USS Lawrence (1843) facts for kids
class="infobox " style="float: right; clear: right; width: 315px; border-spacing: 2px; text-align: left; font-size: 90%;"
| colspan="2" style="text-align: center; font-size: 90%; line-height: 1.5em;" |
|}
The second USS Lawrence was a brig (a type of sailing ship) used by the United States Navy. It was built by Langley B. Culley in Baltimore, Maryland. The ship was launched on August 1, 1843, and officially started service on September 19, 1843. Commander William H. Gardner was its first captain.
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Launched | 1 August 1843 |
| Commissioned | 19 September 1843 |
| Decommissioned | 12 September 1846 |
| General characteristics | |
| Displacement | 364 tons |
| Length | 109 ft 9 in (33.45 m) |
| Draft | 13 ft 3 in (4.04 m) |
| Complement | 80 |
| Armament | 2 32-pounders, 8 short 32-pounder carronades |
Early Voyages and Missions
The Lawrence sailed to the Norfolk Navy Yard in Virginia on October 11, 1843. There, it got ready for a trip to the West Indies. The ship left on November 16 and sailed along the northern coast of South America. It returned to Pensacola, Florida, on January 25, 1844.
Second Caribbean Cruise
The Lawrence began another trip on February 5. It visited Havana, Cuba, and then headed north to Hampton Roads. On March 8, it arrived at the Norfolk Navy Yard for some repairs.
Protecting American Interests
As things became tense in the Gulf of Mexico, the USS Lawrence was sent south. Captain Samuel Mercer was in command. The ship joined the Home Squadron on June 14.
Gulf Coast Patrols
For the next year, the Lawrence sailed along the Gulf Coast. Its job was to keep American ships safe in the area. It also helped stop pirates.
Role in the Mexican-American War
War started after a fight in Texas on April 25, 1846. The Lawrence then helped blockade (block off) the Mexican coast. It stayed there until June 17. During this time, sailors from the brig went ashore to help protect Point Isabel on April 31.
Challenges and Decommissioning
The Lawrence had some challenges. Its deep bottom (draught) meant it could only sail in deeper water. It also had limited space for cargo. Because of these issues, the ship was sent to New York City. It arrived there on September 3, after stopping in Pensacola. The brig was taken out of service (decommissioned) in New York on September 12, 1846. It was later sold in Boston, Massachusetts, that same year.
