extensive compilation of over 150 documents and letters related to Captain James N. Sever (1761-1845); repair and maintenance records for U.S.S. Congress and U.S.S. Constitution, "Carpenter's Stores onboard U.S.S. Frigate Congress", July 24, 1800, cannon dimensions for Congress, "List of Principal Block for U.S.S. Constitution", dimensions for Constitution rigging (1797), receipts for Gunner's Stores, Congress, July 24, 1800, Carpenter's Department, Congress, specifying materials and what is meant by "fine hemp", Rules of Orders for the frigateÿCongress, "List of Officers (on a) 38 gun Frigate and their Pay", instructions for Clerk of the Yark, others; correspondence between Sever and others, two signed letters from Henry Knox, Secretary of War, signed letter from John Rutledge, correspondence with Lt. John Blake Cordis, correspondence with J.G. Cowling, numerous exchanges with Benjamin Stoddart, War Department, letter from John to James Sever, dated 1801; various invoices and bills pertaining to the frigates, from Department of War Accountant's Office, many signed by William Simmons; numerous bills of lading and supply lists; documents related to court martial, including court martial of Edward Brock, housed in folders sorted by categoryÿNote: Captain James N. Sever attended Harvard and immediately afterward received an ensign?s commission in the 7th Massachusetts Regiment (Feb. 1, 1781). He later transferred to the 4 the Massachusetts Regiment (June 12, 1783) and continued service until June 20, 1784. In 1795, Sever superintended the building of the frigateÿU.S.S. Congressÿand afterward served as her commander during the Quasi War. In 1798 Sever was appointed one of the first six Post Captains in the United States Navy. The manuscript collection contains approximately 154 documents and correspondence from 1794 to 1801 pertaining to the Quasi War and theÿU.S.S. Congress.Henry Knox was a prominent Revolutionary War General who later served as Secretary of War under George Washington. Two letters of correspondence from Knox are found in this lot both from 1794, discussing the construction of a 36 gun frigate to be built at the Port of Baltimore.ÿJohn Rutledge served as Governor of South Carolina from 1779 to 1782 and was later Chief Justice of the United States. One letter from Rutledge is included. In it, he is introducing his brother, to Captain Sever (likely Hugh though not expressly named in the letter).ÿ - Provenance: Captain James N. Sever (1761-1845), Captain USS Congress; by descent in family typical scattered staining, fading, toning, creasing, some losses to paper throughout, occasional older tape reinforcementÿ