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Ships of the United States Navy
and their Sponsors
1797 to 1913
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Ships of the
United States Navy
and their Sponsors
1797— 1913
Compiled by 1
Edith Wallace Benham
Anne Martin Hall
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COPYRIGHT, I913
BY
ANNE MARTIN HALL
EDITH WALLACE BENHAM
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NORU OOD'MAfS'U-S-A
FOREWORD
1 HIS volume has been prepared primarily for the
Society of Sponsors of the United States Navy, to
bring together from widely scattered and inaccessible
sources all obtainable facts relating to the naming of
the fighting craft of our Navy — old and new — and
the bestowing of the names upon these vessels by
sponsors. There is a widespread public interest in
these subjects and no ready means of information.
Records of Navy namings, launchings, or christen-
ings have been preserved nowhere in book form.
Laborious research has been necessary to collect and
verify fragmentary data. To discover exact dates
of launchings, records of christenings, and to verify
the names of sponsors, it has been necessary to search
Navy Department records, histories of Navy Yards,
histories of cities, numberless old newspaper files and
periodicals of a number of cities, and to correspond
with a very large number of individuals.
Complete biographies of individuals or complete
histories of vessels are manifestly impossible in this
volume. Biographical notes of patriots for whom
Navy vessels have been named are not given as com-
plete biographies. Historical notes of vessels are not
given as complete histories. Conspicuous facts of
biographies and of histories are set forth for the pur-
pose of interesting and unmistakable identification,
and for the inspiration of every reader with patriotic
pride in the achievements of our Navy.
[iii]
FOREWORD
Full accounts of all launchings would be repetition.
Accounts typical of different periods and localities
have been selected without regard to class of vessel.
Records in this volume, with the exception of some
of the very old ships, have been submitted to sponsors
or to their representatives.
Authorities for biographical notes of Naval officers:
Navy Department Records, Hamersley's Naval En-
cyclopedia, Hamersley's Records of Living Officers of
the Navy, J. F. Cooper's Lives of Distinguished Naval
Officers, History of the United States Navy by Clark,
Stevens, Alden, Krafft.
Grateful acknowledgments are made to Miss Isabel
Smith of the Navy Department Library for valuable
assistance in research work; to the United States
Naval Institute and Mr. Robert Skerrett for the use
of The Baptism of Ships; to photographers for the
use of copyrighted pictures. Sincere thanks to Mrs.
Thomas H. Eastman for kind interest and correspon-
dence; to Mr. Charles A. Schieren, Jr., and many
other friends who have encouraged and assisted the
work.
Anne Martin Hall, Editor
[iv]
CONTENTS
PAGE
Custom of Bestowing the Name on U. S. Navy Vessels ix
Society of Sponsors of the United States Navy . . xv
Ships of the U. S. Navy with Known Sponsors, Alpha-
betically Arranged i
Nomenclature and U. S. Statute Laws Governing
Names of Vessels 202
The Baptism of Ships — A History of the Custom Among
Various Nations 207
Index of Names of Known Sponsors of U. S. Navy
Vessels 219
[V]
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Frigate "Constitution" Frontispiece
Launching of a Battleship and launching stand .... facing page viii
Breaking the bottle and naming the ship "Aylwin" x
Mrs. Mary Campbell Underwood, Sponsor for U. S. S. " Birmingham " and
Founder of the Society of Sponsors xJv
U.S. Battleship "Alabama" 2
U. S. Torpedo Boat Destroyer "Ammen" 6
Launch of U. S. Battleship "Arkansas" 8
Launch of a Submarine Torpedo Boat I2
Launching part of Torpedo Boat Destroyer " Benham " 20
U. S. Armored Cruiser " Brooklyn," Flagship of Rear Admiral Schley in the
Spanish-American War 26
Launching party of U. S. Torpedo Boat Destroyer "Burrows" ... 28
U.S. Battleship "Connecticut" 42
A Submarine Torpedo Boat submerged 46
A Submarine Torpedo Boat coming to the surface 48
A Submarine Torpedo Boat on the surface 50
The Old U.S. Frigate "Delaware" in stone Dry Dock at Norfolk Navy
Yard, June, 1843 54
U. S. Battleship "Delaware," 5th 56
U. S. Battleship Florida, 4th 68
U. S. S. " Hartford " 78
Launch of U. S. Battleship "Iowa" 86
Launching stand of the U. S. Battleship " Kansas" 90
U.S. Torpedo Boat Destroyer "Lamson" 94
"Ready!" Launch of Torpedo Boat Destroyer "McCall" .... 98
Launching Party of U. S. Battleship "Michigan" 108
U. S. Sloop " Monongahela " 114
Sponsor and Launching Party of U. S. S. "Montana " 116
Awaiting the start of the Battleship "New Hampshire" 120
U.S. Battleship "New Jersey" 122
[vii]
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
U. S. Armored Cruiser " North Carolina " facing page 126
U.S. Cruiser "Olympia," Flagship of Commodore Dewey in the Spanish-
American War 130
"Baptism!" U. S. Torpedo Boat Destroyer " Patterson " .... 136
Ship of the Line "Pennsylvania," ist 140
U. S. Torpedo Boat Destroyer " Perkins " 144
U. S. Gunboat " Petrel" 146
Launch of U. S. Torpedo Boat Destroyer "Roe" 158
Breaking the bottle upon the bow of the U. S. Cruiser "Salem" . . . 162
U. S. S.. New York, 4th, Flagship of Rear Admiral Sampson in the Spanish-
u American War 164
X*'' >^ U. S. Training Ship "Severn," formerly "Chesapeake," 2d ... . 166
Waiting to Strike. Launch of U. S. S. "St. Louis" 172
U. S. Monitor "Tallahassee," formerly "Florida" 176
Sponsor and Launching Party of the U. S. S. "Tennessee" .... 178
Launch of Battleship "Texas," ist 180
Launch of Battleship "Texas," 2d 182
A Very Young Sponsor and Maids of Honor of the Battleship "Texas," 2d 184
: U.S. Battleship "Virginia" 188
U.S. Armored Cruiser "Washington" 192
Launch of U. S. Battleship "Wyoming" 200
Waiting for the Signal U. S. S. "Wyoming" 202
[ viii ]
LAUxNCHING OF A BATTLESHIP AND
LAUNCHING STAND
V
BESTOWING THE NAME
1 HE launching of a Navy ship is an engineering
feat of great magnitude, usually so successfully per-
formed that the spectator thrills with enthusiasm
entirely devoid of anxiety. Each succeeding fighting
ship becomes larger and heavier, and careful calcula-
tion must be worked out bearing directly upon the
launching even before a single rivet has been
driven.
It is the usual custom in launching naval vessels
to send them into the water stern first, the fuller
form of the hull aft tending to make the vessel rise
more quickly from her first plunge than would be the
case were she sent into the water bow first, and it also
makes the pivotal strain less at that instant when the
bow on entering the water and the stern upon rising
throw the burden of weight upon the forward poppets
or timber shores.
In the earlier years of our Navy the name of a
United States Navy ship was usually bestowed by
an officer of the Navy. The naming party went on
board to be launched with the ship, and the sponsor
broke a bottle of wine or water over the bow of the
vessel and pronounced the name at the moment that
the bow struck the water.
The ceremony of bestowing the name has always
been a civil ceremony and without intent of religious
significance.
[ix]
BESTOWING THE NAME
Examined records give only one instance of religious
ceremony in connection with the launch of a United
States Navy ship. Prayer, offered by a clergyman,
preceded the civil ceremony of launching and naming
"Princeton" (ist).
Early records of naming ceremonies are not com-
plete owing to destruction of old records, and to lack
of newspaper space or enterprise, for the records dis-
covered show that Navy launchings were occasions
of great public interest and enthusiasm, and were
attended by large numbers of people. Many promi-
nent officials were present and were launched with
the ship. Commodore John Paul Jones was aboard
the "America," the first ship of the line launched in
America, and in several instances the Secretary of
the Navy has been launched with a Navy ship. The
"America," built in 1782, was presented to the French
Government.
The first record of a United States Navy naming
or "christening" is that of the "Constitution," October
20, 1797, on which occasion Captain James Sever,
U. S. Navy, "broke a bottle of wine over the bow of
the frigate." When the frigate "Independence" was
launched, June 20, 18 14, "an ofllicer of the 'Consti-
tution' (Commodore Bainbridge) had the honor of
christening her as she struck the water." The frigate
" Brandywine," in 1825, "smote the water in fine style
and Captain Dove stationed on her bow christened her
with the usual ceremony."
In 1828 the first woman sponsor appears in print,
but her identity may be forever shrouded in the mys-
tery of the words: "The 'Concord' glided beautifully
into her destined element and was christened by a
young lady of Portsmouth." (Preble's History of the
-J
<
z
<
A
\
BESTOWING THE NAME
Portsmouth Navy Yard.) In those days it was not
the fashion to put the names of ladies in the papers.
From that date up to the present time examined
records give the names of few men who have partici-
pated in the naming of United States Navy ships.
The ships were: the *' Pennsylvania" in 1837; the
"Dale" in 1839; the "Princeton" (ist) and the frig-
ate "Raritan" in 1843; the "San Jacinto" in 1850;
the "New Ironsides" in 1862; the **Miantonomah"
in 1863; the "Quinnebaug" in 1866; the "Mackenzie"
in 1901.
A bottle of wine has been broken upon the bows of
the majority of our Navy vessels at the time of naming.
Some vessels have been sprinkled with water, the
bottle of water usually having been brought from the
river for which the ship was named, or from a spring
in the state or near the city for which the ship was
named.
There have been a few unique exceptions. A bottle
of brandy was broken over the bow of "Princeton"
(ist) and over the frigate "Raritan" in 1843, and upon
"San Jacinto" in 1850, and "New Ironsides" in 1862,
by the Naval officers who bestowed the names, —
probably to stimulate their good luck as strongly as
possible. A fair young woman sponsor broke a bottle
of pure Irish whiskey over the bow of the "Shamrock"
in 1863, bestowing the name. The "Germantown"
and the "Pawtuxet" were sprinkled with wine and
water commingled at the time of naming.
Some Navy ships have been launched without
ceremony of any kind, notably the "Monitor" and
the " Boston."
Of late years it has become the custom for the
launching party to stand upon a platform beside the
[xij
BESTOWING THE NAME
ship's Stem, and at the instant that the vessel starts
to move toward the water the sponsor breaks a bottle
of champagne against the bow and pronouncing the
ship's name says: "I name thee in the name of the
United States."
NOMINATING THE SPONSOR
IN the old Navy it was the custom for Navy Yard
officials to invite a sponsor to break the bottle of wine
or water and bestow the name upon the vessel. Some-
times contestants for the honor were allowed to draw
lots.
Of late years it has been the custom for the Navy
Department to request the Governor of the State
to nominate a sponsor for the vessel to be named for
a State ; or the Mayor or Council of a City to nominate
a sponsor for the vessel to be named for a city.
When torpedo boat destroyers are launched, it is
customary for the Navy Department to nominate as
sponsor, if possible, some member of the family of the
officer for whom the vessel is to be named. If no
member of the family is available, the Navy Depart-
ment or the officials of the Shipbuilding Company
designate a sponsor.
Editor
[xii]
The Society of Sponsors
of the
United States Navy
Organized 1898
^7^
MRS. MARY CAMPBELL UNDERWOOD
Sponsor for U.S.S. ''Birmingham" and Founder
of the Society of Sponsors
roSTON
pU B
\^\<='
Society of Sponsors of the United
States Navy
Honorary Life President:
Mrs. lewis UNDERWOOD,
Bessemer, Alabama
Honorary Members:
The Admiral of the Navy GEORGE DEWEY
REAR-.\DiiiRAL CHARLES D. SIGSBEE
Rear-Admiral RICHARD WAINWRIGHT
Chaplain:
GEORGE LmNGSTON BAYARD, U. S. Navy
OFFICERS ELECTED, February, 1913
President:
Mrs. REYNOLD THOMAS HALL,
Norfolk, Virginia
First Vice-President:
Miss RUTH LAWRENCE
New York, N. Y.
Second Vice-President:
Mrs. JOHN H. BURKE,
Hogan, Montana
Secretary:
Miss EDITH W.ALLACE BENHAM,
W^ashington, D. C.
Treasurer:
Mrs. ELISABETH GOLDSBOROUGH ADAIMS,
Washington, D. C.
[XV]
;5TbN
. I a *-
\C
SOCIETY OF SPONSORS OF
BOARD OF CONTROL
Mrs. REYNOLD THOMAS HALL, Chairman,
Norfolk, Virginia
Mrs. lewis LOUER,
Chicago, 111.
Mrs. green CLAY GOODLOE,
Seattle, Washington
Miss ELIZABETH LEGERE FLEMING,
Jacksonville, Fla.
Mrs. JOSEPHUS DANIELS,
Washington, D. C.
Mrs. DE WITT COFFMAN,
Navy Yard, Boston, Mass.
Mrs. RUSSELL CREAMER LANGDON,
Seattle, Washington
[xvi]
THE UNITED STATES NAVY
CONSTITUTION
I
The name of the organization is Sponsors of the United
States Navy.
II
The objects of the Society are:
1. The securing to its members of those benefits which should
accrue from an acquaintance and association of women residing
in different parts of the Union.
2. The cultivation of a love of our country and its form of
government. Remembering the occasion which gives member-
ship in the Society, it is expected that the members will take a
pride in the achievements of the Navy, and will, within their proper
spheres, be interested in the promotion of a healthy, popular
sentiment for the development and support of the United States
Navy.
3. The undertaking of such benevolent work as the Society
may determine.
Ill
Any woman who shall have been a sponsor for a man-of-war,
or other vessel connected with the United States Navy, as one of
its fighting craft or training ships, shall be eligible to membership
in the Society; provided, however, that she shall file an applica-
tion for membership with the Board of Control of the Society,
and at least three-fourths of the Board vote to admit such
applicant.
IV
The management of the Society's affairs, except when it is in
meeting assembled, shall be under the supervision of a Board of
Control, to be composed of seven members, one of whom shall be
the President of the Society, who shall be ex-officio Chairman of
the Board. The officers, besides the Board of Control, shall
consist of a President, a First Vice-President, a Second Vice-Presi-
dent, a Treasurer and a Secretary. The office of Secretary and
[ xvii ]
SOCIETY OF SPONSORS OF
Treasurer may be combined and held by one person. The said
officers shall be elected to serve until the next annual meeting
following their election, but the term of members of the Board of
Control (other than the President) shall be two years, and until
their successors are elected and qualified.
At the first election of officers, three members of the Board shall
be chosen for one year, and three for two years, and thereafter
three members shall be selected at each meeting, to serve for two
years.
Vacancies in the Board of Control, or in any office, may be
filled by the Board of Control until the next annual or special
meeting of the Society.
There shall be an annual meeting of the Society held at Wash-
ington, in the month of February, and upon a date to be fixed by
the President, and in her default, by the Secretary, at least thirty
days before the day of meeting, and notice of the time fixed for
such meeting shall be given through the press and by written notice
mailed to the several members by the Secretary.
Special meetings may be held when called by the Board of Con-
trol or by the President.
A special meeting must be held when request is made therefor
in writing by any five members of the Society, who shall state the
objects of the special meeting, and it may be called by either the
Board, the President, or the Secretary. At least fifteen days'
notice in writing shall be given of any special meeting, stating
the time and place of meeting, and mailed to each member at her
address.
If, from any cause, officers shall not be chosen at the annual
meeting, such officers, including members of the Board of Control,
may be chosen at a regularly called special meeting.
The Constitution can be amended at any annual meeting and a
proposed amendment that shall have been approved by the Board
of Control may be adopted at a special meeting.
It shall require the affirmative vote of two-thirds of those voting
to carry an amendment of the Constitution. Notice of voting
upon an amendment shall be sent to every member at least thirty
days before the meeting, requesting a signed ballot.
[ xviii ]
THE UNITED STATES NAVY
BY-LAWS
I. Officers
1. The Board of Control shall consist of seven members, one
of whom shall be the President of the Society, and such Board
shall, except when the Society is in annual or special meeting, be
vested with the management and control of its affairs. It may
fill vacancies in any office.
2. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Society,
but shall not vote except in case of a tie.
3. The President is ex-officio a member of the Board of Con-
trol and Chairman thereof, and is entitled to vote on matters
before the Board.
4. In the absence of the President, a Vice-President shall dis-
charge her duties, but in case of a vacancy in the office of Presi-
dent, it must be filled by the Board of Control, the member so
elected to serve for the unexpired term.
5. The Secretary shall keep a record of the proceedings of the
Society, and the Board of Control, and shall preserve in a well-
bound book the names and addresses of the members. She shall
mail notices of meetings to the several members at their addresses
shown on the record, and she shall perform such other duties as
the Board of Control shall prescribe.
6. The Treasurer shall keep safely the funds of the Society,
disburse the same as directed by the Society or the Board of Con-
trol, and take proper receipt therefor. She shall make a full report
of receipts and disbursements at each annual meeting, and at such
other times as the Board of Control may require, and it shall be a
part of her duty to notify the members who are in arrears and to
request payment. The Board of Control may remove the Treas-
urer and designate another to discharge the duties of the office
for the balance of the term.
7. The term of office of the several officers, except members
of the Board of Control, shall be one year, and until the successors
are elected. Members of the Board of Control, except the Presi-
dent, shall be elected for two years, and to serve until their suc-
cessors are elected.
[ xix ]
*^'
^STON
\o
oB^^r
SOCIETY OF SPONSORS OF
II. Meetings
1. There shall be an annual meeting at Washington on some
day to be named by the Board of Control, or by the President,
and in the month of January or February of each year. Special
meetings may be held at Washington when called, as prescribed
in the Constitution. However, those present shall contitute a
quorum.
2. Prior to each annual meeting the Board of Control shall
designate a committee of three to be known as an Entertainment
Committee, who shall have charge of functions provided by the
Society for the entertainment of the members. Also, that com-
mittees for North, South, East and West be formed.
3. Two months in advance of each meeting any member de-
siring to submit a motion or motions or any suggestion as to
motions to be made, at such meeting, should send them to the
Secretary, who in turn should mail a copy of the projected motions
with each invitation to attend the meeting of the Society.
Ill
1. The annual dues of membership are three dollars.
2. The annual dues of new members of the Society are divided
into three installments, payable according to the portion of the
Society's fiscal year in which a particular member should enter;
i.e., a member entering during the first third of the fiscal year be
assessed $3.00; a member entering during the second third be
assessed $2.00, and during the last third, $1.00.
3. If any member of the Society fails to pay dues within three
months after the Treasurer has sent notice that dues for the cur-
rent year are now payable, a second notice shall be sent saying
that it repeats the notice previously given on such and such a
date.
4. Such special assessments as the Board of Control or the
Society may make, not to exceed dollars in any one year.
IV. Certificate and Insignia
I. The Society shall have a seal which shall be in the custody
of the Secretary, and its form and legend may be adopted by the
Board of Control.
[xx]
THE UNITED STATES NAVY
2. A certificate of membership in the Society of such form as
the Board of Control may prescribe shall be furnished each member
applying therefor, and the same shall be signed by the President
and countersigned by the Secretary, who shall affix the seal.
3. A badge or other insignia of the Society may be adopted by
the Board of Control, and when adopted shall not be changed.
V
The Board of Control may adopt such rules, regulations and
by-laws not inconsistent with the Constitution or a by-law adopted
by the Society, as in its opinion are necessary and proper.
[xxi]
SOCIETY OF SPONSORS OF
List of Members of Society of Sponsors
of the United States Navy
1913
Sponsor Warship
Mrs. Elisabeth Goldsborough Adams, Wash-
ington, D. C Paul Jones
Miss Ethel C. Andrews, Camden, N. J Ammen
Miss Grace Balch, Washington, D. C Balch
Mrs. I. B. Beard, Jackson, Miss Mayrant
Mrs. William Bedloe Beekman, New York, N. Y. ... Trenton
Mrs. Charles Belknap, Washington, D. C Vestal
Mrs. Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont, New York,
N. Y Nicholson
Miss Edith Benham, Washington, D. C. San Francisco, Benham
Mrs. William C. Bitting, Jr., St. Louis, Mo St. Louis
Mrs. William Blalock, Atlanta, Ga Ericsson
Mrs. Frank W. Brooks, Jr., Detroit, Mich Michigan
Mrs. Charles Edward Brown, Columbus, Ohio Ohio
Mrs. John Burke, Hogan, Montana Montana
Miss Lorna Dorothea Burrows, Cleveland, Ohio. . . .Burrows
Miss Anna Cahall, Bridgeville, Del Delaware
Miss Elsie Calder, Brooklyn, N. Y New York
Mrs. George Cameron, San Francisco, Cal Intrepid
Mrs. Colin Campbell, Tottenham House, Savernake
Forest, Marlborough, England Illinois
Miss Helen Cassin Carusi, Washington, D. C Cassin
Miss Minnie Darlington Coates, Philadelphia, Pa Concord
Mrs. DeWitt Coffman, Navy Yard, Boston, Mass. . . .Alliance
Miss Minnie Conrad, White Post, Virginia Montana
Mrs. Allan Corson, Princeton, N. J Princeton
Mrs. Frederic R, Coudert, New York, N. Y Old Maine
Mrs. Josephus Daniels, Washington, D. C Bagley
Mrs. Gregory Caldwell Davison, New London,
Conn D-i, formerly Narwhal
Miss Anna Belle Dickie, Camden, N. J Olympia
Mrs. Charles Vaughan Ferguson, Hartford, Conn. . . . Wilkes
[ xxii]
THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Sponsor Warship
Miss Elizabeth Legere Fleming, Jacksonville, Fla. . . .Florida
Mrs. Walter T. Gaither, Wheeling, W. Va Wheeling
Mrs. Green Clay Goodloe, Seattle, Washington . .Washington
Miss Eleanor Gow, West Newton, Mass. ^-2, formerly Cuttlefish
Mrs. Henry S. Grove, Germantown, Pa Lanison
Mrs. Walter H. Grove, Ardmore, Penn Cyclops
Mrs. Harry W. Hand, Melrose Park, Pa Parker
Mrs. Reynold Thomas Hall, Norfolk, Va Roe
Miss Julia Harris, Tacoma, Wash Tacoma
Mrs. Richard Hatton, Baltimore, Md Warrington
Mrs. Clement D. Hebb, Washington, D. C Sassacus
Miss Agnes Herreshoff, Bristol, R. I Porter
Mrs. Daniel Engle Hoffman, Mt. Airy, N. C. . .North Carolina
Miss Alice Thornton Jenkins, Washington, D. C Jenkins
Mrs. Wilbur Birch Joyce, Minneapolis, Minn Minnesota
Miss Constance Henley Kane, New York, N. Y Henley
Mrs. William B. Kinney, Newark, N. J New Jersey
Mrs. William W. Kitchen, Gulfport, Miss Mississippi
Miss Dorothy Eunice Knight, Denver, Colo Wyoming
Miss Jean Knox, Germantown, Pa Jarvis
Miss Margaret V. Lake, Milford, Conn. . .G-i, formerly Seal
Mrs. Russell Creamer Langdon, Raleigh, N. C Rozvan
Mrs. Chester B. Lawrence, Jr., Plainfield, N. J Bailey
Miss Ruth Lawrence, New York, N. Y Lawrence
Mrs. Dean Howard Lightner, Aberdeen, S. D. . .South Dakota
Mrs. Lewis Louer, Chicago, 111 Des Moines
Miss Claudia Lyon, Sherman, Texas Texas
Miss Mary Louise Macon, Helena, Ark Arkansas
Mrs. Charles Wight MacQuoid, Roselle, N. J Bancroft
Miss Katherine H. Magoun, Haddonfield, N. J Preston
Mrs. Albert H. Matthews, Brooklyn, N. Y Brooklyn
Miss Lesley Jean Meakins, Montreal, Quebec H-i
Mrs. H. Clifford More, Gavioto P. O., Cal Marietta
Mrs. John Earl Morgan, Oshkosh, Wis Wisconsin
Mrs. David Murray, Binghamton, N. Y Galena
Miss Marylee Nally, Ossining-on-Hudson, N. Y Jouett
Mrs. Lewis Nixon, New York, N. Y Tallahassee, Holla^id
Miss Georgeanne Pollock Patterson, Washington,
D, C Patterson
[ xxiii ]
SOCIETY OF SPONSORS OF
Sponsor Warship
Mrs. John R. Pels, New Rochelle, N. Y Denver
Miss Lorna Pinnock, Salem, Mass Salem
Mrs. Joseph Wright Powell, Germantown, Pa Aylwin
Miss Coral Quay, Sewickley, Pa Pennsylvania
Mrs. Preston Rambo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Georgia
Mrs. George H. Rock, Washington, D. C Terry
Mrs. James Grafton Rogers, Denver, Colo Colorado
Miss Annette Reid Rolph, San Francisco, Cal F-2,
formerly Barracuda
Mrs. George Culaer Rugg, St. Paul, Minn Whipple
Mrs. Thomas F. Ruhm, Mare Island, Cal Jupiter
Mrs. Adam John Schubert, Gooding, Idaho Idaho
Mrs. Robert Nugent Somerville, Cleveland, Miss. . Tennessee
Mrs. John G. South, Frankfort, Ky Kentucky
Miss Dorothy W. Sproul, Chester, Pa Chester
Miss Mary Alice Spry, Salt Lake City, Utah Utah
Miss Elizabeth Stevens, Boston, Mass. C-2, formerly Stingray
Mrs. George W. Sturdivant, Centerville, Iowa lozva
Miss Grace Anna Taussig, Chestnut Hill, Pa G-4
Mrs. Mae Chauncey-Stanton Todd, Grand Rapids,
Mich Chauncey
Mrs. George Toland, Washington, D. C Juniata
Mrs. James H. Tomb, Arlington, Mass Boxer
Miss Margaret Tredway, Dubuque, Iowa Dubuque
Miss Josephine Tynan, San Francisco, Cal. F-i, formerly Carp
Mrs. Lewis Underwood, Bessemer, Ala Birmingham
Miss Mildred Walke Walter, Providence, R. I Walke
Mrs. Barclay Warburton, Philadelphia, Pa Philadelphia
Mrs. John D. Westbrook, Norfolk, Va Nashville
Mrs. W. H. Wolfe, Jr., Parkersburg, W. Va West Virginia
Miss Anna May Yeiser, Paducah, Ky Paducah
CHARTER MEMBERS
Mrs. Frederic T. Bassett Miss Lilian Chambliss
Mrs. William Blalock Mrs. Helen Wilson Chapin
Miss Mary Campbell (Mrs. (Mrs. Green ClayGoodloe)
Lewis Underwood) Miss Minnie Conrad
[xxiv]
THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Mrs. Frederic R. Coudert
Miss Helen Deshler (Mrs.
Charles Edward Brown)
Miss Helen Drury (Mrs.
James H. Tomb)
Miss Anna Belle Dickie
Miss Annie Keith Frazier
(Mrs. Robert Nugent
Somerville)
Miss Rebekah Glenn (Mrs.
Daniel Engle Hoffman)
Miss Louise Gooding (Mrs.
Adam John Schubert)
Miss Eleanor Gow
Miss Maria Guild (Mrs.
John D. Westbrook)
Mrs. Alfred W. Haywood
Mrs. Alice Gould Hawes
Miss Julia Harris
Mrs. Clement D. Hebb
Mrs. Roy Hearne
Miss Grace Herreid (Mrs.
Dean Lightner)
Mrs. William W. Kitchen
Mrs. Chester B. Lawrence
Miss Ruth Lawrence
Mrs. Lewis Louer
Mrs. Charles W. MacQuoid
Mrs. John Earl Morgan
Miss Mary Morgan
Miss Mira O'Brien
Miss Florence Pardee
Miss Cora Peabody (Mrs.
James Grafton Rogers)
Mrs. John R. Pels
Miss Lorna Pinnock
Miss Coral Quay
Miss Harriet Rankin (Mrs.
Charles Vaughan Fergu-
son)
Mrs. Edward P. Ramsey
Miss Rose Marie Schaller
(Mrs. Wilbur Birch Joyce)
Miss Ida May Schieren (Mrs.
Albert H. Matthews)
Miss Gladys Smith (Mrs.
William C. Bitting, Jr.)
Miss Dorothy Sproul
Mrs. John G. South
Mrs. George W. Sturdivant
Miss Stella Tate
Miss Margaret Tredway
Mrs. Mae S. Chauncey Todd
Mrs. George F. Toland
Mrs. W. H. Wolfe
Miss Anna May Yeiser
[xxv]
SOCIETY OF SPONSORS OF
Officers of the Society of Sponsors of the United
States Navy since its organization, 1 908-1 91 3
Honorary Members
The Admiral of the Navy,
George Dewey
R e AR- Admiral Winfield Scott
Schley
Rear-Admiral Robley D.
Evans
Rear-Admiral Charles D.
SiGSBEE
Rear- Admiral Richard Wain-
wright
Chaplain
Chaplain George Livingston
Bayard, U. S. Navy
Presidents
Miss Mary Campbell. 1908
Miss Minnie D. Coates.
1909, 1910
Mrs. John G. South. 1911
Mrs. Reynold T. Hall. 1912,
1913
Vice-Presidents
Miss Annie Keith Frazier.
1908
Miss Minnie Conrad. 1908
Mrs. Roy Hearne. 1909
Mrs. Lewis Nixon. 1909
Mrs. Charles W. MacQuoid.
1910
Mrs. George Toland. 1910
Miss Anna Cahall. 1911
[ xxvi ]
Miss Anna May Yeiser. 191 i
Mrs. John R. Pels. 1912
Mrs. George Cameron. 191 2
Miss Ruth Lawrence. 1913
Mrs. John H. Burke. 1913
Secretaries
Mrs. John G. South. 1908
Mrs. William W. Kitchen.
1909, 1910
Miss Edith Benham.
1912, 1913
1911,
Treasurers
Miss Ida May Schieren. 1908
Miss Mira O'Brien. 1909
Mrs. John R. Pels. 1910,
1911
Mrs. Charles W. MacQuoid.
1912
Mrs. Elisabeth Golds-
borough Adams. 1913
Board of Control
Miss Helen Deshler. 1908,
1909
Mrs. John R. Pels. 1908, 1909
Mrs. J. Earl Morgan. 1908,
1909
Mrs. Helen Wilson Chapin.
1908, 1912, 1913
Mrs. Roy Hearne. 1908,
1910, 1911
Miss Anna Hocht. 1908
THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Mrs. George W. Sturdivant.
1909, 1910
Miss Ida May Schieren.
1909, 1910
Miss Helen Drury. 1909
Mrs. James H. Tomb. 1910
Mrs. John G. South. 1910
Miss Anna B. Dickie. 1910,
1911, 1913
Mrs. Charles W. MacQuoid.
1911
Miss Minnie D. Coates.
1911, 1912
Miss Mary L. Macon. 1911,
1912
Miss Ruth Lawrence. 1911,
1912
Mrs. Lewis Louer. 1912, 1913
Miss Elizabeth L. Fleming.
1912, 1913
Mrs. Josephus Daniels. 1913
Mrs. De Witt Coffman. 1913
3n a^emoriam
Mrs. Alice Blake Gould Hawes 1908
Miss Florence Pardee 1910
Rear-Admiral Winfield S. Schley 1911
Rear-Admiral Robley D. Evans 1911
Mrs. Emily Beale McLean 1912
[ xxvii ]
r . I rs
I \C
Ships of the United States Navy
and their Sponsors
1797 to 1913
Ships of the United States Navy
and their Sponsors
1797-1913
ALABAMA (30)
FIRST-CLASS BATTLESHIP
Length, 368 feet Beam, 72 feet Draft, 23 feet
Displacement, 12,150 tons
Named for the State of Alabama
{Which was admitted to the Union in 18 19)
Launched May i8, 1898, at William Cramp & Sons'
Ship and Engine Building Company, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Mary Morgan, daughter of Senator
John T. Morgan, of Georgia.
1 HE picture was of the utmost beauty and impress-
iveness with the masses of Alabama blossoms so
heaped on the foredeck that they seemed to be floral
conning towers; the bright color contrasts afforded by
the uniforms of Naval officers; and above all the
tremendous salutation that came from all steam
whistles within range and the shouts of the multitude,
doubly enthusiastic and happy because the news had
just come that the battleship "Oregon" had safely
[3]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
arrived at Barbadoes after her perilous race of 13,000
miles from San Francisco — the best news since the
battle of Manila Bay.
ALASKA
SCREW SLOOP
Tonnage, 1,122 Guns, 12
Named for Alaska Territory
Organized 1868
Launched October 31, 1868, at the Navy Yard,
Charlestown, Massachusetts.
Sponsors: Miss Grace Hull, daughter of Mayor
Hull, of Boston, named the vessel. Miss Emma Hartt,
daughter of Naval Constructor Edward Hartt, U. S.
Navy, knocked away the last wedge.
ALBANY (2d)
unarmored protected cruiser
Length, 346 feet Beam, 43 feet Draft, 16 feet
Displacement, 3,9S4 tons
Named for the City of Albany
Capital of New York
Launched January 14, 1899, at the Armstrong
Mitchel Company, Newcastle-on-Tyne, England. Pur-
chased on the stocks by the United States March 16,
1898.
Sponsor: Mrs. John Charles Colwell, wife of
Captain John C. Colwell, United States Navy, U. S.
Naval Attache in London at the time of launching.
[4]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
ALGOMA
SCREW SLOOP
Tonnage, 483
r Named for Algoma, Wisconsin
{Indian named town)
Launched August i8, 1868, at the Navy Yard,
Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Sponsor: Miss Maria Decatur (Mrs. Wyndham
Mayo), daughter of Captain Stephen Decatur, U. S.
Navy.
ALLIANCE (2d), Launched "HURON"
SLOOP OF WAR
Length, 213 feet Beam, 35 feet Draft, 16 feet
Displacement, 1,805 tons
Named for Alliance ist
{Named in compliment to France, our ally in the Revolutionary War)
Launched March 8, 1875, at the Navy Yard, Nor-
folk, Virginia.
Sponsor: Miss Eulalie Boush (Mrs. DeWitt
Coffman), daughter of Naval Constructor George R.
Boush, who built the ship.
The sun shone in splendor and everything was
auspicious for the launch of the sloop-of-war *' Huron."
Long before the appointed time streams of humanity
poured into the Navy Yard. A battalion of marines
in full uniform was drawn up on the ground, and a
full brass band. Without the least impediment the
gallant ship freed herself and slid off the ways in
[5]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
magnificent style. The crowd cheered, the band
played, and a national salute of twenty-one guns was
thundered from the "New Hampshire." Just as she
moved off the ways Miss Eulalie Boush, lovely daugh-
ter of Constructor Boush, broke a christening bottle
of old native Virginia wine over the bows of the ship
and said: "Thy name is 'Huron' and may success
attend thee."
AMMEN
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 28g feet Beam, 26 feet Draft, 8 feet, 5 inches
Displacement, 883 tons
Named for Rear-Admiral Daniel Ammen,
U. S. Navy
Launched September 20, 19 10, at New York Ship-
building Company, Camden, New Jersey.
Sponsor: Miss Ethel C. Andrews, Camden, New
Jersey, daughter of Mr. G. M. Andrews, the General
Manager of the New York Shipbuilding Company.
Maids of Honor: Miss Priscilla Magoun and Miss
Mary Magoun, daughters of the Vice-President of the
Shipbuilding Company, Miss Christine Wright and
Miss Ethel Scovel, Miss Beatrice Scovel, Miss Eliza-
beth Macgill and Miss Marian Furness.
Rear-admiral daniel ammen, u. s. Navy,
was born in Ohio in 1820. Appointed Midshipman in
1836. In the Civil War he performed conspicuous
blockading service as executive officer of the "Roa-
noke," and in command of the "Seneca." Com-
manded the "Seneca" at battle of Port Royal,
November 7, 1861. Commanded the "Patapsco" in
[6]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
the attack on Fort McAlister and Fort Sumter, 1863.
Commanded the "Mohican" in bombardment of Fort
Fisher, 1864 and 1865.
AMPHITRITE
DOUBLE TURRET MONITOR
Lengthy 259 feet Beam, 55 feet Draft, 14 feet
Displacement, 4,000 tons
Named for **Amphitrite"
{Wife of Neptune and daughter of Oceanus)
Launched June 7, 1883, at the yard of Harlan &
HolHngsworth, Wilmington, Delaware.
Sponsor: Miss Nellie Benson, daughter of Cap-
tain N. R. Benson, of the Harlan & HoUingsworth Co.
United states ship "Amphitrite" was engaged
May 12, 1898, at San Juan, Porto Rico. Under fire
July 5, 1898, off Cardenas, Cuba.
ANNAPOLIS
composite gunboat
Length, i68 feet Beam, j6 feet Draft, 12 feet
Displacement, 1,010 tons
Named for City of Annapolis, Maryland
{The capital of Maryland and the seat of the United States Naval Academy)
Launched December 23, 1896, at Crescent Ship-
yard, Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Sponsor: Miss Georgia Porter, daughter of Cap-
tain Theodoric Porter, U. S. Navy.
United states ship "Annapolis" was engaged
July 15, 1898, Baracoa, Cuba, Spanish-American War.
[71
pU 0>-^*^
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
ARKANSAS (3D)
FIRST-CLASS BATTLESHIP
Length, 554 feet Beam, 93 feet Draft, 28 feet
Displacement, 26,000 tons
Named for the State of Arkansas
{Which was admitted to the Union in 1836)
Launched January 14, 191 1, at New York Ship-
building Company, Camden, New Jersey.
Sponsor: Miss Mary Louise Macon, Helena,
Arkansas, daughter of Representative Robert B.
Macon, Member of Congress from Arkansas.
Among those present were Representative Macon;
Honorable George von L. Meyer, Secretary of the
Navy; Honorable Beekman Winthrop, Assistant Sec-
retary of the Navy; Admiral of the Navy of the
Argentine Republic; many United States Senators
and Congressmen from Washington; a great throng
of people, many of them having come all the way from
Arkansas.
While twenty thousand spectators watched in breath-
less silence, Miss Mary Macon, a dainty Southern girl,
shattered a bottle of sparkling champagne against
the towering prow just as the great ship started its
splendid poise and moved slowly and evenly into the
Delaware.
[8]
Photo by New York Shipbuildibg€fi\^ U ^
LAUNCH OF U.S. BATTLESHIP "ARKANSAS "vi^'gt;^ .<y'
AND THEIR SPONSORS
ATLANTA (zd)
UNARMORED PROTECTED CRUISER
Length, 277 feet Beam, 42 feet Draft, 16 feet, 10 inches
Displacement, 3,000 tons
Named for the City of Atlanta
( The capital of Georgia)
Launched October 9, 1884, at the shipyard of John
Roach & Sons, Chester, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Jessie Lincoln (Mrs. J. L. Beck-
with), daughter of Mr. Robert Lincoln, the Secretary
of War under President Arthur.
Among those present were Secretary of War Robert
Lincoln, Secretary of the Navy William E. Chandler,
Rear-Admiral Simpson, Rear-Admiral Jouett, and
many distinguished officials.
"y^ dauntless soul erect^ who smiled on death."
AYLWIN
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, SOS feet Beam, jo feet Draft, g feet
Displacement, i,oio tons
Named for Lieutenant John Cushing Aylwin,
U. S. Navy
Launched November 23, 191 2, at William Cramp
& Sons' Ship and Engine Building Company, Phila-
delphia, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Mrs. Joseph Wright Powell (Bertha
Osterhout), wife of Mr. Joseph W. Powell, Assistant
[9]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
to the President of the Cramp Shipbuilding Company,
formerly a Constructor in the Navy, who resigned.
Lieutenant AYLWIN was bom in Quebec,
Canada. At the commencement of the War of 1812,
he was asked by Captain Isaac Hull to go with him
on the "Constitution," and April 24, 1812, was ap-
pointed sailing master in the United States Navy.
Took prominent part in the engagement, August 19,
1 81 2, between the *' Constitution" and the *'Guer-
riere." Was highly commended by Captain Hull
for skill in handling and maneuvering the "Constitu-
tion" during the fight. Was wounded in the shoulder.
Commanded the forecastle division in action between
the "Constitution" and the "Java," December 29,
1 812, and was commended for bravery and coolness
in action. Was severely wounded and died from
effects of the wound, January 28, 18 13.
In his journal Captain Hull speaks of him as a
young ofllicer of great promise, and in the report of his
death calls him "A dauntless soul erect, who smiled
on death."
A-i (Formerly PLUNGER)
SUBMARINE TORPEDO BOAT
Displacement, 122 tons
Launched February i, 1902, at Crescent Shipyard,
Elizabethport, New Jersey.
