Tuesday 5 January 1804

Moderate Breezes from the Eastward we continue at anchor in Saragossa with Syrin [Siren] and Enterprise in Company The Ships company Empd Refitting the Rigging, by two in the afternoon the weather Became overcast and had the appearance of a gale from the Eastward, clued the Hawse / Departed this life Thomas Farrell, Seaman. The Syrin is Refitting for Sea at 11 in the Evening the Body of the deceased was put into a Boat and Rowed out to Sea where it was committed to the deep The Ships company was Empd all the fore noon, overhauling the Rigging and Rattling down the Topmast Rigging, we received fresh Mutton and Vegetables for the Ships company the Carpenters Empd making Buckets. The Surgeons Reports to the Commodore Eight sick and ten convalescent at noon moderate Breezes from the Eastward, we [illegible] from the Constitution Stores from the Shore and one Barrel of Tar and two harts and three [illegible]

Saturday 21 January 1804

Moderate Breezes clear weather at anchor Saragossa Employd Ratting and Tearing down the rigging/Toward evening the weather became overcast and had the appearance of a gale to the Southwd cleard the Hawse. /departed this life John Sloan Seaman. his body was put in a boat and carrid out to sea and committd to the deep /Toward noon the weather cleared away/ The ships Company Employd scrapping the Studdingsails Boom and fleeting the backstays. The Surgeon Reports thirty sick, thirteen conversant and one dead. At noon Calm The Constitution in the morning hoisted a Jack as a signal [illegible]

Monday 30 January 1804

Moderate Breezes and calmer weather, at anchor in Saragossa. The [Siren ] Syren. Vixen, Nautilus and Enterprise in Company. The Ships Company Employd painting Ship and Blacking the Bends, Towards Evening we had fresh Breezes from the Northward, The NNW Continues fresh through the night. At 7 in the morning we put out the large Cutter to assist landing the Black prisoners from the prize we received on Thursday last from the prize, the 26 White prisoners that belonged to the prize. The 43 Blacks was landed at Saragossa this morning. Among the Whites is four Gentlemen Who says they belong to the Grand Seignior, four small boys servants to the Seigniors officers, Seven Grecian’s, who appear to have Been Slaves to the Bahsaw of Tripoli are not confined. The Remaining Eleven are Tripolitania’s. They are under charge of two Centinels. The Officer messes in the Gunroom. The Ships Company Employd Painting Ship, the gun carriages and the masts. The Surgeon Reports to the Commodore Thirteen sick four convalescents and one discharged at noon Strong Breezes from the NNW.

Wednesday 1 February 1804

Moderate Breezes and clear weather, at anchor in Saragosa the Syren, Vixen, Enterprise and Nautilus in Company the ships Company Employd cleansing ship painting the gratings and painting the Breaking Bolts in the ship Sid. Towards the Evening we made the Syrens Signal for a Boat, Supp[lied] the Syren with thirty yard of old canvas The old main Topsail we supp[lied] the Enterprise with the Returned to the Constitution, nearly two hundred yards of the same. We had moderate breeze through the night AM the Ships Company Empd painting Boats, painting the Breaking Bolts for the Quarter decks guns, an officer and a party of men Employd at the Store a Shore we Supplyd the Enterprise with one hundred and thirty gallons of Rhum, in two gang Casks and two Breakers, the surgeon Reports to the Commodore thirteen sick two convalescents and one dischd at noon winds SSW

Thursday 2 February 1804

Moderate Breezes and clear weather at anchor in Saragossa. Syrin. Vixen, Nautilus Enterprise in Company. The Ships Company Employd cleaning Ship and setting up Bobstays. The cargo Cutter Employd carrying arms cutlasses and a number of other articles on Board the Prize There fitting out on Some Expedition, under charge of Captain Decatur of the Enterprise, we supplied her with 12 Empty gang casks. We had Moderate Breezes through the Night. At 6 Ships Company Employd setting up Rigging painting the Gun Tackles and Cleaning Ship an officer and a party of Men Employd on Shore painting the Barge and Dressing the Hammock cloths. Punished George Crutch Marine, with four dozen [lashes] for neglect of duty, stealing a watch, when on post, leaving and heaving the watch overboard.22 The Surgeon Reports to the Commodore Seven Sick, two convalescents and one discharged at noon winds from the Westward

22 Pvt. George Crutch USMC was frequently in trouble, Crutch was subsequently court martialed for sodomy while still serving aboard the USS Constitution, though this case resulted in acquittal, see NARA JAG Records, Crutch, George 1805, case number 462 and Valle, 48.

Friday 3 February 1804 Constitution Moored in Saragossa

Moderate Breezes from the Westward at anchor in Saragossa.  Syrin, Vixen, Nautilus and Enterprise in company The Ships Company Employd Setting up the Rigging and Watering Ship towards the Evening sailed the Syrin and the prize. The prize was comm[anded] by Captain Decatur and had on board 90 of the Enterprises Men and Officers six of the Constitutions  Officers was also on board her. They stood out to the Southward and are bound on some Secret Expedition. We filled 28 gang casks of water we had moderate breezes through the night we received some old rigging that was landed out of the prize Men employed Binding sails, setting rigging and scouring the Guns The large Cutter employed on Watering securing 28 gang casks water/ The Surgeon Reports to the Commodore 22 Sick and two Convalescent at Noon winds from the Southward.

Commodore Stephen Decatur Jr.
Oil painting by John Westley Jarvis, US Naval Academy Annapolis collection

19 February 1804 Remarks on Sunday on board the Constitution

Moderate breezes from the ENE with a swell setting into the Harbor. The Ship’s Company Employd & cleansing between decks working up Junk and watering ship. We employed a small shore boat to assist watering. The large cutter on shore under the carpenter’s repairs. We received a small quantity of carpenter’s stores/ 19 plank/ we had moderate breezes from the Eastward during the night. At 10 appeared the in the offing the United States Brig Syren and the intrepid [USS Intrepid] is The late Tripoliton prize / was commissioned by the Commodore and now called the Intrepid/ The wind being light we sent boats out to assist Towing in/ I mentioned of the Syren and Intrepid sailing on an Expedition the third of this month/ At ½ past they passed through the Squadron namely Constitution, Vixen and Enterprise/ in Triumph receiving three cheers as they passed. Lieutenant Steward of the Syren and Lieutenant Decatur of the Intrepid waited on the Commodore and informed him they had proceeded into the Harbor of Tripoli agreeable to his orders Burnt & Totally destroyed the late United States Frigate Philadelphia   At noonlight airs from the Eastward The Surgeons Report to the Commodore Twelve Sick and Seven Convalescent.

The business burning so well planned not one man was killed or wounded on our side. The Tripolitania’s  had 20 killed the others made their escape by jumping over board after the fire.

Burning of the USS Philadelphia

Tuesday, 28 February 1804., Burning of the USS Philadelphia

Extract from Diary of Captain Edward Preble, U. S. Navy, Commodore of U. S. Squadron in the Mediterranean, Syracuse
Light breezes & rain from the Eastward. Ordered the Ketch Intrep and Prize brig San Cruci?so hauled in shore near the Mole entrance, sails unbent, and a midshipman left in charge of
Each — Weighed our best bower anchor; unbent the old cable and bent a new one — Ordered the Old one cut up for Junk. [LC. EPP, Diary, 1803—1804.]

Tuesday, 28 February 1804

Extract from log book kept by Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden,
U. S. Navy, on board U. S. Frigate Constitution. Moderate breezes from the Eastward, At single Anchor in Saragossa — This Afternoon the Intrepid was Warped in close to the shore; her sails unbent and landed: She had a Midshipman and three men from the Constitution on board of her who are to remain in her until the Commodore returns to this place — We landed and sent to the castle [for safe keeping] thirteen of the Tripolitans which were taken in the Intre ' -— Three which we received from the Brig and Six of the Intrep' s prisoners remain on board the Constitution — Towards evening it became calm, Hove up and down in order to keep a clear anchor — We continued short with everything in readiness for getting under way, should a wind offer thro’ the night —— At 9A. M. a breeze s rung up from the S. W. which is a head wind for Malta — Weighed the best bower which the old Junk was bent to and let go the small bower which we unbent & bent to the best bower Cable -— Surgeons report 13 sick 6 convalescent. Ships Company employed shifting and scrubbing cables. —
[LC. EPP, Log Constitution, 1803—1804.]

Saturday, 8 March 1804

Extract from log book kept by Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden. U. S. Navy, on board U. S. Frigate Constitution.
Moderate breezes from the N E Steering to the S W with an offing of 6 or 7 Miles from Ca e Passari We have now on board 82 leagurs 55 Butts and 67 Gang asks — Twenty of the Butts and Twenty of the Gang Casks are Empty —— B 4 P. M it became calm — At 5 we answered the Nautilus signal N 9 819 and immediately sent a boat to her for her intelligence -— At 54 past 6 the boat returned —The Commodore relieved Intelligence of a small cruizer being inshore. The Nautilus was ordered to part company [in chase to the Westward] and we took her convoy the William and Mary store ship under charge —— At sun down Cape Passari bore N E b N )4 N nearly six Miles; the low land to the Westward of Cape Passari N N W 4 or 5 miles — The wind continued light and Variable till 8 P. M. at which time we took our departure from Cape Passari for Malta. At % past 8 a breese sprung up from the E S E -— Hoisted a light as a signal for the William cf: Mo to follow — At 10 P. M. a sai passed ahead — ?red a Gun to bring her to, and spoke her, a Swedish Brig bound from Trieste bound to Gottenburgh continued under easy sa' all n' htAt 6 A. M. made the Island 0 Malta hearing from S S W to S W. —Stood in for the Harbor of Valetta till 8 when we tacked off shore as the wind was at this time unfavorable for going into Port — At 9 tacked in towards the land —Unstowed the two bowers At 10 A. M.came by the li ht house and anchored in the harbor of Valetta — Furled sails an ran a Kedge out to the West, S, West in order tomoor ship Moored in the direction of the Harbor half a cable each way — Our depth of water 9 fath' soft muddy bottom —The Harbor of Valetta consists of three channels forming as many points of solid rock rising a considerable height above the sea and having excellent harbors within them capable of holding large Fleets — The situation is naturally strong and no labor has een spared to render its forti?cations impregnable — Surgeons report 13 sick 7 convalescent and one discharged.
[LC. EPP, Log Constitution, 1803—1804.]

Saturday, 8 March 1804

Extract from Diary of Captain Edward Preble, U. 8. Navy, Commodore of U. S. Squadron in the Mediterranean.
Light breezes from the N E. Steering to the S. W —— At 5 P. M. abreast of Cape Passari; the Nautilus was boarded by a boat from the shore and immediately made the signal for having intelligence of importance to communicate, on which I sent a boat which brought me information that a small cruiser under Red Colors was on the Coast: Sent the Nautilus in pursuit of her — At 8 P. M ?red a shot to bring to a Brig which proved to be a Dane from Trieste for Gottenburgh. At 6 A. M. saw Malta: At 10 A. M. anchored in the harbor of Valetta in that Island. The store ship had previously entered — Surgeons report 13 sick, 7 convalescent — Syren at Anchor here —
[LC. EPP, Diary, 1803—1804.]

MARCH 12th 1804
To Captain William Bainbridge, U. 8. Navy, from Captain Edward Preble,
U. 8. Navy

DEAR SIR, The prize I captured of Tripoli the 23 of December was the Martingana or Ketch which assisted in making prize of the Philadelphia— She was under Turkish Colours when you had the misfortune to run on the rocks, but as soon as that event took place, he hauled them down and hoisted Tripoline Colours, took on board as many Tripolines armed, as her Decks would hold, slipped her Cables, and went out to the attack, Anchored as near as they dared to, and as soon as you struck your Colours, her boats were manned, and they boarded you. Mustapha Rais who commanded her, was the most active in making Prisoners of yourself and Officers, and conducting you to the Bashaw. He was also extremely active in plundering the property of the Officers. The Turkish O?icer who was passenger on board, and also with you in the [George] Washington is gone to Constantinople. I released him as he had no concern in the business: I have his _;‘deposition and that of seven others who were captured in her, which makes prize of the Vessel and Cargo, and Pirates of the Captain and four other Cretans who were concerned in the infamous transaction. I have written a full account of the whole business to the Ottoman Porto, and to the English and French Ambassadors at that Court. I resume that the Grand Seignior will demand of the Bashaw of Tnpoly the release of you all, as you were captured Piratically by the assistance of a Vessel which was a few moments before bearing the Ottoman Colours and that he will also demand of the Bashaw satisfaction for permitting this Piratical transaction with impunity.
P S. All the depositions were taken before the Government at Malta
[LC. EPP, LB, Dec. 1803—April 1804.]

Tuesday, 13 March 1804

Extract from log book kept by Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden, U. 8. Navy, on board U. S. Frigate Comlilulx'on,
Light airs and Variable from the W. At Anchor in Valetta. At 3 A. M. furled sails & set up top GallY Rigging — Towards evening the Weather became cloudy and overcast and had the appearance of a Gale from the East. At 9 A M. the wind shifted from W S W to E N E By midnight we had strong breezes and rain ~— The E N E wind continued to encrease till 4 A. M. at which time it blew a violent ale — Down top Gall’ Yards and launched Top Gall‘ Masts — Aittle after day light we heard several guns of distress — The Commo dore immediately ordered two boats in readiness with Hawsers and Kedges As the light appeared we saw the signal of distress ?yin on board the Bellman; an English transport ship which had parteigl her cables and drove on a shoal a little within the N E Extreme of the harbor Her situation was very dangerous as she was exposed to a heavy surf —— The Commodore sent the two boats to her assistance with Hawsers and Kedges — At 9 A M the boats returned after heaving the ship oil’ and Mooring her in safety — A Kedge belonging to the Constitution W' 1100 pounds, One 8 Inch & One 6 Inch Hawser were left for the safety of the ship assisted — All the forenoon heavy Gales from the N E b E with constant rain — Our situation is very snug as we are moored in the upper harbor — Surgeons report 4 sick, 5 conv'?‘ —— Noon strong N E b E Gales & rain
[LC. EPP, Log Constitution, 1803—1804.]

