There were in service in 1798 twenty vessels; in 1799 thirty, besides smaller vessels. Six 74 gun ships, and other vessels of a less force were by Congress ordered to be constructed in addition to the above, but were not com. pleted. In the year 1801, the navy of the United States consisted of the All the other public vessels of the United States, were ordered by Congress to be sold, and the construction of those authorised in addition, to be discontinued. The war with Tripoli again turned the attention of government to the navy; and in the year 1803 several sloops of war and a number of gun-boats were added to it. At the commencement of the present war, on the 18th June, 1812, between the United States and Great Britain, the navy of the United States consisted of the following vessels: |