USS Washington (1775)

USS Washington (1775)

USS "Washington" was a schooner acquired by the Continental Navy during the American Revolution and converted to a armed brigantine. She served for only a short period of time before being captured by the British.

Acquired by General Washington

The first ship to be named "Washington" by the Navy -- while never part of the Continental Navy -- was a 160-ton schooner named "Endeavor" acquired by General George Washington in early October of 1775 from George Erving and Capt. Benjamin Wormwell of Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Renamed "Washington", the schooner was fitted out at Plymouth, Massachusetts, and was re-rigged as a brigantine at the behest of her prospective commanding officer, a Continental Army officer from Rhode Island, Capt. Sion Martindale. On 3 November 1775, Washington's charter was consummated, and she was authorized to operate off the New England coast between Cape Cod and Cape Ann in the hope of disrupting British shipping.

Service during the American Revolution

"Washington" sailed in company with the schooner "Harrison" on 23 November. No more than three leagues from shore, both Continental ships came across the British frigate HMS Tartar and two forage-laden transports. The British ships scared off and separated. "Washington" and "Harrison" chased the former until well after nightfall. And, although "Washington" spent most of 25 November looking for "Harrison", she did not find her.

Soon thereafter, she captured the provision-laden, 80-ton sloop "Britannia" and turned her over to Continental authorities before returning to sea on the 28th. However, stormy weather and a poorly disciplined crew caused "Washington" to head back to port the next day.

A demoralized crew

Back at Plymouth, it was ascertained that some of the men's grumblings had been occasioned by their contention that they had enlisted to serve in the army -- not as sailors. Moreover, a lack of winter clothing demoralized the crew. They were quickly supplied with suitable winter outfits, and the ship returned to sea on Sunday, 3 December 1775.

Captured by a British frigate

Late the next day, the British 6th rate, 20-gun frigate HMS "Fowey", cruising Massachusetts Bay on the lookout for "rebel cruisers," in company with HMS "Lively", sighted "Washington" and gave chase. Just before nightfall, "Fowey" reached gun range and fired a warning shot. Seven subsequent rounds brought the brigantine to, and she lowered her colors. Taken to Boston, Massachusetts, "Washington", upon inspection by the Royal Navy, was deemed unsuitable for operations on the high seas.

Final disposition

The brigantine "Washington" eventually rotted away at Boston.

See also

* Continental Navy
* American Revolution

Reference

*


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