March 14th 1804

To Secretary of the Navy from Captain Edward Preble, U. S. Navy UNITED STATES Constitution Malta Harbour

Sir, A heavy Gale of wind from the E N E has detained me here since my last; the moment it subsides, and changes I shall put to sea. Yesterday a Boat from the Tunisian Admiral came alongside with three Officers, and in a haughty imperious tone, demanded that I should turn all our Prisoners up for his inspection to enable him to judge if there were any Tunissians among them I replied to him that I had released the only one of his nation that had fallen into my hands among the Tripolines; this was not satisfactory, and as I did not think the request or the manner in which it was made very decent or proper on their part, I refused to ratify them or degrade ourselves by a compliance, they then moved off but observed that it would not be long before they should have plenty of us. It is possible the may to truth, but I suspect they will pay dear for their bargain I have been told from good authority here, that it is the intention of the Bey of Tunis to declare War against us as soon as the Spring opens, if we do not give him a Frigate completely equipped. This I am con?dent our Government never will do. Of course we must look out for War. The Tunisians have more Naval force than I can watch with sufficient attention to prevent them from injuring our Commerce, and at the same time carry on the Siege of Tripoli beg you to pardon my solicitation that additional force may be sent out with a possible expedition I feel extremely desirous of serving my Country — Give me the means and I will do it, by rendering the purchase of Peace or payment of Tribute totally unnecessary in this Eastern World. In the meantime everything shall be lime that our little Squadron is competent to, and I hope more than can be reasonably expected from it. I have to observe that the Provisions sent out in the William & Mary Store Ship are very excellent. The Beef & Pork is branded Connecticut, and the whole has been delivered in good order.
[LC. EPP, LB, Dee. 1803—April 1804.]

Monday, 19 March 1804

Extract from Diary of Captain Edward Preble, U. 8. Navy. Commodore of U. S.
Squadron in the Mediterranean, Wind S S E — Moderate and pleasant —- Ordered 5 Months provisions Stores &'= to be taken on board and our stock of water ?lled: All hands busil employed in taking in and stowing the provisions stores, water l 00d &9 &°. Recieved a letter from Mr. Livingston our minister at Paris enclosing a letter from the ?rst Consul Buonaparte to his Commissary General at Tripoli directed to my charge to be conveyed to him. This letter instructs the French Commissary to endeavor to effect the release of the American prisoners captured in the Philadelphia, and to in?uence the Bashaw to make peace with the United States immediately — I wrote to our minister at Paris and to several of Our Consuls m Europe and left letters for each of the Commanders of tho Vessels of the Squadron. -—
ILC. EPP, Diary, 1803—1804.]

Monday, 19 March 1804

Extract from log book kept by Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden, U. S. Navy, on board U. S. Frigate Constitution
P. M. Moderate breezes from the E S E. At Single Anchor in Saragossa. Rec‘? 201 bbls bread 91 bbls beef & 78 bbls Pork also 78 gang casks of water —— Towards evening cleared ship for action& loaded all the guns with Canister and Grape Shot — This precaution is taken in consequence of some intelligence from Tripoli received since the burning of the Philadelphia At At 8 P. M. armed a boat & stationed her without the Harbor as a Guard boat. A. M. Employed receiving and stowing away revisions wood & water. In the course of the day we received 304 bls bread, 15 small casks, 17 boxes cheese 7 tierces rice, 17 boxes candles, 4 bbls beans, 22 bags of eas 16 bbls Vinegar, 12 bbls ?our & a quantity of wood supposed to be 5 Cords. Rec’d also 8 Butts & 33 gang casks of water The Butts are some of those sent on shore for safe keeping Surgeons report 7 sick & 7 convalescents. Noon light breezes from Eastd [LC. EPP, Log Constitution, 1803—1804.]

Tuesday, 4 September 1804

Extract from log book kept by Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden U. S. Navy, on board U. S. Frigate Constitution.
Moderate Breezes from N E b E — We are at Single Anchor 3 Leagues N N E from Tripoli At ½ past 12, Noon we weighed & ran 3 Miles in shore when we came to in 32 faths hard bottom — Tripoli S S W, nearly 6 Miles. Employed all the afternoon making some necessary arrangements in the Squadron —— Towards Evening we supplyed the Vixen with 12 Barrells Pork, 8 bbls Beef, One Tierce Rice, One tierce Peas containing 8 Bushels, 2 barrels ?our & 50 GallsVinegar —

At 7 in the Evening we sent to the Intrepid part of a condemned for Jeer & 27 faths of 6 Inch hawser We also sent a large Grapnel to her: At 8 In the Evening she slipped leaving our large cutter to weigh her anchor: She has nearly 100 Barrels Powder 100 of 13 Inch she ls, & 50 of 9 Inch shells, with the necessary combustibles for an Infernal [fire ship] — At 8 ½ P. M. she passed the Constitution with a leading breeze from the E b N. The Harbour of Tripoli for which she was designed bore S S W, nearly six Miles — She was convoyed in by the Argus, Viren & Nautilus — The Nautilus followed her into 5 faths water —— On the Infernal entering the Inner Harbour, two alarm Guns were ?red from the Batterys, & in a few minutes after she blew up — Lieut. Reid of the Nautilus was waiting close in by the outer Rocks for the Return of the Adventurers - Night signals by Rockets had been agreed upon between the Commodore and Capt Somers They not being made, soon induced the belief of their capture or destruction —— The infernal had two Boats chosen from the Squadron for their swiftness — The Nautilus waited suf?cient time for their return, receiving at the same time several hazardous shot from the Batteries

At 10 in the Evening, which was 13 minutes after her blowing up we commenced ?ring Guns & burning rockets, which we repeated every 10 minutes till 9 A. M. when the Nautilus came within hail & con?rmed the capture or destruction of the following Of?cers & Seamen — Viz Capt Richd Somers of the Nautilus, Lieut. Henry Wadsworth, Joseph Israel, Lieutenant, William Harrison, Seaman, Robt Clark do Hugh McCormack do Jacob Williams do Peter Penner do & Isaac W Downs do, all belonging to the Constitution — There were also in the Infernal four Seamen from the Nautilus Viz — Jas Simms Thomas Tompline, Jas Harris & Wm Keith — Moderate breezes & clear star light during the night — In the morning the Vixen & Nautilus stood in with Tripoli as Vessels of observation —- Towards noon they returned and re orted to the Commodore that they could not see that any material damage had been done, and that they saw at anchor, the usual number of the Enemy’s Gun boats, excepting 3 Boats hauld up to repair, and one totally missing, & Gallies. Lieut Reid, the reconnoiter[i] ng Of?cer in the Nautilus reported, that he saw the infernal two or three minutes before she blew up & that she then appeared to be in the very place intended, between the mole head & the Bashaws Castle —- The Nautilus was at this time nearly ½ of a mile from the explosion – The 100 Shells were ?lled with powder with fuses of 15 Seconds —— Many of them were seen to burst in the air nearly 300 feet up — At 8 A. M. we brought alongside the two remaining Gun boats that were captured on the 3d-1 August last — In bad weather they are not equal to our other Gunboats They each carry a long brass 24 pdr These we took out — All forenoon cloudy overcast weather with moderate breezes from N E & a swell from E N E This forenoon the Captains of the Squadron waited on the Commodore —~ Noon Squadron in company under way except the Constitution, J. Adams & Scourge Surgeons report 4 sick & 7 convalescent —
The following signals have been made these 24 hours Viz.
P. M. 12 ½ J. Adams Signal for a Captain
A. M. 6 ½ Come within hail, the Nautilus
7 ½ Nautilus Join company soon as possible
9 Repeated d°
11 Argus & Vixen — come within hail
[LC. EPP, Log Constitution, 1803—1804.] 23

23 For a complete list of the casualties see The Intrepid 13 the Brave Men Who Lost Their Lives during the Barbary War September 4, 1804 Somers Point Historical Society http://www.richardsomers.org/the-intrepid-13.html Accessed 14 September 2018

[5 June 1804]
To Lieutenant Joseph Tarbell, U. 8. Navy, from Captain Edward Preble, U. 8. Navy

SIR The imminent danger which you a few moments since ran this ship into, either through neglect or want of Judgement obliges me to withdraw my con?dence in you, so far as to consider it imprudent that ou should in future be entrusted with the charge of a watch on board’ her as her loss would involve incalculable consequences to the U. S. —- You will therefore consider yourself as a supernumeraryuntil ordered to some other Vessel of less consequence — Given on board the U, S, ship Constitution Jane 5“1 1804 at ] $ past 2 P. M. off the ISLAND or MALTA.
Signed, EDWARD PREBLE
Lt TARBELL of the Navy
[LC. EPP, Order Book, May 1803—June 1805.]

Extract from Diary of Captain Edward Preble, U. 8. Navy, Commodore of U. S. Squadron in the Mediterranean,

Wednesday, 6 June 1804

moderate Breezes from the N W and pleasant a strong current setting to the Eastward, Standing in for the Island of Malta on a wind on the starboard tack all sail sett, —— at about 20 minutes past 2 P M as I was at dinner, a Midshipman came into the Cabin & informed me we were near the shore, I ordered him to go on deck and tell the Officer to tack ship, the helm was immediately put down, 6: as the ship came to, I observed from the Cabin Ports that she was nearly on shore, I sprang on deck and found her in stays not a cables length from the shore, and the Rocks to be seen under her Bottom, I met the Officer of the Watch Lieutenant Tarbell, at the head of the Cabin Gang way and took the Trum et from him, ordered him below,and took charge of the deck, and got t e ship on the larboard tack, had she missed stays or shot half her length further a head in stays she would inevitably have struck the Rocks and probably would have been lost, as she was under a press of canvas with a fresh Breeze, for this want of Judgment, or neglect of duty in Lieut Tarbell in endangering the ship. I suspended him from duty, and suspecting a design on the Part 0f the coasting Pilot to lose the ship I ordered 'm con?ned in irons, —— at 5 P working to windward to gain Valette Har hour, at 6 Anchored in 13 fathoms water in the outer Harbour, —
Ordered the Pilot out of Irons and to be discharged from the United
States Service, —- Punished two seamen with 12 lashes each for
neglect of duty, —
[LC. EPP, Diary, 1803—1804.]

Wednesday, 6 June 1804

Extract from log book kept by Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden, U. S. Navy, on board U. S. Frigate Constitution,
Moderate breezes from N W — We are standing in for the Island of Malta under all plain sail — continuing standing in till ½ past 2 when we tacked off shore —- When the ship came head to wind she was not more than a cables length from a low Point which is 4 or 5 Miles to the S E of the Harbor of Valetta — The Bottom was Visible and apparently bold home to the shore — The Commodore and all the gun room Officers were at dinner except Lieut. Tarbell the Officer of the Watch The coasting or cruising Pilot was also on deck at the time the ship was standing in — The Officer of the Watch was ordered below & suspended from duty — The Pilot was immediately Ordered in double Irons on suspicion of attempting to run the ship on shore From this time till 5 P. M Employed working to windw‘l in order to anchor in Valetta — At 6 P. M. came to in the Outer harbor in Valetta in 13 fathoms Muddy bottom Furled sails & moored half a cable each way with the small bower & stream —— Shi 3 company employed thro’ the ni ht scrubbing hammocks -— The Pilot who was con?ned, was this day 'scharged from the U. S. Service — cutter watering ship —— Punished W‘? Harrison & Jn° Russell seamen with 12 lashes each for Neglect of duty — Rec’d 3 casks Molasses contain‘ 31 Gall‘ — Noon calm
[LC. EPP, Log Constitution, 1803—1804.]

[9 June 1804]

To Captain Edward Preble, U. S. Navy, from the Wardroom Officers of the U. S. Frigate Constitution

Sir, We venture to address you in behalf of our Mess Mate, Lieut Tarbell. A retrospect of his deportment heretofore, as an Gentleman & correct Officer, prior to the unfortunate evening of the 5th inst, induces us powerfully to exert ourselves, that, if consistent, he may be ordered again to duty with us as usual Mr Tarbell is conscious of his error and says 'twas founded on his too great con?dence in the Pilot —- We believe this to be the case sincerely. — We have always considered Mr Tarbell to be one of our most correct Officers, and the circumstance above alluded to, which has incurred your displeasure, will, he says, be a lesson which he never can lose sight of. Frigate Constitution Saturday Morning June 9"’ 1804
N ATE HARADEN
T, ROBINSON
CHM GonDoN
SAMl ELBERT
JN‘? HALL
ROBERT GREENLEAF
JA' WELLS
[LC. EPP, Vol. 11, April—June 1804.]

JUNE 9th 1804

To Lieutenant Joseph Tarbell, U. S. Navy, from Captain Edward Preble, U. 8. Navy Constitution

Sir On a retrospective view of the general tenor of your past conduct as an Of?cer, I am induced to believe that too much con?dence alone in the Pilot might have occasioned your imprudent a proach to the shore with this Ship on the 5"‘ Inst so near as to endanger her safety while under your charge as Officer of the Watch: From thisCircumstance, and a solicitation on the part of your brother Officershighly honorable to you that you may still continue among them, I am induced to direct that you return to your duty in full con?dence that you will in future be more guarded in your conduct. ——-[LC. EPP, Order Book, May 1803—June 1805.]

