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M 209 IN NATIONAL ARCHIVES (43 ROLLS)
Note: Only
those rolls covering periods when CONSTITUTION was in squadron
service have been researched.
Roll 1, Vol 1 (June 18, 1798 ‑ March 21, 1799)
To
John Coffin Jones,
"In consequence of your Letter of the
31st ultimo, I applied to the Secretary of State, to write to Mr. King on the
Subject of the articles you had ordered from London, which he informs me he has
done by different opportunities‑‑ I am this day honoured with your
of the 7th Instant, and will again apply to the Secretary of State on the
Subject of Guns for which article however, I hope you will countermand your
orders ‑ as you may have the most certain reliance, that they can be
furnished quite in time, and of a quality, equal to those in England, from at
least Some States in the Union ‑ and we cannot too Soon learn to depend
upon ourselves for every thing necessary to our defence..." [Ten 18‑pdrs and some other smaller
guns were received and placed in the frigate building by public subscription at
To
Stephen Higginson & Co.,
CONSTITUTION will return to
To
John Coffin Jones,
Minimum colors to be made for the frigate:
1 set each of American, English, Dutch, Portuguese, and French [a set: ensign,
jack, and pennant]. There ought to be
extra American jacks "to hoist over French Colours" in the event of
captures.
Vol 2 (March 21‑ November 5, 1799)
To
Stephen Higginson & Co.,
Lieutenants Beale and Jarvis ordered ashore
from CONSTITUTION to await orders.
"...no Lieut. older than
To
Jacob Sheafe,
Round shot of the best quality in
To
Stephen Higginson & Co.,
"The Keel of the Constitution was procured
in
Vol 3 (November 5, 1799 ‑ August 20,
1800)
To
Stephen Higginson & Co.
James
Collins died in CONSTITUTION on 21 Oct; make no payment on power of attorney.
To
Joshua Humphreys,
Your estimate of rigging calls for 10
1/2" cable laid main shrouds in the 44s; second size, 9". Are they "4 strand"?
To
Stephen Higginson & Co.,
On anchors ordered for the Navy, an eagle
is to be cut in the crown, together with the letters "
To
Captain Robert Gill,
"...ship to
To
Stephen Higginson & Co.,
Get a foremast in hand for CONSTITUTION.
To
Stephen Higginson & Co.,
Get a new hemp cable for CONSTITUTION.
Roll 2, Vol 4 (August 26 ‑ September 18, 1801)
To
Captain Robert Gill,
Ship to Higginson for CONSTITUTION the
following 12‑pdr ammunition: 910 round, 700 double headed, 560 grape, and
490 canister.
To
Stephen Higginson & Co.,
"...The shot for the Constitution
mentioned in your letter of the 26th ulto. has been ordered from Phila. as the
furnace at
To
Stephen Higginson & Co.,
"...Capt. Talbot, I believe must
return to St. Domingo ‑ I wish the station was better suited to his
activity & bravery..."
To
Stephen Higginson & Co.,
Make an offer to Paul Revere of a $12,000
loan if he will undertake to establish a copper sheathing manufactory within
the next 18 months; England currently won't sell any, and 30,000 lbs wanted.
To
Stephen Higginson & Co.,
"...I wish the Constitution to be in a
state of readiness to sail, but I have not finally determined upon her
destination..."
To
Stephen Higginson & Co.,
"...In two days Capt. Talbot's
instructions to sail for St. Domingo will be sent on..."
To
Colonel William W. Burrows,
"The following arrangement is decided
on in respect to the Ships & vessels of the Navy named, viz,...
"Constitution prepared for
service..."
To
Samuel Brown,
"...Capt Talbot will have orders to
pay off the crew of the Constitution, reserving as many Seamen as will be
necessary to take care of her. She will
remain at
To
Samuel Brown,
A loan is coming for
To
Samuel Brown,
"By Captain Talbot's report this day
received, it appears that the Frigate Constitution, instead of being a
perfectly sound ship as she had been considered until now, is in such a
situation as to require a thorough repair‑‑ Be pleased therefore to
have her put in hand at once, and completed with as much dispatch as may be
consistently [sic] with a due regard to its being well done‑‑" Talbot is to supervise.
To
Samuel Brown,
Discharge CONSTITUTION's seamen and
substitute a Marine Guard.
To
Samuel Brown,
How long will it take to make CONSTITUTION
"completely ready for sea"?
To
Samuel Brown,
To
Lieutenant Colonel Commandant W. W. Burrows,
A letter from the commanding officer of
CONSTITUTION contained the following paragraph:
"I had previous to receipt of your
Letter taken what few Marines Capt. Clark had, as a guard for the Constitution,
but there were but 12 privates retained, some of which have run, and others
sick, I find but six able to do duty, &c."
To
Samuel Brown,
Notes that some of the live oak assembled
for building a 74 was used in repairing CONSTITUTION.
To
Lieutenant Colonel Commandant W. W. Burrows,
CONSTITUTION should have a Marine Guard of
1 officer and 25 privates; make it so.
To
William Pennock,
44‑gun frigate mast sizes: fore 95' x
32"; main, 105' x 35"; mizzen, 92' x 24"; bowsprit 64' x
34".
To
Samuel Brown,
The
To
Samuel Brown, 12 Jan 1802:
200 barrels of powder are being sent from
To
Samuel Brown,
How soon will CONSTITUTION be ready for
service?
To
Captain Samuel Nicholson,
Only 1 plank of live oak "thick stuf
[sic]" was used from the supply for the 74.
To
Mrs. Maria Butler,
Forwarded herewith is a letter ordering
your Midshipman son to CONSTITUTION at
To
Captain Samuel Nicholson,
Had to transfer Lieutenant Hull to ADAMS at
To
Captain Samuel Nicholson,
CONSTITUTION must be hove down. Her copper reportedly is worn out, but only
actual inspection can verify. Do what is
necessary.
To
Captain Samuel Nicholson,
No immediate orders for CONSTITUTION, but
she must be ready.
To
Captain Samuel Nicholson,
Suspend heaving down until further notice.
To
Paul Revere,
Report to Samuel Brown the amount of copper
now ready for delivery. He will appoint
3 inspectors to certify its acceptability.
To
Samuel Brown,
Repairs to CONSTITUTION cannot be completed
due to lack of funds.
To
Samuel Brown,
CONSTITUTION this date ordered into
ordinary with "Mr. Haraden" in command.
To
Samuel Brown,
Glad you found "Capt. Stevens"
qualified for a Navy position and have provided for him on board CONSTITUTION.
To
Governor Caleb Strong,
Notes that Caleb Davis, Quartermaster
General of the Commonwealth, refused delivery of cannon borrowed earlier for
CONSTITUTION, together with shot, during Dec 1801‑Jan 1802 [period of
refusal] and wanted money instead. There
will be no cash. The Navy is still ready
to return the weapons when an agent is designated to receive them.
To
Samuel Brown, Boston, MA, 30 Jul 1802:
Sell off all pork but that from "last
season," together with all beef and bread but that needed for
CONSTITUTION.
To
Samuel Brown, Boston, MA, 7 Aug 1802:
Approved an "awning of boards" not
having been put over CONSTITUTION. Is
uncertain how long she will remain in ordinary.
To
Samuel Brown, Boston, MA, 9 Aug 1802:
Have received a request from Dr. William
Dunn, formerly of the Navy, to be employed attending the Navy Yard Marines and
the men in CONSTITUTION. You may hire
him at a Surgeon's Mate's salary if you wish.
[Done.]
To
George Blake, Boston, MA, 16 Aug 1802:
I do not have the authority to order your
brother to take charge of CONSTITUTION.
A Lieutenant is not authorized for a ship in ordinary.
Vol 6 (September 1, 1802 ‑ November 28,
1803)
To
Samuel Brown, Boston, MA, 4 Oct 1802:
Is CONSTITUTION really in a very leaky
condition?
More information requested concerning the
unresolved cannon loan business.
To
Paul Revere, Boston, MA, 18 Apr 1803:
Samuel Brown is to inspect the 20‑ounce
copper and accept it if approved.
To
Samuel Brown, Boston, MA, 18 Apr 1803:
"On the 20th of June 1801 Mr. Paul
Revere contracted with the Secretary of the navy to prepare and deliver within
18 months from the date of the contract 30,000 lbs of cold rolled sheathing
copper suitable in quality workmanship and in all respects for 74 Gun
Ships..."
To
Samuel Brown, Boston, MA, 14 May 1803:
Captain Preble ordered to command
CONSTITUTION this date; to get her ready for sea as soon as possible.
To
Colonel Commandant W. W. Burrows, USMC, 26 May 1803:
CONSTITUTION to get 1 Captain, 1
Lieutenant, sergeants, corporals, Music, and 40 Privates.
To
Samuel Brown, Boston, MA, 28 May 1803:
"If you have enough [copper] in store
of the proper Kind furnish Captain Preble with it and engage with Mr. Revere to
replace what you may so furnish."
To
Samuel Brown, Boston, MA, 30 May 1803:
"You are to supply Capn. Preble with
sheathing copper from the Stock laid in for the 74s as heretofore
advised."
To
Samuel Brown, Boston, MA, 31 May 1803:
"If Capt. Preble should require 6 or 8
Carronades for the Constitution, you may purchase them ‑‑ Eight 42
pound Carronades on the Quarter Deck would be a powerful battery."
To
Samuel Brown, Boston, MA, 4 Jun 1803:
Capt. Preble has doubts about
CONSTITUTION's powder. If found
"injured," get it remanufactured.
Let me know if your require new powder to avoid delaying the ship.
To
Samuel Brown, Boston, MA, 7 Jun 1803:
Preble this day ordered to recruit his
crew. His able seamen, ordinary seamen,
and boys are to be allowed 2 months advance; his warrants, 4 months. He has been told to pay able seamen not more
than $10/mo. and to enlist men for 2 years.
These are lower wages and twice the term as before. Let me know if it can't be done.
To
Henry Jackson, Boston, MA, 5 Jul 1803:
Midshipman Louis Alexis ordered to
CONSTITUTION this date per your request.
To
Paul Revere, Boston, MA, 9 Jul 1803:
Return not yet received on delivery of
copper.
To
Paul Revere, Boston, MA, 22 Jul 1803:
"Practical gentlemen" disapprove
of cold rolled copper as "too hard;" for the rest of your contract,
make it "soft."
Roll 3, Vol 7 (December 1, 1803 ‑ June 29, 1805)
To
Samuel Brown, Boston, MA, 18 Jan 1804:
Paul Revere has "recently
delivered" upwards of 60,000 lbs of copper to the Navy Store Keeper ‑‑
it is supposed to be suitable for 74s; inspect it.
To
Daniel Bedinger, Norfolk, VA, 7 May 1804:
CONSTITUTION needs certain spars which will
be sent out in JOHN ADAMS. Mr. Josiah
Fox, naval constructor, will provide details.
To
Samuel Brown, Boston, MA, 2 Jun 1804:
Deliver to Massachusetts the guns once
borrowed for CONSTITUTION.
To
Messrs. Riddle & Bird, Newcastle, DE, 7 Feb 1805:
Benjamin Woodly has put in a salvage claim
for retrieving an anchor lost by CONSTITUTION in the Delaware. Please validate. [Done, 11 Feb 1805.]
