Massachusetts Naval Militia

Last updated
Massachusetts Naval Militia
An Appeal to Heaven Flag.svg
Pine Tree Flag
Active1775–1783
1812–1815
1898
Allegiance Province of Massachusetts Bay
United States of America
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
RoleNaval Forces, Coast Guard
Motto(s)"An Appeal to Heaven"
Engagements American Revolutionary War War of 1812
Spanish–American War
Commanders
Notable
commanders		 Jeremiah O'Brien
John Foster Williams
Jonathan Haraden
George Little

The Massachusetts Naval Militia (at first called the Massachusetts Colonial Navy and later the Massachusetts State Navy), was a naval militia active during the American Revolutionary War. It was founded December 29, 1775, to defend the interests of Massachusetts during the war.

Contents

The flotilla utilized 25 vessels over the course of the war, acting in various roles such as prison ships, dispatch vessels, and combat cruisers. Its most infamous engagement was the 1779 Penobscot Expedition, in which not only all of its vessels were destroyed, but also those of privateers hired to assist in the expedition.

It was later activated for the War of 1812 and the Spanish–American War.

As under 10 U.S. Code §7851 [1] naval militias form part of the United States organized militia and therefore are considered as such, any action to reactivate one of the nation's historic naval militia forces falls either on the Governor of Massachusetts or by legislative action of the chambers of the Massachusetts General Court.

Authorization

Following the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War with the Battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775, the Massachusetts Provincial Congress, which effectively controlled the Province of Massachusetts Bay, began discussing the need for naval defenses against raids and punitive actions by the British Royal Navy against coastal communities in the province. [2] A committee set up for the purpose on June 7 submitted a report on June 12 recommending the outfitting of at least six vessels, mounting up to fourteen guns, that would be managed by the province's Committee of Safety. Further discussion was apparently delayed by the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, and was not taken up again until August. In the interim, the Provincial Congress was replaced by the Massachusetts Great and General Court as the province's legislative body, with a council acting as the executive. [3] It received a petition in August from the town of Machias in the District of Maine (now the state of Maine) for protection and relief following the June Battle of Machias, in which a British sloop-of-war was seized, and the capture in July of two more British ships. The legislature responded by officially adopting Machias Liberty and Diligence, appointing Jeremiah O'Brien their commander, with authorization to hire up to thirty seamen. These two ships served the state until October 1776. [4]

On November 1, the Massachusetts legislature enacted a law authorizing the issuance of letters of marque, as well as the creation of admiralty courts for judging naval disputes and the disposition of captured prize ships and cargo. [5] On February 7, 1776, it enacted a law authorizing the construction of ten sloops, to carry fourteen to sixteen guns each, and approved £10,000 for their construction. [6]

Ships, 1776 to 1779

Naval and maritime flag of Massachusetts Naval Ensign of Massachusetts.svg
Naval and maritime flag of Massachusetts

The first ships constructed were the sloop Tyrannicide and the brigantines Rising Empire and Independence, which were ready to sail in June 1776. These were followed by the sloops Republic, Freedom, and Massachusetts in September. While they were being built, additional legislation was enacted, establishing pay scales and rules for prize distribution, and in October a Board of War was created to oversee naval activities (military as well as economic) of the state. [6]

Over the course of the war, several additional ships were either purchased or constructed by the state. In 1777, the brigantine Hazard was built, and in 1778 a plan to construct two larger ships was entertained and eventually abandoned due to the cost. The brigantine Active, a prize taken by Hazard, was purchased in 1779. [7] In April 1778, construction was authorized on the largest ship in the state navy. Protector, a 28-gun frigate and a crew complement of 200, was launched in the fall of 1779. Unfortunately, due to the disaster of the Penobscot Expedition, it was then the only ship in the state navy.

New Constitution

Administration of the navy was changed with the adoption in 1780 of a new state constitution. The governor was responsible for issuing commissions and orders, and the Agent of the Commonwealth was responsible for outfitting the state's ships, and the Board of War ceased to exist. [8]

Ships, 1780 to 1783

The state continued to authorize new ships for the navy. In the spring of 1780 the Mars was purchased, and the Defence was purchased in 1781. During the following winter and spring, Tartar and Winthrop, the last ship commissioned into the navy, were constructed for the state. [9]

Privateering and prizes

The state issued nearly 1,000 letters of marque authorizing privateering activities. [10] The Massachusetts prize courts were busiest in 1779, when more than 180 prizes were adjudicated. This activity resulted in a demand for prison capacity for the captured crews, and the competition between the state navy and the privateers resulted in increased costs to the state to man its ships.

