USS Washington (1776 row galley)

USS "Washington" (1776 row galley) was a large row galley, with a rowing crew of 60, that was placed into service under Continental control in 1776. During this age of sail, row galleys were highly maneuverable compared to sailing ships whose movements were dependent on the wind. "Washington’s" war record consisted of an attack on several British warships, and, after finding itself on the losing side of the battle, the row galley rowed away, out of danger. There is no further report of her efforts for the Continental Navy.

Authorized by Rhode Island

In the autumn of 1775, the Rhode Island General Assembly ordered the construction of two row galleys, "Washington" and "Spitfire", and in January 1776 appointed John Grimes commodore of galleys. During the winter and spring of 1776, these galleys operated in Narragansett Bay, protecting the colony's shipping, carrying troops, and covering foraging parties seeking supplies.

Seeking battle with the British

In July, the galleys were sent to New York City to join the tiny flotilla George Washington was fitting out on the Hudson River and apparently came under Continental control.

On the afternoon of 3 August, "Washington" served as "flagship" for Lt. Col. Benjamin Tupper as that officer led an attack on the Royal Navy's warships "Phoenix" and "Rose". As the galleys approached, "Phoenix" opened fire on the American boats to begin an action at grapeshot range which lasted some two hours before the Americans retired to Dobb's Ferry. During the engagement, four Americans were killed, and 14 others were wounded. On the British side, "Phoenix" was hulled twice and suffered substantial damage.

No record of disposition

After the British captured Manhattan Island late in the summer, "Washington" and her sister galleys vanished in the mists of unrecorded history.

See also

* Continental Navy
* American Revolution

Source

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