To
Colonel F. Wharton, Washington, DC, 3 Apr 1805:
Privates Michael Cannon and Charles Young
were severely wounded off Tripoli.
Promote them sergeants and assign them to the Marine Barracks,
Washington.
Vol 8 (July 1, 1805 ‑ July 31, 1807)
To
Isaiah Alden, Cohasset, MA, 24 Oct 1805:
Lemuel Taylor was in CONSTITUTION as of 11
Jan 1805.
To
Mrs. Mary Webster, Philadelphia, PA, 14 May 1807:
Jesse Webster was transferred from
PRESIDENT to CONSTITUTION on 5 Jul 1805 and was still there in May 1806. The ship is expected to return to the US
"next fall."
To
Mrs. Mary Williamson, Richmond, VA, 17 Jun 1807:
Reuben Williamson was transferred from
ESSEX to CONSTITUTION on 30 May 1806.
The ship expected home in "autumn."
Vol 9 (August 1, 1807 ‑ May 13, 1809)
To
Colonel Samuel Hughes, Cecil Iron Works, MD, 18 Sep 1807:
24‑ and 32‑pdr cannon are to be
18 diameters long.
To
Isaiah Alden, Barnstable, MA, 19 Nov 1807:
Lemuel Taylor entered CONSTITUTION at
Boston 9 Jul 1803, was transferred to PRESIDENT, and discharged and paid off in
full at Washington 26 Sep 1805.
To
John Beekman, New York, NY, 26 Nov 1807:
Have sent $52,000 to Purser Gwin Harris
with which to pay off CONSTITUTION's crew.
To
Mrs. Mary Williamson, Richmond, VA, 7 Jan 1808:
Reuben Williamson was discharged from
CONSTITUTION and paid off in full on 4 Dec 1807.
To
John Bullus, New York, NY, 21 Mar 1808:
CONSTITUTION is to receive 30 24‑pdrs
from General Stricker in Baltimore and 20 32‑pdr carronades "new‑made"
by Henry Foxall in Georgetown (both ordered this same date); the 24 pdrs were
made by Cecil Iron Works in Nov 1807.
To
Francis Johonnot, Boston, MA, 3 May 1808:
"By a letter from Comm. Rodgers dated
29 ulto. I am informed that the copper with which the Constitution was last
sheathed & which is at present on her bottom is superior he ever saw
[sic]." Was originally 36‑oz./ft2,
but is down to 32‑oz./ft2 after 6 years wear. Who made it?
Where? When? For how much?
To
John Bullus, New York, NY, 21 Jul 1808:
CONSTITUTION's powder needs to be
remanufactured. Ship it to George
Harrison at Philadelphia, who will have it done at Decatur's and returned.
To
George Harrison, Philadelphia, 21 Jul 1808:
I have directed John Bullus to sent you
about 146 barrels of powder for remanufacture and return to CONSTITUTION.
To
Barry McDermott, Rockland County, NY, 14 Sep 1808:
The Department has no information regarding
prize money for the crew of CONSTITUTION.
To
Keith Spence, New Orleans, LA, 11 Nov 1808:
"I have determined to introduce in
lieu of West India Rum the use of Rye Whiskey on the different Stations. From the experiment made, this liquor is
approved by the Seamen."
To
Colonel Samuel Hughes, Havre de Grace, MD, 17 Jan 1809:
"...Kentledge ‑‑ 24 inches
long, 6 inches by 5 inches square weighing about 180 pounds. The form to be an oblong cube ‑‑
a hole of about 1 1/2 inches in diameter at each end to pass obliquely
through."
To
John Bullus, New York, NY, 21 Feb 1809:
CONSTITUTION needs 800 32‑pdr and 500
24‑pdr shot. Have forged in
foundry near New York at $69.33 to $70 per ton.
Roll 4, Vol 10 (May 15, 1809 ‑ November 12, 1811)
To
General Stricker, Baltimore, MD, 26 Jun 1809:
Send 28‑oz. sheathing for
PRESIDENT. [Other letters from same
period indicate this was standard weight for frigates.]
To
Colonel Thomas Shubrick, Charleston, SC, 6 Jul 1809:
WASP, with William Shubrick aboard,
probably will sail for foreign shores before Edward Shubrick can reach
her. I have, therefore, offered him the
option of joining John Shubrick in ARGUS or going in CONSTITUTION. I prefer he joins the latter. [He did.]
To
E. Arnud [sic], Petersburgh, VA, 26 Jul 1809:
"Mr. Pearce" is an officer in
CONSTITUTION. There have been no
complaints of impropriety against him.
To
Francis Johonnot, Boston, MA, 2 Dec 1809:
Cold rolled sheathing copper has been
"exploded by experience;" contract only for hot rolled in the future.
To James Beatty, Baltimore, MD, 30 May 1810:
CONSTITUTION is at Annapolis [at least
since 28 May].
To
James Beatty, Baltimore, MD, 2 Jun 1810:
Buy mast hoop iron 3 1/2", 3",
and 2 1/2" wide; all 3/8" thick.
To
Francis Johonnot, Boston, MA, 13 Aug 1810:
PRESIDENT needs a bell 20" in largest
diameter at mouth and 15" clear height exclusive of the crank ring. Send it with Captain Hull in CONSTITUTION for
delivery when and as he falls in with PRESIDENT. [CONGRESS was ordered a 22" wide bell at
Philadelphia, 30 Sep 1811.]
To
the Honorable Ambrose Spencer, Albany, NY, 26 Sep 1810:
"Mr. Fields is ordered to the Constitution,"
per request.
To
Representative Benjamin Pickman, Washington, DC, 7 Jan 1811:
John Cocker of CONSTITUTION has 15 cents
due him. [Not on muster roll.]
To
Senator Stephen R. Bradley, 11 Feb 1811:
Samuel S. Wells is presently serving in
CONSTITUTION and will be discharged when a substitute is furnished.
To
George Harrison, Philadelphia, PA, 10 May 1811:
"Mr. Barlow" will go to France in
CONSTITUTION, which is now enroute Boston to Annapolis.
To
Mrs. Eliza Browne, Norwich, CT, 13 May 1811:
I regret there is insufficient time to
order your [Midshipmen] sons to CONSTITUTION before she sails for Europe. [Ordered to PRESIDENT, 10 Jun 1811.]
To
George Harrison, Philadelphia, PA, 21 May 1811:
Lieutenant Stephen Crane to recruit 20‑40
able seamen for CONSTITUTION in your city.
To
James Beatty, Baltimore, MD, 6 Jun 1811:
Send to Dr. James R. Trevett [sic], Surgeon
of CONSTITUTION, 12 tourniquets with straps and buckles, and 12 yards of strong
webbing and one dozen buckles for same.
To
Thomas Diggs, 24 Jul 1811:
CONSTITUTION still at Annapolis.
To
Mrs. Mary de Butts, Mount Welby, ?, 28 Jul 1811:
Your request regarding Madame Nozzoline
cannot be complied with; CONSTITUTION already has too many passengers.
To
Nehemiah Knowlton & Moses E. Colbey [sic], ?, 30 Sep 1811:
On inquiry, it was found that George
Parsons and Benjamin Colby [sic] were received in ESSEX at Cherbourg and
accepted advances of money for shipping.
They are now, voluntarily, in CONSTITUTION on foreign service. [Muster roll shows both transferred from
WASP.]
Vol 11 (November 13, 1811 ‑ October 14,
1813)
To
Navy Agents Beatty, Harrison, and Amos Binney (Boston, MA), 22 Apr 1812:
Captain Hull is sending recruiters to your
cities for CONSTITUTION.
Send copies of CONSTITUTION's plans.
To
Navy Agent James Beatty, Baltimore, MD, 2 Jun 1812:
Wanted for CONSTITUTION: 1 book of charts
of American coast, nautical almanacs for 1812 and as far in the future as
extant, 1 chart of British Channel, 1 case of mathematical instruments, and 500‑800
lbs of whipping twine, as soon as possible.
To
Navy Agent Amos Binney, Boston, MA, 16 Jun 1812:
Have plans of CONSTITUTION made by
"Mr. Hart [sic]."
To
Navy Agent Amos Binney, Boston, MA, 8 Sep 1812:
$4000 has been requested to repair
CONSTITUTION and PRESIDENT; $10,000 is being sent because "you will
certainly want more" for this work.
To
Navy Agent George Harrison, Philadelphia, PA, 10 Sep 1812:
Send chronometer to Commodore Bainbridge in
CONSTITUTION.
To
Navy Agent George Harrison, Philadelphia, PA, 16 Sep 1812:
Send chronometer and "book of
Charts" to Commodore Bainbridge with Lieutenant Shubrick.
To
Richard Dunn, late Seaman of the frigate CONSTITUTION (wounded in the action
with the GUERRIERE), Boston, MA, 19 Feb 1813:
Send me your pension certificate made out
to Pennsylvania and another will be issued for Massachusetts.
To
Navy Agent John Bullus, New York, NY, 22 Feb 1813:
"...the Constitution has
arrived."
Vol 12 (October 18, 1813 ‑ October 21,
1816)
To
Messrs Alexander Glennis & Son & Co., Navy Agents, London, 4 Jan 1814:
Current USN pay scales:
To
William C. Aylwin, Boston, MA, 7 Jul 1814:
Appointed judge advocate for a court
martial aboard CONSTITUTION.
To
William C. Aylwin, Boston, MA, 11 Jul 1814.
Appointment revoked; court already in
session in UNITED STATES.
To
F. F. McFarland, Boston MA, 13 May 1815:
Lieutenant Ballard was First Lieutenant of
CONSTITUTION on her last cruise.
To
William Woods, Philadelphia, PA, 6 Jun 1815:
Your bill for $184.46, for work done in
CONSTITUTION, was ordered paid at New York on 23 Apr 1808.
To
Representative Stephen Ormsby, Washington, DC, 24 Feb 1816:
Regret unable to order Surgeon's Mate John
D. Armstrong to active duty.
To
Representative William Roane, Washington, DC, 16 Apr 1816:
John Hart was transferred from CONSTITUTION
to HORNET at sea on 12 Dec 1812. He died
on board the latter vessel on 24 Feb 1813 with $119.36 due him.
To
Constant Freeman, Accountant of the Navy, 3 Jul 1816:
Forwards papers relating to monetary
advances made to Midshipman Pardon M. Whipple while detained on Barbados by
order of Governor Beckwith.
To
James F. Baldwin, 7 Sep 1816:
Congress has authorized $25,000 in lieu of
prize money for CONSTITUTION's capture of LEVANT.
Roll 5, Vol 13 (October 22, 1816 ‑ April 30,
1821)
To
James Linden, North East, MD, 13 Dec 1816:
No John Linden attached to CONSTITUTION
during the war.
To Charles H. Pond, Milford, CT, 26 Mar 1817:
"...I have to inform you that no
balance has been returned by the Pursers of the U. S. Ships John Adams and
Constitution, to the Office of the Accountant of this Department, as due to
James Durand, and it is presumed, from his narrative of the manner in which he
left the Frigate Constitution, that he would be entered on the Books of that
Ship as a Deserter; but this, however, cannot be satisfactorily established, at
present, as all the Muster Rolls for that period have been destroyed."
