|
M 0945
[Note:
Only those portions of this series that seemed likely to contain
reference to CONSTITUTION have been researched.]
Roll
2 (12
May 1857 -20 Apr 1863)
To
Commander Thomas T. Craven, USS Plymouth, 13 Jun 1859:
"…the Practice Ship will be
somewhat crowded in consequence of the additional number of Actg. Midn. who
will make the cruise by order of the Navy Department…"
To
"I respectfully submit the
following suggestion to the Department, in regard to embarking a portion of the
Acting Midshipmen on board the Practice Ship Plymouth, for instruction.--
"The members of the 4th
Class, 21 in number, who have been put back, in their studies, have had one
year at the Academy, & in the opinion of the Academic Board can be
motivated on shore separately from the rest of the 4th Class.-- I propose that they shall remain in
quarters.--
"I would suggest that all the
new appointments which may be eighty five in number, be placed on board the
Ship.-- This will make the total number
of Acting Midn at the Academy 202.--
Should it be found that the ship will accommodate a greater number I
shall report the fact to the Department.--
"The additional bulk heads,
& sashes in the light ports which will be needed on board the ship, will
cost at the outside six hundred dollars, & I propose to put them up at the
Academy.-- The time required will be
four weeks, I would therefore suggest that the new appointments be directed to
report on the 1st of November.--
These bulkheads can be transferred to a larger ship should such one be
substituted for the 'Plymouth.'--
"A small scow say 30 x 11 feet
will be needed, also a water tank, to contain about 2000 of water.-- I would suggest that these be built at
Norfolk or Washington, & sent to the Academy.-- The expense of them will be very slight.--
"*--
"* The estimates for the Naval Academy for the
current fiscal year, were not made in view of any such charges, & the funds
remaining are barely sufficient to keep the establishment in repair for the
rest of the year.-- I would therefore
ask that whatever is done to the Plymouth, may be chargeable to another appropriation.--.."
To
Captain Franklin Buchanan,
Understands he has been authorized
to build a water tank for the Academy.
"The tank is intended to transfer water from the shore to the
Practice Ship Plymouth, and should be made of iron -- flat, so as to draw but little
water, and to have capacity for twelve hundred gallons.-- It should also be provided with strong
row-locks for four Sweeps.-- It will be
much needed about the 1st of November.--"
To
Captain Charles H. Bell,
Forwards a drawing and description
of the scow to be built for the Academy, and notes it is desired by 1 Nov. To Commander Thomas T.
Craven, USS Plymouth, 14 Oct 1859:
"You will be pleased to see that all things are in
readiness, as far as practicable, for the reception of the Acting Midshipmen on
board the
To
Needs 1 steward, 1 cook, and 8
landsmen to attend to the care and feeding of midshipmen aboard the practice
ship, as well 1 cabin servant for the officers stationed on board. Requests permission to recruit in
To
"From information which I have
received from the Department I fear a greater number of Actg Midn will be sent
to the Academy than can be properly accommodated on board the Plymouth, having
due regard to their health and the necessary means and appliances for
conducting the duties of study and instruction. -
"There are now fifty-three
young gentlemen on board the Ship, and it is understood that seventy Candidates
more will be authorized to present themselves for admission.- Of those fifty-five will probably be
admitted, which will make the whole number on board 108, or about 25 more than
can properly be accommodated.-
"While a larger Ship would
afford abundant accommodation for all the Acting Midshipmen that the Department
may desire to appoint, it would also give better security for health, and
suitable space for Study and instruction.-"
To
"I beg to state to the
Department that if it is intended to substitute a larger ship for the
'Plymouth' as a school ship it would in my opinion be very necessary that she
should arrive at Annapolis as soon after the 1st of June as
possible.- The fittings of the Plymouth
will be very carefully removed in a few days will answer for a larger ship
& save very considerable expense.-"
To
"…I desire to retain Lt. Wyman
at the Academy during the absence of the Practice Ship to assist me in
preparing the Constitution for the reception of the next 4th Class,
and also, Lt McGunnegle, the only other officer attached to the Executive
Department, to aid me in the numerous duties that devolve upon the
Superintendent during the time that the Academy is being put in a proper state
for the commencement of Academic studies in October…"
To
Chief of Ordnance and Hydrography,
"I beg to acknowledge the
receipt of your letter of the 12th inst. together with a copy of one
from the Secretary of the Navy, authorizing the construction of lockers in the
Constitution by contract.- I would state
that these lockers will not probably cost over two hundred dollars, & that
it will be impossible to explain to a carpenter precisely how they should be
constructed until the ship arrives, and that other fittings will be required
such as accommodations for washing, port sashes, coverings for hatches &c,
all of which will be devised by the Superintendent on board the Ship in consultation
with a carpenter, & which it will be extremely difficult to make a contract
for, particularly as we have much material on hand from the Plymouth which will
be worked in.- The public exigencies
certainly require that the ship should be completely ready for the reception of
the appointees of this year (which I am informed will be one hundred and forty
in number) by the 20th day of next September, otherwise confusion,
& delay in studies which will be extremely detrimental to the Academy will
certainly ensue.- I would ask if under
these circumstances, the ship cannot be prepared by the Carpenter now employed
at the Academy.- I beg also to state,
that in suggesting that a frigate should be sent to the Academy, I have always
contemplated that she should be fitted with a light spar deck, with out which,
there will be a great deficiency of accommodation.-
"My experience last year with
the 'Plymouth' satisfied me fully of the necessity of this.- With such a deck, there can be four study
rooms, four recitation rooms provided, which will give both the professors
& the young gentlemen a fair opportunity to fulfill all the requirements of
the regulations in regard to recitations & study.- Without the deck they will not have such an opportunity.-
"The number of Actg Midn during
the next Academic year will exceed three hundred, & I would submit that
their success at the institution depends in a great measure upon their being
suitably accommodated for study, & recitation.- I therefore respectfully suggest that on the
arrival of the Ship, carpenters be sent from Washington to put a light spar
deck upon her with as little delay as possible, & that I be authorized to
cause her to be properly fitted in other respects by the carpenters now employed at the Academy.-"
To
Lieutenant Stephen B. Luce, Naval Academy, 20 Jul 1860:
Orders him to
To
Commander Raphael Semmes, Lighthouse Board,
"I beg leave to state to the L.
