by Tim McGrath
Sherburne, Andrew, 263
Sherman, William Tecumseh, 244
Shuldham, Molyneux, 37, 60
Simmons Island, 323
Simpson, Thomas, 176, 186, 187, 217, 219–22, 224, 227, 229, 230, 258–59, 262–67, 322, 323, 328
Skimmer, John, 235–36
Skimmer, John, Jr., 235–36
Slavery, 2, 16, 34, 71, 87, 101
Smallpox, 56, 142, 144, 216, 217, 288, 322, 324, 328, 340
Smallwood, William, 189
Smith, David (David Freeman), 223
Smith, Josiah, 247
Smith, Robert, 113
Smith, Samuel, 168
Smyth, Captain, 360, 364–65
Solano, Don Josef, 407, 408
Solebay, 70, 90–92, 97
Somers, Richard, 418
Somerset, 144, 145, 215, 380, 403, 408, 413
Sons of Liberty, 1, 3, 10, 11, 23, 24
South Carolina (see also l’Indien), 386, 401
South Carolina First Regiment, 209
Spanish Armada, 227
Spies, 137–40, 159, 185, 190, 194, 200, 209, 266, 274, 275, 278, 335
Spitsbergen Island, 50
Spotswood, Alexander, 89
Stacey, Samuel, 295, 297–99
Stamp Act, 2, 13, 16
Starr, Daniel, 332
Staten Island, 94
Stephens, Adam, 1
Stephens, Philip, 96
Steuben, Baron von, 256
Stewart, Charles, 418
Stewart, Walter, 75, 422
Stoddert, Benjamin, 418
Stone, William, 45, 48
Stormont, Lord David Murray, 121, 122, 136, 153, 157, 158, 159, 162, 180, 185, 217, 312
Story, William, 135, 136
Sturdy Beggar, 144
Submarine, Bushnell’s, 93–94
Sugar Act, 2
Sullivan, John, 233
Sullivan, Philip, 208, 210, 243, 244
Sullivan’s Island, 130, 322, 327
Surprise, 124, 135–36, 153, 158, 159, 247, 253, 399
Swallow, 123
Sybil, 408–11, 413
Symonds, Thomas, 91–92, 238
Symons, John, 78
Talbot, Silas, 243–45, 318–19, 387, 419–20
Tarleton, Banastre, 326–28
Tarpaulin Cove, 112
Tarras, Margaret, 109
Tattamagouche, 11
Taxation, 1, 2, 13
Taylor, James, 144
Taylor, Thomas, 228
Tea Act, 2
Teredo (mollusk), 69
Ternay, Charles Henri-Louis d’Arsac de, 344–45
Texel Island, 121, 122, 311, 313, 314, 316, 386, 401
Thames, 164
Thetis, 230
Thomas, Alexander, 385
Thomas, Evan, 151
Thompson, Thomas, 98, 109, 131, 132, 147–48, 176–78, 182, 186, 214–15, 236, 237
Thorn, 264
Three Friends, 95
Tidd, Thomas, 252
Tobago, 408, 409, 411
Tonyn, 362
Townshend Acts, 2
Trenton, Battle of, 107, 108, 133, 141, 284
Trepassey, 360–61, 364–70, 377
Trevett, John, 77, 113, 174, 175, 205–8, 222, 274, 275
Triomphe, 412
le Triton, 408, 410, 411
Triumph, 347
Trumbull, 98, 133, 237, 260, 319–20, 328–32, 344, 345, 361, 373, 375–76, 387
Trumbull, Governor, 256
Truxton, Thomas, 385, 420
Tucker, Daniel, 24
Tucker, Samuel, 194–97, 215, 260–62, 264, 322, 325, 328, 391, 419
Turtle, 93–94, 189
Turtle Gut Inlet, 81, 82, 153, 202, 241, 243
21st Massachusetts Regiment (Marblehead Regiment), 12, 13, 95
Two Brothers/St John Evangelist, 197
Two Friends, 76, 246
Typhus, 129, 288
Tyrannicide, 134, 274
Unicorn, 238–42
Uniforms, of Continental Navy, 98, 286
l’Union, 266
United States, 418
United States Navy, creation of, 418
Unity, 10–11, 13–14, 19
Ushant, 155, 179
USS Brooklyn, 424
Utrecht, Treaty of, 120, 136
Valley Forge, 183, 188–90, 321, 350
Van Dyke, Abraham, 344
Vandeput, George, 18
Varage, Enseigne de Vaisseau, 284
Vardill, John, 140, 139
Vashon, James, 408–11, 413
Vaudreuil, Marquis de, 401
Vauguyon, Duc de la, 313
Vengeance, 284, 290–92, 301, 308, 309, 313
