USS ConstitutionThe deck log of the USS Constitution contains and preserves eyewitness accounts of the great and mundane events of our nation’s oldest and most celebrated naval vessel. Naval regulations required all ships and shore stations to keep a daily log or chronological record of notable events which the duty watch officers or senior enlisted men were to record for administrative and legal purposes. In naval parlance any kind of running record is called a log. Another important function of the station logs was to monitor or check the activities of the watch officer. These logs were also maintained to serve as potential evidence in legal proceedings in naval or civil courts. The frigate USS Constitution was launched in 1797. What follows are selected entries transcribed from the surviving log books, for the period 1803-1815. Watch officers were obligated to chronicle the weather with particular attention to wind direction and cloud formation. In an age of sail, changes in weather were crucial for wind, and current provided the principal means of movement. Log entries list the names of the naval and merchant vessels sighted, nationality, friend or foe, size, armament and movements. In addition to the log books, I have transcribed extracts from the Journal of Midshipman James Pity USN1 kept from 23 July 1798 to 11 May 1799. Journals such as this were kept by midshipman as part of their training and which include information recorded in the log as well as the midshipman’s personal observations.
1. Journal Kept by James Pity on Board the USS Constitution, Commanded by Capt. Samuel Nicholson, July 23, 1798 to May 11, 1799. RG 45 NARA microfilm publication M1030, Logbooks and Journals of the USS Constitution, 1798-1934, microfilm roll 16.
The USS Constitution is a wooden-hulled, three-mast heavy frigate which was launched in 1797. Today she is the world's oldest commissioned United States naval vessel afloat. She was built in the North End of Boston, Massachusetts, at Edmund Hartt's shipyard. Her first duties with the newly formed U.S. Navy were to provide protection for American merchant shipping during the Quasi-War with France and to defeat the Barbary pirates in the First Barbary War. The Constitution is most noted for her actions during the War of 1812 against the United Kingdom, when she captured numerous merchant ships and defeated five British warships: HMS Guerriere, Java, Pictou, Cyane, and Levant. Her hard fought battle with HMS Guerriere earned her, the nickname "Old Ironsides" and public adoration that repeatedly saved her from scrapping.
July 1, 1812
Chase of the ConstitutionDuring the war of 1812 her crew consisted of over 450 sailors and marines. The majority of the ship’s crew were young, typically between sixteen and twenty-nine years of age. They were mostly single with a large number of native born Americans but the ships company included British born sailors, veterans of the Royal Navy.
In 1798 Benjamin Stoddert, the secretary of the United States’ new navy, declared that “no Negroes or Mullatoes are to be admitted” into the service. This followed similar regulations promulgated by the Marine Corps and the US Army in March of that same year. Commodore Edward Preble writing from the USS Constitution on 13 July 1803 echoed this instruction writing to Lieutenant William C. Jenckes, assigned to recruitment duty, “you are not to Ship Black Men…”2
2. To Lieutenant William C. Jenckes, U. S. Navy, Providence, from Captain Edward Preble, U. 8. Navy Boston July 1803.
Despite Secretary’s Stoddert’s stern prohibitions on free black sailors, some naval officers brought their enslaved black “servants” aboard. Such white slaveholding officers retained a persistent fear that free blacks would, somehow by their very presence, encourage enslaved seaman to seek freedom. One such person was USS Constitution’s first commanding officer, (from Jun 1799 to Sept 1801), Commodore Silas Talbot. On receiving his orders, Talbot enlisted three of his enslaved servants in the Constitution. The three men were Henry, Mungo and William Roberts. The entry for William Roberts, O.S, in the USS Constitution’s muster and payroll for 1800, reflects he was enrolled as an Ordinary Seaman. In all likelihood Talbert signed and collected his wages.
Talbot was not only a slaveholder but he had been part owner of two slave vessels, the sloop Peggy and the ninety ton brigantine the Industry. These two vessels transported enslaved men, women and children from Guinea to Charleston. Regarding one such voyage of the Industry, Talbot was notified by his solicitors on 9 September 1786 of a large financial loss, “we hear about one hundred & eighty Slaves of the coast of Guinea, near half of which died before the brig arrived in Charleston where she is now.” Historian Wil Verhaegen, in “Gilbert Imlay and the Triangular Trade”, adds that in addition to the horrific human toll, Talbot and his business partners suffered a joint loss of nearly £5000.
In November 1801 Roberts fled enslavement and sought freedom in Boston Massachusetts. An angry Talbot took out a notice in the Columbia Centinel offering a $20 reward and accused the young man of stealing $100. He also requested Lt. Isaac Hull to lead the search and track Roberts down
Twenty Dollars Reward
RAN-AWAY from his Master's service, in the
City of New-York, a mulatto man, named WILLIAM;
he was 19 years of age last October, was born in Jamaica, and
speaks Creole, or broken English. The day before he went
off, he stole 100 dollars in Bank Bills, besides several articles of
Cloathing. He wore a pair of blue Pantaloons, white stockings,
and half Boots, a Coat made of twilled Elastic Cloth,
faintly striped, a white Linen shirt, and a good Hat; he took
with him a white hair Trunk marked F. H. on the top with
brass nails; he had in his Trunk, a variety of good Cloth[e]s, such
as shirts, silk stockings, etc. He was lately seen in Cambridge,
near Boston. Whoever will take up said Servant, and lodge
him in Goal, so that his master can recover him, shall have the
above reward; on application to the subscriber, or to Lt. Issac
Hull.
SILAS TALBOT.
New York, November 12, 1801On 29 Dec 1801 Roberts was found and confined to the Boston jail. Despite efforts by local blacks to secure his release, Roberts was confined to the jail for six weeks. Many Boston merchant vessels did not want any part of this cruel drama to return Roberts to a lifetime of enslavement. Hull, however, was finally able on 8 February 1802 to have Roberts confined in irons in the small vessel, the schooner Jerusha. On this winter voyage Roberts apparently suffered frostbite and Hull wrote Talbot to commiserate with him for his damaged property.
I am very sorry that William was so unfortunate as to get frozen but hope he is not so bad as to disable him or render him in any manner unserviceable to you.”
Isaac Hull, according to historian Linda Maloney, in 1829 purchased enslaved laborer John Ambler, whom he freed when he left the [Washington Navy] Yard” in 1835.
Sources: Verhoeven, Wil., “Gilbert Imlay and the Triangular Trade”, The William and Mary Quarterly, vol. 63, no. 4, 2006, pp. 827–42, JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/4491581, Accessed 6 Jul. 2022, for the letter quoted see p. 837.
Fowler, William F., Silas Talbot Captain of Old Ironsides, (Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic Connecticut, 1995), p. 67.
G.W. Blunt Library, Mystic Seaport, Silas Talbot Collection https://research.mysticseaport.org/coll/coll018/
Maloney, Linda M., The Captain from Connecticut: The Life and Naval Times of Isaac Hull (Boston, Northeastern University Press, 1986), pp. 61 & 62 and p. 421 re John Ambler.
USS Constitution, Muster and Payrolls 1800, Roll 0092, p. 1, no. 35, William Roberts, O.S
Miscellaneous Records of the Navy Department, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, DC.Not withstanding this seemingly official prohibition, it is clear that blacks maintained a consistent presence in the US Navy throughout the Early Republic and especially during the War of 1812. The U.S. Navy officially forbid recruiting officers to enlist black or mulatto sailors, yet this order was never strictly enforced. Black sailors certainly served on naval vessels, especially during the War of 1812, but since muster rolls did not record race, exact numbers are not known. Recent estimates by naval historians conclude that, on average, 15-20% of navy manpower during the War of 1812 was black. Some blacks served as ordinary or able seaman, indicating that they were experienced sailors. Others, however, worked as servants, stewards or cooks. A life at sea offered skill-building opportunities and steady pay to black men—advantages that were hard to come by on shore.3
3 To Lieutenant William C. Jenckes, U. S. Navy, Providence, from Captain Edward Preble, U. 8. Navy Boston July 1803.
Sir, I have received yours of the 11th inst. You are not to Ship Black Men, and are to take great care that the Seamen you engage are sound healthy men, and ?t for the duty they engage to perform —let them all be under 45 years of age —Naval Documents Relating to Barbary War Vol. II editor Dudley Knox (US Government Printing Office: Washington DC 1939 -1944),479. [LC. EPP, Order Book, 1803 to 1805.]
Charles E. Brodine Jr., Michael J. Crawford and Christine F. Hughes Ironsides! The Ship, the Men and the Wars of the USS Constitution Fireship Press p.50 and The USS Constitution Museum https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/history/crew/war-of-1812/james-bennett/For a frigate her armament was impressive on the Spar Deck: 24, 32-pound carronades, 1, 18-pound bow chaser; and on the Gun Deck: 30, 24-pound long guns.4
4 U.S. Navy Fact File re USS Constitution https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/ships/ships-of-sail/uss-constitution-americas-ship-of-state/background-for-media/fact-sheet.html accessed 19 October 2017.
In both the ship log mortality is prominent with the log confirming the various modes of death. For sailors death and burial at sea or on a foreign shore was commonplace. The ship log recounts the death of crew men and provides details their death and burial. For example, the deck log recounts XXXXXX
American seamen like the general population suffered from a variety of maladies such as tuberculosis and other often fatal disease, see XXXXX. One sailor met his end in a more dramatic fashion when he was swept overboard XXXX. While setting sail men on occasion fell overboard. XXX only a few could swim
In the U.S. Navy corporal punishment was typically awarded for being absent without leave, drunkenness, and disobedience. Such punishment could also be awarded for sleeping on watch, theft, smuggling and fighting. In the period 1803-1815, flogging was a common punishment in almost all American men-of-war.5 The U S Naval regulation “Articles for the Government of the Navy” was passed in March 1799 and revised in April 1800. The Articles provided the requisite legal sanction for corporal punishment in the form of flogging for such offenses as “oppression, cruelty, fraud, profane swearing, drunkenness or any other scandalous behavior.” This act was again revised and approved on 10 April 1806, by the United States Congress. The result was a regulation of 101 Articles of War for use of the Army and the Navy. As a result flogging would remain in force for fifty years.6 The Articles compromise a varied collection of admonishments and rules that deal mainly with misconduct of officers and seaman. The Articles of War were regularly read aloud to the ship crew typically on Sundays prior to Divine Services. Many sailors recounted the solemn nature of this occasion where the crews were reminded that thirteen of the enumerated articles were capital and punishable by death. Flogging was carried out by the cat-of-nine tails made from a thick rope as a handle and nine pieces of light line, knotted in places. The frigate crew was assembled with the Boatswain shouting, “All hands to witness punishment, ahoy!” Next the marines and boatswain mates led out the malefactor. The spectacle of flogging was meant to inspire fear in the ship crew thereby deterring misconduct and ensuring obedience to naval law.7 The seaman being punished was tied to a grating taken from one of the hatches. His wrists and ankles were tied to the grate and his back stripped. The boatswain was then ordered to cut him with the cat. Drunkenness and smuggling of liquor were a major problem aboard the Constitution. Almost half the corporal punishments recorded in the ship log were connected to these two offenses. The entire crew was forced to repeatedly witness such scenes. The instrument of punishment the “Cat of Nine Tails” was reserved was for adult sailors and the “Kittens” for ship boys. The Kittens were a lighter model reduced cat, also known as “the boy's cat.” The Kittens had only five tails of smooth whip cord. The more deadly cat was especially designed to lacerate the flesh and left both physical and emotional scars.85 James E. Valle Rocks and Shoals Naval Discipline in the Age of Fighting Sail Naval Institute Press: Annapolis, 1996, p. 61. See also Naval History and Heritage Command Brief History of Punishment by Flogging in the U.S. Navy https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/b/brief-history-punishment-flogging-us-navy.html
6 Harold D. Langley Social Reform in the United States Navy, 1798-1862 (University of Illinois: Chicago, 1967), 137-138.
7 Brodine, Ironsides 79.
8 For corporal punishment of boys or young apprentices, a lighter model was made, the reduced cat, also known as boy's cat, “the kittens” that had only five tails of smooth whip cord. The distinction between the cat and the kittens was the latter was not supposed to tear flesh. If formally convicted by a court martial, however, even boys would suffer the punishment of the adult cat. See Pietsch, Roland The Real Jim Hawkins: Ship’s Boys in the Georgian Navy Seaforth Publishing: Great Britain 2011.
U.S. Naval Recruiting during the Barbary Wars
Surprisingly, as scholar Lauren McCormack has noted, we know very little about how sailors were recruited during the first years of the United States Navy.a Two of our best sources of information are advertisements placed in Boston newspapers in 1798 by Captain Samuel Nicholson of the newly constructed frigate USS Constitution. Captain Nicholson had received orders to get the frigate ready for sea and to “employ the most vigorous exertions to put said ship, as speedily as possible, in a situation to sail at the shortest command.” During this period the Navy had no centralized recruitment service or record keeping for enlisted personnel. Each naval vessel or shore station was responsible for enlisting the necessary seamen and petty officers to fill out the requisite crew. Prior to signing on, new recruits were interviewed by one of the ship’s officers or boatswain regarding their maritime experience and their health was verified by vessels physician.
a. McCormack, Lauren. “Food and Drink in the U.S. Navy, 1794 to 1820” USS Constitution Museum, 2018, https://www.usscm.org/publications/us-naval-recruiting-during-the-war-of-1812.pdf.
In his two newspaper advertisements appearing in May and November 1798, Captain Nicholson invited sailors to join the ship at “a house of rendezvous”. The Boston Naval Rendezvous like most was located near the waterfront. This particular rendezvous was located “at the sign of the Federal Eagle, kept by Mrs. Broaders, in Forestreet.” Mrs. Broaders, ran a “slop shop” on Ann Street in 1798 and the rendezvous was probably held in her shop.b A rendezvous, like the Federal Eagle, was simply a temporary recruiting office deliberately located where there were plenty of potential recruits, especially fishermen and merchant seamen, and always near bars. Some were located in "hotels" which served merchant and naval sailors when ashore as temporary lodging and drinking establishments.
b. Slop shops such as Mrs. Broaders, typically sold ready-made or used cheap clothing and bedding to sailors. They also sold tobacco, pipes and various small items that a seaman might need, see King, Dean, A Sea of Word A Lexicon and Companion for Patrick O’Brian’s Seafaring Tales, (Henry Holt and Co. New York, 1997), p. 392.