H. Board that of the two buoys which mark the channel of this harbor, the one
off 'Horn Point' is gone & the other off ' Green berry's Point' is so much
out of position, that the 'Plymouth' on leaving the port recently ran aground
& was detained 24 hours.-
"The 'Constitution' is soon
expected here & it would be a great convenience if these buoys could be
attended to.-"
To
Lieutenant George W. Rodgers,
“Although you are so eligibly
situated in regard to duty, it has occurred to me that you may perhaps be
willing to give the
To
Lieutenant George W. Rodgers,
“I have your note of the 2d, & hasten to say that there was no mistake
on my last. Your brother comes here as I
am unofficially informed in Oct next as Comdt of Midn which is the 2d
position at the Acad’y. The 3d
position that of Comdt of the School Ship I proposed you should fill if it
becomes vacant. I think it very probably
will.-
“You will understand that this
position is subordinate to that of Comdrt of Midn. The school ship is a branch of the Acad’y,
& her Comdt is charged with the maintenance of discipline & instruction
of seamanship & gunnery, on board her under the general regulations of the
Acad’y, but his responsibility is immediately to the Comdt of Midn. If I understood you rightly you are willing
to take this situation if it is offered to you.”
To
Lieutenant George W. Rodgers,
“I have just received your favor of
the 6th, & hasten to explain more fully the nature of the
position at the Acad’y which I proposed you should fill.-
“Heretofore the Actg Midn have
always been accommodated in quarters on shore, but last year it was decided to
increase the number very considerably. I
proposed that the new appointees should be quartered on board the Practice Ship
‘
“Lt Wyman the senior officer had
charge of the ship, under the Supdt & Comdt of midshipmen, & made his
daily reports through the Comdt of Midn.
“The experiment [held this far to
be] successful, though the ‘
“The Sec’y told me in passing [?]
the school ship some time ago, that in view of the great importance of the
duties which has [sic] devolved upon
the Comdg officer of her, he sh’d probably make it a Lt Comdg position – it is
this position which I desire you to fill.
It has hitherto been filled by Lt Wyman, but he has applied for sea
service or a [?] kind & tells me it is uncertain whether he shall get it or
not. If he is detached he tells me it
will be about the 25th of this month, when it will be necessary the
place should be filled immediately. I
without that the [?] officers of the school ship would not go to sea in the
practice ship. Her services at the
Acad’y during the recess would be needed.
“One thing more. It has been suggested to attach to the Acad’y
a small propeller to cruise occasionally in the Bay for the instruction of the
boys. If this plan is carried out I
should suppose this would be an additional duty for the comdt of the school
ship.”
To
Lieutenant Wilson McGunnegle, USS Constitution,
Authorizes him a week's leave if
"Lieut Commdg Porter" agrees.
To
Chief, Bureau of
"One hundred and twenty
hammocks will be required for the Acting Midshipmen, in addition to those now
on board the 'Constitution.'- They
should be provided with Manilla [sic] lashings, iron clew rings of
bamboo line.-…"
To
"Twenty five men will be
necessary on board the school ship Constitution being the same number which was
allowed the
To
"I beg leave to state to the
Department that it is extremely desirable that an officer should be ordered to
the Naval Academy with as little delay as possible to supply the place of
Lieut. Wyman just detached.- His
position is that of executive officer of the school ship and he is now
superintending her preparation for the reception of the 4th Class on
the 20th proximo.-
"I beg to remark that the
position held by Lieut. Wyman is a very important one in the Academy.- The discipline of the school ship is
dependent upon the manner in which the officer who holds it performs his duties
& the new appointees to the institution receive their first impressions of
discipline & subordination from him & the officers immediately under
his orders.- Lieutenant Samuel Marcy
would be a very suitable officer for the service & I respectfully ask he
may be ordered.- As he has been recently
detached from the Academy, I should ask for him were I not strongly impressed
with the importance of having the place filled by an officer in every respect
suitable for the duty.-"
"PS I beg to add that as Lieut. Wyman is not
required to report for the Richmond until the 25th September &
his services at this moment are particularly important important [sic]
on board the 'Constitution' he volunteers to remain on duty on board of her a
few days longer.- I trust this
arrangement will be approved by the Department.-"
To
Lieutenant Stephen B. Luce, Naval Academy, 30 Aug 1860:
Orders him to take Constitution's
passage crew to
To
Boatswain Zachariah Whitmarsh, USS Constitution,
Ordered to accompany Lieutenant Luce
in delivering passage crew to
To
Lieutenant George W. Rodgers,
“In reply to your favor of the 31st
ultra I hasten to say that as by the current pay bill ‘Lts Commanding at sea’
only are entitled to the pay of Lts
Cimdg I, upon receipt of your note of the 13th relinquished the hope
of having you here in command of the ‘Constitution.’ The intimation of the Sec’y that he should
give to Comdg officer the position of Lt Comdg was unofficial but when the
class is on board, & organized, I shall ask him to do so, & to make the
officer a member of the Academic Board.
