David Ross (naval officer)
Encyclopedia
David Ross was an officer in the Continental Navy
.
A lieutenant in the Continental Navy, Ross commanded the American private armed ship Belvedere (14 guns) at the end of the 18th century.
While en route to London
, on 23 December 1799, his ship was caught in a hurricane. Provisions, seven guns, and a quantity of shot were thrown overboard to lighten ship. Nineteen days later, on 12 January 1800, she was overtaken by a French
brig
, whose captain demanded that the American haul down her flag
. Ross's answer was a broadside
. A two-hour engagement, within pistol shot, followed; and after the Frenchman had sheered off, Belvedere, with damage to her rigging, sails, and hull, continued on.
USS Ross (DD-563)
was named for him.
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...
.
A lieutenant in the Continental Navy, Ross commanded the American private armed ship Belvedere (14 guns) at the end of the 18th century.
While en route to London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, on 23 December 1799, his ship was caught in a hurricane. Provisions, seven guns, and a quantity of shot were thrown overboard to lighten ship. Nineteen days later, on 12 January 1800, she was overtaken by a French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
brig
Brig
A brig is a sailing vessel with two square-rigged masts. During the Age of Sail, brigs were seen as fast and manoeuvrable and were used as both naval warships and merchant vessels. They were especially popular in the 18th and early 19th centuries...
, whose captain demanded that the American haul down her flag
Striking the colors
Striking the colors is the universally recognized indication of surrender, particularly for ships at sea. Surrender is dated from the time the ensign is struck.-In international law:# "Colors. A national flag . The colors . ....
. Ross's answer was a broadside
Broadside
A broadside is the side of a ship; the battery of cannon on one side of a warship; or their simultaneous fire in naval warfare.-Age of Sail:...
. A two-hour engagement, within pistol shot, followed; and after the Frenchman had sheered off, Belvedere, with damage to her rigging, sails, and hull, continued on.
USS Ross (DD-563)
USS Ross (DD-563)
USS Ross was a U.S. Navy Fletcher class destroyer named for Captain David Ross, a former Continental Navy lieutenant. The Ross is the only ship in U.S. naval history to survive two underwater mine explosions....
was named for him.