Venus, 161
Vergennes, Comte de, 121, 136, 137, 158, 159, 162, 178, 184, 201, 399
Vernon, William, 194, 257, 259
Victor, 146
Victory, 265
La Vigne, 106
Ville de Paris, 389, 404
Vincent, Nicholas, 209–11, 213, 214
Virginia, 98, 133, 164, 202–4, 215, 278, 323, 329, 344, 375
Virginia Capes, 77, 164, 202, 258, 262
Vizaga, Don Luis, 407, 408
Wales, Ephraim, 394
Walker, Sir Charles, 119
Wallace, James, 16–17, 20, 21, 35, 37, 57, 64, 68, 76, 95, 98, 103, 111, 191–93, 238, 241, 242, 319, 421
Wallingford, Samuel, 222, 223, 225–26, 228, 230
Wanton, Suriname, 398
War of 1812, 168, 418–20
War of the Spanish Succession, 120
Ward, Samuel, 18
Warner, Elisha, 99, 127, 234
Warren, 99, 111, 125, 128, 132, 133, 171, 174, 215, 236, 237, 256, 258–60, 264, 274, 276, 278–80
Warren, James, 8, 21, 22, 25, 142, 174, 236–37, 257, 259–60, 262, 348–49
Warren, Joseph, 8
Warren, Mercy, 9
Warwick Island, 112
Washington, 98, 100, 109, 132, 164, 166, 167, 169, 170
Washington, George, 13, 18, 24, 52, 66, 67, 69, 70, 75, 79, 86, 89, 110, 151, 188, 191, 233, 243, 257, 346, 383, 395, 417
on Arnold’s betrayal, 350
Barry and, 192, 242
at Brandywine Creek, 165, 181
on British fleet, 21–22
Bushnell and, 93
characteristics of, 12
Conyngham and, 255
crossing of Delaware, 107
Estaing and, 233, 234
at Germantown, 168, 181
Jones and, 265
lack of gunpowder and, 12, 17
letter to Morris, 106–7
“little fleet” of, 34
at Morristown, 321, 350
mutiny of Hannah’s crew and, 14
New York campaign, 94–95, 102, 103
rank of, 31
sinking of ships and, 169, 170
start of unofficial Navy and, 13, 14
supplies and, 34
takes command of Continental Army, 7
Ternay’s plan and, 344–45
at Trenton and Princeton, 107–8
at Yorktown, 376
Washington, Martha, 89
“Washington at War” (song), 28
Wasp, 27, 39, 45, 48, 53, 54, 56, 57, 71, 73, 74, 79–81, 168
Waters, David, 234
Watt, 329–32, 375
Wayne, Anthony, 189, 416
Weaver, Thomas, 53
Weazel, 177
Welch, Hezekiah, 196–97, 349, 367, 370, 392, 393, 406
Welsh, John, 277
Wendell, David, 176
Wendell, John, 176
Wentworth, Benning, 176
West, William, 111
Wexford, 378
Weymouth, Lord, 156, 159, 162, 186
Wharton, John, 26
Wheatley, John, 151
Wheatley, Phillis, 151–52
Wheatley, Susann, 151
Whipple, Abraham, 16, 26, 46, 59, 79, 83–84, 95, 99, 111, 164, 260, 262–64, 266, 322–26, 328, 329, 391, 412, 419
court-martial of, 69–70
Glasgow, battle with, 63, 68, 69–70
leadership style of, 48
Whipple, Mrs. William, 184
Whipple, William, 176, 254, 274
Whitby, 78, 124
White, William, 149
Whitehaven, 219–24, 226, 230, 252, 265, 288
Wickes, Lambert, 68, 71, 79–81, 83, 96, 99–102, 106, 122, 123, 136, 138, 141, 153–58, 178–79, 183, 218, 356, 378, 391
Wickes, Richard, 81, 83
Wild Duck (see also Lexington), 58, 64
Wilkinson, Thomas, 104, 105
Will, William, 361
Willets, Jedidiah, 132
Williams, Captain, 108
Williams, Jonathan, 157, 355, 356, 373
Williamson, Hugh, 422
Willing, Thomas, 49
Wilson, James, 320
Windward Islands, 177, 209, 214
Wolfe, James, 278
Wooden Ball, 242
Woodford, William, 35
Workman, Hans, 213
Wright, John, 306–7
Wyeth, George, 25
Wyeth, Joshua, 1, 4
Yarmouth, 184, 209–14, 332
York River, 164, 394
Yorke, Sir Joseph, 312, 313
