BGuthrie Photos: MD -- Annapolis -- US Naval Academy -- Museum -- History: Pre-Civil War

MD -- Annapolis -- US Naval Academy -- Museum -- History: Pre-Civil War:

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Copyrights: All pictures were taken by amateur photographer Bruce Guthrie (me!) who retains copyright on them. Free for non-commercial use with attribution. See the [Creative Commons] definition of what this means. "Photos (c) Bruce Guthrie" is fine for attribution. (Commercial use folks including AI scrapers can of course contact me.) Feel free to use in publications and pages with attribution but you don't have permission to sell the photos themselves. A free copy of any printed publication using any photographs is requested. Descriptive text, if any, is from a mixture of sources, quite frequently from signs at the location or from official web sites; copyrights, if any, are retained by their original owners.

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Specific picture descriptions: Photos above with "i" icons next to the bracketed sequence numbers (e.g. "[1] ") are described as follows:
1. NAMUP1_110130_006.JPG: Silk Flag: Silk lace flag made by Mrs. Robert Livingston for use at Washington's first inauguration. Mrs. Livingston was the wife of the Chancellor of the State of New York who administered the oath of office to Washington as the first President of the United States. The flag is entirely hand made of silk and is estimated to have taken one year to complete.
2. NAMUP1_110130_012.JPG: Key to Wakefield and Letter: An iron key to the house at Wakefield, Virginia, in which George Washington was born. The letter from Col. John M. Wilson, USA, explains how and where the key was found. George Washington: As Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and as President of the United States, Washington understood the need of a naval force. In the opening months of the War for Independence, he contracted fishermen from Marblehead, Massachusetts, to arm their vessels and seize ships carrying supplies for the British Army in America. As President, Washington signed the bill authorizing the construction of the first ships of the United States Navy, ships needed to protect American commerce in the Mediterranean. Washington's actions in two conflicts helped lay the foundation of today's Navy.
3. NAMUP1_110130_019.JPG: Original Survey: As a young man, Washington became an experienced surveyor. This is an original survey done in his own hand.
4. NAMUP1_110130_025.JPG: China Plate: Gold edged china plate that belonged to George Washington
5. NAMUP1_110130_029.JPG: Comb: Comb used to dress George Washington's hair during his visit to Annapolis in December 1783, when he resigned his commission as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army.
6. NAMUP1_110130_037.JPG: Pair of Shoe Buckles: Two silver and gold shoe buckled inlaid with French brilliants, owned and used by George Washington.
7. NAMUP1_110130_044.JPG: American Revolution: A Navy for the Colonies: Did the thirteen rebellious colonies need a navy? Some said no, but practical considerations led to the creation of a variety of naval forces. Individuals fitted out privateers to attach British merchant ships, states created navies to protect their own harbors, and the Continental Congress laid the foundation of a national navy by purchasing, then building warships, and commissioning officers in the Navy and Marine Corps. Thirteen Frigates -- December 1775: In December 1775, the Rhode Island delegation to the Continental Congress called for "an American fleet." In response, Congress authorized 13 frigates, one for each of the colonies. The frigates had brief careers. Several had some success in commerce raiding, but seven were burned when British troops seized their building ports, one was captured running the blockade, another burned to avoid capture, and three were captured at sea. Raising the Cost of War: Both the Continental Navy and privately armed vessels, called privateers, sailed in search of British prizes. A successful commander could become wealthy, but more importantly British losses were American gains. The cargoes of captured vessels provided needed supplies to the Army and to civilians. And the losses to the British merchants raised the price of commodities, raised insurance rates, and undermined British support of the war. Two Continental Navy commanders, who took the war right to the shores of England, were Lambert Wickes and Gustavus Conyngham. Strategic Victories: Of all the engagements of the Revolutionary War, two naval battles stand out as crucial to securing American independence. One, fought on an island lake far from the sea, was a tactical defeat for the rebellious colonies. The other battle, which included no American forces, was a tactical draw. Both battles set in motion a series of events that led to significant land victories. The Battle of Valcour Island may have resulted in lost ships and men for the Americans, but it slowed the British drive to split the American states. The Battle of Virginia Capes, won by America's French allies, forced capitulation of British General Cornwallis' army at Yorktown. Valcour Island -- October 1776: British strategy called for the separation of New England from the rest of the colonies along the Richeliue-Champlain-Hudson River corridor. Lake Champlain was vital to the fulfillment of that strategy. Gen. Benedict Arnold was determined to prevent British control of Lake Champlain. The British had many more ships and greater firepower, so Arnold focused his considerable energy on expanding his fleet. Arnold initially eluded the enemy, but the British eventually caught up with him and destroyed most of his vessels. Dozens of Americans were killed and many more captured. Yet there was a glimmer of hope. British commander Guy Carleton could have continued on, claiming territory from Albany to New York City. Instead, he retired north to Canada because he believed it was too late in the season. The following year, the British tried to push south, only to surrender at Saratoga. Virginia Capes -- September 1781: News of the American victory at Saratoga prompted France to join the revolutionary cause in early 1778. Now the Americans had access to naval resources comparable to the British Royal Navy. But the Battle of the Virginia Capes was strictly an old-world affair -- no American forces were involved. On September 5, 1781, a British fleet, trying to relieve the army besieged at Yorktown, met a French fleet outside the Virginia Capes. Fighting that day resulted in slightly heavier British losses. Over the next three days, the two navies drifted in becalmed waters. On September 9, seven additional French ships arrived from Newport, allowing de Grasse to establish dominance over the Chesapeake. The Battle of the Capes was a tactical draw, but a strategic victory of the greatest importance for the Americans and their French allies. Six weeks after the battle, General Cornwallis was forced to surrender his army. War's End: Although the war would drag on for two years after Cornwallis' surrender, the war party in England had lost its support. By 1780, the Dutch and Spanish had joined France in formally supporting the American cause, increasing pressure on British resources. Fighting the colonists had become too costly. The British House of Commons voted to end the war February 27, 1782. The formal end to the Revolution came on September 3, 1783 with the Treaty of Paris. The treaty's terms included recognition of independence for the United States. The US Congress ratified the treaty on January 14, 1784.
8. NAMUP1_110130_051.JPG: Duc du Duras / Bonhomme Richard: While no plans exist for the Bonhomme Richard, this model is based on the research of French historian Jean Boudriot. The port, or left, side shows the French East Indiaman Duc du Duras, while the starboard, or right, side shows the alterations made by Jones to convert the ship to Bonhomme Richard.