Wednesday, 12 September 1804

Extract from log book kept by Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden, U. S. Navy, on board V. S. Frigate Constitution,
Moderate breezes from NbE, and pleasant-Cruizing in comp? with the Squadron 7 or 8 miles NNE from Tripoly — At 2 P. M. we gave chase to three strange sails in the ESE which were running along the Coast, in for Tripoly — Continued chasing them till 5£ P. M. when we shortened sail & boarded two of them — The third escaped by hauling on a wind to the NW — The Argus was ordered to chase her — These two vessels are under imperial colours loaded with wheat & we suppose them bound for Tripoly as we took them in sight of the town bearing W i S — 4 leagues & about 5 mile9 distant from the Coast —Sent officers & men on board them with directions to proceed to Malta for adjudication — Rec'd 28 Greeks from one & 26 from the other — Both Ships are armed — On the close of the Evening the Argus was ermitted by signal to part company & go in chase — Moderate breezes from NE & NbE till Midnight, from which time till day light calms or light baffling winds veering between NE & NNW — At 4i A. M. being taken aback from the wind from NbW, the President & Constitution fell foul of each other — L* Cha' Gordon was at this time officer of the Watch — Before we got foul of each other or were taken aback we were heading NE with the wind from NW — the President was standing to the Westw* — The Constitution fell stem on the Presidents larboard bow — Our damages are, The flying & standing Jib booms with the Sprit Sail yard carried away — Our cutwater within the two principal bobstays broken entirely off & our figure head broken to pieces — Employed all forenoon in bridling the Bowsprit into the Hawse holes with a 9 & an8 Inch: Hawser — cut an additional hole in the cutwater for another bobstay — The President being full & continuing her head way, paid the Constitution off while we were aback & unable to brace about, which brought the two ships alongside each other. Our sheet anchor & her spare anchor hooked each other — It was a fortunate circumstance for the President that the anchors hung the ships otherwise she must have lost her lower yards — Her sails being full & ours aback it was impossible to clear the ships & save the lower yards by any other method than running a Spring Hawser from her lee bow to our quarter deck capstern which we hove tawt, & a bow fast from ship to ship — After the Head way became sufficient to give effect-to the rudder we cast off the Bow fast & cleared without farther damage —The Argus & her chase were in sight from the Mast head all fore- noon — The Constellation was ordered pr signal to chase and keep the Argus in sight — Forenoon — fresh breezes from NNW.Noon the land to the E. of Tripoly in sight from the Mast head, bearing S. nearly 8 Leagues — Tripoly we suppose to bear S W 12 Leagues. The President & two Greek prizes in company — The Constellation & Argus in sight from the Top in chase to the Westward.Latitude observed 33° 19' N.
[LC. EPP, Log Constitution, 1803-1804.]

Thursday, 13 September 1804

Extract from log book kept by Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden, U. S. Navy,on board V. S. Frigate Constitution.
Fresh breezes from the North* Cruizing in company with the President — The land to the Eastw* of Tripoly in sight from the Mast head, bearing S. by compass nearly 30 miles — Constellation & Argus in sight from the Mast head in pursuit of their chase to the W S W. At 1 P. M. tacked to the N E & parted company with the Constellation & Argus, & at 5 P.M. tacked to WNW, in expectation of falling in with them, but on the close of the Evening they were not in Sight. Our two Greek prizes were some ways to leeward. We ran down for them to reach our wake. Moderate breezes during night veering between N E & NbW. Made & shortened sail as necessary to follow the Commodore & keep the prizes in company. From day light till noon light airs or calms. At 8 A. M. we were taken aback. Winds from NNW Filled to the Eastw"? At 9 A. M. Commr? Preble waited on Commr Barron. Ships company employed this forenoon washing their cloths & cleaning between decks. Noon light airs from NW — Tripoly Supposed to bear (variation corrected) SI W distance 45 miles —Latitude observed 33° 38' N.
[LC. EPP, Log Constitution, 1803-1804.]

Friday, 14 September 1804

Extract from log book kept by Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden, U. S. Navy, on board U. S. Frigate Constitution.
Moderate breezes from the Northward — Cruizing in company with the President, 15 leagues N \ E from Tripoly with the two Greek prizes in company — This afternoon we were a little alarmed by two water spouts passing to leeward of us — The[y] broke within two miles from us — At 3 P. M. parted company with the President. She returns to the rendezvous off Tripoly — The Constitution is now bound to Malta — [with the two Greek prizes] — Capt Hull took passage in the President in order to join the Argus — On the afternoon of Wednesday last when the Squadron gave chase to E b S, Commr Barron, Capt Campbell & Capt Hull were on board the Constitution — Observing the chase to be three Polacca Ships, Merchantmen, The Argus was ordered p signal to haul up for one of them which was considerably to windward, while the other two were brought to by the Constitution, President & Constellation — At Sun set the same evening Comm's Barron & Capt. Campbell joined their respective ships & in the Urgency of the Constellation following the Argus, time would not permit a boat to attend for the following officers belonging to the Constitution, then on a visit to the Constellation — viz Lieut Tarbell, M* Morris Purser, Doctr Wells & Mr Greenleaf Lieut of Marines — Night Moderate — The Constellation, Argus & her chase in sight next morning and until towards noon — I mention these particulars as Possibly they, may have relation to future claims — After parting company with the President we had cloudy overcast weather all the afternoon, till towards evening when we had pleasant weather — At 4 the fort fired a salute of 21 guns which we answered with the same number at 5 The Consul left the ship A M at 7 Capt' Kodgers went on shore and was saluted with 5 guns from The battery at Meredian light Breezes and pleasant weather
[USNA.]

Saturday, 15 September 1804

Extract from log book kept by Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden, U. S. Navy, on board U. S. Frigate Constitution.
Moderate breezes from the Westward with cloudy overcast weather — We are on our passage from Tripoly to Malta. By two, P. M. the weather to the Eastward had the appearance of a heavy gale. We double reefed the Top sails & single reefed the Courses — At this time our prizes were some distance astern. We continued under our Topsails till 5 P. M. at which time they came up: we then set the foresail, Jib & spanker.By 5 P. M. the wind had shifted by degrees from WSW to SE, with pleasant weather, which continued till 12 Midnight, when the weather became cloudy with Lightning to the NNE. In third reef in the Topsails & stowed the Jib Towards daylight judging the ship to be within 9 or ten Leagues of Malta, in order to prevent Surprize by currents, we sounded several times — No bottom with 80 fath' Continued under low sail till day light when we saw the SW* part of Malta bearing NNE, 10 Leagues — Moderate with overcast weather & frequent thunder and lightning in the N E, all forenoon. Noon — We are situated 10 miles SW i W, from the SE extreme of Malta & nearly 7 miles from the land — The West extreme of Gozo bearing N$ W, in sight from deck —At This Time, as well as at several other times, we have found no material currents in crossing between Tripoly & Malta — The prevailing winds off Tripoly during the besieging of that Town, from the 28th July to the 13{* Septem* were variable between NNEand SE, with frequent changes to the NNW. We left the President, Constellation & Argus, cruising off Tripoly
[LC. EPP, Log Constitution, 1803-1804.]

Sunday, 16 September 1804

Extract from log book kept by Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden, U. S. Navy, on board U. S. Frigate Constitution,
Cloudy overcast weather with frequent squalls from the N E.accompanied with thunder lightning & rain. We are now 9 or 10 miles SW, from the SE extreme of [sic] under double reefed topsails, with our two prizes in company — By 3 P. M. the weather had cleared away, when the Wind Shifted to E S E — Out all reef8 except one in each topsail in order to work round the SE end & proceed to Malta — From a watch tower standing on the very extreme of this part of Malta, SE by compass, there runs out a dangerous shoal, a mile & a half from shore. Between 6 & 9 P. M. we made several short boards in order to pass it — Wind, moderate through the night from ESE & SE with constant lightning in the NE. By 5 A. M. we rounded the Island & Steered NW, for the harbour of Vilette which was then in sight — At 6 A. M. we were taken aback by a squall from the NNW, which shifted immediately to the NE. We close reefed the topsails, single reefed the courses and sent down top gall' yards. — By 8 A. M. the weather cleared up, when we saw the Harbour of Villette bearing WbN, 5 or 6 miles. Made sail, Bitted a range on the two Bowers, unstowed them & ran in for the Harbour — At ½ past 10 A. M, we came to with the best bower in the outer harbour in Valetta —Veered to a third of a cable & furled sails — The two prizes in company Wind N E. — Found here the U. S. Schooner Vixen
[LC. EPP, Log Conttitution, 1803-1804.]

Monday, 17 September 1804

Extract from log book kept by Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden, U. S. Navy, on board U. S. Frigate Constitution
Moderate breezes from E N E. We are at single anchor in the outer harbour of Malta. At \ past noon, the health boat from the Pratique office came alongside — We have a number of Tripoline prisoners on board — Hoisted a yellow flag as a signal of Quarantine.At 1 P. M. out all boats & made the necessary arrangements for warping the ship into the inner harbour — Employed in this work till 9 P. M. Night moderate with rain — A. M. Employed mooring ship. Moored in the inner harbour in 8 fath' each way — The best bower S S E; the small bower NNW —We are now situated a cable & a half distance from the shore, N & S, and completely land locked on every point of the compass except N EbE —This forenoon the Commodore went on shore at the quarantine ground. At noon loosed sails to dry. Winds moderate from S E b E. We received fresh beef and vegetables for the ships company.
[LC. EPP, Log Constitution, 1803-1804.]

Decatur Boarding the Tripolitan Gunboat
Oil Painting by Dennis Malone Carter, Naval History and Heritage Command

18 September 1804

To Secretary of the Navy from Captain Edward Preble, U.S. Navy 18 September 1804

SIR: I had the honor to write you from Messina under date of the 5th of July. I then, expected to have sailed the day following, but was detained by bad weather until the 9th, when I left it with two small Bomb Vessels under Convoy, and arrived at Syracuse; where we were necessarily detained four days. On the 14th I sailed, the Schooners Nautilus and Enterprize in company, with six Gun Boats and two Bomb Vessels, generously loaned us by His Sicilian Majesty. The Bomb Vessels are about thirty Tons, carry a 13 Inch Brass Sea-Mortar and 40 men; the Gun Boats 25 Tons carry a long Iron 24 pounder in the bow, with a complement of 35 Men. They are officered and manned from the squadron, excepting twelve Neapolitans bombadiers, gunners, and sailors, attached to each boat, who were shipped by permission of their Government. This step I found necessary, as every vessel in the squadron was considerably short of complement. The gunboats are constructed for the defence of harbors; they are flat bottomed and heavy, and do not sail or row even tolerably well. They were never intended to go to sea, and, I find, cannot be navigated with safety, unless assisted by tow ropes from larger and better sailing vessels, nor even then, in very bad weather; however, as they were the best I could obtain, I have thought it for the good of our service to employ them, particularly as the weather in July and August is generally pleasant, and, without them, my force too small to make any impression on Tripoli.

On the 16th of July we arrived at Malta, where we were detained, by contrary gales, until the 21st, when we left it, and arrived in sight of Tripoli the 25th, and were joined by the Syren, Argus, Vixen, and Scourge. Our squadron now consisted of the Constitution, three brigs, three schooners, two bombs, and six gunboats, our whole number of men one thousand and sixty. I proceeded to make the necessary arrangements for an attack on Tripoli, a city well walled, protected by batteries judiciously constructed, mounting one hundred and fifteen pieces of heavy cannon, and defended by twenty-five thousand Arabs and Turks; the harbor protected by nineteen gunboats, two galleys, two schooners of eight guns each, and a brig mounting ten guns, ranged in order of battle, forming a strong line of defence, at secure moorings, inside a long range of rocks and shoals, extending more than two miles to the eastward of the town, which form the harbor, protects them from the northern gales, and renders it impossible for a vessel of the Constitution's draught of water to approach near enough to destroy them, as they are sheltered by the rocks, and can retire under that shelter to the shore, unless they choose to expose themselves in the different channels and openings of the reefs, for the purpose of annoying their enemies. Each of their gunboats mounts a heavy eighteen or twenty-six pounder in the bow, and two brass howitzers on their quarters, and carry from thirty-six to fifty men. The galleys have each one hundred men, schooners and brigs about the same number. The weather was not favorable for anchoring until the 28th, when, with the wind E.S.E. the squadron stood in for the coast, and, at 3 P.M. anchored, per signal, Tripoli bearing S. two and a half miles distant. At this moment the wind shifted suddenly from E.S.E. to N.N.W. and from thence to N.N.E. At 5 o'clock it blew strong, with a heavy sea, setting directly on shore. I made the signal to prepare to weigh. At 6, the wind and sea having considerably increased, the signal was made for the squadron to weigh and gain an offing: the wind continued veering to the eastward, which favored our gaining sea-room, without being obliged to carry so great a press of sail as to lose any of our gunboats, although they were in great danger. The gale continued varying from N.E. to E.S.E. without increasing much, until the 31st, when it blew away our reefed foresail, and close reefed main-topsail; fortunately the sea did not rise in proportion to the strength of the gale, or we must have lost all our boats. August 1st, the gale subsided, and we stood towards the coast; every preparation was made for an attack on the town and harbor.

