USS Spitfire (1776)

USS "Spitfire" (1776) was a row galley authorized and constructed by Rhode Island during the American Revolution, and was placed in service in 1776. During this age of sail, row galleys were highly maneuverable compared to sailing ships whose movements were dependent on the wind. "Spitfire" had a reportedly successful career, helping to capture British cargo ships and engaging in the fight against British warships.

Ordered by Rhode Island

Late in 1775, the General Assembly of Rhode Island ordered the construction of two galleys, "Washington" and "Spitfire". In January 1776, the General Assembly appointed John Grimes Commodore of the galleys and, presumably soon thereafter, they were placed in service in Narragansett Bay.

Capturing British cargo ships

They cruised in defense of American shipping, acted as transports, and assisted landing parties seeking forage and supplies. On 11 April 1776, they recaptured brigantine "Georgia Packet" and sloop "Speedwell" which HMS "Scarborough" had captured and brought into the bay, braving the fire of "Scarborough's" guns as they took the prizes from under her stern. In July 1776, the galleys were ordered to New York City to help protect the Hudson River, and they reached New York harbor on 1 August. There they cooperated with a flotilla created by George Washington.

Attacking British warships

On the afternoon of the 3d, "Spitfire" joined "Lady Washington" and "Washington" in a daring attack on "Phoenix" and "Rose" and engaged the British warships for over two hours before retiring. One man on "Spitfire" was killed and two were badly wounded. Her hull and rigging sustained much damage. The two galleys returned to Providence, Rhode Island, late in the month. In mid-September, libels were filed in court on

Little is known about the curious action which resulted in this litigation in Admiralty court-not even when it occurred.

Swashbuckling

The quotation above does suggest that "Spitfire", on at least one more occasion, continued her swashbuckling. Few records have survived to fill out the galley's subsequent career. She was apparently sent to New London, Connecticut, early in October 1776 “to strengthen the naval force as much as possible.”

Captured or destroyed

Then, we know nothing of the galley until the summer of 1778, by which time we are told "Spitfire" “had been captured or destroyed by the enemy.”

See also

* Continental Navy
* American Revolution

Reference

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