View source for USS Constellation (1797)

{{short description|U.S. naval frigate commissioned in 1797}}
{{Other ships|USS Constellation}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
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{{Infobox ship image
|Ship image=[[File:USSConstellationCropped.png|300px|upright|alt=A painting of a sailing ship at sea. The ship has two masts and the sails are reefed while firing upon with another ship. The ship is sailing toward lower right hand corner of the frame.]]
|Ship caption=USS ''Constellation'' by John W. Schmidt
}}
{{Infobox ship career
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|Ship country=United States
|Ship flag={{USN flag|1853}}
|Ship name=USS ''Constellation''
|Ship namesake=The 15 stars in the contemporary United States national flag<ref name="DANFS">{{cite DANFS|title=Constellation|url=https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/c/constellation-i.html|access-date=8 February 2017}}</ref>
|Ship ordered=27 March 1794<ref name="DANFS"/>
|Ship builder=David Stodder<ref name="Chapelle536">Chapelle 1949, p. 536</ref>
|Ship original cost=$314,212
|Ship laid down=
|Ship launched=7 September 1797<ref name="Chapelle536"/>
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|Ship homeport=Baltimore Maryland USA
|Ship motto=
|Ship nickname="Yankee Racehorse"
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|Ship fate=Broken up, 1853<ref name="DANFS"/>
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
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|Ship class=38-Gun frigate<ref name="DANFS"/>
|Ship displacement=1,265 tons<ref name="DANFS"/>
|Ship length={{convert|164|ft|m|abbr=on}} [[length between perpendiculars|between perpendiculars]]<ref name="Chapelle536"/> length at Keel 136 feet<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v07.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France |volume=VII Part 1 of 4: Naval Operations December 1800-December 1801, December 1800-March 1801 |pages=365 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=29 September 2024}}</ref>
|Ship beam={{convert|41|ft|m|abbr=on}}<ref name="Chapelle536"/> or 40 feet, 6 inches<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v07.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France |volume=VII Part 1 of 4: Naval Operations December 1800-December 1801, December 1800-March 1801 |pages=365 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=29 September 2024}}</ref>
|Ship height=
|Ship draft=
|Ship hold depth={{convert|13.5|ft|m|abbr=on}}<ref name="Chapelle536"/>
|Ship decks=[[Orlop deck|Orlop]], [[Berth (sleeping)|Berth]], [[Gun deck|Gun]], [[Spar (sailing)|Spar]]
|Ship propulsion=Sail (three masts, [[Full-rigged ship|ship rig]])
|Ship sail plan=
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|Ship complement=340 officers and enlisted<ref name="Chapelle536"/>
|Ship armament=*28 × 18-pounder [[long guns]]
*20 × 32-pounder [[carronades]]
|Ship notes=
}}
|}

'''USS ''Constellation''''' was a nominally rated 38-gun wooden-hulled, three-masted frigate of the [[United States Navy]].

The ship was built under the direction of David Stodder at The Joseph and Samuel Sterett shipyard on Harris Creek in [[Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore|Baltimore]]'s [[Fell's Point, Baltimore|Fell's Point]] maritime community, and was launched on 7 September 1797. ''Constellation'' was one of the [[original six frigates of the United States Navy|original six frigates]] whose construction the [[Naval Act of 1794]] had authorized.

The name "Constellation" was among ten names submitted to President [[George Washington]] by Secretary of War [[Timothy Pickering]] in March 1795 for the frigates that were to be constructed.<ref>Pickering, Timothy (14 March 1795). [https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-17-02-0439 Letter to George Washington]. ''Founders Online'', National Archives. Retrieved 25 September 2019</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YcwsOf5Tw9IC&q=USS%20Constitution&pg=PA8|title=Ironsides! the Ship, the Men and the Wars of the USS Constitution|last1=Brodine |first1=Charles E.|last2=Crawford|first2=Michael J.|last3=Hughes|first3=Christine F.|publisher=Fireship Press|year=2007|isbn=9781934757147|pages=8}}</ref> [[Flag Acts#Flag Act of 1777|The Flag Act of 1777]] speaks of how the stars in the flag are "representing a new constellation".

[[Joshua Humphreys]] designed these frigates to be the young Navy's [[capital ship]]s, and so ''Constellation'' and her sisters were larger and more heavily armed and built than standard frigates of the period. The Constellation's first duties with the newly formed U.S. Navy were to provide protection for American merchant shipping during the [[Quasi-War]] with France and to defeat the [[Barbary pirates]] in the [[First Barbary War]].

==Design and construction==
{{main|Original six frigates of the United States Navy}}

[[File:USSConstellationUSSCongressHull1795.jpg|thumb|alt=A black and white diagram with thin lines showing the outline of a cross section of a ship's hull, along with straight lines with various numeric measurements.|Design of the [[Hull (watercraft)|hull]] of USF ''Constellation'', which was shared with USF ''Congress''.]]

American [[merchant vessel]]s began to fall prey to [[Barbary corsairs|Barbary Pirates]], along the so-called "Barbary Coast" of North Africa, [[Morocco]], [[Tunis]] (in future [[Tunisia]]), [[Tripoli, Libya|Tripoli]] (in future [[Libya]]), and most notably from [[Algiers]] (in future [[Algeria]]), in the [[Mediterranean Sea]] during the 1790s. Congress responded with the [[Naval Act of 1794]].<ref name="Allen1909-4142">Allen (1909), pp. 41–42.</ref> The Act provided funds for the construction of six frigates to be built in six different East Coast ports; however, it included a clause stating that construction of the ships would cease if the United States agreed to peace terms with Algiers.<ref name="Beach29">Beach (1986), p. 29.</ref><ref Name="NA1794">''An Act to provide a Naval Armament''. {{USStat|1|350}} (1794). [[Library of Congress]]. Retrieved 17 February 2011.</ref> By the time of the conclusion in 1815, of the later [[War of 1812]] with [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|Great Britain]], the United States had fought a series of three brief, but savage naval and amphibious wars.

