USS Independence (1776 sloop)

1974 painting of Independence by William Nowland Van Powell
History
United States
NameUSS Independence
NamesakeFreedom from control by others; self-government
Builderbuilt in Baltimore, Maryland
Laid downdate unknown
Acquiredby the Marine Committee
In servicecirca September 1776
Out of service24 April 1778 (wrecked)
Honors &
awards
received salutes to the new American Republic from a foreign nation
FateWrecked on the bar 24 April 1778 while attempting to enter Okracoke Inlet, North Carolina
General characteristics
Typesloop
Displacementnot known
Lengthnot known
Beamnot known
Draftnot known
Propulsionsloop sail
Speednot known
Complementnot known
Armament10 guns

USS Independence was a 10-gun sloop of the Continental Navy. Acting as a dispatch boat, she was sent to France on a diplomatic mission – carrying important dispatches. While there, John Paul Jones embarked on her, and she received additional salutes to the American Republic from the French.