The schooner "America" is shown crossing the bow of the frigate "Constitution", early in the morning of the summer of 1865. Further in the background, on the left hand side, are the two sloops of war, "Marion" and "Macedonian". Clouds cast shadows across the water in the foreground and some of the vessels in the background. A favorable breeze is blowing and the crew of "Constitution" are still 'making sail'. Fort Adam and the town of Newport can be seen behind "America's" mainsail.

The four vessels, part of the United States Naval Academy, were on a cruise from Newport to Annapolis. It was said that on the cruise the "Constitution" made 13.5 knots. This was one of the last long voyages that "Constitution" made under sail. "America" cruised again, with other ships of the Naval Academy, in 1866 and was then laid up until 1870, when she was refitted in time to take part in the America's Cup race of 1870. "America" finished 4th, well ahead of the English challenger, "Cambria", who finished 8th and 10th on corrected time.