9. NAMUP1_110130_058.JPG: Model of a Gundalow: The gundalows built for Arnold's fleet were 40 to 50 feet in length and mounted one 12-pounder cannon and two 6- or 9-pounders along with eight swivel guns. In the 1930s, one of the gundalows, the Philadelphia, was raised from Valcour Bay and is displayed in the Smithsonian's Museum of American History.
10. NAMUP1_110130_062.JPG: Flintlock Swivel Gun: Flintlock swivel guns, such as this, were common on board naval vessels. All of Arnold's vessels mounted many of these as antipersonnel weapons.
11. NAMUP1_110130_096.JPG: Benedict Arnold 1741-1801 The man whose name became synonymous with "treason" was once an ardent American patriot. With the outbreak of war, he led an expedition to capture Quebec, then fought in battles at Valcour Isle and Saratoga. His soldiers loved him, but influential rivals ensured that he was passed over for promotion -- despite the fact that he was twice wounded in the service of his country. His resentment grew as Congress continually investigated his conduct. Arnold finally switched his allegiance to the British in 1780. Ironically, American independence is a direct consequence of his superior leadership.
12. NAMUP1_110130_116.JPG: "I have yet begun to fight" diorama: Capt. John Paul Jones is shown on the quarterdeck of his ship, Bonhomme Richard, responding to a call for surrender. Although the exact words were not recorded, tradition has it that his answer was: "I have not yet begun to fight!"
13. NAMUP1_110130_130.JPG: John Paul Jones 1747-1792 Remembered as the first great American naval hero, Jones was actually born in Scotland. He went to sea at 13 and by 21 was master of a merchant vessel. He immigrated to Virginia in the early 1770s and, with the onset of the rebellion against England, sought a commission in the Continental Navy. Jones served in flagship Alfred, and then received command of other naval vessels. His many career highlights included capturing two British ships in English waters and receiving the first salute to the Stars and Strips from a foreign power. Following independence, Jones served with the Russian navy and was appointed to represent the United States in negotiations with the Dey of Algiers. Before he could take up the appointment, he died in Paris.
14. NAMUP1_110130_139.JPG: Folding Knife: Jones was often depicted, especially in the British press, as a cut-throat pirate armed to the teeth with pistols, hatchets, and knives. This folding knife did belong to him.
15. NAMUP1_110130_146.JPG: Brass Quadrant, Case and Plaque: It is believed that John Paul Jones owned this beautiful brass quadrant, an early version of the modern sextant. The case is curiously decorated with a painting depicting Jones shooting one of his crew, an event supposedly having taken place during the battle with the Serapis. The decoration, however, shows styles of dress and ships from a period long after his death.
16. NAMUP1_110130_158.JPG: Uniform Button: All that survives of John Paul Jones' uniforms are two buttons, one in the Chicago Historical Society and this one. The button is based on the design used in the French Navy of the period.
17. NAMUP1_110130_176.JPG: Barry Decanter Set: This decanter set was presented to Commo John Barry by the citizens of Bridgeport, Connecticut, about 1795. The decanters are fine examples of early American blown glass. On the cover is one of the earliest appearances of the motto "E Pluribus Unum."
18. NAMUP1_110130_184.JPG: John Barry Commission and Engraving: On his last birthday in office as President, George Washington signed the first commission issued to a captain in the new United States Navy.
19. NAMUP1_110130_195.JPG: USS Constitution: The Naval Act called for four 44-gun and two 36-gun frigates. A clause in the Act stipulated, however, that construction on the ships would cease upon a peace settlement with Algiers. ... The Constitution, still in active duty and berthed in Boston, was designed to outmatch any ship of its class. The construction -- frames and knees of live oak -- made her almost impervious to the enemy's shot, earning her the nickname of "Old Ironsides." The Need for a Navy: Independence deprived the young United States of its traditional markets and the protection of the Royal Navy. Venturing into new ports exposed American merchants to new threats. In 1785, when the powerless and impoverished United States, governed under the Articles of Confederation, was unable to meet their demands, Algerians kidnapped the crews of two American merchant vessels and held them for ransom. In 1793, renewed war between England and France challenged American neutrality and subjected American vessels to seizure and confiscation by both of the warring powers. And, freed from European constraints, North African corsairs ranged into the Atlantic. The Naval Act of March 1794, signed by President George Washington, marked the rebirth of the American navy, designed to protect American interests in the Mediterranean. Quasi War with France: The United States was a pawn in the struggle for maritime domination between England and France. Trouble erupted when Jay's Treaty of 1795 seemed to recognize England as American's primary trading partner. Angry that the United States would turn its back on its long-time ally, France released privateers and warships to attack American commerce in the West Indies. When the American government sent its small navy to the West Indies to protect American shipping, the result was an undeclared naval war; a Quasi-War with France. Barbary Wars: Peace with France freed the new American Navy for other duties. Of primary concern: ongoing conflict in the Mediterranean. The Barbary, or North African, states had stepped up their demands, threatening war if increased "tributes" of money and naval stores were not met. President Thomas Jefferson, long an opponent of tribute, ordered a "squadron of observation" to cruise of Tunis, Tripoli, and Algiers. Although the squadron's primary objective was protecting American merchant shipping, it was prepared for war. Taking on Tripoli -- August-September 1804 With Philadelphia removed, Commodore Preble determined on more forceful action to persuade Tripoli to free its prisoners and settle with the United States. On August 3, he launched an attack on the city. While the frigate Constitution used her heavy guns to reduce the city's batteries and bomb vessels lobbed exploding shells, American and Tripolitan gunboats dueled. While dramatic, the Battle of Tripoli did not produce the conciliatory results Preble was hoping for. He agreed to another daring venture, this time using Intrepid as a giant bomb ... with disastrous results. To the Shores of Tripoli -- April 1805: Soon after the Intrepid explosion, a new commodore arrived [to] take command of the Tripoli situation. Samuel Barron continued the blockade, but ended naval assaults. He did sanction a plan to oust Tripoli ruler Yusuf Karamanli. Meanwhile, American army and marine forces gathered in Egypt and marched to the city of Derna. The Navy provided support from the brigs Argus and Hornet and schooner Nautilus. Derna fell on April 28, 1805, after a fierce two-hour battle. Facing imminent overthrow, Karamanli accepted an offered payment and released Philadelphia's kidnapped crew. The Tripoli Monument at the Naval Academy is the oldest military monument in the United