A Documentary History of the New York (Brooklyn) Navy Yard 1806-1856
By John G. M. Sharp
CONTINUATION
Commodore David Porter (February 1, 1780 – March 3, 1843) letter June 1812 vividly describes an attempt to tar and feather, Seaman John Erving of the USS Essex, one of its sailors. The Essex was in Brooklyn to refit and reprovision. In the War of 1812 nationalist political passions and along with accusations of treason or disloyalty ran against any persons like Erving who would not swear allegiance. David Porter as Captain of the Essex found himself caught between those who wanted to make poor Erving an example and his desire to protect the seaman and abide by the law.
Tar and Feathering
Source: LS, DNA, RG45, MC, 1812, Vol. 1, No. 72.
U.S. Frigate Essex
Navy Yard Brooklyn
28 June 1812Sir,
A circumstance that occurred on board the Essex, the day before yesterday excited some interest in this place and may produce some enquiry from the Department.
John Erving an American seaman belonging to the Essex, declared himself to be an Englishman when called upon to take the oath of allegiance. The crew requested me to permit them to tar & feather him, and turn him out of the ship with appropriate labels on him. I consented. The Police to prevent a riot took him in charge. The British consul I am informed has declared him to be an Englishman, and is about engaging a passage for him to Halifax. The Police Office I am told has consented to this measure. Erving has already had an interview with the Consul.
Yesterday the enclosed correspondence took place between me and a magistrate of the Police Office & it was from the bearer of the letter that I received information of the above arrangement. I desired him to inform the officers of the police that I should protest in the most solemn manner against the delivery of Erving to our enemy, who may through him obtain much information respecting our Navy. Perhaps Sir, there may be such a character on board each of our vessels. I have the honor & c.D Porter
[Enclosure]
City of New York, June 26th 1812
John Erving being duly sworn, deposed & saith that he was born in New Castle on Tyne (England) that he has resided within the United States of America since the year 1800, is a Sail Maker, has never been naturalized in the United States. That on the 14th day of last Oct 1811, he entered at Salem in the capacity of Sail Makers Mate, for the frigate Essex, that he joined said Frigate at Norfolk on board of which he continued until this day, that about 9 o’clock this morning all hands were piped to muster when Captain Porter (Capt. of said Frigate) told the hands that they were called up to take the oath of allegiance to the United States, and gave them to understand that any man who did not choose to take the oath should be discharged, that when deponent's name was called, he told Capt. Porter that he, the deponent, could not take the oath required, being a British subject, on which Capt. Porter called the Petty Officers and said to them, that they must pass sentence on him the deponent, on which the said Petty Officers put him in the Launch which was alongside the Frigate and there put a bucket of tar on him, and after which laid on him a quantity of feathers. They then rowed said Launch stern foremost on shore on New York Island and put him on shore, but whereabouts deponent does not know as he was never here before. That deponent went from Street to Street naked from the waist up, smeared with Tar & feathers, not knowing where to go when a man (Benjamin Ford) told him to go into his shop from the mob, or crowd of people then around him, that he stayed in said Shop until the Police Magistrate took him from thence and put him in the City Prison for protection, where he has been cleansed and got a Shirt & Trousers. The deponent further swears that none of the citizens, or inhabitants of the City of New York done him any manner of injury, or insulted him, but that he has been assisted and protected by the civil authority thereof
(Signed) John Erving
Taken & Sworn before me in the
Police Office of the City of New York
June 26th 1812(Signed) Charles Christian
Special Justice of the peace for said CitySource: DNA, RG45, MC, 1812, Vol. 1, No. 72.
[Enclosure]
(Copy)Police Office City of New York
June 26th 1812Sir,
The bearer John Erving was this morning put on shore in this City, Tarred & Feathered – the Mayor of this City, the Justices at this Office, and the citizens without exception have protected him. Finding on examination that the said Erving is a British Subject and a total stranger in this City, I therefore refer him to you for further succor. Your Obt Servt
(Signed) Charles Christian
Special Justice of the Peace
Thomas Barclay EsqrSource: DNA, RG45, MC, 1812, Vol. 1, No. 72.
[Enclosure]
Police Office, City of New York
June 27th 1812Sir,
I had the honor this moment to receive your note of the present date, and in consequence of the information it contains, I have committed John Erving, with a view to his safe keeping, and further examination of this subject, as a disorderly person. Presuming that a perusal of his examination at this office may be useful to you individually or to the service, I have communicated it by Mr. Montgomery (Police Officer) with instructions to return it to this office; should you judge proper a copy of it is entirely at your service. Respectfully [&c.](Signed) Charles Christian
David Porter Esqr
Capt. U S Frigate Essex-
BrooklynSource: DNA, RG45, MC, 1812, Vol. 1. No. 72.
