USS Columbus (1774)

The first USS "Columbus" was a ship in the Continental Navy. Built at Philadelphia in 1774 as "Sally", she was purchased for the Continental Navy in November 1775, Captain Abraham Whipple in command.

Between 17 February and 8 April 1776, in company with the other ships of Commodore Esek Hopkins' squadron, "Columbus" took part in the expedition to New Providence, Bahamas, where the first Navy-Marine amphibious operation seized essential military supplies. On the return passage, the squadron captured the British schooner, "Hawk", on 4 April, and brig "Bolton" on the 5th. On 6 April the squadron engaged HMS|Glasgow|1757|2. After three hours the action was broken off and "Glasgow" escaped, leaving her tender to be captured. Later in 1776 "Columbus" cruised off the New England coast taking five prizes.

Chased ashore on Point Judith, Rhode Island, 27 March 1778 by a British squadron, "Columbus" was stripped of her sails, most of her rigging, and other usable material by her crew before being abandoned. She was burned by the enemy.

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*DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/c11/columbus-i.htm