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 TriE 
 
 LIFE AND SERVICES 
 
 OF 
 
 COMM4JDOMK: IViLLIAM BAI;\BitSI^CiE. 
 
LIFE AND SKRVICES 
 
 € O ]!fi I?I O 1> O R E 
 
 W I I. L I A M B A I N B R I D G F, 
 
 UiVITED STATES NAVV, 
 
 THOMAS HARRIS, 31. r?. 
 
 SUROEON UNITED STATES N VVY, AND MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN 
 PIIILOSOPIUCAL SOCIETY. 
 
 Palria Victis(]iii,> I,;iii(latiis. 
 
 philadklphia: ^^ 
 
 CAREY LEA & BLANC HARD. 
 
 1837. 
 
E3f3 
 
 Entered according- lo the Act of Congress, in tlie year 1837, bj' Cauky, 
 Lea & Ulamiiauii, in the Clerk's Office of the Eastern District of Penn- 
 sylvania. 
 
TO 
 
 COMiMOUORE JACOB JONES, 
 
 Ol' THE U.MTEn STATES NAVV. 
 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 This volume is inscribed to you in token of my high re- 
 spect for your talents — of esteem for your many private vir- 
 tues — and of grateful recollections for your unsolicited i"a- 
 vours, and long continued friendship. 
 
 THOMAS HARRIS. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 CoMMODORF, Bainbridgk'.^ catcor in the navylias been ncarlv 
 contemporaneous Avith its origin. ]t has been therefore sug- 
 gested to the author to annex to his memoir, a sketch of the 
 history of the naval poUcy of the United States, of the events 
 which distinguished the partial hostilities with the French 
 republic, and a more extended account of the various ac- 
 tions with the Barbary powers in the Mediterranean undej* 
 the command of G^mmodore Preble and otJiers. The inci- 
 dents of these brief, but eminently successful wars, were con- 
 sidered appropriate subjects for the biography of an indivi^ 
 dual, actively engaged in the one, and personally most inte- 
 rested in the results of the other. Jt will be seen, that the 
 author has ventured to give a cursory view of many of these 
 events ; but to have extended his narrative, would have de- 
 stroyed the individuality of a personal memoir. To have made 
 such an addition, in a manner worthy of the subject, and of the 
 service, to which his best wishes and efforts have been direct- 
 
cd, would have imparted much interest and vahie to the work, 
 but he neither possesi-ed tlu; qualiiications, r.or necessary do- 
 cuments, to enable him to perform such a task with accu- 
 racy and with the proper professional details. It would liavc 
 been to the writer, a source of sincere pleasure, to have ren- 
 dered ample justice to (he oflicers engaged in a service, of 
 which it has been truly said, that '• altliough not on so large 
 a scale, its achievements were as jierfcct of their kind as 
 ever graced the annals of any country." 
 
 However desirable a history of the early conflicts in the 
 navy may be deemed, the writer was not disposed to sub- 
 ject himself to the charge of presumption in an attempt to 
 do what others, with more adequate means, and superior 
 qualifications have failed to accomplish ; or to incur the impu- 
 tation of doing injustice to many individuals, by annexing to 
 the memoir of an officer, however eminent, an episode as it 
 were, of services and events, deserving a distinct and sub- 
 stantive memorial. He has therefore, omitted to notice all 
 interesting events, and acts of personal heroism, not immedi- 
 ately connected with the principal subject. 
 
 A complete historical view of the navy of the United 
 States, from its origin to the present period, embracing an 
 account of the great eras of its progress — the difficulties and 
 prejudices over which it has triumphed — a recital of the ex- 
 ploits of our most distinguished commanders — with judicious 
 views of commercial policy, and of the naval resources of 
 our country, is indeed a desideratum. It is to be lamented 
 that many of the most important documents and records, in 
 relation to naval affairs, were lost by the conflagration of the 
 
PREFACE. IX 
 
 navy department in the year 1814. From this cause the wri- 
 ter has been obliged to omit the important remonstrance of 
 Commodores Bainbridge and Stewart, against the policy of 
 laying up our ships during the late war with Great Britain. 
 
 From the private journals and extensive correspondence 
 of Commodore Bainbridge — from conversations with him, and 
 such of his friends as have served under his command — from 
 Goldsborough's JVaval Chro7iide — Clark'' s JVaval History — and 
 from a manuscript biography of a portion of his life by Ge- 
 neral fl. A. S. Dearborn, the materials have been collected 
 for the following volume. 
 
 The writer, besides, has enjoyed the privilege of a close 
 intimacy with Commodore Bainbridge — has seen him under 
 all circumstances of disease and health — exhilaration and 
 depression, and thus had the best opportunity of studying his 
 character. The writer's chief aim has been to draw a plain 
 and faithful narrative of the prominent events of his life. 
 He believes, with Southey, that the best eulogy of a hero 
 " is the faithful history of his actions : and the best history 
 must be that which shall relate them most perspicuously." 
 
 However much the author may distrust his own ability to 
 do justice to his subject, he trusts, nevertheless, that there 
 will be found in the stirring events and animating incidents 
 which he has endeavoured to portray, sufficient interest to 
 redeem many defects of authorship. If the remark of John- 
 son be true, that " there has rarely passed a life, of which a 
 judicious and authentic narrative would not prove useful," 
 it is believed, that the life of Bainbridge will not be consi- 
 dered an exception to this rule. 
 2 
 
FRKFACE. 
 
 An explanation is due to the public, for withholding this 
 volume for so long a period beyond that which had been 
 publicly announced. Engagements in constant and la- 
 borious professional duties — duties incompatible with all 
 literary efforts, is the only one which he can offer. It is 
 only during a convalescence from a protracted indisposition, 
 that he has been enabled to fulfil his promise, and to per- 
 form a last act of friendship. 
 
C O i^ T E 1\ T S. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Cliaj'acter of the early Commanders of the Navy — Parentage of Commo- 
 dore Bainbridge — Youthful Propensities — Inclination for the Sea — 
 Commenced his Career in the Merchant Service — Good Conduct — Sup- 
 pressed a Mutiny — Conflict witii a British Schooner — Impressed Sea- 
 men — Successful Retaliation — Acquaintance with Miss HyJeger — Mar- 
 riage — Appointment in the Navy — Command of the Schooner Retalia- 
 tion — Cruise in the West Indies— Capture— Russc de Guerre — Gen. 
 Dcsfourneaux--VictorHughs—narsii Treatment of American prisoners 
 — Permission to visit the Dungeon where the Prisoners were confined — 
 Ponsea Frigate — Offer to release the Prisoners — Return to the United 
 States in a Cartel — Conduct approved — Promoted to a Master and 
 Commander — Appointed to the Command of Brig Norfolk — Cruise in 
 the West Indies — Large Convoy— Chased by a Frencii Frigate — Re- 
 turn to the United States — Lieutenants promoted over him — Again 
 sailed for Cape Francois — Entertained by Toussaint — Wished Captain 
 Bainbridge to deliver French Prisoners into his Hands — Capture of a 
 French Man-of-war Barge — Capture of a French Lugger — Horrid 
 Spectacle — Cruise off Havanna — Blockade of French Privateer — Let- 
 ter of Thanks from the American Merchants in Havanna — Return to 
 the Port of Pliiladelphia— Promoted to a Captaincy, - 17 
 
XU CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Captain B;iinbriL!ge ordered to tlie Command of tlie Frigate George 
 Washington — Carries tribute to Algiers — Carries Algerine Ambassa- 
 dor to Constantinople — Letter to tlie Secretary of the Navy — Praying 
 of the Mahommedans — Arrival at Constantinople — Boarding Officer 
 never heard of the United States — Salutes the Palace — Algerine 
 Ambassador refused an Audience — Reis EfFendi — Receives the 
 Protection of the British Ambassador — Capudan Pacha — Mr. Zacbe 
 — Invitation to the Admiral's Palace — Requests not to hoist the 
 Algerine Flag while in the Harbour — Prepares to return to Al- 
 giers — Perilous Slate of the Commander at the Dardanelles — Bain- 
 bridge's Explunations, by which his Life is saved — Gratitude of the 
 Commander — Letter to the Secretary of the Navy on the subject of a 
 Treaty — Compliment from the Capudan Pacha — His Passports — Ed- 
 ward Daniel Clarke, the Eastern Traveller — Visit to the Thracian 
 Bosphorus— Gardens of Seraglio — Mr. Clarke's Notice of the Frigate 
 George Washington — A Notice of an Entertainment — Letter of Intro- 
 duction from Mr. Clarke — Arrival oft' Algiers — Savage Demeanour of 
 the Dey — Release of Venetian, Sicilian, and Maltese Prisoners — Con- 
 veys French Consul and Family to Alicant — Receives the Tlianks of 
 the First Consul of France — Returns to the United States, - 43 
 
 CHAPTER UL 
 
 Commodore Bainbridge appointed to the Frigate Essex — Ordered to 
 Cruise against theBarbary Corsairs — Convoying American Merchant- 
 men — Arrives at Barcelona — Difficulty with the Spanish Naval Offi- 
 cers — Lieutenant S. Decatur threatens to cut off" the Spanish Officer's 
 Ears— Consul Willis— American Minister — Mr. Humphreys at Ma- 
 drid— Mr. Willis' opinion of our Naval Officers— Sails from Barcelona 
 and arrives at Gibraltar — Touches at Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli — Re- 
 turns to New York, thence to Washington— Engaged in trying Guns 
 
CONTENTS. Xlll 
 
 at Havre de Grace — Joins the Squadron of Commodore Preble for the 
 Mediterrantan, commanding Frigate Pliiladolpiiia— Capture of the 
 Siiip Mirboha off the Coast of Morocco— Threatens to Iiang her Com- 
 mander — Flogs his Corporal for striking a Prisoner— Sails in Search 
 of a 32 Gun Moorish Frigate- Preble demands Reparation from the 
 Moorish Government— Treaty of Peace— Thanks from the Secretary 
 of the Navy through Commodore Preble, - - - 63 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Arrival off Tripoli— Pursues an Enemy's Vessel— In the Chase, struck 
 on a Rock— Is Captured— Official Letter— Letter of Condolence from 
 her Officers— Mr. Nissen, the Danish Consul— His unwearied Kind- 
 ness—Loss of Books— Supplied by Mr. Nissen— Commodore directs 
 the Studies of his young Officers— Summoned to appear beture tiie Mi- 
 nister — Required to write to Commodore Preble to release Tripoli- 
 tan Prisoners — Refusal — Communicates the Bashaw's Complaint — 
 Carries on a Correspondence with Preble by Cipher and with Sympa- 
 thetic Ink— Communicates in this Way a Plan for the Destruction of 
 the Frigate Philadelphia— Plan is adopted — Emaciated State of the 
 Crew— Obtains for them Salt Provisions— Jack gets drunk and flogs 
 the Tripolitans— Bastinado— His Affliction— Letter to his Wife from 
 Prison — A Letter of Condolence from Preble, - - 71 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Fast of Ramadan — Biaram Festival — Bainbridge and Porter invited to 
 it — Visits in succession the Bashaw, the Prime Minister, Bay of Ben- 
 gazy, Sidi Mohammed Dgheis— Kind Treatment of the latter — Visits 
 to the Country— Destruction of tiie Philadelphia, by Decatur— Man- 
 ner in which her Destruction was effected — Rage of the Bashaw— Pri- 
 soners confined to the Castle — Prisoners endeavour to escape — Disap- 
 pointhients — Suffering from confined Air— Conduct of the Guarda 
 Sclava— Bombardment of Tripoli by Preble— Gallant Conduct and 
 
XIV CONTENTS. 
 
 brilliant Success of tiie American Frigate and Gunboats — Heroic Con- 
 duct of Decatur, and others — Restores the Tripolitan Prisoners — Ba- 
 shaw submitted Terms of Peace. American Vessel blown up — Bain- 
 bridg-o injured by falling of the Prison Wall — Cowardly Conduct of 
 the Tripolitan Guard — Rencontre between the Prisoners and Guard — 
 Difficulty adjusted — Preble renews his Attack on the Town — Fire 
 Ship — Awful Explosion — The heroic Sommers — B;tinbridge is per- 
 mitted to examine the different Officers — Another Attempt to 
 escape, •..-.. -97 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 General Eaton forms an acquaintance with Ex-Bashaw of 1'ripoli — A 
 Plan for the Restoration of the deposed Bashaw and the Release of the 
 American Prisoners at Tripoli — Eaton seeks Sidi Hamet in Egypt — 
 Difficulties he encounters — Traverses the Deserts of Lybia — Orga- 
 nizes the Army — Attack on, and Fall of Derne — Consternation in Tri- 
 poli — Arrival of Colonel Lear at Tripoli in the Essex — Successful Ne- 
 gotiation — Peace — Prisoners released — Noble Gratitude of the Ame- 
 rican Sailors — Prisoners sent on board the United States Squadron — 
 Sails for Syracuse — Court of Inquiry — Bainbridge and Officers return 
 to the United States — Kindly received — Enters the Merchants' Service 
 again — Perilous Situation — Takes the Command of the Portsmouth 
 Station — Is appointed to the Command of the Frigate President — 
 Sails for the North of Europe in a Merchant Vessel — Paul Hamilton's 
 Letter — Meets Mr. Nisscn at Copenhagan — His Vessel captured and 
 restored through the Agency of Mr. Nissen — A set of Plate given 
 to Mr. Nissen — St. Petersburg — Returns across the Continent in 
 mid-winter — Sir James Rylie — Letters to Baron Steingal, Barclay de 
 Tolly, Baron Nicholn — Visits AUando, Stockholm, Gotheburg — Peril 
 in passing the Orkneys — Arrives at Liverpool — Sails for Boston — 
 Reports at Washington — Remonstrates against laying up the Ships 
 of War — Takes Charge of the Boston Station — War declared — Ap- 
 pointed to the Command of the Frigate Constellation — Afterwards to 
 the Constitution — Sailed on a Cruise with the Hornet and Essex, for 
 the Coast of Brazil, - - - -:..-: .109 
 
CONTENTS. XV 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Constitution and Hornet arrive off St. Salvador— Bonne Citoyenne ly- 
 ing in Harbour— The Ciiallenge— Tlie Refusal— Hostility of the Go- 
 vernor of Bahia— His Partiality to the British Nation— Action with 
 the Frigate Java— Official Letter — Bainbridge wounded — Heroic Con- 
 duct of Jolin Chcevcr— Tiie Dream— Returns to St. Salvador— Pri- 
 soners on Paroleof Honour— Returns tlie Sword of Captain Lambert — 
 General Ilislop's Correspondence— Deatii of Captain Lambert— Or- 
 ders to Captain Lawrence — Montague Seventy-four raises the Block- 
 ade of the Bonne Citoyenne— Capture of the British Brig Peacock 
 by tiie Hornet, ------ 141 
 
 CHAPTER VHI. 
 
 Letter of Commodore Bainbridge on the Subject of Prize Money— Con- 
 stitution arrives in Boston— Bainbridge's Reception at Boston, New 
 York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore— Honours conferred on him by 
 Congress and several State Legislatures— The Opinions of George the 
 Fourth, and of Admiral Jarvis— Cruise of the Essex- Commodore 
 Bainbridge appointed to the Command of the Boston Navy Yard — 
 Laid the Keel of the Line-of-battle sliip Independence— The Actions 
 between the Chesapeake and Shannon— Honours conferred on Cap- 
 tain Broke — Naval Signals — Ship Houses, - - 163 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Ports of New England tlireatened by the Enemy — Exertions made to 
 protect the Harbour of Boston— Letters to General Brooks— Boston 
 Committee — How received — Harrison Gray Otis addresses the Town 
 Meeting— Plan of Defence— Blockade of the Harbour removed— Pro- 
 poses a Cruise for the Independence — Proposes the Formation of a 
 
XVI CONTENTS. 
 
