with my course, I have
found no cause to regret the various decisions which have been made‑‑‑ I acknowledge no other tribunal, either to
confirm, or disapprove of my conduct, than that of the Government, through the
Hon. the Secretary of the Navy. The results
of my course are marked, public, and indisputable, Smuggling either of "goods" or
"specie" has been prohibited: gambling, the prevalent vice of
this station, has been crushed; no "arrests", no suspensions
from command have taken place; the "Court Martial" and "Court of
Inquiry" which would only have increased an insignificant difference on a
point of duty were withheld, and the parties, instead of being hostile are now
in perfect amity; two Passed Midshipmen have been reclaimed possibly
for life, from their weaknesses, instead of being cashiered for
their vicious indulgences‑ domestic quiet prevails, and, in
a word, if the Department does but approve of my official acts, I shall find
pubic and private consolation for all that has been said or may be published
to my injury."
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 Mar 1840:
"Passed Midshipman [Hunn]
Gansevoort volunteered for the Exploring Expedition, contracted an immoral
disease, which led to his removal to the Falmouth, whence he was ordered by me
to this ship: he has here been entirely cured, and is now on duty..."
Roll 264 (April 1 ‑ 30, 1840)
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Apr 1840:
Reports that General Gamara has been
elected President of Peru and that the country, after many years, appears ready
to settle down for a while. As a result,
he feels it is now possible for the squadron to become more active,
cruising. Intends to proceed to Payta
and, perhaps, Guayaquil, if the rainy season has passed.
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Apr 1840:
Reports his arrival at Callao from
Concepcion. Still plans to go on to
Payta.
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Apr 1840:
Reports his arrival at Payta after a
10‑day voyage. Intends returning
to Callao "tomorrow."
Roll 265 (May 1‑ 31, 1840)
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 May 1840:
Reports his arrival at Payta after a 4‑day
passage from Callao. Intends returning
to Callao "tomorrow."
Roll 266 (June 1 ‑ 30, 1840)
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 11 Jun 1840:
Reports having spent a week at Payta,
then returned to Callao after a 15‑day voyage. Is contemplating a voyage to Guayaquil.
Roll 267 (July 1 ‑ 31, 1840)
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Jul 1840:
Forwards a listing of crew expirations
and requests that the ship be ordered home in time to arrive before January
1842.
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 20 Jul 1840:
Reports ship still at Callao because
of an outbreak of smallpox in SHARK that spread to CONSTITUTION. A Midshipman has been sent ashore to the
hospital set up on San Lorenzo I. Other
sick will also be sent.
Reports that Musician Joseph Campbell
of CONSTITUTION has died of bronchitis.
Roll 268 (August 1 ‑ 31, 1840)
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 20 Aug 1840:
Repeats his message of 2 Jul 1840.
Roll 269 (September 1 ‑ 30, 1840)
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Sep 1840:
Reports that, after two months,
smallpox in CONSTITUTION has been "entirely eradicated." During that time, the ship had been moored
near San Lorenzo I. and a hospital of tents set up ashore on the island for the
sick. Is getting ready to sail
CONSTITUTION and SHARK to Payta and Guayaquil.
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 7 Sep 1840:
Midshipman [Benjamin F. B.] Hunter has
been detached to return to the US for examinations. Reports he has not detached Midshipman W. C.
B. S. Porter for the same reason because "Captain Turner has denied him a
letter of approbation on account of his improper conduct..."
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Sep 1840:
Reports arrival at Payta after a 3‑day
voyage from Callao. "On our way' to
Guayaquil. Crew in "excellent"
health.
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 20 Sep 1840:
In Guayaquil River with SHARK. Will return to Callao in a few days, stopping
at Tumbez and Payta along the way.
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Sep 1840:
Has granted Purser [Hugh W.] Green of
SHARK leave to return to the US, directing Purser [McKean] Buchanan of
CONSTITUTION to act as purser for both vessels.
Roll 270 (October 1 ‑ 31, 1840)
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 Oct 1840:
Forwards court martial proceedings
against Seamen John Bloxum and James Wright of CONSTITUTION.
Roll 271 (November 1 ‑ 30, 1840)
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 4 Nov 1840:
Reports return of CONSTITUTION and
SHARK to Callao from Guayaquil, Tumbez, and Payta.
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 7 Nov 1840:
Has permitted the return of Passed
Midshipman Hunn Gansevoort to the US by way of Panama due to continuing health
problems. (He, having supposedly been
cured of a venereal chancre, "became again infected with venereal disease
of a more virulent and obstinate nature.")
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Nov 1840:
Acknowledges receipt of Secretary's
general order concerning the purser's department, which, he believes, seems to
have been founded on his reports of improper performance in that area.
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Jan 1840, to Commander French
Forrest, USS ST. LOUIS (encl to his ltr of 21 Jan 1841 to SecNav):
Reports detachment of Lieutenant
William H. Kennon from CONSTITUTION.
(Also contains an admonishment to Commander Forrest to maintain a
"watchful attention to all that concerns the moral conduct and
professional advancement" of his young officers: "Stir up the lads,
keep them busy!" "Purity and
excellence must follow!")
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Nov 1840:
Reports the proceedings of a court
martial of Purser Bates of ST. LOUIS that found him guilty of smuggling and
selling goods ashore. Sentenced to a
year's suspension from service and a public reprimand.
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Nov 1840 [2nd ltr]:
Reports CONSTITUTION, SHARK, and ST.
LOUIS all present at Callao. SHARK is
about to leave for Valparaiso and CONSTITUTION will follow. Expects to spend three months of Chilean
coast. Following two weeks stand down,
ST. LOUIS will head for the Sandwich Islands and California.
From Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS
CONSTITUTION, 25 Nov 1840 [3rd ltr]:
Reports the following reassignments of
officers within the squadron. Now in
CONSTITUTION: Lieutenant [George M.] McCreery and Midshipman [Thomas L.]
Kinlock; in ST. LOUIS: Lieutenant [John] Graham, Acting Lieutenant Darlington,
Acting Master Barry, and Passed Midshipman [Thomas H.] Brasher; in SHARK:
Acting Lieutenant White, Passed Midshipman Lynch (to act as Master without the
pay), and Midshipman Mabry.
Roll 272 (December 1‑ 31, 1840)
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Dec 1840:
At sea. Reports having appointed his secretary, R.
Ogden Glover, as acting purser of ST. LOUIS, replacing the suspended Purser,
Bates, effective about 27 Nov.
Recommends him for commissioning as a Purser. [Not done.]
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Dec 1840:
"The ration allowed to seamen in
the Navy is so abundant as to permit a mess of twelve men to stop two rations
and still have sufficient provisions.‑‑ The stopped rations according to long
practice are paid for in cash, and in part or generally, the money thus
obtained is laid out in the purchase of luxuries, fruit,vegetables, &c.‑‑ This, together with the Grog money allowed to
all who stop their Grog, (300 in number) produces a monthly payment to the crew
of this ship of nine hundred dollars.‑‑ So large a sum distributed without the means
of fully absorbing it, leads to the practice of bringing on board,
clandestinely, intoxicating liquors, and this, to three fourths of the
punishments inflicted.‑‑
With a view to lessen this evil, and to ensure to the crew a larger sum
due them than otherwise they would have, when paid off, I gave permission
to the Purser in May last to sell for cash
various minor articles of every day want.
"Your General Order of March 20th
renders it now necessary that this indulgence to the crew should assume the
form of Requisitions.‑‑ I
have accordingly issued an Order regulating this matter.‑‑ I might have discontinued these cash sales,
but believing them advantageous to the men, and salutary to the police of the
vessel I have deemed proper to continue them, under the form of 'Cash
Requisitions,' which I hope may be approved by the Department."
[An accompanying copy of Claxton's
general order authorizes the sale of the following items: black handkerchiefs,
pocket handkerchiefs, buttons, cotton
socks, brushes, combs, blacking, scissors, needles, thimbles, knives,
common cigars, tape, blank books, paper, grass for hats, spool cotton, snuff,
fish hooks and lines, beeswax, hat ribbon, sewing silk, cotton suspenders,
razors and strops, soap, blue annagoree for frock trimmings, cotton or linen
for hat covers, and thread.]
Roll 273 (January 1 ‑ 31, 1841)
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Jan 1841:
Reports having prevailed upon the
commander to ST. LOUIS to act as his own purser as having Purser Buchanan of
CONSTITUTION act for both ships has proven "inconvenient."
Roll 274 (February 1 ‑ 28, 1841)
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 6 Feb 1841:
Arrived at Concepcion, port for
Talcahuano, 7 days from Valparaiso. Has
ordered a court of inquiry in the case of Purser McKean Buchanan concerning
"gross abuses" and "misdemeanors," and "already"
he believes a court martial is appropriate.
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 7 Feb 1841:
Has appointed Passed Midshipman
[Francis S.] Haggerty as his acting secretary in the place of R. Ogden Glover.
From
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 Feb 1841:
The Buchanan court of inquiry
continues. Expects to depart for
Valparaiso in 2 or 3 days, the repairs to the rudder having been completed.
Roll 275 (March 1 ‑ 31, 1841)
From
Captain Daniel Turner, USS CONSTITUTION, 7 Mar 1841:
At Concepcion. Reports the "sudden and unexpected death
of my friend Commre Claxton. He expired
at 8 o'clock, this morning, on board this ship." The cause was dysentery. Sails for Valparaiso for interment.
[Enclosure]
Fleet Surgeon Thomas Dillard reports
that Claxton first came to him on 24 Jan, suffering from "a severe and
violent" dysentery. He died at
0745. "For several days previous to
his death, his mind was much affected, wandering and irregular."
From
Captain Daniel Turner, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Mar 1841:
Arrived at Valparaiso on the
11th. Claxton's funeral took place at 10
A.M. on the 12th.
"I have assumed command of the
Squadron under a Captain's pendant, and...shall sail for Callao on Tuesday the
16th..."
[Enclosures]
General Order No. 1 ‑ all squadron officers to wear "crape" on left arms and sword hilts for six months.
General Order No. 2 ‑ all of
Claxton's orders remain in effect.
From
Captain Daniel Turner, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Mar 1841:
Intends ordering the Buchanan court of
inquiry to resume.
Roll 276 (April 1 ‑ 30, 1841)
From
Captain Daniel Turner, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Apr 1841:
At Callao.
From
Captain Daniel Turner, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Apr 1841:
The Buchanan court of inquiry finished
on 25 Mar, after 54 days. The record of
the proceedings amounts to 367 pages.
Nothing new was uncovered beyond the handkerchiefs sales more than a
year ago, for which Buchanan was censured by the Department on 20 Mar
1840. Doesn't think further action is
warranted.
From
Captain Daniel Turner, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Apr 1841:
Reports that enlistment expirations
will make it necessary that he depart station no later than 1 Jul. Suggests that he be ordered to Boston as
"A large portion of the crew are northern men, the Constitution was built
there and I am satisfied that nothing would gratify the Bostonians more than
her appearance again in their waters.
She must be newly coppered on her return to the U.S. & Boston offers
the facility of a Dry Dock..."
[Annotated: "give the permission he asks ‑ to go to
Boston."]
Roll 277 (May 1 ‑ 31, 1841)
NOTHING
Roll 278 (June 1 ‑ 30, 1841)
From
Captain Daniel Turner, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Jun 1841:
At Callao. The station is quiet. As 93 of ship's company will be due discharge
between now and November next, expects to leave station "as early as"
1 Aug to be back in the US in Nov. By
Jan 1842, all crewmen except those shipped on station and the apprentice boys
likewise will be due discharge.
From
Captain Daniel Turner, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Jun 1841 [2nd ltr]:
Forwards court martial summary in the
case of Seaman Robert Williams and Ordinary Seaman William Rambury.
From
Captain John Downes, Boston Navy Yard, 3 Jun 1841:
Reports arrival of Seaman Moses Barry
of CONSTITUTION, who had been discharged from that ship on 11 Feb at
Concepcion, Chile, and arrived at New Bedford in the bark OCTAVIA on 28 May in
"a feeble & emaciated condition."
Has been hospitalized at Chelsea.
Has a draft of $68.79 due him from the Treasury.
Roll 279 (July 1 ‑ 31, 1841)
NOTHING
Roll 280 (August 1 ‑ 31, 1841)
NOTHING
Roll 281 (September 1 ‑ 30, 1841)
NOTHING
Roll 282 (October 1 ‑ 31, 1841)
From
Captain Daniel Turner, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Oct 1841:
At sea. Forwards a letter from Passed Midshipman Louis
Sartori accusing Midshipman Jacob F. Sperry of theft. Turner says evidence is clear and recommends
that Sperry, just 17, be permitted to resign his warrant or be dismissed. Sperry's conduct otherwise, he writes,
"has been unexceptionable [sic]."
From
Captain Daniel Turner, USS CONSTITUTION, 31 Oct 1841:
In
Hampton Roads. Departed Callao 11 Jul
and arrived at Rio 28 Aug. Departed
there on 15 Sep. Believes that "a
very large proportion" of the copper is off the ship's hull.
Roll 283 (November 1 ‑ 30, 1841)
From
Captain Daniel Turner, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Nov 1841:
Submits requisitions for $69,539 with
which to pay off crew. Is transferring
31 apprentice boys and 9 invalids to the receiving ship.
From
Captain Daniel Turner, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Nov 1841:
Reports having permitted Acting
Midshipman Wheelock to return home after so short a time because the young man
convinced him he was not fitted for the service and wished to be allowed to
resign. Midshipman Charles R. Smith, on
the other hand, was permitted to return to prepare for his promotion
examination because he had been denied that opportunity the previous year.
From
Captain Foxhall A. Parker, Philadelphia, PA, 22 Nov 1841:
Understands that Commodore Charles
Stewart is to command the newly created Home Squadron; says he would like to be
his successor as commandant of the Philadelphia Navy Yard.
Roll 284 (December 1 ‑31, 1841)
From
Commodore W. Branford Shubrick, Norfolk Navy Yard, 7 Dec 1841:
Has granted 2 months leave to the apprentices
returned in CONSTITUTION. An enclosed
list identifies them as:
Roll 285 (January 1 ‑ 31, 1842)
NOTHING
Roll 286 (February 1 ‑ 28, 1842)
From
Captain E. R. Shubrick, Charleston, SC, 26 Feb 1842:
"I have understood that the
Frigate Constitution is to be fitted for sea, the moment she comes out of
dock," and reminds the Department that he filed a request to command her
some time before. Notes he did his
initial service in her and would be proud for her to be his first command.
Roll 287 (March 1 ‑ 31, 1842)
From
Captain E. R. Shubrick, Charleston, SC, 17 Mar 1842:
Acknowledges receipt of a 12 Feb letter to
hold himself in readiness to command CONSTITUTION.
Roll 288 (April 1‑ 30, 1842)
NOTHING
Roll 289 (May 1 ‑ 31, 1842)
From
Captain W. Branford Shubrick, Norfolk Navy Yard, 2 May 1842:
"A Sufficient number of the
Officers for the Constitution have reported to enable me to put the Ship's Sea
Stores on board, and otherwise prepare her for sea.
"We can put all her Landsmen and
Boys and fifty Ordinary Seamen on board and a few Seamen ‑ those, with
the Officers, will be sufficient to prepare the Ship for sea, but the
Midshipmen being all young it is important to guard against desertions that the
Marine Guard should go on board with the first draft of men." [Annotated: "Let a Marine Guard be
detailed..."]
Roll 290 (June 1 ‑ 30, 1842)
From
Captain W. Branford Shubrick, Norfolk Navy Yard, 25 Jun 1842:
"Mr. Henry Welton, the Gunner of
the Levant...has requested to be transferred to the Constitution, and as no
Gunner has reported for that Ship, I have attached him to her until the
pleasure of the Department shall be known."
Roll 291 (July 1 ‑ 31, 1842)
From
Commodore W. Branford Shubrick, Norfolk Navy Yard, 1 Jul 1842:
A sufficient crew has been provided
CONSTITUTION from a "large draft" of men from New Orleans and others
"brought by the Levant."
Except for stores and most of a Marine Guard, she is ready for sea. (Thirteen Marines are on board from LEVANT.)
From
Commodore W. Branford Shubrick, Norfolk Navy Yard, 2 Jul 1842:
Master's Mate George G. Decker,
promoted to that grade on 16 Feb 1842 and recently transferred from COLUMBIA to
CONSTITUTION, is now in Norfolk jail charged with swindling a civilian out of
$50. When arrested, he had in his
possession a steamer ticket for New York and clearly intended to desert. [Decker dismissed from service 6 Jul 1842.]
From
Commodore W. Branford Shubrick, Norfolk Navy Yard, 26 Jul 1842:
Reports that John Glover, husband of
Mary E. Glover of Baltimore, is now serving in CONSTITUTION, and as he is in
debt to the Government has not been discharged at this time.
Roll 292 (August 1 ‑ 31, 1842)
From
Commodore W. Branford Shubrick, Norfolk Navy Yard, 2 Aug 1842:
John Glover now out of debt and
ordered discharged.
Roll 293 (September 1 ‑ 30, 1842)
From
Captain Foxhall A. Parker, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Sep 1842:
"This Ship requires about ninety
Seamen to complete her complement..."
From
Commodore E. Pendleton Kennedy, Port Captain, Norfolk, VA, 6 Sep 1842:
Quotes a letter he received from
Captain Parker of CONSTITUTION:
"The Seaman I spoke to you about (William Jepson) was transferred
from the Pennsylvania $34.43
in debt.‑‑ As he is a
foreigner and has never been naturalized, would it not be better to
have him transferred to the
Pennsylvania until he is out of
debt, and then discharged, particularly as he is quite an old man and will be of little or no service
to the Navy."
[Annotated:
"Authorize this." And
"done Sept 13."]
Letter,
Surgeon J. Cowdery to Commodore E. P. Kennedy, 8 Sep 1842:
Examined a number of men in
CONSTITUTION as ordered and found the following unfit for service: Seaman John
W. Jones, Landsman Jno Roberts, Ordinary
Seaman G. W. Wheatly, [?] Alfred T. White, Ordinary Seaman [?], Seaman Chas W.