"Destruction of the American Fleet at Penobscot Bay, 14 August 1779" by Dominic Serres PenobscotExpeditionBySerres.jpg
"Destruction of the American Fleet at Penobscot Bay, 14 August 1779" by Dominic Serres

While the state's ships were most often patrolling in nearby waters, they ranged as far as the European coast, where prizes were sometimes taken (although those were also often recovered by the British). Its ships sometimes worked in concert with privateers, Continental Navy vessels, and French vessels. [11]

On 25 November 1776, HMS Hope, a 14-gun brig with a crew of 70 men under the command of Lieutenant George (or James) Dawson, captured Independence, Captain Simeon Sampson, after a hard fight during which Dawson out sailed Sampson. As Independence had a larger crew and outgunned Hope she should have prevailed, but superior sailing, tactics, and a better crew delivered the victory to Hope. [12] Hope escorted Independence to Fort Cumberland, where 14 of her guns were transferred to the fort's defenses.

On 5 May 1781 HMS Roebuck and HMS Medea captured Protector. The British Royal Navy took her into service as HMS Hussar, and then sold her in 1783. The Danish East India Company purchased her and she continued to sail at least through 1785 as Hussar.

Still, most of the Massachusetts navy's engagements were minor, involving only a small number of ships, and little or no combat. The most notable exception was the Penobscot Expedition, organized by the state in response to a British expedition that established a fortified base on the eastern shore of Penobscot Bay. [13] The naval component of the state's response included three ships of the state navy, one from the New Hampshire State Navy, three Continental Navy vessels, and numerous private vessels, including transports for the 1,000 militia that were sent to dislodge the British. The operation was a fiasco. The Continental Navy's Commodore Dudley Saltonstall, who commanded the fleet, disagreed with Solomon Lovell, the militia commander, over the overall command of the expedition. When a British fleet arrived, Saltonstall's fleet disintegrated. Ships surrendered, grounded and burned, or were abandoned after fleeing up the Penobscot River. The expedition has been called the worst United States naval defeat prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in World War II. Inquiries into the matter faulted Saltonstall for his actions; he was dismissed from the navy.

The navy continued in operations until June 4, 1783, when the Winthrop, the last ship owned by the state, was sold. [14]

Captains

The list of names is from Paullin [15] unless otherwise cited; other fields are from other sources.

CaptainYears of serviceShips
Jeremiah O'Brien Machias Liberty, Diligence
John Lambert
John Fisk Tyrannicide, Massachusetts [16]
John Foster Williams Massachusetts, Republic, Hazard, Protector [17]
John Clouston Freedom [18]
Jonathan Haraden Tyrannicide [16]
Daniel Souther
Simeon Samson Independence, Hazard, and Mars
Richard Welden
Allen Hallet Tyrannicide, Republic, Active, Tartar [19]
James Nevens
John Cathcart Tyrannicide [16]
George Little Winthrop

Ships

The list of names, ship type, and years of service are from Paullin [15] unless otherwise cited; other fields are from other sources.

ShipType (guns)Years of serviceCaptains
Machias Libertysloop (10–20)1775–1776O'Brien
Diligentschooner (10–20)1775–1776O'Brien
Tyrannicide brigantine (at first a sloop) (14)1776–1779Fisk, Haraden, Hallet, Cathcart [16]
Rising Empirebrigantine (10–20)1776–1777
Independence brigantine (14 × 6-pounder guns, 10 × 4-pounder guns, 10 swivel guns, + 2 × coehorns) [12] 1776Simeon Sampson, [20] or Samson
Republicsloop (10–20)1776–1777Williams, [17] Hallet [19]
Freedombrigantine (12)1776–1777John Clouston [18]
Massachusettsbrigantine (10–20)1776–1778Williams [17]
Hazardbrigantine (10–20)1777–1779Williams [17]
Activebrigantine (10–20)1779Hallet [19]
Lincolngalley1779–1781
Protectorfrigate (26)1779–1781Williams [17]
Marsship (10–20)1780–1781
Defencesloop (10–20)1781
Tartarship (10–20)1782–1783Hallet [19]
Winthropsloop (10–20)1782–1783Little

