One employed to steer a vessel; a helmsman. (Sch. t. 122; l.
65’0”; b. 21’6”; dr. 9’0”; s. 8 k.; cpl. 50; a. 2 guns) The
first Pilot, a Schooner, was built by the New York Navy Yard and
launched in September 1836. She was built for the South Sea
Exploring Expedition (later called Wilkes Exploring Expedition),
but upon completion was found unsuitable for this work. During
the winter of 1836–1837, she cruised on the Atlantic coast to
assist vessels in distress, Lt. Henry W. Morris in command. She
was assigned to Baltimore as a receiving ship in October 1837,
and was relieved by bark Pioneer in 1838. Pilot was sold at
Baltimore, Md. in 1838.