uss frolick

But by January, 1862, she needed a refit. Afterwards she would head off to the East Indies: U. S. SLOOP OF WAR JAMESTOWN, Hampton Roads, January 5, 1862. SIR: I have respectfully to report that the supplies of water and other articles having become exhausted, I have, in obedience to your order, returned with the Jamestown to this place. I enclose requisitions for the articles needed to supply deficiencies in the ships stores and outfits, also request for survey on the condition of the rudder, upper half-ports, and stern. The ship has been considerably strained by carrying sail to gei~.off- shore ou several occasions, and in rough weather makes about 22 inches of water in twenty-four hours. Both our bower anchors have been lost, one while getting underway during the commencement of a southeast gale by the parting of a cable, the other by the breaking of the shackle while lying at anchor during a souwester off Wilmington. The latter was recovered after the gale by sweeping for it. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES GREEN, Commander. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. Her final orders: OPERATIONS OF THE CRUISERSUNION. 475 Order from Secretary of the ~Yavy to Captain Green, U. S. Navy, com- manding U. S. S. Jamestown, to proceed to the East Indies for the pro- tection of American commerce. NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 11, 1862. "SIR: As soon as the U. S. sioop of war Jamestown, under your com- mand, is in all respects prepared for a cruise, you will proceed with her to the East Indies via the Cape of Good Hope. On your way out you will touch at Rio de Janeiro and Montevideo. At the latter place the U. S. S. Pulaski will most probably be found. The Department designs to dispose of this steamer either at public or private sale, as may be most advantageous, unless upon an examination and survey of her by a board of competent officers you shall be of opinion that she is in a condition, or can be made so economically, for efficient service on the coast of Brazil. If you deem it advisable to sell her, you will direct her officers with such of her crew as enlisted in the United States to return home by the first suitable conveyance. The remaining part of the crew can be paid off and discharged. Your special object in the East Indies will be the protection of American commerce in those waters from piratical cruisers or rebel pri- vateers, and for the better accomplishment of this object the Depart- ment will not restrict your cruising ground to any definite limits bat leave the matter to your discretion. You will remain in the East Indies and on the coast of China until receiving further orders from the Department. 1 transmit herewith for your guidance a copy of instructions to our cruisers, issued by the Department on the 18th ultimo. You will keep the Department advised of your movements. Any communications that it may have for you will be directed to Macao. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES," [secretary of the Navy.] Captain CHARLES GREEN, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. Sloop of War Jamestown, Philadelphia.

Yet another: Report of Commander Green, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. ship James- town, of the capture by that vessel of the sloop Havelock. U. S. SLOOP OF WAR JAMESTOWN, Lat. , Long. , December 15, 1861. SIR: On the 12th instant Commander Glisson, in the Mount Vernon, arrived off Cape Fear, and communicated with me and at the same time with the bark Amanda. After directing the Amanda to proceed to New Inlet, to ascertain what vessel was blockading that entrance, he ran in to anchor near the bar on the west side of the shoals. I stood out with this ship toward the end of the shoal. A heavy gale came on, compelling me to heave the ship to. She drifted during the gale, which lasted two days and a half, to the southward and west- ward off Cape Itomain. This morning, while standing on our course toward Cape Fear, overhauled and captured the sloop Havelock, with a British register. The vessel was formerly the Noank, built in Connec- ticut. She shipped her crew on the 6th of October in Charleston, S. C., and ran the blockade without any clearance. She is now cleared from Matauzas for Philadelphia. The master remarked that he was starving Page 477 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 477 and had to do something for a living. She has a cargo of cigars and coffee, but had no manifest filled. When asked for it, he replied that it was not necessary to fill it until within 3 leagues of the land. The Amanda is almost out of water and must be supplied to enable her to go north. This ships allowance will be reduced so far as to com- pel me to start on my return to Hampton Roads by the 25th, unless the Mount Vernon can give the supply, in which case I can remain a few days longer. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES GREEN, Commander. Flag-Officer L. N. 0-OLDSBOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. A clearance was afterwards found stowed away, signed by the col. lector and naval officer. It is a regular Confederate States paper. C. GREEN. "She had a roving commission, full of adventure!" Wrote the editors of 'The Photographic History of the Civil War: Volume III, The Navies," about the USS Jamestown.

And another: Report of Commander Green, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. ship James- town, of the capture and destruction by that vessel of the schooner Colonel Long. U. S. SLOOP OF WAR JAMESTOWN, At Sea, September 4, 1861. SIR: I overhauled the rebel schooner Colonel Long, of 14 tons burden, belonging to Charleston, S. C., this day, and after taking her cargo out, scuttled her Page 167 ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 167 The circumstances of this case are as follows: On the 7th of August, ultimo, the same schooner was boarded, and, on the plausible and piti- able story of the master, I let him go. He then said he had no papers except a fishing license; that he was from Savannah, and had run away with his vessel with three or four men who left Savannah to avoid being forced to serve in the rebel Army; that he was going to Key West to fish for the Havana market. One of his men wanted to ship on board this ship, and, being one man short, I caused him to take the oath and shipped him. He is a very good man; has a family in Mystic, Conn. An examination of the schooner showed her to be a regular fishing smack of 14 tons, with little of anything on board; and the whole appearance indicated poverty. I was even moved to give the man a piece of pork. This day, being a little to the southward of Savannah, I fell in with the same schooner. On boarding her I ascertained that he had not been to Key West, but had been to Miami, near Cape Florida. The vessel had on board a quantity of limes, part of a barrel of whisky, a few bags of arrowroot, and a bag of sponges. The crew consisted of the master and 7 men, 2 of whom left Charleston in the vessel, 3 had shipped, 1 had entered for a passage, being a castaway English seaman, belonging to the English ship , from Jamaica to Liverpool, but wrecked on a key on the coast, this man being the sole survivor. The master of the schooner still said he had no papers, but acknowl- edged that he was bound for Savannah; others said to Charleston. The fact of his having no papers, and with so large a crew, led to the surmise that he had got these men for the use of privateers at Savan- nah, etc. I determined, therefore, to destroy her, as she was outlawed and not of value enough to ran the risk of a prize crew at this season of the year. After the order had been given to destroy her, one of her crew came and informed me that her papers were concealed under the ceiling of the cabin, and there they were found. They consist of a Confederate coasting license for one year and a clearance from Charleston, with receipts for bills of outfits, and one for a Confederate States flag, which was found and is in my possession. No log and no shipping articles were found. I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant, ChARLES GREEN, Commander. Flag-Officer S. H. STRINGHAM, Comdg. Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads, Virginia.

