Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-10-22

L
In March, 1894, an act was approved b,
the President, authorizing the con
struction or purchase of six frigates o.
not less than 80 guns. 1t was this in
cipient war and act that gave birth tt
the Constitution.
The Constitution was built in Bos
ton. her keel being laid in 1894. She
was built by Messrs. Claghorne s
Hartley. and was ready to launch Ii
the spring of 1897. She stuck upon the
ways at the first attempt to launch her
but the old notion that this mishaI
was an unfortunate omen for vessel
certainly proved fallacious in this in
stance. She was finally launched In
October
The frigate's first commander was
Samuel Nicholson.
The first occasion which offered itself
for the services of the Constitution was
the naval war against France. "Oli
1ronsides" became one of the squadron
commanded by Captain John Barry,
and ordered to redezvous at Prince Ru-
pert's bay and cruise within certain
defined limits.
In this quassi war the Constitution
fought no battles, that glory falling to
her sister. the Constellation. who, un-
der Commodore Truxton, captured the
Insurgente, one of the fastest frigates
afioat
In 1900 the scene of operations was
shifted to the Mediterranean. Capt.
Edward Preble, on board the Constitu-
ton, took charge there of the operating
squadron. A New Hampshire man, he
was little known to the officers and
men on board, and came with the rep
utation Of disciplinarian.
During the campaign the Constitu-
ton assisted in retaking the American
brig, Celia. which had been captured
by cruiser off Tangiers, and in COM
polling the Emperor Of Morocco to dis
avow the capture and deprive the gov
ernor of Tangiers Of his commission, as
well as to give the American squadron
salute of 81 guns, to say nothing OF
gifts.
In the bombardment Of Tripoli on
Aug. 3, the Constitution took an active
part. Notwithstanding the inclement
weather which prevailed.
OF the enemy's gunboats, three were
sunk. The American loss was one killed
and 10 wounded. Capt. Preble was
nearly killed by a 32-pound shot.
Several attacks followed on subse-
quent days. in which the Constitution
sustained some injuries. but the Ameri-
cans were finally able to dictate terms
of peace to the Bey.
Another occasion in which the Con-
stitution distinguished herself was dur
ing the war of 1912, due to several flag
rant violations of neutral rights by the
British.
The great exploit of the Constitution
was her fight with the Guerriere. now
we'll known among sea engagements.
The American frigate sustained in
juries mainly to the rigging. her hull
being scarcely touched. The Gurriere
on the other hand, was almost demol-
ished in the short space of 30 minutes.
During that time the American fired
$40 shots at her antagonist. expanding
2376 pounds of powder, and firing at the
rate of % shots per minute. sss
u On her return to Boston after this We
tory. the Constitution was enthusiasts
tically received, the city rendering her
officers and crew banquet in Faneuil
hall, over which John Adams presided
Congress voted $4,000 to the officers
and seamen of the frigate. gold medal
being. given to Capt. Hull and one of
silver to each of his officers. Other
honors were paid by the citizens of
Portland, Me-, and the Legislature of
Virginia.
After the return to Boston Capt. Hull
resigned command Of the frigate. and
Brainbridge was selected for the corn
mand. 1t was under this gallant Of
ficer that she fought and captured the
Java, after a short but extremely hot
action.
In 1913 the Constitution was found to
be so badly decayed as to require ex-
tensive repairs. After these were eff
fected she was placed under the COM
mand of Capt. Charles Stewart, and
again went to sea during the winter of
1914. In this cruise she fought no ac-
ton. In December she again put to
sea; on the evening of the Goth of
February met, fought and captured
two small English vessels, the Cyane
and Levant. This terminated the ex-
ploits of the gallant Constitution, or
Old Ironsides. Since then she has gone
to sea several times-once on a cruise
around the world-but of late years she
has been laid up in the different navy
yards.
The only other notable episode in her
history was her escape from falling
into the hands of the Confederates
while she was lying at Annapolis as a
training ship in 1S61-a danger averted
through the prompt action of the Sth
Massachusetts Regiment, under Gen.
B. F. Butler. by which she was re-
moved to Brooklyn.
LASTED BUT 30 MINUTES.