If this is assented to, he will hold the position to which his
responsibilities entitle him. I shall be
extremely glad if you would apply for the place, & so inform me. There is no officer in the Navy with whom I
should prefer to yoou in that important position. The ship is ready. If you are to live on board, you would have
furniture, servants, & lights. Her
cabin is beautiful…”
To
Requests that Lieutenant G. W.
Rodgers be ordered to the Academy to succeed Lieutenant Wyman.
"I feel sure that Lieut.
Rodgers would perform the delicate & important duties of Comdg Officer of
the Constitution very ably, & as the discipline of the Academy, so essentially
depends upon having a suitable officer in that position, I trust the Department
will see fit to confide them to the Officer I name.--"
To
Chief, Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography,
Forwards estimates of
"For a foot bridge to connect
School Ship with the Shore $700.00"
…..
"Great inconvenience was
experienced last winter in getting to and from the School Ship.-- The passage of a scow was often interrupted
by rough weather and ice; the proposed bridge will obviate this
difficulty."
…..
"For the current repairs and
for the expenses of heating and lighting the School Ship $1000.00" "The School Ship will require annually some
repairs, and it is scarcely necessary to say, that t o render her useful, she
must be heated and lighted.--"
To
Lieutenant George Rodgers,
“I have your favor of the 8th
inst, The cabins of the ‘Constitution’
are in good order. I know of nothing
barring bedding [?] furniture & which can prevent your going on board on
the 2oth with Mrs Rodgers. Mr. Swann our
pourveyor [sic] for the Acad’y would
cheerfully supply you with all necessary table furniture & supply your
table until you are fairly established and would do this very economically
too. I fear that our bridge will hardly
be finished by the 25th but it will be nearly completed if not
quite.”
To
"I beg leave to say that three
forward officers are very necessary on board the 'Constitution."- Boatswain Miller who was attached to the
'Plymouth' last winter was a very useful assistant instructor in Practical
Seamanship.- He is now in the 'Plymouth'
& I would ask authority to transfer him to the Constitution when the
Plymouth arrives.- Carpenter John W.
Stimson would on many accounts be a very desirable officer, & I would ask
that he may be ordered.- A Sailmaker is
not necessary, & I would therefore suggest that Mr Frankland now on the
'Plymouth' be detached on her arrival.-
I shall beg to name a Gunner at a future day.-"
To
"…I would now respectfully
suggest that the senior Lieutenant of the School Ship, who is the immediate
commanding officer of the new appointees, and whose duties are in every respect
very important, should be regarded as a Lieutenant Commandant, and be a member
of the Academic Board.- although the
change would give no increase of pay to the officer in question, it would, in
my opinion be very advantageous to discipline, while his services upon the
Academic Board would be very important to the large class under his particular
charge; but it is also very desirable, in my opinion that the merits of the
Acting Midshipmen in the practical branches of the profession should be passed
upon by at least three Sea officers.- At
present there are but two sea officers members of the Board, and in event of a
disagreement between them in reference to the comparative merits of students,
the question is settled by the vote of members who are not qualified
judges.- This modification is not
intended, in any manner, to change the official relations now existing between
the executive officer of the School Ship and the Commandant of
Midshipmen."
To
Chief of Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography,
Requests 3 condemned or half-worn
royals and royal yards of a 3rd class sloop of war for Constitution,
for instructional purposes.
To
"I have the honor to inform you
that the 'Constitution' is now well secured and fitted as the School Ship, and
all possible attention will be paid to her preservation.- Although admirably adapted to the purposes of
her present position the Constitution would not be suitable for a Practice
Ship.- Her draught of water is so great,
that she cannot enter or leave this port unless very light; and besides it
would require six weeks to take out all the fittings and prepare her for sea,
and the same length of time to re-move her in her present position and restore
the arrangement of the School Ship, which would involve heavy expense, and a great
lapse of time in the studies of the 4th class, and furthermore she
is too heavy in all respects for the practical instruction of the Acting
Midshipmen and would require at least one (100) hundred men more than the
Plymouth while on service as a practice ship.-
"The
"I would respectfully recommend
the adoption of this arrangement until the number of new appointments becomes
so small that the '
To
Suggests that
To
As originally written:
"…The Drummer and Fifer on
board the '
As revised:
"…The services of a Drummer and
fifer will be much required on board the 'Constitution' and I respectfully
request authority to transfer to her the two boys now employed in that capacity
on board the 'Plymouth.'"
To
Lieutenant Stephen B. Luce, Naval Academy,
Ordered to take command of Plymouth,
then to transfer to Constitution a "portion of her crew, guns,
& ammunition, stores & provisions" as indicated by the Commandant
of Midshipmen before proceeding to Norfolk Navy Yard.
