the united states revenue cutter "jefferson" was one of 13 cutters of the morris-taney class to be launched. named after secretaries of the treasury and presidents of the united states, these cutters were the backbone of the service for more than a decade. samuel humphreys designed these cutters for roles as diverse as fighting pirates, privateers, combating smugglers and operating with naval forces. he designed the vessels on a naval schooner concept. they had baltimore clipper lines. the vessels built by webb and allen, designed by isaac webb, resembled humphreys' but had one less port.