THE NEW AMERICAN NAVY – U.S.S “CONSTITUTION,” “CONSTELLATION,” AND “UNITED STATES” FRIGATES

constitution-launch-fp.jpgThe Federal Act Providing for a Naval Armament
Congress Gives the “Green Light” to Fitting Out America’s First Powerful Naval Vessels

Columbia Centinel, Boston
Wednesday, July 19, 1797

The front page of this nationally-known Federalist newspaper publishes the Congressional Act providing for the manning and employment of the new and powerful frigates “Constitution,” “Constellation,” and “United States” – up to this date only the latter had been launched. The Act also sets the officers and crew required to man these new ships, and establishes a pay scale as well. A captain, for example, was to receive $75 per month, and six rations per day! The Act is signed, in script type, “John Adams, President of the United States.”

There is news from France that the Marquis de Lafayette, America’s great friend and leader from the Revolutionary War, has been released from prison with the aid of Napoleon Bonaparte.

4 large pages, fine condition, and never trimmed at the margins–a plus. A most important issue for the collector of U.S. Naval History.

$475

constitution-launch-beg2.jpgconstitution-launch-guillotine.jpg

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under All Historic Newspapers, Early America