USS Baltimore (1777)

For other ships with the same name, see USS Baltimore.

History
United States
Name	Baltimore
Namesake	Baltimore, Maryland
Commissioned	1777
Fate	Lost 29 January 1780
General characteristics
Type	Brigantine
Propulsion	Sails
Armament	12 guns

The first Baltimore in naval service in the United States was a 12-gun brigantine that served in the Continental Navy from 1777 to 1780.

Baltimore was built in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1777. She was fitted out by the orders of the Marine Committee of the Continental Congress as a packet or despatch vessel and commissioned in the Continental Navy under the command of Captain Thomas Read.

Few details of Baltimore's service are available. In addition to performing despatch service, she is said to have participated in the defense of the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay in 1778 and 1779.

Baltimore was reported lost off Cape Henry, Virginia, on 29 January 1780.

References

•  This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. The entry can be found here.