Libertad (schooner) 1847 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Libertad (schooner) 1847 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
 USS Libertad (left), USS Dale (right) and burning Alerta (center) off Loreto. |
|||
|
|||
Libertad means "liberty" or "freedom" in Spanish. This ship was a schooner, a type of sailing ship, built in Mexico. It was used to carry goods between Mexico and the Baja California peninsula.
During the Mexican–American War, Libertad was captured by the United States Navy. This happened on October 1, 1846, near Loreto, Mexico. The American ship that captured her was the USS Cyane, a sloop-of-war commanded by Samuel Francis Du Pont. Another schooner, Fortuna, was also captured at the same time.
Contents
After its capture, the U.S. Navy decided to use Libertad for their own purposes. They kept her name and turned her into a tender. A tender is a ship that supports other, larger warships, often by carrying supplies or helping with smaller tasks.
Arming the Schooner
To prepare Libertad for its new role, the U.S. Navy added a 9-pounder gun to the ship. This made her ready to help in the war effort.
Joining the Pacific Squadron
In early 1847, Libertad began serving with the Pacific Squadron. This was a group of U.S. Navy ships operating in the Pacific Ocean. They were led by Commodore Robert F. Stockton.
End of Service
Libertad's time with the U.S. Navy was not very long. Near the end of the Mexican-American War, in February 1848, the ship was sold. It was sold at a public auction, meaning anyone could bid to buy it.