States. It honors six young officers who lost their lives, including Richard Somers, commander of Intrepid. Return to the Mediterranean: The capitulation of Yusuf Karamanli did not end trouble with North Africa. During the War of 1812, Algiers resumed its attacks on American shipping. In 1815, eight days after Congress ratified the treaty that ended war with England, President James Madison recommended war with Algiers. Two squadrons were readied for service. Stephen Decatur commanded one, and William Bainbridge the other. From then until the Civil War, the United States kept a squadron in the Mediterranean, the predecessor of today's Sixth Fleet. War of 1812 Why War? Impressment, violations of neutral rights, and the continued British presence along northern borders drew Congress to a declaration of war on June 18, 1812. After years of conflict with France, England won command of the sea and no longer tolerated American trade with her enemies. Britain enforced its own interpretation of maritime rights, stopping and inspecting neutral shipping and often impressing Americans. President James Monroe estimated that from 1803 to 1812, more than 6,000 American sailors had been impressed, or forcibly enlisted, into the Royal Navy. The Frigate Actions: Congress saw war with England as a land war, with Canada held hostage -- an "easy walk" according to Thomas Jefferson. But, the Navy anticipated a sea war; how could it fight England? John Rodgers proposed one large American squadron to hunt British merchant convoys. Stephen Decatur and William Bainbridge suggested American warships hunt singly or in pairs. The Navy initially chose Rodgers' approach, and, on the declaration of war, Rodgers sailed with his squadron. Though the squadron showed little for its efforts, Rodgers did claim, with some justification, that the cruise drew British warships away from the American coast. The Chase -- June 1812: The frigate Constitution was one her way to rendezvous with Rodgers' squadron when she ran into a British squadron off the coast of New Jersey. Capt. Isaac Hull turned the ship to run from the superior British force, but the wind died. For three days, the Constitution's crew towed the ship, keeping her out of range of British guns. Finally, a sudden heavy rain squall gave Constitution the cover she needed to make her escape. Constitution vs Guerriere -- August 19, 1812: In a short, hard-fought battle, the British frigate was completely demasted and forced to surrender. Constitution's captain Isaac Hull and Guerriere's captain, James Dacres, had known each other before the battle and would remain friends. United States vs Macedonian -- October 25, 1812: On October 11, United States' commander Stephen Decatur, received orders to sail independently from Rodgers' squadron. Five hundred miles south of the Azores, Macedonian was sighted. The two ships stood toward each other and at 9:20 action began. Decatur would prove victorious, making Macedonian the second British frigate captured in the war. Stephen Decatur determined to use the superiority of his big guns to fight at long range. In three hours, Macedonian was a wreck and surrendered. There were 104 casualties in the British ship; only 12 in United States. Repairs at sea to Macedonian took more than two weeks. Constitution vs Java -- December 29, 1812: Under the command of William Bainbridge, Constitution sighted two vessels off the coast of Brazil. One ran for the protection of the coast, the other, 38-fun frigate Java, engaged the American frigate. Although Java destroyed Constitution's steering wheel and injured Bainbridge, the American's heavier guns proved decisive, completely demasting Java, killing 56 men, and mortally wounding her captain, Henry Lambert. Constitution vs Cyane & Levant -- February 20, 1815: Constitution sailed under the command of Charles Stewart for her last cruise of the war. Although the Treaty of Ghent, ending the war, was signed on Christmas Eve, it took weeks before Stewart found out. In this period between war and peace, Constitution met, and captured, two enemy ships, the frigate Cyane and sloop of war Levant. The USS Constitution earned her nickname "Old Ironsides" during the War of 1812. Over the course of three battles, which resulted in the destruction or capture of four British ships, the frigate proved that the Royal Navy was not invincible and raised the morale of the American people.
20. NAMUP1_110130_207.JPG: Thomas Truxtun 1755-1822 Experienced at sea and a veteran of the American Revolution, Truxton was one of the first six captains commissioned into the US Navy. Given command of the new frigate Constellation, he patrolled the West Indies. The Quasi-War with France afforded Truxton two career highlights. On February 9, 1799, Constellation captured the French frigate L'Insurgente. A year later, Constellation met the large French frigate La Vengeance. After a five-hour battle in the dark, during which the French tried to surrender, the two ships separated.
21. NAMUP1_110130_230.JPG: Commemorative Silver Medal: Congress authorized a gold medal struck to honor Capt. Thomas Truxton for his service during the Quasi-War. Silver and bronze copies were issued to the officers and crew. This is the silver version.
22. NAMUP1_110130_236.JPG: Of the four Barbary States along the North African coast, Tripoli was the most bold and troublesome to American merchants venturing into the Mediterranean. Crews of American merchant ships, as well as the crew of the USS Philadelphia, were imprisoned and enslaved by the Tripolitan ruler. When US naval efforts failed to free the prisoners, the American consul at Tunis, William Eaton, made an overland attempt.
23. NAMUP1_110130_240.JPG: The West Indies was the scene of most of the actin. Secretary of the Navy Benjamin Stoddert rapidly mobilized the Navy and deployed small squadrons to patrol critical passages. The patrols led to encounters with French vessels.
24. NAMUP1_110130_250.JPG: USS Constitution Logbook: The Constitution's sailing master recorded in the ship's log the grounding of the frigate Philadelphia off Tripoli.
25. NAMUP1_110130_262.JPG: Congressional Gold Medal: Congress voted a gold medal to Commodore Preble on March 3, 1805, and Preble gave a gilded copper copy to Lt. John Trippe. The same resolution, voted to award a sword to each commissioned officer and midshipman; apparently the swords were never presented.
26. NAMUP1_110130_269.JPG: Model of Schooner Vixen: The schooner Vixen was designed specifically for operations in the shoal waters off the coast of North Africa. She was launched in June 1803 in Baltimore and participated in all the attacks on Tripoli in August 1804. The following month, she was re-rigged as a brig. In November 1812, Vixen was chased and captured by a British frigate.
27. NAMUP1_110130_282.JPG: Downes' Yataghan Sword: John Downes entered the Navy in September 1800 and was appointed midshipman on June 1, 1802. During the War of 1812, he was first lieutenant in the frigate Essex under David Porter. Mstr Cmdt John Downes commanded the sloop of war Epervier in the action against Mashouda. For his actions, Decatur gave him his choice of captured weapons. Downes selected this silver mounted sword of Turkish origin called a yataghan. After the war, he commanded Epervier, Guerriere, Ontario, Independence, and the Pacific and Mediterranean squadrons.