[[Joshua Humphreys]]' design was deep,<ref>{{Cite book |title=Frigates of the Napoleonic Wars |last=Gardiner |first=Robert |year=2000 |publisher=Chatham |isbn=186176135X |location=London |page=56 |oclc=43456786}}</ref> long of [[keel]], affording high speed downwind and efficiency when close-hauled. The design was to extremely heavy [[scantlings]], including the planking, and incorporated Humphreys' innovative diagonal rib to limit [[hogging and sagging|hogging]]. This gave the [[Hull (watercraft)|hull]] greater strength than those of more lightly built frigates. Humphreys developed his design after realizing that the fledgling United States could not match for size the navies of the European states. He therefore designed his frigates to be able to overpower other frigates, but with the speed to escape from a "[[ship of the line]]" (equivalent to a modern-day "battleship").<ref name="Toll4953">Toll (2006), pp. 49–53.</ref><ref name="Beach2930">Beach (1986), pp. 29–30, 33.</ref><ref name="Allen1909-4245">Allen (1909), pp. 42–45.</ref> However, Constellation was a scaled-down version of his more famous designs for Constitution, United States and President, being closer in size to the standard European frigates of the day, and mounting the usual armament of 18-pounder guns.

''Constellation'' was built under the direction of Colonel David Stodder at his naval shipyard on Harris Creek in [[Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore|Baltimore]]'s [[Fell's Point, Baltimore|Fell's Point]] maritime community, according to a design by [[Joshua Humphreys]]. She was [[ship naming and launching|launched]] on 7 September 1797, just as the United States entered the [[Quasi-War]] with the [[First French Republic|revolutionary French Republic]]. Harris Creek which flows into the Northwest Branch of the [[Patapsco River]] was later filled in to gain additional land for residential/industrial development and diverted underground to a subterranean storm drain and culvert in the early 19th century. It was situated east of [[Fell's Point]] and south of where modern-day [[Patterson Park]], (near [[Highlandtown, Baltimore|Highlandtown]]), and the community of [[Canton, Baltimore|Canton]] are currently located.

An earlier visitor to the Harris Creek naval shipyard of David Stodder, east of Baltimore Town in 1796, the Duke de la Rochefoucaule-Liancourt, saw ''Constellation'' under construction and noted in his journal: "I thought her too much encumbered with wood-work within, but in other respects she is a fine vessel being built of those beautiful kinds of wood, the ever-green oak and cedar; she is pierced for 36 guns."<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=gZpSAAAAcAAJ&dq=%22I+thought+her+too+much+encumbered+with+wood-work+within%2C+but+in+other+respects+she+is+a+fine+vessel+being+built+of+those+beautiful+kinds+of+wood%2C+the+ever-green+oak+and+cedar%3B+she+is+pierced+for+36+guns%22&pg=PA343 Francois Alexandre Frederic duc de La-Rochefoucauld-Liancourt, ''Travels Through the United States of North-America, the Country of the Jroquois and Upper Canada, in the Years 1795, 1796 und 1797, Volume 2'', R. Phillips, London, 1799, p.343]</ref>

===Armament===
{{see also|Naval artillery in the Age of Sail}}

The Naval Act of 1794 had specified 36-gun frigates; however, ''Constellation'' and her sister-ship {{USS|Congress|1799|2}} were re-rated to 38's because of their large dimensions, being {{convert|164|ft|m|abbr=on}} [[length between perpendiculars|in length]] and {{convert|41|ft|m|abbr=on}} in width.<ref name="Chapelle128">Chapelle (1949), p. 128.</ref><ref name="Beach32">Beach (1986), p. 32.</ref>{{#tag:ref|Officially in congressional documents ''Constellation'' was a 36-gun frigate.<ref name="12th1st">''Number of vessels in service, and estimates of repairing and fitting for service those in ordinary, including frigate Constellation'', S. Doc. 91, U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, 12th Congress, 1st session, 1812.</ref> Chapelle states ''Constellation'' and ''Congress'' were re-rated to 38's during construction by Humphreys because of their large dimensions.<ref name="Chapelle128"/><br /> Canney references Chapelle when rating ''Constellation'' a 38-gun frigate, but also questions "...&nbsp;exactly what Humphreys had in mind with rating these ships as 44- or 36-gun frigates when the number of ports certainly did not correspond to the rating and, in fact, the ships rarely carried their rated batteries, reflecting contemporary usage. That [[United States Secretary of the Navy|first U.S. Secretary of the Navy]], [[Benjamin Stoddert]] re-rated ''Constellation'' andb''Congress'' to 38's once he compared the dimensions of the two ships with the also recently completed USF ''Chesapeake'', which had been reduced in size from a 44 to the extent that she was smaller.<ref name="Beach32"/><br /> Other sources, such as Lardas & Bryan, use the official ratings and note, "The U.S. Navy officially carried only three rates of frigate during the period 1794–1826: 44-gun, 36-gun, and 32-gun. The rating was independent of the size of the ship or the weight of its armament, but important in terms of crew size, pay, and money spent to support the ship."<ref>{{cite book| last=Lardas|first= Mark|page=31|title=American Light and Medium Frigates 1794–1836 | year = 2008 | publisher = Osprey | location = Oxford | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=3tkniiWZdYUC | isbn = 978-1-84603-266-0 | oclc = 183265266}}</ref>|name=rating|group=Note}}

The "ratings" by number of guns were meant only as an approximation, as ''Constellation'' could and often did carry up to 48 guns.<ref name="Teddy53"> Roosevelt (1883), p. 53.</ref> U.S. Navy ships of this era had no permanent battery of guns such as modern Navy ships carry. The guns were designed to be completely portable and often were exchanged between ships as situations warranted. Each commanding officer outfitted armaments to his liking, taking into consideration factors such as the overall tonnage of cargo, complement of personnel aboard, and planned routes to be sailed. Consequently, the armaments on ships changed often during their careers, and records of the changes were not generally kept.<ref name="Jennings">{{cite book|title=Tattered Ensign The Story of America's Most Famous Fighting Frigate, U.S.S. Constitution|last=Jennings|first=John |publisher=Thomas Y. Crowell|location=New York|year=1966|oclc=1291484|pages=17–19}}</ref>

