U.S. Navy "Subscription" Ships-- Part 4: Patapsco and Philadelphia

USS PATAPSCO-- 20-gun sloop launched in 1799 as the Chesapeake but name changed for the frigate Chesapeake. In 1800, it and the USS Merrimack aided the British frigate HMS Nereide in defending Curacao in the Netherland Antilles from French attack.

Captured two ships during Quasi War. Sold in 1801.

USS PHILADELPHIA-- 36-gun frigate subscribed by the citizens of Philadelphia and commissioned in 1800 with Captain Stephen Decatur, Sr. in command. Participated in the Quasi War and First Barbary War.
While commanded by William Bainbridge, it was captured in the First Barbary War and later destroyed in 1804 by a daring expedition led by the first commander's son, Stephen Decatur, Jr.

--Brock-Perry