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Domestic News
September 25, 1797
Gazette Of The United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
What is this article about?
On September 20, 1797, Boston anticipates the launch of the USS Constitution frigate at 11:18 AM, with public viewing preparations and safety concerns. A correspondent analogizes the ship's sturdy build and symbolism to the U.S. Constitution.
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BOSTON, September 20.
THE LAUNCH.
It will be high water this day, at eighteen minutes after 11, at which time the Constitution frigate will quit the cradle of her birth; and repair to the element of which she is calculated to be the pride and boast.
The preparations making to accommodate citizens with a sight of the scene, are numerous; and we hope wisely planned and strongly supported: As the want of attention in this particular, may be fatal to many limbs, if not lives.
On Saturday we shall give a description of the launch, for the satisfaction of those who cannot have the pleasure of seeing it.
A correspondent, who lately took a critical view of our new frigate, was struck (he says) with the analogy between that ship and her name, viz. THE CONSTITUTION.
First, her timbers are of our own growth, sound and excellent, and put together judiciously and faithfully; there is no saw-dust and putty crammed in to fill up flaws and cracks, and hide imperfect joints; but all is firm, solid, and connected like the oak tree with its branches. Secondly, her figure, or general outline, is like the Constitution beautiful; and she carries at her head the figure of a Hercules, with his club and lion's skin, and every body knows that by the allegory of Hercules is meant heroic virtue.—
3dly. The most important part of her, as it regards the safety of her people, and which is immersed in a treacherous element, is covered with copper to secure her against those small but destructive vermin, who like our Jacobins, work out of sight, secretly, silently and insidiously, in boring holes to let in the destroying element and sink the ship. 4thly. She, like our Constitution, is built for the safety of the people and their property; and carries the ensigns of our national honour, with the means of defending it.--5thly. Like the Constitution, she will be conducted by citizens of different ranks and power, as to command and order, but all conspiring to form a harmonious whole. 6thly. She will be commanded by officers whom we can trust and will support. 7thly. She will launch forth into that element which connects the world together, as the Constitution did into the political one, amidst the shouts and acclamations of the people whose voice created her. That Heaven may long preserve both the original and the type is the hearty prayer of all save Jacobins and worms.
THE LAUNCH.
It will be high water this day, at eighteen minutes after 11, at which time the Constitution frigate will quit the cradle of her birth; and repair to the element of which she is calculated to be the pride and boast.
The preparations making to accommodate citizens with a sight of the scene, are numerous; and we hope wisely planned and strongly supported: As the want of attention in this particular, may be fatal to many limbs, if not lives.
On Saturday we shall give a description of the launch, for the satisfaction of those who cannot have the pleasure of seeing it.
A correspondent, who lately took a critical view of our new frigate, was struck (he says) with the analogy between that ship and her name, viz. THE CONSTITUTION.
First, her timbers are of our own growth, sound and excellent, and put together judiciously and faithfully; there is no saw-dust and putty crammed in to fill up flaws and cracks, and hide imperfect joints; but all is firm, solid, and connected like the oak tree with its branches. Secondly, her figure, or general outline, is like the Constitution beautiful; and she carries at her head the figure of a Hercules, with his club and lion's skin, and every body knows that by the allegory of Hercules is meant heroic virtue.—
3dly. The most important part of her, as it regards the safety of her people, and which is immersed in a treacherous element, is covered with copper to secure her against those small but destructive vermin, who like our Jacobins, work out of sight, secretly, silently and insidiously, in boring holes to let in the destroying element and sink the ship. 4thly. She, like our Constitution, is built for the safety of the people and their property; and carries the ensigns of our national honour, with the means of defending it.--5thly. Like the Constitution, she will be conducted by citizens of different ranks and power, as to command and order, but all conspiring to form a harmonious whole. 6thly. She will be commanded by officers whom we can trust and will support. 7thly. She will launch forth into that element which connects the world together, as the Constitution did into the political one, amidst the shouts and acclamations of the people whose voice created her. That Heaven may long preserve both the original and the type is the hearty prayer of all save Jacobins and worms.
What sub-type of article is it?
Shipping
Military
Celebration
What keywords are associated?
Constitution Frigate
Ship Launch
Boston Navy
Public Viewing
Where did it happen?
Boston
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Boston
Event Date
September 20
Event Details
The Constitution frigate is scheduled to launch on September 20 at high water, eighteen minutes after 11. Preparations are being made to accommodate citizens viewing the event, with warnings about safety. A correspondent draws an analogy between the ship and the U.S. Constitution, highlighting its construction, symbolism, and purpose.