Peterson, Ordinary Seaman R. T. Stern, Seaman [?], Landsman R. M. Ferguson,
Ordinary Seaman R. C. Steel, Landsman John Smith #3, Private Reuben Cook,
Private Andrew [?], Private H. G. A. Vanenhorst, Quarter Gunner Jno Lewis,
Wardroom Steward Peter S[?], Ordinary Seaman [?], and Private Wm Thompson.
[Kennedy
passed it on to SecNav requesting direction.]
From
Commodore E. Pendleton Kennedy, Port Captain, Norfolk, VA, 10 Sep 1842:
Forwards a request from Lieutenant
Charles W. Chauncey of CONSTITUTION for orders to the East India Squadron or
command of a small school ship for apprentices with a positive endorsement.
From Lieutenant Charles W. Chauncey, USS CONSTITUTION, 17
Sep 1842:
Officer's
Cook Charles Smith was transferred to this ship from LEVANT last June. He has more than 2 years remaining on his
enlistment, and has almost $200 due him.
From
Surgeons James Cornick and Lewis Wolfley to Commodore E. P. Kennedy, Norfolk,
VA, 23 Sep 1842:
The following men in CONSTITUTION were
found unfit for service: Landsman George Hess, Seaman Richd Rose, Seaman Wm
Devins, Ordinary Seaman J. Varney, Private H. Speskie, Landsman H. Tolson,
Seaman Jno Bloodgood, Landsman Thos Jackson, [?] Jno Williams #3, Landsman Jno
Blossom, and Ordinary Seaman Wm Stevens.
From
Captain Foxhall A. Parker, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Sep 1842:
Reports Commodore Stewart has ordered
the ship to prepare for sea, and says she will be ready "in a few days." No assistant surgeon has yet joined, and
Lieutenant Hooe, the Professor of Mathematics, and Midshipman Sommerville are
absent on Department authorized leave.
From
Captain Foxhall A. Parker, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Sep 1842:
Forwards the request of Acting
Boatswain Amos Colson of his ship for a warrant with positive endorsement.
Roll 294 (October 1‑ 31, 1842)
From Captain Foxhall A. Parker, USS
CONSTITUTION, 3 Oct 1842:
Reports having received from Commodore
Stewart orders to go to sea and cruise off the coast between the Virginia Capes
and latitude 42 North, returning to Hampton Roads when supplies make it
necessary. Asks if an advance can be
allowed the officers, especially the midshipmen, to prepare themselves for 3
months at sea. [Annotated: "The law
is imperative," i.e., "no."]
From
Commodore E. Pendleton Kennedy, Port Captain, Norfolk, VA, 7 Oct 1842:
Reports he has ordered Seaman James
Cary of CONSTITUTION discharged on humanitarian grounds.
From
Commodore E. Pendleton Kennedy, Port Captain, Norfolk, VA, 11 Oct 1842:
Reports having inspected CONSTITUTION
on 8 Oct and found "The decks appear to be somewhat worn, particularly the
Gun deck in the wake of the Gun trucks.
In several places are leaks running into the state rooms below, to the
annoyance and discomfort of the officers.
They are represented as being so minute and numerous as t o baffle
dectection [sic], so that, without new decking the officer apartments in rough
weather will never be perfectly dry."
From
Commodore E. Pendleton Kennedy, Port Captain, Norfolk, VA, 12 Oct 1842:
Reports Ordinary Seaman Wm Miller and
Apprentice Henry Neale of CONSTITUTION are unfit for service (the latter having
only one testicle) and requests disposition.
[Annotated: "Authorize discharge." Done 15 Oct.]
From
Captain Foxhall A. Parker, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Oct 1842:
Requests permission to take his 15‑year‑old
son, Richard L. Parker, with him as his clerk.
From
Captain Foxhall A. Parker, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Oct 1842:
Reports that Boy George A. Hoyle has
no desire to leave the service; neither do his uncle, a boatswain's mate on
board, or his mother. The request for
his discharge appears to have come from someone outside the family. [Annotated that he can remain.]
From
Commodore E. Pendleton Kennedy, Port Captain, Norfolk, VA, 18 Oct 1842:
Forwards another medical survey done
in CONSTITUTION reporting the unfitness of Landsman Charles McCarty (varicose
veins) and Ordinary Seaman Thomas Horn (a fistulous abscess in the groin).
From
Captain Foxhall A. Parker, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Oct 1842:
Understands from Lieutenant Chauncey,
recently returned from Washington, that SecNav does not wish the ship to go to
sea without further orders. Parker is
now about to drop down to Hampton Roads where and Army ordnance officer is fill
shells for the Paixhans guns. His last
orders from Commodore Stewart were to sail.
[Annotated to the effect that if no new orders arrive before he is ready
to sail, then sail.]
From
Commodore E. Pendleton Kennedy, Port Captain, Norfolk, VA, 27 Oct 1842:
Reports that Landsman William Schapper
has this day been ordered transferred to CONSTITUTION.
From
Captain Foxall A. Parker, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Oct 1842:
Intends to drop down to Hampton Roads
tomorrow to get shells filled and exercise the crew. Is awaiting clothing for the crew appropriate
to the season ‑‑ not available at Norfolk. In the absence of Lieutenant Muse, he is
short one of that rank. [Annotated that
the clothing has been attended to.]
From
Commodore E. Pendleton Kennedy, Port Captain, Norfolk, VA, 29 Oct 1842:
CONSTITUTION dropped down to Hampton
Roads this morning.
Roll 295 (November 1 ‑ 30, 1842)
From
Captain Foxhall A. Parker, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Nov 1842:
Is now at sea.
From
Commodore W. Branford Shubrick, Norfolk Navy Yard, 25 Nov 1842:
Reports that Acting Midshipman
Gansevoort, who had been sent to the hospital from CONSTITUTION, has reported
himself and has been assigned to duty in the Ordinary awaiting departmental
orders.
From
Captain Foxhall A. Parker, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 Nov 1842:
Reports from anchorage of Willoughby's
Point, VA.
"Shortly after getting to sea [on
the 10th] I discovered several leaks which rendered the Ward room, Steerage
& birth [sic] deck very uncomfortable; & in a gale of wind to the
eastward of George's Shoal, the leaks so much increased as to drive the Ward‑room
officers from their rooms & to wet all the men's clothes in their bags
&c. Had the weather been very cold,
I am convinced the crew would have been incapable of performing their duties.
"Under these circumstances I
thought it advisable to return, believing the ship, in her present state, not
fitted to cruise on our northern coast in the winter, without causing great
suffering among her crew. I have made a
detailed report of the state of the ship to Commodore Stewart; & shall
await your or his orders at Hampton Roads.
"It gives me pleasure to state
that the officers & crew generally have enjoyed good health, &
performed their duties with alacrity & cheerfulness. The crew, with six months' practice at sea,
would do credit to any ship or service, & I trust they may not be seperated
[sic] from the officers at present placed over them."
[Annotated:
"Call upon Com K for an explanation."]
Roll 296 (December 1 ‑ 31, 1842)
From
Commodore E. Pendleton Kennedy, Port Captain, Norfolk, VA, 8 Dec 1842:
Responds to a query about
CONSTITUTION's leaky condition by noting his letter of 11 Oct reporting it and
the fact that more than 3 weeks elapsed before the ship sailed and "in the
meanwhile, it was not deemed advisable by the Department to take further action
upon the subject..."
From
Commodore E. Pendleton Kennedy, Port Captain, Norfolk, VA, 10 Dec 1842:
Refers to a Wm H. Fowler in
CONSTITUTION, whose discharge order had been received after she sailed.
From
Commodore E. Pendleton Kennedy, Port Captain, Norfolk, VA, 13 Dec 1842:
Reports that Boy William Henry Fowler,
as of the 8th, owed the Government $8.73.
From
Commodore E. Pendleton Kennedy, Port Captain, Norfolk, VA, 14 Dec 1842:
Reports having made an inspection of
CONSTITUTION on this date. "..after
a thorough examination of her, fore and aft, am of opinion, that she requires a
thorough overhauling. All her decks,
sides, and water ways are very leaky; so much so, that neither officers nor men
can be at all comfortable, in their berths during rough weather. She shows leaks from her spar Deck to the
cockpit, and in all her Wardrooms Staterooms and Storerooms below. Every part of the Ship, indeed, bears
evidence that she straind [sic] much, and opened the seams of her upper works.
"To the eye of a Seaman the Ship
is evidently over masted, and over sparred having the masts and spars of a line
of battle Ship. Her sails, rigging
&c are good, and her discipline excellent.
Upon her hull and Spars I would respectfully recommend survey.."
[Annotated:
"Let the Constitution be laid up, & her crew be handed to the
Brandywine as soon as she is ready to receive."]
From
Captain Foxall A. Parker, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Dec 1842:
Forwards requests for discharge from 3
landsmen, recommending approval "as they are totally unfited [sic] for the
Naval or any other sea service."
Also forwards a request from Acting Midshipman Barwell to be detached,
and one from Acting Midshipman McLane wishing a leave of absence. He recommends Barwell's transfer as "he
has not conducted himself properly on board here," but may be all right in
another situation.
From
Captain Foxall A. Parker, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Dec 1842:
Forwards a joint letter from the
warrant officers and individual ones from wardroom officers, describing the
recent cruise. Complains he is at a loss
about what to do in view of the Kennedy inspection and the contrary orders from
Commodore Stewart to be ready to sail again.
The warrant officers: Boatswain Amos Colton, Sailmaker George Parker,
Gunner H. Welton, Carpenter Jesse C. Morrison, and Master's Mate Charles B.
Oliver. The wardroom officers:
Lieutenants Charles W. Chauncey, George Mason Hooe, Bushrod W. Hunter, R. B.
Pegram, and Charles Thomas, Acting Master T. M. Crossan, and Surgeon George
Blacknall.
Excerpt from warrant letter, which is
duplicated in the others: "She leaks badly on spar, Gun & Birth [sic]
decks, ‑ water ways‑‑ seams ‑ & seams of decks ‑
also under water in Cockpit & forward Store rooms ‑ leaks under the
Forward Breast Hook on brith [sic] deck & down from it, leaks through the
side of the Starboard Quarter Gallery, the Wedges of the masts & pumps
works out ‑ she leaks through the Bolts in the knees, between the Gun
& birth decks, & the Bolts works [sic] in & out in the knees ‑‑
at sea she makes from 12 to 15 inches of water per hour, & in port averages
26 inches of water in 24 hours. The oakum in water ways seams works loose at
sea ‑ her air ports & half ports on the gun deck are very bad. We do not consider her spar & gun decks
sea worthy."
From
Captain Foxhall A. Parker, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 Dec 1842:
Reports that Landsman John H.
Marshall, long confined to sickbay, only this day was returned to duty. Suffers much from seasickness. [Annotated: "Discharge."]
From
Captain Foxhall A. Parker, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 [sic] Dec 1842:
Refers to Ordinary Seaman Frederick
Hay, who enlisted at New Orleans, understands little English, was received from
PENNSYLVANIA when about to sail, and is "entirely worthless." May well be a French citizen. [Annotated: "Discharge."]
From
Captain Foxhall A. Parker, USS CONSTITUTION, to Commodore E. Pendleton Kennedy,
Port Captain, Norfolk, VA, 27 Dec 1842:
Reports having discovered Captain of
the Hold Samuel Wilson had been stealing liquor from the Spirit Room and
sharing it with shipmates, resulting in drunkenness and disorderliness. He had been received from LEVANT as a petty
officer, and so punishment must be by court martial or as ordered by higher
authority. [Kennedy passed the problem
to the Department.]
From
Captain Foxhall A. Parker, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Dec 1842:
Acknowledges receipt of notice that
BRANDYWINE is to be substituted for CONSTITUTION in the Home Squadron.
Roll 297 (January 1 ‑ 31, 1843)
From
Commodore W. Branford Shubrick, Norfolk Navy Yard, 5 Jan 1843:
"...In the case of Wm Sliltz, the
Commanding Officer of the Constitution reports that his conduct has not been such
as to entitle him to indulgence, that he has once deserted from the Ship and
was apprehended with difficulty..."
Therefore, hasn't granted him a leave of absence.
From
Commodore W. Branford Shubrick, Norfolk Navy Yard, 13 Jan 1843:
Reports that Ordinary Seaman Bernard
Divins [sic: Devlin?] has been discharged from CONSTITUTION.
From
Commodore E. Pendleton Kennedy, USS PENNSYLVANIA, 19 Jan 1843:
[Enclosure,
ltr from the French Consular Agent at Norfolk of 18 Jan 1843:
Requests the discharge of an alleged
Frenchman, James Colson, a landsman aboard CONSTITUTION.] [He wrote about Colson again on 9 Feb 1843,
which ltr Kennedy also forwarded.]
From
Commodore W. Branford Shubrick, Norfolk Navy Yard, 26 Jan 1843:
Reports there are 180 men in CONSTITUTION
who have less than 30 months left on their enlistments, as of 1 Mar next. Recommends that these men not be immediately
discharged from their new home in BRANDYWINE until after she has completed
outfitting and has dropped down the river.
Some, it is hoped, may thus be influenced to ship over by their captain
[Foxall A. Parker, Sr.] when he returns.
Roll 298 (February 1 ‑ 28, 1843)
From
Commander F. Engle, Philadelphia Navy Yard, 13 Feb 1843:
Reports the death of Commodore Isaac
Hull at 0520 "this morning."
Roll 299 (March 1 ‑ 31, 1843)
From
Lieutenant Wm D. Porter, USS PENNSYLVANIA, to Commodore E. Pendleton Kennedy,
Port Captain, Norfolk, VA, 11 Mar 1843:
The steamer ENGINEER was employed
"attending" CONSTITUTION in Hampton Roads,4, 8, and 9 Dec 1843, and
towed her from Hampton Roads [to the Yard] on 11 Dec. total cost was $100.
Roll 300 (April 1 ‑ 30, 1843)
NOTHING
Roll 301 (May 1 ‑ 31, 1843)
From
Commodore E. Pendleton Kennedy, USS PENNSYLVANIA, 20 May 1843:
Refers to CONSTITUTION in ordinary.
Roll 302 (June 1 ‑ 30, 1843)
NOTHING
Roll 303 (July 1 ‑ 31, 1843)
NOTHING
NOTE:
No August 1843 correspondence appears in M125.
Roll 304 (September 1 ‑ 30, 1843)
NOTHING
Roll 305 (October 1 ‑ 31, 1843)
From
Captain John Percival, Boston, MA, 16 Oct 1843:
Acknowledges receipt of orders of the
13th to command CONSTITUTION.
From
Commodore George C. Read, Philadelphia Navy Yard, 20 October 1843:
Reports the remains of Commodore
Alexander Claxton are on board DALE and asks where the remains are to be
interred. [Answer: Greenmount Cemetery,
Baltimore.]
Roll 306 (November 1 ‑ 30, 1843)
From
Captain John Percival, location unknown, 3 Nov 1843:
Reports that the amount to make two
masts for CONSTITUTION "cannot be obtained in this Department." Materials are on hand, and the "Master
Constructor" doesn't think the cost will exceed $1500.
From
Captain John Percival, Gosport, VA, 12 Nov 1843:
Reports that it would save time and
expense if a detachment of 60 men from PENNSYLVANIA were housed and messed
temporarily in ONTARIO, currently being used as a barracks for seamen of the
ordinary, and employed on board CONSTITUTION.
Requests that one‑half the ship's midshipmen and all warrant
officers be ordered in to assist in the outfitting. [Annotated: "Give the order."]
From
Commodore E. Pendleton Kennedy, USS PENNSYLVANIA, 14 Nov 1843:
Reports that BAINBRIDGE requires a
master as Acting Lieutenant [Gough W.] Grant has been detached and ordered to
CONSTITUTION.
From
Captain John Percival, Gosport, VA, 26 Nov 1843:
Writes in praise of the Yard's Master
Caulker, John Dunham. "...He, from
the first,said to me that he believed her [CONSTITUTION's] repairs in the
Caulker's Dept. would not be so great as at first supposed, but until she had
been Docked to ascertain what she might require on her Bottom, it was difficult
to estimate accurately..."
From
Commodore Jesse D. Elliott, West Chester, PA, 29 Nov 1843:
"While in Philadelphia yesterday,
...the artist presented me with the accompanying civic honors of the venerable
and gallant frigate Constitution & the idea suggested itself that I could
not better dispose of them than by sending them to decorate your
Department. The tempest tot [sic] old
frigate will not compare with those now building, and I am sorry to learn that
she has been altered from her original fiting [sic]. She deserves the veneration of the
nation. She should be hauled up and
housed, where, every year, she might proclaim her own anniversary from her guns
that have so long roared across the wave.
The English thus cherish the 'Victory' ‑ let us equally cherish
the noble 'Constitution'."
Roll 307 (December 1 ‑ 31, 1843)
From
Captain John Percival, Portsmouth, VA, 11 Dec 1843:
Requests an "imperative
order" be given to the master mechanics in the yard to provide him readily
with the number of men employed each day in CONSTITUTION and their rates of
pay. He wishes to insure against
"padding," which he suspects is commonly done and inflates the cost
of repairs.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Dec 1843:
Requests a Marine Guard be ordered to
the ship now because there are insufficient Marines at Norfolk to form a Guard
and they will have to be ordered from elsewhere. [Annotated: "Genl H. directed to
detail..."]
