Volume 2, Issue 1 Nov .-Dec. 1995

I A Newsletter for the Supporters of the Naval Museum Bear Down and Engage The Battle off the Capes, September 1781

by Heather Burnett Most naval battles are unofficially ranked by how many ships were involved and how many ofthem were sunk during the course ofthe battle. . . The long term consequences of the battle usually comes in a . distant third. In the summer of 1781, two fleets, one French . ~ and one British, clashed off , Virginia, and while "'"' · no ships were sunk, the outcome of the battle still remains with us today. In command ofthe French fleet was a Aug. 14, 1781, de Grasse officially tall, French noble by the name of Adm. notified General George Washington, Fran~ois Joseph Paul, Comte de Grasse. leader of the , and Born in 1722 in Bar, France, Adm. de General Rochambeau, leader of the Grasse received his early military training French army in America, that he would at the Gardes Maritimes School and first set sail for the and join served with the Knights of Malta before forces with Adm. Count de Barras. At Shown here is the victor of the Battle off the joining the French service in 17 40. When the same time, Washington and Virginia Capes, Adm. Frant;ois Joseph Paul, France joined the in the Rochambeau's troops began Comte de Grasse. De Grasse 's victory at the battle would prove to be a decisive factor in Revolutionary War, de Grasse was given mobilization for their journey from the the American War ofIndependence . (U.S. Navy command ofa squadron of ships and first Hudson River on their way to Virginia, photograph ofa 1880 engraving by HB. Hall) engaged the English forces in the West all the while keeping their plans secret in Indies in 1779-1780. · an attempt to surprise the British from New York prior to de Grasse and Following a prearranged plan, on commander Lord Cornwallis and his de Barras' arrival. On the word that de army at Yorktown, Va. Grasse had anchored in the Chesapeake, • On Aug. 25, de Barras began his Grave's fleet was immediately Inside The Day Book journey to the Chesapeake and de Grasse, dispatched to Cornwallis' aid. The Director's Column...... 2 as promised, arrived in the Chesapeake While he was in Philadelphia, Portrait of a Survivor...... 3 with 28 ships and 3,000 troops on Aug. Washington received a letter indicating The ...... 4 30. The English were caught off guard that de Grasse's fleet was at anchor just The Museum Sage...... 8 by his presence, as they had anticipated off the coast of Cape Henry. This news Hampton Roads Explained.... 9 Adm. George Rodney intercepting and produced indescribable joy in Volunteer News & Notes...... tO defeating de Grasse in the West Indies Washington, as for the first time, he Calendar of Events••••...... II prior to his arrival. A British fleet under would be able to fight a land battle with Lord Thomas Graves had yet to set sail Bear Down continued on page 6 Tis the 8eason. • • The Director's Column by Becky Poulliot

ere at the Hampton Roads warrant officer. Mr. Sirian's Naval Museum, we actively 46-year career in the U.S. H seek reasons to celebrate all year Navy began at the age of 10. round. In cooperation with the Alliance He spent three tours aboard Francaise organization, the museum "Old Ironsides," the sponsored a reception commemorating Constitution. His records the Battle off the Virginia Capes on have been preserved and are Sept. 14. The guest speaker, fascinating to examine from appropriately enough, was Capt. Alain their descriptions of Navy Delbury from the French Military life in the 1800's. More than Mission to the Supreme Allied 15 records are on display, Commander, Atlantic. More on that along with items from the battle, and its influence in securing museum's permanent American independence, can be found collection. Also included is

