Note 19 — Chapter II

Astor had applied to the naval officer in command of New York harbor for an escort to protect the “Tonquin” against a British brig which was rumored to be cruising near by, in order to impress seamen. As a number of the “Tonquin’s” crew were British subjects, there was especial need of protection. Commodore Rodgers detailed Captain Isaac Hull of the “Constitution” to act as escort to the merchantman. The “Constitution” had but just entered upon the career that won for her the title of “Old Ironsides.” Built and launched (1797) from a Boston shipyard, her principal service had been in the Tripolitan War (1803-05). From 1809-11 the “Constitution” cruised in home waters, and the latter year carried the United States minister to France. During the War of 1812-15, the frigate won great renown in three sea fights, capturing or destroying four British men-of-war. In 1828, the secretary of the navy ordered her demolition, on the ground that repairs would be costly; whereupon Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote his poem, “Old Ironsides,” that so appealed to popular sentiment that a public subscription secured her repairs. The “Constitution” thereafter made many cruises, and served as a training ship for naval cadets. In 1897 she was towed into Boston harbor for the celebration of the hundredth anniversary of her launching. She still lies in that harbor, and is being restored by a patriotic society, the “Sons of 1812.”—Ed.