USRC Argus
Encyclopedia
USRC Argus was one of the first ten cutters operated by the United States
' Revenue Cutter Service (later to become the US Coast Guard). Of the ten cutters, she was the longest to serve in this role.
, for service in Connecticut
and Rhode Island
waters. She began her first patrol on 16 October 1791, soon after being fitted-out, under the command of Jonathan Maltbie, a veteran of the Continental Navy
. He died on 11 February 1798 and was replaced by Elisha Hinman on 13 March of that year. Hinman was also a veteran of the Continental Navy and the former commanding officer of the famous frigate
Alfred. Fortunately two journals describing her actions have turned up; one from the second mate
Nathaniel Nichols, who kept a journal from 1791-1795; and Hinman's journal, dated from 1799 through 1803. These journals do provide a glimpse into what life was like on board a Revenue cutter during these early years of the new republic.
Argus stayed in service for a total of thirteen years, by far the longest of any of the original ten cutters. She was sold to two New London based merchants and was sold five months later in a foreign port.
Captain Elisha Hinman, Master; 1798-1803.
Captain George House, Master; 1803-1804.
Jere Greenman, Second Mate
; he left the Argus in 1799 and was replaced by Ebenezer Perkins.
Vacant, Third Mate
[No third mate at this time]; Ebenezer Perkins was appointed as third mate in December, 1792; Perkins was promoted to Second Mate in 1799 and Nathaniel Saltonstall was appointed as Third Mate.
David Poole, Mariner.
Gabriel Calvon, Mariner.
Wm. McNeal, Mariner.
Henry Owen, Mariner.
Sam Robertson, Boy.
Chas Williams, Boy.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
' Revenue Cutter Service (later to become the US Coast Guard). Of the ten cutters, she was the longest to serve in this role.
Operational service
Argus was a sloop, built in New LondonNew London, Connecticut
New London is a seaport city and a port of entry on the northeast coast of the United States.It is located at the mouth of the Thames River in New London County, southeastern Connecticut....
, for service in Connecticut
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by Rhode Island to the east, Massachusetts to the north, and the state of New York to the west and the south .Connecticut is named for the Connecticut River, the major U.S. river that approximately...
and Rhode Island
Rhode Island
The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area...
waters. She began her first patrol on 16 October 1791, soon after being fitted-out, under the command of Jonathan Maltbie, a veteran of the Continental Navy
Continental Navy
The Continental Navy was the navy of the United States during the American Revolutionary War, and was formed in 1775. Through the efforts of the Continental Navy's patron, John Adams and vigorous Congressional support in the face of stiff opposition, the fleet cumulatively became relatively...
. He died on 11 February 1798 and was replaced by Elisha Hinman on 13 March of that year. Hinman was also a veteran of the Continental Navy and the former commanding officer of the famous frigate
Frigate
A frigate is any of several types of warship, the term having been used for ships of various sizes and roles over the last few centuries.In the 17th century, the term was used for any warship built for speed and maneuverability, the description often used being "frigate-built"...
Alfred. Fortunately two journals describing her actions have turned up; one from the second mate
Second Mate
A second mate or second officer is a licensed member of the deck department of a merchant ship. The second mate is the third in command and a watchkeeping officer, customarily the ship's navigator. Other duties vary, but the second mate is often the medical officer and in charge of maintaining...
Nathaniel Nichols, who kept a journal from 1791-1795; and Hinman's journal, dated from 1799 through 1803. These journals do provide a glimpse into what life was like on board a Revenue cutter during these early years of the new republic.
Argus stayed in service for a total of thirteen years, by far the longest of any of the original ten cutters. She was sold to two New London based merchants and was sold five months later in a foreign port.
Commanding Officers
Captain Jonathan Maltbie, Master; 1791-1798.Captain Elisha Hinman, Master; 1798-1803.
Captain George House, Master; 1803-1804.
Crew (as of October, 1791)
George House, First Mate; Took over as Master in 1803; Ebenezer Perkins was promoted to First Mate.Jere Greenman, Second Mate
Second Mate
A second mate or second officer is a licensed member of the deck department of a merchant ship. The second mate is the third in command and a watchkeeping officer, customarily the ship's navigator. Other duties vary, but the second mate is often the medical officer and in charge of maintaining...
; he left the Argus in 1799 and was replaced by Ebenezer Perkins.
Vacant, Third Mate
Third Mate
A Third Mate or Third Officer is a licensed member of the deck department of a merchant ship. The third mate is a watchstander and customarily the ship's safety officer and fourth-in-command...
[No third mate at this time]; Ebenezer Perkins was appointed as third mate in December, 1792; Perkins was promoted to Second Mate in 1799 and Nathaniel Saltonstall was appointed as Third Mate.
David Poole, Mariner.
Gabriel Calvon, Mariner.
Wm. McNeal, Mariner.
Henry Owen, Mariner.
Sam Robertson, Boy.
Chas Williams, Boy.