in the cover story of this issue. a portrait of Sirian as a HRNM docent Gary Abrams, in a 18-century French sailor's A ribbon-cutting on Sept. 21 young boy, done by the well uniform, converses with museum director Becky Poul/iot at celebrated the opening of "Submarine known New York artist C.C. the Alliance Francias reception. (Photo by Ruth Murdock) Force: Past, Present and Future." On­ Ingham. An illustration of hand for the ceremonies were Capt. the portrait is on page 3. "George Sirian: Hampton Roads were of particular Joseph G. Henry, Chief of Staff, Portrait of a Survivor" runs through Nov. interest to the local audience. On Oct. Submarine Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet and 26. 19, the museum hosted William A. Lt. Cdmr. Charles Church from the This Fall, our lecture series focused Young, who has adopted the character Submarine On-Board Training on the Civil War. Dr. Dean Allard, of Confederate lieutenant. His Command. New audiences, numbering former director of the Naval Historical performance was authentic, transporting in the hundreds of thousands each year, Center, spoke on Sept. 13 to a large the audience back in time to the Battle of will be enlightened about the submarine audience about the innovation in Civil Gettysburg and its aftermath. service. War technology. Dr. Allard provided Our next speaker will be Vice Adm. On Oct. 6, a temporary show opened details concerning ship construction, George W. Emery who will discuss the in the museum's main galley. Entitled ordnance, steam propulsion and mine development ofthe submarine force, with "George Sirian: Portrait ofSurvivor," this warfare. The development of the a special emphasis on its importance in show tells the life of a 19th century Naval Monitor-type ironclad and the . Mark your calendar for Nov. 14; it will be a special evening. About The Day Book HRNM Staff Adm. Emery's presentation will take Director place in the Living Sea Theater, adjacent The Day Book is an authorized publication ofthe Hampton Becky Poulliot Roads Naval Musewn (HRNM). Its contents do not necessarily Curator to the museum, second floor ofNauticus reflect the official view ofthe U.S. Government, the Department Joe Judge at7:00 p.m. of Defense, the U.S. Navy or the U.S. Marine Corps and do not Education Specialist To wish everyone a Merry Christmas, imply endorsement thereof. The HRNM is a museum dedicated Bob Matteson the museum will once again be holding to the study of 200 years of naval history in the Hampton Roads Exhibits Specialist region. The musewn is open daily from 10 am. to 5 p.m. Marta Nelson a Christmas dinner. This year's festivities • The DayBook's purpose is to educate and inform readers on Museum Technician will occur on Dec. 14 at Nauticus at 6:30 historical topics and museum related events. It is written by the Ofelia Elba p.m. All museum friends and supporters staff and volunteers of the musewn. The newsletter takes its Assistant Curator are invited, but you must RSVP to Senior name from a 19th century Norfolk newspaper. Tom Dandes BTCS (SW) Questions or comments can be directed to the Hampton Volunteer Coordinator Mac no later than Dec. 8 at 444-8971, Roads Naval Musewn editor. The Day Book can be reached at Brian McMurtrie EMCS (SS) ext. 113. 444-8971, by fax at445-1867,orwrite The Day Book, Hampton Editor of The DayBook Happy holidays! Roads Naval Musewn, One Waterside Drive, Suite 248, Norfolk, Gordon Calhoun VA 23510-1607. The Day Book is published bi-monthly with a Director, HRNHF circulation of 1000. Maj.Gen.Dennis Murphy, USMC (Ret)

2 .Porlrait o/ a Suroivor The Museum Proudly Displays Artifacts From a 19th century Naval Gunner by Joe Judge e museum will open a window o nineteenth-century naval life T:this fall with an exhibit on U.S. Navy Gunner George Sirian. The exhibit features documents from Sirian's life, beginning with his appointment as acting gunner on USS Fairfield in 1837 to correspondence regarding pay in 1879. The centerpiece of the exhibit is a portrait of Sirian at age 10, shortly after his arrival in America, by the New York artist C.C. Ingham. George Sirian was orphaned in 1824 at age six during the Greek War of Independence. His mother placed him in a small boat to escape a massacre on the island of Psara. From the boat he witnessed his mother's death. The child was taken from the water by a U.S. warship observing the event under orders from President Monroe. The young boy probably served for two to three years on Navy ships of the Mediterranean squadron. The first official Navy record for George Sirian records his signing on USS Constitution, April 8, 1827. He came to the United States with the This is a painting of George Sir ian when he was I 0 years old. He signed on with the frigate USS Constitution in 1828, arriving in Constitution, April8, /827 and would go on to serve over 40 years in the US. Navy. (/828 portrait Boston where his portrait was painted by C. C. Ingham. Used with permission from the lender.) by Ingham. Lt. Robert Randolph, a naval officer on the Constitution, took stations during 3 7 successive tours in the Japan and Hong Kong. the young man to the Randolph Navy. He is the only man to serve on After over two years on the "Asiatic plantation on the in "Old Ironsides," three separate times, Station," he returned home in 1878 and Virginia. The Randolph family including the ship's around the world retired two years later. In his long career sponsored Sirian's education in New cruise in 1844-46. He also had several Sirian had served in every squadron of England. Later, Sirian met Navy tours of duty at the Gosport Navy Yard theNavy. Sirian retired in 1880 after one Gunner George Marshall, also a Greek (now ). The Civil of the longest (if not the longest) active­ immigrant. Marshall gave Sirian War was a period of separation and fear duty careers in Navy history. He died in instruction in naval gunnery, and for the Sirian family. He was a gunnery 1891. He witnessed the growth of the became his father-in-law in 1840, instructor at the Naval Academy during Navy from a small force in the age of • when Sirian married Eleanor Marshall. the war, when that institution was sail to the beginnings of its rebirth with a The young couple established a home relocated temporarily to Newport, Rhode modem ocean-going battle fleet. This in Portsmouth, Virginia and had six Island. His family remained in exhibit was made possible by the children, four of whom lived to Portsmouth at that time, which was generosity of a great-grandson of George adulthood. Confederate territory from 1861-1862. Sirian, one of his many descendants George Sirian was appointed Acting After the war Sirian returned to living around the world. ~ Gunner in April 1837. He served on Portsmouth for several tours of duty. He 20 different ships and seven shore departed in 1872 aboard USS Yantic for

