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{{short description|Gunboat of the United States Navy}}
{{other ships|USS Perry}}
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|Ship image=[[File:Africa and the American Flag.jpg|280px]]
|Ship image=Africa and the American Flag.jpg
|Ship image size=280px
|Ship caption=USS Perry confronting American slave ship Martha off Ambriz June 6, 1850.
|Ship caption=Brig USS ''Perry'' (left) confronting American slave ship ''Martha'' off Ambriz, June 6, 1850.
}}
}}
{{Infobox Ship Career
{{Infobox ship career
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|Ship country=US
|Ship country=United States
|Ship flag=[[Image:US Naval Jack 36 stars.svg|48px|Union Navy Jack]] {{USN flag|1861}}
|Ship flag=[[File:US Naval Jack 36 stars.svg|48px|Union Navy Jack]] {{USN flag|1861}}
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|Ship builder=[[Norfolk Navy Yard]]
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|Ship launched=May 1843
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|Ship commissioned=13 October 1843
|Ship commissioned=13 October 1843
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|Ship decommissioned=29 April 1865
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{{Infobox ship characteristics
{{Infobox ship characteristics
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|Ship displacement=280 tons
|Ship displacement=280 tons
|Ship length={{convert|105|ft|m|abbr=on}}
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|Ship beam={{convert|25|ft|6|in|m|abbr=on}}
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'''USS ''Perry'' (1843)''' was a [[brig]] commissioned by the [[United States Navy]] prior to the [[American Civil War]]. She was tasked by the Navy for various missions, including those related to diplomatic tensions with [[Paraguay]], the [[Mexican-American War]], the [[slave trade]], and the [[American Civil War]].
'''USS ''Perry''''' was a [[brig]] commissioned by the [[United States Navy]] prior to the [[American Civil War]]. She was tasked by the Navy for various missions, including those related to diplomatic tensions with [[Paraguay]], the [[Mexican–American War]], the [[History of slavery|slave trade]], and the [[American Civil War]]. She was probably named after Commodore [[Oliver Hazard Perry]].


==Service history==
''Perry'' was launched in May 1843 by the [[Norfolk Navy Yard]]; and commissioned 13 October 1843, Comdr. Samuel F. Du Pont in command.
''Perry'' was launched in May 1843 by the [[Norfolk Navy Yard]]; and commissioned 13 October 1843, Comdr. Samuel F. Du Pont in command. The new brig departed [[Norfolk, Virginia]], 3 December 1843, called at [[Rio de Janeiro]], Brazil, and proceeded via [[Cape Town]], South Africa, and the [[Straits of Sunda]] to [[Macau]], arriving 27 August 1844. There she embarked [[Caleb Cushing]], the first American Commissioner to China, and sailed via [[Hong Kong]] for the coast of Mexico, arriving [[Mazatlán]], 4 November. Four days later she debarked Cushing at [[San Blas, Nayarit|San Blas]], for an overland journey to [[Veracruz, Veracruz|Vera Cruz]], to catch a ship home. ''Perry'' then sailed via [[Honolulu]] for the [[Society Islands]] and the [[Marquesas]] where she helped win respect and fair dealing for American whalers. She departed [[Tahiti]] 16 April 1845; visited [[Valparaíso]], Chile; sailed "round the Horn", reached Norfolk, Virginia, 17 September; and decommissioned on the 25th.


