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Story
June 11, 1805
Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger
Norfolk, Virginia
What is this article about?
Midshipman Ogilvie reports the mast failure on U.S. Gun-Boat No. 7 during a voyage from New York to the Mediterranean on May 14, 1805, forcing a return to port. He expresses regret but confidence in rejoining the squadron soon.
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Full Text
The following is a copy of a letter received by the secretary of the navy, from midshipman Ogilvie, commanding officer of gun-boat, No. 7, built at New-York,
United States Gun-Boat, No. 7. New-York.
May 31, 1805.
SIR,
I have the honour to transmit for your information, the following account of my transactions, since the 14th instant.
On that day I got under way, in company with the United States ship John Adams, and gun-boats No. 3, and 6, to proceed to the Mediterranean. We kept in company that day and the next; but on the 16th, it came on to blow very fresh in the evening, from E. N.E. sent down topsail and lower yards, but carrying all other sails to keep up with the frigate. At 11, we lost sight of the frigate and gun-boats, owing to its being excessively thick and foggy. Next morning, (and for three days afterwards) the fog continued; no sail in sight, and a high sea running; we now discovered that in consequence of our carrying a press of sail to keep up with the ship, we had sprung our mast, and found it split from the heel to the partners. I immediately had two strong wooldings clapped on below and an iron band above the partners, hoping it would be sufficient to prevent its going farther; but on the 21st, in lat. 37, 17, long. 65, I found the mast to be so much weakened, and worked so much, (the split having now got five feet above the deck) I was induced to believe that should we get into a heavy sea, we would inevitably lose it. My only alternative now was to return, as I thought the consequences might be much worse were we to lose it in the middle of the ocean.
I cannot express to you, sir, my mortification, at the unfortunate accident, which has thus in some measure defeated your, and I assure you, my wish to join the squadron as early as possible. But I trust I shall yet be there in time to participate in the glory which I am confident our little navy will acquire this summer, against its enemies. Be assured, sir, nothing shall be wanting on my part to forward her refitting: and by the time I can have the honour to hear from you, I shall be again ready for sea.
No. 7, is a very fine vessel, and capable of going to any part of the world—she sails well, holds a good wind, is very stiff, and an excellent sea boat.
The other gun-boats, I have reason to believe, were separated at the same time with myself, as they were still farther from the ship when I lost sight of her—but there is no doubt of their making their way across in safety.
From the time I determined to return, we experienced nothing but head winds and calms—and from the weakness of the mast, we were obliged to be very tender in carrying sail—indeed, had not the mast been made of white pine, it never would have been sprung with the sail we were then carrying on it.
I have the honour to be,
Sir, with the greatest respect,
Your obedient servant,
P. S. OGILVIE.
United States Gun-Boat, No. 7. New-York.
May 31, 1805.
SIR,
I have the honour to transmit for your information, the following account of my transactions, since the 14th instant.
On that day I got under way, in company with the United States ship John Adams, and gun-boats No. 3, and 6, to proceed to the Mediterranean. We kept in company that day and the next; but on the 16th, it came on to blow very fresh in the evening, from E. N.E. sent down topsail and lower yards, but carrying all other sails to keep up with the frigate. At 11, we lost sight of the frigate and gun-boats, owing to its being excessively thick and foggy. Next morning, (and for three days afterwards) the fog continued; no sail in sight, and a high sea running; we now discovered that in consequence of our carrying a press of sail to keep up with the ship, we had sprung our mast, and found it split from the heel to the partners. I immediately had two strong wooldings clapped on below and an iron band above the partners, hoping it would be sufficient to prevent its going farther; but on the 21st, in lat. 37, 17, long. 65, I found the mast to be so much weakened, and worked so much, (the split having now got five feet above the deck) I was induced to believe that should we get into a heavy sea, we would inevitably lose it. My only alternative now was to return, as I thought the consequences might be much worse were we to lose it in the middle of the ocean.
I cannot express to you, sir, my mortification, at the unfortunate accident, which has thus in some measure defeated your, and I assure you, my wish to join the squadron as early as possible. But I trust I shall yet be there in time to participate in the glory which I am confident our little navy will acquire this summer, against its enemies. Be assured, sir, nothing shall be wanting on my part to forward her refitting: and by the time I can have the honour to hear from you, I shall be again ready for sea.
No. 7, is a very fine vessel, and capable of going to any part of the world—she sails well, holds a good wind, is very stiff, and an excellent sea boat.
The other gun-boats, I have reason to believe, were separated at the same time with myself, as they were still farther from the ship when I lost sight of her—but there is no doubt of their making their way across in safety.
From the time I determined to return, we experienced nothing but head winds and calms—and from the weakness of the mast, we were obliged to be very tender in carrying sail—indeed, had not the mast been made of white pine, it never would have been sprung with the sail we were then carrying on it.
I have the honour to be,
Sir, with the greatest respect,
Your obedient servant,
P. S. OGILVIE.
What sub-type of article is it?
Journey
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Misfortune
What keywords are associated?
Gunboat Voyage
Mast Failure
Naval Separation
Mediterranean Squadron
Ship Repair
What entities or persons were involved?
P. S. Ogilvie
Where did it happen?
At Sea From New York Toward The Mediterranean
Story Details
Key Persons
P. S. Ogilvie
Location
At Sea From New York Toward The Mediterranean
Event Date
May 14 31, 1805
Story Details
Gun-Boat No. 7, under Midshipman Ogilvie, departs New York on May 14, 1805, with the frigate John Adams and other gun-boats for the Mediterranean. Separated by fog and storm on May 16, the mast springs due to heavy sail. Further damage on May 21 forces return to New York for repairs.