These two advertisements provide a great deal of information and give us a window unto the recruiting practices in Boston during frigates first years. According to these announcements, enlisted sailors signed on for one year but could be discharged sooner if their services were no longer needed. In May 1798, Nicholson sought 150 able seamen and 95 ordinary seamen, while Lieutenant Clark of the Marines used the opportunity to enlist three sergeants, three corporals, one armorer, one drummer, one fifer, and 50 privates for the ship’s company. Captain Nicholson advertised his pay at $17 a month and $10 a month respectively for able and ordinary seamen. As an incentive, Nicholson also advertised the distribution of two months advance to all new recruits. The advance was important as men with families could leave some for their spouse and children, others could purchase needed clothing, while others would use the advance to pay off tavern keepers. Some would have been lured “crimps” men who recruited or ensnared seaman for a bounty or fee. Many of the crimps operated out of boarding houses while others owned them. Crimps and the proprietor, often one and the same, dispensed liquor to the unwary seamen or landsmen at over-charged rates. This meant the debt could only be paid directly from the recruit signing the enlistment papers and signing over his three months advance wages.c, d Under United States legislation of 1800, whether the officers and men of the navy ship or ships responsible for the capturing a prize were entitled to half of the assessed value of the prize, or the whole value in the case of a capture of superior force, the prize money fund was to be allocated in specified proportions. The captain or captains of vessels taking prizes were entitled to 10% of the prize money fund, and the commander of the squadron 5% of the fund. In the event that the captain was operating independently, he received 15% of the prize fund. Naval lieutenants, captains of marines and sailing Masters were to share 10%, increased to approximately 12% if there were no lieutenants of marines. Chaplains, lieutenants of marines, surgeons, pursers, boatswains, gunners, carpenters, and master's mates shared 10% of the prize fund, reduced to approximately 8% if there were no lieutenants of marines. Midshipman, junior warrant offices and the mates of senior warrant officers shared 17.5%, and a range of petty officers a further 12.5%. This left 35% for the rest of the crew. e
c. Castleman ,Bruce A., Knickbocker Commodore the Life and Times of John Drake Sloat 1781 -1867 (State University of New York Press: Albany 2016) 126 -128.
d. Charles E. Brodine Jr., Michael J. Crawford and Christine F. Hughes Ironsides! The Ship, the Men and the Wars of the USS Constitution Charles E. Brodine, Jr.“Iron Men for Wooden Ships: Recruiting the Fleet in the War of 1812” Fireship Press p.45-46.
e. Peters, Richard, Public Statutes at Large of United States of America Volume II. Sixth Congress, Chapter XXIII: An Act for the better government of the Navy of the United States. (Boston: Charles C. Little & James Brown., 1845) 47-48, Articles V, VI, IX and X
In his advertisement Captain Nicholson noted he wanted well-organized, healthy and robust seamen free from scorbutic and consumptive affectations (suffering from scurvy or tuberculous).f Captain John Rodgers added for his recruiting officer the appropriate traits of both able and ordinary seamen: The Able Seamen are to be such in every respect, that is to say not only good Seamen, but at the same time active, Robust, healthy men; the Ordinary seamen are to be active Young Men, capable of doing the duty of Fore and Main Top Men.”
f. Columbian Centinel, Boston, 12 May 1788, p.3.
Columbian Centinel, Boston, 9 May 1798
(double click to enlarge)
Columbian Centinel, Boston, 12 May 1798, p.3
(double click to enlarge)In August 1798, Secretary of the Navy, Benjamin Stoddert, banned all “negroes and mulatoes [sic]” from naval service.g On 3 March 1813: the Navy officially reversed the August 1798 ban on African Americans sailors in the fleet, allowing for persons of color to serve on public vessels of the United States.h The U.S. Navy did not designate race on any official documents, so the number of black sailors serving aboard U.S. naval vessels during the War of 1812 is a subject of debate. Anecdotal accounts from the time period suggest that anywhere from 15 to 50 per cent of any given U.S. naval vessel’s crew were of African descent. USIndependence, while in Boston Harbor in 1814, had 34 black crew members out of its total complement of about 215 sailors [15.8 percent].i While officially from 1798 until 1813 African Americans were banned from enlistment, the practice as noted above, was largely determined by a vessel's commanding officer and wartime necessity. j
g. Secretary of the Navy, Benjamin Stoddard to Lt. Henry Kenyon, 8 August 1798, Naval Documents Related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France, (Government Printing Office Washington, D.C. 1935), Volume I, p. 281.
h. Altoff, Gerard T., Amongst My Best Men: African-Americans and the War of 1812 (Put-in-Bay, OH: The Perry Group, 1996) p. 20.
i. Bearss, Edwin C., Historic Resource Study, Volume I and II, Charlestown Navy Yard, 1800-1842 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 1984), p. 154.
j. McCormack, Lauren. Black Sailors During the War of 1812,” USS Constitution
Museum, 2020, https://www.usscm.org/publications/black-sailors-during-the-war-
of-1812.pdf.Transcription: These transcribed pages are from logbooks dated 1803 to 1815 of the USS Constitution. The logs are now housed in the National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C. This transcription was made from microfilmed images NARA Microfilm 1030, Reel 1 RG 24 which covers the years 1803 to 1815. I have striven to adhere as close as possible to the original in spelling, capitalization, punctuation and abbreviation (e.g. "Do" or "do" for ditto or same as above) including the retention of dashes, ampersands, and overstrikes. The spelling, capitalization and punctuation of the period are retained throughout. In some of the early logs the officer of the deck frequently used the slash (/) to represent a pause while a dash (—) was used to terminate sentences.
In a few cases where the early nineteenth century spelling differs substantially from modern usage, I have so noted the modern in brackets. In the log shortened versions of words were indicated by beginning the word in regular-sized letters and ending with superscript for example employd for employed. In the log, given names are often abbreviated: for example, Jno for John, Jas for James and Michl for Michael. In some cases given names were abbreviated typically with the last letter in superscript; for example, Chas for Charles and Jas equals James. Where I was unable to print a clear image or where it was not possible to determine what was written, I have so noted in brackets. Where possible, I have arranged the material in a similar manner to that found the logs.Terms and abbreviations commonly used in the deck log
Nautical Terms and Abbreviations
The following nautical terms and abbreviations found in the ship log and were taken from William Henry Smyth’s 1867 The Sailor's Word-book: An Alphabetical Digest of Nautical. Terms including Some More Especially Military and Scientific, but Useful to Seamen; as well as Archaisms of Early Voyagers, etc., Christopher McKee, A Gentlemanly and Honorable Profession the Creation of the United States Naval Officer Corps 1794 to 1815 U. S. Naval Institute Press: Annapolis MD 1991, pp.,28-33 andRichard Henry Dana Jr.'s The Seaman's Friend: Containing a Treatise on Practical Seamanship, with Plates; A Dictionary of Sea Terms; Customs and Usages of the Merchant Service; Laws Relating to the Practical Duties of Master and Mariners. Thomas Groom: Boston, 1851, 6th edition.
Apprentice “App.”: The naval apprentice system was established by law in 1837 for enlisting boys neither under thirteen nor over eighteen year. These young sailors were to be instructed in steering, heaving the lead, knotting and splicing, in rowing, in the use of the palm and needle, etc., that they might become qualified for rating as seamen and petty officers.
Articles of War: The U S Naval regulation “Articles for the Government” of the Navy was passed in March 1799 and revised in April 1800. The Articles, authorized flogging for such offenses as “oppression, cruelty, fraud, profane swearing, drunkenness or any other scandalous behavior”. This act was again revised and approved on 10 April 1806, by the United States Congress. The resulting regulation enacted 101 Articles of War for the Army and the Navy. As a result flogging would remain in force for fifty years. The Articles compromise a varied collection of admonishments and rules that deal mainly with misconduct of officers and seaman. The Articles of War were regularly read aloud to the ship crew typically on Sundays prior to Divine Services. Many sailors recounted the solemn nature this occasion where the crews were reminded that thirteen of the enumerated articles were capital punishable by death.
Boatswain “Bos”: A multipurpose petty officer, usually one of the best seaman, whose responsibilities included inspecting the ship sails and rigging each morning, and reporting their state to the officer of the watch. The Boatswain was in charge of all deck activities, such as weighing or dropping anchor or handling sails. The boatswain’s role as the agent of official and unofficial punishment (see introduction) with no appeal, generally made him both loathed and feared.Bow: The bow is forward end of any craft beginning on both sides where the planks arch inward and ending where they close, at the stem or prow.
Brace up: to move or turn a sail using braces to bring the yards nearer to the fore and aft by hauling on the lee brace.
Cat of Nine Tails or Cat until 1850 authorized for punishment in the U.S. Navy composed of nine pieces of cord about half yard long affixed in a thick rope handle to use for punishing transgressions of the Articles of War.
Clew or Clue up or down: Clew up to haul the lower corner of a square rigged sail up to the yard by means of clew lines. Clew down to secure a sail in an unfinished position.
Commodore: an American commodore in the early period was an officer (generally, but not exclusively, a captain) assigned temporary command of more than one ship. He continued his permanent or regular rank during the assignment. Once employed as a commodore, however, many jealously held onto the impressive title after their qualifying assignment ended. The Navy Department tried to discourage such continuing usage because it led to confusion and unnecessary rivalries.”9
9 Herman Melville, White Jacket 1850, chapter 6.
Furl: to rollup
Kittens: A light version on the cat o'nine tails for use on boys.
Landsman abbreviated “Lds.”: Landsmen was the lowest rank of the United States Navy in the 19th and early 20th centuries; it was given to new recruits with little or no experience at sea. Landsmen performed menial, unskilled work aboard ship. A Landsman who gained three years of experience or re-enlisted could be promoted to Ordinary Seaman. The rank existed from 1838 to 1921.
Larboard “larb.”: The term Larboard pertains to the left hand or port side of a ship when looking toward the bow as opposed to the starboard or right side.
Lieutenant abbreviated is Lt.: A lieutenant was the most junior of the naval commissioned officers. Typically a frigate such as the USS United States might carry at least four lieutenants. As watch officers they were in charge of navigation, steering and ship handling during each four-hour watch. A critical responsibility of the watch officer was to ensure the accuracy of the deck log transcribed below and to certify the log entry at the end of his watch. [See chapter 6 for Melville’s description of the ship’s officers.]
Meridian: This term is used in the ship log to denote 12 o'clock or solar noon when the Sun is at its highest altitude in the sky. The local or clock time of solar noon depends on the longitude and date.
Midshipman or “Mid.”: Midshipmen in the United States Navy of this era were not commissioned officers but instead considered “prospective” commissioned officers or officer cadets. They were under the controls of a lieutenant. Midshipmen were expected to work on the ship, but were also expected to learn navigation and seamanship. They were expected to have learned already, as able seamen and volunteers, to rig sails and other duties included keeping watch, relaying messages between decks, supervising gun batteries, commanding small boats, and taking command of a sub-division of the ship’s company under the supervision of one of the lieutenants.
Mizzenmast or Mizzen: The third mast or mast aft of the mainmast on a ship.
Muster: As a verb, to muster is to assemble the entire ship’s company for an inspection, exercise or other communal activity. Musters were held each Sunday where the crew’s names were called and tallied for pay purposes.
Ordinary Seaman, “O.S.”: Ordinary seaman was the second-lowest rank of the nineteenth century United States Navy, ranking above landsman and below seaman. Promotion from landsman to ordinary seaman required three years of experience or re-enlistment. An ordinary seaman who gained six years of life at sea and “knew the ropes”, that is knew the name and use of every line in the ship’s rigging, could be promoted to seaman. An ordinary seaman’s duties aboard ship included “handling and splicing lines, and working aloft on the lower mast stages and yards.
Quarters: Aboard a naval vessel, Quarters is the assembly of the ship crew. On the USS Constitution, Quarters were held on Sunday for muster, instruction, assignment of tasks or to witness punishment.
Reef or Reefing: A horizontal portion of a sail that can be rolled or folded up in order to reduce the amount of canvass exposed to the wind.
Rigging: The system of masts and lines on ships and other sailing vessels. In large sailing ships such as the USS Constitution, a mast right above the topgallant mast and the sail of such a mast.
Squall: A sudden violent gust of wind or a localized storm, especially one bringing rain, snow or sleet.
Spar: A wooden, in later years also iron or steel pole, used to support various pieces of rigging and sails.
Spinnaker: A large sail flown in front of the vessel while heading downwind.
Starboard “starb.”: The term Starboard pertains to the right- hand side of a vessel when facing the bow as opposed to the larboard or port side.
Steward: A member of a vessel's crew involved in commissary duties or in personal services to officers and other crew members.
Sounding: Measuring the depth of the water traditionally done by swinging the lead to gauge depth of water when approaching shore or unknown land.
* * * * * * * * * *
USS Constitution undergoing repairs5th May, 1798
To Captain Samuel Nicholson, U. S. Navy, from Secretary of War
[Philadelphia,) War Department,.
Capt. Nicholson BostonSIR, I have it in command from the President to direct you to repair on board the Ship Constitution laying at Boston, and to lose no Time in completing, equipping and manning her for Sea. —The Lieutenant of Marines will immediately proceed to enlist, agreeably to the enclosed Instructions, and the Act entitled an “Act providing a Naval Armament” passed the first of July 1797. —You will forthwith cause º of the Sea Officers, as may appear best calculated for the Business, to open houses of Rendezvous in proper Places, and to exert Themselves to engage One hundred and fifty able Seamen, and One hundred and Three Midshipmen and ordinary Seamen, at the following Terms of Service and Rates of Wages. The Seamen to engage for twelve Months unless sooner discharged. The Pay of the Able Seamen to be seventeen dollars per Month, the ordinary Seamen Ten Dollars. —You will instruct the Officers at each rendezvous to engage none other than healthy robust and well organized Men, and to reject those who may be scorbutic or consumptively affected. You will direct the Surgeon or a Mate to attend at these Places to examine each Sailor and Marine, and to certify to the recruiting Officer that they are well organized, healthy and robust, and free from scorbutic and consumptive Affections, before he engages them or pays the many Money. If Money is advanced or paid to any without such a Certificate, it will be at the risk of the Officer paying it. —The Officer of each Rendezvous shall make out on every Saturday Return of the Number of Seamen recruited within the Week, Stating therein the Number delivered over to the Ship, and transmit the same to the Captain, and a Duplicate to be forwarded to the Secº for the department of War. —You will also transmit to the Secº of the Department of War — a weekly Return exhibiting the Number of Marines, able and ordinary Seamen, on board the Ship and the Incidents that have taken place respecting Them or any of Them; as also the Progress that has been made in preparing her for Sea. —The commanding officer at each Rendezvous, on the desertion of a Seaman or Marine, besides the usual Exertions and Means to be employed on such occasions to recover and apprehend them, willº as soon as possible a Description of Them to the Secretary of War. —With respect to the Pay of the Marines and Seamen. The Purser, 'till order'd otherwise, will act as Pay Master to the officers and Crew, and will receive from time to time Money for that Purpose. Marines may be advanced Two Dollars, out of their first Month's Pay — and Seamen Two Month's Pay, if they cannot be obtained without such Advance. —The recruiting Officers will be held accountable for all Monies paid in their bands for the recruiting service — for the Expenditure of which proper vouchers must be produced at the Accountant's Office. The R. of the Marines and Seamen are to be entered alphabetically in the Muster and Pay Rolls, and the Men to be mustered while in Port by a qualified Person, whose Certificate as well as yours’s to be attached to the Muster Roll. —It is the President's express orders, that you employ the most vigorous Exertions, to accomplish these several Objects and to put yourself as speedily as possible in a Situation to sail at the shortest notice. —Should any Articles for this Purpose be yet wanting, you will specify them without delay, in order to their being procured. —
[NDA. OSW, Vol. 1.]Monday 6 August 1798
Journal of James Pity, U. S. Frigate ConstitutionFirst part this 24 hours fair Weather at 3 P.M. saw a sail bearing S.E. gave chace [chase] and hauled our wind and fired a gun and shortend sail she provd a schooner from Boston bound to Philadelphia, Wm. Murd Comd, at 7 P.M. the Eastern Long Island shore N.E. dist. 4 leagues at Evening furled small sail reefd topsail at 8 sounded in 17 fathoms clewd up the foresail.
