Revolutionary War Privateer Defence, USA
Built - 1779, Beverly, Massachusetts
Scuttled - 14 August 1779
Depth - 8 m (25 ft)
Found - Maine Maritime Academy, Castine, 1973
Excavation - 1975 - 1981
Weaponry - 16 guns
Crew - 100
"What were the chances that an archaeological undertaking could at least soften the memory of a failed military and naval operation during the American Revolution? An archaeological postcript to the ill-fated Penobscot Expedition of 1779 provided the answer."
"The inital field season of the Defence Project in 1975 was a trial period for the task force created by the State Museum. Logistical support was provided by the Maritime Academy, whose Dave Wyman served as associate project director. The recently formed Institute of Nautical Archaeology was given responsibility for conducting the archaeology through field schools. By the end of the seven summers more than 40 students, 25 Earthwatch volunteers, and many non-affiliated assistants had participated. The Museum took responsibility for the conservation and eventual display of artifacts." - David C. Switzer
Source
Switzer, David C., "Excavating the Colonial Privateer Defence: Penobscot Bay, Maine," in "Beneath the Seven Seas," edited by George F. Bass, pp. 194-9. London, 2005.
