APPOINTED TO SUPERINTEND THE BUILDING OF THE FRIGATE, THE "UNITED
STATES," THE FIRST OF THE NEW NAVY--GOES TO GEORGIA TO SELECT TIMBER
FOR THE FOUR FRIGATES.
On April 12, 1794, Joshua Humphreys, of Philadelphia, was directed by
General Knox, Secretary of War--there was no Department of the Navy
until 1798--to prepare models for the frame of the frigates to be built.
On June 28th, Humphreys was appointed "Constructor or Master-Builder of
a 44-gun ship to be built at the port of Philadelphia at the rate of
$2000 per annum--the compensation commencing on the 1st of May last, in
consideration of your incessant application to the public interest in
adjusting the principles of the ships, drawing drafts and making moulds,
etc."
On August 7th, General Knox notified Captain Barry: "You are to consider
yourself as the Superintendent of the frigate to be built at the port of
Philadelphia and which is to mount 44 guns." This frigate was named the
"United States." It was built on the Delaware River at the foot of [now]
Washington Avenue near the old Swedes Church. It was constructed mainly
of Georgia live oak, "the most durable wood in the world," selected by
Captain Barry who, in October, 1794, by direction of Tench Coxe,
Commissioner of the Revenues, proceeded to that State for that purpose,
sailing on the brig "Schuylkill" which carried oxen and horses which
were "of the highest importance to the expediting of the timber for the
several frigates," to which Captain Barry was to give all possible
exertions "to the cutting and transportation of the timber for his own
and every other frigate."
On October 14th the "Schuylkill" arrived at Gashayes Bluff, on the
island of St. Simon, where he found Mr. John T. Morgan, superintendent
of cutting the timber, but not "a stick of wood cut." Barry sent him
"into the country to try and get hands." He got six. Barry succeeded in
getting ten more. So that on the 20th Morgan set the sixteen at work. On
the 22d eighty-one woodcutters arrived from New London. They were set to
work. Barry after "doing all in his power at St. Simon's" went to
Savannah to charter a vessel--returned to St. Simon's and thence to
Philadelphia, wherefrom, he, on November 10th, reported to Commissioner
Coxe.
On December 12th he presented his bill of expenses for "Voyage to
Georgia on Public Account." He had been given $200. His expenses
amounted to $124.24. So he returned $75.76.
His salary as Captain of the Navy was $75 a month.
Captains Barry, Dale and Truxtun on December 18, 1794, wrote the
Secretary of War that the frigates could be built and equipped next
year, adding, "It would be highly gratifying to us who have thrown aside
our former occupations and the prospects that were fair for increasing
our fortunes, with a view of serving our country, and who have no desire
of being mere sinecure officers if we could at this moment embark and
obey the commands of our country, in going in pursuit of a barbarous
enemy, who now holds in chains and slavery so many of our unfortunate
fellow-citizens; the relieving and restoring of which to the bosom of
their families and friends are, with that of having an opportunity to
chastise their cruel oppressors, objects of our greatest ambition and
which we anticipate with all the ardor of officers, of seamen and of
citizens."
But no haste was made in building the frigates. Temporary diplomatic
arrangements with France quieted or averted action. Our country paid
tribute to the Barbary State and sent barrels of silver to purchase
tolerance on the sea from these pirates as a cheaper method of peace
than the cost and maintenance of armed vessels of war would be.
By the Act of March 27, 1794, work on the frigates was to cease in the
event of peace being signed with Algiers. So when on December 21, 1795,
Washington informed the Senate that the Emperor of Morocco had signed a
treaty of peace and friendship with the United States, work on the
frigates was suspended. Washington called the attention of Congress to
the loss that would come if the work ceased, whereupon on April 20,
1796, Congress ordered the unexpended balance to be used, but ordered
the work to be discontinued. Yet President Washington in his message had
declared: "To secure respect for a neutral flag requires a naval force
organized and ready to vindicate it from insult or aggression.... Our
trade to the Mediterranean, without a protecting force, will always be
insecure. Will it not then be advisable to begin without delay to
provide and lay up materials for the building and equipping of ships of
war and to proceed with the work by degrees, in proportion as our
resources shall render it practicable, without inconvenience so that a
future war of Europe may not find our commerce in the unprotected state
in which it was found by the present."
The cannon for the frigates had been cast at Cecil Furnace, Maryland.
Captain Barry, on May 16, 1796, was sent there "to see the guns and
examine whether they were suitable or fit for service."
The frigate "United States" was progressing rapidly towards completion.
Captain Barry, on September 19, 1796, estimated the cost of fitting out
for officers and men at $7285. The vessel when completed cost $299,336.
She was 175 feet in length, 44 feet beam and of 1576 tonnage. She was
launched May 10, 1797.
"In the long list of splendid vessels which in a hundred combats have
maintained the honor of our national flag, the 'United States' stands at
the head." She served our country well in the war with France under
Barry; also in the war with England in 1812-15 and in subsequent duties,
peaceful or warlike.
LINES ON THE DEATH OF COMMODORE BARRY.
BY MICHAEL FORTUNE.
Columbia's friend, freed from this worldly coil,
Now rests (so Heav'n ordains) from human toil;
A Patriot firm, thro' chequer'd life unblam'd,
A gallant vet'ran, for his powers fam'd.
Beneath his guidance, lo! a Navy springs,
An infant Navy spreads its canvas wings,
A rising Nation's weal, to shield, to save,
And guard her Commerce on the dang'rous wave.
Whoe'er the Sage, his character shall scan,
Must trace those Virtues that exalt the man,
The bold achievement and heroic deed
To honor's fame, the laurel'd Brave that lead,
Long for his merits and unsully'd name
(Dear to his friends and sanctify'd name);
His clay cold relics shall his country mourn,
And with her tears bedew his hallow'd urn.
Come, cheering Hope--celestial cherub come--
Say that his virtues soar beyond the tomb,
Say that with Mercy in ethereal guise,
His white-robed spirit climbs yon op'ning skies.
(Philadelphia, Sept., 1803.)