At midnight sounded 25 fathoms black rubble with black sand at 2 P.M. wore ship & stood Northwd at 5 saw Montauk Paint bearing N.E. 7 leagues at 2 the light house at N.N.E. 3 leagues dist. Saw another sail close in shore proved a pilot boat at Meridian middle part block island being N Dist 7 miles the Eastern part of N.N. E. Western D N.W. 6 N cleaned out between decks found several [illegible] potatoes damagdSaturday 8 September 1798
First part of this 24 Hours fresh Breezes and Squally Set our Top Sail and kept out one Reef
Middle part light Winds with Lightening at & A.M. Saw a Ship a head looking like a Cruizer [cruiser] Crowded all Sail and beat to Quarters cleard our Guns fore and aft for Action at ½ past 11 hoisted our colors and fired a Gun to bring her too she hauled up her colors and hoisted English Colors She answered with a gun to Leew[ar]d but would not heave to being within pistol shot the Capt. Hailed her telling him if he made any Resistance he would give no Quarter Brot from Apposite Side plundered him of everything and carried him into the officers and crew having very improperly observed their conduct strictly latter part clear & Pleasant Latid Obs 34.11 –Sunday 9 September 1798
First part of this 24 hours fine weather obliged the chase to hoist out 2 Boats upon examining her papers had reason to suspect her being a French Cruizer sent Mr. Beale 3d Lt. out & took possession of her She was called the Niger and Mounted 24 Guns and carried 70 men. At 2 P.M. Removd the officers & crew on Bd [Board] the frigate and confined the Crew.
Middle part, fair, prize [crew] in comp at 9 A.M. hove too & orderd the prize to hoist out his Boat sent her on Bd the Frigate in the Commanding Officer upon exam Martin de Rose Seaman out the frigate Constitution he made affidavit the Boatswain of the Niger had taken him of Portland N. H. plundered him of everything and carried him unto Canada the officers & crew very improperly, observed their conduct strictly. Later part clear & Pleasant.
Latid Obd 34.11 –Monday 10 September 1798
First part this 24 hours fine Wm [Weather] & clear At 3 P.M. Mr. Beale went on Board the prize & hoisted in the Boat & made sail. At 5 P.M. beat to Quarters at 6 Shorten Sail at 2 A.M. shewd two lights & fired a gun signal for tacking. At 6 P.M. Saw Cape Hatteras being from the West to N.W. Sounded in 45 fathoms of black and white sand. Searched the prisoners and found considerable Gold & Silver money and other articles of value about them. At 10 haild the Prize and ordered her to send Mr. Pavia a Lieutenant on Board which was done. Ends clear Latid Obd 35.16 N
Thursday 20 September 1798
Wind variable at 7 A. M. a boat came along side with fresh Beef for the Ship Crew at 8 A.M. Mr. WARD acting master was broke for abusing the Ships Steward At 3 P.M. Capt. Nicholson went on board the Virginia Cutter to proceed to Williamsburg Red 30 Gang cask of water .
[Midshipman Pity’s caricature of Mr. Ward ]
Tuesday 25 September 1798
Extract from the Journal of James Pity, U. S. Frigate Constitution.Strong Breezes from the N. W. W. & Clear Wr @1/2 past 9 A.M. Mr. Samuel Nicholson Midshipman on Board the Frigate Constitution & Eldest Son of Saml Nicholson Esq* (Comod of Said Ship) departed this Life aged 16 Years, of the prevailing epidemic fever after an Illness of 4 days. The Col[ors] of y ' Frigate Cutter Virginia & Niger were hoisted half Mast. got a Coffin made & prepar'd to bury him @ 10 Capº Bright of the Š. Virginia came on Bº to attend the funeral. Made Signal for a Boat (3) 1/2 past 11 a Sch[ooner] came along side and took on Board the corpse of Nicholson which was carried to Hampton attended by Several officers & Men. At 1/2 past 7 the boat Return'd from Hampton having buried Mr. Nicholson in the Church yard by the Side of Commodore Mowat. (3) 8 sent Doctº Read on Shore being Ill of the same fever.
[NDA.]Thursday 1 November 1798
Journal of Midshipman James Pity
U.S. Frigate ConstitutionFirst part these 24 hours, the Gale Increasing from the W.N.W., with a Dangerous Sea. Ship Labouring much, hauld down our Mizzen Stay Sail and bore up in Order to Send before it but finding her so uneasy hove too again under the Balance Mizzen & Reefd Mizzen Stay Main Top Sail being split our Rigging being very split, our Rigging being very Slack Set it up fore and aft at 3 P.M. James Johnson Ord Seaman was lost overboard by Accident but it was Impossible to give him any assistance and poor fellow he found a watery grave.
At 8 P.m. the Gale Seemd to abate and at 11 P.M. Made more Sail to Keep the Ship Steady during the Course of the Gale the Ship took in much Water upon the Gun Deck
Latitude observed 38.00 N
Tuesday 20 November 1798
Winds shifted from the East to ENE & increased to a Gale with hail and Snow. At 8 AM the Gale Increasing, let go of the Sheet Anchor under foot At 9 the Pinnace went a Drift Sent the Yawl after her but was not able to save her without endangering the lives of the people. At 10 the Launch sunk at her mooring. At Midnight the Storm increasing with Great Violence Struck the Mizzen mast & prepared to veer away on the Sheet Cable. At 3 A M the Winds Veered to the SE the Gale Abated.
23 November 1798
Journal of Midshipman James Pity
U.S. Frigate ConstitutionClear & Cold Wind at N. W Acting Masters Mate was Contained in Irons for Speaking Seditious Words tending to Stir up the Minds of the People also Mr. Connell Boatswain for abusing Mr. Cordis 2nd Lieu for Inspecting the Store Room. I was also arrested & Confined to my cabin by the order of Capt. Nicholson without any Reason being given (except un-officer like Conduct) and was kept under Arrest till the 1st of Dec followed when I recd written Order from Capt. N. to go on Shore Nothing of Consequence took place till the 22d inst. When I rec his Orders to fi on Bd [board] the Frigate as I was reinstated in my former office and orders in Writing to the Commanding Officer to Receive me as Such. I did not return to the Ship till the 27 instant in Company with Capt. N. having been on duty in Boston from the 22d Inst the time I recd orders to go on Bd as the Justice of the Business I shall not say much but everyone who knows the Circumstances must Suppose that I was not arrested for anything very Criminal or I should not have been reinstated.
Memo - Mention was made in the day book when I left the Ship but not when I returnd on board which I think was wrong.
Tuesday 29 January 1798
[Prince Rupert Roads]Fresh Breezes the first and Middle, the latter light Winds. At 8 PM close under Monserrat, the light of Plymouth Town Bearing N. E.
Saturday 19 January 1799
Moderate Breezes & Cloudy Cross’d the Tropic of Cancer performed the Usual Ceremonies Viz Blacking, Ducking Shaving &c which among 400 People produced a Set of Devils equal to any ever Seen. At 4 Made Sail at 10 P.M. Squally Shorten Sail, cleansed between Decks. Took to pieces the Spare gun carriages there being no room for them in the hold, got all the Spare Sails up & cleard out of the Sail room.[latitude In 18.10 n]
Sunday 20 January 1799
Moderate Breezes working to Windward at 3 P.M. departed this life, Oliver Jestram Seaman. At 4 Committed his Body to the deep with usual Ceremonies at ½ past 4 Shortened Sail for Capt. Nicholson to come onboard from the Commodore at 5 filld & made Sail at 10 Joined the U.S. Ship of War Geo. Washington of 32 Guns finding the Ship too Deep hove overboard Some Shingle Ballast Dominico N. West End bearg South 9 miles Distance Marigalant N.N. E. 10 Miles.
Monday 4 February 1799
Fresh Breezes & Cloudy. At ½ past 12 Saw 2 Sails under Guadalupe Tackd an gave chace [chase]at 1 P.m. Observd them to be close under the French Fort upon which we gave over chace. At ¼ past 4 tacked to the Northwd at 6 Heny Kirk Seaman fell from the Main Top Gallant yard over board and was lost. ¼ past 6 tackd to the Southwd Johnsons point Antiqua bore n. b. W. 7 Miles Dist.
Middle part fresh Breezes & Cloudy at 4 saw the Islands of Monserrate and Guadalupe Later part Squally27 February 1799
Fine Weather in Chace to the S.S.W. at 3 Shortened Sail & Spoke the U.S. Schooner Diligence who informed us the Schn [schooner] under Desada was a French Privateer with whom she had exchanged Several Shot but the Frenchman running under the Fort prevented his taking him. Phillip Paine Seaman fell from the Mizzen Top Sail Yard and was drowned. At ½ past 4 filld and made Sail to the Southwd At 7 East end Desada, b. W. ½ W. 5 Leagues. Dominico S.W.b. W. 12 Leagues Tackd as necessary to keep our Station at 12 [Latitude 16 05 n.]10
10 At sea, a league is three nautical miles (3.452 miles; 5.556 kilometers).
2 April 1799
Extract from journal of James Pity, V. S. Frigate Constitution,Light Winds and Cloudy At 6. PM fresh breezes and Vble with Rain At 7. PM. shortend sail at 10 Wore to the Northwd At 4 Wore to the Southwd At 9. saw a strange sail bear* E.N.E Made sail and gave chace
@ 10 the chace Tack'd & stood to the Southwd At ½ % past 10 she Tack'd to the Northwd At Meridian the Chace bears E.S.E 16 Miles Dist. [Latitude observed 16.45 N']3 April 1799
Extract from journal of James Pity, U. S. Frigate Constitution,Cloudy Wr in chace to the E N.E. at X past 12 the chace carried away her Main top Mast Tack'd as Necessary Made the private Signal at ½ past 6 the Chace E. S. E 10 Miles Distant made <fc shortend sail as the Weather would allow. @ % past 6. Lost sight of the Chace the Last bear* E b S 9 Miles, the Cap* then gave orders to Work to windward till 12 at Night in case the chace was not seen to bear up and steer W. b S. at 3 A M set the fore sail At [space] saw the Island Deseada W b N. % N. 3 Leagues Distant @ % past 5 saw the chace from the Mast head bear* E N. E. made sail and gave chace. fm 8 till 10. squally At 11 A M saw a strange sail bear*
S b E. @ 12 the chace E b N. 12 Miles Distant — [Latitude In 16.23 N.°]
[NDA.] [NDA.]Thursday, 4 April 1799
Extract from log of U. S. Frigate Constitution, Captain Samuel Nicholson, U.S. Navy,Moderate breezes and cloudy, In chace the air light and variable Tackd as necessary to work to windward employd wetting the Sails with firemen and Engines PM at 5 fird a Gun at the chace Shortnd sail and boarded her She Prov'd to be His Britannic Majestys Packett the Carteret had saild from Falmouth Engld the 2d of March 1799. Was Captured by the French on the 29** of March 1799. Reca from her 12 French men Sent on board the Carterett a Commissioned and a petty officer with 11 men, to Navigate her to Martinico at % past 7 filled and made sail with the chace In tow Steerd South for the Island of Martinico Middle part Moderate breezes and cloudy
At 4 d° weather AM At 5 Saw Dominico bearing W by N and the NE end of Martinico S by W 7 leagues Departed this life Mr. William Felt Sailmaker At 9 committed the body of the deceased to the deep, at 11 Saw 3 strange sail bearing SW by W at % past 11 Calm At 12 Light Airs and Variable Saw two Sail of Men of War coming out of St Pierrs the Town of S' Pierre SE by E 12 miles The Pearl Rock E by N 6 miles
[NHSC, NYHS.]Friday, 5 April 1799
Extract from log; of IT. S. Frigate Constitution, Captain Samuel Nicholson, U. S. Navy,Light airs and variable, At 1 Made the Private Signal to a strange sail bearing SW. Answerd by Brittannic Majesty's Ship The Pearl PM at 4 Answerd the private Signal of his Majestys Ship Hydra Sir Francis Laforey and Commodore Captain Barton, who Sent an officer to wait on Captain Nicholson to Enquire whither the Ship we had in tow was a recapture or in Distress. At 5 Breeze Sprung up from ENE Made all plane Sail to work into S' Pierrs, at 7 Light airs and Variable Cast off the Ship we had in tow and
Order'd them to proceed and Anchor In the Bay of S' Pierrs without the loss of time, at 9 Calm, at 10 Moderate breezes and cloudy Steerd In towards the Town, and brought too with the Main Topsad
to the Mast Wore as necessary during the Night to keep clear of the land At Daylight Made Sail and Workd Into the Bay and Deliverd his Majestys Packett Carterett to Mr. John Gay Merchant at S* Pierre
Who Captain Nicholson Appointed Agent for the Officers and Ships company at that place Wore and Tack'd as nessasary to keep to Windw" in the Bay of S* Pierrs
[NHSC, NYH8.]5 April 1799
Extract from journal of James Pity, U. S. Frigate Constitution,Light Winds & Vble made the private Signal to an English Ship of war at 5. PM. a Boat came from the English Frigate Concorde a Breeze came frm E.S.E. made all sail to work into St. Pierres, cast of[f] the Prize and orders him to make the best of his way into the Bay and anchor. @ 9. Light Winds steer'd towards the Town and brottoo with the Main Top Sail aback. Middle part wore as Necessary to keep clear of the Land @ 5 made sail and worked into the bay delivered the prize into the hands Mr. Jn* Gay Merch[ant] at St. Pierres Capt. Nicholson appointing him agent for Ship and Officers at that place.