''Perry'' recommissioned 16 May 1846, three days after war was declared on Mexico, and four days later sailed for the [[Gulf of Mexico]] to blockade Mexican ports. However, after leaving Havana bound for [[Charleston, South Carolina|Charleston]], [[South Carolina]], she endured the hurricane of October 10, 1846 driven over the reefs at Bahia Honda Key with every person on board surviving. She was [[wikt:kedged|kedged]] off (From account of ordeal by Naval Lieutenant Richard Schubrick Trapier who was aboard during that time.) and returned to [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]], for repairs 4 December 1846.
== Pre-Civil War round-the-world cruise ==
The new brig departed [[Norfolk, Virginia]], 3 December 1843, called at [[Rio de Janeiro]], Brazil, and proceeded via [[Cape Town]], South Africa, and the [[Straits of Sunda]] to [[Macau]], arriving 27 August 1844. There she embarked [[Caleb Cushing]], the first American Commissioner to China, and sailed via [[Hong Kong]] for the coast of Mexico, arriving [[Mazatlán]], 4 November. Four days later she debarked Cushing at [[San Blas, Nayarit|San Blas]], for an overland journey to [[Veracruz, Veracruz|Vera Cruz]], to catch a ship home.
''Perry'' then sailed via [[Honolulu]] for the [[Society Islands]] and the [[Marquesas]] where she helped win respect and fair dealing for American whalers. She departed [[Tahiti]] 16 April 1845; visited [[Valparaíso]], Chile; sailed "round the Horn", reached Norfolk, Virginia, 17 September; and decommissioned on the 25th.


[[File:FOOT(1854) p325 QUEEN OF AMBRIZETTE, AUDIENCE TO THE US BRIG PERRY'S OFFICERS.jpg|thumb|left|USS ''Perry'' officers on a visit in the African Kingdom of Ambrizette, Congo – an audience with the Queen.]]
== Recommissioned for the war with Mexico ==
''Perry'' got under way from Philadelphia 16 May 1847 to join the Brazil Squadron protecting American interests between [[Rio de Janeiro]], Brazil and [[Buenos Aires]], Argentina. Informed that suspected slavers were bound for the coast of Africa under false papers, she seized American bark ''Ann D. Richardson'' off Rio de Janeiro 16 December. Two days later, she took the American brig ''Independence''. Investigation proved that both ships had been engaged in the slave trade and were sent to New York City under [[prize crews]]. ''Perry'' returned from the Brazil Squadron to Norfolk 10 July 1849 and decommissioned there four days later. ''Perry'' recommissioned 17 November 1849 and sailed for the west coast of Africa to help suppress the slave trade. But for a period in ordinary in New York City, 26 December 1851 to 27 April 1852, the brig continued this duty until returning to Norfolk 14 July 1854 and decommissioning on the 20th.
''Perry'' recommissioned 16 May 1846, three days after war was declared on Mexico, and four days later sailed for the [[Gulf of Mexico]] to blockade Mexican ports. However, after leaving Havana bound for Charleston, NC, she endured the hurricane of October 10th, 1846 driven over the reefs at Bahia Honda Key with every person on board surviving. She was kedged off (From account of ordeal by Naval Lieutenant Richard Schubrick Trapier who was aboard during that time.)and returned to [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]], for repairs 4 December 1846.


With the exception of a month in commission, 20 March to 27 April 1855, ''Perry'' remained in ordinary at Norfolk until recommissioning 21 January 1858. She departed [[Hampton Roads]] 15 February to serve in the expedition, commanded by Flag Officer [[William B. Shubrick]], protesting an unprovoked attack on {{USS|Water Witch|1851|6}} 1 February 1855. The [[task force]] arrived at [[Asunción, Paraguay]] 29 January 1859 and quickly won [[James B. Bowlin]], the U.S. Special Commissioner a respectful hearing. Sea power here achieved what four years of diplomacy had failed to obtain: an apology, an indemnity for the family of an American sailor killed in the fight, and a commercial treaty advantageous to the United States. The brig returned to New York 5 June 1860 and decommissioned ten days later.
== Capturing ships engaged in the slave trade ==
[[File:FOOT(1854) p325 QUEEN OF AMBRIZETTE, AUDIENCE TO THE US BRIG PERRY'S OFFICERS.jpg|thumbnail|USS Perrys Officers on visite in the african Kingdom of Ambrizette, Congo - Audience with the Queen.]]
''Perry'' got under way from Philadelphia 16 May 1847 to join the Brazil Squadron protecting American interests between [[Rio de Janeiro]], Brazil and [[Buenos Aires]], Argentina. Informed that suspected slavers were bound for the coast of Africa under false papers, she seized American bark ''Ann D. Richardson'' off Rio de Janeiro 16 December. Two days later, she took American brig ''Independence''. Investigation proved that both ships had been engaged in the slave trade and were sent to New York City under [[prize crews]]. ''Perry'' returned from the Brazil Squadron to Norfolk 10 July 1849 and decommissioned there four days later.