===Officers and crew===
According to the enabling act, the [[commissioned officer]]s of the USS Constellation would contain 1 captain, 3 lieutenants, 1 lieutenant of marines, 1 surgeon and 1 surgeon's mate; the [[warrant officer]]s, appointed by the [[President of the United States]], were 1 sailing master, 1 purser, 1 boatswain, 1 gunner, 1 sailmaker, 1 carpenter, and 8 midshipmen; the complement also contained the following [[petty officer]]s, appointed by the captain of the ship, 2 master's mates, 1 captain's clerk, 2 boatswain's mates, 1 coxswain, 1 sailmaker's mate, 2 gunner's mates, 1 yeoman of the gunroom, 9 quarter gunners, 2 carpenter's mates, 1 armourer, 1 steward, 1 cooper, 1 master at arms, and 1 cook.<ref>United States. Office of Naval Records and Library (1935). "Act Providing for Naval Armament,   [1 July 1797]." ''Naval documents related to the quasi-war between the United States and France. Naval operations from February 1797 to October 1798.'' Washington: United States Printing Office, pp. 7-9.</ref>

;Officers 1798
* Captain: [[Thomas Truxton]]
* First Lieutenant: ?
* Second Lieutenant: [[John Rodgers (naval officer, born 1772)|John Rodgers]] of Maryland
* Third Lieutenant: William Cooper of Virginia
* Lieutenant of Marines: Philip Edwards of Maryland
* Surgeon: George Balfour of Virginia
*Surgeon's Mate: Isaac Henry of Pennsylvania
* Sailing Master: Edward Hansford of Virginia
* Purser: Isaac Garretson of Maryland
* Midshipmen: Philemon Charles Wederstranett of Maryland,  Jabez Bowen, Jr. of Rhode Island, Henry Van Dyke of Delaware, John Dent of Maryland, John Marshall Clajett of Maryland<ref name=Letter>United States. Office of Naval Records and Library (1935). "Letter to Captain Thomas Truxtun, U. S. Navy, from Secretary of War,  16th March, 1798." ''Naval documents related to the quasi-war between the United States and France. Naval operations from February 1797 to October 1798.'' Washington: United States Printing Office, pp. 42-44.</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor="F1F1F1"
|-
! colspan="3"| Monthly Pay of the Petty Officers, Seamen, Ordinary Seamen and Marines in 1798
|-
!''Rate''||  ''Pay per month each'' || ''Billets''
|-
| [[Midshipman]] || $19 || 8
|-
|[[Master's Mate]] ||  $20 || 2
|-
|[[Captain's Clerk]]|| $20 || 1
|-
|[[Boatswain's mate (United States Navy)|Boatswain's Mate]] || $18 || 2
|-
|[[Gunner's Mate]]|| $18||2
|-
|[[Yeoman|Yeoman of the Gunroom]] || $18 || 1
|-
|[[Quarter Gunner]] || $17 || 9
|-
|[[Carpenter's Mate]] || $18 || 2
|-
|[[Armourer]]  || $18 || 1
|-
|[[Steward's Department|Steward]] || $18 || 1
|-
|[[Cooper (profession)|Cooper]] || $18 || 1
|-
|[[Master at Arms]] || $18 || 1
|-
|[[Sailmaker|Sailmaker's Mate]] || $17 || 1
|-
|[[Quartermaster|Quarter Master]] || $17 || 4
|-
|[[Cook (profession)|Cook]]|| $18 || 1
|-
|[[Seaman (rank)|Seaman]]/Midshipman|| $15 || 126
|-
|[[Ordinary seaman (rank)|Ordinary Seaman]] || $10 || 90
|-
|Sergeant of Marines || $9|| 2
|-
|Corporal of Marines || $8|| 2
|-
|Drummer || $7|| 1
|-
|Fifer|| $7|| 1
|-
|Privates|| $6|| 40
|-
| colspan="3"|Source:<ref name=Letter/>
|-
|}

==Quasi-War==
{{see also|Quasi-War}}
The Quasi-War between France and the States came about when after the [[French Revolution]], the United States refused to repay remaining debt to France on the grounds that it had been owed to the previous regime. French outrage led to a series of attacks on American shipping by privateers. ''Constellation'' [[convoy]]ed American [[Merchant ship|merchantmen]] from June through August 1798 before sailing under the command of [[Captain (United States O-6)|Captain]] [[Thomas Truxtun]] for the [[West Indies]] in December 1798 to protect the United States's commerce in the [[Caribbean]].

On 2 February, 1799 she exchanged fire with a French fort at [[Saint-Pierre, Martinique]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v02p02.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France Volume 2 Part 1 of 3 Naval Operations November 1798 to March 1799 |publisher=U.S. Government printing office via Imbiblio |accessdate=17 March 2024}}</ref>

===''Constellation'' vs. ''L'Insurgente''===
[[File:USSConstellationVsInsurgente.jpg|thumb|Scene depicting the engagement, with ''Constellation'' (left), firing upon the [[USS Insurgent (1799)|''L'Insurgente'']] (right).|alt=A color painting of two ships at sail. Both ships have 3 masts in which the sails are partially set. The ship on the left is moving toward the right side of the frame, and the ship on the right is moving straight ahead.]]
{{see also|USS Constellation vs L'Insurgente}}
On 9 February 1799, under the command of Truxtun, ''Constellation'' fought and captured the frigate [[USS Insurgent (1799)|''L'Insurgente'']] of 36 guns, the fastest ship in the French Navy.{{Citation needed|date=May 2011}} The battle started about {{convert|18|mi|km}} NE of the island of Nevis about midday when ''Constellation'' spotted ''L'Insurgente'', which hoisted [[studding sail]]s and attempted to run.<ref name="toll-114">Toll (2006), p. 114.</ref> ''L'Insurgente'' had recently captured {{USS|Retaliation|1798|2}}, a schooner, in November 1798 and three weeks previously had been chased by ''Constitution'' and had escaped. ''L'Insurgente''{{'}}s job was that of commerce raiding, wanting nothing to do with another warship, and tried to flee ''Constellation''. Within an hour of hauling in chase Truxtun was close enough to make private signals to identify if the ship he was pursuing was British or not. With no answer, he proceeded to chase ''L'Insurgente'' down, clearing for action and beating to quarters. Truxtun made private signals for the U.S. Navy and again received no answer.<ref name="toll-115">Toll (2006), p. 115.</ref> ''Constellation'' crowded on all sail despite a rising squall that threatened to tear a sail or throw a spar.<ref name="toll-116">Toll (2006), p. 116.</ref>