28. NAMUP1_110130_288.JPG: Fire Bucket: This leather fire bucket dates from 1815, the first cruise of Independence.
29. NAMUP1_110130_301.JPG: War of 1812: Fame & Glory on the Seas: The United States declared war against England, the world's most powerful maritime nation, for many reasons, including the desire for western land and to protest Britain's impressment of American sailors. The treaty ending the war recognized none of the war aims; but peace in the great European war removed the provocations. American naval successes at sea and on Lakes Erie and Champlain were a point of pride, heightening support for the navy, and providing vital training for a new generation of naval leaders. 1812-1815
30. NAMUP1_110130_314.JPG: Preble-design Gunboat Model: Based on his experience in the Mediterranean, Preble designed a gunboat for possible use in Jefferson's naval establishment. The most interesting feature is the revolving platform with guns facing in opposite directions. When one gun was fired, the recoil rotated the platform so that the gun could be reloaded.
31. NAMUP1_110130_332.JPG: Miniature Portrait: This portrait, from a miniature by Olivio Sozzi, was completed after Decatur's promotion to captain. Stephen Decatur, Jr. 1778-1820 For his actions in destroying Philadelphia, Stephen Decatur was, at the age of 25, promoted to captain, the youngest person to hold that rank in the United States Navy. Decatur went on to serve as a commander in the War of 1812 and the 1815 conflict known as the Algerian War. His successful negotiations with the governments of Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli earned him the sobriquet "Conqueror of Barbary Pirates." His career came to a sad end, when he was mortally wounded in a duel.
32. NAMUP1_110130_337.JPG: Cameo: This cameo of Commodore Preble is based on a sketch by Rembrandt Peale.
33. NAMUP1_110130_341.JPG: Congressional Gold Medal and Box: For his services against Tripoli, Congress awarded Preble a gold medal. Engraved by John Reich of Philadelphia, the medal shows a profile of Preble based on a drawing by Rembrandt Peale on the obverse. The reverse is a depiction of the attack on Tripoli.
34. NAMUP1_110130_351.JPG: Naval Regulations: In 1775, the Continental Congress approved a set of rules for the governance of the navy written principally by John Adams. With the re-establishment of the Navy in 1798, Secretary of the Navy Benjamin Stoddert asked several senior navy officers to revise the earlier rules. With modest changes, these were issued on January 25, 1802. Edward Preble received his copy on March 3, 1802.
35. NAMUP1_110130_357.JPG: Edward Preble 1761-1807 Over the course of Preble's distinguished career, he trained an entire generation of naval officers, imbuing them with his high standards of professionalism. He began as an officer in the Massachusetts navy during the Revolutionary War. During the Quasi-War with France, Preble was appointed first lieutenant in the US brig Pickering. He then commanded the frigate Essex during a voyage around the Cape of Good Hope, making her the first American naval vessel to enter the Indian Ocean. In 1803, Preble assumed command of the Mediterranean Squadron, negotiating a treaty with Morocco and establishing the blockade of Tripoli.
36. NAMUP1_110130_372.JPG: Discharge Document: The British, desperate to man their ships, had long depended upon the forced recruitment of sailors as long as they were Englishmen. For example, sailor John Snow was impressed into the Royal Navy on August 29, 1799, and discharged a week later, having satisfactorily proved that he was an American.
37. NAMUP1_110130_398.JPG: Sword, Scabbard and Sword Belt: Capt Henry Lambert of Java was mortally wounded in the battle. His sword was apparently recovered by Lt George Parker, USN, who turned it over to the wounded Bainbridge. Bainbridge returned the sword to Lambert, placing it on the dying captain's cot. When Lambert died, the sword was presented to Bainbridge. It is not the regulation service sword, but a special presentation sword given to Lambert for valor several ears earlier.
38. NAMUP1_110130_412.JPG: Silver Medal: Congress voted a gold medal to Capt Stephen Decatur Jr for the capture of HM frigate Macedonian on October 25, 1815. Silver copies were awarded to his junior officers. The rim of this medal is engraved to Lt John Nicholson who served in the United States during the battle.
39. NAMUP1_110130_416.JPG: Gold Box: After Decatur's victory over HMS Macedonian, the City Fathers of New York voted him the freedom of the city in a gold box and ordered his portrait painted for the gallery in City Hall. This is the gold box presented by the city.
40. NAMUP1_110130_431.JPG: John Rodgers 1772-1838 Rodgers entered the Navy in March 1798. Assigned to the frigate Constellation as second lieutenant, he helped capture the French frigate L'Insurgente. On the evening of May 16, 1811, Rodgers, in command of President, chased the British sloop-of-war Little Belt. When the British ship opened fire, President quickly subdued the smaller vessel. During the War of 1812, Rodgers captured 23 prizes and helped defend Baltimore during the attack on Fort McHenry. After the war, Rodgers sat on the Board of Navy Commissioners until his retirement in 1837. He died the following year.
41. NAMUP1_110130_437.JPG: Snuffbox: This snuffbox, decorated with a harbor scene, was used by Captain Hull to keep a ready supply of snuff, a popular form of tobacco.
42. NAMUP1_110130_447.JPG: Billethead: This beautifully carved billethead was salvaged from the British frigate Cyane. The ship served in the United States Navy after her capture by the Constitution in the War of 1812.
43. NAMUP1_110130_453.JPG: Isaac Hull 1773-1843 Hull is closely associated with the USS Constitution. In fact, he began his naval career as a lieutenant in this ship during the naval war with France. He demonstrated his valor in that conflict by capturing a fort at Porto Plata, Santo Domingo, and taking a French ship anchored under the fort's guns. He went onto [sic] command the brig Argus during the Barbary Wars and Constitution early in the War of 1812. He later commanded the Washington Navy Yard, and the Pacific and Mediterranean Squadrons.
44. NAMUP1_110130_456.JPG: Oliver Hazard Perry 1785-1819 Perry was born to the Navy. His father had fought in the Revolution, his four brothers served in the Navy, and two of his three sisters married naval officers. He was appointed a midshipman at age 14 and commissioned lieutenant three years later. At the outbreak of war, he was assigned to gunboats in Newport, Rhode Island. Although he really desired a sea-going billet, he accepted duty on Lake Erie, where action was a possibility. It is said that Perry was lucky: fog and dark helped him get his vessels past the British at Fort Erie; temporary absence of the British enabled him to float his brigs over the bar at Presque Isle; and a fortunate shift of wind gave him the weather gauge in the Battle of Lake Erie. But this luck came as a result of hard work and diligent preparation.