 Navy Board — War declared against Algiers — Commissioners to form 
 a Trcaly of Peace — Peace made — A Misunderstanding with tiie Go- 
 vernor of Malaga — Return to Gibraltar — Orders to Captain Shaw — 
 Arrives in Boston — A Letter from Mr. Monroe and Mr. Crowninshield 
 — A Letter to Mr. Felsh — Officers placed on Half Pay — A Proposi- 
 tion to reduce the Navy, ----- 187 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Commodore Bainbridge ordered to select a Site for a Navy Yard — Ac- 
 companies President Monroe in !iis Eastern Tour — Correspondence 
 with General Hislop and liicutenant Elliot — Freedom of the City of 
 Albany— Visits Canada — Letter from tiie Earl of Dalhousie — Ordered 
 to the Command of the Colimibus — Sails for the Mediterranean — 
 Settled Despatches at Gibraltar— General Don — Touches at Leghorn 
 and Naples— The Revolution in Naples— General Nugent— Visits Sy- 
 racuse, and the Barbary Capitals — Sends an Agent to Smyrna — Revo- 
 cation of the Act exacting Duties on Provisions imposed by Spain — 
 Adtniral Ruysch — Invitation to Genoa — Arrives in the Harbour of Tou- 
 lon-Admiral Missiessy — Letter to the Secretary of the Navy — Arri- 
 val of Commodore Jones, ----- 211 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 Commodore Bainbridge ordered to preside at a Board for Examination 
 of Midshipmen — Appointed to the Philadelphia Station— Letter from 
 the Emperor of Mexico— Ordered to the Boston Station— President of 
 a Court Martial at New York— Appointed President of the Navy 
 Board of Commissioners — A Commissioner to form Plans for the fu- 
 ture Improvements of Navy Yards — Appointed to the Command of 
 the Philadelphia Station— Difficulty with the Secretary of the Navy 
 —The Compliment of a Public Dinner— Death of his Son— Ordered 
 to the Command of the Boston Station— 111 Health— Resigns his Com- 
 mand and returns to Philadelphia— Death— Character, - 235 
 
THE 
 
 LIFE AND SERVICES 
 
 OF 
 
 COMMODORE lYIIililAM BAIJ\BR11>€JE. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Character of the early Commanders of the Navy — Parentage of Commo- 
 dore Bainbridge — Youthful Propensities — Inclination for the Ssa — 
 Commenced his Career in the Merchant Service — Good Conduct — Sup- 
 pressed a Mutiny — Conflict with a British Schooner — Impressed Sea- 
 men — Successful Retaliation — Acquaintance with Miss Hyleger — Mar- 
 riage — Appointment in the Navy — Command of the Schooner Retalia- 
 tion — Cruise in the West Indies — Capture— Russe de Guerre — Gen. 
 Desferneaux — Victor Hughs — Harsh Treatment of American prisoners 
 — Permission to visit the Dungeon where the Prisoners were confined — 
 Ponsea Frigate — Offer to release the Prisoners — Return to the United 
 States in a Cartel — Conduct approved — Promoted to a Master and 
 Commander — Appointed to the Command of Brig Norfolk — Cruise in 
 the West Indies — Large Convey — Chased by a French Frigate — Re- 
 turn to the United States — Lieutenants promoted over him — Again 
 sailed for Cape Francois — Entertained by Toussant — Wished Captain 
 Bainbridge to deliver French Prisoners into his Hands — Capture of a 
 French Man-of-war Barge — Capture of a French Lugger — Horrid 
 Spectacle — Cruise off Havanna — Blockade of French Privateer — Let- 
 ter of Thanks from the American Merchants in Havanna — Return to 
 the Port of Pliiladelphia — Promoted to a Captaincy. 
 
 The brief history of the United States derives much of its 
 glory from the bravery, skill, and patriotism of many of the 
 3 
 
18 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 extraordinary men, whom our government selected as offi- 
 cers at the first organization of the navy under the present 
 constitution. They possessed an energetic boldness, a manly 
 dignity, a devoted patriotism, and an untiring zeal in the 
 acquirement of professional knowledge, which won the ap- 
 plause of their countrymen, and commanded the respect of 
 foreigners. No officer possessed these qualities in a more 
 eminent degree than the subject of this memoir. Possessing 
 neither political nor great family influence, he rose to emi- 
 nence by the force of his own character. 
 
 The ancestor of Commodore Bainbridge, who in the year 
 IGOO settled in the province of New Jersey, was the son of 
 Sir Arthur Bainbridge of Durham county, England. His 
 father, Absalom Bainbridge, was a descendant, of the fifth 
 generation, from Sir Arthur. He was a physician of distinc- 
 tion, and practised, in the early part of his life, in the town 
 of Princeton, in his native state, whence he removed to the 
 city of New York, about the commencement of the Revolu- 
 tionary war, which aflforded a more ample field for the ex- 
 ercise of his talents. In this situation his professional eflTorts 
 were crowned with the success he anticipated. He died in 
 the year 1807, mature in age, leaving to his children the 
 example of a useful and virtuous life. 
 
 William, his fourth son, and the subject of this biography, 
 was born in Princeton on the seventh of May, 1774. — He 
 was early distinguished among his youthful associates, for 
 his generous daring, and adventurous disposition. A vigo- 
 rous and athletic frame, nerved by a dauntless spirit, 
 urged him into the foremost rank in every boyish enterprise 
 when peril was to be encountered. 
 
 John Taylor, Esq., of Monmouth county. New Jersey, his 
 maternal grandfather, a citizen of wealth and respectability, 
 requested and obtained permission to superintend the educa- 
 tion of William. No opportunity was lost to impress on the 
 plastic mind of his grandson, whom he most tenderly loved. 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 19 
 
 the importance of those high moral sentiments which should 
 be the rule of conduct of every one who expects to secure 
 the esteem of his fellow citizens. 
 
 While successfully engaged in his scholastic duties he be- 
 came suddenly inspired with a desire to embrace the profes- 
 sion of a sailor. By eager importunities he obtained the 
 consent of his parents, and at the age of fifteen, embarked 
 on board a merchant vessel about to sail from Philadelphia. 
 He was placed under the care and patronage of a highly 
 respectable and intelligent commander, who soon discovered 
 in young Bainbridge peculiar qualities for the vocation he 
 had adopted. Obliging, industrious, and ambitious, he per- 
 formed every duty assigned to him, in a manner to command 
 the approbation of his superiors. His good conduct procured 
 for him the appointment of first mate of a ship in the Hol- 
 land trade, when only eighteen years of age. During his 
 first voyage after promotion, the crew mutinied, seized the 
 captain, and were about to throw him overboard, when young 
 Bainbridge sprang upon deck, rescued his Commander, and 
 with the assistance of the second mate, and an old faithful 
 sailor, overpowered the mutineers, and secured the ring-lead- 
 ers in irons, after a hard and trying struggle. His manly 
 conduct on this occasion, added to the nautical skill, and 
 sound judgment, which he always disclosed, inspired the own- 
 ers of the sliip with such confidence in him, that in the fol- 
 lowing year, when only nineteen years of age, they appointed 
 him her commander. In this I'csponsible station he received 
 the approbation of his cmplo3'^ers, and tlie respect of those 
 with whom he was associated on duty. 
 
 At this early period of his career, Bainbridge discovered 
 traits of character, which adhered to him through life. 
 Proud of his country, and jealous of the rights of her citi- 
 zens, he would never allow the one to be disparaged with- 
 out promptly resenting it, nor the others to be injured witlv 
 
20 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 out redressing their wrongs, provided the means were in his 
 power. 
 
 In the year 1796, whilst Captain Bainbridge was lying at 
 anchor in the Garonne, opposite Bourdeaux, he was hailed 
 for assistance by an officer of an American ship whose crew 
 was in a state of mutiny. With that promptitude for which 
 he was distinguished, he immediately repaired on board, and 
 quelled the mutiny; but in doing so, had nearly lost his life, 
 by a severe wound, occasioned by an accidental explosion of 
 powder. During the same year, while off the island of St. 
 Johns, in the ship Hope, on his passage from Bourdeaux to 
 the island of St. Thomas, he was attacked by a British 
 schooner, of eight carriage guns, and thirty men. The 
 schooner commenced a fire without at first showing her co- 
 lours, but when it was returned, she hoisted the British en- 
 sign. The action was briskly maintained until the enemy 
 was much injured by the fire of the Hope, in her hull, spars 
 and rigging, when she struck her flag, after having several 
 of her men killed and wounded. 
 
 The armament of the Hope consisted of four nine pound- 
 ers, and eleven men. When the schooner struck, the high- 
 spirited crew of the American vessel wished to board, and 
 take possession of the prize. They were restrained, how- 
 ever, by Captain Bainbridge, on the ground that the guns 
 were put on board their own vessel, for defence alone, as au- 
 thorized by law at that time. He then hailed the captain 
 of the schooner, directed him to " go about his business, and 
 report to his masters, that if his ship were wanted they must 
 either send a greater force or a more skilful commander^ 
 and then proceeded on his course." The conduct of Bain- 
 bridge in tliis affair, which was marked with great spirit 
 and prudence, procured him an elevated standing among the 
 merchants. He had, in consequence of it, offers of the com- 
 mand of the finest vessels in the port of Philadelphia. 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 21 
 
 On a returning voyage from the north of Europe, he was 
 boarded by a Ueutenant of a British hnc of battle ship, 
 who in accordance with the odious practice of impressment, 
 commanded him to muster his crew, and show his shipping 
 articles ; an indignity to which the commanders of all mer- 
 chant vessels were at that time compelled to submit, ra- 
 ther than by resistance, in most cases necessarily unavail- 
 ing, expose their vessels and cargo to the danger of capture 
 and condemnation in the British courts of admiralty. The 
 first man examined was Allen M'Kinsey, who from his 
 name was pronounced a Scotchman. Captain Bainbridge 
 stated to the lieutenant, that he was born in the city 
 of Philadelphia, and was his first mate. The boarding 
 officer affected to doubt the truth of this declaration, be- 
 came very insolent, and when about to seize M'Kinsey, Cap- 
 tain Bainbridge intimated to him to repair to his cabin, 
 where he would find a sabre and pistols to defend himself. 
 
 The mate quickly availed himself of the intimation, and 
 as he descended the companion-way, boldly declared that he 
 would kill the first man who attempted to force him from 
 the ship. The officer, judging of M'Kinsey's determined 
 purpose from his manner, prudently refrained from a jjur- 
 suit. Anothei" young man was then seized and ordered into 
 the barge. Captain Bainbridge remonstrated against this 
 outrage, stating, that this man claimed as a British subject, 
 was a native of the United States, and had a wife and chil- 
 dren in Philadelphia. He added, that as his vessel was 
 feebly manned, her safety would be endangered by any di- 
 minution of his crew. Finding expostulations of no avail, 
 he told the officer in a spirited tone, that he would supply 
 the place of this seaman, by seizing one out of the first Bri- 
 tish merchantman he met, provided she was not of superior 
 strength. The lieutenant observed with a contemptuous 
 sneer, that an American merchant captain would not dare 
 
22 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 to impress one of his majesty's subjects, and nodding dis- 
 dainfully, carried off his victim. 
 
 Five days afterwards Captain Bainhridge fell in with an 
 English armed merchant brig, of eight guns and twenty 
 men, which, after preparing for action, he brought to by 
 firing a gun across her bow. He kept the guns of the Hope 
 bearing on the brig, while he ordered his first mate to seize 
 and bring on board an able unmarried seaman. This order 
 was promptly, though with some difficulty, executed ; after 
 which the English captain was hailed, and informed, " that 
 he might report, that Captain WilUam Bainhridge had taken 
 one of his majesty's subjects, in retaliation for a seaman 
 taken from the American ship Hope, by Lieutenant Norton, 
 of the Indefatigable Razee, commanded by Sir Edward Pel- 
 lew,''^ afterwards the celebrated Lord Exmouth. 
 
 This seaman was allowed full wages, and on his arrival 
 in the United States was regularly paid, discharged, and not 
 dissatisfied with either the service, or country into which he 
 had been forced. 
 
 The proceeding of Captain Bainhridge on this occasion 
 was, doubtless, as illegal, as the act which provoked it; but, 
 to a mind like his, alive to the honour of his country, and 
 the rights of his fellow-citizens, especially of those under his 
 immediate protection, the outrage he was compelled to wit- 
 ness, by which a citizen of the United States was torn from 
 his country and family, perhaps for ever, was an abundant 
 justification. Although it afforded no redress for the origi- 
 nal wrong, yet it was designed to show the naval officers 
 of Great Britain, that the rights of American citizens, so far 
 as they were committed to the protection of Captain Bain- 
 bridge, were not to be violated with impunity.* 
 
 * Is n, ^is a favourable juncture to settle the vexed question of the 
 "right of . ch for seamen," to which Great Britain has so pertinaciously 
 urged her right, and which the government of this country has as sternly 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 23 
 
 In the year 1798, Captain Bainbridge, on his passage 
 from Europe, touched at St. Bartholomew, where he be- 
 
 resisted? Prior to the treaty made by Messrs. Monroe and Pinckney In 1806, 
 the Government of Great Britain could not be induced in her several nego- 
 tiations with the United States, to make a satisfactory an-angement for the 
 protection of our seaman. Great Britain maintained that she had a legal 
 authority to seize and take her seamen wherever they were found. Al- 
 though this negotiation afforded some hope of an amicable adjustment of 
 the difficulties, and the treaty was, it is believed, satisfactory in all other 
 respects; yet, so seriously did Mr. Jefferson, then president, consider the 
 evil of impressment, that he promptly rejected It, without even consulting 
 the senate, for no other reason than Its omission to provide against the 
 seizure of American citizens on tlie "high seas." He declared, that "he 
 could not reconcile It to his duty to our sea-faring citizens, or with the sen- 
 slbilitj' and sovereignty of the nation, to recognise even by construction, a 
 principle which would expose their lives, their liberties, every thing, in 
 short, wliich Is dearest to the human heart, to the decision or interested sen- 
 tences, which may be pronounced against their allegiance, by officers of a 
 foreign government, whom neither the laws of nations, or even that govern- 
 ment, will allow to decide on the ownership, or character of tlie minutest 
 article of property in the like situation." 
 
 For this evil, against which the United States had so long, but ineffectual- 
 ly remonstrated, it is obvious Mr. Jefferson sought to obtain a permanent and 
 effective remedy, requiring a formal renunciation by treaty, of an alleged 
 right, from the exercise of which, the nation had not only suffered and con- 
 tinued to suffer incalculable injury, but which might become, as It after- 
 wards did, with other provocations, the cause of hostilities. It may be 
 added here, as a part of the history of the times, that the British ministers, 
 when they agreed to the treaty. Informed Messrs. Monroe and Pinckney, 
 that although tiien engaged in a desperate struggle with France, and there- 
 fore not disposed formally "to relinquish the right of search of merchant 
 ships for British seamen," they were willing to make a temporary arrange- 
 ment, " by which its practice would be essentially, if not completely aban- 
 doned, with an assurance, that in their judgment, the United States would 
 be made as secure against such pretensions by the policy which their go- 
 vernment had adopted, in regard to this difficult and Important question, as 
 it could be by treaty." 
 
 The arrangement proposed by the British, and accepted by the American 
 ministers, was, that the right of both parties should be reserved, and the nego- 
 tiation proceed on the other topics, and after a treaty is formed embracing all 
 
24 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 came acquainted with Miss Susan Hyleger, the daughter of 
 a highly respectable merchant, and grand-daughter of the 
 Honourable John Hyleger, of Holland, and for many years 
 Governor of St. Eustatia. This lady, distinguished alike for 
 her beauty and amiable qualities, he afterwards married. 
 
 A new field was now opened by our government for en- 
 terprising and chivalrous exertion. Our difficulties with 
 France rendered it necessary to organize a small navy for 
 the protection of our commerce, and as we had not at that 
 time a sufficient number of officers regularly instructed in 
 naval duty, it became necessary, in addition to several who 
 had distinguished themselves in the war of the revolution, 
 to make judicious selections from those in the merchant ser- 
 vice. 
 
 The reputation Captain Bainbridge had acquired for in- 
 
 subjects, but that of impressment, Great Britain pledges herself not " to 
 trespass on those rights while the neg'Otiation is depending, and in case she 
 did, in any, the slightest degree, the United States were to to be justified 
 in breaking off the negotiation, and appealing to force to vindicate tlieir 
 rights." In a private letter, written several years after by Mr. Monroe to 
 Mr. Madison, he stated, that in his opinion, the arrangement which had been 
 rejected by our government was, with the explanation given at the " time, 
 both honourable and advantageous to the United States, and contained a 
 concession in their favoui', never before made by a formal and obligatory 
 act of the government." 
 
 Although the war conferred great benefits on this country, in awakening 
 a proper national spirit — In proving the great importance of a navy as a 
 means of national defence — in showing our ability to repel maritime ag- 
 gp^'essions, still it failed in compelling Great Britain formally to abandon her 
 offensive claim to her " right of search." 
 
 The interests of both nations, and the cause of humanity require that 
 the claims of each should be amicably adjusted by a timely negotiation, 
 before events should recur to call into action a practice to which thousands 
 of our citizens have been victims, and which our honour, interest, and so- 
 vereignty will compel us to resist to the last extremity. If the settlement of 
 theprinciple was important in the days of Mr. Jefferson, it is certainly not less 
 so at this time. 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 25 
 
 telligence, decision of character, and bravery, attracted the 
 attention of the secretary at war, then acting as secretary 
 of the navy, who offered him the commission of a heutenant 
 and commander. He was immediately appointed to the com- 
 mand of the Schooner Retaliation, late le Croyahle ; a prize 
 just talcen from the French by Captain Decatur, in the sloop 
 of war Delaware, the father of the distinguished and la- 
 mented Commodore Stephen Decatur. 
 
 In September, 1798, Lieutenant Bainbridge, in the Il< <:a- 
 liation, with Captain Williams, in the brig Norfolk, were or- 
 dered to cruise in the West Indies, under Commodore Mur- 
 ray, who then commanded the frigate Montezuma. By his 
 vigilance, untiring exertions, and wholesome discipline. Lieu- 
 tenant Bainbridge soon attracted the attention and received 
 the applause of his superior officers. While cruising off Gua- 
 daloupe, in November, 1798, three sail were discovered to 
 the E. S. E. about two leagues distant, thought to be Bri- 
 tish. About the same time two other vessels liove in sight 
 to the west, to which the United States sloop-of-v/ar Mon- 
 tezuma and Norfolk gave chase. 
 
 Though a variety of circumstances led to the belief that 
 the cruisers to the east were British, they unfortunately 
 proved to be French. One of the frigates, the Insurgent, 
 commenced a fire upon the Retaliation, hoisted the French 
 flag, and ordered her to strike. The flag ship Volontier 
 ranged alongside, and ordered Lieutenant Bainbridge to re- 
 pair on board. These two frigates were from France by the 
 way of Cayenne; the former carrying thirty -six guns, the 
 latter forty-four. 
 
 When Lieutenant Bainbridge reached the deck of the Vo- 
 lontier, he presented his sword, which was politely declined 
 by Commodore St. Lawrence, observing, " You had, sir, no op- 
 portunity to defend yourself; I therefore, beg you to retain 
 your sword." 
 