Reefing sail just long enough to weather the short squall, ''Constellation'' hardly paused but the same was not to be for ''L'Insurgente'': the ship's topmast snapped and slowed the ship to the onrushing ''Constellation''.<ref name="toll-116" /> Captain Barreaut ordered ''L'Insurgente'' to lay up and prepared to fight. ''Constellation'' was outfitted with [[24-pounder long gun|24 pounder gun]]s that caused her to lean too much to lee due to topweight and thus had to surrender the [[weather gage]] to ''L'Insurgente''. (The ship was refitted with [[18-pounder long gun]]s in the next refit.{{clarify|move someplace else. Doesn't belong in the middle of a fight. Needs more explanation anyway|date=June 2014}}) ''L'Insurgente'' raised the French Tricolor and Captain Barreaut asked for parley. Captain Truxtun refused to answer, as his orders were to attack any French warship or privateer, and answered when his last gun could be brought to bear.<ref name="toll-117">Toll (2006), p. 117.</ref> American warships of this period fired for the hull (as did the British) and each of the 24-pounders had been double shotted. ''L'Insurgente'' fired as per training at ''Constellation''{{'}}s masts and rigging. ''Constellation''{{'}}s masts were saved when the sail was reduced, taking pressure off the damaged mast.<ref name="toll-117" /> ''L'Insurgente'' was devastated by ''Constellation''{{'}}s first broadside with many dead and others deserting their guns. ''L'Insurgente'' tried to board and slowed to close but this allowed ''Constellation'' to shoot ahead and crossed bows for a bow rake with another broadside. ''Constellation'' crossed to windward and ''L'Insurgente'' turned to follow with both crews now exchanging port broadsides instead of starboard.<ref name="toll-118">Toll (2006), p. 118.</ref> One of ''Constellation''{{'}}s 24-pounders smashed through the hull of ''L'Insurgente''. ''L'Insurgente's'' 12-pounders were not equal to the same task against ''Constellation''{{'}}s hull. Captain Barreaut had been shown one of ''Constellation''{{'}}s 24 pound cannonballs and understood that he was in a completely unequal contest with sails down and nothing comparable to reply with many already dead and wounded. He struck colors— the first major victory by an American-designed and built warship.<ref name="toll-119">Toll (2006), p. 119.</ref>

On 14 March, 1799 she captured the French Letter of Marque schooner ''Union'' off [[Basse-Terre]] Roads, [[Guadeloupe]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v02p03.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France Volume 2 Part 3 of 3 Naval Operations November 1798 to March 1799 |publisher=U.S. Government printing office via Imbiblio |accessdate=26 March 2024}}</ref>

On 15 April recaptured British merchant ''Brothers'', captured by a French privateer on 14 April.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v03p01.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France Volume 3 Part 1 of 4 Naval Operations April 1799 to July 1799, April, 1799 Pg. 54 |publisher=U.S. Government printing office via Imbiblio |accessdate=3 April 2024}}</ref> 

On 17 April, 1799 she and {{USS|Insurgente}} captured French letter of marque schooner ''Diligente'' off [[Basse-Terre]], [[Guadeloupe]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v03p01.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France Volume 3 Part 1 of 4 Naval Operations April 1799 to July 1799, April, 1799 Pg. 62 |publisher=U.S. Government printing office via Imbiblio |accessdate=2 April 2024}}</ref>

She arrived at [[Hampton Roads]] 19 May, 1799.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v03p02.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France Volume 2 Part 2 of 4 Naval Operations April 1799 to July 1799 May Pg. 271 |publisher=U.S. Government printing office via Imbiblio |accessdate=22 April 2024}}</ref>
She sailed from Chesapeake Bay 30 June, 1799.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v03p04.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France Volume 2 Part 4 of 3 Naval Operations April 1799 to July 1799 July Pg. 451 |publisher=U.S. Government printing office via Imbiblio |accessdate=22 April 2024}}</ref>

After returning from that cruise arriving at Newcastle Delaware on or about 11 October she discharged her crew and began repairs.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v06.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France |volume=VI Part 2 of 4: Naval Operations June to November 1800, July-August 1800 |pages=468-469 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=10 September 2024}}</ref> She departed Hampton Roads on 24 December escorting a stores ship and several merchantmen passing Cape Henry the next day.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v04p03.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France Volume  Part 3 of 3 Naval Operations August 1799 to December 1799, December Pg. 566 |publisher=U.S. Government printing office via Imbiblio |accessdate=4 June 2024}}</ref>