3 To Protect the Several Rivers in This Colony The Virginia State Navy of the Revolutionary War by Joe Mosier

ol. took the first December 1775, loyalists in the the Revolution. steps to create the Virginia Norfolk-Portsmouth area moved aboard On the Rappahannock, Col. CState Navy in the late fall of a collection of merchant ships and Fielding Lewis oversaw the purchase 177 5. During the American vessels lying off Norfolk. of three armed vessels and the building Revolution, the patriots lacked an Following that city's destruction in of two row galleys. The merchant brig adequate national navy and had to January 1776, Lord Dunmore was Liberty, one of at least three ships with depend on the individual states to forced to feed several hundred of his that name, and two row galleys were provide ships. Forces under the Royal followers with provisions seized by purchased for the defense of the York Governor, Lord Dunmore, had been the squadron's tenders and River. In addition to the vessels, staging waterborne raids in the cutter which made Hampton Roads area. In an attempt to continual foraging raids stop these raids, Henry hired a small against plantations and but fast pilot boat, Patriot, from its settlements on the Hampton owners, Latimer and Nash. Chesapeake Bay. The Commanded by Richard Barron, smaller rebel schooners Patriot was armed with eight swivel and pilot boats, 'Yh ile guns. useless against warships, Capt. James Barron (Richard's could offer a viable brother), a merchant ship master, fitted defense against these out a second pilot boat, the Liberty. loyalist raids. The boats were manned by the Minute "For the protection of Company of Hampton which was the several rivers in composed largely of local seamen. this colony," the Virginia James Barron first captured two Committee of Safety trading vessels on Dec. 22, 1775. began to build and Over the next two weeks, the buy vessels. They Barron brothers took a total of ten planned waterborne vessels suspected of aiding the defenses for the Potomac, loyalists. This led to an official Rappahannock, York and expression of gratitude from the James Rivers as well as This is James Barron the Elder, longtime commodore of Virginia Convention. Moreover, the the Eastern Shore and the Virginia State Navy. He was father of two future U.S. Barrons' success created support for Ocracoke Inlet in North Navy commodores, James Barron and Samuel Barron. the formation of a navy as a separate Carolina. George Mason (Photo ofprint used with permission from the Manuscripts and Rare Book Department, Swem Library, College of service. On Jan. 11, 1776, the and John Dalton were William and Mary) Convention passed an ordinance named commissioners of empowering its Committee of Safety the Potomac River Naval Department. commanded by various Barrons at to provide armed vessels for "the From Alexandria, they worked to outfit Hampton, the James was to be greater security of the inhabitants of three ships and two row galleys in protected by a brig, a schooner and two this colony from depredations of the cooperation with the Maryland galleys. On the Eastern Shore, enemy by water." Committee of Safety. In March 1776, Northampton County authorities were By and large these depredations Marylander John Boucher assumed authorized two small vessels for local did not come from the actions of the command of this fleet with the title of defense. Virginia's southern larger British warships in the commodore. His flagship was the boundaries were to be guarded by two Chesapeake such as the 44-gun HMS American Congress which displaced row galleys constructed by Christopher Roebuck or 28-gun Liverpool. After 110-tons and carried 14-guns, making Calvert at South Quay on the the defeat at Great Bridge in mid- it one of the largest Virginia ships of See To Protect on page 5

