Admiralty model of the USS Essex. The first USS Essex of the United States Navy was a sailing frigate that participated in the Quasi-War with France, the Barbary Wars, and in the War of 1812, during which she was captured by the British (1814). The frigate was launched 30 September 1799 by Enos Briggs, Salem, Massachusetts, at cost of $139,362 subscribed by the people of Salem and Essex County. On 17 December 1799 she was presented to the United States and accepted by Captain Edward Preble...read more...