Navy
Nicholas Biddle – One of Our Best
It is rare that the U.S. Navy names ships after one its officers, much less four. Captain Nicholas Biddle, Continental Navy is one that has been honored with four ships…
Read MoreFive Facts About JPJ You Probably Didn’t Know
John Paul Jones (JPJ) is one of the most storied naval officers of the 18th Century. He uttered the words “I have not yet begun to fight” in the battle…
Read MoreThe Sad Story of Pierre Landais Part Deux
Within hours of Captain John Paul Jones relieving him of command of the frigate Alliance, Landais began scheming to get his ship back. Rather remain in port, he went to…
Read MoreThe Sad Story of Pierre Landais, Part Un
The rebellion in the Thirteen Colonies drew the Marquis de Lafayette from France, Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben from Prussia and Casimir Pulaski from Poland and many others who wanted to…
Read MoreThe Undeclared Shooting War Against France
Three unrelated events led to a war with France 15 years after the American Revolution ended. First, in September 1794, Louis XVI was deposed, ending the French monarchy. Second, in…
Read MoreThe South Carolina Navy in the American Revolution
In an earlier post, The Strange Story of the Frigate L’Indien, was told. L’Indien, a.k.a. South Carolina (40 guns) was built in Amsterdam based on a French design. The South…
Read MoreThe Strange Case of the Frigate L’Indien a.k.a. South Carolina
Throughout the American Revolution, our Founding Fathers were desperate for ships that could take on the Royal Navy on equal terms. Before France entered the war, French ship designer Jacques…
Read MoreA Toast for Every Day of the Week
After it was founded on October 13th, 1775, both officers and men on Continental Navy ships were served alcohol. A weak 2% beer was the primary beverage for everyone on…
Read MoreThree Inventions that Changed Seafaring Forever
In the February issue of the U.S. Naval Institute’s magazine, Proceedings, the question was asked “What foreign invention or innovation do you think most affected the U.S. naval service?” It…
Read MoreFinding the Wind
Up until the advent of steam power, wind drove ships. Ask any sailing ship captain and he’ll tell you that wind direction and speed often changes. Without modern instruments gauging…
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