 The two frigates then gave chase to the Montezuma and 
 4 
 
26 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 Norfolk, and as the Insurgent was gaining on them rapidly, 
 their capture appeared inevitable. The officers of the Vo- 
 lontier had collected on the forecastle to observe the pur- 
 suit, and while Lieutenant Bainbridge was contemplating 
 with feelings of distress, the perilous situation of his late com- 
 panions, he was interrogated by Commodore St. Lawrence 
 as to the size of the American vessels. With great presence 
 of mind, he replied, that the ship mounted twenty-eight 
 twelve-pounders, and the brig twenty nine-pounders. He 
 thus represented the force to be double what it really was, 
 and by this adroit and pardonable deception, he saved the 
 American vessels, as the commodore instantly gave to his 
 consort a signal of recall. The Insurgent was thus induced 
 to relinquish the chase when both vessels were completely 
 in her power. When she returned within hailing distance 
 of the Volo7itier, Captain Barro, her commander, observed 
 with great displeasure to Commodore St. Lawrence, that if 
 it had not been for the signal of recall he would have cap- 
 tured both vessels. After repeating the force of the vessels 
 as it had been detailed to him by his captive, the commo- 
 dore remarked that the Insurgent was not able to contend 
 successfully against such an armament. Barro replied, un- 
 der much excitement, that there was not a gun on board ei- 
 ther vessel heavier than a six pounder, and so far from his 
 having any thing to apprehend, he could have captured both 
 in ten minutes. On receiving this information, St. Lawrence 
 turned upon Bainbridge and sternly observed, " Did you not 
 say, sir, that the force of those vessels was such as I have 
 stated?" The latter as sternly replied, that if he could save 
 the ships of his government, by misrepresenting their strength, 
 he would under such circumstances consider himself justifi- 
 able in hazarding the assertion. Though evidently annoyed 
 with a russe de guerre, which lost him two valuable prizes, 
 as he did not notice the subject farther, and as he treated 
 Lieutenant Bainbridge, as long as he continued his prisoner, 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 27 
 
 with great kindness and courtesy, it was apparent that he 
 considered the act one of those justifiable deceptions fre- 
 quently practised in time of war. 
 
 The frigates, with their prize, the Retaliation, pursued 
 their course to Guadaloupe, and, the following day, anchored 
 six miles from Basseterre, the capital of the island. They 
 carried with them General Desfemeaux, who had been sent 
 out from France to supersede the famous Victor Hughes, as 
 governor of the island. 
 
 The officers and crew of the Retaliation were ordered to 
 a loathsome prison ; but through the humane intercession of 
 Commodore St. Lawrence, the officers were permitted to re- 
 main on board the frigate. After ten days' detention on board 
 the frigate. Lieutenant Bainbridge was permitted to visit the 
 shore, on parole of honour without his uniform, for the pur- 
 pose of arranging with General Desferneaux an exchange of 
 prisoners, in accordance with instructions transmitted to him 
 by Commodore Murray. 
 
 The governor promised to liberate the officers and crew, 
 and restore the Retaliation, provided Lieutenant Bainbridge, 
 as the representative of his nation, would agree to consider 
 the island of Guadaloupe as neutral, during the conflict be- 
 tween the French Republic and the United States. The ge- 
 neral being a man of talents and insinuating address, used all 
 the arts he possessed to overreach our young diplomatist in 
 this, his first negotiation. He stated that many advantages 
 would result from the establishment of commercial relations, 
 between this island and the United States, and that he would 
 enjoy the glory of succeeding in a measure which could not 
 be otherwise than popular in his country. He professed not 
 to consider the officers and crew of the Retaliation as priso- 
 ners of war, but simply detained from political motives, and 
 intended to treat them as friends and allies. 
 
 Lieutenant Bainbridge replied, that his authority extended 
 no farther than to ente^ into an arrangement for an exchange 
 
28 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 of prisoners. Whatever might be the views of the general 
 in regard to their condition, he considered himself, officers 
 and crew, as held not only in captivity, but as being treated 
 with great barbarity. General Desferneaux admitted the 
 truth of these representations, but attributed the irregula- 
 rity to Victor Hughes, whose orders, he said, could not be re- 
 voked, until the deposed governor left the island. After the 
 lapse of a few days, the disgraced governor was sent on board 
 the Volontier as a national prisoner. 
 
 The prisoners now expected with some confidence an ame- 
 lioration of their condition, if not an entire release from con- 
 finement. Lieutenant Bainbridge waited on General Des- 
 ferneaux, and informed him that his countrymen were near- 
 ly in a state of starvation ; and that among them were a num- 
 ber of highly respectable masters of vessels, who were almost 
 daily insulted, beaten, and confined in a dungeon, at the ca- 
 price of an unfeeling, drunken, and brutal jailor. 
 
 The governor faithfully promised to ameliorate the treat- 
 ment of the prisoners, and though Lieutenant Bainbridge 
 was not permitted to visit the prison, he could not doubt the 
 sincerity of the pledge which had been made to him. On 
 the twenty-eighth of December, however, he was informed 
 that the situation of the prisoners was even worse than 
 during the despotic and heartless reign of Victor Hughes. 
 
 He again called on General Desferneaux, and stated to 
 him that on Christmas night, a few of the prisoners were 
 amusing themselves by singing, when the jailor rushed into 
 their apartment, backed by his myrmidons, and seized 
 twelve of them, most of whom were undressed and in their 
 hammocks, and rudely forced them into a dungeon, in which 
 there was only a small hole, to admit air and a mere ray of 
 light. In this situation they remained nearly in a state of 
 nudity and starvation, with no other bed than the damp cold 
 earth. 
 
 The governor permitted Lieutenant Bainbridge to visit the 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 29 
 
 dungeon, and appointed an officer to accompany him, who 
 was instructed at the same time to inquire into the situation 
 of the prisoners. Bainbridge found his sutfering countrymen 
 in a state approaching to nakedness, without any thing to eat 
 except a Httle raw salt beef, and without even a handful of 
 straw to interpose between their unprotected bodies and the 
 cold muddy ground. 
 
 Such a spectacle of misery and horror would have awa- 
 kened the sympathy of a Nero or a Caligula. Its pain- 
 ful impression on the acute feelings of the sensitive Bain- 
 bridge may well be imagined. He returned to the governor, 
 boldly remonstrated against conduct so adverse to humanity, 
 and the modern usages of war, with no other etfect than 
 again to receive promises for their future good treatment. 
 No amelioration of their condition took place — even their 
 clothes were withheld from them, which the unfeeling jailor 
 declared he would retain as a punishment for their alleged 
 misconduct. 
 
 About the last of December, the Ponsea frigate arrived at 
 Guadaloupe from Point Petre, having on board between 
 twenty and thirty Americans, who had been captured by 
 French privateers. These prisoners wei'e compelled to do 
 duty as a part of the crew of the Ponsea, in consequence, as 
 alleged by the captain, of the diminution of his force by pre- 
 vious sickness. 
 
 As soon as Lieutenant Bainbridge became acquainted with 
 the circumstances, he requested governor Desferneaux to 
 hberate them from a position in which they might be com- 
 pelled to fight against their countrymen, and to treat them 
 as prisoners of war on the island, until legally exchanged; 
 or, if they were neutrals, as he had intimated in a previous 
 conversation, there could be no justifiable reason for their 
 detention on board a public ship, then within his power. 
 
 The intriguing and wily governor, always generous in pro- 
 fessions and promises, gave prompt assurances that the pri- 
 
30 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 soners should be landed, but in two days afterwards Lieute- 
 nant Bainbridge had the mortification to see the Ponsea sail 
 for France, without releasing one of his captured country- 
 men. 
 
 The next day, while Bainbridge was still burning with in- 
 dignation in consequence of being thus trifled with by the 
 governor, the latter sent a polite message requesting an im- 
 mediate conference. Without adverting to the affair of the 
 Ponsea, the governor stated that he wished to make the ar- 
 rangements which he had previously hinted at, in relation 
 to the restoration of the Retalialioji and the release of her of- 
 ficers and crew, and regretted that political considerations 
 had prevented an earlier execution of his intentions. He of- 
 fered to liberate all citizens of the United States, captured 
 previously to his arrival, and expressed a wish that the go- 
 vernment of the United States would open a trade with Gua- 
 daloupe, where they should be respected as friends and al-. 
 lies. 
 
 The governor promised the immediate fulfilment of these 
 engagements, provided Lieutenant Bainbridge would pledge 
 his honour to proceed directly to the United States, and not 
 to capture or molest French vessels in his homeward pas- 
 sage. Bainbridge remarked, that while the prisons of Bas- 
 seterre were crowded with his fellow citizens, many of whom 
 had been brought into port since his arrival; and American 
 merchant vessels had been condemned as lawfvil prizes, he 
 must ^be excused if he doubted his expressed good will, to- 
 wards either the government or citizens of the United States. 
 The offer, therefore, to restore the Retaliation could not be 
 accepted, unless he was permitted to follow the instructions 
 of his government, to capture all armed vessels sailing under 
 the flag of the French republic. The Retaliation was now 
 a French prize, being recaptured by two national frigates. 
 He could not therefore take command of a vessel belonging 
 to an enemy, with a pledge to be governed by an enemy's 
 
COMMODORE BAIN BRIDGE. 31 
 
 orders, without disgracing himself as an officer, and render- 
 ing himself liable to punishment by a court martial. If he 
 returned in the Retaliation, she must be made a cartel, and 
 commanded by a French oflicer. The governor being no 
 longer able to suppress his exasperated feelings at the inde- 
 pendent stand taken by Bainbridge, threatened him with im- 
 prisonment if he longer refused to accept his propositions. 
 Lieutenant Bainbridge replied, that no fear of punishment 
 could induce him to abandon the principles which should al- 
 ways govern him as an officer, and he must therefore re- 
 peat, that if compelled to leave Guadaloupe, his sense of 
 duty would require him to obey the orders of his own go- 
 vernment. 
 
 The governor at last determined to tit out a cartel, under 
 the command of a proper officer to convey the prisoners to 
 the United States, and which should be accompanied by the 
 Retaliation, with her proper officers and crew. Lieutenant 
 Bainbridge was sent for by General Desferneaux, and in- 
 formed not only of this arrangement, but that he had pre- 
 pared despatches to be presented to the President of the 
 United States, in which he assured him of the neutral posi- 
 tion of the island ; and, as a pledge of his sincerity, he had 
 released the Retaliation, with her officers and crew, and all 
 other prisoners on the island, amounting to nearly three hun- 
 dred. 
 
 The governor having made these arrangements, he in- 
 formed Lieutenant Bainbridge, that he had resolved to" com- 
 pel the immediate departure of the Retaliation, and in the 
 event of any act of hostility being committed previously to 
 her arrival in the United States, he would put to death every 
 American prisoner, which might be hereafter captured and 
 brought to the island. To these circumstances, were added, 
 the importunities of the prisoners, among whom were seve- 
 ral highly respectable masters of vessels, that the terms pro- 
 posed should be acceded to, as the only means by which 
 
32 LIFE AND SERVICES OP 
 
 tliey could be extricated from the insults and insupportable 
 sufferings to which they were exposed. 
 
 As the governor had sufficient force to compel obedience, 
 there was no alternative but to sail as directed, in company 
 with the cartel, under the character of prisoners of v>'ar, sub- 
 jected to the direction of Monsieur Le Blanc, who was also 
 special messenger, and bearer of despatches from Governor 
 Desferneaux, to the President of the United States. 
 
 On the return of Lieutenant Bainbridge, his whole con- 
 duct was highly approved of by the government; and, as an 
 evidence of it, he was immediately promoted to the rank of 
 master and commander, and ordered to the brig-of-war Nor- 
 folk, of eighteen guns, then anchored in the river Delaware, 
 with directions to fit her for active service, with all possi- 
 ble despatch. 
 
 The President of the United States communicated the 
 transactions at Guadaloupe to Congress, which, with great 
 unanimity passed the Retaliation Act, which provides, that 
 if any citizen of the United States who shall have been im- 
 pressed, or forced by violence or threats, to enter on board 
 a French cruiser, " hath suffered death, or hath received 
 other corporeal punishment, or shall be imprisoned with un- 
 usual severity, by order of the executive directory of the 
 French Republic, or of any officer or agent acting under 
 their authority, in pursuance of any decree of the said di- 
 rectory, or law of the French Republic ; it shall be lawful 
 for the President of the United States, and he is hereby em- 
 powered and required to cause the most rigorous retaliation 
 to be executed on any such citizens of the French Republic 
 as have been, or hereafter may be, captured in pursuance 
 of any of the laws of the United States." 
 
 Neither this law nor the conduct of Captain Bainbridge 
 seems to have met with the approbation of Mr. Jefferson, then 
 Vice-President of the United States. In a letter to Mr. 
 Pendleton, of Virginia, he observes, that " the captain 
 
COMMODOJIE BAINBRIDGE. 33 
 
 (Bainbridge) insisted on being a prisoner, Desfourneaux dis- 
 claimed, and so he arrived here with his vessel the day be- 
 fore yesterday. Within an hour after this was known to 
 the senate, they passed the retaliation act." 
 
 The quasi war, as it has been termed, directed by the 
 acts of May and June, 1798, authorizing the capture of 
 French vessels, which had committed aggressions on our 
 commerce, and of armed vessels of France, was distinguished 
 by the victories of Truxton in the Constellation frigate of 
 thirty-six guns, over the French frigate L'Insurgent, of forty 
 guns, and over La Vengeance, of fifty-four. 
 
 It may be difficult, at this distant day, to decide how far the 
 great interests of the nation were affected, by the compara- 
 tively unimportant events at Guadaloupe, and the prompt 
 measures of government which succeeded, or whether they 
 contributed to promote, or prevent a reconciliation with 
 France. It appears from the following extract of a letter, from 
 Mr. Jefferson to Mr. Madison, that he considered the trans- 
 actions at Guadaloupe, and the communication from Gene- 
 ral Desfourneaux as favourable indications of the disposi- 
 tions of that government, and as having an important bear- 
 ing on our relations with them. "■ The object (says he,) of 
 Le Blanc's mission, who came in the Retaliation, was not, 
 at all, for the exchange of prisoners, but they (the govern- 
 ment of the United States,) choose to keep up the idea of a 
 cartel, to prevent the transaction from being used as evidence 
 of the sincerity of the French Government towards a recon- 
 ciliation. He came to assure us of a discontinuance of all 
 irregularities in French privateers from Guadaloupe." 
 
 From the nature of the retaliation act, so promptly 
 passed after Bainbridge's return, and from the cavalier re- 
 ception which the French agent is said to have received, it 
 may be inferred, that congress and the executive considered 
 the overtures, either as not sincere, or as giving no security 
 against future aggressions ; or, what is more probable, they 
 5 
 
34 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 may have been regarded as partial in their operation, to 
 obtain commercial advantages for a single port, while the 
 trade of the United States would continue exposed to de- 
 predations from all the others. 
 
 Whatever may have been the motives of our government 
 in the course pursued, Mr. Jefferson did not approve of them, 
 as he considered the mission from General Desfourneaux of 
 a conciliatory character. Such an inference, however, 
 cannot be fairly drawn from the facts disclosed. It is evi- 
 dent, that General Desfourneaux wished to obtain certain 
 commercial advantages for the port of Guadaloupe alone, 
 and had the audacity to offer Bainbridge certain private ad- 
 vantages, provided he would second his views. That such 
 was his aim is fully disclosed in his letter to the President of 
 the United States, published in the papers of the day, in 
 which, after communicating the decree of the Directory of 
 the 13th Thermidor, (12th of August, 1798,) by which, 
 among other measures to restrain privateers, it is provided, 
 that " the agents of the Republic at Guadaloupe, shall take 
 care that the interests of neutrals and allies shall be scru- 
 pulously respected; he assured the President that the citi- 
 zens of the United States may come and exchange their 
 produce for the productio?ts of the island, and dispose of their 
 property freely." 
 
 This decree had been communicated to Mr. Gerry, the 
 American minister, as early as the third of August, and, of 
 course, must have been received by the American govern- 
 ment, before it was transmitted by General Desfourneaux. 
 
 On the 29th of the following October, the Executive Di- 
 rectory had decreed, that every individual of a nation, allies, 
 or neutrals, forming a part of the crew of a ship of war of the 
 enemies of France, shall, by that single fact, be declared a 
 pirate, without being permitted to allege that he had been 
 forced into such service. The execution of this decree 
 (passed, it is presumed, in consequence of the impressment 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 35 
 
 of our seamen by Great Britain) was, however, suspended 
 within a few days after its passage ; but leaving in force 
 that of 1797, by which American seamen were to be treated 
 as spies, if found on board of vessels belonging to the ene- 
 mies of France. These extraordinary decrees, the treat- 
 ment of our prisoners at Guadaloupe, and what Mr. Jeffer- 
 son, on another occasion, denominates " the atrocious con- 
 duct of France towards neutral Nations, and, especially, to 
 the United States," tended to widen the breach between the 
 two governments. 
 
 Professor Tucker, in his recent life of Mr. Jefferson, ad- 
 mits that the prompt and energetic conduct of our govern- 
 ment in consequence for the improper treatment which our 
 envoys received in Paris, and of the prisoners at Guadaloupe, 
 tended materially to awaken a more conciliatory disposition 
 on the part of the Directory. He intimates a doubt, indeed, 
 whether this friendly disposition would have been mani- 
 fested by France, if her conduct had been less warmly and 
 generally resented. 
 