Sponsor: Miss Ernestine Wardwell, of Balti-
more, Maryland.
[10]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
A-2 (Formerly ADDER)
SUBMARINE TORPEDO BOAT
Displacement, 122 tons
Launched July 22, 1901, at Crescent Shipyard,
EHzabeth, New Jersey.
Spo7isor: Mrs. Wainwright.
A-3 (Formerly GRAMPUS 3D)
SUBMARINE TORPEDO BOAT
Displacement, 12^ tons
Launched July 31, 1902, at Union Iron Works,
San Francisco, California, for the J. P. Holland Tor-
pedo Boat Company.
Sponsor: Mrs. Marley F. Hay, wife of Superin-
tendent of Construction at the Union Iron Works.
A-4 (Formerly MOCCASIN)
SUBMARINE TORPEDO BOAT
Displacement, 122 tons
Launched June 13, 1903, at Crescent Shipyard,
Elizabethport, New Jersey, for the J. P. Holland
Torpedo Boat Company.
Sponsor: Mrs. Rice.
A-5 (Formerly PIKE)
SUBMARINE TORPEDO BOAT
Displacement, 125 tons
Launched January 14, 1903, at Union Iron Works,
San Francisco, California.
Sponsor: Mrs. Frank Baker Zahm, wife of Naval
Constructor F. B. Zahm, U. S. Navy, on duty at
Union Iron Works at the time.
[II]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
A-6 (Formerly PORPOISE)
SUBMARINE TORPEDO BOAT
Displacement, 122 tons
Launched June 24, 1903, at Crescent Shipyard,
Elizabethport, New Jersey, for J. P. Holland Torpedo
Boat Company.
Sponsor: Mrs. E. B. Frost, wife of Mr. E. B. Frost,
of the Crescent Shipyard.
A-7 (Formerly SHARK)
SUBMARINE TORPEDO BOAT
Displacement, 122 tons
Launched June 24, 1903, at Crescent Shipyard,
Elizabethport, New Jersey, for the J. P. Holland
Torpf^do Boat Company.
Sponsor: Mrs. Walter Stevens Turpin, wife of
Lieutenant Commander Turpin, U. S. Navy, on duty
at Crescent Shipyard at the time.
BAGLEY
TORPEDO BOAT
Length, I S7 feet Beam, 17 feet Draft,/ hes
Displacement, IJS tons
Named for Ensign Worth Bagley. "'
Launched September 25, 1900, at P
Bath, Maine.
Sponsor: Mrs. Josephus Daniels (Aa.
Bagley), eldest sister of Ensign Worth Bagle>.
[12]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
Eight representatives of Ensign Bagley's family
were present.
There were numbers of offerings of flowers sent by
Spanish War Camps named for Ensign Worth Bagley,
making the "Bagley" almost a ship of flowers, the
prow having been covered with flowers bearing the
name Bagley, given by Worth Bagley Camp, Spanish
War Veterans of Charlestown, Massachusetts.
A bronze memorial tablet, placed on the conning
tower, and a bronze name-plate for the ship, were the
gifts of his mother, Mrs. Adelaide Worth Bagley.
Unusual interest was manifested in the launching,
and delegations from various war camps and many
naval officers were present.
A bottle of champagne braided in ribbons of the
national colors was used to baptize the ship.
Ensign worth bagley, U. S. Navy, was
born in Raleigh, North Carolina, April 6, 1874: was
appointed Naval Cadet September, 1891; Ensign July,
1897. Ensign Bagley was the first naval officer killed
in action during the Spanish-American War of 1898.
He served on the United States torpedo boat "Win-
slow" and lost his life in its attack on batteries at
Cardenas, Cuba, May 11, 1898.
BAILEY
TORPEDO BOAT
Length, 205 feet Beam, 19 feet Draft, 6 feet
Displacement, 280 ions
Named for Rear-Admiral Theodorus Bailey,
U. S. Navy
Launched December 5, 1899, at Gas Engine and
Power Company, Morris Heights, New Jersey.
[13]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Sponsor: Miss Florence Beekman Bailey (Mrs.
Chester B. Lawrence), granddaughter of Rear-Admiral
Theodorus Bailey,
Rear-admiral theodorus bailey, United
States Navy, was born in New York in 1805.
Appointed Midshipman in 18 18. In the Mexican
War, in command of the "Lexington," 1847-48, he
distinguished himself in fitting out and leading expedi-
tions against the enemy. In the Civil War he was
Farragut's second in command in the battle of New
Orleans. In the "Cayuga" led the attacks on Forts
Jackson and St. Philip. Unguarded, accompanied by
Lieutenant George H. Perkins, he faced a maddened
crowd and formally demanded the surrender of New
Orleans. Was officially commended by Farragut and
chosen bearer of despatches to Washington announ-
cing the victory.
BAINBRIDGE (2d)
torpedo boat destroyer
Length, 24s feet Beam, 23 feet Draft, g feet
Displacement, 420 tons
Named for Commodore William Bainbridge,
U. S. Navy
Launched August 27, 1901, at Neafie & Levy Ship
and Engine Building Company, Philadelphia, Penn-
sylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Bainbridge-Hoff (Mrs. Bertram
Greene), great-granddaughter of Commodore William
Bainbridge, and daughter of Captain William Bain-
bridge-Hoff, U. S. Navy.
Secretary of the Navy John D. Long was present.
[141
AND THEIR SPONSORS
Commodore william bainbridge, United
States Navy, was born in Princeton, New Jersey, in
1774. In command of the "Norfolk," captured a
number of French privateers. In command of the
"Constitution" in 1812, captured the British frigate
"Java," in which fight he was severely wounded. For
gallantry in this fight he received a gold medal from
Congress.
BALCH
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 305 feet Beam, 31 feet Draft, 9 feet
Displacement, 1,010 tons
Named for R ear-Admiral George Beall
Balch, U. S. Navy
Launched December 21, 191 2, at William Cramp
& Sons' Ship and Engine Building Company, Philadel-
phia, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Grace Balch, daughter of Rear-
Admiral George Beall Balch.
In naming the ship. Miss Balch said:
'** BALCH,' I name thee!
Sail on, nor fear to breast the sea.
Our hearts, our hopes are all with thee."
Accompanying Miss Balch were Mrs. George Beall
Balch, Stephen Bloomer Balch, Mr. and Mrs. Frede-
rick E. Sears, Rev. and Mrs. George William Lay, Mr.
and Mrs. Francis DuPont Balch, Mr. and Mrs. Mal-
colm K. Gordon, Mrs. George V. Balch, and a number
of guests.
Rear-admiral george beall balch,
United States Navy, was born in Shelbyville, Ten-
[IS]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
nessee in 1821. Appointed Acting Midshipman in
1837. Was in the Mexican War from May, 1846, to
its close. In the attack on Alvarado under Com-
modore Conner and the joint bombardment with the
Army at Vera Cruz, the surrender of that city, and
San Juan d' Ulloa, March, 1847, and at the capture
of Tampico.
He was executive officer of the "Plymouth," 1851-55,
with Commodore Perry in the Japan expedition. In
command of the advance post at Shanghai, was
wounded in a fight between rebels and Imperialists.
In the Civil War performed many heroic services.
In command of the "Pawnee" in 1863, saved General
Terry's command when attacked by Confederate
batteries. Engaged in the joint operations of Rear-
Admiral Dahlgren's Navy forces and General Foster's
Army forces in Stono River, South Carolina, in 1864,
and in bombardment of Battery Pringle. In 1865,
among other operations, successfully engaged Con-
federate batteries at North Edisto, South Carolina.
In recognition of his efficient services Commander
Balch was advanced one grade, to the rank of Captain,
in 1866. Commodore 1872, Rear-Admiral 1878.
BALTIMORE (3D)
UNARMORED PROTECTED CRUISER
Length, J27 feet Beam, 48 feet Draft, ig feet
Displacement, 4,413 tons
Named for the City of Baltimore, Maryland
Launched October 6, 1888, at William Cramp &
Sons' Ship and Engine Building Company, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
[16]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
Sponsor: Mrs. Theodore D. Wilson, wife of Chief
Constructor Theodore D. Wilson, U. S. Navy.
United states ship "Baltimore" was present
at the War in Chili in 1891. Took part in the battle
of Manila Bay, May i, 1898, Spanish-American War.
BANCROFT
training ship (gunboat)
Length, 187 feet Beam, 32 feet Draft, 12 feet
Displacement, 82Q tons
Named for George Bancroft
American historian and statesman and founder of the United States Naval Academy
at Annapolis, who was born at fVorcester, Massachusetts, October j, 1800. In 1845
he entered President Polk's Cabinet as Secretary of the Navy, with the determination
of founding a Naval Academy. Served until 184.6, when for a month he acted as
Secretary of War.
The "Bancroft" was launched April 13, 1892, at
Crescent Shipyard, Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Sponsor: Miss Mary Frances Moore (Mrs.
Charles Wight MacQuoid), daughter of Mr. Miller
Moore, the Treasurer of the Shipbuilding Company,
and granddaughter of Mr. Samuel L. Moore, the
President of the Company. Miss Moore was invited
by Secretary of the Navy Tracy to name the vessel.
Miss Moore made a pretty picture as the wind tossed
her blond hair and the long ribbons of her big hat.
She cried in a clear voice: "I name thee 'Bancroft,'"
and whirling the beribboned bottle around, smashed
it upon the bow. The ship slid away like a bird, her
deck covered with cheering people, while every whistle
tooted wildly and the great crowd set up a shout.
Among those present were Mr. and Mrs. Miller F.
Moore, Mr. and Mrs. D. G. Moore, George W. Mel-
[17]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
ville, Chief of Bureau of Steam Engineering, U. S.
Navy, Chief Constructor Wilson, U. S. Navy, and
many other prominent officials.
BARNEY
TORPEDO BOAT
Length, 157 feet Beam, 17 feet Draft, 4 feet, 11 inches
Displacement, 775 tons
Named for Commodore Joshua Barney,
U. S. Navy
Launched July 28, 1900, at Bath Iron Works, Bath,
Maine.
Sponsor: Miss Esther Nicholson Barney, of
Fredericksburg, Virginia, daughter of Captain Joseph
N. Barney, and a great-granddaughter of Commodore
Joshua Barney, for whom the vessel is named. Miss
Barney's great-grandmother was a sister of Commodore
Samuel Nicholson and Commodore James Nicholson.
Miss Barney was accompanied by her mother, Mrs.
J. N. Barney; her sister, Mrs. J. W. Adams; and her
nephew, Nicholas Barney Adams, of Fredericksburg,
Virginia.
Commodore joshua barney. United states
Navy, was born in Baltimore in 1759. He was for
some time in the French Navy. Was very active in
the Revolutionary War, and, among other deeds, led
a boarding party in the capture of the ship "Charming
Molly." In command of the "Hyder Ali," of 16 guns,
captured the British sloop-of-war "General Monk,"
of 18 guns, off Cape May. Was wounded at the battle
of Bladensburg.
[18]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
BARRY (2d)
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 24.5 jeet. Beam, 23 feet Draft, 6 feet, 6 inches
Displacement, 420 tons
Named for Commodore John Barry, U. S. Navy
Launched March 22, 1902, at Neafie & Levy Ship
and Engine Building Company, Philadelphia, Pennsyl-
vania.
Sponsor: Miss Charlotte Adams Barnes, great-
grandniece of Commodore John Barry.
A special jubilee of all the Irish Societies was made
on this occasion.
Commodore john barry, United states
Navy, was born in Ireland in 1745. He received one
of the first commissions in the Navy. In 1776 com-
manded the "Lexington," the first cruiser to sail, and
captured the British schooner "Edward," the first
Navy prize. In 1781, returning from conveying to
France our Minister Laurens in the "Alliance," he
captured the "Atalanta" and "Trepassa," and was
severely wounded. He held many important com-
m.ands and was one of the bravest and most daring of
officers. He was the third Commander-in-Chief of
the Navy.
[19]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
BE ALE
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 289 feet - Beam, 26 feet Draft, 8 feet
Displacement, 742 tons
Named for Lieutenant Edward Fitzgerald
Beale, U. S. Navy
Launched April 30, 1912, at William Cramp & Sons'
Ship and Engine Building Company, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Mrs. John R. McLean (Emily Beale),
Washington, District of Columbia, daughter of Lieu-
tenant Edward Fitzgerald Beale, U. S. Navy.
Among those present were the Russian Ambassador
and Mme. Bahkmetieff, the latter another daughter of
Lieutenant Beale, and Mr. and Mrs. Edward Beale
McLean, his grandchildren.
Lieutenant edward fitzgerald
BEALE, United States Navy, afterwards General
Beale, United States Army, whose father and grand-
father served in the United States Navy and were
awarded medals of honor by Congress, was graduated
from the Naval Academy in 1842.
During the War with Mexico he distinguished him-
self by carrying despatches through the enemy's lines,
and was presented with a sword by his fellow-officers
for his gallant services. He was commended for con-
spicuous bravery by Commodore Stockton.
After this War he resigned to become Superintend-
ent of Indian Affairs. He was given rank of Major-
General and detailed to terminate the Indian War in
California.
He became Minister to Austria under President Grant.
[20]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
BENHAM
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 505 feet Beam, j/ feet Draft, 9 feet
Displacement, 1,010 tons
Named for Rear-Admiral Andrew Ellicott
Kennedy Benham, U. S. Navy
Launched March 22, 191 3, at WilHam Cramp &
Sons' Ship and Engine Building Company, Philadel-
phia, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Edith Wallace Benham, only
daughter of Rear-Admiral Andrew E. K. Benham, U. S.
Navy. Miss Benham broke a bottle of champagne
upon the bow of the vessel, saying: "'Benham' I name
thee, in the name of the United States." Master
Harry Benham, grandson of Rear-Admiral Benham,
and son of the late Lieutenant Henry Kennedy
Benham, U. S. Navy, helped to saw away the last
block that held the ship. The little boy exclaimed:
"There she goes! / did it."
Accompanying Miss Benham were Miss Emily
Benham, sister of Rear-Admiral Benham; Master
Harry Benham and his mother, Mrs. Philip Walker;
Rear-Admiral Charles E. Clark, who commanded the
"Oregon" in the Spanish-American War; Mrs. Clark;
Rear-Admiral Willard H. Brownson, whose ship "De-
troit" was ordered by Admiral Benham to fire the
shot at the Brazilian insurgents' ship that ended the
Revolution in January, 1894; Captain Albert W.
Grant, who was navigator of the "San Francisco,"
Rear-Admiral Benham's flagship; Lieutenant W. H.
Faust, who was Rear-Admiral Benham's flag secre-
tary; Captain Reynold T. Hall and Mrs. Hall; Naval
Constructor Elliot Snow and Mrs. Snow.
[21]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Rear-admiral andrew ellicot Ken-
nedy BENHAM, U. S. Navy, was bom at Staten
Island, New York, April lo, 1832; appointed Midship-
man in 1847; served on the brig "Dolphin" in the
East India squadron, 1 847-1 850; was wounded during
the capture of a piratical Chinese junk near Macao,
China; in Brazil squadron and Paraguay expeditions
1858-1859; South Atlantic Blockading Squadron in
1 861-1862; took part in the battle of Port Royal;
West Gulf Blockading Squadron 1 863-1 865, when his
ship was at sea for thirteen months without going into
port; in command of North Atlantic Station 1 892-1 893 ;
ordered to Brazil in 1893, in chief command during the
rebellion. On January 29, 1894, he took action to
prevent the insurgent Brazilian Navy from interfer-
ing with United States merchant vessels in innocent
and regular operations of loading and unloading at the
wharves of Rio Janeiro, that city being in the hands
of the regular government. For this action, which set
a new precedent in international law, he received the
commendation of the United States Government
and the approval of his countrymen. He retired later
in 1894. Upon his giving up command the Secretary
of the Navy, the Hon. Hilary A. Herbert, wrote him a
letter, as follows:
"Sir, — Upon your retirement from active service I desire to
express to you the Department's appreciation of the abihty and
good judgment shown by you in guarding American interests while
in command of the South Atlantic squadron.
"Your prompt and decisive action at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,
in giving full protection to United States commerce merits
especial commendation, and I congratulate you upon such a
happy termination of a long and honorable career on the active
list in the Navy."
[22]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
He died at Lake Mahopac, New York, on August
II, 1905.
Rear-Admiral Benham's father. Commander Timo-
thy Green Benham, U. S. Navy, was born near New
Haven, Connecticut, August 10, 1793. Midshipman
in 1 8 14. Served in Commodore Porter's squadron in
the West Indies for the suppression of piracy and
was wounded in an encounter with pirates. Had dis-
tinguished service during the Mexican War in com-
mand of the "Bonita," and took an active part in
the expedition against Vera Cruz, Alvarado, Trontero,
Tobasco and Laguna les Terminos in 1846. Died
June 17, 1861, at Staten Island, New York.
Lieutenant Henry Kennedy Benham, United States
Navy, son of Rear-Admiral A. E. K. Benham, was born
July 27, 1867; appointed Midshipman in 1884; at-
tached to the "Marietta'* when with the *' Oregon"
she made the memorable voyage from the Pacific to
the Atlantic in 1898, Spanish-American War. He
died when in command of the "Truxtun," April 8, 1904.
BENNINGTON
GUNBOAT
Length, 230 feet Beam, j(5 feet Draft, 14 feet
Displacement, 1,710 tons
Named for the Town of Bennington, Vermont
{In commemoration of the Battle of Bennington, Aug. 16, 1777)
Launched June 3, 1890, at N. F. Palmer & Com-
pany, Chester, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Anne Aston, daughter of Chief
Engineer Ralph Aston, U. S. Navy, Inspector of
Machinery for the United States Navy at Chester at
that time.
[23]
BUIC
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
BIDDLE
TORPEDO BOAT
Length, 157 feet Beam, 17 feet Draft, 4 feet, 11 inches
Displacement, ij^ tons
Named for Captain Nicholas Biddle,
U. S. Navy
Launched May i8, 1901, at Bath Iron Works, Bath,
Maine.
Sponsor: Miss Emily B. Biddle (Mrs. Charles
West Churchman), of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
great-great-grandniece of Captain Nicholas Biddle.
Captain Nicholas biddle, u. s. Navy, was
born in Philadelphia in 1750. He was in command
of "Andrea Doria," 16 guns, in 1775, and captured
so many prizes that he had but five of his original
crew when he returned to the Delaware River. Sailed
not long after from Charleston, South Carolina, and in
a few days came back with four prizes. In engage-
ment with the "Yarmouth," 64 guns, March, 1778,
his ship, the "Randolph," 32 guns, blew up and the
gallant Biddle and three hundred men perished in a
blaze of glory.
BIRMINGHAM
UNARMORED SCOUT CRUISER
Length, 420 feet Beam, 47 feet Draft, 16 feet
Displacement, 3,750 tons
Named for the City of Birmingham, Alabama
Launched May 29, 1907, at Fore River Shipbuild-
ing Company, Quincy, Massachusetts.
[24]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
Sponsor: Miss Mary Campbell (Mrs. Lewis Under-
wood), daughter of Mr. E. K. Campbell, a prominent
la\vyer of Birmingham, Alabama.
A PARTY of thirty people went up from Birming-
ham. Eight young Birmingham girls were Maids of
Honor, selected for prominence of families.
BLAKELEY
torpedo boat
Length, IJS jeet Beam, ij feet Draft, 6 feet
Displacement, 196 tons
Named for Lieutenant Johnston Blakeley,
U. S. Navy
Launched November 23, 1900, at George Lawley
& Son Corporation, Boston, Mass.
Sponsor: Miss Nellie M. White, Winchenden
Springs, Massachusetts, a relative of Hon. John D.
Long, Secretary of the Navy.
Captain johnston blakeley, u. s. Navy,
was born in Ireland in 1781. Was appointed Mid-
shipman in 1800. In 1 81 3, in command of the *' En-
terprise," captured the privateer "Fly." In 18 14, in
the "Wasp," captured H. B. M. S. "Reindeer" by
superior gunnery. Congress voted him a gold medal.
He cut out the "Mary" with military stores from
under the guns of the "Armada," 74 guns. Sank the
"Avon." Captured the "Atalanta." He was lost at
sea in the "Wasp," in 18 14.
[25]
PU BL'C
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
BOXER (4th)
WOODEN BARKENTINE TRAINING
SHIP
Length, Ii8 feet Beam, 2g feet Draft, 9 feet
Displacement, 346 tons
Named for the Brig Boxer
{Captured by the U. S. brig "Enterprise" in 1813)
Launched October ii, 1904, at the Navy Yard,
Portsmouth, New Hampshire.^
Sponsor: Miss Helen Drury (Mrs. James Harvey
Tomb), daughter of Pay Director Hiram E. Drury,
U. S. Navy.
BRANDYWINE
FRIGATE
Forty-four guns Tonnage, 1825
Named for Brandywine Creek
{The scene of the battle of Brandywine, Sept. Ii, 1777)
Launched June i6, 1825, at the Navy Yard, Washing-
ton, District of Columbia.
Sponsor: Captain Marmaduke Dove, U. S. Navy.
"About eight o'clock we observed the President of the United
States on the main deck of the frigate standing near Lieutenants
Skinner and Piatt of the Navy. We also observed officers of the
Yard on board, among whom we recognized Colonel Briarly, and
near the bows Captain Dove with a bottle in his hand to be em-
ployed in the usual ceremony of christening. On the wharf stood
Commodore Tingey and his lady and a number of spectators.
Alongside the wharf in a gunboat moored near for the purpose was
Judge Southard, Secretary of the Navy, his wife and daughter.
The ship smote the water in fine style and Captain Dove, sta-
[26]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
Lieutenant william burrows, United
States Navy, was a Midshipman in 1799. He dis-
tinguished himself at TripoH. He died on the American
brig "Enterprise" during the fight with the British
brig "Boxer" September 13, 1813. He encouraged
his men by calhng to them, "Stand fast, and the day
will soon be ours."
Among the many men prominent in early colonial
history, numbered in the Burrows family, was Major
Robert Pike, prominent in the King Philip War,
because of his opposition to the Salem Witchcraft
delusion, and for his liberality and breadth of view
on religious questions. His life has been published
under the title of The New Puritan.
B-i (Formerly VIPER)
SUBMARINE TORPEDO BOAT
Displacement, 170 tons
Launched March 30, 1907, at Fore River Shipbuild-
ing Company, Quincy, Massachusetts, for Electric
Boat Company, of New York.
Sponsor: Mrs. Lawrence Y. Spear, wife of Vice-
President Lawrence Y. Spear, of the Electric Boat
Company, formerly a Naval Constructor, U. S. Navy,
who resigned.
B-2 (Formerly CUTTLEFISH)
SUBMARINE TORPEDO BOAT
Displacement, lyo tons
Launched September i, 1906, at Fore River Ship-
building Company, Quincy, Massachusetts, for Elec-
tric Boat Company, of New York.
[29]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Sponsor: Miss Eleanor Gow, young daughter of
Commander John L. Gow, U. S. Navy, on duty at
Fore River at the time.
B-3 (Formerly TARANTULA)
SUBMARINE TORPEDO BOAT
Displacement, lyo tons
Launched March 30, 1907, at Fore River Ship-
building Company, Quincy, Massachusetts, for Elec-
tric Boat Company, New York.
Sponsor: Mrs. George Stanley Radford, wife
of Naval Constructor G. S. Radford, U. S. Navy,
on duty at Fore River Shipbuilding Company at the
time.
CALIFORNIA
armored cruiser
Length, $02 feet Beam, 6g feet Draft, 24. feet
Displacement, 13,680 tons
Named for the State of California
{Which was admitted to the Union in 1850)
Launched April 28, 1904, at Union Iron Works,
San Francisco, California.
Sponsor: Miss Florence Pardee, daughter of
Governor George C. Pardee, of California.
Mrs. Walter S. Martin, daughter of Henry T. Scott,
President of the Union Iron Works, pressed the button
starting the ship.
The launching took place under the auspices of the
Native Sons of the Golden West.
[30]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
CANANDAIGUA
STEAM SLOOP
Tonnage, 1,395 Seven guns
Named for Canandaigua River
Launched March 28, 1862, at the Navy Yard,
Charlestown, Massachusetts.
Sponsors: Mrs. J. W. Stone, of Dorchester, and
Mrs. J. B. Dow, of Boston, each broke a bottle on
her bow and announced her name, as the National
Flag was unfurled at her bow, main and stern.
United states ship "Canandaigua," in 1863
took part in operations off Charleston, South Carolina.
Rescued the officers and crew of the "Housatonic"
sunk by a torpedo off Charleston, February 17, 1864.
CANONICUS
single turret monitor
Two guns Tonnage, i,oj2
Named for Canonicus
{Chief of the Narragansett Indians, who gave to Roger Williams the land on which
Providence, R. I., was founded in 1636)
Launched August i, 1863, at the yard of Harrison
Loring, Boston, Massachusetts.
Sponsor: Miss Macomb, daughter of Chief Engineer
Macomb, U. S. Navy, christened the battery as it
touched the water.
1 HE U. S. S. "Canonicus" engaged the battery at
Howlett's, James River, in 1864. Took part in at-
tacks on Fort Fisher in 1864. Was struck thirty-six
times the first day. Was under fire at Fort Moultrie.
[31]
pU BU»C
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
CASSIN
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Tonnage ifiio
Named for Captain Stephen Cassin, U. S. Navy
Launched May 20, 191 3, at Bath Iron Works, Bath,
Maine.
Sponsor: Miss Helen Cassin Carusi, great-
granddaughter of Captain Stephen Cassin.
Captain Stephen cassin was bom in Phil-
adelphia in 1783. Entered the Navy as Midshipman
in 1800. He served with distinction in Tripoh. In War
of 1812 commanded *'Ticonderoga" in battle of Lake
Champlain, and was rewarded by Congress with a gold
medal for bravery in that action. Four of the enemy's
gunboats united in an attack upon the "Ticonderoga,"
again and again coming almost within grappling dis-
tance, but were as often repulsed.
CASTINE
GUNBOAT
Length, 204 feet Beam, 32 feet Draft, 12 feet
Displacement, 1,177 ^^'"■^
Named for the City of Castine, Maine
Launched May ii, 1892, at Bath Iron Works, Bath,
Maine.
Sponsor: Miss Martha Highborn (Mrs. Paul
Pearsall), daughter of Chief Constructor Philip Hich-
born, United States Navy.
[32]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
U. S. S. "Castine" was attached to the Atlantic fleet,
Spanish-American War. Under fire July 5, 1898, at
Mariel, Cuba.
CHARLESTON (ist)
UNARMORED PROTECTED CRUISER
Displacement, 4,040 tons
Named for the City of Charleston, South
Carolina
Launched July 19, 1888, at Union Iron Works,
San Francisco, California.
Sponsor: Miss Alice Scott (Mrs. Alice Scott
Smith), San Francisco, California, daughter of the
President of the Union Iron Works.
1 HE United States ship *' Charleston'* took Island
of Guam, 1898, during the Spanish-American War.
Struck an uncharted reef north of Luzon Island, in
1899, and was lost.
CHARLESTON (20)
UNARMORED PROTECTED CRUISER
Length, 424 feet Beam, 66 feet Draft, 22 feet
Displacement, 9,^00 tons
Named for City of Charleston, South Carolina,
AND for U. S. S. "Charleston"
Launched January 23, 1904, at Newport News
Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, Newport News,
Virginia.
Sponsor: Miss Helen Rhett (Mrs. Theodore J.
Simons, Jr.), daughter of the Mayor of Charleston,
South Carolina.
[33]
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r*.
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
CHATTANOOGA (2d)
UNARMORED PROTECTED CRUISER
Length, 2g2 feet Beam, 44 feet Draft 1$ feet, p inches
Displacement, 3,200 tons
Named for the City of Chattanooga,
Tennessee
Launched March 7, 1903, at Crescent Shipyard,
EHzabeth, New Jersey.
Sponsor: Miss Lilian Nell Chambliss, daughter
of the Mayor of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Miss
Frances Bond and Miss Rieta Faxon were Maids of
Honor.
CHAUNCEY
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 245 feet Beam, 23 feet Draft, 6 feet
Displacement, 420 tons
Named for Commodore Isaac Chauncey,
U. S. Navy
Launched October 26, 1901, at Neafie & Levy Ship
and Engine Building Company, Philadelphia, Penn-
sylvania.
Sponsor: Mrs. Mae Chauncey Stanton Todd,
Grand Rapids, Michigan, great-granddaughter of
Commodore Chauncey.
Commodore isaac chauncey, u. s. Navy,
was born in Black Rock, Connecticut, in 1772. En-
tered the Navy as a Lieutenant in 1799. In 1802 was
appointed Acting Captain of the frigate "Chesapeake,"
[34]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
the flagship of Commodore Valentine Morris' squadron
against TripoH. Bore distinguished part in operations
against Tripoli. In War of 1812 was appointed to
command on all the Lakes except Champlain. Under
his direction the major part of our fleet on the Great
Lakes was built and afterwards used successfully at
York (now Toronto) and along the whole of the Niagara
frontier, especially against Sir James Yeo's fleet. He
is described as "A model of gallantry, energy and skill.'*
CHESTER
UNARMORED SCOUT CRUISER
Length, 420 feet Beam, 4.7 feet Draft, 16 feet, p inches
Displacement, 3,750 tons
Named for the City of Chester
{The oldest town in Pennsylvania)
Launched June 26, 1907, at Bath Iron Works, Bath,
Maine.
Sponsor: Miss Dorothy Wallace Sproul, Chester,
Pennsylvania, daughter of State Senator William C.
Sproul.
CHEYENNE (Formerly WYOMING)
SINGLE turret MONITOR
Length, 252 feet Beam, 50 feet Draft, 12 feet
Displacement, 3,225 tons
Renamed for the City of Cheyenne
( The capital of Wyoming)
Launched September 8, 1900, at Union Iron Works,
San Francisco, California.
Sponsor: Miss Hattie Warren (Mrs. John J.
Pershing), daughter of United States Senator Francis
[35]
pU B L.»<^
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
E. Warren, of Wyoming, named the Monitor "Wyo-
ming" for the State of Wyoming. Governor Richards
and staff, of Wyoming, were present.
«
CHICAGO
UNARMORED PROTECTED CRUISER
Length, 32^ feet Beam, 48 feet Draft, ig feet
Displacement, 4,500 tons
Named for the City of Chicago, Illinois
Launched December 5, 1885, at John Roach &
Sons', Chester, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Edith Cleborne (Mrs. Henry W.
B. Glover), daughter of Medical Director Cuthbert
J. Cleborne, U. S. Navy.
Mr. Du Bosy, according to a Japanese custom, let
loose three birds at the moment of launching with
red, white and blue ribbons around necks. In Japan
doves were originally believed to be messengers of
Hachiman, the warrior's patron god, and their use at
the launching of the warship meant wishing success
in arms.
The U. S. S. "Chicago" was attached to the North
Atlantic Fleet in the Spanish-American War.
CINCINNATI (2d)
UNARMORED PROTECTED CRUISER
Length, 300 feet Beam, 42 feet Draft, 18 feet
Displacement, 3,181 tons
Named for the City of Cincinnati, Ohio
Launched November lo, 1892, at the Navy Yard,
New York, N. Y.
[36]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
Sponsor: Miss Stella Mosby, daughter of the
Mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio.
The U. S. S. "Cincinnati" was under fire April 27,
1898, off Matanzas, Spanish-American War.
CLEVELAND
UNARMORED PROTECTED CRUISER
Length, 292 feet Beam, 44 feet Draft, IS feet
Displacement, 3,200 tons
Named for the City of Cleveland, Ohio
Launched September 28, 1901, at Bath Iron Works,
Bath, Maine.
Sponsor: Miss Ruth Hanna (Mrs. Medill McCor-
mick), daughter of United States Senator Mark Hanna
of Ohio.
COLORADO (1ST)
STEAM FRIGATE
Tons, 34.00 Guns, 40
Named for Colorado River
Launched June 19, 1856, at the Navy Yard, Norfolk,
Virginia.
Sponsor: Miss Nannie Seddon Dornin (Mrs.
Joseph N. Barney), daughter of Captain Thomas A.
Dornin, U. S. Navy.
In her own words : "Accompanied by her father, Com-
modore Thomas A. Dornin, commanding the Navy Yard at
[37]
pU BUlC
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Norfolk, and by a distinguished company of Naval officers,
she went on board the vessel, then in the immense shiphouse.
"While waiting for the signal to break the bottle of wine,
an old sailor said: 'Miss Nannie, let me wipe off the bottle
for you first.' Having been brought up in the Navy and
acquainted with sailor tricks, Miss Dornin declined with
thanks, fearing he would substitute water for the wine.
"The launching was a beautiful one, and as the 'Colo-
rado' glided into the water, salutes were fired from the old
'Pennsylvania* and two other men-of-war which were off the
Yard. The whistles of numerous steamboats, the cheers
from hundreds of spectators assembled on the shore, made
it almost impossible to hear the various bands. After quiet
was restored, Miss Dornin was placed in a chair covered
with a United States Flag, and shipped over the ship's side
on to the deck of a steamer and landed at the Navy Yard,
where she marched to the Commodore's house, preceded by
the band and escorted by a large company of Naval officers,
the Mayors of Norfolk and Portsmouth, and many distin-
guished men.
"An elegant collation was served at the Commodore's
house, where Miss Dornin assisted her father and mother in
receiving the guests. A ball was given in her honor when
the 'Colorado' was commissioned, and she stood with the
Admiral to receive the guests."
1 HE U. S. S. "Colorado" ist, in 1861, took part in
the attack on Pensacola, Florida. In 1862 engaged
four Confederate steamers off S. W. Pass. In 1863
engaged in all bombardments and assaults on Fort
Fisher.
[38]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
COLORADO (2d)
ARMORED CRUISER
Length, 502 feet Beam, 69 feet Draft, 24 feet
Displacement, 13,680 tons
Named for the State of Colorado
{Which was admitted to the Union in 1876)
Launched April 25, 1903, at William Cramp &
Sons' Ship and Engine Building Company, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Cora M. Peabody (Mrs. James
Grafton Rogers), daughter of James Hamilton Pea-
body, Governor of Colorado.
1 HOSE on the upper stand were Governor and
Mrs. James H. Peabody, Miss Jessie Peabody, Mrs.
James Peabody, Mayor Wright of Denver, Mrs. C.
C. Welsh and daughters, Attorney-General and Mrs.
Miller, Otto Mears, Ex-Governor and Mrs. J. B.
Grant, all from Denver.
Others on the stand were Mayor Weaver of Phila-
delphia, Assistant Secretary of the Navy and Mrs.
Darling, Assistant Secretary of State Francis B.
Loomis; Chebik Bey, Turkish Embassy; Senor Riano,
Spanish Embassy; Captain Borelskoff, Russian Lega-
tion ; Commander Takahira, Japanese Legation ; many
Admirals and officers of the United States Navy.
The din of ten score wedges, the noise of twin saws,
and the cries of hordes of workmen were all lost in
the mighty shout and the screech of whistles that
announced the successful launching of the "Colorado."
High up on the ways the great ship rested in her
cradle. In the wonderful pageant Miss Cora Peabody
[39]
pU BUlC
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Stood the central figure and 20,000 people cheered
as she smashed the gaily decorated bottle. The
champagne sprayed the sponsor but she was too busy
cheering to mind. "Colorado — Hurrah" was the
launching cry and it went up with a mighty shout.
After the launch a banquet was served to a large
number of guests at the shipyard.
COLUMBIA (sth)
UNARMORED PROTECTED CRUISER
Length, 411 feet Beam, $8 feet Draft, 22 feet
Displacement, 7,350 tons
Named for the District of Columbia
Launched July 26, 1892, at William Cramp & Sons'
Ship and Engine Building Company, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Helen Morton, daughter of Hon.
Levi P. Morton, Vice-President of the United States.
United states ship "Columbia" was with the
North Atlantic Fleet, Spanish-American War.
CONCORD (2d)
gunboat
Length, 230 feet Beam, 36 feet Draft, 14 feet
Displacement, ijio tons
Named for City of Concord, Massachusetts
{The scene of the Battle of Concord, in 1775)
Launched March 8, 1890, at John Roach & Son's,
Chester, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Minnie Darlington Coates, daugh-
ter of Major Joseph R. T. Coates, Mayor of Chester,
Pennsylvania.
[40]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
Among those present were Judge John S. Keyes,
Daniel Chester French, the sculptor, and representa-
tives from Concord, Massachusetts.
J. HE U. S. S. " Concord '* was in Commodore
George Dewey's squadron in the Battle of Manila
Bay, May, i, 1898, Spanish-American War.
CONNECTICUT (4TH)
FIRST CLASS BATTLESHIP
Length, 450 Beamy 76 feet Draft, 24 feet
Displacement, 16,000 tons
Named for the State of Connecticut
{Which ratified the Constitution in 1788)
Launched September 29, 1904, at the Navy Yard,
New York, N. Y.
Sponsor: Miss Alice Wells, New York City, N. Y.,
daughter of Mr. Edgar F. Wells, and granddaughter
of Gideon Wells, of Connecticut, Secretary of Navy
during Civil War.
CONSTITUTION
wooden sailing ship
44 guns
Displacement, 2,200 tons
Named in Honor of the Constitution of the
United States
Launched October 21, 1797, at Navy Yard, Boston,
Massachusetts.
Sponsor: Captain James Sever, whose ship was
on the stocks at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, await-
[41]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
ing an action, went down to break a bottle of wine
over her bow.
He stood at the heel of the bowsprit, and according
to time-honored usage, baptized the ship with a bottle
of choice Madeira, from the cellar of the Honorable
Thomas Russell, a leading Boston merchant.
The people began to assemble at daylight to witness
the launching, the firing of a gun being the signal
that all was propitious. In the words of a newspaper
writer of the day: "At fifteen minutes after twelve,
at the first stroke of the spur shores, she commenced
a movement into the water with such steadiness,
majesty and exactness as to fill every heart with
sensations of joy and delight."
" Saturday last, about half after twelve o'clock, the
United States Ship 'Constitution' entered her destined
element. She had a fine launch, without any acci-
dent happening, after which there was a discharge of
sixteen guns. The 'Constitution' was originally to
have been launched September 20th but disappointed
a large number of people by sticking on the ways." —
Boston Gazette J Monday, October 23, 1797.
"We were in hopes this day to have announced
the launch of the frigate 'Constitution.' But after
two attempts on Wednesday and Friday to set her
afloat, she now remains in perfect safety on the ways
on which she was constructed." — Boston Weekly
Gazette, Sept. 25, 1797.
"Among the respectable spectators on the occasion
was the Chief Magistrate of the United States, the
Governor and Lieutenant Governor of this Common-
wealth." — Boston Mercury y Sept. 22, 1797.
"First, her timbers are of our own growth and
excellent. Second, her figure is like the 'Constitu-
[42 1
AND THEIR SPONSORS
tion/ beautiful, and she carries at her head the figure
of Hercules. Third, the most important part of her
as regards the safety of her people and which is im-
mersed in a treacherous element, is covered with
copper to secure her against those small vermin who
like our Jacobins work out of sight secretly and insidi-
ously." — Columbian Sentinel, Sept. 20, 1797.
1 HE U. S. frigate "Constitution" was famous in the
Tripolitan War, 1804. Known as *'01d Ironsides" for
strength and good fighting in War of 18 12. Captured
five British vessels of war and ten other British
vessels. Rebuilt by Order of Congress and now at
Boston, Massachusetts.
** After you. Pilot** — Craven
T. A. M. CRAVEN
TORPEDO BOAT
Length, 147 feet Beam, 16 feet Draft, 4. feet, 7 inches
Displacement, 146 tons
Named for Captain Tunis Augustus Macdonough
Craven, U. S. Navy
Launched September 25, 1899, at Bath Iron Works,
Bath, Maine.
Spo?isor: Miss Amy Craven, daughter of Mr.
Alfred E. Craven, and granddaughter of Captain T.
A. M. Craven.
Those present were Mrs. Frank Learned, daughter
of Captain T. A. M. Craven; Naval Constructor
Lloyd Bankson, U. S. Navy, Lieutenant Commander
Nauman, U. S. Navy, and oflSicials of the Bath Iron
Works.
[43 1
«'
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Captain tunis Augustus macdonough
CRAVEN, U. S. Navy, was born in Portsmouth,
New Hampshire, January ii, 1813. Appointed Mid-
shipman in 1829. As a Lieutenant on the U. S. S.
**Dale," served with distinction in battles of the
Mexican War. From 1850 to 1857 in command
of the "Corwin" on Coast Survey duty. In 1857,
in command of the Atrato Expedition, surveyed a
route for a proposed ship canal through the Isthmus
of Darien via the Atrato and Truando rivers. In
1859, in command of the "Mohawk," captured two
slave ships, one the "Wildfire," with five hundred
slaves. The ship was taken to Key West; the slaves
were sent back to Africa.
