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Razee

A razée (also spelled razee) is a type of warship, typically , that has been modified by cutting down its upper to reduce height, weight, and , thereby increasing speed and maneuverability while retaining substantial on the remaining . This transformed larger, slower battleships into powerful frigate-like vessels suitable for , , and commerce or raiding. The term derives from the vaisseau rasé, meaning "razed ship," referring to the process of "razing" or removing the upper structure. Razeed ships emerged as a practical naval innovation during the Age of Sail, particularly from the mid-18th century onward, as navies sought to extend the utility of aging vessels amid evolving warfare demands. Both the and the Royal Navy employed the technique extensively during the (1792–1802) and (1803–1815), repurposing obsolete 64- or 74-gun ships of the line that were outclassed in line-of-battle formations but ideal for conversion into heavy frigates carrying 40–50 guns. The process involved structural reinforcements to maintain stability and strength after deck removal, allowing these ships to outsail standard frigates while overpowering them in combat. In the Royal Navy, razeing became a strategic response to threats like American heavy frigates during the , where converted vessels were deployed to intercept and engage superior single-ship opponents, addressing shortages in fast cruisers. Notable British examples include HMS Indefatigable, originally a 64-gun launched in 1784 and razeed in 1794 to a 44-gun , which served effectively under captains like Sir Edward Pellew in and convoy escort duties. The also utilized razeés for similar roles, such as the 53-gun Brutus and Scaevola, which participated in operations. These ships proved versatile in blockades, amphibious support, and fleet reconnaissance, though their hybrid nature sometimes limited them in full fleet actions due to reduced armor compared to unmodified ships of the line. The razée's legacy lies in its cost-effective adaptation to wartime needs, influencing until the transition to and ironclads rendered sail-powered conversions obsolete by the mid-19th century. Despite occasional criticisms of structural vulnerabilities from hasty conversions, razeés enhanced operational flexibility for major powers, contributing to victories in an defined by .

Definition and Etymology

Origin of the Term

The term "razee" originates from the vaisseau rasé, literally translating to "shaved" or "cut-down ship," where rasé is the past participle of the raser, meaning to raze, level, or shave down. This reflects of reducing a ship's by removing upper decks, akin to trimming or scraping away excess structure to improve performance. The word entered English naval terminology in the late , with the earliest documented use appearing in 1794 in a entry by Fulke Greville, referring to a modified . The adoption of "razee" in English was directly influenced by naval innovations during the Age of Sail, when such modifications became common to convert obsolete ships of the line into faster, more maneuverable vessels for cruising duties. Early English descriptions of deck reductions, though not always using the exact term "razee," drew from these practices, with printed accounts in naval literature emerging by the early to standardize the terminology. Spelling variations persisted, including the razée (with accents) and the anglicized "razee," which became the dominant form in and naval contexts. The concept also spread to other languages, such as , where similar modifications were termed verlaagd oorlogsschip (lowered ), adapting the idea of structural reduction without direct borrowing of the phrase.

Core Concept

A razee is a multi-deck , typically , that has been modified by the removal of its upper deck or decks to create a lower-profile vessel with enhanced speed and maneuverability, effectively converting it into a powerful frigate-like ship while preserving much of its original armament. This process, known as razeeing, allowed navies to repurpose aging or undergunned ships of the line that were no longer suitable for fleet actions in the , transforming them into versatile cruisers capable of independent operations such as and scouting. Unlike purpose-built frigates, which were designed from the outset as single-deck vessels optimized for speed and endurance on long patrols, razeed ships retained the broader, more robust hull form of their original multi-deck construction, providing superior durability and structural strength in . This inherent sturdiness enabled razeed vessels to carry heavier guns on their main deck than standard frigates, offering greater firepower without the vulnerability of lighter framing, though at the cost of slightly reduced sailing qualities compared to dedicated frigates. In terms of armament, razeed ships typically originated as 64- to 74-gun two-deckers and were reduced to 40- to 58-gun configurations, depending on the extent of the modifications and the navy's ; for instance, examples often mounted 44 to 58 guns after razeeing, positioning them between standard frigates (usually 32-44 guns) and full ships of the line. This adaptation proved particularly valuable during conflicts like the , where razeed ships bridged the gap in naval capabilities against larger enemy frigates.