Jamestown grabs another blockade-runner! U. S. SLOOP OF WAR JAMESTOWN, Off St. Johns [Fla.], August 31, 1861. SIR: The supp]y steamer Connecticut reached this latitude to-day and delivered our rations of fresh beef and vegetables. Before speaking, but in sight of us, she fell in with an English schooner and examined her papers, wliich Captain Woodhull informe Page 153 ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 153 me were somewbat suspicious, but that he had not done more than to endorse the existence of the blockade on her log. As soon as we had received our supplies from the Connecticut, I made sail for the schooner, she still standing inshore, although he said he was bound for St. John, New Brunswick. When he found that he was not likely to escape us, he tacked ship and stood across our bows. A gun from this ship brought him down to us. On being boarded, the following facts were reported by the board- ing officer, and on them, in connection with the fact that after being warned off by the Connecticut, he still pursued a course which would have taken him directly on to the blockaded coast of east Florida, [ concluded to detain him and send him to New York. Statement of boarding officer, Acting Master William Ellery. SIR: In obedience to your orders, I boarded the schooner Aigburtb. and on examin- ing her hold found her cargo to consist of molasses in casks and tierces. On exam- ining her papers I found, as I judge, an informality in them, and, coupled with this, her name had been recently painted and the former partially or nearly obliterated. The captain (Gates) made me the following statement: The schooners name was formerly the Charlotte Aan, of New Berne, N. C.; was sold to a Mr. Gravely, a resident of Charleston, S. C., and an English citizen. The papers shown were provisional register, crew list, bill of lading, etc., the two former purporting to be le~itiinate documents signed by Robert Bunch, esq., H. B. M.s consul at Charleston, under date of July 2 or 5, 1861. The schooner passed out July 28 through Hatteras Inlet; saw a large steamer either that or next day; was loaded with rice and bound for Matanzas; arrived there, dis- charged, loaded, and sailed August 25, ostensibly for St. John, New Brunswick. I saw nothing in any of his papers verifying the transfer of the vessel from the original to the present owner, which should have been mentioned on the provisional register. The captain had permission from his owners to stop at Nassau, New Providence, to procure a permanent register, which he did not do. When boarded she was very much out of her track if bound to the above port. I took the mate and two men on board this ship, leaving the captain and two men on board the schooner. Prize Master Chishoim was placed in charge of her with nine men. His instructions were to take her to New York, or, in case of necessity, Philadelphia, and report to the U. S. district attorney or commissioners, and leave a copy of his instructions with the clerk of the court. I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES GREEN, Commander. Flag-Officer SILAS II. STRINGHAM, Comdg. Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads, Virginia.