In i860 saved the crew of the "Bella," a foundering
Spanish vessel, for which he was given a gold medal
and a diploma by Queen Isabella II. In 1861, in
command of the "Crusader," performed conspicuous
blockade service off the Florida Coast. In the "Tus-
carora," 1861-1863, performed with distinction special
blockade service in European waters.
In command of the "Tecumseh," April, 1864, joined
Admiral Lee's squadron in the James River. Joined
Admiral Farragut's fleet August 4, 1864, at sunset
for the attack on Mobile. On August 5, 1864, the
fleet steamed up Mobile Bay, the "Tecumseh" leading
the attack. The first gun was fired by the " Tecumseh "
at six forty-seven. At seven fifteen the "Tecumseh"
was struck by a torpedo and sank almost immediately,
carrying down her gallant commander. His death
was characterized by an incident that revealed his
heroism and chivalry. At the moment of the explosion
Captain Craven and the pilot were in the tower over
the turret. There was no way of escape except through
[44]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
a narrow opening, just sufficient for one to pass through.
Seeing the inevitable fate of the vessel, both instinc-
tively made for the opening. When they reached the
place together Captain Craven drew back, saying,
"After you, Pilot." The pilot, Collins, who escaped
to tell of the act of heroism, relates: "There was
nothing after me; as I got out the vessel seemed to
drop from under me." Captain Craven has been
called "the Sidney of the American Navy," and his
heroism has been the theme of poet and historian.
CUMBERLAND (2d)
STEEL TRAINING SHIP
Length, 176 feet Beam, 45 feet Draft, 16 feet
Displacement, 1,800 tons
Named for the Cumberland River and U. S. S.
"Cumberland"
Launched August 17, 1904, at the Navy Yard,
Boston, Massachusetts.
Sponsor: Miss Pauline Morton (Mrs. J. Hopkins
Smith), daughter of the Hon. Paul Morton, Secretary
of the Navy.
Among those present were Secretary of Navy Paul
Morton and Governor John L. Bates of Massachu-
setts.
Noteworthy in connection with the launching was
that Peter Morton, of Charlestown, one of the sur-
vivors of the crew of the "Cumberland" of Civil War
fame, broke out the Stars and Stripes from the tem-
porary staff at the ship's stern.
Among the spectators was Miss Mary Sweetser, of
New York, who witnessed the launch of the old "Cum-
berland " fifty years before.
[45 1
U B U t C
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
GUSHING
TORPEDO BOAT
Length, 138 feet Beam, 14 feet Draft, 4 feet 10 inches
Displacement, 105 tons
Named for Commander William Barker Gushing,
U. S. Navy
Launched January 23, 1890, at Herreshoff Manu-
facturing Gompany, Bristol, Rhode Island.
Sponsor: Miss Katherine B. Herreshoff (Mrs.
Amidon), daughter of Mr, John B. Herreshoff, Presi-
dent of the Herreshoff Mfg. Go.
Commander william barker gushing,
U. S. Navy, was born in Delafield, Wisconsin, in 1842.
His career was filled with daring planning and clever
execution. He was especially distinguished for the
destruction of the Confederate ram "Albemarle." He
undertook the attack with a steam launch carrying a
spar torpedo and towing an armed cutter. When near
the "Albemarle" he was detected but pushed forward
under a shower of bullets and fire of howitzers. He
had time to drive the steam launch over the baulks
and to explode the torpedo against the "Albemarle,"
sinking her, before his launch was destroyed. Gushing
and one other escaped, the rest were captured. For
destroying the "Albemarle" he received the thanks of
Congress and promotion to Lieutenant Commander.
[46]
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AND THEIR SPONSORS
C-i (Formerly OCTOPUS)
SUBMARINE TORPEDO BOAT
Launched October, 4, 1906, at Fore River Ship-
building Company, Quincy, Massachusetts, for Electric
Boat Company, of New York.
Sponsor: Miss Frances Webster, Boston, Massa-
chusetts, a granddaughter of the President of the
Old Colony Bank of Boston.
C-2 (Formerly STINGRAY)
submarine torpedo boat
Launched April 8, 1909, at Fore River Shipbuilding
Company, Quincy, Massachusetts, for Electric Boat
Company, of New York.
Sponsor: Miss Elizabeth Stevens, New Bedford,
Massachusetts, daughter of Naval Constructor William
B. Ferguson, U. S. Navy.
C-3 (Formerly TARPON)
submarine torpedo boat
Launched April 8, 1909, at Fore River Shipbuilding
Company, Quincy, Massachusetts, for Electric Boat
Company, of New York.
Sponsor: Miss Katherine Theiss, daughter of
Commander Emil Theiss, U. S. Navy, Inspector of
Machinery for U. S. Navy at Fore River Shipbuilding
Company at the time.
[471
P' U BLIC
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
C-4 (Formerly BONITA)
SUBMARINE TORPEDO BOAT
Launched June i6, 1909, at Fore River Shipbuilding
Company, Quincy, Massachusetts.
Sponsor: Mrs. Julius Curtis Townsend, wife of
Lieutenant JuHus C. Townsend, U. S. Navy, stationed
at Fore River at that time.
C-5 (Formerly SNAPPER)
submarine torpedo boat
Launched June 16, 1909, at Fore River Shipbuilding
Company, Quincy, Massachusetts, for Electric Boat
Company of New York.
Sponsor: Miss Alice Nicoll, daughter of Dr.
Matthias Nicoll, of New York City, and a niece of
Mrs. Shear, wife of one of the Vice-Presidents of the
Electric Boat Company.
DAHLGREN
torpedo boat
Length, 147 feet Beam, 16 feet Draft, 4 feet, 7 inches
Displacement, 147 tons
Named for Rear-Admiral John Adolph Dahlgren,
U. S. Navy
Launched May 29, 1899, at Bath Iron Works, Bath,
Maine.
Sponsor: Mrs. John Vinton Dahlgren (Mrs.
Harry Symes Lehr), wife of the youngest son of Rear-
Admiral Dahlgren, christened the destroyer with a
[48]
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AND THEIR SPONSORS
bottle of champagne provided by the Colonial Dames
of America.
Among the speakers at the banquet was Judge
Charles Croley, who was with Admiral Dahlgren when
his vessel, the "Harriet Morse," was blown up by a
torpedo at Georgetown Inlet.
Rear-admiral john a. dahlgren, u. s.
Navy, was born in Philadelphia in 1809. Appointed
Midshipman in 1826. In 1847-57 when on ordnance
duty, invented the famous Dahlgren gun, introduced
howitzers afloat and ashore, and wrote important
works on ordnance. In 1861, when ordnance officer at
the Washington Navy Yard, Congress promoted him
to command of the yard for conspicuous services after
all other officers had resigned and left him alone with
Lieutenant Wainwright to defend the yard.
In 1863, in command of South Atlantic Blockading
Squadron, he co-operated with General Gillmore in
the occupation of Morris Island and destruction of
Fort Sumter, South Carolina. In 1864 his squadron
co-operated with General Sherman in the occupation
of Savannah. In 1865 his squadron occupied Charles-
ton, South Carolina, after the evacuation, and George-
town. He was twice Chief of Bureau of Ordnance.
DALE (1ST)
SLOOP OF WAR
Tons, 675 Guns, 8
Named for Commodore Richard Dale, U. S. Navy
Launched November 8, 1839, at the Navy Yard,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
[49]
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PU BLIC
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Sponsor: Commander John M. Dale, U. S. Navy,
son of Commodore Richard Dale, U. S. Navy, of
Revolutionary fame.
"On the occasion of the launching Commander
Dale wore the sword presented to John Paul Jones
by Louis XVI of France. The sword came into the
possession of Commodore Richard Dale after the
death of John Paul Jones. " — Niles Register.
DALE (2d)
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 24S feet Beam, 23 feet Draft, 6 feet, 6 inches
Displacement, 420 tons
Named for Commodore Richard Dale, U. S. Navy
Launched July 24, 1 901, at the Yard of William H.
Trigg & Co., Richmond, Virginia.
Sponsor: Miss Mary Hasell Wilson (Mrs. John
Trevor Gibson), of Philadelphia, daughter of Mr.
Joseph M. Wilson.
Commodore richard dale, u. s. Navy,
was born November 6, 1756, in Virginia. Was ap-
pointed Midshipman July, 1776. He was captured
and imprisoned several time by the British. Escaped
to France and joined John Paul Jones. He served
as First Lieutenant on the "Bon Homme Richard"
in her memorable fight with the "Serapis." Was the
first to board the ship and was severely wounded. In
command of the "President" he did fine service before
Tripoli from 1 801-1802. At the death of John Paul
Jones, the sword presented to John Paul Jones by
Louis XVI was conveyed to Commodore Dale.
[50]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
DAVIS
TORPEDO BOAT
Length, 14.6 feet Beam, 15 feet Draft, 5 feet, 10 inches
Displacement, 1^4 tons
Named for Rear-Admiral Charles H. Davis, U. S.
Navy
Launched June 4, 1898, at the yard of Wolff &
Zwicker, Portland, Oregon.
Sponsor: Miss Helena Wolff, daughter of the
Vice-President of the Wolff & Zwicker Company.
An unusual feature of this launch was that two
-divisions of Naval Reserves were drawn up at attention.
Rear-admiral charles h. davis, u. s.
Navy, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1807.
Was appointed Midshipman in 1823. He did valuable
Coast Survey work and wrote valuable works on Tides
and Currents of the Ocean; also translated many valu-
able works. In the Civil War he was Fleet Captain
in Dupont's expedition against Port Royal, South
Carolina. He was flag officer at naval engagements
at Fort Pillow, and at Memphis in 1862, which effected
the destruction of the Confederate ironclad fleet.
Was with Farragut at Vicksburg and successfully co-
operated with General Curtis in the Yazoo in 1862.
[51]
PUBLIC .
L y
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
"Owr Country. In her intercourse with foreign nations may she
always be right; but our Country, right or wrong." — Decatur.
DECATUR (2d)
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 245 irickes Beam, 2$ feet Draft, 6 feet, 6 inches
Displacement, 420 tons
Named for Commodore Stephen Decatur, U. S.
Navy
Launched September 26, 1900, at the yard of
William R. Trigg & Company, Richmond, Virginia.
Sponsor: Miss Maria Decatur Mayo (Mrs.
Walter Cutting), of Norfolk, Virginia, granddaughter
of Captain Stephen Decatur, U. S. Navy, and great-
grandniece of Commodore Stephen Decatur for whom
the destroyer was named.
Commodore Stephen decatur, u. s. Navy,
was born in Maryland in 1779, died in 1820. Entered
the Navy as Midshipman in 1798. In 1803 was in
command of the "Enterprise" in Commodore Preble's
Mediterranean squadron, and in 1804 led a daring
expedition into the harbor of Tripoli for the purpose
of burning the U. S. Frigate "Philadelphia" which had
fallen into Tripolitan hands. He succeeded in his
purpose and made his escape under the fire of the
batteries. This brilliant exploit earned him a Captain's
commission and a sword of honor from Congress, and
it was said by Lord Nelson to be "The most daring
act of the age."
In the War of 1812, in the "United States," he cap-
tured the "Macedonian;" and in the "President"
fought a superior fleet till his own decks were covered
with the dead and wounded.
[52]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
DELAWARE (30)
FRIGATE
Named for the State of Delaware
Launched at Norfolk Navy Yard, October 21, 1820.
W E do not recall to have witnessed upon any
occasion, since we became residents of Norfolk, so
strong a manifestation of patriotic feeling as was
exhibited at the launch of the 'Delaware' on Satur-
day, and if we might be permitted to consider the
countenances of every spectator that came under our
notice, as an index to what was passing within, it
would not be extravagant to say, that every bosom
glowed with enthusiastic delight, unfelt before.
"For several days preceding, parties of the most
respectable citizens, from our sister states of North
Carolina and Maryland, Richmond, Petersburg and
our surrounding country to the distance of one hundred
miles, were continually arriving, until our houses of
private and public entertainment were filled to over-
flowing, not to mention the large number who were
entertained by their friends and relatives in the borough.
"The hour announced for the launch being necessarily
earlier than met the general convenience, our citizens
were aroused from their beds by bands of the volun-
teer corps, and before 8 o'clock the streets approaching
the river were almost impassable from the numbers
anxiously pressing to the steamboats and other convey-
ances provided to transport them to the favorite scene.
"A little after eight o'clock the Richmond Light
Infantry Blues and the Independent and Junior Volun-
teer Corps landed at Dickson's Wharf at Portsmouth
from the steamboat 'Richmond' and marched to the
[S3]
'^OSTOA/
P U B 'w K
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Navy Yard where they were received by a detachment
of the Portsmouth Volunteer Rifle Corps. The miU-
tary were now ranged on each side of the sHp and their
bands being posted, continued to dehght the spectators
by playing elegant airs.
"About half after ten o'clock this model of Naval
architecture was named and glided into her destined
element, in a style of elegance which charmed every
beholder and became a subject of general congratu-
lation.
"The military and a large concourse of strangers and
citizens now repaired to the Commodore's residence
and partook of a handsome collation, served up under
a spacious tent erected for the occasion.
"The ladies who remained at the Yard after the
launch united in a dancing party.
"The Frigate 'Guerriere,' which was superbly deco-
rated with flags of all nations, fired a salute at the
moment the ship struck the water. In the evening
the 'Guerriere' was splendidly illuminated.
"A party of ladies and gentlemen partook of a
very handsome dinner at Commodore Cassin's, when
the following volunteers were drunk: By Captain
Swift, * Francis Grice, Naval Constructor' ; by Mor-
decai Cooke, 'The U. S. Ship Delaware' ; by Captain
McPherson, U. S. N., 'The Army of the United
States' {Three cheers); by Colonel Armstead, 'Vir-
ginia' {Six cheers)] by Dr. Boyd, U. S. N., 'The
U. S. S. Delaware'; by Frederick Vincent, 'Com-
modore Cassin'; by Col. Constant Freeman, 'Vir-
ginia Ships and Virginia Women, may they be well
manned' {Twelve cheers); by Com. Barron, 'Navy
of the United States.'" — American Beacon, Monday,
October 23, 1820.
[S4l
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PUBLIC
AND THEIR SPONSORS
DELAWARE (sth)
FIRST CLASS BATTLESHIP
Length, S^o Jeet Beam, 8$ feet Draft, 26 feet
Displacement, 20,000 tons .
Named for the State of Delaware
{Which ratified the Constitution in 1787)
Launched February 6, 1909, at Newport News
Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company, Newport News,
Virginia.
Sponsor: Miss Anna Cahall, Bridgeville, Delaware,
daughter of Dr. L. H. Cahall, and niece of Governor
Simeon H. Pennewill, of Delaware.
Maids of Honor were Miss Frances Hazel, of
Dover, Delaware, and Miss Helen Coleman du Pont,
of Wilmington, Delaware.
Among those present were Governor Pennewill,
Assistant Secretary of the Navy Satterlee, and large
numbers of Government officials and representatives
from the State of Delaware.
Under the brilliant sun of a superb winter morning
the "Delaware" was successfully launched. With
the first perceptible movement of the massive hull
ten thousand Virginians and Delawareans shouted
with joy and hundreds of steel-throated whistles
shrieked as Miss Anna Pennewill Cahall smashed a
bottle of Delaware champagne against the steel bow,
exclaiming, "I name thee 'Delaware' — God be with
thee, in peace and in war."
A pretty feature of the launching was the liberation
at the moment the ship was named of a number of
[55]
(
''Rostov'
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
carrier pigeons which soared high in the air and im-
mediately shot away at great speed northward, each
carrying a despatch to the people of Delaware that
the ship was named and afloat.
After the launching there was a large banquet where
toasts were drunk according to time-honored custom.
DE LONG
TORPEDOBOAT
Length, 17s feet Beam, 17 feet Draft, 5 feet
Displacement, ig6 tons
Named for Lieutenant Commander George W.
De Long, U. S. Navy
Launched November 23, 1900, at the yard of George
Lawley & Son Corporation, Boston, Massachusetts.
Sponsor: Mrs. Sylvia Laure De Long Mills
(Mrs. Walter Sands Mills), daughter of Lieutenant
Commander George W. De Long, U. S. Navy.
Lieutenant commander george w.
DE LONG, U. S. Navy, was born in New York
City in 1844. Appointed Midshipman in 1861. He
commanded the Arctic exploration steamer **Jeanette"
in an expedition for the discovery of the North Pole,
1 879-1 88 1. The "Jeanette" was crushed in the ice.
Three months later after discovering three islands, and
dragging boats and provisions over shifting ice and
open water, he died from exposure and starvation when
almost within reach of help.
[56]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
DENVER
UNARMORED PROTECTED CRUISER
Length, 292 feet Beam, 44 feet Draft, 1$ feet, 9 inches
Displacement, 3,200 tons
Named for the City of Denver
(The Capital of Colorado)
Launched June 21, 1902, at Neafie & Levy Ship and
Engine Building Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Roberta W. Wright (Mrs. John
R. Pels), daughter of Mayor Wright, of Denver,
Colorado.
DES MOINES
UNARMORED PROTECTED CRUISER
Length, 292 feet Beam, 44 feet Draftyisfeet
Displacement, 3,200 tons
Named for the City of Des Moines
( The Capital of Iowa)
Launched September 20, 1902, at Fore River Engine
Company, Quincy, Massachusetts.
Sponsor: Miss Elsie Macomber (Mrs. Lewis
Louer), daughter of Mr. Jay Kingsley Macomber, of
Des Moines, Iowa.
Miss Cora N. Carleton, from Haverhill, the home
of Secretary of the Navy Moody, cut the rope that
released the cruiser.
[57]
PUBLIC
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
DETROIT (3RD)
UNARMORED PROTECTED CRUISER
Length, 2 $7 feet Beam, 57 feet Draft, 14 feet
Displacement, 2,073 ions
Named for City of Detroit, Michigan
Launched October 28, 1891, at Columbian Iron
Works, Baltimore, Maryland.
Sponsor: Miss Florence Malster, daughter of
President Malster, of the Columbian Iron Works.
United states ship "Detroit" was engaged
May 12, 1898, at San Juan, Porto Rico, Spanish-
American War.
DICTATOR
IRONCLAD
Tonnage, 3,300
Named by John Ericsson
{Who said: "Her powerful armament will make her a dictator")
Launched December 26, 1863, at the De Lamater
Shipyard, New York, N. Y.
Sponsor: Miss De Lamater, daughter of Mr. C.
H. De Lamater.
1 WO unsuccessful attempts to launch the vessel
had disappointed large crowds. For the third and
successful attempt Captain Ericsson, Mr. C. H. De
Lamater, Miss De Lamater, Chief Engineer Robie,
U. S. Navy, and others went aboard.
[58]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
DRAYTON
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 289 feet Beam, 26 feet Draft, 8 feet
Displacement, 742 tons
Named for Commodore Percival Drayton, U. S.
Navy
Launched August 20, 1910, at Bath Iron Works,
Bath, Maine.
Sponsor: Miss Emma Gadsden Drayton, daughter
of General Thomas Fenwick Drayton, of Charleston,
South Carolina, next of kin to Commodore Percival
Drayton. Miss Drayton's father was a brother of
Commodore Drayton.
Mr. J. Coleman Drayton, of New York, a nephew,
and Mrs. J. Madison Taylor, of Philadelphia, a niece,
were present.
Commodore percival drayton, u. s.
Navy, was born in Charleston, South Carolina, in
1 8 10, and died while Chief of the Bureau of Navigation,
in 1865. He commanded the "Pawnee" at the battle
of Port Royal, South Carolina, in 1861. Was with
Dupont at Fort Sumter. Commanded the "Hartford'*
at the battle of Mobile Bay on August 5, 1864. Was
Farragut's fleet captain and chief of staff, at which
time he rendered gallant service. He was a brave
officer, a true Christian and gentleman.
[59]
•>oi
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
DUBUQUE
COMPOSITE GUNBOAT
Length, 174 feet Beam, 35 feet Draft, 12 feet
Displacement, 1,083 ^°^-^
Named for City of Dubuque, Iowa
Launched August 15, 1904, at Gas Engine & Power
Company, Morris Heights, New York.
Sponsor: Miss Margaret Tredway, daughter of
Mr. Harry Ennis Tredway, Dubuque, Iowa.
1 HE ship started so suddenly that Miss Tredway
was unable to pronounce the words *'I name thee
* Dubuque,' " and in the swift rush down to the water,
the vessel set fire to the ways. Miss Tredway and
the officials of the Company boarded a tug and went
alongside and the sponsor was able to break the bottle
of champagne in approved fashion.
DUNCAN
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 305 feet Beam, 31 feet Draft, p feet
Displacement, 1,010 tons
Named for Commander Silas Duncan, U. S. Navy
Launched April 5, 1913, at Fore River Shipbuilding
Company, Quincy, Massachusetts.
Sponsor: Miss Dorothy Clark, of Maiden, Massa-
chusetts, daughter of Mr. Silas Duncan Clark, whose
great-grandfather was a cousin of Commander Silas
Duncan.
[60]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
Commander silas duncan, u. s. Navy,
was born in New Jersey. Was appointed Midship-
man in 1809. As Third Lieutenant of the "Saratoga"
in the battle of Lake Champlain, was sent in a gig to
order the gunboats to retire. Received the concen-
trated fire of the enemy, but succeeded in delivering
the orders to the commander of the "Allen." Was
severely wounded and lost his right arm. Received
the thanks of Congress for his gallant conduct. From
1818-1824 saw active service in the "Independence,"
"Hornet," "Guerriere," "Cyane" and "Ferret."
DUPONT
TORPEDO BOAT
Length, 175 feet Beam, 17 feet Draft, 4. feet, 8 inches
Displacement, 165 tons
Named for Rear-Admiral Samuel F. Dupont,
U. S. Navy
Launched March 30, 1897, at Herreshoff Manufac-
turing Company, Bristol, Rhode Island.
Sponsor: Miss Lillian Converse, daughter of
Commander George A. Converse, U. S. Navy, com-
manding Torpedo Station, Newport, Rhode Island, at
the time.
U. S. S. "Dupont" was under fire May 6, 1898, off
Matanzas, Spanish-American War.
Rear admiral samuel f. dupont, u. s.
Navy, was born in New Jersey in 1803. Midshipman
in 1 8 1 5 . In 1 845, in the Mexican War, in the " Cyane,"
captured San Diego; took possession of La Paz, and
assisted in the capture of Mazatlan; entered the har-
[61]
■ J B L I C
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
bor of Guaymas, burned two gunboats and cut out a
Mexican brig under heavy fire. In 1848 landed at
San Jose with one hundred men and defeated a Mexican
force five times as great. In 1861 he was in command
of the fleet that made the brilHant and successful
attack on Port Royal. A distinguished tactician.
D-i (Formerly NARWHAL)
SUBMARINE TORPEDO BOAT
Launched April 8, 1909, at Fore River Shipbuilding
Company, Quincy, Massachusetts.
Sponsor: Mrs. Gregory Caldwell Davison, daugh-
ter of Rear-Admiral Shepard, U. S. Navy, and the
wife of Mr. Gregory C. Davison, Vice-President of
the Electric Boat Company, a graduate of the Naval
Academy in 1892, who resigned from the Navy.
D-2 (Formerly GRAYLING)
SUBMARINE TORPEDO BOAT
Launched June 16, 1909, at Fore River Shipbuilding
Company, Quincy, Massachusetts, Built for Electric
Boat Company, New York.
Sponsor: Miss Catherine H. Bowles, Boston,
Massachusetts, daughter of Mr. Francis T. Bowles,
President of the Fore River Shipbuilding Company,
who resigned from the Navy while Chief Constructor
of the Navy and established the Fore River Shipbuild-
ing Company.
[62]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
D-3 (Formerly SALMON)
SUBMARINE TORPEDO BOAT
Launched March 2, 1910, at Fore River Shipbuilding
Company, Quincy, Massachusetts, for Electric Boat
Company, New York.
Sponsor: Miss Fitzgerald, daughter of Mayor
Fitzgerald, of Boston, Massachusetts.
ENTERPRISE (3RD)
steam sloop of war
Named for U. S. S. "Enterprise" 2d
{Famous in the French War in 1800 and the Tripolitan War; and for the capture
of the British brig "Boxer" in 18 13)
Launched June 13, 1874, at Portsmouth, New Hamp-
shire.
Sponsor: Miss Lillian Seaman, pretty daughter
of Sailmaker Seaman, U. S. Navy.
ERICSSON
TORPEDO BOAT
Length, 149 feet Beam, 15 feet Draft, 4 feet, 9 inches
Displacement, 129 tons
Named for John Ericsson
{The inventor and builder of the "Monitor" and designer of the " Princeton," the first
screw vessel of war)
Launched May 12, 1894, at Iowa Iron Works,
Dubuque, Iowa.
[63]
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SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Sponsor: Miss Carrie Kiene (Mrs. William Bla-
lock), daughter of Colonel Peter Kiene, christened the
"Ericsson" with American champagne. As she broke
the bottle Miss Kiene spoke Longfellow's lines:
"*In spite of rocks and tempest's roar,
In spite of false lights on shore,
Sail on, nor fear to breast the sea.'
'Ericsson,' I name thee."
The "Ericsson" was the first vessel of war ever
launched on inland waters. A half holiday was
declared for the event, and after an imposing parade
to celebrate so unusual an event as the launching of
a Government vessel, the launching took place amid
great enthusiasm.
United states torpedo boat "Ericsson" was in
the naval engagement off Santiago, Cuba, July 3, 1898,
Spanish-American War.
E-i (Formerly SKIPJACK)
submarine torpedo boat
Launched May 27, 191 1, at Fore River Shipbuilding
Company, Quincy, Massachusetts, for Electric Boat
Company, New London, Connecticut.
Sponsor: Mrs. Donald Raymond Battles, wife
of Naval Constructor D. R. Battles, U. S. Navy, on
duty at Fore River Shipbuilding Company at the
time.
[64]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
E-2 (Formerly STURGEON)
SUBMARINE TORPEDOBOAT
Launched June 15, 191 1, at Fore River Shipbuilding
Company, Quincy, Massachusetts, for Electric Boat
Company, New York.
Sponsor: Miss Margaret Nelson Little, daughter
of Captain William N. Little, U. S. Navy, on duty at
Fore River Shipbuilding Company at the time.
The launching was attended by the Boston Chamber
of Commerce and the visiting Chicago Chamber of
Commerce, and Governor John Burke of North Dakota.
FANNING
torpedo boat destroyer
Length, 289 feet Beam, 26 feet Draft, 8 feet
Displacement, ^42 tons
Named for Lieutenant Nathaniel Fanning, U. S.
Navy
Launched January ii, 191 2, at Newport News
Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company, Newport News,
Virginia.
Sponsor: Mrs. Kenneth McAlpine, wife of Cap-
tain Kenneth McAlpine, U. S. Navy, Inspector of
Machinery for U. S. Navy at Newport News at that
time.
Lieutenant Nathaniel fanning, u. s.
Navy, served in the engagement between the *'Bon
Homme Richard" and "Serapis," September 23, 1779.
When most of his men had been killed, he took a fresh
[65 1
PUBLIC
^-4 .
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
gang into the top and succeeded in clearing the tops
of the "Serapis" of her men. Passed with his men,
when the yards of the ships were locked, from the
**Bon Homme Richard" to the "Serapis" and directing
the fire of his men with hand grenades and other
missiles, drove the British seamen from their stations.
Paul Jones says: "He was one cause among the
prominent in obtaining the victory," when recom-
mending Fanning for promotion.
FARRAGUT
TORPEDO BOAT
Length, 21 S feet Beam, 20 feet Draft, 6 feet
Displacement, 2gj tons
Named for Admiral David Glasgow Farragut,
U. S. Navy
Launched July i6, 1898, at Union Iron Works, San
Francisco, California.
Spo7isor: Miss Elizabeth Ashe, San Francisco,
California, a niece of the wife of Admiral Farragut.
Admiral david Glasgow farragut,
U. S. Navy, was the first Admiral of the United States
Navy. He was born near Knoxville, Tennessee, in
1 801. Entered the Navy at the age of nine. Com-
manded a prize at the age of twelve. His career was
a succession of brilliant achievements.
His most notable service was in the "Hartford," in
command of the Gulf Blockading Squadron in the
Civil War. The passage of the Mississippi was forced
in April, 1862, and New Orleans surrendered.
[66]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
Later at Mobile, reinforced by Monitors and undis-
mayed by the loss of his leading ship, the Monitor
"Tecumseh," sunk by a torpedo, he forced the passage
into the Bay and destroyed or captured the Con-
federate ships. In 1866 by Act of Congress he was
made Admiral of the U. S. Navy, a grade previously
unknown in the American Navy.
FLORIDA (4Th)
FIRST-CLASS BATTLESHIP
Length, 510 feet Beam, 88 feet Draft, 28 feet
Displacement, 21,823 tons
Named for the State of Florida
{Which was admitted to the Union in 184s)
Launched May 12, 1910, at the Navy Yard, New
York, N. Y.
Sponsor: Miss Elizabeth Legere Fleming (Mrs.
Frank Percival Hamilton), Jacksonville, Florida, daugh-
ter of the late Governor of Florida, Francis P. Fleming.
Miss Fleming was appointed by Governor
Gilchrist of Florida. For the first time in a Navy
launching the sponsor was accompanied by a guard
of honor, five Florida girls, chosen by Governor Gil-
christ, and five Navy girls. The Florida members
were Miss Nellie Fletcher, daughter of Senator Fletcher;
Miss Alene Buchanan, of Jacksonville; Miss Mary
Milton, daughter of Ex-Senator Milton, of Marianna;
Miss Eugenia Carter, daughter of Judge Carter, of
Pensacola; Miss Genevieve Bisbee, daughter of Ex-
Congressman Bisbee. The Navy girls were Miss
Marian Leutze, daughter of Admiral Leutze; Miss
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SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Heather Baxter, daughter of Naval Constructor Bax-
ter; Miss Katherine Heilner, daughter of Admiral
Heilner; Miss Grace Walling, daughter of Captain
Walling; Miss Baldwin, sister of Lieutenant Com-
mander Baldwin.
The scene was unusually brilliant owing to the
presence of the large number of Naval officers in
uniform. Among those present were Vice-President
James S. Sherman, Secretary of the Navy George
von L. Meyer, Assistant Secretary of the Navy Beek-
man Winthrop, Governor Albert W. Gilchrist and
staff, Admiral of the Navy George Dewey.
FLUSSER
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, zSgjeet Beam, 26 Jeet Draft, 8 feet
Displacement, 700 tons
Named for Commander Charles W. Flusser,
U. S. Navy
Launched July 30, 1909, at Bath Iron Works, Bath,
Maine.
Sponsor: Miss Genevieve Virden, Louisville, Ken-
tucky, grandniece of Commander Flusser. She was
accompanied by Mr. G. H. Lindenberger, nephew of
Commander Flusser.
Commander charles w. flusser, u. s.
Navy, was born in Maryland in 1832. Was appointed
Midshipman in 1847. He especially distinguished
himself on board the "Miami" and in other actions
during the Civil War. In the fight with the "Albe-
[68,]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
marie," when he was in command of the "Miami"
and "Southfield" lashed together, a shell from his
own guns rebounded from the heavy side of the "Albe-
marle," exploded and killed him.
FOOTE
TORPEDO BOAT
Length, i6o feet Beam, i6 feet Draft, 5 feet
Displacement, 142 tons
Named for Rear-Admiral Andrew Hull Foote,
U. S. Navy
Launched October i, 1896, at Columbian Iron Works,
Baltimore, Maryland.
Sponsor: Miss Laura Price, Baltimore, Maryland.
Rear admiral andrew hull foote,
U. S. Navy, was born in Connecticut in 1806. Was
appointed Midshipman in 1822. In 1856, in com-
mand of the "Portsmouth," during hostilities between
England and China, was fired upon at Canton by the
Chinese forts. Apology being refused, he attacked
the four forts with the "Portsmouth" and "Levant"
and with two hundred and eighty men landed and
took the forts by storm. In 1862, in command of the
Western Flotilla, attacked and forced the surrender
of Fort Henry. Later, although he had been wounded
at Fort Donelson, he proceeded down the Mississippi
and reduced Island No. 10. In 1863 he succeeded
Admiral Dupont in command of the South Atlantic
Blockading Squadron.
[69]
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SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
FOX
TORPEDO BOAT
Length, 146 Jeet Beam, 15 jeet Draft, 5 feet, 1 1 inches
Displacement, JS4 tons
Named for Lieutenant Gustavus V. Fox, U. S.
Navy
Launched July 4, 1898, at the yard of Wolff &
Zwicker, Portland, Oregon.
Sponsor: Miss Vera Patterson (Mrs. Roy Getes),
daughter of Captain W. H. Patterson, of Portland,
Oregon.
Lieutenant gustavus v. fox, u. s. Navy,
was born in Saugus, Maine, in 1821. He served in
the Mexican War, but resigned in 1852. In 1861 was
made acting Captain. Planned the expedition for
the capture of New Orleans and several important
campaigns. Was made Assistant Secretary of the
Navy, in which office he did valuable work.
F-i (Formerly CARP)
submarine torpedo boat
Launched September 6, 191 1, at Union Iron Works,
San Francisco, California, for the Electric Boat Com-
pany, of New York.
Sponsor: Miss Josephine Tynan, San Francisco,
California, daughter of Mr. J. T. Tynan, the General
Manager of the Union Iron Works.
vJLD Neptune received a terrible shock when the
formidable submarine fighting machine was launched
[701
AND THEIR SPONSORS
into his watery domain. The pretty httle nine year
old Sponsor stood on the ways and broke a bottle of
California champagne across the bow of the craft
whose fighting will be under the sea.
More than two hundred guests witnessed the launch-
ing. Among those present were Mr. W, R. Sands,
Mr. and Mrs. J. A. McGregor, Mr. and Mrs. J. T.
Tynan, Miss Margaret Tynan, Joseph Tynan, Gover-
nor Oddie of Nevada, and prominent Army and Navy
officers.
F-2 (Formerly BARRACUDA)
SUBMARINE TORPEDO BOAT
Launched March 19, 191 2, at Union Iron Works,
San Francisco, California.
Sponsor: Miss Annette Ried Rolph, little daughter
of the Hon. James Rolph, Jr., Mayor of San Francisco,
California.
"1 NAME thee 'F-2'" said the pretty little white-
gowned sponsor, in youthful, buoyant voice, as she
broke the bottle of champagne over the bow of the
submarine fighting craft. The submarine glided down
the ways and took a queer list to port. For a moment
it looked as if the diving monster was going completely
under water, but it quickly righted itself and rested
light and buoyant as it came to a standstill. A watch
and chain were presented to Miss Rolph as a souvenir
by the Electric Boat Company.
Among those present were Mayor and Mrs. Rolph,
Governor Tasker Oddie of Nevada, and a number of
Navy officials and notable people.
[71]
bu\<^
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
F-3 (Formerly PICKEREL)
SUBMARINE TORPEDO BOAT
Launched January 6, 191 2, at the Moran Company,
Seattle, Washington, for the Electric Boat Company,
of New York.
Sponsor: Mrs. M. F. Backus (Elise Piutti), wife
of a prominent banker of Seattle, Washington.
F-4 (Formerly SKATE)
SUBMARINE TORPEDO BOAT
Launched January 6, 191 2, at the yard of Moran
Brothers, Seattle, Washington, for Electric Boat Com-
pany, New York.
Sponsor: Mrs. M. F. Backus (Elise Piutti), wife
of a prominent banker of Seattle, Washington.
GALENA
ironclad. six guns
Named for Galena River
Launched February 14, 1862, at Mystic River,
Connecticut.
*
No record of a Sponsor at this launching.
Relaunched March 13, 1879, at the Navy Yard,
Norfolk, Virginia, after complete rebuilding as a
wooden ship.
Sponsor: Miss Carol Gillis (Mrs. David Murray),
daughter of Captain James H. Gillis, U. S. Navy,
commanding the receiving ship " Franklin," was invited
to "take away the bad luck from an unchristened
ship."
[72]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
The "Galena" was launched with a large party on
board, among whom was Secretary of the Navy Thomp-
son.
United states ship "Galena" in 1862 was
under fire in James River; in 1864 engaged the ram
"Tennessee;" was in attacks on Fort Powell, Fort
Gaines and Fort Morgan.
GALVESTON
UNARMORED PROTECTED CRUISER
Length, 292 jeet Beam, 44 feet Draft, 15 feet
Displacement, $,200 tons
Named for City of Galveston, Texas
Launched July 23, 1903, at William R. Trigg &
Company's, Richmond, Virginia.
Sponsor: Miss Ella Sealey (Mrs. Emerson Root
Newell), of Galveston, Texas, daughter of Mr. George
Sealey of Galveston, who was a leading citizen and
philanthropist. Miss Julia Joynes was Maid of Honor.
GENESEE
DOUBLE ENDER
Seven guns Tonnage, 803
Named for Genesee River
Launched April 2, 1862, at the Navy Yard, Charles-
town, Massachusetts.
Sponsor: Miss Emily Dorr of Roxbury, Massa-
chusetts.
The "Genesee" was under fire many times in the
Civil War. In 1863 at Fort Fisher; up Mississippi River
at Baton Rouge; Port Hudson; Vicksburg. In 1864
at Mobile and Pensacola and Fort Gaines.
[73]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
GEORGIA
FIRST-CLASS BATTLESHIP
Length, 435 feet Beam, 76 feet Draft, 23 feet
Displacement, 14,948 tons
Named for the State of Georgia
{Which ratified the Constitution in 1788)
Launched October ii, 1904, at Bath Iron Works,
Bath, Maine.
Sponsor: Miss Stella Tate (Mrs. Preston Rambo),
sister of Congressman Carter Tate, of Georgia.
1 HE Sponsor presented the battleship with a
magnificent silver punch bowl. Governor Joseph M.
Terrel, of Georgia, and Staff were present.
GERMANTOWN
sloop-of-war
Twenty-two guns Tonnage, Q39
Named for Germantown, Pennsylvania
{Where the Battle of Germantown was fought, October 4, 1777)
Launched October 22, 1846, at the Navy Yard,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Watson, daughter of John Fanning
Watson, the Philadelphia annalist.
A LARGE number of distinguished citizens were
on board and the Corps of Germantown Blues, Captain
J. D. Miles, were present by special invitation. The
ceremony of christening was performed by fair hands
[74]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
and *Germantown/ the baptismal name of the ship —
a Revolutionary name — full of patriotic and thrilling
associations, was pronounced by the daughter of
Revolutionary ancestors, who broke a bottle of wine
and water over the scroll figurehead at the bow.
The wine was presented by Mrs. Commodore Bain-
bridge and the water was obtained by Miss Watson
from the celebrated spring at the battleground at
Germantown.
Miss Watson was assisted by Passed Midshipman
George P. Welsh, U. S. Navy.
"Miss Watson was attired in pure white and wore
in her girdle a neat bouquet of freshly-culled flowers.
— Philadelphia North American.
)»
GOLDS BOROUGH
TORPEDO BOAT
Length, iq8 feet Beam, 20 feet Draft, 6 feet, 10 inches
Displacement, 255 tons
Named for Rear-Admiral Louis M. Golds-
borough, U. S. Navy
Launched July 29, 1899, at the yard of WoM &
Zwicker, Portland, Oregon.
Sponsor: Miss Gertrude Ballin, young daughter
of the Superintendent of the Wolff & Zwicker Company.
Governor Geer and Staff, of Oregon, were present.
Rear-admiral louis m. goldsborough,
U. S. Navy, was born in Washington, D. C, in 1805.
Was a Midshipman at seven. In 1827 commanded a
night expedition of four boats and thirty-five men
which rescued the British brig "Comet," captured
[75]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
*-
by Greek privateers. Served honorably during War
with Mexico. Present at the fall of Vera Cruz and
the capture of Tuxpan. In 1861-62, in command of
the North Atlantic Station, planned and executed a
joint naval and military expedition which effected the
capture of Roanoke Island in 1862.
G-i (Formerly SEAL)
SUBMARINE TORPEDO BOAT
Launched February 8, 1911, at Newport News
Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, Newport News,
Virginia, for Lake Torpedo Boat Company.
Sponsor: Miss Margaret V. Lake, daughter of
the president of the Lake Torpedo Boat Company, the
inventor of the type of submarine, named the vessel
in the presence of a number of friends, and officers
of the Navy and the Shipyard.
