| The first Delaware, a frigate, was built under the 13 December
1775 order of the Continental Congress in the yard of Warwick Coates of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under the direction of the Marine Committee.
Upon her launching in July 1776, Captain C. Alexander took command.
Delaware Served in the Delaware River, joining with Commodore J.
Hazelwood's Pennsylvania state ships in operations which delayed the British
Fleet in approaching Philadelphia and supplying the British Army. When the
British took possession of Philadelphia 26 Sept6ember 1777, Delaware,
in company with several smaller ships, advanced upon the enemy fortifications
which were being erected and opened a destructive fire while anchored some
500 yards from shore. On 27 September she went aground on the ebb tide and
came under the concentrated fire of the British artillery. After a brave
defense against overwhelming odds, Captain Alexander was compelled to strike
his colors. Delaware was taken into the Royal Navy until sold in March
1783. |
Displacement, 563; Length, 119'; Beam, 32'11"; Depth of hold, 9'9";
Armament, twenty-two 12-pdrs., six 6-pdrs. |
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