===Civil War===
=== Recommissioned to fight the continuing slave trade ===
[[File:Confederate States privateer Savannah.jpg|thumb|The Confederate States privateer ''Savannah'' captured off Charleston by the U.S. Brig Perry, Lieut. Parrott]]
''Perry'' recommissioned 17 November 1849 and sailed for the west coast of Africa to help suppress the slave trade. But for a period in ordinary in New York City, 26 December 1851 to 27 April 1852, the brig continued this duty until returning to Norfolk 14 July 1854 and decommissioning on the 20th.
''Perry'' remained inactive until the outbreak of the [[American Civil War]] in April 1861, recommissioning on 23 April 1861. Under the command of Commander John J. Glasson she headed south the same day escorting three transports carrying some 3,000 troops to [[Annapolis, Maryland]], where they landed on the 25th to reinforce the [[7th Infantry Regiment (United States)|7th Infantry Regiment]] then moving South to reinforce the nation's threatened capital. She then returned to New York City (where Glasson debarked for rendezvous duty) to prepare for duty as a blockader and steamed into Hampton Roads 18 May to join the newly established [[Atlantic Blockading Squadron]]. A week later she stood out from [[Fort Monroe]] and headed south for [[Fernandina, Florida]]. On the last day of May, she captured Confederate blockade runner ''Hannah M. Johnson'' about 15 miles southeast of [[Cape Lookout, North Carolina]]. The brig took Confederate privateer {{USS|Chotank|1861|3}} 3 June, and subsequently turned two British ships away from the Southern coast before reaching her blockade station off the mouth of the St. Mary's River on the 11th.


With water running low and needing repairs, ''Perry'' sailed north 8 July, reaching Washington on the 21st, the eve of the Union defeat in the [[first Battle of Bull Run]]. When word of the disaster reached the [[Washington Navy Yard]], the brig moved into the [[Potomac River]] where her guns could command the approaches to [[Alexandria, Virginia]], against a possible Confederate advance against the federal capital. A score of sailors from ''Perry'' landed to help man the batteries at [[Fort Ellsworth]]. She continued to serve in the [[Potomac Flotilla]] for the rest of the year and captured sloops ''Blooming Youth'' and ''Ellen Jane''. Late in December, ''Perry'' sailed for [[Aspinwall, Panama|Aspinwall, Colombia]], where she arrived 14 May 1862. The brig headed home 13 November, and decommissioned at New York 3 January 1863 for repairs.
== Recommissioned to show a Naval force in Paraguay ==
With the exception of a month in commission, 20 March to 27 April 1855, ''Perry'' remained in ordinary at Norfolk until recommissioning 21 January 1858. She departed [[Hampton Roads]] 15 February to serve in the expedition, commanded by Flag Officer [[William B. Shubrick]], protesting an unprovoked attack on {{USS|Water Witch|1851|6}} 1 February 1855. The [[task force]] arrived at [[Asunción, Paraguay]] 29 January 1859 and quickly won [[James B. Bowlin]], the American Special Commissioner, a respectful hearing. Sea power here achieved what four years of diplomacy had failed to obtain: an apology, an indemnity for the family of an American sailor killed in the fight, and a commercial treaty advantageous to the United States. The brig returned to New York 5 June 1860 and decommissioned ten days later.


== Recommissioned to serve the Union Navy in the Civil War ==
''Perry'' remained inactive until the outbreak of the Civil War, recommissioning 23 April. Under the command of Commander John J. Glasson she headed south the same day escorting three transports carrying some 3,000 troops to [[Annapolis, Maryland]], where they landed on the 25th to reinforce the [[7th Infantry Regiment (United States)|7th Infantry Regiment]] then moving South to reinforce the nation's threatened capital. She then returned to New York City (where Glasson debarked for Rendezvous duty) to prepare for duty as a blockader and steamed into Hampton Roads 18 May to join the newly established [[Atlantic Blockading Squadron]]. A week later she stood out from [[Fort Monroe]] and headed south for [[Fernandina, Florida]]. On the last day of May, she captured Confederate blockade runner ''Hannah M. Johnson'' about 15 miles southeast of [[Cape Lookout, North Carolina]]. The brig took Confederate privateer {{USS|Chotank|1861|3}} 3 June, and subsequently turned two British ships away from the Southern coast before reaching her blockade station off the mouth of the St. Mary's river on the 11th.

