|
M 0149
Note: Only
those rolls covering periods when CONSTITUTION was in squadron
service have been researched.
Roll 1 (March 16, 1798 ‑ April 15, 1799)
SecWar
to Captain Samuel Nicholson, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 May 1798:
"I have it to command from the
President to direct you to repair on board the ship Constitution laying at
"The Lieutenant of Marines will
immediately proceed to inlist [sic], agreeably to the inclosed Instructions and
the Act intitled an 'act providing a naval armament' passed the first of July
1797.
"You will forthwith cause such of
the Sea officers, as may appears best calculated for the business, to open
houses of Rendezvous in proper Places, and to exert Themselves to engage one
hundred and Fifty able Seamen and one hundred and Three Midshipmen and ordinary
Seamen, at the following terms of Service and Rates of Wages. The Seamen to engage for twelve Months unless
sooner discharged. the Pay of the Able
Seamen to be fourteen dollars per Month, The ordinary Seamen Ten Dollars.
"You will instruct the officers
at each Rendezvous to engage none other than healthy robust and well organized
Men, and to reject those who may be scorbutic or consumptively affected. You will direct the Surgeon or a Mate to
attend at these places to examine each Sailor and Marine and to certify to the
recruiting officer that they are well organized healthy and robust and free
from scorbutic and consumptive affections, before he engages them or pays them
any Money. If Money is advanced or paid
to any without such a certificate it will be at the risk of the officer paying
It.
"The Officer of each rendezvous
shall make out on every Saturday a Return of the Number of Seamen recruited
within the Week, stating therein the Number delivered over to the Ship, and
transmit the same to the Captain, and a Duplicate to be forwarded to the Secy
for the Department of War.
"You will also transmit to the
Secy for the Department of War a weekly Return exhibiting the Number of
Marines, able and ordinary Seamen on board the Ship, and the incidents that
have taken place respecting Them or any of Them; as also the progress that has
been made in preparing her for Sea.
"The commanding officer at each
Rendezvous on the desertion of a Seaman or Marine, besides the usual Exertions
and Means to be employed on such occasions to
recover and apprehend Them will transmit as soon as possible a
Description of Them to the Secretary of War.
"With respect to the Pay of the
Marines and Seamen. The Purser, till
order'd otherwise, will act as Pay Master to the officers and Crew, and will
receive from time to time Money for that purpose.
"Marines may be advanced Two
Dollars out of their first Month's Pay ‑ and Seamen Two Month's Pay, if
they can not be obtained without such Advance.
"The recruiting officers will be
held accountable for all Monies paid in their hands for the recruiting service ‑
for the Expenditure of which proper vouchers must be produced at the
Accountant's Office.
"The Names of the Marines and
Seamen are to be entered alphabetically in the Muster and Pay Rolls, and the
Men to be mustered while in Port by a qualified Person whose Certificate as
well as your's is to be attached to the Muster Roll.
"It is the President's express
orders, that you employ the most vigorous Exertions, to accomplish these
several Objects and to put your ship as speedily as possible in a Situation to
sail at the shortest Notice.
"Should any articles for this
Purpose by yet wanting you will specify them without delay in order to their
being procured."
SecWar
to Lieutenant Lemuel Clark, USMC, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 May 1798:
"The President of the United
States, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, having appointed you
a Lieutenant of Marines on board the Constitution, You will be pleased to
commence the recruiting the Complement of Marines allowed by Law to the said
Ship, to wit: Three Sergeant [sic], Three Corporals, One Drum, and Fife, and
Fifty Privates. In the Performance of
these Rules and Regulations you will pay particular Attention to the Rules and
Regulations herein after mentioned.
"1st. It being essential that those who enlist
should feel an Inclination for that kind of Life, no indirect Methods are
allowable to inveigle Men into the service of the United States; it is
forbidden therefore to inlist any Individual while in a State of Intoxication,
or to have him sworn until twenty four hours after he shall have signed the Inlistment
[sic].
"2. No Individual is to be inlisted (Musicians
excepted) who is not five feet and six Inches high without Shoes, and above
Eighteen and under Forty Years of Age.
He must be healthy robust and sound in his Limbs and Body, and of a Make
to support the Fatigues and acquire the honor of a Soldier.
"3. No Negro Mulatto or Indian to be enlisted nor
any Description of men except Natives of fair Conduct or Foreigners of
unequivocal characters for Sobriety & Fidelity. Any recruiting Officer inlisting a vagrant
transient Person, who shall desert shall reimburse out of his Pay the loss
sustained by such Desertion.
"4. The Recruits are to be inlisted to serve the
Term of one Year, unless sooner discharged.
The Monthly Pay allowed them will be as follows vizt.‑ Sergeants
Nine Dollars, Corporals eight Dollars; Musicians Seven Dollars; Privates, six
Dollars, two Dollars whereof may be advanced them, at the Time of their being
sworn. To reimburse the cost of
attesting the Recruits, and other necessary Expenses one dollar will be allowed
for every Recruit duly inlisted.
"5. Each Recruit before he is sworn, is to have
distinctly read to him the Rules and Articles of the Navy against Mutiny and
Desertion, and such Acts of congress as concern his Pay, Duties and the public
Engagement.
"The
Oath shall be as follows, to wit
'I [name] do solemnly swear to bear true
Allegiance to the United States of America, and to serve them faithfully
against all their Enemies or opposers whomsoever, and to obey the orders of the
President of the United States of America, and the orders of the officers
appointed over Me according to the Articles of the Navy.'
"6. No Recruit is to be permitted to keep in his
possession after being sworn any of his Clothing, except that which he may
receive from the Public. The officer is
therefore to oblidge [sic] him to dispose of his private Clothing immediately,
or to take the Keeping of it upon himself till an opportunity offer to sell it
for account of the Recruit.
"7. No Recruit is to be allowed to absent himself
from his Quarters till such Time as he has proved himself faithful without a
Corporal or trusty Private to attend him.
"8. Each Recruit after being sworn is to be
attached to a Squad, to consist of a Number sufficient to form a Mess, who must
live together and be under the Inspection and Command of a Sergeant or
Corporal.
"9. The Commanding Officer of a recruiting Party
shall make out on every Saturday, a Return of the Number of Recruits under his
Command and of the Number joined, and of the Incidents that have taken place
and the Arms, Accoutrements and clothing delivered them during the Course of
the Week and transmit the same to the Secretary for the Department of War, and
a Duplicate to the Commander of the Ship to which he belongs.
"10. He shall keep a recruiting Book, in which He
shall record
The Name,
Trade and Description of each Recruit.
A Copy of the
Oath taken before the Magistrate signed by the Magistrate and Recruit.
The Money paid
to every Recruit.
The Articles
of Clothing Arms & Accoutrements delivered each Recruit.
"11. The Commanding Officer at each Rendezvous
will sign returns for the Issues of all Rations and other necessary Supplies
for the Recruits, and on the Saturday of each Week, the Returns made in the
Week are to be taken up and one general Return made out and signed for the
Rations received in the course of the Week noticing the daily Issue.
"12. On the Desertion of a Recruit, besides the
usual Exertions and means to be employed on such occasions, the recruiting
officer will transmit as soon as possible a description of the Deserter to the
Secretary of War, and will cause all Descriptions of Deserters that may be sent
to him to be entered in a Book kept for that Purpose, and will use his
Endeavours to discover and apprehend all Deserters."
SecWar
to Captain Samuel Nicholson, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 May 1798:
"I have paid attention to your
Communication respecting the Howitzers, and am of the opinion that unless you
can apply them to advantage, without cutting the Ports larger, it will be best
to reload [sic] them."
To
Captain Samuel Nicholson, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 May 1798:
Tells him 12‑pounders cannot be
gotten in time and that he has written the Governor of Massachusetts for a loan
of 12‑ or 18‑pounder guns.
To
Captain Samuel Nicholson, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Jul 1798:
"Mr. Fletcher" is to replace
"Mr. Preeble [sic]" as First Lieutenant.
To Lieutenant Charles C. Russell et al, USS CONSTITUTION,
26 Nov 1798:
I
cannot decide on your request for a wardroom skylight from here. [Captain Nicholson received letter of same
date directing him to do what he could to improve ventilation in the wardroom
without injuring the ship's structure.]
Roll 2 (April 15 ‑ October 22, 1799)
To
Captain Samuel Nicholson, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 May 1799:
You will be ordered to take charge of
the building of a 74 at
To
Captain Samuel Nicholson, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 May 1799:
Discharge those men whose times are up
in May and June without delay.
To
Captain Samuel Nicholson, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 May 1799 [2nd ltr]:
Begin recruiting a new crew to serve 1
year: 120 able seamen and 180 ordinary seamen and boys; 44 USMC privates and
their officers will be provided. Able
seamen to be paid $17/mo.;
To
Captain Samuel Nicholson, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 May 1799:
Introduces Talbot as his relief and
orders him to supervise the building of a 74 at
To
Captain Silas Talbot, 28 May 1799:
Orders him to take command of
CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Silas Talbot, 29 May 1799:
Four of CONSTITUTION's Lieutenants are
"not very worthy..."
"...there has always been a great uneasiness among the Officers of
Constitution..." CONSTITUTION ought
to have at least 12 Midshipmen. A Mr.
Van Schaick of
To
Captain Samuel Nicholson, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 May 1799:
Midshipman Sybrant Van Schaick ordered
to the ship.
To
Captain Silas Talbot, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Jun 1799:
Appoints him president of the court‑martial
of Lieutenant Cordis.
To
Captain Silas Talbot, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Jun 1799:
Lieutenants Beale and Jarvis are
ordered ashore.
To
Lieutenant Joseph Torrey, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Jun 1799:
Ordered ashore to await orders.
To
Lieutenant Richard Beale, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Jun 1799:
Ordered ashore to await orders.
To
Captain Silas Talbot, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Jul 1799:
Had intended that CONSTITUTION proceed
to vicinity of
To
Captain Silas Talbot, USS CONSTITUTION,25 Jul 1799:
Forwards commissions as Acting
Captain, USMC, for Daniel Carmick and Surgeon for Peter St. Medard.
To
Captain Silas Talbot, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Jul 1799 [1st ltr]:
Orders him to cruise off
To
Captain Silas Talbot, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Jul 1799 [2nd ltr]:
Forwards warrants for Midshipmen James
Nazro, Samuel Poole, Samuel Prescott, Benjamin Shattuck, James Milne, and
Roll 3 (October 23, 1799 ‑ May 24, 1800)
NOTHING
Roll 4 (May 24, 1800 ‑ May 14, 1801)
To
Commodore Silas Talbot, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Aug 1800:
Pay crew off immediately upon arrival,
then begin refit.
To
Commodore Silas Talbot, USS CONSTITUTION, 20 Aug 1800:
Permit Lieutenant Collins to resign.
To
Commodore Silas Talbot, USS CONSTITUTION, 4 Sep 1800:
Reinstate Mr. Delouisy and order him
to CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore Silas Talbot, 15 Sep 1800:
Lieutenant Seymour Potter wishes duty
in CONSTITUTION if you will have him.
To Commodore Thomas Truxtun, USS UNITED
STATES, 4 Oct 1800:
CONSTITUTION and UNITED STATES will
remain in port another 6 weeks.
To
Commodore Silas Talbot, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Oct 1800:
Was Thomas Spencer, when shipped,
known to be the slave of Eleanor Boylan of
To
Commodore Silas Talbot, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Oct 1800:
Forwards lieutenant's commission for
Joseph Tarball [sic]. Didn't know
Lieutenant Saunders had joined CONSTITUTION.
If you wish to keep him, send Lieutenant Potter to ADAMS at
To
Commodore Silas Talbot, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 Nov 1800:
Proceed in CONSTITUTION to
To
Commodore Silas Talbot, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Mar 1801:
All ships are called home. Proceed to
To
Commodore Silas Talbot, USS CONSTITUTION, 4 May 1801:
On arrival at
Roll 5 (May 15, 1801 ‑ September 28,
1802)
To
Midshipman Henry Wadsworth, 4 Jun 1801:
When furlough ends in 3 months, report
to CONSTITUTION at
To
Captain Silas Talbot, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Jun 1801:
You are to be retained in service.
To
Captain Silas Talbot, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Jun 1801:
Only SecNav may transfer Marines to be
sailors.
To
Lieutenant Robert Hamilton, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Jul 1801:
You are to be retained in service in
CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Silas Talbot, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Jul 1801:
CONSTITUTION needs a thorough repair,
due to "insufficient" beams and plank having been used in her
construction. I have so ordered it.
To
Captain Silas Talbot, USS CONSTITUTION, 4 Aug 1801:
Report the names of your Surgeon and
his Mates.
To
Midshipman Robert T. Spence,
Report aboard CONSTITUTION. [Redirected to CONSTELLATION, 5 Dec 1801.]
To Lieutenant Jacob Jones, Dover, DE, 7 Aug 1801:
Report
aboard CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Silas Talbot, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Aug 1801:
Unable to begin repairs to
CONSTITUTION due to lack of seasoned timber.
There is some pitch pine available at
To
Captain Silas Talbot, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Aug 1801:
Should Sailing Master Nathaniel
Haraden be retained in service? Would
Midshipman Sybrant Van Schaick make a good Sailing Master?
To
Midshipmen Daniel C. Heath and John Davis, 27 Aug 1801:
Report aboard CONSTITUTION within 2
months.
To
Captain Silas Talbot, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Sep 1801:
Haraden has been retained upon your
recommendation. Your Gunner Moore wishes
to retire. He might not if given a
furlough; give him the option.
To
Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Sep 1801:
You
have been retained in service; remain in CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Silas Talbot, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Sep 1801:
Receipt of your resignation
acknowledged; decision pending.
To
Captain Silas Talbot, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Sep 1801:
Resignation accepted with regret. No severance pay.
To
Lieutenant Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Sep 1801:
"Take charge" of
CONSTITUTION and see to her repairs.
Keep me informed.
To
Midshipman Samuel G. Blodget, 28 Sep 1801:
Report to CONSTITUTION within 2
months. [Redirected to CONSTELLATION, 5
Jan 1802.]
To
Lieutenant Jacob Jones, "
You may go on furlough until called
upon.
To
Lieutenant Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Oct 1801:
CONSTITUTION probably to be needed
about 1 Feb 1802. Pay off present seamen
but retain Marine Guard. Present ship's
officers having to live ashore are to be allowed $2 per week. Excess officers may be granted furloughs
until 1 Feb 1802.
To
Midshipman Daniel C. Heath,
Report to CONSTITUTION in
January. [Redirected to CONSTELLATION 7
Dec 1801, then ENTERPRIZE, 30 Jan 1802.]
To
Captain Richard V. Morris,
Here are 50 copies of naval
regulations to distribute among the officers of CONSTITUTION, enjoining their
strict adherence to them.
To
James McCoy,
When health restored, report to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Commanding Officer, CONSTITUTION, 26 Mar 1802:
You may, if you wish, receive
To
Lieutenant Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Apr 1802:
Proceed to
To
Midshipman Wallace Wormley,
Report to CONSTITUTION as soon as
health permits. [Ordered to remain on
furlough, 30 Apr 1802.]
To Doctor Samuel Willet,
Report to CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Samuel Nicholson, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Apr 1802:
Mention of John Lewis, ship's
cook. Discharge
To
Purser James S. Deblois,
All officers still in CONSTITUTION are
on full pay.
To
Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Jun 1802:
Louis Alexis officially appointed a
Midshipman. Midshipman John Downes
mentioned as being on board.
To
Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 Jun 1802:
No immediate need for
CONSTITUTION. Stop repairs immediately
and place her in ordinary. Consider
yourself appointed to command her.
To
Captain Samuel Nicholson,
CONSTITUTION ordered into ordinary
under Haraden. Furlough all excess
officers.
To
Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden, USS CONSTITUTION, 26 Jul 1802:
Navy Agent Samuel Brown will provide
you with 1 month's advance pay for the seamen you entered. Subsequent pay to be in accordance with
instructions from the Accountant of the Navy.
To
Midshipman Louis Alexis,
Permission granted for furlough to
make a European voyage.
SecNav
circular letter, 18 Aug 1802:
An examining board of at least 2
captains is to be appointed to pass on qualifications of midshipmen and sailing
masters for promotion to lieutenant.
(Captains Barry, Dale, and Bainbridge were 1st board appointed.)
To
Captain Samuel Nicholson,
What is the state of CONSTITUTION's
repairs? How long will it take to make
her ready for sea?
To
Midshipman Louis Alexis, USS CONSTITUTION, 31 Aug 1802:
Report to
To
Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden, USS CONSTITUTION, 31 Aug 1802:
Midshipman Louis Alexis ordered to
To
Midshipman Louis Alexis, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Sep 1802:
Proceed immediately to join USS NEW
YORK.
To
Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Sep 1802:
Midshipmen Louis Alexis and John
Downes ordered to join USS NEW YORK.
Roll 6 (October 1, 1802 ‑ July 31, 1805)
To
Midshipman J. M. Haswell,
Join CONSTITUTION at
To
Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Dec 1802:
Discusses absent Boatswain, [Thomas]
Smith.
To
Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Dec 1802:
You are correct in reporting the
absence of CONSTITUTION's Boatswain, Mr. Smith.
Let me know if he doesn't return soon.
To
Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Jan 1803:
With reference to your letter of 13
Jan, immediately discharge Isaac Collins from CONSTITUTION. Appoint a new Boatswain.
To
Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Apr 1803:
Warrants William Moshier as new
Boatswain. Select a new Carpenter. [Moshier discharged from service, 8 Aug
1803.]
To
Captain Edward Preble,
Take command of CONSTITUTION. You may have 2 lieutenants and 2 midshipmen
to assist you in outfitting her.
To
Captain Edward Preble,
It is important that CONSTITUTION be
outfitted quickly. How soon will she be
ready for service?
To
Captain Edward Preble, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 May 1803:
You will command the next
Mediterranean squadron, consisting of
CONSTITUTION,
To
Lieutenant Thomas Robinson,
Report to USS CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Edward Preble, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 May 1803:
Following officers to be ordered to
CONSTITUTION: Lieutenants Jencks, Robinson, Gordon, Tarbell, and Elbert;
Sailing Master Haraden; Surgeon Wells; Surgeon's Mate Tisdale; Purser Deblois;
Midshipmen Izard, Burrows, Rowe, Dexter, Hunt, Morris, Jr., Davis, Haswell, and
Newman. Appoint Master's Mates from the
top Midshipmen and advise me so they can be so warranted.
To
Lieutenant Joseph Tarbell,; Midshipmen William Newman and Thomas Hunt;
Sailmaker Isaac Steele, all
Report to CONSTITUTION.
To
Lieutenants William C. Jenckes and Samuel Elbert; Surgeon James Wells;
Surgeon's Mate Nathaniel Tisdale; Purser Deblois; and Midshipmen William
Burrows, John Rowe, D. L. Dexter, Charles Morris, Jr., and John Davis, 24 May
1803[separate ltrs of this date]:
Report to CONSTITUTION.
To
Midshipman Ralph Izard,
Report to CONSTITUTION.
To
Midshipman S. V.
Report to CONSTITUTION. [Made Acting Lieutenant and ordered to USS
ARGUS, 7 Jun 1803.]
To
Captain Edward Preble, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 May 1803:
Appoint a Carpenter and a Captain's
Clerk.
To
Doctor John Bullus,
Send a chest of medicines for
CONSTITUTION sufficient for 400 men for 2 years.
To
Leonard Jarvis Hunewell,
Warrant as Midshipman; report to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Midshipman David Deacon,
Report to CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Edward Preble, USS CONSTITUTION, 7 Jun 1803:
Midshipman David Deacon ordered to the
ship.
To
Midshipman George Mann,
Report to CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Edward Preble, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Jun 1803:
Line the magazine with copper.
To
Captain Edward Preble, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Jun 1803:
Transfer your present Boatswain to USS
ARGUS.
To
Captain Edward Preble, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Jun 1803:
Midshipman George Mann ordered to the
ship.
To
Midshipman Alexander Laws,
Report to CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Edward Preble, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Jun 1803:
Midshipman Alexander Laws ordered to
the ship.
To
Midshipman William Newman, Jr., USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Jun 1803:
You are discharged per your request of
1 Jun.
To Midshipman Thomas Baldwin, Jr.,
Report to USS CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Edward Preble, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Jun 1803:
Midshipman Thomas Baldwin ordered to
the ship.
To
Surgeon's Mate James H. Bradford,
Report to CONSTITUTION. [Resignation accepted, 15 Jul 1803.]
To
Captain Edward Preble, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Jun 1803:
Surgeon's Mate [James H.]
To
Midshipman Francis Hall,
Report to USS CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Edward Preble, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Jun 1803:
Midshipman Francis Hall ordered to the
ship.
To
Patrick Sim, 1 Jul 1803:
Appointed Surgeon's Mate. Report to USS CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Edward Preble, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Jul 1803:
Patrick Sim has been appointed
Surgeon's Mate and ordered to the ship.
To
Captain Edward Preble, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Jul 1803:
Order either Bradford or Sim to USS
ARGUS for voyage to the
To
Captain Edward Preble, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 Jul 1803:
Midshipman Louis Alexis ordered to the
ship.
To
Captain Edward Preble, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 Jul 1803:
You may have Lieutenant Blake and
Chaplain Morris. Colonel Lear and family
will take passage with you. The
following cabin furniture is allowed; no wardroom furniture is provided:
To
Lieutenant Thomas Robinson, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 Jul 1803:
Wardroom furniture was provided to two
frigates because their officers had not been allowed sufficient time to make
their own arrangements. The officers of
CONSTITUTION must get their own.
To
Captain Edward Preble, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 Jul 1803:
Midshipman Louis Alexis is to return
to CONSTITUTION when you arrive in the
To
Captain Edward Preble, USS CONSTITUTION, 6 Jul 1803:
Lieutenants Dent of ADAMS and Gordon
of NEW YORK are to join CONSTITUTION in the
To
Captain Edward Preble, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Jul 1803:
Should copper for ships be cold rolled
or not? The British don't use it. I have yet to decide whether Mr. Revere's
shall be or not.
To
Captain Edward Preble, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Jul 1803:
Midshipman Joseph Nicholson ordered to
the ship.
To
Joseph Bainbridge,
Your Midshipman warrant enclosed; join
CONSTITUTION.
To
John Dorsey, 16 Jul 1803:
Your Surgeon's Mate commission
enclosed; join CONSTITUTION. [Reordered
to ARGUS, 27 Aug 1803.]