The USS Jamestown was one of six large sailing sloops of war from the 1840's mounting eighteen 32-pounders and four 8" shell guns. She had a complete unarmed spar deck protecting her batteries. Her draught shows her to have been rather ornately decorated for her times. She was as large as the 36-gun frigates of the War-of-1812 era. "Destruction of the bark Alvarado, off Pernandina, Ma., by the U. S. ship Jamestown, August 5, 1861. Report of Commander Green, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. ship Jamestown. U. S. SLOOP OF WAR JAMESTOWN, Off Pernandina, August 6, 1861. SIR: I have to report the destruction by fire of the American bark Alrarado by the boats of this ship on the afternoon of the 5th instant. The bark was chased ashore by this ship and abandoned by her crew near the entrance of the St. Mary~s River. The boats were sent under command of Lieutenants Flusser and Phythian, with the marine officer, Mr. Houston, Assistant Surgeon Cleborne, Midshipman Tyson, Acting Master Chisholm, and Boatswain Long. The orders were to get her afloat, if possible; if not, to burn her. The latter alternative was forced upon them, as, while advancing toward the bark, a number of pieces of artillery (three or four) opene Page 57 ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 57 a cross fire upon them, against which they steadily advanced, opposed also by wind and tide, for about half a mile, when the bark was reached and the United States ensign hoisted, without the loss of a man, although the enemys guns were within less than a mile, and two of them supposed to be rifled. The vessel proved to be the bark Alvarado, of Boston, C-. C. Whiting, master, bound from Cape Town to Boston, with a cargo of sheepskins, goatskins, and buckskins, hides, and about 70 tons of iron; also wool. She was a prize to the privateer Jefferson Davis, captured on the 20th of July, in latitude 25~ 04 N., longitude 500 W. Nothing was saved except the captains instruments and some letters, papers, journals, etc. I will send a more detailed account on the first opportunity. The want of a pilot was very sensibly felt. I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES GREEN, Commander. Flag-Officer SILAS II. STRINGHAM, Comdg. Atlantic Blockading ~Squadron, Hampton Roads, Virginia. Cargo of bark Alvarado. 454 bales of wool. 20 bales of buckskins. 58 bales of goatskins. 23~ hides. 290 bales of sheepskins. 70 tons of iron. The above list was copied from her log book. CHARLES GREEN, Commander. Additional report of Commander Green, U. S. Navy, commanding U. 8. ship Jamestown. U. S. SLOOP OF WAR JAMESTOWN, Off Fernandina, August 7, 1861. SIR: In compliance with your order of the 13th ultimo, I left the blockade of Savannah on the 3d and on Monday morning, the 5th, we were off this place. As we were running in for the light a strange sail was discovered inshore of us, standing along the land with a fair wind toward the entrance of the port. This ship was closehauled on the port tack, with all plain sail set, the wind light. As the vessels con- verged, the stranger being close to the entrance of the channel and this ship about 4 miles to the eastward, and a very little to leeward, he suddenly ran his vessel upon the southeast side of the shoal making out from the light-house point, lowered his boat, which was already hanging over the side, and abandoned her with all hands. Immedi- ately after she struck, people began to collect near by on the beach, to the number of perhaps 200, and soon after we saw them dragging down several pieces of artillery. At this time it became necessary for this ship to tack in order to get to the southward of the shoal. After get- tiiig to windward it was very doubtful if we could get the stranded vessel within range of our guns, as the soundings are not laid down inside of 7 fathoms, and having no pilot on board I did not feel justified in running the ship much inside of that depth, knowing that the water in some places in this vicinity shoals very suddenly. It was finally determined to take a position as near as the safety of the ship woul Page 58 58 ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. admit, come to anchor, and send the boats to get her off or destroy her. Had time allowed I could have sent a boat to take soundings, but the tide was flood, the weather squally, with showers of rain, and the chances were that if she were allowed to remain in her present position for the night she would be lightened of part of her cargo and floated around into the harbor by the people on shore, she being only about five-eighths of a mile from thence, and nearly 3 miles from this ship. We accordingly came to anchor and the boats were got out and placed under the command of Second Lieutenant Flusser in the launch, armed with the light 12-pounder howitzer. The other officers in the launch were Lieutenant Houston, of marines, Assistant Surgeon Cleborne, and Boatswain Long. The crew consisted of 17 men, armed with Sharps rifles, muskets, and revolvers; also 8 marines. The third lieutenant, Mr. Phythian, went in charge of the first cutter, with Acting Master Chisholm, 16 men, and 5 marines, armed in the same manner. The fourth cutter was placed in charge of Midshipman Tyson, with a crew of 12 men, armed with muskets and revolvers. The party was furnished with means for setting her on fire. Mr. Flussers orders were to go in and reconnoiter the vessel and if abandoned, or if but a small force was on board, to board her and if possible get her off, but otherwise to burn her, and not to run the risk of being overpowered by enemies from shore. The boats left the ship about 3 p. in.; the tide was strong flood (and the bark had already begun to move in her bed) and swept him up to the northward. When within half a mile of the wreck, the artillery, which had been placed so as to direct a cross fire, opened upon them, against which they steadily advanced for half an hour or more, opposed also by wind and tide, when they leaped aboard the prize and ran up the American ensign. At this time the firing ceased from the shore, the ammunition having apparently given out, and was not renewed until the boats left, when one or two shots were fired. The firing was thought to have been from rifled pieces and was good in range and line, but by skillful management and the mercy of Providence neither boats nor crews were injured. The boarding party had scarcely reached the bark before the smoke of a steamer was seen, and soon the steamer appeared coming out with the evident intention of cutting off the boats. I therefore made signal of recall, lifted our anchor, and ran in near enough to the entrance of the harbor to bring the steamer within range of our guns as she came out. The smoke soon told that the bark was on fire, the boats left her, and the steamer, after coming nearly within range, turned and went back. The bark was completely destroyed, as nothing but her sterupost was in sight the next morning. She proved to be the American bark Alva- rado, of Boston, from Cape Towmi to Boston. Her log~ book shows that she was captured in latitude 250 04 N., longitude 50~ W., by the priva- teer Jefferson Davis, and that her cargo consisted of wool, sheepskins, goatskins, buckskins, and hides, with about 70 tons of iron. A few articles only, belonging to the captain, were saved, together with some letters and papers, all of which, together with the log and private journal of the captains wife, from which most of the information regard. ing the capture, etc., is taken, are herewith forwarded. I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES GREEN, Commander. Flag-Officer SILAS H. STRINGRAM, Comdg. Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Efampton Roads, Virginia Page 59 ATLANTiC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 59 Report of Captain Yuell, C. S. Army. FERNANDrNA, FLA., August [6], 1861. SIR: On yesterday morning the town was thrown into commotion by the report that two vessels were on the coast, one of which was fleeing to secure an entrance over our bar, the other in pursuit to effect a cap- ture. The whole of our people armed and proceeded to the beach, about 2 miles from town. A company from the post at Fort Clinch, with a 6-pounder, was also dispatched to the beach, which, in addition to another 6-pounder from town, made the whole of our defensive and offensive armament. When I arrived in view of the vessels, 1 found a bark stranded at 1~ miles from shore, with her sails set and abandoned by her crew, who had just landed, and in the offing was a large United States man-of-war, which I have since learned was the Vincennes [James- town]. The bark was one of the prizes of the Jeff. Davis, privateer, seek- ing a harbor, and which she very nearly effected. After much maneu- vering the man-of-war anchored, sent out her boats, which, finding it in vain to try to save the vessel, set fire to her, and she is burned to the waters edge. Our 6-pounders were unavailing, and I take occasion to say that we have not a military company at this post capable of service as artillerists. Few of our volunteers have ever seen any- thing larger than a musket before coming to this station. The enemy can at any moment land here and take possession without much hin- drance from our defensive works. We are entirely at his mercy. After setting fire to the vessel the man-of war left our shores and has not since been seen till late to-day. I learn she was seen this after- noon again in the offing. The name of the prize vessel is the Al-va- rado, owned in Boston, commanded by U. C. Whiting. She left Cape Town, Table Bay, in Africa, on Jane 3. Her cargo was wool, sheep and goat skins, old copper and iron, and some crude medicines, and was valued at $70,000. She was taken by the Jeff. Davis on July 21, in latitude 250 30 and longitude 610. Cargo owned by Isaac Taylor, of Boston, Mass. Captain Whiting and wife, with a negro steward, were on board of the prize sent home by Captain Coxetter, of the Jeff. Davis. Whiting and his wife have been landed on our shores with no other apparel than that they had on. I had them sent to a board- ing house, and shall communicate with the C. S. marshal, and put them under his charge. The ladies with great philanthropy have raised enough money to clothe their enemies. They will, therefore, be provided for. The l)rize crew are all safe, and were glad to escape in a boat from the stranded bark. I have the honor to be very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. YUELL, Captain and Acting Commissary of AS~ubsistence. Hon. SECRETARY OF WAR, Richmond, Va.

Brother, that is one beautiful corvette!

The ship in the other book, The Search For Speed Under Sail, is the Bolivar, ex-Hercules, a navy corvette built in New York by Eckford for Greek Revolutionaries, but forfeited by them for lack of payment, and instead sold to the Colombian Navy. This may be the only surviving plan for a Colombian Navy ship. Colombia at this time possessed several frigates and even one ship of the line. There was a great naval battle that helped secure the country's independence. The Corvette Bolivar is unusual in that she had half the number of gun-ports that one might expect to see in a ship her size, (implying that they were big guns!) and because she is so very sharp that it would have been impossible to store much in the way of stores and water in her. But the Colombian Navy stuck to the coastline, because that's where the action was. Bolivar almost looks like a British Lake Ontario ship. She must have been very, very fast! Bolivar is a better candidate for reconstructing the USS Madison because of this. (I've recently been to Bogota twice, and after hitting every history museum, a can appreciate how truly wonderful Colombian history is.)