AUGUST 3d, pleasant weather, wind East; stood in with the squadron towards Tripoli. At noon we were between two and three miles from the batteries, which were all manned, and observing several of their gun-boats and galleys had advanced, in two divisions, without the rocks, I determined to take advantage of their temerity. At half past 12, I wore off shore, and made the signal to come within hail, when I communicated to each of the commanders my intention of attacking the enemy's shipping and batteries. The gun and mortar boats were immediately manned, and prepared to cast off, the gunboats in two divisions of three each; the first division commanded by Captain Somers, in No. 1, Lieutenant [James] Decatur in No. 2, and Lieutenant Blake, in No. 3: the second division commanded by Captain [Stephen] Decatur [Jr.], in No. 4, Lieutenant [Joseph] Bainbridge, in No. 5, and Lieutenant Trippe, in No. 6. The two bombards were commanded by Lieutenant Commandant Dent, and Mr. Robinson, First Lieutenant of this ship. At half past 1 o'clock, having made the necessary arrangements for the attack, wore ship and stood towards the batteries. At 2, signal made to cast off the boats; at a quarter past 2, signal for bombs and gunboats to advance and attack the enemy. At half past 2, general signal for battle. At three-quarters past 2, the bombs commenced the action, by throwing shells into the town. In an instant the enemy's shipping and batteries opened a tremendous fire, which was promptly returned by the whole squadron within grape-shot distance; at the same time the second division, of three gunboats, led by the gallant Captain Decatur, was advancing, with sails and oars, to board the eastern division of the enemy, consisting of nine boats. Our boats gave the enemy showers of grape and musket balls as they advanced; they, however, soon closed, when the pistol, sabre, pike, and tomahawk, were made good use of by our brave tars. Captain Somers being in a dull sailer, made the best use of his sweeps, but was not able to fetch far enough to windward to engage the same division of the enemy's boats which Captain Decatur fell in with; he, however, gallantly bore down with his single boat on five of the enemy's western division, and engaged within pistol shot, defeated, and drove them within the rocks, in a shattered condition, and with the loss of a great number of men. Lieutenant Decatur, in No. 2, was closely engaged with one of the enemy's largest boats of the eastern division, which struck to him, after having lost a large proportion of men, and, at the instant that brave officer was boarding her to take possession, he was treacherously shot through the head by the captain of the boat that had surrendered, which base conduct enabled the poltroon (with the assistance he received from other boats) to escape. The third boat of Captain Somers' division, kept to windward, firing at the boats and shipping in the harbor; had she gone down to his assistance, it is probable several of the enemy's boats would have been captured in that quarter. Captain Decatur, in No. 4, after having, with distinguished bravery, boarded and carried one of the enemy of superior force, took his prize in tow, and gallantly bore down to engage a second, which, after a severe and bloody conflict, he also took possession of. These two prizes had thirty-three officers and men killed, and twenty-seven made prisoners, nineteen of which were badly wounded. Lieutenant Trippe, of the Vixen, in No. 6, ran along side of one of the enemy's large boats, which he boarded with only Midshipman John Henley and nine men, his boat falling off before any more could get on board; thus was he left, compelled to conquer or perish, with the odds of thirty-six to eleven. The Turks could not withstand the ardor of this brave officer and his assistants; in a few minutes the decks were cleared, and her colors hauled down. On board of this boat fourteen of the enemy were killed, and twenty-two made prisoners, seven of which were badly wounded. The rest of their boats retreated within the rocks. Lieutenant Trippe received eleven sabre wounds, some of which are very severe: he speaks in the highest terms of Mr. Henley, and those who followed him. Lieutenant Bainbridge, in No. 5, had his latteen yard shot away early in the action, which prevented his getting alongside the enemy's boats, but he galled them by a steady and well directed fire, within musket shot; indeed he pursued the enemy until his boat grounded under the batteries: she was, fortunately, soon got off. The bomb vessels kept their stations, although covered with the spray of the sea occasioned by the enemy's shot. They were well conducted by Lieutenants Dent and Robinson, who kept up a constant fire from the mortars, and threw a great number of shells into the town. Five of the enemy's gunboats, and two galleys, composing the centre division, and stationed within the rocks, as a reserve, joined by the boats that had been driven in, and supplied by fresh men from the shore to replace those they had lost, twice attempted to row out, to endeavor to surround our gunboats and their prizes: I as often made the signal to cover them, which was promptly attended to by the brigs and schooners, all of which were gallantly conducted, and annoyed the enemy exceedingly, but the fire from this ship kept their flotilla completely in check. Our grape shot made great havoc among their men, not only on board their shipping, but on shore. We were several times within two cables length of the rocks, and within three of their batteries, every one of which, in succession, were silenced, so long as we could bring our broadside to bear upon them; but the moment we passed a battery, it was re-animated, and a constant, heavy fire kept up from all that we could not point our guns at. We suffered most when wearing or tacking; it was then I most sensibly felt the want of another frigate. time half past 4, the wind inclining to the northward, I made the signal for the bombs and gunboats to retire from action, and, immediately after, the signal to tow off the gunboats and prizes, which was handsomely executed by the brigs, schooners, and boats of the squadron, covered by a heavy fire from the Constitution. At three-quarters past 4, P. M. the light vessels, gunboats, and prizes, being out of reach of the enemy's shot, I hauled off to take the bomb vessels in tow. We were two hours under the fire of the enemy's batteries, and the only damage received in the ship is, a twenty-four pound shot nearly through the centre of the mainmast, thirty feet from the deck; main royal yard and sail shot away; one of our quarter-deck guns damaged by a thirty-two pound shot, which, at the same time, shattered a marine's arm; two lower shrouds and two backstays were shot away, and our sails and running rigging considerably cut. We must impute our getting off thus well to our keeping so near that they over-shot us, and to the annoyance our grape shot gave them: they are, however, but wretched gunners. Gunboat No. 5 had her main yard shot away, and the rigging and sails of the brigs and schooners were considerably cut.

Lieutenant [James] Decatur was the only officer killed, but in him the service has lost a valuable officer. He was a young man who gave strong promise of being an ornament to his profession. His conduct in the action was highly honorable, and he died nobly.

The enemy must have suffered very much in killed and wounded, both among their shipping and on shore. Three of their gunboats were sunk in the harbor, several of them had their decks nearly cleared of men by our shot, and a number of shells burst in the town and batteries, which must have done great execution. The officers, seamen, and marines, of the squadron behaved in the most gallant manner. The Neapolitans, in emulating the ardor of our seamen, answered my highest expectations.

I cannot but notice the active exertions and officer-like conduct of Lieutenant Gordon, and the other Lieutenants of the Constitution. Mr. Harriden, the master, gave me full satisfaction, as did all the officers and ship's company. I was much gratified with the conduct of Captain Hall and Lieutenant Greenleaf, and the marines belonging to his company, in the management of six long twenty-six pounders, on the spar deck, which I placed under his direction.

Captain Decatur speaks in the highest terms of the conduct of Lieutenant Thorn, and Midshipman McDonough, of No. 4, as does Captain Somers of Midshipmen Ridgely and Miller, attached to No. 1.

Annexed is a list of killed and wounded; and, enclosed, a copy of my general orders on this occasion.

Killed.	Gun-boat No. 2 - Lieutenant James Decatur.
Wounded.	Constitution - One marine.
Do.	Gun-boat No. 4 - Captain Decatur, (slight) one sergeant of marines, and two seamen.
	Gun-boat No. 6 - Lieutenant Trippe, severely, one boatswain's mate, and two marines.

Wednesday, 19 September 1804

Extract from log book kept by Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden, U. S. Navy, on board U. S. Frigate Constitution
Moderate breezes from the SE. We continue in Quarantine. Employed overhauling the rigging aloft, reeving the lower Geers,and Top tackle Pendants in readiness for striking the lower yards & topmasts — The Greek Polacca which the Argus brought in is in Quarantine with the other two— The Men belonging to them remain in them — Their Captains are on board the Constitution —A. M. Strong breezes from the SE. At day light a Maltese Ketch came alongside Employed this forenoon in putting on board the ketch, for Messina, the Six 24 pounders which we received in Naples, the two Bombs taken out of the Bombards off Tripoly, the two brass howitzers received at Messina & all the remaining shot & shells— We also put on board of the Argus this forenoon all our Tripoline Prisoners which are to be sent to Saragosa — At 7 A. M. eleven additional caulkers came on board, & are employed with the others in caulking the upper deck— One of the small brass guns received in Messina was sent in the Ketch with the other Stores— the other is on board the Enterprize We this forenoon returned to the Argus her Anchor which we received some time ago in Saragosa, Surgeons report 5 Sick — conv"5*

Tuesday, 25 September 1804

Extract from log book kept by Sailing Master Nathaniel Haraden, U. S. Navy, on board TT. S. Frigate Constitution
Fresh breezes from N W, We continue under quarantine Caulkers employed on the upper deck, carpenters employed in dubbing between decks, Received this Afternoon a Caulkers stage from the dock yard, ships company employed in rattling down the topmast & lower Rigging, condemned and hove over board on Monday last one Barrel of Pork and 100 pounds Salt Beef, Received in the course of the day from the Quarantine ground 69 Gang Casks of Water, Night moderate, —A M. at 7 nine Carpenters came on board they are victualed on board with the others, They have been employed this forenoon in taking down the Figure head which is cut to pieces & thrown aside as useless, Ships company employed in woulding the Bowsprit, In taking the wouldings & fishes off the Main mast, and in Rattling and taring the Rigging, Caulkers all, (except a few to complete the upper deck) employed on the Gun deck, Noon pleasant weather, —
[LC EPP, Log Constitution, 1803-1804.]

Wednesday February 20th 1811

Commences with fresh breezes and clear weather. ½ past 2 P.M. cleared hause [hawser] . At sunset mustered the Crew at Quarters, light breezes and clear during the night. At 9 A.M. The Commodore made the Signal No. 1127 loosing sails to dry. At 10 made the Signal No. 345 fired a Gun and hoisted a Jack for a Court Martial convened for the Trial of a Seaman belonging to the President.24 At Meridian (noon) light breezes and clear.

24 In the pre-1815 U.S. Navy, desertion was a serious offence and accounted for nearly three quarters of all court martial convictions see McKee, 248.

Friday February 22d 1811

Commences with fresh breezes from the N.d and E.d and cloudy. At ½ past 3 Commodore made Signal No.3 sent the Capt On board the Commodore. Received 1433 lbs of Bread. At 8 commenced blowing fresh gales with snow during the night. Received on board / New Fore Top Mast Stay - ¼ past 10 made the Signal No. 345 fired a Gun and hoisted the Jack for a Court Martial for the Trial of John Loring and Saml. McClary seamen belonging to the Frigate Constitution. At Meridian, fresh breezes from the N. and E and cloudy with Snow. Crew Employd making Nippers Received Casks of Cheeses

Saturday February 23d 1811

Commences with fresh breezes from the N.d and E.d and cloudy with Snow. ½ past 2 the Court Martial adjourned. At Sunset mustered the Crew at quarter, fresh breezes and cloudy with Snow during the night. At 10A.m. Made the Signal No.345 fired a gun and hoisted a Jack for a continuation of the Court Martial of Samuel McClary & Jno. Loring Seamen belonging to the Frigate Constitution. At Meridian fresh breezes from the Nd and Ed and cloudy with Snow
Crew employd making Nippers.

Monday February 25th 1811

Commences with light breezes from the Nd and cloudy. At Sunset beat to quarters and mustered the crew calm during the night. At ½ past 10 A.m. called all hand to witness punishment, read the Articles of War together - with the sentence of the Court Martial.25 ½ past 11 John Loring Seaman, Saml McElroy [Ordinary] Seaman, were punished with 100 lashes on the bare backs each as the Court Martial adjudged and punished Rodger O’Boil with 1 doz. For fighting – drummed James Bartlett out of the service. At Meridian light breezes and clear. employd watering. Seaman fitting a Foretop Mast Stay. Received on Board [no figure] Lbs of bread

25 The Articles of War were first approved on 10 April 1806, by the United States Congress. The regulation enacted 101 Articles of War for the Army and the Navy. The Articles of War were not significantly revised until over a century later. The Articles compromise a varied collection of admonishments and rules that deal mainly with misconduct of officers and seaman. The Articles were regularly read aloud to the ship crew typically on Sundays prior to Divine Services, where the crews were reminded that thirteen of the enumerated articles were capital and punishable by death.

Wednesday April 8th 1812

Commences with moderate breess from the South & East & pleasant The Honorable Paul Hamilton Sec of the Navy with a number of Gentlemen & Ladies. Fired a Salute of Seventeen Guns At 2 the Brig Enterprise got under way & answered our Salute with the same number of Guns - At 4 The Hon Sec Left the Ship Moderate breeze & Cloudy From 8 to 12 light airs from the N&W & Cloudy From 12 to 4 light Airs from the N&W with heavy Rain From 4 to 8 AM Rainin disagreeable weather From 8 to 12 Cloudy with Wind from the N& W Emp Getting out & Sending in Shore The Gunners & Boatswain Stores & Striking out the Water Casks.

Thursday April 9th 1812

Commences with moderate breezes from the Southd & Westd Cloudy At ½ past 4 PM the Hon Sec of the Navy paid us another visit accompanied with a number of Ladies & Gentlemen fired a Salute of 17 Guns At 2 the Brig Enterpize got under way & answered our Salute as she passed us At ½ past to the PM the Sec Left the Ship From 1 to 3 light airas from the N & W & Cloudy throughout the Night light airs from the N& W & Cloudy – Latter part of these twenty four hours Employd getting out the Guns Scraping Ship &c At Meridian Cloudy withlight fall of Rain Sent to the Store in the Yard a Quanity of Old Condemmed Rigging, 2 bs Hawsers3 Top Chains 3 dofor Lower Yards 1 Cat Block, Gun Deck Ports, Cabin Dead Light 1 Pump Stantion 54 Match Locks 1 24 In Block 4 Leading Blocsk [illegibale] 10 Double Blocks 2 top Tackle Blocks 1 May a& Main Stay Sail Stay 1 Messinger, 35 faths 6 in Hawser 1 p Stayyards 3 Crow Bars a Qaunity of Old Plank & Junk 2 10 in Dead Eyes 1 Sack Screws 120 Pigs of Ballast Armourers Dept 1 Forge & Bellows, 2 Anvils, 1 Bucket 5 pr Tongs, 2 Hand Hammers & Rivetig do, 1 Branding Iron, 1 Hand Saw 1 Hack Saw a Quantiy of Small Tools, 2 Standing bier Emp Cleaning the Store Rooms & Sending the Stores on Shore

Sunday April 12th 1812

Commences with fresh Breezes from the Northward and Westward, and clear, from 4 to 8 AM clear and moderate. Crew employd in cleaning the Ship and Shipping the Main Mast, also in clearing the receiving Ship; throughout the night pleasant weather, from 4 to Meridian cloudy withlight Breezes Midshipmen Cross and Taylor joined the Ship employd Striking out Pig and Shingle ballast Henry Jeffrys, and John Kevins/ Seamen/ deserted the Ship.

Monday April 13th 1812

Commences with fresh breezes from the Northward and Eastward, and cloudy employd cleaning out the Receiving Ship At 9 AM Cloudy with light air ,from the Northward and Eastward Throughout the Night light airs and cloudy, at 6 AM disagreeable weather attended with Snow and Rain at intervals, at 8 AM cloudy with Snow from 8 to Meridian Cloudy Snowy weather, wind from the North East, hands employd clearing the Hold of the Ballast, at 11 AM got the Main Top on Shore, at Meridian Cloudy with Snow wind from the Northward and Eastward B.V. Hoffman -

Tuesday April 14th 1812

Commences with Cold disagreeable weather wind from the Northward and Eastward, Hands still employd clearing the Hold. Throughout the night Cloudy, 6 until Meridian in sending on Junk. Meridian Pursers Slops and Bread Carpenters from the Yard employd in ripping up the Gun Deck, Caulkers on our Larboard [illegible] . At Meridian clear and pleasant.

