Commodore Porter and his anti pirate squadron according to Niles’ Weekly register dated 18 January 1823

Thanks to the fact that nowadays more and more books are digitized we are able to read books that are some times for decades no longer available for the public for several reasons. That’s quite a pity while these books contains useful information while the archives are destroyed, incomplete or nor accessible.

P. 320: “A late New York paper says the U. States steam galley Enterprize, having undergone the necessary alterations, commodore Porter yesterday hoisted his broad pendant on board of her and made a trial of her speed in the harbor. The wind blew a gale at N. W. and, although she displayed a great deal of canvass, she proved to be stiff, and capable of carrying a great press of sail. An experiment was also made of the effect which the artillery might have upon the engine. The result was perfectly satisfactory: the machinery was not the least affected by the shock. The Enterprize then passed the city, moved by both sails and steam the wharves were crowded with citizens who viewed with much satisfaction the performance of the vessel, and the alterations made in the galley in so short a space of time. The appearance of the Enterprize is very warlike. The steam boat purchased by com. Porter it now called the Galliot Sea Gull; he has also obtained and fitted a ship at New York, which he calls the Decoy. The former is directly under the command of lieut. John r. Newton, bearing the commodore's flag; the latter under charge of lieut. Kearney. These vessels have left New York to join the light squadron fitting at Norfolk.

p. 321: The Norfolk Herald of the 20th inst. Says The steam galliot Sea Gull, which arrived at the navy yard at Gosport on Thursday night last from New York, has been found, upon trial, to require some important alterations and improvements, both in her rig and construction, which are now making with a celerity which would astonish those who are accustomed to the mode of doing things in civil life. Com. Porter appears determined to take time by the forelock – and has, in the

p. 322: whole of this undertaking, made a complete sacrifice of his personal comfort and convenience to a sense of public duty.”

Source

Niles’ Weekly register. Volume XXIII or volume XI of the new series. Baltimore.