The veteran 1700-ton frigate U.S.S. Brandywine, in service since August 25, 1825 around the world for the U.S. Navy, was reduced to being used as the receiving ship, housing recuits and sailors waiting assignment, at the Gosport Navy Station in Norfolk, Virginia. An accidental fire broke out in her paint locker and she was almost completely destroyed, sinking at her moorings. No serious casualties were reported. The hulk was later raised and sold for scrap. (By John Osborne)