[Enclosure]
Commanding officer on board
The Essex Frigate
Police Office
New York
June 27th 1812Sir,
John Erving, who was landed in this City yesterday from the Essex, says that his clothing is on board that Frigate. He is in the care of the Police of this City who have given him a Shirt & Trousers. If you judge proper to give his chest and clothes to the bearer, Mr. Raynor, Police Officer, he will receive them. Erving says that the Armorer of the Essex can inform you where his clothes is placed. Your Obt Servt(Signed) Charles Christian
Special JusticeSource: DNA, RG45, MC, 1812, Vol. 1, No. 72.
*
[Enclosure]
U.S. Frigate Essex
27 June 1812Sir,
John Erving is an American Citizen; I herewith enclose a copy of his protection. His clothes cannot be delivered until I am furnished by the Purser with a statement of his accounts, should he not be indebted to the United States they shall be delivered to your order. Very Respectfully [&c.](Signed) D. Porter
Charles Christian Esqr
New YorkSource: DNA, RG45, MC, 1812, Vol. 1, No. 72.
[Enclosure]
(Protection)
United States of America
No: 189Virginia,
I, Larkin Smith Collector of the District of Norfolk & Portsmouth, do hereby certify that John Erving an American Seaman, aged twenty-three years, or thereabouts, of the height of five feet four 1/4 inches, of a light complexion, brown hair, Grey eyes, born in Salem in the State of Massachusetts, has this day produced to me proof in the manner directed in the act entitled " an act for the relief and protection of American Seamen" and pursuant to said act, I do hereby certify that the said John Erving is a citizen of the United States of America.
In witness whereof,
I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office
This 23rd day of April
One thousand eight hundred and eleven
Seal
Signed Larkin Smith
CollectorI certify that the above is a true copy of the original.
W.W. BostwickSource: DNA, RG45, MC, 1812, Vol. 1, No. 72.
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY HAMILTON TO MASTER COMMANDANT DAVID PORTER
Capt. David Porter Navy Dept
New York 30 June 1812
I have just received your letter of the 28 Inst.
It is much to be regretted that you gave sanction to the proceedings on the part of your crew in the case of John Irving. It is indeed to be regretted that you did not suppress the proceedings. Mobs will in Spite of all Law, sometimes Act licentiously, but Mobs should never be suffered to exist on board of a Man of War, while order discipline & a perfect observance of the Law should be enforced. Tyranny in whatever Shape it may appear ought to be resisted by all men. I do exceedingly regret that an officer of your rank and intelligence should have permitted the proceedings in question.P. Hamilton
Source: DNA, RG45, SNL, Vol. 10, pp. 81-82
Commodore Samuel Evans to the Secretary of the Navy, 20 July 1815 re Plans for the Navy Yard
Source: RG45
U.S. Navy Yard New York
20th March 1815Sir,
It is an old maxim, which the majority of the people of this country, are now I believe to admit as correct, that peace is the Reason to prepare for eventual war. The war we have just gloriously concluded was a war waged almost for national independence, against an adversary whose means of annoying us is more powerful than the rest of the world combined. He had been foiled in all his projects, and beaten, at his favorite projects until he has been compelled to acknowledge the strength of our arms and the justice of our cause by subscribing to a peace honorable to us as a gallant and powerful nation. The share the navy had in producing this desirable event, has been the theme of admiration and praise, both at home and abroad, and when we are again involved in a contest for our rights, be it with whom it may, it is not unreasonable to calculate that much will be expected from the navy. Hence then arises the policy and necessity of availing ourselves of this most favorable period, to introduce regular Systems for every branch of the Naval Service, to revise and correct the regulations we have, and to establish such additional ones as may be wanting for genius of maritime warfare. The establishment of the board of commissioners promises to be of vast importance to the nation at large, and from the talents that are incorporated in it, the navy is sure to reap incalculable advantages from it, as will be benefited by their engineers and laborers.
I consider it the duty of all to contribute to them, and if the remarks I am about making (which I should be pleased if properly laid before them on their meeting) on a branch of the civil Department of the service, shall not be considered in time, & because we unasked for, and should be the cause of soliciting one idea that would to an improvement in the service, if it will be productive of happiness to me.
It would be presumption as well as waste of time, to use argument to convince you of the vital importance to a maritime nation of well-established Dock Yard for building and repairing their Public ships, with the small force we have heretofore had, the want of them has been severely felt, by the public, as well as those officers who have the control of repairs, and I do not believe it extravagant to say, that for want of them and judicious regulation respecting the purchase and accountability of stores, all expenses that class under the head of repairs and that you know is a large item in naval expenditures, are increased Twenty five or Thirty per cent but even this, great as it is, is far from being the most important evil that may arise from the want of them, our late enemy, while he exists as a nation, will never entirely divest himself of that character, either openly or covertly, he will, as it were from nature maintain that feeling toward us, "the more we prosper, the more vindictive will be the of his exasperation, vanity, and the deeper and more deadly will he aim the vengeance of his wounded pride. It therefore disposes (indeed it may at some time be essentially important to us as a nation) to be so far on the alert as to be enabled to equip all the force we may have, at the shortest possible notice, and that we can never do until there is a radical reform in the civil Department of the Service. The first question of importance on this subject that presents itself to me for consideration is the location of the different Navy or Dock Yards. How many of them shall we have? Where shall they be permanently established? What shall be their extent, conveniences for building, repairing, equipping &c &c and their appointments?