Here's a first hand account of the John Adams's encounter with Helicon and Scylla, from "Naval Adventures: Thirty Five Years of Service" , Volume 1, by William Bowers, London, 1833: "Not long after, in company with the Scylla, eighteen, about two hundred miles west of Scilly, we descried a large ship under heavy press of sail, steering about W by N, She was painted black, showed no guns or colours, other than a small white flag at the foremast,, which, with the manner which she shortened sail, and backed her maintop sail, keeping the fore sail and jib on her, after we had whipped a few shot across her bows, impressed us with being a merchantman. I proceeded to board her, and on pulling up in her wake, was struck with her breadth of beam, and warlike cut of her canvass. When close upon her quarter, I hailed her, and was given to understand she was the United States Ship John Adams, having on board the American Envoy from the Texel, bearing the proposals for peace, and with an Admiralty passport. The captain at the same time invited me on board, pledging his word of honour, that I should not be detained. On this I pulled up and mounted the side. To my astonishment, as I was about to step on deck, I found the whole crew at their guns prepared for action,the matches burning, and the men with the train tackles in hand prepared for running out the guns. This corresponded so little with the peaceful declaration I had just received, that, not choosing to risk my own honour and the fate of the two vessels, I instantly jumped into the boat and returned to report what I had seen. By this time the Scylla was on her weather quarter and her commander, a fine veteran of the old school, being senior officer, I reported to him what i had seen.. He replied, 'Bear a hand onboard your ship, tell W_____ to keep his jib boom on my tafferail, and we will soon see who he is.' few minutes later, both brigs ranged up on his weather beam, as close as we could without danger of falling on board, and with a voice roaring like an old lion, Darby then hailed ordering to send an officer with his passport. This being complied with, and all being found correct, I returned with the American first lieutenant, a fine young fellow,and was received very cerimoniously. On entering the cabin, I was introduced to the Envoy, Mr. Dallas, refreshment was offered and I am almost ashamed to say refused,however, a young man might be excused if. influenced by a national sentiment, and in a hurry of movement, he should overlook those nice shades of conduct, which should guide him according to time, place and circumstance ... The American Captain expressed himself hurt at the cavalier and impervious manner inwhich he was hailed by the English commodore, as he styled him. I assured him nothing offensive was intended, but it was his natural manner, being a plane rough seaman. This ship had been a frigate, now raz'ee, and mounting twenty forty-two pounders and two long twelves, with a crew of three hundred men." I don't consider Captain Samuel Angus to have done anything wrong, having cleared for action when two English sloops of war were bearing down on her, and firing shots across his bow! It was certainly not a bout of "temporary insanity" as John Quincy Adams termed it. Must have been more to that story. I also note that the John Adams's bulwarks must have been high indeed for her gun crews not to have been seen until she was boarded by an English officer! Obvioulsly, her half ports were in place. Nowhere can I find the name of the JA's first lieutenant who so impressed Lt. Bowers of HM Brig Helicon.

Donald Canney give evidence in "The Sailing Warships of the US Navy", in the form of letters exchanged between Commodore John Rogers and the Secretary of the Navy John Branch, that Naval Constructor Francis Grice had improved upon the new John Adams' hull lines. Branch wanted an explanation for all the anecdotal tales that he was hearing concerning the JA out-sailing her supposed sister-ships. When Branch appeared angry that any constructor would dare to alter the official navy plans, Rogers quickly changed his tune. He then suddenly claimed that the draught had been followed - but without stating which draught. Grice had submitted a slightly smaller design of his own, but it was not used. It showed much more dead-rise in the floors than the Boston. Grice had been a student of Henry Eckford, who had also submitted a beautiful design of his own, sporting sharp floor dead-rise, but that plan sadly also went unused. Eckford had tinkered with the official North Carolina, 74, plans on his own, and created the Ohio, 74, the best sailing battleship of the fleet. Eckford lost his job for doing it.

John Adams Chronology: 1799: Frigate with twenty-four long twelve pounders on the gun deck and two twelves, bow chasers, and six 24-pound carronades on her spar deck. She retained this form when she fought with Commodore Morris Squadron, bombarding Tripoli, firing at gunboats, and engaging and destroying the 26-gun Lateen rigged Frigate Meshuda fighting alongside the USS Enterprize. She did a lot of fighting during this service. She had a bust figurehead carved by William Rush of Philadelphia. She was the first US Navy ship to carry carronades. 1804: converted to a store ship when she joined Preble's squadron off Tripoli. Gun deck full of cargo with eight long six-pounders on her quarterdeck and six long twelve pounders in the Waste of her spar deck! This would have required her having been converted to a mini-double-banked frigate! The rest of her guns were in the hold, but her carriages were scattered among other ships. 1807-09: Converted to a 24-gun flush decked corvette carrying twenty-two 42-pounder carronades and two long twelve pounders. No poop deck. Fox wrote in a letter stating that he intended to replace the bust with a scrolled fiddle head. The watercolor appears to show this. At some unknown point in her history, she received a bust head of John Adams again. Her replacement ship had one. 1811-12: Reverted back to a frigate in j.a.c.k.a.s.s frigate form in Boston, carrying thirty lighter carronades and two chase guns. No forcastle! 1813-14 Converted back to a corvette of 22 guns: armament varied in port, but they settled on 42-pounder carronades again by her 1814 sailing. Differed from 1809 version by having a 17-foot long quarterdeck (poop) cabin with a flush roof. This appears the ship shown in the watercolor. Note the sailor dudes on it. Retained this form until her breaking up and replacement in 1829.

