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Yes, I thought originaly that we did the work on the HMS Macedonian until it became clear that it was done at Newport as you write.
But, again as you write, I think the reasons Astor's Macedonia was not listed as a Navy ship were 2: it was unofficial (he had originally planned to break off and go to China with the furs) and it was a supply ship, so it didn't get into the "Fighting Ships" listing. But I found the reference in a recent trade biography of Astor, to my surprise. The author said that it was the fastest and best ship or something like that. I am very proud of the fact that my ancestor, Charles, was listed as both ship master and master carpenter on the ship registrations which meant he was both a naval architect and ship captain (did deliveries). As a child, I wanted to be an architect and still have a strong interest in interior design.
Another cousin was Capt. Moses Tryon, one of the first 4 USN captains. His first command was the USS CT, as I remember. There is an account of a race he had with Decatur--don't rmember who won, but Tryon blurted some pithy remark. He seemed like a great guy: your basic, Arrh! blustery seafarer of old. He's buried in Wethersfield, Ct. I named one of the family horses after him in my "Nell" book.
Kay