Letters and Documents Relating to the UU. S. Navy and Home Squadron
and the Loss of the USS Albany 1853-1856

John G. M. Sharp

Introduction: The U.S.S. Albany, flying her homeward bound pennant after an active and successful cruise in the Caribbean, left Aspinwall Panama on September 29, 1854, for New York.¹ She was never heard from again and was listed "lost at sea with all hands.^{2, 3} Experienced sailors have long known the summer months in the West Indies are often accompanied by fierce gales and violent hurricanes. The Albany had been at sea on active service much more than usual for an extended cruise, however, just prior to her departure there still remained troubling questions regarding her seaworthiness, so much so that her captain Commander James T. Gerry wrote on 31 May 1854:

"When I look back upon the heavy weather we have encountered with this mast, so perfectly worthless, it really appears miraculous that it should have stood the severe trials through which it carried us in safety. I am very apprehensive that my Foremast will also prove more defective than we are aware of, but so far as can examine, no serious decay has been detected; but should the Ship go into a northern Port this summer, I would recommend a most minute examination of it…"⁴

1. The U.S.S. Princeton and Fulton were dispatched to seek trace of her, and after making a careful search they reported no trace had been found. The last official intelligence from the Albany to the Navy Department was dated September 28, 1854, and contained the information that on the ensuing day she would sail for New York. Lathrop. Constance, Vanished Ships, July 1934, Vol. 60/7/377, United States Naval Institute Magazine Proceedings,https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/1934/july/vanished-ships

2. Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, USS Albany I (Sloop of War), Naval History and Heritage Command, accessed 10 November 2024, https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/a/albany-i.html

3. In an 1850 report to Congress, the U.S. Navy reported that 29 ships had been lost up to that date. Of those, seven were "never heard of" after sailing, which also meant none of their crews survived. Cox, Samuel L H-060-2: Lost with All Hands, Naval History and Heritage Command, https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/about-us/leadership/director/directors-corner/h-grams/h-gram-060/h-060-2.html

4. James T. Gerry to John Thomas Newton, 31 May 1854, Letters Received by the Secretary of the Navy from Commanding Officers of Squadrons ("Squadron Letters"), 1841-1886. National Archives and Records Administration,Washington, D.C.

On 11 August 1854, Squadron Commander Commodore John Thomas Newton acknowledged the Albany was "…defective in many parts and that extensive repairs will be required." He then reminded Gerry"

The object of your visit to those Ports will be to protect our countrymen and to look after our commercial interests - You will take care to show our Flag along the whole coast of Central America -

On 25 January 1855 Commander John K. Mitchell captain of the steamer USS Fulton reported to Navy Secretary John C. Dobbin, "It is with great regret that at none of the places visited has any news of the Albany been obtained subsequent to the 29th of September."

After an extensive search lasting into January 1856, the Navy declared the Albany lost with 193 men. The cause of her demise has been variously attributed to "a wreck on the lee shore" or that she encountered a "hurricane - unable to weather its severity, she floundered."⁵  A critic charged that Navy Secretary John C. Dobbin and Commodore John Thomas Newton of the Home Squadron had "knowingly and recklessly exposed Albany to perilous seas in which she was engulfed."⁶ While the exact cause of the loss remains unknown, a U.S. Senate resolution passed in February 1856 requested "copies of the orders issued by the Navy Department to the captain of the Albany and related correspondence regarding the necessity of repairs."⁷ Despite this Senate resolution, most of the important documents related to the loss of the USS Albany were never readily available to the general public.

5. Delgado, James P.  Missing and Presumed Lost  August 2016, Naval History, Volume 30, Number 4 accessed 10 November 2024.

6. Carroll, Anna, Ella, The Star of the West; or, National Men and National Measures (Boston, J. French; New York, Miller, Orton & Mulligan, 1856), pp. 212, 221, 226 https://www.loc.gov/item/a11002645

Larson, Kay, Great Necessities the life and writings Anna Ella Carroll, 1815-1894, (Xlibris, 2004, p. 149)

7. Franklin Pierce, Correspondence with the Senate, To the Senate (re sloop-of-war Albany), 26 February 1855, Congressional Edition, Volume 745, p. 331.

U.S. sloop of war Albany: 22 guns.
New York: Currier & Ives. Lithograph print, 1850, LOC public domain

Her commanding officer was Commander James Thompson Gerry (1797-1854), the youngest son of Elbridge Garry (1744-1814) a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Gerry attended Harvard University, but after his father’s death the family financial burdens forced him to switch to West Point. There, however, he remained but one year and entered the navy as a Midshipman on 20 December 1815.⁸ Family finances remained a concern, for example, in March 1834 writing to Secretary of the Navy, Levi Woodbury, to request extended leave, he explained that after his return from a long cruise in the Mediterranean, he learned his brother (Elbridge H. Gerry), while conducting business for his widowed mother (Ann Thompson Gerry) “in commercial transactions had inadvertently induced his mother’s small dependence in an unproductive and depreciating investment.” He also noted that one-half of his Lieutenant’s pay was allocated to his family.^8a He was promoted to Lieutenant 28 April 1826 and Commander 17 April, 1842.⁹

8. To James Monroe, U.S. Military Academy Cadet Application Papers, 1805-1866, p. 518, Volume 1814; File #1-108 and Unnumbered Roll Number 0003, Record Group 94, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C.

8a. James T. Gerry to Levi Woodbury, 26 March 1834, Navy Officers Letters 1802 -1884, Date Range,  March 1, 1834 – May 16 1834,Volume 185 -187,Roll 0092, Record Group 45, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.

9. Officers Continental and US Navy and Marine Corps 1775-1900. Naval History and Heritage Command https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/o/officers-continental-usnavy-mc-1775-1900.html

Transcription: The transcriptions herein are made from digital images of letters and documents received by the Secretary of the Navy, located in Letters Received by the Secretary of the Navy from Commanding Officers of Squadrons (Squadron Letters) 1841-1886. Many of these are found in the letters of Commodore John Thomas Newton to the Secretary of the Navy with multiple enclosures. In transcribing all passages from the letters and memorandum, I have striven to adhere as closely as possible to the original in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and abbreviation, superscripts, etc., including the retention of dashes and underlining found in the original. Words and passages that were crossed out in the letters are transcribed either as overstrikes or in notes. Words which are unreadable or illegible are so noted in square brackets. When a spelling is so unusual as to be misleading or confusing, the correct spelling immediately follows in square brackets and italicized type or is discussed in a foot.

In remembrance of all those who served, "in peril on the sea."

                                    John G. M. Sharp                       17 November 2024

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Commodore Newton’s instructions to Commander Gerry written before his departure candidly describe the difficulties the Home Squadron had previously encountered. For example, during her August 1853 stay in San Juan de Nicaragua, desertions aboard the flag ship Columbia had reached such a level that it was necessary on 31 August 1853, to inform Solon Bolon, U.S. Envoy Extraordinary to Nicaragua, that members of the Albany crew were absent without leave and to request he notify the local authorities of the large reward for their recapture and that of the long boat they absconded with.

                                                                                                                  Frigate Columbia
San Juan de Nicaragua
31 August 1853

Excellency Solon Borland
Envoy Extraordinary, &c &c

Sir,

The desertions which have taken place from this Ship since her arrival here have been so numerous, and circumstances attending so aggravating, that I am induced to call your attention to the subject in the hope that some steps may be taken to induce the authorities in Nicaragua to arrest said deserters, and retain them in custody until a safe conveyance can be found to transport them to the United States -

I have no doubt that the  Commander in Chief of the Home Squadron will dispatch  a vessel  of war to this place for the purpose of receiving the Deserters on board, as soon as he learns that they have been apprehended -

Eighteen men have escaped from the Columbia and have taken with them one of the Boats of the Ship.