=== Protecting Washington, D.C., by taking position on the Potomac ===
With water running low and needing repairs, ''Perry'' sailed north 8 July, reaching Washington the 21st, eve of the Union defeat in the [[first Battle of Bull Run]]. When word of the disaster reached the [[Washington Navy Yard]], the brig moved into the [[Potomac River]] where her guns could command the approaches to [[Alexandria, Virginia]], against a possible Confederate advance against the Federal capital. A score of sailors from ''Perry'' landed to help man the batteries at [[Fort Ellsworth]]. She continued to serve in the [[Potomac Flotilla]] for the rest of the year and captured sloops ''Blooming Youth'' and ''Ellen Jane''.

=== Showing the "colors" in Colombia ===
Late in December, ''Perry'' sailed for [[Aspinwall, Panama|Aspinwall, Colombia]], where she arrived 14 May 1862. The brig headed home 13 November, and decommissioned at New York 3 January 1863 for repairs.

=== Recommissioned to patrol the North Carolina coast ===
''Perry'' recommissioned 28 February and a month later took station off [[New Inlet, North Carolina]]. On 31 March she captured [[schooner]] ''Sue'', and on 1 May she took schooner ''Alma'' attempting to slip into [[Beaufort, North Carolina|Beaufort]] laden with salt and herring from [[Bermuda]]. She sailed North 13 August.

=== Assigned to the South Atlantic Blockade ===
[[File:FOOT(1854) p345 SHORE AND ROADSTEAD OF JAMESTOWN, ST. HELENA.jpg|thumbnail|Jamestown, [[Saint Helena]], Naval Basis ]]
[[File:FOOT(1854) p345 SHORE AND ROADSTEAD OF JAMESTOWN, ST. HELENA.jpg|thumbnail|Jamestown, [[Saint Helena]], Naval Basis ]]
Following repairs at [[Boston, Massachusetts]], the brig joined the [[South Atlantic Blockading Squadron]] at [[Port Royal, South Carolina]]. 15 November. After serving off [[Murrell's Inlet, North Carolina]], until 15 December and off [[Charleston, South Carolina]], during the siege, she sailed 28 January 1864 to blockade station off [[Fernandina, Florida]], where she remained until the end of the Civil War.


''Perry'' recommissioned 28 February 1863 and a month later took station off [[New Inlet, North Carolina]]. On 31 March she captured [[schooner]] ''Sue'', and on 1 May she took the [[blockade runner]] schooner ''Alma'' attempting to slip into [[Beaufort, North Carolina|Beaufort]] laden with salt and herring from [[Bermuda]]. She sailed north 13 August. Following repairs at [[Boston, Massachusetts]], the brig joined the [[South Atlantic Blockading Squadron]] at [[Port Royal, South Carolina]] 15 November 1863. After serving off Murrell's Inlet, North Carolina, until 15 December and off [[Charleston, South Carolina]], during the siege, she sailed 28 January 1864 to blockade station off [[Fernandina, Florida]], where she remained until the end of the Civil War. USS ''Perry'' decommissioned at [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]], 29 April and was sold at [[public auction]] there 10 August 1865.
== Post-Civil War decommissioning and sale ==
''Perry'' decommissioned at [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]], 29 April and was sold at [[public auction]] there 10 August 1865.