To
Submits a list of the complement
necessary for Constitution. A few
more a needed than were authorized for
[Enclosure]
To
Superintendent, Naval Academy, from Lieutenant George W. Rodgers, USS Constitution,
6 Oct 1860:
Recommends the following crew for Constitution:
1 Boatswain's Mate, 1 Gunner's Mate, 1 Carpenter's Mate, 1 Master-at-Arms, 4
Quartermasters, 2 Captains of the
Forecastle, 1 Ship's Cook, 1 Yeoman (Sloop), 1 Surgeon's Steward, 1 Officers'
Steward, 1 Officers' Cook, 22 Seamen
To
Reports another lieutenant or master
"is much needed" in Constitution.
To
Senior Flag Officer Charles Stewart,
Forwards the following letter of
this date from 4th Class midshipmen:
"We, the undersigned in behalf
of ourselves and classmates who enjoy the proud distinction of being the first
junior class of Acting Midshipmen, which has been received on board this Ship [Constitution],
do most respectfully invite you to confer on us the high honor of visiting and
dedicating to her new position, the ship you have so ably contributed to render
illustrious.-
"When it is understood that
'Old Ironsides' has been selected as a nursery for young naval officers on
account of her great name and bright history, it will seem but carrying out the
original idea to have her dedicated by one, whose name if inseparably connected
with her, and who is the sole survivor of those, whose services are the pride
and trust of our country, and who may be regarded as the father of the
profession of our adoption.-
If, Sir, you will consent to accept
our invitation, and we sincerely hope you will give it your serious consideration,
it will not only be a present source of gratification to us, but it will mark
an era in our lives, to which, if we are spared, we will hereafter look back
with feelings of praise and pleasure.- We have the honor to be Yours with great respect Charles J Barclay Actg Midn Ernest Jefferson
Dichman " " John Combe Pegram " " M Peterson Goodwyn " " Charles H Craven " " Frank Wildes " " Orris A Browne " " Note:
Barclay, Dichman, and Craven survived the war and had attained the rank of
Lieutenant Commander by 1868; Goodwyn and Browne "went South" in
February and April 1861, respectively, and both became Acting Midshipmen in the
CSN.
To
Reports Lieutenant Bushrod B. Taylor
would like orders to Constitution.
To
4th Class Midshipmen, Naval Academy,
Forwards Flag Officer Stewart's 15
Oct 1860 response to their invitation:
"I have received your very
flattering and kind invitation to visit you in your new School Ship (Old
Ironsides) whose noble and glorious career has spread a halo of glory so
deservedly around her - and you do me honor to remind me that I was one of the
many who trod her deck on one occasion of her distinguished services.
"It would afford me great
pleasure to meet your wishes, but my short remaining time is so pressed upon by
my public and domestic duties, that I am obliged to forego the honor of your
distinguished invitation."
To
Commander A. H. Kilty, Naval Rendezvous,
Refers as Lieutenant Rodgers as
"the executive officer of the Constitution."
To
Mr. Joseph Varnum,
"…I beg to say in reply that
unless directed by the Navy Department, I have no authority whatever to
institute any ceremonies upon the completion of the removal of the Naval
Monument.-- We hope work may be finished
before frost sets in though it is doubtful.--"
To
Lieutenant George W. Rodgers, USS Constitution,
"…The conduct of Gunner Venable
was highly insubordinate, but as you express yourself personally satisfied with
his letter, I am willing to overlook his misconduct on this occasion. You will however admonish him that this
report is filed & that if he commits himself in a similar manner again, it
will be my duty to report him to the Navy Department.- You will please remove his suspension.-"
To
Lieut. G. W. Rodgers, USS Constitution, 3 Nov 1860:
Addresses Rodgers as "Executive
Officer Constitution."
To
Notes that if Lieutenant Upshur's
request is granted, another officer will be needed in Constitution.
To
Chief, Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography,
"…the appropriation for the
removal of the monument will be expended on Friday the 23d
inst.-- By Saturday the 24th,
it is expected that all the marble will be set, & there will then remain
about eight (8) days work to be performed by the Master Mason, & one man in
cleaning & finishing up.-- It thus
appears that, if the work is now completed the appropriation will be exceeded
by about sixty five (65) dollars.--"
Requests instructions.
To
Chief, Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography,
"…the Bronzed letters and
lamps, belonging to the
To
Chief of Bureau of
Forwards Lieutenant Rodgers' request
that thimbles be cast for Constitution's quarterdeck breechings.
To
Forwards Lieutenant Rodgers' request
for authority to discharge Charles Morris.
To
Chief, Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography,
"…the erection of the Naval
Monument, is now completed.-- The
pointing of a few of the joints of the masonry was interrupted by frost, but
the work can be done in a day or two, when the weather is suitable.--"
To
Chief, Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography,
Forwards Joseph Varnum's inquiry
about a ceremony involving the
To
Requests authority to discharge
Seaman William Murdock from Constitution, "it being impossible to
make his services useful on board of her."
To
Requests authority to discharge
Seaman Leonard Perry from Constitution: "unfit."
To
Chief of Bureau of
Requests 6 sections of fire hose for
Constitution "as soon as practicable."
To
Chief, Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography,
Requests manufacture of 4
"teakel" bolts for Constitution.
To
Captain Charles McCauley,
Requests 6 lengths of fire hose,
"copper riveted and wire bound," and a "Launch's Chain" for
Constitution.
To
Chief of Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography,
Refers to a 12 pdr howitzer in Constitution.
To
Proposes, in the event the Academy
is attacked, to send the officers and midshipmen, after spiking the shore guns,
and either defend her in the harbor or to
To
Requests authority to discharge
Seaman George Schrider of Constitution: unreliable.
To
Lieutenant Francis B. Blake,
Report to Constitution for
duty.