Tuesday April 21 1812 Washington Navy Yard

Commences with Raining disagreeable weather, at 9 PM cloudy throughout the night cloudy with the wind from the Southward and Westward, at 9 AM Clear andpleasant Crew employd in overhauling the Rigging loft, at Meridian clear and pleasant with wind from the Westwd and Eastwd Thomas Cassady and Michael Burns deserted from the Ship –

Wednesday April 22nd 1812

Commenced with pleasant weather wind from the Northward, and Eastward, Crew employd in various Gangs, Scraping Guns, overhauling the Rigging & at 9 PM Clear and pleasant, throughout the night fying clouds, at 6 AM Cloudy, at Meridian clear and pleasant with the windfrom the Southward and Eastward Charles Heath Ordinary Seaman was discharged this day by Captain Hull’s orders Peter Johnson /Seaman/deserted the Ship –

Saturday May 9th 1812

Commences with pleasant weather wind from the Northward and Westward, throughout the night pleasant, at Meridian clear and pleasant, John Jefferey, departed this Life while in the Hospital. Peter Jones and William Wise Boys, Deserted from the Ship

Sunday May 10th 1812

Commences with clear and pleasant weather wind from the Northward and Westward at 5 PM received from the Receiving Officer at Baltimore the following Men Viz Barney Hunt, John Doyle, John Mcwilliams. Michael Sharkey, William Lesett, John Jorday, Charles John Johnson, Joseph Pope Chever Throughout the night clear and pleasant, at 9 A m clear with the wind from the Southward, and Eastward The Crew attended divine Service in the Yard at Meridian fine pleasant weather wind from the Southward and Eastward Midshipman Guest Joined the Ship –

Monday May 11th 1812

Commenced with find clear weather wind from the South west and Eastward At 4 PM George Thomas discovered the body of Thomas Must/Boatswains Mate /floating by the Constitution Called a Coroners Inquest whose verdict was suicide in a fit of insanity. At 9 PM cloudy with appearance of Rain at 9 PM Patrick McDonald /ordinary seaman departed this life whilst on Liberty on Shore, Throughout the Night cloudy, at 6 AM Cloudy with Light Rain from 8 to Meridian wind from the Southward, and Eastward with light Rain At Meridian Light Rain –

Tuesday May 12th 1812

Commences with the wind from the Southward and Eastward, At 5 PM Received from the accounting officer at Baltimore the following Men Viz John Fyde /Seaman William Wright /ordinary seaman/ Thomas Mcclain /ordinary Seaman/John Eamplin /ordinary Seaman/ at 5 PM Cloudy throughout the night cloudy with rain, at Meridian clear and pleasant.

Thursday May 14th 1812

Commences with fair clear. pleasant weather, wind from the Northward and Westward throughout the night clear and pleasant. At 7AM took the Top Mast out of the [illegibale] at 9 aM cloudy Midshipman Carey joined the Ship rain from the Southward and Eastward at Meridian cloudy with rain from the southward and Eastward James Linnin and Andrew Milne discharged on bein unfirt for Service.

Friday May 15th 1812

Commences with cloudy weather wind from the Southward, and Eastward, throughout the night Cloudy with rain, at 3 AM Rain from 9AM yo Meridian cloudy at Meridian cloudy with rain wind from the Southward, and Eastward John Waterhouse /Boy/deserted from the Ship

Saturday 20 June 1812

Commences with light airs from the Southwest and Eastward. Employd bending the Cables and other work at 5 PM the Commanding Officer Lieutenant Reed had the Crew turned up. and read to them the declaration of War between the United States and the United Kingdom of Great Britian and Ireland, that had passed the Seante, authorizing the President James Madison, to employ the armies and Navy of the United States against the above written powers. The Crew manifested their Whole support of the Honour of the United States by requesting of leave to Cheer on this occasion/granted to them/ Crew returned to duty, light airs from the Southward, and Eastward, from 6 to 6 PM moderate breezes from the weastward and pleasant, from from 6 PM Squally with rain at 10 PM sent down Top Gallant Yards S.S.S. From 4 to 8 AM pleasnt weather, at 4 AM turned the hands up. up the anchor, employd in warping and towing Ship down the River, at ½ past 6 AM came to o with the Starboard Anchor at 8 AM sent up Top Gallant Yard, and mended sails, moderate breezes from the Southward and Westward at Meridian -

Thursday 16 July 1812

Commences with moderate breezes from the Southward and pleasant, at 2 PM hauled down the Jib. at ½ past 3PM hauled down the Staysails, discovered a sail on point off the Starboard Bow on a Wind to the Westward. at 4 PM moderate breezes and hazy A.SW.

At ½ past 4 PM took in Sail, and hove to and Spoke to a Schooner from New Bedford, bound to Norfolk, cast the Lead in 23 fms of water, filled away and made Sail Geo C. Reed

From 6 PM fresh breezes with rain, at ½ past 6 PM Sounded in 18fms at 7 PM Tacked in Top Gallant Sails. at ¼ before 3 PM hauled up the Fore Course Sounded in 23 fms of water Sandy bottom. B.V.H. –

At ½ past 8 PM took up a reef on the Fore, and Main Topsails, at ½ 9 PM the wind hauled to the Northward, braced rest on Larboard Jack, Set the Foresail, and Sent down the Royal Yards, at ½ past 11PM furled the mainsail Sounded every hour during the watch in 22 to 30 fms of water, at midnight fresh breezes from the Northward and Eastward, and Cloudy At ½ past 12 close reefed the Main Topsail, at ½ past 1 AM close reefed the Fore Topsail, and Furled the Weathers

At 9 AM turned the Close Reef, out of the Topsails, and Set the Mizen Top Sail, at ½ past 10 AM hauled down the Fore Top Mast Stay Sail. and Set the Jib and Spanker, at ¼ before 11 Am, hauled down the Mizen Stay Sail, at Meridian Sounded 23 fms of Water, Grey Sand with Black Specks, Observed in 39: 18 North/B.V.H.

Commences with clear weather and fresh breezes from the Northward and Eastward. At 1 ½ PM Sounded in 22 fathoms of water. At 2 PM 4 sail of Vessels in Sight, turned 2d. & 3d. Reefs out of the Topsails and sett the Top Gallant Sails. At ½ past 2 PM sett the Royals, at 3 PM sounded in 18 ½ fathoms of water, at ¼ past 3 PM tacked to the Eastd, at 4 PM a Ship in Sight bearing N.E. standing down for us and three Ships and a Brig N.N.W on the Starboard Tack J[ohn. T. S[hubrick

From 4 to 6 PM light airs from the Northward at V past 5 PM; hauled up the Main Sail at 6 PM the Single Ship bearing E.n.E. [Alexander] .S. W[adsworth]

At ¼ past 6 PM got a light breeze from the Southward ; and Eastward, worship Eastwrd, wore ship, and stood towards the above Sail keeping her a little of the Larboard bow, sett Top Gallant, and Royal Staysails, and Starboard Top Gallant Studding Sails, at ½ past 7 beat to quarters, and cleared ship for Action.,at 8 PM light Airs, Coming up with the above Ship very slow. Geo. C. Reed.

At 10 PM hauled down the Stay Sails and hauled up the spanker. At ½ past 10 PM made the private Signal of the day, at ¼ past 11 PM hauled down the signals, not having been answered by the above Ship, and made Sail by the wind, with starboard Tacks on board.

Friday 17 July 1812

Commences with clear weather and fresh breezes from the Northward and Eastward, at ½ PM Sounded in 22 fms of water, at 2 PM 4 Sails of Vessels in Sight, turned 2nd and 3rd Reef out of the Topsails, and set the Top Gallant Sails, at ½ past 2 PM Set the Royals, at 3 PM Sounded in 18 ½ fms water, at ¼ past 3 PM Tacked to the East at 4 PM a Ship in Sight bearing N E Standing down three Ships, a Brig N.N.W. and on the Starboard

The Chase of the USS Constitution by five British Vessels

From 12 to 4 Am, light airs from the Southward and westward, and cloudy. At 4 AM the Ship made a signal (a rocket and two Guns) at day light discovered three Sail off the Larboard Quarter bearing N.E and three sail astern. J.T.S.

At 5 Am discovered another Sail astern making 2 Frigates off our Lee quarter, and 2 Frigates and one Ship of the Line, one Brig and one Schooner a Stern.

At ¼ past 5 Am it being light and the ship having no Steerage way hoisted out the First Cutter and got the Boats a head to tow Ship’s head round Southward,got a 24 pounder up off the Gun deck for a Stern Gun and the Forecastle Gun aft, Cut away the Taffierail to give them room, and run two Guns out the Cabin windows. At 6 PM [6 A.M] got the Ship’s head round to the Southward and Sett the Top Gallant Stud’g Sails and Staysails, one of the Frigates Firing at us. At 1/2 past 6 Am sounded in 21 fathoms of water. At 7 Am got out a Kedge and warped the Ship ahead. At 8 Am calm, employd warping and towing the Ship ahead, the other ships having a light air gaining on up with their boats ahead, and one of them rowing their sweeps. At 9 Am the above ship in close chase of us, and nearest frigate gaining on us. At 9 minutes past nine Am a light breeze sprung from the southward, braced up by the wind on the Larboard Tack, when the above Frigate commenced firing but her shot did not reach us, got the boats alongside, run two of them up. At 10 AM started about 2,335 Gallons of water, and pumpd it out, almost calm, manned the First Cutter to tow Ship. Six sail of the Enemies Ships off the Starboard Beam, and quarter, perceived that the nearest frigate had got all the Boats from the other Ships to tow her towards us, From 10 Am to Meridian employd warping and towing. All sail made by the wind, one of the above Ships coming up apparently having all the boats from the other Ships light airs, and cloudy. Geo.C. Reed.

Latie.Obserd. 39 15’N

Commences light airs from the Southward and Eastward, attended with Calms. At ¼ after Meridian sent the First Cutter and Green cutter ahead to tow Ship. At ¼ before 1 PM, a strange Sail discovered 2 points abaft the Lee Beam, the 4 Frigates One point off the Starboard quarter, Line of Battle Ship, Brig and, Schooner off the Lee Beam. At 7 minutes before 2 PM the chasing Frigates commenced firing their Bow Chase Guns, we returned them with our Stern Chase Guns. At ½ past 3 PM still chased by the above Ships, one of them which is nearly in Gun shot. At 7 PM observed the Enemies Ships towing with their Boats. Lowered down the First Cutter, Green Cutter and Gig and sent them ahead to tow Ship, steering SS ½ W light airs inclinable to Calms, at ½ past 7 PM sounded 24 fms of water, At 8 PM light airs from the Southward and Eastward. The 1st and 5th Cutters, and Gig ahead towing Ship, the Enemies Ships in the same position, at ½ past 7 PM.

From 8 to 9 PM light Airs and cloudy, Enemies Ships still in chase of our Boats ahead towing Ship, at 7 minutes before 11 PM a breeze sprung from the Southward, boats came alongside, hoisted up the Gig and Green Cutter, and sett the Fore top Mast staysail and Main Top Gallant Studding sail at Midnight moderate breezes and cloudy sounded in 26 fms of water. the Enemies Ships Still in Chase. Geo C. Reed.

Saturday 18 July 1812

At 2 AM sounded in 23 fms of water, discovered one of the Ships off the Lee Beam, at ½ past 2 AM took in the Steering sails, at day light Four Frigates in Sight three off the Lee quarter and one off the lee beam, From 2 to 3 miles distant. At 4 AM six sail in sight from off the deck, hauled down the Fore top mast Staysail, very light breezes. B.V.H
at 4 hours 20 minutes Am, Tacked ship to the Eastward, at 5 Am passed about Gun Shot distance to windward of one of the Frigates, hoisted in the First Cutter, Ten sail in sight from the masthead. At 8 AM hauled down the middle staysail. At 9 Am fitted and sett Fore and Main skysails saw a Ship to windward, supposed to be an American Merchantman standing toward us, the frigates hoisted English colours, got Royal studding sails and mounts fitted, and shifted the starboard foretopmast studding sail boom which was sprung. At 10:15 Am sounded in 25 fathoms of water fine gray sand and broken shells. At 11 Am took in skysails. At meridian moderate breezes and pleasant weather, rather leaving the frigates in chase the [sic] headmost frigates to Leeward bearing nearly N by w, 4 or 5 miles distant, the nearest frigate WNW direct in our wake distant about 3 ½ miles, the Line of Battle Ship N by W ½ W on the larboard tack hull down, two frigates off our lee quarter NNW ½ W on the larboard tack hull down, two frigates off our lee quarter NNW ½ W and NW by W about 5 miles distant and a brig bearing about N by W. Observed Lat 38-47 North which from that and the soundings got at 1/4 past 10 AM allowing for the distance since run gives our Long about 73-53 West from which we date our departure.

At 1 PM hauled down the Royal staysails and sett the middle staysail. At 2 PM got shifting backstays with topgallant masts, and sett them well up, took in the gaff topsail and mizzen top gallant staysail. At ½ past 2 PM sett the mizzen topgallant and main Royal staysails and Main staysails. At 4 PM a moderate breeze from the SSW and cloudy, four sail of the enemy still in chase, the nearest about 6 miles off bearing NNW ½ W and one off the weather quarter W by N ½ W.

From 4 to 6 PM moderate breezes and Cloudy. At 5 PM sett Top Gallant and Fore Topmast Studding Sails, ¼ before 6 PM took in topgallant studding sails and fore topmast studding sail. At ½ past 6 PM took in the Royals. At ¼ before 7 PM a heavy squall of wind and rain took in our skysails, topgallant sails and flying jib, sett the fore topmast staysail and took the 2nd reef in the Mizzen topsail and one reef in the spanker. At 7 PM sett the topgallant sails and main topmast staysail. At ½ past 7 PM the Leewardmost Ship NNW ½ W and the weathermost Ship NN by W ¾ W the other two more astern hull down, sett middle and topgallant staysails. At ¾ past 7 PM sett royals, flying jib and mizzen topgallant staysail and turned the affect of the spanker. Sent the skysail yards down in the tops. At ¼ past 8 PM wind light sett starboard topgallant studding sails. At ¼ past 9 PM the wind hauled round to the Southward and Westward, Sett starboard lower steering and topmast and royal studding sails, skysails and gaff topsails, rounded in the weather braces. At ½ past 10 PM the wind backed round again took in the lower steering sail and braced up, heared two Guns from the Enemies Ships off the Lee Quarter, at 11 PM could just discover the weather Ship to have got in our wake, at Midnight moderate breezes and pleasant took in the Royal Studding Sails. Geo. C. Reed

Saturday 19 July 1812

From Midnight to 4 Am moderate breezes and cloudy, at 1 Am sett the Skysails. at ¼ before 2 AM got a pull of the weather brace and sett the Lard Steering sail, at 3 Am sett the Main Topmast studding sail, at ¼ past 4 Am hauled up to S.E. by S. 4 Sail in Sight astern, the weather most ship bearing N.W. ½ W the 2d N.W. and the others N.W. by N. Northerly all of them hull down, at ½ past 6 Am breeze moderate, crew employd wetting the sails aloft, at 8 Am moderate breezes and pleasant 4 Ships Still in Sight chasing of us, the nearest and weathermost Ship having her lower Yards under the Same Ship bearing NW ¼ N. and the Leeward Ship N by W. A. S. W.