 To claim for the conduct of Captain Bainb ridge, and that 
 of the government, in consequence of it, some degree of influ- 
 ence in producing this favourable change in our relations 
 with France, cannot be deemed unreasonable. In this state 
 of affairs, the frigate United States, commanded by Commo- 
 dore Barry, sailed for France, on the third of November, 
 1799, with new envoys, Messrs. Ellsworth and Davie, who 
 joined Mr. Gerry, the former associate of Messrs. Marshall 
 and Pinckney. 
 
 Agreeably to an assurance, previously required of the 
 French Government, the recently appointed envoys were 
 received with all the respect due to their character and 
 country. 
 
 After the overthrow of the French Directory, and Bona- 
 parte had succeeded to the government as First Consul, our 
 ministers readily negotiated with him an advantageous 
 peace. 
 
36 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 The notice taken of these transactions is more extend- 
 ed, than their intrinsic importance would seem to warrant ; 
 but as Mr. Jefferson has given a conspicuous place to 
 them in his correspondence, the writer deems it due to his- 
 torical truth, and to the memory of a distinguished officer, 
 to give all the facts, which he feels assured, will place the 
 conduct of Bainbridge bejfond reproach. 
 
 After the Norfolk was "prepared for sea, Bainbridge was 
 directed to report himself to Commodore Truxton, who then 
 commanded the frigate Constellation, in the West Indies. 
 
 While cruising among the Leeward Islands, the Norfolk 
 carried away both topmasts, while in chase of a large three 
 masted, armed schooner recently from Guadaloupe. This 
 accident alone prevented the capture of the schooner. 
 
 He proceeded to St. Kitts to repair damages, when he 
 took under convoy a fleet of one hundred and nineteen sail 
 of merchant vessels bound to different parts of the United 
 States. They received convoy to 36° of latitude, north of 
 which, no danger was apprehended, from the cruisers of the 
 enemy. Two days before he abandoned his convoy, he fell 
 in with a French frigate. He immediately made signals for 
 the fleet to disperse, and hj pursuing a different course 
 with the Norfolk, invited the frigate to give her chase. By 
 this manoeuvre, and superior sailing, the frigate was drawn 
 off so far from the convoy as to afford her, as well as the Nor- 
 folk, an opportunity to escape in the night. According to 
 previous arrangements, all the vessels were collected the 
 next day. 
 
 Master and Commander Bainbridge returned from this 
 cruise to New York, in the month of August. While absent 
 on this arduous service he had the mortification to learn, 
 that five lieutenants were promoted over him to the rank 
 of Captain. Such a violation of his rights, he could not 
 have anticipated, particularly as his whole conduct had al- 
 ways received the unqualified approbation of the govern- 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 37 
 
 ment. In vain he r^nonstrated against this act of injus- 
 tice, but received no other reparation than an assurance, 
 that such irregularities should not again occur, and that in 
 future, the rights conferred by rank should be duly regarded. 
 Though his pride was so deeply wounded as to incline him 
 to resign, his attachment to the service, and the urgent so- 
 licitation of friends, prevented his pursuing a course which 
 would have been greatly injurious to the interest and effi- 
 ciency of the navy. 
 
 Our difficulties with France continuing. Captain Bain- 
 bridge was ordered to superintend the repairs of the Nor- 
 folk, and to fit her for sea again as speedily as possible. 
 After this duty had been performed, he sailed from Sandy 
 Hook on the 12th of September, 1799, for Cape Francois, 
 where he received the orders of. Commodore Christopher R. 
 Perry, the father of the distinguished Oliver H. Perry, to 
 cruise off Hispaniola. 
 
 Touching at Cape Francois, then in possession of a negro 
 government, he fired a salute, which was promptly returued 
 by the fort, after which Captain Bainbridge waited on Ge- 
 neral Toussaint, and was received by him with great urba- 
 nity. Toussaint accepted an invitation to visit the Norfolk, 
 and General Christophe, another negro general, expressed 
 some surprise at the circumstance, as he [Toussaint] had 
 been repeatedly invited by the commanders of English, 
 French, and American vessels of war, to visit them, but had 
 always declined. Toussaint seemed much gratified by the 
 attentions he received, evinced no little curiosity and intelli- 
 gence, by his questions in relation to the difTerent objects in 
 the fighting department, which presented themselves to his 
 observation. 
 
 Captain Bainbridge was invited, in return, to dine with 
 Toussaint, and was surprised to observe a dinner, not only 
 sumptuous, but served up with much taste and elegance. 
 The entertainment was conducted with great decorum, and 
 
38 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 some pretensions to refinement. The dinner party con- 
 sisted of Bainbridge and forty sable officers, in richly em- 
 broidered dresses ; and, although they treated him with great 
 courtesy, he inferred from their stiff and lofty bearing, that 
 his presence was not considered by them as any particular 
 compliment. The first toast given, was the health of Tous- 
 saint, by General Christophe, the next was that of their 
 guest, given by Toussaint. 
 
 After some general conversation, Toussaint asked Captain 
 Bainbridge what disposition he intended to make of the pri- 
 soners he had taken from the brigand Riego, who command- 
 ed the south part of the island. Without waiting an an- 
 swer, he signified his willingness to take charge of them, pro- 
 vided Captain Bainbridge would land them. Toussaint was 
 asked, in what manner he proposed to treat them, in the 
 event of their being placed in his power, to which he quick- 
 ly replied, he would draw them out and shoot them. Cap- 
 tain Bainbridge, of course, declined the proffered services, by 
 assuring Toussaint, that if he w^ere to accede to his wishes, 
 he w^ould incur the risk of being shot himself, by his own go- 
 vernment. 
 
 In obedience to the orders of Commodore Perry, he sailed 
 in October, from Cape Francois, and when near Monte Christi, 
 fell in with the Constitution frigate, commanded by Captain 
 Silas Talbot, from whom Captain Bainbridge received new 
 orders to cruise for a time in Turks Island passage, and from 
 thence proceed to the Bite of Leogane, and then appear ,off 
 Cape Nichola Mole. 
 
 On the 31st of October, the Norfolk, while near the N. 
 W. point of Guahani, with her guns housed, and in every 
 possible way disguised, as a merchant vessel, an armed barge 
 was discovered in pursuit. Captain Bainbridge hove his ves- 
 sel in stays, for the purpose of continuing the deception, and 
 with a pretence to escape. The barge rowing sixteen oars, 
 and filled with men, having gained rapidly on the Norfolk, 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 39 
 
 commenced a fire with musketry and swivels, and as she 
 neared, hoisted French colours, the officers waved their hats, 
 as a signal for heaving to. When she approached within 
 half gun-shot, suspecting the character of the Norfolk, tacked 
 about and made an eflfort to escape. Captain Bainbridge an- 
 ticipating a movement of this kind, and fully prepared, with 
 his guns, immediately rounded to, up ports, and poured a 
 deadly broadside into her, which he inferred produced great 
 execution, from the wild and piercing screams, which issued 
 from the barge. In consequence of its growing calm, how- 
 ever, she escaped to the shore, and was pursued by the boats 
 and destroyed. Two of the crew, were found dead in the 
 boat, and four had been extended on the grass, in the last 
 agonies of death. Others, who had been less severely 
 wounded, were no doubt carried oflf by their comrades, as 
 they could be traced, by many tracks of blood. 
 
 On the 8th of November, off Cape Nicola Mole, the Nor- 
 folk captured the French lugger Republican, mounting 
 eight swivels, with her prize, a sloop loaded with coffee, both 
 of which he carried to Monte Christi, where he met the fri- 
 gate Constitution. The lugger was destroyed,, by order of 
 Captain Talbot, and the sloop sent to the United States, 
 
 When Captain Bainbridge took possession of the sloop, a 
 spectacle was presented of the most heart-rending charac- 
 ter. He found the deck strewed with mangled dead bodies 
 of men, five women and six children, weeping with the wild- 
 est distraction over their murdered husbands, fathers, and 
 brothers. The circumstances attending this horrible event, 
 were explained as follows. The sloop sailed from Jeremie, 
 a port in Hispaniola, bound to St. Jago de Cuba. She had 
 scarcely cleared the port, when she was pursued by a bri- 
 gand barge, filled with armed men from the same port, who 
 boarded, killed all the crew, and male passengers, plundered 
 the vessel of a considerable amount of specie, rifled the pock- 
 ets of the dead, and commenced insulting the females and. 
 
40 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 children, when the French higger hove in sight. The bri- 
 gands now precipitately fled from the theatre of their mur- 
 derous brutality, leaving the dead bodies on deck — the sails 
 flapping in the breeze, and the women and children in a state 
 of alarm and despondency, which can be scarcely imagined. 
 In this state she w^as taken possession of, by the Republican, 
 and a few hours afterwards recaptured by the JVorfolk. 
 Captain Bainbridge, who sent the prize to the United States, 
 received the vvoQien and children on board the Norfolk, and 
 used his utmost endeavours to assuage their affliction by kind 
 attentions, and affording them all the comforts in his power. 
 After arriving in Havanna, the officers of the Norfolk, and 
 some Americans on shore, gave them a suflicient sum to ena- 
 ble them to reach St. Jago de Cuba, their place of destina- 
 tion. The helpless and desponding widows and orphans, now 
 separated from their generous protectors, with expressions of 
 the warmest, and doubtless the sincerest gratitude. 
 
 On the 14lh, Captain Bainbridge received orders from the 
 navy department, to cruise off Cuba station, and a squadron 
 of three sloops of war, consisting of the Norfolk, the Warren, 
 and the Pinckney, each carrying 18 guns, were placed 
 under his command. A short time afterwards, he chased 
 a French privateer on shore, where she was lost. 
 
 Learning that a French privateer was fitting out in the 
 harbour of Havanna, to cruise against the commerce of the 
 United States, Captain Bainbridge determined to prevent 
 her escape, by maintaining a rigid blockade of the har- 
 bour. The governor of tiie island remonstrated v.'ith the 
 American consul, against the conduct of Captain Bainbridge, 
 alleging that he had no legal right to cruise so near the shores 
 of the island. Being informed by the consul of this interfe- 
 rence of the Spanish authority, he immediately addressed the 
 following letter, in reply to the governor's remonstrance. 
 
 "Whatever mav have been the ancient custom, with re- 
 
COMMODORE BAIN BRIDGE. 41 
 
 gard to the limits of neutral ri2;bts durinfj a period of hos- 
 tilities, it is now agreed, tiiat distance shall not extend be- 
 yond a gun-shot, from the shore. The many captures 
 which the Americans have suffered, within the old-estab- 
 lished limits on neutral coasts, without the proper autho- 
 rities either offering protection, or of even remonstrating 
 against what might be supposed a violation of their neu- 
 tral rights, that I feel myself warranted in availing my- 
 self of the modern custom which has proved so destructive 
 to our owm commerce. It is the dispo.sition of my govern- 
 ment, as it certainly is my own, to pay every friendly atten- 
 tion to the Spanish flag; nor do I mean in any instance to 
 incur the censure of my own government, to which alone I 
 am responsible for my conduct. The governor of Havan- 
 na may be assured, however, that Fretich privateers, fitted 
 out in Spanish ports, will be pursued with not less vigilance 
 than if fitted out in Guadaloupe, and nothing shall protect 
 them from capture, but the guns of the fortresses, which de- 
 fend the harbour in whicli they are anchored." 
 
 Finding it impossible to escape, the commander of the pri- 
 vateer dismantled his vessel, and discharged his crew. Bain- 
 bridge not only effectually blockaded this vessel, but with 
 the sloop of war under his command, he afforded the most 
 ample protection to the valuable meixhant vessels, passing 
 to and from this porto 
 
 Previously to Captain Bainbridge's assuming the command 
 of this station, the French cruisers had depredated on the com- 
 merce of the United States, to a vast and ruinous extent. 
 So untiring was his exertion, that for six months, during the 
 most inclement and boisterous season of the year, the squad- 
 ron under his command was continually cruising, with the 
 exception of ten days, when he was obliged to go into port 
 for provisions. In such high estimation were his services 
 held by the American merchants in Havanna, that w'hen he 
 6 
 
42 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 was about to depart for the United States, they presented 
 him with the following letter : — 
 
 March 10, 1800. 
 
 " Having witnessed the ample protection, which you have 
 extended to the American commerce, trading to this island, 
 it would be doing injustice to our feelings, were we to sup- 
 press our acknowledgments of the vigilance, perseverance, 
 and urbanity, which have marked your conduct, during your 
 arduous command on this station. 
 
 " It must afford peculiar pleasure to the citizens of the 
 United States, to know that a trade which was so recently 
 exposed to frequent depredations, now passes in almost cer- 
 tain security; and we doubt not that they, with us, will do 
 you the justice to acknowledge the essential services which 
 you have rendered to your country." 
 
 He sailed from Havanna in March, 1800, and arrived at 
 the port of Philadelphia early in April : so favourably was his 
 conduct viewed by the President, that he was immediately 
 promoted to the rank of captain, his commission bearing date 
 2d May, 1800. 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 
 
 43 
 
 CHAPTER 11. 
 
 Captain Bainbridge ordered to the Command of the Frigate George 
 Washington — Carries tribute to Algiers — Carries Algerine Ambassa- 
 dor to Constantinople — Letter to the Secretary of the Navy — Praying 
 
 of the Maiiommedans — Arrival 
 never heard of the United >? 
 Ambassador refuses an Au 
 Protection of the British A 
 — Invitation to the A ' 
 Algerine Flag while 
 giers — Perilous Statf 
 bridge's Explanation 
 Commander — Lettei 
 Treaty — Complimen 
 ward Daniel Clarke, t 
 Bosphorus — Gardens of . 
 George Washington- — A IN 
 duction from Mr. Clarke — A. 
 
 ole — Boarding Officer 
 
 \ Palace — Algerine 
 
 '\ — Receives the 
 
 \a— Mr. Zacbe 
 
 to hoist the 
 
 ._o to return to Al- 
 
 r at the Dardanelles — Bain- 
 
 uife is saved — Gratitude of the 
 
 •retary of the Navy on the subject of a 
 
 yapudan Pacha — His Passports — Ed- 
 
 \ Traveller — Visit to the Thracian 
 
 '•-Air. Clarke's Notice of the Frigate 
 
 pf an Entertainment — Letter of Intro- 
 
 (il off Algiers — Savage Demeanour of 
 
 the Dey — Release of Venetian, Sicilian, and Maltese Prisoners — Con- 
 veys French Consul and Family to Alicant — Receives the Thanks of 
 the First Consul of France — Returns to the United States. 
 
 In the month of May, 1800, Captain Bainbridge was or- 
 dered to take command of the frigate George Washingtott, 
 for the purpose of carrying the Tribute, which the United 
 States, by existing treaties, were bound to send, annually, 
 to the regency of Algiers. 
 
44 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 After the George Washington had arrived at Algiers, in Sep- 
 tember, and placed the Tribute into the hancls of the United 
 t-\ates consul, an extraordinary request was made of Captain 
 ' linbridge, by the Dey, that he would carry his ambassador 
 iind presents, to Constantinople, in order to conciliate the 
 Grand Seignior, whom he had offended, by concluding a 
 treaty of peace with France, at a time when Turkey and 
 her British ally were carrying on a war in Egypt against 
 the French army, under Bonaparte. He considered it ne- 
 cessary to make every "exertion to appease the anger of the 
 Ottoman Porte, and thus avert the chastisement which he 
 so much dreaded. Captain Bainbridge obtained an inter- 
 view wdth the Dey, and expressed his regret, that he could 
 not comply with his request without violating his orders. 
 The Dey intimated to him that he must recollect, the frigate 
 was sufficiently ir compel an obedience to his 
 
 demands. Bai'^ 1 by Richard O'Brien, the 
 
 American co^ t a former period, a pri- 
 
 soner at Ali diligent man, and w^ell 
 
 acqualiit^a xvni. cy, made a spirited 
 
 remonstrance against ti\ edurc, w-hich was 
 
 so revolting to his feelings,-.: i ted every princi- 
 
 ple of national law% which, how'f no effect, as the 
 
 determined purpose of the rel arbarian remained 
 
 unaltered. Anchored under t ries, escape was im- 
 
 possible, and as vengeance wa; itened, in case his re- 
 
 quisition was further opposed, a, . s a valuable unprotected 
 trade was in danger, it was thought prudent to yield to his 
 arbitrary demands. Captain Bainbridge has stated, in the 
 subjoined extract of a letter, the reasons which influenced 
 him to pursue this course. 
 
 " The Dey of Algiers, soon after my arrival, made a de- 
 mand, that the United States ship, George Washington, 
 should carry an ambassador to Constantinople, with presents 
 to' the amount of five or six hundred thousand dollars, and 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 45 
 
 upwards of two hundred Turkish passengers. Every effort 
 was made by mo to evade this demand, but it availed no- 
 thing. The Hght in which the chief of this regency looks 
 upon the people of the United States, may be inferred from 
 his style of expression. He remarked to me, ' You pay me 
 tribute, by which you become my slaves, I have, therefore, 
 a right to order you as I may think proper.' 
 
 " The unpleasant situation in which I am placed, must 
 convince you that I have no alternative left but compliance, 
 or a renewal of hostilities against our commerce. The loss 
 of the frigate, and the fear of slavery for myself and crew, 
 were the least circumstances to be apprehended; but I 
 knew our valuable commerce in these seas would fall a 
 sacrifice to the corsairs of this power, as we have here no 
 cruisers to protect it. Enclosed is the correspondence be- 
 tween Richard O'Brien, Esq., consul general, and myself, 
 on the subject of the embassy; by which you will see, that 
 I had no choice in acting, but was governed by the tyrant 
 within whose power I had fallen. 
 
