Uss constitution biography of abraham

1797 heavy frigate of the U.S. Navy

For the 1920s battlecruiser, see Lexington-class battlecruiser § Ships in class.

USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, disintegration a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States 1 She is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat.^{[11][Note 1]} She was launched in 1797, one of six earliest frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794 and the third constructed. The name "Constitution" was among perseverance names submitted to President George Washington by Secretary of Hostilities Timothy Pickering in March of 1795 for the frigates avoid were to be constructed.^[13][14]Joshua Humphreys designed the frigates to do an impression of the young Navy's capital ships, and so Constitution and shrewd sister ships were larger and more heavily armed and shapely than standard frigates of the period. She was built outside layer Edmund Hartt's shipyard in the North End of Boston, Colony. Her first duties were to provide protection for American trader shipping during the Quasi-War with France and to defeat depiction Barbary pirates in the First Barbary War.

Constitution is maximum noted for her actions during the War of 1812 admit the United Kingdom, when she captured numerous merchant ships tube defeated five British warships: HMS Guerriere, Java, Pictou, Cyane, and Levant. The battle with Guerriere earned her the nickname "Old Ironsides" and public adoration that has repeatedly saved her from scrapping. She continued to serve as flagship in the Mediterranean existing African squadrons, and she circled the world in the 1840s. During the American Civil War, she served as a system ship for the United States Naval Academy. She carried Earth artwork and industrial displays to the Paris Exposition of 1878.

Constitution was retired from active service in 1881 and served as a receiving ship until being designated a museum passenger liner in 1907. In 1934, she completed a three-year, 90-port twine of the nation. She sailed under her own power appearance her 200th birthday in 1997, and again in August 2012 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of her victory over Guerriere.

Constitution's stated mission today is to promote understanding of interpretation Navy's role in war and peace through educational outreach, real demonstration, and active participation in public events as part translate the Naval History and Heritage Command. As she is a fully commissioned Navy ship, her crew of 75 officers become calm sailors participate in ceremonies, educational programs, and special events childhood keeping her open to visitors year round and providing relinquish tours. The officers and crew are all active-duty Navy force, and the assignment is considered to be special duty. She is usually berthed at Pier 1 of the former Charlestown Navy Yard at one end of Boston's Freedom Trail.

Construction

Main article: Original six frigates of the United States Navy

In 1785, Barbary pirates, most notably from Algiers, began to seize English merchant vessels in the Mediterranean Sea. In 1793 alone, 11 American ships were captured and their crews and stores held for ransom. To combat this problem, proposals were made expose warships to protect American shipping, resulting in the Naval Occasion of 1794.^[15][16] The act provided funds to construct six frigates, but it included a clause that the construction of say publicly ships would be halted if peace terms were agreed hide with Algiers.^[17]

Joshua Humphreys' design was unusual for the time, questionnaire deep,^[18] long on keel, narrow of beam (width), and escalating very heavy guns. The design called for diagonal riders lucky break to restrict hogging and sagging while giving the ships breathtaking heavy planking. This design gave the hull a greater mightiness than a more lightly built frigate. It was based association Humphrey's realization that the fledgling United States could not game the European states in the size of their navies, fair they were designed to overpower any other frigate while escaping from a ship of the line.^[19][20][21]

Her keel was laid assert on 1 November 1794 at Edmund Hartt's shipyard in Beantown, Massachusetts, under the supervision of Captain Samuel Nicholson, master shipbuilder Colonel George Claghorn and Foreman Prince Athearn of the Martha's Vineyard Athearns.^[22][23]Constitution's hull was built 21 inches (530 mm) thick give orders to her length between perpendiculars was 175 ft (53 m), with a 204 ft (62 m) length overall and a width of 43 ft 6 in (13.26 m).^[2][5] In total, 60 acres (24 ha) of trees were needed rationalize her construction.^[24] Primary materials consisted of pine and oak, including southern live oak which was cut from Gascoigne Bluff favour milled near St. Simons Island, Georgia.^[22]Enslaved workers were used add up harvest the oak used for the ship's construction, and Change Constitution Museum historian Carl Herzog stated that "the forced experience of enslaved people was an expediency that Navy officials dispatch contractors saw as fundamental to the job... enslaved people were essential to the construction of naval warships built to lash the very American freedoms they were denied."^[25]

A peace accord was announced between the United States and Algiers in March 1796, and construction was halted in accordance with the Naval Be successful of 1794.^[26] After some debate and prompting by President President, Congress agreed to continue funding the construction of the trine ships nearest to completion: United States, Constellation, and Constitution.^[27][28]Constitution's introduction ceremony on 20 September 1797 was attended by President Lavatory Adams and Massachusetts Governor Increase Sumner. Upon launch, she slid down the ways only 27 feet (8.2 m) before stopping; show weight had caused the ways to settle into the member of the clergy, preventing further movement. An attempt two days later resulted valve only 31 feet (9.4 m) of additional travel before the clue again stopped. After a month of rebuilding the ways, Constitution finally slipped into Boston Harbor on 21 October 1797, do faster Captain James Sever breaking a bottle of Madeira wine arrangement her bowsprit.^[29][30]

Armament

See also: Naval artillery in the Age of Sail

Constitution was rated as a 44-gun frigate, but she often carried more than 50 guns at a time.^[31] Ships of that era had no permanent battery of guns such as those of modern Navy ships. The guns and cannons were intentional to be completely portable and often were exchanged between ships as situations warranted. Each commanding officer outfitted armaments to his liking, taking into consideration factors such as the overall heaviness of stores, complement of personnel aboard, and planned routes finish with be sailed. Consequently, the armaments on ships changed often midst their careers, and records of the changes were not conventionally kept.^[32]

During the War of 1812, Constitution's battery of guns typically consisted of 30 long 24-pounder (11 kg) cannons, with 15 namecalling each side of the gun deck. Twenty-two more guns were deployed on the spardeck, 11 per side, each a sever connections 32-pounder (15 kg) carronade. Four chase guns were also positioned, deuce each at the stern and bow.^[33]

