Tuesday, February 1, 2022

USS Confederacy-- Part 3: Convoy Duty and Almost Lost in a Storm

Can you imagine a ship in the U.S. Navy  with that name today.  Certain people would not be able to handle it.

From 1 May to 24 August 1779, she cruised the  Atlantic coast under the command of Captain Seth Harding.  While convoying a fleet of merchant ships on 6 June, she and the frigate USS Deane captured three ships, drove off two British frigates and brought the convoy safely into Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

On September 1779, the Confederacy was ordered to carry the French minister and his family back to France.  Later, John Jay, the first American minister to Spain, his secretary, and family were added to the passenger list.

During the passage on 7 November 1779, the ship was completely dismasted and almost lost in a storm  except for the seamanship and ability of Captain Harding to reach Martinique early in December.  After repairs, the ship returned to convoy duty.

--Brock-Perry


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