To
Commodore Samuel L. Breese,
Requests he send via
To
"…I have…transferred the Acting
Midshipmen to the Constitution and shall send her to
To
"I beg leave to state that
having the most reliable information that it is the determination of a great
many people of the State that the 'Constitution' shall be the first ship of war
to hoist the flag of the Confederate States, and as she is in a very
defenceless [sic] condition, I have ordered Lieut. George W. Rodgers to
take her to New York, the moment he is able to proceed to sea.- I have asked Brig'r Gen'l Butler to furnish a
small detail from his command to assist in taking her round unless the
Pocahontas should arrive in time, which I very much hope will be the
case.- Her own crew consists of but
twenty five men, & but for the presence of General Butler's command she
would have been boarded by steamers from Baltimore last night.-…
"I should add that the Telegraph
into this place is entirely unreliable, it being in the hands of persons who
communicate every thing of importance to the secession cause, to a committee of
persons in this place who are devoted to it.-"
To
"…the 'Constitution' is off the
port in a position to cover the entrance of transports, and is doing excellent
service in that way.- I also have it in
contemplation to transfer to her the acting midshipmen whenever it appears that
we can not subsist them on shore.- I
took the precaution some months since to place on board her a good supply of
provisions.-…"
To
Lieutenant George W. Rodgers, USS Constitution,
"The public exigencies require
in my opinion that I should place you in immediate command of the US Frigate
'Constitution.' You will therefore
assume the command of the ship, until the pleasure of the Navy Department is
known.-
"She will remain off this port
attached to the
To
"I have the honor to
acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 27th inst. directing
the transfer of the
"That ship is probably in
To
Lieutenant Commanding George W. Rodgers, USS Constitution,
"…Since your departure from
Annapolis, I have been ordered by the Navy Department to transfer the Academy
to Fort Adams, & immediately requested that you might be directed to
proceed to Newport R.I., with the Acting Midshipmen…"
To
Lieutenant Commanding George W. Rodgers, USS Constitution,
In pursuance of orders from the Navy
Department a copy of which is enclosed you will proceed with the frigate
'Constitution' under your command to Newport R.I. & anchor as near the
wharf at Fort Adams as you can consistently with convenience & safety.-
"You will please apply to Flag
Officer Breese for such additional men as may be needed, & for a steam tug
if you consider one necessary.-"
From
Commandant of Midshipmen C. R. P. Rodgers, Newport, RI, to Chief o Bureau of
Ordnance & Hydrography, Washington, DC, 9 May 1861:
"I have the honor to report the
arrival of the Baltic at this place last evening with the material and
personnel of the Naval Academy on board.-
The Constitution arrived about two hours before us.-…
"There are no quarters at Fort
Adams except in casemates, which have not been inhabited for eighteen months,
they are very damp and unwholesome, and will require to be ventilated for
several days before they can be occupied with safety.- I have large fires burning in them now.-…
"I shall keep the Midshipmen on
board the School Ship for the present…"
To
Reports the Academy transferred to
Submits recommendations of the
Academic Board, including:
"2d - That from the close of
the examination [late in June] until the 20th of September
next, when the new appointees will report, the exercise of the Acting
Midshipmen in Seamanship, Gunnery, & the other practical branches of the
profession, be unremittingly pursued on board the 'Constitution,' & that
the study of French be also pursued by them during that time.- I also propose that the Ship should
occasionally be got underway.-…"
"…The Constitution is moved
next to the Fort, & in a convenient position for target practice, and the
Actg Midn will remain on board of her for the present, where they will be
constantly exercised during the hours prescribed by the regulations of the
Commandant of Midn & the commanding officer of the 'Constitution.' Lieuts. Simpson, Buckner, Scott, & Lull
are the only Lieuts which remain attached to the Academy.-…"
To
"As it seems impossible to give
the Acting Midn…the usual practice cruise this year, I respectfully propose the
following distribution for it.-
"Sixteen of the guns of the
Constitution are mounted at which they will be exercised daily, in the most
careful manner, target practice with shot & shell, being particularly
attended to.-
"I also propose that they be
thoroughly instructed in the boat howitzer, both on shore and afloat.- In other words, I should give to this class
now the instruction in practical
gunnery, which under ordinary routine of the Academy has been deferred until
the 4th year of the course.- The
infantry exercises will also be continued.-
The Ship is completely rigged, & the Acting Midshipmen can be
exercised very advantageously aloft, in reefing, & furling, sending up
& down top gallant yards, & top-gallant masts, & in studying,
generally, the rigging of a ship.- There
are seamen, & petty officers on board of good character, who would give
very useful instruction in what is commonly termed the marlinspike part of
a seaman's duties, which is very
important.-
"Finally, I propose that
instruction in French should be prosecuted, and also that the professor of
Navigation & Astronomy, shall instruct in the use of Nautical instruments,
of tables, & as far as possible in Navigation.-…"
To
Paymaster Horace M. Haskell, USS Constitution, 12 June 1861:
Ordered to rate John R. Granger a
Master's Mate from this date.
To
Lieutenant Commanding C. R. P. Rodgers, Commandant of Midshipmen, Naval
Academy,
"By order of the Navy Department
the course of instruction indicated…will be pursued by the 4th class
on board the 'Constitution' until the opening of the next Academic year.-…
"French
"Three
recitations per week.
