USS Connecticut (1799)
Ship of the United States Navy / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Connecticut was a sailing frigate built by Seth Overton at Chatham, Conn. and launched 6 June 1799 at Middletown, Conn. During outfitting, probably on or just before 7 July she foundered. She was refloated.[1] She sailed 15 Oct. 1799 under the command of Captain Moses Tryon for the Guadaloupe Station, arriving off Puerto Rico on 28 October.[2] She cruised in the West Indies for a year during the Quasi-War with France, protecting American commerce from French privateers. Connecticut's successful career was highlighted by the capture of four privateers and the recapture of seven American merchantmen. On 7 November, 1799 she recaptured a schooner captured 15 days earlier.[3] On 6 December she recaptured brig "Penelope" captured by French privateer "Fleur de Mair" on 3 December.[4] On 29 December she captured off Point Petre French privateer brig "Conqueror of Italy" (or "Italic Conqueste"), the most successful privateer operating out of Guadeloupe having captured 200 American merchant ships.[5] "Conquest of Italy" was put in service as a tender for USS Constellation.[6] On 14 January, 1800 She fired upon a privateer (14 guns) but it found shelter by a fort on Demerara, later that day she chased a ship (22 guns) ashore at Deseada which bilged and sank.[7] On 28 April, with USS Richmond, she recaptured Thomas Chalkley.[8] Arriving at New London, Conn., 18 Oct. 1800. Connecticut was sold at New York in 1801 for $19,300.[9]
History | |
---|---|
United States | |
Name | USS Connecticut |
Namesake | State of Connecticut |
Builder | Seth Overton |
Launched | June 6th, 1799 |
Commissioned | October 15th, 1799 |
Fate | Sold 1801 |
General characteristics | |
Tonnage | 548 tons |
Tons burthen | 514 tons |
Length | 125' |
Beam | 32' |
Draft | 13'6" |
Propulsion | Sails |
Complement | 180 to 220 officers and enlisted men |
Armament | 24 to 26 x 9 and 12pdrs |
In merchant service until 1808 when she was scrapped.[9]
The mensurations are designed by the plan of the Department of the Navy.