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Note: N8 John McFerson listed as a freeman in 1769 living in Drumore Township, Lancaster County, PA.
Annals of Buffalo Valley 1775-1855
1. John McPherson bought the Andrew Gibson place and Ferry now Cauleys Winfield, 04 December 1778 . This purchase was made from William Shields and his wife Elinor of Chester County, PA. This indenture is recorded in Deed Book C. , page 184 in Sunbury, Northumberland County, PA. The transaction was not completed until 1785 and John and Elizabeth paid 100 Pounds extra for the delay paying for the purchased property.
2. Page 263, 1790 John McPherson Constable of Buffalo Township.
3. Page 268, 1791 Aug 17, John McPherson appointed Associate Judge until 22 March 1813.
4. Page 300, 1796 List of inhabitants of East Buffalo, John McPherson, Esquire
5. Page 181, 1780 Michale Grove was taxed with a ferry which was the old Judge McPherson place. 6 . State tax Buffalo township 1786, John McPherson 200 acres , 2 horses, 2 cattle tax 16.9
7. Building committee Methodist Episcopal church in Northumberland, 3rd and Market street.
8. From the book "Captain Dauntless" - page 201, A few minutes later another shot crashed into the forcastle rail. Hurling splinters felled Midshipman John McPherson, severely wounding him in the groin and right leg. He was carried to the cockpit where Surgeon Hore applied tourniquets and with great skill saved the youngster's life as well as his limb.
9. Under the Act of 07 June 1785, John McPherson started receiving a pension for disability resulting from the wounds he suffered during the Revolutionary War. The amount of this pension was 17 shillings, 6 pense per month, from the date of his discharge received from the orphans court at the June Sessions of 1786.
10. In 1785, John McPherson filled the position of Clerk to the County Commissioner and as the Fall elections of Members of the House was contested, John, among others, went to Philadelphia as a witness in 1785.
11. On 10 March 1788, John McPherson and his wife Elizabeth, residents of Buffalo Township, sold to George Leech of Lancaster County, Property in the location of "Georgia" Buffalo Township. This deed is recorded in Deed Book D, page 114 in the Recorders Officed of Northumberland County at Sunbury, PA.
12. In 1820, Judge John McPherson wrote a letter to Congressman William McClay in Washington, D. C., requesting a certified copy of his certificate from the Secretary of War. This letter concerned his pension. A digital copy is available from most of the John McPherson line researchers.
1820 document:
Northumberland February 1820 Honourable and Respected Wm McClay,
I was wounded on the 10th day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred seventy seven on board the Randolph Frigat commanded by Nicholas Biddle Esq. in an action with a British Ship of war, called the "True Brittian" commanded by Sir Thomas Venture whom we captured with three others at the same time and carried into Charles Town, Southern Carolina. I was there discharged in consequence of my wounds and granted a small Pension of 20 Pounds per month by the Court of Northumberland County, I think in the year 1785 which pittance I have drawn ever since. It is now necessary by state Law of Congress amongst other things, it is necessary to obtain a certified copy of the Certificate from the Secretary of War. I therefor Presume on your goodness to obtain the same for me: and send it by letter to Northumberland Post Office.
Your Compliance with the request will confer a very great favour on me.
Honoured Sir Your Devoted and very Humble Servant
John Macpherson
13.Action off Barbados
March 7, 1778
Conflict: American Revolution
Type of Action: Small Ship Naval Action
Location: Off East Coast of Barbados
Forces: American: Frigate Randolph, Captain Nicholas Biddle, 32 guns
British: Ship of the Line Yarmouth, 64 guns
The American frigate Randolph, the first frigate launched for the American Navy, commanded by Captain Nicholas Biddle, of a wealthy Philadelphia banking family and formerly a midshipman in the Royal Navy was in the midst of a cruise from Charleston, South Carolina, departing February 12th, to the West Indies. She left in the company of three lesser vessels of the North Carolina Navy. On March 7, 1778, the Randolph sighted an enemy vessel. This shortly proved to be the Yarmouth, a ship of the line of 64 guns.