Notes

  1. ↑ "10 U.S. CODE § 7851 - COMPOSITION". law.cornell.edu/. Retrieved 3 September 2015.
  2. ↑ Paullin, p. 318
  3. ↑ Paullin, p. 319
  4. ↑ Paullin, p. 320
  5. ↑ Paullin, pp. 321–322
  6. 1 2 Paullin, p. 325
  7. ↑ Paullin, p. 335
  8. ↑ Paullin, pp. 337-8
  9. ↑ Paullin, pp. 338–39
  10. ↑ Paullin, p. 340
  11. ↑ Paullin, p. 344
  12. 1 2 Clarke (1999), pp. 175-8.
  13. ↑ For a detailed exposition of this expedition, see Buker.
  14. ↑ Paullin, pp. 353
  15. 1 2 Paullin, p. 342
  16. 1 2 3 4 Gardner, Frank A. The Massachusetts Magazine, Department of the American Revolution volume 1 pp.103-107
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 Waters, p. 169
  18. 1 2 url=https://ndar-history.org/?q=node/23538
  19. 1 2 3 4 Waters, p. 170
  20. ↑ Allen (1913), p.113.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Continental Navy</span> American navy of the Revolutionary War (1775–1785)

The Continental Navy was the navy of the Thirteen Colonies during the American Revolutionary War. Founded on October 13, 1775, the fleet developed into a relatively substantial force throughout the Revolutionary War, owing partially to the substantial efforts of the Continental Navy's patrons within the Continental Congress. These Congressional Patrons included the likes of John Adams, who served as the Chairman of the Naval Committee until 1776, when Commodore Esek Hopkins received instruction from the Continental Congress to assume command of the force.

USS <i>Providence</i> (1775) Sloop-of-war of the United States Navy

USS Providence was a sloop-of-war in the Continental Navy, originally chartered by the Rhode Island General Assembly as Katy. The ship took part in a number of campaigns during the first half of the American Revolutionary War before being destroyed by her own crew in 1779 to prevent her falling into the hands of the British after the failed Penobscot Expedition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Penobscot Expedition</span> Armada of the Province of Massachusetts Bay during the American Revolution

The Penobscot Expedition was a 44-ship American naval armada during the Revolutionary War assembled by the Provincial Congress of the Province of Massachusetts Bay. The flotilla of 19 warships and 25 support vessels sailed from Boston on July 19, 1779, for the upper Penobscot Bay in the District of Maine carrying an expeditionary force of more than 1,000 American colonial marines and militiamen. Also included was a 100-man artillery detachment under the command of Lt. Colonel Paul Revere.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">South Carolina Navy</span>

A South Carolina Navy has been formed twice by the State of South Carolina. The first time was during the American Revolutionary War, in which the state purchased and outfitted armed vessels independent of the Continental Navy. The second time was during the American Civil War, when its navy was also distinct from the Confederate States Navy.

Dudley Saltonstall (1738–1796) was an American naval commander during the American Revolutionary War. He is best known as the commander of the naval forces of the 1779 Penobscot Expedition, which ended in complete disaster, with all ships lost. Norton (2003) argues the Penobscot Expedition was a total failure due to poor planning, inadequate training, and timid leadership on the part of Saltonstall.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pennsylvania Navy</span> Naval force of Pennsylvania during the American Revolution

The Pennsylvania Navy served as the naval force of Pennsylvania during the American Revolution and afterward, until the formation of the United States Navy. The navy's vessels served almost exclusively on the Delaware River, and were active in first defending the approaches to the city of Philadelphia during the British campaign that successfully occupied the city in 1777, and then preventing the Royal Navy from resupplying the occupying army.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Burning of Falmouth</span> 1775 bombardment of Falmouth, Massachusetts by Royal Navy ships

The Burning of Falmouth was an attack by a fleet of Royal Navy vessels on the town of Falmouth, Massachusetts. The fleet was commanded by Captain Henry Mowat. The attack began with a naval bombardment which included incendiary shot, followed by a landing party meant to complete the town's destruction. The attack was the only major event in what was supposed to be a campaign of retaliation against ports that supported Patriot activities in the early stages of the American Revolutionary War.

