As soon as the War of the Revolution was fairly entered upon, the subject of a navy engaged the attention of public men, and this was very natural, as the majority of the colonists were descendants of those who owed allegiance to the Mis tress oi the Seas.

In October, 1776, the Americans (i here use for the first time this distinctive title), had thirteen vessels in course of construction, and ten comparatively large, with several smaller ones in actual service. Early in 1781 all of these, having done more or less good service, had been removed from the list by various causes, mostly disasters.

About this time Congress ordered to be built three 74's, five frigates and two smaller vessels. I can find no record of the larger vessels referred to, excepting the America, seventy four guns, a new ship, which was presented to Louis XVI of France in 1782.

Private armed vessels, mostly small ones, were fitted out by the Colonies and accomplished, for the opportunities ai forded, effective service.

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