Design and Construction

Razing Process

The razing process for converting a into a razee entailed a meticulous sequence of structural alterations carried out primarily in royal dockyards by teams of skilled shipwrights. The initial phase focused on the removal of the upper planking, , , and to lower the vessel's profile and create a flush or spar configuration from the former upper gundeck. This required careful disassembly to avoid compromising the underlying frames, often involving the extraction of beams, waterways, and associated fittings while preserving the lower for continued use as the primary armament platform. Once the upper works were cleared, reinforcements were essential to restore and enhance hull integrity against the stresses of reduced and altered . Shipwrights installed additional transverse beams and diagonal knees—curved timber supports connecting the deck beams to the hull frames—using seasoned for its strength and resistance to warping. These oak-framed elements, secured with iron bolts and treenails, distributed loads more evenly and prevented hogging or sagging in the . In some cases, innovative systems like internal diagonal bracing were incorporated to further stiffen the . Following these modifications, the exposed lower hull was typically resheathed with copper plating fixed to the underwater planking, providing anti-fouling protection against shipworms and marine growth to maintain the ship's speed and seaworthiness. Such conversions demanded specialized tools of the era, including heavy saws, adzes, and mauls for timber work, alongside scaffolding and cradles in the environment. The process was notably more economical than building a new frigate-equivalent , as it repurposed an existing , though it still required substantial labor from expert shipwrights. Durations varied by dockyard resources and ship condition; for instance, the razing of HMS Majestic at Chatham Royal Dockyard, involving the removal of upper decks and addition of reinforcements and , spanned from late 1812 to its completion in March 1813, allowing the ship to sail by the 23rd of that month.

Structural Modifications and Performance

The razing of to create a razee primarily involved removing the upper and associated superstructures, which significantly reduced the vessel's overall height and weight. This modification lowered the center of gravity, enhancing and making the ship a steadier gun platform in rough seas compared to its original multi-deck . The reduction in height also decreased —the resistance presented to the wind by the upper works—allowing for better sailing qualities and increased speed. Razeed frigates typically achieved top speeds of up to 12-14 knots under favorable conditions, a notable improvement over the slower ships of the line from which they were derived, which often struggled to exceed 8-10 knots. This sleeker profile permitted the main deck to accommodate heavier broadside s, such as 24-pounders or larger, providing greater firepower without excessively compromising the hull's balance. Conversions from 74-gun ships typically resulted in 44- to 50-gun razees. Despite these advantages, the structural alterations introduced trade-offs. Improper reinforcement during the razing could weaken the , increasing the risk of structural failure under strain, particularly if the original framing was not adequately supported. Crew accommodations were diminished due to the loss of upper deck space, limiting berthing and storage, as evidenced by the 19th-century USS Cumberland, where the complement dropped from 360 to 227 after conversion. Additionally, the lowered freeboard reduced protection against boarding parties and made the ship more susceptible to swamping in heavy weather. In comparative terms, razeed ships often carried 20-30% more armament than purpose-built frigates of similar dimensions while preserving comparable sailing performance, blending the firepower of a second-rate with frigate-like agility. However, they generally offered less stability than dedicated frigates, with potential vulnerabilities in the unarmored ends of the hull if not addressed.