===''Constellation'' vs. ''La Vengeance''===
{{see also|USS Constellation vs La Vengeance}}
[[File:Thomas Truxtun.jpg|right|thumb|upright|[[Thomas Truxtun]]]]
''Constellation'' sailed under Captain Thomas Truxtun from Saint Kitts on 30 January 1800, and encountered the French frigate [[HMS Vengeance (1800)|''La Vengeance'']], of ''La Résistance'' class (design by Pierre Degay, with 30 × 24-pounder guns and 20 × 12-pounder guns) during the night on 1 February 1800. ''La Vengeance'' was outweighed by ''Constellation'' but had the heavier broadside, {{convert|1165|lb|abbr=on}} to {{convert|744|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref name="toll-135">Toll (2006), p. 135.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v05p02.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France Volume  Part 2 of 4 Naval Operations January to May, 1800, February, 1800-March, 1800 Pg. 163-164 |publisher=U.S. Government printing office via Imbiblio |accessdate=7 June 2024}}</ref> ''La Vengeance'' attempted to run and had to be chased down.<ref name="toll-132">Toll (2006), p. 132.</ref> An hour after sunset ''Constellation'' came into hailing range and when ''La Vengeance'' was ordered to stand to and surrender, the ship answered with a broadside at ({{coord|15|17|N|66|04|W}}).<ref name="toll-132"/> After an hour ''Constellation''{{'}}s foresails failed and had to be repaired; she then overtook ''La Vengeance'' and a running battle exchanging broadsides continued.<ref name="toll-133">Toll (2006), p. 133.</ref> Twice the ships came close enough that boarders were called for on both ships, the second occasion was quite bloody as U.S. Marines in ''Constellation'' shot up the deck of ''La Vengeance'' leaving the deck covered in bodies of the dead and wounded, and forcing the boarding party to seek cover. A young lieutenant standing next to Captain Pitot of ''La Vengeance'' had his arm taken off at this time.<ref name="toll-134">Toll (2006), p. 134.</ref> By late in the evening, ''Constellation'' was victorious after a five-hour battle. ''La Vengeance'' was so holed in the hull and the rigging so cut up that the ship grounded outside the port of Curaçao rather than attempt to sail into port for fear of sinking. The French commander just managed to save his ship from capture by taking advantage of the darkness and – upon returning to port – was so humiliated he later boasted that the American ship he had fought was a much larger and more powerful ship of the line. Despite a heavier broadside Captain Pitot of ''La Vengeance'' accounted that they had fired 742 rounds in the engagement while Captain Truxtun of ''Constellation'' reported 1,229 rounds expended.<ref name="toll-135"/> ''Constellation'' also suffered major damage. She had 13 crew killed, 25 wounded and 1 missing.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v05p02.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France Volume  Part 2 of 4 Naval Operations January to May, 1800, February, 1800-March, 1800 Pg. 162-163 |publisher=U.S. Government printing office via Imbiblio |accessdate=7 June 2024}}</ref>  Her rigging and spars were so damaged that the crew dared not try to sail upwind and so went to Port Royal, Jamaica, arriving on 8 February. She was joined on 5 February by {{USS|Insurgente}} ({{coord|17|07|N|67|00|W}}).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v05p02.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France Volume  Part 2 of 4 Naval Operations January to May, 1800, February, 1800-March, 1800 Pg. 166 |publisher=U.S. Government printing office via Imbiblio |accessdate=7 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v05p02.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France Volume  Part 2 of 4 Naval Operations January to May, 1800, February, 1800-March, 1800 Pg. 193 |publisher=U.S. Government printing office via Imbiblio |accessdate=8 June 2024}}</ref> Unable to complete a refit she departed Jamaica on 1 March and limped home on a [[jury rig]] system while escorting a convoy.<ref name="toll-134"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v05p02.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France Volume  Part 2 of 4 Naval Operations January to May, 1800, February, 1800-March, 1800 Pg. 259 |publisher=U.S. Government printing office via Imbiblio |accessdate=24 June 2024}}</ref> After the encounter, ''Constellation''{{'}}s speed and power inspired the French to nickname her the "Yankee Racehorse."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2021/december/yankee-racehorse |title=Yankee Racehorse |publisher=U.S. Naval Institute |accessdate=2 July 2024}}</ref> She arrived at Hampton Roads 25 March.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v05p02.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France Volume  Part 2 of 4 Naval Operations January to May, 1800, February, 1800-March, 1800 Pg. 349 |publisher=U.S. Government printing office via Imbiblio |accessdate=2 July 2024}}</ref> By 3 May, 1800 Thomas Truxton had been replaced as Captain by Capt. [[Alexander Murray (1755–1821)|Alexander Murray]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v05p03.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France Volume  Part 3 of 4 Naval Operations January to May, 1800, April 1800-May 1800 Pg. 472 |publisher=U.S. Government printing office via Imbiblio |accessdate=16 July 2024}}</ref> She departed Hampton Roads and was off [[Cape Henry]] on 20 May, 1800.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v05p03.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France Volume  Part 3 of 4 Naval Operations January to May, 1800, April 1800-May 1800 Pg. 538 |publisher=U.S. Government printing office via Imbiblio |accessdate=17 July 2024}}</ref> She arrived at St. Kitts about 23 June.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v06.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France Volume 6 Part 1 of 4 Naval Operations June to November, 1800, June 1800 Pg. 71-72 |publisher=U.S. Government printing office via Imbiblio |accessdate=25 July 2024}}</ref>  On 26 June she recaptured ship ''Minerva'' that had been captured by a privateer on 25 June.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v06.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France Volume 6 Part 1 of 4 Naval Operations June to November, 1800, June 1800 Pg. 86 |publisher=U.S. Government printing office via Imbiblio |accessdate=26 July 2024}}</ref> On 2 July she recaptured Danish schooner ''Charming Betsy'' that had been captured by a French privateer stating that the Danish captain, still on board, had requested recapture.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v06.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France Volume 6 Part 1 of 4 Naval Operations June to November, 1800, June 1800 Pg. 104 |publisher=U.S. Government printing office via Imbiblio |accessdate=29 July 2024}}</ref> She arrived at Newcastle, Delaware 10 October, 1800.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v06.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France |volume=VI Part 2 of 4: Naval Operations June to November 1800, July-August 1800 |pages=449 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=6 September 2024}}</ref> By 24 December she was anchored off Sandy Hook.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v07.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France |volume=VII Part 1 of 4: Naval Operations December 1800-December 1801, December 1800-March 1801 |pages=45 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=18 September 2024}}</ref> She sailed from New York on 9 January, 1801. Sometime in January, 1801, possibly 17 or 18 January, in the night she exchanged fire with [[HMS Magnanime (1780)|HMS ''Magnanime'']] until identities were established, with the few shots fired doing no material damage being done to either.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v07.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France |volume=VII Part 1 of 4: Naval Operations December 1800-December 1801, December 1800-March 1801 |pages=113 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=20 September 2024}}</ref> On 18 January she stopped the French privateer lugger ''Marrs'' and found that a Treaty had been signed. Later in the day she recaptured brig ''Prude'', releasing the prize crew to ''Marrs''.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v07.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France |volume=VII Part 1 of 4: Naval Operations December 1800-December 1801, December 1800-March 1801 |pages=107-108 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=20 September 2024}}</ref>