To
Captain Edward Preble, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Jul 1803:
Your officers are allowed 1 month's
advance pay so they may buy wardroom furniture.
To
Captain John Cassin,
Estimate of provisions to be sent to
To
Chaplain Noahdiah Morris, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 May 1804:
Forwards Purser's warrant for him.
To
Lieutenants Commandant Isaac Hull, Charles Stewart, John Smith, and Richard
Somers, in
Forwards their commissions as Masters
Commandant.
To
Lieutenant John Dent, in
Forwards his commission as Lieutenant
Commandant.
To
Captain Edward Preble,
A carriage for a 24‑pdr long gun
costs $130‑140.
Roll 7 (August 1, 1805 ‑ December 31,
1807)
To
Captain John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 Nov 1805:
Mentions Midshipman Alexander James
Dallas, Jr.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Apr 1806:
Midshipman Louis Alexis ordered to
ETNA as First Lieutenant.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 26 May 1806:
Louis Alexis' resignation, submitted
for lack of promotion, is denied.
To
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Apr 1807:
Deliver "the 2 brass 24‑pdrs"
in CONSTITUTION to WASP.
To
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 20 Oct 1807:
Your course of action in returning to
the
To
Commodore John Rodgers,
CONSTITUTION is now at
To
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Oct 1807:
Proceed to
To
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 [25?] Oct 1807:
What are the charges against William
Jones, John Smith, George Prince,
To
Commodore John Rodgers,
Report CONSTITUTION's condition and
repairs required.
To
Commodore John Rodgers,
Midshipman [James P.] Wilmer in
CONSTITUTION wants furlough to regain health; grant it and any other requests
like it.
To
Surgeon's Mate George Colegate, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Nov 1807:
You may take furlough to attend
medical lectures in
To
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 26 Nov 1807:
Mentions Purser Gwinn Harris and
Lieutenant Beekman in CONSTITUTION. Pay
off crew and turn ship over to the navy Yard.
To
Purser Gwinn Harris, USS CONSTITUTION, 26 Nov 1807:
$52,000 sent today to pay off crew.
To
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 Nov 1807:
Mentions Midshipman [Thomas] Shields and
Carpenter [William] Godby in CONSTITUTION.
Grant Shields furlough to get "medical assistance," and Godby
a short one before returning to ship.
To
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Dec 1807:
I understand that Jones, Smith,
Hewlan, Pinkney, and Thompson's enlistments had expired, and that Prince had
shipped over only to get back to US.
Drop all charges and discharge them.
To
Commodore Hugh G. Campbell, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Dec 1807:
Do not discharge the men whose names
you sent me [on 30 Nov].
To
Captain Isaac Chauncey,
"Her copper must be examined in
consequence of a defect about the fore foot, that catch the cables when winding
at anchor ‑‑ a thorough caulking of the upper works, new main mast,
mizen [sic] mast doubtful, 1 fore and main top sail yard, 1 Cross Jack yard and
set of studding sail booms, 1 Jib boom, 1 complete 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..."
To
Captain Isaac Chauncey,
Purchase whatever canvas CONSTITUTION
requires immediately.
To
Captain Isaac Chauncey,
Use all possible economy in repairing
CONSTITUTION.
Roll 8 (January 1, 1808 ‑ December 20,
1809)
Circular
letter to all Captains, 29 Feb 1808:
All alien seamen and boys are to be
discharged.
To
Commodore John Rodgers,
"Mr. Foxall is directed to make
the 20‑32 pd. Carronades as soon as may be in his power. As soon as they shall be delivered they shall
be sent to
To
Commodore John Rodgers,
Marine Sergeant John Sheffield in
CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore John Rodgers,
You may repair bottom of VESUVIUS when
repairs to CONSTITUTION completed.
To
Commodore John Rodgers,
The carronades will be shipped by
Commandant Tingey at the Washington Navy Yard.
CONSTITUTION's powder is to be remanufactured at
To
Commodore John Rodgers,
Amos Evans appointed Surgeon's Mate.
To
Commodore John Rodgers,
CONSTITUTION's carronades are said to
require 22 tiller plates, 22 screw plates, 22 caps, and 22 screws. Are these essential on board ship?
To
Doctors John Butler,
Report to CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore John Rodgers,
Doctors John Butler and William Burr
ordered from home to CONSTITUTION as Surgeon's Mates.
To
Commodore John Rodgers,
Begin recruiting for CONSTITUTION
immediately: 140 able seamen, 172 ordinary seamen and boys ‑‑
Americans only. Able seamen to receive
$10/mo.; ordinary seamen and boys, $6‑8/mo.
To
Commodore John Rodgers,
Lieutenant Francis J. Mitchell ordered
to the ship.
To
Commodore John Rodgers,
Place CONSTITUTION in commission with
the following officers: Lieutenants [Charles]
To
Commodore John Rodgers,
Midshipman Morton Jackson ordered to
the ship.
To
Commodore John Rodgers,
Midshipman Samuel H. Bullus ordered to
the ship.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Feb 1809:
Midshipman Phineas Masters ordered to
the ship.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Mar 1809:
Navy Agent George Harrison directed to
ship powder to CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 6 Mar 1809:
Midshipman George Pearce ordered to
the ship.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Mar 1809:
Attach Surgeon Robert L. Thorn to
CONSTITUTION.
Circular
to all Pursers, 13 Mar 1809:
Lists Clement S. Hunt in CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Apr 1809:
Surgeon's Mate John Reynolds ordered
to return to the ship from UNITED STATES.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 11 May 1809:
Lieutenant [John M.] Haswell ordered
to CONSTITUTION per your request.
(Transferred to ARGUS.]
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 May 1809:
CONSTITUTION's Carpenter is Livingston
Shannon.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 Jun 1809:
Carpenter
To
Lieutenant Charles Ludlow, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Jun 1809:
You are CONSTITUTION's First
Lieutenant.
To
Lieutenant Charles Ludlow, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 Jul 1809:
Take command of VIXEN.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 Jul 1809:
Lieutenant George C. Read ordered to
the ship as First Lieutenant.
To
Midshipman Edward Shubrick,
Report to CONSTITUTION or ARGUS, as
directed by Commodore Rodgers.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Jul 1809:
Make 8‑10‑day cruises
within 20 miles of the coast, calling at
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Jul 1809:
The ship will be assigned a Captain,
USMC.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Jul 1809:
Lieutenant Edward Trenchard ordered to
the ship.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Jul 1809 [2nd ltr of this date]:
Agree that a few rifles for the tops
would be "very useful," but "none on hand." Make a requisition on the agent for 12 stand
either from
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CHESAPEAKE, 19 Jul 1809:
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Jul 1809:
I have ordered Captain Hull to send
you people to complete your crew. You
should then be ready for service. Cruise
the coast.
To
Lieutenant George W. Reed, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 Jul 1809:
Your resignation is not accepted;
remain at your post.
To
Midshipman Seth Nicholson, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 Jul 1809:
Your resignation is accepted.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 31 Jul 1809:
Tell Gunner Huntress his resignation
is accepted.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Aug 1809:
Sailing Master Carr replaced William
F. Bagot in the ship.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Aug 1809 [2nd ltr of this date]:
"When you shall have received men
from
Circular
to all commanding officers, 6 Aug 1809;
Make sure you are ready
for war.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Sep 1809:
Take CONSTITUTION to
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Sep 1809:
Surgeon L[arkin]
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Oct 1809:
Furlough Lieutenant Mitchell and
direct him to report to the Department; appoint Midshipman Gamble an Acting
Lieutenant. [Gamble transferred to
PRESIDENT.]
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 11 Oct 1809;
Midshipman Phineas Masters'
resignation is accepted.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Oct 1809:
Sailing Master Carr may retire. You may reappoint Sailing Master Bagot
following a trial period.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 Nov 1809:
Lieutenant Ralph Izard ordered to the
ship as replacement for G. W. Read, who may then go on furlough.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Nov 1809:
"I am very much pleased to hear
of the excellent properties of the frigate Constitution. From the reports made to me, it appears that
all the Vessels which have lately been repaired, are much improved in their sailings,
masting, sparring, rigging, and internal arrangements."
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Nov 1809:
Furlough Surgeon's Mate Reynolds. Surgeon's Mate Gustavus R. Brown ordered from
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Nov 1809:
Discharge Private William Seely: he is
a minor.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 4 Dec 1809:
Benedict J. Neale said to be Acting
Lieutenant in the ship.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Dec 1809:
Ordered to stay in port during the
winter.
To
Midshipman James H. Ludlow,
Report to CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 Dec 1809:
A replacement has been ordered for
Lieutenant Brooks, who is ordered to Marine Corps Headquarters.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Dec 1809 [2nd ltr of this date]:
Tell Midshipman Conkling he may
resign; court martial him if he doesn't.
Roll 9 (December 20, 1809 ‑ March 28,
1812)
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Dec 1809:
Tell Midshipman Conklin his resignation is
accepted.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Jan 1810:
Wolcott Chauncey made an Acting Lieutenant
in the ship.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Jan 1810:
If the ailing Lieutenant Marcellin needs
replacement, use Lieutenant Clarke [of ENTERPRIZE].
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 6 Feb 1810:
Midshipman Richard Delphy ordered to the
ship. [Later changed to UNITED STATES,
25 Jun 1810.]
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Feb 1810:
Henry Denison has been ordered to
CONSTITUTION as Chaplain.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 26 Feb 1810:
Midshipman J[ohn] V. Edwards mentioned in
the ship.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Mar 1810:
Midshipmen Samuel Truitt and Pressley Allen
ordered to the ship.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Apr 1810:
Midshipman William Augustus Spencer ordered
to the ship.
To
Lieutenant Charles Ridgely,
Report to CONSTITUTION as First Lieutenant.
To
Midshipman Joseph G. Smith,
Report to CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 20 Apr 1810:
Amos Evans promoted to Surgeon.
To
Midshipman Joseph Brailsford,
Report to CONSTITUTION.
To
Lieutenant John Orde Creighton,
Report to CONSTITUTION [to replace
Marcellin]. [Revoked 22 May 1810.]
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 4 May 1820 [2nd ltr of this date]:
Order Wolcott Chauncey to
To
Captain Isaac Hull,
Go to
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 11 May 1810:
Midshipman J. H. Clark ordered to the ship.
To
Lieutenant Samuel Woodhouse,
Report to CONSTITUTION.
To
1st Lieutenant William S. Bush, USMC,
Your resignation is revoked; you are
reinstated with unchanged seniority.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Jun 1810:
Take command of a squadron consisting of
CONSTITUTION, PRESIDENT, JOHN ADAMS, WASP, and SIREN, and cruise coast north of
To
Midshipman Samuel Pitts,
Report to CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Jun 1810:
Tell Midshipman Marcellin his resignation
is accepted.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 Jul 1810:
Midshipman Joseph Brailsford ordered to the
ship yet again.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Jul 1810:
Midshipman Lewis Germane ordered to the
ship.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS PRESIDENT, 20 Jul 1810:
Order CONSTITUTION to open a rendezvous at
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 20 Jul 1810:
Ship is to be based on
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Jul 1810:
Reference made implying the dismissal of
Sailing Master Wade.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 Jul 1810:
Midshipman James Reilly ordered to the
ship.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 Jul 1810 [2nd letter of this date]:
Midshipman [John] Dodsworth's resignation
from CONSTITUTION is accepted.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Aug 1810:
Midshipman William L. Gordon ordered to the
ship.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 Aug 1810:
Stay in fresh water as long as necessary to
clean hull.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Aug 1810:
Discharge Boy John Barnet of
To Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 3
Sep 1810:
Midshipman Frederick Delino ordered to the
ship. [Resigned, 13 Sep 1810, prior to
reporting.]
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Sep 1810:
Reference made to CONSTITUTION having been
ordered to
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Sep 1810:
Have you discharged John Barnet yet? Do so immediately. His mother, Mrs. Ann Barnet of
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 11 Oct 1810:
Reference made to a Midshipman Nicholson in
the ship.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 Oct 1810:
Discharge Seaman John Davis.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 Oct 1810 [2nd ltr this date]:
Regrets the death of Midshipman Sprogell of
Philadelphia. Hopes everything was done
to try and save him from drowning.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 Oct 1810:
Midshipman Archibald Hamilton ordered
detached from the ship.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 31 Oct 1810:
Reference to Dr. [Samuel R.] Trevett [Jr.]
in the ship.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 Nov 1810;
Discharge Seaman John Davis.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Nov 1810:
Ordered to winter rendezvous.
To
Midshipman A. S. E. Duncan,
Report to CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Dec 1810:
Reference made to ship's Gunner, William
Taylor.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 Dec 1810:
Have your Purser forward the accounts of
John Cockerin, alias Bernard Braken, some time since lost at sea.
To
Ambrose D. Field,
Warrant as Midshipman as of 1 Dec 1810;
report to CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, 28 Dec 1810:
Keep CONSTITUTION and ARGUS ready for
foreign service.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Dec 1810:
The Commodore has been alerted to make CONSTITUTION
ready for foreign service.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 31 Dec 1810:
Midshipman Charles Fowle is newly arrived
in the ship.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Jan 1811:
Midshipman Henry Colcott [Alcott] ordered
to the ship.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Feb 1811:
Reference made to Private Solomon Wright in
the ship.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 11 Feb 1811:
Reference made to Private Samuel P. Wells
in the ship.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 Feb 1811:
Surgeon's Mate Charles Cotton ordered to
the ship.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, 26 Feb 1811:
Order Midshipmen Brailsford and Packet from
CONSTITUTION to smaller units as a mark of disapprobation of their duelling. Restore Midshipmen Fowle and Laughton to
duty.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 26 Feb 1811:
Midshipmen Brailsford and Packer ordered
detached.
To
Midshipman A. H. M. Conkling, St. Marys, MD, 7 Mar 1811:
Report to CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Mar 1811:
John Barley, an Englishman, ordered
discharged.
To
Surgeon's Mate Charles Cotton, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Apr 1811:
Delivers his commission of this date.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 May 1811:
Ship ordered to
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 May 1811:
A new 21 1/2" cable, made by Ringgold
& Heath, ordered to the ship.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 May 1811 [2nd ltr of this date]:
Will have 20‑40 "good able
seamen" recruited for you at
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 May 1811:
A new 20" cable also ordered to the
ship.
To
Midshipman William C. Pierpoint,
Report to CONSTITUTION.
To
Lieutenant Stephen Cassin,
Instead of recruiting men for CONSTITUTION,
do so for HORNET, as I intend transferring 30 of her people to CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 31 May 1811:
Reference is made to Boy Charles Hawk in
the ship.
To
Midshipman Andrew Haslett,
Delivered warrant dated 7 Dec 1810. Report to CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Jun 1811:
Orders to discharge any English sailors on
board, and to transfer any French seamen to the gunboats in Hampton Roads.
To
Thomas Barlow,
Delivers midshipman warrant of this
date. Report to CONSTITUTION. Go on indefinite furlough when she reaches
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 20 Jun 1811:
Benjamin Bowie is ordered discharged.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 Jun 1811:
Send Nicholas Hall, Thomas Blennock, and
John Thompson done to hospital; discharge Edward Lounds and Antonio Mitchell.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Jun 1811:
Midshipman Silas Nelson Phelps ordered to
the ship.
To
Midshipman James Reilly, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Jul 1811:
The rule is that your pay commences of the
date of your letter of acceptance.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Jul 1811:
Do not carry specie to
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Jul 1811:
Reference made to Private Frederick
Lubstone in the ship.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Jul 1811:
How many in your crew are due for
discharge in September? Can you not
induce them to extend?
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 Jul 1811:
It appears you have 150 men whose terms end
on 12 September. You may draw upon the
following ships as indicated:
WASP
‑ 4 quarter gunners, 2 quartermasters, 10 seamen, 21 ordinary
seamen
HORNET
4 quarter gunners, 2 quartermasters, 1 carpenter's mate, 10 seamen,
22 ordinary
seamen, 1 boy
Totals
13 quarter gunners, 7 quartermasters, 2 carpenter's mates, 40 seamen, 85 ordinary
seamen, 2 boys
Turn
over your "short termers" to these ships in like measure. I wish they would extend instead.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 Jul 1811:
Mr. Warden, Consul General for
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Jul 1811:
You may take an additional 10 seamen from
Captain
Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, to SecNav, 29 Jul 1811:
Smallpox has broken out in ship.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Aug 1811:
Vaccinate the crew.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 26 Feb 1812:
Congratulations on a safe return. Expect to remain at
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Feb 1812:
Duties must be paid at
To
Surgeon Samuel R. Trevett, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Mar 1812:
Resignation accepted.
To
Midshipman Lewis German,
Report to CONSTITUTION.
Roll 10 (March 8, 1812 ‑ June 30, 1813)
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Mar 1812:
Midshipman B. V. Hoffman ordered to the
ship as Acting Lieutenant.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Mar 1812:
Ship ordered to Washington Navy Yard.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 6 Apr 1812:
Midshipman Joseph Cross ordered to the
ship.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 6 Apr 1812 [2nd ltr of that date]:
Midshipman William Taylor ordered to the
ship.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 6 Apr 1812 [3rd ltr of that date]:
Recruit immediately to fill out crew.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Apr 1812:
Midshipman R. L. Snelson ordered to the
ship.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Apr 1812:
Surgeon's Mate Samuel] Gilliland allowed 3
weeks leave. [He resigned 13 Jun 1812.]
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Apr 1812:
Discharge immediately any men who are
beyond their term of service.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Apr 1812:
Discharge Seaman Charles Hawk.
To
Dr. Charles Cotton, 24 Apr 1812:
Report to the
To Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 24
Apr 1812:
Midshipman James Williams ordered to the
ship.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 Apr 1812 [2nd ltr of that date]:
Discharge Seaman John Barnet.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Apr 1812:
Midshipman Charles W. Morgan promoted to
Acting Lieutenant.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Apr 1812 [2nd ltr of this date]:
Midshipman Henry Olcott's resignation is
accepted.
To
Midshipman William S. J.
Report to CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 4 May 1812:
Midshipman Alexander Eskridge ordered to
the ship.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 6 May 1812:
John T. Shubrick ordered to the ship as
Acting Lieutenant.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 May 1812:
Midshipman French Forrest ordered to the
ship.
To
Midshipman Lodowick W. Crary,
Report to CONSTITUTION, and attend Dr.
Hunter's naval school until she sails.
To
Midshipman John Cook,
Report to CONSTITUTION.
To
Purser Isaac Garretson, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 May 1812:
Report to CONSTELLATION.
To
Purser Thomas Chew,
Report to CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 May 1812:
Discharge Seaman John Craig.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 May 1812:
Midshipman James W. Delaney ordered to the
ship.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 May 1812:
Surgeon's Mate John Armstrong ordered to
the ship.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Jun 1812:
Lieutenant Charles Morris ordered to the
ship.
To
Lieutenant Charles Morris,
"I must again call upon you to join
the frigate Constitution..."
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Jun 1812:
Direct Lieutenant O. A. Page to come settle
his account.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, [?] Jun 1812:
Midshipman John Tayloe, Jr., ordered to the
ship.
To
Midshipman Andrew Haslett, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Jun 1812:
You are furloughed for 3 months. Report to the Department at the end of that
period.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 11 Jun 1812:
Chaplain ordered to the ship.
To
Chaplain John Cook,
Report to CONSTITUTION by 22 Jun.
To
Dr. Donaldson Yeates,
Here is your Surgeon's Mate
commission. Report to CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Jun 1812:
Surgeon's Mate Donaldson Yeates ordered to
the ship.
To
Midshipman Lodowick W. Crary,
Report to the senior officer present,
To
Lieutenant Charles Morris,
In accordance with orders you already have
received, join CONSTITUTION without delay.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 Jun 1812:
Do not discharge any in the crew who
say they are British deserters: tell them that fighting harder will be
in their own interest. Lieutenant Morris
has been ordered to join you immediately.
To
Midshipman R. L. Snelson,
Report to ARGUS.
To
Midshipman French
Report to HORNET.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Jul 1812:
The President has directed the discharge of
any sure foreigners. Do not allow
any Americans to so plead falsely. If any foreigners discharged are owed money,
don't pay it.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Jul 1812:
As soon as CONSTITUTION is ready for sea,
proceed to
To
Midshipman John Cook,
Report to Dr. Hunter's navigation school.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Jul 1812:
Sailing Master William D. McCarty ordered
to the ship.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Jul 1812:
Captain William Bainbridge has been ordered
to command of CONSTITUTION; you will take command of CONSTELLATION.
To
Captain William Bainbridge, USS CONSTELLATION, 28 Jul 1812:
Take command of CONSTITUTION when she
reaches port.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Jul 1812:
Your letter of 20 Jul just received. "I am truly happy to hear of your
safety. Remain in
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 Sep 1812:
Lieutenant Shubrick arrived yesterday with
news. "Your action with Guerriere
redounds greatly to your honor & to the honor & reputation of every
officer & men, on board the Constitution ‑‑ The information of
it has been received with a sensibility due to the occasion. Your government approves & rejoices in
your conduct & all your countrymen will thank you..." Make whatever repairs are needed immediately.
To
Chaplain John Cook,
Report to CONSTITUTION at
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Sep 1812:
Tell the
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Sep 1812:
Leave of absence granted. Take what time you need. Bainbridge will relieve you. You will consider yourself nominally
commandant of Boston Navy Yard.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Sep 1812 [2nd ltr of that date]:
You & your people will receive the gratitude
of your grateful country. Who was the
man who lost his leg? [Wm Dunn.] He will have an immediate pension. Who was it who returned the flag to the
foremast? [Daniel Hogan.] I want him to have an extra month's pay. Tell Lieutenant [Charles] Morris I hope for
him a speedy recovery. Bush "died
nobly."
To
Midshipman
Report to CONSTITUTION.
To
Lieutenant Charles Morris, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Sep 1812:
Leave granted. Report to the Department when you feel
recovered.
To
Captain Isaac Hull,
One of your POWs is said to be Andrew
Vedon, a Dane by birth, but apprenticed to Captain Samuel Packard in 1808. Impressed by the RN in 1810, he was found
among the POWs in the prison ship by Captain Packard. If correct, Vedon is not to be returned, but
released to Captain Packard to finish his apprenticeship.
To
Captain Isaac Hull, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 Sep 1812:
A pension is authorized for William Dunn,
who lost a leg in the engagement with GUERRIERE.