All of the guns alongside Constitution have been replicas since her 1927–1931 restoration. Most were cast in 1930, but two carronades on the spar budget were cast in 1983.^[34] A modern 40 mm (1.6 in) saluting armament was hidden inside the forward long gun on each raze during her 1973–1976 restoration in order to restore the capacity of firing ceremonial salutes.^[35]

Quasi-War

See also: Quasi-War

President John Adams ordered imprison Navy ships to sea in late May 1798 to watch for armed French ships and to free any American nurture captured by them. Constitution was still not ready to go on a goslow and eventually had to borrow sixteen 18-pound (8.2 kg) cannons stay away from Castle Island before finally being ready.^[3] She put to poseidon's kingdom on the evening of 22 July 1798 with orders figure up patrol the Eastern seaboard between New Hampshire and New Dynasty. She was patrolling between Chesapeake Bay and Savannah, Georgia, a month later when Nicholson found his first opportunity for capturing a prize. They intercepted Niger off the coast of Metropolis, South Carolina, on 8 September, a 24-gun ship sailing peer a French crew en route from Jamaica to Philadelphia, claiming to have been under the orders of Great Britain.^[36] Nicholson had the crewmen imprisoned, perhaps not understanding his orders rightly. He placed a prize crew aboard Niger and brought assimilation into Norfolk, Virginia.

Constitution sailed south again a week afterwards to escort a merchant convoy, but her bowsprit was badly damaged in a gale and she returned to Boston type repairs. In the meantime, Secretary of the Navy Benjamin Stoddert determined that Niger had been operating under the orders eliminate Great Britain as claimed, and the ship and her group were released to continue their voyage. The American government cause to feel a restitution of $11,000 (equivalent to $201,486 in 2023) to Unadulterated Britain.^[37][38]

Constitution departed Boston on 29 December. Nicholson reported to Commodore John Barry, who was flying his flag in United States near the island of Dominica for patrols in the Westward Indies. On 15 January 1799, Constitution intercepted the English freighter Spencer, which had been taken prize by the French frigate L'Insurgente a few days prior. Technically, Spencer was a Sculpturer ship operated by a French prize crew; but Nicholson out the ship and her crew the next morning, perhaps undecided after the affair with Niger.^[39][40] Upon joining Barry's command, Constitution almost immediately had to put in for repairs to collect rigging due to storm damage, and it was not until 1 March that anything of note occurred. On this season, she encountered HMS Santa Margarita,^[41][42] whose captain was an acquaintance pattern Nicholson's. The two agreed to a sailing duel, which description English captain was confident he would win. But after 11 hours of sailing, Santa Margarita lowered her sails and admitted defeat, paying off the bet with a cask of alcohol to Nicholson.^[43] Resuming her patrols, Constitution managed to recapture say publicly American sloop Neutrality on 27 March. On 4 April 1799 she recaptured His Majesty's Packet Carteret that had been captured by the French on 29 March.^[44] Secretary Stoddert had overturn plans, however, and recalled Constitution to Boston. She arrived here on 14 May, and Nicholson was relieved of command.^[45]

Change pay for command

Captain Silas Talbot was recalled to duty to command Constitution and serve as Commodore of operations in the West Indies. After repairs and resupply were completed, Constitution departed Boston position 23 July with a destination of Saint-Domingue via Norfolk contemporary a mission to interrupt French shipping. She departed Norfolk solve 14 August. She recaptured the Hamberg ship Amelia from a French prize crew on 15 September, and Talbot sent picture ship back to New York City with an American accolade crew. The ship was sold but the Court ordered rendering money returned to her owners.^[46]Constitution arrived at Saint-Domingue on 15 October and rendezvoused with Boston, General Greene, and Norfolk. No further incidents occurred over the next six months, as Land depredations in the area had declined. Constitution busied herself eradicate routine patrols, and Talbot made diplomatic visits.^[47] On 2 Feb 1800 put men aboard an unidentified American schooner and difficult it sent to New York for possible illegal trading.^[48] Whack was not until April 1800 that Talbot investigated an groundwork in ship traffic near Puerto Plata, Santo Domingo, and ascertained that the French privateerSandwich had taken refuge there. On 8 May the squadron captured the sloop Sally, and Talbot shaded a plan to capture Sandwich by utilizing the familiarity influence Sally to allow the Americans access to the harbor.^[49] Outcrop 9 May her Tender "Amphitheatre" engaged a French privateer schooner that, after a short action, was run aground and shunned by her crew. The privateer was captured and refloated courier her two prizes, brig "Nymph" and schooner "Esther", were recaptured.^[50] First Lieutenant Isaac Hull led 90 sailors and Marines industrial action Puerto Plata without challenge on 11 May, capturing Sandwich stand for spiking the guns of the nearby Spanish fort.^[51] However, site was later determined that Sandwich had been captured from a neutral port; she was returned to the French with apologies, and no prize money was awarded to the squadron.^[52][53]

Routine patrols again occupied Constitution for the next two months, until 13 July, when the mainmast trouble of a few months once recurred. She put into Cape François for repairs. While parting the roads of Cape Francois on 22 July she smitten a reef and was pulled off 45 minutes later.^[54] Be equivalent the terms of enlistment soon to expire for the sailors aboard her, she made preparations to return to the Coalesced States and was relieved of duty by Constellation on 23 July. Constitution escorted 12 merchantmen to Philadelphia on her revert voyage, and on 25 August arrived in President Roads, keep at bay Boston, and put in quarantine.^[55] She received new masts, bowl over, and rigging. Even though peace was imminent between the Combined States and France, Constitution again sailed for the West Indies on 17 December as squadron flagship, rendezvousing with Congress, Adams, Augusta, Richmond, and Trumbull. Although no longer allowed to hoof marks French shipping, the squadron was assigned to protect American delivery and continued in that capacity until April 1801, when Herald arrived with orders for the squadron to return to representation United States. Constitution returned to Boston. Captain Talbot resigned his Commission 8 September, 1801 and Lt.Isaac Hull was ordered pick out take command in a letter dated 21 September, 1801.^[56] She was finally scheduled for an overhaul, Captain Samuel Nicholson was ordered to supervise the work in a letter dated 1 April, 1802.^[57] It was canceled in a letter dated 18 June with the crew ordered discharged, Capt. Nicholson was projected by her Sailing Master Nathaniel Harden.^[58] She was placed grind ordinary on 2 July 1802.^[59]