45. NAMUP1_110130_468.JPG: Snuff box: Snuff box used by Oliver Hazard Perry
46. NAMUP1_110130_485.JPG: Gold Medal: Gold medal awarded to Oliver Hazard Perry by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for his services on Lake Erie during the War of 1812.
47. NAMUP1_110130_489.JPG: Pistol: Less than a month after the naval battle on the lake, the British were forced to retreat to Fort Malden at Amherstburg. With command of the lake, Perry transported General Harrison's troops across the lake in pursuit of the British and their Indian allies. The two forces met in the Battle of the Thames, the Americans winning a tactical victory. In the battle, the famed Indian leader Tecumseh was killed. Perry, who had joined General Harrison, used this .54 caliber Model 1808 flintlock pistol in the battle.
48. NAMUP1_110130_496.JPG: Model of brig Lawrence: Lawrence, which this model represents, and Niagara were similar vessels. Both displaced 480 tons and mounted two 18-pounder cannon and eighteen 32-pounder carronades. The two brigs were built at Presque Isle, modern Erie, Pennsylvania, in what was then the American frontier. All manufactured items, such as guns, powder, and rope had to be hauled overland to outfit the warships.
49. NAMUP1_110130_518.JPG: Thomas Macdonough 1783-1825 Macdonough, appointed a midshipman in 1800, first came to public attention during the first Barbary War. He was part of the crew that destroyed Philadelphia after the frigate ran aground in Tripoli Harbor. During the War of 1812, he commanded the American naval forces on Lake Champlain. He was promoted to captain in recognition of his defeat of the British naval squadron on the lake. After the war, Macdonough commanded the Portsmouth Navy Yard, then the new frigate Guerriere in the Mediterranean. During a second cruise to the Mediterranean, in command of Constitution, he requested that he be relieved because of ill health. He died at sea on his way home.
50. NAMUP1_110130_540.JPG: Cocked Hat: A version of the cocked hat was worn by naval officers until the eve of World War II. When [Rear Admiral Francis Hoyt] Gregory first wore this hat, there were only three ranks of officers. Captains and commanders were identified by the twisted braid within the two rows and straight braid. Francis H. Gregory (1780-1866): Appointed a midshipman in the US Navy, Gregory served on Lake Ontario until his capture by the British in 1814 and was held prisoner-of-war in England for 10 months. After the war, Gregory served in the Mediterranean, West India, and Pacific Squadrons. Appointed a captain in 1838, Gregory helped blockade the Mexican coast during the war with that country. In the late 1840s, he was commodore of the African Squadron, charged with preventing American participation in the slave trade. He retired in 1856, but was recalled to duty during the Civil War and promoted to rear admiral on July 16, 1862. Ships of the Line: The United States Navy authorized its first ships of the line during the War of 1812. These were the battleships of the day. American ships were rated to carry 74 cannons on two decks, but could mount upwards of 90 guns. These sloops took huge numbers of men and resources to keep them at sea. With worldwide demands for naval ships to protect American interests, smaller vessels, such as sloops of war, were more suitable. Antebellum: Permanency & Expansion: 1815-1861: The Navy's victories during the War of 1812 brought unprecedented popularity to the service. In 1816, Congress recognized its importance by passing the "Act for the Gradual Increase of the Navy," authorizing the construction of 21 warships. In these years of peace, the Navy's primary mission was to protect America's expanding maritime commerce. This period was also distinguished by technological innovation in ship propulsion and armament and by leadership in the exploration of the World's oceans.
51. NAMUP1_110130_544.JPG: Full-Dress Coat: From 1852 until the Civil War, when the rapid mobilization of the navy demanded more officers and more officer ranks, US naval officers wore full-dress coats of this pattern. The three 3/4-inch stripes on the sleeves indicate that Gregory was a captain.
52. NAMUP1_110130_563.JPG: Covered Silver Bowl and Silver Bowl: When Rear Admiral Gregory retired -- for the second time -- he was presented with silver bowls inscribed with the names of the ships he commanded and commends him for his service as "General Superintendent of the Navy Department" during the Civil War.
53. NAMUP1_110130_568.JPG: Epaulets: Worn with full-dress or undress coat, epaulets denoted rank. Captains, such as Gregory, would have worn an eagle and anchor device pinned in the oval part of the epaulet. Rear admirals would add two stars to the strap.
54. NAMUP1_110130_575.JPG: Portrait of Francis Hoyt Gregory and Old Model Sword: The old style Model 1841 sword indicates that this portrait was probably done before 1852. While it cannot be dated with certainty, the painting may depict Gregory in the late 1840s to 1851, about the time he was commodore of the African Squadron. The sword shown in the portrait is also displayed here.
55. NAMUP1_110130_580.JPG: Sword and Scabbard: The 1852 Uniform Regulations initiated this design for the naval officers' sword. Except for the larger size of the blade, the sword carried by today's naval officers varies little from the one worn by Admiral Gregory.
