Apr 13, 2023 - Sale 2633

Sale 2633 - Lot 129

Price Realized: $ 3,000
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 1,500 - $ 2,500
(NAVY.) Compensation list for the officers of the USS Constitution during its first overhaul. Manuscript Document Signed by Captain Samuel Nicholson and 13 other officers. One page, 12 1/2 x 15 1/4 inches, with docketing on verso; separations at folds, short early tape repairs on verso, minor wear including loss to part of one letter. Boston, 30 June 1802
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The USS Constitution was one of six frigates built under the original Naval Act, launching as just the third ship in the reconstituted United States Navy in 1797. She remains on duty as a museum ship, and is considered the world's oldest vessel still afloat.

This account dates from the Constitution's first overhaul at the Boston Navy Yard, fresh off its patrols in the West Indies in the Quasi-War with France, and a year before setting off to Tripoli for the First Barbary War. It is headed "Repairs of Frigate Constitution. Statement of the weekly allowance to the officers attached to the Frigate Constitution for board while on shore during her repairs, to 30th of June 1802." 13 officers are listed with their ranks, time ashore, money due, and signatures. Among them is noted naval surgeon Peter St. Medard (1755-1822). Charles Morris (1784-1856) served as a midshipman on the Constitution, and is noted briefly on the list; he later served with distinction as a captain in the War of 1812. His uncle, Chaplain Noadiah Morris, signed for his pay. The list is approved with the signature of Captain Samuel Nicholson (1743-1811), who had served as the Constitution's first commander from 1797 to 1799, and remained in the Navy for the rest of his life.