At the end of the Quasi-War with France, ''Constellation'' returned to the United States. While [[anchor]]ing in [[Delaware Bay]] on 10 April 1801, she was caught in winds and an ebb [[tide]] that ran her aground on a sand bar and laid her over on her beam ends. She was still aground as of 26 April, but refloated by 3 May.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v07.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France |volume=VII Part 1 of 4: Naval Operations December 1800-December 1801, December 1800-March 1801 |pages=205-206, 216 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref> She suffered damage requiring extensive repairs at Philadelphia.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_quasiwar_v07.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the Quasi-War Between the United States and France |volume=VII Part 1 of 4: Naval Operations December 1800-December 1801, December 1800-March 1801 |pages=234 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=25 September 2024}}</ref>

==First Barbary War==
{{see also|First Barbary War}}

During the United States' preoccupation with France during the Quasi-War, troubles with the [[Barbary Coast|Barbary States]] were suppressed by the payment of [[tribute]] to ensure that American merchant ships were not harassed and seized.<ref name="MaclaySmith215216">Maclay and Smith (1898), Volume 1, pp. 215–216.</ref> In 1801 [[Yusuf Karamanli]] of [[Tripoli, Libya|Tripoli]], dissatisfied with the amount of tribute he was receiving in comparison to Algiers, demanded an immediate payment of $250,000.<ref name="Allen058890">Allen (1905), pp. 88, 90.</ref> In response, [[Thomas Jefferson]] sent a [[Squadron (naval)|squadron]] of frigates to protect American merchant ships in the Mediterranean and pursue peace with the Barbary States.<ref name="MaclaySmith228">Maclay and Smith (1898), Volume 1, p. 228.</ref><ref name="Allen0592">Allen (1905), p. 92.</ref>

The first squadron, under the command of [[Richard Dale]] in {{USS|President|1800|2}}, was instructed to escort merchant ships through the Mediterranean and negotiate with leaders of the Barbary States.<ref name="MaclaySmith228"/>

She left Philadelphia, arriving at Chester on 26 February 1802 to receive her guns, ect. after getting over the bar.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_barbarywars_v02p01.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the United States Wars with the Barbary Powers Volume II Part 1 of 3 January 1802 through August 1803 |pages=68 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=25 October 2024}}</ref> She departed New Castle, Delaware on 13 March.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_barbarywars_v02p01.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the United States Wars with the Barbary Powers Volume II Part 1 of 3 January 1802 through August 1803 |pages=83 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=28 October 2024}}</ref>
Sailing with the squadron of [[Commodore (United States)|Commodore]] [[Richard Valentine Morris|Richard Morris]], and later, with that of Commodores [[Samuel Barron (1765-1810)|Samuel Barron]] and John Rodgers, ''Constellation'' served in the blockade of Tripoli in May 1802. On 22 July 1802 she exchanged fire with Tripolitan gunboats and troops, reportedly sinking 2 gunboats and killing a general.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_barbarywars_v02p02.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the United States Wars with the Barbary Powers Volume II Part 2 of 3 January 1802 through August 1803 |pages=218 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=7 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_barbarywars_v02p02.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the United States Wars with the Barbary Powers Volume II Part 2 of 3 January 1802 through August 1803 |pages=270 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=10 November 2024}}</ref> She received orders to return home on 12 December 1802.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_barbarywars_v02p02.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the United States Wars with the Barbary Powers Volume II Part 2 of 3 January 1802 through August 1803 |pages=331 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=11 November 2024}}</ref> She arrived in Chesapeake Bay on 11 March, 1803.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_barbarywars_v02p02.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the United States Wars with the Barbary Powers Volume II Part 2 of 3 January 1802 through August 1803 |pages=372-373 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=13 November 2024}}</ref> She was reactivated following the loss of USS ''Philadelphia'', with Capt. Hugh Campbell in command.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_barbarywars_v04p01.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the United States Wars with the Barbary Powers Volume VI Part 1 of 3 April 1804 through September 1804 |pages=115 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=7 February 2025}}</ref> She left Eastern Branch on 11 June and arrived at Hampton Roads on 21 June.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_barbarywars_v04p02.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the United States Wars with the Barbary Powers Volume IV Part 2 of 3 April 1804 through September 1804 |pages=175 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=14 February 2025}}</ref> She left the Capes 5 July, arriving at Gibraltar on 12 August.She cruised widely throughout the Mediterranean in 1804 to show the flag; evacuated in June 1805 a contingent of [[United States Marines]], as well as diplomatic personages, from [[Derna, Libya|Derne]] at the conclusion of a fleet-shore operation against Tripoli; On 30 July she was with the U.S. fleet at Tunis.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_barbarywars_v06p02.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the United States Wars with the Barbary Powers Volume VI Part 1 of 4 May 1805 through 1807 |pages=199 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=18 July 2025}}</ref> that culminated in peace terms in August 1805. On 22 August, 1805 Capt. Campbell exchanged commands with Master Commandant Charles Stewart of USS ''Essex''.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_barbarywars_v05p01.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the United States Wars with the Barbary Powers Volume V Part 1 of 3 September 7 1804 through April 1805 |pages=12 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=26 March 2025}}</ref> ''Constellation'' returned to the United States in November 1805, mooring at Washington Navy Yard on 29 November,<ref>{{cite book |url=https://ibiblio.org/anrs/docs/E/E3/nd_barbarywars_v05p01.pdf |title=Naval Documents related to the United States Wars with the Barbary Powers Volume V Part 1 of 3 September 7 1804 through April 1805 |pages=12 |publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office |via=Ibiblio |access-date=26 March 2025}}</ref> where she was placed [[in ordinary]] until 1812.<ref name="DANFS"/>