[NDA.]Sunday, 7 April 1799
Extract from Log of U. S. Frigate Constitution, Captain Samuel Nicholson, IT. S. Navy,Moderate breezes and Cloudy, observed the current to run to leward at the rate of 1 % miles P* hour Tackd as necessary to work to windward between dominico and Martinico opend two barrels of beef Contents 400'* short of contents 19'* At 7 the East extreme of dominico N by W % W 4 miles At 12 fresh breezes and cloudy at 4 Moderate breezes and cloudy Weatherd away dominico and Stood towards Desceada At 9 saw a strange sail bearing W N W at 10 Assembled the ships company and performd the divine service At 11 came to windward of Marigalante at 12 Saw Desceada N^E
ten leagues [Latitude obs« 15.57 North]
[NHSC, NYHS.lExtract from log of U. S. Frigate Constitution, Captain Samuel Nicholson, U. S. Navy,
Monday, 8 April 1799Moderate breezes and cloudy at 3 Saw a strange sail bearing N by E Made all plane sail and Gave chace [chase] at 5 answered the private Signal of the United States Ship Merrimack shortened sail and Recd 8 men from the Merrimack they being borne there Supernumerary from the Prize Neutrality at 6 filld and parted comp[any]with the Merrimack at J^ past 7 descend W Yi S 12 miles at 12 Tack'd to the southward AM at 5 saw a strange sail bearing N N W Tack'dand Gave chace at 7 answered the private Signal of his Majestys Ship Hydra Shortn'd Sail and wore to the Southward at 10 Saw a sail E S E which we Supposed to be the Merrimack At 12 Desceada W N W 6 Leagues
[Latitude Observed 16.14 North]
[NHSC, NYHS.lExtract from Journal of James Pity, U. S. Frigate Constitution,
8 April 1799Moderate breezes and Squally at 3 PM. saw a strange sail bear*N. b E made sail and gave chace @ 5 PM. Answerd the Signals of the United States Ship Merrimack shortend sail & rec* 8 Men from her which She rec* on P>* at Martinico from our prize Neutrality at 6 parted Company with the Merrimack @ % past 7. Deseada W J/£ S. 12 Miles at 5 AM saw a strange sail bear* N N W. gave her chace at 7. Answerd the private Signals of the English Frigate Hydra shortend sail and wore to the Southw* @ 10 AM Saw a sail bear* E S. E supposed to be the Merrimack At 12 Deseada W. N. W. 6 leagues [Latitude In 16.14 N«]
NDA.]Sunday, 21 April 1799.
Extract from log of U. S. Frigate Constitution, Captain Samuel Nicholson, U. S. Navy,Moderate breezes and cloudy Steering WNW down between the Virgin Gorda and Santa Cruze, at 3 light airs Saw the Island of S[aint] Johns bearing NW 7 leagues, at X past 7 the East NE end of Santa Cruze SSW 4 leagues and Ramshead near the South Extreem of S[aint] Johns NW K N 4 leagues, made and shortnd sail as necessary to keep In the rear of the Convoy, at 12 Moderate breezes United States and Convoy in company at 2 AM Backd the Main Topsail and brought too, at lA past 3 Bore up and took our Station, at daylight Saw S* Thomas" NNW 5 leagues and three strange Sails standmg towards the Convoy, Wore Ship and Spoke with the three strange Sails three English privateers, at 8 answ 4 the United States' Signal to come within hail Wore and Spoke with the United States at %past 8 parted company from the Convoy and made all plane Sail for the North side of Santa Cruze at 11 Spoke with the Commodore's Tender. Tackd as nessy to work to windward At 12 Saw 3 Sail Standing out of Basseterre roads Suppos'd to be Americans to Join the Convoy the NW End of Santa Cruze SW 4 leagues S' Thomas" NNW 7 leagues
[NHSC, NYHS.]Monday, 22 April 1799
Extract from log of U. S. Frigate Constitution, Captain Samuel Nicholson, U. S. Navy,Moderate & Cloudy, Employd working to Windward on the North Side of Santa Cruze at 3 wore and made Sail over for the West end of S* Thomas, at 6 Joind the United States with 4 Sail of Merchantmen, Americans she had convoyd from Santa Cruze ½ p*6 the Commodore made the Signal to bear up and Make Sail and for the Constitution to take her Station in the Rear, ^ p' 7 bore up and Steerd NW to Go through Sail rock Passage between Little S' Thomas' and the Sail rock At 8 heard a Cannonading to windward wore and came to the wind under a press of Sail % p' 8 Spoke with a Small Schooner, armd and a prize to the United States who Informed Captain Nicholson that a small Vessel came along side and fird a volley of Small arms on her deck Wore Ship and tackd in every different direction but could not find or discover any Suspicious Sail In the rear of the Convoy At 9 bore up and steerd NW K W and NW by N through Sail rock passage and orderd the rear of the Convoy to keep as near the Commodore as the State of the weather would allow At 12 the North Extreem of Great passage Island WSW 4 leagues AM at 4 United States & Convoy in company at 8 Saw 38 Sail of the Convoy at 10 Made the Signal for two Sail bearing SE by S At 12 Portorico S by W 10 leagues
[NHSC, NYHS.]22 April 1799
Extract from journal of James Pity, U. S. Frigate Constitution,Moderate Breezes Winds Vble f NEbE to EbS working to Windward the North Side S* Croix @ 3 PM made sail and stood for the West end St. Thomas at 6 joind the U[nited] S[tates] with 4 sail Americans f"> S* Croix @ 6 the Com9 made Signal for the fleet to bear up and make sail thro' the Sail Rock passage @ 8 PM heard a Cannonading to Wind* hauld our Wind & made sail and spoke to the Com’s Tender (a French Prize) who Inform'd Cap* Nicholson that a small Vessel came along side of him and fired a Volley Small Arms into him which he return'd with a broad Side @ 12 N' extreme of great passage Island bears WSW 4 Leagues Dist at 10 Made a Signal for 2 Sail bear* SEbS Portirico SSW 10 Leagues Dist
[NDA.115 May 1799 —
To Captain Samuel Nicholson, U. S. Navy, from Secretary of the Navy
[Philadelphia] Navy DepartmentCapt Samuel Nicholson
Boston. —
Sir I judge from the information of Capt. Barry that you will be at Boston as soon as this letter. — As the Congress have authorized the building of Six Ships of the line — and as you have been a good deal absent from your family, it is intended that you Shall remain on Shore to Superintend the building of one of these Ships — and that a Captain, who has been some time on shore shall take the command of the Constitution. — Your Pay and rations, will be the same while employed in this service as if you commanded the Frigate — and you must hold yourself in readiness to enter into active service, whenever called upon. — For the present you will please to continue your attention to the Constitution — is charge the Men whose times expire in May, and as many of them whose times are out in June, as can be spared from the services which the Ship may require — the sooner the Men are discharged and paid off, the sooner they will be ready to enter again into the service. — I have the honor &c
[NDA. OSW, Vol. 2, 1799.]May 15, 1799
To Captain Silas Talbot, U. S. Navy, from Secretary of the Navy
[Philadelphia] Navy Department
Silas Talbot Esqr
N. YorkSir I believe Capt. Barry will go out in the United States — Nicholson I believe will remain on shore. — It is contemplated to send the Constitution as soon as possible to the West Indies, where the Officer commanding her will have the command of all the vessels in that quarter, as long as she remains — The United States will be kept on the Coast, the Constellation will return for a new Crew &c'.— I think an active officer in the Constitution will have an oppy of rendering great Service & perhaps of picking up a good many prizes — I wish therefore she may be under your Command, and I wish you would hold yourself in readiness to take charge of her — It is possible however that different arrangements may be made. — The Constitution will have a new Crew to get — It may be the middle of June before she can sail. — I have the honor to be Sir —
[NDA. OSW, Vol. 2, 1799.]18 June 1802
To Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden, U. S. Navy, Boston, Mass., from Secretary of the Navy.I am honored with your Letter of the 13 instant. — It was some time since contemplated to give the Constitution a thorough repair preparatory to sending her to sea, but as we shall have no immediate occasion for her, this for the present, is dispensed with. She must therefore, be immediately put in ordinary, and all the Officers attached to her, except those authorized to be retained on board under the Peace Establishment Law, (copy of which is enclosed) must be immediately furloughed, which Captain Nicholson will do accordingly. — You will consider yourself as hereby appointed to the Command of her, and you will be pleased to carry this order into effect as soon as practicable —
[NDA. OSW, LB, Vol. 5, 1801-1802.]Thursday 18 May 1803
Light airs and pleasant weather The Ships Company Employd Stowing away Lumber Between decks and working up Junk at 3 P M out first reef of the Top Sail. Toward Evening muster at Quarters and sailed. All the guns full charged Except shot. At 4 observed one of the larboard lower shrouds which was supposed done when the Constitution was on a [unclear] From 6 in the evening till midnight Calm winds/ at 6 A.M. Saw a strange sail to the Northward from 4 A M till 8 in the Morning the breeze continued to increase and by 9 to a 7 knot breeze Set the Top Gallant and Starboard Topmast Studdingsails the Constitutions upper deck is Very Badly Constructed for Stowing the beams The business of this the Boat is stowd lowe The spars extend so far out on the gangway as to prevent working the gangway guns/ a party of men has been employd stowing the Booms we had pleasant weather all the forenoon /The Ships Company is very healthy Except a few confined with the Venereal disease and some slight fevers/ at noon moderate Breezes and clear weather
1 May 1803
To Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden, U. S. Navy, of U. S. Frigate Constitution,
From Captain Edward Preble, U.S. NavySIR, I am directed by the Secretary of the Navy to assume the command of the Frigate Constitution, and have her put in a condition to sail in the shortest possible period — You will therefore consider the Ship in Commission from this date, and receive your future instructions, from me or the Commanding Officer on board I have to require of you a return of the Officers, able, and Ordinary Seamen & Marines, now attached to her to other with a Copy of the latest instructions you have received from the Navy Dep[artment]
ILC. EPP, Order Book, 1803—1805.]Sunday, 26 May 1803
Extract from journal of U.S. Frigate Constitution, Captain John Rodgers, U. S. Navy, commanding,
[Off Tripoli since 11 May 1803At ½ past 5 [A. M.] discovered a sail to the Southward, Made sail in chace [chase]. At 8 Made the signal of the day to the Strange Sail at ½ past 8 spoke to the Essex. Consul Leer and Cap. Barron came on board. The President and Essex in company. At Meridian fresh breezes and pleasant Weather, Capt. Rogers, Colonel Lear & Capt.Barron Left the ship and went on board the Essex the town of Tripoli bearing south 5 miles
Latitude Observed 33'00' N. [USNA.]May 14, 1803 NAVY DEPT [Washington DC]
Extract from journal of Surgeon Jonathan Cowdery, U.S. N
To Captain Edward Preble, U. S. Navy, Boston, Mass, from Secretary
of the NavyYou will assume the Command of the frigate Constitution and have her put in a condition to sail at the shortest possible period, in all respects except provisioning and manning. you will exercise your discretion as to heaving her down —— if, however, You should t ' k [think] it necessary that she should be heaved down, it had better be done in this Country, and immediately . —— .
Make your requisitions upon, Mr. Brown —- He will give you every necessary assistance. -— You will also call upon one or two of the following Lieutenants to join the Constitution —J[ohn]. S. H. Cox__ Boston -—
W. C. Jenckes- _ _ - Providence R. I. ——
Ed L Wyer ______ _ _ Boston
Jos. L. Blake_____ _ _ _ “
Jos. Tarbell-_____- “You may also order two of the following List of Midshipmen to join you. —
Weston- - _ ________ Boston —
Scallon __________ __ Salem -—
Rowe ___________ _ _ Portland —
Ben: Page _______ __ Providence, R. I. ——
D. S. Dexter _____ __ “
Thomas Hunt ____ __ Boston
Ch. Morris j‘ ____ __ Pomfret — C‘ —
Reporting to me such as you may order to join you. —— with these officers to assist you, you will be able to direct the equipment of the Constitution and continue to superintend the brig. —
Be pleased to let me hear from you immediately, and give me your opinion of the present situation of the Constitution. —
[NDA. OSW, Vol. 6, 1802 to 1805.]Saturday 21 May 1803 [Moored Navy Yard, Charlestown, Mass.]
Extract from log book of Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden, U. S.N. Constitution,Moderate Breezes & Cloudy Weather. A[t] 10 A. M. Commodore Preble came on board the Constitution and took charge as Commodore; After the Constitution has been lying in Ordinary Ten Months & 14 days Commodore Preble examined every part of the Constitution's Inside & ordered a carpenters caulking stage alongside in order to examine the copper on the ships bottom; He appointed Lieu* Joshua Blake to the Constitution & Mr. N Morris to [act] as Acting Purser — Towards Noon the Commodore left the ship & proceeded over to the Navy Yard in Charlestown & examined the Constitutions stores which are in the Navy Store —
A M The Commodore again came on board & gave the necessary Orders for employing a number of seamen in order to get the rigging from the Navy Yard on board the Constitution at Noon Wind east clear
[LC. EPP, 1803-1804.p.413]Sunday 22 May 1803[Moored off Navv Yard, Charlestown, Mass.]
Extract from log book of Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden,Moderate Breezes from the Westward, on Saturday A. M. which is the beginning of Sundays Log, The Commodore came on board & surveyed the Constitution's bottom in order to find the state of the Copper This Survey was done with brushes with Iron teeth & Boathooks. The Copper was found to be ragged & full of small Holes with a quantity of Grass & sea Moss; the Holes must be occasioned by the Copper being entirely worn out. Commodore Preble Lieu* Blake & Myself are of opinion, that the Constitution is not in a state fit for sea until her bottom is examined. Commodore Preble gave orders to send an Officer and a boats crew for Mr. Tho' Knox the Pilot, which was sent & returned at 9 P. M. — A. M. Light breezes from the Eastward. [LC. EPP, 1803 to 1804. p. 416]
Tuesday 24 May 1803
Extract from log book of Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden USN
[Moored off Navy Yard, Charlestown, Mass.]Moderate Breezes & Cloudy Weather. At 2 P.M. the lower rigging came along side us. This afternoon we employed 21 seamen part of whom were employed getting the rigging on board & the rest sent to the Navy Yard to put the Blocks & other articles into the store which were taken out in order to get at the lower rigging — The seamen which are employd at days work on board the Constitution are mustered at Past 5 O’clock A.M, go to Breakfast at 7 & are Mustered at 8, go to dinner at 1 P.M. & are mustered at 2. At 11 A.M. & at 4 P.M. They are allowed 15 minutes to Grog. They leave work at 7 in the Evening A.M. we employed 29 Seamen in getting the lower rigging overhead Weighing the stream anchor & making the necessary arrangements for transporting the Constitution to the Wharf.
[LC. EPP, 1803-1804.]June 7, 1803
To Captain Edward Preble, U. S. Navy, Bmton, Mass.,
From Secretary of the Navy, Navy DepAs soon as you may deem it necessary, you will proceed to engage a crew for the Frigate Constitution under your command, to consist of, besides Officers and a detachment of Marines which will be supplied by Col Burrows, 120 able seamen, and 172 ordinary seamen and boys. -
This number of Men has heretofore been allowed to a frigate of the same rate as the Constitution, but I am persuaded it is too great. On this subject, however, I wish you to exercise your judgment, and if you should be of opinion that a less number would be improper, you will recruit the quota above mentioned-
To Able seamen you will allow not exceeding $10 per month and to Ordinary Seamen and Boys from $5 to $8, according to merit. Two month's advance, may be made to them on their giving the customary security you will engage them to serve 2 years from the time the frigate weight anchor on a cruise The allowance for recruiting is $2 per man, including all expenses I have been advised to reduce the wages from $12 which had been heretofore given to $10. Should you experience any difficulty in entering the men, on this account you may consider yourself at liberty to increase the advance to be made from 2 to 4 Months.