GUERRIERE (3D)
STEAM SLOOP
Twenty-one guns Tonnage, i,3QS
Named for the Frigate "Guerriere" (ist)
{Which was captured and sunk by the "Constitution" in 1812)
Launched September 9, 1867, at the Navy Yard,
Charlestown, Massachusetts.
Sponsors: Miss Jennie Lenthall, daughter of
Chief of Bureau of Construction John Lenthall, U. S.
Navy; and Miss Emma Hartt, daughter of Naval
Constructor Edward Hartt, U. S. Navy, of the Navy
Yard, broke two bottles of wine over the bow and
named the ship *'Guerriere."
[76]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
HARTFORD
WOODEN SLOOP-OF-WAR
Length, 226 feet Beam, 43 feet Draft, 18 feet
Displacement, 2,ygo tons
Named for the City of Hartford
{The Capital of Connecticut)
Famous as the flagship of Admiral Farragut in the Civil War. Engaged the
forts at New Orleans. With the fleet near Vicksburg. At the Battle of Mobile Bay.
Bombardment of Port Hudson and Fort Morgan.
Launched November 22, 1858, at the Navy Yard,
Boston, Massachusetts.
Sponsors: Miss Carrie Downes (Mrs. James Hoy),
daughter of Captain John Downes, U. S. Navy, who
broke a bottle of water from a Hartford spring; Miss
Lizzie Stringham (Mrs. James B. Creighton), daughter
of Commodore Stringham, U. S. Navy, who broke a
bottle of water from the Connecticut River; Lieu-
tenant G. H. Preble, who broke a bottle of salt
water across her figurehead.
1 HE splendid new steam sloop-of-war, * Hartford'
was successfully launched from the Charlestown Navy
Yard at precisely seventeen minutes past eleven
o'clock this forenoon, in the presence of a vast multi-
tude of the citizens of Boston, Charlestown, Chelsea
and the surrounding towns.
''Through the courtesy of Commodore Stringham,
a large number of ladies and gentlemen, many of the
officers of the Navy and others went on board of the
'Hartford' and were launched in her. A large plat-
form was erected, temporarily, on the west side of the
shiphouse, which was filled with people, as were the
[77]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
tops of all the small buildings overlooking the scene.
A line of scows was placed from the wharf to the Ship-
of-the-Line 'Vermont/ which was converted into a
reception room for the guests of her distinguished
rival. The band attached to the U. S. Receiving Ship
*Ohio' was ordered on board the *Vermont/and con-
tributed materially to the interest of the occasion.
The 'Ohio' was decked in holiday attire.
"The plates of the saws had gone nearly through
the planks, when the gallant ship, impatient to leave
terra firma, broke the remaining hindrance and glided
down into the waters at her feet, amid the shouts of
the spectators, who at first said cautiously, * She moves/
then as doubt gave way to certainty, a confident
'There she goes!' announced the success of the launch.
A salute was fired from the battery on the sea wall,
and, amid loud cheers and the waving of handker-
chiefs, the good ship gracefully settled down upon her
destined element.
"As soon as the ship cleaved the waves, two young
ladies who stood in the bow, broke each a bottle con-
taining water and named her 'Hartford.' This cere-
mony was performed by Miss Lizzie Stringham, and
Miss Downes, and Lieutenant G. H. Preble, who
broke a bottle of salt water across her figurehead.
Miss Stringham used a bottle of Connecticut River
water, Miss Downes a bottle of water from a Hartford
spring." — Boston Journal, November 22, 18 $8.
[78]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
HELENA
LIGHT DRAFT GUNBOAT
Length, 250 feet Beam, jp feet Draft, 9 feet
Displacement, I,J92 tons
Named for the City of Helena
{The Capital of Montana)
Launched January 30, 1896, at Newport News
Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, Newport News,
Virginia.
Sponsor: Miss Agnes Belle Steele (Mrs. John
H. Burke), daughter of the Mayor of Helena, Montana.
United states ship "Helena" was under fire
July 2, 1898, at Pt. Tunas, Spanish-American War.
HENLEY
torpedo boat destroyer
Length, 289 feet Beam, 26 feet Draft, 8 feet
Displacement, 742 tons
Named for Captain Robert Henley,
U. S. Navy
Launched April 3, 191 2, at Fore River Shipbuilding
Company, Quincy, Massachusetts.
Sponsor: Miss Constance Henley Kane, great-
grandniece of Captain Henley.
Captain Robert henley, u. s. Navy, in
18 1 2, commanded one of the divisions of gunboats
manned from the crew of the ''Constellation" in the
boat attacks on the British frigates lying in Hampton
Roads. September 11, 1814, as master commandant
of the "Eagle," flagship of Captain Macdonough, in
the battle of Lake Champlain, led the American line.
He received the thanks of Congress and a gold medal.
[791
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
HOLLAND
SUBMARINE TORPEDO BOAT
Displacement, 74 tons
Named for J. P. Holland
{Builder of the first submarine for the United States Navy)
Launched at Crescent Shipyard, EHzabeth, New
Jersey, for the J. P. Holland Torpedo Boat Company.
Sponsor: Mrs. Lewis Nixon, wife of Mr. Lewis
Nixon, President of the Crescent Shipyard, formerly
a Naval Constructor, U. S. Navy, who resigned.
HOPKINS
torpedo boat destroyer
Length, 238 feet Beam, 23 feet Draft, 6 feet
Displacement, 4.08 tons
Named for Commodore Esek Hopkins,
U. S. Navy
Launched April 24, 1902, at the yard of Harlan
& Hollingsworth, Wilmington, Delaware.
Sponsor: Mrs. Alice Gould Hawes, Providence,
Rhode Island, great-great-granddaughter of Admiral
Esek Hopkins.
Commodore esek hopkins, u. s. Navy,
was born in Scituate, Rhode Island, in 171 8. He was
the first Commander-in-Chief of the Continental
Navy and the only officer in the Navy who has borne
that title. He successfully harassed the British, al-
though not strong enough to meet the enemy's fleets
victoriously.
[80]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
HOUSATONIC
SLOOP-OF-WAR
Displacement, 1,240 tons Thirteen guns
Named for Housatonic River
Launched October 21, 1861, at the Navy Yard,
Charlestown, Massachusetts.
Sponsors: Miss Jane Coffin Colby, and Miss
Susan Peters Hudson (Mrs. WilHam H. Chase),
daughter of Commodore WilHam L. Hudson, the
Commandant of the yard.
A bevy of ladies stood on the bow. The Stars
and Stripes were hoisted at the main, the pennant
at the mizzen, and the Jack at the fore. As the ship
struck the water Miss Colby and Miss Hudson each
broke a bottle of pure grape juice upon the bow and
at the same time pronounced the name "Housatonic.'*
The Navy Yard band which was on board struck up
"Hail Columbia" and then "Yankee Doodle" amid the
cheers of the great crowd.
IN the Civil War U. S. S. "Housatonic" participated
in the capture of a number of sloops and schooners.
Was sunk by a torpedo boat off Charleston Bar in
1864.
HULL (2D)
torpedo boat destroyer
Length, 238 feet Beam, 23 feet Draft, 6 feet
Displacement, 408 tons
Named for Commodore Isaac Hull, U. S. Navy
Launched June 21, 1902, at the yard of Harlan &
HoUingsworth, Wilmington, Delaware.
[81]
/
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f
c
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Sponsor: Miss Mabel Hull, a descendant of Com-
modore Hull.
Commodore isaac hull, u. s. Navy, was
born in Connecticut in 1775. His father, an officer
in the Revolutionary Army, was captured and died
aboard a British prison ship. Young Hull's first
service of note was when he sailed into the harbor of
Porte Platte, Hayti, in broad daylight and with . a
small vessel, the "Sally," captured the fort, spiked
the guns, and succeeded in getting away with a French
Letter of Marque. He served under Commodore
Preble during Tripolitan trouble. His most noted
command was the "Constitution" in 181 1. He dis-
played brilliant seamanship when he escaped from the
British squadron under Admiral Blake in 1812. Just
one month from the time he escaped from Admiral
Blake he met and destroyed the "Guerriere."
H-i
SUBMARINE
Launched May 6, 191 3, at Union Iron Works, San
Francisco, California.
Sponsor: Miss Lesley Jean Meakins, niece of
Mr. John A. McGregor, President of the Union Iron
Works.
H-2
submarine torpedo boat
Launched June 4, 191 3, at Union Iron Works, San
Francisco, California, for Electric Boat Company.
Sponsor: Mrs. William Ranney Sands, wife of
the representative of the Electric Boat Company in
San Francisco.
[82]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
IDAHO (2d)
FIRST-CLASS BATTLESHIP
Length, 275 feet Beam, 77 feet Draft, 24 feet
Displacement, 13,000 tons
Named for the State of Idaho
(Which was admitted to the Union in iSgo)
Launched December 9, 1905, at William Cramp
& Sons' Ship and Engine Building Company, Philadel-
phia, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Louise Gooding (Mrs. Adam John
Schubert), of Gooding, Idaho, young daughter of
Governor Frank R. Gooding, of Idaho.
UN the stand were Governor Gooding and Staff,
Mrs. Gooding, Senator and Mrs. Dubois, Congressmen
Burton L. French and Addison T. Smith of Idaho,
and a large party from Idaho. An enormous crowd of
spectators witnessed the launch of the great battleship.
ILLINOIS (2d)
first-class battleship
Length, 368 feet Beam, 72 feet Draft, 23 feet
Displacement, 11,552 tons
Named for the State of Illinois
{Which was admitted to the Union in 18 18)
Launched October 4, 1898, at Newport News Ship-
building and Dry Dock Company, Newport News,
Virginia.
Sponsor: Miss Nancy LEiTER(Mrs. Colin Campbell),
daughter of Mr. Levi Z. Leiter, of Chicago, Illinois.
Governor JOHN R. tanner, of Illinois, and
Staff, and many prominent representatives from the
State were present.
[83]
/ . , IT " » C
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
INDEPENDENCE
SHIP-OF-THE-LINE
Tonnage, 2,2$^ Seventy-four guns
Named for American Independence
Launched June 20, 1814, at the Navy Yard, Charles-
town, Massachusetts.
Sponsor: Commodore William Bainbridge, U. S.
Navy.
At three o'clock she moved majestically into her
destined element and was welcomed by a federal salute
from the frigate 'Constitution' and the acclamations
of many thousand spectators. An officer of the
* Constitution' had the honor of christening her as she
struck the water, and she now bears the broad pennant
of Commodore Bainbridge." — Boston Sentinel.
Among the toasts drunk at the collation that fol-
lowed were: ''The President of the United States:
His signature to no peace but an honorable one."
"Commodore Bainbridge: He who conquered the
enemy of the 'Constitution' will not fail to maintain
the honor of the American flag on the 'Independence.'"
INDIANA
first-class battleship
Length, 348 feet Beam, 6q feet Draft, 24. feet
Displacement, 10,288 tons
Named for the State of Indiana
{Which was admitted to the Union in 1816)
Launched February 28, 1893, at William Cramp
& Sons' Ship and Engine Building Company, Phil-
adelphia, Pennsylvania.
[84]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
Sponsor: Miss Jessie Miller (Mrs. A. M. Hopper),
daughter of United States Attorney-General W. H. H.
Miller.
1 HE President of the United States, Benjamin
Harrison, and Cabinet were present. Others present
were Mr. and Mrs. W. H. H. Miller, Mr. Samuel D.
Miller and many prominent officials and people from
Indiana.
U. S. S. ^'Indiana" was engaged May 12, 1898, at
San Juan, Porto Rico, at Battle of Santiago, July 3,
1898, Spanish-American War.
INTREPID (2d)
STEEL TRAINING SHIP
Length, 176 feet Beam, 45 feet Draft, 16 feet
Displacement, 1,800 tons
Named for the Ketch "Intrepid"
{Which carried the officers and men who set fire to the "Philadelphia" at Tripoli
in 1804)
Launched October 8, 1904, at the Navy Yard,
Mare Island, California.
Sponsor: Miss Helen de Young (Mrs. George
Cameron), daughter of Mr. Michael H. de Young,
proprietor of the San Francisco ChronicU.
IOWA (2d)
FIRST-CLASS BATTLESHIP
Length, 360 feet Beam, 72 feet Draft, 24. feet
Displacement, 11,346 tons
Named for the State of Iowa
{fFhich was admitted to the Union in 1846)
Launched May 28, 1896, at William Cramp & Sons*
Ship and Engine Building Company, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
[85]
PUBLIC
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Sponsor: Miss Mary Lord Drake (Mrs. George
W. Sturdivant), daughter of Governor F. M. Drake,
of Iowa. Near Miss Drake on the stand stood Miss
Herbert, daughter of Secretary of the Navy Herbert,
Mrs. M. D. Shonts and Mrs. E. D. Goss, daughters
of Governor Drake.
Among those present were Vice-President Adlai E.
Stevenson, Secretary of the Navy Hilary A. Herbert,
Secretary Morton, Governor Drake and Staff, Senator
Gear, Senator AlHson, Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Drake,
Mrs. John A. Drake, and a large delegation from Iowa.
The warship's massive hull stood high in the air,
and hundreds of flags fluttered in the sunlight. About
her bow were gathered representative men of the
nation; officers in glittering uniforms; and beautiful
women. All eyes were centered upon the Sponsor,
who held in one hand a magnificent bunch of Ameri-
can Beauty roses and in the other the beribboned bottle
of champagne. Thirty thousand spectators waited
breathlessly. ** I name thee * Iowa, * " the Sponsor cried,
and swinging high the bottle, smashed it on the side
of the ship. With a superb sweep of the bow the ship
slid down the ways with terrific momentum, cheered
by a din of whistles and the yells of thirty thousand
people.
"Wake, giant of oak and steel,
Asleep by the yellow sand.
And give to the sea thy keel,
And bid farewell to the land.
At the touch of beauty arise,
At the words that shall bid thee move,
At the hand that shall thee baptize,
And give to the sea its love.
[85]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
"Then wake, O giant of steel
That sleeps by the yellow sand.
Arise from thy dreams and feel
The thrill of a Nation's hand!"
From the "Launching of the Iowa," by S. H. M. Byers.
United states ship "lowa" was under fire
May 12, 1898, San Juan, Porto Rico; May 31, 1898,
Santiago, Cuba; July 3, 1898, Battle of Santiago.
Spanish-American War.
JAR VIS
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 289 feet Beam, 26 feet Draft, 8 feet
Displacement, 742 tons
Named for Midshipman James C. Jarvis,
U. S. Navy
Launched April 4, 191 2, at New York Shipbuilding
Company, Camden, New Jersey.
Sponsor: Miss Jean Knox, daughter of Mr. Samuel
Knox, the President of the New York Shipbuilding
Company. Miss Knox was accompanied by Mrs.
Knox and Miss De Rousse.
Midshipman james c. jarvis, u. s.
Navy, during the fight between "Constellation" and
*' Vengeance," February 2, 1800, was sent aloft in
command of the topmen to endeavor to secure the
mast, and when warned of his danger, as it was about
to fall, refused to leave his post and went over the
side with the falling rigging. Only thirteen years
old when killed. Captain Truxtun commended his
devotion to duty in his report to Congress, and his
heroism was approved by "a solemn resolution" of
that body and his loss mentioned as a "subject of
national regret."
[871
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
JENKINS
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 28g feet Beam, 26 feet Draft, 8 feet
Displacement, 742 tons
Named for Rear-Admiral Thornton A. Jenkins
U. S. Navy
Launched April 29, 191 2, at Bath Iron Works, Bath,
Maine.
Sponsor: Miss Alice Thornton Jenkins, daughter
of Rear-Admiral Thornton A. Jenkins. Miss Jenkins
was accompanied by her sister, Mrs. W. G. Andrews.
The bottle of American champagne was encased in a
silver casing, and the inscription was "U. S. T. D.
Jenkins, April 29, 191 2 — B. I. W., Bath, Maine —
Miss Alice Thornton Jenkins, Sponsor.'*
Rear admiral thornton a. jenkins,
U. S. Navy, was born at Orange Court House, Virginia,
in 1811. In the Fall of 1862, commanded the "Oneida,"
blockading off Mobile. Was next appointed Fleet
Captain and Chief of Staff of Farragut's fleet and was
present at the passage of Port Hudson and fight with
Grand Gulf batteries, Warrenton and Grand Gulf,
in March, 1863. On the " Monongahela " he was
wounded during the engagement at College Point,
being in command of three armed vessels in convoy
duty.
Was In command of the "Richmond," and senior
officer in command of the naval forces below, at the
surrender of Port Hudson, July 9, 1863. Was in
command of a division on the Mobile blockade from
[88]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
December, 1863, to the Battle of Mobile Bay, August
5, 1864, in which, and all the subsequent operations,
he took part.
He was commended by Admiral Farragut for zeal
and fidelity to duty. Admiral Farragut said of him:
"He carried out the spirit of one of Lord Collingwood's
best sayings, 'not to be afraid of doing too much, and
those who are seldom do as much as they ought.'
> >>
JOUETT
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 289 feet Beam, 26 feet Draft, 8 feet
Displacement, 742 tons
Named for Rear-Admiral James E. Jouett,
U. S. Navy
Launched April 15, 191 2, at Bath Iron Works, Bath,
Maine.
Sponsor: Miss Marylee Nally, a cousin of
Admiral Jouett, and selected by Mrs. Jouett and the
Navy Department to christen the *'Jouett." She is
the daughter of Mr. E. J. Nally, who married Miss
Lee Warren Redd, a daughter of Captain Oliver Redd,
of Lexington, Kentucky. The latter and Admiral
Jouett were sisters' children and came of fighting stock,
being the grandsons of Captain William Allen of
Revolutionary fame.
Rear admiral james e. jouett, u. s.
Navy, was born in Kentucky in 1828. Midshipman
in 1 841. Served in Mexican War. In 1861, Lieu-
tenant Jouett with marines from the "Santee" boarded
and destroyed the Confederate steamer "Royal Yacht"
in Galveston Bay, where he had a hand-to-hand con-
[89]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
flict with the commander of the vessel. He received
severe wounds from a pike in the right arm, side and
lungs. For gallant conduct he received the thanks of
the Navy Department.
In 1864, commanded the "Metacomet" at Battle
of Mobile Bay. After the battle the "Metacomet"
pursued and engaged the gunboats ''Gaines,"
"Morgan" and "Selma." The "Gaines" was crip-
pled and the "Selma" surrendered. Lieutenant Com-
mander Jouett received advancement thirty numbers
for heroic conduct.
JUNIATA
STEAM SLOOP-OF-WAR
Displacement, 1,240 tons
Named for the Juniata River
Launched March 20, 1861, at the Navy Yard, Phila-
delphia, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Angela Turner (Mrs. George
Toland), daughter of Rear-Admiral Thomas Turner,
U. S. Navy, commanding Philadelphia Navy Yard
at that time.
In her words: "I was escorted to the bows of the
vessel by Lieutenant (afterward Admiral) Donald
Fairfax, U. S. Navy, and I broke across them a bottle
of Juniata water decorated by the sailors with red,
white and blue ribbons, saying, *Go forth to victory,
*Juniata.' A piece of glass cut my wrist and an
officer rushed up with his handkerchief and said,
'This is the first blood shed on the 'Juniata.' "
United states ship "Juniata" had active ser-
vice in the Civil War. Took part in first and second
bombardments of Fort Fisher.
[90]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
KANSAS (1ST)
SCREW
Three guns Tonnage, 4.10
Named for the River Kansas
Launched September 29, 1863, at the Navy Yard,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Annie McClellan, daughter of
Surgeon James McClellan, attached to the Receiving
Ship at Philadelphia.
"The deck of the vessel was filled with people.
As she slid into the water a young daughter of Surgeon
McClellan christened her by breaking a bottle of
champagne over her prow. U. S. vessels are usually
baptized in the name of the United States. This
one was baptized in the name of Neptune."
— North American.
United states ship "Kansas" took part in
first and second attacks on Fort Fisher, 1864-65.
KANSAS (2d)
first-class battleship
Length, 450 feet Beam, 76 feet Draft, 24 feet
Displacement, 16,000 tons
Named for the State of Kansas
Launched August 12, 1905, at New York Ship-
building Company, Camden, New Jersey.
Sponsor: Miss Anna Hoch, Topeka, Kansas, daugh-
ter of Governor Edward W. Hoch, of Kansas, baptized
the ship with water from a Camden County, New
Jersey, spring. Governor Hoch, of Kansas, and Staff
were present.
[91]
PL) QLIC
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
KATAHDIN (zd)
RAM
Length, 2^0 feet Beam, 42 feet Draft, 1$ feet
Displacement, 2,183 tons
Named for Mount Katahdin, Maine
Launched February 4, 1893, at Bath Iron Works,
Bath, Maine.
Sponsor: Miss Una Soley, daughter of Hon. J.
B. Soley, Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
KEARSARGE ( ist)
STEAM SLOOP-OF-WAR
Length, 201 feet Beam, 55 feet Draft, 13 feet
Displacement, 1,461 tons
Named for Mount Kearsarge, New Hampshire
Launched September ii, 1861, at Portsmouth, New
Hampshire.
Sponsor: Mrs. McFarland, of Concord, New
Hampshire, wife of the Editor of the Concord Statement.
United states ship "Kearsarge ist" sank the
C. S S. "Alabama" off Cherbourg, June, 1864. Was
wrecked on Roncador Reef, February 2, 1894.
KEARSARGE (20)
first-class battleship
Length, 368 feet Beam, 72 feet Draft, 23 feet
Displacement, 11,500 tons
Named for Mount Kearsarge, New Hampshire
{And the old "Kearsarge" of Civil War fame)
Launched March 24, 1898, at Newport News Ship-
building and Dry Dock Company, Newport News,
Virginia.
192]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
Sponsor: Mrs. Herbert Winslow, wife of Lieu-
tenant Commander Herbert Winslow, U. S. Navy,
son of Captain John A. Winslow, who commanded the
famous old "Kearsarge" in the fight with the "Ala-
bama." Miss Margaret Eastman, of Washington, was
Maid of Honor.
The "Kearsarge" was launched the same day as the
battleship " Kentucky."
KENTUCKY (20)
first-class battleship
Length, 368 feet Beam, 72 feet Draft, 23 feet
Displacement, 11,500 tons
Named for the State of Kentucky
{Which was admitted to the Union in 1792)
Launched March 24, 1898, at Newport News Ship-
building and Dry Dock Company, Newport News,
Virginia.
Sponsor: Miss Christine Bradley (Mrs. John G.
South), daughter of Governor William Bradley, of
Kentucky. A cut-glass bottle of water from the
spring on the old Lincoln Farm was used to christen
the ship.
A hail of small "good luck" bottles of Kentucky
Bourbon, thrown by enthusiastic Kentuckians, bom-
barded the ship as she went down the ways. The
"Kentucky" was launched the same day as the battle-
ship "Kearsarge."
[93 1
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
KEOKUK
ironclad battery
Named for the Town of Keokuk, Iowa
Launched December 6, 1862, at Dry Dock Iron
Works, New York, N. Y.
Sponsor: Mrs. Whitney, wife of Mr. C. W. Whit-
ney, the designer of the battery, bestowed the name
"Keokuk" on the ironclad in the presence of a large
number of Navy officers.
It was the general opinion that the deck of this
Naval battery would be partly submerged, but the
fears of those on board proved groundless.
United states ship "Keokuk" took part in
the attack on Charleston, South Carolina, April 7,
1863. Sank next day off Morris Island.
LACKAWANNA
STEAMSLOOP
Seven guns Tonnage, 1,533
Named for Lackawanna River
Launched August 9, 1862, at the Navy Yard, Brook-
lyn, New York.
Sponsor: Miss Imogen Page Cooper (Mrs. George
Dennis), daughter of Commodore Cooper, U. S.
Navy, broke a bottle of champagne, saying, "In the
name of Neptune I name thee 'Lackawanna.'"
At least eight thousand people crowded the yard.
The "North Carolina" was crowded with a brilliant
[94]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
company, her flags were flying, and her yards were
manned.
United states ship "Lackawanna" in 1863
opened fire on Fort Powell. At Fort Morgan, lashed
to the "Seminole," stood in line of battle.
LAMSON
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 289 feet Beam, 26 feet Draft, 8 feet
Displacement, 700 tons
Named for Lieutenant Roswell H. Lamson,
U. S. Navy
Launched June i6, 1909, at William Cramp & Sons'
Ship and Engine Building Company, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Mrs. Henry S. Grove, wife of the Presi-
dent of the Shipbuilding Company
Lieutenant roswell h. lamson, u. s.
Navy, was born in Missouri. Appointed Midship-
man in 1858. He was commended by Admiral Dupont
for conduct in the battle of Port Royal and captures
of Forts Walker and Beauregard in 1861. Commanded
the "Mount Washington" in joint Army and Navy
operations in Nansemond River. Took prominent and
leading part in capture of batteries at Hills Point.
Congratulated by Admiral Lee for performance of this
duty. Commanding the "Gettysburg," took promi-
nent part in attack on Fort Fisher and gallantly
piloted powder-boat "Louisiana" in under the fort.
[95]
-^OSTO^
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
LANCASTER
STEAM SLOOP
Length, 233 feet Beam, 46 feet Draft, 19 feet
Displacement, 3,2^0 tons
Named for the City of Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Launched October 20, 1858, at the Navy Yard,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Harriet Lane (Mrs. Harriet Lane
Johnson), niece of James Buchanan, President of the
United States. Miss Lane had previously had the
honor of having the U. S. S. "Harriet Lane" named
for her and her portrait was placed in the cabin.
At eight minutes after twelve, amidst the wild
huzzas of the multitude and the boom of cannon, the
immense mass freighted with living beauty sped grace-
fully into the water. As soon as the bow of the ship
reached the briny deep, the bottle of 'Wheatland
Spring Water' was broken by Miss Lane over the bow.
Her portion of the work was well done. Among the
guests on board were George Plitt, Esquire and lady.
Colonel W. L. Bladen and lady. Captain Carr and
Major English, with others of note." — Philadelphia
Public Ledger.
Miss Lane (Mrs. Harriet Lane Johnson) was a niece
of President Buchanan, and it was from his home,
Wheatland, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, that the bottle
of water came. She presided over the White House
during her uncle's administration, and prior to that
at the American Legation when Mr. Buchanan was
our Minister to England. She was a woman of great
beauty and charm.
[96]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
"Don*t give up the ship." — Lawrence
LAWRENCE (30)
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 240 feet Beam, 22 feet Draft, 6 feet
Displacement, 4.00 tons
Named for Captain James Lawrence,
U. S. Navy
Launched November 7, 1900, at Fore River Ship-
building Company, Quincy, Massachusetts.
Sponsor: Miss Ruth Lawrence, of New York City,
only daughter of Supreme Court Justice Abraham
Lawrence, and greatniece of Captain James Lawrence.
Miss Lawrence is a well-known author.
Captain james lawrence, u. s. Navy, was
born in New Jersey in 1787. Was appointed Mid-
shipman in 1798. In 1803, on the "Enterprise," dis-
tinguished himself in an attack on boats in Tripoli
harbor, led by Porter. In 1804 engaged in the de-
struction of the "Philadelphia" in Tripoli harbor in
the ketch "Intrepid." In 1813, in command of the
"Hornet," captured the British "Peacock." For this
he was promoted to Captain and given a medal, and
command of the frigate "Chesapeake." He died in
the "Chesapeake" after her memorable fight with
the "Shannon," June i, 18 13. His dying words were
"Don't give up the ship." A brave and chivalrous
officer.
[971
PU B LlG
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
LOUISIANA (3D)
FIRST-CLASS BATTLESHIP
Length, 4^0 feet Beam, 76 feet Draft, 24 feet
Displacement, 16,000 tons
Named for the State of Louisiana
{Which was admitted to the Union in 1812)
Launched August 27, 1904, at Newport News
Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, Newport News,
Virginia.
Sponsor: Miss Juanita LaLande, of New Orleans,
Louisiana, chosen as a beautiful representative of one
of the old Creole families of the State. Miss Ruby
LaLande, Miss Alice Stauffer and Miss Margaret
Castellanos were Maids of Honor. Miss LaLande
was appointed sponsor by Governor Newton C.
Blanchard. The State was represented by Lieutenant
Governor Sanders and the Staff of Governor Blanchard.
The party included President Roosevelt and Governor
Montague of Virginia.
McCALL
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 28g feet Beam, 26 feet Draft, 8 feet
Displacement, 742 tons
Named for Lieutenant Edward R. McCall,
U. S. Navy
Launched June 4, 19 10, at New York Shipbuilding
Company, Camden, New Jersey.
Sponsor: Miss Jessie Willits, daughter of Captain
A. B. Willits, U. S. Navy, Inspector of Machinery at
the New York Shipbuilding Company at that time.
[98]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
Lieutenant edward r. McCall, u. s.
Navy, was born in Charleston, South Carohna, in
1790. Appointed Midshipman in 1808. In September,
1 81 3, on the "Enterprise'* in her engagement with
the "Boxer," Lieutenant McCall took command after
her captain had been killed and gained a victory, for
which he received a gold medal from Congress.
McKEE
TORPEDO BOAT
Length, ggjeet Beam, 12 feet Draft, 4 feet
Displacement, 65 tons
Named for Lieutenant Hugh W. McKee,
U. S. Navy
Launched March 5, 1898, at Columbian Iron Works,
Baltimore, Maryland.
Sponsor: Miss Wardwell (Mrs. William H.
Humrichouse), of Baltimore, Maryland.
Lieutenant hugh w. McKEE, u. s. Navy,
was born in Kentucky in 1844. Appointed Midshipman
in 1 861. He was killed in an attack upon the Corean
Forts at Boissee anchorage, June 11, 1871. He fell
just as he mounted the parapet of the Coreans' strong-
hold and at the head of his men.
U. S. S. "McKee" was under fire August 8, 1898, off
Sagua la Grande.
[99]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
MACDONOUGH (2d)
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Lengthy 240 feet Beam, 22 feet Draft, 6 feet
Displacement, 4.00 tons
Named for Commodore Thomas Macdonough,
U. S. Navy
Launched December 24, 1900, at Fore River Engine
Company, Weymouth, Massachusetts.
Sponsor: Miss Lucy Thaler Macdonough (Mrs.
Charles Reade), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a descend-
ant of Commodore Thomas Macdonough.
Commodore thomas macdonough, u. s.
Navy, was born in Delaware in 1783. Appointed
Midshipman in 1800. He distinguished himself in
the Tripolitan War. In 1804, in the "Intrepid,"
engaged in the destruction of the "Philadelphia" at
Tripoli. He served in the War of 181 2. As com-
mander of our Naval forces on Lake Champlain,
whipped the superior British force in 1814. Received
a medal and promotion.
MACHIAS
gunboat '^
Length, 204 feet Beam, 32 feet Draft, 12 feet
Displacement, 1,177 ^onj
Named for City of Machias, Maine
(/n which harbor took place the first naval engagement of the Revolutionary War)
Launched December 8, 1891, at the Bath Iron Works,
Bath, Maine.
Sponsor: Miss Ethel Hyde, daughter of President
Hyde, of the Bath Iron Works.
[ 100]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
U. S. S. **Machias" was under fire off Cardenas,
Cuba, May ii, 1898, Spanish-American War.
MACKENZIE
TORPEDO BOAT
Length, gg feet Beam, 12 feet Draft, 4. feet
Displacement, 65 tons
Named for Lieutenant Commander Alexander
Slidell Mackenzie, U. S. Navy
Launched February 19, 1898, at the Charles Hillman
Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Master Charles Hillman, grandson of
Mr. Charles Hillman, President of the Shipbuilding
Company.
Lieutenant commander Alexander
SEIDELL MACKENZIE was appointed Midshipman
in 1855. Served in the "Kineo" and "New Ironsides"
during the Civil War. Was killed in Formosa, June
13, 1867, while leading a party against the savages
who had murdered the whole crew of the American
bark "Rover" ^ome time before.
MACKINAW
double-ender
Ten guns Tonnage, gj4
Named for Mackinaw Strait
Launched April 22, 1863, at the Navy Yard, Brook-
lyn, New York.
Sponsor: Miss Minnie Bradford, daughter of
Paymaster Bradford, U. S. Navy.
[ 101 1
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
The "Mackinaw" in the Civil War, engaged in
operations around Norfolk and the James River.
Engaged a Confederate ram; engaged Confederate
ironclad. In 1865 was engaged at Fort Fisher; Fort
Anderson.
MADAWASKA
STEAM SLOOP
Fifteen guns Tonnage, 3,280
Named for Madawaska River
Launched July 8, 1865, at the Navy Yard, Brooklyn,
New York.
Sponsor: Miss Delano, daughter of Naval Construc-
tor Benjamin F. Delano on duty at New York.
MAINE (ist)
first-class battleship
Length, 310 feet Beam, 57 feet Draft, 21 feet
Displacement, 6,650 tons
Named for the State of Maine
{Which was admitted to the Union in 1820.)
Launched November i8, 1890, at the Navy Yard,
New York, N. Y.
Sponsor: Miss Alice Tracy Wilmerding (Mrs.
Frederic R. Coudert), granddaughter of Secretary of
Navy Benjamin F. Tracy.
IN the presence of fully 30 thousand people on a
perfect Autumn day our first armored cruiser was
launched. Close to the big ship's prow was built a
little platform, gay with red, white and blue bunting
and streamers, affording close standing room for
[ 102 ]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
about twenty people, to be occupied by the christen-
ing party.
Distinguished officials and guests gathered around
the stand. The booming of guns announced that the
Secretary of the Navy had arrived. Everything was
ready. The crowd waited breathlessly. " She moves ! '*
"Not yet!" "Yes, she's off!" Crash went the bottle
and the foam of champagne splashed over Miss
Wilmerding, over Secretary Tracy and Ex-Secretary
Whitney, and all on the stand. A novel form of
salute to the new cruiser were firework bombs thrown
into the air over the vessel as it floated clear of the ways.
U. S. S." Maine" was blown up by a submarine mine
in the harbor of Havana, Cuba, February 15, 1898.
MAINE (2d)
FIRST-CLASS BATTLESHIP
Length, 388 jeet Beam, ys feet Draft, 23 feet, 10 inches
Displacement, 12,500 tons
Named for the State of Maine and U. S. S.
"Maine"
Launched July 27, 1901, at William Cramp & Sons'
Ship and Engine Building Company, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Mary Preble Anderson, of Port-
land, Maine, daughter of William Henry Anderson
and Alice Preble, and great-granddaughter of Com-
modore Edward Preble, U. S. Navy. Hon. J. F. Hill,
Governor of Maine, and Staff were present.
[103]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
MANHATTAN
IRONCLAD MONITOR
Length, 23s jeet Beam, 46 feet Draft, 14 feet
Tonnage, 2,100
Named for Manhattan Island
Launched October 14, 1863, at Secor's Shipyard,
Jersey City, New Jersey.
Sponsor: Miss Mary Gregory, daughter of Rear-
Admiral Gregory, bestowed the name "Manhattan."
Admiral Farragut and Admiral Dupont were present.
Sixty thousand spectators lined the shores.
U. S. S. "Manhattan" in 1864 engaged in attacks
on Fort Morgan. Engaged the ram "Tennessee."
MARBLEHEAD (20)
unarmored cruiser
Length, 2S7 feet Beam, sy feet Draft, 14 feet
Displacement, 2,oy2 tons
Named for the City of Marblehead,
Massachusetts
Launched August ii, 1892, at City Point Iron
Works, Boston, Massachusetts.
Sponsor: Mrs. Charles F. Allen, Boston, Massa-
chusetts.
Among those present were Assistant Secretary of
the Navy Soley and many representatives from the
city of Marblehead.
U. S. S. "Marblehead" was under fire April 29,
1898, at Cienfuegos, Cuba, Spanish-American War.
[104]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
MARIETTA (2d)
COMPOSITE GUNBOAT
Length, J74 feet Beam, 34 feet Draft, 12 feet
Displacement, QQO tons
Named for the City of Marietta, Ohio
Launched March i8, 1897, at Union Iron Works,
San Francisco, Cahfornia.
Sponsor: Mrs. H. Clifford More, daughter of
the late General T. C. H. Smith, U. S. Vol., and later
paymaster in the Regular Army.
Mrs. More was chosen as representing one of the
oldest families of Marietta, being greatniece of Gov-
ernor Woodbridge of the *' Northwest" when Marietta
was the capital, and granddaughter of Dudley Wood-
bridge, one of the pioneers.
MARYLAND (20)
ARMORED CRUISER
Length, $02 feet Beam, 69 feet Draft, 24 feet
Displacement, 13,680 tons
Named for the State of Maryland
{Which ratified the Constitution in 1788)
Launched September 13, 1903, at Newport News
Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, Newport News,
Virginia.
Sponsor: Miss Jennie Scott Waters (Mrs. B. T.
Abercrombie), daughter of General Francis E. Waters,
of Baltimore. Miss Waters was chosen for the honor
by Governor John W. Smith, of Maryland.
[105]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
MASSACHUSETTS (30)
FIRST-CLASS BATTLESHIP
Length, 348 feet Beam, 6q feet Draft, 24. feet
Displacement, 10,288 tons
Named for the State of Massachusetts
{Which ratified the Constitution in 1788)
Launched June lo, 1893, at William Cramp & Sons*
Ship and Engine Building Company, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Leila Herbert, daughter of the
Secretary of the Navy, Hon. Hilary A. Herbert.
The Secretary of the Navy and many Government
officials and officers of the Navy were present.
U. S. S. "Massachusetts" was in bombardment of
Santiago, May 31, 1898, also June 6, 1898.
MAYRANT
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER )
Length, 289 feet Beam, 26 feet Draft, 8 feet
Displacement, 742 tons
Named for Captain John Mayrant, U. S. Navy
Launched April 23, 1910, at William Cramp & Sons'
Ship and Engine Building Company, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Norvelle Adams (Mrs. L B.
Beard), great-great-granddaughter of Captain Mayrant,
and daughter of Sallie Yerger and Wirt Adams. Miss
Adams was accompanied by Mrs. R. B. Mayes and
Mrs. Wirt Adams.
Captain JOHN mayrant, while a Midship-
man, led the boarders in the fight between the **Bon
[106]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
Homme Richard" and the "Serapis/' September 23,
1779. Commodore Paul Jones said of him, **It was
my good fortune to command many brave men, but
I never knew a man so exactly after my own heart,
or so near the kind of man I would create, if I could,
as John Mayrant."
MERRIMAC
SCREW FRIGATE
Tonnage, 3,300 Guns, 40
Named for Merrimac River
Launched June 15, 1855, at the Navy Yard, Boston,
Massachusetts.
Sponsor: Miss Mary E. Simmons, daughter of
Constructor Melvin Simmons, U. S. Navy.
VjREETED by the cheers of a vast concourse of
people and a salute of twenty-one guns, the 'Merrimac'
was launched. As she passed into the water the
ancient ceremony of christening was performed by
Miss Mary E. Simmons, who broke a bottle of water
from the Merrimac River over the bow. After the
ceremony Commander Gregory entertained with a
collation at his house, and a collation was also provided
in the joiner's loft for the entire force of workmen." —
Boston Daily Advertiser.
The "Merrimac" was partly burned by Navy Yard
officials when the Norfolk Navy Yard was abandoned
in the Civil War. Was rebuilt as an ironclad by the
Confederates and participated in the renowned en-
gagements in Hampton Roads.
[107]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
MIAMI
DOUBLE-ENDER
Length, 208 Jeet Beam, 33 feet Draft, 8 feet
Displacement, 730 tons
Named for the Miami River
{Indian tribe name)
Launched November i6, 1861, at the Navy Yard,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Ann Ingersoll (Mrs. J. H. Hutchin-
son), daughter of Charles Ingersoll, a prominent lawyer
of Philadelphia, and an intimate friend of Miss Angela
Turner, whose father, Admiral Turner, then in com-
mand of Philadelphia Navy Yard, invited Miss
Ingersoll to christen the *' Miami."
U. S. S. "Miami" took part in bombardment of
Forts Jackson and St. Philip, Civil War.
?
MIANTONOMAH
DOUBLE TURRET MONITOR
Tonnage, 1,564
Named for Miantonomah
{Chief of Narragansett Indian Tribe)
Launched August 15, 1863, at the Navy Yard, New
York.
Sponsor: Master Hiram Paulding, son of Rear-
Admiral Hiram Paulding, U. S. Navy.
1 HE ironclad was launched from the wooden ship-
house, the first of her class built. As the ship came
through the gates she was christened by Master
[108]
z
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c/2
C
z
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z
AND THEIR SPONSORS
Paulding. The crews of the " North CaroHna," " Hart-
ford" and "Quinnebaug" manned the riggings and
sent forth such cheers as only sailors can.