A reward of 30 dollars will be paid for each deserter when delivered to anyone authorized to receive them, and an additional sum of $100 will be paid for the Boat in which they deserted –

The names and descriptive list of the Deserters wherewith transmitted –

I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully
Your obet servt
[Signed] G. J. Pendergrast

United States Sloop-of-War Albany under sail (1846-1854)
Naval History and Heritage Command

U.S. Flag Ship Columbia
Island of St Thomas V. I.
25 Dec 1853

Sir

You will proceed without delay in the U. S. Ship Albany under your command to La Guerra, and look out for our countrymen and our Commercial interest in that Quarter – On your arrival there, you will communicate with our Consul, and gain from him any important information touching the State of Affairs in that section – Your stay there will be limited to one week unless it shall be deemed necessary for a longer continuance in which you will use your own discretion.

From La Guerra  you will proceed to Apsinwall, and make enquiries of the  Consul, at or near that Port, concerning the 18 men who deserted from this Ship while at San Juan de Nicaragua some months since – Should any of these men have been apprehended and he is now in confinement there, you will have them released and taken to the Albany on application to the  proper authorities; and you will be pleased to defray any expense which the local Government may have incurred for the apprehension and safe keeping of these Deserters - 

Information has been received at the Department that the Boat in which they escaped from the Columbia has been recovered  and is in the charge of our Consul at a small place near Aspinwall to whom you should make application for it, and if there, take it on board your ship for transport to the United States –

From Aspinwall (where you will make but a brief stop) you will touch in at San Juan de Nicaragua, and ascertain condition of things there, which duty performed you will run over and touch at Jamaica, communicate with our Consul, obtain local news &c and from there thence to go to St. Jago de Cuba, for the same purpose – Staying at each of these ports but a week or ten day, unless you shall find it important and necessary to remain longer – You will then run for Havana where you will remain until further orders-

During your cruise you will be governed by my General Instructions and General orders heretofore given to you-

Should anything transpire which you may deem of importance to make known to our Government, you will communicate with the Department direct, sending me copies by first convenient opportunity at Havana-

Wishing you a pleasant and prosperous cruise –

I am very Respectfully Your Obet Servt
[Signed] John Thomas Newton
Commg Home Squadron

The increasing numbers of desertions aboard the USS Columbia were an embarrassment to the Home Squadron and the Navy Department. However, Secretary Dobbin wrote a note to Commodore Newton and stressed that, regardless, the Squadron vessels must get to sea and patrol the vital shipping lanes to protect American commerce.

Inform Com Newton that it is the desire of the Dept that more activity be displayed by the Columbia in her movements. The remaining so long in port is prejudicial to the service.¹⁰

10. John Thomas Newton to J. C. Dobbin 30 May 1853, Letters Received by the Secretary of the Navy from Commanding Officers of Squadrons ("Squadron Letters"), 1841-1886.  National Archives and Records Administration Washington D.C.

* * * * * *

The following is a partial transcription of a three-page letter of Commander Gerry dated 24 February 1854 addressed to his sisters and brothers. He writes of the Albany’s recent ports of call, and status of his officers and warrant officers. Gerry perceived that Commodore Newton was jealous of him, that he "manifested a most contemptible jealously of me" and has therefore selected him for the most difficult missions possible. He also wrote many of his officers are sick. Of his recent voyage to Jamaica he says "Jamaica is a wreck of what it formally was." He related, the plantations are no longer functioning, which he blames on the emancipation of the slaves. "How any man in his right mind can advocate such a system of things perplexes me, and then to witness the general amalgamation of classes is too revolting to think of…"

U.S. Ship Albany
St. Jago de Cuba
Feb 24th 1854

My Dear Brothers & Sister

. . . After our charming visit at Jamaica, this place will contrast most unfavorably, yet I look forward to some pleasure in a visit to the copper mines, the most famous in these seas.

Thus far I enjoy excellent health, and so with all my crew, but  my Lieutenants are more or less on the sick report continually, and had I not shipped four very good Master Mates in New York this would have been very like the last cruise, but these officers are assistance to me. Our cruise has been of great interest and amusement to myself and most of the my officers, although I am uncharitable enough to believe that it was intended or expected to be so by our Com [Commodore], who at St. Thomas manifested a most contemptible jealously of me on account of the much attention paid me by Gov Bergh & the foreign Consuls without any advance on my part, and being quite the reverse of him. I cannot attribute to any other cause his selecting for me a cruise that promised such hardship, exposure & deprivation & at ports which have a reputation of being decidedly the most sickly and uninviting upon this station but which this year during our visit have proved remarkably healthy & uncommonly interesting . . .¹¹

11. Gilder Lehrman Institute of  American History, Gilder Lehrman Collection, GLC09099.10 - Gerry, James T., 1797-1854 | to Ann Gerry | February 24, 1854.

* * * * * *

U.S. Flag Ship Columbia
Harbor of Havana
No 208 April 3d 1854

Sir

Enclosed I have the honor to submit a copy of the report of Comdr Gerry of the Albany, upon his recent cruise in that vessel – I would respectfully call the attention of the Dept. to that portion of Capt. G.s’ report touching his actions at Aspinwall in relation to a capitation tax imposed upon the American line of Steamer by the local Government, and which was a subject of dispute –

The Department will observe that the Albany’s cruise has been an active one, having visited since her arriaval on the station the Ports of St. Thomas, La Guayra, (Spanish Main), Aspinwall, San Juan, Cartagena, Port Royal (Jamaica), St. Jago de Cuba, and this place and attended to our interest at all those places –

The Fulton has also been actively employed having been to St. Thomas, Tortola, St. Johns (P.Rico), St. Domingo (Hayti) Neuvitas, Barcoa, Cardenas & Matanzas, on the North side of Cuba, and as it appears by the letters of our Consuls as the respective places proved of much service –

The Columbia (though unavoidably detained at St. Thomas for seven weeks) has run down the entire extent of the Windward Islands, in sight of St. Eustache, Nevis , St. Kits, St Mauritius, Dominica, and Guadalupe, showing the Flag, and touching in at St. Puirre Martinique – thence to Santa Cruz and along the Southern Coast of Porto Rico, - [End p.1]

One of is the first acts was the extraction tax for every passenger landed at, and taken from Aspenwall by the U.S. mail by the U.S. Mail Steam Boats - the first [act] of the Provincial Government of Panama to levy a tax upon passengers at the Port, from [which] tax the English Mail steamers are Exempted –

The Agent of the Steam Boat Company, the Chief of the Panama Rail Co. and other parties, resisted this demand upon the plea of [illegible] a violation of the Charters of said Companies: the Government of New Granada, making Aspinwall Navy Bay a free port of entry: and a tax, from paying of which they had as much right to exemption as the British Mail Steamers -

Application had been made to the American Consul by the above parties before [my] arrival for his official interference in this and other matters pertaining to the New Granadian Government for reasons for declining, which are set forth in his [response] This demand was rejected after my arrival by Mr. Quesada accompanied by the Alcalde of the [illegible] threatened to compel the Agent of the Steam Boat Co by force, to make payment, as his orders from the Provincial Governor were preemptory - Under such circumstances the Americans appealed to me for protection, which they declined asking again the American Consul - I summoned all parties to meet me at the office of the Steam Boat Company without delay, that the affair might be temporarily promised until officially settled by the Governor in Bogota –

Upon a full investigation at this meeting of the grievances complained of by the Americans and the confirmation by Mr. Quesada of their statement is evident to me that their complaints were just. [End p.2]

