|
| Career |
|
| Ordered: |
|
| Laid down: |
20 October 1842
|
| Launched: |
5 September 1843
|
| Commissioned: |
9 September 1843
|
| Decommissioned: |
|
| Fate: |
broken up, 1849
|
| Struck: |
|
| General Characteristics |
| Displacement: |
954 tons |
| Length: |
164 ft |
| Beam: |
30 ft 6 in |
| Draft: |
17 ft |
| Propulsion: |
Sail and steam |
| Speed: |
7 kts |
| Range: |
|
| Complement: |
166 officers and enlisted |
| Armament: |
2 12" Sg., 12 42-pdr. car. |
The first Princeton was the first screw steam warship in the United States Navy. An accident onboard her in 1844 killed Secretary of State Abel P. Upshur, Secretary of the Navy Thomas Gilmer and others.
Princeton was laid down 20 October 1842 at the Philadelphia Navy Yard under the supervision of Captain Robert F. Stockton; launched 5 September 1843; and ordered commissioned 9 September 1843, Capt. Robert F. Stockton in command.
Her two vibrating lever engines were built by Merrick & Towne , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and her three tubular iron boilers were designed by John Ericsson. The latter burned hard coal and drove a six-bladed screw 14 feet (4.3 meters) in diameter.
Princeton made a trial trip in the Delaware River 12 October, 1843. She departed Philadelphia 17 October for a sea trial, proceeded to New York where she engaged in a speed contest with the British steamer Great Western and returned to Philadelphia 20 October to finish outfitting. On November 22 Captain Stockton reported "Princeton will be ready for sea in a week"; 28 November he dressed ship and received visitors on board for inspection. On 30 November she towed Raritan down the Delaware and later returned to the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Princeton sailed 1 January 1844 for New York where she received her two big guns named Peacemaker and Oregon. The former was made by Hogg and Delamater , New York, New York under the direction of Capt. Stockton, who got the idea for it while in England. It was heavily reenforced at the breech, weighed more than 27,000 pounds and was considered to be an improved version of the Oregon. The latter was designed by John Ericsson and was similar in most respects to the Peacemaker.
Princeton was sent to Washington, D.C. in late January 1844, arriving 13 February. Washingtonians displayed great interest in the ship and her guns. She made trial trips with passengers on board down the Potomac River February 16, 18 and 20, during which the Peacemaker was fired several times.
On February 28, she departed Alexandria, Virginia on a pleasure and trial trip down the Potomac with President John Tyler, his Cabinet and approximately two hundred guests on board. Against the better judgement of Captain Stockton, the Secretary of the Navy, desiring to please the distinguished company, allowed the Peacemaker to be fired. The gun burst, killing Secretary Upshur; Secretary Gilmer; Captain Beverly Kennon , Chief of the Bureau of Construction, Equipment and Repairs; Virgil Maxey of Maryland, Charge d'Affaires to Belgium, 1837–42; David Gardiner of New York, the father of Julia Gardiner who later married President Tyler; and a servant of the President. It also injured about 20 people, including Captain Stockton, whose judgement was proven correct, for the gun was overheated from previous use that day. A Court of Inquiry exonerated Capt. Stockton, his officers and crew of all blame in the matter.
Princeton was employed with the Home Squadron from 1845 to 1847. She later served in the Mediterranean from 17 August 1847 to 24 June 1849. Upon her return from Europe she was surveyed and condemned to be broken up at the Boston Navy Yard 17 July 1849.
See also
Last updated: 05-08-2005 05:42:26