To
Henry Clark, Kennebunk, ME, 25 Jun 1817:
"...John Murphy...does not appear on
the Pay Roll of the U. S. Ship Constitution from Sept. 1812, to June 1813,
inclusive; and the Rolls of that Ship prior to 1812 were destroyed in the year
1814." [Not so.]
To
John Campbell, Glasgow, Scotland, 15 Oct 1817:
When the late John Read (or Reid) was
transferred from CONSTITUTION to the stores ship ALFRED, there was due him
$99.81. It will be paid to you, as his
children's guardian, or to anyone you so designate.
To
Collins Darling, Pawtucket, RI, 30 Dec 1817:
Gilbert Jay is not to be found on
CONSTITUTION's muster rolls.
To
Representative John Holmes, Washington, DC, 5 Feb 1818:
"...the widow of Joseph Adams killed
aboard the U. S. Ship Constitution...is entitled to a pension of six dollars
pr. month for a period of five years from the date of her husband's death. She must forward a Certificate of Marriage,
and respectable evidence of her being still the Widow... There is a balance of pay $6.03 due to
Adams which can be paid upon her order..."
To
Honorable William P. Maclay, Lewiston, MA, 4 Aug 1818:
Samuel Jack's name does not appear on any
rolls either the Marine Corps or the CONSTITUTION when commanded by Captain
Hull. He may have used another name.
To
Senator James Burrill, Jr., 26 Feb 1819:
A Seaman named John Brown was killed in the
action of CONSTITUTION and GUERRIERE, but descriptive information is lacking by
which to specifically identify him.
To
F. P. Duconge, Philadelphia, PA, 7 Mar 1821:
The name John Rodgers does not appear on
the rolls of CONSTITUTION in the years 1813, 1814, or 1815.
To
Navy Agent Richard McCall, Gibraltar, 17 Apr 1821:
Captain Jacob Jones has been ordered to
proceed to the Mediterranean in CONSTITUTION to relieve Commodore William
Bainbridge in command of that squadron.
To
Governor J. Franklin, Raleigh, NC, 17 Apr 1821:
With regard to the marble statue of General
Washington, it wasn't ready when GUERRIERE returned home, and it is doubtful
that COLUMBUS will have it when she returns later this year. Captain Jacob Jones is going out now to take
command of the Mediterranean Squadron with specific instructions to confer with
Consul Appleton, and if it hasn't already been shipped, bring it to Norfolk with
appropriate care when he returns to the US.
To
Justice of the Peace John Morris, Erie, PA, 20 Apr 1821:
Lieutenant Morris, USMC, has been ordered
to CONSTITUTION, sailing for the Mediterranean, and cannot be ordered to Erie
at this time.
Vol 14 (May 1, 1821 ‑ November 23, 1824)
To
Henry Phelps, Gloucester, MA, 12 Oct 1821:
"Joseph Haycock's name does not appear
on the rolls of the Frigate Constitution at the Capture of the British Ships
Guerriere and Java." [It does.]
To
John Heap, Newville, PA, 10 Mar 1822:
Your son, Dr. Samuel D. Heap, was at
Leghorn, Italy, when he last wrote the Department on 20 May 1821. He is delaying his return to the US to make
the voyage in CONSTITUTION.
To
N. B. Boileau, Hatborough, PA, 24 Apr 1823:
Last returns received indicate that Private
Samuel Yorke presently is serving in CONSTITUTION in the Mediterranean.
To
John Heap, Newville, PA, 5 Jul 1823:
No definite time has been set for
CONSTITUTION's return. Her crew was
enlisted for 3 years.
To Dr, John Heap, Newville, PA, 22 Jan 1824:
Your son, Samuel, has been appointed U. S.
Consul pro tem at Tunis. Whether or not
he will return to the U. S. in CONSTITUTION is uncertain.
To
John M. White, Boston, MA, 11 Mar 1824:
The name of Thomas (alias James) Forbes
does not appear on any CONSTITUTION muster roll for her current
commission. [There was a Robert Forbes,
however.]
To
John M. White, Boston, MA, 15 Mar 1824:
Robert Forbes died on 31 Oct 1821. A small balance is due him.
CONSTITUTION's sailing date has not yet
been decided. If you are still in
country and wish transportation, I will so inform you.
To
Charles D. Coxe, Sydney, NJ, 19 Jul 1824:
You will be provided transportation in
CONSTITUTION and must be ready to sail in 3 or 4 weeks so as not to delay the
ship. As Congress has not appropriated
any monies for the purpose, you must pay for all your needs during the voyage
but not for the passage itself. [Coxe
made the trip to Tunis, where he became Consul, with his wife, 5 children, and
a secretary.]
To
Francis Alexander, Providence, RI, 13 Oct 1824:
CONSTITUTION already has too many
passengers for her forthcoming voyage.
To
Constantine Smyth, New York, NY, 14 Oct 1824:
CONSTITUTION already has too many
passengers for her forthcoming voyage.
To
General J. B. Smith, New York, NY, 18 Oct 1824:
CONSTITUTION already has too many
passengers for her forthcoming voyage.
To
William F. Curry, Philadelphia, PA, 19 Oct 1824:
CONSTITUTION already has a Chaplain.
Vol 15 (November 23, 1824 ‑ January 9,
1827)
To Gregory White, Boston, MA, 30 Sep 1825:
The name "Wm. Nines" does not
appear on CONSTITUTION's muster rolls.
To
James Beahan, Dublin, Ireland, 24 Feb 1826:
Private James Swords died on board USS
CONSTITUTION on 7 Sep 1825, but, although it is known money is due him, the
Paymaster of the Marine Corps has not yet received his records from the ship to
know the precise amount.
To
Henry Fry, Chimney Point, VT, 31 Mar 1826:
A. H. M. Conklin resigned his commission as
Lieutenant on 8 Feb 1820.
To
Z. S. Barstow, Keene, NH, 4 Apr 1826:
The Department currently has no more detail
on the death of Lieutenant Henry S. Newcomb than has been made public. He had been given permission to leave the
Mediterranean by Commodore Rodgers due to his "bad state of health."
To
Durand St. Andre, Consul General of France, 9 Nov 1826:
"Respecting the claim of Prize Money
of the two Seamen, Lantin & Grinier, which you submitted to me, I have
caused diligent inquiry to be made. It
does not appear that the claimants are entitled to any prize money. The vessels which they state were captured,
were all restored, excepting two, the Ketch [MASTICO, later INTREPID] and the
Scourge. The ketch was used as a fire
vessel: prize money was paid in the case of the Scourge, but the Frigate
Constitution was not present, or in sight, at the time of the capture; and
consequently, neither the officers nor crew of that ship, to which the
claimants were attached, were allowed to participate."
Roll 6, Vol 16 (January 9, 1827 ‑ August 20,
1828)
To
U. S. Consul Thomas Wilson, Dublin, Ireland, 24 Jan 1827:
Forwarded are the papers identifying Mary
Ann Beahan as administrator of former Marine Private James Swords' estate and a
bill of exchange in the amount of $33.24 due that estate. He died while serving in CONSTITUTION.
To
the Honorable Elisha Phelps, Simsbury, CT, 6 Mar 1827:
CONSTITUTION "will probably return in
the course of the ensuing summer."
To
Timothy Veron [?], Philadelphia, PA, 28 Aug 1827:
Carpenter Thomas Rogers does not appear on
the rolls of CONSTITUTION between 2 Jul 1809 and 24 Jun 1815. Samuel R. Rogers was the ship's Carpenter
from 2 Jul 1809 to 1 Jan 1812 and George J. Whittemore from 24 Jun 1813 to
1815. There is no Carpenter on the rolls
from January 1812 to June 1813. [Not
so.]
To
Reverend John Waters, New Hartford, NY, 16 Oct 1827:
I am not allowed to allocate a person's
wages without his consent, but since your son's ship, CONSTITUTION, will soon
be returning, I will write to the Purser to delay payments until then. [Apparently Marine Private John Waters.]
To
Asa Daniels, Salem, CT, 19 Dec 1827:
"The Constitution may be expected home
soon."
To
J. B. Mower, New York, NY, 9 Jan 1828:
Your son could be transferred from
CONSTITUTION to either DELAWARE or JAVA were it not for the fact that both
those ships already have full complements of midshipmen.
To
Noah Hubbard, Norwich, NY, 7 Mar 1828:
You son may be discharged and permitted to
return in a public vessel. "...The
Frigate Constitution is under orders [to return to the US], but it is probable
she will have left the Mediterranean before a letter can reach her..."
To
James U. McCulloch, Baltimore, MD, 21 Mar 1828:
"It is with sincere regret that I
communicate to you intelligence of the death of your brother, Lieutenant George
B. McCulloch. He died on the morning of
the 31st of December, 1827 [in CONSTITUTION]."
To
Dr. Thomas Johnson, U. of Virginia, 15 Apr 1828:
"...Doctor James Cormick is now on
board the Frigate 'Constitution,' in the Mediterranean, and is very soon
expected to return to the US..."
To
Rev. John Waters, New Hartford, NY, 17 Apr 1828:
CONSTITUTION is expected to arrive next
month, probably at Boston.
To William O'Neale, Washington, DC, 6 Jun
1828:
"It is with sincere regret that I
communicate to you, for the information of the family of John B. Timberlake,
deceased, Purser of the Navy of the United States, and lately attached to the
Frigate Constitution, in the Mediterranean, that that Officer died on the
morning of the 2d of April last, after a long and painful illness."
To
Mrs. Margaret Timberlake, Washington, DC, 14 Jun 1828:
"I have received your letter of this
date. The Frigate Constitution will
probably arrive at Boston.‑‑
No apprehensions need be entertained respecting the safety of the
effects of your late husband. They will
be carefully preserved by the Commander of the ship, and be left in charge of
the Naval Storekeeper at the port of arrival, until claimed by the legal
representatives of the deceased. A
complete inventory of all the effects, would be made by the Commander, as soon
as practicable after Mr. Timberlake's death."
Information on the pay account of the late
Michael Henley, an Ordinary Seaman in CONSTITUTION, will not be available until
the Purser's accounts are audited.
To
Samuel M. Fitch, New York, NY, 1 Aug 1828:
Ordinary Seaman Joseph Arnet should have
obtained a discharge and a statement of his account from the Acting Purser of
CONSTITUTION.
To
Samuel M. Fitch, New York, NY, 13 Aug 1828:
Joseph Arnet is marked Run on
CONSTITUTION's muster rolls and thus has forfeited all wages due him.
Vol 17 (August 20, 1828 ‑ December 31,
1830)
To
Messrs Redhead & Spiers, London, England, 19 Nov 1828:
It appears that Seaman Joseph Vendensteen
was discharged and paid off from CONSTITUTION at Boston on 12 Jul 1828.
To
Amos Gustine, Mifflin, PA, 28 Apr 1829:
William Hornell's name is not on the muster
rolls of CONSTITUTION for the past 10 years.
To
J. W. Murdaugh, Richmond, VA, 5 Feb 1830:
It appears that Lieutenant Alexander
Eskridge was in CONSTITUTION when she fought GUERRIERE. [He was.]
Roll 7, Vol 18 (January 3, 1830 ‑ April 19, 1832)
To
Dennis Fitzpatrick, Liverpool, England, 30 Dec 1831:
The names John or Patrick Foy are not to be
found on the muster rolls of CONSTITUTION.