== See also ==
{{Portal|American Civil War|United States Navy|Military of the United States}}
*[[American Civil War]]
*[[Union Navy]]
*[[United States Navy]]
*[[List of United States Navy ships]]


== References ==
== References ==
{{Portal|American Civil War}}
*{{cite book|last=Foot |first=Andrew Hull |title= Africa and the American Flag|publisher= |year=1854}} - British Library, [http://access.bl.uk/item/viewer/lsidyv3c5d39603#ark:/81055/vdc_00000000ECBD.0x000005 Digital item viewer]
* {{cite book|last=Foot |first=Andrew Hull |title= Africa and the American Flag|year=1854}} – British Library, [http://access.bl.uk/item/viewer/lsidyv3c5d39603#ark:/81055/vdc_00000000ECBD.0x000005 Digital item viewer]
* [http://access.bl.uk/item/viewer/lsidyv3c5d39603#ark:/81055/vdc_00000000ECBD.0x000005][https://books.google.com/books?id=qIsFAAAAQAAJ&dq=brig+perry+armament&pg=RA6-PA3 House Documents, Otherwise Publ. as Executive Documents: 31st Congress First Session, Volume 9]
* [http://access.bl.uk/item/viewer/lsidyv3c5d39603#ark:/81055/vdc_00000000ECBD.0x000005][https://web.archive.org/web/20120113075641/http://www.servicehistorique.sga.defense.gouv.fr/medias/planbato/GM05PL0275.tif Historic ship plans of the Atlas du Génie Maritime]
{{DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/p5/perry-i.htm}}
{{DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/p5/perry-i.htm}}

{{1846 shipwrecks}}


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[[Category:Ships built in Portsmouth, Virginia]]
[[Category:Ships built in Portsmouth, Virginia]]
[[Category:Ships of the Union Navy]]
[[Category:Ships of the Union Navy]]
[[Category:Maritime incidents in October 1846]]

Latest revision as of 13:11, 30 March 2024

Brig USS Perry (left) confronting American slave ship Martha off Ambriz, June 6, 1850.
History
Union Navy Jack United States
BuilderNorfolk Navy Yard
Laid downdate unknown
LaunchedMay 1843
Commissioned13 October 1843
Decommissioned29 April 1865
FateSold 10 August 1865
General characteristics
Displacement280 tons
Length105 ft (32 m)
Beam25 ft 6 in (7.77 m)
Draft13 ft 2 in (4.01 m)
Depth of hold12 ft 3 in (3.73 m)
Propulsionsail
Complement67
Armament

USS Perry was a brig commissioned by the United States Navy prior to the American Civil War. She was tasked by the Navy for various missions, including those related to diplomatic tensions with Paraguay, the Mexican–American War, the slave trade, and the American Civil War. She was probably named after Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry.

Service history

[edit]

Perry was launched in May 1843 by the Norfolk Navy Yard; and commissioned 13 October 1843, Comdr. Samuel F. Du Pont in command. The new brig departed Norfolk, Virginia, 3 December 1843, called at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and proceeded via Cape Town, South Africa, and the Straits of Sunda to Macau, arriving 27 August 1844. There she embarked Caleb Cushing, the first American Commissioner to China, and sailed via Hong Kong for the coast of Mexico, arriving Mazatlán, 4 November. Four days later she debarked Cushing at San Blas, for an overland journey to Vera Cruz, to catch a ship home. Perry then sailed via Honolulu for the Society Islands and the Marquesas where she helped win respect and fair dealing for American whalers. She departed Tahiti 16 April 1845; visited Valparaíso, Chile; sailed "round the Horn", reached Norfolk, Virginia, 17 September; and decommissioned on the 25th.

Perry recommissioned 16 May 1846, three days after war was declared on Mexico, and four days later sailed for the Gulf of Mexico to blockade Mexican ports. However, after leaving Havana bound for Charleston, South Carolina, she endured the hurricane of October 10, 1846 driven over the reefs at Bahia Honda Key with every person on board surviving. She was kedged off (From account of ordeal by Naval Lieutenant Richard Schubrick Trapier who was aboard during that time.) and returned to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for repairs 4 December 1846.

USS Perry officers on a visit in the African Kingdom of Ambrizette, Congo – an audience with the Queen.