4 To Protect continued from page 4 Blackwater River. May 1776, and then to New York in successor on the Potomac, Walter By the summer of 1776, the August 1776, naval operations entered Brooke), also served on the five-member Committee of Safety came to realize a lull that lasted nearly three years. Board. The decision was made to change the burdensome complexities of Newly appointed Navy Commissioner from many small vessels to fewer but creating and maintaining the new navy. James Maxwell continued construction larger ones more able to stand up to Royal A five-member Navy Board was set up and arming of Virginia vessels. Their Navy ships. The legislature voted to sell to "superintend and direct all matters employment, however, was limited to two large galleys and six smaller ones. and things to the navy relating." Chief anti-loyalist operations, rather than in Their guns and equipment were to be among the new board's problems was engaging the Royal Navy. Thomas retained for use on the vessels remaining developing an infrastructure to support Jefferson expressed his frustration on on active duty. Unfortunately, this the fleet. Shipyards were established this issue to the president of the decision came at the low point of at Frazer's Ferry on the Mattapony Continental Congress when he wrote, Continental naval activity. No buyers River, at Fredricksburg on the could be found for any of the galleys. To Rappahannock and near present day attract the seamen needed for the planned Toano on the Chickahominy. Loyalist larger vessels, bounties of land were Andrew Sproule's yard at 'Gosport "A British prize offered to those who would enlist for the came into State hands after Dunmore would be a more rare duration ofthe war. Another irritant was departed Virginia in August 1776. The phenomenon here than removed with the promise that vessels Board built a ropewalk at Warwick on and their crews would remain on one the James, set up magazines and a comet, because one station. appointed naval agents for each of the has been seen, but the Throughout the rest of 1779 and state's rivers. 1780, the Board of War worked Their best efforts, however, could other never was." diligently to bring the navy into a state not overcome the chronic shortage of of readiness. Some successes were ·Thomas Jefferson cannon and skilled seaman. At the time achieved. The pilot boats Liberty and of the Revolution, America generally writing about the status of Patriot, in concert with the brig and Virginia specifically, lacked the the 1/irginia Na-.y Jefferson, captured a number of industrial base required to produce loyalist . But on Oct. 20, armsjn quantity. Authorities were 1780, disaster struck again in the form forced to rely on captured stocks, of a fleet of fifty-four British vessels foreign purchase, and later, direct "a British prize would be a more rare under Commodore George Gayton. French aid. Throughout the war, phenomenon here than a comet, Hampton, Suffolk and Portsmouth Virginia ships were under-gunned. The because one has been seen, but the were occupied, and those Virginia had the effect of other never was." ships unable to flee were taken and driving out the colony's largest source This quiet interval ended with a destroyed. Again the occupation was of trained seamen. Moreover, many vengeance on May 8, 1779 with the short. The chagrin felt by the State's sailors living in Virginia were arrival of a large British fleet under navy, however, was great. foreigners who felt no particular Commodore George Collier. Under It was compounded by the allegiance to the revolutionary cause. orders to deny the resources of the appearance on Dec. 30 of a 1600-man The majority chose to enlist with Chesapeake Bay to Congress, Collier force under the command of Gen. loyalist privateers. took or destroyed 137 vessels. The . After seizing much One result of the lack trained Gosport shipyard was demolished of the Hampton Roads area, Arnold did seamen was the state's heavy reliance together with the 28-gun frigate what his predecessors had not. He on row galleys which could be operated Virginia being built by state authorities continued up the James River to with a higher percentage of landsmen for the continental government. Richmond destroying the state cannon in their crews. Another technique was Although Collier quickly departed on foundry at Westham. Arnold then to transfer crewmen from ship to ship May 24, the blow struck to the state returned to Portsmouth without to meet momentary needs to the had been grievous. attacking the Chickahominy shipyard. 0 detriment of sailors' morale. This In the wake of Collier's raid, the Governor Jefferson made a frantic action together with uncertain wages Virginia State Navy underwent a effort to ready a naval force to oppose and rations, led to a desertion rate complete reorganization. The Navy the British. Such state ships as could among seamen of 16%, more than Board was dissolved. Its duties were be immediately fitted out were joined double that of land forces. taken over by a newly formed Board by privateers and merchantmen After the departure of Lord of War headed by James Innes. James impressed into state service. In April Dunmore's force from Norfolk to Barron, the third Commodore of the 1781, Arnold returned up the James to Gwin's Island in Gloucester County in Virginia Navy (after Boucher and his To Protect continued on page 11