Historical Development

Seventeenth Century Origins

The earliest documented razee conversion occurred in the English Navy during the mid-seventeenth century, driven by the need to address design flaws in large warships that prioritized grandeur over practicality. Launched in 1637 as a 102-gun first-rate ship of the line, the Sovereign of the Seas suffered from excessive height due to its three full decks, which raised its center of gravity and compromised stability and speed in rough seas and close maneuvers. Between 1657 and 1660, the ship underwent a major refit at Chatham Dockyard, where the upper deck was removed to lower its profile, reducing the armament to 100 guns while preserving much of its firepower on the lower decks. This transformation made the vessel more seaworthy and responsive, allowing it to serve effectively in subsequent conflicts like the Anglo-Dutch Wars. These modifications reflected broader innovations in English shipyards, where naval architects experimented with structural alterations to adapt battleships for versatile roles beyond line-of-battle formations. The razee process emerged as a response to tactical shifts emphasizing duties—such as , protection, and rapid engagements—where speed and handling outweighed maximum broadside weight. By the late seventeenth century, razee techniques had permeated beyond state navies into private hands, particularly among adapting captured vessels for hit-and-run operations. A notable example, rooted in these naval practices, was the 1721 conversion of the Gambia Castle by English pirate George Lowther. Originally a 16-gun supply ship of the Royal African Company, it was refitted after a off the West African : the crew demolished the quarterdeck cabins, leveled the and to create a , and mounted additional guns for better performance. This razee enhanced the ship's speed and stability for Atlantic raiding, enabling Lowther's crew to evade patrols while maintaining offensive capability.

Eighteenth Century Applications

During the eighteenth century, naval strategy evolved to address the limitations of older two-decker ships of the line, leading to the practice of razing them into faster, more versatile cruisers suitable for and scouting roles. This shift was particularly evident during the (1740–1748), where obsolete vessels were modified to extend their service life and enhance operational flexibility in dispersed cruising operations against enemy trade. Key developments included experiments with razing 60-gun ships into 50-gun fourth rates, which reduced top weight, improved qualities, and allowed these vessels to operate independently without compromising too much firepower for duties. The followed with initial trials in the , converting similar two-deckers into faster escorts to support operations and counter raiding in colonial waters. These modifications built briefly on seventeenth-century precedents but marked a broader adoption as navies sought cost-effective ways to bolster forces amid escalating global conflicts. Operationally, razeed ships significantly enhanced convoy protection and privateering efforts, proving their value in actions such as the and capture of fleets in the , where their speed enabled effective pursuit of raiders while maintaining sufficient armament to deter or engage smaller enemy squadrons. This tactical versatility contributed to the disruption of adversary supply lines and the safeguarding of vital trade routes, influencing naval deployments throughout the century's major wars.

Early Nineteenth Century Conversions

During the (1792–1815), the Royal Navy intensified razee conversions of aging 74-gun ships of the line into 50- to 58-gun frigates, marking the peak period for this adaptation to expand capabilities amid escalating demands for naval superiority. These modifications addressed shortages in fast, heavily armed vessels suitable for extended operations, with a significant wave of 22 conversions completed toward the war's end to support Britain's maritime strategy. The strategic imperative arose from the French Navy's introduction of super-frigates, such as the 40-gun Pallas-class vessels launched from 1807, which outclassed standard 38-gun frigates in armament and size, posing threats to routes and s. Razeed ships countered this by leveraging the sturdier of ships of the line, enabling them to carry heavier broadsides—often - or 32-pounders—while achieving frigate-like speeds of up to 12 knots for scouting, convoy protection, and duties essential to maintaining the Continental . In the post-war era from 1815 through the 1820s, the Royal Navy sustained this approach with a dedicated program converting elderly 74-gun third-rates into 50-gun large frigates, including 10 such vessels (e.g., , , and Barham) completed between 1828 and 1832 for peacetime roles in colonial patrols and imperial enforcement. These adaptations extended the utility of obsolete warships, providing cost-effective cruisers for Britain's far-flung stations without the expense of new construction.

