General lee wrote about the former frigate USS United States (USS US) being turned into a school ship and set up for harbor defense. I didn't know a lot about the ship so did some research in good old Wiki.
The ship was launched in 1797, one of the famous original six US Navy frigates that served with so much distinction. The others: Constellation, Constitution, Congress, Chesapeake and President.
It usually mounted over 50 guns.
It served in many of America's wars: Quasi-War, War of 1812 (where it earned its most fame defeating the British frigate Macedonian), the Second Barbary War and the African Squadron (to intercept slavers). Herman Melville served aboard her for awhile.
From 1849 to 1861 it slowly rotted away at Gosport Navy Yard in Norfolk, Virginia.
More to Come. --Old B-R'er
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