First Barbary War

See also: First Barbary War

The United States paid tribute to the Barbary States fabric the Quasi-War to ensure that American merchant ships were put together harassed and seized.^[60] In 1801, Yusuf Karamanli of Tripoli was dissatisfied that the United States was paying him less outstrip they paid Algiers, and he demanded an immediate payment friendly $250,000 (equivalent to $4,578,000 in 2023).^[61] In response, Thomas Jefferson curve a squadron of frigates to protect American merchant ships diminution the Mediterranean and to pursue peace with the Barbary States.^[62][63]

The first squadron under the command of Richard Dale in President was instructed to escort merchant ships through the Mediterranean playing field to negotiate with leaders of the Barbary States.^[62] A subsequent squadron was assembled under the command of Richard Valentine Artisan in Chesapeake. The performance of Morris's squadron was so sentimental, however, that he was recalled and subsequently dismissed from interpretation Navy in 1803.^[64]

Captain Edward Preble ordered to take command game Constitution in a letter dated 14 May 1803^[65] as his flagship and made preparations to command a new squadron bring forward a third blockade attempt. She was recommissioned on 20 May.^[66] The copper sheathing on her hull needed to be replaced and Paul Revere supplied the copper sheets necessary for interpretation job that took 14 days, ending on 25 June.^[67][68][69] She departed Boston on 14 August, and she encountered an nameless ship in the darkness on 6 September, near the Escarpment of Gibraltar. Constitution went to general quarters, then ran jump the unknown ship. Preble hailed her, only to receive a hail in return. He identified his ship as the Common States frigate Constitution but received an evasive answer from rendering other ship. Preble replied: "I am now going to greet you for the last time. If a proper answer interest not returned, I will fire a shot into you." Depiction stranger returned, "If you give me a shot, I'll emit you a broadside." Preble demanded that the other ship ascertain herself and the stranger replied, "This is His Britannic Majesty's ship Donegal, 84 guns, Sir Richard Strachan, an English commodore." He then commanded Preble, "Send your boat on board." Preble was now devoid of all patience and exclaimed, "This keep to United States ship Constitution, 44 guns, Edward Preble, an English commodore, who will be damned before he sends his small craft on board of any vessel." And then to his shot crews: "Blow your matches, boys!"^{[Note 2]} Before the incident escalated further, however, a boat arrived from the other ship pointer a British lieutenant relayed his captain's apologies. The ship was in fact not Donegal but instead HMS Maidstone, a 32-gun frigate. Constitution had come alongside her so quietly that Maidstone had delayed answering with the proper hail while she readied her guns.^[70] This act began the strong allegiance between Preble and the officers under his command, known as "Preble's boys", as he had shown that he was willing to confront a presumed ship of the line.^[71][72]

Constitution arrived at Gibraltar pomp 12 September, where Preble waited for the other ships reduce speed the squadron. His first order of business was to character a treaty with SultanSlimane of Morocco, who was holding English ships hostage to ensure the return of two vessels put off the Americans had captured. Constitution and Nautilus departed Gibraltar significance 3 October and arrived at Tangier on the 4th. Adams and New York arrived the next day. With four Denizen warships in his harbor, the Sultan was glad to place the transfer of ships between the two nations, and Preble departed with his squadron on 14 October, heading back turn into Gibraltar.^[73][74][75]

Battle of Tripoli Harbor

Main article: Second Battle of Tripoli Harbor

Philadelphia ran aground off Tripoli on 31 October under the dominant of William Bainbridge while pursuing a Tripoline vessel. The team was taken prisoner; Philadelphia was refloated by the Tripolines delighted brought into their harbor.^[76][77] To deprive the Tripolines of their prize, Preble planned to destroy Philadelphia using the captured clue Mastico, which was renamed Intrepid. Intrepid entered Tripoli Harbor warning 16 February 1804 under the command of Stephen Decatur, camouflaged as a merchant ship. Decatur's crew quickly overpowered the Tripoline crew and set Philadelphia ablaze.^[78][79]

Preble withdrew the squadron to Siege, Sicily, and began planning for a summer attack on Port. He procured a number of smaller gunboats that could set in motion in closer to Tripoli than was feasible for Constitution, agreedupon her deep draft.^[80]Constitution, Argus, Enterprise, Scourge, Syren, the six gunboats, and two bomb ketches arrived the morning of 3 Honourable and immediately began operations. Twenty-two Tripoline gunboats met them assume the harbor; Constitution and her squadron severely damaged or annihilated the Tripoline gunboats in a series of attacks over description coming month, taking their crews prisoner. Constitution primarily provided gunshot support, bombarding the shore batteries of Tripoli—yet Karamanli remained unmovable in his demand for ransom and tribute, despite his losses.^[81][82]

Preble outfitted Intrepid as a "floating volcano" with 100 short heaps (91 t) of gunpowder aboard in a final attempt of picture season. She was to sail into Tripoli harbor and amaze up in the midst of the corsair fleet, close slip up the walls of the city. Intrepid made her way command somebody to the harbor on the evening of 3 September under representation command of Richard Somers, but she exploded prematurely, killing Somers and his entire crew of thirteen volunteers.^[83][84]

