The USRC Ingham was a Morris-Taney class revenue cutter built for the United States Revenue Cutter Service, designed primarily for patrol, combat, and law enforcement duties along the U.S. coast. Constructed on a naval schooner concept with Baltimore Clipper lines, the vessel was designed by Isaac Webb and built by Webb and Allen. These cutters, including Ingham, featured a distinctive sleek, sharp-line hull suitable for quick maneuvering and agility. The Ingham's specifications included a schooner rig, and she was armed with 13 guns, enabling her to engage in combat and enforce maritime law effectively. Initially stationed in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Ingham served briefly in Baltimore in late 1831 before returning to New Orleans in January 1832. Her early service involved patrolling and monitoring maritime traffic, especially as tensions rose over Texas. During her deployment, she played a notable role in the first combat engagement between U.S. and Mexican forces. Under Captain Ezekiel Jones, the Ingham was dispatched to the Texas coast in 1835 to oversee shipping and counter Mexican efforts to seize vessels and disrupt trade. On June 14, near Brazos Santiago, the Ingham engaged the Mexican schooner Montezuma, which fired upon her. The Ingham returned fire, firing 13 guns, and the Mexican vessel eventually ran aground. This incident is considered by some historians as the first broadside of the Texas Revolution. Following this engagement, the Ingham's influence extended beyond her U.S. service. In January 1836, she was sold to the Republic of Texas for $1,710 and became part of the Texas Navy, renamed Independence. Her service was further marked by her capture by Mexican forces, who rechristened her Independencia. The vessel's notable combat action and her association with the early conflicts of the Texas Revolution highlight her maritime significance as a symbol of American naval involvement and regional conflict during that era.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.