These classes were: First, Continental vessels; second, the state navies; third, the privateers, commissioned either by the Continental government or by the various states, and in some cases by both (In the preparation of so much of this chapter as relates to the administration and organization of the American naval forms, Paullin's Navy of the American Revolution has been closely followed.
The Continental Navy was established by the Second Continental Congress on October 13, 1775, to supply and support the Continental Army during the American Revolution. The navy mostly preyed on British merchant shipping during the war, capturing many enemy vessels. The navy was disbanded in 1784, and until 1798 U.S. merchant ships sailed unprotected from
The Continental Navy was established by the Second Continental Congress on October 13, 1775, to supply and support the Continental Army during the American Revolution. The navy mostly preyed on British merchant shipping during the war, capturing many enemy vessels. The navy was disbanded in 1784, and until 1798 U.S. merchant ships sailed unprotected from