I continue ... The John Adams became whole again in early 1813. It is possible that the JA never had a full forecastle deck installed in 1812, just a short platform called a "topgallant forecastle deck" for conning, as well as the armed quarterdeck, since that is the definition of a j.a.c.k.a.s.s. frigate: a frigate with no forcestle. A confidential letter written by the new Secretary of the Navy William Jones, to Master Commandant William Crane, dated April 16, 1813: " ... You will proceed immediately to Baltimore and take command of the United States Ship John Adams, destined by the President, for a special and confidential service and in order to render her fit for service it will be necessary to cut down her topsides and reconvert her into an efficient corvette, as she was previous to her last repair and outfit at Boston. About 16 or 17 feet of the after part of the quarterdeck and the topgallant forecastle will be retained, but without armament, or any thing above other ... other [than] the crane irons and ridge ropes. Her armament will be twenty heavy 12-pounders and four long 18-pounders." Keep the cranes, Crane! The confidential mission was to have been a raiding mission around Cape Horn on to the Oregon/Canadian coast to destroy the British settlements, and to protect the American presence in the northwest. Long guns would be needed to bombard any land settlements, if they chose not to go quietly. Politically connected millionaire John Astor was to accompany the expedition, since he had financed the American settlements already there. And so the ship was fitted out in the best possible fashion, and she was ordered to carry only the highest quality stores. The plan was cancelled when Crane and the ships' entire crew was instead sent on emergency status to Lake Ontario. Crane had practical problems with the desired armament: "The long 18-pounders in the yard are so badly made that they will not stand the proof. One burst on Lake Ontario and one burst yesterday. The 12-pounders are short, heavy, clumsy pieces, not of which will clear the stern ports." Fox was known to have decreased the rake of the JA's stern when she was razeed in 1807-9, but she might have still retained an excess stern rake, so much so that the guns couldn't reach all the way out. Crane wanted 32-pounder carronades, but they could only have been transported from the foundries in Maryland and Philadelphia by sea, and the British blockade was too tight. Crane was unable to enlist a full crew in New York either, in another letter to the SecNav dated May 4, 1813.: "I discover a very strong prejudice in the seamen against the John Adams." Since the ship had been repaired and fitted for the tastes of Mr. Astor, it was decided to send her off on a diplomatic voyage. The retention of a long piece of the quarterdeck was probably to house Astor and his staff. On February 5, the JA sailed under Master Commandant Samuel Angus to England carrying "Peace Commissioners" Henry Clay and Jonathan Russell, to try and negotiate the end to the war. On the way back, the JA was to bring her namesake's son, Diplomat John Quincy Adams, home. John Quincey Adams noted in his memoirs on June 13, 1814: "She (the John Adams) carries twenty-two guns, but is now only half-armed, having but twelve forty-two pound carronades." Presumably the rest of her guns were moved into the hold. Apparently, Commander Angus suffered several "temporary attacks of insanity" after picking up Adams off the Texel, and even tried to pick a fight with two small British brigs of war on August 25, 1814, even though the JA was flying the flag of truce. The commander of one of them, the 10-gun HMS Helicon (only 18-pounder carronades), noted that the John Adams was a razeed frigate, she had all her guns mounted, and was painted all black. Her consort was the 16-gun ex-French HMS Achates (24-pounders). That would have been an interesting battle! CORRECTION, CORRECTION! HMS Helicon's consort was HMS Scylla, 18 guns, with 32-pounder carronades, a Cruiser Class Brig, not HMS Achates.

Back to the USS John Adams: In 1812, after the JA have been converted to a fine fast and powerful flush decked corvette, William Banibridge ordered her upper works put back on so that he could have another frigate in the stable. The only benefit was the addition of eight 18-pouinder carronades to the new quarterdeck. She was so unstable that her 42-pounder main deck guns had to be swapped out for 32-pounders, and her two chase guns were reduced to nine-pounder and were placed on the lower deck since the new mini-forecastle couldn't take the weight. These changes caused indignation amongst the officer corps, who new well the old ship. Master Commandant Charles Ludlow took the j.a.c.k.a.s.s frigate on her maiden voyage on September 7, 1812, and wrote to the Secretary of the Navy Paul Hamilton: "I had a very good opportunity to try the sailing of the ship, and conceive it my duty to report the same. She cannot pass for more than a tolerable sailing merchant ship, and so crank that a ship of 20 guns ought to take her, in what would generally be called a topgallant breeze for ships of war." This means that her main deck gun ports were under water! Captain Ludlow continued: "When I took command of this ship from Captain (Joseph) Tarbell he insured me that it was his intention to apply to the department for orders to rejoin the ship again and wished me not to make any alterations. I have not made any of any consequence, but if Captain Tarbell is not to have her ... (which I will give up with much pleasure) I shall be under the necessity of applying for a survey of the ship, and trust can make it appear, that as a corvette, she will answer as a vessel of war, but at the present, she is unworthy of the name AMERICAN SHIP OF WAR, and I shall very reluctantly hazard the reputation of her officers and that of the service; in her present state; she will be considered by the public; and particularly with any vessel she may have to contend with, as a 32-gun frigate, when she mounts 32 guns." Captain Ludlow was of a great and influential naval family, he having a brother then serving as purser on the Constitution, and another brother Augustus Ludlow, destined to be the gallant, slain first lieutenant of the USS Chesapeake, of who the latter of which, many towns in the US would be named. (Ludlow, Vermont, for example.) Yet, he felt inclined to add: "With due deference I have made the above report, and hope I have not exceeded the bounds of rectitude." The report worked, and the JA sat out most of the war stripped of her guns in New York until the summer of 1814, intended as a 'harbor ship' for the defense of the port. But she would get her salvation ...

Hey Mark, those same old ladies would also say that "Charleston is where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers meet to form the Atlantic."

They are not upper deck windows. They are partial windows in the stern of the quarter galleries at the gun-deck level, but only on the upper half of the back of the galleries. You'll see what I'm talking about ...

Charlie, I might have an answer for you. If anyone has both a copy of 'The Naval War of 1812', Chatham Pictorial History, Vol. 6, Naval Institute Press ANA a functioning scanner, I beg you look at page 49, bottom, at an engraving entitled "United States and Macedonian Frigates passing Hurl Gate", New York, by P. H. Hansel, Philadelphia, 1817. I believe it to be the most accurate depiction of the United States's stern. My reasoning is thus: 1. The sterns of both ships are shown in great detail, and the styles are clearly different from one another, in both the style of the scroll work to the number of windows. Artists of the period who fudged the details, usually fudged both ships identically. We already know that the Macedonian had the stern of the Lively Class frigates, two other drawings of which survive. The Macedonian is propperly depicted there with six windows across her stern, and the same style of carvings. 2. The United States is shown with seven windows across her stern, plus a pair of what I can only describe as half windows in the back of her quarter galleries. While this might be dismissed as whimsey, remember that the US had a double-decked stern and galleries at one time. So these half lights might be a remnant her her early configuration. The 1820's Charles Ware spar deck plan shows here with quarterdeck roundhouses, another remnant which no other American frigate carried. Seven windows means eight counter timbers, which the Essex was rebuilt with, and which at least one of the 36 gun ships might have been built with since a unidentified gun deck framing plan with eight counter timbers survives in the Fox papers. Congress? Philadelphia? The Guerriere class stern requires eight counter timbers too. 3. For a while, the United States and the Macedonian found themselves blockaded in the Thames River, and they were hauled up river as for as they could be, and anchored with guns run out the stern ports for protection against British boat attacks. They hung boarding nettings and ran a cable acroos the river, and rowed a constant guard down stream. They became quite the tourist attraction, but nobody got too close, and so they were viewed only stern on. (Source: "The William Skiddy Journal", 1813-15, an unpublished private journal written by one of the USS Hornet's midshipmen. ) I believe that Mr. Hansel got to see them at that time, made his preliminary sketch, complete with two guns run out of the U.S's quarterdeck stern chase ports. His depictions of the ship's broadside are sketchy, because he could not have seen them on the Thames. He partially hides them with smoke for saluting guns, (a common artistic ploy) and he even erroneously places guns in the Macedonian's planked-up waist, a feature she never had. 4. A contemporary pencil sketch of the battle, drawn soon afterwards by one of the US's crewmen, shows seven windows as well. The original was held by the Naval Academy museum, (and may or may not still be there), but was photographed and published in John Spears's "The History of Our Navy", a lively, yet slightly racist Victorian book that is otherwise best avoided.