Late Nineteenth Century Adaptations

As transitioned from wooden sailing vessels to iron-hulled steamships in the mid-19th century, several frigates underwent razeing to convert them into sloops for extended service in training and auxiliary capacities during the to 1870s. These modifications lowered the upper deck to improve stability and reduce windage, allowing the ships to accommodate heavier armaments such as Paixhans shell guns, which fired explosive projectiles to exploit vulnerabilities in wooden hulls. The pioneered the adoption of Paixhans guns in 1841, with , , and the following suit by the mid-1840s to enhance broadside firepower on converted vessels. A representative example is the United States Navy's conversion of the 50-gun USS Cumberland into a 24-gun , completed at the by early 1857; this razee retained its original sail rigging while receiving updated guns compatible with emerging steam-era tactics. Similar adaptations in other navies, such as Britain's experimental lengthening and razeing of older hulls like HMS Penelope in 1843 to integrate steam machinery, underscored efforts to prolong the utility of wooden ships amid the shift to screw propulsion and auxiliary engines. By the , these razeed sloops primarily supported non-combat roles, including coastal patrols and instruction in . The decline of razeed designs accelerated in the 1880s as armored ironclads, exemplified by in 1860, rendered wooden vessels obsolete against rifled guns and explosive shells. Paixhans guns, once revolutionary, proved inadequate against iron armor, as demonstrated in early ironclad engagements like the 1862 . Surviving razeed ships lingered in minor colonial duties, such as and in remote stations, until most were scrapped by the 1890s. Razeed vessels left a legacy in naval , where converted frigates served as ships to instill essential skills in handling and gunnery before fully supplanted in fleet operations by the late . These platforms emphasized practical instruction in and maneuvers, bridging traditional sailing expertise with modern naval requirements.

Notable Examples by Navy

Royal Navy

The 's adoption of razee conversions began prominently in 1794, when three 64-gun ships of the line—HMS Indefatigable, HMS Anson, and HMS Magnanime—were cut down to 44-gun frigates. This initiative, aimed at creating faster vessels for scouting and reconnaissance duties during the , involved removing the upper to improve speed and handling while retaining heavy armament on the main deck, primarily 24-pounder long guns. HMS Indefatigable, for instance, served effectively in this role under Sir Edward Pellew from 1795, participating in protection and hunts in the and Atlantic. These razeed s proved valuable for their combination of frigate agility and firepower, influencing subsequent for independent operations. During the , the Royal Navy continued razee experiments with notable conversions, including the unusual case of HMS Namur. Launched in 1756 as a 90-gun ship, she was razeed in 1805 at to a 74-gun , retaining a full two-deck configuration but with reduced height and weight for better seaworthiness in harbor and training roles; this retention of gun numbers distinguished her from typical razeings that significantly lowered armament. Toward the war's end, three elderly 74-gun s—HMS Goliath, HMS Majestic, and HMS Saturn—were converted in 1813 to 58-gun fourth-rates by partial deck removal, including alterations, to serve as powerful cruisers without full reduction. These ships bolstered fleet scouting and enforcement, demonstrating the razee's versatility in extending the service life of obsolete vessels amid resource constraints. In the post-Napoleonic era, a larger-scale razee program from 1826 to 1845 transformed eleven 74-gun third-rates into 50-gun heavy frigates, fully removing the upper deck to create large, sail-powered cruisers suited for extended patrols. Examples include HMS Barham (launched 1811, razeed 1826 at ) and HMS Dublin (launched 1812, razeed 1826 at Chatham), both equipped with 42-pounder guns for superior firepower against smaller threats. These conversions addressed the need for robust ships in distant stations, particularly for operations in the Mediterranean against and in the suppressing regional piracy; HMS Warspite, razeed in 1840, exemplified this role with patrols off and from 1841 to 1845. The initiative enhanced the Navy's global presence during peacetime, providing cost-effective heavy escorts until steam propulsion rendered sail raze es obsolete by the 1850s.)

