The Origins of the U.S. Navy

On October 13, we mark a significant milestone: 250 years since the Continental Congress authorized the creation of the Continental Navy, which eventually evolved into the United States Navy. Just last week, the Navy showcased its formidable combined arms capabilities in Norfolk, with President Trump also present. It’s interesting to reflect on how this powerful force had such humble beginnings, starting with a single fishing vessel.

In August 1775, driven by a critical demand for gunpowder and a spark of American creativity, George Washington tasked John Glover—a Marblehead merchant and fishing captain—with outfitting the schooner Hanna for military use.

Transforming a fishing vessel into a warship to take on the Royal Navy seemed as absurd then as it might sound today. Still, with British disarmament and a lack of crucial supplies in the colonies, American innovation became the order of the day.

The origins of using privateers to intercept British ships remain unclear; it’s uncertain whether it was Glover’s or Washington’s idea. What’s evident is that Glover and his regiment were specifically chosen to safeguard Washington’s headquarters in Cambridge. Washington’s trust in Glover, along with the skills of these seasoned sailors, likely influenced his decision to arm American ships.

Several figures, including Marbleheaders Elbridge Gerry and John Adams, had previously tried to persuade Washington that the formidable Royal Navy wasn’t as unbeatable as it seemed. Adams, reflecting on a personal experience, noted that American sailors had the spirit and morale to outperform their British counterparts. He urged Washington to at least experiment with privateering, yet Washington remained skeptical on August 11.

A few days later, the Army’s urgent need for gunpowder prompted Washington, aided by Glover, to commence building his own navy, starting with the Hanna, weighing in at 78 tons. The goal was to intercept unprotected British ships entering Boston Harbor to resupply General Thomas Gage’s forces. Washington, however, kept his plans under wraps, as only Congress had the authority to create a navy—something that could backfire greatly if it failed.

At Glover Pier, carpenters fitted gun ports on the side of the vessel, reinforcing the deck to support four 4-pounders and other weaponry. The transformation into a warship was complete once they loaded it with crucial gunpowder and munitions.

This fascinating tale is recounted in a well-regarded book.

Under the command of 50-year-old Captain Nicholas Broughton, the Hanna set sail on September 15, with a motivated crew eager for the prize money. On her first mission, she faced and pursued two British warships, skillfully evading destruction despite being heavily outgunned.

Two days later, it looked like they had captured their first prize: the 260-ton Unity, an American merchant ship that had been seized by the British. Broughton ordered it to follow into Cape Anne, and the crew believed they had achieved a significant victory.

However, following a review of the ship’s papers, Washington uncovered a disturbing truth—it was a secret navy operation reclaiming an American ship owned by a Congressman. He promptly ordered the ship’s release, leading to objections from Broughton and a crew member’s violent resistance. This incident led to America’s first mutiny.

Despite the turmoil, Washington recognized the strategic value of naval engagements, understanding that seizing even one ship could alter the war’s trajectory. He instructed Broughton to assemble a new crew and return the Hanna to the sea.

On October 10, the Hanna set sail again, only to be pursued by the British warship Nautilus. In a hasty retreat, Broughton sought safety in Beverley Harbor, a place the British were hesitant to enter due to its narrow passages. However, an unfortunate grounding left the Hanna stranded on a mudflat, at which point local townspeople seized her weaponry to protect her.

Meanwhile, as the Nautilus attacked, the crew abandoned the ship. The British captain ordered a small boat to set the Hanna ablaze, but the receding tide left her immovable in the muck. With townspeople and Glover’s regiment firing from shore, the British began to lose hope and retreated.

Eventually, the battered Nautilus cut its moorings, heading to safety as the tide returned that night. Regrettably, the Hanna never sailed in battle again, yet her story plays a crucial role in the establishment of the U.S. Navy, illuminating Glover’s significance in history.