In strict adherence with the facts stated – Accordingly I proposed the following arrangement, which was adopted as satisfactory to all parties – viz – that the payment of a capitation tax upon every passenger landed at and taken to Aspinwall by the U.S. Mail Steamers, now demanded by Mr. Quesada “as collector &c of Mr. Fairchild Co Agent &c for said steamers, should be suspended, and under no circumstances should the former resort to compulsion in collecting said tax from the latter until further orders upon this subject were received from the Government of new Grenada at Bogotá. The American parties, without delay, should make a full statement of the matter in controversy through the American Consul at Aspinwall to the U. S. Charge de affairs at Bogotá, to be laid before the Government of New Granada or otherwise disposed of by him - Mr. Quesada (the Alcalde of Aspinwall pledging himself not to interfere in the business) should in like manner make his report to the Authorities at Bogata and the Governor of Panama, from whom he derived his authority, and that he (Mr. Quesada) should be entitled to receive from Mr. Fairchild a certified list of passengers arriving at or embarking from Aspenwall on each of the above steamer, as a voucher for said capitation tax per the decision of the New Grenadian Government; all parties pledging themselves to abide by, and to await the reception at Aspinwall of such decisions from Bogotá -

Many other complaints of grievances were made to me by American residents of Aspinwall, which belonging strictly to the duties of the American Consul, were referred to him, and all interference in the matter declined by me-

The following morning 7th Jan’y, I sailed for San Juan del Norte – anchored off Greytown on the 14th and sent a currier with my dispatches to the American [End p. 3] Minister by the steamer just about taking her [illegible] up the River – He did not return to Greytown with the answer from the Legation & dispatch to you herewith enclosed, until Feby. 2d -

Since my last visit to this place, the Civil authorities at Greytown have strictly observed the course of conduct I then recommended to them, and they as the Agent of the Accessory Transit Co. assured me the most friendly intercourse exists, and not the difficulty [illegible] difficulty had occurred between them, up to the [present] time -

The affairs of the Company were represented in prosperous condition, but the commerce of the Port has improved – Complaint was made to the American Consul by the Captain of the Brig [illegible] the Agent of the Accessory Transit Co for entering and or harboring some men, deserters from his vessel, and the former called upon me for assistance in effecting their arrest – Enclosed is a copy of my note to the said Co and his reply to it –

The Mayor, in behalf of some citizens of Greytown, applied to me for assistance in launching a steamer from ways upon which they had been repairing her [and] had no means to remove - The Boat they [up loaded] is to be employed by American Citizens, in bringing from small rivers, tributaries to the San Juan, produce of the interior country, for exportation to the U. States under such circumstance, I sent the desired assistance. After the Steamer had been launched, several of my [crew] evaded the vigilance of their officers and became intoxicated - I regret in consequence having to report the loss of Jeremiah Sullivan (O Sea) by drowning while getting from the Boat to the Ship – He was subject to epileptic fits, and was supposed to have been [End, p.4]when he fell on overboard, as he sunk immediately without an Effort to save himself -

I sailed from San Juan del Norte on the 2nd of Feb’y, and beat up to Cartagena off which Port I showed our colors to a French Steamer standing in, and to an American schooner in company with us – keeping them flying so long as the Flag on shore could be distinguished –

From hence I stood for the Island of Jamaica anchored off Port Royal in the 15th, were immediately boarded by the health officer, and officer of the Fort, and on from the Guard Ship “Imann” Commodore Henderson tendering to us a cordial welcome to the Port – and every civility in their power – all which we realized to our utmost wished during our short visit – In our intercourse with our Consul and the several public officers of the Government, all corroborated one impression, that the Political and social condition of this Island could not be much worse – Plantations were mostly abandoned by their former occupants & owners, not paying expenses, consequently worthless - some few continued to pay expenses and about ½ dozen now yielded a hundred, instead of many thousand pounds under the old system - The Blacks could not be induced to labor on these estates for hire, but preferred the miserable cultivation of a small patch of growing, to regular Employment and liberal wages which would give them a surplus of means &c – The “Coolies” imported to cultivate Coffee and Sugar estates, had entirely disappeared, the experiment proving a total failure –

On the morning of the 21st I sailed for St. Jago de Cuba, and anchored in the outer harbor on the 24th proceeding to the anchorage off the City - next [End p. 5] Morning – our arrival created no little [scene] in consequence of some idle political [previously] circulated –

The visit to the Ship of our Consul [illegible] and subsequent interchange of salutes soon [dispersed] doubts, and during our visit we received the [kindest] civilities from the governor, Public officers and [most] respectable Citizens, altogether more cordial than [we] had ever experienced before

The representation made by our Consul [illegible] and Commercial affairs and all matters relating was very favorable and satisfactory –

Some Gentlemen of the English Copper Mining Co, informed me that English Bituminous Coals of the best quality could be supplied by them at this place to our steamers at $ 2 50 per ton – it is brought to our ballast by vessels Employed in transporting the [coal] to England, and in much greater quantity than be used at the mines –

On the 7th inst I sailed from St. Jago [illegible] and arrived on the 16th at this Port, experiencing very Westerly currents after passing Cape Antonio & mild breezes from Eastd. –

The usual salutes were fired, official [civilities] made and all promptly returned – The Capt. [of the Port] sent his aid to return my call in five hours [illegible] was made, and the same evening an inevitable invitations to dine with him the following day – Every attention has been paid me by the public authorities, that I could desire –

The condition of my ship is generally [such] that I require nothing of importance in her equipment except a new mainsail, the present old one being roughly worn out – and a new main top gallant yard to supply the place of the one lately in use which was rotten in the slings -

I am very Respectfully
Your Obet. Servt.
(Signed) James T. Gerry
Commanding U.S. Ship
“Albany”

Commo[dore]
John Henry Newton
Commdg: Home Squadron

[End pp. 6 -7]

* * * * * *

Commander James T. Gerry, response to abolition of flogging and the spirit part of the ration in the navy.

In 1850 the Secretary of the Navy, William Alexander Graham, sent an inquiry to a number of naval officers asking for their opinions on whether flogging and grog could be eliminated without damage to the Navy. Of the 84 replies received by Graham, only seven officers thought that flogging should be discontinued. *

*Langley, Harold D. Brief History of Punishment by Flogging in the US Navy, Naval History and Heritage Command, https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/b/brief-history-punishment-flogging-us- navy.html#:~:text=Therefore%20when%20Senator%20Hale%20succeeded,
that%20the%20legislation%20was%20misguided

Harold D. Langley in Social Reforms in the United States Navy, 1798-1861 summed up the written responses of those naval officers who voted to retain flogging as,

The vast majority of the officers questioned wrote letters of reply which repeated the familiar arguments for retaining the lash: it was quick, its practicality had stood the test of years, it was manly and the men preferred it to other punishments, it fell upon only a small part of the crew mostly “worthless” and/or foreigners, most officers disliked administering the lash and did so only when absolutely necessary, and confinement was impractical because it threw extra work on good men. **

**Langley, Harold D., Social Reforms in the United States Navy, 1798-1861 (University of Illinois Press, Urbana, 1967), p. 181.

One of the votes to continue the practice of flogging came from Commander James T. Gerry whose written response was read into the record.

Source: Punishments in the Navy, William B. Preston Circular, Jan 29, 1850, Report of Officers

I will include an extract from the answer to the circular furnished by James T. Gerry, the officer in command of the United States receiving ship Ohio, in the harbor at Boston. It will be remembered that as the commander of a receiving ship in port, he has much better opportunities of judging of the efficiency or inefficiency of the system of flogging that a sea-going master and he says:

Even under these favorable conditions, insubordination, particularly among recruits for the general service, is becoming more common, and an impression seems to be rapidly pervading the whole naval service that men are independent of the immediate control of their officer, and can obey their orders at pleasure or disobey them with impunity. During my experience in the navy, I have always found the best state of discipline where punishment of offenders was most prompt, and inflicted with the most formality; its frequency was less necessary; its influence more durable; and hence the efficiency of the service was greatly promoted.