Please note above the watercolor of the stern of the Constitution with six windows! The artist was W. A. K. Martin, and although it is hard to see here, it is dated 1837. (See M.V. Brewington "Shipcarvers of North America")

There is a contemporary watercolor painting entitled "American Corvette" by William John Huggins. She is a flush decked corvette with a long rail-less poop and topgallant forcastle deck with 12 guns a side, exclusive of the broadside ports. I am 99% sure that it is of the John Adams, and I date the painting to her diplomatic mission of 1809-10. You can see it on the NMM site. If anyone can figure out how to repost it here, it would be informative ...

Let's let Captain Robert not-so-Handy of the Vincennes chime in: " GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 709 Report of Commander Handy, ~. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. ship Vincennes. U. S. SHIP VINCENNES, Off sSomtA West Pass, ifississippi River, October 14, 1861. SIR: I have to report my safe arrival at this place, having left the Head of the Passes on the 12th instant in company with the Richmond and Preble. On my route down it was my misfortune (as anticipated) to ground some distance from the bar, going head on. The three ves- sels were pursued by rebel armed steamers, who, after awhile, com- menced a brisk firing. The Vincennes not being able, from her situ- ation,to bring her broadside guns to bear on the enemy, I took down all the cabin bulkheads and caused two of the 8-inch shell guns to be run out of the stern ports; continued a sharp flung with them until the signal, No. 1 (as understood on board this ship), was displayed from the Richmond. I continued my firing, however, for some time afterwards. I then directed the officers and crew to repair to the Richmond and Water Witch.. Previously to leaving this ship I caused a slow match to be placed in the magazine, which fortunately did not cause an explosion. I then reported myself to Captain Pope. Ascertaining from him that there was a misunderstanding about the signal, I repaired with the officers and crew on board the Richmond to the Viveewnes, obtaining his permission to throw overboard the fourteen 32-pounders, round shot, and any articles that might have a tendency to lighten the ship, as I was more than anxious to save her from the grasp of the rebels, feeling that the vessel was of more value to the Government than the guns. Although the ship was lightened by the operation, still it was not sufficient to float her, but the day fol- lowing I was relieved from my embarrassing situation by the steamers ASOTht/t (Jarokna and life Ole/lan. I trust, sir, that my conduct will meet with your entire approbation, governed as I was from a strict sense of duty. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT HANDY, Commander. Flag-Officer MCKEAN, IT. S. Navy.

Pope wrote another report trying to clarify matters: " Additional report of Captain Pope, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Richmond U. S. S. RICHMOND, Q~ Pass i~ (Ontre, lJfississippi River, October 17, 1861. SIR: My report to you in regard to our leaving the Head of the Passes having been made iii a great hurry, in order to acquaint you as soon as possible of the leading facts of the case many incidents vere omitted which I will now report. After the first blow given to this ship by the ram, on the morning of the 12th instant, it remained under our port quarter, apparently endeavoring to fix herself in a position to give us a second blow, but the slipping of our chain, and the ship ranging ahead under steam, frustrated the object. The ram dropped astern, but soon gathered headway and ranged our port beam, receiving the fire of our port bat- tery, some guns of which were discharged twice. It then ranged ahead, passing up the river, receiving the fire of the port battery o Page 710 710 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. the Preble, disappearing in the darkness. Owing to the darkness I was unable to see the effect of our shot upon her, but some officers are of the opinion they heard shot strike the ram. I passed the Preble and stood up the river, when Acting Master Wilcox reporting we were getting too close to the starboard shore, the helm was put up and the ship rapidly fell off, presenting her broadside up and down the river. As soon as she had drifted near the Head of the Passes, inef- fectual attempts were made to get her head upstream, when I found myself a mile and a half down the South West Pass. I then put the helm up, continued down the river, hoping to be able to get her head round off Pilot Town. In doing this she drifted some distance below, grounding broadside to. Soon after this the enemy opened their fire upon us, which was kept up for about two hours. The day before leaving the Head of the Passes I had succeeded in placing one of our IX-inch broadside guns on the topgallant forecastle, giving a long range, and it was continually fired during the engagement. About 9 oclock a. ni., during the firing, it was reported to me that several boats filled with men were leaving the I79~ce~2~es; some went on board the lYater TVUeL, others came to this ship. In a few nun- utes Commander Handy, with several of his officers, canie on board, Commander Handy having wrapped around his waist in broad folds an American flag, and upon being asked, stated he had abandoned his ship in obedience to signal. Being told no such signal had been made, he insisted he so read it; that Captain Winslow had so read it. The fol- lowing day Lieutenant Commanding Winslow, being asked, remarked, he saw no such signal; that when he was asked by one of Captain Handys officers if that was the meaning of the signal, sent word to Captain Handy that it was impossible to get guns out of his stern ports and fight his ship. As soon as it was thought from the description of the slow match that it had gone out, Captain handy, his officers and crew, returned to their ship. In the evening I received a note from Captain Ilandy. a copy of which, and my reply, is enclosed. After I had taken the guns and ammunition from the i1I~ Clellan she was sent to the assistance of the T7ineeiines, and endeavored to get her afloat; in the meantime I carried out a stream anchor from this ship astern, and after unsuccessful attempts for two or three hours the il/c (Yellan returned to this ship and was lashed alongside to wait until a rise of the tide. At early daylight of the 13th instant the South Garolima, Commander Alden, came in, and I directed him to proceed and if possible get the Vincenne8 afloat. Soon after, this ship was got afloat, her head downstream, and the McCeilan was instantly cast off and went to assist in getting the Vincennes afloat. As there was not room for this ship to lay at anchor, or to turii to point her head up the stream, I had no other alternative than to cross the bar and anchor outside. My mind was very much relieved, knowing that the arma- ment of four rifled guns on board the iJilc (leilan, together with the long gun of the South carolina, would keep the enemy at bay. At about 2p. m. the Vincennes was got afloat, crossed the bar, and anchored near this ship, and the South Uarolina was immediately dispatched to Pass ~ lOutre to guard that place until I could send him a relief. My retreat down the Pass, although painful to me, was to save the ships, by preventing them being sunk and falling into the hands of the enemy, and it was evident to me they had us in their power by the operation of the ram and fire rafts. If I have erred in all this matte Page 711 GULF I3LOCKADJNG ~4QIJADI~ON. 711 it is an error of judgment; the whole affair came upon me so suddenly that no time was left for reflection, but called for immediate action and decision. The ram having made its appearance the next day at the mouth of the river, the inipression is she sustained no injury from our shot, only waiting an opportunity to destroy the ships. ft having been rumored there was a panic on board this ship at the time she was engaged with the enemy, I state it to be false; both offi- cers and men exhibited the utmost coolness and determination to do their duty. My orders and those of all the officers were carried out with as much coolness as if it had been an everyday affair, and their whole conduct merits high commendation, and they would feel grati- tied to prove their bravery by being permitted to take part in the contemplated attack on Pensacola, as requested in notes from me to you on this subject. In both engagements with the enemy the whole fire appeared to be directed to the destruction of this ship, most of the shot being apparently directed to the quarter of this vessel, pre- sumed for the purpose of disabling our rudder and propeller. I omitted in my hasty report to mention the essential aid I have received from Captain Gray, commanding the army transport M~ Ciel- lam, in getting this ship and the Vineennes afloat. From Lieutenant Commanding Winslow, commanding the Water TI7tck, I received every possible assistance that could be rendered. I directed Commander French, of the Preble, as soon as it could be done, to pr~eed to Pass ~ lOutre to guard that entrance. This he was unable to do at the time; the wind being ahead and a strong current to leeward, he was barely able to hold his own. He came in and anchored, and reported to me he was quite out of wood and coal. I told him he could procure wood off the North East Pass, where he would be stationed after the arrival of one of the steamers at Pass ~ lOutre. He replied it was impossible to get wood there, and earnestly requested to go to Ship Island, where he would, in two days, procure wood sufficient for himself and the Vincennes. 1 reluctantly consented to his doing so, knowing that one of the steamers, either the South Carolina or huntsville, would reach Pass ~ lOutre in advance of him. All of which is respectfully submitted. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN POPE, Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, (aptain. (~ovmnandinq Gulf Blockadinq Squadron. P. 5. This and my first report to you embrace all the facts to my best recollection, and if they are not satisfactory I respectfully ask for a court of enquiry in the matter; and if it can not be granted with- out detriment to the service at this time, that it may be referred to the honorable Secretary of the Navy. JOHN POPE. [Enclosure i.]