5 Bear Down continued from Page I naval superiority on his side. debate. Hood would claim after the war The two fleets met off the coast of that the signal to "bear down rutd engage" Cape Henry. A French frigate and was contradictory to the "line ahead" British frigate had spotted each other signal. Graves replied after the war that around 9:30 a.m. and signaled their standard naval doctrine dictated that the respective main fleets to quickly join "bear down and engage" signal overrode them. By 2 p.m., de Grasse's fleet had all other signals. A possible explanation weighed anchor and had its battle line is that Hood allowed his personal feelings formed. When the British battle line first for Graves to get in the way. They were spotted the French battle line, Graves both the same rank, but Graves held a initially kept his fleet's course, but then very slight edge in seniority, thus Graves ordered his fleet to "come about," got to be commanding officer of the fleet followed by "line ahead." By "come and not Hood. about" and "line ahead," Graves han his For whatever reason, the British had fleet turn and sail a course similar to the to inflict a crushing defeat on the French French fleet. Soon after putting up the fleet in order to be of any help to Lord "line ahead" signal flag, Graves changed Cornwallis and his army at Yorktown. "The Right Honorable Thomas Lord Graves, his mind and put up another flag signaling Without Hood's squadron in the fight, Admiral of the White Fleet. " Graves was the commanding officer of the British squadron. the fleet to "bear down and engage." That this would be impossible. For three hours, He was disliked by fellow admiral Samuel is, he ordered his ships to begin the attack the fleets exchanged broadsides and by Hood and their personal conflicts cost them on the French. At the sight of this signal, 7 p.m., the two fleets disengaged with both the battle. (HRNM photograph ofa 1801 engraving published by Bunney and Gold Co.) the lead squadron under Drake began the nightfall coming. The battle caused a attack The 74-gun HMS Shrewsbury and good deal of damage and casualties. On too great and retreated to the British the 74-gun French ship Plunton engaged the British side, the 74-gun Terrible was camp in New York for repairs. The and fired the first shots of the battle. burnt out and later abandoned by its crew. British withdrawal established French Graves' squadron also engaged the The 70-gun Princessa and 74-gun naval superiority and control of the French fleet. Shrewsbury bolli suffered major damage Chesapeake. "The outcome was, in Hood, however, did not immediately to their sails and the 74-gun Ajax had its fact, to be the turning point of the war, respond to the signal. This hesitation by hull pierced several times. In contrast, and it might be said, of the 18th Hood was the critical moment of the the French only had two ships with century," notes historian Barbara battle. Without Hood's squadron, the significant damage, the 74-gun Diademe Tuchman, "for it proved to be the British fleet was out gunned. Why Hood and the 64-gun Caton. enabling factor ofthe rebels' Yorktown did not follow the signal is of great Graves decided that the damage was campaign." On Sept. 6, Washington headed on The Fleets Engage: towards Baltimore, arriving there on The Battle off the Virginia Capes by the hours Sept. 12. Meanwhile, de Barras had reached the Chesapeake on Sept. 9 to Cape Charlesl-J p join de Grasse. Once Washington and Rochambeau arrived in the Hampton \) Roads area, they met with de Grasse on his 104-gun flagship Ville de Paris at the foot of Cape Henry. The meeting British fleet • established the parameters of de at/0 a.m. •··" _,. Grasse's capabilities and willingness to at/2 noon / French fleet At2:15 p.m , the rear squadron under \ ,/ aid both Washington and Rochambeau. at/0 a.m Adm. Drake turns and takes the lead .\. .. •• -- Washington feared that Cornwallis ~: :- "';>,..., _.. ---- -~~~~~·.: ...__ . would try an escape and on the evening c::; ._ 'i.._~ The fleets engage a/4:15p.m ... of Sept. 22, he did indeed make an .. . • • •••• with the French ship Plunton ..... ·····-.. ~· ~ fuing at the British ship attempt which proved unsuccessful. ·-··• f t_t::.~·,.• " C'L.mrews bury . I • ____ .. Using "fire ships", Cornwallis French flee/ at -:..~ attempted to break the French blockade 2p.m. by burning the enemy ships. The -.: . attempt was unsuccessful as only one ....f..._ of the fire ships made contact with a -.,.-:._ ---::: By 7 p.m the fleets cease­ French ship. fire and disengage Bear Down continued on page 7

