Naval History and Heritage Command

A general word classification.

I

(Xebec: 8 guns)

The Continental xebec Champion, commanded by Capt. James Josiah, served on the Delaware River in a force composed of ships of the Continental and Pennsylvania State Navies. It was that force that contested British efforts to establish sea communications with their forces in Philadelphia in the fall of 1777. After several months of gallant fighting against heavy odds, the American ships attempted to run past Philadelphia. The State galleys succeeded in the undertaking but the Continental fleet, including Champion, was burned by its own officers on 21 November 1777, when the tide and winds turned against them.

Updated, Robert J. Cressman

27 August 2020