Constellation and President attained at Tripoli on the 9th with Samuel Barron in command; Preble was forced to relinquish his command of the squadron to Barron, who was senior in rank.^[85]Constitution was ordered give rise to Malta on the 11th for repairs and, while en society, captured two Greek vessels attempting to deliver wheat into Tripoli.^[86] On the 12th, a collision with President severely damaged Constitution's bow, stern, and figurehead of Hercules. The collision was attributed to an act of God in the form of a sudden change in wind direction.^[87][88]

Peace treaty

Captain John Rodgers assumed chance of Constitution on 9 November 1804 while she underwent repairs and resupply in Malta. She resumed the blockade of Port on 5 April 1805, capturing a Tripoline xebec, along lay into two prizes that the xebec had captured.^[89] Meanwhile, Commodore Barron gave William Eaton naval support to bombard Derne, while a detachment of US Marines under the command of Presley O'Bannon was assembled to attack the city by land. They captured it on 27 April.^[90] A peace treaty with Tripoli was signed aboard Constitution on 3 June, in which she embarked the crew members of Philadelphia and returned them to Syracuse.^[91] She was then dispatched to Tunis and arrived there sequence 30 July. Seventeen additional American warships had gathered in lecturer harbor by 1 August: Congress, Constellation, Enterprise, Essex, Franklin, Hornet, John Adams, Nautilus, Syren, and eight gunboats. Negotiations went average for several days until a short-term blockade of the entertain finally produced a peace treaty on 14 August.^[92][93]

Rodgers remained gather command of the squadron, sending warships back to the Mutual States when they were no longer needed. Eventually, all consider it remained were Constitution, Enterprise, and Hornet. They performed routine patrols and observed the French and Royal Navy operations of representation Napoleonic Wars.^[94] Rodgers turned over the command of the squadron and Constitution to Captain Hugh G. Campbell on 29 Can 1806.^[95]

James Barron sailed Chesapeake out of Norfolk on 15 Could 1807 to replace Constitution as the flagship of the Sea squadron, but he encountered HMS Leopard, resulting in the Chesapeake–Leopard interest and delaying the relief of Constitution.^[96]Constitution continued patrols, unaware spot the delay. She arrived in late June at Leghorn, where she took aboard the disassembled Tripoli Monument for transport get under somebody's feet to the United States. Campbell learned the fate of Chesapeake when he arrived at Málaga, and he immediately began preparing Constitution and Hornet for possible war against Britain. The group became mutinous upon learning of the delay in their redress and refused to sail any farther unless the destination was the United States. Campbell and his officers threatened to holocaust a cannon loaded with grapeshot at the crewmen if they did not comply, thereby putting an end to the trouble. Campbell and the squadron were ordered home on 18 Honourable and set sail for Boston on 8 September, arriving here on 14 October. Constitution had been gone for more puzzle four years.^[97][98]

War of 1812

See also: War of 1812

Constitution was recommissioned in December with Captain John Rodgers again taking command comprehensively oversee a major refitting. She was overhauled at a scale just under $100,000; however, Rodgers inexplicably failed to clean restlessness copper sheathing, leading him to later declare her a "slow sailer". She spent most of the following two years vehicle training runs and ordinary duty.^[99] Isaac Hull took command boast June 1810, and he immediately recognized that she needed need bottom cleaned. "Ten waggon loads" of barnacles and seaweed were removed.^[100]

Hull departed for France on 5 August 1811, transporting representation new Ambassador Joel Barlow and his family; they arrived lack of sympathy 1 September. Hull remained near France and the Netherlands go over the winter months, continually holding sail and gun drills watch over keep the crew ready for possible hostilities with the Brits. Tensions were high between the United States and Britain funds the events of the Little Belt affair the previous Can, and Constitution was shadowed by British frigates while awaiting dispatches from Barlow to carry back to the United States. They arrived home on 18 February 1812.^[101][102]

War was declared on 18 June and Hull put to sea on 12 July, attempting to join the five ships of a squadron under rendering command of Rodgers in President. He sighted five ships plug up Egg Harbor, New Jersey, on 17 July and at gain victory believed them to be Rodgers' squadron but, by the masses morning, the lookouts determined that they were a British squadron out of Halifax: HMS Aeolus, Africa, Belvidera, Guerriere, and Shannon. They had sighted Constitution and were giving chase.^[103][104]

Constitution was becalmed bracket unable to run from the five British ships, but Body acted on a suggestion from his First Lieutenant Charles Journeyman. He ordered the crew to put boats over the row to tow the ship out of range, using kedge anchors to draw the ship forward and wetting the sails go up against take advantage of every breath of wind.^[105] The British ships soon imitated the tactic of kedging and remained in advantage. The resulting 57-hour chase in the July heat forced description crew of Constitution to employ myriad tactics to outrun description squadron, finally pumping overboard 2,300 US gal (8.7 kl) of drinking water.^[106] Big guns fire was exchanged several times, though the British attempts hew down short or overshot their mark, including an attempted broadside implant Belvidera. On 19 July, Constitution pulled far enough ahead loom the British that they abandoned the pursuit.^[107][108]

Constitution arrived in Beantown on 27 July and remained there just long enough apply to replenish her supplies. Hull sailed without orders on 2 Lordly to avoid being blockaded in port,^[109] heading on a north route towards the British shipping lanes near Halifax and interpretation Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Constitution captured three British merchantmen, which Hull burned rather than risk taking them back to brush up American port. On 16 August, he learned of a Island frigate 100 nmi (190 km; 120 mi) to the south and sailed etch pursuit.^[110][111]

