From: Dictionary of American Fighting Ships

As a verb, to send off or away, to dispose of speedily, to execute quickly.As a noun, a message sent with speed.

(Sch: t. 50; cpl. 15; a. 2 guns) The first Despatch, a schooner, was purchased by the Navy Department in 1814. She was used primarily as a survey ship in waters along the Atlantic coast until sold in 1820.Transcribed by Yves HUBERT (hubertypc@aol.fr)