56. NAMUP1_110130_599.JPG: Chinese Flower Boat: A Chinese flower boat carved from a single piece of wood. Naval Lyceums: In the early Navy, education was often a matter of self improvement. Officers in foreign ports often toured historic sites, studied an area's natural history, and collected souvenirs. In 1833, Matthew C. Perry helped found the US Naval Lyceum in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Its mission: "to promote the diffusion of useful knowledge." That lyceum, and others at Boston and the Naval Academy, became the repositories for many of the souvenirs collected on foreign voyages. When the lyceums at Brooklyn and Boston closed, their collections were sent to the Naval Academy where they remain important to the education of midshipmen. Foreign Stations: The years following the War of 1812 saw the rapid rise of American foreign commerce. Markets across oceans near and distant drew adventurous American merchants. Unfortunately, these commercial pioneers also encountered unsettled conditions, wars, and piracy. They called for protection from the United States Navy. The Navy found its mission. Over the next twenty years, six cruising areas would be established. East India Squadron: (est. 1826): American trade with China focused on exotic goods and luxuries like tea and silk. The immense population of the country fostered the myth that there would be an insatiable demand for American goods. In 1835, a small naval squadron was established to patrol a vast area that included Canton, Hong Kong, Manila, and Singapore. Sporadic attacks, endemic piracy, and new markets provided steady employment of the small American squadron. Mediterranean Squadron (est. 1815): American squadrons had patrolled the coasts of North Africa since 1801, helping to suppress the Barbary pirates. After the War of 1812, the squadron was re-established to prevent a renewal of piratical activity. Duty with the squadron was highly sought after. Days were spent cruising from port to port, showing the flag and visiting sites right in history and culture. The current US Sixth Fleet maintains a naval presence in this area. Africa Squadron (est. 1842): As early as 1800, Congress has prohibited American citizens and vessels from engaging in the foreign slave trade. However, enforcement, mainly entailed the occasional deployment of a warship to the African coast. In 1842, an Anglo-American treaty specified that each nation would establish a permanent squadron. But lack of support from courts and Congress minimized the Navy's effectiveness in suppressing the inhuman traffic. Brazil Squadron (est. 1826): A war between Buenos Aires and Brazil in 1826 led merchants from Boston and Philadelphia to petition the Secretary of the Navy for an increased naval presence in the area. Even after two warring states reached a settlement, American men-of-war continued to patrol the coasts of Brazil in order to suppress traffic in African slaves. West India Squadron (est. 1821): Latin American wars for independence spawned a host of privateers bearing commissions from Venezuela and Columbia. Many merchant ships sailed the Gulf of Mexico where American maritime trade was second only to that of Great Britain. New Orleans became the second busiest port in the United States. Too frequently -- 3,000 times between 1815 and 1823 -- Latin American privateers turned pirate, attacking neutral ships. In 1821, a Navy squadron was deployed to the West Indies. Home Squadron (est. 1841): By the 1830s, the combination of American naval presence in the West Indies and the tapering off of Latin American wars for independence ended the menace of piracy in the region. In 1841, the West India Squadron was incorporated into the newly formed Home Squadron. Within a few years, the squadron was involved in the war with Mexico, a conflict in which the Navy's worst enemies were boredom and sickness. Pacific Squadron (est. 1821): As the Latin American wars of independence spread across the continent, Chile declared a blockade of Spanish-held Peru. American merchants and whalers requested the presence of naval force to protect their interests in the region. In 1819, two ships under Commo Charles Stewart deployed to the Pacific to protect American interests. Eventually, the cruising grounds of the station would extend to the Pacific Northwest and to Hawaii.
57. NAMUP1_110130_617.JPG: Sculpture Head: Sculpture fragment from Ephesus, an ancient city in Ionia on the west coast of Asia Minor that was used by the Romans as the capitol of Asia. The city's temple of Artemis, or Diana, begun by the Greeks in 350 BCE, was one fo the seven wonders of the world. It contained sculpture by Phidias and Polycletus. This marble head was given to the Brooklyn Lyceum by Matthew C. Perry in 1834.
58. NAMUP1_110130_625.JPG: Roman Vase: This vase is an example of the pre-Roman Etruscan civilization at its height in 500 BCE.
59. NAMUP1_110130_635.JPG: Pair Damascene Shoes: Damascene shoes worn by women in the Middle East on ceremonial occasions. Given to the Naval Lyceum by Chaplain George Jones in 1850.
60. NAMUP1_110130_645.JPG: Pottery from Pompeii: Roman pottery excavated at Pompeii was a popular reminder of the ancient world in the earth 19th century. Commodores Matthew C. Perry and David Porter both placed examples in the Naval Lyceum.
61. NAMUP1_110130_653.JPG: Moorish Jar: Moorish Jar acquired in Morocco
62. NAMUP1_110130_657.JPG: Piece of Mummy Case: Section of Egyptian mummy case made of layers of papyrus.
63. NAMUP1_110130_667.JPG: Egyptian Figure: Egyptian figure from a tomb near Sakkara dating from the V or VI dynasties, 2750 to 2625 BCE.
64. NAMUP1_110130_672.JPG: Carved Figure: African sculpture
65. NAMUP1_110130_678.JPG: Reed and Shell Basket and Drum: A basket made of reed and shell, and a small drum from the west coast of Africa.
66. NAMUP1_110130_682.JPG: Monkey Tooth Necklace: Necklace of monkey teeth worn by natives of Brazil
67. NAMUP1_110130_691.JPG: Wood Stirrups: A pair of elaborately carved wooden stirrups collected in South America and presented to the Boston Naval Library and Institute in 1843.
68. NAMUP1_110130_702.JPG: Sawfish Bill: Sawfish snout from a fish-like ray of the Pristidae family found in tropical waters off Africa and America. Commo Matthew C. Perry, a charter member, officer, and curator of the lyceum, donated the snout to the US Naval Lyceum.
69. NAMUP1_110130_708.JPG: Wooden Comb and Harpoon Point: A wooden comb and harpoon head collected at Berbera, Somaliland, on the northeast coast of Africa, and given to the Boston Lyceum by Surgeon Bates, USN.
70. NAMUP1_110130_733.JPG: Ceremonial Pipe: A ceremonial pipe used by American Indians of the Pacific Northwest.
71. NAMUP1_110130_740.JPG: Fishing Hooks: Three fish hooks used in the Pacific Northwest
72. NAMUP1_110130_747.JPG: Quachero Vessel: Quachero vessels from Peru in human and animal shapes held beverages.
73. NAMUP1_110130_760.JPG: Sextant: Surgeon John L. Fox used this sextant during the four-year expedition around the world. The US South Seas Exploring Expedition: In August 1838, six vessels set sail on a voyage unlike any other in the history of the young nation. In the tradition of Columbus, Magellan, and Cook, the expedition's purpose was discovery; discoveries ostensibly to benefit American commerce. More importantly, it was a voyage of scientific discovery. Led by Lt Charles Wilkes, the expedition lasted four years and covered 85,000 miles. Despite the loss of two ships, and more than 100 sailors, the scientific results were spectacular. The volume of objects and specimens collected overwhelmed the small American scientific community and influenced the establishment of the Smithsonian Institution.
74. NAMUP1_110130_765.JPG: Pistol Cutlass: C.B. Allen of Springfield, Massachusetts, manufactured 150 of these .54 Caliber, smoothbore pistol-cutlasses especially for the Expedition. It was the first percussion handgun officially used by the United States.
75. NAMUP1_110130_771.JPG: Chapeau: This chapeau, which belonged to Charles Wilkes, is of a design approved in 1841 while he was at sea. He probably obtained it after his return to the United States. Charles Wilkes (1789-1877): Appointed a midshipman in 1818, Wilkes served in Independence, Guerriere, and the ship of the line Franklin. In 1838, Wilkes received command of the US South Seas Exploring Expedition. Upon his return, he spent 19 years publishing scientific reports of the expedition. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Captain Wilkes, then commander of the steamer San Jacinto, stopped the British ship Trent and removed two Confederate officials. During the war, Wilkes commanded the West Indies Squadron. After the war, he was promoted to rear admiral on the retired list. He died in Washington DC.
