In the wake of the War of 1812, naval action resumed against the Barbary powers that had enriched themselves considerably during the struggle with England. Unable to reach the open sea, her presence protected fortifications at Craney Island. Shortly after her arrival in January 1813, Constellation was effectively blockaded by an imposing British fleet. With the advent of war with England approaching, Constellation was dispatched to Hampton Roads under the command of Captain Charles Stewart. She later returned to the United States in November 1805, mooring at Washington where she was later placed in ordinary until 1812.Ĭonstellation then underwent extensive repairs at Washington during 18. Additionally, she took part in a squadron movement against Tunis that culminated in peace terms in August 1805. Marines and diplomatic personages from Derne at the conclusion of a fleet-short operation against Tripoli. In June 1805, Constellation evacuated a contingent of U.S. She traveled widely throughout the Mediterranean during 1804 to show the flag of the United States in demonstration of our nation's seapower strength. Under Commodore Robert Morris, and later, under Commodores Samuel Barron and John Rodgers, Constellation sailed with the squadron that served in the blockade of Tripoli in May 1802. While anchoring in Delaware Bay on April 10, 1801, the ship got caught in winds and an ebb tide that laid her over on her beam ends, causing extensive repairs. At the end of the Quasi-War with France, Constellation returned to home waters, where misfortune awaited her. In May 1800, Constellation additionally gained more recognition for recapturing three American merchantmen. However, with a stroke of luck, Vengeance utilized the darkness of the night to escape from Constellation, who was unable to pursue further because of the loss of her mainmast. Vengeance twice struck her colors (lowered her flag in surrender) and was close to sinking. On the evening of February 1, 1800, the Constellation engaged with a 52-gun frigate, the Vengeance, in a lengthy, furious battle. Under this new command change, she sailed for the West Indies in December 1799. In the succeeding months, Constellation additionally encountered and seized two French privateers, Diligent and Union.Īfter a brief voyage under Captain Samuel Barron, Constellation was later commanded once more by Truxtun. In a hard-fought victory, she brought her prize into port. Subsequently, on February 9, 1799, the Constellation captured a French 40-gun frigate, L'Insurgente, in battle off Nevis, West Indies. Under the command of Captain Thomas Truxtun, she sailed for the Caribbean in December 1798. After the construction of Constellation was finished at Sterrett Shipyard, Baltimore, MD, she launched on September 7, 1797.Ĭonstellation convoyed American merchantmen at the outset (from June through August 1798), before sailing for the West Indies to protect United States' commerce. However, plans were later altered in its execution by builder David Stodder, and superintendent of shipbuilding, Captain Thomas Truxtun. The first Constellation initially was a frigate designed by naval constructors Joshua Humphreys and Josiah Fox.
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