Existing comment:
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. |