MICHIGAN (2d)
FIRST-CLASS BATTLESHIP
Lengthy 458 feet Beam, 80 feet Draft, 24 feet
Displacement, 16,000 tons
Named for the State of Michigan
(fVhich was admitted to the Union in 1837)
Launched May 26, 1908, at New York Shipbuild-
ing Company, Camden, New Jersey.
Sponsor: Miss Carol B. Newberry (Mrs. Frank
W. Brooks, Jr.), Detroit, Michigan, daughter of the
Hon. Truman H. Newberry, Secretary of the Navy.
Among those present were Governor Fred M.
Warner, of Michigan, Senator Burrows and Senator
Smith.
MILWAUKEE (3D)
UNARMORED PROTECTED CRUISER
Length, 424 feet Beam, 66 feet Draft, 22 feet
Displacement, 9,700 tons
Named for the City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Launched September lo, 1904, at Union Iron Works,
San Francisco, California.
Sponsor: Miss Janet Mitchell (Mrs. Mackie),
daughter of United States Senator John L. Mitchell,
of Wisconsin. Miss Lily Jeffrey pressed the button
to release the ship.
[109]
lOSTOW
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
MINNEAPOLIS
UNARMORED PROTECTED CRUISER
Length, 411 feet Beam, 58 feet Draft, 22 feet
Displacement, 7,350 tons
Named for the City of Minneapolis,
Minnesota
Launched August 12, 1893, at William Cramp &
Sons' Ship and Engine Building Company, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Elizabeth Washburn (Mrs. Hamil-
ton Wright), daughter of Senator William D. Wash-
burn, of Minnesota, at whose request the cruiser had
been named ''Minneapolis."
Among those present were Vice-President Adlai E.
Stevenson, Secretary of Navy Hilary A. Herbert and
Mayor Eustis of Minneapolis.
MINNESOTA (ist)
steam frigate
Forty guns 4,600 tons
Named for Minnesota Territory
Launched December i, 1855, at the Navy Yard,
Washington, District of Columbia.
Sponsor: Miss Susan L. Mann, of Washington,
broke a bottle of water from the Minnesota River
over the bow of the ship and gave the name ''Minne-
sota." The water was brought from Minnesota by
Honorable Mr. Rice of Minnesota.
Two bottles of wine were produced on board, the
first glass being tendered the Sponsor. The Secre-
tary of the Navy was on board the vessel partaking of
[no]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
the supposed dangers and real excitement of the
launch. The steamer "Engineer" was stationed for
the accommodation of the President of the United
States and Members of his Cabinet and invited guests.
U. S. S. ** Minnesota ist" was flagship of Admiral
Stringham in 1861. Captured a large number of
vessels. Took part in expedition against Hatteras.
In 1862 engaged the *'Merrimac" and "Patrick
Henry." In 1864-65 took part in attacks on Fort
Fisher.
MINNESOTA (20)
FIRST-CLASS BATTLESHIP
Length, 450 feet Beam, 76 feet Draft, 24 feet
Displacement, 16,000 tons
Named for the State of Minnesota
(Which was admitted to the Union in i8j8)
Launched April 8, 1905, at Newport News Ship-
building and Dry Dock Company, Newport News,
Virginia.
Sponsor: Miss Rose Marie Schaller (Mrs. Wilbur
Birch Joyce), daughter of State Senator Schaller, of
Hastings, Minn., who was a close friend of Governor
John A. Johnson. Maids of Honor were Miss Con-
stance Day and Miss Lillian McMillan. Governor
Montague and Staff, of Virginia, were present. Miss
Schaller was appointed to present to the "Minnesota"
the silver service given by the State of Minnesota.
[Ill]
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SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
MINNETONKA
SCREW SLOOP
Tonnage, 2490 Guns, 21
Named for Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota
Launched July 3, 1867, at the Navy Yard, Ports-
mouth, New Hampshire.
Sponsor: Miss Margaret Bailey, daughter of Rear-
Admiral Theodorus Bailey, U. S. Navy, Commandant
of the Navy Yard at the time.
MISSISSIPPI (1ST)
paddle wheel
Ten guns
Named for Mississippi River
Launched May 5, 1841, at the Navy Yard, Phila-
delphia, Pennsylvania.
"Yesterday was a general holiday. Thousands gave
up business to witness the launch of the splendid
vessel. A few minutes before twelve the National
Grays came marching on board to lively airs by the
band. Some five or six hundred people were on board.
Blows from the battering ram set the vessel in motion.
All went smoothly save for the chagrin of the officer
commissioned to break the bottle of wine over her
bow. By anxiety or some unfortunate miss the
forcibly directed blow missed its aim and the bottle
plunged into the river." — Philadelphia Public Ledger.
U. S. S. "Mississippi" ist was in Perry's expedition
to Japan in 1853. In battle below New Orleans 1862.
Abandoned and blown up at Port Hudson 1863.
[112]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
MISSISSIPPI (2d)
FIRST-CLASS BATTLESHIP
Length, 375 feet Beam, 77 feet Draft, 24 feet
Displacement, 13,000 tons
Named for the State of Mississippi
{Which was admitted to the Union in 1817)
Launched September 30, 1905, at William Cramp
& Sons' Ship and Engine Building Company, Phila-
delphia, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Mabel Clare Money (Mrs. Wil-
liam W. Kitchen), daughter of Senator H. P. Money,
of Mississippi.
Senator Money was fourteen years a Member of
Congress and fourteen years United States Senator
from Mississippi, and resigned after twenty-eight
years' continuous service. Miss Money was accom-
panied by her father. Admiral Dewey and a Japanese
prince.
MISSOURI (2d)
FIRST-CLASS BATTLESHIP
Length, 388 feet Beam, 72 feet Draft, 23 feet 11 inches
Displacement, 12,300 tons
Named for the State of Missouri
{Which was admitted to the Union in 1821)
Launched December 28, 1901, at Newport News
Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company, Newport News,
Virginia.
Sponsor: Miss Marion Cockrell (Mrs. Edson
Gallaudet), daughter of Senator Francis N. Cockrell,
of Missouri.
[113]
BOs>>
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Among those present were Secretary of Navy John
D. Long and Secretary of Interior Ethan A. Hitch-
cock, of Missouri.
MONADNOCK
DOUBLE TURRET MONITOR
Length, sjS feet Beam, 55 feet Draft, 14 feet
Displacement, 3,goo tons
Named for Mount Monadnock, New Hampshire
Re-launched after complete rebuilding September
19, 1883, at the Continental Iron Works, Vallejo,
California.
Sponsor: Miss Lulu Irwin, daughter of Captain
John Irwin, U. S. Navy, captain of Mare Island Navy
Yard, California, at the time.
A HE Monadnock was originally launched March
23, 1864, at the Navy Yard, Boston, Massachusetts.
*'As the 'Monitor' passed out of the shiphouse the
Marine band on board struck up the 'Star Spangled
Banner,' the National ensign was displayed and the
vessel was formally christened by one of the many
young ladies on her deck."
MONAGHAN
torpedo boat destroyer
Length, 289 feet Beam, 26 feet Draft, 8 feet, 4 inches
Displacement, 742 tons
Named for Ensign John R. Monaghan, U. S. Navy
Launched February i8, 191 1, at Newport News
Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company, Newport News,
Virginia.
[114]
^S"
U.S. SLOOP "monongahela"
AND THEIR SPONSORS
Sponsor: Miss Ellen R. Monaghan, Spokane,
Washington, a sister of Ensign John R. Monaghan.
Ensign JOHN R. monaghan, U. S. Navy, was
appointed a Naval Cadet in 1891. He distinguished
himself in an engagement with the natives of Samoa
in 1899. Was killed April i, 1899, while endeavoring
to remove to the rear Lieutenant Lansdale, who had
been wounded. Captain Edwin White said in his
report: "He stood steadfast by his wounded superior
and friend — one brave man against a score of savages.
He died in a heroic performance of duty."
monocacy
double-ender
Six guns Tonnage, 1,370
Named for Monocacy River
Launched December 14, 1864, at the Denmead
Shipyard, Baltimore, Maryland.
Sponsor: Miss Ella Denmead, daughter of one
of the proprietors of the shipyard.
1 HERE were about two hundred and fifty people
on board, among them Major-General Wallace and
staff. Commodore Dornin, Commandant of the Naval
Station, and other distinguished men.
MONONGAHELA
SCREW SLOOP
Tonnage, 1,378
Named for Monongahela River
Launched July lo, 1862, at the Navy Yard, Phila-
delphia, Pennsylvania.
[IIS]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Sponsor: Miss Emily Virginia Hoover, daughter
of Naval Constructor Hoover, U. S. Navy.
1 HE "Monongahela,*' in the Civil War, engaged
the batteries at Port Hudson, March, 1863. Farragut's
flagship May 23 to June 22, 1863. Took part in opera-
tions at Brazol, Tepus, September 16, 1863. Off New
Orleans April 6, 1864. Off Mobile Bay June, 1864.
Lashed to the "Kennebec," passed the Forts with
Farragut August 5, 1864. Rammed the "Tennessee"
and grounded.
MONTANA
ARMORED CRUISER
Length, 502 feet Beam, 72 feet Draft, 2$ feet
Displacement, 14,500 tons
Named for the State of Montana
{Which was admitted to the Union in 18 8 g)
Launched December 15, 1906, at Newport News
Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company, Newport News,
Virginia.
Sponsor: Miss Minnie Conrad, daughter of Mr.
W. G. Conrad, a distinguished citizen of Montana.
MONTAUK
ironclad monitor
Named for Town of Montauk, Long Island
Launched October 9, 1862, at the Continental Iron
Works, Greenpoint, Long Island.
Sponsor: Miss Mary E. Gregory, daughter of
Rear-Admiral Francis H. Gregory, U. S. Navy, dashed
a bottle of champagne against her bow, naming the
[116]
SPONSOR AND LAUNCH
u.s .s
MONTANA
^6ST>
AND THEIR SPONSORS
Monitor "Montauk" and adding, *'Here goes the
Montauk, her enemies to baulk."
Many persons conquered their fear that an ironclad
might sink and were launched on the "Montauk,"
being anxious to say they had been launched in this
ironclad of which so much was expected.
U. S. S. "Montauk," in 1863 took part in attacks
on Fort McAllister; destroyed Confederate steamer
"Nashville" ; took part in attack on Morris Island,
Fort Wagner and Sullivan Island. In 1864, in attack
on Fort Sumter; in 1865, on Fort Anderson.
MONTEREY
DOUBLE TURRET MONITOR
Length, 256 feet Beam, 59 feet Draft, 14 feet, 10 inches
Displacement, 4,084 tons
Named for the City of Monterey, California
Launched April 28, 1891, at Union Iron Works,
San Francisco, California.
Sponsor: Miss Kate C. Gunn, daughter of Mr.
J. O'B. Gunn, of San Francisco, christened the ship
with California champagne.
Mrs. Harrison, wife of the President of the United
States, started the launch by pressing an electric
button.
[117]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
MONTGOMERY (30)
UNARMORED PROTECTED CRUISER
Lengthy 257 feet Beamy 37 feet Draft, 14 feet
Displacement, 2,072 tons
Named for the City of Montgomery
( The Capital of Alabama)
Launched December 5, 1891, at Columbian Iron
Works, Baltimore, Maryland.
Sponsor: Miss Sophia Smith (Mrs. Edward Pey-
ton Ramsey), daughter of Passed Assistant Engineer
John A. B. Smith, U. S. Navy, Inspector of Machinery
for U. S. Navy at Columbian Iron Works at that time.
U. S. S. "Montgomery," engaged May 12, 1898, San
Juan, Porto Rico, Spanish-American War.
NANTASKET
STEAM SLOOP
Ten guns Tonnage, goo
Named for Nantasket, Massachusetts
Launched August 15, 1867, at the Navy Yard,
Charlestown, Massachusetts.
Sponsor: Miss Emma Hartt, daughter of Naval
Constructor Edward Hartt, U. S. Navy.
[118]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
NASHVILLE
LIGHT DRAFT GUNBOAT
Length, 220 feet Beam, 38 feet Draft, 11 feet
Displacement, 1,371 tons
Named for the City of Nashville
(Capital of Tennessee)
Launched October 19, 1895, at Newport News
Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company, Newport News,
Virginia.
Sponsor: Miss Maria Guild (Mrs. John D. West-
brook), daughter of Mayor Guild, of Nashville, Ten-
nessee. Maids of Honor were Miss Georgie Orr and
Miss Frances Reid.
U. S. S. *' Nashville" was attached to the North
Atlantic Fleet, during the Spanish-American War.
Captured the first prize vessel.
NEBRASKA
first-class battleship
Length, 43s feet Beam, 76 feet Draft, 23 feet, 9 inches
Displacement, 14,948 tons
Named for the State of Nebraska
{Which was admitted to the Union in 1867)
Launched October 7, 1904, at the yard of Moran
Brothers, Seattle, Washington.
Sponsor: Miss Mary Nain Mickey, daughter of
Governor John H. Mickey, of Nebraska.
Miss Nellie Moran was Maid of Honor.
A beautiful gold watch was presented to Miss
Mickey, as a souvenir of the occasion, by the builders
of the "Nebraska."
[119]
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SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
NEWARK
UNARMORED PROTECTED CRUISER
Length, 311 feet Beam, 49 feet Draft, 18 feet
Displacement, 4,083 tons
Named for the City of Newark, New Jersey
Launched March 19, 1890, at WilHam Cramp &
Sons' Ship and Engine Building Company, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Annie Boutelle, daughter of Con-
gressman Charles Boutelle, of Maine.
U. S. S. "Newark" took part in bombardment of
Manzanilla, Cuba, August 12, 1898, Spanish-American
War.
NEW HAMPSHIRE (20)
first-class battleship
Length, 450 feet Beam, 76 feet Draft, 24 feet
Displacement, 16,000 tons
Named for the State of New Hampshire
{Which ratified the Constitution in 1788)
Launched June 30, 1906, at New York Shipbuilding
Company, Camden, New Jersey.
Sponsor: Miss Hazel E. McLane (Mrs. John
Alexander Clark), daughter of Hon. John McLane,
Governor of New Hampshire.
Maids of Honor were Miss Marion Sortwell, of
Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Miss Margaret Thayer,
of Concord, New Hampshire. Miss McLane was
accompanied by her brothers Clinton A. and John R.
McLane, and members of the Governor's Staff.
[120]
J CO m
o
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^v/
AND THEIR SPONSORS
NEW IRONSIDES
IRONCLAD
Eighteen guns 3,486 tons
Named for "Old Ironsides"
{The frigate " Constitution")
Was flagship of attack on Fort Sumter, April 7,
1863. Took part in attacks on Fort Wagner, Fort
Moultrie and Fort Fisher.
Launched May 10, 1862, at the yard of Wm. Cramp
& Sons, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: The ironclad was named by Commodore
Charles Stewart, U. S. Navy.
"No launch in years has attracted more attention.
The recent celebrated engagement between the * Moni-
tor' and the 'Merrimac,' in Hampton Roads, opened
the eyes of the people to the great superiority of the
* Ironclad,' and everyone who could wended his way
to get a sight of the new monster.
"At nine o'clock Commodore Stewart and a number
of Naval Officers took position in the bow. At pre-
cisely 27 minutes after 10 o'clock the *New Ironsides'
gracefully glided into its element. As the frigate
touched the water Commodore Stewart broke a bottle
of brandy over the bow, saying: 'Success to the "New
Ironsides" — May her career be prosperous and glori-
ous.' This was followed by the breaking of two
bottles of Madeira of the vintage of 1808, which was
passed among the invited guests.
"The gallant old Commodore whose name is conspic-
uously connected with 'Old Ironsides' suggested the
name 'New Ironsides.' In a letter accepting the Navy
Department's invitation to name the vessel, he said:
'Why not add "New" to the n^imtV — Public Ledger.
[121] .
"eosTo^ .
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
NEW JERSEY
FIRST-CLASS BATTLESHIP
Length, 435 feet Beam, 76 feet Draft, 23 feet, p inches
Displacement, 14,948 tons
Named for the State of New Jersey
{Which ratified the Constitution in 1787)
Launched November lo, 1904, at Fore River Ship-
building Company, Quincy, Massachusetts.
Sponsor: Mrs. William B. Kinney, daughter of
Hon. Franklin B. Murphy, Governor of New Jersey.
NEWPORT
COMPOSITE GUNBOAT
Length, i68 feet Beam, 36 feet Draft, 12 feet
Displacement, 1,010 tons
Named for the City of Newport, Rhode Island
Launched December 5, 1896, at Bath Iron Works,
Bath, Maine.
Sponsor: Miss Frances LaFarge (Mrs. E. H.
Childs), daughter of Mr. John LaFarge, of New York,
and granddaughter of Commodore Perry.
NEW YORK (5th)
BATTLESHIP
Length, 56s feet Beam, 95 feet Draft, 28 feet
Displacement, 28,367 tons
Named for the State of New York
{Which ratified the Constitution in 1788)
Launched October 30, 191 2, at the Navy Yard,
New York.
[122]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
Sponsor: Miss Elsie Calder, daughter of Repre-
sentative William M. Calder, of New York, attended
by Miss Kathleen Fitzgerald, daughter of Representa-
tive John J. Fitzgerald, of New York.
XjRILLIANT sunshine beat upon the towering red
and gray hull and upon the fifty thousand eager spec-
tators surging in the Navy Yard and filling every roof
or vessel as far as the eye could reach. Flashing effects
of sky and water helped to make vivid the bunting
with which vessels and buildings were dressed. At
half after ten o'clock a salute of 21 guns and the dip-
ping of flags announced the arrival of President Taft,
who proceeded through cheering crowds to the stand
built about the bow of the mammoth ship. Beside
him stood Miss Elsie Calder, carrying an armful of
flowers and holding in her hand the silver-cased berib-
boned bottle of champagne. Little Miss Fitzgerald
stood ready with an armful of flowers to pelt the ship.
Grouped about them were Secretary of the Navy
Meyer; Governor Dix and Staff; Rear-Admiral Hugo
Osterhaus, Commander-in-Chief of the North Atlantic
Fleet; Rear-Admiral Bradley A. Fiske, commanding
the First Division; Captain Albert Gleaves, Comman-
dant of the New York Navy Yard; Major-General
Thomas H. Barry, Brigadier-General Tasker H. Bliss,
and a brilliant assemblage of Army and Navy officers,
and ladies. Among the ladies were Miss Helen Miller
Gould and members of the Society of Sponsors of the
U. S. Navy.
At eleven o'clock the great ship began her flight to
the river. A mighty cheer went up from the multi-
tude; sirens on the warships "Wyoming," "Arkansas,"
"Florida" "Utah," "Delaware," ''Connecticut" and
[ 123 ]
BC
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
on countless river craft screeched, and bands played
unheard in the din.
A luncheon was given in the sail loft to President
Taft and a large number of invited guests immediately
after the launching.
NIAGARA (2d)
SCREWFRIGATE
Displacement, 4,580 tons Twelve guns
Named for Niagara River and U. S. S. "Niagara"
{One of Commodore Perry s fleet at the Battle of Lake Erie)
''Niagara 2d" was launched February 3, 1856, at
the Navy Yard, Brooklyn, New York.
Sponsor: Miss Annie C. O'Donnell, of New York.
The "Niagara" went down the ways sooner than
was expected and disappointed many who arrived
by slow coaches. She broke loose from her fastenings
and at ten-thirty began to slide slowly down the ways.
There were about seventy-five ladies and gentlemen
on board. The "North Carolina" immediately fired
a salute and cheers of the crowd rent the air. After
she had been drawn up to the wharf she was duly
named by Miss O'Donnell.
U. S. S. "Niagara 2d" later carried our first Atlantic
sub-marine cable-telegraph.
NICHOLSON
torpedo boat
Length, 17s feet Beam, 17 feet Draft, 6 feet
Displacement, 218 tons
Named for Captain Samuel Nicholson, U. S. Navy
Launched September 23, 1901, at the yard of Lewis
Nixon, Elizabethport, New Jersey.
[124]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
Sponsor: Mrs. Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont,
whose husband was an officer in the United States
Navy, and descendant of Commodore Matthew Cal-
braith Perry.
Captain samuel Nicholson, u. s. Navy,
was a Lieutenant on the "Bon Homme Richard." Was
appointed Captain in 1794. Commanded the frigate
''Deane" and captured three sloop s-of- war. He was
the first Commander of the frigate "Constitution."
His two brothers. Captain John Nicholson, U. S.
Navy, and Captain James Nicholson, U. S. Navy, also
served with distinction in the Revolutionary War.
Commodore William C. Nicholson, U. S. Navy
(son of John), was Midshipman under Decatur in
the "President," War of 1812. Served also in Civil
War.
Commodore James W. A. Nicholson, U. S. Navy
(grandson of Captain Samuel), was with Perry in
the expedition to Japan, 1853-55. I^i command of
the "Isaac Smith," took part in battle of Port Royal.
Participated in capture of Jacksonville, Fernandina
and St. Augustine. In command of the "Manhattan,"
took part in battle of Mobile Bay, the capture of the
ram "Tennessee," and bombardment of Fort Morgan.
NIPSIC
GUNBOAT
Displacement, 1,37 j tons
Named for Nipsic Lake, Ontario
Launched June 15, 1863, at the Navy Yard, Ports-
mouth, New Hampshire.
[ 125 ]
BOi
^'<JA
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Sponsor: Miss Rebecca Scott (Mrs. Henriques),
of Washington, assisted by Miss Lucy L. Hale (Mrs.
William E. Chandler), of Dover, New Hampshire.
1 HE *'Nipsic" and the "Shawmut'* were launched
the same day. The **Nipsic" was launched from the
open yard. Almost immediately the "Nipsic" was
followed by the "Shawmut" from the shiphouse.
U. S. S. "Nipsic" had blockade duty in 1864.
NORTH CAROLINA (20)
ARMORED CRUISER
Length, 502 feet Beam, 72 feet Draft, 25 feet
Displacement, 14,500 tons
Named for the State of North Carolina
{Which ratified the Constitution in ijSg)
Launched October 6, 1906, at Newport News Ship-
building & Dry Dock Company, Newport News,
Virginia.
Sponsor: Miss Rebekah Williams Glenn (Mrs.
Daniel Engle Hoffman), daughter of Hon. Robert B.
Glenn, Governor of North Carolina.
Accompanying Miss Glenn as Maids of Honor were
Mrs. A. H. Arrington, wife of the Governor's private
secretary, and Miss Lillian Thompson.
Among those present were Governor and Mrs.
Robert Brodnax Glenn, Governor Glenn's entire staff,
Adjutant-General T. R. Robertson and wife. Lieuten-
ant Commander Victor Blue, U. S. Navy, and many
prominent North Carolinians.
[126]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
NORTH DAKOTA
FIRST-CLASS BATTLESHIP
Length, 510 feet Beam, 8$ feet Draft, 26 feet, 11 inches
Displacement, 20,000 tons
Named for the State of North Dakota
{Which was admitted to the Union in i88q)
Launched November lo, 1908, at the Fore River
Shipbuilding Company, Quincy, Massachusetts.
Sponsor: Miss Mary Benton, daughter of Colonel
John Benton, of Fargo, North Dakota.
Miss Benton was accompanied by Mrs. Alice Nelson
Page, of Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Governor John Burke, of North Dakota, and Staff
were present.
NYACK
gunboat
Length, l8l feet Beam, 32 feet Draft, 12 feet
Displacement, 600 tons
Named for Town of Nyack, New York
Launched October 6, 1863, at the Navy Yard,
Brooklyn, New York.
Sponsor: Miss Emma Paulding, daughter of Rear-
Admiral Leonard Paulding, U. S. Navy, and grand-
daughter of Rear-Admiral Hiram Paulding, named the
ship.
U. S. S. "Nyack" in 1864 took part in attack on
Fort Fisher; in 1865 in capture of Fort Anderson.
[127]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
O'BRIEN
TORPEDO BOAT
Length, 17s ff ft Beam, 17 feet Draft, 6 feet
Displacement, 220 tons
Named for Captain Jeremiah O'Brien, U. S. Navy,
AND for His Four Brothers
Launched September 24, 1900, at Crescent Ship-
yard, Ehzabethport, New Jersey.
Sponsor: Miss Mira O'Brien, great-great-grand-
daughter of Joseph O'Brien, brother of Captain Jere-
miah O'Brien, U. S. Navy.
In recognition of the antecedents of Miss O'Brien
and the name of the boat, the keel of the "O'Brien"
was painted green and the roses carried by Miss
O'Brien were tied with green ribbons. The sword
captured from Lieutenant Moore in the first Revolu-
tionary Naval engagement was taken to the launching
of the "O'Brien."
r IVE O'Brien brothers were residents of Machias,
Maine, when the battle of Lexington, April, 1775, was
fought. When the news reached Machias the patriotic
citizens erected a liberty pole. A British sloop-of-
war, the " Margaretta," arrived in Machias harbor
under the command of Lieutenant Moore, and the
latter declared that unless the pole were cut down he
would destroy the town.
During the parley that followed a lumber sloop
left Machias and lazily drifted toward the sea as if
about to pass near the warship. The sloop, apparently
badly handled, fouled the warship and instantly scores
of Yankees boarded the foreign craft armed with
[128]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
pitchforks, axes and muskets. A battle followed in
which the Americans were victorious after losing six
men and killing ten of the enemy, including Lieutenant
Moore. This was the first Naval engagement of the
Revolution.
The lumber sloop was under the command of Jere-
miah O'Brien and four of his brothers were in the
crew. Joseph O'Brien, the youngest brother, was
only sixteen years old and his request to form one of
the party was refused. He smuggled himself aboard
the craft and during the fight proved to be very much
of a man.
Lieutenant Moore's sword was given to Joseph
O'Brien, the baby of the crew.
OCTORORA
GUNBOAT — DOUBLE-ENDER
829 tons Six guns
Named for Octorora Creek, Pennsylvania
Launched December 7, 1861, at the Navy Yard,
Brooklyn, New York.
Sponsor: Miss Emma Hartt, daughter of Naval
Constructor E. Hartt, and granddaughter of Naval
Constructor Samuel Hartt, U. S. Navy.
U. S. S. "Octorora" was engaged at Fort Morgan;
engaged batteries at Vicksburg; in 1864 engaged Fort
Powell; passed the Forts at Mobile lashed to the
"Brooklyn" — Civil War.
[129]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
OHIO (3D)
FIRST-CLASS BATTLESHIP
Length, 388 feet Beam, 72 feet Draft, 23 feet
Displacement, i2,$oo tons
Named for the State of Ohio
{Which was admitted, to the Union in 1803)
Launched May i8, 1901, at Union Iron Works, San
Francisco, California.
Sponsor: Miss Helen Deshler (Mrs. Charles
Edward Brown), daughter of Mr. William G. Deshler,
of Columbus, Ohio, and related to Governor George K.
Nash, of Ohio.
Miss Deshler was accompanied by Miss Louise
Deshler and Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Sinks.
Among those present were President McKinley and
Mrs. McKinley, Secretary of State Hay, Secretary of
Navy Long, Secretary of Agriculture Wilson, Secretary
of Interior Hitchcock, Governor Nash of Ohio.
" You may fire when ready, Gridley." — Dewey
OLYMPIA
unarmored protected cruiser
Length, 340 feet Beam, 53 feet Draft, 21 feet, 6 inches
Displacement, 5,865 tons
Named for City of Olympia
(The Capital of the State of Washington)
Launched November 5, 1892, at Union Iron Works,
San Francisco, California.
Sponsor: Miss Anna Belle Dickie, San Francisco
California, daughter of the General Manager of the
Union Iron Works.
[130]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
At the launching, Miss Dickie's hand was cut with
the broken glass, and Admiral Belknap, taking this
little incident as an omen, predicted that the ship
would be the first to shed blood for the new Navy.
This prediction was fulfilled at Manila Bay.
At the launching Miss Elsie Lilienthal, the daughter
of a prominent San Francisco banker, cut the rope.
U. S. S. *'01ympia'' was Commodore Dewey's flag-
ship in the Battle of Manila Bay, Spanish-American
War.
OMAHA
SLOOP-OF-WAR
length, 250 feet Beam, 38 feet Draft, 16 feet
Displacement, 2,4.00 tons
Named for Omaha River
Launched June lo, 1869, at the Navy Yard, Phila-
delphia, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Kitty Marchand (Mrs. Valentine
Nelson), daughter of Commodore Marchand, U. S.
Navy.
The naming ceremony was performed by Miss Kitty
Marchand, daughter of the Commodore, who named
the vessel "Astoria." The "Astoria" was re-named
"Omaha."
ONEIDA
SCREW
Nine guns Tonnage, i,02S
Named for Oneida Lake, New York
{Indian tribe name)
Launched November 20, 1861, at the Navy Yard,
Brooklyn, New York.
[131]
©o;
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Sponsor: Miss Mary E. Meade (Mrs. James H.
Sands), daughter of Post Captain Richard W. Meade,
U. S. Navy, then in command of receiving ship
** North CaroHna," at New York. Miss Meade chris-
tened the ship with salt water.
U. S. S. "Oneida" was with Farragut's fleet in the
passage of Fort Jackson and Fort Philip April 24, 1862,
and in the passage of Fort Morgan, 1864.
ONONDAGA
IRONCLAD
FouT guns Tonnage, 1,2^0
Named for Onondaga, New York
(Indian tribe name)
Launched July 29, 1863, at Continental Iron Works,
Greenpoint, Long Island.
Sponsor: Miss Sallie Sedgwick, daughter of
Senator Sedgwick, of Onondaga, New York.
"The baptism of the 'Onondaga' was to have been
preformed by Miss Quintard, the daughter of the
designer. On Saturday she visited the vessel, entering
with spirit into the plans for the extensive festivities
of the launch. On Tuesday she was dead, having
fallen a victim to a malignant disease. The christen-
ing was performed by little Miss Sedgwick." — New
York Herald.
In the Civil War the "Onondaga" had active service
in James River.
[132]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
OREGON (2D)
FIRST-CLASS BATTLESHIP
Length, 348 feet Beam, 69 feet Draft, 24 feet
Displacement, 10,288 tons
Named for the State of Oregon
{Which was admiued to the Union in 1859)
Launched October 26, 1893, at Union Iron Works,
San Francisco, California.
Sponsor: Miss Daisy Ainsworth (Mrs. Percy
Tredegar Morgan), daughter of Captain J. C. Ains-
worth, President of the Oregon Steam Navigation
Company, who was the pioneer of river navigation
in Oregon and Washington, and in the development
of the entire Northwest.
Miss Eugenia Shelby, of Portland, Oregon, pressed
the button that released the vessel.
U. S. S. "Oregon" was in action with Cervera's
fleet. Battle of Santiago, July 3, 1898, following a
record-breaking trip from the Pacific.
OSSIPEE
STEAM SLOOP-OF-WAR
Length, 207 feet Beam, 38 feet Draft, 13 feet
Displacement, 1,240 tons
Named for Ossipee River
{Ossipee Indian tribe)
Launched November i6, 1861, at the Navy Yard,
Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Sponsor: Mrs. McFarland, wife of the Editor of
the Concord Statesman, assisted by Mrs. Sawyer.
[133]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
U. S. S. "Ossipee'* passed Forts of Mobile with the
*' Itasca," May 14, 1865. Was at the surrender of
Fort Morgan, August 23, 1865.
OZARK (3D) (Formerly ARKANSAS, ist)
S I N G L E - T U R R E T MONITOR
Length, 252 feet Beam, so feet Draft, 12 feet
Displacement, 3,223 tons
Named for the State of Arkansas
{Re-named for Ozark, Arkansas)
Launched November lo, 1900, at Newport News
Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company, Newport News,
Virginia.
Sponsor: Miss Bobbie Newton Jones, daughter
of Governor Daniel W. Jones, of Arkansas, named
the Monitor "Arkansas."
PADUCAH
COMPOSITE GUNBOAT
Length, 174 feet Beam, 55 feel Draft, 12 feet
Displacement, 1,085 ^°^^
Named for the City of Paducah, Kentucky
Launched October ii, 1904, at Gas Engine & Power
Company and Charles L. Seabury & Company, Morris
Heights, New Jersey.
Sponsor: Miss Anna May Yeiser, daughter of
Hon. D. A. Yeiser, Mayor of Paducah, Kentucky.
Miss Yeiser was attended by Mrs. Henry Craig
Yeiser, Cincinnati, Ohio, Miss Florence Yeiser, and
Miss Aline Bagby, Paducah, Kentucky.
Among those present were Mr. Henry Craig Yeiser,
Cincinnati, Ohio, Mr. Edwin J. Paxton, Paducah,
[134]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
Kentucky, Mr. Urey Woodson, Owensboro, Kentucky,
Miss Frances Gould, Paducah, Kentucky.
PARKER
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 30s feet Beam, 31 feet Draft, 9 feet
Displacement, 1,010 tons
Named for Rear-Admiral Foxhall Alexander
Parker, U. S. Navy
Launched February 8, 1913, at William Cramp &
Sons' Ship and Engine Building Company, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Mrs. Henry W. Hand (Elizabeth Sheble),
wife of the Vice-President of the Shipbuilding Company.
ReAR-ADMIRAL FOXHALL ALEXANDER PAR-
KER, U. S. Navy, was born in New York in 1821.
Appointed Midshipman in 1837. In the Civil War
co-operated with the Army of the Potomac. Pro-
tected Alexandria, Virginia, after the Battle of Bull
Run, Active service off Charleston, South Carolina.
Commanded Naval Battery at the bombardment of
Fort Sumter. Commanded the Potomac Flotilla.
Commissioned as Captain for good service in Civil
War. In 1872 drew up a code of signals for Steam
Tactics. Was the author of Fleet Tactics Under
Steam, The Naval Howitzer Afloat and other valu-
able works. Was one of the founders of the U. S.
Naval Institute.
[135]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
PATTERSON
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 287 feet Beam, 26 feet Draft, 8 feet
Displacement, 742 tons
Named for Commodore Daniel Todd Patterson,
U. S. Navy
Launched April 29, 1911, at William Cramp & Sons'
Ship and Engine Building Company, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Georgeanne Pollock Patterson,
of Washington, daughter of Rear-Admiral Thomas
Harman Patterson, and granddaughter of Commodore
Daniel Todd Patterson. Her brother. Colonel R. H.
Patterson, U. S. Army, accompanied her to the launch-
ing, also a party of friends from Washington.
The vessel slid down the ways almost before Miss
Patterson could swing the bottle of champagne against
the steel prow and say: "I name thee 'Patterson,'
and good luck!" The destroyer swept across the
Delaware River, uproariously saluted by river craft,
while buglers from League Island Navy Yard sounded
a fanfare.
Commodore daniel todd Patterson
entered the United States Navy in 1800. Captured on
U. S. Frigate "Philadelphia" by Tripolitans. Prisoner
of war three years. Commanded Naval forces at New
Orleans, 1813. Co-operated with Major-General Jack-
son at Battle of New Orleans, and for his splendid
services there received the approval of the United
States Congress and thanks of the Legislature of the
State of New York. One of the Naval Commissioners
[136]
eosT^
AND THEIR SPONSORS
during President Jackson's Administration. Twice
commanded the Mediterranean Fleet; flagships,
"United States" and "Delaware.'
>>
PAULDING
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 28q feet Beam, 26 feet Draft, 8 feet
Displacement, 742 tons
Named for Rear-Admiral Hiram Paulding, U. S.
Navy
Launched April 12, 1910, at Bath Iron Works, Bath,
Maine.
Sponsor: Miss Emma Paulding, granddaughter of
Rear-Admiral Hiram Paulding, and daughter of Rear-
Admiral Leonard Paulding, U. S. Navy.
Rear-admiral hiram paulding, u. s.
Navy, was born in New York in 1797. Appointed
Midshipman in 1 811. In War of 181 2, in the "Presi-
dent" and "Ticonderoga," took part in the actions
with the British fleet on Lake Champlain. In 1815
served in the "Constellation" in War with Algiers
and took part in capture of Algerine cruisers. Held
many important commands. In 1861 was appointed
by President Lincoln to assist the Navy Department
in putting the Navy afloat and other important opera-
tions, which he performed with ability and zealous
devotion to duty.
[137]
60-^0>^v
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
"/ have not yet begun to fight" — Paul Jones
PAUL JONES (3D)
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 245 feet Beam, 23 feet Draft, 6 feet, 6 inches
Displacement, 420 tons
Named for Commodore John Paul Jones, U. S.
Navy
Launched June 14, 1902, at Union Iron Works, San
Francisco, California.
Sponsor: Mrs. Elizabeth Goldsborough Adams,
wih of Naval Constructor L. S. Adams, U. S. Navy,
on duty at the Union Iron Works at the time.
Commodore john paul jones, u. s. Navy,
was born in Scotland in 1747. In 1775 was appointed
First Lieutenant of the "Alfred," the first American
flagship. He hoisted the first Continental flag afloat,
the yellow flag with rattlesnake and pine tree. In
1776, in command of the "Alfred" and "Providence,"
captured many prizes.
In command of the "Ranger," at Quiberon Bay,
February 14, 1778, he received from the French fleet
the first salute to the Stars and Stripes. In the
"Ranger," captured the British sloop-of-war "Drake."
Jones was the terror of British shipping and seaport
towns.
In 1779, in the "Bon Homme Richard," whipped
the "Serapis" after his own ship was practically a
wreck. He moved his men to the "Serapis" just
before his own ship went down, saying, "I have not
yet begun to fight."
Commodore Jones was knighted by France and pre-
sented with a sword by the king. Congress gave him
[138]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
a vote of thanks and command of the *' America," then
building. The "America" was the first ship-of-the-
hne launched in America and Paul Jones was aboard.
PAWNEE
STEAM SLOOP
Tonnage, i,28j Fifteen guns
Named for Pawnee River
{Indian tribe name)
Launched October 8, 1859, at the Navy Yard,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Grace Tyler (Mrs. John B.
Scotia), daughter of Mr. Robert Tyler, named the
vessel in the presence of an immense crowd, and broke
a bottle of claret over the figurehead, a great Pawnee
chief.
U. S. S. "Pawnee" in 1861 took part in attack on
Fort Sumter; in second engagement of Potomac
Flotilla; engagement at Matthias Point; expedition
at Hatteras Inlet; Battle of Port Royal. In 1862
capture of Fernandina.
PAWTUXET
SIDE WHEELER
Eight guns Tonnage, gj6
Named for the Pawtuxet River
Took part in first attack on Fort Fisher 1864, second
attack on Fort Fisher 1865. Attack on Fort Anderson,
1865.
The "Pawtuxet" was launched March 19, 1863,
at the Navy Yard, Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
[139]
©OST.-
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Sponsor: Miss Anna M. Vanderbilt, of Phila-
delphia, Pennsylvania.
"At eleven-thirty a. m. a large and gay company
were on board to be launched in the new steamer.
Miss Anna M. Vanderbilt, of Philadelphia, a fair,
graceful and accomplished young lady, had been se-
lected to christen the ship.
" In a moment it started with its precious freight and
slowly and steadily it rushed to the water, its home
and resting place. As soon as it had fairly bathed
itself, Miss Vanderbilt broke over the side a bottle of
wine and sea water commingled and christened it the
* Pawtuxet' and bade it success in its important work.
"The company after the launch retired to a hall,
where they enjoyed themselves in a social dance for
a few hours. There was a liberal display of female
beauty on this occasion, and Portsmouth can boast
of as many as in the State." — From the Independent
'Democrat.
PENNSYLVANIA (ist)
S H I P - O F - T H E - L I N E
I20 guns Tonnage, 3,241
Named for the State of Pennsylvania
{Which ratified the Constitution in 1787)
Launched July i8, 1837, at the Navy Yard, Phila-
delphia, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Commodore James Biddle, U. S. Navy.
"The navy yard and public storehouses were filled,
and the wharves presented one uninterrupted dense
mass of spectators. The multitude was estimated
at the lowest calculation to comprise one hundred
thousand persons. Two cannons, discharged in rapid
[140]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
succession, told in a voice not to be misunderstood,
that in ten minutes the launch would take place.
"The sturdy shipwrights had already quitted their
repose and with ponderous strokes were knocking
away the beams supporting the vessel. Some three
hundred, as we are informed, lent their strength to
the work of liberation, and the echoing blows were fast
dying away for the still more welcome sound of the
battering-ram, sent with huge force against the bows.
Instantly there was great agitation throughout the
multitude, we could even see its effect in the sister
state of New Jersey. The cry ' she moves ' rose from
a hundred thousand lips. The band struck up our
national hymn, the cannon roared, the thousands on
ship and shore again and again iterated their glad and
mutual huzzas.
"As she met her element, Commodore James Biddle,
seated at the giant figurehead of Hercules, gave her
name, 'Pennsylvania,' with the appropriate cere-
monies.
