- USS Cabot (1775)
The first USS "Cabot" of the
United States was a 14-gunbrig , one of the first ships of theContinental Navy , and the first to be captured in theAmerican Revolutionary War .The brig was purchased in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania , during November1775 , outfitted there byWharton and Humphreys , and placed under the command of CaptainJ. B. Hopkins .Sailing with Commodore
Esek Hopkins ' fleet, "Cabot" joined in the expedition against theBahamas in March1776 , taking part in the amphibious operations againstNew Providence on3 March . By this bold stroke, men of the fleet seized large quantities of desperately needed military supplies which they carried back to theContinental Army . Upon the return of the fleet north, "Cabot" was first to fire in the engagement with HMS "Glasgow" on6 April . The next month, she made a short cruise off the New England coast, during which she took her first prize. In September and October, again sailing in New England waters, she seized six more prizes."Cabot" stood out of
Boston in March1777 , and later in the month, encountered HMS "Milford" (32). The vastly more powerful British ship chased "Cabot" and forced her ashore inNova Scotia . While "Cabot' s" captain and crew escaped unharmed, the British were later able to get the brig off, and refitted her for service in theRoyal Navy .ource
*DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/c1/cabot-i.htm
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