The USS St. Mary’s was a sloop-of-war in the United States Navy. Here are some key details about this historical sailing ship:

• Construction and Commissioning: The USS St. Mary’s was built in 1843–44 at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. She was commissioned in the fall of 1844, with Commander John L. Saunders in command 1.

• Service History:

  • Gulf of Mexico, 1844–1846: Initially designated for duty with the Mediterranean Squadron, the St. Mary’s was at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, awaiting the sailing of her squadron under Commodore Robert Stockton. However, tensions escalated over Mexican-Texan-American territorial disputes. When President John Tyler signed a joint resolution recommending the annexation of Texas, Mexico severed diplomatic relations with the new James Polk Administration. Stockton’s Squadron was ordered south to reinforce that of Commodore David Conner in the Gulf of Mexico. The St. Mary’s played a role in these events, escorting U.S. Army units to Texas and participating in diplomatic efforts 1.

  • Mexican–American War, 1846–1847: During the war, the St. Mary’s continued to cruise in the Gulf of Mexico. She carried dispatches between Conner and General Zachary Taylor as attempts were made to pressure the Mexican government into reopening negotiations. By May 1846, war had erupted, and the St. Mary’s anchored off the mouth of the Panuco River near Tampico