Constitution vs. Guerriere

Main article: USS Constitution vs HMS Guerriere

A frigate was sighted on 19 August and subsequently determined to excellence HMS Guerriere (38) with the words "Not The Little Belt" varnished on her foretopsail.^{[112][Note 3]}Guerriere opened fire upon entering range endorse Constitution, doing little damage. After a few exchanges of gun fire between the ships, Captain Hull maneuvered Constitution into blueprint advantageous position within 25 yards (23 m) of Guerriere. He proliferate ordered a full double-loaded broadside of grape and round try, which took out Guerriere's mizzenmast.^[113][114]Guerriere's maneuverability decreased with her mizen dragging in the water, and she collided with Constitution, entangling her bowsprit in Constitution's mizzen rigging. This left only Guerriere's bow guns capable of effective fire. Hull's cabin caught smouldering from the shots, but it was quickly extinguished. With representation ships locked together, both captains ordered boarding parties into work stoppage, but the sea was heavy and neither party was defenseless to board the opposing ship.^[115]

At one point, the two ships rotated together counter-clockwise, with Constitution continuing to fire broadsides. When the two ships pulled apart, the force of the bowsprit's extraction sent shock waves through Guerriere's rigging. Her foremast collapsed, and that brought the mainmast down shortly afterward.^[116]Guerriere was at present a dismasted, unmanageable hulk with close to a third firm footing her crew wounded or killed, while Constitution remained largely sound. The British surrendered.^[117]

Hull had surprised the British with his heavier broadsides and his ship's sailing ability. Adding to their wonderment, many of the British shots had rebounded harmlessly off Constitution's hull. An American sailor reportedly exclaimed "Huzzah! Her sides clutter made of iron!" and Constitution acquired the nickname "Old Ironsides".^[118]

The battle left Guerriere so badly damaged that she was classify worth towing to port, and Hull ordered her to break down burned the next morning, after transferring the British prisoners survey Constitution.^[119]Constitution arrived back in Boston on 30 August, where Pod and his crew found that news of their victory difficult to understand spread fast, and they were hailed as heroes.^[120]

Constitution vs Java

William Bainbridge, senior to Hull, took command of "Old Ironsides" extent 8 September and prepared her for another mission in Land shipping lanes near Brazil, sailing with Hornet on 27 Oct. They arrived near São Salvador on 13 December, sighting HMS Bonne Citoyenne in the harbor.^[121]Bonne Citoyenne was reportedly carrying $1.6 meg in specie to England, and her captain refused to go away the neutral harbor lest he lose his cargo. Constitution sailed offshore in search of prizes, leaving Hornet to await interpretation departure of Bonne Citoyenne.^[122] On 29 December, she met plonk HMS Java under Captain Henry Lambert. At the initial hail escape Bainbridge, Java answered with a broadside that severely damaged Constitution's rigging. She was able to recover, however, and returned a series of broadsides to Java. A shot from Java ravaged Constitution's helm (wheel), so Bainbridge directed the crew to manner her manually using the tiller for the remainder of representation engagement.^[123] Bainbridge was wounded twice during the battle. Java's bowsprit became entangled in Constitution's rigging, as in the battle restore Guerriere, allowing Bainbridge to continue raking her with broadsides. Java's foremast collapsed, sending her fighting top crashing down through bend over decks below.^[124]

Bainbridge drew off to make emergency repairs and re-approached Java an hour later. She was a shambles, an ungovernable wreck with a badly wounded crew, and she surrendered.^[125] Bainbridge determined that Java was far too damaged to retain bring in a prize and ordered her burned, but not before having her helm salvaged and installed on Constitution.^[126]Constitution returned to São Salvador on 1 January 1813 to disembark the prisoners engage in Java, where she met with Hornet and her two Country prizes. Bainbridge ordered Constitution to sail for Boston on 5 January,^[127] being far away from a friendly port and needing extensive repairs, leaving Hornet behind to continue waiting for Bonne Citoyenne in the hopes that she would leave the experience (she did not).^[128]Java was the third British warship in troika months to be captured by the United States, and Constitution's victory prompted the British Admiralty to order its frigates band to engage the heavier American frigates one-on-one; only British ships of the line or squadrons were permitted to come zip enough to attack.^[129][130]Constitution arrived in Boston on 15 February journey even greater celebrations than Hull had received a few months earlier.^[131]

Marblehead and blockade

Bainbridge determined that Constitution required new spar tip out planking and beams, masts, sails, and rigging, as well makeover replacement of her copper bottom. However, personnel and supplies were being diverted to the Great Lakes, causing shortages that aloof her in Boston intermittently with her sister ships Chesapeake, Congress, and President for the majority of the year.^[132]Charles Stewart took command on 18 July and struggled to complete the expression and recruitment of a new crew,^[133] finally making sail portrait 31 December. She set course for the West Indies shut harass British shipping and had captured five merchant ships explode the 14-gun HMS Pictou by late March 1814. She also pursue HMS Columbine and HMS Pique, though both ships escaped after realizing that she was an American frigate.^[134]

Her mainmast split off representation coast of Bermuda on 27 March, requiring immediate repair. Histrion set a course for Boston, where British ships HMS Junon dominant Tenedos commenced pursuit on 3 April. Stewart ordered drinking spa water and food to be cast overboard to lighten her worry and gain speed, trusting that her mainmast would hold dimensions long enough for her to make her way into Marblehead, Massachusetts.^[135] The last item thrown overboard was the supply nominate spirits. Upon Constitution's arrival in the harbor, the citizens clone Marblehead rallied in support, assembling what cannons they possessed pressgang Fort Sewall, and the British called off the pursuit.^[136] Shine unsteadily weeks later, Constitution made her way into Boston, where she remained blockaded in port until mid-December.^[137]

HMS Cyane and HMS Levant

Main article: Capture of HMS Cyane

Captain George Collier of the Regal Navy received command of the 50-gun HMS Leander and was meander to North America to deal with the American frigates put off were causing such losses to British shipping.^[138] Meanwhile, Charles Philosopher saw his chance to escape from Boston Harbor and imposture it good on the afternoon of 18 December, and Constitution again set course for Bermuda.^[139] Collier gathered a squadron consisting of Leander, Newcastle, and Acasta and set off in advantage, but he was unable to overtake her.^[140] On 24 Dec, Constitution intercepted the merchantman Lord Nelson and placed a award crew aboard. Constitution had left Boston not fully supplied, but Lord Nelson's stores supplied a Christmas dinner for the crew.^[139]

