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John J. Fitzpatrick Notebook, 1901-1902: Finding Aid

Published in April 2020

Summary Information

  • Publisher: United States Naval Academy. Special Collections & Archives.
  • Publisher Address:
    589 McNair Road
    Annapolis, Maryland 21402-5029, USA
    Phone: 410-293-6917
    https://www.usna.edu/Library/sca/index.php
  • Call number: MS 96
  • Location: Special Collections & Archives Department - Manuscripts
  • Title: John J. Fitzpatrick Notebook
  • Dates: 1901-1902
  • Size: 0.15 linear feet
  • Container Summary: 1 volume of 57 leaves
  • Creator: Fitzpatrick, John J.
  • Language(s) of material: English
  • Abstract: John J. Fitzpatrick was an officer in the United States Navy and a member of the United States Naval Academy Class of 1901. The John J. Fitzpatrick Notebook spans 1901 and 1902. The notebook was kept by Fitzpatrick while he was attached to U.S.S. Kearsarge during his mandatory two years of sea service prior to commissioning. The notebook consists largely of a detailed description of the appearance, condition, mechanical systems, and engine operations of U.S.S. Kearsarge while she served as flagship of the North Atlantic Squadron.

Biography of John J. Fitzpatrick

John James Fitzpatrick, born January 30, 1880, was admitted to the United States Naval Academy on September 8, 1897 on appointment from Louisiana. After completing the Academy's academic course in 1901, Fitzpatrick served his two years mandatory sea service aboard U.S.S. Kearsarge (Battleship: BB-5) and U.S.S. Newark (Protected cruiser: C-1) and was commissioned an Ensign in 1903. Remaining in that rank, Fitzpatrick resigned from the Navy in 1907. In June 1917, as a member of the Navy Reserve with the rank of Lieutenant, Fitzpatrick was reactivated for duty during World War I. In December of that year, he was promoted to Lieutenant Commander, and remained at that rank until retiring from the Navy Reserve on May 1, 1940. As a civilian, Fitzpatrick worked for the U.S. Maritime Commission, rising to the position of District Manager for the Gulf District. John James Fitzpatrick died on December 6, 1954 in New Orleans.

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Description of Contents

The John J. Fitzpatrick Notebook, comprising 0.15 linear feet of documentation in a single volume of 57 leaves, spans 1901 and 1902. The notebook was kept by Fitzpatrick while he was attached to U.S.S. Kearsarge during his mandatory two years of sea service prior to commissioning. The notebook consists largely of a detailed description of the appearance, condition, mechanical systems, and engine operations of U.S.S. Kearsarge while she served as flagship of the North Atlantic Squadron.

Following those of the Kearsarge are entries on the Battle of the Nile, a report on compass usage, wireless telegraphy, blockade efficiency off the east coast of the United States, maneuvers testing the effects of surprise attacks on New York harbor fortifications, and a description of U.S.S. Newark. Included throughout the volume are mechanical drawings of equipment and sketches of Nobska Point and Grange Point (Haiti). At the front of the volume is a list of Fitzpatrick's duties aboard Kearsarge.

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Arrangement

The John J. Fitzpatrick Notebook comprises a single volume.

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Access and Use

Access

Patron use restricted to microfilm.

Copyright and Permission

The John J. Fitzpatrick Notebook are the physical property of Nimitz Library. Copyright belongs to the authors or creators of the works, or their legal representatives. For further information, consult the Head, Special Collections & Archives.

It is the responsibility of the researcher to secure written permission to publish, reprint, or reproduce material from Special Collections & Archives. The researcher assumes responsibility for infringement of copyright or literary or publication rights. Please contact the Head, Special Collections & Archives for permission to publish and for further information.

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Acquisition and Appraisal

Provenance and Acquisition

Gift of L. W. Trager in 1944. Accession No. 107570.

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Related Materials

Location of Copies or Alternate Formats

This collection also available on microfilm.

Related Archival Material

Additional material pertaining to John J. Fitzpatrick in this repository includes his Midshipman Conduct Record and Alumni Jacket.

Materials Cataloged Separately

No materials have been removed from this collection and cataloged separately.

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Processing and Other Information

Preferred Citation

John J. Fitzpatrick Notebook, MS 96

Special Collections & Archives Department

Nimitz Library

United States Naval Academy

Selected Bibliography

The following sources were consulted during preparation of the biographical note:

United States Naval Academy. Annual Register of the United States Naval Academy. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1898.

United States. Bureau of Naval Personnel. Register of Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1903.

Fitzpatrick, John James Alumni Jacket, RG 405, Special Collections & Archives, Nimitz Library.

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Mary R. Catalfamo. Finding aid written by David D'Onofrio in April 2020.

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Subject Headings

Name and Subject Terms

  • Coast defenses -- United States
  • Fitzpatrick, John J.
  • Kearsarge (Battleship : BB-5)
  • Newark (Protected cruiser : C-1)
  • Nile, Battle of the, Egypt, 1798
  • Telegraph, Wireless
  • United States. Navy -- History -- 20th century -- Sources

Genre Terms

  • Drawings (visual works)
  • Manuscripts
  • Notebooks
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Contents List

Box 1 Folder 1

John J. Fitzpatrick Notebook, 1901-1902

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