| The second Virginia -- a schooner built in 1797 for the
United States Revenue Cutter Service at Portsmouth, Virginia -- was transferred
to the Navy for use in the undeclared naval war against France in the early
summer of 1798; and was commissioned on 25 June, Capt. Francis Bright in
command. |
| In August 1798, Virginia received orders to join the frigate
Constitution off the eastern seaboard of the United States for operations
against suspected French warships and merchantmen. She remained on this station
until December, when she was assigned identical duty in the West Indies between
St. Christopher Island and Puerto Rico as part of the squadron commanded
by Commodore Thomas Truxtun. While helping to defend American interests in
the Caribbean, Virginia, assisted by Richmond and Eagle,
captured the armed French schooner Louis and her cargo on 26 April
1799. Despite this success, in the following June, the fragile vessel was
declared unfit for further naval service and was returned to the Revenue
Cutter Service. |
Tonnage 187; Length, 60'; Beam, 18'10"; Depth of hold, 8'6"; Complement
70; Armament, six 6-pdrs., eight 4-pdrs. |
| Currently the xxx is in the process of building a replica of this
historical ship! For detailed information, please visit
www.schoonervirginia.org |
|
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