Commander McKean was not Happy: "Second report of Flag-Officet McKean, ~J. S. Navy. No. 5.] U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Off South TVcst Pass ~Mississippi [River], October 25, 186]. SIR: On the 15th instant I had the honor to address to you, from the anchoiage off Fort Pickens, a short and hasty dispatch (No. 4) inform- Ing you of the disastrous intelligence received from this place by the army steamer life Olcllan. This dispatch I forwarded by the hands of Commander Ronckendorff, who took passage in the McClellan for New York. I left Fort Pickens at 2 p. m. on the 15th instant, spoke the U. S. S. South Carolina off Pass ~ lOutre at 2 a. m. on the 16th, and at 8:30 a. m. came to anchor off this Pass. I immediately commenced an investigation for the purpose of learn- ing all the circumstances of the affair, and I am sorry to be obliged to say that the more I hear and learn of the facts the more disgraceful does it appear. N w Il------YOL 16 4 Page 706 7O~ GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. My first impulse was to place another officer in command and order a reoccupation of the position, but upon mature reflection I decided to await the arrival of some of the Government-built gunboats, which I can not bitt hope are now on their way to join this squadron. My reasons are as follows: The Richmond, owing to her great length, is difficult to handle in a narrow channel with a strong current, and the ~9~tyler not having arrived, I had no steamer to support her unless I withdrew the South carolina from Barataria. This I was unwilling to do, having received informhtion from the crews of the schooners captured near that place that other vessels belonging to the same owner were loading with arms i p Havana. I say, no steamer, for I am convinced from experience that sailing ships in that position are worse than useless. On the arrival of snitable vessels I shall at once, unless otherwise instructed, again take possession of the Head of the Passes. I found on my arrival that the sloop Preble had been dispatched to Ship Island to obtain wood, though a supply can be procured on any of the mud banks at the entrance of this river. I can not but express surprise that any officer should have asked permission, or been allowed to leave at such a time, more especially, as I find that the Pass ~ lOutre was left unguarded for twenty-four hours, rendering it possible that armed vessels of the enemy may have escaped, though I have no information that such is the case. 1 had prepared a precept for a court of enquiry that I might be enabled to report legally ascertained facts to the Department, but I found that it would be impossible to assemble a court and obtain the testimony of the witnesses without diverting too many vessels and officers from the far niore important duties of the blockade. ..."

Here are Captain French's subsequent sailing orders, should anyone find them of interest: " Order of Flag Officer McLean, U. S. Navy, to commander French, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. Ship Preble, regarding the cruising ground of that vessel. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Off Fort Pickens, November 26, 1861. SIR: You will cruise in the ship under your command between Ship Island Shoal and Sabine Pass until further orders. Commander T. D. Shaw, in the U. S. S. Montgomery, is ordered to blockade Berwick Bay. He will occasionally supply you with water. Should he not be able to furnish you a sufficient quantity, you will, when necessary, proceed to the South West Pass of the Mississippi for a supply, but are only to leave your cruising ground in case of necessity. About the time of the expected arrival of the supply steamer, you can run into Allafalaya Bay or to the anchorage off Galveston, for the pur- pose of obtaining from her a supply of fresh provisions, etc., and will resume your station as soon as that is accomplished. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, ~ MCKEAN, Flag- Officer, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commander H. FRENCH, Commanding U. S. Sloop Preble.

