Surprise, 1815
To encounter suddenly or unexpectedly; take or catch unawares. To attack or capture suddenly and without warning.
TYPE/RIG/CLASS: Topsail Schooner/Surprise Class
COMMISSIONED: 1815
DECOMMISSIONED: Sold 1817
DISPLACEMENT: 51 3/95 (CH)
PROPULSION: Sail
LENGTH: 56’8"
BEAM: 17’
DRAFT: 6’
COMPLEMENT:
History:
Along with sister cutter Dallas, both were built by A & N Brown of New York and entered service in 1815 and 1816, respectively. They were built according to designs by naval constructor William Doughty.
The Surprise was first sent to Charleston, South Carolina, but drew too much water for that area. She was then sent to Norfolk, Virginia, and was sold in 1817.
Sources:
Donald Canney. U.S. Coast Guard and Revenue Cutters, 1790-1935. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1995.
U.S. Coast Guard. Record of Movements: Vessels of the United States Coast Guard: 1790 - December 31, 1933. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1934; 1989 (reprint).