==War of 1812==
{{see also|War of 1812}}

''Constellation'' underwent repairs at Washington, D.C., in 1812–1813, and with the advent of the [[War of 1812]] with the [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|United Kingdom]], commanded by Captain [[Charles Stewart (1778–1869)|Charles Stewart]], was dispatched to [[Hampton Roads]], [[Virginia]]. In January 1813, shortly after arrival, the ship was effectively [[blockaded]] by a British squadron of line-of-battle ships and frigates. She [[Wiktionary:kedge|kedged]] up toward Norfolk, and when the tide rose ran in and anchored between the forts; and a few days later dropped down to cover the forts which were being built at [[Craney Island (Virginia)|Craney Island]]. Here the ship was exposed to attacks from the British force still lying in Hampton Roads, and, fearing they would attempt to carry her by surprise, Captain Stewart made preparation for defense. The crew anchored in the middle of the narrow channel, flanked by gun-boats, lower ports closed, not a rope left hanging over the sides; the boarding nettings, boiled in half-made pitch till they were as hard as wire, were [[Wiktionary:trice|triced]] outboard toward the yardarms, and loaded with [[kentledge]] to fall on the attacking boats when the tricing lines were cut, while the [[carronade]]s were loaded to the muzzle with musket balls, and depressed so as to sweep the water near the ship. Twice, a force of British, estimated by their foes to number 2,000 men, started off at night to take ''Constellation'' by surprise but on each occasion they were discovered and closely watched by guard-boats, and they never ventured to make the attack.<ref name="DANFS"/><ref name="Teddy162163">Roosevelt (1883), pp. 162–163.</ref>

==Second Barbary War==
{{see also|Second Barbary War}}

Soon after the United States declared war against Britain in 1812, [[Algiers]] took advantage of the United States' preoccupation with Britain and began intercepting American merchant ships in the Mediterranean.<ref name="MaclaySmithVIIP4-5">Maclay and Smith (1898), Volume 2, pp. 4–5.</ref> On 2 March 1815, at the request of President [[James Madison]], Congress declared war on Algiers. Work preparing two American squadrons promptly began—one at Boston under Commodore [[William Bainbridge]], and one at New York under Commodore [[Steven Decatur]].<ref name="MaclaySmithVIIP6">Maclay and Smith (1898), Volume 2, p. 6.</ref><ref name="Allen05281">Allen (1905), p. 281.</ref>

''Constellation'', attached to the Mediterranean Squadron under Commodore Stephen Decatur, sailed from New York on 20 May 1815 and joined in the [[Battle off Cape Gata|capture of the Algerian frigate ''Mashuda'']] on 17 June 1815. Treaties of peace were soon reached with Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli. ''Constellation'' remained with the squadron under Commodores [[William Bainbridge]], [[Isaac Chauncey]], and [[John Shaw (navy)|John Shaw]] to enforce the accords, returning to Hampton Roads only in December 1817.<ref name="DANFS"/>

==Later career==
{{further|Charles G. Ridgeley#Pacific Squadron and the Peruvian War of Independence}}
In the spring of 1819 Secretary of the Navy [[Smith Thompson]] selected Commodore [[Oliver Hazard Perry]] for the mission of establishing friendly relations with the government of newly independent [[Venezuela]] and negotiating to obtain restitution for United States schooners ''Tiger'' and ''Liberty'' that the Venezuelans had illegally taken during the revolution. In 1819, by order of President [[James Monroe]] ''Constellation'' sailed for the [[Orinoco River]], Venezuela, along with the frigate {{USS|John Adams|1799|2}} and the schooner {{USS|Nonsuch|1813|2}}. Arriving on 15 July, Commodore Perry shifted his flag to ''Nonsuch'' and sailed upriver to [[Ciudad Bolívar|Angostura]] to negotiate an anti-piracy agreement. A favorable treaty was signed on 11 August with Vice-president [[Francisco Antonio Zea]], but when the little fleet started downriver, many of the crew including Perry had been stricken with [[yellow fever]].

Despite the efforts to reach [[Trinidad and Tobago|Trinidad]] for medical assistance, the commodore died on his 34th birthday on board ''John Adams'' shortly after her arrival at [[Gulf of Paria]] on 23 August. He was buried in [[Port of Spain]] with great honors while ''Nonsuch''{{'}}s crew acted as [[honor guard]].

From 12 November 1819 to 24 April 1820, ''Constellation'' served as flagship of Commodore [[Charles Morris (naval officer)|Charles Morris]] on the Brazil Station, protecting American commerce against privateers and supporting the negotiation of trade agreements with South American nations. On 25 July 1820, she sailed for the first time to Pacific waters and arrived in [[Valparaíso]], Chile under [[Charles G. Ridgeley]] on January 14, 1821.<ref name="Cape-2">{{cite book |url=https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Gazetteer/Places/America/United_States/Navy/_Texts/REJTRC/2*.html |first=Robert Erwin |last=Johnson |authorlink=Robert Erwin Johnson |title=Thence round Cape Horn |publisher=[[United States Naval Institute]] |year=1963 |chapter=Chapter 2: The Cruise of the ''Macedonian''}}</ref><ref name="Cape-3">{{cite book |url=https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Gazetteer/Places/America/United_States/Navy/_Texts/REJTRC/3*.html |first=Robert Erwin |last=Johnson |authorlink=Robert Erwin Johnson |title=Thence round Cape Horn |publisher=[[United States Naval Institute]] |year=1963 |chapter=Chapter 3: From Ship to Squadron}}</ref> He was then relieved by Commodore [[Charles Stewart (1778–1869)|Charles Stewart]] in April 1822.<ref name="Cape-3"/> ''Constellation'' remained thus employed for two years, protecting American shipping off the coast of Peru, an area where disquiet erupted into revolt against Spain.

