Polynesian., 1857-03-14
Ole polpnesiau.
In,ere.,iny Historical Docmmeu,.

INCEPTION OF THE NAVY OF THE UNITED sTATEs-IS-
sTRUcTIoSs WASHINGTON TO THE COMMANDER OF
THE FIRST ARMED VESSEL SAILING UNDER THE AMERI-
| CAN FLAG
We kzve the pleasure to lay before our readers this
morning most interesting historical document in con-
nectiOn with the naval history of the United States
At the opening of hosities between the Ministerial
and Continental forces, in the of 1775, the
want of a navy severely felt The enemy's troops
at Boston obliged to obtain nearly all their sup
plies by sea-the forces under Washington cutting off
everything from the country The idea occurred to
the sagacious mind Of the Commander Chief that
few small armed vessels might render the
tial service, by cutting of the enemys supplies, and
intercepting the Ministerial dispatches Congress,
the request of the Commander -in Chief fitted out the
following named schOoners, and Washington issued in
structions to the commanders, who already bore
missions captains in the army The Harrison, Capt
Colt; the Lynch, Capt. Boughton the Lee. Capt.
Mauly; the Warren, Capt. Adams the Washington,
Capt. Martndae. These vessels went to sea in the
months of September and October, 1875, and all did
good service except the Washington, which taken
by the enemy.
The fitting out of these vessels may be considered the
origin of the United States Navy. Too much cannot
be said in praise of the gaantry and devotion of the
officers and who worked this little squadron. The
land service not exceedingly perOus, for the army
had the advantages of country generally friendly,
and of thousand lurking places unknown to the n
emy. But the infant navy composed of small
sells, badly equipped, always short Of supplies and
ammunition. To it opposed the greatest navy in
the world with the further risk that had our men fall
into the hands of enemy disposed pursue his
victim, they might have been at hanged at the
fore yardarm. The names of these patriots should
ever be held in grateful remembrance They preced-
ed the gallant John Paul Jones, who is generally
sldered the founder of our navy, and whose great
deeds inspired the who followed Decatur and Hull
and Stewart and Perry into many desperate fight,
where victory crowned our eagles.
Our historians have generally sghted the claims of
the gallant founders of navy, and the purpose of
this article Is to remedy this defect in part surviv
ing relative of Capt Colt has placed IN hands
copy Of the instructions issued to that officer by the
Commander in-Chief, and we introduce it, with some
account of the gallant commanders services.
At the breaking Of the Capt Colt was quiet
engaged in the practice of law at New London, Con-
necticut, then now, distinguished for the industry
iberality and patriotism of its citizens. The news
of the fight at Lexington aroused Connecticut arms
The Legislature voted to raise six regiments Of
thousand men each Capt. Colt volunteered the Goth
Of April, and immediately attained the command of
company. His company formed part of the Connec-
ticut troops led Charlesown necS under gall
ing fire, by Gen. Israel Putnam, which was in
time to participate in the battle Of Bunker Hill The
of Capt. Colt is honoraby mentioned in the re-
cords of that action II shortly after this afiir
that Capt Colt appointed to the command of the
Harrison and received his instructions follows
(CoPY.)
INSTRUCTIONS TO CAPT. WILLIAM COLT, COMMANDER or
THE ARMED SCHOONER HARRISON
l. You being already .,ointed Captain in the
my Of the United Colonies Of North America a here
by directed 10 take the command of detachment of
said army and proceed on board the armed schooner
Harrison, lately fitted out and equipped with arms
mnnition and provisions at the Continental expense.
2 You TO proceed, commander Of said schoon-
er Immediately cruise against such vessels may
be found the high elsewhere, bound inwards
Outwards, to from Boston, in the service of the
Ministerial army, and to take and seize all such vessels
laden with soldiers, arms, ammunition provisions,
for from said army, which you shall have good
reason to suspect are i'll such service.
8. II you should be successful as to take any
of said vessels, you Immediately to send them 70
the nearest and safest port this camp under
ful prizemaster, directing him to notify Immediate
ly by express of such capture with particulars and
there to wait my further directions.
4. YSu are 10 be very particular and diligent in
your search er the letters other papers tending
discover the designs Of the enemy, Of any other
kind, and to forward all such to me as soon pOss
ble
5. Whatever prisoners you may take, you are to !
treat with kindness and humanity far as is consist
ent with your safety-ther private stock Of mou-
and apparel to given them after being duly search
ed and when they arrive at any port you apply
to the committee or any officer of the Continental |
army stationed at such port for guard to bring them
up to headquarters.
6. For your own encouragement and that of the |
other officers and activity and courage in this
SeFNlCe, over ABOVE your III the continental
army you shall be entitled to third part of the
cargo Of every vessel by you taken and port
military and naval stores excepted, which with the
vessel and apparel reserved for the public service
which third part is to be divided among the officers and
men in the following proportions -
Captain, shares. Mate, l-2 share.
1st Lieutenant, 5 do. Gunner, 1-2 do.
I'd Lieutenant; do. Boatswain, l-2 do.
Surgeon, do. Gunner's Mate and Ser
Ships Master, 3 do. geant, 1-2 do.
Steward, 2 do. Priyates each, l do.
7. You are particularly charged to avoid any en-
gagement with any vessel Of the enemy, though you
may be equal in strength, may have small ad-
vantage the design of the enterprise being to inter-
rupt the supplies of the enemy, which will be defeat
ed by your running into unnecessary engagements
In this your own discretion and prudence must gov
ern.
8. As there may be other vessels employed in the
same service with yourselves, you FIX upon prop
er signals, and your stations being settled, to
take the greatest range avoid cruising the same
ground. If you should happen to take prizes in sight
of each other the rules which take place among pr
ships of to be observed in the distribution
Of the prize money.
9. In of retaking the vessel of any friend to
the American cause will recommend it 10 such per-
have done such service but such vessels be deem
ed coming within the directions of other vessels.
10. You to be extremely careful and frugal of
your ammunition, by means to waste any OF it in
sautes or Tor any oher purpose but what Ii absolutely
G. WASHINGTON.
HEADoULRTER Oct. %, 1775.
These instructions commendable for their clear
aud perspiccity while at the time the pru-
dence and economical sagacy of Washington are
plainly evincei in them. Capt. Colt took several
prizes and rendered the essential service TO the
republic he declined receive pay for his services
and expended his private fortune for the cause Such
deserve the highest place in the list of their
Iry's heroes.
AMEnIcLN HnRsEs ENaI xn-Xa learn With re-