French Navy

During the , the converted seven 74-gun ships of the line into 54-gun razeed frigates between 1793 and 1795 as an urgent measure to counter naval blockades and expand its cruiser force. Notable examples include the Diadème, renamed Brutus in September 1792 and razeed at from December 1793 to May 1794, reducing it from three decks to a powerful configuration while preserving much of its original structure. Similarly, the Hercule, launched in at Rochefort, underwent razing from February to June 1794, emerging as a 54-gun vessel renamed Hydre in May 1795 to continue service.) These conversions were driven by the need for fast, heavily armed cruisers capable of evading blockaders and protecting commerce routes amid the Revolution's disruptions to shipbuilding. The design of these razeed frigates prioritized the retention of the heavy lower of 24-pounder long guns—typically 28 in number—on the main deck, enabling them to deliver broadsides comparable to standard while achieving frigate-like speeds of up to 12 knots under favorable conditions. This configuration supported aggressive line-breaking tactics in , where the ships could exploit their speed to close with enemy lines of or disrupt blockading squadrons before disengaging. Upper deck modifications included lighter 8-pounder guns and carronades for close , but the focus remained on the robust lower armament to maximize against superior forces. Operationally, these razeed frigates saw deployment in distant theaters to alleviate pressure on fleets, including expeditions to the under squadrons like that of Rear-Admiral Pierre-André de Suffren's successors and actions in the Mediterranean against and allied naval dominance. For instance, Brutus participated in escorts and in the western Mediterranean in 1795, while others supported Sercey's squadron in 1796–1797 for commerce protection. Their performance yielded mixed results, with successes in raiding operations offset by vulnerabilities from hasty reinforcements, incomplete crew training, and frequent damage in engagements, such as Hydre's role in defensive actions before its eventual decommissioning.

United States Navy

The employed razee conversions primarily in the mid-19th century to adapt aging sailing vessels for extended overseas deployments and to accommodate heavier ordnance, such as Dahlgren shell guns, while improving stability and speed for squadron service. One early example was , originally a 74-gun ship-of-the-line launched in 1814, which underwent razee conversion at the in 1836. Cut down by one deck, it emerged as a powerful 54-gun , becoming the fastest and most formidable in the fleet at the time, and served as flagship for the during the Mexican-American War, where it blockaded Mexican ports and supported amphibious operations. A notable case linked to War of 1812 captures was USS Macedonian, rebuilt in 1836 from the keel of the captured British 38-gun frigate (taken by in 1812). In 1852, at the , it was razeed from a 36-gun to a 20-gun to enhance its suitability for long voyages, including Commodore Matthew Perry's expedition to (1852–1854), where it carried diplomatic envoys and demonstrated American naval presence in the Pacific. Similarly, USS , a 50-gun launched in 1842, was razeed at the Charlestown Navy Yard from 1855 to 1857 into a 24-gun , allowing it to mount larger on its main deck for improved firepower in anti-piracy and squadron duties; it served as flagship of the Home Squadron before the . During the , razeed vessels played key roles in the and coastal patrols, leveraging their reduced profiles for better handling in shallow waters and adaptability to heavier . USS Cumberland, stationed with the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, enforced the off until March 8, 1862, when it was rammed and sunk by the Confederate ironclad at , marking the first combat loss of a U.S. to an armored . USS Savannah, razeed in 1857 from a 24-gun to a mounting two 10-inch Dahlgren pivot guns and a 22-gun broadside, joined the Atlantic Blockading Squadron in 1861, capturing Confederate schooners like the E. J. Waterman and assisting in the seizure of runners off . USS Macedonian, operating with the West Indies Squadron, patrolled the Gulf Coast to deter Confederate privateers, reinforced Pensacola in early 1861, and later hunted raiders like CSS Sumter along European waters, while also serving as a for midshipmen. These conversions underscored the 's pragmatic use of razeeing to extend the utility of wooden sailing ships amid the transition to steam power.

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