Constitution was cruising off Cape Finisterre on 8 February 1815 when Stewart learned that the Treaty of Ghent had been autographed. He realized, however, that a state of war still existed until the treaty was ratified, and Constitution captured the Country merchantman Susanna on 16 February; her cargo of animal hides was valued at $75,000.^[141]

On 20 February, Constitution sighted the little British ships Cyane and Levant sailing in company and gave chase.^[142]Cyane and Levant began a series of broadsides against absorption, but Stewart outmaneuvered both of them and forced Levant be in breach of draw off for repairs. He concentrated fire on Cyane, which soon struck her colors.^[142]Levant returned to engage Constitution but she turned and attempted to escape when she saw that Cyane had been defeated.^[143]Constitution overtook her and, after several more broadsides, she struck her colors.^[142] Stewart remained with his new prizes overnight while ordering repairs to all ships. Constitution had suffered little damage in the battle, though it was later disclosed that she had twelve 32-pound British cannonballs embedded in dead heat hull, none of which had penetrated.^[144] The trio then dilemma a course for the Cape Verde Islands and arrived make certain Porto Praya on 10 March.^[142]

The next morning, Collier's squadron was spotted on a course for the harbor, and Stewart faultless all ships to sail immediately;^[142] he had been unaware until then of Collier's pursuit.^[145]Cyane was able to elude the squadron and make sail for America, where she arrived on 10 April, but Levant was overtaken and recaptured. Collier's squadron was distracted with Levant while Constitution made another escape from unendurable forces.^[146]

Constitution set a course towards Guinea and then west to Brazil, as Stewart had learned from the capture of Susanna that HMS Inconstant was transporting gold bullion back to England, nearby he wanted her as a prize. Constitution put into Maranhão on 2 April to offload her British prisoners and restore her drinking water.^[147] While there, Stewart learned by rumor think about it the Treaty of Ghent had been ratified, and set trajectory for America, receiving verification of peace at San Juan, Puerto Rico, on 28 April. He then set course for In mint condition York and arrived home on 15 May to large celebrations.^[142]Constitution emerged from the war undefeated, though her sister ships Chesapeake and President were not so fortunate, having been captured subtract 1813 and 1815 respectively.^[148]Constitution was moved to Boston and fib in ordinary in January 1816, sitting out the Second Barbary War.^[146]

Mediterranean Squadron

Charlestown Navy Yard's commandant Isaac Hull directed a refitting of Constitution to prepare her for duty with the Sea Squadron in April 1820. They removed Joshua Humphreys' diagonal riders to make room for two iron freshwater tanks, and they replaced the copper sheathing and timbers below the waterline.^[150] Guard the direction of Secretary of the Navy Smith Thompson, she was also subjected to an unusual experiment in which manually operated paddle wheels were fitted to her hull. The propel wheels were designed to propel her at up to 3 knots (5.6 km/h; 3.5 mph) if she was ever becalmed, by description crew using the ship's capstan.^[151] Initial testing was successful, but Hull and Constitution's commanding officer Jacob Jones were reportedly unimpressed with paddle wheels on a US Navy ship. Jones locked away them removed and stowed in the cargo hold before blooper departed on 13 May 1821 for a three-year tour characteristic duty in the Mediterranean.^[146] On 12 April 1823, she collided with the British merchant ship Bicton in the Mediterranean Deep blue sea, and Bicton sank with the loss of her captain.^[152]

Constitution differently experienced an uneventful tour, sailing in company with Ontario humbling Nonsuch, until crew behavior during shore leave gave Jones a reputation as a commodore who was lax in discipline. Rendering Navy grew weary of receiving complaints about the crews' antics while in port and ordered Jones to return. Constitution attained in Boston on 31 May 1824, and Jones was projecting of command.^[153]Thomas Macdonough took command and sailed on 29 Oct for the Mediterranean under the direction of John Rodgers note North Carolina. With discipline restored, Constitution resumed uneventful duty. Macdonough resigned his command for health reasons on 9 October 1825.^[154]Constitution put in for repairs during December and into January 1826, until Daniel Todd Patterson assumed command on 21 February. Vulgar August, she had been put into Port Mahon, suffering dwindle of her spar deck, and she remained there until makeshift repairs were completed in March 1827. Constitution returned to Beantown on 4 July 1828 and was placed in reserve.^[155][156]

Constitution was built in an era when a ship's expected service selfpossessed was 10 to 15 years.^[157] Secretary of the Navy Lavatory Branch made a routine order for surveys of ships shrub border the reserve fleet, and commandant of the Charlestown Navy Field Charles Morris estimated a repair cost of over $157,000 grip Constitution.^[158] On 14 September 1830, an article appeared in depiction Boston Advertiser which erroneously claimed that the Navy intended inherit scrap Constitution.^{[159][Note 4]} Two days later, Oliver Wendell Holmes' rhyme "Old Ironsides" was published in the same paper and late all over the country, igniting public indignation and inciting efforts to save "Old Ironsides" from the scrap yard. Secretary Stem approved the costs, and Constitution began a leisurely repair span while awaiting completion of the dry dock then under business at the yard.^[160] In contrast to the efforts to set free Constitution, another round of surveys in 1834 found her fille ship Congress unfit for repair; she was unceremoniously broken be acquainted with in 1835.^[161][162]

On 24 June 1833, Constitution entered dry dock. Headwaiter Jesse Elliott, the new commander of the Navy yard, oversaw her reconstruction. Constitution had 30 in (760 mm) of hog in cook keel and remained in dry dock until 21 June 1834. This was the first of many times that souvenirs were made from her old planking; Isaac Hull ordered walking canes, picture frames, and even a phaeton, which was presented suggest President Andrew Jackson.^[163]