" Commodore Stewart, Commandant of the Navy
Yard, and Captain Read were among the distinguished
officers on board." — The National Gazette.
PENNSYLVANIA (2d)
ARMORED CRUISER
Length, 502 feet Beam, 6q feet Draft, 24 feet
Displacement, 13,680 tons
Named for the State of Pennsylvania
{Which ratified the Constitution in 17S/)
Launched August 22, 1903, at William Cramp &
Sons' Ship and Engine Building Company, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
[ 141 ]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Sponsor: Miss Coral Quay, daughter of Hon.
Matthew S. Quay, United States Senator from Penn-
sylvania.
Among those present were Governor Pennypacker
of Pennsylvania, Senator Quay, Senator Penrose,
Admiral C. D. Sigsbee, U. S. Navy, Mayor Weaver of
Philadelphia, and an immense throng of spectators.
PENSACOLA
STEAM SLOOP-OF-WAR
Length, 230 feet Beam, 44 feet Draft, 18 feet, 7 inches
Displacement, 3,000 tons
Named for Pensacola, Florida
Launched August 13, 1859, at the Pensacola Navy-
Yard, Florida.
Sponsor: Miss Margaret Moreno Mallory (Mrs.
Henry Bishop), daughter of the Hon. Stephen R.
Mallory, afterward Secretary of the Confederate States
Navy.
The gangway headboards of the ** Pensacola" were
decorated with cornucopias — "horns of plenty," Pen-
sacola being the Indian word for "plenty."
U. S. S. "Pensacola" was with Farragut's squadron
in the passage of Forts Jackson and St. Philip April
1864. Took part in Battle of New Orleans and Battle
of Mobile Bay.
PEQUOT
SCREW STEAMER
Tonnage, 5pj Ten guns
Named for Pequot River
Launched June 4, 1863, at the Navy Yard, Charles-
town, Massachusetts.
[142]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
Sponsor: Miss Baury, daughter of Reverend Doctor
Baury of Boston.
U. S. S. *Pequot" in 1864 took part in operations
on James River; took part in bombardment of Fort
Fisher. In 1865 shared in capture of Fort Fisher;
capture of Fort Anderson.
PERKINS
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 289 feet Beam, 26 feet Draft, 8 feet
Displacement, 742 tons
Named for Commodore George Hamilton Perkins,
U. S. Navy
Launched April 9, 1910, at Fore River Shipbuilding
Company, Quincy, Massachusetts.
Sponsor: Mrs. Larz Anderson (Isabel Weld
Perkins), Washington, District of Columbia, daughter
of Commodore George Hamilton Perkins.
Commodore george Hamilton perkins,
U. S. Navy, was born at Hopkinton, New Hampshire,
October 20, 1835, died in Boston, Massachusetts,
October 28, 1899. Entered the Navy as Midshipman
in 1 85 1 and served his country with honor forty-eight
years. His intrepid conduct at the passage of the
forts below New Orleans in 1862 — his heroism in the
surrender of that city — his skill and daring on notable
occasions on the Mississippi River and in the Gulf of
Mexico — and his achievements in Battle of Mobile
Bay August 5, 1 864, when as commander of the " Chick-
asaw" he compelled the surrender of the "Tennessee"
— won from the Navy unqualified admiration and
[ 143 ]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
from Farragut these words: "The bravest man that
ever trod the deck of a ship."
He participated in the actions at Forts Jackson and
St. PhiUp, April 24, 1862; capture of the "Governor
Moore" and three ships of the Montgomery Flotilla,
and the surrender of New Orleans April 25, 1862;
skirmishes on the Mississippi River, July, 1862; Port
Hudson and Whitehall's River, July, 1862; capture
of the "Mary Sorley" and capture of the "Tennessee,"
August 5, 1864; Battle of Mobile Bay, August 5,
1864; Fort Powell, Fort Gaines and Fort Morgan,
August, 1864.
" We have met the enemy and they are ours.'' — Perry
PERRY (3D)
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 24s feet Beam, 2j feet Draft, 6 feet
Displacement, 420 tons
Named for Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry,
U. S. Navy
Launched October 27, 1900, at Union Iron Works,
San Francisco, California.
Sponsor: Miss Maud O'Connor, daughter of Cor-
nelius O'Connor.
Commodore Oliver hazard perry, u.
S. Navy, was the son of Captain Christopher Ray-
mond Perry, U. S. Navy, a distinguished officer of the
Revolutionary War. Born in Rhode Island in 1785.
Appointed Midshipman in 1799. Served in the Tri-
politan War and was promoted to Acting Lieutenant
at seventeen. His most conspicuous service was in the
War of 1 81 2. He led the boats in Commodore Chaun-
cey's attack on Fort George in 1813. Later, com-
[144]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
manded forces on Lake Erie. Defeated the English
Squadron in the battle of Lake Erie. He received a
gold medal for this victory.
Captain Matthew Calbraith Perry, U. S. Navy,
brother of Commodore Perry, was born in 1795.
Appointed Midshipman in 1809. Served in the War
of 181 2. Commanded the Gulf Fleet in the Mexican
War. In 1853, in command of East India Squadron,
went to Japan and effected a treaty which opened
Japanese ports to American commerce.
PETREL
GUNBOAT
Length, i8l feet Beam, j/ feet Draft, ii feet, 6 inches
Displacement, 890 tons
Named for the Petrel
{A sea bird, frequenting the high seas and rarely landing)
Launched October 13, 1888, at the Columbian Iron
Works, Baltimore, Maryland.
Sponsor: Miss Virginia Schley (Mrs. Ralph M.
Stuart Wortley), daughter of Captain Winfield Scott
Schley, U. S. Navy.
U. S. S. "Petrel" was in the squadron of Commodore
Dewey at the Battle of Manila Bay, May i, 1898,
Spanish-American War.
PHILADELPHIA (ist)
FRIGATE
Forty-four guns Tonnage, 1,240
Named for the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Built at Philadelphia in 1799 by subscriptions of
the merchants of that city and cost ^179,349.
[ 145 ]
ships of the united states navy
"The Launch"
"Frigate City of Philadelphia"
" At half past two o'clock yesterday (Thursday, Nov.
28, 1799) afternoon this elegant ship was safely launched
into the Delaware accompanied by the acclamations
of thousands of spectators who lined the shore. As
soon as she was afloat salutes were fired from the
'Augusta' and the 'Richmond,' armed brigs lying at
anchor in the cove.
" The tide serving at an earlier hour than was ex-
pected, owing to a strong wind from the southeast, the
launch took place sooner than was intended, by which
a great number of people who promised themselves the
pleasure of viewing this beautiful operation were dis-
appointed, but who were, however, much gratified by
afterwards seeing one of the finest ships ever built
in this country safely moored." — Philadelphia Gazette.
She was known in the U. S. Navy as the "Phila-
delphia."
Note. — The "Philadelphia" sailed on her third cruise July 28, 1803,
commanded by Captain William Bainbridge, for the Mediterranean. While
chasing a Tripolitan corsair, October 31, 1803, she ran on an uncharted rock
in the harbor of Tripoli, where the wreck still lies. In 1804, U. S. Navy
Volunteers embarked in the ketch " Intrepid " and set her on fire, under
Tripolitan guns.
PHILADELPHIA (2d)
UNARMORED PROTECTED CRUISER
Length, 327 feet Beam, 48 feet Draft, 19 feet
Displacement, 4,410 tons
Named for City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Launched September 17, 1889, at William Cramp &
Sons' Ship and Engine Building Company, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
[146]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
Sponsor: Miss Minnie Wanamaker (Mrs. Bar-
clay Warburton), daughter of Hon. John Wanamaker,
Postmaster-General of the United States.
Among those present were Mrs. Benjamin Harrison,
wife of the President of the United States, the Hon.
John Wanamaker, many prominent officials and an
immiense crowd of spectators.
PLYMOUTH
sloop-of-war
gSg tons Twenty-two guns
Named for Plymouth, Massachusetts
{Where the "Mayflower" landed in 1620)
In Commodore Perry's Squadron in the expedition
-to Japan in 1853.
Launched May 31, 1836, at the Navy Yard, Charles-
town, Massachusetts.
*'The weather was delightful, the sea smooth, and
hosts of ladies and gentlemen were present to witness
the pleasing spectacle. A band of music, stationed
in the shiphouse, enlivened the scene by playing several
national airs. When all was ready, the connecting
planks were cut, the band struck up 'Yankee Doodle,'
and gracefully the * Plymouth' glided along the inclined
plane into her destined element, saluted by the huzzas
and cheers of the spectators. The Yankee jack, as
she skimmed along the water, displayed its stars from
a flag-staff at the fore, the long streaming pennant
waved at the main, and the glorious stripes and stars
swelled out in naval pride from her mizzen. Two
young sailors, one stationed at each side of her head,
anointed her with bottles, and named her as she left
[ 147 1
sosr5>.
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
the cradle for the deep." — From a newspaper clipping
pasted in a Register for 1842, by Commodore Preble.
PORTER
TORPEDO BOAT
Length, //J feet Beam, // feet Draft, 4 feet, 8 inches
Displacement, 16$ tons
Named for Commodore David Porter, U. S. Navy,
AND HIS Son, Admiral David Dixon Porter,
U. S. Navy
Launched September 9, 1896, at Herreshoff Manu-
facturing Company, Bristol, Rhode Island.
Sponsor: Miss Agnes M. Herreshoff, daughter
of Mr. Nathaniel G. Herreshoff, the designer of the
"Porter."
Commodore david porter, u. s. Navy,
was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1780. Appointed
Midshipman in 1798. In 1799 took part in the fight
between the "Constellation" and "LTnsurgente."
In 1803 was captured in the "Philadelphia" at Tripoli.
In 1 81 2, in command of frigate "Essex," had a most
adventurous career, making many captures of British
packets and crippling British commerce. In 1813
cruised in the Pacific and captured many vessels. In
1 8 14, at Valparaiso, surrendered the "Essex" to
superior force of British frigates "Phoebe" and
"Cherub" only when his own ship was too disabled
to offer resistance longer, the contest having been
unequal in every way.
Admiral David Dixon Porter, U. S. Navy, son of
Commodore Porter, was born in 181 3. Appointed
Midshipman in U. S. Navy in 1829. In the Mexican
[148]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
War served with distinction in the " Spitfire." En-
gaged in every action on the coast. In the Civil War
rose from Lieutenant to Admiral in two years. In
1862 Commander Porter commanded the mortar boat
flotilla under Farragut at the passage of Forts Jack-
son and St. Philip. Bombarded forts at Vicksburg.
Commanded the Mississippi Squadron as Acting Rear-
Admiral. In 1863 co-operated with General Sherman
in capture of Arkansas Port, for which he received a
vote of thanks of Congress. Co-operated with General
Grant in the capture of Vicksburg. Received thanks
of Congress and promotion to Rear-Admiral. In
command of North Atlantic Blockading Squadron
bombarded forts at Cape Fear River. Commanded
Naval forces at Fort Fisher and for his brilliant work
received thanks of Congress for the fourth time. In
1866 was made Vice-Admiral. In 1870 was made
Admiral of the Navy.
PREBLE (3D)
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 24J feet Beam, 23 feet Draft, 6 feet, 6 inches
Displacement, 420 tons
Named for Commodore Edward Preble,
U. S. Navy
Launched March 2, 1901, at the Union Iron Works,
San Francisco, California.
Sponsor: Miss Ethel Preble, of San Francisco.
Commodore edward preble, u. s. Navy,
was born in Maine in 1761. In 1779, in the Provincial
Marines of Massachusetts, as Midshipman, he distin-
guished himself in the fight between the "Protector"
[ 149 ]
larr T,
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
and the British privateer "General Duff." He was
later captured and imprisoned in the prison ship
"Jersey." In 1799 was commissioned Lieutenant in
the U. S. Navy. In 1803-1804, in his flagship "Con-
stitution," he performed brilliant service in command
of the fleet at Tripoli which made the six great attacks
and finally effected peace. He received a gold medal
and thanks of Congress.
PRESTON
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 28g feet Beam, 26 feet Draft, 8 feet
Displacement, joo tons
Named for Lieutenant Samuel W. Preston,
U. S. Navy
Launched July 14, 1909, at New York Shipbuilding
Company, Camden, New Jersey.
Sponsor: Miss Katherine Magoun, daughter of
the Vice-President of the New York Shipbuilding
Company.
Lieutenant samuel w. preston, u. s.
Navy, was appointed Naval Cadet in 1858. He was
Dahlgren's Flag Lieutenant in 1862. Was commended
by Admiral Dahlgren for gallant conduct. Was taken
prisoner at the assault on Fort Sumter, September 8,
1863, and confined in Libby Prison for months. When
released, he became Flag Lieutenant to Admiral Porter.
Took part in exploding powder boat "Louisiana"
under Fort Fisher. Was recommended for promo-
tion for daring and bravery. Was killed while assault-
ing Fort Fisher, January 15, 1865. In reporting his
loss, his commanding officer said: "He fell the fore-
most, at the front."
[150]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
PRINCETON (1ST)
SCREW
6y2 tons
Named for Princeton, New Jersey
{Prominent in Revolutionary history and the scene of the Battle of Princeton)
Launched December lo, 1843, at the Navy Yard,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Lieutenant Edward R. Thompson, U. S.
Navy.
"Notwithstanding the pitiless rain a crowd
gathered in the Navy Yard. Within the shiphouse a
goodly company of ladies and gentlemen had gathered.
On board were two or three hundred people many of
whom endangered their necks by venturing leaning
down to get a look at the new engine below.
"A sharp crashing sound was heard and as the vessel
glided out of the shiphouse into the water Lieuten-
ant Thompson gave the vessel her name according to
time-honored custom, and broke a bottle of American
whiskey over the bow.
*'A committee of members of the Franklin Institute
was posted on the platform surrounding the ways
with an instrument for the purpose of ascertaining the
velocity with which the ship went down the ways. As
she moved off the ways the 'Star Spangled Banner'
rang out and cheers loud and long mingled with the
roar of cannon. The Secretary of the Navy, Hon.
David Henshaw, and the City Authorities were on
board.
"Just before the vessel was released Captain Stock-
ton, U. S. Navy, who was in charge, assembled those
[iSi]
'Oa>
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
on board and a prayer was offered by the Rev. Doctor
Suddards:
"'Eternal God, Creator of the Universe, Governor
of Nations. Humbly we prostrate ourselves before
Thee and ask Thy blessing. Most humbly we beseech
Thee with Thy favor to behold and bless Thy servant
the President of the United States and all the officers
of the Government. May the vessel about to be
launched be guarded by Thy gracious Providence and
care. May it not bear the sword in vain, but as the
minister of God be a terror to those who do evil and a
defense to those who do well. Graciously bless its
officers and men. May love of country be engraven
upon their hearts. Remember in mercy both arms
of our National defense, and may virtue, honor and
religion pervade all their ranks. Bless all nations
and individuals on the earth and hasten the time when
the benefits of holy religion shall have so prevailed
that none shall wage war again for the purpose of
aggression and none shall need it as a means of defense.
All of which blessings we ask in the name of Him who
taught us to say: "Our Father who art in Heaven"
... — U.S. Gazette.
This is the single instance found in examined records
of any religious service at the launching of a U. S.
Navy ship.
The "Princeton" was the first screw vessel of war
ever built. The propeller was invented by Ericsson.
The engine was from the works of Merrick & Towne.
In 1884, the Princeton's 12-inch gun burst, and killed the Secretary of State,
the Secretary of the Navy, Captain Kennon and Colonel Gardiner.
[152]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
PRINCETON (2d)
COMPOSITE GUNBOAT
Length, i68 feet Beam, 36 feet Draft, 12 feet
Displacement, 1,010 tons
Named for City of Princeton, New Jersey,
AND U. S. S. " Princeton "
Launched June 3, 1897, at the yard of John H.
Dialogue & Son, Camden, New Jersey.
Sponsor: Miss Margaretta Updike (Mrs. Allan
Corson), daughter of Hon. E. Mulford Updike, Mayor
of Princeton, New Jersey.
The launch was attended by a large delegation of
citizens and officials of Princeton, including a delega-
tion from Princeton University. All wore badges
"Launching of the 'Princeton'" in Princeton colors.
The champagne bottle was decorated with streamers
of Princeton colors.
U. S. S. " Princeton" was in the North Atlantic Fleet,
Spanish-American War.
PURITAN (2d)
double turret monitor
Length, 2Q0 feet Beam, 60 feet Draft, 18 feet
Displacement, 6,060 tons
Named for New England Puritans
Launched December 6, 1882, at the yard of John
Roach & Sons, Chester, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Fales, of Newport, Rhode Island.
U. S. S. "Puritan" took part in operations off San
Juan, Porto Rico, Spanish-American War.
[153]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
QUINNEBAUG
STEAM SLOOP
Tonnage, 8jr
Named for Quinnebaug River
Launched March 31, 1866, at the Navy Yard, Brook-
lyn, New York.
Sponsor: Lieutenant Commander David B. Har-
mony, U S. Navy.
As the vessel entered the water Lieutenant Com-
mander Harmony broke a bottle of water over her
bow and pronounced her name.
RALEIGH (2d)
unarmored protected cruiser
Length 300 feet Beam, 4.2 feet Draft, 18 feet
Displacement, 3,183 tons
Named for the City of Raleigh
{Capital of North Carolina)
Launched March 31, 1892, at the Navy Yard, Nor-
folk, Virginia.
Sponsor: Mrs. Alfred W. Haywood, daughter
of Governor Thomas M. Holt, of North Carolina.
The Secretary of the Navy, Benjamin F. Tracy,
was present. Governor Holt and Staff were escorted by
the Edgecombe Guards of Tarboro, North Carolina,
also by the 4th Regiment Va. Vols.; and the Norfolk
Blues and Grant Battery. A large number of represen-
tatives from North Carolina were present. An im-
mense assemblage witnessed the ceremonies and the
scene had all the brilliancy of a Navy Yard launching
attended by many officials in uniform.
[154]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
U.S.S." Raleigh'* was in the squadron of Commodore
George Dewey, Battle of Manila Bay, May i, 1898.
RARITAN
FRIGATE
Forty-four guns Tonnage, i.,726
Named for Raritan River
Launched June 13, 1843, at the Navy Yard, Phila-
dephia, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Commander Frederick Engle, U. S.
Navy.
After twenty-two years' repose beneath the roof
of the shiphouse the frigate "Raritan" was launched.
At the firing of a gun the sound was heard of mauls
splitting the blocks and the "Raritan" glided out of
the house into the water. As the National Air was
played Captain Engle stood at the bow and, break-
ing over the figurehead a bottle of choice whiskey,
named the ship. Secretary of the Navy Upshur was
present and an enormous crowd of spectators.
REID
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 289 feet Beam, 26 feet Draft, S feet
Displacement, yoo tons
Named for Captain Samuel Chester Reid,
U. S. Navy
Launched August 17, 1909, at Bath Iron Works,
Bath, Maine.
Sponsor: Miss Lina Andrews, Bath, Maine, niece
of the President of the Bath Iron Works.
[iS5l
SSsi^
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Captain samuel Chester reid, u. s.
Navy, was born in 1783. He served as Acting Mid-
shipman under Commodore Truxtun. In War of 1812
commanded the privateer ''General Armstrong." In
September, 18 14, in the harbor of Fayal, was attacked
by the boats of three British men-of-war. Reid
defeated and scattered the enemy and scuttled his
own ship to prevent capture. He received the com-
mendation of Congress for this remarkable battle.
Captain Reid was appointed a Sailing Master in the
Navy and held the position until his death.
RHODE ISLAND (20)
FIRST-CLASS BATTLESHIP
Length, 43 j feet Beam, 76 feet Draft, 23 feet
Displacement, 14,948 tons
Named for the State of Rhode Island
{Which ratified the Constitution in 1790)
Launched May 17, 1904, at Fore River Shipbuilding
Company, Quincy, Massachusetts.
Sponsor: Mrs. F. C. Dumaine, wife of one of the
Directors of the Fore River Shipbuilding Company.
RICHMOND (2d)
STEAM SLOOP
Length, 22s feet Beam, 42 feet Draft, 17 feet
Displacement, 2,700 tons
Named for the City of Richmond
(Capital of Virginia)
Launched January 26, i860, at the Navy Yard,
Norfolk, Virginia.
Sponsor: Miss Robb, at whose side stood Miss
Berryman.
[156]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
The Norfolk "Day Book "gave the following account:
"This morning, the signal being given by Construc-
tor Pook, the gunboat 'Richmond' was let from her
warp and consigned to her native element. From a
fair calculation we are led to believe that twelve thou-
sand persons were present. As the 'Richmond'
glided off she was welcomed by a salute from the
'Pennsylvania.' We are sorry to mention that on
account of the great quantity of crinoline that was
present in the crowd many of the young men were
prevented from seeing the launch, on account of which
a meeting will be called in a few days for the purpose
of petitioning the Legislature to allow each of the fair
sex so much circumference and no more."
U. S. S. "Richmond," in Civil War, took part in
battle of Mobile Bay, attacks on Forts Jackson and
St. Philip and Port Hudson.
RODGERS
TORPEDO BOAT
Length, i6o feet Beam, i6 feet Draft, 5 feet
Displacement, 142 tons
Named for Commodore John Rodgers,
U. S. Navy
Launched November lo, 1896, at the Columbian
Iron Works, Baltimore, Maryland.
Sponsor: Miss Elsie Carroll Agnus, grand-
daughter of Charles Carroll Fulton, of Baltimore.
Commodore john rodgers, u. s. Navy,
was born in 1771. Entered the Navy as Lieutenant
in 1798. Was executive officer of the "Constellation"
[IS7]
aosrg;^^
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
when she captured the French frigate "L'Insurgente'*
in 1799, for which he and the other officers received a
silver medal and thanks of Congress. In the War with
TripoH, distinguished himself in command of the
*'John Adams" and the "Congress." In 1805 became
commander of the squadron against Tripoli. In War
of 1 81 2 performed conspicuous service in command of
a squadron. In 1823 he served as Acting Secretary
of the Navy.
Captain George W. Rodgers, U. S. Navy (brother
of Commodore John). Midshipman in 1804. Was on
board the "Wasp" when she captured the "Frolic,"
October 16, 181 2. Received the thanks of Congress.
Rear-Admiral John Rodgers, U. S. Navy (son of
Commodore John). Born in Maryland in 181 2.
Appointed Midshipman in 1828. In May, 1862, in
the "Galena," was in command of the expedition of
gunboats before Drury's Bluff, when two-thirds of the
crew of the "Galena" were killed and wounded. In
the "Weehawken," captured Confederate ironclad
"Atlanta," June, 1863.
Rear-Admiral Christopher R. P. Rodgers, U. S.
Navy (son of Captain George W.). Appointed Mid-
shipman in 1833. Served in Mexican War. Dis-
tinguished as Fleet Captain under Admiral Dupont in
the battle of Port Royal, 1861, and in capture of Fort
Pulaski, 1862. Also as Fleet Captain at Charleston in
the "New Ironsides," 1863. Admiral Dupont said:
"No language could overstate his services to his
country and to myself."
Commander George W. Rodgers, U. S. Navy (son
of Captain George W.). Midshipman 1839. Was
killed while in command of the "Catskill" at Fort
Sumter, August 17, 1863.
[158]
e^ST^
/ 1
AND THEIR SPONSORS
ROE
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 289 feet Beam, 26 feet Draft, 8 feet
Displacement, 742 tons
Named for Rear-Admiral Francis A. Roe,
U. S. Navy
Launched July 24, 1909, at Newport News Ship-
building and Dry Dock Company, Newport News,
Virginia.
Sponsor: Mrs. Reynold Thomas Hall (Anne
Martin), wife of Captain Reynold T. Hall, U. S. Navy,
Inspector of Machinery for the U. S. Navy at Newport
News Shipbuilding Company at the time.
Rear-admiral francis a. roe, u. s. Navy,
was born in Elmira, New York, October 4, 1823. He
graduated from the Naval Academy in 1848. In the
"Porpoise," in 1854, engaged thirteen heavily armored
Chinese junks, destroyed six and scattered the fleet.
In the "Pensacola," 1862, he led the starboard column
of Farragut's fleet at the passage of Forts Fisher and
St. Philip and was commended for gallantry. In
the ''Sassacus," May 5, 1864, in Albermarle Sound,
engaged the Confederate ram "Albermarle" and
gunboat "Bombshell."
He was commended by the Navy Department for
gallant and meritorious conduct. He received thanks
of the Cabinet for a special mission to Mexico in 1867.
He took Santa Anna prisoner from an American ship
and sent him out of Mexico. He received the sur-
render of Vera Cruz and established a provisional
government.
[1591
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
ROWAN
TORPEDOBOAT
Length, 170 feet Beam, ly feet Draft, 5 feet, 11 inches
Displacement, 210 tons
Named for Vice-Admiral Stephen C. Rowan,
U. S. Navy
Launched April 8, 1898, at the yard of Moran
Brothers, Seattle, Washington.
Sponsor: Mrs. Edward Moale, Jr. (Mrs. Russell
C. Langdon), wife of Lieutenant Edward Moale, U. S.
Navy, and daughter of Ex-Governor Semple of
Washington.
Vice-admiral Stephen c. rowan, u. s.
Navy, was born in Ireland in 1805. Was appointed
Midshipman in the U. S. Navy in 1826. Took active
part in the War with Mexico and in the acquisition of
California. In 1861, in command of the ** Pawnee,"
took part in the capture of forts at Hatteras Inlet.
In 1862 performed conspicuous services in command
of a flotilla in Sounds of North Carolina, and in the
attack of Army and Navy on Roanoke Island.
For his brilliant achievements he was promoted to
the rank of Commodore. Commanded Naval forces
at the fall of Newbern and participated at Forts
Wagner, Gregg and Moultrie. Commanded "New
Ironsides" off Charleston. In 1870 was made Vice-
Admiral of the Navy in recognition of distinguished
service.
[160]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
SACRAMENTO
SLOOP
Displacement, 1,367 tons Guns, Q
Named for Sacramento River
Launched April 28, 1862, at the Navy Yard, Ports-
mouth, New Hampshire.
Sponsor: Mrs. Tilton, of Boston, christened the
"Sacramento" "gallantly" by breaking a bottle on
her bow. The company of ladies and gentlemen on
board sang the "Star Spangled Banner" as she glided
into the water.
U. S. S. "Sacramento" captured schooner "Wan-
derer" off Cape Fear River, 1863. Special service
in search of privateers.
SAGINAW
side wheel steamer
Four guns Tonnage, 4^3
Named for Saginaw River
Launched March 3, 1859, at the Navy Yard, Mare
Island, California.
Sponsor: Miss Cunningham, daughter of Captain
Robert B. Cunningham, U. S. Navy.
"As the beautiful fabric kissed the waters. Miss
Cunningham performed the ceremony of Naval Bap-
tism by breaking a bottle of wine, the generous fluid
being of California vintage." — San Francisco Herald.
First ship built at Mare Island.
[i6i]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
SALEM
UNARMORED SCOUT CRUISER
Length, 420 feet Beam, 47 feet Drafty 16 feet, g inches
Displacement, 3,750 tons
Named for the City of Salem, Massachusetts
Launched July 27, 1907, at Fore River Shipbuild-
ing Company, Quincy, Massachusetts.
Sponsor: Miss Lorna Pinnock, daughter of Mayor
Thomas G. Pinnock, of Salem, Massachusetts.
Among those present were Admiral Francis T.
Bowles, Mayor Thomas G. Pinnock, Hon. Alden R.
White, Congressman Joseph F. O'Connell, Congress-
man Charles Q. Tirrell, and City Marshal William
E. Hill.
SAN FRANCISCO
UNARMORED PROTECTED CRUISER
Length, 310 feet Beam, 49 feet Draft, 18 feet
Displacement, 4,083 tons
Named for City of San Francisco, California
Launched October 26, 1889, at the Union Iron
Works, San Francisco, California.
Sponsor: Miss Edith Wallace Benham, young
daughter of Commodore A. E. K. Benham, U. S.
Navy, commanding Mare Island Navy Yard. Assisted
by Miss Mary Scott, daughter of Vice-President
Irving Scott of the Union Iron Works.
U. S. S. "San Francisco" was under fire August
12, 1898, off Havana, Spanish-American War.
[162]
©OSTo;
AND THEIR SPONSORS
SANGAMON
SINGLE TURRET MONITOR
Guns, 4 Tonnage, 849
Named for Indian Word "Chief''
Launched October 27, 1862, at the yard of Raney
& Son, Chester, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Fannie Thomas (Mrs. Frederick
T. Bassett), daughter of Mr. WilHam Knapp Thomas,
who superintended the construction of the vessel for
John Ericsson, the designer. Miss Thomas was in-
vited by John Ericsson and Mr. Raney.
U. S. S. "Sangamon" took part in bombardment of
Fort Sumter, 1864, and in the occupation of Charleston
and Fort Sumter in 1865.
SAN JACINTO
STEAM SLOOP
Six guns Tonnage, 1,446
Named for San Jacinto, Texas
{Because of the great victory of the Texans over Santa Anna, April, 1826)
Launched April i6, 1850, at the Navy Yard, Brook-
lyn, New York.
Sponsor: Commander Charles H. Bell, U. S.
Navy, second in command of the Navy Yard.
"An immense crowd gathered to see the spectacle.
A large number, including many respectable ladies,
were on board by invitation. The deck of the 'North
Carolina,' ship-of-the-line, was filled with fashionable
females. The signal being given and the bolt with-
[ 163 ]
60sfs^
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
drawn, Commander Bell broke a bottle of best brandy-
over her bowsprit, her colors flew up and she slid
down the ways. The 'North Carolina' fired a salute
of seventeen guns and the band played national airs
that touched a chord of pulsation in every true
American/' — New York Herald.
U. S. S. "San Jacinto" in 1861 took Mason and
Slidell from British steamer "Trent." Captured a
number of vessels.
SAN MARCOS (Formerly TEXAS, ist)
FIRST-CLASS BATTLESHIP
Length, 301 feet Beam, 64 feet Draft, 22 feet
Displacement, 6,315 tons
Named for the State of Texas
{Re-named for town of San Marcos, Texas)
Launched June 28, 1892, at the Navy Yard, Norfolk,
Virginia.
Sponsor: Miss Madge Houston Williams (Mrs.
Roy W. Hearne), daughter of Mr. W. H. Williams, and
granddaughter of the famous Colonel Sam Houston,
named the ship "Texas."
The launching took place during a heavy rainstorm,
and fifteen thousand people stood deep in mud to
witness the ceremony.
U. S. S. "Texas ist" was in bombardments of San-
tiago June and July, 1898, Guantanamo June 12 and
15, 1898, Spanish-American War.
[164]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
SARATOGA (4™) (Formerly NEW YORK, 4th)
ARMORED CRUISER
Length, 380 feet Beam, 64 feet Draft, 25 feet
Displacement, 8,150 tons
Re-named for City of Saratoga, New York
( The scene of the Battle of Saratoga in 1777)
Launched December 2, 1891, at William Cramp
& Sons' Ship and Engine Building Company, Phila-
delphia, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Helen Page (Mrs. Arthur Wheeler
Francis), daughter of Mr. J. Seaver Page, Secretary
of Union League Club, named the cruiser "New York"
for the State of New York.
Mrs. Harrison, wife of the President of the United
States; Secretary of Navy Tracy and Secretary of
Agriculture Noble were present.
U. S. S. "New York" was Flagship of Admiral
W. T. Sampson, Spanish-American War. Under fire off
Matanzas, April 27, 1898; at San Juan, May 12, 1898;
at Santiago, June 6 and 16 and July 2, 1898.
SASSACUS
side wheel double-ender
Eight guns 974. tons
Named for Indian Word "Tribe"
Launched December 23, 1862, at the Navy Yard,
Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Sponsor: Miss Wilhelmina G. Lambert (Mrs.
Clement D. Hebb), daughter of Mr. William Lambert.
[165]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Miss Lizzie Benham and her father, General Henry
W. Benham, attended Miss Lambert at the launching.
Naval Constructor Hanscom said he wanted the pret-
tiest girl in New Hampshire to name the vessel, and
Miss Lambert was selected.
U. S. S. *'Sassacus" in 1863, in company with the
"Mattabassett," captured the Confederate "Bomb-
shell" and disabled the "Albermarle." Took part in
attacks on Fort Fisher.
SEMINOLE
STEAM SLOOP
Tonnage, Sot
Named for Seminole River
Launched June 25, 1859, at the Navy Yard, Pensa-
cola, Florida.
Sponsor: Miss Mary Willis Dallas (Mrs. Wil-
liam Chase Strong), daughter of Commodore Dallas.
United states ship " Seminole," lashed to the
" Lackawanna," stood in line of battle at the passage of
Fort Morgan.
SEVERN (Formerly CHESAPEAKE 2d)
SHEATHED TRAINING SHIP
Length, 175 feet Beam, 37 feet Draft, 16 feet
Displacement, 1,175 ^0^^
Named for the Frigate " Chesapeake " and
Chesapeake Bay
(Re-named for the River Severn)
Launched June 20, 1899, at Bath Iron Works, Bath,
Maine.
[166]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
Sponsor: Miss Elise Bradford (Mrs. Edward
Darlington Johnson), daughter of Admiral R. B.
Bradford, U. S. Navy, Chief of Bureau of Equipment
at the time, named the ship "Chesapeake.'*
SHAMROCK
side wheel double-ender
Eight guns Tonnage, gj4.
Named for the Shamrock
(/n acknowledgment of services rendered the Nation by Irish sailors and soldiers, and
launched on their Patron Saint's day — St. Patrick's Day)
Launched March 17, 1863, at the Navy Yard, Brook-
lyn, New York.
Sponsor: Miss Sallie Bryant, daughter of Mr.
William Cullen Bryant, broke over the bows a bottle
of pure Irish whiskey, bestowing upon the vessel the
name "Shamrock." A beautiful shamrock wreath was
presented to the Sponsor as a souvenir.
United states ship "Shamrock" in 1864 took
part in the capture of Plymouth, North Carolina.
Raised the ram "Albemarle" sunk by Lieutenant
Cushing in Roanoke River.
SHAWMUT
GUNBOAT
Eight guns Tonnage, gy^f.
^ Named for Indian Village of Shawmut,
Massachusetts
Launched June 15, 1863, at the Navy Yard, Ports-
mouth, New Hampshire.
[167]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Sponsor: Miss Lucy Hale (Mrs. William E.
Chandler), of Dover, New Hampshire, assisted by
Mrs. U. L. Hanscom.
"Among those from abroad were Senators Hale
and Clark of New Hampshire, while Portsmouth con-
tributed lavishly of its wealth of female beauty."
United states ship "Shawmut" took part in
capture of Fort Anderson, February, 1865.
SHENANDOAH
SLOOP-OF-WAR
Eleven guns Tonnage, 1,395
Named for Shenandoah River
Launched December 8, 1862, at the Navy Yard,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Selina Pascoe.
United states ship "Shenandoah" took part
in attacks on Fort Fisher, December, 1864.
SHUBRICK
TORPEDO BOAT
Lengthy 175 feet Beam, 17 feet Draft, 5 feet
Displacement, 200 tons
Named for Rear-Admiral William Branford
Shubrick, U. S. Navy
Launched October 31, 1899, at the yard of William
H. Trigg & Company, Richmond, Virginia.
Sponsor: Miss Caroline Shubrick, Mont Vale,
North Carolina, daughter of Dr. John Shubrick, a
descendant of Rear-Admiral Shubrick.
[168]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
The President of the United States WilHam
McKinley, Secretary of the Navy Long, and Governor
Tyler of Virginia were present.
Rear-admiral william branford shu-
BRICK, U. S. Navy, was born in 1790. Was appointed
Midshipman in 1806. He was a Lieutenant on the
"Constitution" when she captured the "Cyane" and
"Levant" in 1815. Active in the War with Mexico
and captured the town of Mazatlan and other Mexi-
can ports. In 1859, by prompt and decisive measures,
made Paraguay apologize for firing on the U. S. S.
"Waterwitch," for which service he was commended
by the President of the United States.
SMITH
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Lengthy sSg feet Beamy 26 feet Draft, 8 feet
Displacement, joo tons
Named for Lieutenant Joseph Bryant Smith,
U. S. Navy
Launched April 20, 1909, at William Cramp & Sons'
Ship and Engine Building Company, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Mrs. Edward Bridge Richardson,
daughter of Rear-Admiral John E. Pillsbury, a rela-
tive of Lieutenant Smith.
Lieutenant Joseph bryant smith was
born in Maine in 1826. Entered the Navy in 1841.
Commanded the "Congress" in the absence of the
Captain when she was sunk by the Confederate ram
"Merrimac" at Hampton Roads, March 8, 1862.
[169]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
He was killed in the engagement. Lieutenant Smith's
father was, at that time, Chief of Bureau of Yards and
Docks at the Navy Department. While at church
the morning after the battle, he was called out by the
Secretary of the Navy, Gideon Welles, and told that
the "Cumberland" had been sunk and that the "Con-
gress" had surrendered to the enemy. The father's
reply was "If that be so then Joe is dead — he would
never have struck his flag."
SONOMA
PADDLE WHEEL STEAMER
Tonnage, 955
Named for Sonoma Creek, California
Launched April 15, 1862, at the Navy Yard, Ports-
mouth, New Hampshire.
Sponsor: Miss Mary N. Bleecker, a relative of
Paymaster Bleecker, U. S. Navy, was invited by
Admiral Stringham to name the ship.
United states ship "Sonoma" took part in
the capture of the "Virginia" in 1863, and in attack
on Forts Beaulieu and Roseden.
SOUTH CAROLINA (4TH)
FIRST-CLASS BATTLESHIP
Length, 4J0 feet Beam, 80 feet Draft, 24 feet
Displacement, 16,000 tons
Named for the State of South Carolina
{Which ratified the Constitution in 1788)
Launched July ii, 1908, at William Cramp & Sons*
Ship and Engine Building Company, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
[170]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
Sponsor: Miss Frederica Ansel, daughter of the
Hon. Martin F. Ansel, Governor of South Carohna.
SOUTH DAKOTA
ARMORED CRUISER
Length, 502 feet Beam, 69 feet Draft, 24 feet
Displacement, 13,680 tons
Named for the State of South Dakota
{Which was admitted to the Union in 1889)
Launched July 21, 1904, at Union Iron Works,
San Francisco, California.
Sponsor: Miss Grace Herreid (Mrs. Dean Light-
ner), daughter of Governor Charles M. Herreid, of
South Dakota.
STERETT
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 289 feet Beam, 27 feet Draft, 8 feet, 4 inches
Displacement, 742 tons
Named for Lieutenant Andrew Sterett,
U. S. Navy
Launched May 12, 1910, at Fore River Shipbuilding
Company, Quincy, Massachusetts.
Sponsor: Miss Dorothy Rosalie Gittings, of
Baltimore, Maryland, the daughter of John Sterett
Gittings, and great-great-niece of Lieutenant Andrew
Sterett.
Lieutenant Andrew sterett, u. s. Navy,
was appointed a Lieutenant in 1798. He commanded
the "Enterprise" and captured a Tripolitan cruiser in
1 801, after four hours' fight, for which he received the
thanks of Congress.
[171]
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SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
STEWART
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 245 feet Beamy 25 feet Draft, 6 feet, 6 inches
Displacement, 420 tons
Named for Rear-Admiral Charles Stewart,
U. S. Navy
Launched May lo, 1902, at Gas Engine and Povi^er
Company, Morris Heights, New York.
Sponsor: Mrs. Paul Lee Cocke (Frances Rodney
Stewart, granddaughter of Rear-Admiral Charles
Stewart).
Rear-admiral charles stewart, u. s.
Navy, was born in Philadelphia in 1778. Appointed
Lieutenant in the Navy, 1798. In 1800, in command
of schooner "Experiment," captured French schooners
"Deux Amis," the "Diane," and the privateer "Laura
Bridger." In 1804 engaged in the attacks on Tripoli
and in the destruction of the "Philadelphia." In
181 2, in command of the "Constellation," assisted
in the defense of Norfolk. In 181 5, in the "Con-
stitution," after a gallant fight made the double cap-
ture of the "Cyane" and "Levant." He received a
gold medal and thanks of Congress.
ST. LOUIS (2d)
unarmored protected cruiser
Length, 424 feet Beam, 66 feet Draft, 22 feet
Displacement, 9,700 tons
Named for the City of St. Louis, Missouri
Launched May 6, 1905, at Neafie & Levy Ship and
Engine Building Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
[172]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
Sponsor: Miss Gladys Bryant Smith (Mrs.
William C. Bitting, Jr.), daughter of Mr. James
Elwood Smith, St. Louis, Missouri. Maids of Honor
were Miss Rebecca Van Lennep and Miss Wright.