At ¼ 4 past 8 Am all the Ships in chase stood to the Northward and Eastward, at ½ past 3 AM discovered a Brig two points off the Starboard Bow, took in the Royal Studding Sails, and Skysails and Stood for the Sail ahead. At 9 Am discovered another sail a head. At 9 Am discovered another sail ahead, at ¼ past 9 Am took in the Skysails, and Flying Jib at ¾ past 9 Am backed the Main Topsail and spoke an American Brig 33 days from Santo Domingo bound for Portland, at 10 Am filled away and Head for a Sail off the Lee Bow, at ½ past 11Am, came up with the Larboard Side and boarded her under American Colours, when we found that she was the American Brig Sally from Saint Bartholemew 23 days bound for Philadelphia but on her hearing of our being at Calm, Stood for Charleston South Carolina, at Meridian down the Boat returned hoisted her up took 2d Reef in Topsails, Sett the Main Top Gallant Sail. and Stood to the Eastward, Latitude Observd 37.18 North

Monday July 20th 1812

Commences with a Strong breeze from the Westward, and clear weather, at ¼ past Meridian got the Larboard forward 24 pounder off the Spar deck on the Gun deck, at 25 minutes past 2 Pm discovered a Sail from the Mast head bearing E by N at ¼ past 2 Pm took in the Fore Top Gallant Sail at 10 minutes past 3 PM hauled on board the Larboard Main Tack, and hauled by the Wind, Sent down the Royal Yards, and took two Reefs in the Spanker, and Sett it, discovered the Sail from the deck to be a large Ship Standing by the wind with Starboard Tacks on board, at ¾ past 3 PM hauled up the Main Course and Lowered down the Spanker, and Squared away, before the wind, at 4 PM discovered her to be a Merchant Ship with American Colours Flying B.V.H.

At 10 Minutes before 4 PM backed the Main Topsail, and board the American Ship Desana 47 days from Lisbon for Baltimore, at ½ past 4 PM filled away Sett the Fore Top Gallant Sail, and Stood East, at 5 PM Henry Gales / Seaman/ departed this life; at 6 PM Fresh breezes from the Northward, and Eastward J.J.S

At ½ past 6 PM mustered the Crew at Quarters, from 6 to 8 PM fresh breezes, and cloudy with lightening from the Eastward, at 8PM hauled up E.N.E. A.J.M/

At ½ past 8 PM Took in the Fore and Main Top Gallant Sails, and furled the Mainsail. at Midnight hauled up N.E. fresh breezes from the Northward and Westward with Flying Clouds, Geo E. Reed

From 12 to 4 Am fresh breezes and Cloudy at 3 Am loose the Main Sail, at 40 minutes past 4 Am. discovered a Sail a head. hauled by the Wind N.N.E. speak her, at ¼ past 6Am fired two Muskets, at a Brig to bring her to speak, her to speak to us, boarded the Snow Rising San May bury 43 days Opato bound for Newport Rhode Island at 7 PM filled away and made Sail, Sett Fore and Main Top Gallant Sail, and Spanker with two Reefs, turned the reefs out of the Spanker, at Meridian clear with moderate breezes from the Northward, and Westward, Lat. Ob 39. 9N B.V.H.
Log of the USS Constitution August 20th 1812

Wednesday August 19th 1812 IMAGE: Logbook August 20, 1812

From Midnight to 4 A/m light airs from the Southward and Eastward, and thick foggy weather. A.T.W.
From 4 to 8 Am hazy wind from the Southward and Eastward, at 8 Am sett the Top Gallant Sails. Thermometer in the air 64 in the water 65. Geo. C. Reed

At ¾ past 8 AM took in Fore and Mizin Top Gallant Sails, and clewed down the Mizin Top Sail, at 10 Am took the Steam Anchor out of the Fore Chains, took the Stock from it, and put them in the main hold. at ¾ past 11AM sett the Mazin Topsail, at Meridian fresh breezes and Cloudy weather B.V.H.Latitude Observed. 41 42 North

Commenced with fresh breezes from the Northward, and westward and Cloudy, at 2 PM, discovered a sail to the Southward, made all Sail in Chace, at 3 PM perceived the Chace to be a Ship with her Starboard Tacks on board, close hauled by the Wind, at ½ past 3 PM Closing fast with the Chace, who appeared to be a Frigate, at ¼ before 5 PM the Frigate lay her Main Topsail to the Mast, took in our Top Gallant Sails, Staysails, flying Jib, hauled the Courses up, took the 2nd Reef in the Topsails, and Sent down the Royal Yards, and got all snug, and ready for Action and beat to Quarters, at which our Crew gave three Cheers, at 5 PM bore more up bringing the Chace to bear rather off the Starboard Bow, She at that time discovering herself to be an Enemy by hoisting three English Ensigns, at 5 minutes after 5 PM, she discharged her Starboard broadside at us without effect, her shot falling Short of us. She immediately wore around, and discharged her Larboard Broadside two shot of which hulled us and the remainder flying over and through our Rigging, we then hoisted our Ensign and a Jack, at the Fore, and Main Top Gallant Mast heads The Enemy still maneuvering to rake us firing alternately his Broadsides, we returning his fire with as many of our Bow Guns from the Main Gun deck as we could bring to bear on her, at 3/4 past 5 PM the Enemy finding his attempts to rake us fruitless, bore up with the wind rather on his Larboard Quarter, we then sett our Main Top Gallant Sail, and steered down on his Beam in order to bring him to close action, at 5 minutes after 6 PM hauled down the Jib, and lay the Main Top Sail Shivering and opened on him a heavy fire from all our Guns, at 15 minutes after 6 PM the enemies Mizen Mast fell over on the Starboard side, on which our crew gave three cheers, we then fore reaching on him, attempted raking of his Bow,but our braces being shot away and Jib Halyards, we could not effect it, he immediately attempted raking of our stern, but failed also, getting but one of his Guns to bear on us which he discharged with little or no effect, having his Bowsprit entangled in our Mizzen rigging our Marines during that time Keeping up a very brisk and galling fire on him, from the Tafferale and our Boarders preparing to board, at which time Lieutenant Charles Morris, and Lieutenant William S. Bush of the Marines fell from off the Tafferale, the former severely wounded, and the latter Killed, our vessel having way on her, shot clear of him, when immediately, it being then 30 minutes after 6 PM his Fore, and Main Masts fell over on the Starboard Side, Sett Fore and Main Course, and stood to the Eastward, and took one reef in the topsails, in order to reeve our Braces, and halyards which had been shot away; [in] which time the Enemy is complete wreck under his Spritsail, fired a Gun in token of Submission to Leeward, which we answered as soon as our Topsails were sett, and our braces rove by wearing Ship, and running under his Lee, hauling up our courses, and laying our Main Topsail to the Mast, and sending a boat with Lieutenant Reed on board of the prize &c... at 1/2 past 7 PM hoisted out all the Boats, to take out the prisoners, sent the 2d and 3d Cutters with First Cutter with a ten inch Hawser to take the prize in tow, at 8 PM the Boat returned leaving Lieutenant Reed in charge of the Prize, and bringing with them Captain Dacres of formerly his Britannic Majesty's Ship Guerriere mounting 49 Carriage Guns, 30 of which were 18 pounders, on his Main Gun deck 14.32 pounder Carronades on his Quarter deck and one howitzer a 12 pound Caliber also: and 2.32 pounder Carronades, and 2 twelve pounder long Guns on his Forecastle Manned with [left blank] Men including Marines Boys, and Officers, our loss sustained during the action in Killed and Wounded 14. Seven of which were killed, among the latter, William S. Bush, Senior Lieutenant of Marines, and among the latter Lieutenant Charles Morris dangerously, and Mr. Aylwin Sailing Master, slightly; one of the Seamen of the number Killed, Robert Brice lost his life through want of precaution in not sponging the Gun being blown from the Muzzle of the piece, our Standing and running rigging much cut, and One Shot through the Fore Mast, one through the Main Mast, and one through the heel of the Fore Top Gallant Mast, and the Starboard Cross Jack yard arm cut away, as also the Spare Top Sail Yard in the Main chains, and the Band for the slings of the Main Yard broken, our spanker Boom, and Gaff Broken by the Enemy, when foul of our Mizen Rigging, at 11 AM the First Cutter returned with the Master finding it impracticable to get the Prize in tow, having been obligated by the drift of the Wreck to slip the Hawser, during the night keeping at a convenient distance from this on a different Tack to receive the prisoners, and in Knotting and Splicing the Rigging and getting the Ship clear for action; our Sails also being much cut through with the Enemies Shot moderate and clear at 1 Am discovered a sail to Windward bearing about N.W.,at day light discovered a sail to Windward. but could not discern what she was. in all probability the Sail discovered at 1Am. at 7 Am Sent down the Fore Top Gallant Yard, and wounded Mast, and Sent up another crossed the Yard and set the Sail, at ¼ past 7 PM was hailed from the prize by Lieutenant Reece, who said that the prize had five feet of water in the hold, and that none of the prisoners on board would assist in pumping her out; Carpenters employd in fitting of [illegible] for the Fore and Main Masts, shifting the Slings, in the Cross Jack Yard. and pulling Top an Sheet Blocks on the Yard crew employd in splicing and knotting the Rigging and replacing what running rigging had been Cut away at Noon light air from the Northward.

 

USS Constitution and HMS Guerriere August 19, 1812

Friday September 4, 1812

Commenced with light variable airs, and pleasant, employd in Blackening of the Bended and other necessary jobs, at 6 PM sent 60 Men who had volunteered with Lieutenant Reece W. Atchison Masters Mate,. ..
IMAGE Constitution and HMS Guerriere August 19, 1812

Thursday 24th September 1812 Navy Yard Charlestown

Commences with Cold weather wind from the Northward and Westward, employed in making nippers, rope bands and Gaskets at 9 Am mustered the Crew at Quarters. brought from the Navy Yard the Mizzen Steeple trees and received on board from the Recruiting Office of the United States Army George Mitchell, who had enlisted and taken a bounty of Eight dollars during the Night moderate and cold, at day light airs and cloudy/ Sent the Riggers Sail Makers and Gunners on Shore to the Yard on duty, brought on board the Old Mizzen Stay to work up into nippers, and Gaskets Sent the new stays up at Meridian pleasant.

Friday 25th September 1812 Navy Yard Charlestown

Commences with pleasant weather employed as necessary brought on board the tree rigging with some of the Mizzen Shrouds during the night, calm and cloudy inclining to rain at day light turned up the hands to scrub leather, bags and hammocks. At 9 Am punished George Mitchell, with one dozen lashes for desertion, and sent him on board of Gun Boat No. 58, Carpenters, plumbers &c employed as requisite, at 11 Am sent the Riggers Sailmakers and Gunners to the Yard on duty at Meridian weather wind from the Westd

Wednesday 16 November 1812

Commenced with pleasant weather, at 4 PM Commodore William Bainbridge Superseded, Captain Isaac Hull in the Command of the Ship, and hoisted his broad pendant, at which the Crew expressed their dissatisfaction. The Armorer Leonard Hayes for mutinous expression was sent onboard Gun Boat No.58, during the night calm and cloudy, at day light Sent the Rigging Gang shore, at 9 AM the Commodore came on Board and released the Purser At Meridian pleasant.

Thursday November 26th 1812, U.S. Frigate Constitution Wm. Bainbridge  Commd. 

Com[menced] with Light Breezes and Variable with rain at 1 PM set the main sail and spanker exercised the Guns by Divisions  at 4 PM cloudy with light showers of rain At ½ past 5 squally hauled up Fore Corse and took in Top Gallant sails at 6 mustered the men at Quarters fresh breezes and squally. From 6 to 8 PM moderate breezes and cloudy with rain at 7 let one Reef out of the Main Top Sails From 8 to Midnight light airs and cloudy, at half past 9 set the main Sail. [The USS] Hornet in [illegible]  At 1 Squally hauled up the main sail at 4 moderate set the main sail From 4 AM to 5 moderate breezes and cloudy set the main sail  top gallon sail variable winds with small rain during the watch. At 9 AM made the signal 345 answered by the Hornet hauled up the main sail and backed the mizzen topsail at ½ 9 AM Capt. Lawrence, Mr. Ballard and Steward came fired a gun and made the signal for a court martial - At 10 filled away at ½ past 10 in top Gallant sails at 11 wore ship to the windward at Meridian light breezes and cloudy ship Hornet in sight 20 Men in Sick List Water on hand: 34, 828 ¼ No Observation.

Note: The three officers from the USS Hornet were aboard for a Court Marital. This was in the case of Marine Pvt. James Pershaw, for threatening the life of Midshipman James Delancy.  Pvt. Pershaw was found guilty and sentenced to received fifty lashes.  

Thursday December 3rd  1812, U.S. Frigate Constitution Wm. Bainbridge  Commd. 