6 Pictured here is a painting of the Battle off the Virginia Capes. The painting depicts the battle when the English squadron engaged the French squadron just as the English were bearing down. The ships shown in the painting, in order, are the French ships-of-the-line Pluton, Marseil/ais, Bourgogune and Reflechifighting with the English ships-of-the-line HMS Shrewsbury, Intrepid, Alcide and Princessa. The original painting can be seen in the museum gallery. (HRNM photograph of a 1968 V. Zveg oil painting) Bear Down continuedfrompage 6 Fearing another potential encounter come soon, that he feared the worst de Grasse was met with criticism on and under orders from the French king, would happen. his naval command and published a de Grasse informed Washington that he After continuous attack by defense of his actions called, Memo ire was going to leave only two ships at the Washington's forces, Cornwallis again Justificatif mouth of the Chesapeake and take the wrote to Clinton for help, stating that Despite his humiliating defeat at St. remainder of his fleet outside the mouth "nothing but a direct move to the York Kitts, to Americans, de Grasse was a as to give him a better fighting position. River which includes a successful naval national hero. His victory at the Battle Washington was horrified by this news action can save me." Cornwallis off the Virginia Capes trapped a major as this would mean a loss of their hold attempted to break out of the Franco­ British army at Yorktown. Once this on the Chesapeake, allowing Cornwallis American encirclement by forcing his army surrendered, the British a free passage of escape. The Marquis way across the York River on his own. government realized the futility of de Lafayette was sent immediately to de His forces were repulsed and Cornwallis continuing the war in America. Grasse in an attempt to dissuade him from decided that he had enough. The Society of the Cincinnatus, an his course of action. On Sept. 25, de At 10 a.m., Oct. 17, 1781, a American order of military officers Grasse agreed to stay his ground and messenger holding a white flag and a who had fought in the American Washington readied his forces for drummer were sent to ask for terms. Revolution, recognized de Grasse's deployment on Sept. 28. Cornwallis' official surrender took achievement by awarding him a gold Cornwallis was in frantic preparation place, Oct. 19, 1781. medal. Today, the U.S. Navy has • to secure his perimeter. By Sept. 30, Ironically though, following his recognized de Grasse's contribution to Washington had secured all routes of success in helping Washington take American independence by naming a escape except the upper York River area Yorktown, de Grasse wm:ild suffer a Spruance-class destroyer the USS which de Grasse would not agree to major defeat no more than six months Comte de Grasse (DD-974). Adm. de occupy. Cornwallis dared not try and later at the hands of the Royal Navy. Grasse died at the Chateau de Tilly, escape by land at this time because he The following April, he was defeated near Mantes, France, Jan. 11 , 1788. ~ anticipated enemy reinforcements. He and taken prisoner by Adm. George wrote to his superior, Gen. Henry Rodney off the island of St. Kitts in the The editor would like to thank HRNM docent Jack Clinton, in New York that if help did not West Indies. Upon returning to France, Robertson for his assistance with this article.

7 The Museum Sage HRNM's Question & Answer Column

Editor's Note: Welcome to the premier of "The Museum Sage, " the Hampton Roads Naval Museum 's question & answer column. Here, we will attempt to answer any and all questions relating to the history ofthe US. Navy here in Hampton Roads, museum exhibits or anything else you can think of Ifyou have a question for a future column, write to the Editor of The Day Book c/o The Hampton Roads Naval Museum, 1 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510-1607 or call (804) 444-8971. Under­ stand that while the Museum Sage is smart, he can not answer questions like when the Chicago Cubs will win the World Series or when your next pay raise will come. So, with that said, let us get right to the questions.

Where did the name "Hampton but to basic training. Roads" come from? The second mistake involved the In the "Flying Squadron" This is one of the most hotly debated article on USS America. It was written exhibit, there is a bell from the topics among the museum's volunteers that America's bombers dropped the gunboat USS Memphis (PG-7) and one of the most frequently asked Than Hoa!Paul Doumer Bridge. The with the year 1897 on it. questions by visitors. Since it is such a correct North Vietnamese name for the Newport News Shipbuilding complex issue, the editor has asked Paul Doumer bridge is the Long Bien launched the Memphis in 1895. museum docent Preston Turpin to bridge. Why the different years? write an article on the topic. It can be For every ship, there are three dates found on page 9 of this issue of The Why do carriers have angled assigned to it: when the keel was laid Daybook. flight decks? down, when the ship was fmished and The modern U.S. Navy aircraft when it was commissioned. USS Why are U.S. Navy ships carrier has an angled flight deck for two Memphis was laid down Aug. 9, 1894, painted gray? reasons: efficiency and safety. A launched Oct. 19, 1895 and finally The color gray makes a ship more carrier with an angled flight deck is commissioned Aug. 19, 1897. difficult to see at long range while out more efficient because the carrier can on patrol. Gray, however, is not the then launch aircraft while being able What's coming up in the next only color used. On occasion, the Navy to have other aircraft on deck ready for issue of The Day Book? will paint a ship white, to reflect the action. It is safer because if a plane Submarines will be the topic of the rays ofthe sun, if it is going to serve in misses its landing approach, it can next issue of The Day Book. JAb, the Persian Gulf for extended periods always power up and try again with no of time. danger of colliding with other aircraft The editor would like to thank HRNM docent If you ever see a Canadian warship, on deck. John Simanton for his assistance with this you will notice that is painted a blue­ See the diagram below. article. green color to match the Arctic Aircraft can either be launched, or environment in which it patrols. Emergency barrier during landing, it can power up Between the 1880's and World War for damaged aircraft and try again if it misses the arresting wires. I, U.S. Navy ships had a "peace color" a/tempting to land white and buff paint scheme and a "war color" slate gray scheme.