To
C. F. Welles, Wyalusing, PA, 27 Mar 1832:
Am unable to identify James Irwin aboard
CONSTITUTION in 1799 as all her rolls prior to August 1814 "were
burnt." [Not so.]
Vol 18A (January 3 ‑ December 10, 1832)
To
Francis O. J. Smith, Portland, ME, 5 Dec 1832:
"...there is no such name as David
Hutchins on the Rolls of the Constitution."
Vol 18B (December 10 ‑ 31, 1832)
NOTHING
Vol 19 (April 20, 1832 ‑ January 20,
1834)
To
S. Cowdry, New York, NY, 30 Nov 1832:
Charles Goldsborough, CONSTITUTION's prize
agent for GUERRIERE and JAVA, reports the name William Harrington is not on the
rolls in his possession. You are
referred John McCauley of Philadelphia as regards the rolls relating to CYANE
and LEVANT. [There was a William
Harrington aboard early in 1814.]
Roll 8, Vol 20 (January 21 ‑ December 4, 1834)
To
Representative G. Y. Lansing, Washington, DC, 7 Mar 1834:
"...no Commanders have yet been
selected for either the Constitution or Erie, & probably none will be
[until] the ensuing season..."
To
James Ward, Hartford, CT, 14 Mar 1834:
"...your application for your son's
employment on board the Constitution as been duly entered." [He was not so ordered.]
To Joseph Butler, Boston, MA, 15 May 1834:
William Cutchin [sic] shipped for
CONSTITUTION on 21 Sep 1813 and was discharged and paid off on 5 Apr 1814. No record of any prize money due him.
To
Stephen Dod [sic], Newark, NJ, 17 Jul 1834:
Your request for orders for your midshipman
son to either POTOMAC or CONSTITUTION has been placed on file. [Wasn't ordered to CONSTITUTION.]
To
George McIntosh, Norfolk, VA, 25 Jul 1834:
Your son's request for orders to
CONSTITUTION will be considered. [Not
issued.]
To
Amos Chick, Charlestown, MA, 31 Jul 1834:
A Carpenter already has been appointed to
POTOMAC and I cannot make any commitment as to CONSTITUTION at this time.
To
George Penniman, Quincy, MA, 16 Sep 1834:
"...The Constitution will probably be
fitted for Sea by next Spring..."
To
Dr. Thomas Henderson, West Point, NY, 4 Oct 1834:
Your request for orders for your son,
Midshipman James L. Henderson, to CONSTITUTION will be considered at the
appropriate time. [He got them.]
To
Elijah Hayward, Washington, DC, 31 Oct 1834:
Midshipman James McCormick's request for
orders to CONSTITUTION will be considered at the appropriate time. [He didn't get them.]
To
John C. Henshaw, Brooklyn, NY, 5 Nov 1834:
The commander of CONSTITUTION has yet to be
named.
Vol 21 (December 5, 1834 ‑ December 9,
1835)
To
Representative Lewis Williams, Washington, DC, 5 Dec 1834:
Passed Midshipman John T. Williams' request
for orders to CONSTITUTION will be considered at the appropriate time. [He didn't get them.]
To
Senator Hugh L. White, Washington, DC, 8 Dec 1834:
Passed Midshipman John T. Williams' request
for orders to CONSTITUTION will be considered at the appropriate time. [Not issued.]
To
Senator Theodore Freylinghausen, Washington, DC, 8 Dec 1834:
Passed Midshipman John F. Mercer will be
considered when officers are ordered to CONSTITUTION. [Not included.]
To
Representative R. H. Wild, Washington, DC, 22 Dec 1834:
Midshipman Edward A. Drake, now attached to
VANDALIA, which is about to sail, already has received much indulgence from the
Department. He cannot be transferred to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Representative James P. Heath, Washington, DC, 24 Dec 1834:
"...it Cannot be positively
ascertained from the records of this Department wether [sic] the Medal Dated
[sic] to the nearest Male relative of Lieutenant Bush, has or has not been
already delivered. There are a few of
the Medals left which commerate [sic] the Victory of...Constitution
over...Guerriere:‑ and one will be presented in this case on the
relations explaining why it has not been before claimed, and furnishing
satisfactory evidence to the Department that it has not been heretofore
received."
To
Representative George Loyall, Washington, DC, 6 Jan 1835:
Midshipman George T. Sinclair's request for
orders to CONSTITUTION will be considered at the appropriate time. [He got them.]
To
Representative William N. Shines, Washington, DC, 6 Jan 1835:
"...The Department has not made any
final directions as to the Constitution..."
To
Representative J. P. Heath, Washington, DC, 17 Jan 1835:
"...It gives me pleasure to send you
herewith a large Silver Medal and letter to be delivered to Lewis Bush Jackson
as the nearest Male relative of Lieutenant Wm S. Bush who was killed on board
the Frigate Constitution in the Conflict with the British ship
Guerriere..."
To
William Jenkins, Lancaster, PA, 11 Feb 1835:
Your request for your son, A. Hubley
Jenkins, to be ordered to CONSTITUTION is acknowledged. [Done.]
To
Senator Jacob Kirn, Washington, DC, 3 Mar 1835:
The orders for Passed Midshipman Barton to
report to CONSTITUTION have been revoked today.
To
Henry Middleton, Charleston, SC, 21 Mar 1835:
"Your Son applied for Service in the
Mediterranean in Decr last, but as it was not known that the Constitution would
go to that Station he was not detailed for that Ship. It is yet a Matter of uncertainty whether She
will go into that Sea, this will depend upon our relations with France. The Constitution will return to the United
States, and if our relations with France shall continue Pacific, she will be
sent into the Mediterranean with her present Officers & Men..." [Edward Middleton joined CONSTITUTION in
Aug.]
To
John Sullivan, Philadelphia, PA, 15 Jun 1835:
"...The Constitution having a full
complement of Midshipmen it may not be practicable to order Midshipman Wager to
that Ship,..." [He joined
CONSTITUTION in Aug.]
To
William Drayton, Philadelphia, PA, 3 Jul 1835:
Your son, Passed Midshipman Percival
Drayton will be ordered to CONSTITUTION.
To
Mrs. Mary Gordon, New York, NY, 14 Jul 1835:
Investigation into your request for the
discharge of James Gordon discovered fraud.
[Returned as dead letter, Feb 1836.]
To
M. Van Buren, New York, NY, 18 Jul 1835:
"...young Mr. Flemming..." has
been ordered to CONSTITUTION.
[Midshipman Charles Fleming joined the ship in Aug.]
To
Hon. J. B. Southerland, Philadelphia, PA, 20 Jul 1835:
Your letter requesting a discharge for
Seaman Walter Downie has been received.
It is customary not to grant one unless requested by the individual
himself. [Downie discharged in Aug.]
To Joseph Haycock, Gloucester, MA, 22 Jul
1835:
An inspection of CONSTITUTION's muster
rolls failed to disclose the name of Joseph Haycock. [Haycock was aboard 1811‑13.]
To
E. L. Child, Washington, DC, 29 Jul 1835:
CONSTITUTION has no room for Passed
Midshipman Larkin among her officers.
[Larkin eventually served in the ship as a Lieutenant in the 1850s.]
To
Edward C. Ward, Professor of Mathematics, New York, NY, 1 Aug 1835:
"It is my intention at some time to establish a Board for
examination of teachers of Mathematics for our public Vessels. In the meantime I wish to have two or three
examined, and must request you make the examinations. J. E. Dow has been rated I understand as
Teacher of Mathematics on board the Constitution in her trip to France &
back, but for this trip her having on board a professor of Mathematics was a
matter of no importance. But when she is
going into the Mediterranean, it is very important that a Professor every way
qualified to do his duty should be on board.
If Mr. Dow should present himself for examination, I request you to
examine him and report to me his acquirements in Mathematics and Nautical Science
as I should prefer him for the Constitution if he is well qualified. I shall also permit Horatio N. Robinson to
present himself to you for examination and probably some others."
To
J. E. Dow, USS CONSTITUTION, 1 Aug 1835:
"As it is proper that the Teacher of
Mathematics on board our Ships of war should be well acquainted with the
Science they teach ‑ it is claimed necessary before their appointment,
that they should undergo, an examination, before some well known and competent
Professor. I have therefore for the
present requested Professor Edward C. Ward, at the Navy Yard at New York to
make such examinations‑‑ If
therefore it is your wish to be examined, you may present yourself to him for
examination, and in case of such examination he will report your case."
To
Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, New York, NY, 21 Aug 1835:
Since CONSTITUTION has sailed, your request
to discharge your husband James cannot be honored. [Returned as dead letter, Feb 1836.]
To
Messrs William Band & Son, Boston, MA, 29 Oct 1835:
"A Copy of your letter to the
President of the Navy Board dated September 2d in relation to a Time Keaper
[sic] for transferring the time, valued at one hundred and twenty Dollars
delivered on board the Constitution by order of Commodore Elliott has been
referred to this Department. The
regulations of the Service do not Authorize any allowance for such instruments
and I regret that the one in question was obtained without the knowledge or
authority of the Department."
Roll 9, Vol 22 (December 9, 1835 ‑ September 28,
1836)
To
William H. Turrell, Carrington, VA, 11 Dec 1835:
A Surgeon was sent out in CONSTITUTION last
Aug to relieve your brother in POTOMAC.
He should be on his way home in DELAWARE.
A letter has been received from
CONSTITUTION at Port Mahon dated 27 Sep.
All appeared well at that time.
To
Representative Jabez Jackson, Washington, DC, 22 Apr 1836:
No‑one named James Morgan appears on
the rolls of CONSTITUTION during the period stated. There was an Ordinary Seaman named William
Morgan in CONSTITUTION from 10 Jan to 10 Sep 1812.
To
Amos Quimby, Boston, MA, 14 Jun 1836:
Your son will be coming home on board
POTOMAC. [Private Joseph A. Quimby was
transferred in Aug.]
To
Representative John Reed, Washington, DC, 22 Jun 1836:
As no record can be found of previous
delivery, upon presentation of proof of identity of Lieutenant George Parker's
widow, his medal for the capture of JAVA will be delivered to any designated
representative.
To
William R. Bond, Chillicothe, OH, 2 Jul 1836:
In the case of Thomas Collins, a Seaman in
CONSTITUTION in 1803‑5, no prize money was awarded for that period. Three Turkish craft taken were returned. [Quarter Gunner Thomas Collins was in
CONSTITUTION during those years.]
Vol 23 (September 28, 1836 ‑ August 21,
1837)
To Professor M. Caldwell, Dickinson College,
Carlisle, PA, 10 Jan 1837:
Lieutenant Rich [?] is now in CONSTITUTION.
To
the Honorable E. T. Throop, New York, NY, 25 Mar 1837:
"...the Frigate Constitution is not
soon to return to the United States, but she may probably return in time for
Midshipman Montgomery Hunt's examination, which cannot take place until the
summer of 1838."
To
Vice President R. N. Johnson, Great Crossings, KY, 23 Jun 1837:
Commodore Elliott has been authorized to
grant Midshipman J. W. Bryce a 6‑month leave at the expiration of the
cruise.
To
Enoch J. Titcomb, Boston, MA, 11 Jul 1837:
Orange Gleason was not in CONSTITUTION when
CYANE was captured. [He was aboard for
the JAVA capture.]
