Existing comment:
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. |