76. NAMUP1_110130_780.JPG: 31-Star Flag: This 31-star flag, probably made by a sailor, was the first American flag hoisted over Japanese soil. It was raised at Uraga, near Yokohama, on July 14, 1853, during Perry's first interview with the imperial commissioners. It was presented to the Naval Academy during graduation exercises on June 12, 1855, by Surgeon Ninian Pinkney, a friend of Perry's, and a native of Annapolis who was born in the Hammond Harwood House just outside Gate 3 of the Academy. In August 1945, it was flown to Japan and was displayed on board the USS Missouri during the ceremonies marking the end of World War II.
77. NAMUP1_110130_787.JPG: Candelabra: This candelabra was presented to "Commodore Matthew C. Perry, commander of U.S. Naval forces in East India, China, and Japan Seas, by his countrymen residing in China, as a testimonial of his services effecting a treaty with Japan" in 1854.
78. NAMUP1_110130_793.JPG: Box: This box was obtained in Japan to hold the signed treaty on its way back to Washington.
79. NAMUP1_110130_800.JPG: Pen and Pen Box: The pen and pen box used by Commo Matthew C. Perry to sign the Treaty of Kanagawa.
80. NAMUP1_110130_812.JPG: Silver Tray: The inscription on this tray reads: Presented to Commodore Matthew Calbrath Perry in the name of the people of the State of Rhode Island, by their General Assembly in testimony of their appreciation of his services to his country in negotiating a treaty of amity and commerce with Japan, And in acknowledgement of the honor he as [sic -- has?] conferred upon his native state, in ever maintaining the renown of the name he bears and adding to the triumphs of his profession, those of humanity and peace. 28 February 1855
81. NAMUP1_110130_816.JPG: Perry Medal (obverse and reverse): The merchants of Boston presented this medal to Perry for his diplomacy in the Far East. The portrait on the obverse side was based on the daguerreotype and the bas relief shown here.
82. NAMUP1_110130_836.JPG: Cocked hat: Commodore Perry's cocked hat
83. NAMUP1_110130_841.JPG: Daguerreotype: Daguerreotype of Commodore Perry taken about 1855, soon after his return to the United States.
84. NAMUP1_110130_853.JPG: Bas Relief: This bas relief of Commodore Perry by Horatio Greenough was based on the daguerreotype. This sculpture was, in turn, used by F.M. Mitchell to sink the die for the Perry medal.
85. NAMUP1_110130_856.JPG: Skippet: The silver skippet carried by the expedition held a wax impression of the Great Seal of the United States that would be affixed to the signed treaty.
86. NAMUP1_110130_863.JPG: Perry's Midshipman Warrant: On April 10, 1809, Matthew C. Perry received his warrant as a midshipman in the United States Navy. His first duty would be on board the schooner Revenge, commanded by his older brother Oliver Hazard Perry.
87. NAMUP1_110130_867.JPG: Presidential Letter: Commodore Perry's authority to negotiate for the United States was contained in this letter from President Millard Fillmore.
88. NAMUP1_110130_873.JPG: "My idea was, to have a gun that should generally throw shells far and accurately, with the capacity to fire solid shot when needed." -- Lt. John A. Dahlgren A Bigger Bang: As improvements were made in ship propulsion, simultaneous improvements in ship armament occurred, engendered in part by the reduced number of guns that paddle-wheel steamers could mount in their broadside. One approach was to build bigger guns that could fire heavier projectiles. Other experiments focused on developing projectiles that exploded on contact. An elongated, bullet shape allowed for heavier projectiles. Adding rifling, or grooves, inside the gun barrel imparted spin so the projectile did not tumble. These made a contact fuse built into the nose of the projectile a practical way of detonating the explosive charge.
89. NAMUP1_110130_881.JPG: John A. Dahlgren 1809-1870 Dahlgren received his appointment as midshipman in 1826, and soon became known for his interest in ordnance and gunnery. While assigned to the Washington Navy Yard, he experimented with the pressures that developed inside guns when they were fired. He then translated his findings into new gun designs. His "Coke bottle"-shaped guns were lighter, stronger, and could fire heavier shot than existing guns. Promoted to rear admiral in 1863, he led the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron during the Civil War. After the war, he commanded the South Pacific Squadron. He completed his career serving as Commandant of the Washington Navy Yard and Gun Factory -- the position he occupied at the outbreak of the war.
90. NAMUP1_110130_888.JPG: Matthew C. Perry 1794-1858 No other officer in the antebellum navy had as much influence as Perry. Whether commanding ships and squadrons, conducting diplomatic missions, advocating for technological change, urging the creation of a naval school, improving the life of seamen, or even creating a naval museum, Perry had no peer. He is best remembered as the person who "opened" Japan to foreign trade. This portrait captures Perry in 1835, when he was stationed at the New York Navy Yard. During this period, Perry was active in reforming the education of officers, training of enlisted men, experimenting with explosive ordnance, and promoting steam power.
91. NAMUP1_110130_899.JPG: Model of Paddle-wheel Steam Engine: This model demonstrates how the engine and paddle-wheel of a steam-powered vessel operated. Steam from the boiler (not shown) pushed the piston up and down. The piston shaft was connected to one end of the working beam, commonly called a "walking beam." The opposite end of the beam is connected to the crankshaft which turned the paddle-wheel. The engine of the Mississippi was essentially this engine turned on its side to fit below the deck of the ship. Conquering the Wind: For thousands of years, oars and muscle power drove ships. A major shift occurred by the mid-15th century: sails that could harness the wind. With sails, ships could travel virtually anywhere and crews were liberated from the labor of rowing. Since no vessel can sail into the wind, however, maneuverability of the ships was limited. The introduction of steam power in the 19th century was a major revolution in naval design and made it possible to maneuver ships, regardless of wind and tide.
92. NAMUP1_110130_908.JPG: USS Demologus: Known as the Demologus or Fulton, this vessel had a catamaran hull with a paddle-wheel between the hulls. Not intended as a seagoing ship, she was built to protect New York Harbor from British warships during the War of 1812. Unfortunately, Demologus was not completed until after the war ended and immediately laid up or placed "in ordinary". The ship burned on June 4, 1829. Robert Fulton (1765-1815) The son of Pennsylvania farmers, Fulton's first interest was art. After finding little success as a painter, he turned his focus to the newly invented steam engine and embarked on a successful career as an inventor. Fulton is credited with a number of ingenious devices, including a submarine, amphibious boats, and the first commercially successful steamboat, the Clermont. In 1814 and 1815, he designed Demologus ("Voice of the People") or Fulton, the first steam-powered warship for the United States Navy.