Roll 308 (January 1 ‑ 31, 1844)
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Jan 1844:
"I respectfully report the state
and condition of the U. S. Frigate Constitution, and the extent of repairs, put
on the same. On Docking, it was found
that the Copper was good, except a few small places, on the bottom of the Keel,
to the amount of eleven sheets. Since
coming out of Dock she has had the small place defective in the Keelson
thoroughly and efficiently repaired. The
Bends on the Starboard side where the most defect was found have been replaced
with from three hundred to three hundred and fifty feet of new [sic] and the
Batteries, where defective and inefficient, has [sic] also been replaced, from
other new work which was put on the Ship in the last part of 1841 and the first
part of 1842. There have been eighteen
substantial oak knees put in and bolted to both the deck beams and through the
Wales and clinched. This was done, more
from the suggestion of Mr. Rhodes [Naval Constructor] than from any conviction
on my mind of the necessity from any evidence shown that the Ship had strained,
for had she ever strained over the ordinary action of efficient ships, it would
have been evinced by the paint being broken on the boltheads &c. I believe now, there was no real necessity
for it. On the larboard side, she was
found much less defective. The Wales
have been substantially and well caulked, and but a few small graving peices
[sic] have been required, and which have been put in. Of the Batteries, several have been replaced,
and fully and efficiently caulked. The
Decks where necessary, planks have been put in. The partners, (for the Cumberlands Masts,
which the Constitution had, were too large for them, and
consequently too large for those now making, they being seven inches in
diameter) have been altered to the proper dimensions. The Galley which for some cause was
placed on the berth deck to fit which four inches was cut into a Gun Deck beam
for the funnel and from the heat of which had become charred three
inches further. The Galley has been
removed on the Gun Deck, where there is no beam to affect, and the Gun Deck
beam has been amply repaired and made equally as strong, if not stronger than
when new, and the Spirketing throughout inside and strong pieces outside
together with the Waterways have been found sound and have been efficiently and
substantially caulked as ever seams were Caulked, since seams were constructed
and caulking invented. Several sheets in
the upper streakes [sic] of Copper above the water line have been taken off to
ascertain were [word obscured] and efficiently caulked, and in substantial
order, and [word obscured] were found entirely so. In fact, the Constitution is now fully and
efficiently caulked from the upper line of the Copper on her Bends throughout
including the berth deck, as ever she was.
The Rudder, which was not supposed defective, by report of the
Mechanics, has proven so strained and sprung as to require a new main peice
[sic], and the planking on the Battery outside from the bridle ports, on the
Spar and Gun Decks has been ripped off and made new. The Head was feared in a bad state, and has
also been made new excepting the Frame which was sound. The Magazine has been thoroughly
examined. As customary, the ceiling had
been furred up one inch from the Main ceiling, and sheathed over with white
pine boards, this thin Sheathing, as usual, had become rotten, and the Main
Ceiling somewhat decayed. I have never
known an instance otherwise, after a ship had been fitted and at sea, eighteen
years. The floor timbers and futtocks
under the Magazine were [word obscured] and found, together with the outside planking,
perfectly sound.
"The whole Frame of the ship is
sound with the exception of probably two or three timbers, which are a little
decayed by salt.
"I unhesitatingly pronounce the
U. S. Frigate Constitution, after mature reflection, in my opinion, growing out
of the observations I have made, from my personal and daily attendance on her
repairs, to be every way ample and efficient for a two even a three years [sic]
cruise, and am willing to Put life, reputation, fortune, and all that is
dear to me as an Officer and a man on the issue.
"___________ Memorandum
______________
Of
Carpenters repairs to this date there has [sic] been done 1001 days work. Of Caulkers 660 days. Of Wale planking there has been replaced by
new about 350 feet. Of Battery planking,
there has been replaced about 300 feet, and of Deck planking, about the same
quantity. By the results, proved from
practice in Caulking, in private and other Dock yards in the above
number of days work, there will have been driven into the Constitution, if not
wasted from a want of care, about 2310 pounds of oakum. It should be borne in mind, that the estimate
for the repair of Constitution, only twenty months past
(and there is no evidence to be found, it was not layed out on the ship)
exceeded 30,000 dollars."
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 Jan 1844:
Since Carpenter John Southwick has
been ordered from the ship, reports having appointed Henry G. Thomas as Acting
Carpenter. Calls him "A young and
capable American...efficiently qualified..." Will take up his duties the day Southwick
departs.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Jan 1844:
Requests that Lieutenant [Amasa] Paine
be excused from sitting on a court martial in PENNSYLVANIA to begin 5 Feb. [Annotated: "relieve him."]
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Jan 1844:
Acknowledges receipt of "your
letter of general instructions."
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 Jan 1844:
"As the cruise assigned to this
Ship is in a part of the world where great care and precaution is necessary for
the preservation of the health of the Crew," requests the "highly
recommended" Assistant Surgeon Duvall [sic] be ordered to the ship. [Annotated: "He may be ordered."]
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 31 Jan 1844:
"On my obtaining the draft of men
from the Pennsylvania, to do work on the Constitution, the duty assigned them
being of the most disagreeable and filthy kind, and extremely destructive of
their clothing, in breaking out the Hold, getting up Iron Tanks, Chain Cables,
Kentledge, and Casks, and scraping the Ship &c. I ordered the Sail Maker of the Constitution
to make about twenty short frocks of old and condemned Canvass
[sic]; which had been taken out of the Constitution's Sails while under
repairs, as unserviceable, for them to wear to preserve their other clothes,
for without some protection of this kind their whole pay would not have
furnished them with Clothing sufficient to perform the duty, and I did it
because I believed them and do now believe it was in this
instance for the interest and benefit of the service. But as a strict constructionist, I feel it is
against law though not against usage. As I wish no public act of mine to be hid
under a bushel, or kept from the Department, I report the fact to you,
for your approval or disapproval. The
amount of the old condemned Canvass [sic] will be from 7.50 to possibly 10
dollars. If this care for the protection
of the interest of the poor Sailors meets
your disapproval, I will most cheerfully purchase the quantity (75 yds)
and return it.
"P.S. I should not have troubled you with so small
a matter but for the peculiar situation in which I am placed. For certainly if I can be entrusted with the
Ship I surely can with a few yards of its old canvas."
[Annotated:
"Approve."]
Roll 309 (February 1 ‑ 29, 1844)
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 6 Feb 1844:
Requests that no more than 12‑14
Passed Midshipmen and Midshipmen be ordered to the ship, as no more can be
"well accommodated" in Steerage.
[Annotated: "Let it be so."]
From
Captain John Percival, Washington, DC, 12 Feb 1844:
Recommends that "a quantity of
articles of American manufacture" be provided for presents to "the
Chiefs or rulers of the semi‑barbarous nations" of remote ports of
call. Requests authority to purchase
$500‑1000 worth. [Annotated:
"Allow this" and "Send one case of the carbines for
presents."]
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Feb 1844:
Requests permission to land two long
guns from the forecastle, noting that the Paixhans guns would still give her a
broadside weight 112 pounds heavier than she ever had in battle. [Referred to the Bureau.]
Roll 310 (March 1 ‑ 31, 1844)
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Mar 1844:
Passed Midshipman Knapp has yet to
report. "I know him well, and am
sorry to say, little in his favor."
From
Captain John Percival, Portsmouth, VA, 12 Mar 1844:
Reports a number of the crew of
FALMOUTH, now laid up, have been transferred to PENNSYLVANIA, but are desirous
of joining CONSTITUTION. Would like to
have them. [Annotated: "Done."]
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Mar 1844 [2nd ltr]:
"The leak which I mentioned to
you when last in Washington is the same which was in the Ship, Capn E.
Carpender informs me, while he was a Lieut. of her during her whole cruise in
the Pacific. On its being discovered,...
Capn Carpender told Lt. Paine 'if he would go down in the fore peak and listen
he would hear the water running in...," and it proved so.
"I yesterday undertook to tip the
ship, but from the Keel touching the bottom I was unabled [sic] to do so
sufficiently, but as the 19 ft mark came within three inches of being clear,
the leak very perceptibly decreased...
Today I expect to tip her enough to get it clear, when it will be...stopped. They consider it a bolt hole of an
inch..."
"But for this circumstance, she
would have been hauled off today from the Dock."
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Mar 1844:
Midshipman Lewis Beard reported today,
a month and 22 days after his orders were issued. [Annotated: "He must give an
explanation."]
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Mar 1844:
Reports that Passed Midshipman Knapp
has consented to turn over to him $50 of his pay and the $5 due him for mileage
in order that his debts be liquidated and he not be dismissed from service.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Mar 1844 [2nd ltr]:
Midshipman Beard's orders were to
Norfolk, not Washington. [Annotated to
the effect that Beard had a satisfactory explanation.]
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Mar 1844 [3rd ltr]:
Reports CONSTITUTION ready to receive
her crew.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 Mar 1844:
Reports there are a number of men in
the recently returned DELAWARE willing to sign for CONSTITUTION if permitted to
do so.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 Mar 1844 [2nd ltr]:
Reports being unable to tip the ship
enough by the stern to uncover the leak.
The carpenters, to whom he offered a bonus if they could do so, and if
the Department will authorize it, say they could dock the ship, fix the leak,
and get her out again, in 48 hours.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Mar 1844:
Reports all six lieutenants now
aboard, and earnestly requests no more be sent.
From
Captain J. Paul Zantziger, USS PENNSYLVANIA, 26 Mar 1844:
Has transferred the following
personnel to CONSTITUTION: 8 petty officers, 51 seamen, 37 ordinary seamen, 28
landsmen, and 3 boys. She still needs 42
petty officers, 99 seamen, 69 ordinary seamen, 32 landsmen, 21 boys, and 24
apprentices.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 31 Mar 1844:
Midshipman Lewis Beard found drunk at
10 AM. [Letter continued on 1 Apr.] While in charge of a work party today, took
them out of the Yard to a grog shop where all drank. Recommends whatever disciplinary action the
Department wishes to take.
Roll 311 (April 1 ‑ 30, 1844)
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Apr 1844:
Reports having visited PENNSYLVANIA in
order to offer service in CONSTITUTION to the remaining men recently returned
in DELAWARE. He failed utterly because,
he says, the men head been mislead by unofficial remarks regarding when they
would be paid and regarding leave, and are now intent merely on getting
discharged.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Apr 1844:
Reports the ship could be at sea in
ten days or less after her crew is completed.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 4 Apr 1844:
Believes he could fill out his crew in
a week at New York, and that he could get her there safely with those now
aboard. Furthermore, he suggests that
taking the Wise family aboard could more easily be accomplished there than at
Philadelphia, where they now are.
[Annotated in the affirmative.]
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Apr 1844:
Forwards a request from Lieutenant
Amasa Paine for command of a supply vessel.
He endorses the request wholeheartedly, but says "it will be
depriving me of my right arm." If
request granted, requests Lieutenant [John S.] Missroon in Paine's stead.
From
Commodore W. C. Bolton, USS PENNSYLVANIA, 12 Apr 1844:
Reports CONSTITUTION was towed out of
the Yard yesterday and anchored near PENNSYLVANIA.
From
Commodore W. C. Bolton, USS PENNSYLVANIA, 14 Apr 1844:
Reports visiting CONSTITUTION and
finding her "in much better preparation for sea than ships usually are on
leaving a Dockyard." Percival
intends to give the Wises his entire cabin, but will dine with them. He has had made a temporary canvas sleeping
place for himself outside the cabin's forward bulkhead. Suggests the Secretary might further improve
Percival's exemplary preparations for the Wises by ordering the cabin guns
dismounted and "put lengthwise along the waterways opposite their
appropriate ports." "Nice
plain lounges open to air could be placed over the guns." Stow the carriages somewhere on the gun
deck. Uses the name "Old
Ironsides."
From
Commodore W. C. Bolton, USS PENNSYLVANIA, 14 Apr 1844:
CONSTITUTION, aided by steamer
ENGINEER, got underway at 4 PM and proceeded towards Hampton Roads. Thinks she will get to sea early in the
morning and have a 38‑40 hour passage to New York.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Apr 1844:
Cleared the Virginia Capes on 17
Apr. Ten hours later, wind came from the
north and freshened to "a smart Gale" the following evening. Had a "short and disagreeable sea"
and rolled her guns under. Notes she
made only an inch in 24 hours and that she had only been pumped 3 times since
leaving drydock on 18 Mar. "The
ease and good deportment of the Constitution is unsurpassable by any Ship in
the service, and my confidence in her is entire and complete..." Is still at anchor off Sandy Hook with a
strong NW wind.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Apr 1844:
Has crossed the bar and anchored off
the Battery at 2 PM this date. Did it
without a steamer.
Roll 312 (May 1 ‑ 31, 1844)
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 May 1844:
Reports that a Seaman Thomas Smith,
formerly of DELAWARE whom he had met in PENNSYLVANIA, subsequent to that time
had gone ashore, gotten drunk with some of his already discharged shipmates and
followed them aboard a steamer to Baltimore.
There without funds (although he still had $300 on the books from
DELAWARE), he shipped over and got himself assigned to CONSTITUTION. Percival pleads for official forgiveness in
that the man had gotten foolishly drunk and unintentionally went astray, and to
allow him to serve in the frigate. (The
seaman had been Thomas Smith #3 in DELAWARE.)
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 May 1844:
Advises that the following young
officers reported in debt:
Has
restricted all to the ship until their books are balanced.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 May 1844 [2nd ltr]:
Suggests a small schooner or one of
the 10‑gun brigs be added to the cruise as many ports will not be able to
admit CONSTITUTION. Notes that the
voyage is intended for "the encouragement and protection of
Commerce." [Annotated to the effect
that "the present conditions of the service" and
"appropriations" precludes a second unit.]
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 6 May 1844:
Requests a letter of credit with
Baring Brothers & Co.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 6 May 1844 [2nd ltr]:
Reports that Midshipman Robert Patton
[of Virginia] was sent to the hospital while at Norfolk, "afflicted with
the Pox and Itch." He has rejoined
the ship at New York, cured of the pox.
Because of the itch, he is again hospitalized here (NY). Because of the threat of contagion, the
ship's midshipmen have requested he not be allowed to return. [Detached to hospital 11 May, where he is to
remain until cured.]
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 6 May 1844 [3rd ltr]:
Are the Ambassador's servants to be
allowed rations from the ship? [No.]
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 6 May 1844 [4th ltr]:
Requests assigned of a small shooner
or 1-gun brig as tender. [No.]
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 May 1844:
Reports receiving a letter from
Minister Wise saying he was pressed for time and could not be ready before the
18th. Suggests the Department set the
20th or 25th as his departure date.
[OK.]
From Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION,
15 May 1844:
Responds to an inquiry concerning a
John Nelson who joined the ship on 27 Mar.
He is an Irishman and not the Nelson of the Secretary's letter.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 May 1844:
In accordance with a circular of Sep
1831, he requests permission to allot 60% of his pay instead of the usual 50%
maximum. [Annotated:
"Granted."] On the same day,
Percival forwarded a request from Lieutenant Amasa Paine that he be permitted
to allot $75 per month; granted.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 May 1844 [2nd ltr};
Refers to Lieutenant Stanley of the
ship, who is a good officer but in delicate health. Also notes in passing that there are five
staterooms on the starboard side of the wardroom. [Annotated: "Lt Stanley detached &
ordered to Princeton. 21 May
1844."]
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 May 1844:
If deemed appropriate, suggests that
some directions be given concerning the collection and preservation of natural
specimens "for the National Institute at Washington." [Filed.]
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 May 1844:
Has required Passed Midshipman Knapp
to make an allotment of $25 a month for 20 months to pay off "Mr.
Brolasky." Mr. Davidson has one for
someone in Norfolk. Mr. Beard has been
detached. Doubts that Knapp will ever be
a credit to anyone.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 May 1844:
At sea.
Roll 313 (June 1 ‑ 30, 1844)
NOTHING
Roll 314 (July 1 ‑ 31, 1844)
NOTHING
Roll 315 (August 1 ‑ 31, 1844)
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 6 Aug 1844:
Reports
having made Rio de Janeiro on a passage of 64 days from New York, calling at
Fayal, Madeira, and Teneriffe, and not having any deaths or desertions. Expects to depart in 3 weeks.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Aug 1844:
Has consented to Passed Midshipman
Robert A. Knapp's return to the US in CYANE because of his debilitated
condition: superating cheek wound from a duel, "syphilitic
rheumatism'" (going back to his earlier time in the ship), and
intemperance. Recommends dismissal. $401 of his debts have been repaid to date,
but he still owes $6‑700 in the US.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 Aug 1844:
Requests consideration as successor to
the late Commodore A. J. Dallas in the Pacific Squadron as the
"twilight" of his sea service.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Aug 1844:
Reports that Passed Midshipman Knapp
will return to the US in UNITED STATES instead of CYANE.
Roll 316 (September 2 ‑ 30, 1844)
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Sep 1844:
Reports having appointed Gough Grant Acting
Lieutenant and Passed Midshipman Isaac Strain Acting Master in his stead. Notes that Grant is the 8th senior Passed
Midshipman in the Navy.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Sep 1844:
Delayed his departure in order to get
a supply of bread. Will leave today.
Roll 317 (October 1 ‑ 31, 1844)
NOTHING
Roll 318 (November 1 ‑ 30, 1844)
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Nov 1844:
Anchored in St. Augustine's Bay,
Madagascar, 35 days after leaving Rio.
It is a stop for US whalers and there have been complaints of unfair
treatment. Went from thence to
Mozambique and remained 10 days. Next
went to Bembatooka Bay, Madagascar, and anchored off Majunga, where a few
Americans have been trading for 24 years.
Recent French activity has caused problems, but these are supposedly now
resolved. Only time will tell. Regular visits by US men‑of‑war
might help. Next went to Nos Beh I.,
where the French are in possession, for water, as none was to be had at
Majunga. There is no doubt the French
have designs on Madagascar. They
acquired the island for 500 muskets.
Came to Zanzibar on the 18th from there.
The Imam of Muscat is particularly friendly toward Americans because
they have no designs on any regional territory.
Trade has grown here from 10 bales of goods in 1831 to more than 4000 in
1843. In an enclosed letter to the Queen
of Madagascar refers to CONSTITUTION as a 50‑gun ship. [Letter badly faded.]
Roll 319 (December 1 ‑ 31, 1844)
NOTHING
Roll 320 (January 1 ‑ February 28, 1845)
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 7 Feb 1845:
"I have been seven weeks on the
Doctor's list, occasioned first by an attack of Dysentery, followed by a
disease of the Liver. I am now
recovering from an attack of Gout, which accompanied the latter." Praises Lieutenant Paine's skills in standing
in for him.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 7 Feb 1845 [2nd ltr]:
Left Zanzibar 27 Nov and in 35 days
made Sumatra. Two days later called at Quallah
Batoo. After meeting with the "rajahs," proceeded to Wylah, from he
departed on 8 January for Singapore.
