Title Page | Collection Summary | Biographical/Organizational Note | Scope and Content | Arrangement
Biographical Note
James Sever (died 1845) was captain of the Congress, one of six frigates whose construction was authorized by the Naval Act of 1794. He was appointed by George Washington to serve as superintendent of the construction of the Congress in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and commanded the ship from its launch in 1799 until 1801. He also christened the Constitution upon its launch in 1797.