USS Delaware (1776)

History
United States
Name: USS Delaware
Ordered: 13 December 1775
Builder: Warwick Coates
Launched: July 1776
Captured: 27 September 1777
General characteristics
Class and type: Frigate
Displacement: 563 tons
Length:

119 ft (36 m) (pp)

117 ft 10 in (35.92 m) (deck)
Beam: 32 ft 11 in (10.03 m)
Depth of hold: 9' 9"
Propulsion: Sail
Armament: 22 x 12 pounders, 6 x 6 pounders

The first USS Delaware of the United States Navy was a 24-gun sailing frigate that had a short career in the American Revolutionary War.

She was built under the 13 December 1775 order of the Continental Congress in the yard of Warwick Coates of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under the direction of the Marine Committee. Upon her launching in July 1776, Captain C. Alexander took command.

Delaware served in the Delaware River, joining with Commodore John Hazelwood's Pennsylvania state ships in operations which delayed the British Fleet in approaching Philadelphia and supplying the British Army. When the British took possession of Philadelphia 26 September 1777, Delaware, now under the command of John Barry, in company with several smaller ships advanced upon the enemy fortifications which were being erected, and opened a destructive fire while anchored some 500 yards from shore.[1] On 27 September she went aground on the ebb tide and came under the concentrated fire of the British artillery. After a brave defense against overwhelming odds, Captain Alexander was compelled to strike his colors. Delaware was taken into the Royal Navy, and sold in March 1783.[2]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Meany, 1911 p.22
  2. ↑ U.S.Navy, DANFS, Ships Histories, USS Delaware

Bibliography

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