We have I believe six established Navy Yard Viz., at Portsmouth, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington and Norfolk. The one at Portsmouth I only know by report, the situation of it though I believe to be eligible, and I should calculate on that as being permanent. The one at Boston I should view in the same light. If it is necessary or expedient, there should be one at Philadelphia, I would recommend changing site, or purchasing more ground on the river. I believe there is not near sufficient for an efficient establishment. It is considered advisable to have one grand Depot for Building, the policy of which at this time I much question, it should be at Washington, at any rate in the improvements made in the Yard there, regard should be had to its being a great arsenal hereafter. The one at Norfolk is also in want of front on the water for a permanent establishment, and the one I write from would be much better in every respect, if we had the point of land adjoining to the West, and which could be at this time be purchased, I expect for 40,000 dollars, to these I would add one at Rhode Island, one at Port Royal, South Carolina, and one at New Orleans. The two latter should be at present on comparatively small scale, but capable of such extension as might be found necessary, but the one at New Port should be the grand rendezvous for one fleet and depot of materials for repairs and equipment. I consider its advantages for these purposes superior to any in the U. States. Each yard should if possible contain Fifty acres, Although it would lose us time in having every Yard laid out in the most convenient manner for building, repair &c &c and having every stone or stick that was laid in it hereafter placed in conformity to the great plan adopted, I am never the less of the opinion that it is necessary at this time to incur what would be a serious expense on them, in a national point of view. I would limit the improvements yearly, at the different yards as circumstances might seem to require, and none of them when contemplated should be calculated to have more improvements than follows: Good stone walls to guard them, A dry dock and two building slips, with necessary moorings, and a sheer hulk to each, Receiving stores, Carpenters, timber, and mast sheds, coopers, block makers, Boat builders, Painters, Blacksmiths and Plumbers shops, Rigging and Sail Lofts, Rope Walk, Magazine Armory and offices, with houses and buildings for officers attached to the establishment who should all live in the Yard.
Where ever there are Marine quarters in the Yards, they should be converted to the use of the officers and the marines accommodated elsewhere. I consider a Navy Yard a most unsuitable place for more marines than are necessary to guard it, and they should be relieved daily. To each of the most important Yards I would allow the following officers, petty officers and seamen exclusive of the ordinary men: A Captain, a Store Keeper, a Purser, a Surgeon, a Chaplain, a Superintendent of the Rope Walk, A Master of Ordinance and assistants, a Blacksmith, a Joiner, a Mast Maker, a Cooper,, a Boat Builder, a Sail Maker, a Block maker, a Painter, a Armorer, a Plumber, a Master of the teams and laborers, a Porter, thirty seaman and seventy laborers and such clerks in the higher departments as may be considered necessary, but salaries of the whole number of clerks employed should not exceed a specified sum. In regard to the officers enumerated I will only observe, that where there is so much public trust and responsibility, as must necessarily be imposed on them, it will in my opinion be beneficial, to be rather liberal, than parsimonious. I would let every rank be satisfied that their comforts were not unattended to, and promotions in their line should be held out as a reward for zealous and faithful service. The number of artificers to be employed in each Department requires some consideration. It would be the height of national prodigality to establish Navy Yards, and appoint the officers I have enumerated, with employing at all time a certain number of mechanics in each Department, but I am not satisfied in my own mind, that economy would result from an extensive and indiscriminate manufacture of naval equipment in our Dock yard, without more experience on this subject, I should decline advising the extending on this subject, much beyond the manufacture of articles in which quality and dispatch is a greater object than cost, these however include articles and considerations, and important, for it never should be forgotten that the efficiency of our Navy will depend more on the mind and condition of our ships and the facility with which they can be put in motion than the number of them.
I believe the following number of mechanics could always be employed to advantage in the principal yards, in the Carpenters Department or under his immediate superintendence, one hundred and twenty Carpenters and Joiners including Boys and assistants, Ten Mast Makers, Ten Boat Builders, Ten Block makers, Ten Painters, Five Plumbers, Thirty Blacksmiths under the immediate superintendence of the master exclusive of his assistants, the Boatswain and his assailants and the seamen and laborers enumerated, Twenty Sailmakers, under the immediate superintendence of the master of the ordinance, including armorer and assistants, ten under the immediate superintendence of the Rope walk – Twenty under the immediate Superintendence of the Store Keeper including his assistants, Ten Laborers, and six watchmen under the immediate Superintendence of the Cooper, Ten making a great total of three hundred and ninety two officers, petty officers, artificers, seamen, laborers and boys.