To
Captain Isaac Hull,
Allow the POW cartel ship to sail for
To
Commodore William Bainbridge, USS CONSTITUTION, 26 Sep 1812:
To
Commodores John Rodgers, William Bainbridge, and Stephen Decatur, 2 Oct 1812:
Take your squadrons to sea when ready. Annoy the enemy.
To
Lieutenant Charles Morris, 5 Oct 1812:
You have been specially promoted to
Captain, dated 19 August 1812. Assume
command of
To
Captain Isaac Hull,
I understand you have GUERRIERE's
flag. Send it on for careful
preservation. "The action was the
most brilliant I ever heard of... Its
remembrance cannot be too much cherished."
To
Midshipman George H. Leverett,
Delivers warrant dated 18 Jun 1812. Report to CONSTITUTION when she returns. Pay starts when you report.
To
Chaplain John Cook,
Go to
To
Commodore Stephen Decatur,
"...the Constitution has
arrived..."
To
Commodore William Bainbridge, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 Feb 1813:
"...I most heartily congratulate you
Sir & our country upon you auspicious & brilliant victory over the
enemies [sic] frigate Java; a triumph which exalts the national character &
will perpetuate the fame of the gallant victors."
To
Commodore William Bainbridge, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Mar 1813:
Convene a court martial on Private John
Pershaw and seamen Timothy Clogstall and John Lindsay on the several charges
preferred.
To
Master's Mate Charles F. Waldo,
Here is your Sailing Master's warrant of
this date. Report to the Boston Navy
Yard for duty.
To
Midshipmen James Greenlaw, William Taylor, and Alexander Belches, USS
CONSTITUTION, 24 Mar 1813:
Six weeks leave granted, then return to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain James Lawrence, USS HORNET, 2 Apr 1813:
You are offered command of CONSTITUTION if
neither Captains Porter or Evans arrive in time to take her out when repairs
completed.
To
Commodore William Bainbridge, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Apr 1813:
Captain James Lawrence has been ordered to
command CONSTITUTION, if Captains Porter or Evans don't want it.
To
Surgeon Amos Evans, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Apr 1813:
Furloughed until further notice.
To
Captain James Lawrence, USS HORNET, 4 May 1813:
"...it is my intention...to [appoint]
you to the command of the...Constitution..."
To
Captain Samuel Evans, USS CHESAPEAKE, 6 May 1813:
To
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTELLATION, 7 May 1813:
Proceed without delay to take command of
CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore William Bainbridge, USS CONSTITUTION, 7 May 1813:
Captain Charles Stewart has been ordered to
command CONSTITUTION.
To
Midshipman Alexander Belches,
Report to the naval officer in charge at
To
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTELLATION, 17 May 1813:
You may delay your transfer to see to
defenses of
Roll 11 (July 1, 1813 ‑ December 31, 1814)
To
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Jul 1813:
It was not perceived that transferring
Lieutenant [Jesse] Wilkinson to CONSTITUTION would prejudice Lieutenant [B. V.]
Hoffman's deserved seniority. Return
Lieutenant Wilkinson to CONSTELLATION.
To
Lieutenant Jesse Wilkinson,
Return to CONSTELLATION revoked. Remain in
To
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 7 Aug 1813:
Do you wish Lieutenant [W. B.] Shubrick
ordered to you from CONSTELLATION?
To
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 20 Aug 1813:
Lieutenant William B. Shubrick and Surgeon
William Turk ordered to the ship as soon as relieved by Lieutenant [Glenn]
Drayton and Surgeon Kennan.
To
Captain Charles G. Ridgely,
"I have before me your letter of
yesterday, and am not surprized that you burst one half Mr. Dorsey's
Carronades. The proof was too severe,
and I am astonished that any of them stood it.
The particulars of the proof of the Carronades for the Constellation,
having certainly escaped your recollection.
The Gunner of the Navy Yard, who has proved all the Guns, for several
years, on this station, assures me, that he has never used any other proof than
that which Capt. Tingey certified, and delivered to Mr. Dorsey; and that, in
the instance of the Constellations Carronades, none of them were tried a second
time ‑‑ The long heavy Guns
were, and this may have given rise to the mistake.
"The Constitution's Carronades were
proved in the same manner, and they, in the action with the Guerriere, stood a
full charge, with two round shot, every round during the action.
"The pocket Gunner is very equivocal
in respect to the proof of Carronades.
He says, 'They are proved with 2 rounds, with their chambers full of
powder, and one Shot, and one wad;' but, in the table, assigns 8 lbs of powder
to a 32 pr. Carronade, as a proof charge, but says nothing of a shot or
wad. The chamber will not hold 1/8 part
of the weight of the Shot in powder. The
fact is, that the proof, used at this station, has been amply sufficient, and
Mr. Foxall, or his clerk, always attends to see the powder weighed, agreeably
to the proof charge contained in Com. Tingey's certificate.
"You will, therefore, have all the
Carronades proved in conformity with the certificate; and if, after the first
proof, you have reason to suspect any particular piece, it will be well to
repeat the proof."
To
Captain Jacob Jones, USS MACEDONIAN, 4 Sep 1813:
CONSTITUTION's prize agent is Charles Goldsborough.
To
Surgeon's Mate John D. Armstrong, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Oct 1813:
There is presently no billet ashore for
you.
To
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Dec 1813:
I will be pleased to have a drawing and
description of your furnace for heating shot.
To
Midshipman Henry Ward, USS CONGRESS, 15 Jan 1814:
Your Midshipman warrant date is hereby
corrected to the time you entered as Acting Midshipman in CONSTITUTION,
"say 1st of October 1812."
To Commodore William Bainbridge,
If Surgeon [Amos A.] Evans is amenable,
have him exchange with Surgeon [Charles] Cotton in CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Apr 1814:
"I do not perceive in the reasons and
motives assigned a satisfactory cause for the premature termination of the
cruise..." "...an inquiry
should be made..."
To
Commodore William Bainbridge,
I presume CONSTITUTION, so recently
overhauled, must be ready to cruise again.
Expedite the inquiry.
To
Commodore William Bainbridge,
With Captains [Isaac]
To
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Apr 1814:
A Court of Inquiry will be held to
investigate the early termination of war cruise.
To
Commodore John Rodgers,
"The plan of the inboard works entire
was forwarded sometime since. It is the
Counterpart of that by which the Constitution was finished on her last repair,
on which much care was bestowed..."
Adhere to it.
To
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 May 1814:
Reference made to Purser Robert Pottinger
in the ship.
To
Commodore William Bainbridge,
The Court of Inquiry's report cited Captain
Stewart for "poor judgment."
Furthermore:
"You will order the Tanks taken down
and the provisions contained therein or such part there of as may be fit for
Naval use, repacked into barrels...
"The same unfortunate error was
committed on board the Constellation...
Had I known Captain Stewart's intention to construct Tanks on board the
Constitution I should have strictly forbidden it..."
To
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Jun 1814:
Reference to Acting Lieutenant [Richard]
Winter in the ship.
To
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Jun 1814:
Reference to Midshipman John C. Long in the
ship.
To
Commodore William Bainbridge,
Convene a court martial to try John Briggs,
Nathaniel Leach, and John McDonald of the
To
Commodore William Bainbridge,
Convene a court martial for Midshipman
Joseph Cross, and Thomas Trask, Daniel Moody, William Long, Thomas Noland, and
William Russell.
To
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 4 Nov 1814:
Deliver
the enclosed letter to former Midshipman J. S. Paine.
To
Commodore William Bainbridge,
Convene a court martial on CONSTITUTION's
Thomas Gardener for desertion.
To
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Nov 1814:
Reference to Midshipman James Greenlaw in
the ship.
To
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 Nov 1814:
Orders for a war cruise.
To
Jott S. Paine,
In view of good words from your superiors,
your warrant (as Midshipman) is restored.
Report to Captain Porter in
Roll 12 (January 3, 1815 ‑ April 30, 1817)
To
Commodore Isaac Chauncey, Sackett's Harbor, NY, 14 Feb 1815:
Peace treaty signed 24 Dec 1814. Ratification expected. "...hostilities are to cease in twelve
days after the ratification at
Circular
to all stations, 28 Feb 1815:
Announces peace.
To
Lieutenant Beekman V. Hoffman,
Received your letter of the 10th announcing
arrival of CYANE. Turn her over to
To
Captain Charles Morris, USS CONGRESS, 17 Apr 1815:
Lieutenant
[W. B.]
Shubrick will be transferred to you if
CONSTITUTION returns in time.
To
Captain Charles Ridgely, USS ONTARIO, 4 May 1815:
Take all former CONSTITUTIONs who have
returned from
To
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 May 1815:
Ship ordered to
To
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 May 1815 [2nd ltr of this date]:
Provide as many men as needed to CONGRESS.
To
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Jun 1815:
Since Midshipman Lufborough appears to
prefer resignation to court martial, send on his letter and warrant.
To
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Jun 1815:
Reconsidering the Lufborough case,
reprimand him and return him to duty.
To
Captain Charles Stewart, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Jun 1815:
Permission granted to go on indefinite
leave after forwarding journal of cruise.
Leave the ship in the care of the "oldest officer" and report
to
To
Commodore William Bainbridge, USS INDEPENDENCE, 5 Jul 1815:
To
Commodore Arthur Sinclair,
"...the command of CONSTITUTION awaits
your acceptance..."
To
Commodore Isaac Chauncey, USS WASHINGTON, 29 Sep 1815:
"Lieutenant William Shubrick is
attached to the Frigate Constitution..."
To
Commodore Arthur Sinclair,
Appointed to command CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore William Bainbridge,
Lay up all ships in ordinary except
To
Lieutenant William B. Shubrick, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Jan 1816:
Place the ship in ordinary.
To
Commodore William Bainbridge
Midshipman Joseph Cross ordered to the
ship, to report one month from this date.
To
Commodore Arthur Sinclair,
Regret poor health kept you from getting to
To
Captain Charles Stewart, USS FRANKLIN, 15 May 1816:
The amount awarded to CONSTITUTION by
Congress for the capture of
To
Captain Charles Stewart, USS FRANKLIN, 13 Jun 1816:
It has been decided to make a claim on the
British and Portuguese governments for the recapture of
General
Order, 1 Jul 1816:
All officers not under orders for duty, or
employed on stations or ships as of this date are on half pay. Those not on furlough will report to the
Department every three months until ordered to duty.
Roll 13 (May 1, 1817 ‑ May 17, 1820)
To
Captain Charles Stewart, USS FRANKLIN, 13 Jun 1817:
Please furnish Navy Agent George Harrison
with your profile so the die for your medal can be prepared.
To
Commodore William Bainbridge,
So that a new die of your medal can be
prepared, please forward "a perfect representation" of the action
with JAVA for the medal's reverse.
To
Commodore William Bainbridge,
Lieutenant Silas Duncan requests transfer
to CONSTITUTION if she is activated, or to any ship to be commanded by
Commodore Macdonough.
To
Commodore William Bainbridge,
Captain Jacob Jones transferred from
GUERRIERE to CONSTITUTION; Commodore Macdonough to take GUERRIERE.
To
Captain Jacob Jones,
Your ship will not be activated any time
soon; you may remain on leave.
To
Sailing Master John Percival, 10 Jul 1818:
Presents Congressional sword for PEACOCK's
victory over EPERVIER.
To
Captain Jacob Jones,
Your presence as a witness is required at a
court of inquiry to be held in the case of Surgeon Thomas Harris in
General
Order, 22 Mar 1819:
All Midshipmen henceforth to be examined
for promotional fitness. First
examinations are to take place at the New York Navy Yard on 4 Oct 1819, for all
Midshipmen with warrants dated prior to 1 Jan 1813.
To Captain Isaac Hull; Lieutenants Charles
Morris, Alexander S. Wadsworth, Beekman V. Hoffman, George C. Read; Surgeon
Amos A. Evans; Surgeon's Mate John D. Armstrong; Purser Thomas Chew; Lieutenant
John Contee, USMC, 10 Feb 1820:
Delivers Congressional medals (gold for
To
Captain Stephen Decatur; Lieutenants George C. Read, John B. Nicholson; Surgeon
Samuel R. Trevett; Purser John B. Timberlake; Captain William Anderson and
Lieutenant James L. Edwards, USMC, 10 Feb 1820:
Delivers Congressional medals (gold for
To
Captain Jacob Jones; Lieutenants James Biddle, George W. Rodgers, George A.
Wise; Surgeon Thomas Harris; Surgeon's Mate Walter W. New, 10 Feb 1820:
Delivers Congressional medals (gold for
Jones; silver for the others) honoring victory over HMS FROLIC.
To
Commodore William Bainbridge; Lieutenant Beekman V. Hoffman; Surgeon Amos A.
Evans; Surgeon's Mate John D. Armstrong; Purser Robert C. Ludlow; Lieutenants
John Contee and William H. Freeman, USMC, 10 Feb 1820:
Delivers Congressional medals (gold for
Bainbridge; silver for the others) honoring victory over HMS JAVA.
To
Lieutenant Edward R. McCall and Surgeon Bailey Washington, 10 Feb 1820;
Delivers silver Congressional medals
honoring victory over HMS BOXER.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott; Lieutenants Daniel Turner, Thomas H. Stevens, John
Packett, A. H. M. Conklin; Purser Samuel Hambleton; Surgeon Samuel Horsley;
Surgeon's Mates Usher Parsons and Robert R. Barton; Lieutenant James Blair,
USMC, 10 Feb 1820:
Delivers Congressional medals (gold for
Elliott; silver for the others) honoring victory over the British Lake Erie
squadron.
To
Commodore Thomas Macdonough; Master Commandant Robert Henley; Lieutenants
Stephen Cassin; Francis J. Mitchell; Joseph Smith, Charles A. Budd; Purser
George Beale; Surgeon's Mate Gustavus R. Brown; Sailing Master Elie A. F.
Vallette, 10 Feb 1820:
Delivers Congressional medals (gold for Macdonough; silver for the others)
honoring victory over the British Lake Champlain squadron.
To
Captain Lewis Warrington; Lieutenant John B. Nicolson, Surgeon Samuel Henley;
Surgeon's Mates Charles B. Hamilton; Purser Herman Thorn, 10 Feb 1820:
Delivers Congressional medals (gold for
To
Captain Charles Stewart; Lieutenants Henry E. Ballard, Beekman V. Hoffman,
William B. Shubrick, William M. Hunter, John Tayloe; Surgeon John A. Kearney;
Surgeon's Mate Benjamin Austin; Purser Robert Pottinger; Captain Archibald
Henderson and Lieutenant William H. Freeman, USMC, 10 Feb 1820:
Delivers Congressional medals (gold for
Stewart; silver for the others) honoring victory over HMS CYANE and HMS LEVANT.
To
Captain James Biddle; Lieutenants David Conner, John T. Newton, Isaac Mayo;
Purser William P. Zantzinger; Surgeon Benjamin Kissam; Lieutenant William B.
Brownlaw, USMC, 10 Feb 1820:
Delivers Congressional medals (gold for
Biddle; silver for the others) honoring victory over HMS PENGUIN.
To
Captain Jacob Jones, Head of Sassafras, MD, 25 Feb 1820:
Offers command of USS GUERRIERE in the
To
Purser Lewis Deblois,
Transfer Captain Jacob Jones' pay account
to Purser Samuel P. Todd at
To
Purser Samuel P. Todd,
Forwards $320 (2 months pay) for Captain
Jacob Jones.
Roll 14 (May 17, 1820 ‑ May 28, 1823)
General
Order, 1 Jul 1820:
All Midshipmen with warrants dated before 1
Jan 1814 who intend to take the promotion examination on 1 Oct 1820 at New York
Navy Yard, so notify the Department.
To
Captain Arthur Sinclair, 3 Jul 1820:
"...the 16th article page 21 of the
New Regulations expressly states that 'Slaves are not to be borne on the Books
of the Vessels of the
To
Lieutenant Joseph R. Jarvis,
When CONSTITUTION is being readied for
service, your request will be attended to.
To
Midshipman G. W.
[Repeats letter immediately above.]
To
Lieutenant L. E. Simonds,
The commander of CONSTITUTION is not yet
designated. When one is, apply through
him.
To
Midshipman G. W.
"...it is not yet decided whether the
Frigate Constitution will be equipped for Sea.
She is now under repair but no destination assigned or arrangements made
for her equipment."
To
Captain Lewis Warrington, USS GUERRIERE, 20 Oct 1820:
Cadre for a 44‑gun frigate in
ordinary is 5 lieutenants, 20 midshipmen, 1 surgeon, 1 surgeon's mate, 1
purser, 1 sailing master, 4 seamen, and 6 ordinary seamen.
To
Surgeon Edward Cutbush,
"...James Kennedy formerly Cook of the
Frigate Constitution, under Commr Preble into the Hospital for subsistence..."
temporarily.
To
Captain John Shaw, USS INDEPENDENCE, 29 Nov 1820:
The order of the Board of Naval
Commissioners to return the guns formerly borrowed from CONSTITUTION must be
obeyed.
To
Commodore William Bainbridge, Mediterranean Squadron, 17 Jan 1821:
CONSTITUTION is readying to come to the
To
Captain Jacob Jones, Head of Sassafras, MD, 19 Jan 1821:
CONSTITUTION is to sail in early spring for
the
To
Captain John Shaw, USS INDEPENDENCE, 26 Jan 1821:
Have a rendezvous opened for CONSTITUTION
immediately. Keep recruits in
To
Captain James Renshaw,
In recruiting for CONSTITUTION, avoid any
foreigners.
To
Captain Jacob Jones, Head of Sassafras, MD, 2 Feb 1821:
Yours of 30 Jan received. You can remain at the farm until further
orders. Do you have a preference for
executive officer? Lieutenant Joseph
Smith, the senior man now aboard is considered very competent.
To
Captain John Shaw, USS INDEPENDENCE, 13 Feb 1821:
CONSTITUTION's crew is to be entered for 2
years, or during the cruise not to exceed 3 years.
To
Sailing Master Briscoe S. Doxey,
You may use CONSTITUTION in
To
Lieutenant John Gallagher,
Captain Jones has asked for you as his
First Lieutenant. Advise me of your
desires immediately.
To
Captain Jacob Jones, Head of Sassafras, MD, 26 Feb 1821:
Lieutenant Gallagher wishes to be
excused. Lieutenant Foxhall A. Parker
has asked for orders to CONSTITUTION as First Lieutenant if you have no
objections.
To
Captain Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 6 Mar 1821:
Enclosed are orders for your son, Richard,
to join you.
To
Master Commandant Benjamin Booth, USS INDEPENDENCE, 8 Mar 1821:
CONSTITUTION doesn't rate a Master
Commandant, but if Captain Jones wishes you, so be it ‑‑ without
any extra compensation.
To
Captain Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Mar 1821:
Lieutenant Isaac McKeever will report as a
supernumerary to be assigned where you will when in the
To
Captain Alexander S. Wadsworth, USS JOHN
Midshipmen T. L. Shaw and John Little this
day ordered to CONSTITUTION. Send their
accounts to the ship's purser, Thomas Breese.
To
Captain Jacob Jones,
I request that you proceed as soon as
possible to your ship and report her readiness for service.
To
Lieutenant James E. Oellers,
All CONSTITUTION's officers have been
selected.
To
Midshipman Arthur Lewis, USS JOHN
There is no billet for you in CONSTITUTION.
To
Purser Thomas Breese, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 Mar 1821:
Surgeon's Mate Thomas J. Boyd and Gunner
William Johnson, recently ordered to CONSTITUTION, each has had $50 advanced to
them at
To
Lieutenant James E. Oellers,
CONSTITUTION is crowded as full as her
accommodations will admit.
To
Lieutenant H. H. Cocke,
[Repeats the letter immediately above.]
To
Captain Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 11 Apr 1821:
All officers have been ordered to
CONSTITUTION except a Sailing Master, and he today. Surgeon Ray is now under orders and 2
Surgeon's Mates long since. Boatswain
James Banks was ordered two days ago.
Captain Samuel Angus at
To
Purser Thomas Breese, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Apr 1821:
Surgeon's Mate U. F. Rodgers was advanced
$50 at
To
Midshipmen Thomas S. and A. J. D. Brown, USS INDEPENDENCE, 14 Apr 1821:
There is no room for you in CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Apr 1821:
Consul General at
To
Commodore William Bainbridge, Mediterranean Squadron, 17 Apr 1821:
Captain Jones in CONSTITUTION is ordered to
relieve you.
To
Captain Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Apr 1821:
You may provide your officers with 3 months
advanced pay so they may provide for themselves prior to sailing. The signals have not changed since Commodore
Chauncey was in the
To
Captain Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Apr 1821 [2nd ltr of this date]:
When at
To
Captain John Shaw,
Forty men having been sent to CONSTITUTION from
To
Doctor George S. Sproston,
Report to CONSTITUTION immediately.
To
Dr. John H. Gordon,
CONSTITUTION already has a Surgeon.
To
Captain Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Apr 1821:
Your sailing orders have been sent.
To
Captain Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Apr 1821 [2nd ltr of this date]:
In order to reduce squadron costs, stores
and supplies of every kind will be shipped to you at Port Mahon.
To
Captain Daniel T. Patterson,
Lieutenant Isaac McKeever was ordered to
CONSTITUTION 14 Mar 1821.
General
Order, 5 Jul 1821:
Announces October midshipman promotion
examinations for those with dates between 1 Jan 1814 and 30 Apr 1815, as well
as those unable to attend the previous examinations and those who failed them.
To
Commodore Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Sep 1821:
Shut down the hospital at
To
Commodore Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Nov 1821:
Lieutenant Samuel L. Breese, in your
squadron, may be given permission to reside in
General
Order, 1 Feb 1822:
Use of the title "Commodore" is
abolished until established by law.
To
Captain Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Feb 1822:
Disestablish the hospital at
General
Order, 15 May 1822:
All Midshipmen with warrants dated before 1
Apr 1815 must take the promotion examination on 1 Oct next at the New York Navy
Yard. Those who don't will be considered
out of the service.
General
Order, 26 Jun 1822:
Midshipmen who have passed the promotion
examination will wear a gold star in the diamond on each collar.
To
Captain Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Jun 1822:
Make every effort to have any midshipmen in
the squadron with warrants dated before 1 Apr 1815 returned to US for examination.
To
Captain Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Dec 1822:
Work with Consul Shaler at
To
Captain Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Jan 1823:
Try and procure the largest possible
specimens of thorny ironwood, Sideroxylum spinosum, at Mogador and ship them
via any returning public vessel to COL G. M. Troup of
Roll 15 (May 24, 1823 ‑ March 23, 1825)
To
Captain Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 20 Jun 1823:
Report personnel and material condition of
squadron.