Having served in the Royal Navy, Biddle could not but know that the Yarmouth was a vastly superior foe. The lightly hulled Randolph was a frigate - a ship with one main deck of guns and those no more than 18 pounders at best. These compare very poorly in both terms of striking power and range against the probable 24 and 32 pound cannon carried on the two gun decks of the much more stoutly built English vessel. The Randolph's crew, too, would be less than half that of her opponent. These facts must have been acutely clear to Biddle and to his officers and men. Perhaps having served with Nelson's class of midshipmen he had embraced Nelson's sense of aggressive audacity. Whatever Biddle's thoughts, he gave the order to clear for battle and close, rather than fleeing. To his credit and theirs, his men did not shirk from the order.
One can only imagine the impression this action had upon the English Captain and his crew, for the enemy ship was clearly no match for the Yarmouth. Indeed the standard rules of battle were that in a line engagement ships of the line were to ignore frigates, they being no threat. Yet the Randolph closed and the Yarmouth eagerly prepared to meet her though perhaps with an eye to some trick or reinforcement.
The Randolph's sole advantage lay in her superior speed and maneuverability. This advantage was greater than usual between two such ships as the Randolph had just had the seaweed and other bottom hamper which normally slowed ships of the era scraped from her hull in Charelston. She was as nimble as she had ever been. Biddle, fresh from a succesful prize taking cruise must have been confident that he could maneuver to avoid taking full broadsides from the English guns while firing crippling barrages of his own into the enemy rigging. Once dismasted, no matter how much bigger she was, the Englishman would have no choice but to strike her colors.
Biddle's plan must initially have succeeded because soon enough he had knocked two of the Englishman's topmasts away, impairing her sailing ability. The English Captain reported that the Randolph fired three broadsides for his one. If luck had smiled upon the Randolph, Biddle may have succeeded. However that was not to be. Biddle was unsuccessful in maneuvering to avoid heavy fire from the Englishman and his ship soon began to take heavy damage, and he himself was wounded. Undaunted, Biddle continued to direct the guns while trying to out sail his opponent . He tried to get round her to rake her unprotected stern. In the midst of this maneuver either an English ball smashed through the light hull of the Randolph and pierced her powder magazine, or a fire started by an earlier hit, or by accident by the crew, lit the powder. Whatever the cause, the Randolph exploded, killing all but four of her 315 man crew. Captain Biddle, his gallant men and his brave ship were lost. Among the casualties was sixteen year old Mordecai Matlack, son of Timothy Matlack, who transcribed the Declaration of Independence from Thomas Jefferson's draft.
The tactical effect of this conflict was the loss of a Rebel cruiser to the which could have been used to further weaken British morale and supplies while gaining provisions and prize money for Congress. More importantly a valiant and skilled leader and an equally able crew had been lost, men who could have contributed greatly to the Rebel cause. No tactical gain was made in favor of the Americans other than the temporary removal of the Yarmouth from effective patrol duty while she made repairs.
Strategically the loss of the Randolph provided no great boon to the English who, after all, were expected to win such conflicts. There was, undoubtedly, some boost in morale from the clear cut victory. More important was that the Yarmouth did not lose. Had she done so the loss of a ship of the line in such circumstances would have had serious impact upon military and civil morale, possibly eroding already weAR support for the war in England. Furthermore, at the time the English were shifting defenses to the West Indies in reaction to French entry into the conflict, so much so that the abandonment of the colonies was considered. It is not too far fetched to consider that the loss of a ship of the line, and its capture by the rebels for use in the Indies may well have had serious effect upon such a consideration.
However, the Randolph did in fact lost the battle. The effect upon American morale is uncertain. The loss of such a cruiser was not unprecedented nor unexpected against the Royal Navy. Furthermore American morale was at a high, given the victory at Saratoga and the English evacuation of Philadelphia. In all likelihood the battle actually had some positive effect upon morale given the heroic nature of Captain Nicholas Biddle's undertaking. Certainly history has only praise for this brave officer and crew.