93. NAMUP1_110130_921.JPG: Fulton II: The second Fulton, launched in 1837, was a side-wheel steamer. The ship was not only experimental, but also useful. She demonstrated the need for on-board engineers, much to the disgust of officers who felt that coal-fired boilers dirtied the ship' sails and decks.
94. NAMUP1_110130_930.JPG: Model of Wabash: The Wabash was built at Philadelphia Navy Yard and commissioned in August 1856. The large American steam frigates built just before the Civil War demonstrate the combination of a steam driven propeller and a full broadside gun battery. John Ericsson (1803-1889) Engineer-inventor Ericsson made several significant contributions to naval design. He proposed placing a warship's engine below the waterline in 1833, following up this innovation with the screw propeller. Swedish by birth, Ericsson immigrated [probably should be "emigrated"] to the United States in 1839 and became a citizen in 1848. During the Civil War, he convinced the Navy Department to try his final, most audacious design: steam-powered warship with a screw propeller and an armored, revolving gun turret. His ship, called the Monitor, would transform naval warfare.
95. NAMUP1_110130_939.JPG: Model of Screw Propellers: Ericsson would develop several versions of the screw propeller. These are patent models for two versions.
96. NAMUP1_110130_948.JPG: Uniform Frock Coat: Dahlgren's rear admiral's frock coat
97. NAMUP1_110130_955.JPG: Pair of Epaulettes: Dahlgren was promoted to the rank of rear admiral in February 1863. The epaulettes, worn by Dahlgren, bear the device of that rank. In July he was ordered to take command of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron off Charleston, South Carolina. Sword and Scabbard: A finely made pearl-hilted sword belonging to Admiral Dahlgren.
98. NAMUP1_110130_962.JPG: Seal and Wax Impression: Dahlgren's seal reflected his contributions to the United States Navy. As reflected in the wax impression, the seal bears an anchor crossed by a flag and a Dahlgren gun. The motto is: Quorum pars full, "In which I had a share."
99. NAMUP1_110130_970.JPG: Signal Flags and 34-Star Flag: After the fall of Charleston at the end of the war, this 34-star United States flag and the pair of signal flags were recovered from Fort Sumter and presented to Dahlgren.
100. NAMUP1_110206_15.JPG: Dont [sic] Give up the Ship: Originally made in 1813 to inspire American sailors going into battle, this historic flag and its motto, have, for two hundred years, continued to inspire midshipmen and, indeed, all those who serve their country, with a spirit of dedication, devotion, and sacrifice. The patches and wear in the flag document a long, mostly unrecorded, history that for many years lay hidden behind the blue covering. Master Commandant James Lawrence commanded the American frigate Chesapeake in battle with the British frigate, Shannon. In the brief engagement, Lawrence was mortally wounded. As he was carried below, he urged his crew: "Don't give up the ship. Fight her until she sinks." The training and experience of the British crew proved superior to the Americans, and Chesapeake was forced to strike her flag. Oliver Hazard Perry had this flag made in the memory of his good friend Lawrence and to inspire his crew in battle. After the defeat of the British squadron on Lake Erie, the flag was apparently sent to Washington DC, with the trophy flags taken from the British ships. In 1849, President James Polk ordered that all trophy flags captured by American naval forces should be deposited at the Naval School for their preservation and display. In the 1850s, a midshipman described the flag as "black, the color of death, with white letters." When the Academy was moved to Newport, Rhode Island, during the Civil War, the flag was taken and displayed in the midshipmen's temporary quarters in the Atlantic Hotel. After the Civil War, the flag was returned to Annapolis. In 1871, it was displayed in the Gunnery Room of the Naval Academy Lyceum. Five years later, it was described by Professor James Russell Soley as "a square red flag." Curatorial investigations in 2007-08 reveal no indications of any dye. The conclusion is that the flag's natural black wool is actually dark brown. In 1912, Mrs Amelia Fowler was contracted to conserve the Academy's collection of trophy flags, including the "Dont Give Up The Ship" flag. According to a catalog of the flags prepared the next year, the flag was displayed in the ceiling of the Mahan Hall auditorium. The flag was removed from Mahan Hall in 1924 and displayed above the central door of the Memorial Hall. In 1958, in conjunction with the installation of the memorial to those Naval Academy alumni who had been killed in action, the flag was remounted in the window above the memorial. It remained there until July 2002, when it was removed for conservation. A replica flag, donated by Robert F Sumrall, now graces Memorial Hall.
101. NAMUP1_110206_21.JPG: "We have met the enemy, and they are ours..." -- Commo Oliver Hazard Perry to Gen. William Henry Harrison
102. NAMUP1_110206_25.JPG: Sea Anchor: This type of sea anchor would have a canvas cover attached to the arms that open like an umbrella. It is generally trailed from the stern of a ship to help keep the ship's bow into the waves during heavy weather.
103. NAMUP1_110206_32.JPG: Model of Syren: The brig Syren assisted in Decatur's attack on Philadelphia and captured several Tripolitan vessels before taking part in the attacks on Tripoli during August and September 1804. She remained in the Mediterranean until 1806, then returned to the Washington Navy Yard. She served during the War of 1812 until July 1814 when she was captured after a long chase by the British ship of the line Medway.
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2011 photos: Equipment this year: I mostly used the Fuji S100fs camera as well as two Nikon models -- the D90 and the new D7000. Mostly a toy, I also purchased a Fuji Real 3-D W3 camera, to try out 3-D photographs. I found it interesting although I don't see any real use for 3-D stills now. Given that many of the photos from the 1860s were in 3-D (including some of the more famous Civil War shots), it's odd to see it coming back. Trips this year: Civil War Trust conferences (Savannah, GA, Chattanooga, TN), New Jersey over Memorial Day for my birthday (people never seem to visit New Jersey -- it's always just a pit stop on the way to New York. I thought I might as well spend a few days there. Despite some nice places, it still ended up a pit stop for me -- New York City was infinitely more interesting), my 6th consecutive San Diego Comic-Con trip (including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco). Ego strokes: Author photos that I took were used on two book jackets this year: Jason Emerson's book "The Dark Days of Abraham Lincoln's Widow As Revealed by Her Own Letters" and Dennis L. Noble's "The U.S. Coast Guard's War on Human Smuggling." I also had a photo of Jason Stelter published in the Washington Examiner and a picture of Miss DC, Ashley Boalch, published in the Washington Post. Number of photos taken this year: just over 390,000.
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