Journal of Lt. Charles Gauntt Aboard the U.S.S. Macedonian 1818-1821; National Archives Microfilm Publication Pamphlet Describing M875
Washington DC: General Services Administration, National Archives and Records Service, 1972. Presumed First Edition, First printing. Wraps. 3, [1] pages, plus covers. Cover has some wear and soiling. The records reproduced in the microfilm publication are from Naval Records Collection of the Office of Naval Records and Library Record Group 45. In the single roll of this microfilm publication is reproduced the private journal of Lt. Charles Gauntt while aboard the U.S.S. Macedonian, September 1818-June 1821. Gauntt's journal is a record of the Macedonian's voyage from Boston, Mass. to the Pacific Coast of South America. The main purpose of this expedition was to give aid and protection to U.S. citizens and to their property. During the South American revolutions, American merchant and fishing vessels were plagued by impressment, blockades, and illegal confiscation of goods. It was hoped that the presence of an American warship would prevent further harassment of American ships and help smooth relations between the United States and the South American governments. The main purpose was not entirely fulfulled due to the Macedonian being damaged by a hurricane after having left Boston and needed to stop for repairs at the navy yard at Norfolk, Virginia. The archivist responsible for the preparation of this microfilm publication was Maida Loescher. HMS Macedonian was a 38-gun fifth-rate Lively-class frigate in the Royal Navy, later captured by USS United States during the War of 1812. Macedonian left Madeira on 22 October 1812, but only a few days later, on the morning of 25 October, encountered USS United States, commanded by Decatur. The United States had just declared war on the United Kingdom, and both captains were eager to achieve personal glory in a fight. Unfortunately for Macedonian, United States was a 44-gun heavy frigate, and her broadside was 864 pounds of metal, versus Macedonian's 528 pounds. USS United States hove round, turning downwind and making HMS Macedonian chase her. Within a few minutes of closing, fire from United States's 24-pounder cannons brought down all three of Macedonian's masts, and riddled the hull. United States then pulled away temporarily, leaving Carden time to contemplate their lack of options. Finally, with United States preparing to rake the British vessel again, Carden struck his colors, making Macedonian the second Royal Navy vessel to surrender to the Americans during the war. Macedonian was immediately taken into the United States Navy, retaining the name as Macedonian under the command of Captain Jacob Jones. From January 1819 to March 1821 the frigate operated off the Pacific coast of South America, giving aid and protection to the commercial ships in the area during the disorders following the Latin American colonial revolts, before returning to Boston in June 1821. Gauntt was assigned to the Macedonian several times during his career. He reached the rank of Captain and remained in the Navy until his death in 1855. Condition: Good.
Keywords: U.S.S. Macedonian, Charles Gauntt, Journals, Naval Records, United States Navy, Voyages, Naval Operations, Maida Loescher, Microfilm Publications
[Book #82135]
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