Result: English Victory
Losses: American: U.S.S. Randolph, sunk; Captain Nicholas Biddle and 310 crew Killed
English: H.M.S. Yarmouth, damaged
14. Captain Nicholas Biddle, United States Navy
American Revolutionary War Military Leader
1750-1778
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 10, 1750 into a banking family. He began his sea-going career on a merchantman at the age of 13. Thereafter, in 1772, he received a midshipman's appointment with the Royal Navy serving in same beside Horatio Nelson, leaving that service when rebellion appearred imminent. Joining the rebel cause when war broke out, he was given command of the armed galley Franklin by the State of Pennsylvania. She served as a gunboat on the Delaware. He next received one of the five Captaincys alloted when the American Navy was organized on August 1, 1775. Given command of the brig Andrea Doria, 14 guns, he was under command of Captain Esek Hopkins in the expedition to the Bahamas and at the taking of New Providence. There Biddle captured several merchant vessels.
In 1777 he took command of the Randolph, 32 guns, being the first frigate launched for the American Navy. He took her to sea, quickly facing and putting down a mutiny by his crew, many of whom were former British prisoners of war. After the mutiny came a storm which forced him to port for repairs. In September of 1777 he sailed again, taking several prizes in a cruise off the Southern coasts including the H.M.S. True Britton. He then made a courier cruise to France. Upon his return he put into Charleston to have his ship cleared of bottom hamper.
On February 12, 1778 Biddle made his final voyage, leaving Charleston in company of three North Carolina Navy ships of lesser size on a cruise to the West Indies. On March 7, 1778 Biddle sighted and engaged the Yarmouth, a British Ship-of-the-Line of 64 guns in an Action off Barbados. Biddle's attack was courageous as the larger ship clearly out gunned his slight craft. His intent was probably to cripple her rigging. However, after damaging her rigging his ship was struck in the magazine and exploded, killing all but four hands. His loss was a great one to the Rebel cause as he was clearly not only brave but a leader capable of leading his men to follow him into such an encounter. Biddle is remembered as one of the bravest Naval Captains of the War.
Three United States Warships have been named in Biddle's honor. The first was a coastal torpedo boat built in 1901, later renamed No.12 to allow name use on a destroyer, which served through the World War I era. Next was the DD151, a four stack flush deck destroyer laid down in 1918 and completed in 1919. She served through World War II, having one stack removed and other modifications made for modernization. The fourth is the U.S.S. Biddle DLG-34 now designated CG34, being a missile cruiser launched in 1963 which served in Vietnam and other conflicts and remains in service at this time.
"...I have courage. No one has dared to impeach it yet. If any should, I will not leave them a moment of doubt." -
--- Captain Nicholas Biddle, USN, 1776
15. John MACPHERSON pension request
Northumberland County S s. John MacPherson appeared and did depose that at the time he received a discharge from Captain Nicholas Biddle bearing the date 10 Sept. 1777, that he was at the time so disabled on account of two wounds, one in the groin and the other in his right leg, as not to be able to perform any of the services requisite on board the ship from which he was discharged, he, this deponant then bearing the character of a Midshipman on board the Randolph Frigate commanded by the above named Nicholas Biddle. This deponant received his wounds in an action with a twenty gun ship called the "True Britian" which ship was taken and carried into Charleston, South Carolina. And further doth say that for the afore said services he has neither received pay or prize money nor any other compension.
Sworn in Orphans Court Present the 28th. day of June 1786. John Byers Charles Getteg William Boyd
Sir: Please to let the Bearer John Byers, have the amount due me on my pension of drawn. If not please to deliver him the warrant or warrants of coubcil that he may present them to the State Treasurer himself, and youll oblige, Sir, your humble servant, John MacPherson.
John Nicholson, Esq. 23 March 1789
16.
