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Service History
With the United States involved in naval action against France on 6 January 1800, Essex, under the command of Captain Edward Preble, departed Newport, Rhode Island in company with Congress to rendezvous with and convoy merchant ships returning from Batavia, Dutch East Indies. Shortly after commencement of her journey, Essex became the first U.S. Naval Ship to cross the Equator. Congress was dismasted only a few days out, and Essex was obliged to continue her voyage alone, making her mark as the first U.S. man-of-war to double the Cape of Good Hope, both in March and in August 1800 prior to successfully completing her convoy mission in November.
The first USS Essex of the United States Navy was a 36-gun or 32-gun sailing frigate that participated in the Quasi-War with France, the Barbary Wars, and in the War of 1812, during which she was captured by the British (1814).
The frigate was launched on 30 September 1799 by Enos Briggs, Salem, Massachusetts, at a cost of $139,362 subscribed by the people of Salem and Essex County. On 17 December 1799 she was presented to the United States and accepted by Captain Edward Preble.
Other DetailsModel Scale:
5/64\'\' = 1\'
