Chapter XI: The Navy of Massachusetts

The state craft 315

Naval administration in the states 316

The problems of naval warfare 317

Military situation in Massachusetts, 1775 318

Action of the Provincial Congress 318

Massachusetts seaports ask for naval aid 319

Act establishing privateering and prize courts, November 1, 1775 320

Subsequent naval activities of the General court, 1775 323

The fitting out of a fleet, 1776 324

Naval legislation, 1776 325

Remodelling of the law of November 1, 1775 327

Orders to naval officers—a sample 328

Establishment of a Board of War, October, 1776 329

Duties of the Board of War 330

A new naval establishment 333

Naval rules and regulations 334

Naval increases, 1777-1779 335

Launching of the “Protector” 336

Naval administration, 1779-1783 337

Naval increases, 1780-1783 338

Massachusetts privateers 339

The cruises of the state fleet 341

Coöperation of state vessels and privateers 344

The engagements of the state vessels—a sample 345

The Penobscot expedition 347

Losses of the state fleet 352

The end of the navy 353