"Seamanship
"Practice
instruction will be given in knotting & splicing, reeving, & fitting
rigging, sending up & down yards, & masts, loosing, furling, reefing,
bending, & unbending sails, & use of lead & log. The class will also make sketches of rigging
for the inspection of the instructor in Seamanship.- These sketches will be made under the
direction of the professor of drawing, & will be preserved for future inspection.--
Recitation will be made in Seamanship as
often as you may direct using Nare's Naval Cadet Guide.-
"Gunnery
"The
class will be instructed as thoroughly as possible in practical gunnery, &
have target practice as least twice a week, with great guns or howitzers.- As much individual instruction as possible
will be given in this branch, & every effort used to prepare each member of
the class to exercise a division.-
Instruction in the boat howitzer both on shore & afloat, will be
especially attended to.- The class will
make two recitations per week from the ordnance manual & Simpson's Treatise
on Ordnance & Naval Gunne
"Infantry
Tactics
"The
class will study the 1st Vol of Hardee, including the school of the
soldier, of the company, & the duty of skirmishers.- Every effort will be used to qualify each
individual of the class to instruct a division of small arm men.-
"Navigation
"The
use of instruments, & tables, & in general the formula of practical
Navigation will be taught by the professor of Navigation & Astronomy as far
as circumstances will permit…
"Broad
Sword
"An
exercise at least once a week, or twice if found practical."
To
?, 2 Jul 1861:
Grants leave to Fifer William Bealer
until 18 Sep.
To
"…Under the present daily
routine on board the 'Constitution,' from 8h to 10h AM is devoted to French
& Navigation, 10h to 1h to Gunnery, 2h to 4h PM Seamanship, & the
afternoons either to howitzer or infantry drill…"
To
Acting Midshipman William R. Hunter, USS Constitution, 17 Jul 1861:
Refers to "Lieut George W
Rodgers," not "Lieut Comdg."
To
Acknowledges decision to keep the
Academy at
To
Chief of Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography,
"…in April last, immediately
after the riots in Baltimore, & when the Naval Academy was threatened with
hostilities, I deemed it most prudent to provide especially for the defence [sic]
of the Constitution, which I knew was to be the main object of the attack,
& therefore dismantled fort [sic] Severn with the exception of two
guns mounting the rest upon the spar deck of the Ship.-…"
To
seven potential contractors, 10 September 1861:
Seeks a supply of "the best red
ash anthracite coal broken & screened" for use at Atlantic House and
on board Constitution.
Contract,
17 Sep 1861:
Hires the steamer Fanny,
Charles Russell, to run regular service between
To
"I would respectfully represent
to the Department that Sailmaker Benjamin B. Blydenburgh of the 'Constitution'
has rendered most efficient services during the past year in the training &
instruction of the Acting Midn, & in various other respects. He is a person of excellent character. I am satisfied that he would be highly useful
to the Academy as an Acting Master. I
therefore respectfully ask authority to confer that appointment upon him for
duty at the Academy."
To
"In obedience to the orders of
the Department, the 'Constitution' has during the past summer been made the
school of summer practice for the Acting Midn of the
To
Lieutenant Commanding George W. Rodgers, II, Commandant of Midshipmen,
"Whenever an Acting Midn. is
transferred to the Constitution under suspension with orders to confine himself
to his room or apartment, it will be understood that he is to confine himself
to the
To
"I would respectfully state
with regard to Mr. Prince D'Orleans entered as a pupil of the Naval Academy
that, as I have already appraised the Bureau, it was my intention that the
young gentleman should be quartered on shore, but his tutor Mr. [Captain]
Fauvel, who has examined very carefully the system of practical instruction now
in operation on board the Constitution, assures me that it is exactly such a
course as the Prince De Joinville wishes his son to pursue, and I have
therefore at the special request of Mr. Fauvel, placed Mr. D'Orleans on board
the ship.
"The young gentleman is in
mathematics at least two months in advance of the highest class now at the
Academy, and the Professor of Mathematics will therefore give him such separate
instruction in the higher branches and in practical Navigation as will be most
advantageous to him."
To
several officers,
Addresses E. P. Lull as
"Lieutenant."
To
Reports there are 171 4th
Classmen quartered in Constitution, and that the ship "is much
crowded." Recommends no more
appointments.
To
I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your letter of the 4th Inst., & to state in reply
that by order of the Bureau of Ordnance &c of the 3d inst., I
had already commenced such arrangements for an increased number of students, as
seemed to me, and of the officers of the Academy, most feasible and economical.
"I have erected at a cost of
somewhat over three (300) dollars [sic] a slight building near the
'Constitution' which contains two recitation rooms, and am building a deck
house upon the forecastle of the ship for the accommodation of the crew. These arrangements, with the transfer of a
portion of the 4th class to the quarters on shore, will enable the
Academy to accommodate the additional appointees mentioned in your letter of
the 11th ultimo, which will bring the total number of Acting Midn up
to nearly three (300) hundred.-- But I
beg to add that, the plan adopted by the Department of placing the Acting Midn
in the outset of their academic career, on board the ship has been attended
with the best possible results.-- They
can there be kept in much better discipline, & as they study under constant
& careful supervision, they make better use of their time; as the recitation
show while they can be by far better instructed in practical branches than they
can possibly be on shore.