The Date of this Indenture 10 March 1788
The Georgraphy for this Indenture This information as of Janaury 2001 as follows: Northumberland County was formed in 1772. Buffalo Township was formed then also. In 1792 Buffalo Township was divided into West Buffalo Township and East Buffalo Township. In 1813 Union County was formed and all lands west of the Susquehanna River were made a part of Union County. In 1815 East Buffalo Township was further divided forming parts of additional townships. Union Township, formed in 1815 is the location of this tract or Parcel decsribed hereinafter:
Reference: "Union County Pennsylvania, A Celebration of History", by Charles M. Snyder, published by the Union County Historical Society, 2000 page 186
Names mentioned in this Indenture are:
Samuel Brady William Clark Frederick Collins Casper Gids Thomas Grant Jacob Landes George Leech John MacPherson Elizabeth MacPherson, wife of John John Simpson David Steele
Locations for this Indenture are:
1788 - 1792 Buffalo Township, Northumberland County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 1793- 1813 East Buffalo Township, Northumberland County, PA 1813-1815 East Buffalo Township, Union County, PA 1815-2001 Union Township, Union County, PA
Northumberland County DEED BOOK D pages 114 and 115
John Macpherson Deed/sell to George Leech
This Indenture made the tenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty eight, Between John Macpherson of the township of Buffalo in the County of Northumberland Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Elizabeth wife of the one part; And George Leech of the township of Sadsbury in the County of Lancaster, Yeoman of the commonwealth aforesaid of the other part. Where as William Clark late of Northumberland County also yeoman by the name of William Clark of the township of Salsbury in the County of Lancaster and province of Pennsylvania, spinning wheel maker foe the better securing the payment of two hundred and two Pounds lawfull money of Pennsylvania at a certain day now part unto George Leech did by his certain Indenture bearing date the twenty seventh day of April An-Dom One Thousand seven hundred and seventy five, grant bargain and sell unto this George Leech and to his heirs and assigns forever, all that piece or tract of land called "Georgia" situate in Buffalo Township in the County of Northumberland, aforesaid. Beginning at a marked, White OAR tree in a line of land of Samuel Brady. Thence by the same east fifty four perches to a marked Black Oak, Thence by the same and Casper Gids land. North one hundred and sixty five perches to a marked, Chestnut. Thence by land, late of Frederick Collins and other land last two hundred and four perches to a post. Thence south two hundred and sixteen perches and a half to a marked Hickory. Thence by land, late vacant, and land late of Jacob Landes south eighty degrees west sixty five perches to a White Oak. Thence by said Landes's land northwest sixty perches to a marled White Oak. And south eighty degrees west thirty nine perches to a marked Hickory, Thense south sixty five degrees west one hundred and four perches to a marked pine and north fifteen degrees west seventy four perches to the place of the beginning, containing two hundred and sixty seven acres and thirty perches and the usual allowance for sads. And is subject nevertheless to the proviso therein certain that the said William Clark should pay unto the said George Leech the sum of one hundred Pounds like money (as before) on certain days and times in the same indenture also mentioned and which are now past, that then the said indenture should be void, And whereas afterwards the said debt or sum or sum of one hundred and one pound, nor any part there not being paid, agreeable to the tenor of the said indenture in the term of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty seven, in the court of common pleas holden at Sunbury for the County aforesaid. Before the Justice of the same court the same, George Leech, recovered of the said William Clark the said sum of two hundred and two Pounds to be made of the lands and tenaments aforesaid, and also four Pounds thirteen schillings and six pence for costs of the court. And whereas afterwards by a writ of the Commonwealth aforesaid. of Levar Jones, if sued out of the court of common pleas aforesaid, tested the thirteenth day of November last past, and to me directed, I was commanded that the tract or parcel of land aforesaid, with the appurtenances, I should expose to sale and out of money arising bv therefrom, I should have the debt and costs aforesaid, before the Justices of the court of Common Pleas aforesaid, at Sunbury the fourth Tuesday of February (then) next coming to render to the said George Leech for his debt and costs aforesaid, and the ? writ, And whereas I the said sheriff having given due and publick notice of the time and place of sale, did on Tuesday the last day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty eight expose the lands tomorrow and premises aforesaid, to sale by publick auction and out cry and sold the same lands and tenaments to John Macpherson of the township of