The editor made two mistakes in the last issue... Yes, he did and now we will correct his mistakes. Museum docent Gurley Ritter notice that on page 7, the photo caption said that Jamie Swanson went to boot camp. Gurley pointed out that Arresting wires for A dual deck carrier, VSSAmerica (CV-66) recovering aircraft Army recruits do not go to boot camp,

8 Would the RealHampton Roads Please Step Forward?

by Preston Turpin

ne of the most frequently asked questions by museum visitors Ois, " Where does the name Hampton Roads come from?" Geographically speaking, "Hampton Roads" is the confluence of the James River, Nansemond River and Elizabeth River. It begins at Newport News Point on the north shore and Craney Island on the south shore. It ends where it joins the Chesapeake Bay at Old Point Comfort on the north tluriwn shore and Willoughby Spit on the south shore. The name Hampton Roads dates back to the days of the Jamestown colony. A group of investors put together a company known as the ~ '"-- ~- Virginia Company in the early part of CA.r:;.: CH.ARLES the 1600's and operated under a charter from the King of England. One of the original, and most senior, investors was the Earl of Southampton, a gentleman by the name of Henry Wriothesly (pronounced Rizley). The company subsequently named this waterway after him. The term "road" is short for "roadstead" which is a safe harbor, hence the name "Hampton Roads." In the United States, an example of another body of water that uses the word "roads" is "Roosevelt Roads" in Puerto Rico. The city of Hampton was established as a village in 1610 on the site of an earlier Indian village. By 1630, the Virginia Company designated it a trading post. In 1680, does not own the land underneath Further Reading • the Virginia Assembly upgraded it Hampton Roads, nor does it have any from a village to a town and designated more rights to such land than Norfolk Dabney, Virginius: Viq,:inia: The New it a port. or Newport News. Under the original Dominion, Charlottesville, VA . However, even though the city of grant it would have been the property University of Virginia Press, 1983. Hampton and the Roads both were of the Crown. After the American named after the Earl of Southampton, Revolution, it would follow that such The Hornbook of Vir&inia History, there is no legal connection between rights would devolve to the edited by Emily J. Salmon and Edward the two names. The town of Hampton Commonwealth of Virginia and not D. C. Campbell, Jr. Richmond, VA. then and the City of Hampton today any town bordering on the said roads. The Library of Virginia, 1994. &

9 by EMCS (SS) Brian "Mac"McMurtrie

A Special Thanks The museum would like to thank who prefer relating to groups, there Hunt Lewis, who reached the 700 the volunteers that were of assistance are several slots open on the hour mark during the first week of during two special events held in weekends. October. September. This includes Joe The editor of The Daybook would Mosier and Preston Turpin, who Congratulations like to pass on his thanks to the worked the SACLANT (Supreme The following docents have volunteers who have contributed articles to the newsletter. They are Joe Allied Commander, Atlantic) event, presently achieved, or soon will Mosier, Shayne Whiting, Preston and Bob Tye and Bill Colona, who achieve, noteworthy volunteer hours. Turpin and Heather Burnett. The worked the credit union event. They The following are recognized for editor would also like to thank Jack were great events and fun for all. volunteering a 100 hours: Mark Robertson and John Simanton for Thanks to all docents for their help. Sanderson, Luther Beck and Steve their help in answering historical and A number of tours have been Belechak. provided for various groups of For volunteering 200 hours, the technical questions. To those people who have been subjects of newsletter visitors, a lway s with good museum recognizes Miriam Burgess, articles, special thanks to: Jud Hill, comments. We also received Leon Chevallay and Charlie Devine. Miriam Burgess, Harrell Forrest, numerous positive comments from Preston Turpin (writer of the Gurley Ritter, Henry Tarrall, Jack the great number of visitors that Hampton Roads article on page 9) Robertson, John Simanton, and came to the museum. volunteered a I 00 hours this year and will soon reach the 250 hours mark. Charlie Devine. Volunteer Interest The following are exceptional Oct. 3 marked the beginning of a achievements: Eleanor DiPeppe and Christmas Docent Party new docent training class. It runs model builder Bob Comet have The annual Christmas docent party every Tuesday and Thursday until volunteered close to 200 hours for this will be held Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m. As Nov. 30. A lot of interest was shown year. Eleanor DiPeppe has always, the party will feature great prior to the start of class, but volunteered 400 hours total as have food, great fun and great speeches. attendance has been smaller than Gurley Ritter and Jud Hill. Also, the museum will graduate the originally proj ected. The Ralph Preston has achieved the current docent class and give special perspective docents are enthusiastic .5..00 hour mark as of Sept. 11 , only the recognition to some of our current and knowledgeable. I welcome them second docent to achieve this mark. docents. Look for more details in the to our program. For those of you The first to achieve 500 hours was mail.~