I enclose the necessary blank shipping papers - Mr. Brown will supply you with money for recruiting etc When you are about sailing you will be pleased to send on to this office a muster roll of the officers and crew of the Constitution -
[NDA. OSW, Vol. 6, 180]1 July 1803 [U. S. Frigate Constitution] BOSTON
To Lieutenant Joshua Blake, U. S. Navy, from Captain Edward Preble, U. S. NavySIR, You will proceed to New York without loss of time for the purpose of recruiting men for the U S. Frigate Constitution you are to recruit Sixty able and Twenty Ordinary Seamen —— to the 1rst you are to allow 10 Dollars per month, and to the latter from 5 to 8, and may advance each man 4 months’ pay taking care to obtain customary security for the money in case the men do not go to Sea with you — Mr. Deblois Purser of the Constitution will advance you Three thousand dollars for this Service, you will be allowed you’re travelling expenses and two Dollars for each man recruited exclusive of the expense of maintaining and transporting them The Success of this business will depend in a great Measure on your exertions, in which I have the highest Confdence —
[LC. EPP, Order Book, 1803 to 1805.]
Captain Samuel Barron, U.S. Navy, from Captain John Rodgers,
U.S. Navy U. STATES SHIP Constitution Tripoli
SIR, Yesterday the Spanish Consul returned on board again Empower'd by the Bashaw, to negotiate a Peace; and altho it appeared by his Credentials that he was completely authorized to conclude a final settlement of the differences, with Cole Lear previous to his going on shore, yet he did not think Col? Lears propositions admissible & in consequence returned on shore last Evening to consult the Bashsw further on the Business The Spanish Consul has this moment (10 AM.) returned on board again & says that Bashaw is not satisfied with the propositions that have been made - how things will turn out is yet uncertain –Capt. Barron will be able to give you the particulars. - James S. Barron Col.1 July 1803 BOSTON
To Midshipman Stewart from Captain Edward Preble, U. S. NavySir, You will proceed to Providence without loss of time for the purpose of recruiting men for the U S Frigate Constitution, you are to recruit from 20 to 30 Seamen, and Ordin[ary] Seamen to the 1rst you are to allow 10 Dollars per month and to the latter from 5 to 8 and may advance each man 4 months’ pay taking care to obtain customary Security for the money — Mr. Deblois, Purser of the Constitution will advance you One Thousand Dollars for this Service —— You will be allowed you’re travelling expenses and two Dollars for each Man recruited exclusive of the expense of Maintaining and transporting them the success of this business will depend in a great measure on your exertions in which I have the highest Confdence —
[LC. EPP, Order Book, 1803 to 1805.]1 July 1803
To Captain John Hall, U. S. Marine Corps, from Captain Edward Preble, USN FRIGATE ConstitutionSir, The disposition of the Marine Centinels [Sentinals] on board this Ship, are to be as follows until further Orders, Viz’ One at the Cabin door, who is not to permit any person to pass into the cabin excepting a quarter deck Offcer, any such persons as are immediately attached thereto — _ _One Centinel’ on each Gangway to give notice to the commanding Officer of the deck of the approach of any Boat or Vessel, and not to suffer any boat to leave the Ship, without the knowledge of the said Officer, they are to pay proper respect to the Offcer entering or leaving the Ship One Centinel at the Spirit Room to protect it at all times, that no theft or depredations are there committed —— A Centinel on the Fore Castle in the night time, from 8 o’clock P.M. to 6 AM with the same orders that are given to those on the Gangways —A Centinel at the Galley to keep Order at all times, and more especially at the time of cooking and serving out Dinner, and not to suffer any ?res being made after the Offcers Dinners are served, but by permission of the Officer of the deck, and both by night and day, to take care that not any person leaves the Ship from the Gun Deck without intermission.
[LC. E P, Order Book, 1803 to 1805.][11 July 1803] NEW YORK [City ] Monday Even[ing] 8 O’clock
To Captain Edward Preble, U. S. Navy, Boston, Mass, from Lieutenant Joshua Blake, U. S. Navy.Sir I have the honor to inform you that I have this moment completed the Number of Sixty Able, and twenty Ordinary Seamen ——They are a kind of Men, I ?atter myself will be pleasing to you — I have been particularly careful in the Bondsmen, I have obtained, but it may be possible that Some are not good — I have already made the Advance of four Months’ pay to about ?fty; I was enabled to do this by the goodness of M! Ludlow in advancing the Ami of the Bills; The Union Bank Bills I shall be obliged to exchange at a loss of 1pr C’ or get the money of M‘ Ludlow, to make the other advances.I have allowed the Men ’till Thursday 12 O’clock, when they will embark in Some coaster for Boston Under charge of M‘ Livingston —I have thought in case some should desert, it would be Necessary for me to remain to recover from their Bondsmen And indeed Under an idea that more might be wanted here to complete the Compliment. At this time Three Hundred Men could be engaged in one week, I presume.— Believing it customary, I have agreed to pay their board from tomorrow morn‘ 'till they embark — I fear I shall not be able to get them conveyed round for less than 5 or 6 dollars each, it is an enormous price, but detention here would be dangerous, & their service on board the Ship Great. —— The Medicine Chest for the Constitution will be shipped in the Vessel with the Men. — I am told a Surgeons Mate for the Constitution left here this Morn[ing] for Boston— It is Said the Philadelphia has hauled Off, wanting an hundred men —- Presuming on the recl of a Letter tomorrow, I shall Remain as Stated ’till I am honored with your further Orders. ——
[LC. EPP, Vol. 6, 1803.]Wednesday 13 July 1803 [Moored off Long Wharf, Boston, Mass]
Extract from log book of Sailing Master Nathaniel Heraden, U. S. Navy, of U. S. Frigate U. S. Constitution, Captain Edward Preble, U. S. Navy, commanding,Moderate Breezes & Rain. At ½ past 2 Wind Veered to the S. W. & the Weather cleared away — Sent aloft the Main & Mizzen Topsail Yards We Continued hoisting & Stowing the Iron ballast We received several New recruits from the rendezvous at Boston —— A. M. We got on board the fore & Main Yards. Employed rigging the lower Yards & Stowing the Iron ballast. Caulkers & Joiners in their different Stations.
[LC. EPP, 1803 to 1804.]July 18. 1803
To Captain Edward Preble, U. S. Navy, Boston, Mass, from Secretary of the NavyHerewith you will receive your authority to subdue, seize, and make prize of all Vessels, Goods and Effects belonging to the Bey of Tripoli or to his subjects and also the statute upon which that authority is founded —— also 25 copies of rules and regulations for the Navy which you will distribute among the Officers under your command. —- As soon as the Constitution is ready for Sea, you will weigh anchor and proceed to the Mediterranean. We have at present in that sea, the frigates New York, Jn° Adams, Adams and schooner Enterprize. The frigates New York, John Adams are to return immediately to this country. The enclosed Letters which you will forward to their respective Commanders are orders to that effect. — The Enterprise must remain in the Mediterranean and will be commanded by Lieui [Stephen] Decatur who will take out the Argus for Lieui [Isaac] Hull. You will see the Commanding Officer of the squadron at present in the Mediterranean and communicate with him on the subject of his past and intended operations. From such communication you may derive useful information and may thereby be enabled to make a more skillful and advantageous disposition of the force under your direction. ——The Squadron under your command will consist of the Constitution, The Philadelphia Ca Bainbridge, The Siren Lieu’ [Charles] Stewart, The Argus The Vixen Lieui [John] Smith, The Nautilus Lieu' Somers, and The Enterprize Lieutl Stephen Decatur. —— This force is ommitted to your direction for the purpose of protecting effectually the commerce and Seamen of the United States against Tripolitan cruisers on the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean and adjoining Seas. —By the 2‘, section of the Act for the protection of the commerce and Seamen of the United States against the Tripolitan Cruisers, the President is authorized to instruct the ommanders of public Vessels to subdue, seize and make prize of all vessels, Goo s and effects belonging to the Bey of Tripoli or to his subjects, and to bring or send the same into port, to be proceeded against and distributed according to Law, and also to cause to be done all such other acts of precaution or hostility as the State of war will justify and may in his opinion require”. —The varying aspects of our affairs in the Mediterranean — the great distance between this country and the probable places of your operations, render it improper for the government to prescribe to you any particular course of conduct. We therefore leave you un-restrained in your movements and at liberty to pursue the dictates of your own judgment subject however to the following general regulations instructions. —It is the expectation of the President that you will without intermission maintain during the season in which it may be safely done,
21 July 1803 Constitution BOSTON HARBOUR
To Secretary of the Navy from Captain Edward Preble, U. S. NavySIR, I yesterday acknowledged the rec[eipt ] of a Packet containing my Sailing Orders, Instructions and sundry letters —It is now two months since I took charge of this Frigate and I deeply regret that she is not ready to Sail at this moment, I have done all in my power to equip and man her, would to heaven I could have done more! for be assured I feel as anxious to be in sight of Tripoly as you can possibly wish me to be — Wages in the Merchant service has risen and we have not been able to increase our number of men here, more than One or two a day for several days past, one of the Midshipmen (Mr. Stewart) has recruited ten Men at Providence the other Officer (Lt. Jenckes) who resides at that place and gave me very ?attering hopes that he could procure many has been unsuccessful having recruited only one 0. Seaman — The Men recruited at New York by Lieutenant Blake have not yet arrived we want their assistance much it does not require much time to equip a Frigate for Sea with her proper complement of men on board —— Three or four hundred men, acquainted with their duty can do much, but our numbers have genera y been small compared to the object — The men we have engaged here, are not such as I wish wages are so high in the merchant service that the best men will not ship with us — I do not believe that I have twenty native American Sailors on board. If the men from New York arrive here in Season I expect to be ready for Sea by the last day of this month. I shall write you often until sail, an s all not fail writing by every opportunity that may offer While abroad — as there will probably be time for me to have an answer to this —- please send me the Sign s in use in our service as I have none ——My instructions directs me to “capture the vessels of the Bey of Tripoly and of his Subjects &c* and to respect the rights of other Nations —— do you consider that r' ht to extend to their entering the harbours of Tripoly when closely blockaded?
Col‘? Lear arrived here the 19 ‘P inst
[LC. EPP, LB, 1803.]24 July 1803 To Secretary of the Navy from Captain Edward Preble. U. S. Navy
Constitution, BOSTON HARBORSir, I have the honor to inform you that on Friday Lieut[enant] Livingston arrived here from New York with 77 and yesterday Mr. Izard with 56 Able and Ordin[ary ]Seamen recruited by Lt. J Blake he has been prompt and Successful in the execution of his Orders. I am now 40 short of compliment if I can recruit them here by the time I am ready to sail I shall do it, but shall not wait a moment on that account. I hope to sail next Sunday —
[LC. EPP, LB, 1803.]24 July 1803 Sunday [Moored off Long Wharf, Boston, Mass]
Extract from log book of Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden, U. S. Navy, of U. S. Frigate Constitution, Captain Edward Preble, U. S. Navy, Commanding,Moderate breezes & Clear — Seamen Employed Strapping blocks. in the Course of the Afternoon we had five lighters come along side, One with wood One with provisions & three with Water. The lighter Friendship which bro[ught] the Wood was cleared & loaded with empty Water casks —The Sloop Lincoln with provisions was Cleared except 50 barrels. The sloop Fair Play was not Cleared, She bro[ught] Water & 10 Coils of New rigging from the Constitution Stores at Charlestown: The Sloop Caroline M. Batterman Master is after Shingle ballast Towards evening Cheered Ship in answer to the Sloop Hancock which anchored alongside with 70 Men which she bro[ught] from New York for the Constitution —
[LC. EPP, 1803 to 1804.]12 August 1803 [Moored off Long Wharf, Boston, Mass.]
Extract from log book of Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden, IT. S. Navy, of U. S. Frigate Constitution, Captain Edward Preble, V. S. Navy, commanding, Friday,The Ships Company Employed clearing ship for Sea — At the time the Constitution received her repairs in 1801 the stern frame was altered & One Way or Other there were no dead lights made. Commodore Preble not knowing but that the Old would answer till on the point of sailing ordered an additional number of Carpenters on board who are employed making a new set of dead lights. This evening a boat being ordered on Shore on ships duty the following Seamen deserted, Robert Marshall, Robert Stewart & William Stagg. Two Officers were Ordered on shore after them, who apprehended & bro[ught] back Rob Marshall & W. Stagg. Rob Steward made his escape. A. M. At two unmoored Ship & hove Short on the Best bower. We Weighed at Day light & Came to Sail in Order to proceed to Sea — In Entering the Narrows which is 8 Miles below Boston it fell Nearly Calm. We Came to with the Best bower in 10 fath[oms] of soft bottom. Veered to a third of a cable & furled Sail. At 10 the Sloop Caroline came alongside with the Ships Powder She is Ordered to remain in that Situation —
ILC. EPP, 1803 to 1804.]Tuesday 16 August 1803
Moderate Breezes and clear weather our depth was at noon 40 fathoms near the NW part of the Georges Bank we continued Steering to the Eastwd and in one half hower [hour] we sounded 12 faths [fathoms]. Reef Extended from the Shoal of Georges about 10 or 15 leagues and is not more then half mil in some places/ while on the Reef we Several casts with the hand lead, but nothing less than Twelve Fathoms. We was sailing nearly five and 20 minutes we deepened the water to 30 fathoms we did not sound again until 2 P M at which time we sounded 34 fathoms yellow sand. Toward the Evening Mustered the Ships Company at Nine Stations for Tacking and Waring ship. The Ship Company all the afternoon stowing away the old Rigging and Working up Junk / from Eight PM till 8 Am moderate Breezes and cloudy weather Made and Shorten Sail as Necessary. We Took out of the Fore Hold a number of Empty water casks to make room for provision. Between 6 AM and 8 in the morning Turn out the reef in the Topsail an Set the Staysails, the Ships company Employd working up Junk and Cleaning between decks.11 Carpenters Empd as Necessary. Rigged the Forge for the first time and set the armorers to making Belaying Pins/ The Winds was light and variable all forenoon. The first Lieutenant is app [appointed] the day officer/ who is very attentive superintending the different departments. Unbent the two Bower cables at Noon moderate breezes and clear weather. Latitude obd. 41.50
USS Constitution 180311 While the importance of hygiene in the prevention of disease was then unknown, ships were cleaned frequently with water and vinegar to rid the living and storage spaces of fleas and lice. This is also the reason for the repeated mention of scrubbing hammock and clothes
Friday 19 August 1803
Moderate Breezes and clear weather Steering to the Eastward under all plain Sail with Topgallant and Froe Topmast Studdingsails, set to Starboard. The Ships Company Enployd Stowing away Between decks and working up Junk/ at 4 in Main Royal Main topgallant sail/ and lowered down the Main Topgallant / in order to put up the Main Topmast and Maintopgallant Rigging which was completed by 5 PM and set the after sails General order one given by the Commodore for invariably Mustering at Quarters Every Evening before Sunset/ if the weather will permit Now order one Are very Necessary for Every a Man that knows he is to be Mustered at Quarters Every Evening will avoid drunkenness / At 5 in the morning we board the schooner Aurora of Plymouth in the fishing business at 4 past 7 filled and made sail The Ship Company Employd cleaning ship scrubbing Hammocks. Setting up [illegible] the Main Rigging. The weather was very fine all the fore noon with a Swell from the SE put the Ships Company on allowance of water 2 Quarters per man/ Served them out one per man per mess The Armorers and carpenters Employd as Necessary the Ship Company remain healthy Except a few confined with high fevers Latitude observed 42.06
Monday 22 August 1803
Moderate Breezes and Hazy weather at 1 p m the Weather became misty and cloudy and by 2 P M a very Heavy fog/ at Noon we supposed the Ship to be 40 or 50 miles to the westwd at the SW part of the grand Bank. Towards evening in Shifting Topsails/ fell by accident from the mizzen Top down on deck/ Richd Betly Seam/ he is Very Much Bruised about the Breast and face/ but is Expected that he survive the fall/ at ½ past up main sail we Continued Running under Easy Sail during the Night with a Very Thick fogg and Rain by intervals/ at 5 in the Morning set the Main Sail/ between 5 a m & 6 in the morning the fogg cleared away and we saw a Number of fishing Schooners at anchor, which we supposed to be the S.W. prong of the grand Bank. From five in the Morning to Light, the Weather was sometimes foggy and sometimes clear at ½ past 8 The fog totally cleared away but we could not see any vessels at anchor/ at ½ past 9 shorten sail and brought to / served out lines to the Ships/ We was employd a fishing about one Hour/ Meeting with no success. Out reefs from the Topsail to Topgallant sail/ and a Quarter before 10 filled our Main Sail/ The part of the Bank we fished on was coloured water 35 faths Sandy Bottom/ The report Marines 41 fit for duty Three Sick two Confined and three on extra duty/ signd Captain Hall/the Surgeons Report to the Commodore 13 sick and convalescent / there sickness consist of Fevers/ Rheumatism and Venereal cases. Some with a Slight Touch of Scurvy/12
The Ships Company Empd the splicing and rounding the Best Bower Cable. At Noon Fresh Breezes and Hazy Weather /Top gall sails / Latitud obd 44.1812 Scurvy is a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, characterized by swollen bleeding gums and the opening of previously healed wounds, which particularly affected poorly nourished sailors until the end of the 18th century. Untreated the disease is fatal although the means of preventing or curing scurvy was by 1803 found in adding vitamin C to the sailors diet. This was done in the form of citrus fruits such as limes, lime juice and oranges.