General
Order, 20 Aug 1823:
Members of the Board of Naval Commissioners
are to be received with 15 guns.
To
Captain Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Oct 1823:
This day ordered
To
Captain Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 May 1824:
Permission granted to visit family.
To
Captain Jacob Jones, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 May 1824:
Your officers may be granted leaves of
absence for up to two months.
To
Captain William Bainbridge,
Open a rendezvous for seamen and ordinary
seamen for CONSTITUTION to serve three years unless sooner discharged.
To
Captain Thomas Macdonough,
"Active service will soon be assigned
to you..."
To
Captain Joseph Bainbridge,
Captain Macdonough has been ordered to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Jun 1824:
I intend to order Chaplain Cook to duty in
CONSTITUTION. Advise me of his fitness;
there have been unfavorable reports.
To
Captain Jacob Jones,
I have yet to receive your reports on your
officers' character, conduct, and skill.
These should always be made with care, promptness, and fidelity.
To
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Jun 1824:
Lieutenants Vallette, Wyman, Page, and
Tatnal [sic] have been ordered to report immediately. Vallette is not to be First as there are
those senior to him who cannot be overlooked.
To
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Jun 1824:
I regret that the Sailing Master and Gunner
you requested are unavailable. Use any
Gunner from the Navy yard until I can get one to you.
To
Captain John Orde Creighton, Mediterranean Squadron, 13 Jul 1824:
Macdonough "will probably arrive...in
the course of a few weeks..."
To
Lieutenant Josiah Tatnall,
Here is a duplicate of your orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Jul 1824:
Consul to Tunis C. D. Coxe will take
passage with you.
To
Midshipman S. Swartwout,
Officers for CONSTITUTION will not be
completed until the Secretary returns to the office.
To
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Aug 1824:
Midshipman Barnhouse is to remain suspended
from duty in CONSTITUTION until the Secretary can review his case.
To
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Sep 1824:
All officer deficiencies will be supplied
shortly.
To
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 20 Sep 1824:
CONSTITUTION's complement to be as follows:
Complete
to these numbers with the draft from
To
Purser John B. Timberlake, USS CONSTITUTION, 26 Sep 1824:
The officers of CONSTITUTION may have 2
months advance pay, no more.
To
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 Sep 1824:
The Secretary's decision on a Surgeon for
you is expected in a few days.
To
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 6 Sep 1824:
The enclosed letter from Lewis W.
Gillespie says he deserted from your command.
Attend to it.
To
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Oct 1824:
The following Midshipmen have been ordered:
C. E. Hawkins, G. Gansevoort, J. H. Ward, S. Swartwout, J. A. Hemphill, and
Joseph Arnold. I have detached
Midshipmen J. H. Marshal [sic] and C. M. Armstrong who were on the last cruise.
To
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Oct 1824 [2nd ltr of this
date]:
The Reverend John McCarty of
To
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Oct 1824 [3rd ltr of this
date]:
I don't know what to do with Midshipman
Barnhouse because of insufficient information.
It appears that both he and Purser Timberlake are culpable. If the money Timberlake paid Barnhouse was a
loan, then Barnhouse's language and conduct are unjustifiable; if a debt,
Timberlake was wrong and should be rebuked.
The charge by Timberlake against Barnhouse is of serious character. If he is ready to name witnesses, etc., a
trial will follow. If he will not, the
charge should be considered unfounded and Timberlake obliged to apologize to
Barnhouse. Do what you can to resolve
this and advise me soonest.
To
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Oct 1824 [4th ltr of this
date]:
Doctor De Witt Birch and Lieutenant William
M. Armstrong have been ordered to report immediately, then you are to proceed
to the
To
Lieutenant Samuel L. Breese,
You cannot be ordered as a supernumerary to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Oct 1824:
Enclosed are quantities of the following
blank forms: Monthly Return of Officers
& Crew; of persons discharged; of desertions; & of deaths on board each
vessel in your squadron. Ensure they are
prepared accurately and submitted regularly through you, beginning on the 1st
of the month after sailing from the
To
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Oct 1824 [2nd ltr of that
date]:
Enclosed is a letter from James
Parrott. Can we indulge his request?
To
Gunner John Lord, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Oct 1824:
Submit your travel claim to the Fourth
Auditor.
To
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Oct 1824:
As the services of the man are necessary,
punish him and return him to duty.
To
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Oct 1824:
You may grant any leave you feel
appropriate to permit Lieutenant Downing and Midshipman Glentworth to visit
parts of
To
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Oct 1824 [2nd ltr of that
date]:
Please inform your warrant officers that
none may be accompanied by his wife.
To
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Oct 1824 [3rd ltr of that
date]:
I am happy to learn that Purser Timberlake
and Midshipman Barnhouse have settled their differences.
General
Order, 12 Mar 1825:
As of 1 Jul 1825, fitness reports are to be
completed on all officers and submitted every 6 months.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 16 Mar 1825:
Once in the
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 19 Mar 1825:
Here are files of the National Intelligencer and National
Record, up to date, for the use of squadron officers. Further files will be forwarded as
conveyances offer.
Roll 16 (March 23, 1825 ‑ August 16, 1826)
To
Lieutenant Joseph Cross,
Why did you return from the
To
Captain Isaac Chauncey,
"Midshipmen S. Swartwout and J. W.
Mooers...arrived... from
To
Captain Thomas Macdonough, USS CONSTITUTION, 11 Jul 1825:
Regarding Midshipmen John W. Mooers and
Samuel Swartwout, "...the impropriety of which these young men had been
guilty justified your disapprobation..."
Why didn't you allow them funds for their return?
To
Midshipmen Swartwout, Mooers, and 3 others, 12 Jul 1825:
Scolded for duelling and threatened with
permanent suspension if it occurs again.
All are to be ordered to new duty stations.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 29 Aug 1825:
Captain George C. Read has been given a
year's furlough in Europe and will be arriving in
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 1 Sep 1825:
Captain Daniel T. Patterson to have USS
BRANDYWINE when she arrives.
To
Captain Charles Morris, USS BRANDYWINE, 1 Sep 1825:
If, for any reason, your First Lieutenant
cannot take the ship to the Mediterranean from
To
Captain Charles Morris, USS BRANDYWINE, 1 Sep 1825 [2nd ltr of that date]:
You will receive 25 copies of Sheet Anchor for the use of ship's
officers. They may purchase their own
copy with $5 to the Purser.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 2 Sep 1825:
Should
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 5 Sep 1825:
Approves of Rodgers' permission to Chaplain
John McCarty to return home. [Reported
in 26 Jun 1825 letter.]
To
Chaplain John McCarty,
"...your return to...Constitution will
probably become necessary in a very short time."
Circular
letter, 29 Nov 1825:
Announces death of Commodore Thomas
Macdonough on the preceding 10th. Flags ordered to half‑mast and 13
minute guns on day after notice is received.
Officers to wear "crape" on left arms for 30 days.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 22 Dec 1825:
Forwards warrants for Midshipmen C. M.
Armstrong, Henry A. Bell, Edward Boyd, Frederick Chatard, Charles H. Duryee,
John G. Glasson, Guert Gansevoort*, Horatio M. Houston, George M. Hooe, John R.
Goldsborough, Charles G. Hunter, Samuel, E. Munn, William McBlair, James Noble,
Jr., William H. Noland, Cary W. Selden, James Southard, Bushrod W. Turner,
Gabriel G. Williamson, and T. M. Washington.
[*: serving in CONSTITUTION.]
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 28 Dec 1825:
Captain Read is to bring
Circular
letter, 30 Dec 1825:
Outfitting complement for a 44‑gun
frigate is: 1 Captain, 5 Lieutenants, 18
Midshipmen, 1 Surgeon, 2 Surgeon's Mates, 1 Purser, 1 Chaplain, 1 Sailing
Master, 1 Schoolmaster, 1 Captain's Clerk, 1 Boatswain, 1 Gunner, 1 Carpenter,
1 Sailmaker, 3 Boatswain's Mates, 2 Gunner's Mates, 1 Carpenter's Mate, 1
Sailmaker's Mate, 12 Quarter Gunners, 8 Quartermasters, 3 Yeomen, 1 Coxswain, 1
Steward, 1 Cooper, 1 Armorer, 1 Master‑at‑Arms, 2 Ship's Corporals,
1 Cook, 150 Seamen, 170 Ordinary Seamen, 15 Boys; USMC: 2 Lieutenants, 4
Sergeants, 4 Corporals, 1 Drummer, 1 Fifer, 45 Privates.
Circular
letter, 1 April 1826:
Correct the outfitting complement to show
the total is 467 vice 457.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 13 Jul 1826:
Should Lieutenant Ralph Voorhees in
CONSTITUTION ask for relief, a six month leave of absence may be granted if
convenient.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 3 Aug 1826:
I want you to return next spring and resume
presidency of the Board of Naval Commissioners.
At that time, rearrange personnel so that CONSTITUTION,
Circular
to Yard Commandants, 7 Aug 1826:
Congress has directed a survey to determine
where drydocks might be located. Loammi
Baldwin is to do the survey and is to be given every assistance.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 9 Aug 1826:
Henceforth, get as many supplies and funds
as possible from the Naval Agent at
Circular
letter, 10 Aug 1826:
Musicians, as prescribed in the circular of
1 Apr 1826, allotted as follows to a 44‑gun frigate:
1 Bandmaster at $15/mo., 4 Seaman Musicians
at $12/mo., and 3 Ordinary Seaman Musicians at $10/mo.
Further, a Captain's Steward is substituted
for a Coxswain.
Roll 17 (August 21, 1826 ‑ April 14, 1828)
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 22 Dec 1826:
A relief for CONSTITUTION will be sent
before her crew's time runs out.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 7 Feb 1827:
JAVA will be out in early May to relieve
you. CONSTITUTION will remain until
further orders. Captain Patterson may be
left in command until JAVA arrives if you can't wait.
To
Commodore John Rodgers, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 30 Apr 1827:
JAVA is intended to replace
To
Purser John B. Timberlake, USS CONSTELLATION [sic], 16 Oct 1827:
Private John Waters, Jr., USMC, said to be
in CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Daniel Patterson, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Oct 1828:
Refers to return of Midshipman Harwood to
the
To
Commodore William Crane, USS JAVA, 5 Feb 1828:
Order CONSTITUTION home when you deem
proper, but as early as possible. Direct
her to
Roll 18 (April 14, 1828 ‑ May 12, 1830)
To
Captain Daniel T. Patterson, USS CONSTITUTION, 7 Jul 1828:
Money has been sent to the Navy Agent to
pay off the crew per the requisition of Lieutenant [Robert B.]
To
Commodore Charles Morris,
$93,000 being remitted to pay off
CONSTITUTION.
To
Midshipman Thomas Sands,
Report of your return in CONSTITUTION
received. Why back so soon?
To
Captain Daniel T. Patterson, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 Jul 1828:
Are you agreeable to being a
Commissioner? [Yes.]
To
Commodore Charles Morris,
Mention of 33 invalids returned in
CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Daniel T. Patterson,
Report the details of Midshipman Daniel L.
Randolph's misconduct while in CONSTITUTION.
To
Lieutenant Robert B. Randolph, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Aug 1828:
Sell the stores and slops remaining in
CONSTITUTION and forward accounts.
Mentions Ordinary Seaman Joseph Arnet in CONSTITUTION.
To
Lieutenant Robert B. Randolph,
Submit accounts without delay; include
books and papers of the late Purser John B. Timberlake.
To
Lieutenant W. D. Salter,
Master Commandant B. W. Booth was detached
from CONSTITUTION on 30 Sep 1821. The
next day, Lieutenant F. A. Parker was promoted to $50/mo. and 4 rations/day
presumably because he succeeded to Booth's duties. He continued to receive that pay until 31 Jul
1824. This was not standard
practice.
To
Lieutenant Robert B. Randolph,
Regulations preclude my enlisting "the
Greek boy" [George Sirian] on the rolls of Gosport Navy Yard.
Roll 19 (May 14, 1830 ‑ August 5, 1831)
Circular
letter, 12 Jan 1831:
No flag captains are to be appointed by
other than the Secretary.
General
Order, 15 June 1831:
Men not drawing their spirit ration are to
be credited with 6 cents per day.
Roll 20 (August 5, 1831 ‑ February 21,
1832 and December 2, 1833 ‑ May 7, 1834)
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott,
"Yours of the 23rd instant concerning
the proposed 'figure head of the Constitution' ‑ has been received. ‑
"The subject is new to me ‑ but
I am not aware, that any general order should be so construed as to prevent you
in a difficulty with any citizen from making such a statement, printed or
otherwise, as your own judgement may dictate to be propper [sic] and as the
cause of truth and the public interests may appear to require."
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott,
Understands that the Board of Naval
Commissioners has replied to his figurehead correspondence.
To
Captain Charles W. Morgan,
Acknowledges receipt of request for orders
to command CONSTITUTION.
Roll 21 (January 6 ‑ December 10, 1832)
NOTHING
Roll 22 (December 10, 1832 ‑ August 24,
1833)
To
Captain Wolcott Chauncey,
Acknowledges request to command
CONSTITUTION.
To
Lieutenant Thomas W. Wiseman,
Notes that he was transferred from
CONSTITUTION to
To
Purser James H. Terry,
Acknowledge request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott,
Acknowledges report of CONSTITUTION's
drydocking and careful shoring.
General Order, 29 Jul 1833:
Notes the passing of Commodore William
Bainbridge on the 27th and orders usual honors.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott,
"I take pleasure in enclosing the
enclosed copy of a letter from the Honble Roger B. Taney, acknowledging the
receipt of the volume extracted from the Frigate Constitution."
Roll 23 (May 9, 1834 ‑ April 3, 1835)
To
Passed Midshipman Charles Heywood,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Passed Midshipman
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION. [Requested same for BOXER,
25 Jul 1834; BOXER denied, 3 Sep 1834.]
To
Midshipman J. W.
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Carpenter William L. Shuttleworth,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Passed Midshipman Henry Miller,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Passed Midshipman A. L. Case,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott,
"...model of the Frigate
Constitution...received."
To
Purser John N. Hambleton,
Acknowledges request for orders to
To Captain Charles W. Morgan,
Your request to command CONSTITUTION will
be considered.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott,
Notes that Elliott has suggested
CONSTITUTION be substituted for
To
Passed Midshipman Lloyd J. Bryan,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Lieutenant John Colhoun,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Midshipman James A. Doyle, USS ST LOUIS, 4 Aug 1834:
Acknowledges request for orders to
To Lieutenant W. H. Kennon, Richmond, VA, 8 Aug 1834:
"...Constitution
will probably not proceed on a cruise before next spring."
To
Midshipman James McCormick,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Gunner Thomas Ryley,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Passed Midshipman Charles Steedman,
You will be considered for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Carpenter John A. Dickeson,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Purser John N. Hambleton,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Lieutenant A. G. Slaughter,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Passed Midshipman James T. McDonough,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Passed Midshipman Sylvanus Godon,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott,
Have the
To
Assistant Surgeon Thomas A. Parsons,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Passed Assistant Surgeon J. W. Plummer,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Lieutenant Francis B. Ellison,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Passed Midshipman Charles Crillon Barton,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Lieutenant John A. Davis,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Lieutenant William C. Nickerson,
Acknowledges request for orders to CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott,
Acknowledges Elliott's list of officers
desired for CONSTITUTION.
To
Midshipman F. S. Haggerty,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Passed Midshipman Charles Steedman,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION ‑ again.
To
Sailmaker William Bennett,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Midshipman R. Lloyd Tilghman,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott,
Notes receipt of additional list of desired
officers.
To
Passed Midshipman A. A. Holcomb,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Acting Midshipman Charles E. Fleming,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott,
Close the rendezvous.
To
Midshipman William E. Newton,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Gunner Thomas Ryley,
Acknowledges request for orders to CONSTITUTION
‑ again.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott,
I will assign as many of the officers to
CONSTITUTION you desire as can be fairly done.
Expect the ship to go alone to
To
Midshipman James A. Doyler,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Midshipman Allen McLane,
"...it is not certain that the
Constitution will soon proceed to the
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott,
The President wishes CONSTITUTION brought
round to
To
Lieutenant John B. Montgomery,
Has orders to CONSTITUTION.
To
Passed Midshipman Percival Drayton,
All officers have been detailed to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott,
Boatswain Hart's orders to CONSTITUTION
canceled; Boatswain Robert Whitaker ordered from
To
Midshipman A. McLane, 28 Feb 1835:
All officers detailed to CONSTITUTION. "...still uncertain whether she will
proceed to the
To
Passed Midshipman Charles F. M. Spotswood, "Kenhawa Salines," 28 Feb
1835:
All officers detailed to CONSTITUTION.
To
Midshipman A. McLane,
Again told no further officer orders to be
issued.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Mar 1835:
I have sent $1000 to the Navy Agent
To
Passed Midshipman James P. McKinstry,
No further officer orders to be issued for
CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Mar 1835:
Sail to Havre as soon as possible with
dispatches. Provide Minister Livingston
with transport for himself and family to
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Mar 1835:
"I am much mortified to hear that
there may be some delay in completing the Figure head of the Constitution.
"I wished nothing more done than
merely replacing as much of the Head as had been removed which I know can be
done in two or three days, and I wrote on to New York to have Mr. Dodge
employed to make the repair with the least possible delay...
"It is the wish of the President that
not a moment should be lost in the sailing of the Ship..."
Roll 24 (April 4, 1835 ‑ April 21, 1836)
To
Lieutenant G. C. Ashton,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Midshipman Oliver Perry Baldwin,
CONSTITUTION had a full complement of
officers when she sailed.
To
Midshipman Edward C. Anderson,
Report to CONSTITUTION when she returns.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Jun 1835:
You may discharge James Gordon if he
desires it.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Jun 1835 [2nd ltr this date]:
Discharge William Wheeler alias William A.
Meade, a minor.
To
Passed Midshipman John J. Williams,
Do not expect to order any officers to
CONSTITUTION merely as passengers.
To
Midshipman William E. Newton, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Jun 1835:
You may not be detached as you have not
completed your sea service.
To
Midshipman William Ross Postell,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Boatswain Robert Whittaker, USS CONSTITUTION, 6 Jul 1835:
Your claim for pay has been examined.
To
Passed Midshipman Raphael Semmes, Jr.,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Passed Midshipman Charles Heywood,
Sailing Master Ferguson is still in
CONSTITUTION.
To
Midshipman Henry Skipwith,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION; you are on list for SHARK.
To
Passed Midshipman John F. Williams,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Passed Midshipman B. W. Hunter,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Midshipman Charles Fleming,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Jul 1835:
"I have received...a letter from
Purser Etting expressing a desire to be detached from the Frigate Constitution,
and communications from nearly all the Officers of the Ship disclaiming
dissatisfaction with you as their Commander." Etting will be replaced as soon as possible.
To
Lieutenant Levin M. Powell, Chairman of Committee, of Officers of the
Constitution, 10 Jul 1835:
Acknowledges receipt of letter enclosing
"copies of the Preamble and Resolutions adopted by the Officers of the
Frigate Constitution expressive of their views and wishes in relation to a
To
Purser Henry Etting, USS CONSTITUTION, 11 Jul 1835:
Explain your position.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 11 Jul 1835:
Discharge Seaman Thomas Phillips.
To
Purser McKean Buchanan,
Purser John N. Hambleton has been ordered
to CONSTITUTION.
To
Lieutenant John Colhoun,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION; will you accept SHARK?
To
Lieutenant Francis B. Ellison,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Jul 1835:
Discharge minor William D. Oliver.
To
Midshipman R. H. Lowndes,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Passed Midshipman Daniel F. Dulany,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To Purser Henry Etting, USS CONSTITUTION, 15
Jul 1835:
Purser John N. Hambleton has been ordered
as your successor.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Jul 1835:
Discharge Benjamin Acker.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Jul 1835:
Refers to Dr. Brinckerhoff in
CONSTITUTION. Discharge as unfit for
service musician Samuel Wetherby, Seaman John Hudson, Carpenter's Mate John
Jacobs, and Seaman John Vincent.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Jul 1835 [2nd ltr this date]:
Discharge minor S. H. McClean Blood if he
really is one.
To
Passed Midshipman Charles Heywood,
Acknowledges request for orders to CONSTITUTION.
To
Passed Midshipman B. W. Hunter,
Report to CONSTITUTION.
To
Passed Midshipman William T. Muse,
Leave of absence granted by Captain Elliott
extended to 10 August, when you must be in CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Jul 1835:
Be ready to go to
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Jul 1835:
Regarding the charges against deserters
George Adams and James Taylor: no time for court martial; if guilty, punish
them to limit of law and either return them to duty or "dismiss
ignominiously."
To Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION,
29 Jul 1835 [2nd ltr this date]:
Refers to James Dearing and James H.
Darwald.
To
Passed Midshipman Charles Crillon Barton, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 Jul 1835:
Request for detachment from ship denied.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 Jul 1835:
Discharge Henry Shute.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 Jul 1835 [2nd ltr this date]:
Discharge Seaman Charles Williams.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 31 Jul 1835:
Refers to Acting Professor of Mathematics
Dow having made trip to
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 31 Jul 1835 [2nd ltr this date]:
Refers to William Penney.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Aug 1835:
Dispose of deserters Noble, Paterson, and
Johnson as I indicated for Adams and Taylor.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Aug 1835 [2nd ltr this date]:
Discharge William Raymond if warranted.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Aug 1835:
Discharge Jacob Van Abt.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Aug 1835 [2nd ltr this date]:
Discharge Thomas R. Bartoll if actually a
minor.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Aug 1835 [3rd ltr this date]:
Nicodemus Price wants his discharge.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Aug 1835 [4th ltr this date]:
James Gordon wants his discharge.
To
Passed Midshipman Edward C. Anderson, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Aug 1835:
Do you wish to be detached?
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 6 Aug 1835:
I have received detachment requests from
Passed Midshipmen Berrien and Duncan.
Mr. Steele was to take Berrien's place.
Sailing Master Vaughan to replace Mr. Ferguson. Midshipman Sinclair's detachment is revoked
per his request.
To
Master Commandant M. C. Perry,
Supply Captain Elliott with any personnel
he needs.
