USS Randolph
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The USS Randolph was a 32-gun frigate, named for Peyton Randolph.[1] It was the first ship of the Continental Navy, and Nicholas Biddle's flagship.
History
Early misfortune
The construction of the ship was commissioned on 13 December, 1775, and finished by July 10 the next year.[1] The Templar, Nicholas Biddle was named Captain in October.
Due to scarcity of seamen, the ship was staffed by British sailors, who were imprisoned in Philadelphia, and set sail in February, 1777. The ship reached Charlestown almost a month later, her masts broken, and her crew struck by fever. The crew had also mutinied during the journey.
The ship was repaired at the docks, but the mainmast was struck by lightning twice when close to completion. Lightning rods were installed, and the ship began her military career in August.[2]
Templar flagship
When the ship was seaworthy again, Biddle began using it to further the Templars goals. He began raiding the coast of Nantucket, claiming it was a Loyalist post, despite being controlled by the Continental Army. He hoped to become Admiral of the Continental Navy granting him more control. When Connor arrived to investigate, the Randolph fled, and left Connor to deal with other ships.
The Randolph was assigned to escort La Belladonna, a French ship, covertly bringing supplies for the Americans. Midway through the journey, he left La Belladonna on its own, and sent his Templar allies to sink the ship. Connor arrived and aided the French in sinking several Templar ships, and a Man-o-War while Biddle watched from a safe distance.[2]
Destruction
In March of 1778, the Assassin flagship, Aquila, captained by Connor gave chase to the Randolph. Biddle led the Aquila to an ambush, where the Randolph and two Man-o-Wars attacked the Aquila. After dealing with the Man-o-Wars, Connor had his crew destroy the masts of the Randolph, and boarded the ship.
The entire crew of the Randolph was decimated by the Aquila's crew, while Connor duelled her Captain, first on the top deck and later, in the belly of the ship. After killing the Templar, Connor fulfilled his last wish, and set-off an explosion in the Randolph, causing her to sink with her captain.[2]
References