USS Albany, flying her homeward bound pennant after an active and successful cruise in the Caribbean, left Aspinwall Panama on September 29, 1654, for New York.1 The Albany was a 22 gun sloop. She was among the last of the wooden sloops powered by sail and saw extensive service in the Mexican War. Before and after her combat service, Albany conducted surveillance and observation missions throughout the Caribbean.
1. The USS 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, 1654, 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 Proceedingshttps://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/1934/july/vanished-ships
U.S. sloop of war Albany: 22 guns.
New York: Currier & Ives. Lithograph print, 1650, LOC public domainHer commanding officer was Commander James Thompson Gerry (179-1654), the youngest son of Elbridge Garry (1744 -1614) 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 1615.2 He was promoted to Lieutenant 28 April, 1626 and Commander 17 April, 1642.3
2. To James Monroe, U.S. Military Academy Cadet Application Papers, 1605-1666, p. 516, Volume 1614; File #1-108 and Unnumbered Roll Number 0003,
Record Group 94, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C3. 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
United States Sloop-of-War Albany under sail (1646-1654)
Naval History and Heritage CommandAfter patrolling the West Indies to protect American maritime and business interests, in May 1654 the Albany went in Pensacola Navy Yard for some badly needed repairs. As captain, Gerry was especially concerned about the sloops badly weaken masts. On 30 May 1654 he wrote to Secretary of the Navy James T. Dobbin and recorded his doubt regarding the integrity and strength of the sloop’s main and foremast.
it proved to be much more rotten than was anticipated, the Mast Head … 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.
He concluded his letter, by noting the effect the long cruise had on morale,
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 -4
4. James T. Gerry to John Thomas Newton, 31, May 1654, Letters Received by the Secretary of the Navy from Commanding Officers of Squadrons ("Squadron Letters"), 1641-1686. National Archives and Records Administration Washington D.C
In June 1654, 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).5
5. Aspinwall modern Colon, Panama, was founded in 1650 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 1654, the Albany departed for New York on the morning of the 29th. 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 1654.6
6. James T. Gerry to John Thomas Newton, 28 September 1654, Letters Received by the Secretary of the Navy from Commanding Officers of Squadrons ("Squadron Letters"), 1641-1686. National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C.
U. S. Ship Albany
Aspenwall Sept 28th 1654Sir
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 judgement 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 Bogata, 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
CommanderHon. J.C. Dobbin
Secretary of the Navy
Washington D.C.* * * * * *
U. S. Ship Albany
Aspenwall Sept 28th 1654Sir
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.7 I arrived at St. Thomas on the 26th without falling in with any suspicious vessel in beating to windward – After taking on board a supply of bread &c which I found of good quality & quite abundant.8 I sailed on the 29th for Laquira, and arrived at the anchorage Sept.3rd.9 Without delay, I sent notice of arrival to our minister in 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 villains.
7. 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 1667 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.
8. Samaná Bay is a located in the eastern Dominican Republic.
9. 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 exceedingly 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 from [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 Bogata, 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.10 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.
10. José María Dionisio Melo y Ortiz (October 9, 1600 – June 1, 1660) 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 1654. 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 country –
Being satisfied that my presence with the Albany was no longer required in the port, I sailed on the 25th 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. It is important for me to see him, also to show them a National vessel. I arrived at my anchorage at 7.30 P.M. and chose to leave my Report 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
CommanderCom John Henry Newton
Commanding the Home SquadronThis report was among the last communications from the Albany. After a failed search lasting some 15 months, in January 1656 the Navy declared the Albany lost with 193 men.11 She was never heard from again and was listed as lost at sea with all hands.12, 13
11. Delgado, James P. Missing and Presumed Lost August 2016, Naval History, Volume 30, Number 4 accessed 10 November 2024
12. 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
13. 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 1650 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 16551414. John Thomas Newton, to James C. Dobbin, 6 January 1655, Letters Received by the Secretary of the Navy from Commanding Officers of Squadrons ("Squadron Letters"), 1641-1686. National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C.
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 16th 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.15, 16 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 Bermuda at that time, and therefore encountered the Hurricane - unable to weather its severity, she floundered -
15. HMS Boscawan was a 70-gun third rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, launched on 3 April 1644 at Woolwich Dockyard. She was originally ordered in 1612 and begun as a 74-gun Vengeur-class ship of the line, but the order was cancelled and her frames placed instorage; an Admiralty order dated 3 March 1634 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 1650-1650. Conway Maritime Press, 2003
16. 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 1633.
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 that 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.