To
Acting Midshipman John Rutledge,
CONSTITUTION has all her officers.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Aug 1835:
Sail as soon as possible after 16
August. You may fly broad pendant and
relieve Commodore Patterson as squadron commander. You will have a messenger from the State
Department with presents for the Emperor of Morocco as passenger. Deliver him to Tangier.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Aug 1835:
Refers to Seaman Walter Dannie.
To
Commodore Daniel Patterson, USS DELAWARE, 10 Aug 1835:
Master Commandant Silas H. Stringham and
Dr. Robert J. Dodd are passengers in CONSTITUTION, the former to take command
of JOHN ADAMS, the other to succeed Dr. George Terrill in
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Aug 1835:
Discharge Seaman James Thornton.
To
Purser John N. Hambleton, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Aug 1835:
You will receive $10,000 in specie. Pay officers "customary advance."
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Aug 1835:
Discharge Private James Cahill. "Inform Mr. Buchanan."
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Aug 1835 [2nd ltr this date]:
Discharge William McKeever.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Aug 1835 [3rd ltr this date]:
Allow Lieutenant Commandant Ridgeway to
take his Clerk, Joseph Hoban, with him as a passenger.
To
Commodore Charles G.
Discharge Seaman Lowdewyk H. Marnitz from
CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Aug 1835:
Transfer Private Goodall to Marine
Barracks,
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 Aug 1835:
Discharge minor William Cornish.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 Aug 1835 [2nd ltr this date]:
Refers to William Raymond.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Aug 1835:
You may have either Hall or Smith as
Professor of Mathematics.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Aug 1835:
Refers to Acting Midshipmen Hixon and You.
To Midshipman James O'Shannessey,
CONSTITUTION already has sailed.
To
Commodore William M. Crane,
You may punish John Brown (#4), a deserter
from CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Feb 1836:
No action appears necessary in the case of
the duel between Passed Midshipmen Wood and Barton.
To
Commodore Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 11 Apr 1836:
Put Joseph Austin Quimby, a minor in
CONSTITUTION, on board the first public vessel for the
Roll 25 (April 22, 1836 ‑ March 16, 1837)
To
Commodore Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Apr 1836:
Enclosed are warrants for Acting Midshipmen
Wager and Rogers, to be given to them only when you are sure "their 'Character
talents and Qualifications are such as to entitle them...'"
To
Commodore Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Jul 1836:
Transfer Passed Midshipman [C. C.] Barton
to first public vessel returning to US.
To
Assistant Surgeon Victor S. Godon, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Sep 1836:
Your request cannot be granted.
To
Passed Midshipman
Your request cannot be granted.
To
Commodore Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Oct 1836:
The President wants our Minister to France,
Lewis Cass, to visit
To
Purser Henry Etting, 8 Oct 1836:
"In asking to be relieved from duty in
the Constitution I did not consider you in [sic] fault."
Roll 26 (March 16 ‑ December 12, 1837)
To
Commodore Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Mar 1837:
In a
letter of last October, "....you have informed me of your conditional
acceptance of two Swords from his Highness Mehemit Ali the one intended for
yourself and the other for your 1st Lieutenant, with the condition that the
government of your own country should be satisfied with your accepting them.
"The general order of the Department
of the 21st of June 1834 prohibits all officers of the Navy from accepting
under any circumstances, presents of any kind whatever from any King Prince or
foreign State..." Your acceptance
is not sanctioned.
To
Commodore Jesse D. Elliot, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Jun 1837:
Passed Midshipman William T. Muse may be
allowed leave in
To
Commodore Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Aug 1837:
Leave authorization at cruise end for Dr.
George Clymer.
To
Commodore Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Nov 1837:
"If the crew of the Frigate
Constitution have consented to continue in service until the autumn of 1838, as
in your letter of 16th Janry last to the department you expressed your belief
they would do, you may remain in command of the Mediterranean Squadron until
that time. Should they object to re‑enter,
as the term of service of the quarter part of them will expire in January next,
and to avoid the expense of sending those of them to the United States who may
be then entitled to their discharge, I request that you will leave appropriate
instructions with the Senior U. S. Naval Officer in the Mediterranean, and that taking on board such of the men as
may be so entitled to their discharges as also the Invalids and the midshipmen
who may be entitled to examination the ensuing Spring, you will return to the
U. States in the Frigate Constitution and enter the harbour of Norfolk."
Roll 27 (December 12, 1837 ‑ October 3,
1838)
To
Assistant Surgeon D. C. McLeod, USS CONSTITUTION, 4 Aug 1838:
It is not expedient to convene a special
board for your examination.
To
Commodore Lewis Warrington,
On 3 August I ordered that part of
CONSTITUTION's crew with less than 12 months service remaining to be paid off;
now pay off the rest.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Aug 1838:
Does Thomas Payne rate pay as a Gunner's
Yeoman?
To Captain Jesse D. Elliott, Norfolk, VA, 18 Aug 1838:
Forwards
charges made by Lieutenant Charles G. Hunter, dated 30 April 1837, for
explanation.
To
Purser John N. Hambleton,
Refers to Seaman Charles Jones in
CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott,
Forwards letter from "certain
officers" of CONSTITUTION for explanation.
To
Commander William Boerum,
Refers to Thomas Payne and question of
whether or not he was a Gunner's Yeoman.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott,
"Your letter of the 1st inst. in reply
to a call from the Department for information with respect to the disturbance,
if not mutiny, on board the Frigate Constitution while in Hampton Roads, has
been received and it is the opinion of the Department that circumstances, so
materially effecting [sic] the credit and discipline of the service, should
have been communicated as early as
practicable."
To
Captain John Gallagher,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION; unlikely to be required.
To
Passed Midshipman
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
Roll 28 (October 3, 1838 ‑ May 24, 1839)
To
Acting Carpenter Henry P. Leslie,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Lieutenant T. D. Shaw,
Acknowledges request for orders to CONSTITUTION.
To
Passed Midshipman George R. Gray,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Lieutenant Frederick Chatard,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Purser Nathaniel Wilson,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Assistant Surgeon Samuel Jackson,
CONSTITUTION "not yet" in
commission.
To
Lieutenant James H. Rowan,
You are noted for orders to CONSTITUTION,
"soon to be officered for the Mediterranean Station."
To
Lieutenant Henry A. Steele,
In answer to inquiries about the re‑entry
of part of the crew of the JOHN ADAMS for the CONSTITUTION, Lieutenant Ringgold
reports he was ordered to do that with any who chose to volunteer, "with
the privilege of a week on Shore, and a doubloon each." Ringgold said it was his understanding that
they would be discharged when CONSTITUTION ended her cruise.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott,
"I request that you will point out to
the Department the order of Government which directs Commanders of Squadrons or
Ships to import Jack Asses or any other animals."
To
Passed Midshipman Thomas M. Brasher,
A Passed Midshipman "much older"
than you has been selected as Master for CONSTITUTION.
To
Lieutenant Charles G. Hunter,
Acknowledges his request that Commodore
Elliott be brought to trial.
To
Midshipman John S. Maury,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain William C. Bolton,
Your letter recommending Chaplain Stewart
for CONSTITUTION acknowledged. "As
it is probably that the destination will be changed you need not proceed to
join that Ship until further orders."
If changed, will try to keep Stewart with you.
To
Lieutenant Francis B. Ellison,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION; be advised it is uncertain that the ship will return to the
To
Lieutenant William H. Kennon,
You are noted for orders to CONSTITUTION.
To
Assistant Surgeon George Maulsby,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Passed Midshipman Charles C. Barton,
Your letter concerning your difficulty
with Commodore Elliott has been received and filed for consideration.
To
Chaplain Peter G. Clark,
You may be absent from CONSTITUTION for 1
month from this date. [Transferred to
To
Commodore Lewis Warrington,
Did you have a collection of "antiques
and other objects of curiosity procured by Govr Cass in
To
Captain Alexander Claxton,
Since our meeting last Saturday, it has
been decided to order a Captain rather than a Commander to command
CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore Lewis Warrington,
Directives have been sent this day to the
Navy Yards at
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott,
Understanding that you have lost your gold
medal awarded for service in the War of 1812, you may have the Mint strike you
another at your expense. One only is to
be struck and delivered to you.
To
Captain Alexander Claxton,
Sorry, but Lieutenant A. B. Pinkham is
unavailable. Please name 2 or 3 others
who would please you as CONSTITUTION's 1st Lieutenant.
To
Captain Alexander Claxton,
Would Lieutenant John E. Prentiss do as
CONSTITUTION's 1st Lieutenant? Those you
named in your 8 January letter are more junior than is desirable.
To
Commodore Lewis Warrington,
Do you have enough musicians for
CONSTITUTION and MACEDONIAN? MACEDONIAN
has priority.
To
Captain Alexander Claxton,
Lieutenant E. W. Carpender was ordered as
1st Lieutenant of CONSTITUTION on 16 January; Purser McKean Buchanan ordered on
the 18th.
To
Commander E. A. F. Vallette,
Your desire or orders to the flagship of
the Pacific Squadron is acknowledged.
Captain Daniel Turner has been ordered to command CONSTITUTION, the
flagship.
To
Commodore Lewis Warrington,
As you are short of men, give
To
Passed Midshipman Francis S. Haggerty,
You may not remain in
To
Purser James Brooks, USS VANDALIA, 7 February 1839
Sorry, another Purser has been ordered to
replace [Purser Henry] Etting in CONSTITUTION.
To
Purser McKean Buchanan,
You may not have your son in CONSTITUTION
as a 1st Class Boy.
To
Passed Midshipman Francis S. Haggerty,
Your 2nd letter is insubordinate and will
be followed by "serious consequences."
To
Lieutenant R. A. Jones,
You may not be excused from serving in
CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Alexander Claxton,
If Lieutenant Jones can supply a Surgeon's
certificate as to his poor health he will, of course, be excused.
To
Commodore Lewis Warrington,
Transfer all men and officers of
CONSTITUTION from the receiving ship to her.
Hasten her preparation.
To
Captain Alexander Claxton,
Join CONSTITUTION without delay and
expedite her sailing.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott,
"...you are not now on trial..."
To
Captain Daniel Turner,
Report to CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore John Downes,
Send all possible able seamen from the
receiving ship
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott,
The Court of Inquiry you request will be
convened as soon as possible.
To
Captain Alexander Claxton,
With reference to your letter of the 2nd,
Captain Turner has been ordered to join immediately.
To
Lieutenant R. A. Jones,
As your replacement already has reported to
CONSTITUTION, you may not now have such orders.
To
Passed Midshipman Charles C. Barton,
Commodore Elliott will have a Court of
Inquiry. Your paper will be included.
To
Surgeon Thomas J. Boyd,
You will have an opportunity to testify
about Passed Midshipman Barton's charges at Commodore Elliott's Court of
Inquiry.
To
Captain Daniel Turner, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Mar 1839:
I am satisfied with your explanation of the
misunderstanding between you and Commodore Claxton over when you should have
reported.
To
Passed Midshipman Charles C. Barton,
You may not publish anything concerning
Commodore Elliott as a court of inquiry has been ordered.
To
Commodore Lewis Warrington,
Is there anyone there who can testify re:
CONSTITUTION's condition when she returned from the
To
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Mar 1839:
Approves of what he is doing in ship, being
proper "whether peace or war may ensue."
To
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Apr 1839:
Permission granted to cruise "on the
coast" for 8 days, then put in to
To
Midshipman Benjamin B. F. Hunter,
You may delay proceeding to CONSTITUTION
until next Wednesday.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott,
The inquiry will be limited to "your
command of the Mediterranean Squadron and of the Constitution while in Hampton
Roads," nothing else.
To
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 May 1839:
Commodore Ridgeley has been directed to
provide you with 4 seamen and 20 apprentices.
These, with your extra complement of ordinary seamen, will allow you to
sail when such orders are issued.
To
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 4 May 1839:
Refers to Seaman Francis Davidson in
CONSTITUTION.
To
Commander William Boerum,
The Department considers Commodore Elliott
as having been the captain of the Constitution during her late cruise.
To
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 7 May 1839:
Refers to a Maurice O'Neil in CONSTITUTION,
husband of "B. O'Neil."
To
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 May 1839:
How long will it take to complete caulking
CONSTITUTION? Be prepared to receive Mr.
Powhatan Ellis, US Minister to
To
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 May 1839:
You are appointed to relieve Commodore
Henry E. Ballard in command of the Pacific Squadron. As soon as your flagship is ready, proceed to
To
Commodore Lewis Warrington,
Why wasn't CONSTITUTION caulked after she
left drydock? No caulking done
"since...October."
Roll 29 (May 24 ‑ September 30, 1839)
To
Commodore Lewis Warrington,
Midshipman Martin Duralde prevented by
sickness from going in CONSTITUTION. Is
he now fit for duty?
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott,
"The shipping articles containing the
re‑shipment of the crew of the Constitution while under your command in
the
To
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 May 1839:
You may appoint Passed Midshipman Haggerty
to discharge the duties of a Professor of Mathematics, but he may not be paid
as such.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott,
CONSTITUTION's muster rolls, which you
requested, were mislaid or destroyed by the 4th Auditor's Office, considered
useless once all had been paid off. The general
roll of the entire cruise is on file and will be sent to you.
To
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 30 Aug 1839:
Forwards a letter to Lieutenant Kennon
approving his return to the
To
Midshipman William C. B. S. Porter, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Sep 1839:
Encloses a letter from Colonel FitzGerald,
British Consul at Port Mahon, reporting that Porter has yet to make good on a
loan of $120. The Department is
mortified. Your conduct was
dishonorable. If you don't make
restitution promptly "the consequences to you will be very
unpleasant." Commodore Claxton has
been informed.
Roll 30 (October 1, 1839 ‑ April 10, 1840)
To
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Oct 1839:
Your report of 27 August received that the
ship is on the Brazilian coast within 3 days of
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott,
Colonel Carnes has requested a copy of his
midshipman son's letter of resignation written during your command in the
To
Commodore Charles G. Ridgely,
The men sent home from CONSTITUTION [at
To
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Nov 1839:
Your 26 August report of arrival at
To
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 7 Nov 1839:
Your appointment of Passed Midshipman L. C.
Sartori as Acting Professor of Mathematics noted. A Professor will be sent out in the December
Storeship to
To
Professor Joseph T. Huston,
Report to
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott,
As a matter of courtesy, not right, you
will be provided with a copy of the finding of the court of inquiry in your
case, and, in due time, with a copy of the charges and specifications based on
it. Your objections to Judge Advocate
Read are unfounded and rejected.
To
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Mar 1840:
Furnishing
To
Commodore Lewis Warrington,
"The choice of staterooms and sleeping
berths [in a 1st class frigate] shall be in the following order: The four
senior lieutenants, according to their rank, the Master, Purser and Surgeon,
the other Lieutenants to the number allowed the Ship by the regulations
according to their rank, the captain and Lieutenant of Marine [sic] then
Chaplain and Secretaries..."
To
Commodore Jacob Jones,
Appointed president of court martial board
in the case of Commodore Jesse D. Elliott.
Board members: Captains
To
Commodore Jesse D. Elliott,
Forwards charges and specifications, and
provides start date of court martial. He
is to consider himself under open arrest.
Roll 31 (April 11 ‑ October 19, 1840)
General
Order, 29 May 1840:
No corporal punishment to be inflicted
without a signed, written order setting forth offense(s) and specific
punishment. All corporal punishment to
be logged and a quarterly report forwarded to he Secretary. Furthermore, henceforth shipping papers are
to be pre‑printed with the pertinent enlistment law(s) thereon which is
to be read to the enlistee prior to signing the papers.
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott, 6 Jul 1840;
You have been found guilty of charges 1, 3,
5, 6, and 8 [of 13]. You are sentenced
to four years suspension without pay, of which the President has remitted the
first 2 years pay.
Roll
32 (October 19, 1840 ‑ June 23, 1841)
To
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Nov 1840:
To
Commodore Alexander Claxton, USS CONSTITUTION, 20 Jan 1841:
Your letter #34 of 3 Sept received. Happy to learn that small pox is gone in
CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Daniel Turner, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Jun 1841:
Your letter of 13 March announcing the
death and funeral of Commodore Claxton has been received.
To
Commodore John Downes,
Refers to Seaman Moses Barry, invalided
home in whaling barque OCTAVIA (
Roll 33 (June 23, 1841 ‑ January 25, 1842)
To
Captain Daniel Turner, USS CONSTITUTION, 7 Jul 1841:
You may take CONSTITUTION to
To
Commodore William B. Shubrick,
Pay off crew of CONSTITUTION except
invalids requiring hospital treatment.
Furlough the officers. Transfer
the Marine Guard to Marine Barracks,
To
Captain Daniel Turner, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 Nov 1841:
Mentions John R. Pritchard in CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore William B. Shubrick,
Reiterates 4 Nov 1841 letter.
To
Commodore William B. Shubrick,
Give CONSTITUTION's apprentices leave with
orders to report to the nearest receiving ship upon expiration.
Roll 34 (January 26 ‑ July 8, 1842)
To Commodore Charles Stewart,
"It
is desirable in employing a 'Home Squadron,' of which you have been appointed
to the command, tha6 the Government may have at all times a portion of our
Naval force in a state of readiness and discipline to meet any extraordinary
emergency that may arise, and calling for the prompt application of this force,
to protect our rights and commerce, and to enforce the laws in respect to
Piracy of whatever kind it may be. For
these purposes a vigilant supervision and inspection, of the vessels and
commanders, under your orders, will be essential.
"A
rigid enforcement of the laws for the preservation of discipline will be
necessary, as also a wholesome restraint, of the disposition, generally, among
the officers, for a leave of absence, and frequent visiting of the shore, in
order to check any propensity which may appear among them to be out of the
ship, and freed from the proper restrictions which they are subject to by
discipline.
"The
force will also be relied upon for the purpose of supplying any detachment
which may be found requisite an emergency, to relieve a vessel on any other
station, which may require it, when it cannot be done, in sufficient time from
the dock yards.
"It
is expected that the Home Squadron will constitute a recipient and school for
the employment in actual service, of such supernumerary officers, seamen and
apprentices, as may be collected from time to time in the several Receiving
vessels.-- The proper instructions will
be given to the Commandants of the different stations, to hold subject to your
orders, such persons as you may deem proper and convenient to attach to the
vessels under your Command, either to
fill up vacancies, or as supernumeraries, provided that they may not have been
assigned to any other destination.
"You
will give instructions to the Commanders under your orders, to accord aid and
assistance and relief, to any of our own vessels, or those of other nations in
amity with us, which they may meet with, in need of such aid and relief -- and
when t he Squadron is united on a cruise, you will see that this object is
accomplished as far as may be in your power.
"On
all proper occasions you will require the Commanders of the several vessels, to
afford every facility to the young officers, to enable them to acquire a
knowledge of the Coast, and the dangers with which it abounds.-- An
acquaintance with the soundings, the current &c will be essential to them as future navigators.-- A frequent exercise of the arms, the sails,
and in manovering [sic], will be important for the instruction and add
to the expertness of the men.--
Occasional practice of the armament with target firing will contribute
much to schooling the eye of the gunners, and accustom them to the action of
cannon, as it will occur in time of battle.
"The
great desire of he President to see the discipline, harmony, subordination and
efficiency, of this national arm of defence [sic] restored, that the
glory of its former achievements may at no future time be tarnished, induces
him to urge on you, the exercise of all the patriotism and energy, which may be
essential to this important end, and to assure you that there will be no
support withheld by him, or this Department, which may be proper for its
accomplishment.
"Should
violations of the laws, as of the discipline occur in your Squadron, you will
enforce the regulations by bringing to Court Martial as directed by existing
laws and regulations, such offenders, as may be guilty for the purpose of
wholesome example; and all such proceedings and sentences, as you may approve
of, you will cause to be carried into effect subject of course to the approval
of the President, in such cases as require it, under the laws of the service. He expects, notwithstanding, that you will
give to all such proceedings a proper examination, and transmit with them to
this Department, such remarks and observations as may appear to you, the[y]
deserve.
"A
rigid policy and preparation of the comforts of cleanliness, throughout the
ships, will, it is not doubted, receive, through humanity alone, your
particular attention, and draw from you to the department to which the property
belongs, such order and instructions, as will most effectually secure the blessings
of health to those on board.
"As
regards the cruising ground to be assigned to the Home Squadron, it is deemed
proper to limit the range within the latitudes of the Grand Banks of New
Foundland [sic] and that of the 15h north of the Equator, embracing the
longitudes of the Western and Madeira Islands.-- These limits will be sufficient range; as it
is desirable, that occasional returns to the waters of the United States, for
supplies and for communications with the Department may take place.-- Should it be found, hereafter, from practical
experience, necessary to extend these limits, it will be a subject for future
orders.-- For the present, however, any
greater ranges will be confined to temporary detachments for the purpose of
recognizance along the Coast of Africa, which will only be the case under
special orders of the Department.
"After
all the instructions are given for the conduct of the Fleet or Squadron, must
be very general in their terms, and much must be left to the discretion of the
Commander[.] In the exercise of
this discretion, which at all times, constitutes an important portion of his
duty, we have the fullest confidence, that whenever it becomes necessary, your
aim and intention will be laudable.--
Where this is invariably the case, even errors of judgment may be
excused.
"You
will cause the regular quarterly returns of muster rolls of such vessels to be
made to the department [sic] by the different Pursers, approved by their
Commanders.
"The
Board of Navy Commissioners will notify you of the various depots of provisions
and coal, where you can resort to, for the purpose of replenishing any
essential supplies.
"You
will advise the Department, whenever good opportunity offers, of the condition
of the Squadron, and your general proceedings; and communicate any information
you may acquire and deem essential for the Government to possess.
"During
your service in the Home Squadron, many imperfections will undoubtedly be
exhibited in the ease of signals, now in use; or perhaps an entire new system
of signals may suggest itself, embracing more simplicity, greater facility, to
their display, and less liability to their misconstruction-- In either case, the Navy will receive with
satisfaction any improvements, therein calculated, for its benefit.
"Accompanying
this you will find for your information, copies of all the laws, rules and
regulations, and circulars which have been transmitted from the Department to
the Commanders of the several vessels in
your Squadron, which are deemed important for them to carry into effect,
and to which you will add such others conforming to the usage and practice of
the sea service as you shall think necessary.
"I
also forward to you the acts of Congress in relation to piracy and the slave
trade, and also special instructions relating thereto.