Arrived 2 Feb after touching at Malacca.
Intends to remain long enough for his sick to recover and to have bread
baked.
Roll 321 (March 1 ‑ April 30, 1845)
NOTHING
Roll 322 (May 1 ‑ June 30, 1845)
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 Jun 1845:
Reports via a passing American ship he
is "by the Ladrones" after having visited Borneo and Cochin
China. Will submit a detailed report
when at Macao.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Jun 1845:
At Macao. Reports the death of Midshipman Lucius Mason
off Quallah Battoo on 7 Jan, caused by dysentery.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Jun 1845:
After 36 days at Singapore to let the
crew recover and resupply, on the 10th Mar sailed for Borneo, arriving at
Sambas on the 18th. Actually, the town
is 40 miles up a river and communication was by ship's boat. Departed the area on 22 Mar and spent 15 days
getting to "the capital city of the Island." On arrival, found the British in firm
control. Underway again on 10 Apr, was
forced to make a long detour to the west to avoid the poorly charted hazards of
the area north of Borneo. In 12 days,
the ship made good only 60 miles. High
praise for First Lieutenant Amasa Paine.
Arrived at Turon Bay on 11 May and departed on the 27th. An incident there will be the subject of a
separate letter. Arrived at Macao on 5
Jun.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, off Whampoa, 21 Jun 1845:
"In my communication to the
Department dated the 10th inst, I respectgully observed that I
should make, by the first proper opportunity, a special report of an occurrence
which took place at Touron Bay, Cochin China.
It is as follows.
"On the 14th of May,
four days after my arrival at that port, salutes of six guns having been
exchanged, I received a visit from the authorities of the city of Touron. They displayed some little pomp, usually
affected by these people on such occasions, were receivedwith courtesy, and
trerated with kindness and attention.
After remaining some time in the Cabin, they expressed a desire to
examine the arrangements &c of the Ship, and an officer was directed to
attend them.
"A few moments having elapsed,
one of them returned, and with much anxiety handed me an open letter
makiinkind signs that if discovered he would lose his head. After the party had left the ship, the letter
was translated (it being in French) and was found to be directed to the French
Admiral. (See copy attached marked
D.)
"I was convinced that if ought
could be done to prevent the catastrophe awaiting the Bishop, I should be done
promptly. Great excitement prevailed
throughout the Ship, created by the postscript of the letter, which was the
only part upon which I acted. What
caused me the greatest anxiety, was to decide how far I might proceed, and not
over step the limits of obligation in the cause of suffering humanity, towards
a subject of a Nation united to us by the bonds of treaty stipulations, and by
gone though not forgotten acts of kindness in the days of our national
infancy. This was a case to which I knew
no parallel, but believing that a generous sympathy was a promised
characteristic of our Government, and that exerting its influence through tis
agents in the cause of humanity was typographical [sic] of its moral
energies and usages since the adoption of the Federal Constitution. I proceeded to use my endeavors to effect [sic]
the release of Bishop Dominque Lefevre, a distinguished subject of France.
"My impression is that every
nation has the right to regulate its own intercourse.with others, not denying
to each just and proper privileges in such a manneras would be most conducive
to its own interest and prosperity. In
respect, however, to foreigns [sic], particularly those who have been
invited to reside within its domains, and instruct its people in the acts,
sciences and relilgion, every Nation it seems to me is under a moral obligation
to treat them with respect, kindness and humanity during their sojourn: ny
interferences with the ordinary pursuits of the persons thus invited, on the
part of a Nation, appears to me a harsh exercise of power, and to condemn them
to death unheard and undefended, by an arbitrary tribunal, is inconsistent with
the moral law, by which every nation should be governed.
"If a nation invites and allows
foreigners to enter into its territories, it is bound to respect the rights of
such, so long as they conduct peaceably [sic]; if in breach of good faith it proceeds to
punish them vindictively when no offence has been committed, such nation is
justly responsible for its conduct, more particularly if it is one
semi-barbarous, and that refuses to have treaties or social intercourse with
other nations of the earth.
"No doubt could have arisen in
my mind how far to have proceeded, had
the Reverend Bishop been an Amrican citizen, for the cry of an American held in
bondage, groaning under the oppression of his chains, points to but one course
(in my mind) for an American officer to pursue, and that is to free him at all
hazards. I looked to my inistructions to
bear me out: how far the Department mau coincide in the view I have taken in
the extract below, is a matter of much anxiety.
"'Every encouragement and
assistance in your power will be afforded to American Commerce and Amrican
citizens and to thoseof friendly nations you may meet durinig your cruise.'
"The motives which influenced me
were humane, excited in the cause of suffering humanity, to aid a subject of a
Nation long in amity with the United States.
If I have erred, it is of the head and not of the heart, which at all
times is devoted with its best blood to our country's honor and proserity.
"I most respectfully draw the attention of the Department to the
enclosed documents, directed to the French Admiral, which contain a true
statement of the occurrences as they took place, as weel as information of the
situation of his countryman. I
understand that he has sionce proceeded to Touron Bay to effect the release of
Bishop Levre."
[Enclosures]
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, to the French Admiral Commanding in
the China Seas, 6 Jun 1845:
"On the 14th ulto, while this
Ship was lying at anchor in Touron Bay, Cochin China, I received the
accompanying letter from Bishop Lefevre dated the 10th and 11th of May, which
was handed to me open, and in the same manner as it is enclosed to you. I had it translated and found by the postscript
that if anything could be done for him, it should be done promptly. I immediately landed, taking with me a letter
for the Bishop (see copy marked A) and another for the King (marked B) which I
requested might be forwarded at
once. At the same time I arrested three
Mandarins and carried them on board of my ship as hostages for the safety of
the Bishop's life. The day following
(15th) I took possession of three Junks belonging to the King, and also moved
my ship closer in shore so as to reach the Forts and town with my battery, hoping
that a demonstration, evincing a disposition for hostilities would more
effectually secure the safety of the Bishop. On the 17th, I wrote a more formal letter
to the King (see
copy
marked C) which I was assured by the authorities of Touron would be forwarded
to him promptly at Hue.
After a detention of the hostages for
five days, I received a letter from an officer on shore, stating that a
Mandarin had arrived from the King to settle the matter at issue on the
following day, requesting me to come on shore and bring the hostages with me,
which I did. On landing, I found no
Mandarin from the King, neither any one from whom I could obtain satisfactory
information. On the evening of the 19th,
finding that the hostages had no influence while in my possession, and being
well aware that the life of a Mandarin is not held in great estimation by the
King unless he should be of the first rank; having also their assurances that
if I allowed them to depart they would proceed directly to the King at Hue, and
use every exertion to procure the release of the Bishop, and as one of them was
his follower and entrusted to deliver his letter, I consented to let them
go. One of the officers of the Ship
volunteered to accompany them to Hue to effect an interview with the Bishop,
but such a course was declared impossible, as it was more than their lives were
worth (they said) to introduce a stranger into the imperial city without first
obtaining permission from the King.
Having waited eight days after their
departure, and my duties making it imperative for me to proceed to the
execution of the same, and having waited ten days beyond the period necessary
for obtaining water and refreshments for which I entered the port my supply of
provisions becoming greatly reduced, I was constrained though with great
reluctance to leave on the 27th ulto without having accomplished the release of
the Bishop... I could not proceed to
hostilities without violating the instructions of my Government...
"...The force of a Frigate is
entirely adequate to take possession of the town of Touron and its fortresses,
and that perhaps without the loss of a man..."
From
Bishop Dominique Lefevre "To the Captain," 11 May 1845 [translation]:
"I have already had the honour to
address you a letter which should have been delivered to you on your arrival at
Touron. I add today some words in order
to explain better what I hope you will do for me, in order to obtain the peace
for which we have sighed so many years.
As I stated
to
you in my first letter, I think you should exact from the King of Cochin China
two things First, my liberation, with permission to remain in the kingdom. Second, that no missionary shall henceforth
be disturbed nor arrested in this country.
I request further that you will require that this second article be
communicated by royal ordinance to the Governors of each province in the whole
Kingdom.
"It would be well also to demand
the release from confinement of the Natives who were arrested on the occasion
of seizing the Europeans, and who have been groaning in irons for a greater or
less time. There are ten or twelve of
them. You might ask in the fifth place,
that ten mandarins may be deprived of their dignities, as well as for having
arrested me, as for pillaging and allowing to be pillaged my house and the
village in which I resided.
One who holds the office of sub‑magistrate,
named 'Cui‑hui Nyai,' took from me 12 or 13 bars of silver. The other officer, commanding the troops of
the province, and called 'Lauk‑hak‑phinney' took from me several
bags and many objects which I cannot enumerate.
I have heard that you are stationed at Macao, and that you have
expressed a wish that some of us should make representations to you, which
would enable you to give Cochin China a lesson.
A very proper occasion now presents itself for such a lesson, and I
trust you will do what I have asked and even more.
P.S. I am condemned to death without delay. Hasten or all is finished."
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, to Bishop Dominique Lefevre, 14 May
1845:
"I have just received your letter
of the 10th inst announcing your imprisonment and sentence of death by the
authorities of the Cochin China Government.
As the first letter to which you refer has not been received, and as you
have not stated the name of the place where you are confined, I am at a loss to
know whether you are far from, or near this place.
"I will immediately land however
with a strong force, and in the event of not finding you, have a despatch
forwarded to the King at Hue, demanding your immediate liberation and surrender
for the present into my hands.
"If you receive this letter and
not be immediately put at liberty, you will improve the first opportunity to
inform me of the place of your incarceration.
There is no French vessel of war here: we are Americans, but Christians
and civilized, and will do all in our power to rescue you from these
barbarians."
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, to the King of Cochin China, 14 May
1845:
"It has come to my knowledge that
a French missionary, Bishop Dominique Lefevre, with some others, is at the
present time under sentence of death at or near this place.
"As these persons are our
National friends the duty falls upon me to demand their immediate surrender into
my hands. I shall await your answer at
this place."
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, to the King of Cochin China, 17 May
1845:
"I addressed your Majesty a few
days since, demanding that Bishop Dominique Lefevre should be delivered up to me,
to be carried from the country. I now
inform you that I have placed my Ship in a situation to destroy the city of
Touron and fortresses therein; that I have on board three of the authorities as
hostages, and have detained three Junks until I hear from you. I further inform you that there are three
ships of war here belonging to your Majesty, which are at my mercy, and if
there is a particle of injury done to Bishop Lefevre, I shall destroy them, as
well as the Fort at the entrance of the harbour.
"The French and American people
are friends by treaty and a reciprocation of kind acts for upwards of seventy
years, and such a wrong done to a Frenchman is the same as if done to an
American. I have a quantity of articles
on board of my Ship as a present from the President of the United States to
your Majesty, which I will not deliver until Bishop Lefevre is brought to this
place, or until I have a written answer from him, at which time your Majesty
must send a Mandarin of distinction to receive them. This is the 17th of May. I will wait until 12 o'clock of the 21st of
the month, and if all I demand is not granted before that time, I will commence
operations. Let no time be lost if you
would preserve your ships & city."
Roll 323 (July 1 ‑ August 30, 1845)
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 26 Jul 1845:
At Whampoa. Reports having received letters from French
authorities saying Bishop Lefevre was released a few days after Percival's
departure and delivered to RFS ALCMENE, and expressing gratitude for his
efforts.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Aug 1845:
Reports that Midshipman W. P. Buckner
"is a young man of good mathematical acquirements..., but from his
extremely delicate constitution, and chronic debility, I fear his usefulness as
an officer will be impaired."
Thinks his friends ought to urge him to a different profession.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Aug 1845 [2nd ltr]:
Lauds Midshipman Joseph J. Cook
"from Alabama."
From Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION,
12 Aug 1845 [3rd ltr]:
Reports Midshipman W. F. Davidson
"lacks energy in a degree."
Has a robust constitution.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Aug 1845 [4th ltr]:
Reports that Midshipman George B.
Douglass has been suffering from hepatitis "for several months." A very heavy young man woefully lacking in
education. Not recommended for the
profession.
From
Captain John E. Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Aug 1845 [5th ltr]:
Reports Midshipman J. E. Hart is
serious and dedicated, but suffers from shortsightedness.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Aug 1845 [6th ltr]:
Acting Midshipman J. E. Hopson, from
"the West," is a talented, robust young man lacking in ambition or
motivation. Is litigious by nature and
chafes under regulation.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Aug 1845 [7th ltr]:
Midshipman M. P. Jones is well
motivated but suffers from delicate health.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Aug 1845 [8th ltr]:
Midshipman Colville Terrett is
industrious and motivated.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Aug 1845:
Expects to sail for Manila on 5 Sep
after replenishing at Macao. After
Manila, will head for the Sandwich Islands.
Reports having forwarded $1950 collected from the crew for the victims
of the "calamity" in Pittsburgh.
Roll 324 (September 1 ‑ October 31, 1845)
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Sep 1845:
Arrived Manila on the 11th. Expects to depart on the 15th for the Sandwich
Islands. Reports that on the 7th, at
daylight, he fell in with the British East India Squadron, RADM Sir Thomas Cochrane,
consisting of AGINCOURT (74), VESTAL (2nd class frigate), DAEDALUS (corvette),
WOLVERINE (brig), and VIXEN and NEMESIS (steamers). Not knowing current relations, cleared the
ship for action. Being in short supply,
the RADM asked for the loan of 14,000 lbs of bread and 400 gals of whiskey. Percival furnished 10,106 lbs bread and the
requested whiskey in return for a requisition on the British Flag Officer, Rio,
for the same amounts. Calculates that,
for 350 men, he still has on board pork for 203 days, beef for 217, flour for
210, rice for 142, raisins for 231, pickles for 234, bread for 144, sugar for
369, tea for 283, coffee for 72, butter for 212, cheese for 198, beans for 126,
molasses for 154, vinegar for 161, spirits for 75, and cocoa for 110.
Roll 325 (November 1 ‑ December 31, 1845)
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Nov 1845:
Reports arrival at Honolulu on the
16th, where he found orders from COMO John D. Sloat directing him to report to
the Pacific Squadron on the coast of Mexico "without delay." As yet, no positive intelligence that a state
of war exists. Is concerned for his
ship, as she was outfitted for an 18‑24 month cruise, and was last
coppered 9 years earlier. Also concerned
that the health of the crew, already exposed to 10 months in the tropics, might
not be up to it. [Annotated that a
"few months" service off Mexico probably was do‑able.]
Roll 326 (January 1 ‑ 31, 1846)
NOTHING
Roll 327 (February 1 ‑ 28, 1846)
NOTHING
Roll 328 (March 2 ‑ 31, 1846)
NOTHING
Roll 329 (April 1 ‑ 30, 1846)
NOTHING
Roll 330 (May 1 ‑ 31, 1846)
NOTHING
Roll 331 (June 1 ‑ 30, 1846)
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 Jun 1846:
At sea. Arrived Valparaiso 13 Jun. Midshipman J. E. Hopson, under court martial
sentence, was permitted to go ashore for 3 days to procure "a few
necessities." When he failed to
return at the appointed time, it was learned, with the aid of the local police,
that he had fled inland some 90 or 100 miles to Santiago. Sailed without him on the 20th. "From the course he [took before]
leaving the ship by drawing all the pay due him as well as [borrowing] money from
the sailors and blacks of the crew, there can be no [doubt] that he
premeditated desertion, and a less deserving person [can] scarcely leave
the service."
Roll 332 (July 1 ‑ 31, 1846)
NOTHING
Roll 333 (August 1 ‑ 31, 1846)
NOTHING
Roll 334 (September 1 ‑ 30, 1846)
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Sep 1846:
Reports
having transferred Ordy John E. Conway, and Privates Edward Burke, Francis
Sullivan, and John Waters to USS PORTSMOUTH.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Sep 1846:
Forwards charges made by Lieutenant J.
W. Cooke against Seaman David Richards.
A court martial awarded Richards 100 lashes for a similar incident a few
months earlier, prior to his transfer from SAVANNAH to CONSTITUTION for return
home and discharge.
[Enclosure]
From
Lieutenant J. W. Cooke to Captain John Percival, 5 Aug 1846:
Accuses Richards of an unprovoked
attack on himself while intoxicated on 4 Aug.
Witnesses: Lieutenant Cooke, Corporal James S. Huyghe [?], and Private
John H. Kothe [?]. [Annotated:
"Trial ordered Octr 8th."]
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Sep 1846:
Off Boston Light. Departed Honolulu for Monterey on 2 Dec,
arriving on that coast on 1 Jan 1846.
After cruising off that port for 10 days in severe weather, proceeded to
Mazatlan, arriving 14 Jan. After 94
days in that port, sailed on 22 Apr.
Arrived at Valparaiso 13 Jun to replenish. During the stay, a severe "norther"
caused him to lose a sheet anchor and nearly go aground. Departed for Rio on 20 Jun and arrived there
28 Jul, where he first learned of the state of war with Mexico. Departed 6 Aug, convoying 6 merchantmen bound
for various US ports. Another ship joined
the convoy on 1 Sep. The convoy split up
on the 16th. On the afternoon of the
17th, came upon the USS WASHINGTON, a surveying brig that had been dismasted in
a storm and blown out to sea. All her
guns had been thrown overboard and her captain, Lieutenant George M. Bache and
10 men washed overboard. Towed the brig
to within 40 miles of the Delaware Capes where she was turned over to Pilot
Lester D. Schellinger for delivery to Philadelphia. (His fee: $120.)
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Sep 1846 [2nd ltr]:
Reports the ship ready for 6‑9
months more of service. The copper
sheathing may need work as only the upper 4 strakes are 4 years old, the
remainder an uncertain amount older. Her
decks are "much worn" and the spikes will have to be further sunk to
permit replugging. The sails also are
"much worn." If wanted for a
long cruise, decks will have to be replaced and the gun batteries at least
thoroughly worked over, if not replaced.