In 1825, ''Constellation'' was chosen as flagship for Commodore [[Lewis Warrington (United States Navy officer)|Lewis Warrington]] and began duty with the [[West Indies Squadron (United States)|West India Squadron]] to eradicate waning piracy operations in the Caribbean. During an outbreak of yellow fever at Key West, Florida, Warrington moved the squadron's home port to Pensacola, Florida where a permanent base was established. Other ships operating with ''Constellation'' during this period in the West Indies were {{USS|John Adams|1799|2}}, {{USS|Hornet|1805 brig|2}}, {{USS|Spark|1813|2}}, {{USS|Grampus|1821|2}}, {{USS|Shark|1821|2}}, {{USS|Fox|1822|2}} and {{USS|Decoy|1822|2}}. Warrington returned to the United States with ''Constellation'' in 1826.<ref name="Wheeler167-171">Wheeler (1969), pp. 167–171.</ref><ref name="Warrington">{{cite DANFS|title=Warrington|url=http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/w3/warrington-i.htm|access-date=2 April 2011|link=off}}</ref>

In August 1829, ''Constellation'' cruised to the Mediterranean to watch over American shipping and to collect indemnities from previous losses suffered by U.S. merchantmen. While en route to station, the ship carried the American ministers to France and the United Kingdom to their posts of duty. Returning to the United States in November 1831, she underwent minor repairs and departed again for the Mediterranean in April 1832 where she remained until an outbreak of cholera forced her to sail for home in November 1834.

In October 1835, ''Constellation'' sailed for the Gulf of Mexico to assist in defeating the Seminole uprising. The crew landed shore parties to relieve the Army garrisons and sent boats on amphibious expeditions. After the mission had been accomplished, they then cruised with the West India Squadron until 1838 serving part of this period in the capacity of flagship for Commodore [[Alexander J. Dallas (U.S. Navy officer)|Alexander Dallas]].

The decade of the 1840s saw ''Constellation'' circumnavigate the globe. As flagship of Captain Kearny and the East India Squadron, their mission, as assigned in March 1841, was to safeguard American lives and property against loss during the [[Opium War]], and further, to enable negotiation of commercial treaties. En route home in May 1843 she entered the Hawaiian Islands, helping to keep them from becoming a British protectorate, and thereafter sailed homeward making calls at South American ports.<ref name="DANFS"/>

==Fate==
[[File:Constellation bow.JPG|thumb|right|upright=1|The 1854 ''[[USS Constellation (1854)|Constellation]]'' in 2012]]

In 1853 ''Constellation'' was disassembled at the [[Gosport Navy Yard]] in [[Portsmouth, Virginia]]. At the same time, the keel was laid for what became known as the [[sloop-of-war]] {{USS|Constellation|1854}}. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the [[United States Congress]], the U.S. Navy, and the City of [[Baltimore, Maryland|Baltimore]] continued to identify the ship as the 1854 rebuild of the 1797 ship. In the latter half of the 20th century, however, researchers discovered compelling evidence that the sloop-of-war was a wholly different ship, using only a minimal amount of material from the 1797 frigate.<ref name=USNI>{{cite journal |last1=Doane |first1=Rob |last2=Kaurin |first2=Pauline Shanks |last3=Wilson |first3=Evan |title=The ''Constellation'' and the Navy's Culture |journal=Proceedings |date=October 2024 |volume=150 |issue=10 |pages=73-76 |publisher=United States Naval Institute |location=Annapolis, Maryland}}</ref>

Commemorative copper coins were struck from parts of ''Constellation'' and have become collector's items.<ref>{{cite web|title=THE CONSTELLATION SOUVENIR MEDAL|url=http://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v14n27a09.html|website=Coinbooks.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=1797 US – FRIGATE CONSTELLATION COMMEMORATIVE MEDAL|url=https://www.vcoins.com/en/stores/coins_to_medals/37/product/1797_us__frigate_constellation_commemorative_medal/311899/Default.aspx|website=Vcoins.com}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=Note}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}
*{{DANFS|https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/c/constellation-i.html}}

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|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0LErckxQpPIC}}
* {{cite book | last = Roosevelt | first = Theodore |author-link = Theodore Roosevelt | title = The Naval War of 1812| year = 1883 | edition = 3rd | orig-year = 1882 | location = New York | publisher = G.P. Putnam's sons | url = https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_Fb1CAAAAYAAJ | oclc = 133902576}}
*{{cite book|isbn=978-0-393-05847-5|oclc=70291925|location=New York|title=Six Frigates: The Epic History of the Founding of the US Navy|last=Toll|first=Ian W|publisher=W. W. Norton|year=2006|url=https://archive.org/details/sixfrigatesepich00toll}}
*{{cite web|title=Fouled Anchors: The Constellation Question Answered |last1=Wegner|first1=Dana M.|last2=Ratliff|first2=Colan D.|last3=Lynaugh|first3=Kevin|date=September 1991|publisher=[[David Taylor Research Center]]|location=Bethesda|oclc=444899959|url= http://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a241916.pdf|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170225031535/http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a241916.pdf|url-status= live|archive-date= 25 February 2017|access-date= 13 November 2009 }}
*{{cite book|oclc=6144|title=In Pirate Waters|last=Wheeler|first=Richard|publisher=Crowell|location=New York|year=1969}}

{{USN Original Six}}
{{1801 shipwrecks}}
{{1832 shipwrecks}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Constellation (1797)}}
[[Category:1797 ships]]
[[Category:1790s in Baltimore]]
[[Category:Quasi-War ships of the United States]]
[[Category:Second Barbary War]]
[[Category:First Barbary War]]
[[Category:Barbary Wars American ships]]
[[Category:Heavy frigates of the United States Navy]]