Vol 24 (August 21, 1837 ‑ May 18, 1838)
To
Representative Joseph C. Noyce, Washington, DC, 4 Oct 1837:
No man named Jeremiah Gray appears to have
been in CONSTITUTION. Perhaps he used an
assumed name.
To
Russell Jarvis, Philadelphia, PA, 18 Oct 1837:
"...Commodore Elliott exhibited
charges against Lt Hunter at Boston on which Lt Hunter was tried and acquited
[sic] by the court. He then exhibited
charges against him for conspiracy on his first trial and upon this he was
acquited, after which Lt Hunter complained to this Department. The merits of the question cannot be
understood until Commodore Elliott returns to the United States. When he will probably ask for a court of
inquiry before which time I should think it improper to make it a subject of
newspaper investigation as it respects this case, that of Midn Barton, or that
of Midn Calhoun of Philadelphia who has lately sent to the Department a
statement of ill treatment which he aledges [sic] he has recd. from Commodore
Elliott. I should not feel at liberty to
communicate the substance of these trials and complaints without the permission
of Commodore Elliott. The public ought
to be satisfied with the fact that he is about on his public duty, and that he
will not hesitate to meet all charges against him on his return."
To Messrs S. Wall & P. Doyle, Baltimore,
MD, 22 Nov 1837:
There is nothing in Department records
identifying prizes awarded CONSTITUTION during the War with Tripoli. No Prize Agent is known. A congressional resolution of 3 Mar 1805
awarded one month's pay to all enlisted personnel involved in Commodore
Preble's attacks on that city.
Presumably, you have received this.
To
William George Krebs, Baltimore, MD, 19 Jan 1838:
Commodore Elliott has been directed to
discharge Henry A. Dellahunt, if he desires it, as soon as his accounts are
settled.
To
John King, Salem, MA, 19 Mar 1838:
It is not yet known at which port
CONSTITUTION will arrive.
To
Representative John Reed, Washington, DC, 2 Apr 1838:
The name John or Josiah Small does not
appear on the rolls of CONSTITUTION.
To
Representative J. Jackson, Washington, DC, 24 Apr 1838:
CONSTITUTION may be expected home in the
Autumn.
Roll 10, Vol 25 (May 18, 1838 ‑ March 12, 1839)
To
Mrs. Elizabeth Porter, Natchitoches, LA, 24 May 1838:
CONSTITUTION will probably return soon with
your son, Midshipman W. B. Porter.
To
Mrs. Sarah A. Hunter, Norfolk, VA, 1 Aug 1838:
If, on the return of CONSTITUTION, your son
wishes to apply for discharge, it will be duly considered. Individuals usually are expected to apply for
themselves.
To
John Morgan, Portland, ME, 20 Aug 1838:
CONSTITUTION's rolls show that Seaman
Joshua Johnson ran on 13 Mar 1813, thereby forfeiting any and all monies due
him.
To
William Snow, Baltimore, MD, 3 Sep 1838:
Information of Charles Jones' wages will be
forwarded when CONSTITUTION's payroll is received.
To
John Gilmore, Butler, PA, 8 Sep 1838:
The crew of CONSTITUTION has been paid off
and discharged; this Department has no information on the present whereabouts
of your son, John Gilmore.
To
Augustus F. Lash, New Castle, ME, 11 Sep 1838:
When it becomes necessary to order a
Professor of Mathematics to duty, your request for orders to CONSTITUTION or
OHIO will be considered.
To
Thomas Payne, late of USS CONSTITUTION, Norfolk, VA, 15 Sep 1838:
Commodore Elliott states crew was rated by
CDR Boerum. He has been contacted for
information concerning your claim to having been rated Gunner's Yeoman. You will be advised when his answer is
received.
To
William M. Price, New York, NY, 24 Sep 1838:
Lieutenant [Oscar] Bullus given a 3 month
furlough when CONSTITUTION returned.
To
Thomas Payne, Norfolk, VA, 25 Sep 1838:
You will be paid as Gunner's Yeoman.
Your request for employment as Captain's or
Purser's Clerk in CONSTITUTION is acknowledged.
No officers for that ship have yet been determined; selection of their
clerks is a privilege of Captains and Pursers.
To
John B. Hagan, Mobile, AL, 13 Dec 1838:
"...the Constitution will not probably
be sent to the Mediterranean..."
To
Mrs. Elizabeth H. Parker, Philadelphia, PA, 22 Dec 1838:
Your request that your two Apprentice sons
be ordered to CONSTITUTION is acknowledged and forwarded to Commodore Ridgely
at New York as a matter under his cognizance.
To
F. Shephard, New York, NY, 14 Jan 1839:
CONSTITUTION is expected to sail for the
Pacific in a few weeks.
To
Simmon & Gay, Boston, MA, 15 Jan 1839:
[[Privates] James Gallagher and James Lowry
were paid by Purser [Henry] Etting [of CONSTITUTION] for the period 26 Feb‑20
Jul 1835.
To
Mrs. Nancy Woods, New York, NY, 22 Jan 1839:
According to the record, your husband,
Boatswain's Mate Michael Woods, was landed at Port Mahon on 13 June [January]
1838 from CONSTITUTION to the UNITED STATES.
Since his name does not appear on the rolls of that ship, it is presumed
that he died before taking ship. I am
writing to the Consul at Port Mahon for details.
To
Obediah Rich, Port Mahon, Minorca, 22 Jan 1839:
Did Boatswain's Mate Michael Woods die at
Port Mahon?
Put
ashore sick there for return home, was he paid the $330.89 due him when he left
that ship?
To
Joshua N. Barnes, Portsmouth, VA, 30 Jan 1839:
CONSTITUTION already has been assigned a
Carpenter.
Private Samuel B. Ray was paid off on 11
Aug 1838 at Norfolk, VA, shortly after CONSTITUTION arrived.
To
Representative William S. Hastings, Washington, DC, 2 Mar 1838:
No person named Timothy B. Tivetshell [sp?]
served in CONSTITUTION under Commodore Elliott.
Vol 26 (March 12, 1839 ‑ February 18,
1840)
To
Professor Dennison Olmstead, Yale College, 25 Mar 1839:
Did your friend Elisha Fitch receive his
orders to CONSTITUTION as Professor of Mathematics? I have had no acknowledgement.
To
Windham Spurrier, Baltimore, MD, 2 Apr 1839:
Among the Commodores about to sail is
Alexander Claxton in CONSTITUTION at Norfolk.
To
Thomas Mustin, Washington, DC, 3 May 1839:
The rules of the service require that an
individual, such as Lewis A. Bussard, now in CONSTITUTION, make his own request
for discharge.
To Mrs. B. O'Niel [sic], New York, NY, 7 May
1839:
Your request for the discharge of your
husband, Maurice O'Niel, now in CONSTITUTION, has been referred to Commodore
Claxton. [Returned: dead letter.]
To
John M. Read, Philadelphia, PA, 23 May 1839:
The logs of CONSTITUTION under Commodore
Elliott, in 3 volumes, are forwarded this day for use by the court of inquiry.
To
Colonel Thomas Fitzgerald, RA, Port Mahon, Minorca, 5 Sep 1839:
The Department regrets and is mortified by
Midshipman W. C. Porter's expenses. He
recently has sailed for the Pacific in CONSTITUTION, but will be immediately
required to make provisions for repaying the $326 owed to you.
To
Colonel Peter A. Carnes, Washington, DC, 19 Oct 1839:
Forwarded herewith are copies of your son's
letter of resignation, written while in CONSTITUTION, and Commodore Elliott's
forwarding letter.
To
Major Frederick Crofton, Bristol, England, 7 Nov 1839:
CONSTITUTION sailed for the Pacific prior
to receipt of your request for his discharge, and so it cannot be granted. She "will probably be absent from this
Country for three years."
[Frederick Crofton, Jr., a Landsman.]
To
J. C. Delaplain, New York, NY, 10 Feb 1840:
The sum of $300 was paid to the widow,
Ellen Wood.
Vol 27 (February 18 ‑ September 28, 1840)
To
Representative J. D. Doty, Washington, DC, 24 Feb 1840:
"...the part of the resolution of
Congress of the 3d of March 1805 which 'requests the President to cause a sword
to be presented to each of the Commissioned Officers and Midshipmen who
distinguished themselves in the attack on the Town, Batteries, and naval force
of Tripoli' has never been carried into effect..." The reasons to be found on page 281 of the
American State Papers.
To
Reverend W. H. Norris, Montevideo, Uruguay, 17 Apr 1840:
"...The Department never before heard
any information of the loss of the Constitution..."
To Joseph Guier, Marseilles, France, 17 Apr 1840:
A
careful check of CONSTITUTION's muster roll for 1805‑6 failed to disclose
your name. [Annotated: "Dead.
Cancelled."]
To
John M. Read, Philadelphia, PA, 6 Jun 1840:
"...There does not appear to have been
any letter written by the Department in relation to paying the Crew of
Constitution in increased wages authorized by the new enlistment
bill..." [Read was Judge Advocate
for Commodore Elliott's Court Martial.]
To
Powhatan Ellis, Mexico City, Mexico, 13 Jun 1840:
Thanks for news of the health of the
officers and crew of CONSTITUTION.
To
William Davidson, Philadelphia, PA, 12 Aug 1840:
"William Davidson" does not
appear on CONSTITUTION's muster rolls for the "late war." [Davidson was on board 1811 until after fight
with JAVA.]
To
John Munir, Dublin, Ireland, 1 Sep 1840:
There never has been a "Lieutenant
Christopher Munir" in the USN or in CONSTITUTION.
Roll 11, Vol 28 (September 28, 1840 ‑ June 23,
1841)
To
E. Bradshaw, Philadelphia, PA, 28 Sep 1840.
No information here on the death of Boy
James Briggs in CONSTITUTION. He was
alive and well as of 31 Dec 1839.
To
Francis S. Claxton, Baltimore, MD, 30 Nov 1840:
No reports have been received of an
outbreak of small pox in the Pacific Squadron up to 10 Jun 1840.
To
John A. Greenwood, Leonardtown, MD, 17 Dec 1840:
Passed Midshipman William H. Brown currently
is in CONSTITUTION. Probably will return
to the US in 18 months.
To
Representative D. Russell, Washington, DC, 31 Dec 1840:
"The prize money which had accrued to
William Long from the captures of GUERRIERE and JAVA has been paid.
To
Hon. Lewis Steenrod, House of Representatives, 4 Feb 1841:
""…
Statement
of the Naval force in commission …in 1829 & 1841
No.
& Rate of Ships in 1829
No. &
Rate of Ships in 1841
To Joseph Butler, Philadelphia, PA, 8 Apr
1841:
The prize money for the captures of
GUERRIERE and JAVA was paid to William Walter "a long time ago."
To
James Reyburn, New York, NY, 15 Jun 1841:
I am constrained to deny Mrs. Claxton's
wishes with regard to her late husband's remains. [I. e., to have them returned to the US.]
Vol 29 (June 23, 1841 ‑ March 7, 1842)
To
John Mills, Springfield, MA, 4 Oct 1841:
Charles M. Goldsborough was prize agent for
CONSTITUTION's money from the capture of GUERRIERE and JAVA. Joseph B. Tifts received his share more than
26 years ago. If Tifts was in
CONSTITUTION when CYANE and LEVANT were taken, you can get the information you
want by contacting Commodore Charles Stewart at the Philadelphia Navy Yard or
the prize agent, John McCauley, in that same city. [He wasn't.]