Buffalo in the County aforesaid, for the sum of sixty Pounds lawfull money of Pennsylvania, he being the highest and best bidder, and that the highest and best price bidder for the same, And the aforesaid, Thomas Grant Sheriff by his deed Poll duly executed in open court dated, the second day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty eight conveyed the above described tract of two hundred and thirty seven acres and thirty perches of land unto the said John Macpherson. Reference there into being had will more fully and at large appear, Now this Indenture witnesseth that the said John Macpherson and Elizabeth his wife, for and in consideration of the sum of six hundred pounds lawfull money of Pennsylvania to them in hand paid by the said George Leech at and before the sealing delivery hereof the receipt and payment whereof is hereby acknowledged. Have granted bargined, sold aliened enfeoffed confouned and by these presents they the said John Macpherson and Elizabeth his wife do and each of them doth grant bargain see alien, enfeoff and Confoun unto the said George Leech, his heirs and assigns all that the said and hereinbefore described tract or Parcel of land together with all and singular the buildings, barns, stable, gardens, orchard, and improvements with rights liberties priviledges Theredilaments and appurtenances whatsoever there unto belonging or many wise appurtenances and the reversions Remainder and Remainders rents, houses, and profits thereof, and also all the estates right title interest use possession, property claim and demand of them the said John Macpherson and Elizabeth his wife either in law or otherwise into and out of the said described tract or parcel of land with the appurtenances, to have and to hold the said described tract or parcel of land and premisses with the appurtenances hereby granted or meant mentioned, intended sotobe with the appurtenances to the said George Leech his heirs and assigns. To the only proper use be and behoof of him the said George Leech his heirs and assigns forever. In witness whereof the said parties have to these presents interchangeable set their hand And affixed their seals the day and year listed above , John Macpherson [circle with 3 in it] Elizabeth Macpherson [circle with 8 in it] Sealed and delivered in the presence of John Simpson, David Steele. Received on the day of the date of the forgiving. Deed/sold, and from the within named George Leech aforesaid the sum of six hundred Pounds lawfull money of Pennsylvania being in full of the consideration money above mentioned, John Macpherson Testified John Simpson; Northumberland County Justice: Be it remembered that on the 12th day of March in the year of our Lord 1788, before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the court of Common Pleas for said County came the above named John Macpherson and Elizabeth his wife and acknowledged the written Indenture to be their act and deed and desired that as such , the same may be recorded. The said Elizabeth being by me separate and apart examined from her husband did declare that she knew the contents thereof and that she freely and voluntarily executed and became a party to the same without compulsion or the fear of the displeasure of her said husband; Witness my hand and seal the day and year aforesaid, John Simpson [circle with s in it]
The Date of this Indenture 23 August 1790
The Geography for this Indenture Turbutt Township is near Milton, Northumberland County, PA
Names mentioned in this Indenture are:
Jacob Follmer Michael Follmer David Ireland John MacPherson Robert Moodie Tabrick Redman Christian Rona Robert Robb William Shaw I. Simpson
Northumberland County DEED BOOK G pages 123 & 124
Indenture of Robert Robb and Others deed to: Michael Fullmore (Follmer)
This Indenture made the 23 Day of August Anno Domini one thousand seven hundred & ninety Between Robert Robb, John MacPherson, and David Ireland of Northumberland County in the State of Pennsylvania Administrators of the Last Will & Testament of Robert Moodie Deceased of the one part, and Michael Fullmore of Turbutt Township in the County & State Aforesaid of the other part. Wheras Robert Moodie late of Turbutt Township in the County and State afs: Deceased died seized and possessed of and in a certain tract of Land Situate on the Lime Stone Run in Turbutt Township in the County afores: Beginning at a post thence by Tabrick RedmanÃs Land, North twenty five Degrees West two hundred and fifty nine perches to a post thence by Vacant Land, North Sixty five Degrees East one hundred and Sixty seven perches to a post thence by Vacant Land & Land of Christian Rona south twenty five degrees East three hundred and Eleven perches to a Black Oak, thence by Vacant Land South sixty five Degrees west one hundred & Eleven perches to a pine North twenty five Degrees West fifty two perches to a Black OAR and South Sixty five Degrees West fifty six perches to the place of Beginning Containing two hundred and Ninety acres and Allowance of Six acres for Roads etc. Which tract of Land afores: was granted and Confirmed unto David Ireland Afores: ( in trust for the uses and Purposes mentioned and Contained in the Last Will and Testament of the Afores: Robert Moodie Which is duly Proved remaining on Record in the Registers Office for the probate of Wills & in and for the County afores: By Patent bearing Date the 24th day of February 1790.