Report of Captain Pope, commanding U. S. S. Richmond. Note no mention is made of the Preble signaling and firing her broadsides prior to the Ram striking the Richmond. "U. S. S. RICHMOND South West Pass of Mississippi River, October 13, 1861. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report: At 3:4~ a. in., October 12, 1861, while the watch on deck were employed in taking coal on board from the schooner Joseph IL Toone, a ram was discovered in close proximity to this ship. By the time the alarm could be given, she had struck the ship abreast of the port fore channels, tearing the schooner from her fasts and forcing a hole through the ships side. Passing aft, the ram endeavored to effect a breach in the stern, but failed. Three planks in the ships side were stove in about 2 feet below the water line, making a hole about 5 inches in circumference. At the first alarm the crew promptly and coolly repaired to their Page 704 704 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. quarters, and as the ram passed abreast of the ship the entire port battery was discharged at her, with what effect it was impossible to discover, owing to the darkness. A red light was shown as a signal of danger and the squadron was underway in a very few minutes, hav- ing slipped their cables. I ordered the Prebie and Vincennes to proceed down the South West Pass, while I covered their retreat, which they did at about 4:50 a. m. At this time three large fire rafts, stretching across the river, were rapidly nearing us, while several large steamers and a bark-rigged propeller were seen astern of them. The squadron proceeded down the river in the following order: First, Preble; second, Vincennes; third, Richmond,,~ fourth, Water Witch, with the prize schooner Frolic in tow. When abreast of the pilot settlement the pilot informed me that he did not consider it safe to venture to turn this ship in the river, but that he believed he could pass over the bar. 1 accord- ingly attempted to pass over the bar with the squadron, but in the passage the Vincennes and Richmond grounded, while the Preble went over clear. This occurred about 8 oclock, and the enemy, who were now down the river with five steamers, commenced firing at us, while we returned the fire from our port battery and rifled gun on the poop, our shot, however, falling short of the enemy, while their shell burst on all sides of us and seven 1 passed directly over the ship. At about 9:30 Commander Handy, of the Vincennes, mistaking my sig- nal to the ships outside the bar to get underway~ for a signal for him to abandon his ship~ came on board the Richmond with all his offlcers and a large number of the crew, the remainder having gone on board the Water Witch. Captain Handy before leaving his ship had placed a lighted slow match at the magazine. Having waited a reasonable time for an explosion, I directed Commander Handy to return to his ship with his crew, to start his water and, if necessary, at his own request, to throw overboard his small guns, for the purpose of lightening his ship, and to carry out his kedge with a cable to heave off by. At 10 a. m. the enemy ceased firing and withdrew up the river. During the engagement a shell entered our port quarter port, and one of the boats was stove by another shell. At 10: 30 a. m. dispatched Acting Master Devens, of the Vincennes, in the ]4olic, with orders to the South carolina, in Barataria Bay, to come down to our assistance. At 1 p. m. made a steamei~ standing down from Pass de Outre toward us, which proved to be the army transport 2W~ (ilellan, with rifled guns from Fort Pickens for this ship. At4 p. m. sent the Water Witch down to Barataria Bay for the South Carolina and Huntsville, with orders to order the latter to Pass ~ lOutre and the former to this place. At 5 p. m. received on board the guns and ammunition from the Ate Clellan. My object in dispatching the Water Witch for the above-named steamers was for the purpose of having them up as soon as possible, and to send the Huntsville to guard Pass ~ lOutre and the South Carolina to assist in towing this ship and the Vincennes over the bar to prevent us being fired or sunk. I have this morning suc- ceeded in getting this ship over the bar. The McCellan and South Carolina are using all exertions to get the Vincennes off. The Night- imgale is hard ~and fast ashore to the northward of the bar. I have succeeded in reducing the leak of this ship, so that our small engines keep the ship free. This is only temporary, and the ship will have to go to some place and have three planks put in. I have received th Page 705 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 705 rifle guns, and placed the 32-pounder on the forecastle and the 12-pounder on the poop. The coal schooner Joseph IL Jioone fell into the hands of the enemy, having about 15 tons of coal on board. Could I have possibly managed this ship in any way than keeping her head up and down the river, I would have stopped at Pilot Town to give battle, but this was found too hazardous, owing to her extreme length. The attempt was made, but the broadside could not be brouoht to bear without running the ship ashore. I then concluded, as advised by the pilot, to run for the bar, and trust to chance of finding water enough to cross. The schooner Jo/tn ~V Ceni,~ is at anchor outside of the bar. As soon as I can discharge her, the guns, etc., the charter party will be endorsed as you directed. In narrating the affair of the river, I omitted to state that the ram sunk one of our large cutters and a shot from the enemy stove the gig. I am pleased to say that the Vincennes is afloat and at anchor outside on my starboard quarter. I send by the life (lellan the detachment of men belonging to the Niagara and Colo rado. I have ordered Assistant Surgeon Robinson froni the Vncennes to temporary duty onboard of this ship. At the advice of the surgeon of this ship, I have permitted Assistant Surgeon Howell (condemned by survey) to return in the iVic (ic/lan, all of which I hope you will approve. I have also directed Commander Alden to proceed with all dispatch to Pass ~ l~Outre, and as soon as relieved by a steamer to return to his station. I also loaned to him the rifled howitzer sent out for the Pow- /atan. I have ordered the master of the Nightingale to deliver 50 tons of coal to the 11Th Clellan. This, together with what I will take out, will, I trust, lighten her so that I will be enabled to haul her off, when I shall put the guns, etc., from the schooner on board. Very respectfully, your obedient serVant, JoHN POPE, Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, Captain, commanding Blockading Squadron." "Nice of Capt. Pope to name the prize schooner after me!

"If a man speaks alone in the forest, and his wife is not around to hear him, is he still wrong?"

Thanks for posting those Charley! The lines were probably taken off just before she was broken up in 1828. The builders in Charleston altered the plan that Fox had provided for them. They were worried that she might not make it over the bar, so in addition to lengthening her five feet, they gave her broader floors to decrease her draught - most evident in the drawing - but this made her roll more, not a good quality for a gun platform.

There was allegedly a full set of plans of the lengthened USS Adams. The late Dr. William M. P. Dunne, of SUNY, told me that Howard Chapelle had them at home in preparation for his sailing Navy Book in the 1940s, but he got in a final knock-down fight with his soon-to-be ex-wife, and she reportedly burned them, along with several others (USS Portsmouth too) that belonged to the Fox Papers of the Peabody Museum in Salem Mass. How true this is, I don't know, but Dr. Dunne was in a position to know.