I am not certain that the classes are so divided as to prevent one branch from interfering with or waiting for the other. A reasonable discretion, however, should be left with the Commandant to enable him to apportion the classes according to circumstances, but not to increase the whole number, unless authorized by the Department –
As it regards the nature of contracts with them, and their pay and subsistence, I will only remark now, that I am of the opinion it would be advisable to engage them to serve, during good behavior, with daily payment subject to such checks and deductions, as the regulations may prescribe. I would issue no ration to any such person belonging to the establishment.
Samuel EvansComplete Musters of Officers, Mechanic’s and Laborers.
Source: 17 Mar: 1817 Circular from Board of Navy Commissioners to Commodore Samuel Evans (E307 v.1)
"You will send to this office, as early as possible, a Complete Muster & Pay Roll of all officers, Mechanicks, laborers & others in the Yard under your command; and on the last day of every month & hereafter, you will do the same. No mechanics or laborers are in the future to be employed under your command without the orders or sanction of the Board of Navy Commissioners."
"No Slaves or Negros .."
Source: 17 Mar. 1817, Circular from Board of Navy Commissioners to Commodore Samuel Evans (E307 v1.)
Note: In this circular dated 17 March 1817 the Board of Navy Commissioners directed to Samuel Evans and all naval shipyards that henceforth no slaves or Negros were to be hired at naval shipyards without the BNC approval. There is no documentation BNY ever employed slaves or free blacks, prior to the Civil War. This action was a response to complaints received from (white) employees at the Washington and Gosport (Norfolk) shipyards to the hiring of slaves and free blacks.
"Abuses having existed in some of the Navy yards by the introduction of improper Characters for improper purposes, the board of navy Commissioners have deemed it necessary to direct That no Slaves or Negroes, except under extraordinary Circumstances, shall be employed in any navy yard in the United States, & in no case without the authority from the Board of Navy Commissioners. Efficient white mechanics & Laborers are to be employed to supply the places of those discharged under this order."
Citizenship
In a circular dated 11 April 1817 the Board of Navy Commissioners directed all naval shipyards that henceforth all employees must be United States citizens.
Source: Board of Navy Commissioners Journal to Commodore Samuel Evans, Subject Citizenship dated 11 April 1817.
"None but citizens of the U. S. are to be employed in any Situation in the Navy yard under your command. Should there be any such at present employed they are to be discharged." (E307 v1)
BNC Journal of same day states "This regulation was founded on the Supposition that Citizens will be less likely to betray secrets, and convey to the Enemy such information that will tend to the disadvantage of the United States" (E303 v 1)
1 May 1817 Regulations re Apprentices
BNY like the other federal shipyards developed its own regulations and pay scales for apprentice workers. However, the creation of the Board of Navy Commissioners (BNC) in 1815 led to a gradual standardization of apprentice regulations. One of the most perplexing problems the BNC faced was the number of apprentices each shipyard trade was to be allocated. This circular letter dated 1 May 1817 to all naval shipyards set forth the following numerical restrictions.
Source: Board of Navy Commissioners to Commodore Samuel Evans, Subject Apprentices, dated 1 May 1817
"When Master Workmen shall be attached to the Navy Yard under your command, they are to be allowed under restrictions, the number of apprentices as follows.
Master Carpenter................ Three
Cooper......................Two
Mast Maker ..............Two
Sail Maker.................Two
Boat Builder .............Two
Blockmaker ..............Two Apprentices are not allowed to be taken into the yard unless they shall be bound for seven years and shall have attained the age of fourteen - For the first two years of their apprenticeship they shall be allowed one fourth the pay allowed to a mechanic of the trade at which they are serving, for the third & fourth years one half, for the fifth & sixth two thirds, and for the Seventh three fourths the pay allowed to a mechanic of the trade at which they are serving."
[End document]NAVY YARD APPRENTICE AGE & PAY RATES
BNC Circular to Commodore Samuel Evans, date 2 July 1817, Subject Apprentice Pay Rates.From the reports received by Several experienced respectable mechanics employed in some of our Navy Yard, the Commissioners of the Navy are moved to believe that rate of wages fixed on for compensation of apprentices, commencing on the 1st day of the previous month the following rates of pay, instead of those directed by our Circular of the 1st May last. For the first year of their apprenticeship, they shall be allowed, one-third of the pay allowed to mechanics of the trade at which they may be serving; for the second and the third years, one-half; for the fourth year two-thirds; & for the fifth years three-fourths. With respect to the ages and terms of Service of apprentices its understood that five years will be sufficient to make them workmen, provided they are intelligent and are 16 years of age at the time they are bound. No apprentices except of such character & age, as is before mentioned is here after to be received into the navy yard under your command. Those apprentices who are at present employed in the yard & bound under different Circumstances may receive the same rates of pay according to merit & terms of service, as they would be entitled to, if they would be entitled to, if they had been 16 years of age at the time of being bound.