 " 1 hope I may never again be sent to Algiers with tribute, 
 unless I am authorized to deliver it from the mouth of our 
 cannon. I trust that my conduct will be approved of l,«y 
 the President; for, with every desire to act right, it has 
 caused me many unpleasant moments." 
 
 On the eve of sailing, a difference arose, on the subjoci 
 of the flag. The Dey insisted, that the colours of Algic:.^ 
 should fly at the main, that of the United States should be 
 carried at the fore. This honour, he stated, had been al- 
 ways yielded to him, by the English, French, and Spanish 
 commanders, who had been employed by him in similar ser- 
 vices.* Bainbridge remonstrated in vain, but, at length, 
 
 * Tn a letter dated Algiers, 8th of March, 1817, addressed to a naval officer 
 in tlie Unttd States, it is stated, that a British frig-ate was placed at ihc <lis- 
 posaPof Omar, Dey of Algiers, to carry a minister and pi-esents to Constan- 
 
46 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 yielded to a demand, which he was inducjed to comply with, 
 for the same reasons wliich prompted a compliance with 
 the other arbitrary exactions. Having made no pledges 
 on the subject of the flags, he felt himself at liberty to give 
 precedence to " the star spangled banner," as soon as he 
 was without the reach of the guns of the harbour. 
 
 The George Jl'u^hifigton sailed from Algiers on the 19th 
 i" October, 1800 The winds and weather were unfavour- 
 able, and the crowded condition of the ship, with the diffi- 
 culty of Tiinaaging the Algerines without using severity, a 
 resort to which would not have been proper, rendered the 
 passage as unpleasant as could be well imagined. The in- 
 terruptions to the duties of the ship by the frequent devotions 
 of the Mussulmans, proved another source of annoyance. Be- 
 sides other religious ceremonies, they prayed five times a 
 day, and always with their faces directed towards the Kaaba 
 of Mecca. As the ship frequently tacked while engaged in 
 prayer, they were as often obliged to change their position, 
 and such was their scrupulosity on this point, that one of 
 the number was designated to consult the compass in the 
 binnacle to obtain the precise direction. Such manoeuvres 
 never failed to excite the merriment, and elicit the gibes of 
 the sailors. 
 
 The frigate arrived at Constantinople, after a passage of 
 fifty-nine days, and anchored in the lower part of the har- 
 bour, on the ninth of November. Immediately afterwards, 
 an officer was sent from the castle to inquire of Captain Bain- 
 bridge, under what flag he sailed, to which he replied, the 
 flag of the United States. The messenger from the castle 
 returned, and observed, that such a nation, as the " U?iited 
 
 tjnople, with a view of conciliating the Ottoman Government, which his 
 predecessor had offended. It appears, then, that the Dey was correct, in 
 stating that services, similar to those rendered by the George Washington, 
 ?iau been performed by the vessels of other nations. 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 47 
 
 Stoles" had been never heard of before by the Turkish Go- 
 vernment, and desired that Captain Bainbridge would expli- 
 citly state, whence he came. He then reported his vessel 
 as belonging to the "new world" which Columbus had dis- 
 covered ; on hearing which, the messenger repaired immedi- 
 ately to the shore. In a few hours he returned, and for the 
 first time, came on board the frigate, bringing with him a 
 lamb, and a bunch of flowers : the former, as an emblem of 
 peace, and the latter of welcome. 
 
 The Sultan manifested a friendly disposition, and desired 
 the captain of the port, to conduct the frigate into the inner 
 harbour. On passing the Sultan's palace, a salute of twenty- 
 one guns was fired, which was received with much satisfac- 
 tion. The Grand Seignior particularly noticed the stars in 
 the United States flag, and remarked that as his own was 
 decorated with one of the heavenly bodies, he considered 
 this coincidence as an omen of the future friendly intercourse 
 between the two nations. From the similarity of the na- 
 tional emblems, the Sultan thought that there must be some 
 affinity between the laws, religion, and manners of the mus- 
 selmans and Americans. 
 
 The Algerine ambassador reported himself to the Sultan, 
 but was denied an audience until the return of the Capudan 
 Pacha, who was then on a cruise. 
 
 Eight days after the arrival of the George Washington, a 
 Dragoman came on board, and asked Captain Bainbridge, if 
 he did not know there was such an officer as the Reis Ef- 
 fendi. You have reached this port, he added, without either 
 the knowledge or consent of the Turkish government, and 
 have neglected to report yourself to the proper officer, there- 
 by offTering an indignity which requires reparation. The 
 Reis Effendi directs that you appear before him to-morrow 
 morning, at ten o'clock; to which Captain Bainbridge replied, 
 that as he commanded the ship, which carried an ambassa- 
 dor and presents to the Sultan, he felt under no obligations 
 
48 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 to hold intercourse, further than an interchange of civilities, 
 with the officers of the Ottoman government. The Drago- 
 man observed, with a significant nod, you had better not dis- 
 obey the commands which I have delivered. Captain Bain- 
 bridge stated to him, that he disregarded both the threats 
 and commands of the Reis Effendi; but thought it prudent, 
 at the same time, to considt, and if necessary to solicit the 
 protection of some of the resident ministers, in amity with 
 the United States. This was the only course left him to pur- 
 sue, as the United States were not then represented at that 
 government. 
 
 Captain Bainbridge accordingly waited on Lord Elgin, the 
 British ambassador, and informed him of the message he had 
 received from the Reis EtFendi, and expressed a hope, that 
 the amicable relations then subsisting between their respec- 
 tive governments, would justify his calling upon him for such 
 aid as he might find necessary in case of difficulty with this 
 officer. Lord Elgin promptly offered his friendly services, 
 stating, that as the object of the Reis Effendi was to obtain 
 a bribe, he would send him a message by his Dragoman, 
 which would prevent all further annoyance. 
 
 Some few days after these occurrences, the Capudan Pa- 
 cha, whose office is equivalent to Lord High Admiral, ar- 
 rived from Egypt, with fifteen sail of the line and a number 
 of frigates. As the fleet entered the harbour, the George 
 Washington fired a salute. At that moment the admiral's 
 ship was taken aback, by a squall from the Thracian Bos- 
 phorus, and was saved only from being cast on shore, by the 
 skill and dexterity of her officers. Captain Bainbridge having 
 witnessed the incident, was satisfied that it alone was the 
 cause of his salute not being returned. The next morning 
 Mr. Zacbe, the admiral's private-secretary, waited upon Cap- 
 tain Bainbridge, to apologize for his salute not being noticed, 
 and to assure him that it would be returned next day. This 
 explanation was of course perfectly satisfactory, and the sa- 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 4© 
 
 lute was returned, after which Captain Bainbridge was in- 
 vited to visit the admiral at his palace. He was received 
 with great cordiality, and the admiral immediately remarked, 
 that the Dragoman of Lord Elgin, who was then present, 
 had informed him, that if any inquiries were made concern- 
 ing the American frigate, he would answer them, as the ship 
 was then under his protection. But the admiral observed, 
 "As the Ottoman government have siifhcient liberalitv to pro- 
 tect strangers, I beg you will place yourself under mij pro- 
 tection, and accept of me, as your representative to the Sul- 
 tan." Aware of his great influence, Captain Bainbridge did 
 not hesitate to accept an oifer so obligingly made. The Sul- 
 tan and Capudan Pacha were brothers-in-law, born and edu- 
 cated together in the Harem, and always entertained for 
 each other the strongest friendship. To this circumstance 
 was added a singular regulation of the government, which 
 prevents all olHcers from having private interviews with the 
 Sultan, except there is a near relationship subsisting between 
 them. The affinity alluded to, gave to the admiral a com- 
 manding influence. The Grand Vizier, or Reis Eifendi, is 
 next in rank to the Sultan ; but as there was no connexion 
 existing between them by blood or marriage, they were, in 
 some degree, strangers. 
 
 Captain Bainbridge was not a little indebted to the friend- 
 ly oftices of Mr. Zacbe, the private secretary of the admi- 
 ral, for the marked attentions which he received. This gen- 
 tleman spoke the English and French languages fluently, 
 was courteous in his demeanour, and very intelligent. He 
 frequently gave evidence of his intimate acquaintance with 
 the history of our country, expressed his admiration of the 
 structure of our institutions, and made frequent inquiries 
 about our illustrious Franklin, with whom he formed an 
 acquaintance in Paris, during our struggle for Indepen- 
 dence. 
 
 A friendship was thus commenced between the secretary 
 7 
 
r)0 LirE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 and Captain Bainbridge, which, for many years, was main- 
 tained by a written correspondence. 
 
 The Algerine envoy was not accredited, nor were his let- 
 ters or presents received in consequence of the depreciations 
 committed on the commerce of Austria and other nations, in 
 amity with the Porte. Besides, as before stated, the Dey had 
 made peace with France, contrary to the Grand Seignior's 
 injunctions. As a further evidence of his displeasure, the 
 Capudan Patha requested Captain Bainbridge not to hoist 
 the Algerine flag, while he remained within the Ottoman do- 
 minions. 
 
 The ambassador at length received a letter from the Grand 
 Seignior, directed to the Dey of Algiers, requiring not only 
 an immediate declaration of war against France, but that 
 he should send him a million of piasters for his daring pre- 
 sumption. Sixty days only was allow^ed to transmit this 
 despatch to Algiers, and receive an answer at Constantino- 
 ple, on the failure of which, war would be the immediate 
 consequence. 
 
 The ambassador now requested, that the George Wash- 
 ington might be immediately prepared to return. 
 
 During the whole of the period Captain Bainbridge re- 
 mained at Constantinople, he received the most obliging at- 
 tentions from the Capudan Pacha. The circumstance of his 
 taking the frigate under his protection, was considered one 
 of the most distinguished honours which can be conferred on 
 the commander of a foreign vessel of war. The admiral vi- 
 sited the George Washington several times, and never failed 
 to remark on the correct deportment of the officers — the dis- 
 cipline and subordination of the crew — the structure of the 
 ship — her cleanliness, and fine appearance. 
 
 On one of these friendly interviews, the Capudan Pacha 
 incidentally observed to Captain Bainbridge, that he was not 
 a little surprised to learn, on his return to port, that the Ame- 
 rican frigate had not been subjected to the usual restraints 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 51 
 
 at the Dardanelles. It was the first time a foreign armed 
 vessel had reached Constantinople, without having first ob- 
 tained a " firman " from the Grand Seignior. No blame, how- 
 ever, was attached to Captain Bainbridge in consequence, he 
 being a stranger to the laws and customs of the country; but 
 the governor of the castle at the Dardanelles had been con- 
 fined, and his execution was only suspended until the sen- 
 tence received his, [the Pacha's] signature, which would not 
 be withheld. 
 
 Captain Bainbridge expressed great unhappiness that he 
 should be, in any degree, the cause of taking away the life 
 of an innocent fellow being, and assured the admiral, that 
 the governor was in no respect even censurable. The ad- 
 miral smiled and shrugged his shoulders, as if incredulous, 
 but requested him to explain how a frigate could pass the 
 Dardanelles without gross neglect on the part of the com- 
 manding officer. Captain Bainbridge said, he understood 
 that it would be necessary for him to remain at the straits 
 until permission was received from the Sultan to enable him 
 to proceed to Constantinople. Apprehensive that it might 
 not be given, and unwilling to be turned back after so long 
 a voyage, stratagem was made use of to effect his object. 
 When nearly opposite the castle he made a show of taking 
 in sail, and at the same time commenced firing a salute, 
 which being immediately returned by the batteries on either 
 side of the strait, so enveloped the ship in smoke, that she could 
 not be discerned from shore. At this juncture all sail was 
 immediately made, which enabled the vessel to double the 
 point above, and get out of the reach of the guns before the 
 dense clouds of smoke cleared away. Captain Bainbridge 
 added, that he could not -claim the privilege of ignorantly of- 
 fending against the laws of the empire; but rather than a 
 brave and blameless officer should suffer death for his of- 
 fence, he felt bound to state the circumstances as they oc- 
 curred, and thus take upon himself the consequences, hov.- 
 
52 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 ever severely they might fall on him. The Admiral re- 
 marked that the statement was so reasonable, and the inci- 
 dent so satisfactorily explained, that the governor, who was 
 a brave, and he now believed to be a faithful officer, should 
 be pardoned, and then seizing Bainbridge by the hand, re- 
 marked, with great warmth of feeling, that he should not 
 suffer in consequence of his frank and manly disclosure. 
 
 On the return of the George Washington down the straits, 
 the fortress at the Dardanelles was again saluted, which be- 
 ing returned, the pardoned governor, who had resumed his 
 command, sent an officer to invite Captain Bainbridge to his 
 house, and expressed, in the most feeling manner, the grati- 
 tude due to a gallant stranger for saving his life, at a mo- 
 ment, too, when even hope was abandoned. He added, that 
 the Capudan Pacha had transmitted to him a detailed ac- 
 count of his generous development, so that he was fully 
 aware of the extent of his obligation. 
 
 A profusion of fresh provisions and fruits were sent on 
 board the frigate, and no act of courtesy which could be ac- 
 ceptable to the officers was omitted. Renewed assurances 
 of endless gratitude were frequently repeated to Captain 
 Bainbridge, for an obligation which the governor considered 
 could not be repaid. 
 
 Previously to Captain Bainbridge's leaving Constantinople, 
 he had a ^ree conversation with the Capudan Pacha, on the 
 subject of a treaty of amity and commerce with the Otto- 
 man Government, the amount of which is reported in the 
 subjoined letter to the secretary of the navy. 
 
 " Sir, 
 
 " On the 23rd of December, 1801, I was requested by the 
 Capudan Pacha to wait upon him at his palace. I was re- 
 ceived in a very friendly manner, and had some conversa- 
 tion respecting the formation of a treaty with the Ottoman 
 Porte ; and he expressed a very great desire that a minis- 
 
COMMODORE BAIN BRIDGE. 53 
 
 ter should be sent from the United States to effect it. I in- 
 formed him, that there was one already named, who, at 
 present, was in Lisbon, and probably would be here in six 
 months. He said, he would write to the ambassador, which 
 letter would be a protection for him while in the Turkish 
 empire, and gave me liberty to recojumend any merchant 
 vessel to his protection, which might wish to come here pre- 
 viously to the arrival of the ambassador. I thanked him in 
 the name of the United States, for the protection he had 
 been pleased to give the frigate under my command, and 
 for his friendly attentions to myself and officers. I conceive 
 it to be a very fortunate moment to negotiate an advan- 
 tageous treaty with this government. 
 
 ^ ■* 7^ ^ * ^ 
 
 " The Capudan Pacha requested me to take two messen- 
 gers and land them at Malta, being destined for Tripoli 
 and Tunis, which I have consented to do, conceiving it to 
 be good policy. I think it very probable, that the states 
 of Barbary will shortly receive chastisement from the 
 Turks." 
 
 Captain Bainbridge called, by request, on the admiral 
 the next day, and received the promised letter to the Ho- 
 nourable William Smith, minister plenipotentiary of the 
 United States at the court of Lisbon, with a request that it 
 might be forwarded to him as soon as practicable. The 
 admiral observed to him, " As your Ship has been under my 
 protection, she shall receive the honours which are exclu- 
 sively reserved for my flag. In passing the fortress of Ta- 
 pana, it will salute you, which, of course, you will return." 
 By a regulation, this fortress salutes the Capudan Pacha 
 alone. This compliment was never before extended to 
 a foreign vessel of war, nor even to Turkish vessels, com- 
 manded by a less personage than the admiral. He also 
 gave passports for the frigate, which entitled the flag, ^s 
 
54 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 well as commander, to the greatest respect in Turkish ports, 
 and from the ships of that empire. 
 
 While Captain Bainbridge was at Constantinople, he be- 
 came intimately acquainted with the justly celebrated Eng- 
 lish traveller, Edward Daniel Clarke, who had recently ar- 
 rived there, by travelling over land from Petersburgh, by 
 the way of Moscow and Odessa. 
 
 Captain Bainbridge made several excursions with Mr. 
 Clarke into the country in the vicinity of Constantinople, on 
 the opposite Asiatic shore, and up the Thracian Bosphorus, 
 as far as the Black Sea. A German count, a superinten- 
 dent of the Sultan's gardens, who mixed with the society of. 
 Pera, offered to give them an opportunity of visiting by 
 stealth, the gardens of the Seraglio, and the Harem. He 
 invited them also to his apartments, which were close to the 
 gates of the Sultan's gardens. 
 
 The writer regrets that Captain Bainbridge's own account 
 of this interesting visit, has not been obtained; but, he often 
 said, that his friend Clarke's was sufficiently correct, ex- 
 cept that he had rather magnified the dangers they had 
 escaped. Without imputing to Mr. Clarke, any disposition 
 to exaggerate, the contrariety of opinion on this point may 
 arise from the different estimation which these eminent men 
 may have had of danger. One gentleman may honestly 
 apprehend great peril, where it cannot be perceived by 
 another. 
 
 Mr. Clarke, in his travels, notices the visit of the frigate 
 George Washington, to the capital of the Ottoman empire, 
 in such honourable terms, that I feel warranted in tran- 
 scribing them. 
 
 " On the arrival of an American frigate for the first time at 
 Constantinople, considerable sensation was excited, not only 
 among the Turks, but also throughout the whole diplomatic 
 corps stationed at Pera. The ship, commanded by Captain 
 Bainbridge, came from Algiers with a letter from the Day 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGK. 
 
 to the Sultan and Capudan Pacha. The presents consisted 
 of tigers, and other animals, sent with a view to conciliate 
 the Turkish government, whom the Dey had offended. 
 The messenger from the Dey was ordered on board the 
 Capudan Pacha's ship, who, receiving the letter from his so- 
 vereign with great rage, first spat, and then stamped upon 
 it, telling him to go back to his master, and'inform him that 
 he would be treated after the same manner, whenever the 
 Turkish admiral met him. Captain Bainbridge was, how- 
 ever, received with every mark of attention." 
 