Sunday 28th August 1803
Fresh Breezes and Hazy weather, the Ship’s Company Employd Restoring the Fore Hold and working up Junk at 4 in the afternoon Mustered at Quarters and Examined the Ship’s Company at Great guns and small arms till 6 P M/ at 9 in the Evening / departed this life/Ricd Bredland Seaman. Whom I made mention of falling from the Mizzen Top on Monday the 22. August 1803. At 9 Committed the Body of the deceased to the deep/ with the usual Ceremony as performed at Sea/ We had fresh breezes and clear weather/ all night and continued under all plain sail Except the tight Topsail and Staysails/ at 5 A M saw a strange sail to the S.E Made all plain sail and gave chase at 9 shortened sail and boarded the Chase / Portuguese Ship bound to Oporto at ½ past 9 filled and made plain sail to S.E. The weather was moderate and pleasant all the fore noon/ the Ships Company / The Surgeons Report to the Commodore is 13 sick/ Nine Convalescent and three discharged from the Sick List/ The Marine officer Report / is four Marines on Extra duty and three Sick/ The Sick included in the Surgeon’s Report / at 9 A M the Chase we boarded is nearly nine or ten miles a stern / bearing NW Latitd obd 43.16n
Friday 29 August 1803
Moderate Breezes and clear weather steering to the Eastwd under all plain Sail with Topgallant and Foretopmast studdingsails set to Starboard. The Ships Company Employd Stowing away Between decks and working up Junk/ General orders are given by the Commodore for invariably mustering at Quarters Every Evening before Sunset /if the weather will permit These orders are very Necessary for Every Man that knows he is to be mustered at Quarters Every Evening will avoid drunkenness / We had moderate breezes and cloudy weather during the night Made and shortend [sail] as necessary At 5 in the morning we boarded the schooner Aurora of Plymouth Employd in the fishing business at 4/past 7 filled and made sail The ship’s Company Emplyd cleaning ship scrubbing Hammocks, setting up Bob stage and setting up the main rigging The weather was very fine all the fore noon with a swell from the SE Put the ships company on allowance of water two quarts per man / served them out keggs one man from each mess The armorers and carpenters Empd as necessary The Ship Company remains healthy except a few confined with a slight fever.
Sunday 4th September 1803
Light Airs and clear weather. The Ships Company Employd airing their close [clothes] and Bedding. At ½ per two set the larboard fore and foretopgallant sails/ at ½ per four fired a shot at a strange sail to leeward. Brought to and spoke to her at 5 P M a Swedish Brig belonging to Halstard from Oporto Bound to Barcelona / we was informed by this Brig / that Cape St Vincent bore nearly East distance Seven or Eight Dutch leagues.13 at sundown light Breezes and clear weather in Studdingsails and stowed the Staysails The weather very pleasant during the night with a Breeze from the Westwd till two A M after this till 7 in the morning light airs and variable from the Eastwd [Eastward] The watch Employd Scrubbing the White Hammock cloths / it was calm from 5 A M till 11 at which time a Small Breeze sprung up from the Eastwd / at 9 A M the Shops Company was orderd to clean themselves for mustering at ½ 10 Musterd the Ships Company and Read the Articles of War/ Surgeons Report as yesterday confined / Moses Brown / Seaman/ for insolence and disobedience to orders to his Superior officer John Plover/ for not answering to the Night Muster. Towards Noon sail was seen from the deck / standing to the Southwd/ set the Stay sail and Hauled on a wind in order to speak [to] her/ Latitd obd 36.41
13 The distance is about 21 Miles, until the introduction of the metric system in 1816, the “Dutch League” Hollandse mijl was "an hour's walk" (één uur gaans) which makes it equivalent to the English league – about three English miles or five kilometers. Charles Ralph Boxer The Dutch Seaborne Empire 1600 to 1800, Hutchinson 1959.
Monday 5th September 1803
Light airs and clear weather at ¼ past 2 PM it was calm. piped up all Chest and Bags/ a number of the Ships Comp[any] complains their clothing stole/at different times/ in Consequence of this complaint the Chest and Bags was opend and orderd to remain so/ the Ships Company was then orderd at General Quarters/ a General search was made/ for stolen close [clothes] / under the inspection of Several Lieutenants/the results of which I shall here after mention/ at Sundown two sail in sight/ Bearing ESE and NNE all this 24 Hours it has been Calm with light airs by intervals/ at 6 in the morning turned up the Ships Company to wash close/ at ½ past 7 we Board an American Brig from Cadiz Bound to Boston/ the weather being Hazy we could not see the Land/ we was informed by this Brig that Cape St Vincent bore North [illegible] we lay be calmd all the fore noon and the Ships Company to a man washing and scrubbing their clothes/ at noon three sails insight from deck. The weather is Very Hazy to the Northwd the Brig we boarded this morning saw Cape St Vincent last Evening having by Compass / and was be calmd at night / The record kept from Boston to Cape St Vincent / this passage is Very much out of the way among the officers in general/ my own is the greater Error which 4 degrees and 31 miles/ at noon Cape St Vincent correctd bears NNW distance 27 miles. The Surgeons Report to the Commodore is four Sick ten Convalescent/ and six from the Sick list. The Marine officer the same as yesterday.
Latitud obd 36.38 NTuesday 6th September 1803
Light airs and Hazy weather the Ships Empd Bending the two Bowser Cables/ at 2 P M made the Land bearing from N b E b N b W/4W which was supposed to be Cape St Vincent/ we saw a Strange Sail to the Northwd as the wind Very light all the afternoon We did not speak [to] her / at sun Sundown Cape St Vincent Bore Nb ½ W distance [illegible] and there were several Strange sail in Sight / The Ship was cleared for action/ we had Breezes and Calms by intervals during the Night / the Morning was hazy/ to the Northwd at 7 the Haze clear a Breeze we saw the land bearing Sprung up from the NE we passed a number of small boats Employd in the fishing Business/ The forenoon was pleasant the Ships Company Employd
Tuesday 20th September 1803
Moderate Breezes and Hazy weather. The Ship Company Employd as Necessary/ Lieutenant Chuncy [Chauncey ] of the United States Frigate New York waited on Commodore Preble/ Saild H.M. Sloop the Ariel/ Captain Pakenham/ Towards the Evening weighd the kedge and shortened into a half Cable/ with the Expectation of getting under way/ it was a dead Calm from 7 in the Evening till daylight/ a little after daylight a light Breeze Sprung up from the westwd which continues all the forenoon / the Ships Company Employd Strapping the Top Tackle Blocks/ Making wads and cleansing Ship. Carpenters Employd Caulking in the scuttles which communicate from the outsides of the Ship to the officers cabins in the Gunroom/ Dischargd from the Constitution/ Mr. Thomas Baldwin a Midshipman/ his conduct at Gibraltar / I am Told has been Very degrading as an officer.14 At Noon light air from the Westwd the Surgeons Report to the Commodore are 13 Sick 4 Convalescent and one discharged from the Sick List.
14 In a letter dated 29 September 1803 Captain Edward Preble writes to Secretary of the Navy the reason for withdrawing Midshipman Thomas Baldwin's warrant. Preble noted Baldwin had shoplifted a sword knot from a shop at Gibraltar. When discovered, he Baldwin drew his sword on a fellow Midshipman John B. Nicholson of the John Adams. Baldwin’s previous conduct was characterized by intoxication, vulgarity, and un-officer like deportment. NARA RG 45 M0124 Microfilm roll 1, Miscellaneous Letter Received by the Secretary of the Navy, 1801 to 1884.
Thursday 24th September 1803
Moderate Breezes from the Westward., we continue our course to the Eastward/ with the Nautilus in Company / in order to pass Between Sardinia and the Island of Galita [Galite].15 Towards the Evening we in Studdingsails / in order that the Nautilus might Join Company/ at Sundown we judged the Ship to barely 12 or 14 Leagues from the SW part of Sardinia / but the Horizon was much contracted By a Light Haze/ to the North we could not see the land/ we continued steering to the Eastward during the night with pleasant Breezes from the Westward/ we made and shortened sail as necessary for the Nautilus to keep Company a little after day light we saw a Sail to the Northward/ we hauled on a wind Towards ten and cleared ship for action/ at 8 AM Noon Shortened sail and Spoke to her / which was His M. I. Majesty’s Ship Amazon/ who communicated to Commodore Preble/ The fatal and Memorial Capture of the United States Frigate Philadelphia/then on the shoals near Tripoli and in succeeding days was got off and in Tripoli/ at ½ past 8 A.M. we bore up to Eastward and made sail to come in hail we continued Steering to the Eastward till noon when we observed in 38.15 n/ a Haze to the North prevented our seeing the Land to the Northward / Latitude by ab observation / we Judge the S.E. part of Sardinia to Bear / Nearly North, ten or twelve Leagues The Surgeons Reports to the Commodore / 7 Sick and 11 Convalescent/ and five discharged from the Sick list/
15 The Galite Islands are a rocky group of islands of volcanic origin located in northern Tunisia.
Tuesday 27th September 1803
Light airs and Hazy weather /Cruising about 3Leagues from Land / Between Arzille [Asilah, Morocco]16 and Laroche [Larache Morocco] which is nearly nine or ten leagues to the Southern of Cape Spartel [Morocco] / The winds Moderate and Variable / all the afternoon till / past 5 PM at which time a fresh breeze Sprang up from the NNW / a little before 6 in the afternoon / Joseph Marlett / Seaman fell over Board / The Ship was then going nearly 9 knots, he was taken up in the Jolly Boat without any Material injury / between 6 and 7 PM the Wind shifted by degrees from NNW to ESE/ at Sundown the weather was a little hazy / We could see Cape Spartel NNbE/distance six or seven Leagues / we continued Steering for the Cape / and shortened sail at 7 in the Evening. The Sounding on this part of the Coast is very average/ we had 64 feet the soft bottom nearly five Leagues from the coast/ and about nine leagues to the SWbW of Cape Spartel/ The Moorish Officers which are now on board the Constitution mess together under the half deck Except two that mess with Commodore Preble/ They are apparently cheerful and perfectly Satisfied with their meal and treatment / which is this they are allowed Every Species of Provisions they Request also Sugar and Coffee.
16 Arzila or Asilah is located in what is now modern Morocco.
From Sundown till 9 in the Evening we had fresh Breezes and clear weather / after this during the night / heavy Squalls with thunder and lightning and rain by intervals / we wore Tack / Every two or three hours during the night Between Cape Spartel and Cape Trafalgar we sent down the Topgallant bend the Topsails Hemmed the Mainsail and bent the topsail after day light the weather became moderate we continued till 7 from this time till noon time – At noon two sails in sight / to the Eastward Cape Spartel nearly two Leagues / Winds from the Eastward.
Sunday 2d October 1803
Fresh breezes clear weather /Riding with two bowins a head in Gibraltar Bay/ winds from the WNW/ at 3 anchored here The United States Brig Syren / Lieutenant Stewart as we have had a constant rain for this five days till this morning/ after the Ship was washed and cleaned Between decks / fires were placed in different parts of the Ship in order to fumigate the Ship The launch which had been employd in the watering service has brought alongside 30 gang casks of water/
Those stove grates/constructed by Commodore Preble / I have mentioned in the log book are now effected on close contact with the air one such that I think them of a superior kind to any in our navy /or at least to any that I have ever seen/ The long spell of rainy disagreeable weather we have lately had /to contracted the air between decks/ that it was / with some difficulty that candles would burn/ in consequence of which the stoves was orderd to be lighted in with Charcoal / they had not been Burning more than one hour before the air between the decks was in a state of purity and the decks perfectly dry/ there construction is this/ the whole stove/ does not weigh over forty or forty five pounds resembling a common Bushel Basket with open lattice work/ supported on three legs/ which stands in a reservoir for cinders and ashes
The weather was moderate during the Night and towards daylight we run out a kedge to the Eastwd / to prevent the Ship from fowling the two Bowes/ at 6 in the morning the Ship’s launch and Shore Boat brought 26 gang casks of water /Those casks will average nearly 55 gallons each/ they were cleand and sent after more water The weather was moderate all the forenoon the Ships company Employd Fiddling Topgallant and setting up the Topmast and Topgallant Rigging/ The Surgeons Report this day to the Commodore 24 sick seven convalescent and seven discharged from the sick list/ The Marine officer reports to the Commodore is five sick in the Surgeons Report/ The Bread stowed in the Hold and Between decks all [illegible] The forwd Bread Room was opened / some the Bread found moldy/ The Commodore a survey on the same. Water expanded this 24 Hours One LaganMonday 3 October 1803
Extract from Diary of Captain Edward Preble, U. 8. Navy, on board U. S. Frigate Constitution,Two of the Watering Party deserted —— recd dispatches from Tanger on Public Service and answered them —- ordered the Mirboka to be rigged and sails bent ready for Sea. The Nautilus sailed on a cruise, ordered the Siren to convoy the American Trade 20 Leagues to the Westward of Cape Spartel and to return and join me in Tanger Bay. Ordered L‘ Tarbell and 10 Men on board the Mirboka to sail her to Tanger Bay —
[LC. EPP, Diary, 1803 to 1804.]Monday 3rd October 1803
Moderate Breezes from the Westwd/ Laying in Gibraltar Bay watering Ship/ The Twelve Moorish prisoners / who Joined the Constitution the 18 and 25 September last/ was Received on board as Gentlemen / and for some time messed at the Commodores Table/ after this they messed under the half deck and had the Commodores Servants to attend them/ there wealth of treatment I mentioned the 24 September last / They are now under charge of the Marine officer/who is ordered to put two Centinels [sentinels] over them and never to suffer one of them to go in any part of the ship in the night time Except under the charge of a Centinel / Those late orders are actually necessary / and are in Consequence of their attempting that unnatural crime of Sodomy /with the Boys belonging to the Constitution This order was given on the night 2nd October and came in to Execution immediately/ 17
17 On this incident see Christopher McKee A Gentlemanly and Honorable Profession the Creation of the U.S. Naval Officer Corps, 1794-1815 (Naval Institute Pres: Annapolis 1991) 438.