PAY RATES FOR CARPENTERS AND BLACKSMITHS
Source: BNC Circular dated 13 Jul 1818 to Commodore Samuel Evans (E307 v1).
The Board of Navy Comms, desirous of making you to employ the most skillful & best Ship Carpenters & blacksmiths are disposed to place at similar work in the different yard as pay as nearly similar as possible have made the following arrangements in relation to pay –
Of Ship Carpenters exclusively of foremen & apprentices there are to be but two classes of one-third of them shall be of the first class & shall be allowed two dollars per day – the remaining class 2/3rd shall be of the second class & shall be allowed $ 1.75 per day
Of the number authorized by our Circular of 22 June to be employed in the Construction of the Ship, when in your opinion such number can be usefully employed, four are to quartermen who are to be allowed each 2.50 per day.
The Blacksmiths & persons employed in the Department when it shall become necessary to employ them agreeably to our Circular of 22 June are to be allowed according to their several & respective merits $ 2- $1.25, $ 1.50, $1.75 & 1.25 exclusive of Foremen.
Captain Samuel Evans Explains the Ferry
Source: 27 May 1819 Captain Samuel Evans to Commodore John Rodger BNC re the Ferry. RG 125, Records of the Judge Advocate General Case Number 403 Capt. Samuel Evans Entry 26 – B.
Copy
U.S. Navy New York
May 27th 1819Sir
The repairs we have on hand has rendered it necessary to increase our gang of Mechanics considerably from New York and there is some difficulty in their getting over in season to muster & returning in the Evening to their families; to obviate this I have at considerable loss to myself put an additional Boat on the Ferry I established near the Yard and borrowed two boats being all I could get from the lower service –
There is a large boat in the Yard formerly belonging to the John Adams when a Store Ship, which is seldom used for any purpose and if the Commissioners will allow me to use her on the ferry while there is so many employed, or until I can procure a suitable one it will much facilitate their crossing - It may be proper to state that the Mechanics working in the Yard only pay me one dollar a month for crossing, that my boats will not carry with safety more than 18 persons, that it costs me fifty dollars a month for each boat I have on and that three boats are insufficient for the ordinary purposes of the ferry –
I have the honor to be &c
[Signed ] Samuel Evans
Commodore Rodgers
President of the Board of
Navy CommissionersReduction in Wages by Trade
Source: 24 May 1820 BNC Commodore John Rodgers to Captain Samuel Evans, reduction in wage rates RG 125, Records of the Judge Advocate General Case Number 403 Capt. Samuel Evans Entry 26 – B. IMAGE
Copy
Navy Commissioners Office
May 24th 1820Sir
From and after the 1st day of June 1820 the pay of the Carpenters, Joiners &c in the Yard under your Command must be reduced & regulated by the following rates Viz –
In coming to this determination due reference has been had to the circumstances of the time – all the essential articles of living are known to be greatly reduced in price; at Portsmouth & Philadelphia Yard the price for some time past given are even less than those above allowed –
I am Sir respectfully Your most Obt. Servant
Signed John RodgersTo: Capt. Samuel Evants
New YorkThe Launch of the USS Ohio 30 May 1820
The USS Ohio was a ship of the line of the United States Navy and the first built at Brooklyn Navy Yard. She was designed by Henry Eckford, and launched on 30 May 1820.38 Eckford made his reputation as a commercial shipbuilder and had worked for the navy during the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812. After the war he again worked as for the Navy as chief naval constructor at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. In 1817 the USS Ohio was laid down largely as an Eckford-designed 74-gun frigate. The design established a model upon which "74s" were built thereafter. Eckford resigned from his post at the yard on 6 June 1820, the week after Ohio was launched, and returned to running his private shipyard In later years the USS Ohio went into ordinary and decayed badly. Refitted for service in 1838, Ohio sailed on 16 October 1838 to join the Mediterranean Squadron under Commodore Isaac Hull. Acting as flagship for two years, she protected commerce and suppressed the slave trade off the African coast. Ohio proved to have excellent performance under sail, from 1841-1846, Ohio served as receiving ship. The following are two contemporary accounts of the Ohio’s 1820 launch.
38. Henry Eckford 1775 -1832 ship builder builder https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Eckford_(shipbuilder) accessed 20 November 2016.
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THE LAUNCH
Albany Gazette (Albany New York) 5 Jun 1820, p. 2.