"In
case of Court Martial, persons officiating as Judge Advocates, are entitled to
receive ten dollars per diem, and ten dollars for every fifteen pages of the
record of the proceedings, allowing one hundred and eighty words to the page,
provided they do not belong to the Navy.--
officers [sic] of the Marine Corps attached to vessels as sea
service and acting as Judge Advocates are entitled to one half of the above
allowances.
"Before
proceeding to sea, you will cause complete muster rolls of all the vessels
attached to your Squadron, to be transmitted to the Department.
"With
best wishes for a successful cruise and a happy return to your friends…"
To Commodore Charles Stewart,
"The
objects for which the operations of the squadron under you command have been extended to the Coast
of Africa are the protection of the lawful commerce of the United States from
interception in that quarter, and the suppression of the Slave Trade now
carried on on that Coast to a great extent under the American Flag, although it
is believed, not by American citizens, on ships the property of Americans.
"You
will use every precaution in approaching the
"Vessels
employed in the Slave Trade generally enter some one of the rivers as harbors
on the Coast where they have reason to believe slaves may be purchased, deposit
at the Factory all those articles which would serve to detect the nature of
their enterprise, such as Hand Cuffs, water casks, slave deck &c -- after
which they proceed to sea, as to some other port, until the requisite number of
Slaves can be collected by the Factors or Slave merchants -- When these are ready, a favorable opportunity
is iseized to take them on board at once, and proceed to sea without delay.
"The
utmost vigilance is required to detect
them with slaves on board, but you are not to consider yourself as restricted
from seizing any vessel under American Colors on strong grounds of suspicion
alone. If she is fund with an
unnecessary number of water casks, with manacles on board obviously morethan is
required or used in ordinary merchantmen, or prepared in such a manner as would
answer no other purpose than to carry slaves, you will be justified in seizing
and sending her home for adjudication, although she may not have a single slave
on board.
"The
Department is apprised that many vessels employed in this traffic, equally in
violation of the law of their Country and the obligations of humanity, are
built in the
"In
the performance of these duties great care must be taken to avoid molesting or
interfering with the lawful commerce of citizens of theUnited States, or
subjects of any other power. While you
employ the utmost vigilance and watchful care to intercept all vessels under
the American Flag, engaged in, or fitting for engaging in the traffic for
slaves, you will studiously abstain from interfering with those to whom no
reasonable suspicion attaches; strictly governing yourself by the laws for the
suppression of the trade, which you will find in the collection herewith
transmitted, and by the Treaties existing between the United States, Great
Britain, Spain, and Portugal.
"The
nature of the service will require great discretion in subserving the interests
of humanity and executing the laws of your Country, without at the same time
giving just causes of complaint to your own fellow citizens, as to the subjects
of other nations engaged in commerce, neither in violation of their ownlaws,
nor of the rights of the nations of Africa."
To
Captain Edward R. Shubrick,
Acknowledges request for orders to command
CONSTITUTION.
To
Purser John N. Hambleton, St. Michaels, MD, 7 Apr 1842:
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Acting Midshipman Nathaniel T. West, USS GRAMPUS, 15 Apr 1842:
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION. Denied.
To
Captain Foxall A. Parker, Sr., USS COLUMBIA, 27 Apr 1842:
As
To
Captain Edward R. Shubrick,
As
To
Lieutenant Hunter Davidson,
You may delay reporting to CONSTITUTION
until 7 May.
To
Captain Foxall A. Parker, Sr., USS COLUMBIA, 9 May 1842:
CONSTITUTION is to replace
To
Captain Foxall A. Parker, Sr., USS COLUMBIA, 19 May 1842:
I can transfer Purser Thornton to
CONSTITUTION only if Purser [John A.] Bates is willing to leave
CONSTITUTION. [Bates did by 1 June.]
To
Lieutenant Charles Thomas, USS COLUMBIA, 24 May 1842:
CONSTITUTION already has all her
lieutenants, but you may try for an exchange with one of them.
To
Captain Foxall A. Parker, Sr., USS COLUMBIA, 25 May 1842:
You may remain in
To
Captain Foxall A. Parker, Sr.,
CONSTITUTION has her complement of
midshipmen. No more will be transferred.
To
Commodore Charles Stewart, Home Squadron, 6 Jun 1842:
CONSTITUTION has been attached to your
command in place of
To
Passed Midshipman John S. Neville,
Your request for transfer from CONSTITUTION
is denied.
To
Acting Midshipman Wingate Pillsbury, USS COLUMBIA, 10 Jun 1842:
You and Midshipman Hare of CONSTITUTION may
not exchange.
To
Captain Edward R. Shubrick, USS COLUMBIA, 11 Jun 1842:
Midshipman Hare of CONSTITUTION will be
allowed to exchange with your young gentleman.
To
Captain Edward R. Shubrick, USS COLUMBIA, 15 Jun 1842:
Lieutenants Thomas and Cutting may exchange
their places between
To
Commodore William B. Shubrick,
When apprentices are selected for
CONSTITUTION, include John V. Davis, E. J. A. Bausch, John J. Lott, two named
Craven, and one named McCready.
To
Acting Midshipman Edward C. Genet, USS WARREN, 18 Jun 1842:
The complement of CONSTITUTION has been completed.
To
Midshipman W. T. Burwell, USS PENNSYLVANIA, 22 Jun 1842:
Your orders to CONSTITUTION will not be
changed.
To
Commodore William B. Shubrick,
"When you make up the crew of the
Constitution," include apprentices James H. Caldwell, John W. Caldwell,
and William W. Heper, all now in
To
Commodore William B. Shubrick,
Include Apprentice Charles F. Ballew, in
To
Commodore William B. Shubrick,
You will regard the men lately transferred
from
To
Commodore William B. Shubrick,
The Marine Guard of LEVANT, now in
CONSTITUTION, has, except for the Drummer and Fifer, insufficient time
left. Transfer them to the Marine
Barracks,
To
Midshipman John Stuart,
You may delay reporting to CONSTITUTION
until one week from today.
To
Midshipman J. H. Madison,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION. Denied.
To
Midshipman Edward Barrett, Naval Hospital,
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION. Denied.
To
Commodore William B. Shubrick,
If you can do so discreetly, transfer
Apprentice C. T. Bullen [C. F. Ballew?] to CONSTITUTION.
Roll 35 (July 8 ‑ December 8, 1842)
To
Midshipman D. C. Hugemin, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Jul 1842:
Your request for orders to
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Discharge Henry B. Foote now in
CONSTITUTION.
Circular
letter, 13 August 1842:
One boy is to be assigned for each 2 guns,
and 18 apprentices assigned to each frigate.
If short of boys, additional apprentices may be substituted.
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Discharge David Patton now in CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Transfer Apprentice Alexander Thompson from
To
Commodore Edward B. Shubrick,
Deliver this set of the Army and Navy Chronicle to CONSTITUTION.
To
Lieutenant George Mason Hooe,
Explain why you failed to report to
CONSTITUTION per your 19 May orders.
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
You may authorize Professor Joseph T.
Huston of CONSTITUTION a month's leave.
To
Captain Foxall A. Parker, Sr., USS CONSTITUTION, 6 Sep 1842:
Mentions Seaman Thomas Farmer in
CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Complete CONSTITUTION's crew as soon as
possible.
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Discharge Apprentice George McCafferty now
in CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Transfer Apprentice John F. Johnston to
CONSTITUTION if there is room for him.
To
Captain Foxall A. Parker, Sr., USS CONSTITUTION, 7 Sep 1842:
You may give 2/c Boy John Lanagan a month's
leave if you think it proper.
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Use as many of MACEDONIAN's crew as
necessary to man CONSTITUTION.
To
Carpenter J. A. Dickason,
There is already a Carpenter in
CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Mention "lad" Charles Parker in
CONSTITUTION.
To
Lieutenant George M. Hooe, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Sep 1842:
Your explanation is satisfactory.
To
Purser
The 4th Auditor reports adjusting your
books from CONSTITUTION and SHARK. You
owe the US $18,522.68.
To
Passed Midshipman James W. Ripley, USS OHIO, 16 Sep 1842:
Acknowledges request for orders to
CONSTITUTION. Denied.
To
Commodore William B. Shubrick,
Discharge Landsman Thomas Farmer now in
CONSTITUTION.
To
Acting Midshipman James A. Somerville, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Sep 1842:
Your leave extension is approved.
To Commodore Charles Stewart, Home Squadron,
21 Sep 1842:
CONSTITUTION will be ready for sea "in
a few days."
To
Lieutenant George M. Hooe,
Your leave extension is approved. [Serious illness in family.]
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Mentions William Reynolds in CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Discharge "lad" Samuel Rogers now
in CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Discharge Apprentice Abraham Rosenthall now
in CONSTITUTION.
To
Lieutenant Charles Thomas, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Sep 1842:
CONSTITUTION is expected to go to sea in
less than a month.
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Discharge Landsman William Reynolds now in
CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Foxall A. Parker, Sr., USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Oct 1842:
Acting Boatswain Colson mentioned in
CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Mentions Seaman James Cary now in
CONSTITUTION.
To
Lieutenant William T. Muse, USS CONSTITUTION, 6 Oct 1842:
Mentions present duty in CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Foxall A. Parker, Sr., USS CONSTITUTION, 6 Oct 1842:
Notifies him that Lieutenant Muse's leave
has been extended to 20 October.
To
Captain Foxall A. Parker, Sr., USS CONSTITUTION, 6 Oct 1842 [2nd ltr of this
date]:
No advances of pay allowed to your
officers.
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Discharge Landsman William Ford now in
CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore Charles Stewart, Home Squadron, 11 Oct 1842:
Assistant Surgeon Conway was ordered to
CONSTITUTION on the 30th.
To
Commodore Charles Stewart, Home Squadron, 11 Oct 1842 [2nd ltr of
this date]
"It may be necessary for your
guidance, in assigning duties to the Several ships of the Home Squadron, to
apprise you of the following arrangement.
"The cruising ground of the
Squadron will extend to the river Amazon, which is the northern limit of the
cruising ground of the Brazil Squadron.
It will also embrace the
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Transfer to CONSTITUTION Drummer James
Metcalf.
To
Captain Foxall A. Parker, Sr., USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Oct 1842:
"Lad" George A. Hoyle mentioned
now in CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Discharge Ordinary Seaman William Miller #1
and Apprentice Henry Neale, both now in CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Discharge Landsman George W. Henderson now
in CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Foxall A. Parker, Sr. USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Oct 1842:
You may select your own Clerk, and it may
be your son.
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Repeats the
To
Lieutenant Louis Sartori, USS NORTH CAROLINA, 20 Oct 1842:
An officer may receive the pay of a
superior grade if he is performing its duties.
Professor of mathematics is inferior to Passed Midshipman, which you
were when doing so in CONSTITUTION [1839‑41].
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Discharge Charles McCauley, Landsman, and
Thomas Horn, both now in CONSTITUTION and unfit for duty.
To
Lieutenant George M. Hooe, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Oct 1842:
Your application for command of a small
vessel is declined.
To
Captain Foxall A. Parker, Sr., USS CONSTITUTION, 26 Oct 1842:
If you don't get new orders before
CONSTITUTION is ready for sea, execute the old ones.
To
Captain Foxall A. Parker, Sr., USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Oct 1842:
Mentions Ordinary Seaman George Davis now
in CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Mentions Henry E. Neil now in CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Discharge Charles Lindz now in
CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Discharge William Henry Fowler now in
CONSTITUTION.
To
Lieutenant George M. Hooe, USS CONSTITUTION, 4 Nov 1842:
Your claim for duty pay beginning the day
you left
To
Lieutenant William T. Muse,
You many remain with your family until
CONSTITUTION returned to port.
To
Commodore William B. Shubrick,
Notes that Midshipman Gansevoort, recently
discharged from the hospital and assigned to the Ordinary, continues to be
attached to CONSTITUTION and is to return thence when the ship returns to port.
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
"The Department has been informed of
the return of the US Ship Constitution, in consequence of the discovery of
Several leaks which increased So much as to drive the Wardroom officers from
their rooms & wet all the men's clothes in their bags." Explain why you allowed the ship to go to sea
in that condition.
Roll 36 (December 9, 1842 ‑ May 16, 1843)
To
Commodore Charles Stewart, Home Squadron, 13 Dec 1842:
"It is highly probable that the U S
Ship Constitution will be Shortly needed for Special Service. I request, therefore, that She be not ordered
to Sea until further directed by the Department. I also request you to forward to the
Department the orders which you design for her, So that I may forward them in
case She Should not be required for other Service."
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Your letter of the 8th explaining why
CONSTITUTION went to sea in a leaky condition has been received.
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Discharge William Morcheau, Seth Daniels,
and Miles M. Abbett [sic], now in CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Foxall A. Parker, Sr., USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Dec 1842:
Advise me on James H. Marshall's application
for discharge.
To
Midshipman Allan McLane, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Dec 1842:
Two weeks leave granted starting 2 days
hence. [Later extended to 15 Jan and
then 1 Feb.]
To
Acting Midshipman William F. Burwell, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Dec 1842:
Transfer denied; 2 weeks leave granted.
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
One month leave granted to "lads"
John and Thomas Craven to visit their father in
To
Lieutenants R. W. Hunter and Charles Thomas, and Chaplain George Jones, USS
CONSTITUTION, 20 Dec 1842:
Refers to Purser
To
Assistant Surgeon Marius Duvall, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Dec 1842:
Leave denied.
To
Captain Foxall A. Parker, Sr., USS CONSTITUTION, 24 Dec 1842:
CONSTITUTION will be transferred to the
Navy Yard; to be replaced in Home Squadron by
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Transfer CONSTITUTION to the Navy Yard and
transfer her crew to
To
Commodore William B. Shubrick,
CONSTITUTION to be transferred to you. Prepare
To
Commodore Charles Stewart, Home Squadron, 24 Dec 1842:
"...The Survey on [CONSTITUTION] Shows
the necessity for repairs, and therefore She will be substituted by the
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Mentions Apprentice Benjamin Boyle in
CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Discharge George Meister, John T. Howard,
and John H. Marshall, now in CONSTITUTION.
To
Midshipman William L. Powell, USS CONSTITUTION, 28 Dec 1842:
Leave extended to 8 Jan.
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Lieutenant Hooe's [of CONSTITUTION] leave
extended until
To
Commodore William B. Shubrick,
Discharge William Schaper, now in
CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Discharge Isaac L. Hiles, now in
CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore William P. Shubrick,
Discharge Samuel B. Ketcham, now in
CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore William B. Shubrick, 19 Jan 1843:
You may grant leave to Apprentice Edward
Brady, now in CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore William B. Shubrick,
Discharge James Colson, said to be a
Frenchman, now in CONSTITUTION.
To
Purser D. McF.
Re: tobacco purchase.
To
Commodore William B. Shubrick,
Discharge William Souter, now in
CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore William B. Shubrick,
Grant
leave to Apprentice George A. Hoyle, now in CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore William B. Shubrick,
You may grant leave to Apprentice Henry
Grady, now in CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore William B. Shubrick,
Discharge James Colson and Joseph Fuller,
now in CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore William B. Shubrick, Norfolk Navy Yard, 14 Feb 1843 [2nd ltr of this
date]:
Grant leave to Henry Adams and Thomas
Baxley, both now in CONSTITUTION.
To Commodore William B. Shubrick,
Discharge Charles Post, now in
CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain Foxall A. Parker, Sr., 24 Feb 1843:
You are to command
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Discharge William Henry Parker, now in
CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Discharge John Seiger and James M.
Callaghan, both now in CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore Edmund P. Kennedy,
Discharge William R. Holan, now in
CONSTITUTION.
Roll 37 (May 17 ‑ October 31, 1843)
To
Captain John Percival,
In response to your letter of the 5th,
expect to order you to a frigate "in a short time."
To
Passed Midshipman Archibald MacRae,
Your request for orders to CONSTITUTION as
Master acknowledged. No plans to order a
master to the ship "at present."
Roll 38 (November 1, 1843 ‑ June 15, 1844)
To
Captain Jesse D. Elliott,
Acknowledges offer of a sarcophagus
for the interment of Commodore Porter; refers it to the widow.
To
Captain John Percival,
Ordered to superintend repairs to
CONSTITUTION, "to the command of which you were lately assigned."
To
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 Nov 1843:
Authorized to rate a carpenter
"as soon as the services of one shall be required."
To Captain E. P. Kennedy, Port Captain,
Detail 60 crew and recruits from
To
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Nov 1843:
Rate Archibald Campbell Goodwin as
Master's Mate to perform the duties of a midshipman in CONSTITUTION.
To
Purser Thomas Marston Taylor,
You may remain in
To
Passed Midshipman G. W. Grant,
May remain on leave until required by
Captain Percival.
To
Gunner George Sirian,
Your request to have your date of rank
conform to that of your acting appointment, 20 Apr 1837, cannot be complied with.
To
Lieutenant Amasa Paine, USS CONSTITUTION, 31 Jan 1844:
Excused from duty on court martial
board due to convene on 5 Feb.
To
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 Feb 1844:
Department approves of his preparation
of canvas work clothes for men assigned particularly dirty tasks.
To
Captain E. P. Kennedy, Port Captain,
Authority granted to discharge
Hezekiah M. Jefferson, reportedly in CONSTITUTION.
To
Passed Midshipman R. A. Knapp,
May delay reporting to CONSTITTUTION
for 3 weeks.
To
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Feb 1844:
"You will proceed to Boston, and
there make enquiries among the merchants and captains of merchant vessels,
relative to the commerce, products, wants, and Situation of those countries
which you are about to visit in the frigate Constitution.
"You will inform yourself as
minutely as possible of all that may be useful to you and advantageous to the
country during the contemplated cruize [sic].
"When you shall have accomplished
this object, you will return to
To
Lieutenant James Alden, Navy Yard,
May delay reporting to CONSTITUTION
until 10 Mar.
To
Passed Midshipman Henry A. Wise,
May delay reporting to CONSTITUTION
until 17 Mar.
To
Midshipman Lewis Beard,
Request for detachment from
CONSTITUTION denied.
To
Lieutenant Amasa Paine, USS CONSTITUTION, 26 Feb 1844:
Request for command of store brig
PIONEER will be considered should her present captain be detached.
To
Captain E. P. Kennedy, Port Captain,
When it arrives, transfer the recruits
on board the steamer COLONEL HARNEY to CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain E. P. Kennedy, Port Captain,
Detach all available recruits to work
on board CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Mar 1844:
Show the enclosed letter to Passed
Midshipman Knapp and require him to make provision for payment [of a debt in
Port Mahon].
To
Captain E. P. Kennedy, Port Captain,
"You will direct that Such of the
late crew of the
To
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Mar 1844:
Mr. Henry Morehead of
To
Assistant Surgeon Marius Duvall,
Your services are required in
CONSTITUTION; no leave extension.
To
Midshipman Lewis Beard, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Mar 1844:
Report why you failed to report to
CONSTITUTION until 13 Mar, "or abide the consequences."
To
Captain E. P. Kennedy, Port Captain,
CONSTITUTION reported being ready for
her crew, transfer all available hands from the receiving ship and report what
shortfalls exist.
To
Passed Midshipman R. A. Knapp, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Mar 1844:
Your letter might indicate an
intention heretofore to avoid payment.
Your are advised such conduct will not be tolerated.
To
Midshipman Lewis Beard, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Mar 1844:
Explain why you proceeded to
To
Captain E. P. Kennedy, Port Captain,
Re: late crew of
To
Midshipman Lewis Beard,
Your explanation has been received;
your course of action is disapproved and it is hoped will not be repeated.
To
Lieutenant William C. Chaplin,
You may be absent from CONSTITUTION as
long as Captain Percival will allow.
To
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Apr 1844:
Permission granted to proceed to
To
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Apr 1844:
Acknowledges receipt of report of
intemperance of Midshipman Lewis Beard and "other misconduct."
To Lieutenant Amasa Paine, Norfolk, VA, 13 Apr 1844:
Request
for orders to command CONSORT denied.
To
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Apr 1844:
Report of arrival at
To
Captain Jacob Jones, Port Captain,
Complete the crew of CONSTITUTION as
soon as possible.
To
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 May 1844:
Permission granted to draw on Baring
Brothers of London during the course of the cruise.
To
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 May 1844 [2nd ltr]:
Ministers aboard as passengers are
expected to pay for their own subsistence and that of their retinue.
To
Lieutenant William C. Chaplin, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 May 1844:
Permission granted to leave an
allotment of $70/mo. for his family.
To
Commodore Jacob Jones, Port Captain,
Permission granted to discharge
Patrick Fedal of CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore Jacob Jones, Port Captain,
Refers to a Seaman John Nelson in
CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 May 1844:
Permission granted to leave an
allotment of 3/5 of his pay for his family.
To
Lieutenant Amasa Paine, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 May 1844:
Permission granted to leave an
allotment of $75/mo. for his family.
To
Lieutenant Alexander Gibson, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 May 1844:
Permission granted to leave an
allotment of $80/mo. for his family.
To
Lieutenant James Alden,
Your request for detachment from
CONSTITUTION is denied.
To
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 May 1844:
The accounts of Thomas Smith have been
transferred to CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 22 May 1844:
His suggestion of having a small
schooner go with CONSTITUTION is declined.
To
Commodore Jacob Jones, Port Captain,
John Reed may be shipped as an
apprentice and transferred to CONSTITUTION.
Roll 39 (June 17, 1844 ‑ March 10, 1845)
To
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 4 Oct 1844:
A successor to the deceased Commodore
A. J. Dallas of the Pacific Squadron already has been ordered.
To
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 29 Oct 1844:
Your acting appointments of G. W.
Grant as Acting Lieutenant and Isaac Strain as Acting Master are approved. Be aware, however, that such officers no
longer are to be paid for the higher grade.
Roll
40 (March 11 ‑ December 6, 1845)
To
Captain John Percival, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Nov 1845:
"In the judgment of this
Department it is expedient that your cruise in the 'Constitution' should now
terminate.
"So soon as you receive this
letter, therefore, you will make the best of your way to the
Roll 41 (December 8, 1845 ‑ September 30,
1846)
To
Commodore John D. Sloat, Pacific Squadron, 23 Feb 1846:
Detention of CONSTITUTION approved.
To
Commodore John D. Sloat, Pacific Squadron, 7 May 1846:
CONSTITUTION may be sent home, to
return to
Roll 42 (October 1, 1846 ‑ July 28, 1847)
To
Commodore Foxhall A. Parker,
Forwards detachment orders for
CONSTITUTION's officers.