A certain class of reckless men will always be found in the navy, and if kept under proper subjection, will perform their duties cheerfully, in a satisfactory manner and not impose extra service upon the more orderly and obedient. To such corporal punishment is mostly confined and seems indispensable.

To meet these cases, the system of irregular court martials, having the power to inflict flogging to a limited extent for minor offense, would in my opinion, enable officers to preserve a more healthful state of discipline and render the navy in all respects more efficient then at present, when there is no adequate punishment for such offences, and consequently all prestige of discipline is inevitably destroyed. ***

***Response to abolition of flogging and the spirit part of the ration in the navy, in answer to a circular of the Navy Department, 29 January 1850, 2 January 1852, The Washington Union (Washington, District of Columbia), p. 1.

In reply to the first question, I think the effect upon the recruiting service has been bad in every respect. It now requires a much longer time to ship a crew, and the persons induced to enter the naval service are generally of a class inferior to that which formerly entered the navy.

In reply to the second question, I think the effect upon discipline and subordination is too obvious to admit of a doubt, and decidedly subversive of both.

In reply to the third question, four ships of war have arrived at this port from foreign stations since the new system went into operation, and from my personal observation there is less alacrity and cheerfulness in the performance of duty. The orders of officers are treated with contempt more frequently, and obeyed less promptly now than formerly.

In reply to the fourth question, I think there are no effectual means by which the badly disposed persons on board ship can be restrained under the present system. Confinement is a trifling punishment to such persons, and while they enjoy their respite from work, innocent men actually suffer by having the onus of duty imposed upon them. The efficiency of the vessel is also materially injured by the confinement of men whose constant drilling is indispensable to constitute a well-regulated man of war.

In reply to the firth question, I must consider all vessels in the navy less efficient since the abolishment of flogging by Act of Congress, and that they will so continue until a different class of persons embrace the sailors profession than now found of every nation, and in every part of the world, whose reckless life has constituted them a distinct, but similar class of being from earliest maritime dates.

Quarterly return of punishments on board the USS Albany
16 Nov 1848 to Jan 1, 1849 (double click to enlarge)

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Lt. Robert B. Riell was born in Norfolk, Virginia, circa 1820. He was appointed Midshipman 2 September 1835, to Passed Midshipman on 22 June 1841, Master on 17 July 1847, to Lieutenant on Active List from 14 March 1848, transfered to Reserved List on 13 September 1855, and to Retired List on 29 September 1864, Captain on Retired List, 4 April 1867, and died 5 February 1869. He was later interned in Portlock Cemetery, Portsmouth, Virginia.

U.S. Ship Albany
Pensacola, April 21st 1854

Sir,

I herewith enclose charges against four of my crew and the reports connected therewith; also charges against Lieut. Riel, with a copy of my letter to him when I released him from a former suspension, which will show you that he was guilty of as gross a violation of discipline then, as in the present instance – Mr. Morris hear all that passed upon that accusation – It is not my wish to bring this officer to a Court Martial, if his detachment from my command can be otherwise accomplished, for I am strongly impressed with the belief, that at times, he labors under an infirmity of partial derangement .

He was so much in the habit of appealing from the orders of the First Lieut. to me that I found it necessary to issue an order, that all appeals from my orders to the First Lieut. must be made known to me by the latter and not by the officer direct, hoping by this course to avoid all future difficulties with Mr. Riel until I could obtain his detachment from the ship –

It is impossible for me under existing circumstances to maintain discipline if Lieut. Riel is further indulged in such conduct, and I therefore request his detachment, or trial by Court Martial –

Very Respectfully Sir
Your obt Servt
[Signed] James T. Gerry
Commander Commdg
U.S. Ship Albany

Commodore John Thomas Newton
Commanding Home Squadron

Source: James T. Gerry to John Thomas Newton, April 21, 1854, Letters Received by the Secretary of the Navy from Commanding Officers of Squadrons ("Squadron Letters"), 1841-1886. National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C

* * * * * *

Lt. Robert B. Riell to Secretary of the Navy, James C. Dobbin

Washington, June 9th 1854

Sir,

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday, expressing your opinion upon the charges preferred against me by Commdr Gerry. I am happy to receive such an expression of opinion from the Department and feel satisfied that my character as an officer will not suffer in your hands as far as it is in your province to protect it, and for that reasonably again respectfully request that Commodore Newton may be required to forward to the Department, the report made to him by Commander Gerry on the 6th of April last, in which I am accused of falsehood – This letter, Sir, I know is in the hands of Commodore Newton, as the Commodore read it  to me a few days after he received it – In addition to the written charge made to Commodore Newton;  on the  same day, being  off duty, I applied to Commander Gerry for permission  to go on shore, which I was refused;  in a few minutes after, the following message was delivered  to me from him by the first Lieut; and in the following words – I am directed by Commander Gerry  to keep you on board  ship and to inform you that he is going to report you to the Department for lying and have you detached from the ship -  This message so far as reporting me to the Department, for lying, it seems was not carried out, but the report was made to the Commodore. I was however placed under suspension and so remained for 42 days –

I now Sir, submit it to you if I should be satisfied to rest under such an imputation against my character as a gentleman and an officer.

Very Respectfully
Your obt Servt
[Signed] Robert B. Riell
Lieutenant

On the verso of Lt. Riell’s 9 June 1854 letter, Secretary of the Navy, James C. Dobbin drafted for his staff, a reply to prepare in smooth for signature.

 Ans

The Department has Cheerfully at your request furnished you copies of every communication on file of in regard to yourself, embracing [illegible] charges made by Comd Gerry Nothing has occurred  to create an impression, on the Department that it is necessary to subject you to a Court Martial for the purpose of  the service on your character. I have no desire to punish or censure you - but considered  it best for yourself & the service that you should be detached  from the Albany .

There are no charges of falsehood here against you except those furnished you. I take it [illegible] have made and I have no disposition to [illegible] seek [illegible] charges or instituted enquiry among the officers against you
Respectfully

JCD

Source: Navy Officers Letters 1802-1884
Volume 428 – 429
Date Range May 1, 1854 –June 30 1854
Record Group 45
National Archives and Records Administration,
Washington D.C.

* * * * * *

Charges and Specifications of Charges preferred by James T. Gerry, a Commander in the Navy of the United States, against George Roberts O.S. on board the U.S. Ship Albany

Charge First,
Quarrelling

Specification,

In that the said George Roberts and O.S. on board the U.S. Ship Albany, did on or about the 16th of March, 1854, while at Sea, quarrel with & abuse Thomas Gerard, Capt. of the Mizzen Top without cause or provocation.

Charge Second
Mutinous conduct & treating with contempt his superior officer while in the execution of his duty, Specification 1st.

On that the said George Roberts O.S. when ordered by Lieut. Berden, Acting First Lieut. of the U.S. Ship Albany, on or about the 16th of March 1854, to keep silence, was guilty of mutinous conduct, and did that with contempt the order of his Superior Officer.

Specification 2nd

In that the said George Roberts O.S. when being confined in brow on or about the 16th of March 1854, did make us of the following abusive & insulting language to wit, Capt. Gerry may kiss my ass and other mutinous Expressions.

Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
[Signed] James T. Gerry
Commander
Comdr U.S. Ship
Albany

[Addressed to]

Comdr.
John Thomas Newton
Comdg

* * * * * *

After patrolling the West Indies to protect American maritime and business interests, in May 1854 the Albany returned to Pensacola Navy Yard for some badly needed repairs. Commander Gerry was especially concerned about the sloops badly weakened masts. On 30 May 1854, he wrote to Secretary of the Navy James T. Dobbin and recorded his doubt regarding the seaworthiness and strength of the sloop’s main and foremast.

U.S. Ship Albany off Navy Yard Warrington
May 30th 1854

Sir

I took out the mainmast of this ship and landed it at the Navy yard on the 25th inst. after a detention of some days in getting on board the shears and scouring the decks but had the mast ready on the 18th - It proved to be much more rotten than was anticipated, the Mast Head, under the bibbs is decayed to the center; all gone from the Port side, but about two inches of the outside, and from thence down to the heel, which is so rotten that it would be difficult to find two inches square of sound wood … When I look back upon the heavy weather we have encountered with this mast, so perfectly worthless, it really appears miraculous that it should have stood the severe trials through which it carried us in safety. I am very apprehensive that my Foremast will also prove more defective than we are aware of, but so far as can examine, no serious decay has been detected; but should the Ship go into a northern Port this summer, I would recommend a most minute examination of it. I have heard nothing from the Department about the four Prisoners against whose charges were sent to you; they are still confined in irons, and their services lost to the ship which makes my actual deficiency thirty short all told. - From present appearances - I don’t expect the Main Mast will be ready to take on board for ten days or two weeks, but in all other respects we are ready for a cruise of four months, and most anxious to leave this miserable port. Lt. Henry Rodgers is ordered to this ship his accounts having been received, gives us the information. My officers & crew feel very severely the effects of our protracted cruising this most sickly part of the year in this trying climate and I apprehend that many of the former will have to be detached upon arrival at the north -¹²

Very Respectfully Sir
Your obt Servt
[Signed] James T. Gerry
Commander

Com John Henry Newton
Commanding the Home Squadron

12. James T. Gerry to John Thomas Newton, 31 May 1854, Letters Received by the Secretary of the Navy from Commanding Officers of Squadrons ("Squadron Letters"), 1841-1886. National Archives and Records Administration,Washington, D.C.

* * * * * *

In June 1854, the Albany departed Pensacola, Florida, with orders to visit the Caribbean coast and nearby islands in the interest of protecting American interests there, with special instructions to "show our flag along the whole coast of Central America." Her final port of call was to be the newly established terminal of the Panama Railroad in Aspinwall (now Colón, Panama).¹³

13. Aspinwall, modern Colon, Panama, was founded in 1850 as the Atlantic terminal of the Panama Railroad, then underwent construction to meet the demand during the California Gold Rush for a fast route to California. For a number of years early in its history, the sizable United States émigré community called the town Aspinwall after Panama Railroad promoter William Henry Aspinwall, while the city's Hispanic community called it Colón in honor of Christopher Columbus.

Arriving in Aspinwall on 25 September 1854, the Albany departed for New York on the morning of the 29th. Commander Gerry wrote several dispatches to be forwarded. His first report was addressed to Secretary of the Navy, James C. Dobbin while the second (both transcribed below) to squadron commander, Commodore Thomas J. Newton; both are dated 28 September 1854.¹⁴

14. James T. Gerry to John Thomas Newton, 28 September 1854, Letters Received by the Secretary of the Navy from Commanding Officers of Squadrons ("Squadron Letters"), 1841-1886. National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.

* * * * * *

U.S. Flag Ship Columbia
Gulf of Samana
August 11, 1854

Sir,

As soon as you have completed the watering of the Albany and prepared her in all respects for a cruise, you will proceed without delay to carry out the following instructions –

The condition of affairs on the coast of Venezuela, at Cartagena and Aspinwall and our general interests along the entire coast of Central America, render it highly important that a ship of the Squadron should visit that region at this time; I had intended going there myself but shortness of provisions will now prevent –

You will therefore, in the first place, proceed to Laquera then to the island of Curacao, to Cartagena and to Aspinwall-

The object of your visit to those Ports will be to protect our countrymen, and to look after our commercial interests - You will take care to show our Flag along the whole coast of Central America -

It is left to your own discretion to touch in any intermediate Ports between those mentions, should you deem it necessary, avoiding all, however, where any evidence of any epidemic prevails – The preservation of the health of your officers and crew is of the greatest consideration, and you will be extremely careful to use every precaution in you power against the introduction of disease on board your ship –

As you have represented that the Albany is defective in many parts, and that extensive repairs will be required upon her before she can safely make another cruise, you will return after having performed the [duties ] assigned to you in this communication, to the [illegible] of New York, and on your arrival there to the Department –

You will keep me advised of your movement, by every opportunity, and let your reports be addressed to Pensacola –

Should any occurrence take place which you may deem important our Government should be informed of, you will communicate direct to the Secretary of the Navy, furnish me copies of the same-

Wishing you a pleasant cruise and a safe return

I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully
Your Obet Servt
[Signed] John Thomas Newton
Commdg Home Squadron

Commander James T. Gerry
Commdg U.S. Ship Albany
Gulf of Samana
St. Domingo

* * * * * *

U. S. Ship Albany
Aspenwall Sept 28th 1854

Sir

In obedience to the orders of Commodore Newton, I proceeded with the U.S. Ship Albany under my Command from the Bay of Samana to Laquira, touching at St. Thomas for information and to fill up deficiency of Bread & a few other articles of Stores which being abundant were obtained without detention - I arrived at Laquira 3rd instant and immediately notified our minister at Caracas; Herewith I enclose marked "Confidential’ a copy of his official Communication to me.- In accordance with his urgent solicitation to pay him a visit upon pubic service , I proceeded at once to Caracas and found my presence was of some importance in advancing the interest of our Government –

My interview with Mr. Evans and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Venezuela Government was most gratifying.

I found the most cordial understanding existing between them, and was assured by the latter "that his Government were disposed to cement the Union between our two countries by every act of justice commercial reciprocity and courtesy in their power." - Mr. Evans appears to understand the character of this Government perfectly and shows great ability, tact and judgment, and it is admitted universally that he that he has more influence with them than the whole Corps of Foreign Diplomatists together; if I can give any credence to the remarks of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, his important negotiations are rapidly progressing to a successful termination, but were not sufficiently advanced to justify an official communication from him to that effect when I sailed on the 7th, though he confidently expected that everything would be arranged in ten days from that time. It would seem that the[ trip] I made to Caracas in January last most opportune, not the slightest cause of complaint has been given to Minister by this Government since-I sailed from Laquira [on] 7th and arrived at Corazon on the 8th .-

The American Consul left his station [illegible] seven weeks previously without making any appointment [illegible] to perform his duties, consequently I was unable to [gather] any official information, but had no complaints made and I believe everything was quiet & satisfactory. - A fewer offenses were reported among the Merchant vessels the [news] of my arrival and in consequence, I anchored near the [illegible] of the harbour, the Pilot, after taking all sail off the ship her bows into a soft mud bank to bring her up, which of room is the universal practice in checking large [illegible] After securing her to the shore with one of my chain [illegible] a Hawser was run out a stern, and she was hove without any difficulty and thus moored; In accord with my orders I make the above report. –

I arrived in Cartagena on the 16th & found [illegible] almost in a state of Anarchy, a revolutionary outbreak expected, business suspended, the people much alarmed & excited and the arrival of the Albany hailed with [illegible]. Measures were immediately arranged to afford our [illegible] Consuls family protection and to such persons who should seek asylum in his house under the Flag of the U. States. - This state of things continued for some time after my arrival, when news came of a victory by the Government Party, one about twelve hundred the Revolutionary party in the Province of Bogota, the latter being entirely dispersed with the loss of their General Killed, several of the troops Killed & wounded, about 300 prisoners, between 4 & 500 deserters to the Government party and the remainder put to flight. - This victory was followed by another in the Province of Santa Martha and the results were so immediately productive of tranquility in Cartagena & gave so much more confidence in the existing Government, that I found my longer detention with the Albany unnecessary and sailed on the 25th to Aspinwall before my departure for New York.-

My officers & crew feel very severely the effects of our protracted cruising in this most sickly part of the year in this most trying climate, and I apprehend that many of the former will have to be detached upon my arrival in the north.