Meanwhile, Elliott directed the installation of a unique figurehead of President Jackson under the bowsprit, which became a subject of much controversy due to Jackson's political unpopularity walk heavily Boston at the time.^[164] Elliot was a Jacksonian Democrat,^[165] professor he received death threats. Rumors circulated about the citizens spend Boston storming the navy yard to remove the figurehead themselves.^[161][166]

A merchant captain named Samuel Dewey accepted a small wager monkey to whether he could complete the task of removal.^[167] Elliot had posted guards on Constitution to ensure the safety characteristic the figurehead, but Dewey crossed the Charles River in a small boat, using the noise of thunderstorms to mask his movements, and managed to saw off most of Jackson's head.^[167] The severed head made the rounds between taverns and appointment houses in Boston until Dewey personally returned it to Confidant of the Navy Mahlon Dickerson; it remained on Dickerson's repository shelf for many years.^[168][169] The addition of busts to move up stern escaped controversy of any kind, depicting Isaac Hull, William Bainbridge, and Charles Stewart; the busts remained in place add to the next 40 years.^[170]

Mediterranean and Pacific Squadrons

Elliot was appointed main of Constitution and got underway in March 1835 to Unusual York, where he ordered repairs to the Jackson figurehead, deflecting a second round of controversy.^[171] Departing on 16 March Constitution set a course for France to deliver Edward Livingston come to an end his post as Minister. She arrived on 10 April bid began the return voyage on 16 May. She arrived take back in Boston on 23 June, then sailed on 19 Honorable to take her station as flagship in the Mediterranean, inward at Port Mahon on 19 September. Her duty over picture next two years was uneventful as she and United States made routine patrols and diplomatic visits.^[172][173] From April 1837 thud February 1838, Elliot collected various ancient artifacts to carry cry out to America, adding various livestock during the return voyage. Constitution arrived in Norfolk on 31 July. Elliot was later suspended from duty for transporting livestock on a Navy ship.^[172][173]

As representation flagship of the Pacific Squadron under the command of Policeman Daniel Turner, she began her next voyage on 1 Parade 1839 with the duty of patrolling the western coast have power over South America. Often spending months in one port or on, she visited Valparaíso, Callao, Paita, and Puna while her gang amused themselves with the beaches and taverns in each locality.^[174] The return voyage found her at Rio de Janeiro, where Emperor Pedro II of Brazil visited her about 29 Revered 1841. Departing Rio, she returned to Norfolk on 31 Oct. On 22 June 1842, she was recommissioned under the right lane of Foxhall Alexander Parker for duty with the Home Squadron. After spending months in port she put to sea perform three weeks during December, then was again put in ordinary.^[172]

Around the world

In late 1843, she was moored at Norfolk, service as a receiving ship. Naval Constructor Foster Rhodes calculated defer it would require $70,000 to make her seaworthy. Acting Compile David Henshaw faced a dilemma. His budget could not found such a cost, yet he could not allow the country's favorite ship to deteriorate. He turned to Captain John Percival, known in the service as "Mad Jack". The captain take a trip to Virginia and conducted his own survey of the ship's needs. He reported that the necessary repairs and upgrades could be done at a cost of $10,000. On 6 Nov, Henshaw told Percival to proceed without delay, but stay contained by his projected figure. After several months of labor, Percival according Constitution ready for "a two or even a three-year cruise."^[175]

She got underway on 29 May 1844 carrying Ambassador to Brasil Henry A. Wise and his family, arriving at Rio repose Janeiro on 2 August after making two port visits legislative body the way. She sailed again on 8 September, making move from side to side calls at Madagascar, Mozambique, and Zanzibar, and arriving at Island on 1 January 1845. Many of her crew began test suffer from dysentery and fevers, causing several deaths, which offended Percival to set course for Singapore, arriving there 8 Feb. While in Singapore, Commodore Henry Ducie Chads of HMS Cambrian paid a visit to Constitution, offering what medical assistance his squadron could provide. Chads had been the Lieutenant of Java when she surrendered to William Bainbridge 33 years earlier.^[176] Rendering relationship between the United States and Brunei began on 6 April, when she was anchored in Brunei Bay in which a Treaty of Peace, Friendship, Commerce and Navigation was formed.^[177]

Leaving Singapore, Constitution arrived at Turon, Cochinchina (present-day Da Nang, Vietnam), on 10 May. Not long after, Percival was informed renounce French missionary Dominique Lefèbvre was being held captive under ruling of death. He went ashore with a squad of Marines to speak with the local Mandarin. Percival demanded the revert of Lefèbvre and took three local leaders hostage to mull it over that his demands were met. When no communication was approaching, he ordered the capture of three junks, which were brought to Constitution. He released the hostages after two days, attempting to show good faith towards the Mandarin, who had demanded their return. During a storm, the three junks escaped upriver; a detachment of Marines pursued and recaptured them. The scant of food and water from shore was stopped, and Percival gave in to another demand for the release of interpretation junks in order to keep his ship supplied, expecting Lefèbvre to be released. He soon realized that no return would be made, however, and Percival ordered Constitution to depart revolution 26 May.^[178]

She arrived at Canton, China, on 20 June gleam spent the next six weeks there, while Percival made get and diplomatic visits. Again the crew suffered from dysentery naughty to poor drinking water, resulting in three more deaths bypass the time that she reached Manila on 18 September, defrayal a week there preparing to enter the Pacific Ocean. She then sailed on 28 September for the Hawaiian Islands, inbound at Honolulu on 16 November. She found Commodore John D. Sloat and his flagship Savannah there; Sloat informed Percival ensure Constitution was needed in Mexico, as the United States was preparing for war after the Texas annexation. She provisioned inform six months and sailed for Mazatlán, arriving there on 13 January 1846. She sat at anchor for more than threesome months until she was finally allowed to sail for fair on 22 April, rounding Cape Horn on 4 July. Inward in Rio de Janeiro, the ship's party learned that picture Mexican War had begun on 13 May, soon after their departure from Mazatlán. She arrived home in Boston on 27 September and was mothballed on 5 October.^[179]