To
Commodore Foxhall A. Parker, Boston Navy Yard, 1 Oct 1846 [2nd ltr]:
Transfer Seaman David Richards from
CONSTITUTION to
To
Purser T. M. Taylor,
James Heron may be made at the rate of
$24/mo. for the time he served as Purser's Clerk & Purser's Steward in
CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore Foxhall A. Parker, Boston Navy Yard, 8 Oct 1846:
Forwards convening authority for the
court martial of Seaman David Richards, to be held in FRANKLIN.
To
Captain John Percival, Boston, MA, 17 Oct 1846:
Approves of Percival's "return
cruise" and especially the salvage of the survey brig WASHINGTON. Also is pleased by the naturalist's report,
which is being forwarded to the National Institution for the Promotion of
Science. The Navy Agent Boston has been
directed to ship by water the cases of specimens collected by Dr. Reinhardt.
To
Commodore Foxhall A. Parker, Boston Navy Yard, 30 Oct 1846:
The sentence of the court martial in
the case of David Richards is approved, "but as lashes have ceased to be a
punishment to Richards," that part is remitted. Discharge him, never to be allowed to serve
again.
To
Purser T. M. Taylor, Boston, MA, 2 Nov 1846:
Was a William Johnston among the
CONSTITUTION's crew? Was he paid off and
discharged?
To
Captain John Percival, Boston, MA, 7 Nov 1846:
Your explanation of Surgeon McLeod's
complaint is satisfactory.
Roll 43 (July 28, 1847 ‑ June 10, 1848)
NOTHING
Roll 44 (June 12, 1848 ‑ April 16, 1849)
To
Commodore Foxhall A. Parker, Boston Navy Yard, 4 Sep 1848:
The officers of CONSTITUTION to report
to you on 15 Sep.
To
Captain John Gwinn, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Sep 1848:
Lieutenant James H. Rowan has been
ordered to the ship in place of Lieutenant Lardner, relieved.
To
Lieutenant A. F. V. Gray, New York, NY, 18 Sep 1848:
CONSTITUTION has her full complement
of officers, but, if you wish, you can be attached for transport to the
Mediterranean, there to be assigned to another ship in the squadron.
To
Assistant Surgeon Alexander J. Rice, Portsmouth, NH, 18 Sep 1848:
CONSTITUTION has her full complement
of officers.
Passed
Midshipman P. G. Watmough, Philadelphia, PA, 19 Sep 1848:
There is no thought of ordering you to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Passed Midshipman John H. Russell, Rockville, MD, 19 Sep 1848:
CONSTITUTION has her full complement
of officers.
To
Captain John Gwinn, Philadelphia, PA, 29 Sep 1848:
No Master's Mates are contemplated for
CONSTITUTION. Furthermore, none can be
appointed who are not qualified seamen.
To
Surgeon Charles F. Guillou, Philadelphia, PA, 2 Oct 1848:
You may delay reporting to
CONSTITUTION until 15 Oct.
To
Midshipman Jared P. K. Mygatt, USS CUMBERLAND, 4 Oct 1848:
CONSTITUTION already has an excess of
midshipmen.
To
Passed Midshipman James H. Rochelle, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 Oct 1848:
Your letter received.
To
Midshipman D. L. Braine, USS MICHIGAN, 25 Oct 1848:
CONSTITUTION already has her
complement of midshipmen.
To
Sailmaker George D. Blackford, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Oct 1848:
Permission granted for a $40/mo.
allotment.
To
Gunner John C. Ritter, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Oct 1848:
Permission granted for a $40/mo.
allotment.
To
Captain John Gwinn, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Nov 1848:
Mr. Henry B. Humphrey may be given
passage to Gibraltar if you have room.
To
Lieutenant James H. Rowan, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Nov 1848:
Permission granted for an $80/mo.
allotment.
To
Captain John Gwinn, USS CONSTITUTION, 6 Nov 1848:
Permission
granted for a $166/mo. allotment.
To
Surgeon C. F. B. Guillou, USS CONSTITUTION, 8 Nov 1848:
Forwards his claim for pay during
suspension to the Attorney General for an opinion.
To
Acting Midshipman J. P. K. Mygatt, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Nov 1848:
An endorsing letter to permit issuance
of your warrant has not yet been received from your commanding officer.
To
Passed Midshipman E. Y. McCauley, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Nov 1848:
Your leave is up to your captain.
To
Captain John Gwinn, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Nov 1848:
Passed Midshipman McCauley wishes
leave to be with his family when the ship reaches Alexandria, Egypt. It's up to you.
To
Passed Midshipman N. T. West, USS CONSTITUTION, 21 Nov 1848:
Permission granted for a $30/mo.
allotment.
To
Carpenter Luther Manson, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 Nov 1848:
The Department expects you to make an
allotment for your wife and children before sailing.
Roll 45 (April 16, 1849 ‑ March 8, 1850)
To
Captain John Gwinn, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 May 1849:
Commodore C. W. Morgan has been
ordered out in MISSISSIPPI to replace Commodore Bolton.
To
Captain John Gwinn, USS CONSTITUTION, 24 Sep 1849:
Inform Gunner's Mate John Lowery,
Boatswain's Mate John S. Chase, and other seamen of CONSTITUTION who inquired
about prize money their letter will receive "due attention."
Roll 46 (March 9 ‑ December 31, 1850)
To
Commodore Charles W. Morgan, Mediterranean Squadron, 26 Sep 1850:
Surgeon Guillou of CONSTITUTION has
requested 3 months leave to visit Paris during the winter. He may if he can be spared.
Roll 47 (December 12, 1850 ‑ August 5,
1851)
To
Commodore John Downes, Boston Navy Yard, 3 Jan 1851:
Commodore Morgan advises he has
transferred the men listed below to CONSTITUTION for return to the US. All have been tried and sentenced by courts‑martial,
and you will discharge them: Seamen John Livingston, Wm Barnett, and Peter
McLane, Ordinary Seaman George Williamson, and Landsman Joseph Bryson (to be
discharged); Seamen John Williams #1 and Wm Furlong, Ordinary Seamen George
Mott and John Whigan, and Landsman James H. Merry (to be dishonorably
discharged).
To
Captain Thomas A. Conover, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Jan 1851:
Your action in arriving at New York
instead of Boston is approved. The
necessary orders have been issued to pay off and discharge your crew.
To
Commodore William D. Salter, New York Navy Yard, 14 Jan 1851:
Forwards leaves of absence for
CONSTITUTION's officers.
To
Captain Thomas A. Conover, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 [sic] Jan 1851:
"The Department much regrets the
collision with your Ship, and consequent loss of the British Brigantine
'Confidence,' but is happy to learn that it did not occur from any want of
vigilance on board the Constitution.
"The conduct displayed on that
occasion, by Lieut. Crossan merits & receives the approbation of the
Department."
To
Captain Thomas A. Conover, USS CONSTITUTION, 16 Jan 1851:
The Acting appointment of Ferdinand
Silbersdorff not having been confirmed, discharge him with the rest of the
crew.
To
Passed Midshipman W. P. Buckner, Annapolis, MD, 29 Jan 1851:
Requests certified copy of the Act by
the legislature of Arkansas changing his name.
To Captain Thomas A. Conover, Princeton, NJ, 1
Feb 1851:
The father of Midshipman J. E. Maxwell
wants to know why you transferred him to INDEPENDENCE.
Roll 48 (August 6, 1851 ‑ April 19, 1852)
NOTHING
Roll 49 (April 20 ‑ October 27, 1852)
To
Captain Isaac Mayo, Rhode River, MD, 15 Sep 1852:
Proceed to New York and determine the
state of forwardness of MACEDONIAN and MARION, units of the squadron to be
commanded by you. Can the crews be
recruited there in a timely fashion?
Come to Washington with your findings.
Roll 50 (October 27, 1852 ‑ May 30, 1853)
To
Captain Charles Boarman, New York Navy Yard, 27 Oct 1852:
Is there a crew for CONSTITUTION at
New York?
To
Purser Thomas B. Nalle, Washington, DC, 3 Nov 1852:
Per your request, you may delay
reporting to CONSTITUTION until 20 Nov.
To
Purser J. C. Eldredge, New York, NY, 3 Nov 1852:
Another Purser already has been
ordered to CONSTITUTION.
To
Carpenter Lewis Holmes, New York, NY, 11 Nov 1852:
An 8‑day leave of absence from
CONSTITUTION is granted.
To
Lieutenant S. F. Hazard, USS CONSTITUTION, 11 Nov 1852:
You may allot $90 a month of your pay.
To
Commander John Rudd, USS CONSTITUTION, 12 Nov 1852:
You may ship men for CONSTITUTION,
subject to transfer to another ship if necessary.
To
Commodore Isaac Mayo, New York, NY, 20 Nov 1852:
May send an officer to Baltimore to
recruit for CONSTITUTION.
To
Purser Thomas B. Nalle, New York, NY, 1 Dec 1852:
A 10‑day leave of absence from
CONSTITUTION is granted.
To
Midshipman Thomas P. Pelot, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Dec 1852:
Your request for transfer to
MACEDONIAN is denied.
To
Captain Charles Boarman, New York Navy Yard, 8 Dec 1852:
As soon as there are sufficient
officers reported and men recruited for CONSTITUTION, place her in commission.
To
Lieutenant Albert P. Clary, USS CONSTITUTION, 9 Dec 1852:
Forwards a letter for explanation.
To
Lieutenant Albert P. Clary, USS CONSTITUTION, 13 Dec 1852:
Granted 7 days leave of absence.
To
Purser Thomas B. Nalle, Washington, DC, 13 Dec 1852:
Your leave of absence is extended
until you are notified by the Commandant of the New York Navy Yard that your
services are required in CONSTITUTION.
To
Lieutenant S. F. Hazard, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Dec 1852:
The error in your sea service record
has been corrected.
To
Gunner Archibald S. Lewis, USS CONSTITUTION, 17 Dec 1852:
Explain the enclosed reports received
about you from the Commandant of the New York Navy Yard.
To
Captain Charles Boarman, New York Navy Yard, 18 Dec 1852:
As soon as there are enough men in
CONSTITUTION, place her in commission.
Her Marine Guard was ordered on 15 Dec.
To
Captain Charles Boarman, New York Navy Yard, 20 Dec 1852:
Obtain
from the officers of CONSTITUTION their opinion as to the character and conduct
of Gunner Lewis, and what confidence they place in his promise of good behavior
in the future.
To
Gunner Archibald S. Lewis, New York, NY, 22 Dec 1852:
The Department reluctantly consents to
overlook the offence committed by you, accepting your pledge of abstention
from alcohol with no further steps taken.
Break your pledge, however, and you will be immediately dismissed. Your request for transfer from CONSTITUTION is
denied.
To
Captain Charles Boarman, New York Navy Yard, 23 Dec 1852:
Per Commander Rudd's report, Gunner
Lewis is to be dismissed and my letter to him yesterday withheld.
To
Commodore Isaac Mayo, Washington, DC, 5 Jan 1853:
You are authorized a clerk, his pay to
commence from the date you hoisted your pendant on CONSTITUTION.
To
Commander John Rudd, USS CONSTITUTION, 7 Jan 1853:
Forwards "a copy of the Uniform
regulations with plates" for CONSTITUTION's library.
To
Commander John Rudd, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Jan 1853:
Your course in ordering Lieutenant A.
G. Clary from CONSTITUTION to MARION, and Passed Midshipman John Walcutt from
the latter to the former, is approved.
To
Purser J. H. Watmough, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Jan 1853:
Forwards $15,000 to cover
disbursements prior to departure.
To
Passed Midshipman John Walcutt, New York, NY, 12 Jan 1853:
Ordered to MACEDONIAN as Acting
Master.
To
Lieutenat A. G. Clary, USS MARION, 12 Jan 1853:
It is up to Commodore Mayo whether or
not you may return to CONSTITUTION once on station.
To
Purser James H. Watmough, USS CONSTITUION, 14 Jan 1853:
You may allot $200 per month of your
pay.
To
Commodore Isaac Mayo, USS CONSTITUTION, 19 Jan 1853:
Refers the discharge request of George
Williams in CONSTITUTION to the Commodore.
To
Passed Midshipman Colville Terrett, Washington, DC, 29 Jan 1853:
May allot one‑half of his
pay. May draw an advance on travel
expenses to New York.
To
Lieutenant S. F. Hazard, USS CONSTITUTION, 31 Jan 1853:
As soon as the name of your Wardroom
Cook is furnished, his requested discharge will be authorized.
Sailmaker
John G. Stanford, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Feb 1853:
You may allot $50 per month of your
pay.
To
Captain Charles Boarman, New York Navy Yard, 3 Feb 1853:
Transfer [Seaman] Thomas Decatur from
CONSTITUTION to the receiving ship at New York.
To
Commodore Isaac Mayo, USS CONSTITUTION, 5 Feb 1853:
If Landsman Henry Mitchell of
CONSTITUTITION shipped while intoxicated, you may discharge him.
To
Captain Charles Boarman, New York Navy Yard, 9 Feb 1853:
Seaman Thomas Decatur, per the report
of Commander Rudd, is to be kept in confinement for a period not to exceed 2
months.
To
Boatswain Robert Whitaker, Boston, MA, 10 Feb 1853:
Your sea service in CONSTITUTION and
WARREN, in the years 1835 and 1839, occurred under a previous appointment, and
cannot be allowed under your present warrant.
To
Commodore Henry E. Ballard, Baltimore, MD, 11 Feb 1853:
Enlist "such seamen as may
offer" for CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore F. H. Gregory, Boston Navy Yard, 11 Feb 1853:
Enlist "such seamen as may
offer" for CONSTITUTION.
To Captain Charles Boarman, New York Navy
Yard, 11 Feb 1853:
Enlist "such seamen as may
offer" for CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore George C. Read, Philadelphia Navy Yard, 11 Feb 1853:
Enlist "such seamen as may
offer" for CONSTITUTION.
To
Surgeon M. G. Delany, USS CONSTITUTION, 11 Feb 1853:
Oil cloth is not advisable on the sick bay
deck in CONSTITUTION.
To
Boatswain Lewis Holmes, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Feb 1853:
You may allot $50 per month of your
pay.
To
Commodore Isaac Mayo, USS CONSTITUTION, 15 Feb 1853:
The Commandant of the Boston Navy Yard
has been directed to send all available recruits to New York.
To
Capatin Charles Boarman, New York Navy Yard, 17 Feb 1853:
Complete CONSTITUTION's crew from the
recruits at New York, less those reserved for VINCENNES.
To
Commander John Rudd, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 Feb 1853:
The 2 musicians shipped for POWHATAN
may be transferred to CONSTITUTION if they are willing.
To
Commander John Rudd, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 Feb 1853:
It is at the squadron commander's
discretion to respond to L. Lawson's request.
[Annotated: "Larson is the correct name." There was both a Lars Larson and a Lewis
Lawson aboard at this time.]
To
Purser Robert Pettit, USS CONSTITUTION [sic: CUMBERLAND], 21 Feb 1853:
Acknowledges receipt of letter for
forwarding.
To
Captain Charles Boarman, New York Navy Yard, 23 Feb 1853:
You may transfer to CONSTITUTION such
men as are willing who had signed on for the Ringgold Expedition.
To
Lieutenant C. R. P. Rogers [sic], USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Feb 1853:
You may allot $84 per month from your
pay.
To
Commodore Isaac Mayo, USS CONSTITUTION, 25 Feb 1853:
Forwards 30 copies of the 1853 Naval
Register for the commissioned and warrant officers of the CONSTITUTION.
To
Commodore Isaac Mayo, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Apr 1853:
Forwards a report from the British
Minister at Washington concerning an American brig that sailed from "Monte
Video" last January for the African coast "fully equipped for the
slave trade."
Roll 51 (May 31, 1853 ‑ January 13, 1854)
To
Commodore Isaac Mayo, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 Aug 1853:
When MARION is about to return to the
US, order her to Prince's I. to receive the remains of Captain's Clerk N. M. W.
Abbot of MACEDONIAN for conveyance home.
[CONSTITUTION made the stop at Prince's I.]
Roll 52 (January 13 ‑ September 6, 1854)
To
Commodore Isaac Mayo, USS CONSTITUTION, 4 Mar 1854:
Forwards 80 copies of the Naval
Register 1854 for the ships of the African Squadron.
To
Commodore Isaac Mayo, USS CONSTITUTION, 10 May 1854:
The Department disapproves of your
having sent Midshipman T. P. Pelot [of CONSTITUTION] home in a merchant ship
when he could have come in PERRY. The
expence was not justified.
Roll 53 (September 6, 1854 ‑ April 20,
1855)
To
Captain Thomas Crabbe, ?, 27 Jan 1855:
Has been appointed to command the
African Squadron. JAMESTOWN will be his
flagship.
Roll 54 (April 20 ‑ November 5, 1855)
To
Captain Joseph Smoot, Portsmouth Navy Yard, 15 May 1855:
By a letter of 9 Jan, Commodore Mayo
was advised that JAMESTOWN would be relieving him. She was expected to be there by 1 Apr, but if
not, Mayo was to return to the US, making for Portsmouth. Since he has not yet acknowledged receipt of
the above, and as FALMOUTH has been delayed, he may remain on station until
DOLPHIN arrives. All is conjecture.
To
Commander John Rudd, USS CONSTITUTION, 27 May 1855:
Forwards copy of Act of 2 Mar 1855,
which is to be read to all hands. It
provides for the "Honorable Discharge" of men so meriting it, while
those of ordinary conduct are to be discharged as heretofore. Blank forms are included. Report those so discharged by name.
To
Commander John Rudd, USS CONSTITUTION, 4 Jun 1855:
Pay off and discharge the crew,
sending those requiring medical attention to the Hospital and the Marines to
the Barracks. Do not leave the station
until all Honorable Discharges have been made out and delivered, and the report
of the action completed and forwarded.
To
Captain Joseph Smoot, Portsmouth Navy Yard, 8 Jun 1855:
Have CONSTITUTION's Purser forward the
accounts of Seaman David Carter to the Brooklyn Naval Hospital, whither he was
sent previously.
To
Commander John Rudd, USS CONSTITUTION, 11 Jun 1855:
Congratulated on the completion of the
cruise and the fine condition in which the ship returned.
To
Captain Joseph Smoot, Portsmouth Navy Yard, 6 Jul 1855:
Discharge Francis S. Johnston,
formerly of CONSTITUTION, but do not provide him with a certificate allowing
him again to serve as a yeoman.
To
Captain Joseph Smoot, Portsmouth Navy Yard, 2 Aug 1855:
Furnish Attorney J. Turner Fowle of
Portsmouth an ordinary discharge of Yeoman Johnson of CONSTITUTION marked
"Not honorable" and bearing to date to which he last was paid.
To
Commodore Isaac Mayo, Annapolis, MD, 17 Aug 1855:
Wishes verified the propriety of 5
payment vouchers, 3 of which cover clothing and small stores used in diplomatic
negotiations with native tribes.
Roll 55 (November 6, 1855 ‑ August 1,
1856)
NOTHING
Roll 56 (August 2, 1856 ‑ March 3, 1857)
NOTHING
Roll 57 (March 4 ‑ August 8, 1857)
NOTHING
Roll 58 (August 10, 1857 ‑ January 21,
1858)
NOTHING
Roll
59 (January 22 – July 27, 1858)
NOTHING Roll 60 (July 27, 1858 – January 4, 1859)
NOTHING
Roll
61 (January 5 –
August 15, 1859)
NOTHING
Roll
62 (August 15 ,
1859 – April 9, 1860)
To Captain George S. Blake, Naval Academy, 22
Nov 1859:
“The
Department would suggest that a portion of the 4th Class of Acting
Midshipmen, entering be located in the vacant rooms in the Academy. if no other
arrangement can be made. The question of
a larger vessel is under consideration.”
Roll
63 (April 10 – October 9, 1860)
To Captain John Pope, Navy Yard, Portsmouth, NH,
19 Jul 1860:
“The
Commandant of the Navy Yard at Boston has been directed to transfer to
Portsmouth NH the crew enlisted for the Constitution upon the receipt of your
requisition which you will make upon him as soon as the vessel is ready for
them.”
To Captain George S. Blake, Naval Academy, 19
Jul 1860:
“You
will direct Lieutenants S. B. Luce and W[ilson]. McGonnegle [sic], to proceed
to Portsmouth NH, and report to Captain Pope for duty on board the Constitution
during her passage from that Port to Annapolis – Md.
“Order
them to proceed without delay.”
To Lieutenant D. D. Porter, Navy Yard,
Portsmouth, NH, 19 Jul 1860:
“In reply to your letter of the 16th Inst, the Department informs you that as another officer has been ordered to relieve you on the 1 August next, it regrets that your request to remain at the Yard until the 1st of September cannot be granted
“Upon your detachment
from the Navy Yard, you will report to Captain Pope for the purpose of taking
the U. S. Frigate Constitution to Annapolis, Md.”
To
Lieutenant D. D. Porter, Navy Yard, Portsmouth, NH, 21 Jul 1860:
“The Department informs in reply to
your application of the 19th inst. For permission to bring your family
with you in the Constitution to Annapolis, that it will not regard that unarmed
vessel while being removed to Annapolis as falling within the rules, respecting
passengers in ships of war, and therefore grants your request.”
To
Captain John Pope, Navy Yard, Portsmouth, NH, 28 Jul 1860 [telegram]:
No Paymaster will be
ordered to CONSTITUTION.
To
Captain W. S. Hudson, Navy Yard, Boston, MA, 28 Jul 1860:
If Seaman Francis Mellen
[sic] has not yet been transferred from OHIO to
CONSTITUTION, detain him in order to give evidence "in an important
case."
To
Captain John Pope, Navy Yard, Portsmouth, NH, 31 Jul 1860:
“Send
the Constitution immediately to Annapolis.”
To Captain John Pope, Navy Yard, Portsmouth, NH, 2 Aug 1860 [telegram]:
“Order Surgeon
Henderson to Constitution- No necessity
for a Carpenter.”
To Captain George S. Blake, Naval Academy, 22
Aug 1860:
“Transmitted
herewith are the detachments of the officers of the Constitution. Lieutenants Luce and McGunnegle [sic], will
resume their regular positions at the Academy.
“As
the crew of the Constitution are enlisted for general service and for three
years, you will make the necessary arrangements with the Baltimore and Norfolk
Steamboat Company for their transfer to the Receiving Ship at Norfolk Va and
have them transferred as early as practicable.”
