U.S. Navy "Subscription" Ships-- Part 1: Most Had Short Careers

These were ships that evidently added to the U.S. Navy through subscriptions by the states and in some instances, cities, even private interests. Evidently the Act of June 30, 1798 allowed this. Most were only in service for a few years and mostly built because of the so-called Quasi War with France (our former ally during the American Revolution).

USS MARYLAND, 26-gun sloop built by public subscription in Baltimore. Commissioned in 1799 and sold in 1801.

USS MERRIMACK, 28 GUNS, Launched by the Association of Newburyport Shipwrights and presented to the Navy in 1798. Saw service during the Quasi War and sold in 1801.

USS BOSTON, Third ship with the name. A 32-gun frigate built by public subscription in Boston. Commissioned 1799. Fought in the Quasi War and First Barbary War. Burned at Washington Navy Yard 24 August 1814 during the War of 1812 to prevent capture by British (as was the USS New York).

Never Heard of These Ships. --Brock-Perry