- and Inrolled in the Rolls Office for the State of Pennsylvania in Patent Book No. 165. Reference thereto being had will more fully and at Large Appear. Now this Indenture Witnesseth that the said Robt Robb, John Macpherson & David Ireland for and in Consideration of the sum of one hundred &ninety four pounds fourteen Shillings Lawfull money of Pennsylvania to them in hand will and truly paid by the Aforesaid Michael Follmer the Receipt and Payment whereof is hereby Confessed & Acknowledged and themselves therewith fully satisfied have granted Bargain sold Eleaned, Confessed, Released & Confirmed and by these presents Do grant Bargain sell alien Confess Release and Confirm unto the said Michael Follmer a certain tract of Land Situate in Turbutt Township Afores: being part of the above Described Tract of Land. Beginning at a Small Pine in the line of the Afores: Land thence by Vacant Land North Sixty three Degrees East Seventy two perches to a post, thence by lands of Michael Follmer & Christian Rona south twenty seven Degrees East three hundred and Eleven perches to a Black OAR Stump thence by Vacant Land South sixty three degrees West Seventy two perches to a post and by land of the Heirs of the said Robt Moodie being part of the above Described Tract North twenty seven degrees West three hundred and Eleven perches to the Place of Beginning Containing one hundred and thirty two acres and allowances of six for land for Roads & together with all Singular the Buildings Improvements Ways woods Waters Courses, Rights Privileges Members and Appurtenances Whatsoever thereunto belonging or in any wise Appertaining and the Revisions and Remainders Rents Issues and Profits thereof and all the Estate Rights to the Ireland Property Claim and Demand of them the said Robert Robb, John Macpherson and David Ireland in law and Equity of in and to the sum and also all the Estate Rights Title Interest Property Claim and Demand ( that the Afores Robt Moodie had held and possessed before or at his decease in Lower Equity of in and to the sum, To have and to hold all the said Described Land of one hundred and thirty two acres of Land. Acreditaments and Promises hereby granted meant mentioned or include so to be with the Appurtenances unto the said Michael Follmer his Heirs and Assigns, To and for the only proper use and behoof of the said Michael Follmer his Heirs and Assigns for ever And the said Robert Robb, John Macpherson, and David Ireland all the said Last Described Tract of Land Acreditaments & Promises hereby granted or mentioned so to be with the Appurtenances unto the said Michael Follmer his Heirs and Assigns Against them the said Robert Robb, John Macpherson & David Ireland and their Heirs and Against the Heirs of the Afores Robert Moodie and all and every other person or persons Whatsoever Lawfully Claiming or to Claim the Whole or any Part thereof by from or under them or any of them shall & will Waiver and for ever defend by their Presents. In Witness whereof the Parties to these Presents have Interchangeably set their Hands & Seals the Day and Year first above Written Robert Robb John Macpherson David Ireland Sealed and Delivered in the presence of us Wm Shaw, Jacob Follmer, Received the Day of the Date of the above Indenture of and from the above named Michael Follmer one hundred & ninety four pounds fourteen Shillings in full of the Consideration money therein mentioned. David Ireland Testas
Northumberland County Before me Wm Shaw Esq. One of the Justices of the County Court of Common Pleas. in and for the County afs. Came Robt Robb, John Macpherson & Davis Ireland and Acknowledged the above Indenture to be their act & Deed & Desired the same might be recorded as such In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the 23 day of August 1790. William Shaw comp. Recorded the 3 of Sept AD 1794 I. Simpson
Deed 1790 Deed 1792 Deed 1812
History of Continental Navy Frigate Randolph
Peyton Randolph, born at Tazewell Hall, Williamsburg Va. in September 1721, graduated from William and Mary College and studied law in England at Inner Temple, London. He was appointed King's Attorney for Virginia in 1748 and served in the House of Burgesses from that year to 1774,becoming speaker in 1766. His conservative temperament was balanced by a deep concern for colonial liberty.
During the Stamp Act crisis, Randolph wrote a remonstrance to the King in 1764 opposing suggested stamp duties, but the following year opposed Patrick Henry's radical"Stamp Act Resolutions." In the ensuing decade, he led the patriotic movement in Virginia, presiding over every revolutionary assemblage in the colony, especially the Committee of Correspondence, formed in 1773, and the Conventions of 1774 and 1775.
A member of the First Continental Congress, he was chosen as its first president on 5 September, 1774. He died of apoplexy in Philadelphia on the 22d of October, 1775.