 " The order of the ship, and the healthy state of the crew- 
 became topics of general conversation in Pera; and the dif- 
 ferent ministers strove who should first receive him in their 
 palaci^s. We accompanied him in his long boat to the 
 Black Sea, as he was desirous of hoisting there, for the first 
 time, the American flag; and upon his return, were amused 
 by a very singular entertainment at his table during din- 
 ner. Upon the four corners were so many decanters, con- 
 taining fresh water from the four quarters of the globe. 
 The natives of Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, set down 
 together at the same table, were regaled with flesh, fruits, 
 bread and other viands, while of every article, a sample 
 from each quarter of the globe Avas presented at the same 
 time. The means of accomplishing this was easily ex- 
 plained, by his having touched at Algiers, in his passage 
 from America, and being at anchor so near the shores both 
 of Europe and Asia." 
 
 Before Captain Bainbridge sailed from Constantinople, Mr. 
 Clarke presented him with the subjoined friendly letter of in- 
 troduction to his brother, a Captain in the British navy. 
 Any relic from so distinguished an individual is worth pre- 
 serving. 
 
 Constantinople, Dec. 23, 1800. 
 **Dear George, 
 
 The bearer of this, Captain William Bainbridge, has 
 
5G LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 been my particular friend, and companion, during my resi- 
 dence here. 
 
 " The object of my writing is to introduce you to each 
 other ; and I hope you will meet with all that cordiahty and 
 friendship which would distinguish a Rencontre between Cap- 
 tain Bainbridge and me, if 1 should again have the pleasure 
 
 of his society. 
 
 " Your affectionate brother, 
 
 " E. D. Clarke." 
 The George V/ashington sailed from Constantinople on the 
 thirtieth of December, and arrived off" Algiers on the 21st 
 of January, 1801. Determined not to place himself again 
 in the power of the Dey,he anchored the frigate beyond the 
 ranp-e of the batteries of the harbour. The Dey expressed 
 much solicitude that she should anchor near to the city, al- 
 legino" that the distance rendered it inconvenient for the offi- 
 cers to have communication with the shore. This affected 
 intere >t for the comfort of the American officers was ex- 
 plained in a few days. 
 
 Apprehensive that Captain Bainbridge would refuse to re- 
 turn to Constantinople, he was anxious to enveigle him un- 
 der the guns of his fortresses, that he might again use com- 
 pulsion. Failing in this scheme, he made a request, through 
 the consul general, that the ship should carry his messenger 
 back to Constantinople, to which Captain Bainbridge replied, 
 in a letter to the consul general, " that the Dey had forgot- 
 ten the oath he swore, not to make any further demands, 
 after the first voyage was performed. After such a disre- 
 gard of his solemn declaration, he could not doubt his dispo- 
 sition to capture the frigate, and enslave the officers and 
 crew, if she were again within his power. His first demand 
 had been complied with to preserve peace; every thing had 
 been done which the commander of a ship would be justi- 
 fied in doing to prevent hostilities, and if the Dey was de- 
 termined to have war; if he were so mad as to make Ame- 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRTDGE. 57 
 
 ricans his enemies, he would soon regret such rash, impoli- 
 tic, and unprincipled procedure. Captain Bainbridge had 
 written to the secretary of the navy while at Constantino- 
 ple, that he anticipated a demand of this character would 
 be made; but gave an assurance of his determination to re- 
 sist it, believing that the government of the United States 
 would not sanction an act so liumiliating. 
 
 Previously to sailing from Algiers, Captain Bainbridge bor- 
 rowed for ballast a number of old cannon, which he was anx- 
 ious to return. Not wishing to place in jeopardy his own 
 boats, he requested the consul general to send him some bal- 
 last in lighters from the shore, and he vi'ould send the guns 
 back by the same conveyance. — This precaution so exaspe- 
 rated the Dey, that he not only forbid the consul making 
 use of the lighlers, but declared that in the event of the guns 
 not being returned, he would immediately declare war 
 against the government of the United States. The consul 
 communicated this information to Captain Bainbridge, and 
 advised him to run the ship into the mole, and deliver the 
 cannon as the only means of preventing a war. Captain 
 Bainbridge positively refused to place himself in the power 
 of the Dey, unless he first received a positive promise that 
 he should not be further importuned on the subject of the 
 second voyage; a pledge w^hich the Dey reluctantly gave. 
 
 After having thus complied with the Dey's wishes, he was 
 invited to wait upon him in his divan chamber, where he 
 was received with a scowling and vindictive expression of 
 countenance, which soon burst forth into a rage so ungo- 
 vernable, as to threaten personal violence. Surrounded as the 
 despot was, by fifty of his obedient janizaries, who are armed 
 and always ready to do the bidding of their master, it oc- 
 curred to him that unless the Capudan Pacha's "firma?t^' 
 would save him, his minutes were numbered. 
 
 This paper was accordingly presented, which acted like a 
 talisman, by transforming in an instant the countenance of 
 S 
 
58 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 a ferocious blood-thirsting tyrant, into a mild, humble, and 
 even crouching dependant. The change of expression w^as 
 so ludicrously rapid, that even the janizaries noticed it by 
 glances of surprise. The Dey being sensible that his hum- 
 bled condition was noticed by his guards, dismissed them, and 
 during the remainder of the interview retained near him his 
 Dragoman alone. Now his bearing was less lofty, his words 
 honeyed, and offers of service most liberal. 
 
 The following morning the flag staff of the French consul 
 was cut down, and war declared against his government. 
 An instalment of the pacification money, amounting to one 
 million five hundred thousand piasters, was prepared to be 
 sent to the Grand Seignior, with a most humble apology 
 from the mortified and afflicted Dey. He was obliged, be- 
 sides, to liberate about four hundred Venetians, Maltese, and 
 Sicilians, who had been taken when under the protection of 
 British passports. Although Captain Bainbridge had no other 
 agency in procuring their release, except that of being the 
 bearer of the order from the Sultan, yet such was the extent 
 of the gratitude of the unhappy victims, that they kissed his 
 garments whenever he was met by them, and hailed him as 
 their generous deliverer. 
 
 Unwilling to be without some one, on whom he might ex- 
 ercise his cruelty, which seemed to be his predominant pas- 
 sion, the Dey issued orders to have the French consul, and 
 all the citizens of that republic, amounting to fifty-six in 
 number, consisting of men, women, and children, put in irons 
 and treated as slaves. Captain Bainbridge, recollecting the 
 influence of the Capudan Pacha's protection, and the libe- 
 ral offers of service made by the Dey at their last interview, 
 determined to make an effort to ameliorate the condition of 
 the unfortunate French. Accordingly, the consul gene- 
 ral of the United States and himself waited upon the Dey, 
 and endeavoured to convince him of the impolicy of the 
 measure which he was about to pursue, and to impress upon 
 
COMMODORE BAIN BRIDGE. 59 
 
 him their conviction, that an act so inhuman and faithless, 
 would draw upon himself the further displeasure of the 
 Grand Seignior. After a protracted interview, they suc- 
 ceeded in persuading him to change his order to that of ex- 
 pulsion from his dominions; but only upon condition, that 
 they would leave Algiers within forty-eight hours; which, if 
 they failed to do, he should hold them as slaves, until he re- 
 ceived fifty-six thousand dollars as a ransom. 
 
 M. Dubois de Trainville, the French consul, full of gra- 
 titude, cast himself further upon the humanity of Captain 
 Bainbridge ; and begged him to take himself and the other 
 French citizens on board his ship, and convey them to Ali- 
 cant, assuring him, that there was not a vessel in harbour 
 which he could charter on any conditions. Though the 
 United States were, at this time, engaged in war with the 
 French republic ; yet, those principles of humanity, which 
 should always animate the generous and the brave, and 
 which national hostilities ought not, nor cannot silence, in- 
 fluenced him to accede to the consul's wishes. The officers 
 of the ship, participating in these noble feelings, made ex- 
 traordinary efforts to get her in readiness to sail within the 
 stipulated time; believing, that the Dey was anxious for a 
 pretext again to seize his victims, for the dishonest purpose 
 of obtaining a ransom. Their exertions were crowned with 
 success — the passengers taken on board, and, in order to 
 render them as comfortable as possible. Captain Bainbridge 
 gave them the exclusive use of his cabin, and slept himself 
 on the main deck. Such was the hurry and confusion of 
 the departure of the French from Algiers, that they either 
 neglected, or were unable to procure provision for their sub- 
 sistence; but they had placed themselves under the protec- 
 tion of an officer who, though not abounding in means, had 
 the disposition to supply them, at his own expense, with 
 every thing necessary to their comfort. After a pleasant 
 and short passage they were safely landed at Alicant. 
 
60 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 To the generous American officer who had delivered them 
 from the horrors of Algerine slavery, their expressions of 
 gratitude were unbounded, and most affecting. 
 
 The French consul represented these noble transactions 
 to the French government, and received orders from Napo- 
 leon, at that time First Consul, to " tender his acknow- 
 ledgments and thanks to Captain Bainbridge, for the im- 
 portant services he had rendered the republic, with assu- 
 rances that such kind offices would be always remembered, 
 and reciprocated with pleasure whenever an occasion of- 
 fered." 
 
 From Alicant, Captain Bainbridge returned to the United 
 States; after which, he proceeded to the seat of govern- 
 ment, and reported himself in person to the President, de- 
 tailed to him all the difficulties against which he had to 
 contend, and was gratified to learn from him, that his con- 
 duct received his approbation, and even commended him 
 for the "judicious and skilful manner in which he had dis- 
 charged his duties, while under the pressure of such embar- 
 iv;i3sing circumstances." 
 
 The humiliating condition in which Captain Bainbridge 
 was placed, arose out of the feeble policy of our govern- 
 ment, in stipulating to purchase an immunity from insult to 
 our citizens, and spoliations on our commerce, by paying an 
 annual tribute to Barbarians, whom it could have readily 
 controlled by force. There is no other way of giving com- 
 plete protection to our citizens, and to our property afloat, 
 than by the cannon's mouth. Dear-bought experience has 
 proved the utter fallacy of Mr. Jefferson's scheme of pre- 
 serving peace, by pursuing a pacific and upright policy to- 
 wards all nations. The point is now settled, however, that 
 nothing less than an exhibition of force, and a willingness to 
 exercise it, can maintain, unimpaired, our national rights 
 and dignity. 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 61 
 
 This cruise did not prove disadvantageous either to Bain- 
 hridge or to his country. Such was his discretion, and the 
 manly bearing of his deportment, that he not only con- 
 cihated personal friendships, but made a most favourable 
 impression with regard to his government. 
 
LIFE AND SERVICES OP COMMODORE BAINBRIDOE. 63 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Commodore Bainbridge appointed to the Frigate Essex — Ordered to 
 Cruise against the Barbary Corsairs — Convoying American Merchant- 
 men — Arrives at Barcelona — Difficulty with the Spanish Naval Offi- 
 cers — Lieutenant S. Decatur threatens to cut off the Spanish Officer's 
 Ears — Consul Willis — American Minister — Mr. Humphrys at Ma- 
 drid — Mr. Willis' opinion of our Naval Officers — Sails from Barcelona 
 and arrives at Gibraltar — Touches at Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli — Re- 
 turns to New York, thence to Washington — Engaged in trying Guns 
 at Havre de Grace — Joins the Squadron of Commodore Preble for the 
 Mediterranean, commanding Frigate Philadelphia — Capture of the 
 Ship Mirboha off the Coast of Morocco — Threatens to hang her Com- 
 mander — Flogs his Corporal for striking a Prisoner— Sails in Search 
 of a 32 Gun Moorish Frigate — Preble demands Reparation from the 
 Moorish Government — Treaty of Peace — Thanks from the Secretary 
 of the Navy through Commodore Preble. 
 
 Ox the twentieth of May, 1801, the secretary of the navy 
 directed a squadron to be prepared for sea, consisting of the 
 frigates President, Commodore Richard Dale; Philadelphia, 
 Captain Barron, Essex, Captain Bainbridge; and schooner 
 Enterprise, Lieutenant Commandant Sterrett. An order was 
 received by Captain Bainbridge from the secretary of the 
 navy, in the following terms : " Appreciating highly your 
 character as an officer, the President has selected you to 
 
64 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 command the frigate Essex, and has placed the whole squad- 
 ron under the command of Commodore Richard Dale, to 
 whose orders he enjoins you to pay strict attention, and due 
 obedience," 
 
 The frigate Essex was then at New York, whither Captain 
 Bainbridge immediately repaired for the purpose of superin- 
 tending her equipment. As soon as they were completed, 
 and he had made the necessary preparations for a cruise, 
 he sailed in company with the ships already designated for 
 the Mediterranean, to protect the American commerce, at 
 that time greatly interrupted by the cruisers of the Bashaw 
 of Tripoli. Hostilities were also anticipated from the other 
 Barbary states, from the circumstance of our consuls being 
 treated with insolence, and continually annoyed with impor- 
 tunities for an increase of tribute. 
 
 The squadron arrived at Gibraltar on the first of July, 
 where it met two Tripolitan corsairs, one of them a large 
 ship of 26 guns, and a brig of 16, under the command of an 
 admiral. The frigate Philadelphia was directed, by Commo- 
 dore Dale, to watch the movements of the Tripohtan com- 
 mander, and, if possible, to prevent his leaving the harbour. 
 The Essex was despatched to Marseilles, and from thence to 
 Barcelona, Alicarit, and other ports down the coast, for the 
 purpose of collecting and convoying the American mer- 
 chantmen through the straits of Gibraltar. 
 
 Captain Bainbridge arrived in the roads of Barcelona, 
 about the first of August, and in obedience to custom wait- 
 ed on the captain general, in company with Mr. Willis, 
 the United States consul. He was welcomed in the style of 
 courtesy so prevalent among Spanish officers. The frigate 
 was much visited by the gentry of the city, who never failed 
 to contrp.st, in the most flattering terms, her fine condition 
 with that of Spanish vessels of war. These expressions were 
 sometimes made in presence of their own naval officers. 
 
 A. few nights afterwards, as Captain Bainbridge was re- 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 65 
 
 turning from the mole to his vessel, he was grossly insulted 
 by the officers of a Spanish Zebec, which was stationed in 
 the harbour as a guard boat. The circumstances are de- 
 tailed in a letter from Captain Bainbridge to the captain ge- 
 neral of Catalonia, and in a communication recently received 
 from the venerable Mr. Willis, who is now on a visit to this 
 city. 
 
 When the Essex's barge was within a few fathoms of the Ze- 
 bec, she was hailed in English by the sentinel, and ordered the 
 officer, of her to come on board. The midshipman doing the 
 duty of cocks wain, answered that it was the barge of the Ame- 
 rican frigate, and that the captain was then in her. An offi- 
 cer now stepped forward, and peremptorily ordered the officer 
 of the boat on board. Assurances of the character of the 
 barge were repeated — that captain Bainbridge was on board 
 of her, a circumstance, which indeed they must have well 
 known, as it had passed the stern of the Spanish vessel just 
 before sunset, and as it was a bright moonlight evening, the 
 American Captain who was in full uniform, could be readily 
 recognised. In crossing the bows of the Zebec, the officers 
 used vulgar and abusive language, threatening at the same 
 time to fire. Captain Bainbridge remarks in a letter to the 
 captain general, "I cautioned them against the consequences 
 of firing into an American frigate's boat. They immediately 
 fired several muskets. I still rowed on, they repeated their 
 fire, when I returned alongside the Zebec, and requested to 
 know, if there was an officer on board of her ; being an- 
 swered in the affirmative, I again repeated to him that the 
 boat belonged to the American frigate, and the commanding 
 officer was on board, of which they could not be ignorant, 
 as she had been lying abreast of him all the evening ; thai" 
 the crew were all dressed in white, with hats of the same 
 colour, which ought at once to convince them of the boat's 
 true character. 
 
 ^' Notwithstanding this explanation, the deck officer was 
 9 
 
66 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 still capable of making use of improper threats, and insisted 
 on my leaving my boat to come on board the Zebec. A 
 compliance with this improper and extraordinary demand 
 would have been so inconsistent with the character of the 
 officers of the American navy, that 1 did not feel disposed to 
 submit to it, although exposed in an unarmed boat. I then 
 attempted to shove off, when he again threatened, and was 
 in the very act of firing a third time. Disregarding his 
 threats, 1 again refused not only to go on board, but declined 
 any furtlier explanation than I had already given. Finding 
 me unyielding, he allowed me at length to depart. 
 
 " Having thus stated the circumstances which attended 
 the insult offered to the United States, in order that you may 
 investigate the conduct of the officer or officers who were 
 the occasion of it, I shall take the liberty of making some 
 observations. 
 
 " 1st. If there were any regulations to which ships of war 
 are subject respecting the ceremonies to be observed, and 
 the hour at which the boats should leave the mole, it was 
 the duty of the commander of the port, or afloat, to have 
 notified me thereof, without which how can they consistently 
 expect me to comply with rules I was vmacquainted with. 
 On the contrary, I am hiformed that there are no particular 
 regulations for merchant boats, much less for ships of war. 
 
