This morning, John and I went on a private tour of The USS Constitution. Old Ironsides is the Navy’s oldest commissioned ship afloat. It is also the first ship built for the Navy and fired the first shot of the war of 1812.
Heave to the riggins, me boys. Cap’n John’s bringin’ us about.
We were in the deck for raising of the colors and firing of the cannon.
This boat is undefeated. Her first engagement earned The Constitution it’s nickname, Old Ironsides when the British rounds fired against her seemed to bounce off.
Arrrg, have ye some grog. Unless it be scurvy you’re wanting.
This is the keel control. When the ship’s wheel was lost in a battle, the captain organized a chain of men to relay commands to Marines in this room to steer the ship to safety.
The forward powder magazine, two decks below the water line, was crewed by boys 8-to-16 . They would pack the black powder in sacks for us in the cannons. 8-to-16. Zuzu to Kate’s age. Hmmmm, maybe I need to rethink the scale of chores.
These nails were cast by Paul Revere’s metal works for The Constitution. Some of the original components still on the ship.
Don’t be disturbing Cap’n John when he’s in his quarters.
I love my little man. (He will always be my little man.)