Collection ID: LMC 1528
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Collection context

Summary

Creator:
Humphreys, Asheton Y., ?-1826
Abstract:
The Humphreys mss., 1814-1825, consist of the journal of the Atlantic cruise of the U.S. Frigate Constitution, by A.Y. Humphreys, ?-1826, chaplain and purser of the U.S. Navy.
Extent:
1 Box (1 standard)
Language:
Materials are in English .
Preferred citation:

[Item], Humphreys mss., Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

Background

Biographical / Historical:

Asheton Y. Humphreys, ?-1826, was a chaplain and purser of the U.S. Navy. He is reputed for having sailed upon and documented the voyages and exploits of the USS Constitution during the War of 1812, in which the ship engaged in many battles against the British fleet. The USS Constitution was named by President George Washington and built as part of the Naval Act of 1794. She first sailed in 1797 and remains today as America's oldest commissioned navy vessel.

Scope and Content:

The Humphreys mss., 1814-1825, consist of the journal of the Atlantic cruise of the U.S. Frigate Constitution, by A.Y. Humphreys, ?-1826, chaplain and purser of the U.S. Navy. Reports the taking of the prize ships, Lord Nelson, British schooner, and the British ship, Susan; the battle with and capture of the Cyane, British frigate, and the Levant, British sloop; Humphreys boarding the Levant as purser; the landing of prisoners at Port Praya, Island of St. Jago, Cape Verdi Islands; the attack of the British frigates Newcastle, Acasta, and Leander; the recapture of the Levant; the British treatment of prisoners; and the Levant's journey to Barbados. A.D. 40p. 33cm.

On page six Humphreys states that this is a recapitulary journal written after he reached Barbados. The original account was destroyed when the Levant was captured as is noted on page thirty-six.

A holograph transcript accompanied the journal.

Included is also a letter copybook, April 11, 1815, to December 6, 1825. Humphreys was acting purser of the U.S. brig, Prometheus, August 17, 1815-July 17, 1816; acting purser and purser of the U.S. brig, Spark, July 20, 1816- February 15, 1819; as purser of the U.S. frigate, United States, March 2, 1819-January 16, 1821; as purser of the U.S. schooner, Alligator, March 23, 1821-February 27, 1823; as purser of the U.S. ship, Peacock, November 18, 1823-December 6, 1825. At the end of the volume several pages are devoted to finances. The correspondence deals primarily with provisions and finances. A.D.S. 178p. 31cm.

Acquisition information:
Purchase. 1951.
Physical location:
Lilly - Stacks

Access

RESTRICTIONS:

This collection is open for research.

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TERMS OF ACCESS:

Photography and digitization may be restricted for some collections. Copyright restrictions may apply. Before publishing, researchers are responsible for securing permission from all applicable rights holders, then filling out the Permission to Publish form.

PREFERRED CITATION:

[Item], Humphreys mss., Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

CAMPUS:
Indiana University Bloomington
LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
1200 East Seventh Street
Bloomington, Indiana 47405-5500, USA
CAMPUS:
Indiana University Bloomington
CONTACT:
(812) 855-2452
liblilly@indiana.edu