I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt,
[Signed] James T. Gerry
Commander

Hon. J. C. Dobbin
Secretary of the Navy
Washington D.C.

* * * * * *

U. S. Ship Albany
Aspenwall Sept 28th 1854

Sir

Agreeable to your orders of Aug 11th, I proceeded to Sea from the Bay of Samana, St. Domingo, on the 19th after Kedging my ship nearly the whole distance from her anchoring to the outer roadstead where I could avail myself of the sea breezes.¹⁵ I arrived at St. Thomas on the 26th without falling in with any suspicious vessel in bearing to windward – after taking on board a supply of bread, &c, which I found of good quality & quite abundant.¹⁶ I sailed on the 29th for Laquira and arrived at the anchorage Sept 3rd.¹⁷ Without delay I sent notice of arrival to our minister at Caracas, and the following afternoon received his reply in which he so strongly urged my paying him a visit, that I felt it my duty to comply and started in one hour subsequently by mule route over the mountains. – In the present disturbed state of this country, traveling is particularly hazardous among these mountains by night, and I was very nigh experiencing this perhaps to my sorrow. At 10 P.M. when about one-half of our journey was performed, we were beset by four Bandits of whose approach my servant had given me timely notice, and being too quick for them in getting my Revolvers the cocking of which was very audible while they were advancing from the bank they had descended from towards us, they stopped upon my reining up my horse, at distance of twenty-five or thirty paces, and after a little consultation together retired again to the roadside – We passed them at this distance, but soon afterwards found them approaching rapidly, when I again stopped to make sure of my aim, they dared not advance and finally abandoned the idea – A German Merchant passing this spot a week before at night and unarmed was robbed of his clothing & money, no doubt by the same gang of villain.

15. Kedge Anchor: The kedge anchor is the smallest of anchors to which a hawser or cable is generally tied and is used for warping a ship and used to move a ship forward by having a ship launch row a hundred meters forward and let the anchor go then pull the ship forward. William Henry Smyth’s 1867 The Sailor's Word-book: An Alphabetical Digest of Nautical. Terms including Some More Especially Military and Scientific, but Useful to Seamen; as well as Archaisms of Early Voyagers, etc.

16. Samaná Bay is a located in the eastern Dominican Republic.

17. La Guaira is the capital city of the Venezuelan state of the same name.

I found my presence in Caracas much improved, the recent revolutionary movements have all been suppressed the country is far from being settled & tranquil but the [illegible] have avoided giving any cause of complaint to our [illegible] since my first visit & their affairs seem to be in a [illegible] condition. Having concluded my business with [them] I left the Legation at 3 A.M. 7th inst. for my Ship the same afternoon for the Island of Corazon. In [illegible] from Laquira roadstead, I anchored in the harbour [illegible] as near to the entrance as practicable, having [heard] that a few cases of yellow fever had within a few days [spread] among the shipping inside, decided my departure [illegible] The American Consul had left his [illegible] without appointing any one to officiate in his place, and all my information was derived from irresponsible [illegible] whose accounts of the favorable conditions of our countries affairs, I believe to be correct as no complaints to be received by me.

The Governor & Naval Officers were exceeding attentive & polite to us, and upon my departure, [illegible] of the harbour, I saluted the National Flag & which in accordance with a prohibitory law could [illegible] at my anchorage inside. Bread, Flour & Salt [illegible] could be obtained here of excellent quality and a rate very little from those in the U. States. - I sailed on the morning of the 9th Thirty six hours after my arrival for [Columbia]. We experienced very light and variable winds [illegible] with the current setting to the Eastward.

I arrived at Cartagena on the 14th inst. and the consul absent in the U. States and that our [illegible] Consul also returned home, via Aspenwall, leaving [illegible] our Consul plenary powers to carry out the [arrangements] I made in February last, for the protection of the Rail Boat Companies with the Government of the Province, same having the approval of the government at [illegible]

The very unsettled state of affairs at Cartagena, the Governor being arrested as an accomplice of the revolutionary party, business almost entirely suspended, an outbreak against the Government hourly apprehended, rendered my remaining in the Port for the protections of Consuls family & American interests generally as long as circumstances would allow, of great importance, and every arrangement was made for to afford them ample protection in the event of a Revolution. - In a few days private letters from Bogota, now in the possession of the insurgents, announced a victory obtained over a portion of General Melo’s forces by the Government troops , and this was followed by another in the Province of Santa Martha.¹⁸ When this information was confirmed, the city of Cartagena became tranquil, the Government more firm & energetic, and all danger of an immediate outbreak or revolutionary attack upon the City was removed.

18. José María Dionisio Melo y Ortiz (October 9, 1800 – June 1, 1860) was a Colombian general and political figure who fought in the South American wars of independence, and who rose to power and briefly held the presidency of Colombia in 1854. Of Pijao ancestry, he is considered the country's first and only indigenous president.

The impression, now existing among the best informed, favors the idea of a speedy termination of these national difficulties, and all parties are getting weary of the present distracted condition of the county –

Being satisfied that my presence with the Albany was no long required in the port, I sailed on the 25 for Aspenwall, merely to communicate with our Consul there being much sickness in the place, and probably shall not be detained but a few hours, but it is important for me to see him, as also to show them a National vessel. I arrived at my anchorage at 7.30 P.M. and closed my Report to leave it with the Consul when I go on shore, as it is my intention to sail early in the morning.

Very Respectfully Sir
Your obt Servt
[Signed] James T. Gerry
Commander

Com John Henry Newton
Commanding the Home Squadron

This report was among the last communications from the Albany. After a failed search lasting some 15 months, in January 1856 the Navy declared the Albany lost with 193 men.¹⁹ Rumors and unconfirmed tales, such as a report published in the Boston Post on 18 August 1855 which related an unnamed correspondent from Cambridge, Massachusetts, reported by an anonymous "J." "two very nice water casks which were plugged so as to be watertight and tied together; they had also nails driven in so singular on them J, tells me today that when scouring them in order to paint them he discovered the letters U.S. ship Albany."²⁰

19. Delgado, James P. Missing and Presumed Lost August 2016, Naval History, Volume 30, Number 4 accessed 10 November 2024

20. The Times –Picayune (New Orleans, Louisiana), p. 2.

She was never heard from again and was listed as lost at sea with all hands.^{21, 22}

21. Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships,, USS Albany I (Sloop of War), Naval History and Heritage Command, accessed 10 November 2024, https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/a/albany-i.html

22. It is often said that from the moment a ship is launched the sea is trying to sink it. Sometimes the sea succeeds. In an 1850 report to Congress, the U.S. Navy reported that 29 ships had been lost up to that date. Of those, seven were "never heard of" after sailing, which also meant none of their crews survived. Cox, Samuel L H-060-2: "Lost with All Hands" Naval History and Heritage Command, https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/about-us/leadership/director/directors-corner/h-grams/h-gram-060/h-060-2.html