To
T. R. Gray, Portsmouth, NH, 22 Nov 1841:
"...the Purser of the Constitution is
bound to submit to the decision of the Court..."
To
Hugh Cassady, Philadelphia, PA, 27 May 1841:
"...directions have been given to
allow the apprentices who returned in the Constitution, liberty to visit their
friends."
To
Mrs. Eliza H. Parker, Philadelphia, PA, 8 Dec 1841:
"...the commanding Officer at Norfolk,
Com. Shubrick, was instructed to allow the apprentice boys who came home in the
Constitution, liberty to visit their relations and friends."
To
Peter Brown, New York, NY, 8 Dec 1841:
"...directions were given a few days
previous...to allow the apprentice boys who returned in the Constitution,
liberty to visit their friends."
To
William C. Cardwell, Philadelphia, PA, 15 Jan 1842:
"Charges having been preferred against
Midshipman J. F. Sperry for 'Theft and Lying,' while attached to the Frigate
Constitution, I request that you [as late Purser's Steward] will furnish this
Department with such information on the subject as may be enabled to give,
specifying times and places as accurately as you can."
To
Representative H. S. Lane, Washington, DC, 21 Feb 1842:
The name Thomas Collins appears on the
rolls of CONSTITUTION for the period mentioned; it appears he later was
transferred to SIREN.
Vol 30 (March 7 ‑ October 6, 1842)
To
Tazewell Tyler, Norfolk, VA, 6 May 1842:
If brig TRUXTUN should be put in commission
and be ready to sail before CONSTITUTION, Acting Midshipman Heron shall go in
her; until then, he shall remain in CONSTITUTION.
To
Representative George H. Proffit, Washington, DC, 3 Jun 1842:
There is no billet for Midshipman B. B. Wright
in CONSTITUTION.
To
Representative Charles Brown, Washington, DC, 15 Jun 1842:
Two Cravens [John and Thomas] and
"young McCready," all apprentices, have been ordered to CONSTITUTION.
To
Representative D. P. Brewster, Washington, DC, 29 Jun 1842:
Midshipman Hugunin has been ordered
transferred from LEVANT to CONSTITUTION.
To
Pardon Davis, Philadelphia, PA, 29 Jul 1842:
CONSTITUTION is not going to Brazil.
To
Seth Ames, Lowell, MA, 13 Aug 1842:
Charles Stewart returned in CONSTITUTION on
31 Oct 1841, and was paid off and discharged at Norfolk a few days later.
To
Elias Thompson, Baltimore, 27 Aug 1842:
Apprentice Alexander Thompson has been
ordered to CONSTITUTION.
Roll 12, Vol 31 (October 6, 1842‑ April 3, 1843)
To
Nathaniel B. Borden, Fall River, MA, 7 Oct 1842:
CONSTITUTION is now at Norfolk, but, not
having a late muster roll, I don't know if Edmund Saunders is aboard.
To
Commodore E. P. Kennedy, Norfolk, VA, 7 Oct 1842:
Discharge Seaman Thomas White, now in CONSTITUTION.
To
John Peterson, Ship, PA, 18 Oct 1842:
George A. Hoyle, now in CONSTITUTION,
cannot be discharged.
To
Samuel B. Fowler, Baltimore, MD, 13 Dec 1842:
CONSTITUTION sailed before your letter
could be delivered to Captain Parker.
Will be done when he returns to port.
To
Tazewell Taylor, Norfolk, VA, 20 Dec 1842:
Your request to have Midshipman James Heron
transferred from CONSTITUTION to some ship sailing soon acknowledged. Be aware that CONSTITUTION probably will sail
as soon as any other vessel.
To
Representative Charles G. Ferris, Washington, DC, 10 Jan 1843:
All hands have been transferred from
CONSTITUTION to BRANDYWINE at Norfolk.
The Purser is D. M. F. Thornton.
To
Representative Henry A. Wise, Washington, DC, 10 Jan 1843:
Receipt of Master James Ferguson's claim to
payment for having piloted CONSTITUTION in March and April 1835 have been
received. I presume this claim is barred
by the Act of 2 Mar 1835 regulating pay.
To
H. Battelle, Fall River, MA, 17 Jan 1843:
Ordinary Seaman Edmond Saunders is on the
rolls of CONSTITUTION. His time will
expire on 19 May 1847.
Vol 32 (April 3 ‑ November 16, 1843)
To
Horace W. Elliott, Goshen, NY, 2 Aug 1843:
The name of John Higgins cannot be found on
the rolls of CONSTITUTION during either of her last two cruises.
To
Mrs. C. W. Callender, Boston, MA, 30 Aug 1843:
It appears that John C. Aylwin was Sailing
Master and John Nichols Assistant Sailing Master in CONSTITUTION when she
fought JAVA. [Aylwin was 5th Lieutenant;
Nichols was Sailing Master.]
To
Henry G. Thomas, Portsmouth, VA, 14 Nov 1843:
"...Captain Percival has been
authorized to rate a Carpenter for the Constitution." [Thomas was the man.]
To
Mrs. Julia Clarke Swann, Portsmouth, VA, 15 Nov 1843:
Captain Percival has been authorized to
rate your son a Master's Mate in CONSTITUTION.
Vol 33 (November 17, 1843 ‑ July 9, 1844)
To
Mrs. Julia C. Swann, Portsmouth, VA, 29 Nov 1843:
Captain Percival has been authorized to
rate your son a Master's Mate if he thinks proper: he was not ordered to do so.
To
S. Humes Porter, Washington, DC, 29 Nov 1843:
Per your request, I will order "young
Gibson" to the CONSTITUTION and authorize Captain Percival to rate him
"a forward officer" at the grade you mention.
To
Representative J. G. Farlee, Washington, DC, 5 Jan 1844:
Peter R. Bartolette was transferred from
CONSTITUTION to the Norfolk Navy Yard on 10 Mar 1841, his time having
expired. A discharge was sent for him on
20 Nov 1841, but it seems he had left and never received it. [Apparently garbled information: CONSTITUTION
was off the west coast of South America in Mar, but was back at Norfolk by the
end of Oct.]
To
Charles A. Leas, Baltimore, MD, 21 Feb 1844:
"...The Constitution on her voyage to
Rio Janeiro [sic] will not go near La Guayra; and there is no other vessel
bound in that direction."
To
Senator W. R. King, Washington, DC, 5 Mar 1844:
Midshipman L. Beard's examination will not
take place until the summer of 1846, by which time CONSTITUTION will probably
be at home.
To
Representative Z. Pratt, Washington, DC, 25 Mar 1844:
Dr. James H. A, Graham of New York, may
take passage in CONSTITUTION to Rio if Captain Percival has no objection and
the gun room officers can accommodate him.
"It is not known at what time the Constitution will be ready to
sail."
To
Mrs. L. Mcleod, New York, NY, 3 Jun 1844:
"...The...Constitution is bound on a
special cruise, and will not form a part of the East India Squadron. I cannot suggest a better mode for sending
letters to any one on board that ship, than to address them to the care of the
American Consul at the Cape of Good Hope."
Roll 13, Volume 34 (July 10, 1844 ‑ March 21, 1845)
To
Mr. John Gibson, New York, NY, 21 Aug 1844:
Joseph Campbell died on board
CONSTITUTION on 16 June 1840. Any claim
for monies due him must be made to the 4th Auditor.
To
Mrs. Ann Hood, Philadelphia, PA, 26 Dec 1844:
John Hood's [her son] name does not
appear on the muster rolls of CONSTITUTION for any of her last 3 cruises; nor
does it appear on the Marine Corps rolls.
To
Mrs. Van Pelt, Philadelphia, PA, 4 Jan 1845:
Letters for CONSTITUTION should be
addressed to Macao or Canton, China.
To
Mr. John E. Murray, Philadelphia, PA, 15 Jan 1845:
Passed Midshipman Isaac G. Strain is on
board CONSTITUTION in the East Indies.
To
Mr. James C. Morse, Boston, MA, 8 Feb 1845:
"There is nothing due on account
of the Levant from the United States to the Crew of the Frigate
Constitution."
Vol 35 (March 22, 1845 ‑ January 21,
1846)
To
Mrs. N. W. Buckner, Lexington, KY, 28 Jul 1845:
CONSTITUTION is last known to have
been at Singapore on 1 Feb 1845. There
is no reason to suppose your son [Midshipman W. P. Buckner] is not perfectly
well.
To
Mr. Chatham Hughlett, Baltimore, MD, 5 Sep 1845:
William
E. Hughlett is known to have been aboard CONSTITUTION as of 30 Sep 1844, the
date of last return.
To
Mrs. M. Van Pelt, Philadelphia, PA, 26 Nov 1845:
CONSTITUTION was in the East Indies as
of August last, and has now been ordered home.
To
Mrs. Anne Hammel, Newark, NJ, 10 Jan 1846:
No‑one named Robert Hammel is on
board CONSTITUTION.
To
Mr. Charles Mayo, Boston, MA, 10 Jan 1846:
A J. B. Berry was now aboard
CONSTITUTION as of the date of the last return.
Vol 36 (January 21 ‑ September 25, 1846)
To
Mrs. Rebecca Zimmerman, Baltimore, MD, 25 May 1846:
Your son was aboard CONSTITUTION when
she left New York. She is expected home
later this year.
To
Senator Lewis Cass, Washington, DC, 2 Jul 1846:
Mr. [R. A.] Knapp, late a Passed
Midshipman was sentenced by a court martial to "be cashiered and rendered
incapable of serving again in the Navy."
He cannot be reinstated.
Roll 14, Vol 37 (September 25, 1846 ‑ March 13,
1847)
To
Apprentice Charles F. Gallop, USS CONSTITUTION, 2 Oct 1846:
Your discharge is denied as you have
yet three years to serve. You will be
granted 2 months leave.
To
Mr. Francis Markoe, Jr., Corresponding Secretary, National Institute for the
Promotion of Science, Washington, DC, 10 Oct 1846:
Forwards the report of naturalist J.
C. Reinhardt on his observations during CONSTITUTION's recent
circumnavigation. Reinhardt had joined
the ship at Rio and left her upon her return, "compelled by circumstances
of a private nature." The 11 boxes
of specimens, now in Boston, will be forwarded to the Institute.
To
Mr. A. W. Goff, New York, NY, 2 Nov 1846:
Apprentice Fitz Gedder, formerly in
CONSTITUTION, will be discharged when he reports to the New York Navy Yard.
To
Mr. Joseph Foster, Caldaingate, Carlisle, England, 10 Nov 1846:
Seaman William Johnson of CONSTITUTION
was paid off and discharged at Boston on 8 Oct.
To
Mr. C. Lawrence Strobill, Boston, MA, 17 Nov 1846:
Was once in CONSTITUTION's crew.
To
Mr. W. F. Hemick, Manchester, NH, 21 Nov 1846:
Was an ordinary seaman in
CONSTITUTION.
To
Mrs. Mary Coyle, Londonderry, Ireland, 21 Nov 1846:
Ordinary
Seaman James Coyle returned in CONSTITUTION and was discharged and paid off on
8 Oct last.
To
Mr. Maxwell Hopson, Hopkinsonville, KY, 24 Nov 1846:
John E. Hopson deserted from
CONSTITUTION at Valparaiso, Chile, on 20 Jun 1846.
