“Whereas the depredations committed by the Algerine corsairs on the commerce of the United States, render it necessary that a naval force should be provided for its protection.”
The Continental Navy having been disbanded after the end of the Revolutionary War, the House of Representatives and the Senate were compelled to pass the “Act to provide a Naval Armament” to protect American shipping from Barbary Coast pirates. It authorized the President to acquire six frigates, four of 44 guns each and two of 36 guns each, by purchase or otherwise. In addition, it specified how many crew members would be necessary and what their pay and daily rations would be.
Read more about the New U.S. Navy
Senate Draft of an “Act to provide a Naval Armament” March 18, 1794; Records of the U.S. Senate; Record Group 46
First Cruise of the Schooner USS Grampus
“Draft of the U.S.S. Schooner ‘Grampus,’ building at Navy Yard, Washington, DC” Designed by Henry Eckford, Drawing by Charles Cassell, December 22, 1820, Ink on paper 25” x 38 1/2”
On August 16, 1822, during its first cruise, the schooner USS Grampus encountered a Puerto Rico-based pirate ship flying Spanish colors and sailing under bogus privateer papers. The American ship quickly reduced the outlaw vessel to a floating wreck.
Sailmaker Charles Cassell drew this plan showing the size and shape of the schooner’s sails.