Yorktown, 187, 284, 376, 377, 383
Young, James, 96
Young, Joanna, 361, 363–64, 416
Young, John, 87, 99, 185, 215, 319, 344, 345, 361–64, 416
hotos on this page are courtesy of Independence National Historical Park
In 1775, John Adams had never been farther than fifteen miles out to sea from Boston, but he was the strongest advocate for the creation of the Continental Navy. Portrait by Charles Willson Peale.
Samuel Chase—as intimidating verbally as he was physically imposing—called John Adams’s idea of a Continental Navy “the Maddest Idea in the world.” Portrait by Charles Willson Peale.
In Paris, Benjamin Franklin championed Lambert Wickes, Gustavus Conyngham, and John Paul Jones in their successive raids along the British coastline—although he found John Barry difficult to deal with. Portrait by Joseph-Siffred Duplessis.
Photos on this page are courtesy of Independence National Historical Park
Only George Washington and Benjamin Franklin could match Robert Morris in holding the fragile new United States together. A financial genius, Morris saved the country from complete economic collapse and kept the Continental Navy sailing long after Congress had lost interest. Portrait by Charles Willson Peale.
National Archives
Tun Tavern, where John Adams, Stephen Hopkins, and other Continental congressmen discussed the formation of the navy during their meals. The Philadelphia waterfront establishment also hosted the first rendezvous for the Continental marines.
Independence Seaport Museum
With the Philadelphia waterfront buildings in the background, this engraving by W. Birch & Son of a frigate under construction gives us an idea of the hugeness of such an undertaking.
Naval Historical Center
In some respects, Abraham Whipple began the fight against the Royal Navy when he led the Rhode Island mariners in burning HMS Gaspee in 1772. Portrait by Edward Savage.
Naval History and Heritage Command
Continental Navy ship Columbus, commanded by Abraham Whipple, bringing in a British brig. Note the upside-down British ensign—the telltale sign of a captured vessel. Painting by Nowland Van Powell.
ndependence National Historical Park
When the Revolution began, John Barry was Robert Morris’s top merchant captain. When the Revolution ended, the intrepid Barry was the Continental Navy’s last captain. Portrait by Gilbert Stuart.
Naval History and Heritage Command
pril 7, 1776: Continental brigantine Lexington, Captain John Barry, takes the Royal Navy sloop Edward off the Virginia coast. Painting by Nowland Van Powell.
National Archives
The only officer to be called “Commander-in-Chief” of a naval force, Esek Hopkins failed to live up to the expectations of Congress and his own captains. Engraving by C. Corbutt.
ndependence National Historical Park
Young, talented, and brave, Nicholas Biddle was easily the best of Commodore Hopkins’s captains. Painting by Charles Willson Peale.
National Archives
This portrait of John Paul Jones by J. M. Moreau captures the conflicting traits of the man: his ambition, his inner doubts, and his indomitable will. He was a skilled mariner and brave warrior, but his biggest enemy was often himself.