"If, therefore, a still larger
increase is made, I respectfully suggest the expediency of attaching the '
To
Chief of Bureau of
Considering the possibility of a
further increase in the number of midshipmen,
proposes moving
To
Reports that, for defense, 5 32 and
24 pdrs have been mounted in
To
"…the officers of the
Constitution are not entitled to credit for sea service…"
To
Suggests
Telegram
to the Superintendent from Major General George B. McClellan, 9 Mar 1862:
Reports the rebel ironclad Merrimac
has destroyed 2 frigates near
Telegram
to Major General McClellan, 9 Mar 1862:
"…every preparation in my power
is made at Fort Adams.-- Heaviest
ordnance, thirty two pounders."
To
Lieutenants E. Simpson, E. P. Lull, and E. O. Matthews, Naval Academy, Newport,
RI, 7 Apr 1862:
Refers to Lull as "Lieut.,"
not "Lieut.-Com."
To
Again nominates Sailmaker Benjamin
B. Blydenburgh to be promoted to Master.
To
Captain William L. Hudson,
Requests 100 hammocks for Constitution.
To
Chief of Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography,
Notes that Constitution's 2nd
cutter is fitted to accommodate a 12 pdr boat howitzer.
To
Requests Gunner George Sirian be
ordered to Constitution.
To
Understands that
To
Reports the arrival of Santee
on 11 Oct, brought down from
From
Lieutenant Thomas L. Swann, USS Constitution, to Lieutenant Commander
Edward L. Simpson, Commandant of Midshipmen, Naval Academy, Newport, RI, 14 Feb
1863:
Swann identifies himself as
"Actg. Ex. Off."
Roll
3
To
The schooner
To
Midshipman Prince Pierre D'Orleans
is to receive his "certificate of proficiency in a few days."
To
Lieutenant Commander Edward P. Lull, USS Constitution, 5 Jun 1863:
Directed to consider himself the
Commandant of Midshipmen and Executive Officer of the
To
Lieutenant Commander Edward P. Lull, USS Constitution, 24 Jun 1863:
In response to a SecNav telegram of
this date, ordered to take John Adams to sea and patrol between Cape Cod
and the Delaware, alert for the Confederate raider Tacony. To return to
To
Reports that John Adams
received a draft of 80 landsmen from
To
Lieutenant Commander Edward P. Lull, Naval Academy,
Having returned with John Adams,
is ordered to resume his duties in Constitution. [Similar letter of this date sent to Acting
Master's Mate David C. Miner. John
Adams departed on 30 Jul for duty
with the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.]
To
Chief of Bureau of Equipment and Recruiting, 9 Oct 1863:
Provides listings of complements of
school ships Constitution and
To
Reports the organization of the
Academy as follows:
Total number of midshipmen: 463 Those with the highest
standing - 208 - quartered in Atlantic House; the remainder in
Macedonian, which is fully
armed but with only a security crew, is moored near the school ships. The midshipmen have battle stations in her
and are exercised at the regularly. Marion is employed as the training site for shipboard
routine, with the midshipmen divided into 4 "crews" that man her and
stand watches, etc., in rotation. Will be used for underway drills in the
spring. A steamer is needed to teach steam engineering
adequately.
To
Requests permission to provide
quarters to "the forward officers of the School Ships who are excluded
from their proper quarters by the arrangements made for the accommodation of
the Midshipmen,,,"
To
Requests permission to appoint
Captain's Clerks for each of the School Ships.
To
Carpenter Henry P. Leslie,
Requests information of condition of
various buildings and facilities at the
To
Mr. Joseph B. Burgess, USS Constitution, 29 Mar 1864:
Appoints him Captain's Clerk in that
ship.
To
Chief, Bureau of Equipment and Recruiting,
Hammock nettings "very much
needed" in Constitution and
To
Chief, Bureau of Equipment and Recruiting,
Constitution requires 3 dozen
hickory brooms, 8 dozen corn brooms, 2 dozen scrub brooms, 1 coil of 21 thread
ratting stuff, 1 coil of 18 thread ratting stuff, 1 coil of 9 thread seizing
stuff, 1 coil of housing stuff, 2 dozen paint brushes of assorted sizes, 2 dozen "Bath Brick" for
brightwork, and 3 gross assorted screws.
To
Sailmaker H. T. Stocker, USS Constitution, 25 Apr 1864:
Ordered to
To
Sailmaker H. T. Stocker, USS Constitution, 26 May 1864:
Ordered to take trophy flags to
To
Chief, Bureau of Construction and Repair,
Requested a dinghy for Constitution.
To
Mr. James S. Miller,
"I am informed that a man by
the name of Charles Stewart has been detected in taking your boat at night.-
"He is now in confinement on
board the Constitution & will be delivered to the civil authorities by Lt.
Comdr Johnson when demanded.- I trust
that you will cause him to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of
the law.- This is the first complaint of
the kind which has reached me.-"
To
Paymaster C. W. Abbot, Naval Academy,
Directs that Yeoman William S.
Slocum, be added to the rolls of Constitution this date.
To
Gunner George Sirian, USS Constitution, 16 Jun 1854:
Ordered to assist in escorting a
draft of men to the New York Navy Yard, and then return.
To
Lieutenant Commander P. C. Johnson, USS Constitution, 20 Jun 1864:
"After the departure of the
Practice Vessels, the morning and evening guns will be discontinued until
further orders.--
"You will be pleased to hoist
up the boats which are moored astern of the 'Constitution,' except such as it
is absolutely necessary to keep in the water & cause them to be protected
at the davits from the sun, as much as possible, & wet inside
occasionally.--" [They sailed on
the 21st with 240 midshipmen.]
