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The Providence Journal, And Town And Country Advertiser
Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island
What is this article about?
Officials in Norfolk welcomed Captain Thomas Truxtun back to his native shores with an address congratulating him on his naval victory against the French. Truxtun responded gratefully. The article lists captures made by the USS Constellation during its cruise and mentions a capture by the USS Richmond.
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Yesterday the following ADDRESS was presented by a Committee from the Mayor, Recorder and Aldermen of this Borough, to Capt. TRUXTON.
To THOMAS TRUXTON, Esq. Commander of the United States Ship of war CONSTELLATION,
SIR,
The Mayor, Recorder and Aldermen of the Borough of Norfolk, take pleasure in welcoming you to your native shores.
Amid our congratulations on your safety, and that of the brave officers and men under your command, we view it as a circumstance of pleasing contemplation, that at a time when the interests of your country call for the exertions of its citizens, you, Sir, by your late brilliant contest, have been the first to evince to an imperious and insulting nation, the only TRIBUTE they can exact from the American character.
May your future returns to the bosom of a grateful country, be as auspicious as the present.
We are, Sir, in behalf of the Mayor, Recorder and Aldermen,
Your obedient servants,
SETH FOSTER,
J. K. READ,
Committee.
To which he returned the following ANSWER.
To the Mayor, Recorder and Aldermen of the Borough of Norfolk.
GENTLEMEN,
I receive with inexpressible emotions (thro' your committee, Mess. Foster and Read) the honor you have done me by this address.
To be thus welcomed to my native shores, after a fatiguing campaign, and for my conduct to have met the approbation of so honorable and so respectable a body, in one of the first states of the union, is highly gratifying to my heart, and will leave an impression on my mind, that can only be defaced by the end of my existence.
To have been the first to evince, to an imperious and insulting nation, that the thunder of cannon and showers of ball, is the only tribute they can exact from the United States, has been my good fortune--for I have no doubt, but any of my brother Commanders, in the other Ships, having such a brave set of officers and so active and determined a crew as that of the Constellation's, would have done at least as much as has been imputed to me, if chance had given them the opportunity.
Accept, fellow citizens, my sincere thanks for your good wishes towards me in future, and believe me always devoted to the honor, interest and happiness of my country.
Your obedient humble servant,
THOMAS TRUXTON.
May 22, 1799.
The following is a correct list of the captures made by the Constellation frigate, during her last cruize.
L'Insurgente, 40 guns, 409 men.
L'Union, letter of marque, dry goods and provisions.
L'Diligente, ditto, flour.
Ship Brothers, of London, recaptured,
By the Constellation we also learn, that the U. S. brig Richmond, Lieut. Spear, has captured a French schooner, loaded with coffee providence,
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5.
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Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Norfolk
Event Date
May 22, 1799
Key Persons
Outcome
captures: l'insurgente (40 guns, 409 men), l'union (letter of marque, dry goods and provisions), l'diligente (letter of marque, flour), ship brothers of london (recaptured); uss richmond captured french schooner loaded with coffee
Event Details
Committee from Mayor, Recorder and Aldermen of Norfolk presented address to Capt. Thomas Truxtun, commander of USS Constellation, welcoming him back and congratulating on his victory. Truxtun replied expressing gratitude and modesty about his achievements.