Com[menced] with fresh trade winds and pleasant weather at 2 PM the Hornets boat returned with information that we should be supplied with whatever the Island afforded. Three of the natives  came along side to sell fish from 4 to 6  fresh breezes and cloudy  Mid part steady breezes and flying clouds, at 4  AM hoisted out the 1st 2nd & 3rd  Cutters and filled them with casks  of different sizes to fill water for the ship  and sent them  on shore, from 8 AM to Meridian on pleasant breezes and cloudy at 9.30 AM sent the 4th cutter on shore, employed turning & setting up the fore and Main topmast rigging & mizzen and painting the Quarter Deck and Forecastle  beds and stays and other artificers as necessary Lat obs 3, 50. 27 

Saturday Dec 5th 1812, U.S. Frigate Constitution Wm. Bainbridge Commd 

Com[menced]  with pleasant Breezes and pleasant weather at ½  past meridian the  cutter came alongside with raft of water at ½ pasted hoisted in the water and first cutter and hoisted the gig and got underway and stood off and on.  From  4 to 6  PM standing off and on light breezes  At 5 the Citadel bore South  from 6 to 8 PM standing off and on light breezes with flying clouds At 9 the South part of the Island Fernando de Noronha bore south 3 or 4 miles distant

Punished and dismissed from confinement Anthony Ruver with one dozen, James Mc Gowin one dozn Thurman Peary dozn, David Smith seven stripes, John Bivins one dozn, David Scott seven stipes, Wm Burbank Excused, Timothy Custal excused, Willm Muur confined for desertion  Seventeen men on the Sick List  Water Remaining on hand today 32, 645 Gallons.

Note: Beginning in the late 18th century, the government of Portugal and later of Brazil used the island of Fernando de Noronha prison. The island is located 228 miles off the coast of Brazil.

Tuesday 29 December 1812, Journal of Commodore William Bainbridge

Commodore William Bainbridge
Gilbert Stuart circa 1814

At 9 AM discovered two Strange Sails on the weather bow, at 10. AM, discovered the strange sails to be Ships, one of them stood in for the land, and the other steered off shore in a direction towards us. At 10.45, We tacked ship to the Nd & Wd and stood for the sail standing towards us,-At 11 tacked to the Sd & Ed hauld up the mainsail and took in the Royals. At 11.30 AM made the private signal for the day, which was not answered, & then set the mainsail and royals to draw the strange sail off from the neutral Coast.

Wednesday 30th December 1812, (Nautical Time) Commences with Clear weather and moderate breezes from E.N.E. Hoisted our Ensign and Pendant. At 15 minutes past meridian, The ship hoisted her colors, an English Ensign, --having a signal flying at her Main Red Yellow-Red At 1.26 being sufficiently from the land, and finding the ship to be an English Frigate, took in the Main Sail and Royals, tacked Ship and stood for the enemy.

At 1:50. P.M, the Enemy bore down with an intention of raking us, which we avoided by wearing. At 2, P.M, the enemy being within half a mile, of us, and to wind ward, & having hauled down his colors to dip his Gafft, and not hoisting them again except an Union Jack at the Mizen Mast head, (we having hoisted on board the Constitution an American Jack forward Broad Pendant at Main, American Ensign at Mizen Top Gallant Mast head and at the end of The Gafft) induced me to give orders to the officer of the 3rd Division to fire one Gun ahead of the enemy to make him show his Colours, which being done brought on afire from us of the whole broadside, on which he hoisted an English Ensign at the Peak, and another in his weather Main Rigging, besides his Pendant and then immediately returned our fire, which brought on a general action with round and grape.

The enemy Kept at a much greater distance than I wished, but Could not bring him to closer action without exposing ourselves to several rakes.-Considerable Manoeuvers were made by both Vessels to rake and avoid being raked.

The following Minutes Were Taken during the Action

At 2.10. P.M.	Commenced The Action within good grape and Canister distance. The enemy to windward (but much farther than I wished).
At 2.30. P.M.	our wheel was shot entirely away
At 2.40	determined to close with the Enemy, notwithstanding her rakeing, set the Fore sail & Luff'd up close to him.
At 2.50	The Enemies Jib boom got foul of our Mizen Rigging
At 3	The Head of the enemies Bowsprit & Jib boom shot away by us
At 3.5	Shot away the enemies foremast by the board
At 3.15	Shot away The enemies Main Top mast just above the Cap
At 3.40	Shot away Gafft and Spunker boom
At 3.55	Shot his mizen mast nearly by the board
At 4.5	Having silenced the fire of the enemy completely and his colours in main Rigging being [down] Supposed he had Struck, Then hawl'd about the Courses to shoot ahead to repair our rigging, which was extremely cut, leaving the enemy a complete wreck, soon after discovered that The enemies flag was still flying hove too to repair Some of our damages.
At 4.20	The Enemies Main Mast went by the board.
At 4.50	[Wore] ship and stood for the Enemy
At 5.25	Got very close to the enemy in a very [effective] rakeing position, athwart his bows & was at the very instance of rakeing him, when he most prudently Struck his Flag.

 

Had The Enemy Suffered the broadside to have raked him previously to strikeing, his additional loss must have been extremely great laying like a log upon the water, perfectly unmanageable, I could have continued rakeing him without being exposed to more than two of his Guns, (if even Them)

After The Enemy had struck, wore Ship and reefed the Top Sails, hoisted out one of the only two remaining boats we had left out of 8 & sent Lieut [George] Parker 1st of the Constitution on board to take possession of her, which was done about 6. P.M, The Action continued from the commencement to the end of the Fire, 1 H 55 m our sails and Rigging were shot very much, and some of our spars injured-had 9 men Killed and 26 wounded. At 7 PM. The boat returned from the Prize with Lieut. [Henry D.] Chads the 1st of the enemies Frigate (which I then learnt was the Java rated 38 - had 49 Guns mounted--)-and Lieut Genl [Thomas] Hislop-appointed to Command in the East Indies,-Major Walker and Capt Wood, belonging to his Staff. -Capt [Henry] Lambert of the Java was too dangerously wounded to be removed immediately.

The Cutter returned on board the Prize for Prisoners, and brought Capt [John] Marshall, Master & Commander of The British Navy, who was passenger on board, as also Several other Naval officers destined for ships in the East Indies. The Java had her whole number complete and nearly an hundred supernumeraries. The number she had on board at the commencement of the Action, The officers have not candour to say; from the different papers we collected, such as a muster book, Watch List and quarter Bills, she must have had upwards of 400 souls, she had one more man stationed at each of her Guns on both Decks than what we had The Enemy had 83 wounded & 57 Kill'd.

The Java was an important ship fitted out in the compleatest manner to [carry out] the Lieut. Genl & dispatches. She had Copper &c. on board for a 74 building at Bombay, and, I suspect a great many other valuables, but every thing was blown up, except the officers baggage when we set her on fire on the 1st of January 1813 at 3 P.M. Nautical Time.
Source: Copy DNA, RG45, CL 1813  volume 1, No. 8 ½

Commodore William Bainbridge attached this list of the officers and sailors of the USS Constitution killed and wounded in action with the HMS Java on 29 December 1812 in his report to Secretary of the Navy Paul Hamilton.  In all the USS Constitution suffered 9 killed and 25 wounded (five mortally) out of her crew of 480. During the conflict Commodore Bainbridge was twice wounded once in the thigh once in the shoulder but continued to direct the battle from the deck. The HMS Java had somewhere between 373 and 426 people on board at the time of the fight. Death reports for the Java vary between 22 and 60 while the wounded were numbered at either 101 or 102.  Source: Tyrone G. Martin A Most Fortunate Ship A Narrative History of Old Ironsides (Naval Institute Press: Annapolis 1997) p.176

List of Killed and Wounded on board the U.S. Frigate Constitution, under the Command of Commodore Wm Bainbridge, in an Action with his B.M. Frigate Java Henry Lambert Esq. Comm[odore] December 29th 1812.

Original Image

Killed			Wounded
Jonas Ongain	Seaman		Wm. Bainbridge	Commod	Severely
Joseph Adams	do		John C. Aylwin	Lieut.	do
Patrick Connor	do		Chas F. Waldo	Mas Mate	do
Barney Hart	do		Peter Woodbury	2nd Master	do
John Chaves	do		John Clements	Seaman	do
Mark Snorr	do		Joseph P. Cheeves	do
John D. Allen	do		Nicholas Vixtram	do	Slightly
William Cooper	do		William Long	do	Dangerously
Thomas Hanson	Private Marine		Stephen Webb	do	do
			Reuben Sanders	do	do
			Joseph Ward	do	Slightly
			William Weaden	do	Slightly
			Enos Bateman	do	Dangerously
			James D. Hammond	do	Slightly
			Peter Venus	do	Severely
			Stephen Shepard	do	Slightly
			Abjiah  Eddy	do	do
			Phillip Brimblecom	do	do
			Samuel Brown	do	Severely
			Daniel Hogan	do	do
			Thomas Williams 3rd	do	do
			John Vogh	do	Severely
			Anthony Reaver	Private Marine	Slightly
			John Elwell	do	do

(Signed) Robt. C. Ludlow                                                                               (Signed) Amos D. Evans (Surgeon)  R.C.
Purser

(Signed) Wm. Bainbridge                                                                          (Signed) R. C. Ludlow (Purser)
Commd.
                                                                                                                                 Wm. Bainbridge

Source: Letter Received from Captains, complied 1805 -1885 3 Jan 1813 – 28 Feb 1813, volume 26  Letter number 8  William Bainbridge to Paul Hamilton RG 260 NARA Washington

Lieutenant Henry D. Chads, Royal Navy, to Secretary of the Admiralty John W. Croker
Triplicate

United States Frigate Constitution
off St Salvador Decr 31st 1812

Sir
It is with deep regret that I write you for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that His Majesty's Ship Java is no more, after sustaining an action on the 29th Inst for several hours with the American Frigate Constitution which resulted in the Capture and ultimate destruction of His Majestys Ship. Captain Lambert being dangerously wounded in the height of the Action, the melancholy task of writing the detail devolves on me.

On the morning of the 29th inst at 8 AM off St Salvador (Coast of Brazil) the wind at NE. we perceived a strange sail, made all sail in chace and soon made her out to be a large Frigate; at noon prepared for action the chase not answering our private Signals and backing towards us under easy sail; when about four miles distant she made a signal and immediately tacked and made all sail away upon the wind, we soon found we had the advantage of her in sailing and came up with her fast when she hoisted American Colors. she then bore about three Points on our lee bow at 1:50 PM the Enemy shortened Sail upon which we bore down upon her, at 2:10 when about half a mile distant she opened her fire giving us her larboard broad-side which was not returned till we were close on her weather bow; both Ships now maneuvered to obtain advantageous positions; our opponent evidently avoiding close action and firing high to disable our masts in which he succeeded too well having shot away the head of our bowsprit with the Jib boom and our running rigging so much cut as to prevent our preserving the weather gage At 3:5 finding the Enemys raking fire extreemly heavy Captain Lambert ordered the Ship to be laid on board, in which we should have succeeded had not our foremast been shot away at this moment, the remains of our bowsprit passing over his taffrail, shortly after this the main topmast went leaving the Ship totally unmanageable with most of our Starboard Guns rendered useless from the wreck laying over them At 3:30 our Gallant Captain received a dangerous wound in the breast and was carried below, from this time we could not fire more than two or three guns until 4:15 when our Mizen mast was shot away the Ship then fell off a little and brought many of our Starboard Guns to bear, the Enemy's rigging was so much cut that he could not now avoid shooting ahead which brought us fairly Broadside and Broadside. Our Main yard now went in the slings both ships continued engaged in this manner till 4:35 we frequently on fire in consequence of the wreck laying on the side engaged. Our opponent now made sail ahead out of Gunshot where he remained an hour repairing his damages leaving us an unmanageable wreck with only the mainmast left, and that tottering; Every exertion was made by us during his interval to place this Ship in a state to renew the action. We succeeded in clearing the wreck of our Masts from our Guns. a Sail was set on the stumps of the Foremast & Bowsprit the weather half of the Main Yard remaining aloft, the main tack was got forward in the hope of getting the Ship before the Wind, our helm being still perfect. The effort unfortunately proved ineffectual from the Main mast falling over the side from the heavy rolling of the Ship, which nearly covered the whole of our Starboard Guns. We still waited the attack of the Enemy, he now standing toward us for that purpose. on his coming nearly within hail of us & from his maneuver perceiving he intended a position a head where he could rake us without a possibility of our returning a shot. I then consulted the Officers who agreed with myself that on having a great part of our Crew killed & wounded our Bowsprit and three masts gone, several guns useless, we should not be justified in waisting the lives of more of those remaining whom I hope their Lordships & Country will think have bravely defended His Majestys Ship. Under these circumstances, however reluctantly at 5:50 our Colours were lowered from the Stump of the Mizen Mast and we were taken possession a little after 6. by the American Frigate Constitution commanded by Commodore Bainbridge who immediately after ascertaining the state of the Ship resolved on burning her which we had the satisfaction of seeing done as soon as the Wounded were removed. Annexed I send you a return of a killed and wounded and it is with pain I perceive it so numerous also a statement of the comparative force of the two Ships when I hope their Lordships will not think the British Flag tarnished although success has not attended us. It would be presumptive in me to speak of Captain Lamberts merit, who, though still in danger from his wound we still entertain the greatest hopes of his being restored to the service & his Country. It is most gratifying to my feelings to notice the general gallantry of every Officer, Seaman & Marine on board. in justice to the Officers I beg leave to mention them individually. I can never speak too highly of the able exertions of Lieuts. [William A.] Herringham & Buchanan and also Mr. [Batty] Robinson Master who was severely wounded and Lieuts Mercer and Davis [David Davies] of the Royal Marines the latter of whom was also severly wounded. To Capt Jno Marshall RN who was a passenger I am particular]y obliged to for his exertions and advice throughout the action. To Lieutt Aplin who was on the Main Deck and Lieutt Sanders who commanded on the Forecastle, I also return my thanks. I cannot but notice the good conduct of the Mates, & Midshipmen. many of whom are killed & the greater part wounded. To Mr T. C. [Thomas Cooke] Jones Surgeon and his Assistants every praise is due for their unwearied assiduity in the care of the wounded. Lieutt General [Thomas] Hislop, Major Walker and Captain [J. T.] Wood of his Staff the latter of whom was severely wounded were solicitous to assist & remain on the quarter Deck I cannot conclude this letter without expressing my grateful acknowledgement thus publicly for the generous treatment Captain Lambert and his Officers have experienced from our Gallant Enemy Commodore Bainbridge and his Officers. I have the honor to be [&c.]

W [H] D Chads, 1st Lieut
of His Majesty’s late Ship Java

To John Wilson Croker Esquire
Secretary
Admiralty.