To
Mr. Maxwell Hopson, Hopkinsville, KY, 1 Dec 1846:
Your brother, John E. Hopson's,
present whereabouts are unknown. Last
Feb, in CONSTITUTION, he was tried by court martial on "various charges of
misconduct" and sentenced to dismissal.
He was allowed to go ashore while the ship was at Valparaiso, and never
returned.
To
Mr. Theodore DeLuce, New York, NY, 7 Dec 1846:
Passed Midshipman Isaac G. Strain,
once Acting Master of CONSTITUTION, is
now in COLUMBIA off Brazil.
To
Mr. William Gleason, Union, ME, 7 Dec 1846:
Edward Nye or Edward T. Nye does not
appear on CONSTITUTION's muster rolls.
To
Hon. R. C. Winthrop, Washington, DC, 25 Jan 1847:
Captain Percival's claim has been
forwarded to the Chairman of the House Committee on Naval Affairs with a
recommendation that it be paid in full.
Vol 38 (March 15 ‑ October 2, 1847)
To
Mr. Arthur Gifford, Newark, NJ, 25 Mar 1847:
Lieutenant George B. McCulloch died on
board CONSTITUTION on 3 Dec 1827; Surgeon James Cormick was there at the time.
To
Mr. Lorne W. Mullin, Dublin, Ireland, 22 Jun 1847:
Reports that William E. Mullin was
discharged and paid off from CONSTITUTION on 8 Oct 1846. He does not appear to have shipped over.
Vol 39 (October 4, 1847 ‑ April 26, 1848)
To
Mr. Nicholas Freelang, New York, NY, 9 April 1848:
There were two men named John Wilson
in CONSTITUTION during her late cruise.
One was transferred to SHARK in Mar 1846 and the other discharged that
Oct.
To
Hon. John Pettit, Washington, DC, 21 Apr 1848:
Commodore Claxton died on 7 Mar 1841
in CONSTITUTION. Thomas Dillard was the
attending Surgeon. The attending
Surgeons were Charles D. Maxwell and Samuel Jackson.
Roll 15, Vol 40 (April 27 ‑ November 20, 1848)
To
Mr. J. G. Bailie, Charleston, SC, 3 Jul 1848:
William Bailie does not appear on the
rolls of CONSTITUTION.
To
Mr. James G. Bailie, Charleston, SC, 21 Jul 1848:
Commodore Daniel Turner commanded
CONSTITUTION in 1839.
To
Mr. Elisha R. Potter, Kensington, RI, 13 Sep 1848:
CONSTITUTION's medical officers were
appointed before Dr. Potter's wishes were known.
To
Reverend John McVicker, New York, NY, 28 Sep 1848:
Chaplain Frost has been ordered to
CONSTITUTION.
To
Reverend Alfred L. Patten, West Chester, PA, 4 Oct 1848:
William C. Mellon is not on
CONSTITUTION's rolls.
To
Mr. J. G. Coddington, New York, NY, 9 Oct 1848:
CONSTITUTION has her full complement
of officers.
Mr.
Charles Howard, USS CONSTITUTION, 23 Oct 1848:
You must apply to the Surgeon of
CONSTITUTION for the position of Surgeon's Steward.
To
Mr. Henry B. Humphrey, Boston, MA, 2 Nov 1848:
Captain Gwinn of CONSTITUTION may
provide you passage to Gibraltar if he has room.
To
Captain's Clerk H. C. Clarke, USS CONSTITUTION, 3 Nov 1848:
I cannot interfere with the dress
regulation prescribed for the captain's clerk of CONSTITUTION.
To
Mrs. Delano, Boston, MA, 11 Nov 1848:
Forwards silver medal awarded by the
Congress in 1813 to George Parker, deceased, for his service as First
Lieutenant in CONSTITUTION during the victory over JAVA.
To
Purser's Clerk John B. Floyd, USS CONSTITUTION, 14 Nov 1848:
You may allot $25 of your monthly
pay. You may wear a frock coat instead
of a dress coat.
Vol 41 (November 21, 1848 ‑ June 30,
1849)
To
Messrs Blanchard True & Co., Washington, DC, 7 Dec 1848:
There is no Boswell Jones among
CONSTITUTION's officers, nor has there ever been an officer of that name in the
Navy.
To
Senator Thomas H. Benton, Washington, DC, 2 Jan 1849:
Lieutenant A. F. V. Gray is in
CONSTITUTION, recently sailed for the Mediterranean.
To
Mr. Joseph Turney, Newburgh, NC, 5 Jan 1849:
Michael Turney is not on the rolls of
either CONSTITUTION or CONSTELLATION, nor has he enlisted since Jun 1846.
To
Mr. Thomas L. Braynard, New York, NY, 16Mar 1849:
"...you are informed that the
vessel to which you refer, captured by the U. S. Ship Constitution [sic:
CONSTELLATION?] at Amoy, China, was not condemned as a prize."
To Mr. Har: Bennett, Philadelphia, PA, 20 Apr
1849:
Acknowledges receipt of letter on
behalf of Captain Thomas Conover, notes that MISSISSIPPI already has a
commander, and that "the Department has not yet determined to relieve
Capt. Gwinn from the command of the Frigate Constitution."
To
Mr. William Maxwell, Mercer, PA, 19 May 1849:
Your letter to your midshipman son has
been forwarded; that for Captain Gwinn will be as soon as possible. He reported the ship at Spezzia on 13 Apr and
all officers well.
To
Mr. David Witherington, Co. Firmanaugh, Ireland, 2 Jun 1849:
A search of CONSTITUTION's rolls back
to 1834 failed to turn up the name of Daniel Witherington.
Vol 42 (June 30, 1849 ‑ January 24, 1850)
To
Messrs McGrath & Sarmiento, Philadelphia, PA, 7 Jul 1849:
Dr. R. W. Jeffery is now on
CONSTITUTION in the Mediterranean.
To
Mr. J. Warran [sic], Washington, DC, 13 Jul 1849:
Lieutenant George F. Lindsay, Jr., is
on board CONSTITUTION in the Mediterranean.
To
Mr. M. B. Rochelle, Jerusalem, VA, 26 Oct 1849:
Refers to Passed Midshipman Rochelle
in CONSTITUTION.
To
Mrs. John Gwinn, Philadelphia, PA, 29 Oct 1849:
Forwards the official communications
relating to the death and interment of Captain John Gwinn.
To
Mrs. Martha B. Rochelle, Jerusalem, VA, 9 Nov 1849:
Mentions Passed Midshipman Rochelle,
and noted that, as of 24 Sep, CONSTITUTION was in the Bay of Naples and all her
officers were well.
To
Mr. D. Vedder, Schenectady, NY, 24 Nov 1849:
Reports Cornelius Hildebrand was in
CONSTITUTION as of 31 Mar 1849, the last muster roll received.
Roll
16, Vol 43 (January 24 ‑ July 27, 1850)
To
Mrs. Lucretia Cross, Albany, NY, 4 Apr 1850:
Your request for your son's discharge
from CONSTITUTION has been referred to the Mediterranean Squadron commander for
a decision.
To
Mr. Charles DeSelding, Washington, DC, 9 Apr 1850:
Forwards a letter from some
CONSTITUTION seamen with regard to prize money and asks if the addressee has
collected the money referred to.
To
Senator Daniel Sturgeon, Washington, DC, 11 Jun 1850:
"...Constitution sailed on a
three years [sic] cruise on the 9th December 1849 [sic:1848], and her return
may therefore be expected during the fall of 1850..."
Vol 44 (July 27, 1850 ‑ Fenruary 10,
1851)
To
Senator D. S. Dickinson, Washington, DC, 30 Aug 1850:
Reports that Lieutenant Melancton
Smith sailed in CONSTITUTION in Dec 1848 and is now in the Mediterranean in
CUMBERLAND.
To
Mrs. Ann McIntosh, New York, NY, 18 Sep 1850:
Reports that CONSTITUTION "will
not probably be recalled from the Mediterranean station, until the Spring or
Summer of 1851."
To
Mr. Bolivar D. Daniels, Baltimore, MD, 9 Nov 1850:
Advises that orders were issued on 2
Oct for the return of CONSTITUTION from the Mediterranean. She is to arrive in Boston.
To
Hon. J. W. Howe, Washington, DC, 11 Dec 1850:
Reports that CONSTITUTION is expected
in Boston "in the course of the present month."
To
Hon. E. Risley, Washington, DC, 7 Jan 1851:
Reports CONSTITUTION "is looked
for daily" at Boston. The crew probably
will be discharged immediately.
To
Hon. William J. Brown, Washington, DC, 14 Jan 1851:
Reports a 3 month leave of absence
will be granted to all officers of CONSTITUTION, including Midshipman Chapman.
To
Mr. Bolivar D. Daniels, Baltimore, MD, 17 Jan 1851:
Detachment orders for CONSTITUTION's
officers were sent to New York "some days since."
To
Hon. J. W. Howe, Washington, DC, 6 Feb 1851:
Implies that Midshipman Maxwell was
transferred from CONSTITUTION to INDEPENDENCE some time prior to the latter's
departure from the Mediterranean.
Vol 45 (February 10 ‑ September 18, 1851)
To
Mr. Horatio Woodman, Boston, MA, 16 Jun 1851:
"...Constitution 'was not in the
Gulf of Mexico, and did not cooperate with the Army,' at any time during the
war with Mexico."
Roll 17, Vol 46 (September 19, 1851‑ April 19,
1852)
To
Mr. C. R. Hopson, Corpus Christi, TX, 13 Feb 1852:
Reports
that Midshipman John E. Hopson left CONSTITUTION without permission at
Valparaiso on 16 Jun 1846, and was dismissed from the service on 9 Oct
1846. The Navy has had no communication
with him since his departure.
Vol 47 (April 19 ‑ December 4, 1852)
To
Hon. Alexander Evans, Washington, DC, 4 Aug 1852:
Notes that Surgeon Solomon Sharp has
requested orders to CONSTITUTION. [Didn't
get them.]
Vol 48 (December 6, 1852 ‑ June 28, 1853)
To
Hon. Bernhart Heun, Washington, DC, 28 Dec 1852:
Of our current Chaplains, 9 are
Episcopalians, 5 are Presbyterian, 5 are Methodist, 2 are Baptists, 2 are
Congregationalists, and 1 is Unitarian.
To
Mr. C. W. Woolley, Jefferson City, MO, 13 Jan 1853:
JOHN ADAMS will not be ordered home
until CONSTITUTION has sailed.
To
Sen. Keoni [?] H. Hamlin, Washington, DC, 21 Jan 1853:
Midshipman Cushman is needed in
CONSTITUTION, but he will be returned to the US in Oct 1854 in time to prepare
for his examination.
To
Mr. L. Boyle, Annapolis, MD, 4 Feb 1853:
As Commodore Mayo's Secretary, your
appointment and pay will date from the date of his first written order to the
commander of any of his subordinate vessels.
To
Mrs. Kate Wooley [sic], Jefferson City, MO, 8 Feb 1853:
JOHN ADAMS will be recalled as soon as
CONSTITUTION, now ready for sea except for a few seamen, reaches station. "The good health enjoyed [by the
officers of the African Squadron] has given evidence that the Station will
compare favorably with others."