Perry got under way from Philadelphia 16 May 1847 to join the Brazil Squadron protecting American interests between Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Informed that suspected slavers were bound for the coast of Africa under false papers, she seized American bark Ann D. Richardson off Rio de Janeiro 16 December. Two days later, she took the American brig Independence. Investigation proved that both ships had been engaged in the slave trade and were sent to New York City under prize crews. Perry returned from the Brazil Squadron to Norfolk 10 July 1849 and decommissioned there four days later. Perry recommissioned 17 November 1849 and sailed for the west coast of Africa to help suppress the slave trade. But for a period in ordinary in New York City, 26 December 1851 to 27 April 1852, the brig continued this duty until returning to Norfolk 14 July 1854 and decommissioning on the 20th.

With the exception of a month in commission, 20 March to 27 April 1855, Perry remained in ordinary at Norfolk until recommissioning 21 January 1858. She departed Hampton Roads 15 February to serve in the expedition, commanded by Flag Officer William B. Shubrick, protesting an unprovoked attack on USS Water Witch 1 February 1855. The task force arrived at Asunción, Paraguay 29 January 1859 and quickly won James B. Bowlin, the U.S. Special Commissioner a respectful hearing. Sea power here achieved what four years of diplomacy had failed to obtain: an apology, an indemnity for the family of an American sailor killed in the fight, and a commercial treaty advantageous to the United States. The brig returned to New York 5 June 1860 and decommissioned ten days later.

Civil War

[edit]
The Confederate States privateer Savannah captured off Charleston by the U.S. Brig Perry, Lieut. Parrott

Perry remained inactive until the outbreak of the American Civil War in April 1861, recommissioning on 23 April 1861. Under the command of Commander John J. Glasson she headed south the same day escorting three transports carrying some 3,000 troops to Annapolis, Maryland, where they landed on the 25th to reinforce the 7th Infantry Regiment then moving South to reinforce the nation's threatened capital. She then returned to New York City (where Glasson debarked for rendezvous duty) to prepare for duty as a blockader and steamed into Hampton Roads 18 May to join the newly established Atlantic Blockading Squadron. A week later she stood out from Fort Monroe and headed south for Fernandina, Florida. On the last day of May, she captured Confederate blockade runner Hannah M. Johnson about 15 miles southeast of Cape Lookout, North Carolina. The brig took Confederate privateer Chotank (1861) 3 June, and subsequently turned two British ships away from the Southern coast before reaching her blockade station off the mouth of the St. Mary's River on the 11th.

With water running low and needing repairs, Perry sailed north 8 July, reaching Washington on the 21st, the eve of the Union defeat in the first Battle of Bull Run. When word of the disaster reached the Washington Navy Yard, the brig moved into the Potomac River where her guns could command the approaches to Alexandria, Virginia, against a possible Confederate advance against the federal capital. A score of sailors from Perry landed to help man the batteries at Fort Ellsworth. She continued to serve in the Potomac Flotilla for the rest of the year and captured sloops Blooming Youth and Ellen Jane. Late in December, Perry sailed for Aspinwall, Colombia, where she arrived 14 May 1862. The brig headed home 13 November, and decommissioned at New York 3 January 1863 for repairs.

Jamestown, Saint Helena, Naval Basis

Perry recommissioned 28 February 1863 and a month later took station off New Inlet, North Carolina. On 31 March she captured schooner Sue, and on 1 May she took the blockade runner schooner Alma attempting to slip into Beaufort laden with salt and herring from Bermuda. She sailed north 13 August. Following repairs at Boston, Massachusetts, the brig joined the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron at Port Royal, South Carolina 15 November 1863. After serving off Murrell's Inlet, North Carolina, until 15 December and off Charleston, South Carolina, during the siege, she sailed 28 January 1864 to blockade station off Fernandina, Florida, where she remained until the end of the Civil War. USS Perry decommissioned at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 29 April and was sold at public auction there 10 August 1865.

References

[edit]
  • Foot, Andrew Hull (1854). Africa and the American Flag. – British Library, Digital item viewer
  • [1]House Documents, Otherwise Publ. as Executive Documents: 31st Congress First Session, Volume 9
  • [2]Historic ship plans of the Atlas du Génie Maritime

Public Domain This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. The entry can be found here.