USS Norfolk (1798)

History
Name:	USS Norfolk
Laid down:	1798
Commissioned:	9 September 1798
Fate:	Sold, November 1800
General characteristics
Type:	Brig
Displacement:	200 long tons (203 t)
Propulsion:	Sails
Complement:	140 officers and enlisted
Armament:	18 × 6-pounder guns

The first USS Norfolk was a brig in the United States Navy during the Quasi-War with France.

Norfolk was built by the city of Norfolk, Virginia for the public service at the beginning of the Quasi-War with France in 1798. Captain Thomas Williams was appointed to the command and she was reported ready for sea, except for her other officers, on 9 September 1798.

Captain Alexander Murray, commanding Montezuma, was advised that Norfolk was to be included in the little squadron under his command. Ordered to sail for the West Indies for the purpose of destroying French armed vessels and protecting American commerce, Montezuma, Norfolk, and Retaliation (Lt. William Bainbridge in command), sailed from Norfolk 25 October.

On the cruise south Retaliation was captured by two French ships. Montezuma and Norfolk, after recapturing a small American vessel which had been captured by the French, put in at Antigua. Thereafter Norfolk cruised near St. Kitts.

Norfolk joined Commodore Truxtun's squadron and 20 January 1799 the Commodore ordered Captain Williams to join him at Basseterre, St. Kitts. Norfolk sailed northward with a convoy of merchant ships 6 March, and proceeded to Philadelphia.

Master Commandant William Bainbridge was ordered to relieve Captain Williams 29 March and to refit the ship for sea as soon as possible. Norfolk then sailed to St. Kitts to join Truxtun's squadron; she arrived Basse-terre Roads 17 May and was subsequently ordered to Commodore Thomas Tingey's Squadron. In company with Ganges 16 June Norfolk captured the French privateer Vainqueur off Guadaloupe.

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