To
Sailmaker H. T. Stocker, USS Constitution, 20 June 1864:
Ordered to
To
Lieutenant C. Merchant, USS Constitution, 11 Jul 1864:
Directs that Sailmaker Stocker be
sent to the Brenton's Reef lightship in Rainbow to provide them with
signal rockets to be used in the event a suspicious ship is seen. [Concerned that the Confederate raider
To
Lieutenant Commander P. C. Johnson, USS Constitution, 19 Jul 1864:
Directs the fitting of locks on the
clothes lockers on board Constitution and
To
Lieutenant Commander P. C. Johnson, 29 August 1864:
Identifies him as commanding both Constitution
and
To
Chief, Bureau of Equipment and Recruiting,
Requisitions 1 ventilating or air
pump (Baumonts) for Constitution.
To
Commander D. M. Fairfax, Commandant of Midshipmen, Naval Academy,
Noting that the Department has
ordered the retention of the 1st Classmen for an additional 6 weeks
of training in steam engineering and gunnery, wishes them kept out of the
regular battalion organization and quartered on board Macedonian until
graduation, 15 Nov.
"… The Broad Pennant of the
Comdg Officer will be shifted from the 'Constitution' to the 'Macedonian' on
the 1st of October, & be worn by that ship until the Class
graduates, when it will be returned to the 'Constitution.'"
To
Chief, Bureau of Equipment and Recruiting,
Requests 24 fire buckets for Constitution.
From
Lieutenant Commander P. C. Johnson, USS Constitution, to Naval Academy
Superintendent, 9 Sep 1864:
"Elisha P. Barker, Car. Mate of
this Ship is in such a feeble state of health as to render him unfit for duty a
greater part of the time.-- I therefore
respectfully request that a medical survey may be held upon him with the view
of discharging him."
To
Requests authority to discharge
Carpenter's Mate Elisha P. Barker as unfit for service.
To
Paymaster W. Abbot, Naval Academy,
Discharge Carpenter's Mate Elisha P.
Barker, unfit for service.
To
Lieutenant Commander P. C. Johnson, "In charge of U.S. Ship
'Constitution,'" 1 Apr 1865:
"You will convene a naval
Summary Court Martial on board the U.S. Ship 'Constitution' on the 3d
day of April, for the trial of John R, Harris, Landsman, & of such other
persons as may be legally brought before it…" The charge: theft aboard Constitution.
To
Acting Master's Mate David C. Miner, USS Constitution, 27 May 1865:
Ordered to New York Navy Yard to select
30 servants for the steerages of the practice ships and return with them. [Miner returned with 17, and on 17 Jun was
ordered to
To
Carpenter William M. Leighton, USS Constitution, 28 May 1865:
Ordered to Boston Navy Yard
"tomorrow" for duty in USS Winnipec.
To
Surgeon R. C. Dean, Naval Academy,
Ordered to hold a medical survey on
Seaman Emmanuel Rodrigues of Constitution.
To
Paymaster Charles W. Abbot, Naval Academy,
Discharge Seaman Emmanuel Rodrigues
today.
To
Commandant,
The double ender monitor Winnipec
arrived on the 10th.
To
Mr. John W. Easby,
Go to
To
Lieutenant Commander P. C. Johnson, USS Constitution, 22 Jul 1865:
Forwards new signal books for Constitution
and
To
Lieutenant Commander P. C. Johnson, USS Constitution, 24 Jul 1865:
"Before the departure of the
'Constitution,' you will please report to me in writing that the uniform caps
of all the officers attached to her, conform strictly to the regulation."
To
Assistant Surgeon Samuel F. Shaw, Naval Academy,
Report aboard Constitution
for duty.
To
Lieutenant Commander P. C. Johnson, USS Constitution, 8 Aug 1865:
"As soon as the 'Constitution'
is ready for sea, you will proceed to
"On your arrival at
"I also enclose for the
information of the Commanding Officer, a copy of a report made to me by Mr John
W. Easby, who superintended the repairs of the school ships '
To
Lieutenant Commander P. C. Johnson, USS Constitution, 8 Aug 1865 [2]:
"The service of quite a number
of the employes [sic] of the Naval Academy being no longer required in
Newport, you will give those & their families who are directed to report to
you, passage to Annapolis, Md, in the School Ship 'Constitution."
To
Mr. J. B. Burgess,
Accepts his 15 Sep letter of
resignation as Captain's Clerk in Constitution.
To
Mr. William Chase,
Appoints him Captain's Clerk in Constitution.
To
Mr. Richard Swann, Commissary, Naval Academy,
"You will please send me daily
a bill of fare of the Midshipmen's mess on shore and also those of the
Constitution and
To
Commander D. M. Fairfax, Commandant of Midshipmen, Naval Academy,
"You will please have the
Batteries of the
To
Commander D. M. Fairfax, Commandant of Midshipmen, Naval Academy,
"You will cause thermometers to
be placed on the main decks of the 'Constitution' and '
To
Lieutenant Commander S. B. Luce, Commandant of Midshipmen, Naval Academy,
"The way the two school ships
are organized, Lt Comdr. Johnson stands in the position of a 2nd
Comdt of Midn…"
To
Passed Assistant Surgeon Joseph Hugg, et al,
Conduct a medical survey of Seaman
Alexander Leo Sail [sic] of Constitution, "affected with
fracture of the thigh 'and injury to the eye'…"
To
Lieutenant Commander S. B. Luce, Commandant of Midshipmen, Naval Academy,
Seaman Alexander McNeill of Constitution
is to be sent to the hospital at
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