* * * * * *

U.S. Flag Ship Columbia
San Juan del Norte Nicaragua
January 6th 1855²³

Sir,

I deeply regret having to inform you that, as yet no intelligence of the Sloop of War Albany Commander James T. Gerry, has reached me –

More than 90 days have elapsed since her departure from Aspinwall, and no traces of her subsequent course can be discovered; as the direction she would have to take to her destination (New York) is one over which numerous vessels are constantly passing and repassing, it is highly improbable, that were she still afloat, she would not have been fallen in with – Had she been forced to take refuge in any of the Ports or Islands of the Caribbean Sea, time sufficient has elapsed to have heard of her at any of them- We are therefore constrained to give her up as lost –

It is known that a very severe hurricane was experienced about the 18th or 19th of October last in the latitude of Bermuda – H. B. M. Ship Boscawen met the gale and suffered in it, having to put in to Bermuda for repairs &c Captain Thompson of the H. B. M. Ship Vestal (which was in this Port a few days since) informed me that he must have encountered the same gale about 100 miles to the Northward & Eastward of the Mona Passage, on the 19th of October -^{24, 25} He says, "that it commenced on the 19th of October blowing very hard and from various indications he saw that it was coming, altered his course and ran out of it, thereby escaping the "fag end of it" - It is reasonable to suppose that the Albany must have been in about the latitude of the Bermuda’s at that time, and therefore encountered the Hurricane - unable to weather its severity, she floundered -

The Albany was generally understood to be a Superior, Staunch vessel – I know her to be a very fast one – She has always made the passage - Commander Gerry was not to be taken unawares; he was careful in the extreme, a good sailor and navigator - and was able to take care of his Ship -

Be it as it may, Sir, our Navy expresses no slight loss in the gallant band of officers and men that formed her crew; their services have been arduous and ever well performed; [illegible] a portion of my Squadron I have ever had occasion to commend the zeal evinced in the carrying out of all duties entrusted to the Albany -

I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully
Your Obet Servt
John Thomas Newton
Commdg Home Squadron

Hon
J. C. Dobbin Secretary of the Navy
Washington D.C.

23. John Thomas Newton to James C. Dobbin, 6 January 1855, Letters Received by the Secretary of the Navy from Commanding Officers of Squadrons ("Squadron Letters"), 1841-1886. National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C.

24. HMS Boscawan was a 70-gun third rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, launched on 3 April 1844 at Woolwich Dockyard. She was originally ordered in 1812 and begun as a 74-gun Vengeur-class ship of the line, but the order was canceled and her frames placed in storage; an Admiralty order dated 3 March 1834 required that those frames be reworked to Sir William Symonds' design. Lavery, Brian The Ship of the Line - Volume 1: The development of the battlefleet 1650-1850. Conway Maritime Press, 2003

25. HMS Vestal was a 26-gun Vestal-class sixth-rate frigate of the Royal Navy. She was built to a design by Sir William Symonds and was launched in 1833.

* * * * * *

Officers of the Sloop of War Albany, Boston Courier 19 March 1855 (Boston, Mass), p. 1.

Now that all anxiety in regard to the sloop of War Decatur is happily put to rest by her safe arrival in Valparaiso, we may again allude to the disappearance of the Albany, the only missing ship of the Navy. It will be remembered that this ship left Aspinwall the 28th September 1854 on her way to New York, since which time nothing has been heard of her. The West Indies station has been thoroughly searched by the United States steamships Princeton and Fulton, but without success. It is presumed that the unfortunate sloop-of-war foundered in one of those frightful hurricanes which are common during the autumnal equinox in that region.

We give a list of her officers from an official source, with the length of time each has served in the navy and the state of which each was a citizen.

Names of Officers	Rank	Length of Service	State
James T. Gerry	Commander	30 years	Mass.
William W. Bleeker	Lieutenant	28 years	N. York
Montgomery Hunt	Lieutenant	23 years	N. York
John G. Adams	Lieutenant	20 years	Mass.
Henry Rodger	Lieutenant	18 years	District of Columbia
Stephen A. McCreery	Surgeon	17 years	Va.
Nixon White	Purser	5 years	N.C.
Robert A. Marr	Master	15 years	Va.
Richard H. Cowman	Asst. Surgeon	2½ years	Md.
Bennet J. Riley	Midshipman	4 years	Cal.
William Jones	Boatswain	2½ years	Mass.
William Craig	Gunner	17½ years	N.J.
Roan Leech	Carpenter	4½ years	Mass.
James Frazier	Sailmaker	13 years	N. York

 

The Fate of the Sloop of War Albany
Our Washington Correspondence

WASHINGTON, Jan. 1, 1855
The Missing Sloop-of-War Albany – Names of her Officers and Crew
3 January 1855, New York Daily Herald (New York, NY), p, 3

The Navy Department has given up all hopes for the Safety of the Albany. For over two months no tidings have been received of her, and unwillingly the conviction is forced upon the mind that she has gone to the bottom, with not a solitary person left to tell the tale – one of those silent, unwitnessed and fearful dramas which time alone reveals and imagination shrinks from dwelling upon.

We have procured from the muster rolls of the department the following list of names of officers and men onboard the ill-fated ship. The list of men is from the last return to the Department, received of the Navy 30th June 1854. It is not probable many alterations or changes were made previous to her last cruise –

As far as can be determined, the U.S. Navy never published an "official list" of the “missing presumed lost” Albany officers and enlisted crew members. These names were instead gathered by New York and Boston reporters from naval musters and payroll records. The New York Herald, for example, informed readers, “We give a list of her officers from an official source", and then states, "We have procured from the muster rolls of the department”. The New York Herald published their list of missing seamen in two columns, in no discernable order and all listed as “seamen.”

The exact number of missing men lost with the Albany, as listed in the Herald, total 193. The number of missing varies depending on the source. This total included 23 men in the U.S. Marine detachment. Part of the dilemma of how many Albany enlisted seamen were lost varies depending on the source. While today Department of the Navy relies on centralized record keeping, in 1854 each naval vessel relied on the ship's purser (Nixon White) and his clerk to keep accurate muster and payroll records and regulation required them to periodically forward them to the Department.

Secondly enlisted men "shipped" or enlisted, and their entries were noted in the ship deck log. For example, the USS United States log entry for 18 August 1843 re Herman Melville, was made while the frigate was in port at Hawaii. “Shipped Herman Melville O.S. and Griffin Williams O.S.” Melville later wrote of his service as Ordinary Seaman in White Jacket or the World in a Man-of-War, his 1850 semi-autobiographical account of his service aboard the frigate USS United States and plea for the abolition of flogging

“In the year 1843, I shipped as ordinary seaman on board of a United States frigate, then in a harbor of the Pacific Ocean. After remaining in this frigate for more than a year, I was discharged from the service upon the vessel’s arrival home.” See The Ship Log of the frigate USS United States 1843-1844 and Herman Melville Ordinary Seaman http://www.usgwarchives.net/va/portsmouth/shipyard/usunitedstates-hmelville

Typically men who shipped were required to serve "for cruise”. Hence the problem finding detailed records for a particular seaman, unless one knows what vessels they sailed on, and unfortunately not all naval vessels muster and payroll records have survived or were filed in Washington D.C.