PS. The Constitution has also suffered severely, both in her rigging and men having her Fore and Mizen masts, main topmast, main topsail yards, Spanker boom, Gaff & trysail mast badly shot, and the greatest part of the standing rigging very much damaged with ten men killed. The Commodore, 5 Lieuts and 46 men wounded four of whom are since dead.
Source: UKLPR dm 1/5435

USS Constitution in action as night falls against HMS Cyane and HMS Levant  on 20 Feb 1815.This action was fought 120 mile east of Madeira Portugal.
Lithograph by James Queen after a painting by Thomas Birch, published circa the mid-19th Century by P.S. Duval, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Naval History and Heritage Center

Tuesday 21 February 1815

First part moderate breezes and cloudy with a little haze. At 1 P.M. a sail in sight to the Sd & Wd. hauled up for her and gave chase,, set staysails &c. At 1.15 made her out a large ship- 1.30 discovered another ship to the westward of her both standing close hauled towards us under a press of sail with their Starboard tacks on board. At 3 the weather ship made signals, at 4 she bore up making signals to the ship to leeward and firing guns;- bore up after her and crowded all sail in chase, set lower, topmast, topgallant, and royal studding sails. At 4.15 the lee ship tacked to the Southward. At 4.30 carried away our Main royal mast. At 5 fired on the chase from the first gun 1st division and the chase gun on the Forecastle, our shot falling short ceased firing; the lee ship tacked to the Northd. At 5.40 they closed, passed within hail of each other, shortened sail, hauled up their courses, and appeared to be making preparations to receive us. At 5.45 they set staysails, hauled aboard their tacks and endeavored to out wind us - 5.55 they shortened sail and formed on a line of wind at half a cables length from each other- At 6 sent up our colours they hoisting at the same time red English Ensigns- At 6.5 ranged within 300 yards upon the starboard side of the Stern most ship and invited the action by firing a shot between the two which immediately commenced with an exchange of broadsides-- in about 15 minutes their fire became slack, ordered our batteries to cease firing until the smoke cleared away; finding ourselves abreast of the headmost ship gave her our broadside, backed the after yards, and closed with the sternmost ship under cover of the Smoke;- the action was renewed with additional vivacity on both sides and continuous until 6h. 35m. when their fire again slackened, and we discovered the headmost ship bearing up filled our after sails, shot ahead, and gave her two broadsides into her stern; the sternmost ship was then discovered to be wearing, wore short round after her, she luffed to on our starboard bow and fired her larboard broadsides, luffed to on her larboard quarter within 50 yards, when she struck her colours, hoisted a light, fired a lee gun and yielded. At 6h. 50m. took possession of His Britannic Majesty's Ship Cyane Captain Gordon Falcon, mounting 34 carriage guns and two Swivels, got out all the officers, put fifteen marines over her prisoners, and gave her in charge to Lieut. Hoffman with a small crew. At 7.45 filled away after her consort and at 8 discovered her with damages repaired and topgallant sails set standing towards us - at 8h. 40m. passed on opposite tacks within 50 yards to windward of her, exchanged broadsides, wore under her stern and raked her, she made all sail and commenced running; set the courses, Spanker & flying Jib in chase- at 9.30 opened a fire upon her from our chase guns:- At 10 finding escape impossible she fired a gun to leeward and yielded,-- took possession of His Majesty's Ship Levant, Honble George Douglass, Captain, mounting 21 carriage guns. At 11 all hands employd repairing damages, securing the prisoners &c. &c." -- At 1. A.M. the Ship was put in good fighting Wounded 12 Killed 4

Wednesday February 22nd 1815

Moderate breezes and pleasant weather. All hands employd repairing sails, rigging, &c &c received on board some of the Prisoners and their baggage. Carpenters employd finishing the spars of the Cyane and Levant.

Captain Falcon complained of losing a small box containing English bank notes &c said to have been put in the boat by his Steward. Made every enquiry and searched for it, but could not discover where it was; examined the officer of the boat who saw nothing of it. also the coxswain who had not seen it passed into the boat; as it was not given in charge of the officer of the boat by Capt. F’s Steward could not feel any accountability for it. Lieutenant Ballard was put in command of the Levant.

Mustered all bags &c made search for articles said to be lost by the Prisoners.

Copy of a letter from Lieut. [Henry E.] Ballard, to the Secretary of the Navy, dated

                                                                                                Baltimore, 2 May 1815 

        I have the honour to make known to you my arrival at this place with a part of the Officers and crew of the U.S. frigate Constitution, captured in a prize, the Levant, in the harbour of Porto Praya in the island of St. Iago, by a Squadron of His Britannic Majesty's Ships, consisting of the Leander Sir George Collier, the Newcastle, Lord George Stewart, and the Acasta Capt. Kerr. For the particulars of my recapture I beg leave to refer you to the enclosed extract from the Log Book of the Levant.

        Having caused the destruction of my own papers as well as those of the Officers with me, I can only say to  you relative to  the Constitution that after leaving the Port of Boston she Severally cruised off the islands of Bermuda and Madeira, in the Bay of Biscay, and for some time in sight of the Rock of Lisbon, without having met with but two of the Enemy's vessels, one of which was destroyed the other ordered in; and that, on the evening of the 20th February, the island of Madeira bearing WSW distant 70 leagues, fell in with, engaged, and after a close action of 40 minutes captured H.B. Majestys Ships Cyane Capt. Gordon Falcon, and Levant Hon[orable] Capt. Douglass.

        It would, Sir be deemed presumption in me to attempt to give you particular details, respecting the nature of this action I shall therefore, only remark generally that every Officer, seaman and marine on board did their duty.  I cannot, however, deny myself the pleasure that this opportunity affords me of noticing the brilliant management of Captain Charles Stewart, through whose unerring judgment every attempt of an ingenious Enemy to gain a raking position was frustrated. I have the honor to be, very respectfully your obedient servant.                                                     

HENRY E. BALLARD

The Cyane mounted on her Main deck twenty two 32 lb carronades on her Upper deck, ten 18 lb Carronades, two long 9s, and one 12 lb. carronade on a traveling carriage, with a complement of 175 men. The Levant mounted eighteen 32 lb. Carronades, two long 9s. and one 12 lb. Carronade, with 138 men.

                                The Constitution had 4 killed and 9 wounded
                                        Cyane                   7 killed        17 wounded
                                        Levant                  9 killed        17 wounded

Addressed to Hon. B. W. Crowninsheild
Secretary of the Navy

Source: New Hampshire Gazette 16 May 1815, p2.

Wednesday March 8th 1815

These twenty four hours moderate breezes, with thick foggy weather; beating to windward to get round the N.E. end of Isle of May. At 5 P.M. could have weathered the N.E. reef, but finding that the Levant and Cyane could not weather shorten sail and made Signal for them to tack. Wore ship and stood off for the night. At midnight lost sight of the Cyane, made night Signals and fired several guns to show her our position. At 2 A.M. wore ship, the Levant only in sight. At 8A.M. saw the Cyane astern, hove too for her at 9. Latter part light baffling winds and very thick weather with light rain. At Meridian had an observation, bore up and made towards land.

Thursday March 9th 1815

First part fresh breezes and thick foggy weather made sail and stood in for the land. At 1 P.M. saw the Isle of May - 1.30made made the breaker on the outer or N.E. reef bore off to give them a birth. At 3 saw a schooner at anchor in the roads of May, supposing her from her getting under way to be a privateer, made the signal to her but she continued to stand round the S.E. end of the Island. At 5 P.M. came to anchor in the roads;- sent an officer on shore to inform the Governor whom we were – he was received with great attention - and assured that all the refreshments which could be procured on the island would be furnished in the morning – This road is much exposed and the anchorage so near the beach that it is hazardous in case the wind should set in strong as there would not be room to get under way. We were informed that the schooner which left is Spanish, from the Coast of Africa with slaves and supposing us to be English man of war had shipped and put to Sea, leaving a boat and two men on shore,

Friday March 10th 1815

Fresh breezes and thick weather. Sent on shore and got off a bullock for the sick and wounded, some figs, goats, and poultry, all very dear no fruit to be got. Thinking it a dangerous road to lag in at this season, determined to proceed to Port Praya where we could divest ourselves of the prisoners. At 3 P.M. in all boats, made the Signal and got under way with the Cyane & Levant and stood over towards St. Jag. At the wind lulled and set in very foggy, hauled to under every sail on the Starboard tack. At 10 made the island of St Jagoclose aboard, were ship and stood off and on until 8 A.M. – At 9 A.M, were and stood in shore with the East poaint. At 11 came to with the Larboard lower in Port Praya, sent down topgallant yards. & English brig and Portuguese brig lying in the Port. Sent a boat on shore acquaint the Governor of our arrival and to ask permission to land the prisoners.

Saturday March 11th 1815

Fresh breezes and thick weather. At 4 P.M. sent the first cutter on shore with prisoners. Directed the Cyane & Levant to land their prisoners also, Sent Captains Douglas and Falcon on shore to make arrangements for a cartel. At night the boats returned with Captains Douglas and Falcon, who said the Governor and General would have the Captain of the Portuguese brig on shore in the morning and wished them to come and arrange for the Cartel; said also they would press the English brig for the Service but were fearful that the master would leave the port at night as he was both to take them having engaged his cargo of mus[kets?] At their request I sent two of the British officers with twelve of their men on board the English brig to keep possession of her. At 11 P.M. the Governor ‘s boat came off with several prisoners which we took on board, and detained the boat all night to prevent our watch being again disturbed; - they stated that the prisoners had sold their clothes for liquor and had got drunk and unruly or they would not have sent them on board again. At 8 A.m. blacked the starboard bends. Sent Captains Douglas & Flcon on shore; at meridian they returned and said they had arranged for the Cartel. Sent a boat and officer to bring the English brig under our stern to have convenient to provision &c. Made preparations for supplying the Cartels from the prizes.
U.S.Frigate Constitution Charles Steward Esq Commander on a cruise

Sunday March 12,1815

Commenced with fresh breezes and thick foggy weather, at 5 P.M. discovered a large ship through the fog standing in for Port Praya. At 8 P.m. discovered two or large ships astern for her also standing in for the Port. From their general appears and supposed them to be one of the Enemies squadron, and from the little respect hitherto paid by them to neutral waters. I deemed it most prudent to put to sea. The signal was immediately made to the Cyrane and Levant to get under weigh. At 12 with our topsails, set we cut our cable and got under weigh, when the Portuguese opened a fire upon us, from several of their batteries on shore. The prize ships followed our motions and stood out of the harbour of Port Praya close under East point passing the Enemy’s squadron about gun shot to windward of them; crossed our topgallant yards and set Foresail, Mainsail, Spanker, Flying-jib and topgallant sails. The Enemy seeing us under way tacked ship and made all sail in chase of us. As far as we could judge of their rate from the thickness of the weather supported them to be two ships of the line and one frigate. At h.30m. cut away the boats towing action, first cutter and gig. At 1 P.M. we found our sailing about equal with the ship on our quarter, but the frigate luffing up and gaining our wake and rather dropping astern of us. The Cyane dropping fast astern and to leeward and frigate gaining on her fast I found it would be impossible to save her if she continued on the same course without having the Constitution brought to action by their whole force. I made signal at 1 h.10 m to tack which was complied with. This maneuver I conceived would detach one of the Enemy’s ships in pursuit of her, while at the same time from her position she would be enabled to reach the anchorage at Porta Praya before the detached ship would come up with her, but if they did not tack after her it would afford her opportunity to double their rear and make her escape before the wind. They continued in full chase of the Levant and this ship, the ship on our lee quarter firing her broadside by divisions, the shot falling short of us. At 3 having dropped the Levant considerably her situation became from the position of the Enemy’s frigate similar to the Cyrane’s. It is now become necessary to separate also from the Levant and gave over pursuit of the ship. The sacrifice of the Levant became necessary for the preservation of the Constitution. Set the royal and kept large from the wind. Sail master Hixon, Midshipman Varnum, one Boatswain’s mate and twelve men who were absent on duty in the 5th cutter to bring the cartel brig under our stern were lifted on board the Levant, which ship they reached before she cut. Surgeon’s mate Johnson, with the Sailmaker and his mate were believed on board the Levant. Later part midrate breeze and hazy.

Monday March 13th 1815

Fresh breezes and pleasant weather. Under easy sail standing to the westward to gain the track of vessels bound to England from Ports south of the line and to endeavor to fall in with his Majesty’s ship Inconstant bound from Rio de la Plata with Bullion to England with information we obtained from letters found on board the Susanna. Saw nothing these twenty four hours.

Wednesday March 15th 1815

Moderate breezes and fine weather. Exercised the guns and reorganized our Quarter bill. Placed the Marines at the guns and gave the command of the Quarter deck division to the officer of Marines and Mr. Pottinger Purser.
Current: S.S.W. 29 miles in 24 hours.

 

Related Topics:

Yellow Fever onboard USS Constitution 1855 by John G. Sharp

Ships of the Norfolk Navy Yard USS Constitution by Marcus W. Robbins

* * * * * * * * * *

John G. “Jack” Sharp resides in Concord, California. He worked for the United States Navy for thirty years as a civilian personnel officer. Among his many assignments were positions in Berlin, Germany, where in 1989 he was in East Berlin, the day the infamous wall was opened. He later served as Human Resources Officer, South West Asia (Bahrain). He returned to the United States in 2001 and was on duty at the Naval District of Washington on 9/11. He has a lifelong interest in history and has written extensively on the Washington, Norfolk, and Pensacola Navy Yards, labor history and the history of African Americans. His previous books include African Americans in Slavery and Freedom on the Washington Navy Yard 1799 -1865, Morgan Hannah Press 2011. History of the Washington Navy Yard Civilian Workforce 1799-1962,  2004. 
https://www.history.navy.mil/content/dam/nhhc/browse-by-topic/heritage/washington-navy-yard/pdfs/WNY_History.pdf
and the first complete transcription of the Diary of Michael Shiner Relating to the History of the Washington Navy Yard 1813-1869, 2007/2015 online:
https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/d/diary-of-michael-shiner.html  
His most recent work  includes Register of Patients at Naval Hospital Washington DC 1814 With The Names of American Wounded From The Battle of Bladensburg 2018,
https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/r/register-patients-naval-hospital-washington-dc-1814.html
The last three works were all published by the Naval History and Heritage Command. John served on active duty in the United States Navy, including Viet Nam service. He received his BA and MA in History from San Francisco State University. He can be reached at sharpjg@yahoo.com