 " 2nd. If the officer was justifiable in detaining a national 
 boat and officers, how can he reconcile it to his government, 
 to release them without further proof, than that of the first 
 assurance given him before detention. It is obvious to me, 
 and I presume must be so to every one, who knows the land- 
 ing-place, and situation in which the Zebec is moored, that 
 the officer must have known the boat, as belonging to the 
 American frigate, and that it was merely out of wantonness, 
 and with a pointed intention to insult, that he exercised the 
 unwarrantable liberty, the particulars of which, I have al- 
 ready detailed to you. 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 67 
 
 ^^ I have to remind your Excellency, that in future, I 
 shall expect to be governed by such rules as the ships of 
 war of other nations have complied v^dth, and not with the 
 ordinary regulations adapted to merchant vessels. At the 
 same time, I wish to assure you, that knowing it to be the 
 wish of the government of the United States, I shall do eve- 
 ry thing in my power, consistent with the honour of the 
 American flag, to cultivate a friendly understanding betweeia 
 the officers and crew of the ship under my command, and 
 fche subjects of his most Catholic Majesty. 
 I have the honour to be 
 
 with the greatest respect, 
 
 your Excellency's most obedient servant, 
 W. BAINBRIDGK'' 
 
 ■^< His Excellency, the Captain General, \ 
 &c. &c., of the Province of Catalo- > 
 nia and city of Barcelona." ) 
 
 Previously to writing this letter. Captain Bainbridge 
 waited, personally, on the captain general, and made a 
 verbal statement of these facts. — He was received, not only 
 with great courtesy, but assurances were given to him, that 
 he should have prompt redress, but was requested to make 
 a written statement of the circumstances. So far from re- 
 ceiving the reparation which had been promised, the cap- 
 tain general declined even to reply to him; but wrote to the 
 American consul, Mr. Willis, in which he says nothing about 
 redress, but complains of Captain Bainbridge's uncourteous 
 letter. 
 
 The following night some of the lieutenants were return- 
 ing to their ship, and while passing the Zebec were hailed, 
 obliged to bring their boat alongside, detained for a time 
 in this situation, and insulted by the most provoking lan- 
 guage. Lieutenant Stephen Decatur, afterwards the gaJ- 
 
08 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 lant commodore, who held a position so conspicuous h\ the 
 navy, called for the officer in command, and remonstrated 
 with him against such treatment, but without its producing 
 the least effect. He then informed him, that he would call 
 to see him on board next morning, and then ordered, at the 
 top of his manly voice, the oarsmen to shove a-head. 
 
 According to promise, for Decatur was an officer who al- 
 ways kept such promises, he called next morning on board 
 the Zebec, and asked for the officer who had been the pi-e- 
 vious night in command. He \v3.s told that the lieutenant 
 after whom he inquired had gone on shore ; " Well, then, tell 
 him that Lieutenant Decatur, of the frigate Essex, pro- 
 nounces him a cowardly scoundrel, and that, when they 
 meet on shore, he will cut his ears off." Soon afterwards, 
 Consul Willis was requested to call, as soon as practicable, 
 on the captain general on business of pressing importance. 
 When he arrived at the palace, he found this distinguished 
 officer in such a state of excitement, as to be unable to ex- 
 plain the transaction which had so disturbed him, but re- 
 ferred the consul lo the cbmm6dore of the station. The 
 naval commander then stated, that one of his officers on 
 board the Zebec, had been challenged by an officer of the 
 American frigate, and that energetic means must be employed 
 to arrest it. The captain general then remarked, "The Spa- 
 nish officers must be kept on board, and I request that you 
 will endeavour to confine the officers of the Essex, also, to 
 their ship." The consul replied, " It is impossible that the 
 American officers should remain on board, as they are 
 preparing for sea ; but notwithstanding the provocation used 
 by the otEcers of the Zebec, I will use all my influence 
 to prevent the duel." Mr= Willis waited on Commodore 
 Bainbridge, who united with him in persuading Decatur not 
 to further molest the Spanish officer. Decatur after some 
 time yielded to the sohcitations of his friends, but expressed 
 his determination to chastise him if they ever met hereafter. 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. G9 
 
 The afternoon of this day, the consul was himself insulted 
 in passing this vessel, which he immediately reported to the 
 captain general, who gave him positive assurances, that the 
 officer should be punished, and that similar insults should not 
 be repeated. The promise, in this instance, was strictly 
 enforced. 
 
 Captain Bainbridge was not content with this partial re- 
 paration, but addressed the American minister, Mr. Hum- 
 phreys, near the court of Madrid, on the subject; enclosing 
 to him, at the same time, a copy of his letter to the captain 
 genera], and begged that redress might be demanded of the 
 Spanish government. 
 
 Mr. Humphreys made a very spirited representation of 
 the circumstances attending the insults ofTered by the Spa- 
 nish officers, to his excellency, the minister of state, Don 
 Pedro Cevallos. The Spanish minister assitred Mr. Hum- 
 phreys, that the affair should be immediately investigated, 
 and if found to be such as had been represented, a proper 
 apology should be offered, and the offending officer punished. 
 The investigating officer found that the facts were such as 
 had been stated by Bainbridge, and made his report ac- 
 cordingly. 
 
 His Catholic Majesty directed, that the commanding offi- 
 cer of the Zebec, St. Sebastian, should be severely censured, 
 and that he should make an acceptable apology to the Ame- 
 rican naval commander, and to the United States consul at 
 Barcelona. 
 
 Captain Bainbridge was now not a little gratified to find, 
 that his spirited and persevering representations, supported 
 as they were by Consul Willis and the American minister 
 at Madrid, resulted, not only in coercing an apology which 
 was entirely satisfactory, but also, an order from the Prince 
 of Peace, to the commanders of the different sea-port towns, 
 to " treat all officers of the United States with courtesy and 
 respect, and more particularly those attached to the United 
 
70 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 States frigate Essex." This order was faithfully obeyed, as 
 there was no instance afterwards of the ofhcers of our navy 
 receiving improper or discourteous treatment while in Spa- 
 nish harbours. 
 
 Mr. Willis, in his recent communication to the writer, 
 states, that " during all these repeatedly irritating circum- 
 stances, Captain Bainbridge acted with great firmness, cool- 
 ness and dignity, so that all the Spanish officers, with whom 
 I held intercourse at the time, and afterwards, spoke of him 
 in language of the greatest respect, not even excepting the 
 captain general. 
 
 " As I had always, before this event, found the officers of 
 the Spanish navy friendly to me, and my countrymen, I was 
 entirely unable to explain the sudden change in the de- 
 meanour of the officers attached to the Spanish commodore's 
 vessel, until I was informed, that it had been caused by the 
 continual praise bestowed on the fine appearance of the 
 Essex, the manly gentility of her officers, and on the clean 
 and rugged vigour of her crew. The Spanish people, as 
 they were returning from their visits to the American fri- 
 gate, were obliged to pass within a few feet of the commo- 
 dore's vessel, and being loud in their praises of every ob- 
 ject which they had seen on board the frigate, the Spanish 
 officers, who were very young men, became so irritated, 
 that they determined, by insulting treatment, to force from 
 the harbour the object of their jealousy. 
 
 " I was not surprised at the praises bestowed on the Ame- 
 rican frigate, officers, and crew; for although I had often 
 visited men-of-war belonging to the different nations of Eu- 
 • rope, I had never seen one in such complete and beautiful 
 order, nor one in which the discipline seemed so perfect. 
 It has long been a source of gratification to me, that the 
 opinion which I then formed of Captain Bainbridge and 
 most of his officers, has been fully realized. I felt well as- 
 sured, that if afforded a favourable opportunity, they would 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 71 
 
 acquire fame for themselves, and honour for their country. 
 Let the achievements of Bainbridge and his first Lieutenant 
 Decatur, attest the correctness of my anticipations." 
 
 Having obtained the necessary supphes for the Essex, and 
 settled the unpleasant difficulty with the Spanish officers, 
 to his satisfaction, he sailed from Barcelona with a large 
 fleet of merchantmen, which he had collected in different 
 harbours in the Mediterranean, and safely convoyed them 
 out of the straits. He afterwards touched at Gibraltar, 
 where he learned that the Triopolitan corsairs were dis- 
 mantled — the officers and crews sent over by night in boats, 
 to the Morocco shore, to proceed by land to Tripoli ; and 
 that the a,dmiral had taken passage in an English ship ta 
 Malta. 
 
 In obedience to instructions from Commodore Dale, Cap- 
 tain Bainbridge appeared ofT the cities of Algiers, Tunis, and 
 Tripoli; and during the winter and spring of 1802, cruised 
 in different parts of the Mediterranean, and convoyed our 
 merchant vessels issuing from Various ports in safety out of 
 this perilous sea. 
 
 Commodore Dale was now relieved of his command, by , ne 
 arrival of Commodore Richard V, Morris, who immediate 
 assumed the command of the squadron. — From represeu 
 tations made by Captain Bainbridge of the unsafe conditio 
 of the Essex, Commodore Morris ordered her to return lo 
 the United States to receive the necessary repairs. — The 
 Essex immediately sailed from Gibraltar, and arrived ii 
 New York on the twenty-second of July, 1802. 
 
 A short time after the arrival of the frigate. Captain 
 Bainbridge was ordered to proceed with her to the Wash- 
 ington navy yard. The seamen insisted on being paid ofT 
 and discharged at that port, and became highly mutinous, 
 but the prompt and fearless conduct of Captain Bainbridge 
 subdued them, and restored perfect order. The frigate pro- 
 ceeded at once to Washington, and after a tedious passage 
 
72 ' LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 up the Potomac, safely arrived at the navy yard early in 
 August, where she was dismantled and transferred to the 
 commander of the station. 
 
 Captain Bainbridge was next ordered to the Cecil furnace, 
 near Havre de Grace, for the purpose of proving about one 
 hundred pieces of ordnance; after which he was permitted 
 to visit his family in Philadelphia. 
 
 He was now instructed to superintend the building of the 
 United States brig Syren, and schooner Vixen. On the twen- 
 ty-first of May, 1803, after these vessels were completfed. Cap- 
 tain Bainbridge was ordered to the command of the frigate . 
 Philadelphia, of 44 guns, which, with the frigate Constitu- 
 tion, of 44 guns, Commodore Preble, brig Syren, of 12 guns, 
 Captain Steuart, and schooner Vixen, of 14 guns, Lieutenant 
 Commandant J. Smith, Nautilus, of 12 guns, Lieutenant Com- 
 mandant R. Somers, Argus, of 16 guns, Lieutenant Comman- 
 dant J. Hull, and Enterprize, of 12 guns, Lieutenant Com- 
 mandant S. Decatur, were to be immediately fitted for a 
 cruise in the Mediterranean. The whole to be under the 
 command of Commodore Preble. — As a considerable time 
 would elapse before the whole squadron would be prepared 
 for sea, Captain Bainbridge received orders on the thirteenth 
 of July, to proceed with the frigate Philadelphia to the Me- 
 diterranean, with orders from the President of the United 
 States, under the authority of an act of Congress to subdue, 
 seize, and make prize of all vessels, goods, and effects, be- 
 longing to the Bashaw of Tripoli, or to his subjects, who had 
 declared war against the United States. 
 
 During the passage of the Philadelphia up the Mediterra- 
 nean, she discovered, on the coast of Spain, near Cape de 
 Gatte, a Moorish man-of-war, with an American merchant 
 brig under her charge. The circumstances attending this 
 capture were communicated by Captain Bainbridge, to the 
 secretary of the navy, in the subjoined letter to the navy de-- 
 partment. 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 73 
 
 " I have the honour to inform you that we arrived from the 
 Delaware, to the Bay of Gibraltar on the twenty -fourth of 
 August, sailed again on the twenty-fifth, and on the night of 
 the twenty-sixth, blowing very fresh, fell in near Cape de 
 Gatte, with a ship carrying only her foresail with a brig in 
 company. It being night, and having her guns housed pre- 
 vented our immediately discovering her to be a cruiser. 
 After repeatedly hailing, found she was a ship-of-war from 
 Barbary, on which information I ordered her boat to be sent 
 on board of me with her papers. I now discovered that she 
 was a cruiser belonging to the Emperor of Morocco, and called 
 the Meshboha, commanded by Ibrahim Litharez, mounting 
 tv^^enty-two guns, and carrying one hundred and twenty 
 men. 
 
 " By not making ourselves known to the officer who came 
 on board, he confessed that the brig in company was Ame- 
 rican, and had been with them three or four days ; was bound 
 to some port in Spain, and had been boarded by them, but 
 not detained. The small sail which the brig was under, in- 
 duced me to suspect that she had been captured. I there- 
 fore sent my first lieutenant on board the ship, to see if 
 there were any American prisoners, who, in attempting to 
 execute my orders, was prevented by the commander. This 
 increased my suspicion, and I sent a boat filled with armed 
 men, to enforce compliance. 
 
 " No opposition was offered to this force. They found Cap- 
 tain Richard Rowen, of the American brig Celica, owned 
 by Amasa Thayer of Boston, and seven of his crew, who 
 were taken on the seventeenth of August, within two or 
 three leagues of the shore, and twenty-five miles eastward 
 of Malaga, whither they were bound. The Moors had con- 
 fined them under deck, which they always do, when speak- 
 ing a vessel, the character of which is not known. 
 
 " After making this discovery, I instantly ordered all the 
 Moorish officers and crew on board the Philadelphia, for I 
 10 
 
74 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 had no hesitation in capturing the ship, after such proceed- 
 ings on their part in violation of the faith of a passport which 
 had been obtained from the United States consul at Tan- 
 gier, M^hich should have been held sacred. 
 
 " Owing to the high wind and sea, it. took us the greater 
 part of the night to get the prisoners on board and man the 
 prize, by which detention we lost sight of the brig, and did 
 not discover her until late in the afternoon of the ensuing 
 dav, when she was met coming round Cape de Gatte from 
 the eastward, standing close in shore for Almira Bay ; but 
 in consequence of light winds, we did not succeed in recap- 
 turing her until twelve o'clock at night. 
 
 " The Moors confessed that they came out for the sole 
 purpose of cruising for, and capturing American vessels. 
 Myself and officers have made it a point, to treat the pri- 
 soners, not only with lenity, but with particular and marked 
 attention, to impress on their minds a favourable opinion of 
 the American character. 
 
 " It was very fortunate, that circumstances occurred to 
 create suspicions, or else, she might have passed all our 
 ships. It was certainly a deep-laid plan; but I trust, will 
 be happily frustrated." 
 
 Other incidents connected with this affair, were verbally 
 communicated by Captain Bainbridge, which possess consi- 
 derable interest. 
 
 The morning after the capture, the Moorish commander 
 was requested to exhibit the orders which authorized him 
 to capture American vessels, to which he replied, that he 
 had none. To the question, why he had captured the brig, 
 he answered, that as there was some misunderstanding be- 
 tween his master and the United States consul, at Tangier, 
 he was induced to commit this act, in anticipation of the 
 war, which he thought was inevitable. Captain Bainbridge 
 observed to him, that if such had been his intention pre- 
 viously to sailing, he ought not, as an honourable officer, to 
 
COMMODORE EAINERIDGK. 75 
 
 have availed himself of the protection of the consul's pass- 
 ports. It now appears, that they v/ere obtained with the 
 view of practising a deception on the United States cruisers. 
 Captain Bainbridge expressed an unwillingness to believe 
 him capable of acting thus dishonourably, and therefore, 
 must presume that this violation of national faith, was com- 
 mitted under the authority of the emperor. The Moorish 
 commander, still persisting in his first denial, Captain Bain- 
 bridge turned upon him, and sternly remarked, " Then, sir, 
 I must consider you a pirate, and will be obliged to treat 
 you as such." Bai?ibndge now pulled out his watch, showed 
 Luharez the hour, and pronounced in an impressive tone, 
 that he was about to visit the quarter-deck for half an hour, 
 and if his authority for depredating on the commerce of the 
 United States, was not forthcoming on his return, he would 
 immediately hang him to the main yard as a pirate and 
 malefactor. At the appointed time, Captain Bainbridge re- 
 turned to the cabin with his watch in his hand, and his de- 
 termined purpose expressed in his countenance, which 
 caused the Moor, under the influence of much trepidation, 
 to unbutton, in haste, several waistcoats, and from the inside 
 pocket of the ffth, drew out the secret document. This 
 paper, which authorized her capture, was sent to Commo- 
 dore Preble at Gibraltar. 
 
 Captain Bainbridge felt extreme reluctance in treating the 
 aged and venerable Moor with such harshness; particularly, 
 as he was a man of education, great dignity, and had for 
 many years, represented the Emperor of Morocco, as his 
 minister at the courts of France and Spain. He endea- 
 voured, afterwards, to make him comfortable and at ease, 
 by treating him with the utmost courtesy, and his officers 
 and men with the greatest kindness, which removed all ap- 
 prehensions. 
 
 A few days after the capture was made, the ship's corpo- 
 ra) struck one of the Moorish prisoners, for which he was 
 
76 
 
 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 severely punished in presence of the Moorish officers and 
 crew. On inquiry, it was found, that the Moor had been 
 insolent; but as nothing, in the estimation of Captain Bain- 
 bridge, could justify a blow on a prisoner, the corporal was 
 punished as an example to others, though the Moorish com- 
 mander solicited his pardon. The commander of the recap- 
 tured American vessel was permitted to proceed to Malaga, 
 his original place of destination, and Captain Bainbridge, 
 with his Moorish prize, returned to Gibraltar, and placed 
 the vessel and prisoners under the care of the consul of the 
 United States, until the arrival of Commodore Preble. 
 