Yesterday, at the appointed hour, the launch of the ship of the line OHIO from the navy yard accomplished in the best manner and without the least accident. The novelty and grandeur of the scene attached nearly the whole population of the city and the surrounding country to witness it, as well as thousands from the distance of 100 and 150 miles. The river and its banks presented a most interesting scene, being literally covered with spectators for miles in extent. All the steam boats were out, and each having a band of music, they added much to enliven the scene, as they plied amongst the sloops and small craft which covered the Wallabout Bay. In front of the navy yard lay the Hornet sloop of war, tastefully decorated for the occasion with the colors of all nations, and her yards manned by her fine crew; and in view was the Washington 74 and the steam frigate Fulton the 1st. The whole framed one of the finest scenes that can be imagined. The day was remarkably fine.
The appearance of the Ohio, as she lay upon the stock was truly grand. At 20 minutes past 11, the signal was given, and she descended into her element in a slow and majestic manner. As she moved from her ways, a national salute was fired from the navy yard, and when the ship embraced the water, she was welcomed by salutes from the Washington 74 and Hornet sloop of war, as well as an honorary salute from General Stevens Brigade of city artillery, and by the shouts of tens of thousands of gratified spectators. In the afternoon at the turn of the tide, the steam boats Chancellor Livingston and Connecticut towed the ship from her anchorage back to the navy yard dock. Thus was launched the first ship of the line ever built in New York.
We congratulate Mr. Eckford on the happy accomplishment of his arduous labors. The architect will be remembered long after the tough oak which he has wrought shall have decayed. He has formed a model for future artists.
We congratulate the State of Ohio that it has fallen to her lot to have her honorable name inscribed and borne upon such a ship. We congratulate the nation on the access to our navy of the FINEST SHIP IN THE WORLD.Launch of the United States’ Ship OHIO
National Advocate (New York, New York) June 1820After this beautiful piece of Naval Architecture was received into her destined element, the Shipwrights and Joiners of the Navy Yard, retired to Wheeler’s Hotel, at the foot of Grand Street, and partook of a handsome Dinner prepared for the occasion, being honored with the company of their Chief Architect HENRY ECKFORD, Esq., then the following Toast were drank with great glee – after which the company parted fully satisfied.
TOASTS
1. The President of the United States.
2. The Vice President of the United States.
3. The Senate and the House of Representatives.
4. Mechanism the Bulwark of the Republic without it, little agriculture, few merchants and no commerce.
5. The Bust of the OHIO 74 –Hercules, an emblem of the strength of the Republic.
6. The Secretary of the Navy and the Commissioners of the Board – Their wisdom will afford to our Republic some defensive security.
7. The Navy of the United States Deserving the patronage of the American people; friendly to all nations in peace, but terrible in war.
8. The United States Ship OHIO – Twenty-two such will secure "Free Trade and Sailors Rights."
9. Orders in Council, blockading, Berlin and Milan decrees are receiving their death warrants by the wooden walls of Columbia.
10. American Naval Architecture – Exceeded by none and equal to any.
11. The Shipwrights and Caulkers Society.
12. If American stripes of thirteen punished tyrants, what will twenty-two do?
13. The later War – A lesson taught us to prepare in time of peace for such events.
14. The American Tars –Brave, honest and generous.
15. The Army of the United States.
16. The State of OHIO – May it always appreciate the honor conferred the 30th May 1820.
Results of Private Sector Wage Survey
Source: 29 Novemberr 1820 BNC Captain Samuel Evans, to BNC Commodore John Rodgers re Private Sector Wages, RG 125, Records of the Judge Advocate General Case Number 403 Capt. Samuel Evans Entry 26 – B.
Copy
U.S. Navy Yard
Nov 29th 1820Sir
In reply to your letter of the 24th Instant on the subject of Wages at New York, I have the honor to report the following wages given in private work –
Taking into consideration thatwe have a great proportion of the best Workmen in New York, and that the business of Ship building, and the branches connected with it, has somewhat improved lately, I am of the opinion that the Public service will not reap any advantage by a reduction at this time of our present wages –
I have the honor to be Very Respectfully
(Signed) Samuel Evans
To: Commodore John Rodgers*
In 1821 New York Governor Dewitt Clinton 1769-1828, writing in the Evening Post, charged some of the officers and men of the Brooklyn Navy Yard with attempting to unduly influence the election of 1821. Clinton was governor of New York from July 1, 1817 to December 31, 1822, and again from January 1, 1825 to February 11, 1828. Clinton’s allegations and certified statements of two witnesses are transcribed below.
The Evening Post (New York, New York)
22 January 1821, p. 1.Governor’s Message
At 12 o’clock yesterday his Excellency the Governors communicated to the House of the Assembly the following Message, in compliance with a regulation of the House passed at November Session of the Legislature.Gentlemen,
That many of the officers of the United States, have for a number of years acted improperly, by interfering in the elections of this state, must be known to every man in the community who has had an opportunity for information, and whose mind is not steeled by prejudice, against the admission of truth.