The ceiling under the magazine is rotten and will need replacement.
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Sep 1846:
"I have to report that there are
on board of this ship whose times of service will expire in the first part of
the year 1847, 150 seamen, ordinary seamen & landsmen. Of this number 75 never should have been
enlisted as they are of the very worst class of foreign sailors and if it can
be avoided should never again be entered in the Navy of the U.
States." Recommends that all 150 be
discharged as the good ones all will re‑enter "within a month."
From
Captain Foxhall A. Parker, Boston Navy Yard, 28 Sep 1846:
Reports CONSTITUTION anchored in the
harbor "last evening."
From
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Sep 1846 [2nd ltr]:
Forwards the report of naturalist Dr.
J. C. Reinhart, who joined at Rio in Sep 1844, replacing the ailing Mr. Chandler. Reinhart left the ship upon her return to
Rio. Praises him highly. Encloses a list of 11 boxes containing
specimens collected that will be forwarded to the National Institute, including
3 of birds, 4 of "dried specimens," and 4 of "biological specimens."
Roll 335 (October 1 ‑ 31, 1846)
From
Captain Foxhall A. Parker, Boston Navy Yard, 3 Oct 1846:
Reports having visited CONSTITUTION on
29 Sep and found her "in as good order as might be expected after so long
a cruise."
From
Captain Foxhall A. Parker, Boston Navy Yard, 3 Oct 1846 [2nd ltr]:
Reports giving 2 months leave to the
following people from CONSTITUTION:
Fritz Getter ‑ 2nd class apprentice ‑
to report to receiving ship, Baltimore
Aug. Swartout ‑ 1st class apprentice ‑
to report to New York Navy Yard
C. F. Gallop ‑ 1st class apprentice ‑
also to report to the New York Navy Yard.
From
Captain Foxhall A. Parker, Boston Navy Yard, 5 Oct 1846:
Reports that prisoner David Richards
is now in the receiving ship, FRANKLIN, and his enlistment expires on the
8th. He is a local man and his friends
probably will seek his discharge.
[Annotated: "Let him be tried."]
From
Captain Foxhall A. Parker, Boston Navy Yard, 6 Oct 1846:
Recommends that Apprentices William C.
Parks and William H. Phelps, formerly of CONSTITUTION and now in the receiving
ship, be discharged per their desires.
[Annotated: "Pay & discharge."]
From
Captain Foxhall A. Parker, Boston Navy Yard, 7 Oct 1846:
Seaman Charles Ramos, formerly of
CONSTITUTION, died "this morning" at the naval hospital of
consumption. Notes that money to pay off
the crew has not yet been received.
From
Captain Foxhall A. Parker, Boston Navy Yard, 8 Oct 1846:
Provides a corrected list of former
CONSTITUTIONs:
The following wish to be discharged; so
recommended:
Also recommends that Lds Jeremiah
Lyons, now in hospital, be discharged.
From
Captain John Percival, Boston, MA, 21 Oct 1846:
Reports his health "is
infirm."
From
Captain Foxhall A. Parker, Boston Navy Yard, 27 Oct 1846:
Reports "a number of Carbines
& Cotton goods," unused by Captain Percival on his late cruise, have
been returned to Stores.
From
Captain John Percival, Boston, MA, 30 Oct 1846:
"In compliance with your
communication under the date of the 15th inst I have the honor to submit the
following statement in relation to the subjects therein referred to. The
character of Surgeon McLeod's letter of the 10th inst, covering the "private
and confidential" one of Lt. Chaplin to him, stated to have been written
so long since as the 30th of August 1845 is peculiar, and its contents
calculated to excite some surprise.
"After recurring [sic] to my
private diary which has been kept of every minute event from the date of my
orders to the 'Constitution' in 1843 to the day of my return home from a long
and as I supposed successful cruise, and refreshing my memory by the
examination of various papers from the officers of the Constitution at different
times without finding the slightest trace of any occurrence on which the
allegation of Lieut. Chaplin could be grounded, I must beg leave to add
something beyond an exhibit and direct denial on my part of having used the
language attributed to me.
"My official communications to
the Department show that the Constitution left Mozambique during the last of
the month of October 1844 ‑‑ that we anchored off the city of
Malacca on the 28th of January 1845, and reached Singapore on the 2d of
February of that year. On the 5th of
December 1844 I had been brought so low by disease as to have my coffin made,
and gave up the executive command and navigation of the frigate to Lieut. Amasa
Paine by written orders of that date, a copy of which is enclosed, and occasionally
from that time I was in a state very little if any short of delirium. It was not until some months after that I was
sufficiently recovered to resume the active command. Lieut. Chaplin, by his reference to the
"Straits of Malacca," shows that it was between the dates above
mentioned that the language he attributes to me is alledged [sic] to have been
used. I regret to have occasion to recur
[sic] to the conduct of some of my officers during the cruise which I had
overlooked and determined not to bring to the notice of the Department, but the
attack now made on me renders a reference to them necessary. I discovered early a degree of uneasiness
among some of these gentlemen when they earned that the destination of the
frigate was not to the Mediterranean but to the Indian Ocean, etc, and that a
prolonged cruise in those seas was before them instead of the anticipated
pleasant one. This I learned
disappointed many fond hopes which their imaginations had indulged in, and
Surgeon McLeod's not less than those of others.
Hence I attributed his and their desire to shorten our cruise or throw
impediments in its way, if not to render it uncomfortable as far as was in
their power. It will be perceived that
the Surgeon in his letter, to give color and render more probable the
assertions of Lieut. Chaplin, remarks that 'about the time referred to in the
letter our crew were very generally suffering from
dysentery,' and that he suggested the necessity of running
the ship into higher latitudes for a 'few weeks &c &c.' It is true such suggestions were made to me
by him, not only once or twice, but very frequently on our passage from
Zanzibar to Singapore. But instead of
the crew suffering very generally the cases did not during
the period exceed fifty per day on an average, and having ascertained from him
that those cases yielded to medical treatment and that there was no epidemic or
infection on board, and knowing that I was in as low a state of health as any
one, etc, I had to request him not to broach the subject again. It appeared to me that those suggestions were
intended to create unnecessary alarm and shorten our cruise. The Surgeon might have possibly entertained
these fears from his inexperience of those climates, but I did not believe
there was any ground for them from my own observations in those seas on former
occasions, and my personal knowledge of the effect of the climate generally
produced on board of ships of war. As I
felt no alarm I perceived no cause for any, and as the state of our provisions
(without having fresh ones for the sick) could not admit of running out of our
cruise for any time and then returning, and as I contemplated reaching
Singapore shortly, the malady if it continued would be there in my opinion
arrested. My anticipations were
verified, and in spite of the necessity apprehended by the Surgeon, our
crew immediately recovered at Singapore.
Very few deaths did occur ‑‑ only four from dysentery after
leaving Rio de Janeiro until our arrival at Singapore. An occurrence which happened at Singapore in
February 1845 should be here mentioned when the Surgeon begged my protection
from Acting Master I. G. Strain who had accused him at their mess table
of dictating to me. My
reply was that it would be found I was not to be dictated to, and I
directed him to give me a statement of the affair in writing. This he did not do. The matter however took another turn, and I
heard nothing more of it for a month, when the Surgeon informed me of an
amicable arrangement. Another
circumstance to which I beg leave to draw attention is this. On the 16th of July 1845 when in Canton river
my attention was requested by a letter of the Surgeon to the fact that 'Lieut.
Chaplin at their mess table had stated that I had mentioned to him
that I presumed it would not be long before I
had some dictation on the subject of moving the
ship on account of health from a quarter of high
authority. Of this the Surgeon
complained, but I passed it by as too insignificant a matter to be noticed as I
had named no person, though at his
request I transmitted the letter to the Department to which I now
refer. These occurrences and many others
of a similar character might be referred to for the purpose of indicating the
state of feeling on the part of Surgeon McLeod and Lieut. Chaplin. I will notice also an early instance in which
the Surgeon interfered in a matter which did not belong to him. I received Dr. Reinhardt of Penna as a
Naturalist on board at Rio de Janeiro on the written opinion given by our
minister, the Honl Henry A Wise. Surgeon
McLeod endeavored to create a doubt of my authority as I was informed by Dr.
Reinhardt himself and even attempted to dissuade him from proceeding on the
expedition.
"I have endeavored in vain to
recall to my mind any occasion which could have given rise to the supposed
threat asserted to have been made by me in January 1845, seven months
before Lieut. Chaplin's letter under date of August 30th of that year is stated
to have been written. I am loth [sic] to
insinuate the utterance of a deliberate untruth to any one, but I know of
nothing beyond the idle apprehensions of Surgeon McLeod as to the cases of
dysentery and of the suggestions forced on my attention by him which seemed to
have possessed him and perhaps were extended to some of the officers. There is an indistinct impression on my mind
that on one occasion when in familiar conversation as to the line of conduct
incumbent on a Commanding officer ‑‑ upon the suggestion of a
hypothetical case ‑‑ as for instance an assault on myself, or an
attempt to usurp my authority, as Commander of the frigate ‑‑ I
stated that I should shoot the person without hesitation who made the attempt,
though I might live to return to my country to answer for my act. This is all, ‑‑ unless in some
moment of delirium during the continuance of my sickness, language like that
attributed to me might have been uttered.
If such, I am wholly unconscious of it, and I may freely assert that to
my knowledge nothing of the kind passed my lips. If such a threat had been made which Lieut.
Chaplin says he regarded as a mere bravado at the time, his silence
however ingenuously attempted to be accounted for, is scarcely remarkable with
the subsequent occurrences observed by him from February 1845, when the affair
of Acting Master Strain took place, and that of the 16th of July '45 at Canton
river before mentioned as transmitted by me to the Department, ‑‑
and it is also a little remarkable that no witness but himself is stated to
have knowledge of the threat.
"It remains for me to consider
those parts of Lieut. Chaplin's letter relating to his assertion that the
fact came to his knowledge that I carry arms upon
my person and will produce them when excited,
and also to the affair of Mr. Lewis.
"As to the first ‑‑ Lieut Chaplin would have it inferred that carrying arms upon my person was a
habit well known to him. This is not only untrue, but Lieut,
Chaplin must have known it to be so if he intended anything beyond my wearing a
dress sword on suitable occasions. The connection
in which he uses the language leads the mind to conclude that he meant firearms. Never during my life has this been a habit
with me ‑‑ so far from it that I have never been accustomed
to wear them. The only occasion of
having a pistol about me for many years was the one hereafter described, when I
was informed that a Mr. Lewis, clerk of the Naval Store Keeper at Macao
intended a personal assault, at which time I was so debilitated by long
sickness as to be scarcely able to walk without support. Because I had been threatened with an assault
and armed myself to repel it in the only way my feeble state would admit,
Lieut. Chaplin assumed that what he thought of no kind of consequence seven
months before had become of imminent peril in August 1845,
and this too from the course of prevention taken by one in placing a pistol in
my pocket for my protection. There is a
factitious and fictitious air about the whole of this letter marked 'private
and confidential' which had it not come through the Department I should have
pronounced beneath contempt, and wholly disgraceful to an officer.
"From various causes, after we
reached the Indian Ocean, Lieut. Chaplin was treated by me with reserve, and
shortly before the 30th of August, the date he gives to Surgeon McLeod, he had
seen fit to comment in some letters upon my course regarding the subscription
raised on board the Constitution for the relief of the sufferers by the
Pittsburgh fire, but in which subscription he took a part. One of his letters was replied to, ‑‑
the rest remained unnoticed. Out of this
affair his ill will was increased, and upon his imagination he drew ‑‑
either to alarm the Surgeon, or by a combination between them both to preserve
some memorial of supposed threat or injury to make use of at a later day.
"The affair of Mr Joseph Lewis,
the clerk of the Naval Store Keeper at Macao was a favorable occasion for this
purpose, and Surgeon McLeod's complaints has [sic] been attached to it, and the
memory of Lieut. Chaplin tasked to paint the scene. On my arrival at Whampoa I perceived an
erroneous course was pursued and about to be carried into effect by the Naval
Store Keeper and his clerk, which I checked, and a detail of which will be
found in my communication to the Department under the date of July 26th
1845. This occasioned not a little bad
feeling on their part. About the end of
August of that year I was informed of a discreditable piece of conduct of Lewis
the clerk, alledged to have been countenanced by the store Keeper in
Egypt. The whole matter need not be here
repeated, as it was detailed in my communication to the Department under the
date of Sep 25.1845. Upon hearing these
circumstances I commented freely and openly upon them, as well as the injurious
effect they might have on the reputation of the Navy abroad if its civil
officers were not publicly animadverted upon for such transactions. My remarks I was informed reached Mr Lewis,
who it was reported to me pretended to have been wronged and threatened to
obtain satisfaction. The report cast in
such a shape that I could not refuse to attach credit to it, and I procured
from my clerk, Mr. B. F. Stevens, a pocket pistol, and directed the Gunner to
load it for my safety. There was no
secrecy in this. At the time I was on
shore on a visit at the house of Mr Delano I was informed that Mr Lewis desired
to see me: being still very unwell and stretched on a sofa, a message was sent
to him that I was engaged. Heedless of
this he thrust himself into the private apartment where I was, ‑‑
seated himself before me in much temper, and began in an insulting and rude
manner to question me. I requested him
to leave, remarking that when he was in a better temper and appeared in a
proper manner I would answer any questions.
Immediately I got up and withdrew to an adjoining apartment. Lewis followed me to the door. I turned ‑‑ supposing an attack
was to be made ‑‑ and drew the pistol from my vest pocket, saying ‑‑
'if you follow me into this apartment I will shoot you down.' He was deterred and left the house. That I resorted to this mode of defence I
frankly avow, for at my age (67) I could not with a debilitate [sic] frame
enter on a rencontre with a robust young man of 30. I perceive no impropriety in the act when
thus badgered and will avow it on all occasions.
"These tedious and uninteresting
details I have no pleasure in laying before the Department, but know not in
what better manner to combination of various persons can be shown ‑‑
and the very futile character of Surgeon McLeod's complaints manifested.
"I take leave to add that I have
received from Russell Sturgis Esq now resident at Boston a letter corroborating
the report on the scandalous conduct of Lewis, as stated to him by our Acting
Consul in Egypt, and in consequence of which he made the communication to his
mercantile friends in China, which there came to my knowledge, and upon which I
acted. The letter is herewith enclosed
for your perusal, together with copies of other referred to in this
communication, in case the originals should not have been received by the
Department." [Annotated:
"Acknowledge ‑ Expln satisfactory."]
[Enclosures]
From
Captain Percival to Lieutenant Amasa Paine, 5 Dec 1844:
"From the state of my health and
the nature of my disease which prevents my paying attention to the navigation
of the ship that is necessary & required, I am constrained, though
reluctantly, to relinquish the command of her to you until my health will
permit me to resume the same.
"This I do with most perfect
confidence in your ability and zeal to conduct the same & trust that no
exertions will be spared on your part to accomplish the safe navigation of this
old favorite ship to her destined port."
From
Surgeon D. C. Mcleod to Captain Percival, 16 Jul 1845:
"A few days since it was publicly
mentioned at the wardroom mess table of this ship by Lieut. Chaplin that you
had stated to him that you presumed it would not be long before you had some
dictation on the subject of moving the ship from her present anchorage
[Blenheim Reach] on account of health from a quarter of high authority. As that remark was a direct reflection on me,
I should be wanting in self respect, as well as in a proper regard for, my
position in the service if I submitted to it in silence. Although the health of the officers and crew
may soon suffer here, as we have been lying twenty five days between paddy
fields with diurnal rains, and the thermometer ranging from 82 to 88 [degrees],
still, as no ill consequences have yet shown themselves, I have made no representations
to you or to others which could have elicited or justifyed [sic] the
disparaging reflection above mentioned.
The only occasion during the cruise on which I have suggested to you the
propriety of changing the ship's course was in the Indian Ocean, at a time that
a large number of men and officers was [sic] suffering from Dysentery. I then merely stated to you orally, that in
the event of an increase of sickness I thought it would be advisable to run the
ship for a few weeks into a cooler latitude.
I believe you differed from me in opinion. Although you have expressed to me your
determination to fulfill certain duties should they carry us into a "pest
house," nevertheless I would not shrink from calling your attention to any
dangers that threatened the health of the ship.
In doing so however, I shall not lose sight of the discipline &
etiquette of the service, as well as the proper respect due the Commander of
the ship.
"The same feeling requires me to
protest most formally against the disrespect which is implied by your remark,
and to request that this communication may be forwarded to the Honl Secretary
of the Navy."
From
Captain Percival to Secretary Mason, 26 Jul 1845:
"On may arrival at Macao the
Store Keeper Passd Midshipman E. A. Barnett, applied to me for assistance to
relieve him from the many embarrassments by which he was surrounded and which
he declared had been incurred for the public service. I found he had rented stores to be paid for
in advance. He was without funds or credit
to draw upon Govt or its agents and the best terms he had been offered for
bills were 25 prct. Very few persons
were found willing to take them even at the large disct [sic] which implied a
want of credit integrity that I could not for a moment permit to be imputed to
my Govt. I therefore directed him to
hand me all bills which he had necessarily incurred for the Govt account. He did so, and affixed to each a certificate to
the effect that the amt. of the bill was legally due by Govt to the parties
whose names were mentioned. This
certificate however he declined giving for some time, but upon being assured
that I would not direct the payment of any bill without such a certificate was
attached he at last complied with my request.
"One of the bills amounting to
804 dollars for the transportation of the cargo of the store ship 'Mattakeeset'
from Hong Kong to Macao, presents an excess over a fair freight of 300
dollars. This bill was not contracted by
Mr Barnett, but a written contract had been entered into by his clerk, Mr J
Lewis, and Mr N Durrs of Hong Kong though as Mr Barnett admitted by his
authority. This contract I have never
been able to obtain sight of and have great doubts of its existence. This bill of Mr Durrs I have declined paying,
the usual freight from Hong Kong to Macao being 10 1/2 prbbl and rarely
exceeding 12 1/2; at the latter rate I have offered to approve it making the
amt 500 dlrs & leaving the excess 304$ to be paid or not by a decision of
the Department. Mr Barnett, I have not a
shadow of doubt is both honest & zealous.
