USS Spitfire (1776)
| History | |
|---|---|
 United States
|
|
| Name: | USS Spitfire |
| Owner: | General Assembly of Rhode Island |
| Ordered: | Late in 1775 |
| Laid down: | Lake Champlain |
| Completed: | 1776 |
| In service: | Circa January 1776 in Narragansett Bay |
| Captured: | May 25, 1778 (by British during Mount Hope Bay raids) |
| General characteristics | |
| Type: | Row galley |
| Propulsion: | Oars |
| Complement: | 60 crew |
| Armament: | One 18-pounder gun |
USS Spitfire was a row galley authorized and constructed by Rhode Island during the American Revolution, and was placed in service in 1776. During this age of sail, row galleys were highly maneuverable compared to sailing ships whose movements were dependent on the wind. Spitfire had a reportedly successful career, helping to capture British cargo ships and engaging in the fight against British warships.
Late in 1775, the General Assembly of Rhode Island ordered the construction of two galleys, Washington and Spitfire. In January 1776, the General Assembly appointed John Grimes Commodore of the galleys and, presumably soon thereafter, they were placed in service in Narragansett Bay.
They cruised in defense of American shipping, acted as transports, and assisted landing parties seeking forage and supplies. On 11 April 1776, they recaptured the brigantine Georgia Packet and sloop Speedwell which HMS Scarborough had captured and brought into the bay, braving the fire of Scarborough's guns as they took the prizes from under her stern.
In July 1776, the galleys were ordered to New York City to help protect the Hudson River, and they reached New York harbor on 1 August. There they cooperated with a flotilla created by George Washington.
On the afternoon of 3 August, Spitfire joined Lady Washington and Washington in an attack on HMS Phoenix and HMS Rose and engaged the British warships for over two hours before retiring. One man on Spitfire was killed and two were badly wounded. Her hull and rigging sustained much damage.
The two galleys returned to Providence, Rhode Island, late in the month. In mid-September, libels were filed in court on
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