At 4 in the afternoon the Launch and the Shore Boat came alongside with water / The Launch brought 16/ and the Shore Boat 28 gang cask/ The launch went after more water/ The Shore Boat went ashore and was ordered to attend the watering of the Constitution tomorrow / at past 8 in the Evening the launch came along side with 16 gang casks of water three was aboard / at daylight the Launch was sent after water/ which returned at 7 A M with 16 gang casks of water/
Deserted from the Constitution /Boat/ which was on Watering Service/ William Garling and James Johnson Seamen belonging to the Constitution/ at 9 the Shore Boat that was Employd yesterday/ came alongside with 28 gang casks/ The Ships Launch also brought of 16 gang casks of water/ The total amount of water there is 203 gang casks / Those casks/ some Held 64 gallons some 60 /and others 50 gallons I therefore Average them at 55 gallons/ which is 10,560 gallons/ The name of the Spanish Boat Employd to assist the watering / is the Nostra /Sonora del carmen / She was employd one day / and part of another at 10 in the fore a m / at which time she was discharged and received a certificate for the load of water/there has been fill in the ground tier/ Exclusive of the Expedition 24 Leagues and Twelve Butts and two gang cask/ The ground tier is all complete and there is seven Butt filled in the second tier/ the Surgeons Report to the Commodore is 21 sick / 7 convalescing and four discharged from the sick list/ The Marine officer Reports the same as yesterday/ at 11 A M commenced ship and weighed the kedge/ wind ENE
The Commodore I am Told Recied dispatchs from the Emperor of Morocco/ a Lieutenant and 20 men was sent to the Mirboha /to sway up the Topmast and bend her sails.Tuesday 4th October 1803
Moderate Breezes are from the Eastward / The Schooner Nautilus Lieutenant Smith sailed from here on a cruze/ The second of October in the afternoon / The frigate John Adams Commodore Roggers [John Rodgers] sailed yesterday in the afternoon at 4 P M we have short/ at 5 we weighed and came to Sail/ Lieutenant Tarbell of the Constitution is ordered with 8 Seamen on Board the Prize Mirboha Lieutenant Elbert/ who has had charge of the Mirboha /for this ten or twelve days is ordered on Board the Constitution / Mr. Reid mate and Mr. Morris Midshipman both belonging to the Constitution are ordered to remain on board the Mirboha/ Tobias Lear the American Counsel general / came on board from Gibraltar/ the Constitution this afternoon he accompanies Commodore Preble over to Tangier I mentioned in the fore noon /of sending an officer and a party of men on board in order to rig her for sea/ we leave her here at anchor with the United States Brig Siren/ They both will weigh tomorrow morning / and proceed from Gibraltar over to Tangier Bay/ Where the Constitution is now bound / the Mersouda the Tripolitan Ship, the John Adams / we leave at Gibraltar prison ship /and the moors Taken in the Mirboha/ is on board her/ all Except the officer who are divided among the Squadron Names of the officers and men sent to Mirboha/ Lieutenant Joseph Tarbell/ Mr. Russ Master Mate and Mr. Morris Midshipman / was sent 24 September Peter Penney, Joseph Dunbrow, Thomas Jackson, James Percey, William Teneleson, and two marines named Jemin Wymon and Giddeon Gould at 8 in the Evening threw a light over the stern as Signal to the United States Brig Siren/ we lay becalmed drifting about Gibraltar/ Bay till about 10 PM at which time a breeze sprung up from the East / we steered over for the Barbary Shore/ in order to proceed to Tangier Bay/ at 7 in the Morning we lay becalmed about two miles to the East of Cape Malabut [Cape Malabata] and about one mile from the shore/ punished / George Summers/ Robert Liddy/ James Carling/ James Willison / and Hugh McCormack / with twelve lashes18 Each for Negligence and perfect neglect of duty/ Between seven and eight in the Morning we was becalmed under Cape Malabut / with a swell and I have sent out all Boats and towed off / We saw a sail to the northward with the schooner Nautilus distinguishing flag out/ We made her signal to come with us in hail/ At 9 spoke with His B [Britannic] Majesty sloop Termagant Captain Stewart a little after nine a fresh breeze strong wind from the WSW in Top Gallant Sails / The Ship company employd with Ship Bound Cape Malabut in order to Enter Tangier Bay
18 During the year Edward Preble commanded the USS Constitution 14 August 1803 to 17 September 1804, a total of 45 floggings are recorded in the ship deck log with 24 lashes as the most common number awarded (see McKee).
Saturday, 5 November 1803
Extract from log book kept by Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden, U. S. Navy, on board U. S. Frigate ConstitutionLight airs from the Westwd‘ — We continue at Anchor in Cadiz bay —— the Enterprise in C9 The Ships Company employed as necessary — Towards the Evening we Veered to a half cable & ran out a kedge to the North‘ in order to steady the ship from fouling her anchor —- At 6 in the Evening a Spanish launch came alongside with an anchor — This Anchor is in iron of the bower anchor we parted from in Tan'er bay -— This Anchor is said to have been left here at the time of the American & English War by one of the U. S. Frigates — The Anchor is very rusty & has no mark shewing the weight but I suppose it to be between 32 & 37 Cwt – The Stock is perfectly sound & appears ft for Service —-— The Night was moderate with breezes from the N. N. W. — At day light the Pilot came along side in order to carry the Constitution to Sea — We Weighed the kedge By 7 in the Morning we had Variable Winds from the East‘? & rain —— John Bartele Seaman who was an acting midshipman on board the Constitution was this day discharged for unofficer like conduct at Gibraltar — A assa e is provided or him on board an American Vessel bound to New Work —— We had heavy rains & thick weather all the forenoon —— The Pilot continues on board in order to carry the Constitution to sea when Wind & Weather permits ——At Noon thick weather winds from the N E. — We have no Communications with the shore this day — Surgeons report is 5 sick & 10 conv'd '
[LC. EPP, Log Constitution, 1803 to 1804.]Thursday, 3 October 1803 Extract from Diary of Captain Edward Preble, U. S. Navy, on board U. S. Frigate Constitution,
At Anchor in Tanger Bay, wind from the Eastward —— Light breezes and pleasant Weather, a Body of about 5000 Troops consisting of Horse & Foot encamped opposite the Ship — preparing to dress ship, at 2 P M the American, and other consular Flags were hoisted on shore as a Signal that the Emperor had arrived and was in view of the Ship. I ordered the Ship dressed and a Salute of 21 Guns fred in compliment to the Emperor which was returned — I rec‘d dispatches from the Consul and returned Answers — All hands Slept at quarters ——
At 4 AM. the Frigates New York & John Adams arrived, and anchored in a line of bearing to the Southward — At 8 AM I fred the Signal for the other two ships to Salute the Emperor, which was done with 21 Guns from each Ship, and returned with an equal Number —at 11 Consul Simson came on board by permission of the King. He informed me, that the Emperor's Minster had not yet arrived, but that he was momently expected, and as soon as he appeared we could open a Negotiation for Peace, and that the Emperor was Paci?cally inclined, at noon the Consul returned, Saluted him with 3 Guns —-
[LC. EPP, Diary, 1803 to 1804.]Wednesday, 6 October 1803
Extract from log book of U. B. Frigate Constitution, Captain Edward Preble, U. 8. Navy, commanding,Employd working Ship to windwd to the Eastwd /off Cape Tangier/ at 4 past 12 spoke with the Schooner Nautilus/ Lieut[enant] Smith in working into Tangier Bay we saw seven flags] flying in different parts of the Town] which we supposd hoisted b the ori hen Counsels] distinguishing their different Nation] the American flag was flying among them at 4 past 1 P M, came too with the Best bower in Tangier Bay in 13 fath' over a Sandy Bottom] Veerd to two thirds of a cable and furld sails] the following Bearing are Taken by compass/ under the immediate inspections of Commodore Preble / the Town of Tangier/ Bore W S/ a out two miles distance/ the Tower E] M N/ the w s of old Tangier SbE/ the white forte at the Bottom of the Bay SE/ Cape Tangier WbW/ Lower‘ down the Jolly Boat/ the Schooner Nautilus/ anchored in company/ Lieutenant Summers waited on Commodore Preble] on our leaving Gibraltar Bay last Evening I Mentioned] of our leaving the United States Brig Siren there I was mistaken] for she sail the same Evening with a number of American] in order to convoy them through the traits of Gibraltar and clear of the Barbary Coast] as we are to continue at anchor all night in Tangier Bay/ and within gun shot of the forte] the Commodore orderd the ship cleard for action and the guns all primed] the shi s com any to be kept at Quarters during the night/ after 8 P M/ t' day light the ships company was orderd to sleep at Quarters in sub divisions the Night was pleasant with light Breezes from the Westwd in the course of the afternoon yesterday Commodore Preble Recvd different dispatches from the shore /How friendly they might be I know nothing off/ but the Commod was very attentive to their Maneuvering on shore and kept the ship all night in a perfect state of Readiness or action/ from daylight till noon/ we saw more than ten Thousand of the Moorish inhabitants marching in from different parts of the Country/ the formed in different detachments on the sandy beach which is a little to the Eastwd of the Town/ We suppose them to be waiting/ in order to receive there Moorish Majesty/ which is momently Expected to arrive from the Country/ There maneuvering of the different Squadrons of Horse/ was Very pleasing/ Commodore Preble orderd the Constitution completely dressed with colours and flags/ but not to be Hoisted/ till the arrival of the Emperor was announced which was to be by a Salute from the fortress/ at 10 in the forenoon sighted the boat let it go again Verrd to a half a cable and moord ship with the Stream The Surgeons report to the Commodore this day the same as yesterday Except we added to the sick list / At noon moderate breezes from the Westwd
[INA. ND original]7 October 1803
Fresh breezes and cloudy we continue in Saragossa with the Nautilus and Enterprise in Company. The ships Company engaged washing and scrubbing close [clothes ] Toward this Evening the WSW wind had died away to a dead calm seas Short on the hawser in order to keep anchor clear at 9 in the Evening the weather Became Squally from the Northern veered away from the Best Bower we had fresh breezes during the night / till daylight at which time it became moderate / sent the large Cutter after a load of water/ the Ship Company was Employd from day light till in the morning scrubbing Hammocks / we received 15 gang casks of water by the large cutter/ we received 551 Barrels of Pork and 50 Barrels of Beef from the Traveling Shore Ship and Ten Barrels flour / The Beef and the Pork was in very Bad order or at least a number of the Barrels had no [pickle ] / Several of those without pickle stank/ and was in a prefect putrid State / The flower was in good order The Beef and Pork was put on board the Shore boats/ Those barrels without pickle were all filled up with fresh pickle and stowed away for extended A Shore Boat came alongside and took away 14 gang casks to fill with water We received Fresh Mutton and vegetables for the Ships company/ We have fresh Breezes all the forenoon / from the sea/ The Ships Company Scrubbing Hammocks cleaning ship and stowing away provisions/ punished John Lyons Seaman with 36 lashes for desertion, Drunkenness, and neglect of duty/ Matthew Mathers Seamen with 24 lashes John Carter/ and John Bower Seamen with ten lashes for Drunkenness and neglect of duty/ John Decker Seaman was punished with ten lashes for Drunkenness/ The Surgeons Report to the Commodore is/ Twelve sick eight convalescing and are discharged from medical care
Extract from log book of U. S. Frigate Coruliluuon, Captain Edward Preble, U. S. Navy, commanding, Monday,
8 October 1803* * * laying in gibraltar Bay watering ship/ the Twelve Moorish prisoners/ who Joined the Constitution the 18 and 25 September last/ was Rec[e]ived on board as Gentlemen/ and for some time mess‘ at the Commodores Table/ after this they messd under the half deck and had the Commodores Servants to attend them/ * * "‘ the Commodore/ i am Told Reciv‘ despatches this morning from the Emperoure of Morrocco/ a Leutenant and 20 men was sent from the Constitution on board the Merboko/ to sway up her topmasts and bend her s ' s
[NA. ND originaL]Tuesday 18th October 1803
Moderate Breezes and Rain / we continue at anchor on Gibraltar Bay/ the New York/ the John Adams and Syren in Company/ we this afternoon invalidd from the Constitution to the New York/ fifteen Seaman and two Marines/ Eight of those men we Recd from the Merboha belonging to the United States Ship Philadelphia/ the names belonging to the Philadelphia are Jesse Tullte/ John Mc Cracken/ David Warren/ John Hassen/ John Stillwell/ John Farworth/ Willm Johnson and Wm Redding/ Belonging to the Constitution their names are Joshua Hewsburiegh/ Robert Maleoml/ James Newton/ Robert Erskin/ Wm Brooks/ Thomas Sumpten/ Archer Whitmore and Juneus Hewitt are Marines. Mr. John Wilson/ Boatswain was sent on Board the New York/ he is discharged from the Constitution/ for inability in Boat Station/ We recd from the New York Mr. Cannon who is appointed Boatswain of the Constitution / The John Adams I shall mention their names hereafter / the night was very moderate and some part perfectly calm. Deserted sometime in the night/ from the Constitution John Plover/ and William Brown seaman / there was no possible way they could desert Except Swimming. The officers that had the watch / was Lieutenant Tarbell Brought Eight in the Evening, Lieut[enant] Elbert 12 at night, Lieutenant Robinson brought four in the morning and Lieutenant Gordon brought Eight in the Morning. At 7 in the Morning out Boats at 8 clothes to dry we had moderate Breezes from the Eastwd all the Forenoon / the Ships Company Employd working up Junk and cleansing between decks. Supply the Ship John Adams with Bushels of Sea Coal Joined the Constellation Mr. Lewis as Coasting Pilot for the Mediterranean/ the Surgeons Report to the Commodore the same as yesterday/ 10 Expanded one league / Expanded from the grand Tier 9 Leagues and one Butt/ at Noon Moderate Breezes from the Eastwd.