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum lecture series presents: "The Submarine Service in Hampton Roads" Vice Adm. George Emery Commander Submarine Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet

Tuesday, November 14, 7 p.m. Living Sea Theater

10 Calendar of Noteworthy Things November

8, 1942 Operation Torch-After 14 Vice Adm. George Emery November Birthdays leaving Hampton Roads a few weeks will speak on the role of earlier, Task Force 34 begins troop submarines. To be held in the Harold Anten landings in Morocco. The landings Living Seas Theater at 7:00 p.m. mark the official opening of the long See ad on preceding page for more Harry Clark awaited "Second Front" in the details. European Theatre. 23 Thanksgiving Day-HRNM Closed. 11, 1921 The Washington Naval Conference opens-The world naval powers open a conference aimed 25, 1961 The 85,000 ton carrier at limiting naval warship construction. USS Enterprise (CVN-65) is The resulting Washington Naval Treaty commissioned. It is the world's first has a profound impact on the Hampton nuclear power carrier. Roads economy as all new battleship construction comes to a halt. December 2, 1799 Launching of USS 13 At 7:30p.m., Living History December Birthdays Chesapeake-The 36-gun frigate Associates will present a Chesapeake is launched at the Gosport "Christmas at Sea" vignette. To Eleanor Shipyard in Norfolk. It is the fifth ship be held in the Living Seas Harrell Forrest of the Navy's six original . Theater. Richard Haney Jenro Lambaiso 13, 18 64 The first Ft. Fisher 14 HRNM Christmas Party expedition-Under the command of to take place at 6:30 p.m. Hunt Lewis Gen. Ben Butler, a joint Army-Navy Look for more details John Maiorana expedition leaves Hampton Roads in in the mail. Larry Warren an attempt to take the Confederate fort Christmas Day­ Peter Zink at the entrance of the Cape Fear River. 2 5 HRNM Closed. The assault is a catastrophic failure.

To Protect continued from page 5 remedy his earlier omission and was recalled in June 1781 to lead an the enforcement of trade laws, and the eliminate the shipyard. Given advance attack on New London, Connecticut. Virginia State Navy came to an end. warning by the Lewis, workers at British forces in the Portsmouth area were While that navy's history might seem Chickahominy burned the stores and ferried to Yorktown to join Cornwallis. ineffectual on its face, it did provide ships they were unable to spirit away. It was during the siege there that the valuable services during the Revolution. Those vessels that could get underway Virginia Navy completed its war service. In the best tradition of a "fleet in being" proceeded upriver to Osborne's Wharf. After Cornwallis' surrender, there it received inordinate attention from the The seven armed ships of this flotilla still remained the possibility of continued Royal Navy, tying up British ships that mounted 96 guns but had only 78 men hostilities. Leaders in the Assembly could have been better used elsewhere. • present of their normal complement of favored maintaining a navy but It provided convoy support for Virginia 590. recognized the lack of money to do so. merchant ships, cutting down losses to Arnold arrived at the anchorage on the The navy was restarted, but only the old loyalist privateers. It successfully morning of April27. Within a few hours schooner Liberty and a newly built transported soldiers and cargoes much of the remaining strength of the Patriot survived 1783. James Barron throughout the Chesapeake region. It Virginia Navy was burning or sunk. The continued as commodore of what now also acted as the schoolhouse for such only survivors were the Nicholson, amounted to a state revenue service until eminent captains of the later United carrying messages on the Bay, and the his death in 1787. OnAug.l, 1789,the States Navy as , Samuel long-lived Liberty. Fortunately, Arnold new United States government took over Barron and James Barron . .:!b-

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