George Washington (Frigate, 1793-1802)

The George Washington was built as a merchant vessel at Providence, R.I., in 1793. In 1799, it was purchased by the Congress and converted to a warship. In April 1800 the George Washington sailed to Algiers, with a load of stores and timber for the Dey of Algiers, intended to be used as a tribute for protection American commerce from the Barbary pirates. It then traveled to Constantinople carrying the Dey's presents to the Sultan at Constantinople. Lieutenant Wilson Jacobs was the commanding officer until Capt. William Bainbridge took over the command in June 1800. The George Washington returned to Algiers in January 1801, and after a visit to Alicant, France, arrived back in the United States 19 April 1801. It was sold in 1802.