USS Warren was one of the 13 frigates authorized by the Continental Congress on 13 December 1775. With half her main armament being 18-pounders, Warren was more heavily armed than a typical 32-gun frigate of the period. She was named for Joseph Warren on 6 June 1776. Warren was burned to prevent capture in the ill-fated Penobscot Expedition in 1779.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">American colonial marines</span> Early Marine force of the American revolutionary forces

American colonial marines were various naval infantry units which served during the Revolutionary War on the Patriot side. After the conflict broke out in 1775, nine of the rebelling Thirteen Colonies established state navies to carry out naval operations. Accordingly, several marine units were raised to serve as an infantry component aboard the ships of these navies. The marines, along with the navies they served in, were intended initially as a stopgap measure to provide the Patriots with naval capabilities before the Continental Navy reached a significant level of strength. After its establishment, state navies, and the marines serving in them, participated in several operations alongside the Continental Navy and its marines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Connecticut State Navy</span>

The Connecticut State Navy was the colonial navy of Connecticut during the American Revolutionary War. Established in 1775, all of its ships were destroyed or captured by 1779. In the remaining years of the war a few smaller ships were commissioned to interdict smuggling between the Connecticut shore and Tory-controlled Long Island.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rhode Island State Navy</span>

The Rhode Island State Navy was the first colonial or state navy established after the American Revolutionary War began in April 1775 with the Battles of Lexington and Concord. On the following June 15, the General Assembly authorized the acquisition of two ships for the purpose of defending the colony's trade. The state's ships were generally used for defensive operations within Narragansett Bay, although some prizes were taken. The state was also one of the first to authorize privateering.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Georgia State Navy</span>

During the American Revolutionary War, the Georgia State Navy consisted of only a few ships, most of which were destroyed in 1778 and 1779.

<i>Defence</i> (1779 brigantine)

Defence was an American Revolutionary War privateer that was part of the 1779 Penobscot Expedition, during the American Revolutionary War. A brigantine, she was built that year in Beverly, Massachusetts, and was scuttled near Stockton Springs, Maine in the later stages of the expedition. The wreck site was excavated in the 1970s, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Battle of Machias (1777)</span> 1777 American Revolutionary War battle

The Battle of Machias was an amphibious assault on the Massachusetts town of Machias by British forces during the American Revolutionary War. Local militia aided by Indian allies successfully prevented British troops from landing. The raid, led by Commodore Sir George Collier, was executed in an attempt to head off a planned second assault on Fort Cumberland, which had been besieged in November 1776. The British forces landed below Machias, seized a ship, and raided a storehouse.

Massachusetts ship <i>Tyrannicide</i> (1776)

Tyrannicide was a 14-gun brigantine-rigged sloop of the Massachusetts State Navy. The ship was built for the American Revolutionary War and participated in commerce raiding until destroyed in the Penobscot expedition.

Henry Mowat (1734–1798) was an officer of the Royal Navy commanding ships in northern New England during the American Revolutionary War. He was the son of Captain Patrick Mowat of the post ship HMS Dolphin. He was born in Scotland and went to sea at the age of 18.

HMS Diligent was a brig the Royal Navy purchased in 1777. The Continental Navy captured her in May 1779 and took her into service as the USS Diligent. She then participated in the disastrous Penobscot Expedition where her crew had to scuttle her in August to prevent her capture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Raid on Saint John</span>

The Raid on Saint John took place on 27 August 1775 during the American Revolutionary War. The raid involved American privateers from Machias, Massachusetts Bay attacking Saint John, Nova Scotia. The privateers intended to stop the export of supplies being sent to the loyalists in Boston. This raid was the first hostile act committed against Nova Scotia and it resulted in raising the militia across the colony.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nova Scotia in the American Revolution</span>

The Province of Nova Scotia was heavily involved in the American Revolutionary War (1776–1783). At that time, Nova Scotia also included present-day New Brunswick until that colony was created in 1784. The Revolution had a significant impact on shaping Nova Scotia, "almost the 14th American Colony". At the beginning, there was ambivalence in Nova Scotia over whether the colony should join the Americans in the war against Britain. Largely as a result of American privateer raids on Nova Scotia villages, as the war continued, the population of Nova Scotia solidified their support for the British. Nova Scotians were also influenced to remain loyal to Britain by the presence of British military units, judicial prosecution by the Nova Scotia Governors and the efforts of Reverend Henry Alline.

HMS Otter was the French merchantman Glanure, which the Royal Navy (RN) captured early in 1778. The Royal Navy took her into service as the sloop HMS Otter and she served in the American theatre. The Navy sold her in 1783. She became a merchantman and then a slave ship in the triangular trade in enslaved people. She made two complete voyages bringing captives to Jamaica. The French captured her in December 1795 as she was on her way to deliver her third cargo of captives.

References

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.