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HISTORY
The third USS
Boston was a 32-gun wooden-hulled, three-masted frigate of the
United States Navy. Boston was built by public subscription in
Boston under the Act of 30 June 1798. Boston was active during the
Quasi-War with France and the First Barbary War. On 12 October 1800,
Boston engaged and captured the French corvette Berceau. Boston was
laid up in 1802, and considered not worth repairing at the outbreak
of the War of 1812. She was burned at the Washington Naval Yard on
24 August 1814 to prevent her capture by British forces.
Design and Construction
Boston was designed and constructed by Edmund Hartt at Boston,
Massachusetts. Boston was authorized by the Act of 30 June 1798
funded by the donations from the people of Boston, Massachusetts as
part of the group of ships built by the states to supplement the
Original six frigates of the United States Navy provided by the
Naval Act of 1794.
The frigate measured 400 t with a total length of 134 ft. She was
originally armed with twenty-four 9-pounder and eight 6-pounder
guns, and carried a complement of 220 officers and men. She was
launched on 20 May 1799 and commissioned soon afterwards, Captain
George Little in command.
Service History
Boston cruised in the West Indies (July 1799–June 1800) protecting
American commerce against French privateers. Returning to Boston 25
June 1800, she cruised along the American coast until September when
she sailed to the Guadeloupe Station in the West Indies. In 22°52′N
52°56′W, on 12 October 1800, she engaged and captured the French
corvette Berceau. Boston lost seven killed and eight wounded in the
encounter. She towed her prize to Boston, arriving in November.
During her West Indian cruises Boston captured seven additional
prizes (two in conjunction with USS General Greene).
During the winter of 1801 Boston carried Minister Livingston to
France and then joined the Mediterranean Squadron off Tripoli while
under the command of Captain Daniel McNeill. She fought an action
with six or seven Tripolitanian gunboats on 16 May 1802, forcing one
ashore. Boston returned to Boston in October 1802 and then proceeded
to Washington where she was laid up. Considered not worth repairing
on the outbreak of the War of 1812, she remained at Washington until
24 August 1814 when she was burned to prevent her falling into
British hands.
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