The name “Saratoga” resonates deeply within the history of the American Revolution, immediately bringing to mind the pivotal Battles of Saratoga in 1777. These crucial victories marked a turning point in the war, convincing France, Spain, and the Dutch Republic to openly support the American cause against Great Britain. However, while the battles took place in Saratoga, New York, the Saratoga we’re discussing was not a location, but a ship – the Continental Navy sloop Saratoga. Named in honor of that very victory, this vessel embarked on its own significant journeys across the Atlantic. So, to address the question directly, the Saratoga didn’t travel during the Battle of Saratoga; it was named after it. Let’s delve into the travels of this namesake ship and discover where the USS Saratoga ventured during its service in the American Revolution.
Construction and Early Voyages of the Saratoga
The USS Saratoga, the first ship to bear this proud name, was constructed in Philadelphia and launched on April 10, 1780. This sloop-of-war, under the command of Captain John Young, set sail from Philadelphia on August 13, 1780, accompanied by the ketch Mercury. Their initial voyage had a vital diplomatic purpose: escorting Henry Laurens, former President of the Continental Congress, to Europe. Laurens’ mission was to secure crucial financial aid from European powers to support the fledgling American government.
Image alt text: Henry Laurens departing America on the Mercury, escorted by the Saratoga, for a European diplomatic mission.
Saratoga dutifully escorted Mercury into the Atlantic, ensuring its safe passage away from the American coastline before parting ways. Unfortunately, Mercury‘s journey was cut short; the British captured it about a month later, preventing Laurens from reaching Europe and leading to his imprisonment in England. Following its escort duty, Saratoga spent over two weeks east of the Atlantic shipping lanes, engaging in essential training exercises to hone the skills of its crew on their newly commissioned ship.
Encounters and Captures off the American Coast
On September 9, 1780, Saratoga‘s lookout spotted a sail, leading to an encounter with the Royal Navy brig Keppel. A three-hour, inconclusive battle ensued, hampered by gale-force winds that prevented Saratoga from inflicting significant damage. Unable to board the evasive British brig, Captain Young ultimately steered Saratoga back towards the American coast.
Three days later, as Saratoga approached Cape Henlopen, off the Delaware coast, fortune favored the American vessel. They intercepted the British merchant ship Sarah, laden with rum from the West Indies and bound for New York. Sarah surrendered without resistance, becoming Saratoga‘s first prize. The two ships sailed into the Delaware River and anchored off Chester, Pennsylvania. The captured cargo was quickly sold, providing much-needed funds to refit the Continental frigate Confederacy.
Image alt text: Continental Navy sloop maneuvering at sea, illustrating the type of vessel USS Saratoga was.
After restocking and taking on ballast at Chester, Saratoga returned to the sea on September 18, heading north along the New Jersey coast. About a week later, they recaptured the American brig Elizabeth, previously seized by a British privateer in the Chesapeake Bay. Elizabeth was sent to Philadelphia under an American prize crew. Cruising parallel to the coast, Saratoga faced a fierce storm on October 10, weathering it with minimal damage due to the crew’s rigorous training, while a British squadron suffered heavily.
Captures of Charming Molly and Two Brothers
The following day, October 11, Saratoga encountered two more sails, the letter-of-marque Charming Molly and the schooner Two Brothers. Positioning Saratoga strategically between the two enemy ships, Captain Young demanded Charming Molly‘s surrender. Upon refusal, a broadside from Saratoga and a subsequent boarding action forced the British vessel to capitulate. Two Brothers surrendered shortly after, and both captured ships were dispatched to Delaware.
Image alt text: American Revolution naval battle scene, illustrating the type of combat Saratoga engaged in.
Information from the prisoners revealed that Charming Molly and Two Brothers were part of a dispersed merchant fleet from Jamaica, scattered by the recent storm. Saratoga then commenced a search for the remaining ships. They soon located three more vessels, remnants of the Jamaica fleet. In a swift action, Saratoga sailed between two of the British ships, unleashing broadsides that disabled the brig Nancy and heavily damaged another, compelling its surrender. The third ship escaped as Saratoga focused on securing her two new prizes.
Recapture of Providence and Voyage to Hispaniola
While heading north near Cape Henlopen the next morning, Saratoga sighted two more sails: the American brig Providence (now a British prize) and the formidable 74-gun British ship-of-the-line Alcide. Despite the presence of Alcide, Captain Young pursued and recaptured Providence. After placing a prize crew aboard, Saratoga returned to Chester, anchoring on October 14.
Following refitting in Philadelphia, Saratoga set sail on December 15, 1780, bound for Hispaniola (present-day Haiti and Dominican Republic). Her mission was to transport French military supplies back to America. On December 21, Saratoga engaged and captured the British privateer Resolution. Both ships then sailed towards Cape Henlopen, arriving on New Year’s Day 1781. After disembarking prisoners, Saratoga departed for the Caribbean.
Caribbean Engagements and Final Voyage
On January 9, 1781, off the coast of East Florida, Saratoga captured Tonyn, a 20-gun letter-of-marque laden with valuable cargo. After repairs, Saratoga and Tonyn sailed for Hispaniola. On January 16, they captured the armed brig Douglas, carrying wine from Madeira to British-held Charleston, South Carolina. Douglas was sent to Philadelphia as a prize.
Image alt text: Map of the Caribbean region, showing locations relevant to USS Saratoga’s voyages and engagements.
Saratoga reached Cap-Français (Haiti) on January 27, 1781. While Saratoga underwent maintenance, Captain Young joined a small squadron including Continental and French ships for a cruise to Jamaica. They returned on February 28 with the prize Diamond. By mid-March, Saratoga joined a large convoy departing Cap-Français on March 15, escorting 29 merchant ships. On March 18, pursuing two unknown sails, Saratoga captured one. The prize crew later reported that a violent storm arose, and they lost all trace of Saratoga. Tragically, the USS Saratoga and her entire crew were lost at sea, with no further details of her fate ever discovered.
Conclusion
While the USS Saratoga was not present at the Battle of Saratoga, its voyages across the Atlantic and in the Caribbean Sea were a significant contribution to the American Revolution. From escorting diplomats to capturing enemy vessels and protecting vital supply convoys, the Saratoga played a crucial role in the maritime struggle for American independence. Though her end remains a mystery lost to the waves, the story of the USS Saratoga and her travels stands as a testament to the daring spirit and vital naval efforts of the American Revolution.
