The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-01-03
miscellaneous.
Spring Perch Co
Navy.
Interesting Historical Docu ment.

INCEPTION OF THE NAVY or TgE UNITED STATES
INSTRUCTIONS OF WASHINGTON TO THE CON-
MANDBR OF THE FIRST ARMED VESSEL SAILING
UNDER THE AMERICAN FLAG.
We have the pleasure TO lay before readers this
mor,ng most interesting historical document in
nection with the naval history Of tho United States.
At the opening Of hosties between tho Ministerial and
Continental Forces In the of l775 the want OF
navy severely felt Tho enemy's troops al Boston
obliged 10 obtain nearly all iher supplies by
The forces under Warrington cutting on everything from
the country The Idea tho sagscous mind OF
the Commander In Chief that few small armed vessels
might render the essential service by cutting
on the enemys supplies and interoe ptng the Ministerial
dispatches Congress- the request OF tho Com
In Chief fitted out the following named schoonsrs and
Washington saued instructions TO the commander who
already bore commissions a. captains In tho army
Tho Harrison, Capt Colt. tho Lynch, Capt, Boushton;
tho Lee, Capt Mauly; the Warren, Capt. Adams;
the Washington, Capt. Martindsle. rnoso ve,sels
went 70 see In the months OF september and DC 10
ber 1776 and al did good service exocpt the Washing
ton, which was taken by the enemy.
The ntns out Of these vessels may DO considered the
origin or tho United States Navy. Too much cannot be
rso q nS
vice was e1ceedineJ pcrous for the army mad tho Ad
vsntases Of country generally frientiy and Of
sand lurking places 10 the enemy Bat tie In
FAINT navy was composed OF small vesseis badly equip
psd always short OF supplies and Of aiion.
10 opposed the sreatest " Ia the world with
The further risk that had fallen the hands Of
On enemy disposed 70 pursue bis victim. thoy might
have bern at once hanged at the fore yardArm the
OF these patriots should DO hold In tho most
grateful rcmemb raDce They preceded the gallant Joan
Paul Jones, who 10 generally considered the OF
navy, and whose great deeds Inspired tho who
followed Decatur and Hull aud Stewart Perry into
many . desperate eight, where victory crowned our
eagles.
Our historians have generally sighted tho claims Of the
gallant founders OF navy and the purpose Of
uole 70 remedy this defrct In part surviving rela.
i've Of Captain Colt has placed In hands copy OF The
Instructions ksucd 70 that officer by the Co in
Chief and ntroe IT. with OF tho gel.
liant commanders scrvocs
A. tho breaking out OF tho Capt Colt quietly
engaged In the practice Of Law ~ New London Connscu
cut then roe, dstna ushed for tho Industry liberal
ity and pa otsm OF liz citizens Tho Of ught
81 Lexington aroused Connecticut 10 The Iegsa-
ture voted 70 raise SIX regiments OF thousand
EACH Capt Coli volunteered Goth Of A,ril ssd i'm.
medhtey attained the command OF . company. lis
company formed part OF the Connections troops lsd
scroes Charles,own neck, under CALLING Ore, by Gene
rel Israel Putnam, which IN Tune parlci.
Pate In the battle Of Bunker Hill Tho OF Captain
Com bonoraby mentioned In the records u that scusa
shortly acr this affair that Captain Colt ap
pointed the command Of the Harrison received his
Instructions o. foiiosss-