He takes good care of the pubic property, though to my mind he lacks t
hat practical knowledge to enable him to get along harmoniously in this, his
new avocation. A young man, possessing
sufficient merit to be entrusted with so large an amount of pubic stores, would
be able to operate more beneficially to the service if he had a letter of
credit to draw for the necessary expenses incurred which to my mind should not
exceed 3000 dolls prannm. This sum, with
the proceeds of the sales of condemned stores which must inevitably occur in
this climate will be amply sufficient to cover all necessary expenses. I would most respy observe, though it may not
be considered within my province so to do, that a clerk to the Naval store
Keeper at Macao is an unnecessary appendage to the establishment, and an
expense that might well be dispensed with.
There is a Chinese employed as Comprador who received $20 pr month, as
is customary with commercial houses here & who is in fact all the
assistance (& very efficient) that is required to aid the store Keeper, and
which he could not well dispense with. I
have felt it a duty incumbent on me to place the foregoing statement before the
Dept & in so doing have been influenced solely by a sense of duty I owe the
service.
"Aug 17.
I have this day received a declaration from Passd Midn E A Barnett,
signed by his clerk and attached to a copy of the contract entered into by
himself & Mr Durrs for the transportation of the cargo of the 'Mattakeeset'
from Hong Kong to Macao. The declaration
to the effect that the copy attached is a true one legalizes in a measure the
transaction and justifies me in directing the payment of the amt of the bill. Notwithstanding this I am not fully convinced
that a contract was entered into before the cargo was transshipped, for one of
the contracting parties, Mr N Durrs, sent me a copy of the original contract
which he declared was a true one but differing from the one received from Mr
Barnett in one essential point. It was
not so much the amount as the principle I contended for. When I return I shall be ready to give such
explanations as the case may require.
The truth was all I sought for.
From
Captain Percival to the Secretary, 25 Sep 1845:
"It devolves upon me, though a
painful duty, to report a circumstance which is charged as having occurred at
Alexandria in Egypt. The facts are as
follows. When Passd Midn Edward A Barnett
& his clerk Jos Lewis were travelling [sic] overland to assume their duties
at the naval depot in China, they stopped at Alexandria and called on Alexr
Todd Esq, the U. S. Consul there, the clerk passing as 'U. S. Consul at Hong
Kong & bearer of despatches from our Govt to the Honl Caleb Cushing.' He (Lewis) being short of funds, applied to
Mr Todd, to let him have L100 Sterling for which he offered a draft on a
Gentleman in Phila by name of R. B. Hampton.
Mr Barnett stated to me at Macao on the 28th of Aug last, in the house
of Mr Delano, in answer to enquiries from me relating to this transaction that
he himself informed Mr Todd that he was present when Mr Hampton stated he had
funds in his hands belonging to Mr Lewis.
From these remarks & confessions of Mr Barnett reluctantly given, I
inferred that Mr Todd required or was desirous of obtaining further evidence of
the right of Lewis to draw upon Mr Hampton.
Mr B readily furnished it as related above, which proved satisfactory
& as Mr B possessed evidence of being an agent of the U. S. Navy Department
proceeding by its authority to the execution of its orders, the money was
furnished & a draft on Mr Hampton taken by Mr Todd for the amt. The draft on presentation at Phila was
protested for non‑payment. When Mr
Russell Sturgis returned from India to the U States he passed thro' Alexandria
& had an interview with Mr Todd, who represented the circumstances of the
case & requested his aid in recovering the money. Mr Sturgis wrote Mr Forbes, our excellent
& very efficient Consul at Canton to exert himself to that effect, Mr Forbes wrote Mr Lewis upon the subject who
in his reply entreated him not to inform the
Secy of the Navy as it would injure him at the Dept. I would respy observe that I am no lawyer,
but the transaction of Mssrs B & L as above related bears a very strong analogy
to the offence of obtaining goods under false pretences. If Mr Lewis had done nothing which conflicted
with truth & justice or honor & integrity what could be apprehended
from the equity & impartiality of an upright Dept where the rights of all
its servants are supposed to be sacred and consequently protected. I have the honor to enclose a copy of a
letter written to the abused, deceived, & defrauded Consul at Alexa,
wherein I assure him that 'I feel proud in the belief that such conduct in its
servants will not be tolerated for a moment by the Dept.' This has not been a pleasant duty for me to
perform, but I believe it to be an imperious one, imposed by the necessities of
the case & welfare of the service.
Were I to have neglected doing so after having received the information
from so respectable a source as I did, I might have been considered (& I
believe justly) an accessory to the fraud after the act, all of which is most
respy submitted to the equity of the Dept for its decision."
Roll 336 (November 2 ‑ 30, 1846)
NOTHING
Roll 337 (December 1 ‑ 31, 1846)
NOTHING
Roll 338 (January 1 ‑ February 27, 1847)
NOTHING
Roll 339 (March 1 ‑ April 30, 1847)
NOTHING
Roll 340 (May 1 ‑ June 30, 1847)
NOTHING
Roll 341 (July 1 ‑ August 31, 1847)
From
Captain John Percival, Boston, MA, 28 Aug 1847:
Requests a copy of the 13 Mar 1844
letter authorizing a naturalist, a Mr. Chandler, on board CONSTITUTION, to
receive the same pay as a chaplain.
[Annotated: "Send him the original.
I suppose it has been recorded."]
Roll 342 (September 1 ‑ October 31, 1847)
From Captain John Percival, Boston, MA, 29 Oct
1847:
Is there anything I can do to help get
an appropriation to pay the naturalists on my last cruise? [Annotated: "The Dept. will bring the subject
to the attention of the Committee on Naval Affairs, & will advise..."]
Roll 343 (November 1 ‑ December 31, 1847)
From
Captain John Percival, Boston, MA, 10 Nov 1847:
Asks to be Captain Foxhall Parker's
successor as commandant of the Boston Navy Yard.
Roll 344 (January 4 ‑ December 23, 1848)
From
Captain John Percival, Boston, MA, 6 Mar 1848:
Requests orders to Washington on the
matter of pay for the naturalists on his last cruise. [Annotated to the effect that orders are not
possible, and that, insofar as the Department is concerned, it is a private
matter between P. and Congress.]
From
Captain John Gwinn, Philadelphia, PA, 25 Sep 1848:
Already in receipt of orders to
CONSTITUTION. Has had "many
applications" from young gentlemen wishing to go out in the ship. [Annotated to the effect that no more
master's mates will be appointed.]
From
Captain John Gwinn, Philadelphia, PA, 5 Oct 1848:
Mentions "Mr. Cahoon" as
Purser of CONSTITUTION.
From
Captain John Gwinn, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 Oct 1848:
Requests permission to make an
allotment of $2000 a year for his family.
[Annotated: "Granted."]
From
Captain John Gwinn, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Nov 1848:
Acknowledges receipt of sailing orders
dated 6 Nov. Is ready for sea except for
the "powder tanks," which are supposed to be shipped from Norfolk
"today."
From
Acting Midshipman J. P. K. Mygatt, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Nov 1848:
Requests "the necessary papers
for my warrant." [Annotated:
"His warrant has been issued."]
From
Captain John Gwinn, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Dec 1848:
After some days' delay due to wind and
tide, is at sea.
Roll 345 (January 4 ‑ July 2, 1849)
From
Captain John Gwinn, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Jan 1849:
At Malta. If Commodore Bolton's health requires his
return to the US, requests to succeed him as squadron commander. If someone senior to him is appointed, wishes
to be ordered home. [Bolton died on 21
Feb at Genoa; Charles W. Morgan appointed his successor.]
From
Captain Thomas A. Conover, Philadelphia, PA, 13 Apr 1849:
Understands that the captain of
CONSTITUTION has asked to be relieved; wants the job. [Annotated: "The department has not
decided to detach Capt Gwinn."]
From
Captain Thomas A. Conover, Philadelphia, PA, 19 Apr 1849:
Understands that Commodore Morgan
would be happy to have him as flagship captain in MISSISSIPPI; he's
willing. [Annotated that Captain Long
already has been designated.]
From
Captain John Gwinn, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 Apr 1849:
Reports having invalided 4 men home in
ERIE.
From
Captain Thomas A. Conover, Philadelphia, PA, 28 May 1849:
Offers himself to command INDEPENDENCE
or any other frigate going to the Mediterranean.
From
Captain John Percival, Dorchester, MA, 9 Jun 1849:
Will respond to criticisms of his
conduct leveled by J. Balestier, U. S. Consul at Singapore as soon as he can
get his papers together.
From
Captain John Percival, Dorchester, MA, 14 Jun 1849:
"...The despatch of which you require and explanation, bears date the 6th April 1847, and would in the ordinary course reach Washington in three months after its date, now some two years ago. I have passed several weeks in Washington since that time, on business which brought me in daily communication with the Department; and I have not at any time for the last three years been farther from home than Washington; yet I have never 'till now heard that any such despatch existed. The transactions to which it chiefly relates, so far as they did occur at all, occurred more than four years since. They were reported by me in a special communication to the Navy Department, a few weeks afterward from Canton river, and have been passed upon and my conduct in the matter approved by two successive secretaries. By the same mail that I made this communication to the Department from Canton River, I wrote to my friend William Sturgis Esqr., in Boston, who had been much in that quarter of the world, and was intimately acquainted with the character of the people, in which I related to him all the circumstances of the case. Mr Sturgis saw Mr Bancroft soon after the receipt of my letter, and upon a full explanation, as Mr S. now informs me, by him, Mr Bancroft expressed himself entirely satisfied. On my arrival at Boston in September 1846, Mr Mason with the report above referred to in his possession, in detaching me from my command, expressed to me in most flattering terms his satisfaction of the manner in which I had performed my cruise; and he has subsequently given me assurances to the same effect.
"Enclosed with my communication
from Canton River, was a copy of the letter from Bishop Lefevre upon which I
acted, together with copies of my letters to the King, and of my report of the
transaction to the French Admiral, and his reply thereto. That report contains the best and most
detailed history of the transaction, I have now at my command; and for your
more convenient reference I enclose also a copy of it herewith. A reference to the Ships Log Book, now in the
Bureau of Ordnance & Hydrography at Washington, will, I believe, confirm
and substantiate that report.
"The postscript to the Bishop's
letter informed me that he was condemned to death, and that unless I hastened,
all would be over with him. The case of
course required prompt action, if any action was to be taken. It did not admit of much time for
reflection. It seemed to me plan,
however, that if the Bishop were a citizen of the United States, it would be my
duty to interpose at once for his protection; and I could not bring myself to
conclude that now, when a citizen of a Foreign power sustaining the most
friendly relations to our government and united with it by treaties of amity
and commerce, was about to be murdered by barbarians, the obligations of
humanity and justice were not equally imperative upon me. A Christian subject of civilized France was
about to be put to death, at the hands of lawless savages. His only offence consisted in, that he was a
Christian. The interpreter who handed me
his letter had been converted to the Christian faith. My feelings were the feelings of every
officer, as I had ample reason to know, on board the ship. All partook of them, and they prompted me to
interpose. I looked to my instructions. It was indeed a case not contemplated; but
these instructions told me that every arrangement and assistance in my power
would be afforded by me to those citizens of friendly nations whom I might meet
during my cruise, as well as to our own citizens. I looked about for a precedent, and as nearly
as my recollection served me, English, French and American navigators had
interposed in like cases. I did not
believe France would do less than interpose for us in a like case. I had not forgotten, moreover, the advice
given me by Mr Balestier a couple of months before at Singapore, that these
people were nothing less than barbarians.
I made up my mind, from every point of view, that it was my duty to act,
and I acted; ‑‑ I have already informed you how.
"The report of Mr Balestier is
singularly inaccurate. It is not true
that the natives whom I detained as hostages for the safety of the Bishop were
'handcuffed and degraded.' On the
contrary, they lived in my Cabin, and partook at my table and daily had their
attendants. It is not true that they
advised me to go to Hue; and I could not have gone there if they had. Whatever the Mandarins may have represented
to Mr Balestier, it is not among the least remarkable things in his
extraordinary despatch that he should have given credit to the statement, and
represented to our government as true, that Hue is a Seaport and to which I
could readily have gone. The truth is,
it is situate some forty or fifty miles in the interior, on either side of a
river, the mouth of which is above a hundred miles up the coast from where I then
was. It is not true that the 'Fort' or
any Fort was destroyed by us, or that a single shot was fired at their Forts or
town. The only firing from the ships
battery while we were there, was experimental firing, as usual, with some
shells, while we were lying more than two miles from the land and toward a part
of the Island not inhabited. In the
attempt of some of the Junks to escape us, some musket shots were fired ahead
of them to bring them to. Not a single
person was killed nor was any one to my knowledge in the slightest degree
hurt. The natives continued to trade
with us on amicable terms up to the moment of the ships sailing.
"Having related to you the
particulars, and explained the reasons upon which I acted, I suppose I might
stop; but a word further seems due to Mr Balestier. His representations purport to be made upon
the authority of 'some Mandarins,' confirmed, as he adds, by 'some other
Mandarins,' whether of the same party or not he does not say, nor will it be
deemed material by those who know the Mandarins. I cannot but express my regret that Mr
Balestier, who, as appears from his own statement, was applied to as the Agent
of the government in this 'grave matter' did not deem it of sufficient
consequence to inquire whether the representations were true or not; for
however it might have been in the matter of the loss of so many lives
concerning which the Mandarins might indeed have continued to falsify, he could
at least have ascertained whether the Forts that he represents I demolished
were still standing or not. He is not ignorant
of the fact that the Cochin Chinese are proverbial for lying.
"Besides, Mr Balestier had at
that time been some years at Singapore, and from my knowledge of is general
intelligence I will not do him the injustice to infer that he did not know something
of the customs of the government of Cochin China, as well as of the character
of the people; but I must be permitted to say, that, those who know these as
well as himself, will not be a little surprized that he should have waited a
year, really expecting that a communication from the King of Cochin China at
Hue, would be sent to him to be transmitted to the President of the United
States! Sincerity and that frankness due
from me to the Department and to him, compel me to add, that I cannot bring myself
to believe he expected any such thing.
"What may have appeared 'in the
newspapers of India and Europe' on this subject, I have no means of
knowing. If any thing in respect of it
did appear in the papers published at Singapore, it does not surprize me now
that Mr Balestier does know about it. We
were in India till the middle of September 1845 and I do know that my conduct
in the matter, met with the approval of the Consuls at Canton, Macao, Hong Kong
and Manilla [sic].
"I have thus, no doubt imperfectly,
but as well as my feeble health will permit, given you, at the earliest
practicable moment, an explanation of the Transactions at Turon Bay, and of the
natives upon which I acted. I may hope
that this explanation will be satisfactory to you as former ones in regard to
the same subject have been to your last two predecessors. It is natural at my time of life that I
should desire repose from the subject altogether. But I have no disposition to shrink from the
responsibility which properly attaches to my official acts, and now, in looking
back upon the transactions referred to, over a period of more than four years,
and from a distance of still more than as many thousand miles, and from a point
of observation too that circumstances did not afford to me then, I can see
nothing in them to regret ‑‑ nothing that I would alter."
Roll 346 (July 2 ‑ December 28, 1849)
NOTHING
Roll 347 (January 1 ‑ December 30, 1850)
From
Captain Thomas A. Conover, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Feb 1850:
At Genoa. Notes that the long list of punishments in
the enclosed report "has arisen from the circumstance of the crew having
been allowed liberty to visit the shore... and from the great facilities which
have been offered for smuggling liquor on board."
From
Captain Thomas A. Conover, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 Mar 1850:
Reports having surveyed six men and
invalided them to JAMESTOWN for return to the US. Mentioned are Surgeon Charles F. Guillou, and
Passed Assistant Surgeon R. W. Jeffrey of CONSTITUTION. The men are:
Pvt Thomas Hodges ‑ subject to
epileptic fits
Sea James Lyons ‑ long standing
pleurisy
Capt of Afterguard David Evans ‑
superannuated (66)
Sea Thomas Grush ‑ superannuated
(64)
Sea James Andre ‑ incipient
consumption
Sea Theod Thompson ‑ asthma.
From
Captain Thomas A. Conover, USS CONSTITUTION, 20 May 1850:
At Spezzia.
From
Captain Thomas A. Conover, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Oct 1850:
At Spezzia. Passed Midshipman [Dulaney A.] Forrest was
invalided home in ERIE in Nov 1849.
Passed Midshipman E[dward]. Y[orke]. McCauley has been detached due to
ill health "and is now on his way to join his family at Alexandria,
Egypt." [McCauley's father was
Consul there, transported thence from Tripoli by CONSTITUTION in 1849. His brother, Constitution Stewart McCauley,
was born in the captain's cabin as the ship arrived at Alexandria.]
Roll 348 (January 1 ‑ June 30, 1851)
From
Captain Thomas A. Conover, USS CONSTITUTION, 11 Jan 1851:
Standing up the Narrows at New
York. Reports having just received 5‑week‑old
orders to proceed to Boston and report to Commodore Downes. Intends to proceed to the Brooklyn Navy Yard
and await confirmation of those orders.
The ship needs a new crossjack, her stores are down to 3 weeks, and most
water tanks are filled with salt water for ballast. "A still more urgent fact is the insubordinate
attitude the crew has lately assumed from the entire absence of sufficient
punishment since the abolition of flogging, and the extreme probability of a
difficulty occurring at any moment, which would eternally disgrace this
renowned Ship, and which I have no means of suppressing without to resorting to
very violent measures." The ship
should have a thorough examination to insure the health of the keel after the
collision with the brig CONFIDENCE.