Naval Historical Foundation
On Sunday, December 3, 1775, Lieutenant John Paul Jones raised the Grand Union flag aboard the Continental Navy flagship Alfred. The steeples of Christ Church and Independence Hall rise in the background. Painting by Nowland Van Powell.
Naval History and Heritage Command
The U.S. Navy has named destroyers after Gustavus Conyngham, the most successful of all Continental Navy captains, but he is almost forgotten now. Painting by V. Zveg.
Naval Historical Center
Marine Captain Matthew Parke served under both John Paul Jones and John Barry. Artist unknown.
Naval Historical Center
The Alliance entering Boston harbor, missing her mainyard after her battle with the Atalanta and Trepassey. Painted by Marine Captain Matthew Parke.
Independence National Historical Park
Joshua Barney was just a teenager when he joined the Continental Navy—the beginning of more than forty years of maritime service to his country. Portrait by Charles Willson Peale.
Naval History and Heritage Command
Continental ships Reprisal and Lexington, their guns run out, spoiling for a fight. Painting by Nowland Van Powell.
Royal Museum, Greenwich, England
The portrait of the quintessential frigate captain: Andrew Snape Hamond of the King’s Navy. Painting attributed to both Thomas Lawrence and G. H. Phillips.
Naval History and Heritage Command
While serving in the Continental Navy, Lieutenant Richard Dale survived a lightning strike, imprisonment, and the Battle off Flamborough Head. He served with distinction under both Barry and Jones. Engraving by R. W. Dobson from a drawing by J. B. Longacre, after a painting by J. Wood.
Naval Historical Foundation
On November 16, 1776, the brig Andrew Doria entered the harbor of St. Eustatius, where she received the first salute from a foreign government. Painting by Colonel Phillips Melville, USMC.
New York Historical Society
Chosen Number One on Congress’s infamous “Captains List” mainly for his southern roots, Marylander James Nicholson vexed Congress throughout the war for his unwillingness to confront the enemy—until he commanded the Trumbull.
Independence National Historical Park
Arthur Lee’s loathing of Benjamin Franklin sent him into mean-spirited machinations against Franklin’s admirers, including John Paul Jones and Gustavus Conyngham. Painting by Charles Willson Peale.
Royal Museum, Greenwich, England
Unlike Admiral Howe, Commodore Sir George Collier displayed a ruthless efficiency as commander of the Royal Navy, routing the American fleet at Penobsc
ot and sending the Continental captain King George most despised to England to be hanged. Engraving by John James Hinchcliff.
Independence Seaport Museum
As a longboat reaches the New Jersey shoreline, HMS Augusta blows up during the Battle for the Delaware—the largest British ship ever lost to the Americans in a war. The besieged Fort Mifflin is in the background. Painting by James Hamilton.
U.S. Naval Museum
How England—and the rest of Europe—imagined Gustavus Conyngham. He saw a similar drawing in the shopwindows of London.
Independence Seaport Museum
A Dutch engraving of Gustavus Conyngham’s Surprise capturing the royal packet Prince of Orange. With this capture, Conyngham started terrorizing British shipping, belying France’s neutrality, and bedeviling George III. Engraving by H. Fokke.
A contemporary drawing, later colored, of Mill Prison in Plymouth, England.
National Museum of the Marine Corps
Under cover of darkness, John Paul Jones leads his raiding party into Whitehaven. Painting by Colonel Charles Waterhouse, USMC.
Naval History and Heritage Command
After the Whitehaven raid, British cartoonists portrayed John Paul Jones as the reincarnation of Blackbeard the Pirate.
U.S. Naval Museum
The Battle off Flamborough Head. The Bonhomme Richard and Serapis are in the foreground. To the right the Alliance unleashes a broadside at both ships while, to the left, the Pallas engages the Countess of Scarborough. Painting by William Elliot.
David Murray, 2nd Earl of Mansfield, Lord Stormont. King George’s minister to France was convinced on a daily basis that King Louis’s government was conspiring with the American rebels—and he was right. Painting by Sylvester Harding.