To Captain George S. Blake, Naval Academy, 28
Aug 1860:
Regarding
the CONSTITUTION crew: “As the men who are in that vessel were shipped for
three years and for general service the Department declines to allow their
retention, but authorizes you to ship six men for one year now, and when the
Plymouth arrives to make up the 25 from the men who were especially enlisted
for the Plymouth and for one year.”
To Captain George S. Blake, Naval Academy, 28
Aug 1860:
“Lieut,
D. D. Porter has written to the Department asking that authority be given to
pay stewarts [sic] wages to a person whom he employed in that capacity on the
Constitution, and you are hereby authorized to direct that it be done in
accordance wit his wish.
“You
will also be pleased to have all the men disrated before they are transferred
to the Recg. Ship at Norfolk.”
To Paymaster George F. Cutler, Navy Yard,
Portsmouth, NH, 5 Sep 1860:
“…you
are informed that during the time that Surgeon A. A. Henderson was recently
attached to the ship Constitution, that vessel was not in commission for sea
service.”
To Captain George S. Blake, Naval Academy, 29
Sep 1860:
“…The
Department will endeavor to order a Boatswain and Carpenter to the
Constitution.”
To Captain George S. Blake, Naval Academy, 1 Oct
1860:
“I
have received your letter of the 26th ult. In which you recommend
that the senior Lieutenant of the school ship be regarded as a Lieutenant Comdt
and be a member of the Academic Board.
“The
Department cannot give the rank of Lieutenant Commanding where no such position
exists. The Lieutenant in charge of the
school ship will however be from this time a member of the Academic Board.”
To Captain George S. Blake, Naval Academy, 1 Oct
1860 [2nd ltr]:
“…The
Department authorizes you to transfer the Drummer and fifer from the Plymouth
to the Constitution…”
To Captain George S. Blake, Naval Academy, 2 Oct
1860:
“In
reply to your verbal request to retain 25 men of the crew of the Plymouth for
the Constitution, you are informed that it is impracticable to do it as their
services are wanted immediately for the Richmond. You are however authorized to send an Officer
to Baltimore to select that number to be shipped at the Rendezvous for one
year, to be transferred to the Constitution.
The Commander of the Rendezvous and Commander Hunter [commanding the
receiving ship ALLEGHANY] will be instructed on the subject.”
To Lieutenant George W. Rodgers, Annapolis, MD,
9 Oct 1860:
“Your
letter of the 6th inst. requesting the Department to give you the
rank of Lieutenant commanding whilst performing the duties of senior Lieutenant
of the school ship Constitution has been received.
“In
reply, the Department informs you that it cannot modify its previous decision
without conflicting with what is due to the Commandant of Midshipmen [also a
Lieutenant].”
Roll
64 (October 10,
1860 – May 23, 1861)
To Commandant, Navy Yard, Portsmouth, NH, 11 Oct
1860:
Authorized
to approve the bills of Rufus A. Preble for piloting CONSTITUTION from the Navy
Yard to sea.
To Captain George S. Blake, Naval Academy, 13
Oct 1860:
The
Commandant of the Marine Corps requires that the drummer and fifer transferred
from PLYMOUTH to CONSTITUTION be ordered to HQMC.
To Captain George S. Blake, Naval Academy, 13
Oct 1860 [2nd ltr]:
Approves
Blake’s proposed 37-man crew for CONSTITUTION and will order their recruitment.
To Captain George S. Blake, Naval Academy, 29
Oct 1860:
Discharge
Seaman John Umpleby [sic] of CONSTITUTION per his request of 25 Oct.
To Captain George S. Blake, Naval Academy, 7 Nov 1860:
Reference
to CONSTITUTION’s muster roll shows the men were shipped at Annapolis, contrary
to orders. Explain, Forward shipping articles used.
To Captain George S. Blake, Naval Academy,
13 Nov 1860:
Men
were shipped as seaman, ordinary seaman, and landsman at $18, $14, and $12. but
the general order of 11 Aug does not provide such pay for receiving ships and
shore stations. They were to get $12,
$10, and $9, and that’s all they are entitled to.
To Captain George S. Blake, Naval Academy, 21
Nov 1860:
“The
crew of the school ship at Annapolis will be considered as recruits and held
for sea service in the Practice ship, and as they are at all times the instructors
of the Fourth class of Acting Midshipmen at the Naval Academy in knotting,
splicing, etc., they will be allowed the rate of pay given to all other
recruits entered for sea service as provided for in General order of August
11the 1854.”
To Captain George S. Blake, Naval Academy, 21
Nov 1860 [2nd ltr]:
“…the
lieutenant in charge of the school ship [to] take precedence next after the
Commandant of Midshipmen…”
To Captain George S. Blake, Naval Academy, 3 Dec
1860:
Discharge
Surgeon’s Steward George Bullen of CONSTITUTION.
To Captain George S. Blake, Naval Academy, 19
Dec 1860:
Will
any of the next 4th Class have to be housed in “the school
ship”? How many? How many can the ship accommodate?
To Captain George S. Blake, Naval Academy, 14 Feb
1861:
Authorized
to discharge Seaman Leonard Perry of CONSTITUTION.
To Captain George S. Blake, Naval Academy, 24
Apr 1861:
“Defend
the Constitution at all hazards. If it
cannot be done destroy her.”
To Captain George S. Blake, Naval Academy, 24 Apr
1861 [2nd ltr]:
“Comdr
Hunter has been directed to furnish you fifty recruits for the Constitution,
and Comdr Hitchcock has orders to report to you for duty at the Annapolis
station to take temporary command of the U.S.S. Constitution and assist you in
protecting her, and the public property, as well as the landing of government
troops at that place.”
To Captain George S. Blake, Naval Academy, 26
Apr 1861:
“The
recruits on board the Steamer ‘Alleghany’ at Baltimore have been ordered to
report to you.
“If
the Constitution has not left the Department deems it advisable that she remain
at Annapolis, for the protection of troops, &c, who may arrive from the
North, if it can be done with safety to the ship…”
To Captain George S. Blake, Naval Academy, 27
Apr 1861;
“…Yesterday
the Department suggested the expediency of continuing the Constitution at
Annapolis, to cover the landing of troops.
There was also a deficiency of men to man her and I am apprehensive that
the Cumberland can illy [sic] spare any from her crew at this time. But as she has been sent around to New York
the arrangement of transferring the school, for the present at least, to Fort
Adams will be consumated…”
To Captain George S. Blake, Naval Academy, 2 May
1861:
“…You
will be pleased to give orders to the Constitution, at New York, to proceed
with the Acting Midshipmen, to Newport, RI.”
To Lieutenant C. R. P. Rodgers, Newport, RI, 8
May 1861:
Order
the 3rd Class Acting Midshipmen in CONSTITUTION to the following
navy yards for duty in the numbers indicated: New York 26, Boston 12, and
Philadelphia 10.
To Lieutenant B. B. Taylor, USS CONSTITUTION, 14
May 1861:
Permission
granted to allot $90/mo.
To Captain George S. Blake, Naval Academy,
Newport, RI, 22 May 1861 [telegram]:
Detach
Gunner Venable from CONSTITUTION and send him to New York for WABASH.
Roll
65 (May 23
–August 28, 1861)
To Captain George S. Blake, Naval Academy,
Newport, RI, 27 May 1861:
Has
Gunner Venable returned from New York?
Roll
66 (August 28 –
November 6, 1861)
To Captain George S. Blake, Naval Academy,
Newport, RI, 6 Sep 1861:
“On
the removal of the Class of Acting Midshipmen to the quarters furnished for
them on shore you will assign Academic limits and take such other measures as
you may find necessary for the preservation of strict discipline…
“You
will signify to the young gentlemen that while the Department is determined to
afford them the greatest possible facilities for the successful prosecution of
their studies, none will be permitted to remain in quarters on shore, who are
not amenable to the discipline of the Academy, those who are not, you will
immediately transfer to the school ship…”
Roll
67 (November 6,
1861 – January 31, 1862)
To Captain George S. Blake, Naval Academy,
Newport, RI, 25 Nov 1861:
CONSTITUTION’s
complement to be considered 200+; the assigned hospital steward entitled to
$33/mo.
To Captain George S. Blake, Naval Academy,
Newport, RI, 26 Nov 1861:
“I
herewith enclose a copy of a communication received by the Department from Wm
H. Cranston, Esq., Mayor of Newport, RI, dated the 21st inst. in
which he speaks in high terms of the Naval Academy and of the appreciation in
which it is held by the citizens of Newport, and of the unexceptionable [sic]
conduct of the Acting Midshipmen and the crew of the Constitution. The receipt of this testimonial has afforded
the Department much satisfaction and I desire you to have it read to the Acting
Midshipmen and to the crew of the Constitution.”
Roll
68 (February 1 –
May 13, 1862)
NOTHING
Roll
69 (May 14 –
August 14, 1862)
To Rear Admiral Charles Stewart, Bordentown, NJ,
9 Aug 1862:
“Your
letter of the 1st Inst. is received, and your request for special
permission to decline the appointment of Rear Admiral has been submitted to the
President. “I am directed to say, that in tendering the appointment, he intended to recognize and acknowledge the just merits of one who was early and has long been identified with the American Navy. As the last survivor of that gallant band of officers, who in the War of 1812, acquired such just renown in command of a National vessel, it seemed just and right to confer on you the first appointment of Rear Admiral authorized by law. If by any defect or remissness in the enactment, injustice or sacrifice on your part is involved, it was wholly inadvertent, and can be rectified when Congress convenes. But, if there is insuperable objection on your part to the reception of the intended honor, the President would, by no means, press it upon you, and therefore commits the whole subject to you, and will himself be satisfied with your decision in regard to it.”
Roll
70 (August 11 –
October 27, 1862)
To Captain George S. Blake, Naval Academy,
Newport, RI, 12 Sep 1862:
“As
circumstances still prevent the permanent reestablishment of the Naval Academy,
and the number of Midshipmen during the next academic year will be greater than
heretofore, you are directed to place in the quarters temporarily furnished in
Newport as many of the Senior Classes as can be quartered advantageously. But you will immediately transfer to the
“Constitution” all who are not strictly amenable to discipline on shore…”
Roll
71 (October 27,
1862 – February 9, 1863)
NOTHING
Roll
72 (February 9
–May 25, 1863)
To Commodore George S. Blake, Naval Academy,
Newport, RI, 15 Apr 1863:
“The
Department…approves your recommendations as regards the leasing of the Bellevue
House…and the purchase of bedsteads.
“…it
is believed, from the tenor of the Report of the Chief of the Bureau of Medicine
and Surgery, who was ordered to Newport to examine into the origin of the
sickness…that it is…inexpedient to make any greater change at present than that
involved in the transfer of the Midshipmen now occupying the ships where the
disease occurred to the Bellevue House.”
To Commodore George S. Blake, Naval Academy,
Newport, RI, 15 Apr 1863 [telegram]:
“Suspend…hiring
Bellevue Hotel [sic].”
Roll
73 (May 25 –
September 4, 1863)
To Commodore George S. Blake, Naval Academy,
Newport, RI, 26 Aug 1863:
"You
are authorized to hoist at the main on board any of the Vessels at the Naval
Academy under your command a broad blue Pennant.”
Roll
74 (September 3 –
November 28, 1863)
NOTHING
Roll
75 (November 28,
1863 – March 1, 1864)
To Commodore George S. Blake, Naval Academy,
Newport, RI, 14 Dec 1863:
“The
recommendation contained in your letter of the 1st inst. relative to
providing quarters for the Assistant professors and forward officers of the
School Ship are approved, and you are authorized to add fifteen dollars per day
to the amount heretofore appropriated for the expenses of quarters. It is hoped, however, the amount will not
exceed the sum originally designated, viz. Forty dollars per day.”
Roll
76 (March 1 –
June 17, 1864)
To Commodore George S. Blake, Naval Academy,
Newport, RI, 23 Mar 1864:
“…You
are authorized to appoint a Captain’s Clerk each for the Constitution &
Santee…”
Roll
77 (June 17 –
September 6, 1864)
NOTHING
Roll
78 (September 6 –
November 28, 1864)
NOTHING
Roll
79 (November 28,
1864 – February 23, 1865)
NOTHING
Roll
80 (February 23 –
May 30, 1865)
NOTHING
Roll
81 (May 30 –
October 2, 1865)
To Commodore George S. Blake, Naval Academy,
Newport, RI, 10 Jun 1865:
“…Report
as to the best time to move to Annapolis and the measures you recommend to
facilitate that object.”
To Rear Admiral D. D. Porter, Georgetown, DC, 19
Jun 1865:
“You
have been designated to relieve Como G. S. Blake as Superintendent of the Naval
Academy so soon as it shall be removed to Annapolis, Md. The reports concerning the grounds and
buildings you will read and then visit that place for thorough
examination. It is not desirable to
expend any more money than is absolutely necessary to prepare that place for
the reception of the Academy – the appropriation for repairs having been lost
by disagreement between the two Houses of Congress,”
To Commodore George S. Blake, Naval Academy,
Newport, RI, 19 Jun 1865:
“…An
experienced person will be ordered to report to superintend the caulking of the
vessels which you are authorized to have done. “The July examination of Midshipmen may take place at Newport. The question whether the school shall remain another year at Newport is not discretionary with the Department. Congress ordered it to be removed. You are charged with the removal and such steamers as are necessary for towing and transportation purposes will be placed at your command – due notice being given to the Department of what your require. It is not necessary to charter any vessels.
“Rear
Admiral Porter will relieve you as Superintendent at Annapolis, and he will be
designated to prepare the grounds and buildings for the reception of the
Professors and Midshipmen.”
To Commodore George S. Blake, Naval Academy,
Newport, RI, 13 Jul 1865:
“As
it is desirable that there should be no unnecessary delay in transferring the material
of the Academy to Annapolis, the Department would suggest the expediency of
beginning to load up one of the vessels – perhaps the Constitution – and
a steamer from New York will be directed to report to you for the purpose of
towing it round as soon as ready.”
Roll
82 (October 2,
1865 – March 2, 1866)
To Rear Admiral D. D. Porter, Naval Academy, 27
Dec 1865:
Forwards
court martial charges against Midshipman F. W. Agnel, quartered in
CONSTITUTION, and directs his being held for trial by the board presided over
by Captain James Alden. Charge 1:
disobedience of a lawful order of a superior officer in that he failed to go on
guard duty when so ordered on 17 Dec 1865 by LCDR P. C. Johnson, who was in
charge of the ship; and Charge 2: treating with contempt a superior officer
when asked why he had failed to go on guard duty, saying he would rather be
dismissed and positively refused to obey.
To Rear Admiral D. D. Porter, Naval Academy, 17
Feb 1866:
“…’there
are no commanders of vessels’ at the Station under your command…,” and so
summary courts martial cannot be convened to address cases involving enlisted
men.
Roll
83 (March 2 –
October 10, 1866)
NOTHING
Roll
84 (October 10,
1866 – April 20, 1867)
To Vice Admiral D. D. Porter, Naval Academy, 1
Nov 1866:
Dishonorably
discharge Surgeon’s Steward J. C. Flagstadt
To Vice Admiral D. D. Porter, Naval Academy, 2
Nov 1866:
“Your
No. 252, enclosing reports of an investigation into the conduct of Mid’n Hart
and Soule, is received. “The Department is at a loss to understand how the Surgeon’s Steward of the Constitution (whose dishonorable discharge from the service has been ordered) could have indulged in his base practice for some time past with apparent impunity, and had in his possession and use in the dispensary or sick bay, obscene books unnoticed by the medical and other officers of the vessel, as shown by the testimony taken. The very disgraceful state of affairs developed by this investigation on board the Constitution demands further enquiry and report.
“It
would be difficult to conceive of the existence, for any length of time, of
such demoralizing and disgraceful proceedings as have been proven against the late
Surgeon’s Steward of the Constitution, on board of any properly commanded and
well disciplined vessel of war, but the case is greatly aggravated when such
scandalous conduct is found to have remained undetected on board of a vessel
used as the mere quarters of the midshipmen with only a small number of
enlisted persons on board, until some of the young gentlemen have had their
minds poisoned by coming in contact with so disrepletable [sic] a person.
“The
midshipmen should not be permitted to associate with persons on board of
vessels, or within the Academy limits, who are of a class of character not
calculated to improve their morals, and give them correct ideas of their
obligations and duties.”
To Vice Admiral D. D. Porter, Naval Academy, 2
Nov 1866 [2nd ltr]:
“The
Department has maturely considered the reports of the investigation in the case
of Midn C. E. Soule and John L. Hart, and regrets to find so few mitigating
circumstances where such grave offences [sic] are proved, and the reputation of
the Academy so seriously involved.
"The
youthfulness and apparent penitence of Midn Soule, coupled with the great
temptation thrown in his way by a person with whom he should not have been
allowed to come in contact, except officially, induce the Department to treat
with leniency conduct which, under other circumstances, would justify a summary
dismissal from the Academy. You will admonish him of the extreme gravity of his
offense, involving, as it does, not only his own moral character, but the fair
fame [sic] of the institution from which he must look to receive the culture
and moral training which alone can make him an efficient and high toned naval
officer, and inform him that upon his future good conduct will depend his
retention at the Academy.
“In
the case of Midn Hart, the Department finds still less to extenuate, than iin
that of Midn Soule. Without the excuse
of extreme youth and want of experience in the application of the means he so
recklessly employed, he appears to have committed the offense charged, with a
knowledge of its probable consequence and consequent impropriety. The same tempter, however, having exercised
his baleful influence in this, as in the other case, and as the association of
these Midshipmen with the Surgeon’s Steward was, it is fair to infer,
involuntary on their part, the Department is unwilling to dismiss Midshipman
Hart at this time. He will remain on
probation at the Academy, with the admonition that any repitition [sic] of blameworthy conduct will be promptly dealt
with.
“Mid
Soule will be restricted to the Academy limits for recreation for two weeks,
and Mid’n Hart for four weeks: special weekly reports of their conduct to be
made to the Department durinig the time.”
To Vice Admiral D. D. Porter, Naval Academy, 4 Dec 1866:
Reports
of summary courts martial have been received from CONSTITUTION with the dates
stamped on them. They are to be written.
To Vice Admiral D. D. Porter, Naval Academy, 12
Apr 1867:
“Your
No. 68, enclosing reports of investigations of delinquencies for the month of
March, has been received.
“The
Department has examined and carefully considered them, particularly the case of
the Midshipmen and Cadet Engineers of the 4th class, arraigned for
alleged misconduct in causing a disturbance on board the U.S.S. Constitution,
on the evening of the 12th ultimo.
“The
questions put to the young gentlemen during the progress of this investigation
do not appear upon the minutes, but the recorded answers seem to imply that
they were called upon to state all they knew in respect to the allegations made
against the class, without any reservation with regard to inculpating [sic]
themselves. In the absence of any
admonition to the accused as witnesses by those charged with the investigation
with the facts and circumstances which led to the disturbance, that they were
not required to criminate [sic] themselves, a greatly embarrassed or
inexperienced youth might, without the slightest intention to tell an untruth,
place himself in an equivocal position.
“If
cadet [sic] Engineer McCarty premeditatedly stated, in his examination, that he
did not write the words charged, the punishment of three days solitary
confinement on bread and water, was not an adequate one. Wilful [sic] lying deserves summary
dismissal. But the evidence is that he
simply stated, in the first instance, that he knew nothing of any paper except
one that he wrote, which contained the words ‘ ‘All hands up anchor.’ Midn Haskell states that Mr. McCarty took a
large sheet of paper and wrote several things on it, one of which, in addition
to the above, may have been, as indeed Mr. M. afterward admits, “’stamp your
feet;’ but the offense would seem to come under the head of equivocation rather
than lying. In the question whether he
did or did not write the words (which, under the instructions of the
Department, would, of course, have been an improper one) does not appear to
have been put to him. it [sic] is but
fair to presume that the youth may have believed that he was only called upon
to testify in regard to one of the others.
“It
is added, at the close of the report of the investigation, ‘while we recommend
Cadet Engineer McCarthy to three days solitary confinement on bread &
water, there is no punishment in the opinion of the court, which they are
allowed to give, adequate to the offense.’
“This
Board, ordered to investigate and submit testimony, was not a court; and had no
other authority than to find the accused guilty or not guilty, and to recommend
one of the punishments enumerated in amendments to Chapter IX of the Academy
Regulations, to the Superintendent, who, if in his opinion, he had not
authority to inflict adequate punishment, should have referred the case to the
Department, with his recommendation.
“The
Department having authorized as an experiment about a year ago, the convening
of boards to investigate and report to the Superintendent cases of misconduct
on the part of midshipmen, and the results of this course not having proved as
salutary as was anticipated, the authority for convening them will be omitted
in the new edition of the Academy Regulations now in press, and the whole
subject of discipline remanded to the hands of the Superintendent.”
To Vice Admiral D. D. Porter, Naval Academy, 13
Apr 1867:
“The
loss of three months pay in the case of James Hunt, seaman, U.S.S. Constitution
by sentence of s Summary Court Martial, April 9, 1867, is approved.”
Roll
85 (April 20
–December 18, 1867)
To Commander John Watters, Naval Academy, 8 May
1867:
Forwards
charge preferred against Landsman John Phelps of CONSTITUTION, to be tried by general court martial headed by
Watters.
“Charge
– Theft.
Specification: In this that on or about the
first day of May eighteen hundred and sixty-seven, the said John Phelps,
Landsman, being then attached to and serving on board the U.S.S. Constitution,
did steal and appropriate to his own use one pair of gold studs and one pair of
cuffs from Midshipman C. F. Emmerich, U.S. Navy, said articles being the
property of Midshipman Emmerich. This
while the U. S. S. Constitution was lying off the Naval Academy at Annapolis,
Md.”
To Vice Admiral D. D. Porter, Naval Academy, 22
May 1867:
Landsman
Joseph {sic] Phelps’ approved sentence:
solitary confinement in double irons at the Academy for 60 days, every
alternate week on bread and water, and to forfeit $30 in pay.
Roll
86 (December 19,
1867 – September 4, 1868)
To Lieutenant Commander B. B. Taylor, “Commd’g”
USS CONSTITUTION, 22 Jan 1868:
“The
forfeiture of pay by sentence of a Summary Court Martial in the case of Samuel
Thomas, seaman, tried January 14, 1868, is hereby approved.”
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The Captain's Clerk 1989, TGM |