[Enclosure]
From
Commodore Charles W. Morgan, USS INDEPENDENCE, 2 Nov 1850;
"...In parting with you, I beg to
express my regret at the loss of an officer who has sustained with ability and
most satisfactorily, the disapline [sic], and good order of the naval service,
while fulfilling the various and important duties upon which your Ship has been
for the past year employed..."
From
Captain Thomas A. Conover, USS CONSTITUTION, 11 Jan 1851 [2nd ltr]:
Reports his arrival at New York from
Spezia, which he left on 3 Nov for Genoa.
At Genoa 4 Nov until 7 Nov, and at Gibraltar 27 Nov until 1 Dec.
"...On the 1st of December, the
wind being fair, I got underway, in company with about one hundred sail of all
nations, including the LEXINGTON, and stood out of the Mediterranean. On the night of December 1st, at 8.40 PM,
whilst about ten miles N.W. of Cape Spartel, and running before the wind with
all sail set, and going ten knots, the Ship came in collision with the British
Brigantine Confidence, of about 160 tons, of Bristol, bound from Newport,
Wales, to Barcelona loaded with coals.
the [sic] Brig [sic] sank almost immediately, but her officers &
crew (8 in number) were all happily saved, and have been brought here. As they were destitute of every thing, I had
them supplied from the Ship's Stores, with what was necessary for their
comfort, and a Subscription which was made for them by the Officers and Crew
has furnished them with the means of present support. I herewith enclose reports on the subject of
the collision, from Lieut. A. F. V. Gray, who was Officer of the Deck, and
Passed Midshipman W. W. Low who was officer of the Forecastle at the time...
"Immediately after the collision
took place...a rigid inspection was made, but as far as we have been able to
ascertain, this Ship sustained no other damage than an injury to her
Martingale, and the loss of the end of her Flying Jib boom..."
Praises the efforts of Lieutenant T.
M. Crossan in the rescue of British seamen.
The crossjack yard was carried away in a heavy gale on 3 Jan.
[Enclosures]
From
Lieutenant A. F. V. Gray to Captain Thomas A. Conover, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Dec
1850:
Reports he took the deck at 8 PM the
night before, the ship then under royals and port stunsails making 9 knots on
course W 1/2 N. At 8:20 a light was
reported 3 1/2 points to port. Sent
Midshipman Mygatt and QM James Harris to the forecastle to augment the
lookout. They reported nothing in
sight. At 8:30 the ship's head was
hauled up 1/2 point, making her heading W.
Captain Conover appeared on deck at this time, and as he conversed with
me, Passed Midshipman Low came aft from the forecastle to report a contact 2
1/2 points on the port bow going in the same direction. Nothing further occurred until the Captain
saw the reflection of a light off sails right under the ship's port bow, now on
a starboard tack and heading across the bow.
It was too late to avoid a collision.
[A
second letter from Passed Midshipman William W. Low repeats the foregoing.]
[Annotated
that the Department approved of Conover's actions.]
From
Captain Thomas A. Conover, USS CONSTITUTION, 11 Jan 1851 [3rd ltr]:
Forwards the results of courts martial on 4 crewmembers, all of whom are in confinement awaiting Department action.
"Since the receipt (tho'
unofficial) of the intelligence that flogging had been abolished in the Navy by
an Act of Congress, I have discontinued the use of the cats; and I appealed to
the men to show by their conduct that that description of punishment was
altogether unnecessary. the [sic] effect
of the discontinuance has been entirely bad.
the [sic] discipline and efficiency of the Ship has been materially
impaired by the knowledge the men possess that there is no punishment
substituted in the place of flogging, and that by being confined, even in
irons, they escape from duty and as their services are needed their confinement
must necessarily be short. Before the
abolition of flogging, that punishment was confined almost entirely to a few
men, who were continually offending under the influence of liquor, gross
insubordination and disobedience of orders were seldom met with; the mass of
the crew continuing to behave themselves respectfully and orderly.
"Now however that the fear of
punishment is removed, there are many of the crew, who have always heretofore
maintained excellent characters, who have been repeatedly punished for the
first time; and most of the names in the list I enclose, are those of men who
have not before been punished..."
List
of Prisoners, Confined and Released on board the U.S. Frigate Constitution, Captain
T. A. Conover, Comd'g since November 3d 1850.
Geo Underwood OS Striking & abusing
Jno
Cooper; disrespect of Officer of the Deck Confined in double irons 17
Nov by Lt Shattuck; released 1 Dec
Fredk
Beckerdorf CaptMT Letting a block fall
from main top into crowd of men Confined in single irons 24
Nov by Capt Conover; released 26 Nov
Coffin
Lds Being asleep on cat head. Confined in single irons 25 Nov by Lt Shattuck; released 8 Dec
Williamson
OS Fighting. Confined in double irons 30 Nov by Lt Crossan; released 8 Dec
Wm
K. Jeffery S Desertion. Confined in double irons by Lt Rowan 1 Dec;
released 2 Jan 1851
Jno
Edwards S Fighting. Confined in double irons by Lt Rowan 10 Dec;
released 11 Dec
Smith
S Fighting; insolence &
disrespect to Lt Rowan. Confined in double irons by Lt Rowan 10 Dec;
released 20 Dec
Green
OS Disrespect & positive
disobedience of orders. Confined in double irons by Lt Rowan 10 Dec; released 20
Dec
Williamson
S Leaving the wheel & striking Jno
Brown #4. Confined in double irons
by Lt Shattuck 14 Dec;
released 20 Dec
Richd
Mitchell Pvt Neglect of duty. Confined in double irons by Capt Baker 16
Dec; released 23 Dec
O'Keefe
S For not relieving the MTgallant
Steering Sail halliards. Confined in
single irons by Lt Gray
16 Dec; released 20 Dec
Fredk
Dow OS Lighting a segar at the Slow Match. Confined in single irons by Lt Shattuck 20 Dec; released 2
Jan 1851
Josp
Bryson Lds Stabbing Peter Wilson with a
knife. Confined in double irons by
Lt Rowan 25 Dec; not
yet released Wm Colgan Ship's Stw Insolence to Acting Master's Mate Bullen & being under the influence of liquor. Confined in single irons by Lt Rowan 25 Dec;
released 2 Jan 1851 Thos McFarland Lds Letting a pricker fall out of the top & being in the MTop where he didn't belong. Confined in double irons by Capt Conover 28 Dec;
released 2 Jan 1851
Anthony
Lynch Pvt Disrespect to Capt Baker. Confined in double irons by Capt Baker 2 Jan ; released same day Jno Brown #2 OS Disobedience of orders & disrespect to Officer of the Deck. Confined in double irons by Lt Shattuck; not yet released
Evan
James Lds Striking Giovanni
Mavletti. Confined in single irons by
PMidn Low 9
Court
Martial Finding:
In the case of Seaman John Williams,
guilty of 2 offenses, one of which was scandalous conduct, to be reduced to OS,
fined 3 months pay, and to receive 24 lashes.
Court
Martial Finding:
In
the case of Landsman Joseph Bryson, guilty of abuse of MAA James Clark, to
receive 12 lashes.
Court
Martial Finding:
In the case of OS John Whigan, guilty
of an unspecified offense, to be fined $40, reduced to Landsman, and to be
returned to the US for discharge.
Court
Martial Finding:
In the case of Seaman William Furlong,
guilty of 2 unspecified offenses, to be fined 3 months pay, to be reduced to
Landsman, and to be returned to the US for discharge.
From
Captain Thomas A. Conover, USS CONSTITUTION, 20 Jan 1851:
Acknowledges receipt of permission for
3 months leave. Will be at home in
Princeton, NJ. [Detached from
CONSTITUTION the same day.]
From
Captain Thomas A. Conover, Princeton, NJ, 3 Feb 1851:
Refers to Midshipman Maxwell, who was
transferred from CONSTITUTION to INDEPENDENCE at his own request.
Roll 349 (July 1 ‑ December 30, 1851)
NOTHING
Roll 350 (January 1 ‑ June 30, 1852)
From
Captain Isaac Mayo, Washington, DC, 26 Mar 1852:
Requests consideration as next commander
of the African Squadron.
From
Captain John Thomas Newton, New York, NY, 1 May 1852:
Has been aboard CONSTITUTION with the
commandant of the navy yard, and is sure she can be readied for service in 40‑50
days. Would like to have her as his
flagship of the Home Squadron. Would
require the installation of a poop cabin.
If he can't have CONSTITUTION, then he would prefer steamer POWHATAN.
Roll 351 (July 1 ‑ December 30, 1852)
From
Captain Isaac Mayo, Gresham, ?, 14 Oct 1852:
Requests Lieutenant John De Camp, if
reinstated following court martial, be ordered to the new flagship of the
African Squadron. He previously served
with Mayo in MISSISSIPPI as First Lieutenant and with the naval battery at Vera
Cruz.
From
Captain Isaac Mayo, Washington, DC, 18 Nov 1852:
Reports having just received a report
from Commander Rudd of the CONSTITUTION stating the ship will be ready for sea
by 1 Dec except for crew. Requests
authority to ship men anywhere "in the Chesapeake Bay." [Annotated: "Authorize."]
From
Captain Isaac Mayo, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Dec 1852:
Reports the ship was put in commission
"yesterday."
Roll 352 (January 5 ‑ December 31, 1853)
From
Captain Joel Abbott, USS MACEDONIAN, 5 Jun 1853:
Reports the death of his son and
clerk, N. M. H. Abbott, at noon on 31 May while the ship was anchored in West
Bay, Prince I. Death attributed to
"an affection of the lungs."
The remains have been encased in lead, placed in a wooden coffin, and
buried in an area belonging to Madam Fereira" used by the Royal Navy for
the purpose. The grave is marked. Requests that USS MARION, whose Purser is his
son John P., be ordered here to retrieve the remains just before she head for
the US.
Roll 353 (January 2 ‑ December 28, 1854)
NOTHING
Roll 354 (January 1 ‑ December 31, 1855)
NOTHING
Roll 355 (January 2 ‑ June 27, 1856)
From
Commander Samuel Larkin to Commodore Isaac Mayo, Portsmouth, NH, 14 Jun 1856:
"I avail myself of your kind
offer made to me when we parted about a year since (on board th 'Old Constitution')
and request that you will aid me in my endeavor to obtain Orders from the
Department for duty at the Boston yard..."
[Forwarded
by Mayo to the Secretary, 20 Jun 1856.]
Roll 356 (July 5 ‑ December 31, 1856)
NOTHING
Roll 357 (January 2 ‑ June 30, 1857)
NOTHING
Roll 358
(July 1 ‑ December 30, 1857)
From
Captain John Rudd, Fredericksburg, VA, 17 Oct 1857:
"William Brennan, who the
enclosed letter is from, was transferred from the Bainbridge or Perry to the
Constitution under my command on the Coast of Africa ‑ his term of
enlistment expired [six months] before the return of the ship to the United
States ‑ after his arrival at Portsmouth NH I granted his application for
leave, until the crew should be paid off his letter explains why he did not
return ‑ and wishes now to get his pay.
under [sic] such circumstances I do not consider him a deserter..."
[Brennan's
letter tells of going to Boston, where he was drugged and shanghaied into a
ship that sailed to San Francsico.
Annotated to the effect that the "deserter" notation is to be
erased from his record and the back pay paid.]
Roll 359 (January 4 ‑ June 30, 1858)
NOTHING
Roll 360 (July 1 ‑ December 31, 1858)
NOTHING
Roll 361 (January 1 ‑ June 30, 1859)
From
Captain Charles Stewart, Bordentown, NJ, 23 Apr 1859:
"I had the honor to receive your
communication of the 20th Inst. accompanied by a Commission from the Presdt. of
the United States, authorized by a joint Resolution of the Congress of the U.
States, on the 2d day of March 1859.
"Feeling and appreciating most
sensibly this effort on the part of the late Congress as well as your good self
and the President to repair and render in‑noxious [sic] as far as could
be done, the Act of Congress approved February 28th 1855 as well as the action
had under its authority, by the Board of Naval Officers, which that act had
authorized. For this noble effort in behalf of those officers of your Navy, who
had been so wantonly wronged, I beg to tender my most gratefull [sic] thanks,
and to assure you that could I do so with due regard to honor, the Commission
should be accepted.
"It is gratifying to me to
observe in the Resolution of the late Congress, the flattering complimt [sic];
the 'cognition of some meritorious & distinguished services' rendered to
the Republic through a period of fifty seven years, up to the time of the
action of the Retiring Naval Board in 1855, by whose decision I was placed at
the head of a Retired list of officers,
thus degraded, in accordance with the Law, for inefficiency to perform the
duties of a Captain in the Navy. The
notification of this fact should have put a period to any future services in
the Navy on my part, but the occasion seemed to call on me as the senior naval officer,
not to abandon two hundred brother Officers who like myself had fallen under
the ban of the Retireing [sic] board, but to do for them all I could through a
memorial to the Congress, to relieve them from the distressed and degraded
situation in which the Board had placed them.
The 34th Congress passed an amendatory act for the relief of such as
would voluntarily ask for it through a Court of Enquiry into all their
antecedents in the naval service, this course relieved many of them from their
degradation.
Asking nothing from the Government for
myself, I reserved the right to draw up my own antecedents for the Government
and when prepared to hand them in to resign at the same time my employments in
the Navy‑ This I contemplated
doing last winter prior to the adjournment of Congress, but prostrated by a
severe spell of sickness a great portion of the last session, I was obliged to
postpone it untill [sic] their next assembling, when I shall at the same time
transmitt [sic] to the Executive Government the Commission I hold as a Captain
in the Navy. The present Commission you
have sent to me, I shall have the honor to place in your hands on my first
visit to Washington."
Roll 362 (July 1 ‑ December 29, 1859)
From
Captain Charles Stewart, Bordentown, NJ, 15 Sep 1859:
Acknowledges receipt of orders to
"resume command" of Philadelphia Navy Yard. [Lists no rank under his signature.]
Roll 363 (January 1 ‑ March 31, 1860)
NOTHING
Roll 364 (April 1 ‑ June 30, 1860)
NOTHING
Roll 365 (July 1 ‑ September 29, 1860)
NOTHING
Roll 366 (October 1 ‑ December 31, 1860)
NOTHING
Roll 367 (January 1 ‑ April 30, 1861)
NOTHING
Roll 368 (May 1 ‑ July 31, 1861)
NOTHING
Roll 369 (August 1 ‑ October 31, 1861)
NOTHING
Roll 370 (November 1 ‑ December 31, 1861)
NOTHING
[NOTE:
Captains' letters for the years 1862 through 1865 were filed with those of flag
officers and were not included in this microfilm series.]
Roll 371 (January 1 ‑ June 30, 1866)
NOTHING
Roll 372 (July 1 ‑ December 31, 1866)
NOTHING
Roll 373 (January 1 ‑ June 30, 1867)
NOTHING
Roll 374 (July 1 ‑ December 31, 1867)
NOTHING
Roll 375 (January 1 ‑ June 30, 1868)
NOTHING
Roll 376 (July 1 ‑December 31, 1868)
NOTHING
Roll 377 (January 1 ‑ April 30, 1869)
NOTHING
Roll 378 (May 1 ‑ December 31, 1869)
NOTHING
Roll 379 (January 1 ‑ June 30, 1870)
NOTHING
Roll 380 (July 1 ‑ December 31, 1870)
NOTHING
Roll 381 (January 1 ‑ June 30, 1871)
NOTHING
Roll 382 (July 1 ‑ December 31, 1871)
NOTHING
Roll 383 (January 1 ‑ June 30, 1872)
NOTHING
Roll 384 (July 1 ‑ December 31, 1872)
NOTHING
Roll 385 (January 1 ‑ June 30, 1873)
NOTHING
Roll 386 (July 1 ‑ December 31, 1873)
NOTHING
Roll 387 (January 1 ‑ June 30, 1874)
NOTHING
Roll 388 (July 1 ‑ December 31, 1874)
NOTHING
Roll 389 (January 1 ‑ April 30, 1875)
NOTHING
Roll 390 (May 1 ‑ August 31, 1875)
NOTHING
Roll 391 (September 1 ‑ December 31. 1875)
NOTHINIG
Roll 392 (January 1 ‑ June 30, 1876)
NOTHING
Roll 393 (July 1 ‑ December 31, 1875)
NOTHING
Roll 394 (January 1 ‑ April 30, 1877)
From
Commander H. A. Adams, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 Jan 1877:
Forwards oath of allegiance and letter
of acceptance of Harry R. Beadle, appointed Captain's Clerk, as well as oaths
of allegiance and articles of agreement from Master‑ at‑Arms Henry
O. Metius and Yeoman James McClintock.
From
Captain H. A. Adams, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Apr 1877:
Acknowledges receipt of his promotion
to Captain, to rank from 28 Mar 1877.
Roll 395 (May 1 ‑ August 31, 1877)
From
Captain H. A. Adams, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 May 1877:
Reports on Ensign H. C. Heacock's
performance in the ship, Jan ‑ Mar 1877 as being "gentlemanly and
officerlike."
From
Captain H. A. Adams, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Jul 1877:
Forwards report of a summary court
martial held in the cases of Landsman Edward T. Murray, Gunner's Mate Henry
Hill, and 2d Class Boy George L. Dix.
From
Captain R. B. Lowry, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Aug 1877:
Forwards oath of allegiance and letter
of acceptance of appointment of George H. Eads as Captain's Clerk.
Roll 396 (September 1 ‑ December 31, 1877)
From
Captain H. A. Adams, USS HARTFORD, 5 Sep 1877:
Reports on performance of Ensign John
C. Colwell, who served under him in CONSTITUTION, Jan‑Aug 1877. Reports him "vigilant and capable."
From
Captain H. A. Adams, USS HARTFORD, 5 Sep 1877 [2nd ltr]:
Reports on performance of Ensign
Edward J. Dorn, who served under him in CONSTITUTION, Mar‑Aug 1877. Reports him "vigilant and capable."
From
Captain H. A. Adams, USS HARTFORD, 5 Sep 1877 [3rd ltr]:
Reports on performance of Ensign John
O. Nicholson, who served under him in CONSTITUTION, Apr ‑ Aug 1877. Reports him "vigilant and capable."
From
Captain H. A. Adams, USS HARTFORD, 5 Sep 1877 [4th ltr]:
Reports on performance of Ensign
William E. Whitfield, who served under him in CONSTITUTION, Apr ‑ Aug
1877. Reports him "vigilant and
capable."
