One of 13 frigates authorized by the Continental Congress in 1775; laid down at Chatham, Conn., in 1775 and launched in 1776; experienced difficulty in getting over the bar at mouth of the Connecticut River and remained near Saybrook, defenseless, until 1779, when finally outfitted and ordered to sea in 1780; in June 1780 involved in confrontation with British letter-of-marque Watt; was victorious but badly damaged and returned to Philadelphia; remained inactive until Aug. 1781 when engaged with HMS Iris and overtaken; damaged severely and not taken into the Royal Navy; details of subsequent career are unrecorded.
From the description of Papers connected with the frigate Trumbull, 1777-1778. (New London County Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 212411756