The navy yard is situated in Brooklyn, King’s county, and contains about 40 acres. Large sums of money have been expended there in building and repairing ships of war, and extensive establishment is maintained in that place. The documents herewith transmitted will show that under the principle direction of Mr. Decatur, the naval storekeeper, the blacksmiths, caulkers, carpenters, laborers, and other persons in the public employ at the navy yard, were brought up to vote – that he was assisted by other officers of that establishment – and that improper attempts were made in a variety of shapes to operate on the electors. The whole presents a scene of undue influence and extraneous intrusion revolting to every friend of republican government. The papers marked from A. to L. inclusive, establish the charge beyond the possibility of refutation and the certificate marked M from the first judge of the county of Kings, and place the credibility of witnesses beyond doubt.Deposition of John Dikeman
I do certify that during the election last spring, for governor lieutenant governor &c I was a challenger at the poll held at Brooklyn, and saw Col. J. P. Decatur, naval storekeeper, bring up several persons from the navy yard to vote, and making himself very busy during the whole three days of the election, and declaring repeatedly, that he would bring up his carpenters, blacksmiths, and caulkers, in succession. One day in particular, he stated, "well, now you have had carpenters, tomorrow, you shall have blacksmiths." When the votes from the navy yard came up, Col. Decatur always attended on them in the box for receiving votes, unless they came up with some of the master mechanics of the yard. The second day of the election, Col. Decatur brought up a person from the navy yard, having the naval button on his coat, and who was challenged as an illegal voter, and refused to take the oath required by law to qualify him for a vote. The last day of the election Col. Decatur came again up with him, and insisted on his taking the oath; the person commenced, and I was again interrupted by one of the inspectors, and I recommended not to take the oath, for it appeared very doubtful whether he was entitled to a vote; never the less, Col. Decatur kept persisting; but the man, on being told to beware of the consequences, declined, and left the poll. The master blacksmith headed the blacksmiths from the navy yard when they came to the poll. I often saw sailing master Bloodgood, busily engaged in the poll room, repeatedly, and bringing up votes. 39
JOHN DIKEMAN
Brooklyn, 21 Dec. 1820.
39. Bloodgood, Abram B. Sailing Master, 25 June 1812. Died 12 June 1851.
Deposition of John Dezendorf
This is to certify, that I was a challenger at the poll in Brooklyn, during the late election for governor, lieutenant governor &c: that I saw John P. Decatur, Purser Wise and Sailing Master Bloodgood, very active at the polls. Mr. Bloodgood drove a chair to bring voters up to the poll – that Mr. Cosgrove, gunner, also drove a chair for that purpose - that I heard Decatur say he had not yet brought up half his force; but should, on the third day of the election, give the Clintonians a black eye, by bringing up the blacksmiths and others – that I did see the blacksmiths come up in a body, headed by the master blacksmith, Dickinson – that Sailing Master Bloodgood was very quarrelsome at the poll, and during one of these quarrels I saw him with his coat off, and a dirk in his hand, which he put in his bosom – the dirk had been once taken from him by Mr. Langdon, as I understood – that in my opinion there were near two hundred persons brought up by the navy officers to vote – I am of the opinion that many of these persons were not legal voters – I hear Decatur and Bloodgood (and, as I believe Mr. Chesey, master laborer) repeatedly declare that any man ought to be damned who would vote the Clintonian ticket, as Clinton never was a friend to the general government – that Mr. Decatur attended during the three days, distributing tickets, and often challenging the voters – that he brought up a man twice who was a laborer in the yard, urging him to take the oath, after he had been rejected by the inspectors – Bloodgood, in company with Decatur, brought a man up twice, who had the navy button on his coat, and urged him to swear, but he was rejected by the inspectors. On the last day of the election five or six person were brought up at one time by Decatur, who were rejected as not being legal voters.
JOHN DEZENDORF
Brooklyn Kings County, 25 Dec. 1820.*
Source: Board of Navy Commissioners to Commodore Samuel Evans 10 December 1821 subject reduction of civilian employees IMAGE
Circular
Sir
No doubt being entertained that it is the intention of Congress to reduce the appropriation of the Navy, it becomes the duty of the Commissioners to make (as far as they may be able to anticipate the extent of the reduction) a corresponding reduction in the expenditures of the several Stations. As one means of meeting the view of Congress a reduction of the number of Mechanics and Laborers becomes a measure of indispendisble necessity, the Board have therefore decided that the number of Mechanics and Laborers in the Yard under your Command must not after the 1st of January 1822 exceed the following.Carpenters including foremen & secondmen, apprentices & boys … 55
Caulkers 6
Sawyers 12
Blockmakers 4
Joiners 10
Blacksmiths 15
Plumbers 2
Boatbuilders 4
Painters 4
Laborers 50
Riggers 4
Sail Makers 4
Armourers 4
Coopers 4
Clerk 1
If the number of the Mechanics than Carpenters and Blacksmiths stated in the preceeding list should not be found proportionate to the number of Carpenters & Blacksmiths, then an additional number may be retained, so as to make the Mechanics in all the other branches of business proportionate to the number of Ship Carpenters and Blacksmiths to be retained
I am very Respectfully Your most Obedient Servant
(Signed) John Rodgers
P.S. Should the number of Mechanics & Laborers authorized by the Board exceed the number which can be advantageously employed you will reduce them to number which can be employed with advantage to the public.