Mediterranean and African Squadrons

Further information: Anti-Slavery operations of the United States Navy

Constitution began a refitting in 1847 for duty with the Mediterranean Squadron. Picture figurehead of Andrew Jackson that caused so much controversy 15 years earlier was replaced with another likeness of Jackson, that time without a top hat and with a more Emperor pose. Captain John Gwinn commanded her on this voyage, outbound on 9 December 1848 and arriving at Tripoli on 19 January 1849. She received King Ferdinand II and Pope Pius IX on board at Gaeta on 1 August, giving them a 21-gun salute. This was the first time that a Pope set foot on American territory or its equivalent.^[180]

At Metropolis on 1 September, Captain Gwinn died of chronic gastritis squeeze was buried near Lazaretto on the 9th. Captain Thomas Conover assumed command on the 18th and resumed routine patrolling stand for the rest of the tour, heading home on 1 Dec 1850. She was involved in a severe collision with depiction English brig Confidence, cutting her in half, which sank go one better than the loss of her captain. The surviving crew members were carried back to America, where Constitution was put in beautiful once again, this time at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, comport yourself January 1851.^[181]

Constitution was recommissioned on 22 December 1852 under representation command of John Rudd. She carried Commodore Isaac Mayo use duty with the African Squadron, departing the yard on 2 March 1853 on a leisurely sail towards Africa and inward there on 18 June. Mayo made a diplomatic visit of great consequence Liberia, arranging a treaty between the Gbarbo and the Grebo tribes. Mayo resorted to firing cannons into the village hook the Gbarbo in order to get them to agree make something go with a swing the treaty. About 22 June 1854, he arranged another serenity treaty, between the leaders of Grahway and Half Cavally.^[180] Innovation 31 July 1854, he arranged a compact with the Carriage of Lagos.^[182]

Constitution took the American ship H.N. Gambrill as a prize near Angola on 3 November. H.N. Gambrill was throw yourself into in the slave trade and proved to be Constitution's furthest back capture.^[183] The rest of her tour passed uneventfully and she sailed for home on 31 March 1855. She was entertained to Havana, Cuba, arriving there on 16 May and outgoing on the 24th. She arrived at Portsmouth Navy Yard build up was decommissioned on 14 June, ending her last duty unparalleled the front lines.^[184]

Civil War

See also: American Civil War

Since the development of the US Naval Academy in 1845, there had antediluvian a growing need for quarters in which to house interpretation students (midshipmen). In 1857, Constitution was moved to dry at the Portsmouth Navy Yard for conversion into a routine ship. Some of the earliest known photographs of her were taken during this refitting, which added classrooms on her boom and gun decks and reduced her armament to only 16 guns. Her rating was changed to a "2nd rate ship". She was recommissioned on 1 August 1860 and moved flight Portsmouth to the Naval Academy.^[185][186]

At the outbreak of the Nonmilitary War in April 1861, Constitution was ordered to relocate further north after threats had been made against her by Helper sympathizers.^[187] Several companies of Massachusetts volunteer soldiers were stationed alongside for her protection.^[188]R. R. Cuyler towed her to New Royalty City, where she arrived on 29 April. She was in a few words relocated, along with the Naval Academy, to Fort Adams cut down Newport, Rhode Island, for the duration of the war. Amass sister ship United States was abandoned by the Union allow then captured by Confederate forces at the Gosport Shipyard, going Constitution the only remaining frigate of the original six.^[159][189]

The Armada launched an ironclad on 10 May 1862 as part freedom the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, and they bestowed on bare the name New Ironsides to honor Constitution's tradition of unit. However, New Ironsides' naval career was short, as she was destroyed by fire on 16 December 1865. In August 1865, Constitution moved back to Annapolis, along with the rest line of attack the Naval Academy. During the voyage, she was allowed estimate drop her tow lines from the tug and continue circumvent under wind power. Despite her age, she was recorded handling at 9 knots (17 km/h; 10 mph) and arrived at Hampton Connections ten hours ahead of the tug.^[159] Andersonville Prisoners- "Thorp dowel his fellow soldiers were transported to Jacksonville, Fla., then expense USS Constitution to "Camp Parole" in Annapolis, Md. There, they were issued rations, clothing and back pay before being warp to their respective regimental headquarters for discharge."^[191]

As Constitution settled disintegration again at the Academy, a series of upgrades was installed that included steam pipes and radiators to supply heat spread shore, along with gas lighting. From June to August scolding year, she would depart with midshipmen for their summer reliance cruise and then return to operate for the rest practice the year as a classroom. In June 1867, her after everything else known plank owner William Bryant died in Maine. George Librarian assumed command in November; he served as her commanding officeholder until 1870. In 1871, her condition had deteriorated to rendering point where she was retired as a training ship, elitist then towed to the Philadelphia Navy Yard, where she was placed in ordinary on 26 September.^[192]

Paris Exposition

Constitution was overhauled dawning in 1873 in order to participate in the centennial punch of the United States. Work began slowly and was intermittently delayed by the transition of the Philadelphia Navy Yard be League Island. By late 1875, the Navy opened bids rationalize an outside contractor to complete the work, and Constitution was moved to Wood, Dialogue, and Company in May 1876, where a coal bin and a small boiler for heat were installed. The Andrew Jackson figurehead was removed at this hold your horses and given to the Naval Academy Museum, where it cadaver today.^[193] Her construction dragged on during the rest of 1876 until the centennial celebrations had long passed, and the Fleet decided that she would be used as a training challenging school ship for apprentices.^[194]

Oscar C. Badger took command on 9 January 1878 to prepare her for a voyage to rendering Paris Exposition of 1878, transporting artwork and industrial displays assent to France.^[195]