Friday 21st October 1803
Fresh Breezes from the Eastwd/ we Continue at anchor in Gibraltar Bay/ the Brig Syren and Enterprise in Company/ we this afternoon surveyed the Bread in the forward Bread Room/ we found unfit for use 605 pound/ which was condemnd and heave into the Sea/ Towards the Evening deserted from the Boat a Shore Hugh McCormack / Seaman/ he was immediately Taken by the officer of the Boat/ and sent on board arrested and suspended from duty/ Mr. Heal the Sailmaker / for insolence and contempt to his Superior officer/ at 8 in the Evening mustered a Quarter watch as an Anchor watch/ we had Fresh Breezes from the Eastwd during the Night / after the usual work of the morning was over which was Washing and cleansing decks/ three of the new Enter Recruits had Liberty on Shore till Sundown/ the Ships Company Employd as Necessary/ Carpenter Employd in Nine Different Stations/ from Eight in the morning till noon we had moderate Breezes from the Eastwd / The Surgeons Report to the Commodore is Seventeen Sick/ Seven Convalescent and three discharged from the Sick List/ water expanded this day/ One League and one Butt / Expanded from the ground tier / Twelve leagues and four Butts/at noon Moderate Breezes from the Eastwd Moored in Gibraltar Bay/winds from the Eastwd
Wednesday 7 December 1803
Riding at Anchor in Saragossa Winds from the Westd Strong Breezes and cloudy weather/ we continue at anchor in Saragossa with the Enterprise and Nautilus in Company. The Ships Company Employd washing and scrubbing clothes/ The Ships Company was employd scrubbing Hammocks/ We recd 15 gang casks of water by the Large Cutter/ We recd 51 Barrels of Pork and 50 Barrels of Beef from the Traveling Store Ship and ten Barrels of flour / the Beef and Pork was Very Bad or at least had no pickle/ several of those without pickle stunk/ and was in a perfect putrid state The flour was in good order/ Barrels without pickle was all filled up with fresh pickle was sent onboard the Shore Boats/ and stowed in situation for being first expanded/ A Shore Boat Came along side and took away 14 gang casks to fill with water/ We Recd fresh Mutton and Vegetables for the Ships Company / Ships Company Scrubbing Hammocks and watering Ship/ Recd fresh provisions Punished John Lyons/ Seaman for desertion, drunkenness and neglect of duty/ Matthew Mattes / John Carter / and John Bower Seaman with 24 lashes each Drunkenness and Neglect of Duty/ John Decker/ Seaman was punished with ten lashes Drunkenness. At Noon fresh Breezes from the WSW / The Surgeons Report to the Commodore is/ Twelve Sick eight Convalescent and six discharged from the Sick List.
Friday 9 December 1803
Riding at Anchor in Saragossa Winds from the Westd Moderate Breezes and clear weather we continue at anchor in Saragossa with the Enterprise and Nautilus in Company. The Ships Company Employd watering Ship and stowing the Hold. The Sailmakers and Carpenters Employd in their different Departments / the gunner with his crew Empd filling powder in the magazine and airing powder boxes. We received this afternoon 30 gang casks by the Cutter and 26 by the Shore Boat/ the Ships draft abaft 23 feet two inches forward 21 feet one inch difference 25 inches / five officers and a party of men and are continued on shore stowing and packing the Salt provisions landed from the traveling store ship. We had Moderate Breezes and cloudy weather during the Night. At daylight the Large Cutter was sent on the watering Service / Hugh McCormack Seaman was ordered to duty, he has been confind since the 21 October last for attempting to desert at Gibraltar. In the forenoon the Cutter Brought 30 gang casks of water. At noon we had completed our water all except seven or eight gang casks. Several officers and a party of the men was sent on shore this morning to stow the provisions landed from the Travelers Store Ship/ We had fresh Breezes all the forenoon the Ships Company Employd cleaning between decks Working up Junk and Stowing the Fore Hold. We this forenoon found the Buoy had parted from the anchor the Ship swinging over the anchor/ Toward Noon we had Strong Breezes and from the NW Bend the Small Bower in order to Ride by both Bowers/ Sail the English tender which we supply with one barrel of Beef and one of Pork / The Surgeons Report to the Commodore Sixteen Sick List Seven Convalescent/ Mr. Charles Morris / Midshipman left the Constitution per order of the Commodore he is appointed to attend the Navy Stores which are deposited at Saragossa the Island of Sicily. \
Saturday 24 December 1803
Moderate Breezes and pleasant weather we are laying to the head of the shore about nine or ten miles to the Eastward of Tripoli Examining the chase which is ketch rigged Belonging to the Bashaw of Tripoli. Sail from Tripoli this morning Bound to Constantinople/ at 1 PM out Large Cutter We sent Mr. Reed Master Mate and Mr. Lewis Midshipman / with seven seamen on board with orders to proceed to the port of Saragossa in the Island of Sicily / we received from this Vessel Between 25 and 30 prisoners / and a number of cases Belonging to them three or four trunks was [illegible] from her The prisoners were put in under the half forward deck under the charge of a two Centenels [Sentinels]. There was great coats and bedding which was laid out before them every person was allowed to pick our his own clothes / a small Quantity of arms was there such as muskets pistols swords / This vessel had a number of Black people on board, as a present for the Bashaw of Tripoli to the grand Seignior /among the prisoners was several Tripolitanian Officers of Distinction whom the Commodore invited to his own Table
We continued with the Main Top Sail to the Mast with Moderate Breezes from the Eastward till 4 PM at which time we came up to the SW and parted Company with the Enterprise and the prize/ The Enterprise being under order as to convey the prize to Saragossa/ we continued steering to the SW till Sundown / at which time the Town of Tripoli bore SW bw nearly Seven Miles / we shorten sail and came to the wind / NE&N under an easy sail for the night, we continued standing to the NE till 1 A M with Moderate Breezes from the SE/ we then tacked to the SW from this time until day light we had Moderate Breezes and Variable from the SE to NNE. we were as necessary to get in shore at 8 in the morning we had a Breeze sprung up from the NW. We made all plain sail in Towards Tripoli. The wind veered to the North and by 11 in the forenoon the Weather to the North / became overcast with heavy clouds and had Every appearance of a gale from that Quarter, we judged ourselves at this time between 25 and 30 miles from the Town of Tripoli. we immediately Tacked to the Eastward and came close and wind to the ENE at noon we had moderate Breezes from the North with a swell setting from NNE with heavy clouds to the north We suppose the Ship to nearly 24 miles NE6M from the Town of Tripoli/ as the weather is overcast we cannot see the Coast / We had an observation 33.22.N we are under plain sail in order to obtain an [illegible] offeringThursday 3rd November 1803
Moderate Breezes and cloudy weather / we continue at anchor in Cadiz Bay / The Enterprise in Company / The Ships Company Employd Squaring down the Rattling’s/ The Carpenters and Sailmakers Employd as Necessary / At Night was Moderate Breezes and clear weather / at 0 cleared Hause / punished George Lesent / Seaman with 36 Lashes for drunkenness/ Theft and Neglect of duty/ John Cherry/ John Fitzgerald / George Summers/ Henry Appleton / Patrick Tool/ and James Butler Seamen with 24 Lashes each for drunkenness and neglect of duty/ The Ships Company Employd Scraping down the Topmast Bending the Studdingsail and receiving the Studdingsail The Carpenters Employd as Necessary The Sailmakers Repairing the Studdingsails The Surgeons Reported to the Commodore this day Eight sick and twelve Convalescent Toward Noon we had a Heavy Swell set in the Bay/ The Ships Company this day was ordered to drink their grog at the Tubb / till further orders / this arrangement necessary in order to pervert any trafficking or charging grog among the Ships Company/ We supplied the United States Schooner Enterprise with a Quantity of Rigging.
Wednesday 16 November 1803
Moderate and Pleasant weather we continue Towards the Land till ½ past 5 P.M. at which time we Tackd from the land Grenada Mountains Bearing N.E. we was at this time nearly six miles from land/ the Extreme of the land to the East as far as we could see at Night / Which was supposed to be near point Sacrasstve [Sacromonte] Bore East nearly five Leagues/ Toward the Evening the weather Became cloudy with fresh Breezes from the SEbE in Second Reef in the Topsails and down Topgalenyards/ in the course of the afternoon/ we punished Edwd Madden / Marine with 48 Lashes for Refusing duty / Contempt of a Comm. officer / Insolence to a non-commission officer and attempting to desert. This Marine is a Very atrocious Character and was Reced in irons on Sunday last/ from the U. S. States Brig Argus [USS Argus] punished Thom Jones Seaman with 36 Lashes for drunkenness / insolence to his superior officer and neglect of duty/ punished James Buttler Seaman with 24 Lashes for drunkenness and Neglect of duty. From 5 PM till Midnight we continue standing to the Southward at which time we Tacked to the NE by 4 AM the Wind had shifted by degrees to the SSE at 6 AM we saw the L Bearing from NEbN to EbN and as the weather is hazy and clouds Hangs over the land leaves some doubts at our situation /but our distance from our bearing last night suppose the land within us to be point [Illegible ] and the land EbN to be Cape de gathe [Cabo De Gata, Spain] at ½ past 6 AM we had light Breezes with Calms and Rain By intervals after this till noon we had fresh Breezes and Rain with frequent Squalls from the Westward at ½ past 10 AM in Third Reefs in the Topsails and down Top Gallant yard/ from 11 AM till Noon We was running to the Westward about six miles from the coast. We passed the Town of Adera [Adra, Spain] which is situated on the Spanish Coast Between point Adera [Point Adra, Spain ] and cape de gate, we saw a number of small craft some distance from the Shore at anchor Employd in the Fishing Business.
Thursday 17 November 1803
Fresh Gales and light rain/winds from the Westwd we are running about six or seven miles from the Shore with the Nautilus in Company/
The Ships Company Empd as necessary. At Noon fresh Breezes and clear weather / we are no running for Cape Cerellia which is a projecting point 14 leagues to the Westwd of Algiers/ the Nautilus is in Company/departed this life George G. [Breedland] Seaman Towards noon committed the body of the diseased to the deep with the usual ceremony as performed at Sea/ The Surgeons report to the Commodore Seventeen Six/ Six Convalescent and one dead -.
Tuesday 29 November 1803
Moderate Breezes and pleasant weather we continue at single anchor in Saragossa with the United States Schooner Enterprise and Nautilus in Company/ on our anchoring we found / the Ship Travellen Employd as a Store Ship from Gibraltar to this part of the coast that was condemned some time ago in Cadiz / was [illegible] down under the Small Bower/ we nosed up the small Bower Cable and Bent the Best End as a Best Bower we made the necessary arrangements for Bend, a new fore and main Topsail Lieutenant Summors of the Nautilus waited on Commodore Preble Toward Evening we run out a kedge to the Westward in order to Steady the Ship from her anchorage/ at 8in the Evening Mustered the Starboard watch/ at 9 PM the wind shifted from NNE to WNW/ we had pleasant weather during the night The Ships Company Employd Setting the Rigging fore and aft/ punished Mark Clark Seaman with three dozen for drunkenness / neglect of duty and Stealing Rhum [rum]/punished John Smith / John C Smith/ John Shaw and Matthew Brody
Wednesday the 30 November 1803
Moderate Breezes clear weather. We continue in Saragossa with Nautilus and Enterprise in Company / unbent the fore and main Topsails and the foresail. The Ship Company Employd, over hauling the Rigging/have new Reef & Tackle pendants The old ones being unserviceable for Reef Tackle pendants/ The Commodore order Vegetables for the Ship Company, which is recommended by the Surgeon/ They are plenty in this port and very cheap Towards the Evening the Weather to the Eastward had the appearance of a gale The Topgallant yards was sent down/ but however the weather continued moderate and pleasant during the night/ we this day supplied the United States Schooner Nautilus with 18 fathoms of Cable Junk 22 inch/ supplied 18 hundred weight / at 8 in the morning departed this life Mr. James Smith Deblois Purser his burial place a little out of the Town.19 The funeral procession was composed by the officers Belonging to the Ship/ at 9 we had Strong Breezes from the Westward/ Veered away on the small Bower to a half a cable / By 11 AM it blew nearly a gale/ let go the Best Bower underfoot/ in order to keep the Ship clear Cleared as much lumber as possible / The Commodore ordered number of the Shore Spars to be counted / they are ordered under cover in place of safety/ we shifted the spars, but it Blows to fresh to send them a shore/ The Ships Company this day had a large portion of Vegetables Served out/ Extra/ At Noon Strong Breezes from the NWbW
19 James Smith Deblois, Purser USN, born 3 Jan 1769 died 29 Nov 1803 of a fever, and was buried ashore in Syracuse Sicily 30 Nov 1803.
Sunday 25 December 1803
Moderate Breezes and cloudy weather we are between Twenty and Thirty miles NNE of Tripoli with Moderate Breezes an Variable from the Northward. The Weather to the Northward has every appearance of Strong Breeze from that Quarter, a heavy gale from the NE or the NNE would make our Situation Very disagreeable, it would Expose us to an Enemy Coast. The angular part position [illegible] of which to the Northward and westward, makes it absou Necessary to avoid that part / by Standing to the Eastward we could only lay the coast along and of course afford no drift or leeway. The horrors of Ship wreck added to irretrievable Slavery, makes this least very dangerous in the Winter/20 Many cruise on this coast in a heavy gale they have no other safety but their sails and if they lose them they lose all hope of Rescue. The wind was variable all the afternoon we tacked as Necessary to Take Every advantage in order to obtain an offing. Toward the Evening the weather became Squally we had light Showers of Rain. We double Reef the Topsails and down Top gallant yard. at 6 in the Evening we Tacked to Eastward which Tack we continued on during the night. The first part of the night we had frequent Squalls and light showers we have [illegible] Braces and made Every Necessary arrangement for carrying a press of sail. The middle part we had heavy Squalls and Rain. We up Main Sail and clued up the Topsails Then in the middle watch set them down immediately a heavy squall from the NEbE. After it was over we Tacked to the Northward we got up the fore Runners and Tackles. Set up Billy Stay in order Ease the Bowsprit Sent down the Studding Boomes fore and aft and the fore and aft Topgallant mast Rigged in the Jib Boom We had frequent Squalls all the fore noon we handed the close reef two or three times during the course of the fore noon till about ten minutes before noon. We had an observation between the Squalls which agreed very near with our dead reckoning 64 Miles to the Northward of Tripoli We have a press of sail the greater part of these hours and being hemmed in an Enemy Coast as we are it was necessary go through all When the Squalls are most dangerous we did this two or three times we found the most danger from the heavy pitching after this we clued up all Topsails in the Squalls At noon Strong gales from the NEbE [illegible]
20 Scholar Robert Davis estimates that 1 million to 1.25 million white Christian Europeans were enslaved in North Africa, from the beginning of the 16th century to the middle of the 18th, by slave traders from Tunis, Algiers, and Tripoli alone (these numbers do not include the European people which were enslaved by Morocco and by other raiders and traders of the Mediterranean Sea coast), and roughly 700 Americans were held captive in this region as slaves between 1785 and 1815. Robert C. Davis Christian Slaves, Muslim Masters: White Slavery in the Mediterranean, the Barbary Coast, and Italy, 1500-1800 (Palgrave Macmillan: London 2004).
USS Constitution
& the Bombardment of Tripoli, August 3, 1804
(see Part II)