STOCKTON
torpedo boat
Length, 17s U^^ Beam, 17 feet Draft, 5 feet
Displacement, 200 tons
Named for Commodore Robert F. Stockton,
U. S. Navy
Launched December 27, 1899, at the William Trigg
Company, Richmond, Virginia.
Sponsor: Miss Katherine Stockton, Princeton,
New Jersey, daughter of Mr. Bayard Stockton and
great-granddaughter of Commodore Robert F.Stockton.
Commodore Robert f. stockton, u. s.
Navy, was born in New Jersey in 1796. Was
appointed Midshipman in 1811. Served with dis-
tinction in the War of 18 12 and was commended for
gallantry. In 1821 he secured the purchase of Liberia.
Captured many slave ships and a Portuguese privateer.
His exploit in following the African **King Peter''
into the wilderness was daring enough to read like
fiction. Commodore Stockton was one of the first
to advocate a steam Navy, and the "Princeton,"
advocated by him, furnished the model of other screw
vessels. In 1846 he took important part in the con-
quest of California and establishing the authority of
the United States.
[173]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
STRINGHAM
TORPEDO BOAT
Length, 225 feet Beam, 22 feet Draft, 6 feet, 6 inches
Displacement, 340 tons
Named for Rear-Admiral Silas Horton
Stringham, U. S. Navy
Launched June lo, 1899, at the yard of Harlan
& HoUingsworth, Wilmington, Delaware.
Sponsor: Miss Edwina Stringham Creighton,
daughter of Rear-Admiral J. Berkeley Creighton, and
great-granddaughter of Rear-Admiral Silas Horton
Stringham.
Major-General of the Army Nelson A. Miles and
Assistant Secretary of the Navy Charles H. Allen
were present.
Rear-admiral silas horton string-
ham, U. S. Navy, was born in Middletown, New
York, in 1798. Was appointed Midshipman in 1810.
In 181 2 he was on the "President" in the fights with
the "Belvedere" and the "Little Belt." In 1815 he
took part in the capture of Algerine cruisers. In the
Mexican War distinguished himself in command of
the "Ohio." In 1861, in command of the North
Atlantic Blockading Squadron, co-operated with
General Butler in the successful attack on the forts at
Hatteras Inlet.
[■74]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
SWATARA
SCREW SLOOP
Ten guns Tonnage, 8^1
Named for Swatara Creek in Pennsylvania
Launched May 23, 1865, at the Navy Yard, Phil-
adelphia, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Esther Johnson, of Baltimore,
whose father was a Naval Officer.
TACOMA
unarmored protected cruiser
Length, 2g2 feet Beam, 44 feet Draft, 15 feet
Displacement, 3,200 tons
Named for the City of Tacoma, Washington
Launched June 2, 1903, at Union Iron Works, San
Francisco, California.
Sponsor: Miss Julia M. Harris, of Tacoma,
granddaughter of General Matthew Morton McCarver,
who founded Tacoma, and daughter of a prominent
lawyer of the city. Miss Louise Stone pressed the
button that released the ship.
TACONY
side wheel
Ten guns Tonnage, gj4
Named for Tacony Creek, Pennsylvania
Launched May 7, 1863, at the Navy Yard, Phil-
adelphia, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Ellie M. Wells (Mrs. William H.
Reeder), daughter of Lieutenant Commander Clark
H. Wells, U. S. Navy, Captain of the Yard
[175]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Between seven and eight hundred people were on
board. As the bow touched the water Miss Wells
broke a bottle of water taken from Tacony Creek and
named the ship.
TALLAHASSEE (Formerly FLORIDA, 3D)
SINGLE T U R R E T - M O N I T O R
Length, 252 jeet Beam, $0 feet Draft, 12 feet
Displacement, 3,225 tons
Re-named for City of Tallahassee
{Capital of Florida)
Launched November 30, 1901, at the yard of Lewis
Nixon, Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Sponsor: Miss Sally Wood (Mrs. Lewis Nixon),
daughter of General Wood, of Florida, a noted Indian
fighter, named the ship "Florida."
TALLAPOOSA
double-ender
Tonnage, 650
Named for Tallapoosa River
Launched February 17, 1863, at the Navy Yard,
Boston, Massachusetts.
Sponsor: Miss Mary Montgomery, daughter of
Commodore J. B. Montgomery, U. S. Navy, named
the vessel, saying: "In the name of the Government
of the United States, I name this vessel 'Tallapoosa.'
May her career be triumphant."
[176]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
TENNESSEE (30)
ARMORED CRUISER
Length, 502 feet Beam, 72 feet Draft, 25 feet
Displacement, 14,500 tons
Named for the State of Tennessee
{JVhich was admitted to the Union in 1796)
Launched December 3, 1904, at William Cramp &
Sons' Ship and Engine Building Company, Philadel-
phia, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Annie Keith Frazier (Mrs.
Robert Nugent Somerville), daughter of Governor
James B. Frazier, of Tennessee. Maids of Honor
were Miss Mary Guy Trigg, Miss Elizabeth
Thomas, Miss Estelle Shook, Miss Augusta McKeldin
and Miss Estelle Bailey.
Governor and Mrs. Frazier and the Governor's
entire military staff were present. The Governor's
party alone comprised over fifty persons — many
Army and Navy officers and prominent people.
To the tune of countless shrieking whistles, the
plaudits of a distinguished company, to the cheering
of the multitude, the waving of a sea of snow-white
handkerchiefs, was the cruiser ''Tennessee" launched.
There was no sign of stage fright as Miss Frazier stood
awaiting the signal. As the cruiser started down the
ways the young Sponsor swung the bottle of champagne
against the giant bow and in clear tones named her
"Tennessee." Decked from stem to stern with a
long line of flags of all nations flying from cords
fastened to her fighting tops, the cruiser took the
water without a hitch. A more inspiring scene could
hardly be imagined, and in point of setting and bril-
liancy the launching was never surpassed.
[177I
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
TERROR
DOUBLE TURRET MONITOR
Lengthy 258 feet Beam, 55 jeet Draft, 14 feet
Displacement, 3,900 tons
Launched March 24, 1883, at William Cramp &
Sons' Ship and Engine Building Company, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Martha Highborn (Mrs. Paul
Pearsall), daughter of Chief Constructor Philip Hich-
born, U. S. Navy.
U. S. S. "Terror" was engaged May 12, 1898, at
San Juan, Porto Rico.
TERRY
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 289 feet Beam, 26 feet Draft, 8 feet
Displacement, ^42 tons
Named for Commander Edward Terry,
U. S. Navy
Launched August 21, 1909, at Newport News
Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, Newport News,
Virginia.
Sponsor: Mrs. George Henry Rock, wife of Naval
Constructor G. H. Rock, U. S. Navy, on duty at
Newport News at the time.
Commander edward terry, u. s. Navy,
was born in Connecticut. Was appointed Acting Mid-
shipman in 1853. Was attached to the "Richmond"
in her engagement with the Confederate ram "Ma-
nassas" and steamers in the Mississippi River, and at
[178]
il-
AND THEIR SPONSORS
Fort McRea, 1861. At bombardments and passage
of Forts Jackson and St. Philip in 1862, and at cap-
ture of New Orleans. Was in the engagements at
Vicksburg, Port Hudson, 1863, and the battle of
Mobile Bay, 1864.
TEXAS (2d)
FIRST-CLASS BATTLESHIP
Length, $6$ feet Beam, pj feet Draft, 28 feet
Displacement, 28,367 tons
Named for the State of Texas
{Which was admitted to the Union in 184s)
Launched May i8, 191 2, at Newport News Ship-
building and Dry Dock Company, Newport News,
Virginia.
Sponsor: Miss Claudia Lyon, the young daughter
of Colonel Cecil Lyon, Republican National Com-
mitteeman from Texas. Miss Mary Colquitt, daugh-
ter of Governor O. B. Colquitt of Texas, Miss Mae
Furey, Miss Ura Link and Miss Garland Bonner were
Maids of Honor.
General Manager Homer G. Ferguson of the Ship-
building Company initiated little Miss Lyon in the art
of breaking the bottle.
Among those present were Miss Helen Taft, daugh-
ter of President Taft, Secretary of the Navy George
von L. Meyer, Secretary of the Treasury Franklin
MacVeagh, Colonel B. T. Bonner, representing Gover-
nor Colquitt. Richmond Pearson Hobson, Naval
hero and Congressman, responded to one of the toasts.
Fifteen thousand people witnessed the launching.
One of the interesting features of the launching was the
taking of motion pictures of a launching for the first
[179]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
time, and the releasing of the ship by two massive
steel triggers instead of the sawing away of blocks.
THORNTON
TORPEDO BO AT
Length, 175 feet Beam, 17 feet Draft, 5 feet
Displacement, 200 tons
Named for Captain James S. Thornton,
U. S. Navy
Launched May 15 1900, at the William Trigg
Company, Richmond, Virginia.
Sponsor: Miss Mary Thornton Davis, daughter
of Mr. Charles Thornton Davis, Readville, Massa-
chusetts, and grandniece of Captain James S. Thornton.
Captain james s. thornton, u. s. Navy,
was born in New Hampshire in 1826. Was appointed
Midshipman in 1841. He was executive officer of
Farragut's flagship, the "Hartford," before New
Orleans in 1862. Commanded *' Winona" at Mobile
Bay where she sounded the approaches under a galling
fire. Executive officer of the "Kearsarge" in her
memorable fight with the *' Alabama." He was
advanced several numbers for gallantry in battle.
TICONDEROGA
sloop-of-war
Tonnage, 1,533 Guns, il
Named for Ticonderoga, New York
{The scene of the Battle of Ticonderoga in 1775)
Launched October i6, 1862, at the Navy Yard,
Brooklyn, New York.
[180]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
Sponsor: Miss Katherine Heaton Offley (Mrs.
Joseph D. Wilson), of Georgetown. In the midst of
a shower of rain the ship was launched from the ship-
house. As she breasted the sea Miss Offley broke a
bottle of water on her bows and announced her name.
United states ship "Ticonderoga" took part in
the first and second attacks on Fort Fisher, 1864-65.
"7 will die at my post before a man shall be taken from the ship."
— TiNGEY
TINGEY
torpedo boat
Length, lys f^^t Beam, 17 feet Draft, 4 feet, 8 inches
Displacement, 163 tons
Named for Captain Thomas Tingey, U. S. Navy
Launched March 25, 1901, at the Columbian Iron
Works, Baltimore, Maryland.
Sponsor: Miss Anna T. Craven (Mrs. Owen H.
Oakley), daughter of Henry S. Craven and great-great-
granddaughter of Commodore Thomas Tingey.
Captain THOMAS tingey, U. S. Navy, was
born in England in 1750. After serving with distinc-
tion in the British Navy, he resigned and came to
America. In the Revolutionary War served in the
Continental Navy. In 1798, when the Navy was
reorganized, he was appointed by the President a
Captain in the Navy. In command of the "Ganges"
and two other vessels, he captured sixteen French
privateers in the West Indies. In 1799, when a British
command of greater force tried to impress some of
his men, Tingey said: "I will die at my post before a
man shall be taken from my ship" and beat his crew to
[181]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
quarters. The Britisher left. Peace declared, Cap-
tain Tingey, with other officers, received discharge.
In 1799 when Congress authorized the building of six
ships, one to be built at Washington, Captain Tingey
was summoned to direct the laying out of a Navy
Yard, and was made superintendent. In 1804 by
Act of Congress he was re-appointed a Captain in the
Navy and given command of the Washington Navy
Yard, where, until his death in 1829, he devoted him-
self to Navy Yard development and Navy Yard
organization.
TIOGA
PADDLE WHEEL DOUBLE-ENDER
Tonnage, 819 Eight guns
Named for Tioga River
Launched April i8, 1862, at the Navy Yard, Charles-
town, Massachusetts.
Sponsor: Mrs. H. P. Grace.
Governor Andrews and wife and other officials were
launched on board.
U. S. S. "Tioga" in 1862 took part in operations of
James River flotilla. In 1863 in coast blockade.
TONOPAH (Formerly NEVADA)
SINGLE TURRET MONITOR
Lengthy 252 jeet Beam, 50 jeet Draft, 12 feet
Displacement, 3,225 tons
Named for the State of Nevada
(Which was admitted to the Union in 1864.. Re-named for Tonopah, Nevada)
Launched November 24, 1900, at Bath Iron Works,
Bath, Maine.
[182]
Photo by Newport News ShipbuildinstJdt
LAUNCH OF BATTLESHIP "TEXAS" 2D ("^•.
AND THEIR SPONSORS
Sponsor: Miss Grace Boutelle (Mrs. Eugene T.
Savage), daughter of Representative Charles A. Bou-
telle, of Maine, named the ship "Nevada.'
»
TRENTON
sloop-of-war
Eleven guns Tonnage 2,300
Named for the City of Trenton
{Capital of New Jersey)
Launched January i, 1876, at the Navy Yard,
Brooklyn, New York.
Sponsor: Miss Katherine M. Parker (Mrs.
William Bedloe Beekman), daughter of Hon. Cortlandt
Parker, a most distinguished lawyer of New Jersey.
Miss Parker's grandfather was a member of Congress
and a prominent citizen of New Jersey.
The "Trenton" was wrecked during a hurricane at
Samoa in 1889.
TRIPPE (2d)
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 2Sg feet Beam, 26 feet Draft, 8 feet
Displacement, 742 tons
Named for Lieutenant John Trippe, U. S. Navy
Launched December 20, 1910, at the Bath Iron
Works, Bath, Maine.
Sponsor: Mrs. John S. Hyde, wife of the President
of the Bath Iron Works.
Lieutenant john trippe, u. s. Navy, was
appointed a Midshipman in 1798. He received thanks
[183]
ecGTo^
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
of Congress and a sword for distinguished services
performed with Preble's Squadron in engagements
before TripoU in 1804.
TRUXTUN (2d)
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 24.8 feet Beam, 22 feet Draft, 6 feet, 6 inches
Displacement, 433 tons
Named for Commodore Thomas Truxtun,
U. S. Navy
Launched October 15, 1901, at the Maryland Steel
Company, Sparrows Point, Maryland.
Sponsor: Miss Isabella Truxtun (Mrs. Frank H.
Brumby), daugher of Commodore William Truxtun,
U. S. Navy, and great-granddaughter of Commodore
Thomas Truxtun. Mrs. H. B. Hare, of Philadelphia,
pressed the button that released the ship.
Commodore thomas truxtun, u. s. Navy,
was born on Long Island, New York. He captured
many valuable prizes during the Revolution. In
command of the "Constellation," of thirty-six guns,
captured the French frigate "L'Insurgente," of fifty
guns, in 1799, and on February 2, 1800, fought to a
surrender the frigate "La Vengeance," also of fifty
guns, but "La Vengeance" got away in the dark
during a heavy squall, the main mast of the "Con-
stellation" having fallen overboard. For this action
Congress awarded him a gold medal.
[184]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
TUSCARORA
SCREW SLOOP
Tonnage, 997 Guns, 10
Named for the Tuscarora River
{Indian tribe name)
Launched August 24, 1861, at the Navy Yard,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Margaret Lardner (Mrs. Edwin
R. Reakirt), daughter of Captain James L. Lardner,
U. S. Navy, Captain of the Navy Yard at the time.
There were at least five hundred people on the decks
of the ''Tuscarora," among whom was Miss Lardner,
upon whom had been conferred the honor of naming
the vessel.
U. S. S. "Tuscarora" took part in the attack on
Fort Fisher, December, 1864. Took part in the
capture of Fort Fisher, January, 1865.
UTAH
FIRST-CLASS BATTLESHIP
Length, 510 feet Beam, 88 feet Draft, 28 feet
Displacement, 21,82$ tons
Named for the State of Utah
(Which was admitted to the Union in 1896)
Launched December 23, 1909, at New York Ship-
building Company, Camden, New Jersey.
Sponsor: Miss Mary Alice Spry, daughter of
Governor William Spry, of Utah. Maids of Honor
were Miss Chloe Smoot and Miss Barbara Howell.
Among those on the stand were Governor and Mrs.
Spry, James Spry, Senator Reed Smoot and daugh-
[185]
*-' i- L
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
ters, Miss Dell Fay Norris, Judge and Mrs. Samuel
Stewart, Mr. and Mrs. John C. Sharp, Senator and
Mrs. Henry Gardner, Senator George Sutherland.
VERMONT (1ST)
SHIP-OF-THE-LINE
2(5jj tons Sixteen guns
Named for the State of Vermont
{fVhich was admitted to the Union in 1791)
Launched September 14, 1848, at the Navy Yard,
Charlestown, Massachusetts.
At 11.30 A. M., Commodore Parker gave the order
to Mr. Pook, the Naval Constructor, to let her go,
and at the word the last connecting link was cut.
Without waiting to have the foremost chucks dis-
placed she crushed them like sand and glided majesti-
cally along the ways into her destined element, saluted
by the roar of artillery, the martial music of the band
of the ' Franklin ' and the cheers of the mighty multi-
tude. A beautiful young lady performed the usual
ceremony of naming her. There were about six
hundred persons on board including several ladies." —
Boston Post.
VERMONT (2d)
FIRST-CLASS BATTLESHIP
Length, 4.50 f^^i Beam, 76 feet Draft, 24 feet
Displacement, 16,000 tons
Named for the State of Vermont
{Which was admitted to the Union in 1791)
Launched August 31, 1905, at Fore River Shipbuild-
ing Company, Quincy, Massachusetts.
[186]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
Sponsor: Miss Jennie Bell, daughter of Governor
Charles J. Bell, of Vermont. Maids of Honor were
Miss Mary E. Morse and Miss Virginia Perry.
VESUVIUS (3D)
dynamite cruiser
Length, 2S2 feet Beam, 26 feet Draft, 10 feet
Displacement, gjo tons
Named for Mount Vesuvius
Launched April 28, 1888, at William Cramp & Sons'
Ship and Engine Building Company, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Eleanor Breckinbridge (Mrs.
Lyman Chalkley), daughter of Congressman Breckin-
bridge, of Kentucky.
United states ship '' Vesuvius" was engaged
off Santiago, May 13 to June 26, 1898, Spanish-
American War.
VICKSBURG (2d)
COMPOSITE GUNBOAT
Length, 168 feet Beam, 36 feet Draft, 12 feet
Displacement, 1,010 tons
Named for the City of Vicksburg, Mississippi,
AND U. S. S. "Vicksburg"
Launched December 5, 1896, at the Bath Iron Works,
Bath, Maine.
Sponsor: Miss Trowbridge, daughter of the Mayor
of Vicksburg.
U. S. S. "Vicksburg" was under fire May 7, 1898,
at Havana, Cuba, Spanish-American War.
[187]
'•')
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
VIRGINIA (4Th)
FIRST-CLASS BATTLESHIP
Length, 435 feet Beam, 76 feet Draft, 23 feet, g inches
Displacement, 14,948 tons
Named for the State of Virginia
{Called the Mother State. Ratified the Constitution in 1788)
Launched April 5, 1904, at Newport News Ship-
building & Dry Dock Company, Newport News,
Virginia.
Sponsor: Miss Mathilde Gay Montague, young
daughter of Governor Andrew Jackson Montague, of
Virginia.
1 HE greatest crowd that ever gathered at Newport
News thronged the shipyard and covered every roof
and corner to witness the launching of the battleship
"Virginia." Excursion steamers and boats of every
description crowded the river. It was a holiday for
all tidewater Virginians. April skies were blue, April
breezes soft and balmy. Hundreds of flags fluttered
in the brilliant Southern sunlight.
About the "Virginia's" bow were gathered men
prominent in the affairs of the Nation, Army and
Navy officers, Government ofl[icials, and lovely daugh-
ters of the Old Dominion. Companies of troops from
Fort Monroe and a regiment of Virginia State Troops
escorted Governor Montague.
The party on the stand were embowered in Vir-
ginia roses. Miss Mathilde Gay Montague, young
daughter of Governor Montague, was the most self-
possessed person present. While the crowd cheered and
bands played "Dixie" and "Star Spangled Banner,"
[188]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
she broke a bottle of Virginia champagne on the bow
of the ship as she started down the ways. "I name
thee ' Virginia/ " she said, and on all sides went up
the shout "Virginia, Virginia, Virginia" as the great
ship named for the Mother State glided into the waters
not far distant from the course up which had sailed
the first ship bringing colonists to Virginia's hospitable
shores.
WABASH
STEAM FRIGATE
Length, 262 feet Beam, 51 feet Draft, 23 feet
Displacement, 4,6^0 tons
Named for the Wabash River
Launched October 24, 1855, at the Navy Yard,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Pennsylvania Grice, daughter
of Mr. Francis Grice, the Naval Constructor, *'with
nerve and grace that showed her fitness for the task,"
broke a bottle of water from the Wabash River upon
the scroll work ornamenting the bow.
United states "Wabash" took part in the cap-
ture of Forts at Hatteras Inlet. Led the fle t in
Battle of Port Royal, 1861. Took part in fir?'*; and
second attacks on Fort Fisher. Flagship of Admiral
Dupont.
WACHUSETT
SLOOP-OF-WAR
Nine guns 1,032 tons
Named for Wachusett River
Launched October lo, 1861, at the Navy Yard,
Charlestown, Massachusetts.
[189]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Sponsor: Miss Mary C. Frothingham (Mrs.
Charles O. Neil), daughter of Hon. Richard Frothing-
ham, assisted by Miss Letitia McKean Buchanan
(Mrs. George Fife), daughter of Purser Buchanan,
U. S. Navy.
The honor of officiating in the rite was coveted by
a large coterie, and the contestants having drawn lots,
it fell to Miss Frothingham. The party occupied the
forecastle and as the vessel went down the ways the
sponsor broke a bottle of water over her bow, naming
her "Wachusett."
United states ship "Wachusett" in the Civil
War took part in operations in York and James Rivers.
In 1864 captured Confederate steamer "Virginia" and
steamer "Florida."
WALKE
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 28Q feet Beam, 26 feet Draft, 8 feet
Displacement, 7,^ tons
Named for Rear-Admiral Henry Walke, U. S. Navy
Launched November 3, 1910, at Fore River Ship-
building Company, Quincy, Massachusetts.
Sponsor: Miss Mildred Walke Walter, grand-
daughter of Rear-Admiral Henry Walke.
The launching was a private one. Miss Walter was
accompanied by her parents and a number of friends.
Rear-admiral henry walke, u. s. Navy,
was born in Virginia in 1808. Appointed Midship-
man in 1827. In the Civil War, in command of the
"Carondelet," took part in battles of Belmont, Fort
[190]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
Henry, Fort Donelson, Island No. lo, Fort Pillow,
Memphis, and the engagement with the Confederate
ram "Arkansas/* For his distinguished services he
received thanks of Congress, thanks of the Secretary
of the Navy, and commendation of Admiral Foote.
WAMPANOAG
FRIGATE
Tonnage, 3,281 Guns, 1$
Named for Wampanoag River
Launched December 15, 1864, at the Novelty Iron
Works, New York, N. Y.
Sponsor: Miss Case, daughter of Commander
Augustus Ludlow Case, U. S. Navy, second in command
of the Navy Yard.
Admiral Farragut, Admiral Paulding, and Admiral
Gregory were present.
WARRINGTON
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 289 feet Beam, 26 feet Draft, 8 feet
Displacement, 742 tons
Named for Commodore Lewis Warrington, U. S.
Navy
Launched June i8, 1910, at William Cramp & Sons'
Ship and Engine Building Cornpany, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Mrs. Richard Hatton (Elizabeth Stuart
Cottman), great-granddaughter of Commodore Lewis
Warrington on the maternal side.
[191]
/O 1
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Commodore lewis warrington, u. s.
Navy, was born in Williamsburg, Virginia, November
3, 1782, died October 12, 1851. Served in War with
Tripoli as junior officer. Commanded the U. S.
corvette "Peacock" in the fight with H. M. S. "Eper-
vier," Commodore Wales, on April 29, 18 14; the
"Epervier" was captured in an action lasting forty-
two minutes. For this brilliant achievement Congress
passed a vote of thanks to Captain Warrington, his
officers and men, and presented him a gold medal,
and his native state, Virginia, presented him a gold-
hilted sword.
The Secretary of the Navy in announcing his death
in general orders, said: "Commodore Warrington
stood conspicuous among the distinguished men who
have done honor to our country ; his devoted patriotism,
his great skill and indomitable courage, have won for
him its lasting gratitude."
WASHINGTON (sth)
ARMORED CRUISER
Length, 500 feet Beam, 72 feet Draft, 25 feet
Displacement, 14,500 tons
Named for the State of Washington
{JVhich was admitted to the Union in i88g)
Launched March i8, 1905, at New York Ship-
building Company, Camden, New Jersey.
Sponsor: Miss Helen Stewart Wilson (Mrs.
Green Clay Goodloe), daughter of United States
Senator John L. Wilson, of the State of Washington.
Miss Wilson was appointed Sponsor of the "Washing-
ton" by Governor Albert E. Meade.
Maids of Honor were Miss Grace Denny, Seattle,
[192]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
Miss Harriet Allen, Seattle, and Miss Maude Wads-
worth, Spokane.
Among those present were Mr. De Courcy May,
Hon. John L. Wilson, former Governor John H. Mc-
Graw, who represented Governor Albert E. Meade,
who was unavoidably absent.
WEEHAWKEN
IRONCLAD MONITOR
Tonnage, 840 Guns, j
Named for Indian-named Village of Weehawken,
New Jersey
Launched November 5, 1862, at the yard of Joseph
Colwell, Jersey City, New Jersey.
Sponsor: Miss Nellie Comstock (Mrs. Josephus
Miller), daughter of Captain Joseph Comstock, U.
S. Navy, bestowed the named upon the ship.
United states ship "Weehawken" in 1863
captured the Confederate ironclad "Atlanta." En-
gaged batteries at Morris Island and Fort Wagner.
Was under fire at Fort Moultrie. Sunk off Morris
Island.
WEST VIRGINIA
ARMORED CRUISER
Length, 502 feet Beam, 69 feet Draft, 24 feet
Displacement, 13,680 tons
Named for the State of West Virginia
{Which became a separate State in 1863)
Launched April i8, 1903, at Newport News Ship-
building & Dry Dock Company, Newport News,
Virginia.
[ 193 I
\
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Sponsor: Miss Katharine V. White (Mrs. W. H.
Wolfe), daughter of Governor Albert White, of West
Virginia, unanimously chosen by the Legislature to
name the "West Virginia."
Maids of Honor were Miss Grace Ralston White,
Miss Ethel Sabin White, twin daughters of Governor
White, and Miss Ashton Wilson, daughter of Ex-
Governor E. W. Wilson of West Virginia.
Accompanying the party were Governor and Mrs.
White.
I HE small elevated, flag-draped platform had the
appearance of a flower bed when filled with the lovely
young women carrying enormous bunches of American
Beauty roses. The huge red-painted ship towered
high above their heads, gaily decorated with brightly
fluttering flags. Uniforms of Army and Navy officers,
of Governors' stafl^s, and Militia officers shone in the
brilliant sunlight. Bands played patriotic airs. Four
companies of soldiers from Fort Monroe and a regiment
of Virginia Militia acted as escort to Governor Monta-
gue, of Virginia.
The last block that held the ship was sawed away.
Slowly the ponderous hull began to move. "I name
thee 'West Virginia,'" and a bottle of champagne
crashed against the moving side. Faster, faster, till
the ways sent up smoke, plunged the vessel down into
the water. A deafening shout went up, whistles blew,
bands played. Pandemonium of joy reigned. Virginia
and West Virginia were again united.
Interesting historic significance was lent to the
occasion by the presence of the Governor of West
Virginia and the Governor of Virginia. It was the
first time a Governor of West Virginia had ever offi-
[194]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
cially visited the Mother State since the separation
forty-two years before. It was a love feast. It was
also a German-American love feast, for by a happy
coincidence the German cruiser "Gazelle" and the
U. S. battleship "Missouri" were lying peacefully in
the same dry dock, not far from the "West Virginia,"
and the German officers and sailors attended the
launching and gave three lusty cheers for the U. S.
Navy.
Following the launching a banquet was given to
six hundred guests by the Shipbuilding Company.
WHEELING
UNARMORED COMPOSITE GUNBOAT
Length, 174 feet Beam, 34 feet Draft, 12 feet
Displacement, ggo tons
Named for City of Wheeling, West Virginia
Launched March i8, 1897, at Union Iron Works,
San Francisco, California.
Sponsor: Miss Lucie S. Brown (Mrs. Walter T.
Gaither), Wheeling, West Virginia, daughter of Mr.
Curtis Park Brown.
WHIPPLE
TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER
Length, 248 feet Beam, 22 feet Draft, 6 feet
Displacement, 43J tons
Named for Captain Abraham Whipple, U. S. Navy
Launched August 15, 1900, at Maryland Steel
Company, Sparrows Point, Maryland.
Sponsor: Miss Elsie Pope (Mrs. George Culaer
Rugg), of St. Paul, Minnesota, great-great-grand-
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SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
daughter of Captain Whipple. She was accompanied
by her mother, Mrs. Sibley Pope.
Mrs. F. W. Wood, wife of the President of the Mary-
land Steel Company, started the ship by pressing the
electric button.
Captain Abraham Whipple, u. s. Navy,
was born in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1733. Dur-
ing the old French War, 1 759-1 760, he commanded the
privateer ''Gamecock," and in a single cruise captured
no less than twenty-three vessels. In June, 1772, he
commanded the volunteers that took and burned the
British revenue schooner "Gaspe." In the "Provi-
dence" and the "Columbus" he did gallant work
against the foe.
WILKES
TORPEDO BOAT
Length, iy$ feet Beam, 17 feet Draft, 4 feet, 8 inches
Displacement, 16$ tons
Named for Rear-Admiral Charles Wilkes, U. S.
Navy
Launched September 28, 1901, at Gas Engine &
Power Company, Morris Heights, New Jersey.
Sponsor: Miss Harriet E. Rankin (Mrs. Charles
Vaughan Ferguson), daughter of Mr. A. E. Rankin,
Hartford, Connecticut, and eldest great-granddaughter
of Rear-Admiral Charles Wilkes.
Rear-admiral charles wilkes, u. s.
Navy, was born in New York in 1801. Appointed
Midshipman in 1818. In 1838-42 commanded the
wonderfully successful exploring expedition that went
[196]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
around the world. Author of Meteorology y Western
America and Theory of the Winds. In 1861, in
command of the "San Jacinto,'* took from the
EngHsh passenger steamer "Trent" the Confederate
commissioners to England, Mason and SHdell. Was
compHmented by the Secretary of the Navy, although
the prisoners had to be given up. In i862j commanded
the James River Flotilla. In 1863 commanded Special
Blockade Squadron in the West Indies.
WILMINGTON
LIGHT DRAFT GUNBOAT
Length, 250 feet Beam, 39 feet Draft, 9 feet
Displacement, 1,392 tons
Named for City of Wilmington, Delaware
Launched October 19, 1895, at the Newport News
Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company, Newport News,
Virginia.
Sponsor: Miss Anne B. Gray, of Wilmington,
Delaware, daughter of United States Senator George
Gray, of Delaware.
United states ship "Wilmington" was en-
gaged at Cardenas, May 11, 1898; Manzanilla, July 18,
1898, Spanish-American War.
WINOOSKI
PADDLE WHEEL STEAMER (d O U B L E -E ND E r)
Tonnage, 974 Ten guns
Named for Winooski River
Launched July 30, 1863, at the Navy Yard, Charles-
town, Massachusetts.
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SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Sponsor: Miss Mary Rindge Sleeper (Mrs.
Gustavus B. Maynadier), daughter of Honorable
John S. Sleeper, of Roxbury, Massachusetts.
WINSLOW
TORPEDO BOAT
Named for Rear-Admiral John A. Winslow, U. S.
Navy
Launched January 6, 1897, at Columbian Iron
Works, Baltimore, Maryland.
Sponsor: Miss E. H. Hazel, daughter of Ex-State
Senator Hazel of Pennsylvania.
Rear-admiral john a. winslow, u. s.
Navy, was born in North Carolina in 181 1. Appointed
Midshipman in 1827. Served gallantly in Mexican
War. For gallantry at Tobasco was commended by
Commodore Perry. In the Civil War was in command
of the Mississippi Flotilla, 1861-62. Commanded the
"Kearsarge" when she sank the "Alabama," June 19,
1864, in the famous fight off Cherbourg. For this,
action Captain Winslow was promoted to the rank of
Commodore.
U. S. S. "Winslow" was under fire May 11, 1898,
at Cienfuegos, Spanish-American War.
WISCONSIN
FIRST-CLASS BATTLESHIP
Length, 368 jeet Beam, 72 feet Draft, 23 feet
Displacement, 11,552 tons
Named for the State of Wisconsin
{Which was admitted to the Union in 1S48)
Launched November 26, 1895, at Union Iron Works,
San Francisco, California.
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AND THEIR SPONSORS
Sponsor: Miss Elizabeth Stephenson (Mrs. John
Earl Morgan), daughter of Senator Isaac Stephenson,
of Marinette, Wisconsin.
Little Miss Gage, daughter of Governor-elect Henry
T. Gage, of California, pressed the button that started
the ship.
WORDEN
torpedo boat destroyer
Length, 248 feet Beam, 22 feet Draft, 6 feet
Displacement, 433 tons
Named for Rear-Admiral John Lorimer Worden,
U. S. Navy
Launched August 15, 1901, at Maryland Steel
Company, Sparrows Point, Maryland.
Sponsor: Mrs. Daniel F. Worden, daughter-in-
law of Rear-Admiral Worden, who was accompanied
by her husband, Mr. Daniel F. Worden, of New York.
Mrs. A. G. Wilson, wife of the Superintendent of
the Marine Department of the Maryland Steel Com-
pany, pressed the electric button that released the ship.
Rear-admiral john lorimer worden,
U. S. Navy, was born in New York, in 181 8. Appointed
Midshipman in 1834. He was famous as first Com-
mander of the "Monitor" and nearly lost his eyesight
by an exploding shell striking upon the eyehole of the
pilot house during the action between the "Monitor"
and " Merrimac," March 9, 1 862. In 1 863 , in command
of the "Montauk," destroyed the "Nashville" under
the guns of Fort McAllister. Took part in attack
on Charleston by Dupont's ironclad fleet.
Captain Worden was promoted and received the
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SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
thanks of Congress for his distinguished gallantry in
the engagement with the "Merrimac" and in other
battles.
WYOMING (1ST)
SCREW SLOOP
Six guns Tonnage, ^26
Named for Wyoming Valley, Pennsylvania
Launched January 19, 1859, ^^ the Navy Yard,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Mary Florida Grice, daughter of
Chief Constructor Francis Grice, baptized the ship
with water.
U. S. S. "Wyoming," at Manila, on July 16, 1863,
engaged the Forts and Japanese vessels in redress for
an attack made by the Prince of Nagata upon the
American steamer *' Pembroke." The ''Wyoming"
was shelled eleven times and had four killed and eleven
wounded. The Japanese vessels were disabled and
sunk.
WYOMING (2d)
FIRST-CLASS BATTLESHIP
Length, J62 feet Beam, qj feet Draft, 28 feet
Displacement, 26,000 tons
Named for the State of Wyoming
{Which was admitted to the Union in 1890)
Launched May 25, 191 1, at William Cramp & Sons'
Ship and Engine Building Company, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Dorothy Eunice Knight, daughter
of former Chief Justice Jesse Knight, of Wyoming, and
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o
<
Z
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AND THEIR SPONSORS
god-daughter of Governor J. M. Carey, who appointed
her to name the battleship.
Among those present were Secretary of Navy G. v. L.
Meyer, Governor Joseph Carey of Wyoming and Mrs.
Carey, Senator and Mrs. C. D. Clark of Wyoming,
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hourer of Wyoming, Senator
and Mrs. Geo. T. Oliver.
YANTIC
WOODEN STEAM BARK
Seven guns Tonnage, jpj
Named for Yantic River
Launched March 19, 1864, at the Navy Yard, Phil-
adelphia, Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Mary E. Knowles, daughter of
the master of the gun carriage shop.
U. S. S. "Yantic" took part in the Civil War, in
first and second attacks on Fort Fisher in 1864-65;
and in capture of Fort Anderson in 1865.
YORKTOWN (2d)
GUNBOAT
Length, 230 feet Beam, 36 feet Draft, 14 feet
Displacement, 1,74.0 ions
Named for Town of Yorktown, Virginia
{The scene of the Battle of Yorktown in I/81 and the surrender of Cornwallis)
Launched April 28, 1888, at William Cramp & Sons'
Ship and Engine Building Company, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Sponsor: Miss Mary Cameron, daughter of United
States Senator Don Cameron, of Pennsylvania.
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SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
NOMENCLATURE OF VESSELS OF THE U. S.
NAVY
X HE Continental Navy was a heterogeneous collec-
tion of vessels, partly vessels commissioned by the
Continental Congress, partly vessels fitted out and
commissioned by the Colonies, and many privateers.
The first government vessels were purchased by a
Marine Committee appointed by Congress, and were
re-named by that Committee. Among the first names
were: "Columbus," for Christopher Columbus; "Al-
fred," for Alfred the Great; "Cabot," for the early
explorer of America; "Andrea Doria," for the famous
Genoese sailor; "Lexington," for the Battle of Lexing-
ton, the first Revolutionary conflict.
The thirteen ships authorized to be built December
13, 1775, were by resolution of Congress to be named:
"Congress," "Randolph," "Hancock," "Washington,"
"Trumbull," Raleigh," "Efl^ngham," "Montgomery,"
"Warren," "Boston," "Providence," "Virginia" and
"Delaware." Among the next names authorized were:
"Ranger," "Alliance," "Hornet," "America" and
"Deane."
In 1794 Congress authorized six frigates to be built,
to be named: "United States," "Constitution," "Con-
stellation," "President," "Chesapeake," "Congress."
In 1798 the Navy Department was established, and
Benjamin Stoddert was appointed the first Secretary
of the Navy.
March 3, 1 8 19, Congress passed the first statute law
governing the naming of vessels of the Navy.
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AND THEIR SPONSORS
"Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America, in Congress assembled, That all the
ships of the Navy of the United States, now building, or here-
after to be built, shall be named by the Secretary of the Navy,
under the direction of the President of the United States, accord-
ing to the following rule: to wit: Those of the first class shall be
called after the states of this Union, those of the second class
after the rivers; and those of the third class after the principal
cities and towns, taking care that no two vessels in the Navy
shall bear the same name."
June 12, 1858, the following Act was approved:
"And be it further enacted. That all the steamships of the Navy
of the United States now building, or hereafter to be built, shall be
named by the Secretary of the Navy, under the direction of the
President of the United States, according to the following rule,
namely. All those of forty guns or more shall be considered of the
first class, and shall be called after the States of the Union; those
of twenty and under forty guns shall be considered as of the second
class, and be called after the rivers and principal towns or cities;
and all those of less than twenty guns shall be of the third class,
and named by the Secretary of the Navy as the President may
direct, care being taken that no two vessels in the Navy shall
bear the same name."
At the commencement of the Civil War a large
number of vessels were purchased for the Navy and
an Act of Congress, August 5, 1861, authorized the
Secretary of the Navy to change the names of pur-
chased vessels.
A large number of vessels were hurriedly built for
the Navy, and in some instances were somewhat indis-
criminately named. The first vessels built were gun-
boats of the "Shawmut" class, to many of which were
given Indian names, the name often being taken from
an Indian-named town or village or creek near where
the vessel was built. Next came sloops-of-war of the
'*Tuscarora" class, named after Indian-named rivers.
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SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
Double-enders of the "Sassacus" class were also given
Indian names. Some vessels were named after places
of Naval engagements, such as "Vicksburg."
The "Harriet Lane," named for the niece of Presi-
dent Buchanan and transferred from the U. S. Treasury
Department to the Navy, is the only fighting vessel on
the Navy lists named for a woman.
The "Monitor," an entirely new type of vessel, was
named by Ericsson himself at the request of the Navy
Department. Ericsson, in his letter to the Secretary
of the Navy, says :
"The impregnable and aggressive character of this structure
will admonish the leaders of the Southern rebellion that the
batteries on the banks of their rivers will no longer present barriers
to the entrance of the Union's forces. But there are other leaders
who will be admonished. . . . 'Downing Street' will hardly view
with indifference this last 'Yankee notion' — this Monitor. . . .
On this and many similar grounds, I propose the name of this
battery — 'Monitor.'"
Ironclads of the "Monitor" type were classed as
Monitors. Many were given Indian names, such as
"Canonicus," "Manhattan," "Miantonomah."