To
Wardroom Steward William F. Jacsune, USS CONSTITUTION, 18 Feb 1853:
May allot $18/mo. of his pay.
Roll 18, Vol 49 (June 28, 1853 ‑ January 17, 1854)
To
William Martin, Stockbridge, MI, 3 Sep 1853:
Minor Orrin King, now in CONSTITUTION,
will be discharged upon completion of the ship's present cruise on the coast of
Africa.
Vol 50 (January 17 ‑ August 4, 1854)
To
Simon Lane, New York, NY, 24 Jan 1854:
With regards to the discharge of your
son, "...the prize crew of the 'Gambril' has been ordered to be discharged
with the exception of those who may be required as witnesses."
To
William Martin, Stockbridge, MI, 21 Feb 1854:
You have been misinformed. CONSTITUTION probably will not return for a
year.
To
James W. Armstrong, Montezuma, GA, 3 Mar 1854:
CONSTITUTION will not return for
"a year yet."
To
Mrs. Francis A. McCauley, New York, NY, 4 Apr 1854:
Has asked that her son, Constitution
Stewart McCauley, be appointed a midshipman.
Forwards a copy of the applicable regulations on the matter. [The boy, on this date, was 5 years old!]
To
George N. Eastman, Farmington, NH, 25 Apr 1854:
Landsman Lionel B. Cobbath [Colbath], now
in CONSTITUTION, enlisted until 9 Feb 1856, by which time the ship will have
returned to the US.
To
E. R. Stevens, New Haven, CT, 22 May 1854:
Reference made to Lieutenant Albert P.
Clary in CONSTITUTION.
Vol 51 (August 4, 1854 ‑ February 15,
1855)
To
F. F. Burlock, Burmingham [sic], CT, 25 Aug 1854:
Reports the name of William L. E.
Fauntleroy could not be found on the muster rolls of CONSTITUTION for the years
1822, 1823, and 1824.
To
H. C. Massey, Jerseyville, IL, 5 Oct 1854:
CONSTITUTION, at last report, was at
Porto Grande, Cape Verde Is., last Jul.
To
Miss Isabel Clary, Springfield, MA, 7 Dec 1854:
A relief for CONSTITUTION will be sent
in the spring. It has not yet been
decided to which port the ship will return.
Charles Hamilton was alive and well
aboard CONSTITUTION as of 30 Jun 1854, the latest date from her.
To
James W. Armstrong, Montezuma, GA, 15 Dec 1854:
In the latest news from CONSTITUTION,
dated 29 Aug 1854, there was no specific mention of your son [Midshipman Aeneas
Armstrong], from which nothing should be inferred. The ship is expected to return next spring or
early in the summer, in "good time" for him to enter the Naval
Academy with his class next Oct.
To
Messrs Gomez & Wales, New York, NY, 22 Dec 1854:
Lieutenant B. M. Dove is aboard
CONSTITUTION on the coast of Africa.
To
Mrs. Mary M. Williams, Brooklyn, NY, 6 Jan 1855:
The allotment by John Williams, now in
CONSTITUTION, expired on 30 Sep last. No
more payments may be made until he has registered a new one.
To
Stephen Sullivan, Pembroke, England, 24 Jan 1855:
Florence Sullivan was alive and well
in CONSTITUTION at last report. His
enlistment will expire on 19 Dec 1855, but he probably will be discharged when
the ship returns next May or Jun.
To
Mr. L. Clifford Wade, New Haven, CT, 2 Feb 1855:
Both Lieutenants A. G. Clary and
Charles S. McDonough are in CONSTITUTION on the coast of Africa.
To
George Nichols, New York, NY, 9 Feb 1855:
Your son, Landsman David Nichols in
CONSTITUTION, was found guilty of "using provoking, reproachful, mutinous,
disrespectful, and contemptuous language to his superior officer in the
execution of his office," and sentenced to be discharged in disgrace in
the first port of call with the loss of all pay due him. The squadron commander commuted this to
discharge into the American barque BUCKEYE on 22 Jul 1854.
To
Rev. A. M. Butterworth, Killyleagh, Ireland, 13 Feb 1855:
James Binen, born in Belfast and now
19, enlisted in the Navy on 7 Oct 1852 at New York, and is now in
CONSTITUTION. The ship is expected at
Portsmouth, NH, in May next, when the crew will be discharged.
Roll 19, Vol 52 (February 15 ‑ August 17, 1855)
To
Mrs. Virginia Waldron, Baltimore, MD, 17 Mar 1855:
CONSTITUTION is expected to leave the
African coast on 1 Apr. She will not be
delayed by the non‑arrival of JAMESTOWN.
To
Mr. Martin Murphy, Saint John's, New Brunswick, Canada, 26 Apr 1855:
CONSTITUTION is expected early in May,
probably at Portsmouth, NH.
To
Mrs. H. Clarke, Brooklyn, NY, 8 May 1855:
CONSTITUTION is daily expected at
Portsmouth, NH.
To
Seaman John Moore, USS OHIO, 16 Jul 1855:
Your name does not appear on the list
of those men discharged from CONSTITUTION with "honorable
discharges."
Vol 53 (August 18, 1855 ‑ March 20, 1856)
To
Rev. A. N. Butterworth, Killyleagh, Ireland, 23 Aug 1855:
James Brown, born in Belfast, was
discharged from CONSTITUTION at Portsmouth, NH, on 15 Jun 1853 [sic: 1855].
To
Mrs. Morgan O'Flynn, Cushenstall, Ireland, 1 Oct 1855:
Master‑at‑Arms James Darcy
of CONSTITUTION was discharged at Porstmouth, NH, on 15 Jun last, and is not
believed to have re‑entered service.
To
Mr. James Gordon, Leith, Scotland, 26 Jan 1856:
Ordinary Seaman John Wilson was
discharged from CONSTITUTION "last summer," and his present
whereabouts unknown.
Vol 54 (March 20 ‑ November 17, 1856)
To
Alexander Evans, Elkton, MD, 21 Jul 1856:
"It appears by the records of
this Department that Surgeon Amos A. Evans...served on...Constitution during
the actions [with]...Guerriere and Java."
[He did.]
Roll 20
NOT SEEN
Roll 21 ,Vol 58 (May 3 - September 21, 1858)
To
John F. Haugh, Esqr., Brooklyn, NY, 3 May 1858
In response to his query of the 23d
ult., if Alonzo Price can furnish a certificate from the Purser of the
Philadelphia Navy yard that he has not already been paid upon his honorable
discharge from CONSTITUTION, his claim will be considered.
Vol
59 (September 21, 1858 - February 14, 1859)
To
Representative William D. Bishop, Washington, DC, 4 Feb 1859:
"…The name of John Robinson is
found on an imperfect Roll of the 'Constitution' in the year 1799 but is not
found after that period."
Vol
60 (February 14 - August 26, 1859)
NOTHING
Roll
22, Vol 61 (August 27, 1859 - February 24, 1860)
To
Donald McKay, London, England, 14 Jan 1860:
Quotes a statement by the Chief of the
Bureau of Construction:
"The frames of the ships of the
Navy with few exceptions are of Live Oak. The following named vessels had white oak
frames: The frigates Guerriere and Java, built in 1815 and after having made
two cruises, they were broken up, being unfit for repairs -- the frigate Hudson
built in 1836 made one cruise of three years, was found unworthy of repair,
then used as a Receiving ship and finally sold -- the brig Lawrence, built in
Baltimore in 1843, was condemned as unseaworthy and sold in 1846 -- the steamer
Princeton built in 1843, after being constantly in service, was condemned as
unfit for repairs in 1849 -- the Southampton built for a steamer but not used as
such having been converted to sailing store Ship, was launched in 1845 and was
condemned and sold in 1855. The bottom
plank and the lower timbers of the last two mentioned ships were in a much
better condition than the top side.
"The wales of the ships of the
Navy are of white oak, and in some of the Steamer [sic] they have been replaced
after five or six years and in the sailing vessels from nine to twelve years
depending much on the climate in which
they had been cruising…"
Vol
62 (February 25 - August 31, 1860)
To
Dr. L. M. Mayo, Pattinsburg, VA, 25 Apr 1860:
"…Surgeon Wm Turk, on the 18th
August 1813, was ordered from the Constellation, at Norfolk, to the
Constitution, at Boston, and was transferred to the President on the 9th
October 1813…"
To
Mr. John Bowis, Baltimore, MD, 18 Jun 1860:
"…it has not been determined when
the U.S. Ship Constitution will be put in commission…"
Vol
63 (September 1, 1860 - March 21, 1861)
To
Mr. R. A. Preble, Portsmouth, NH, 11 Oct 1860:
"…the Commandant of the Navy Yard
Portsmouth N.H. has been authorized to approve your Bills, for Piloting the
"Constitution" and "Marion" at the rates established by the
laws of the State of New Hampshire."
Roll
23, Vol 64 (March 21 - July 13, 1861)
To
Paymaster's Clerk George H. Vernon, New York Navy Yard, 9 May 1861:
"Your letter of the 2d Inst., in relation to the transfer &etc
of the accounts of the Officers
& Crew recently attached to the 'Pennsylvania' has been received. The Department refers you to Paymaster
Heiskell U.S.S. 'Constitution,' Newport, R.I., for instruction on the
subject."
To
Mr. J. T. Boyle, Danville, KY, 15 May 1861:
Informs him his son, Acting
Midshipman William O. Boyle, "is attached to the School Ship Constitution
stationed at Newport, R.I."
To
Philadelphia & Havre de Grace Steam Tow Boat Company, Philadelphia, PA, 1
Aug 1861:
"You will please furnish a
certificate that the steamer 'Kingston' was not in the employment of the War
Department at the time of rendering assistance to the U..S. 'Constitution' off
Greensbury point [sic] Shoals, April 21 & 28 [sic] 1861."
Vol
66 (October 1 - December 17, 1861)
To
Provost Marshall Dodge, Baltimore, MD, 28 Oct 1861:
"Repeated charges have been
made to the Department against a man by the name of Vaughan, but the Dept is
unable to find out his first name, or any clue to the right person. A person has addressed a letter on the same
subject (disloyalty, &c.) to
General Wool & refers to you, as knowing him to be one of a party who
intended cutting ouot the Constitution at Annapolis in April last and as a bad
man generally. There is a man named
Henry Vaughn, attached to the steamer 'Dan' who may possibly be the man. The Department wishes you if you [know?] Vaughan
[sic] or if you can find whether he is the man now aboard the 'Dawn' that you
will furnish the evidence in such a shape that it can make use of it."
To
Allen McLane, New York, NY, 8 Nov 1861:
"Your letter to me relative to
the chartering of the Constitution has been handed to Maj. Gen. Butler who will
communicate with you in the premises. It
was for his expedition that I asked the refusal of the vessel."
To
Mayor W. H. Cranston, Newport, R.I., 26 Nov 1861:
"The Department has been much
gratified at the receipt of your communication of the 21st inst
bearing testimony to the good conduct of the Acting Midshipmen and the crew of
the 'Constitution,' and expressing the appreciation in which the Academy is
held by he citizens of Newport.
"I have forwarded a copy of it
to Captain Blake and requested him to read it to the Acting Midshipmen and to
the crew of the 'Constitution'."
Rolls
24 through 43
NOT SEEN
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The
Captain's Clerk 1989, TGM |