(Frigate: Length between perpendiculars 132' 9"; Beam 34' 6"; Depth of hold 10' 6"; Draft 18'; Armament 32 guns)
Construction of the first Randolph was authorized by the Continental Congress on 13 December, 1775. The frigate, designed by Joshua Humphreys, was launched on 10 July,1776, by Wharton and Humphreys at Philadelphia. Capt. Nicholas Biddle was appointed commander of the Randolph on 11 July, and he took charge of the frigate in mid-October.
Seamen were scarce and recruiting was slow, delaying the ship's maiden voyage; but Randolph, manned largely by captured British seamen taken from jail in Philadelphia, finally dropped down the Delaware on 3 February, 1777 and 3 days later rounded Cape Henlopen escorting a large group of American merchantmen to sea. On the 15th, the convoy separated, with some of Randolph's charges heading for France and the rest setting course for the West Indies.
The frigate herself turned northward hoping to encounter Milford, a British frigate which had been preying upon New England shipping. Before long, she boarded a ship which proved to be French and was set free. Then, as she continued the search, Randolph sprung her foremast. While the crew labored to rig a spar as a jury mast, the ship's mainmast broke and toppled into the sea.
Continuing the hunt was out of the question. Now seeking to avoid the Royal Navy's warships, Biddle ordered the ship south toward the Carolina coast.
Fever broke out as the Randolph painfully made her way, and many members of the crew were buried at sea. Even a mutiny of the English sailors had to be put down before the ship reached Charleston on the afternoon of 11 March.
Twice, after her repairs had been completed and as she was about to get underway, the frigate was kept in port by lightening-splintered mainmasts. Meanwhile, the ship, under-manned when she left Philadelphia, was losing more of her men from sickness, death, and desertion.
Recruiting was stimulated by bounty, and Randolph was finally readied for sea-this time with her masts protected by lightening rods. She departed Charleston on 16 August and entered Rebellion Road to await favorable winds to put to sea. Two days later, a party from the frigate boarded merchant-man, Fair American, and impressed two seamen who earlier had been lured away from Biddle's ship.
Inshore winds kept Randolph in the roadstead until the breeze shifted on 1 September, wafting the frigate across Charleston bar. At dusk, on the 3d, a lookout spotted five vessels: two ships, two brigs, and a sloop. After a nightlong chase, she caught up with her quarry the next morning and took four prizes: a 20-gun privateer, True Briton, laden with rum, for the British troops at New York, Severn, the second prize, had been recaptured by True Briton from a North Carolina privateer while sailing from Jamaica to London with a cargo of sugar, rum, ginger, and logwood; the two brigs, Charming Peggy, a French privateer, and L'Assumption, laden with salt, had also been captured by True Briton while plying their way from Martinique to Charleston.
Randolph and her rich prizes reached Charleston on the morning of 6 September. While the frigate was in port having her hull scraped, the president of South Carolina's General Assembly, John Rutledge, suggested to Biddle that Randolph, aided by a number of State Navy ships, might be able to breAR the blockade which was then bottling up a goodly number of American merchantmen in Charleston Harbor. Biddle accepted command of the task force, which, besides Randolph, included General Moultrie, Notre Dame, Fair American, and Polly.
The American ships sailed on 14 February 1778. When they crossed the bar, Biddle's ships found no British cruisers. After seeing a number of merchantmen to a good offing, the ships proceeded to the West Indies hoping to intercept British merchantmen. After 2 days, they took and burned a dis-masted New England ship which had been captured by a British privateer while headed for St. Augustine. Thereafter, game was scarce. They encountered only neutral ships until Polly took a small schooner on 4 March bound from New York to Grenada.. Biddle manned the prize as a tender.
On the afternoon of 7 March, Randolph's lookouts spotted sail on the horizon which proved to be the British, 64-gun ship of the line, Yarmouth. That evening, as Randolph engaged the British warship, the American frigate seemed to be on the verge of victory when some unknown cause, perhaps a chance spark in the chaos of battle, ignited her magazine and Biddle's plucky ship disintegrated in one blinding flash. Flaming debris from Randolph showered down on the Yarmouth preventing her from pursuing the South Carolina ships which slipped away in the darkness.
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