Rules and Regulations of the U.S.S. Peacock, [1820]: Finding Aid

History of U.S.S. Peacock

U.S.S. Peacock was a sloop-of-war, originally laid down on July 9, 1813 and launched September 19 of that same year. Sailing under the command of Lewis Warrington during the War of 1812, Peacock captured her first prize, the British brig Epervier, on April 29, 1813 off Florida. After putting in to Savannah for repairs, Peacock departed on her second cruise, which took her as far afield as Ireland, netting an addition fourteen prizes. Peacock's final cruise of the war brought her to the Indian Ocean where she claimed an additional four prizes, the last of which, Nautilus, was released upon Captain Warrington's learning of the Treaty of Ghent, which had been signed some six months prior.

Following the war, Peacock transported newly appointed Minister to France, Albert Gallatin, across the Atlantic, after which she joined the Mediterranean Squadron for two cruises. Following a brief period in ordinary, Peacock was recommissioned on June 3, 1822 for service in Commodore David Porter's West India Squadron, serving mainly as flagship.

In 1827, Peacock was decommissioned, broken up, and rebuilt at the New York Navy Yard for surveying duty in the South Pacific. As plans for the United States Exploring Expedition stalled in Congress, Peacock was fitted out for regular Navy use and took part in several diplomatic missions. When Congress finally authorized the United States Exploring Expedition, Peacock was released from her regular Navy duties and reassigned to the expedition under the command of Lieutenant Charles Wilkes. Peacock, however, would not complete the expedition, as she ran aground off the mouth of the Columbia River in July 1841, where she eventually sank.

Description of Contents

This volume is a photocopy of the original volume. In addition to the rules and regulations of the U.S.S. Peacock (sloop-of-war), it contains notes on determining dimensions of masts, spars, sails, and rigging; the dimensions of the Peacock's masts and spars; a partial quarter-bill; the station bill, and drawings of ships and flags. The signature "J. Barney" appears at the end of the section containing the Peacock's dimensions. Joshua Barney, perhaps the son of Commodore Joshua Barney (1759-1818), was a midshipman on board the Peacock in 1820, but it is unclear whether this volume was his book.

At a later date, the volume was used as a scrapbook. At least one page was torn out, accounting for the partial quarter bill. Manuscript poems and newspaper clippings obscure in some places the material related to the Peacock. The names that appear on the poems include William Ward, Hannah Ward, and Rufus K. Barrett. According to a later owner's undated note, the Wards were related to Barrett.

Arrangement

The Rules and Regulations of the U.S.S. Peacock comprises a single volume.

Access and Use

Access

Access is unrestricted.

Copyright and Permission

The Rules and Regulations of the U.S.S. Peacock 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

Gift of Mrs. G. A. Corson of Dauphin, Pennsylvania.

Related Materials

Location of Originals

Original in the possession of Mrs. G. A. Corson of Dauphin, Pennsylvania.

Related Archival Material

Official logbooks of U.S.S. Peacock may be found in Logbooks of U.S. Navy Ships at the National Archives and Records Administration.

Materials Cataloged Separately

No materials have been removed from this collection.

Processing and Other Information

Preferred Citation

Rules and Regulations of the U.S.S. Peacock, MS 388

Special Collections & Archives Department

Nimitz Library

United States Naval Academy

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Jennifer A. Bryan in November 2008. Finding aid written by Jennifer A. Bryan in November 2008, with additions by David D'Onofrio in May 2013.

Subject Headings

Name and Subject Terms

• Barney, Joshua, fl. 1820
• Logbooks
• Peacock (Sloop-of-war : SlpW (1st))
• United States. Navy -- History -- 19th century -- Sources

Genre Terms

• Manuscripts
• Ships' logs