Log Book of the U.S.S. Savannah, 1865: Finding Aid

History of U.S.S. Savannah (Frigate)

The second U.S.S. Savannah was laid down in 1820 at the New York Navy Yard, but was not launched until May 5, 1842. She was one of nine frigates to be built from a prototype design by naval architect William Doughty.

Savannah, with Captain Andrew Fitzhugh in command, joined the Pacific Squadron as flagship in 1844. As the prospect of war with Mexico became imminent, the Squadron moved into position off the California coast, capturing Monterey July 7, 1846. On September 8, 1847, Savannah returned to New York for repairs.

She served as flagship for the Pacific Squadron again from 1849 to 1852. Following repairs at Norfolk, she sailed on August 9, 1853 for a three-year cruise on the Brazil station. In November 1856, she was decommissioned, but served as flagship for the Home Squadron on the east coast of Mexico during 1859 and 1860.

With the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, Savannah was deployed off the coast of Georgia, where she shared in the capture of two Confederate prizes, the schooner E. J. Waterman, and the ship Cheshire. On February 11, 1862, Savannah was transferred to the United States Naval Academy as a practice ship. In 1870, after conducting her last training cruise to England and France, she was laid up at the Norfolk Navy Yard. She remained there until sold to E. Stannard and Company of Westbrook, Connecticut in 1883.

Description of Contents

The Log Book of the U.S.S. Savannah, comprising 0.19 linear feet of documentation in a single volume of 74 leaves, spans from August 11 through December 31, 1865. The log is a product of Savannah's service as a practice ship at the United States Naval Academy, under the commands of E. O. Matthews and F. A. Parker.

The log records the daily weather conditions, daily occurrences, personnel matters, and ship's maintenance, as well as noting the ship's recommissioning and listing her officers.

Arrangement

The Log Book of the U.S.S. Savannah comprises a single volume.

Access and Use

Access

Patron use restricted to microfilm.

Copyright and Permission

The Log Book of the U.S.S. Savannah is 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.

Acquisition and Appraisal

Provenance and Acquisition

Unknown.

Related Materials

Location of Copies or Alternate Formats

This collection also available on microfilm.

Related Archival Material

Additional material in this repository pertaining to U.S.S. Savannah's role as a school ship can be found in Log Book of the U.S.S. Savannah, 1868, MS 139; and Office of the Superintendent/Correspondence: Letters Received by the Superintendent, RG 405.2.1 Entry 25.

Official logbooks of U.S.S. Savannah may be available in Logbooks of U.S. Navy Ships, ca. 1801 - 1940, Record Group 24: Records of the Bureau of Naval Personnel, 1798-2007 at the National Archives and Records Administration.

Materials Cataloged Separately

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

Processing and Other Information

Preferred Citation

Log Book of the U.S.S. Savannah, MS 138

Special Collections & Archives Department

Nimitz Library

United States Naval Academy

Selected Bibliography

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

"Savannah II." Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Washington: Naval History and Heritage Command, 2015, https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/s/savannah-ii.html.

Processing Information

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

Subject Headings

Name and Subject Terms

• Savannah (Frigate)
• Training-ships -- United States
• United States Naval Academy -- History -- 19th century -- Sources
• United States Naval Academy -- School ships
• United States. Navy -- History -- 19th century -- Sources

Genre Terms

• Manuscripts
• Ships' logs