To: Capt. Samuel Evans
Navy Yard New YorkRegulations re Musters of Civilian Employees Naval Shipyard New York 1821
Source: Board of Navy Commissioners to Commodore Samuel Evans 31 January 1821 subject muster of civilian employees.40
40. National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC, Records of the Department of the Navy Record Group 45.3 Records of the Board of Navy Commissioners, Letters Sent 1815 -1842 p. 21.
Naval regulations required a daily muster of all BNY employees. At musters employees were required to state their names as present for work to the Clerk of the Check. The Clerk of the Check was required to record each name present and absent on the daily muster rolls for pay purposes. Shipyard musters were usually conducted in the early morning and afternoon. For shipyard employees a failure to attend a muster was serious offense which could result in loss of pay or discharge. These 1821 regulations were sent by the Board of Navy Commissioners to Commandant Samuel Evan.
Circular no. 21 Navy Comm. - Office
31st Jany 1821Sir
The Commissioners of the Navy have found it expedient to adopt the following additional regulations with regard to the Musters &c of the different Navy Yards –
1st – A Lieutenant, if there be one attached to the Yard, or if not, the Sailing Master, is to be present at all Musters of the Mechanics and Laborers, which Lieutenant or Master is keep a regular Book or Roll, in addition to that kept by the Clerk of the Yard –
2nd To prevent Mistakes or fraud the Order of Muster must be as follows –
The rolls of the Lieutenants or Master, are to be made out in the same order as those of the clerk - The clerk is to call over the name of each Mechanic, Laborer, and other person employed by the day, in the order in which they stand on the rolls – and as they are so called, they are to pass in rotation in the presence of the said Lieutenant or Master, whose duty it will be to check any omissions or correct any mistakes, which may accidentally or otherwise be made by the Clerk
The roll being called [word crossed out illegible] The Lieutenant or Master is immediately afterwards to compare his Roll with that of the Clerk, in order to ascertain if they agree –
3rd At the end of each week the Clerk is to deposit his Roll signed by himself in the hands of the purser and Lieutenant or Master is in the like manner, to deposit his in the hands of the Commandant of the Yard, who before signing the general Monthly pay Roll (by which alone the purser will be authorized to pay the mechanics laborers, and others belonging to the yard & paid by the day) is to compare the rolls so kept by the Lieutenant or Master, with the monthly Pay roll made out by the purser, in order to satisfy himself, that their respective Rolls agree, before he the Commandant puts his Signature to that, by which the purser pays the Men –4th – The originals rolls kept by the Clerk, are on the settlement of the Pursers accounts with the 4th Auditor to be sent with such accounts as indispensable vouchers establishing the correctness of the Sums respectively paid to the mechanics, laborers and others employed by the day –
5th The Rolls kept by the Lieutenant or master, and deposited in the hands of the commandant of the yard, are those by which the Commandant is to make out the monthly rolls required to be sent to the Navy Commissioners Office, shewing the sums expended for labor on each and every object, whether for Navy Yards – repairs, Ordnance or gradual increase, or whatever object it may be; and in order to multiply the number of checks the commandant is to file and preserve all weekly rolls from which he makes out - the before mentioned monthly Rolls –
6th. – One day in every Week the Commandant will in person attend the Musters of the Yard and see that they are Conducted in manner herein prescribed –
Respectfully
Jno Rodgers – Pres
To: Murray, Evans, Hull, Morris, Tingey, CassinReduction in Pay
Source: 8 Dec 1821 BNC Commodore John Rodgers to Captain Samuel Evans, subject pay and hours of work. RG 125, Records of the Judge Advocate General Case Number 403 Capt. Samuel Evans Entry 26 – B.
Sir
The Commissioners of the Navy, considering that the days have become much shorter, that it is not possible for the Mechanics to do as much work as during the long summer days, have decided upon a reduction of their wages in several building yards, accordingly first rate Carpenters are to be reduced to $ 1.40 per day and the other mechanics proportionally from the 1st inst. You will be pleased to cause this reduction to be made in the Yard under your Command –
I am Sir Respectfully
Your most Obt. Servant
(Signed) John Rodgers
To Capt. Samuel Evans
New York