At the beginning of the Spanish War, Act of Con-
gress, May 4, 1898, was passed:
"That hereafter all first-class battleships and monitors owned
by the United States shall be named for the States and shall not
be named for any city, place or person until the names of the States
shall have been exhausted."
May 13, 1908, the Act of May 4, 1898, was superseded
by an Act providing that "Monitors may be named as
the President may direct." The names of the Monitors
"Florida," "Arkansas" and others have been changed
and Monitors are no longer named for States.
The Act of March 3, 1901, provided
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AND THEIR SPONSORS
"That the President of the United States be, and is hereby-
authorized to establish, and from time to time to modify, as the
needs of the service may require, a classification of the vessels of
the Navy."
That was put into effect, and vessels of war were
divided up as follows:
"Torpedo boat destroyers, torpedo boats, tugs, sailing ships,
and receiving ships shall not be rated. Other vessels shall be
rated by tons of displacement, as follows:
"First-rates, men-of-war only of 8,000 tons and above.
"Second-rates, men-of-w^ar of 4,000 tons and under 8,000 tons,
and converted yachts and auxiliary vessels of 6,000 tons and above,
except colliers, refrigerating ships, distilling ships, tank steamers,
repair ships, hospital ships, and other ships constructed or equipped
for special purposes.
"Third-rates, men-of-war from 1,000 to 4,000 tons, and con-
verted and auxiliary vessels from 1,000 to 6,000 tons."
The above changes of statute laws will explain the
seeming inconsistency of Navy namings at different
periods.
Under existing statute laws our battleships and
armored cruisers are named for States of the Union;
our cruisers for cities. Torpedo boat destroyers and
torpedo boats are named after distinguished Naval
Officers. Submarines are designated by letters and
numerals.
At the present time, fuel ships, such as colliers, are
given Greek mythological names. Oil carriers are
being assigned Indian names of rivers of the country
in which oil is produced, repair ships after distin-
guished engineers, and all ships that are not specified
under the law are to be named according to their
distinctive purpose.
There is strong sentiment in favor of perpetuating
on our Navy lists the names of our most famous vessels,
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PU r
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
in commemoration of their glorious records, and as
reminders of the worthy deeds of our history. Such
names, if continued in association with the current
national Hfe, would be a constant inspiration to the
country and the Navy.
Editor
[206]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
[copyrighted, 1909.]
U. S. NAVAL INSTITUTE, ANNAPOLIS, MD.
THE BAPTISM OF SHIPS.
By Robert G. Skerrett.
Just once so often during the upbuilding of our modern navy
there is agitation anent the particular form that the launching
cermony should take; and the special rock upon which there is
a split is over the use of wine or water. There are some good
souls intensely insistent, in the name of temperance, that water
shall be spilled upon the vessel's bow at the time of naming,
while there are others, probably unconsciously subscribing more
closely to tradition, who urge with equal vim that wine shall be
the element in the baptismal ceremony. Both of these partisans
are more or less right, but all of them have commonly lost sight
of the derivation and the real significance of the performance.
The whole question is primarily a religious one, while the popular
attitude to-day is one of tolerance toward a surviving superstition.
From the very beginning of primitive man's venture upon the
water — perhaps because of the frail character of his craft, he
recognized the risks he ran and in his superstitious awe sought the
protection of the hidden powers that ruled the wind and the
waves. Through all the devious paths of developing religions,
early man strove to placate opposing deities and to propitiate the
favoring gods who, to him, became more or less personal.* As
his religion became more concrete his gods took the material
shape of idols, and that they might be always with him he first
fashioned some part of his vessel more or less after the manner
in which he pictured them, and never launched his craft until
after he had made tribute by word or act to his protecting deity.
Later on, his idols ceased to be the grotesque semblance of ani-
mals and demons and became benignant and human-like, and
for these he made a special place within his vessel and sanctified
that place of keeping.
[207]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
It is quite impossible to follow chronologically the evolution
of the launching ceremony, but enough can be found here and
there to point to a reasonable sequence, and for a probable sur-
vival of the most ancient practices we must naturally turn to the
customs still remaining among primitive peoples. Ellis, in his
"Polynesian Researches," tells us that the Samoans and the
Fijians used to make human sacrifices to their shark deities who
ruled the waters. In Tahiti, it was the custom to shed human
blood when a new canoe was built or launched. Again, Mariner,
in "Tonga," tells us that men were sometimes sacrificed in order
to wash a new canoe's deck with blood, and that it was likewise
the practice to use men as living rollers on which to launch the
craft. In this there is a strange likeness to the ancient Norse
habit of attaching human victims to the rollers upon which they
launched their ships; and in the Eddas this ceremony is referred
to under the name of "hlun-rod" or roller-reddening. Among
the Tonga islanders it is the custom to-day still to offer kava and
oil to the sea gods, and in all of these ceremonies the native
priest plays a conspicuous part if the ancient rites prevail. These
votive offerings or oblations are still made among the primitive
peoples of many parts of the world, and in this particular they
show the persistent permanence with which such practices are
handed down from the ages past.
So far as actual records go, the earliest account of a votive
offering to the gods upon the completion of a ship dates back
twenty-one hundred years before Christ, and it seems that even
then man dared not venture upon the sea until he had thus pro-
pitiated the gods. On an Assyrian tablet, found some years ago
by Professor Schiel, we have a Babylonian account of the Deluge
and of the building of the Ark, and of the religious ceremony at
its completion. Rendered into English, the story reads, in part,
as follows:
Eighthly, its interior I examined.
Openings to the water I stopped;
I searched for cracks and the wanting parts I fixed;
Three sari of bitumen I poured over the outside;.
Three sari of bitumen I poured over the interior;
Three sari of men bearers who carried chests on their heads.
I kept a saros of chests for my people to eat.
Two sari of chests I divided among the boatmen.
To the gods I caused oxen to be sacrificed.
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AND THEIR SPONSORS
■^ To the Chinese belongs the palm for pioneer work in breasting
the tempestuous sea and in carrying their explorations into far
lands — their commerce reaching at a very remote period as far
west as the Persian Gulf. Probably no existing country has held
with more faithfulness of detail to its ancient religious practices
in most of their forms. In "A Discourse of the Navigation of
the Portuguese," translated into English in 1579, is found this
fairly full account of the Chinese practices at the launching of
their ships: "When they launched their ships into the sea at
the first making, the priests go apparelled with long garments,
being very rich of silk, to make their sacrifices in the poops of
them, where the place of prayer is, and they offered painted
figures, and they cut and burned them before their idols with
certain ceremonies that they make, and sing songs with an
unorderly tone, sounding certain little bells. They worship the
devil, where they have him painted in the fore-part of the ship,
because, as they say, he should do no hurt to the ships. In all this
discourse they are eating and drinking at discretion."
Among the Chinese these ceremonies have since undergone no
substantial change, and in every large junk there is a shrine in
honor of the goddess Tien-how, w^ho is the tutelary deity of
sailors. In addition to the goddess Tien-how, the Chinese sailors
particularly engaged in the river traffic are devotees of the god-
dess Loong-moo or the Dragon's Mother. In honor of this latter
deity the master of every river junk makes tribute at the begin-
ning of a voyage. Prior to weighing anchor, he takes his place
at the bow, which, agreeably to Chinese tradition, is the most
sacred part of the ship, and there proceeds to propitiate the
Dragon's Mother. Before him on a small temporary altar are
placed three cups containing Chinese wine or "saki." With a
live fowl in one hand, the master performs the Kow-tow, and
raising the cups one after the other from the altar he elevates
them, above his head before emptying them upon the deck by way
of a libation. Next he cuts the throat of the fowl with a sharp
knife and sprinkles the deck immediately about him with the blood
of the sacrifice. One of the crew now presents the master
with several pieces of silver paper, which in turn are sprinkled
with the sacrificial blood and then fastened to the door-posts and
lintels of the captain's cabin. This is suggestively like one of
the rites of the Jewish Passover.
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SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
The Bible tells us of the glories of the fleets of Tyre, and his-
tory records as well much of the religious pomp and ceremony
associated with the ships of ancient Egypt. The mythology of
ancient Egypt is full of the part played by its deities in watching
over its hardy mariners, and there can be no doubt whatever that
some form of priestly ceremony and blessing was a part of the
launching of the ships of the state at least, if the records of Du
Sein and other historians are to be trusted. At the battle of
Salamis, the Greeks went into the fight just after the conclusion
of religious ceremonies, which consisted of sacrifices offered to all
the gods and the pouring of a special libation to Zeus, the Pro-
tector, and to Poseidon, Ruler of the Seas. In those days, it was
the common custom among the Greeks to name their vessels after
goddesses, and as a further propitiation the launching was made
the occasion of a religious ceremony which Virgil described as
follows:
Ipse caput tonsae foliis evinctus olivae,
Stans procul in prova, pateram, extaque salsos
Porricit in fluctus, ac vina liquentia fundit. — ^Eneid.
Here we see the part that wine played in the early days. Appian
also described the religious aspect of the blessing of the ancient
ships: "On the shores of the sea altars were erected where their
bases might be washed by the waves. In a semi-circle the ships
of the fleet were drawn about near by, their crews the while main-
taining a profound silence. The priests in boats rowed three
times round the fleet . . . adding prayers to the gods that ill-
luck should not befall the vessels. Then returning to the shore,
they immolated bulls or calves, the blood of which reddened the
sea and the shore."
The use of water in the ancient ritual dates back to the Greek
ceremony of lustration and to the later Roman practice of using
water not only as a token of purification but also as an element in
the act of priestly blessing. Here we have the pre-Christian
practice of baptism. Like other pagan customs, wine and water
were given place in Christian ceremonials, but not infrequently
with a modified or deeper meaning. It was thus that wine and
water became elements of the sacrament of the Christian Church,
while water alone remained the token of purification and a part
of the blessing at the time a person was brought into the church,
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AND THEIR SPONSORS
named, and placed under the protection of a particular patron
saint.
During the Middle Ages, religious zeal and its derivative super-
stitions led to the custom of naming ships after saints, as the
more ancient craft had been named after pagan gods and god-
desses; and this practice was carried to the extremity of saintly
image-worship — no craft being sent to sea without its shrine and
an imposing array of attendant images. Thus began the practice
that subsequently led to the evolution of the figurehead and the
effigies placed in the niches about the stern galleries of more
modern vessels. Guerin, in his history of the French Navy,
tells us that the ships of Louis IX, when he sailed for the Holy
Land in 1248, were provided with every facility for conduct-
ing mass, each ship having an altar and priestly retinue. These
altars were situated in the after part of the ships — just as the
Greeks and Romans reared their shrines there in their own
days, and the index of the antiquity of the practice survives in
the name of the "poop" deck — the highest aftermost deck of the
older type of modern vessels. This name is derived from the
Latin term "puppis," which was the name the ancients gave to
the honored after deck where they kept their "pupi" or doll-like
images of their tutelary deities and where they offered before
them libations and sacrifices.
As Taylor has told us in his "Primitive Customs," "Some
religious ceremonies are marvels of permanence, holding sub-
stantially the same form and meaning through age after age, and
far beyond the range of historic record." In proof of this, re-
membering what has been recorded of ancient Greece, it is in-
structive to know that at the launching of a modern Greek vessel
her bow is decorated with flowers, and at the instant the ship
takes the water her captain raises a jar of wine to his lips and
then empties the rest of it upon the deck of his craft. Among
the Turks, the launching of a vessel is of religious significance,
and a priest attends asking the blessing of Allah and praying
that the ship may have a prosperous and a successful career and
ride safely over the waves in all weather. Sheep are sacrificed
just as the vessel starts for the water, and the flesh is subsequently
given to the poor. No wine is spilt upon the vessel's bow, but
a feast is afterwards given to the participating officials and the
invited guests.
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In Russia, when a naval vessel is launched, the Greek Church
participates in a very imposing manner. The service includes the
blessing of the ship in detail — the officiating priest and his
attendant acolytes and choristers marching through all the decks,
burning incense, carrying lighted candles, and sprinkling the craft
everywhere with holy water — all the while prayers are read and
chants are sung. When the ship has thus been blessed the crew
are asembled before an altar especially reared for the occasion
within the vessel, and, after the craft's colors are blessed, each
member steps forward to the altar, kisses the priest's hands, and
receives the benediction of the church. This carries us back
directly to the practice among the Egyptians of purifying their
ships by lighted torches, of burning sulphur, and of the breaking
of eggs by the priests within their vessels, and later to the very
similar custom among the Greeks leading to what generally be-
came known as "the purification of the ship." Combined with
the subsequent libations, we see in the present ceremony of the
Greek Church a survival of the ancient practice which had for
its purpose the driving out of evil spirits, the purifying of the
body, the propitiation of the deities, and the beginning of a new
life. In Russia, to-day, wine does not enter into the ritual of the
church at the launching of ships, the breaking of a bottle of wine
at the actual naming of the vessel being a secular performance
entirely apart from ecclesiastical participation. In this we see the
reflex of the practice among other nations introduced into Russia
only within the recent period of her advent upon the sea.
During the days of Venetian dominance upon the Adriatic and
the Mediterranean, the church took a conspicuous part in the
launching functions of all official craft. It was then the custom
to espouse the Adriatic at the time of the floating of the vessel,
and this was done with much significant pomp, the ceremony
closing by the Doge or some other high official throwing a bridal
ring into the sea. In the Museum at Venice to-day there are a
number of these rings, and in recognition of that old custom a
pretty revival of it was practiced at the launching of the sub-
marines recently built for the Italian Government.
In 1488, when the "Sovereign" was launched at Humble —
England's foremost dockyard of mediaeval times, in the presence
of Henry VII, we are told the ship was formally renamed and the
renovated vessel blessed with all the ceremonial display customary
[212]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
in England in pre-Reformation times — "A mitred prelate with
attendant train of priests and choristers, crosier in hand, with
candle, book, and bell, and holy water stoup" performing the
benediction. With the coming of the Reformation under Henry
VIII, the official participation of the Church of Rome disappeared
in England upon such occasions. The same, too, is true of Prot-
estant Europe during the same period, although we are told the
Lutherans practiced a baptismal ceremony at the launching of
their vessels while they attach no importance to the observance.
In the early part of the seventeenth century, in England, the
launching of government vessels was entirely devoid of religious
significance so far as the church was concerned, and what did
survive of ancient custom was more strictly a remnant of the
far-away pagan libation. The ship "Prince Royal" was launched
at Woolwich in 1610, and the launching function was performed
by Prince Henry in the manner described as follows by Phineas
Pette, one of the master shipwrights of James I: "The noble
Prince, himself, accompanied with the Lord Admiral and the
great lords, were on the poop, where the standing great gilt cup
was ready filled with wine to name the ship so soon as she had
been afloat, according to ancient custom and ceremony performed
at such times, and heaving the standing cup overboard. His
Highness then standing upon the poop with a selected company
only, besides the trumpeters, with a great deal of expression of
princely joy, and with the ceremony of drinking in the standing
cup, threw all the wine forwards toward the half-deck, and
solemnly calling her by the name of the ' Prince Royal,' the
trumpets sounding the while, with many gracious words to me,
gave the standing cup into my hands."
During the same century, in the Catholic parts of Europe, the
Church of Rome still participated. In 1675, Henry Teonge,
Chaplain in the British Navy, visited Malta in His Majesty's
Ship "Assistance," where he witnessed the launching of a Mal-
tese craft, which he describes in this manner: "This day we saw a
great deale of solemnity at the launching of a new bryganteen of
23 oares, built on the shoare, very neare the water. They hoysted
3 flaggs in her yesterday, and this day by 12 they had turned her
head neare the water. When as a greate multitude of people
gathered together, with severall of their knights and men of
quality, and a clowd of fryars and churchmen. They were at
[213]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
least 2 howers in their benedictions, in the nature of hymns or
anthems, and other their ceremonys; their trumpetts and other
music playing often. At last 2 fryars and an attendant went into
her, and kneeling downe prayed halfe an howre, and layd their
hands on every mast, and other places of the vessell, and sprinkled
her all over with holy water. Then they came out and hoysted a
pendent to signify she was a man of warr; and then at once
thrust her into the water." Malta was given to the Knights
Hospitalers by the Catholic Emperor Charles V in 1530,. and
being an island and under its own particular government, we see
that the ceremony had escaped the immediate influence of the
Reformation.
In Catholic France in the eighteenth century and at the be-
ginning of the nineteenth century, especially among the merchant
craft and fishing vessels, the launching ceremony was closely
analogous to the baptismal ritual at the time of christening an
infant. The custom was one that lay close to the hearts of the
common people, and the parish priest, a god-father and a god-
mother chosen for the occasion were the principal participants —
the god-parents not infrequently being children. The ceremony
was very simple and lovely. The god-father carried a bouquet
which he duly presented to the god-mother, and with this done,
both sponsors then pronounced the name chosen for the new
vessel, and the priest repeating it so declared the vessel named —
finishing the ceremony with the sprinkling of holy water upon
the bow of the boat and with a benediction. To-day, the official
ceremony at the launching of naval vessels carries out in spirit
this older practice save that there is more pomp and churchly
parade. There is a god-father and also a god-mother. Should
the ship be named after a national hero or a famous officer, one
of the sponsors is generally a descendant. A priest high in the
dignity of the church leads in the formalities accompanied by
acolytes and choristers. He blesses not only the ship, herself, but
also, in accordance with ancient custom, sprinkles holy water
upon the launching ways and gives them the benediction of the
church. No wine is spilled upon the ship's bow, but the distin-
guished guests are invited to what is termed a "vin d'honneur"
where champagne flows freely and a bountiful repast is served.
This is a very old custom that has existed for many centuries —
especially among the fishermen of Europe, and to decline either
[214]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
the food or the drink then oJfFered was formerly considered an
omen of misfortune.
It was not until the early part of the nineteenth century that
either a layman or a woman took any part in the official ceremony
at the launching and naming of a British man-o'-war. Prior to
that time, if the formalities were not conducted by a member of
the royal family, the naming was done by some high functionary
of the port or dockyard staff. The present Queen of England is
said to have originated the religious service now a part of the
launching of British ships of war; and the occasion when the
practice was thus instituted was at the launching of the "Alex-
andria"— named after her — in 1875. Since then a full choral
service has been prescribed, which includes extracts from the
107th Psalm — beginning with the twenty-third verse — together
with a special prayer of great beauty. The benediction is in
accordance with the ritual of the Church of England and there-
fore does not include the use of holy water. The civil ceremony
which follows consists of the usual naming of the vessel by a fair
sponsor, after which a bottle of wine is smashed upon the vessel's
bow. This blessing of a British ship carries us back by actual
record of the fourteenth century, when in 1390, so the monk of
St. Denys tells us, referring to the Duke of Bourbon's expedition
to Genoa under the Earl of Derby, that "According to ancient
custom and to ensure success, the ships were blessed by the
priests"; and again, in July of 1418, the Bishop of Bangor was
sent to Southampton to give a benediction to the King's ship
lately built there — called the "Grace Dieu," and was an occa-
sion of much imposing ceremony: the worthy bishop being paid
five pounds for his trouble. William Laird Clowes, in his history
of "The Royal Navy," tells us that there is no trace in the British
records of ship-baptism with wine in the fifteenth century.
In the latter part of the eighteenth century and during a consid-
erable period in the first half of the nineteenth century, it was the
custom in France to remove all impediments to the launching of
their ships but a single beam or heavy timber which is commonly
known among the shipwrights as the "dog-shore." This beam
was canted against the stern post of the vessel in such a manner
as to keep her from voluntarily sliding toward the water, and
when everything was in readiness this shore was chopped through
and knocked out of the way. This task was hazardous in the
[215]
SHIPS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY
extreme and a volunteer for the work was commonly chosen from
among the convicts in the galleys. Clothed in red, this man would
take his place between the launching ways and under the shadow
of the juggernaut-like craft that towered ponderously above him.
At the proper signal, he would begin to chop with his axe into
the dog-shore, and if alert and quick enough he was able to drop
into the pit dug for him before either this timber fell or the ship
rushed down upon him crushing out life or fearfully wounding
him. Not infrequently the man was killed and very often hewas
wounded and blood flowed, thus seeming to perpetuate the sacri-
ficial off"erings of the ancient Norsemen and the similar primitive
practices among some of the South Sea Islanders. If the convict
escaped with his life, freedom was the reward for his perilous
undertaking.
In our own country, tradition does not carry us very far back
so far as we are immediately concerned — our ceremonies natu-
rally following the customs prevailing in England at the time our
forebears landed here; and so far as the records examined go
to show, there was no religious significance given to this function
by us.
It has been said that water was used at the launching of the
"Constitution," in 1797; but if this be so, it was broken upon the
bow of that ship at one or the other of the two unsuccessful eflPorts
first made to get that vessel overboard. When the "Constitu-
tion" was finally launched at the third effort, the late Rear-Ad-
miral George H. Preble tells us in his manuscript history of the
Boston Navy Yard, that "Commodore James Sever stood at
the heel of the bowsprit, and, according to time-honored usage,
baptized the ship with a bottle of choice old Madeira, from the
cellar of the Honorable Thomas Russell, a leading Boston mer-
chant." No one can question the fighting merits of the "Consti-
tution," nor belittle that abundant glory that she reflected upon
our flag in the days when every victory counted with especial
weight. Let those that attach a superstitious value to either wine
or water bear this fact in mind.
In 1858, the U. S. S. "Hartford" was launched at Boston, her
launching sponsors being three in number. One was the daughter
of Commodore Downes, one the daughter of Commodore String-
ham, and the other was then Lieutenant George H. Preble of the
navy. As she touched the water, Miss Stringham broke a bottle
[216]
AND THEIR SPONSORS
of Connecticut River water across the ship's figurehead, Miss
Downes smashed a bottle of Hartford Spring water, and Lieu-
tenant Preble concluded the formalities by emptying a bottle of
sea water upon the vessel's bow. The particular significance of
each bottle of water is too plain to call for explanation; and,
again, the performances of the "Hartford" are too fresh to need
present point. In each case, however, it is quite evident that
neither the wine nor the water had anything to do with the fight-
ing efficiencies and the enduring good fortune of those famous
vessels. . . .
[217]
Index of Sponsors
Note. — For convenient reference the known married names of maiden sponsors
ire also given, under their initial letters, with maiden name in brackets.
SPONSOR WARSHIP
\.BERCROMBiE, Mrs. B. T. (Waters) Maryland
\dams, Mrs. Elizabeth Goldsborough Paul Jones
'\dams, Miss Norvelle Mayrant
Agnus, Miss Elsie Rodgers
AiNswoRTH, Miss Daisy Oregon
Allen, Mrs. Charles F Marblehead
Amidon, Mrs. Katherine Herreshoff Gushing
Anderson, Mrs. Larz (Perkins) Perkins
Anderson, Miss Mary Preble Maine 2d
Andrews, Miss Ethel Ammen
Andrews, Miss Lina Reid
Ansel, Miss Frederica South Carolina
Ashe, Miss Elizabeth Farragut
Aston, Miss Anne Bennington
Backus, Mrs. M. F F-3 and F-4.
Bailey, Miss Florence Beekman Bailey
Bainbridge, Commodore William Independence
Balch, Miss Grace Balch
Ballin, Miss Gertrude Goldsborough
Barnes, Miss Charlotte Adams Barry
Barney, Miss Esther Nicholson Barney
Barney, Mrs. Joseph N. (Dornin) Golorado ist
Bassett, Mrs. F. B. (Thomas) Sangamon
Battles, Mrs. Donald Raymond E-i
Baury, Miss Pequot
Beard, Mrs. I. B. (Adams) Mayrant
Beckwith, Mrs. J. L. (Lincoln) Atlanta
Beekman, Mrs. William B. (Parker) Trenton
Bell, Commander C. H San Jacinto
Bell, Miss Jennie Vermont
Belmont, Mrs. O. H. P Nicholson
Benham, Miss Edith Wallace Benham and San Francisco
Benson, Miss Nellie Amphitrite
Benton, Miss Mary North Dakota
Biddle, Miss Emily B Biddle
[219]
INDEX
SPONSOR WARSHIP
BiDDLE, Commander James Pennsylvania ist
Bishop, Mrs. Henry (Mallory) Pensacola
Bitting, Mrs. William C. (Smith) St. Louis
Blalock, Mrs. William (Kiene) Ericsson
Bleecker, Miss Mary Sonoma
Boush, Miss Eulalie Alliance
BouTELLE, Miss Annie Newark
Boutelle, Miss Grace Tonopah
Bowles, Miss Catherine S. H D-2
Bradford, Miss Elise Severn
Bradford, Miss Minnie Mackinaw
Bradley, Miss Christine Kentucky
Breckinbridge, Miss Eleanor Vesuvius
Brooks, Mrs. Frank W. (Newberry) Michigan 2d
Brown, Mrs. Charles Edward (Deshler) Ohio
Brown, Miss Lucie S Wheeling
Brumby, Mrs. Frank H. (Truxtun) : Truxtun
Bryant, Miss Sallie Shamrock
Burke, Mrs. John H. (Steele) Helena
Burrows, Miss Lorna D Burrows
Cahall, Miss Anna Delaware
Calder, Miss Elsie New York
Cameron, Mrs. George (de Young) Intrepid
Cameron, Miss Mary Yorktown
Campbell, Mrs. Colin (Leiter) Illinois
Campbell, Miss Mary Birmingham
Carusi, Miss Helen Cassin Cassin
Case, Miss fVampanoag
Chalkley, Mrs. Lyman (Breckinbridge) Vesuvius
Chambliss, Miss Lilian N Chattanooga
Chandler, Mrs. William E Shawmut
Chase, Mrs Housatonic
Childs, Mrs. E. H Newport
Churchman, Mrs. Charles West (Biddle) Biddle
Clark, Miss Dorothy Duncan
Clarke, Mrs. John Alexander (McLane) New Hampshire
Cleborne, Miss Edith Chicago
CoATES, Miss Minnie D Concord
Cocke, Mrs. Paul Lee Stewart
CocKRELL, Miss Marion Missouri
Coffman, Mrs. De Witt (Boush) Alliance
Colby, Miss Jane C Housatonic
CoLWELL, Mrs. J. C Albany
Comstock, Miss Nellie Weehawken
Conrad, Miss Minnie Montana
[ 220]
INDEX
SPONSOR WARSHIP
Converse, Miss Lilian Dupont
Cooper, Miss Page Lackawanna
Corson, Mrs. Allan (Updike) Princeton
Coudert, Mrs. Frederic R. (Wilmerding) Maine isi
Craven, Miss Anna T Tingey
Craven, Miss Amy T.A.M. Craven
Creighton, Miss Edwina S Stringham
Creighton, Mrs. James B. (Stringham) Hartford
Cutting, Mrs. Walter (Mayo) Decatur
Dahlgren, Mrs. John Vinton Dahlgren
Daniels, Mrs. Josephus Bagley
Davis, Miss Mary Thornton Thornton
D.wison, Mrs. Gregory C D—i
Decatur, Miss Maria Algoma
Delano, Miss Madawaska
De Lamater, Miss Dictator
Deshler, Miss Helen Ohio
De Young, Miss Helen Intrepid
Dickie, Miss Anna Belle Olympia
DoRNiN, Miss Nannie Seddon Colorado ist
Dorr, Miss Emily Genesee
Dow, Mrs. J. B Canandaigua
Downes, Miss Carrie Hartford
Drake, Miss Mary Lord Iowa
Drayton, Miss Emma Gadsden Drayton
Drury, Miss Helen Boxer
Dumaine, Mrs. F. C Rhode Island
Fales, Miss Puritan
Ferguson, Mrs. Charles Vaughan (Rankin) Wilkes
Fitzgerald, Miss D—3
Fleming, Miss Elizabeth L Florida
Francis, Mrs. Arthur M. (Page) Saratoga
Frazier, Miss Anna K Tennessee
Frost, Mrs. E. B A-6
Frothingham, Miss Mary C Wachusett
Gaither, Mrs. Walter T. (Brown) Wheeling
Gallaudet, Mrs. Edson (Cockrell) Missouri
Getes, Mrs. Roy (Patterson) Fox
GiLLis, Miss Carol Galena
Gittings, Miss Dorothy R Sterrett
Glenn, Miss Rebekah North Carolina
Glover, Mrs. Henry W. B. (Cleborne) Chicago
Gooding, Miss Louise Idaho
[221]
INDEX
SPONSOR WARSHIP
GooDLOE, Miss Green Clay (Wilson) Washington
Gow, Miss Eleanor B-2
Grace, Mrs. H. P Tioga
Gray, Miss Anna B Wilmington
Gregory, Miss Mary Manhattan and Montauk
Greene, Mrs. Bertram (Hoff) Bainbridge
Grice, Miss Mary Florida Wyoming isi
Grice, Miss Pennsylvania Wabash
Grove, Mrs. Henry S Lamson
Grove, Mrs. Walter H Cyclops
Guild, Miss Maria Nashville
GuNN, Miss Kate C Monterey
Hale, Miss Lucy H Shawmut
Hall, Mrs. Reynold Thomas (Martin) Roe
Hamilton, Mrs. Frank P. (Fleming) Florida
Hand, Mrs. Henry W Parker
Hanna, Miss Ruth Cleveland
Harmony, Lieutenant Commander David B Quinnebaug
Harris, Miss Julia M Tacoma
TT n* -o ( Alaska, Guerriere,
Hartt, Miss Emma < ., , ^
( Nantasket, Octorora
Hatton, Mrs. Richard (Cottman) Warrington
Hawes, Mrs. Alice Gould Hopkins
Hay, Mrs. Marley F As
Haywood, Mrs. Alfred W. (Holt) Raleigh
Hazel, Miss E. H Winslow
Hearne, Mrs. Roy W. (Williams) San Marcos
Hebb, Mrs. Clement D. (Lambert) Sassacus
Henriques, Mrs. (Scott) Nipsic
Herbert, Miss Leila Massachusetts
Herreid, Miss Grace South Dakota
Herreshoff, Miss Agnes M Porter
Herreshoff, Miss Katherine B Gushing
Hichborn, Miss Martha Castine and Terror
Hillman, Charles Mackenzie
Hoch, Miss Anna Kansas
Hoff, Miss Bainbridge Bainbridge
Hoffman, Mrs. Daniel Engle (Glenn) North Carolina
Hoover, Miss Emily V Monongahela
Hopper, Mrs. A. M Indiana
Hoy, Mrs. James (Downes) Hartford
Hudson, Miss Sue Housatonic
Hull, Miss Grace Alaska
Hull, Miss Mabel Hull
Humrichouse, Mrs. W. H. (Wardwell) McKee
Hutchinson, Mrs. J. H. (Ingersoll) Miami
[ 222 ]
INDEX
SPONSOR WARSHIP
Hyde, Miss Ethel Machias
Hyde, Mrs. John Trippe
Ingersoll, Miss Ann Miami
Irwin, Miss Lulu Monadnock
Jenkins, Miss Alice Thornton Jenkins
Johnson, Mrs. Edward D. (Bradford) Severn
Johnson, Miss Esther Szvatara
Johnson, Miss Harriet Lane (Lane) Lancaster
Jones, Miss Anne Seymour Nereus
Jones, Miss Bobbie Newton Ozark {Arkansas)
Joyce, Mrs. Wilbur B. (Schaller) Minnesota 2d
Kane, Miss Constance Henley Henley
Kiene, Miss Carrie Ericsson
Kinney, Mrs. William B New Jersey
Kitchen, Mrs. William W. (Money) Mississippi
Knight, Miss Dorothy Eunice Wyoming
Knowles, Miss Mary Yantic
Knox, Miss Jean Jarvis
La Farge, Miss Frances Newport
Lake, Miss Margaret V G—i
La Lande, Miss Juanita Louisiana
L.ambert, Miss Willhemina Sassacus
Lane, Miss Harriet Lancaster
Langdon, Mrs. Russell Creamer (Moale) Rowan
Lardner, Miss Margaret Tuscarora
Lawrence, Mrs. Chester B. (Bailey) Bailey
Lawrence, Miss Ruth Lawrence
Lehr, Mrs. Harry Symes (Dahlgren) Daklgren
Leiter, Miss Nancy Illinois
Lenthall, Miss Jennie Guerriere
LiGHTNER, Mrs. Dean (Herreid) South Dakota
Lincoln, Miss Jessie Atlanta
Little, Miss Margaret N E—2
Louer, Mrs. Lewis (Macomber) Des Moines
Lyon, Miss Claudia Texas 2d
Mc.'\lpine, Mrs. Kenneth Fanning
McClellan, Miss Annie Kansas ist
McCoRMiCK, Mrs. Medill (Hanna) Cleveland
McFarland, Mrs Ossipee and Kearsarge ist
McLane, Miss Hazel E New Hampshire 2d
[223]
INDEX
SPONSOR WARSHIP
McLean, Mrs. John R. (Beale) Beale
Macdonough, Miss Lucy T Macdonough
Macomber, Miss Elsie Des Moines
Macon, Miss Mary Louise Arkansas
Mac Quoid, Mrs. Charles W. (Miller) Bancroft
Magoun, Miss Katherine Preston
Mallory, Miss Margaret Moreno Pensacola
Malster, Miss Florence Detroit
Mann, Miss Susan L Minnesota
Marchand, Miss Kitty Omaha
Matthews, Mrs. Albert H. (Schieren) Brooklyn
Mayo, Miss Maria Decatur Decatur
Maynadier, Mrs. G. B. (Sleeper) Winooski
Mickey, Miss Mary Nain Nebraska
Meakins, Miss Lesley Jean H-i
Miller, Miss Jessie Indiana
Miller, Mrs. Josephus (Comstock) Weekazvken
Mills, Mrs. Sylvie DeLong DeLong
MoALE, Mrs. Edward Rowan
Monaghan, Miss Ellen R Monaghan
Money, Miss Mabel Clare Mississippi
Montague, Miss Mathilde Gay Virginia
idoNTGOMERY, Miss May Tallapoosa
Moore, Miss Mary Frances Bancroft
More, Mrs. H. Clifford Marietta
Morgan, Mrs. John E. (Stephenson) Wisconsin
Morgan, Miss Mary Alabama
Morgan, Mrs. Percy T. (Ainsworth) Oregon
Morton, Miss Helen Columbia
Morton, Miss Pauline Cumberland
Mosby, Miss Stella Cincinnati
Murray, Mrs. David (Gillis) Galena
Nally, Miss Marylee Jouett
Newberry, Miss Carol B Michigan
Newell, Mrs. Emerson Root Galveston
Nelson, Mrs. Valentine Omaha
NicoLL, Miss Alice C-5
Nixon, Mrs. Lewis Tallahassee and Holland
Oakley, Mrs. Owen H. (Craven) Tingey
O'Brien, Miss Mira O'Brien
O'Conner, Miss Maud Perry
O'Donnell, Miss Annie C Niagara
Offley, Miss Katherine H Ticonderoga
O'Neil, Mrs. Charles (Frothingham) Wachusett
[224]
INDEX
SPONSOR WARSHIP
Page, Miss Helen Saratoga
Pardee, Miss Florence California
Parker, Miss Catherine Trenton
Pascoe, Miss Selina Shenandoah
Patterson, Miss Georgeanne Pollock Patterson
Patterson, Miss Vera Fox
Paulding, Master Hiram Miantonomah
Paulding, Miss Emma Nyack and Paulding
Peabody, Miss Cora Colorado 2d
Pearsall, Mrs. Paul (Hichborn) Castine and Terror
Pels, Mrs. John R. (Wright) Denver
Pershing, Mrs. John J. (Warren) Cheyenne
PiNNOCK, Miss Lorna Salem
Pope, Miss Elsie Whipple
Porter, Miss Georgia Annapolis
Powell, Mrs. Joseph Wight Aylwin
Preble, Lieutenant G. H Hartford
P -RLE, Miss Ethel Preble
JE, Miss Laura Foote
Quay, Miss Coral Pennsylvania 2d
Radford, Mrs. George Stanley 5-j HI
Rambo, Mrs. Preston (Tate) Georgia • '
Ramsey, Mrs. Edward P. (Smith) Montgomery
Rankin, Miss Harriet E Wilkes
Reade, Mrs. Charles (Macdonough) Macdonough
Reakirt, Mrs. Edwin R. (Lardner) Tuscarora
Rhett, Miss Helen Charleston 2d
Rice, Mrs A-4.
Richardson, Mrs. Edward Bridge Smith
RoBB, Miss Richmond
Rock, Mrs. George H Terry
Rogers, Mrs. James G. (Peabody) Colorado 2d
Rolph, Miss Annette Ried F—2
Rugg, Mrs. George C. (Pope) Whipple
Sands, Mrs. William Ranney H-2.
Savage, Mrs. Eugene T. (Boutelle) Tonopah
Schieren, Miss Ida May Brooklyn
ScHALLER, Miss Rose Marie Minnesota 2d
Schley, Miss Virginia Petrel
Schubert, Mrs. Adam J. (Gooding) Idaho
Scotia, Mrs. John B. (Tyler) Pawnee
Scott, Miss Alice ; Charleston ist
Scott, Miss Rebecca Nipsic
[225]
T AT n r* v
INDEX
SPONSOR WARSHIP
Sealey, Miss Ella Galveston
Seaman, Miss Lilian Enterprise
Sedgwick, Miss Sallie Onondaga
Sever, Captain James Constitution
Shubrick, Miss Caroline Shubrick
Simons, Mrs. Theodore J. (Rhett) Charleston 2d
Sleeper, Miss Mary R JVinooski
Smith, Mrs. Alice Scott Charleston ist
Smith, Miss Gladys B St. Louis
Smith, Mrs. J. Hopkins (Morton) Cumberland
Smith, Miss Sophia Montgomery
SoLEY, Miss Una Katahdin
Somerville, Mrs. Robert N. (Frazier) Tennessee
South, Mrs. John G. (Bradley) Kentucky
Spear, Mrs. Lawrence Y B-i
Sproul, Miss Dorothy W Chester
Spry, Miss Alice Utah
Steele, Mrs. Agnes Belle Helena
Stephenson, Miss Elizabeth Wisconsin
Stevens, Miss Elizabeth C-2
Stewart, Commodore Charles New Ironsides
Stockton, Miss Katherine Stockton
^tone, Mrs. J. W Canandaigua
Stringham, Miss Lizzie Hartford
Sturdivant, Mrs. George W. (Drake) Iowa
Tate, Miss Stella Georgia
Theiss, Miss Katherine C-5
Thomas, Miss Fannie Sangamon
TiLTON, Mrs Sacramento
Todd, Mrs. Mae C. Stanton Chauncey
ToLAND, Mrs. George (Turner) Juniata
Tomb, Mrs. James Harvey (Drury) Boxer
Townsend, Mrs. Julius C C-4
Tredway, Miss Margaret Dubuque
Trowbridge, Miss Ficksburg
Truxtun, Miss Isabella Truxtun
Turner, Miss Angela Juniata
TuRPiN, Mrs. Walter S ^^7
Tyler, Miss Grace Pawnee
Tynan, Miss Josephine F—i
Underwood, Mrs. Lewis (Campbell) Birmingham
Updike, Miss Margaretta Princeton
Vanderbilt, Miss Anna M Pawtuxet
Virden, Miss Genevieve .Flusser
[226]
INDEX
SPONSOR WARSHIP
Wainwright, Mrs A-2
Walter, Miss Mildred W Walke
Wanamaker, Miss Minnie Philadelphia ist
Warburton, Mrs. Barclay (Wanamaker) Philadelphia ist
Wardwell, Miss McKee
Wardwell, Miss Ernestine A-i
Warren, Miss Hattie Cheyenne
formerly Wyoming
Washburn, Miss Elizabeth Minneapolis
Waters, Miss Jennie Scott Maryland
Webster, Miss Frances C—i
Wells, Miss Alice Connecticut 4th
Westbrook, Mrs. John D. (Guild) Nashville
White, Miss Katherine V West Virginia
White, Miss Nellie M Blakeley
Whitney, Mrs. C. W Keokuk
Williams, Miss Madge H San Marcos
formerly Texas
Willets, Miss Jessie McCall
Wilmerding, Miss Alice Tracy Maine ist
Wilson, Miss Helen S Washington
Wilson, Mrs. Joseph D. (Offley) Ticonderoga
Wilson, Miss Mary H Dale
Wilson, Mrs. Theodore D Baltimore
WiNSLOw, Mrs. Herbert Kearsarge
Wolfe, Mrs. W. H. (White) West Virginia
Wolff, Miss Helen Davis
Wood, Miss Sally Tallahassee
Worden, Mrs. Daniel F Worden
Wortley, Mrs. Ralph M. S. (Schley) Petrel
Wright, Mrs. Hamilton Minneapolis
Wright, Miss Roberta W Denver
Yeiser, Miss Anna May Paducah
Zahm, Mrs. Frank B A-^
[227]
\
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BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
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