Roll 397 (January 1 ‑ April 27, 1878)
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Jan 1878:
Requests provision of a special clerk
to maintain control of the receipt and transfer "of the numerous packages
of exhibits."
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 26 Jan 1878:
Reports the dishonorable discharge of
2d Class Boy William J. Caldwell.
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Feb 1878:
Acknowledges receipt of a telegram of
the 23d directing "The Constitution can sail whenever Commissioner [R. C.]
McCormick shall indicate," saying it is the first and only indication he
has had that he is subordinate to the Commissioner. Intends to drop down "the river tomorrow
as far as Fort Mifflin," there to load ammunition. Will proceed to sea "Wednesday
morning."
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 26 Feb 1878:
Acknowledges receipt of instructions
dated 25 Feb.
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Feb 1878:
Reports that in departing the Walnut
Street Wharf about noon on the 26th, two sheets of copper were
"injured." While loading
ammunition, the copper was repaired. NW
winds and low tides prevented the ship from clearing the shoals below Fort
Mifflin, so didn't get underway until 0730 "this morning." The ship is in proper trim.
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Apr 1878:
Reports his arrival at Le Havre
"last night" and docked "this morning." Voyage to mouth of English Channel took just
20 days, then they encountered severe gales, "seldom experienced even in
this stormy region." Will begin
unloading immediately. "The ship
behaved well, and fully sustained her former reputation as a fast sailer. She is however rather light to be
weatherly." Reports the loss of
Ordinary Seaman George H. Young, who fell from the bowsprit at the height of a
gale and never made it to the life buoys or "balsa" dropped for him. Little sickness on board.
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Apr 1878:
Reports arrival of USS PORTSMOUTH in
Le Havre on Saturday, the 6th, and she began unloading this morning. The freight is about half out of
CONSTITUTION, and is being loaded directly into freight cars alongside the ship. The French are most cooperative and friendly.
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Apr 1878:
Unloading completed today. PORTSMOUTH probably will finish unloading
"tomorrow." At a measurement
figure of 44 cubic feet per ton, CONSTITUTION carried 738 tons of exhibition
cargo. A leak has developed near the
stern post.
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Apr 1878:
Reports having detached Lieutenant E.
W. Very on 10 Apr to proceed to Paris and report to Commissioner
McCormick. Mentions "Paymaster
Allen."
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Apr 1878:
Reports arrival of USS CONSTELLATION
and USS WYOMING on 23 Apr. Both now
discharging alongside a wharf. At the
Commissioner's request has sent a 15‑man working party (5 each from CONSTITUTION,
PORTSMOUTH, and SUPPLY) to Paris in charge of Ensign Lucien Young [of
PORTSMOUTH]. [Badger is SOPA.]
Roll 398 (May 1 ‑ August 31, 1878)
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 May 1878:
WYOMING sailed for Rouen on 30 Apr;
CONSTELLATION to be ready to sail on 11 May.
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Jun 1878:
Reports the return of the working
party, which performed in an exemplary fashion.
Roll 399 (September 2 ‑ December 31, 1878)
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Sep 1878:
Mentions
Landsman William Conway being discharged from custody.
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 6 Oct 1878:
Reports his return from Paris, where
he went to learn how much of the exhibited material would be returning to the
US. Reports most of the heavy machinery
"and the street cars brought out in this ship," have been sold. The ships will have to be ballasted to
compensate for these items. The
Commissioner is telling all exhibitors that their things must be packed ready
for return by 1 December, but much will be ready a month sooner.
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Oct 1878:
Forwards a sight draft in the amount
of $260.37, a contribution by the officers and men "for the relief of
sufferers from the Yellow fever pestilence in the Southern States."
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Oct 1878:
Reports favorably on Midshipman T. M.
Potts, who has been in the ship nine months.
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Nov 1878:
Reports the departure of USS
PORTSMOUTH this date.
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Nov 1878:
Acknowledges receipt of telegraphic
orders of the 18th directing SUPPLY to sail for New York and CONSTITUTION for
Philadelphia when back‑loading is complete. Expects to begin receiving cargo within the
week and hopes to sail about 15 Dec.
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Nov 1878:
Forwards report of summary court
martial in the case of Ordinary Seaman Theodore A. McMahon.
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Dec 1878:
Forwards report of summary court
martial in the case of Captain of the Top James Horton.
Roll 400 (January 1 ‑ July 1, 1879)
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Jan 1879:
SUPPLY sailed "last
night." CONSTITUTION "about
three‑quarters loaded."
"Many vexatious delays" due to heavy traffic on rail line
between Paris and Le Havre. Should be
loaded in 3‑4 days.
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Jan 1879:
Seaman Andrew Parker was tried by
general court martial on 15 Aug last; still awaiting departmental action on
sentence.
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 11 Jan 1879:
Loading completed this date, including
cargo PORTSMOUTH had no room for.
Intends to sail tomorrow for New York, unload 219 packages there, then
take the remaining 841 to Philadelphia.
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 Apr 1879:
Expects to sail from Lisbon as soon as
bills are received and settled. Heavy
weather has delayed outside repairs for the past week, and is now waiting for
fair winds.
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 May 1879:
Reports from New York that Cadet
Midshipman J. M. Orchard has performed excellently for the past 18 months.
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 May 1879 [2nd ltr]:
Reports that Cadet Midshipman J. N.
Jordan has performed excellently for the past 18 months.
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 May 1879 [3rd ltr]:
Reports that Cadet Midshipman O. G.
Dodge has performed excellently for the past 18 months.
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 May 1879 [4th ltr]:
Reports that Cadet Midshipman W. V.
Bronaugh has performed excellently for the past 18 months.
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Jun 1879:
Reports his arrival at Philadelphia,
having been towed upriver by USS FORTUNE.
As wharf for unloading was not immediately available, has anchored off
League Island.
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 4 Jun 1879:
Again
asks for the department's decision in the case of Andrew Parker, reporting the
man is suffering from long confinement and has been released from irons.
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 Jun 1879:
Reports having brought the damaged
rudder back per orders and asks if it should landed at the Navy Yard.
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 20 Jun 1879:
All cargo has been landed.
Roll 401 (July 1 ‑ December 31, 1879)
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Jul 1879:
Acknowledges receipt of the findings
and judgment of the Court of Inquiry into the grounding, the condition of the
rudder, etc. "It is very gratifying
to me that the Department is not disposed to censure me for the non‑use
of the lead on the occasion referred to..."
From
Captain O. C. Badger, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 Jul 1879:
"I have the pleasure of calling
your attention to the brave and meritorious conduct of James Horton, Capt of
Top, Joseph Matthews, Capt of Top, and Henry Williams, Carp. Mate, attached to
this vessel.
"On the 13th of February last,
whilst the ship was in a heavy gale and sea, and after the rudder head had been
twisted off, and the rudder was not only useless and unmanageable, but by its
violent motion had become an instrument of danger to the ship, the two first
named volunteered, and did go over the stern and cut the fastenings of the
rudder chains. This service was
extremely hazardous.
"Williams, subsequently,
volunteered and did to go over the stern to do some important Carpenter's work
upon the rudder, at great personal risk.
"I would, therefore, respectfully
request the Department, in recognition of these important services, to grant
these each a medal of honor. Horton has
been discharged from the service, at his own request, since our arrival home:
his present address is Bristol, England.
Matthews and Williams are still serving on board this ship."
From
Captain Francis H. Baker, St. Vincent's Hospital, Norfolk, Virginia, 6 Oct
1879:
Acknowledges receipt of notice that,
due to incapacity caused by service, he has been placed on the Retired List
effective 31 Oct 1879.
Roll 402 (January 1 ‑ April 30, 1880)
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Feb 1880:
Acknowledges receipt of his captain's
commission, dated 11 June 1879.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 4 Feb 1880:
Sailed from Frederickstad, Santa Cruz 26
Jan 1880, and arrived at Aspinwall 1 Feb 1880.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Feb 1880:
Reports return to Aspinwall this date.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Mar 1880:
Reports sailed from Aspinwall 1 Mar
1880 and arrived off Havana 16 Mar 1880.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Mar 1880:
Forwards report of summary court
martial in the cases of Captain of the Afterguard Henry Leonard and Seaman
Richard Foley.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Mar 1880 [2nd ltr]:
Forwards report of summary court
martial in the cases of Seaman Philip Hazard and Ship's Corporal James R.
Gilmore.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Apr 1880:
Sailed from off Havana 16 Mar 1880 and
arrived at Hampton Roads 2 Apr 1880.
[Paralleled with telegram of same date.]
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Apr 1880 [2nd ltr}:
Reports having on board two court‑martial
prisoners from the Pacific Squadron for passage to the US: Ordinary Seaman
Henry Kelly and Landsman William Tobin.
Requests instructions.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Apr 1880:
Referring to a letter from W. Bohne of
New Orleans, requesting his son's discharge, reports that the son, Theo. A.
Bohne, as been serving aboard for six months with never a complaint from him
about near‑sightedness nor any shortcomings as a lookout. Reported as a "stout, well‑formed
boy,...clear, bright eyes..." The
Surgeon reports he may be slightly near‑sighted.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Apr 1880 [2nd ltr]:
Reports the "able manner" of
Master J. B. Murdock.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Apr 1880 [3rd ltr]:
Reports the "able
performance" of Lieutenant Charles M.Thomas as Navigator.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Apr 1880:
Reports ship's arrival in Hampton
Roads this date.
Roll 403 (May 1 ‑ August 31, 1880)
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 11 May 1880:
Acknowledges receipt of orders to
proceed to New York and for "the summer cruise."
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 May 1880:
Sailed from Hampton Roads 16 May 1880
and arrived in New York on this date.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 May 1880:
Refers to a J. W. Simpson in the crew.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 May 1880:
Reports that Garnet Denham "is a
bright, healthy boy well adapted for the service and I would not recommend his
discharge."
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Jun 1880:
Forwards the record of the summary
court‑martial in the case of 3rd Class Boy Walter Anderson.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Jun 1880:
Reports that Private John Erickson
suffers from chronic bronchitis which does not interfere with his duties. He is "decidedly color blind." Joined the ship 21 Jun 1878.
From Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION,
9 Jul 1880:
Sailed from New York 8 Jul 1880 and
arrived in Gardiner's Bay this date.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Jul 1880:
Sailed from Gardiner's Bay 24 Jul 1880
and arrived at Newport that same day.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 31 Jul 1880:
Sailed from Newport on 28 Jul 1880 and
arrived in Bar Harbor, Maine, this date.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 31 Jul 1880 [2nd ltr]:
"I respectfully state that
heretofore five Midshipmen have been living and messing in the starboard
steerage of this ship, the port steerage being used by the Warrant Officers as
a messroom. The Department has ordered
four more Midshipman [sic] to the Ship, making nine in all, and I see no way of
accommodating them except by assigning both steerages to the steerage mess,
which I respectfully request may be done."
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Aug 1880:
Sailed from Bar Harbor on 6 Aug
1880. Arrived Halifax 14 Aug 1880. During the passage carried away the main
topmast trestletree. Will repair on
board.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 31 Aug 1880:
Sailed from Halifax on 25 Aug 1880 and
arrived at New Bedford, MA, this date.
Roll 404 (September 1 ‑ December 31, 1880)
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 7 Sep 1880:
Sailed from New Bedford to Newport
this date.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 Sep 1880:
Sailed from Newport on 16 Sep 1880 and
arrived off the Delaware Breakwater this date.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Sep 1880:
Sailed from Delaware Breakwater 23 Sep
1880 and arrived Yorktown, VA, on 25 Sep 1880.
From Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION,
5 Oct 1880:
Sailed from Yorktown on 2 Oct 1880 and
arrived in Hampton Roads this date.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 20 Oct 1880:
Mentions Master Boynton Leach.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Nov 1880:
Reports Lieutenant Commander T. F.
Jewell and Lieutenant G. L. Dyer under suspension for violation of Navy
Regulations.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Nov 1880:
Sailed from Hampton Roads, 16 Nov
1880, and arrived at League Island Navy Yard this date.
Roll 405 (January 1 ‑ April 30, 1881)
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 11 Feb 1881:
"I enclose herewith a request of
the Warrant officers of this ship that a mess room may be built for them on the
berth deck.
"I respectfully state that I do
not approve of this being done for the reason that if any more rooms are put up
the space must be taken from the quarters assigned to the crew and
marines. The warrant officers have each
their state rooms and now must mess in front of them on the port side as has
always been the usage in the Navy in this class of ships."
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Apr 1881:
Notes that Paymaster's Clerk James H.
Chapman has recently been confirmed as an Assistant Paymaster.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Apr 1881:
Reports that the ship grounded on the
edge of the channel between Cherry Island Flats and Wilmington, Delaware, at 7
last evening and floated free at 5 this morning on the rising tide. The bottom was soft and no damage was done.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 Apr 1881:
"I have the honor to report the
arrival of the Constitution at Piney Point, Maryland, this A.M. Sailed from Fort Mifflin, near League Island,
April 7, 1881.
"On April 14th experience [sic] a
severe gale from the NNE to NNW accompanied by high sea. Carried away the iron straps of bobstays
which left the bowsprit, foremast, and main topmast without fore and aft
support. Sent down the fore topgallant
mast, got up pendant tackles to foremast head, top burtons to topmast heads,
and secured the bowsprit as well as possible with the stream chain. After the gale fitted the bobstay hearts with
straps of wire rope around the bowsprit; this has stood as a temporary
expedient but the wire rope is too small and too old to be depended upon. The iron straps should be renewed and made
larger. The iron bands on the bowsprit
to which the upper hearts shackle are good.
"We have the pieces of the iron
straps showing the size of the neck where they bolt to the band on the bowsprit
for patterns which can be sent to a Navy Yard and avoid the ship having to go
to one. During the gale the ship worked
much in her topsides and knee fastenings, forcing the oakum out of the waterway
seams of the main deck causing them to leak."
Roll 406 (May 1 ‑ August 31, 1881)
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 May 1881:
Reports that Midshipman Arthur W. Dodd
has served well in the ship since Oct 1879.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Jun 1881:
Reports that Midshipman R. K. Wright
has served well in the ship since Jul 1880.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Jun 1881 [2nd ltr]:
Reports that Master Aaron Ward has
served ably in the ship.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Jun 1881 [3rd ltr]:
Reports that Midshipman Edward Lloyd
has served well in the ship since Jul 1880.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Jun 1881 [4th ltr]:
Reports that Midshipman W. R. Rush has
served well in the ship since Jun 1880.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Jun 1881 [5th ltr]:
Reports that Midshipman R. M. Hughes
has served well in the ship since Jul 1880.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Jun 1881 [6th ltr]:
Reports that Midshipman Simon Cook has
served well in the ship since Jun 1880.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Jun 1881 [7th ltr]:
Reports that Midshipman W. S. Benson
has served well in the ship since Oct 1879.
From
Captain O. F. Stanton, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Jun 1881 [8th ltr]:
Reports that Midshipman C. N. Atwater
has served well in the ship since Jul 1880.
From
Captain S. B. Luce, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Jul 1881:
Acknowledges receipt of orders to
assist in the commemoration of the Battle of Groton Heights, and indicates
CONSTITUTION will participate.
Roll 407 (September 1 ‑ December 31, 1881)
From
Captain S. B. Luce, USS NEW HAMPSHIRE, 28 Sep 1881:
"The Department's instructions to
me of May 31st imposed special care in regard to the Constitution on account of
her very weak and unseaworthy condition.
Her cruising ground was limited to Long Island Sound and Buzzard's
Bay. There are no orders, to my
knowledge requiring her to go to Yorktown or to depart in any degree from the
instructions quoted.
"The Constitution is now here
[Newport, RI], but in view of having in my possession a copy of a very full and
exhaustive survey on the ship, in which she was condemned, and knowing of my
own knowledge the condition of the ship, a further examination on my part is
unnecessary..."
From
Captain S. B. Luce, USS NEW HAMPSHIRE, 5 Oct 1881:
"...
"In obedience to your orders the
contents of these papers [minutes of a meeting of the bureau chiefs and a
letter from Admiral Porter] have been carefully considered by me. If either vessel has to be relinquished, I
would state that in my opinion it would be better to put the Constitution out
of Commission and return the Minnesota for the reasons given in Admiral
Porter's letter, viz. ‑ greater availability of the latter, as a gunnery
ship, requiring no larger complement,
and representing a certain force if any sudden emergency should require a show
of power.
"If it decided to withdraw the
Constitution from the Training Squadron, I beg leave to renew my request that
the Jamestown, now at Mare Island, Cal. may be sent to these waters and
rendered available for training purposes next spring."
From
Captain S. B. Luce, USS NEW HAMPSHIRE, 5 Nov 1881:
"...I will not offer any
suggestions in regard to the Constitution as it is presumed that she will be
put out of commission, or otherwise disposed of."
From
Captain S. B. Luce, USS NEW HAMPSHIRE, 23 Nov 1881:
Acknowledges receipt of orders to send
CONSTITUTION to the New York Navy Yard.
Has ordered USS TALLAPOOSA to take CONSTITUTION in tow
"tomorrow."
From
Captain Thomas O. Selfridge, Torpedo Station, Newport, RI, 25 Nov 1881
[telegram]:
"TALLAPOOSA WITH CONSTITUTION IN
TOW SAILED THIS MORNING."
Roll 408 (January 1 ‑ June 30, 1882)
NOTHING
Roll 409 (July 1 ‑ December 31, 1882)
NOTHING
Roll 410 (January 1 ‑ December 31, 1883)
NOTHING
Roll 411 January 1 ‑ June 30, 1884)
NOTHING
Roll 412 (July 1 ‑ December 31, 1884)
NOTHING
Roll 413 (January 1 ‑ December 24, 1885)
NOTHING
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The Captain’s Clerk 1989, TGM |
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