OFFICERS, USS ALBANY

James T. Gerry	Commander
William W. Bleeker	Lieutenant
Montgomery Hunt	Lieutenant
John Quincey Adams	Lieutenant
Henry Rodger	Lieutenant
Robert Marr	Acting Master
Stephen McCreery	Surgeon
Richard D. Cowman	Asst. Surgeon
Nixon White	Purser
Bennet J. Riley	Midshipman
William Jones	Boatswain
William Craig	Gunner
James Fraser	Sailmaker
Rowland Leach	Carpenter
Belliger Scott	Master’s Mate
William J. Bond	Master’s Mate
Dexter Brigham	Master’s Mate
Nicholas F. Morris	Captains Clerk

SEAMEN, USS ALBANY

Samuel Adams	John Dauphin	John Hunt	Jaciato Patson	Marion R. Stout
James Anderson	David Davis	Edward Johnson	Henry Pearsall	Benjamin Summerton
Madison M. Baker	Nathaniel Davis	Francis Johnson	Frederic Peterson	John Taylor
Henry Barret	Henry H. Decker	Michael Kearney	Charles Phillips	Hans Thompson
Daniel Bellas	William H. Dickson	Joseph Kell	James V. Piece	Henry Thompson
William H. Bellshaw	Thomas Donahue	James Kelly	William Quinn	John L. Thompson
Christian Belt	Edward Donohue	William Kemp	Samuel Ramadall	Edward F. Tibbits
Thomas Bennagan	Alexander Duncan	Patrick Keough	Lucien M. Rawson	Caleb S. Vaugh
Charles Bird	David Edwards	Franklin Knight	Thomas Reeves	Henry Vernon
Richard Bonsal	William J. Egan	Ephraim Litchfield	Henry H. Reynolds	Daniel Walker
William Brian	Michael Euler	John E. Little	Frederick Risk	James Wallace
George Brown, 1st	William B. Farquar	Peter Livick	Henry Robertson	George Ward
George Brown, 2nd	John Farrell	James Logeras	William Robinson	Peter Ward
David Brown	Matthias Foderman	James Lowd	George Roberts	Lionel Watson
James Brown	James H. Foy	Jeremiah Lynch	Francis Rodgers	Daniel C. Weeden
Thomas Bunton	William Franklin	William Martin	James Roper	Gregory C. White
William Burlun	John Frederickson	James McAlladar	Edward Ross	Michael White
Henry M. Cahill	Jacob H. Frisk	Peter McCabe	Andrew J. Runblett	John Williams, 3rd
William Carter	Peter George	Dennis McCree	Fred R. Schoneman	Robert Williams
William Chadburn	Thomas Gerard	John McDonald	Henry Scotson	Charles Wilson
John Champion	Frank Goreman	Francis McMullen	John Searles	James Wilson
James Chullman	John Goss	Townsend Misterble	John Short	Samuel Wilson
William Clark, 1st	Timothy Greenleaf	Stephen Morgan	Matthew Smiley	Joseph Wood
Joseph Clarke	George Greenleas	John Morris	Aaron Smith	William Wood
Harry Cork	George Griffiths	Thomas Moss	Charles Smith	(Additional)
Hugh Crail	James Halcomb	Richard Murphy	John Smith, 1st	Moses M. Drew
William Creighton	Augustus Hale	John Nicholson	George Snooks	Henry Happ
John R. Crutchfield	Joseph Hamburt	Timothy Nolan	Henry Spenser	Joseph Stowell
George Currier	George Hart	Gillen O’Brian	Lewis Spenser	. . .
William Curtis	Martin Hialer	John Owens	John Stanford	. . .
William Darrel	John Holt	John Parker	George Stevens	. . .

MARINES, USS ALBANY

Frederick Jahn	John Leary	Robert J. Brown	John Moody	Michael Coyne
Isaac Osborn	James Colgan	James Wilson	Michael Casey	Dennis Welsher
Maurice Dunn	Patrick Gilmore	John Donlin	George Sheets	Edgar S. Finley
Robert Allen	John Gargan	William Crossan	Edgar S. Finlay	Michael Rodger
Edward Gallaher	Francis Ferguson	George Johnson	Phillip Kayler	. . .

These extracts gathered by New York Daily Herald  were also published 3 January 1855, from “official reports” on the Albany’s sailing qualities and probable fate.

Maximum draft 17 ½ feet; best sailing trim varying from 15 to 20 inches by the stern, on her first and second cruise. “Steers and works readily, roll easy and pitches heavily, and is very easy on the cable – 1847” Steers but sails and works  badly, and makes a great deal of lee way; on the wind, under the most favorable  circumstances, never make more than eight knots per hour; rolls and squats dreadfully, and requires low sail. Her best trim for sailing is probably by the head. -1849”   Previous to this cruise her lower masts had been shortened several feet. [The Albany] carried the same sail on the fore that she did on the main mast previous to this cruise. Has since undergone some alterations; and by last reports performs “equally well with a difference of 20 inches to 3 feet by the stern, and without any ballast aboard works as well as the average of ships; stands up well under her sails; rolls deep without straining her hull or rigging. She has logged ten knots per hour on the wind, and thirteen free. Beat the  Decatur, in a trial, on the wind,  I do not regard the Albany as very Weatherly , but under all circumstances under which I have seen her, as superior to most ships. -1852” 

The Squatting spoken of in the above report, show that in a gale of wind there would be great danger of her being taken aback and thus running down stern foremast. This, it is believed, was the manner in which she was lost. There is a report that the “dry rot” had seriously affected her timbers; but there is no evidence to show that such was really the case.

The probable fate of the Albany is dreadful to contemplate – the engulfment of every soul on board –swell the sepulchral list of the year just passed, already overturned with its frightful sorrows.

Definitions of Naval Enlisted Ratings

Boy: In the early navy young boys were just that they were, young males, typically between thirteen and seventeen years of age. These young sailors in training were to be instructed in steering, heaving the lead, knotting and splicing, in rowing, in the use of the palm and needle, etc., that they might become qualified for higher rating as seamen and petty officers. During combat they ran powder to the guns, a critical but dangerous task. Most boys were usually rated as ordinary seaman at age 17 or 18. Boys were subdivided into three ratings: first, second and third with corresponding and increasing wages

Landsman: Abbreviated “Lds.” Landsmen was the lowest rank of the United States Navy in the 19th and early 20th centuries; it was given to new recruits with little or no experience at sea and typically men were over seventeen years of age. Landsmen performed menial, unskilled work aboard ship like loading and offloading ships and did most of the cleaning. A Landsman who gained three years of experience or re-enlisted could be promoted to Ordinary Seaman. The rank existed from 1838 to 1921. Promotion from landsman to ordinary seaman required three years of experience or re-enlistment.

Ordinary Seaman: “O.S.” Ordinary seaman was the second-lowest rank of the nineteenth century United States Navy, ranking above landsman and below seaman. An ordinary seaman’s duties aboard ship included “handling and splicing lines, and working aloft on the lower mast stages and yards.

Seaman: ‘Sea’ in the Navy, a seaman was an experienced mariner with usually four or more years work at sea. A seaman was expected to “know the ropes”, that is, the name and use of every line in the ship’s rigging and could be promoted to seaman. The seaman was expected to have expert knowledge of the various battle stations, armament and small boat handling.

* * * * * *

John "Jack" G. M. 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 in 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 and 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 Great Influenza Pandemic of 1918 at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Naval Training Station Hampton Roads and the Norfolk Naval Hospital (202) https://www.history.navy.mil/research/library/online-reading-room/title-list-alphabetically/g/the-great-influenza-pandemic-of-1918-at-the-norfolk-naval-shipyard-naval-training-station-hampton-roads-ad-the-norfolk-naval-hosptial.html
The last four works were all published by the Naval History and Heritage Command.
He recently served as consulting historian, for Animating History, on the film version, Diary of Michael Shiner (2024), https://animatinghistory.com/films/michaelshiner/
John served on active duty in the United States Navy, including Vietnam service. He received his BA and MA in History from San Francisco State University with honors. He can be reached at sharpjg@yahoo.com

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