USRC Diligence
Encyclopedia
USRC Diligence was one of the first ten cutters operated by the United States
' Revenue Cutter Service (later to become the US Coast Guard).
and was based out of New Bern after entering service in the summer of 1792. She transferred to Wilmington
in October that same year. Her first commanding officer was William Cooke. In 1793, Benjamin Gardner was appointed as the first mate and James Sandy was appointed as the cutter's second mate
. Little is known about her history during this time other than the fact that she was involved in the San Jose affair of 1793. The San Jose was a Spanish vessel with some gold on board as cargo; she was captured illegally by the French privateer
Amiable Margaretta. Cooke and his crew seized the San Jose from the Amiable Margaretta.
In 1796 Cooke disappeared and was replaced by John Brown, who served as her commanding officer until the cutter was sold in 1798 for $310.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
' Revenue Cutter Service (later to become the US Coast Guard).
Operational service
Diligence was built at Washington, North CarolinaWashington, North Carolina
Washington is a city in Beaufort County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 9,744 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Beaufort County. The closest major city is Greenville, approximately 20 miles to the west....
and was based out of New Bern after entering service in the summer of 1792. She transferred to Wilmington
Wilmington, North Carolina
Wilmington is a port city in and is the county seat of New Hanover County, North Carolina, United States. The population is 106,476 according to the 2010 Census, making it the eighth most populous city in the state of North Carolina...
in October that same year. Her first commanding officer was William Cooke. In 1793, Benjamin Gardner was appointed as the first mate and James Sandy was appointed as the cutter's second mate
Second Mate
A second mate or second officer is a licensed member of the deck department of a merchant ship. The second mate is the third in command and a watchkeeping officer, customarily the ship's navigator. Other duties vary, but the second mate is often the medical officer and in charge of maintaining...
. Little is known about her history during this time other than the fact that she was involved in the San Jose affair of 1793. The San Jose was a Spanish vessel with some gold on board as cargo; she was captured illegally by the French privateer
Privateer
A privateer is a private person or ship authorized by a government by letters of marque to attack foreign shipping during wartime. Privateering was a way of mobilizing armed ships and sailors without having to spend public money or commit naval officers...
Amiable Margaretta. Cooke and his crew seized the San Jose from the Amiable Margaretta.
In 1796 Cooke disappeared and was replaced by John Brown, who served as her commanding officer until the cutter was sold in 1798 for $310.