Anne Newport started her journey through the United States from Alabama 1 July 1823. Her description of the navy yards is perhaps even more useful as others thanks to the fact she was a female, which gives quite interesting remarks.
P. 329: “The United States navy-yard is likewise located at Charlestown. A few marines are stationed here; the most trifling, abandoned-looking men, from their appearance, to be found. I applied to the
P330: commandant, Major W. for liberty to inspect the interior of the yard, but this haughty bashaw sent word “he, was engaged, and that I must report my business to the lieutenant;” (rather a reproach to Uncle Sam.) As in duty bound, I obeyed his highness, and called on the lieutenant, whom I found unqualified to give the information I wished to obtain, and after undergoing sundry indignities from those mighty men of war, I had to give up the design. Through the politeness of Major Binny of Boston, I obtained the following particulars. The navyyard contains 50 42 pound cannon, 17032 pound do. 100 42 pound carronades, 70 32 pound do., besides a large number of smaller guns; together with 150,000 round, grape, and shot of various sizes, from 42 to 6 pounds canister. They are now building two ships of the line, which are nearly completed, or so far as is suitable to their safe preservation. One complete frame for a frigate of the first class, the keel of which will be laid this autumn, is now on hand, and will be used in the succeeding spring. A sloop of war to mount 20 32 pound carronades, will be launched in the course of the summer; two other sloops are to be built next season. It is contemplated to build a dry dock at this yard; the site for which is equal if not superior to any other. The navy-yard contains GO acres of ground. The line of battle ships are built under ship-houses, which completely defend them from the weather. Another is to be erected over the place of the frigate. This yard contains ground adapted for the location of a ropewalk, and every thing necessary to fit out any number of ships; and there could be built at one time twenty ships of war, of various classes. l walked through one of the battle ships of 110 guns, and five decks; one of the most awful, dread-inspiring machines in the universe.”
Source
Sketches of History, life, and manners in the United States. New Haven, 1826.