 Captain Bainbridge now sailed for cape St. Vincent in 
 search of a Moorish thirty-gun-ship, which was reported to 
 be cruising off that quarter. Not being able to find the ves- 
 sel of which he was in pursuit, he returned up the Mediter- 
 ranean to cruise off Tripoli, 
 
 This seasonable check to Moorish rapacity was of great 
 importance, and prevented all further depredations on the 
 commerce of the United States, by that power. 
 
 Commodore Preble arrived a few days after these transac- 
 tions, and being made minutely acquainted with them, proceed- 
 ed immediately to Tangier, and demanded reparation from 
 the Emperor of Morocco, for the outrages which had been com- 
 mitted. The Emperor gave assurances, that the order given 
 by the governor of Tangier, to the commanders of Moorish 
 vessels, to capture American merchantmen, were unautho- 
 rized. As an evidence of his high displeasure, he deprived 
 the governor of his commission, and confiscated his estates — 
 publicly proclaimed the commander as a disgraced officer, 
 and unfeelingly degraded him to expiate his master's crimi- 
 nality. Notwithstanding the disavowal of the monarch, it 
 was generally thought at the time that he authorized these 
 captures ; but managed so, that the bad faith fell on the 
 shoulders of his subordinates. 
 
 Jn order to make his reparation perfect, he released an 
 
COMMODORE BAmBRIDGE. 77 
 
 American ship, detained at Mogador, and ratified the treaty 
 of peace, which had been made between the United States 
 and the father of the present sovereign. 
 
 Commodore Preble remarks in a letter to Captain Bain- 
 bridge, " By a letter from the navy department, I am com- 
 manded by the honourable secretary of the navy, Mr. Robert 
 Smith, to assure you, that the president has approved of 
 your conduct in capturing the Meshboha,and recapturing the 
 prize, and to convey to you his thanks, for the vigilance and 
 foresight exercised by you, in the whole conduct of that bu- 
 siness, and for the rapid movements which you subsequently 
 made to arrest the mischief intended us. 
 
 " I am also charged to communicate to you the thanks of 
 the honorable secretary. I obey their commands with great 
 pleasure and satisfaction, sensible that you deserve them." 
 
 The President of the United States in his message to 
 Congress, of the 5th of December, 1803, speaks highly of 
 the conduct of Commodore Preble ; Captains Rodgers, Camp- 
 bell, and Bainbridge, for their active and useful services 
 during this cruise, and in consideration of the Moorish ves- 
 sels being restored by the terms of peace, he " recommends 
 to the consideration of Congress, a just indemnification for 
 the interests of the captors, who consented to restore the 
 captured vessels for the public accommodation." — With great 
 -unanimity, Congress voted, in obedience to the president's 
 suggestion, the full value of the enemy's vessels which had 
 =l)een restored. 
 
LIFE AND SERVICES OF COMMODORE BAINBRIDOE. 79 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Arrival off Tripoli — Pursues an Enemy's Vessel — In the Chase, strucli 
 on a Rock — Is Captured — Official Letter— Letter of Condolence from 
 her Officers — Mr. Nison, the Danish Consul — His unwearied Kind- 
 ness — Loss of Books — Supplied by Mr. Nison — Commodore directs 
 the Studies of his young Officers — Summoned to appear before the Mi- 
 nister — Required to write to Commodore Preble to release Triopoli- 
 tan Prisoners — Refusal — Communicates the Bashaw's Complaint — ■ 
 Carries on a Correspondence with Preble by Cipher and with Sympa- 
 thetic Ink — Communicates in this Way a Plan for the Destruction of 
 the Frigate Philadelphia — Plan is adopted — Emaciated State of the 
 Crew— Obtains for them Salt Provisions — Jack gets drunk and flogs 
 the Triopolitans — Bastinado — His Affliction^Letter to his Wife frona 
 Prison — A Letter of Condolence from Preble. 
 
 After the arrival of Captain Bainbridge ojfT Tripoli, he 
 was informed by the commander of a Neapolitan merchant 
 brig, that a corsair belonging to this regency had, the day 
 before, sailed on a cruise. The schooner Vixen was imme- 
 diately despatched in pursuit. 
 
 Whilst the Philadelphia was returning to her station, from 
 which she had been driven by the prevalence of strong 
 westvvardly winds, a strange vessel was seen in shore, to 
 which chase was immediately given, when, unfortunately, 
 the frigate struck on a ledge of rocks. 
 
80 LIFE AND SERVICES OP 
 
 The particulars of this unhappy catastrophe were com- 
 municated by Captain Bainbridge, in the following letter, to 
 the navy department. 
 
 " Tripoli, JVovember the 1st, 1804. 
 
 " On Monday, October the thirty-first, at nine o'clock, 
 A. M., being about six or seven leagues to the east- 
 ward of Tripoli, with the wind from the east, discovered a 
 sail in shore. I immediately made sail in chase, and about 
 ten, being within random shot, and perceiving she was 
 armed, began firing into her from the first and second divi- 
 sion of the larboard side. 
 
 " The chase and fire were continued until half-past eleven, 
 during which time the deep-sea, and hand lead, were kept 
 constantly going, with regular soundings from seven to ten 
 fathoms ; hauling off and on accordingly. At this time, it 
 appearing evident that we could neither run the chase on 
 shore, nor cut her off from the harbour of Tripoli, then dis- 
 tant about three or four miles, orders were given to drop 
 the foresail, which had been brailed up a little before, port 
 the helm, give up the chase, and haul offshore ; but instead 
 of deepening our water, as we had every reason to expect 
 from the preceding circumstances of the chase, and from 
 the form of the coast, it suddenly shoaled from eight to se- 
 ven, and six and a half fathoms. The helm was instantly 
 ordered hard-a-port, and the yards sharp braced ; but scarce- 
 ly was the order issued, before the ship struck and run on a 
 reef of rocks, until there was not above fourteen feet water 
 under her fore-channels ; her draft before striking, being 
 eiohteen and a-half feet aft, and her velocity, between seven 
 and eight knots. The sails were laid a-back, and the for- 
 v^^ard guns run aft, in hopes of backing her off, which not 
 producing the desired effect, orders were given to stave the 
 water in the hold, and pump it out, throw overboard the 
 lumber and heavy articles of every kind, cut away the an- 
 chors, except the larboard bower, and throw over all the 
 
COMMODORE BAIN BRIDGE. 81 
 
 guns, except a few for our defence against the enemy's gun- 
 boats, which, by this time, had taken a station on our lar- 
 board quarter, and commenced firing upon us. These 
 orders were executed with alacrity and despatch, while the 
 fire of the gunboats was returned with spirit from the few 
 guns which were brought to bear upon them. Owing to 
 the situation of the ship and position of the enemy, only a 
 few carronades and the stern chasers could be used ; for 
 which purpose, the stern was cut away. During these de- 
 fensive operations, the ship drove higher on the rocks, and 
 careened so much, as to render the guns almost entirely un- 
 manageable, and at half-past six, she fell over on her broad- 
 side. As a last resource, the foremast, and main-top-gallant 
 mast were cut away, but without any beneficial effect, and 
 the ship remained a perfect wreck, exposed to the constant 
 fire of the gunboats, which could not be returned. 
 
 " A council of officers was called, who declared that eve- 
 ry possible means had been used, that ingenuity could de- 
 vise, to get the ship off, and that there was no longer any 
 possible hope of saving her. To strike to any foe was mor- 
 tifying, but to yield to an uncivilized, barbarous enemy, 
 who were objects of contempt, was humiliating. To lay as 
 a target for them to fire at, and by a vain parade of una- 
 vailing courage, wantonly sacrifice the lives of brave menj, 
 was cruel, and could not be justified on any principle of war, 
 or humanity. After mature deliberation, having been ex- 
 posed for more than five hours to the fire of the gun-boats, 
 it was unanimously agreed, that the only alternative was 
 to haul down the colours and surrender after having thrown 
 overboard all the small arms, floated the magazine, and 
 scuttled the ship. 
 
 " At four o'clock, the flag was struck, and immediately 
 
 after, the ship was surrounded with the enemy's gunboats 
 
 and other small craft. Our clothing was all packed up, and 
 
 hopes were entertained of preserving them; hut about sunset. 
 
 11 
 
82 LIFE AND SERVICES OT 
 
 possession was taken of the frigate, when she was entered 
 at every port, and an indiscriminate phmder took place. 
 The swords, epaulets, watches, pocket trinkets, money, and 
 almost every rag of clothing were taken from the officers ; 
 even the cravats round their necks, and outside garments. 
 
 " We landed about ten o'clock, near the Bashaw's castle, 
 into which we were conducted, escorted by numerous guards, 
 and finally entered his audience hall, where he was seated 
 in his chair of state, surrounded by his divan and guards, 
 all richly dressed, where we were presented to him as his 
 captives. 
 
 " After numerous questions on the subject of our capture, 
 we were conducted to another apartment, where a supper 
 was provided for us. About twelve o'clock at night, we 
 were carried back to the hall and dismissed, in charge of 
 the minister of state, Sidi Mohammed Dgheis, who marched 
 us through the town, to the late American consul's house, 
 which was assigned us as our temporary prison." 
 
 Deeply afflicted and depressed, as a patriotic and sensitive 
 mind must be, who grieved at the loss which his country 
 had sustained, of a new and beautiful frigate ; and appre^ 
 hensive that his countrymen might censure him before the 
 true cause of the disaster could be explained, he felt much 
 gratified, and the oppressive weight of his responsibilities 
 lessened by receiving, the following morning, the subjoined 
 letter from the commissioned and warrant officers of the. 
 captured ship. 
 
 Tripoli, JVbvember 1, 1803. 
 " Sir, 
 
 " We, late officers of the United States frigate Philadel- 
 phia, under your command, wish to express our full appro- 
 bation of your conduct, concerning the unfortunate event of 
 yesterday, do conceive, that the charts and soundings justi- 
 fied as near an approach to the shore as we made, and that-, 
 
COMMODORE BAIN BRIDGE. 
 
 83 
 
 after she struck, every expedient was tried to get her off, 
 and to defend her, which either courage or abilities could 
 have dictated. 
 
 "We wish to add, that in this instance as well as in every 
 other, since we have had the honour of being under your 
 command, the officers and seamen have always appreciated 
 your distinguished conduct. Believe us, sir, that our misfor- 
 tunes and sorrows are entirely absorbed in our sympathy for 
 you. We are, sir, with sentiments of the highest and most 
 sincere respect, your friends and fellow sufferers, — 
 
 y Lieut's. 
 
 David Porter, 
 Jacob Jones, 
 Theodore Hunt, 
 Benjamin Smith, J 
 John Ridgely, Surgeon. 
 Wm. Osbourne, Lt. Marines. 
 Keith Spence, Purser. 
 Jonathan Gowdery, ) S'geon's 
 Nicholas Hanwood, ) mates. 
 William Knight, Master. 
 William Godley, Carpenter. 
 George Hadger, Boatswain. 
 Richard Stevenson, Gunner. 
 Joseph Douglass, Sail-maker. 
 
 Robert Gamble, "1 
 Bernard Henry, 
 B. F. Reed, 
 James Gibbon, 
 D. T. Patterson, 
 James Biddle, }■ B". 
 
 James Renshaw, 
 Wallace Wormly, 
 Wm. Cutbush, 
 Richard R. Jones, 
 Simon Smith, J 
 
 Wm. Adams, Captain's clerk. 
 Minor Fountaine, Master's 
 mate.* 
 
 M 
 
 5 
 
 (T> 
 
 * Nine of these officers are still living- — six of them continue in the naval 
 service, and three have resigned. Nearly all have greatly distinguished them- 
 selves by their gallant services. Of the three surviving ward-room officers. 
 Commodore Jacob Jones alone remains in the navy, and is now commander 
 of the Baltimore station. Commodore Porter resigned some years ago, and 
 is now charge des affairs at Constantinople. Dr. Ridgely resigned soon af- 
 ter he was liberated from prison in Tripoli, and is now a distinguished phy- 
 sician and resident of Annapolis, Maryland. The surviving steerage officers 
 are our gallant townsman, Commodore Biddle; Commodore Patterson, com- 
 manding navy yard at Washington; Commodore Renshaw, commanding 
 squadron on the Brazil station; Bernard Henry, Esq., who has long beeri 
 
84 LIFE AND SERVICES Oi' 
 
 The day on which Captain Bainbridge received this most 
 acceptable letter, Sidi Mohammed Dgheis, the minister of 
 state, introduced to him N. C. Nissen, Esq., Danish consul, as 
 his particular friend, and the only consul in Tripoli for whom 
 he entertained the least respect. Mr. Nissen received Cap- 
 tain Bainbridge with great kindness — expressed a lively sym- 
 pathy for his misfortunes, and tendered his services in a tone 
 and manner which satisfied all the American officers that 
 he was entitled to the esteem which had been expressed for 
 him by the Tripolitan minister. He promptly sent from his 
 own house beds and bedding, furniture, and such other ar- 
 ticles as their immediate wants demanded. During the whole 
 period of their captivity this benevolent Dane did not for a 
 day relax in the exercise of his influence and personal ser- 
 vices to alleviate their condition. 
 
 It was almost the daily practice of Mr. Nissen, to visit the 
 prison of the American officers for the purpose of inquiring 
 after their health and comfort. On one of these occasions 
 Captain Bainbridge replied, that time lagged heavily and un- 
 profitably in consequence of the loss of their books, of which 
 they had been deprived when captured. He fully felt the 
 truth of the remark, that " Leisure without books is the se- 
 pulture of the living soul." 
 
 Without a further remark, Mr. Nissen proceeded to his 
 quarters and immediately sent two large baskets of choice 
 works, in the English and French languages. Supposing 
 that the officers would like to recover their own books, he 
 found, upon inquiry, that for a moderate sum, they could be 
 purchased, and accordingly not only did so, but had them 
 brought to the prison the next day, to the great surprise and 
 
 United States consul at Gibraltar, and at present in Philadelphia; and Rich- 
 ard Jones, Esq., an associate judge of the court in Montgomery county, in 
 this state. — Assistant surgeon Dr. Cowdery, is now the senior surgeon of the 
 navy, and is stationed at Norfolk- 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 85 
 
 joy of the captives. — The purchase money was of course re- 
 turned to him, and with it a profusion of hearty thanks, 
 which never failed to confound him, and seemed on that ac- 
 count acceptahle. He was one of those who Hked 
 
 "To do good by stealth;" 
 
 and in his character and deportment was entirely answera- 
 ble to the maxim of Lavater, that " the more honesty a man 
 has, the less he affects the air of a saint." 
 
 The officers, through the exertions of the benevolent con- 
 sul, had now collected a handsome library; and Captain Bain- 
 bridge became unwearied in his efforts to render the period 
 of their confinement useful to the younger officers, by per- 
 sonally attending to the cultivation of their minds — forming 
 in them habits of industry and application, and exciting emu- 
 lation in the acquirement of useful knowledge. The mid- 
 shipmen had certain hours assigned them for study, and were 
 instructed in the various branches of mathematics, naviga- 
 tion, and tactics. The studies of the senior officers, including 
 himself, were more various, but not less intense and profita- 
 ble. 
 
 Information was thus obtained — habits of study established 
 — sentiments of honour inspired, which have contributed in 
 no small degree to the establishment of the distinguished re- 
 putation, which many of his officers have now the gratifica- 
 tion to enjoy. 
 
 About ten days after the frigate had been captured, a 
 messenger abruptly entered Captain Bainbridge's room, and 
 desired him to proceed immediately to the apartments of the 
 minister of foreign affairs. On his arrival he was informed 
 that the Bashaw had received letters from the commander 
 of the ship Mesurre, captured by the John Adams, Captain 
 Chauncey, in which he complained of ill treatment to himself 
 and crew, and that retaliation would be inflicted on Captain 
 
80 LIFE AIVD SERVICES OF 
 
 Bainbridge, officers, and men, unless he instantly wrote to 
 Commodore Preble, to release the Tripolitan prisoners then 
 in his possession. Bainbridge replied, that the information 
 which he received must be incorrect, because it is the prac^ 
 tice of the Americans, to treat prisoners with kindness and 
 magnanimity, and never with cruelty. He added that while 
 the squadron lay in the bay of Gibraltar, he saw the Tripo- 
 litan captain, visiting on familiar terms the different ships 
 with the ofiicers of the vessel in which he lived. He could 
 not write the letter which the Dey demanded, because Com- 
 mander Preble was his senior ; but if he were not, his advise 
 would be useless, as he had lost all power and rank while he 
 remained a prisoner. — He was then desired to state to the 
 commander of the United States squadron, the substance of 
 the report which had reached the Bashaw, to which he 
 ofTered no objections. This arrangement not proving satis- 
 factory to the Regent, he sent an order that night that the 
 officers should prepare to march to the castle the next morn- 
 ing at nine o'clock. 
 
 At the appointed hour, the chief slave driver, with his 
 underlings, came to the prison, and marched the officers 
 through several streets to the common prison which confined 
 the crew of the ship. In this filthy abode, which is ordina- 
 rily used for smoking hides, they were obliged to remain 
 without food, except a little black bread and water, which 
 was offered by the seamen, as a part of their own allow- 
 ance. 
 
 In the evening, a visit of condolence was paid to our of- 
 ficers by the admiral, a renegade Scotsman by the name of 
 Lyle, who urged Captain Bainbridge to accede to the Ba- 
 shaw's washes. The latter replied with firmness, that as a 
 prisoner, the Bashaw could subject him to the torture, or 
 could lop off his head, but he could not force him to commit 
 an act which is incompatible with the character of an Ame-. 
 'I'ican officer. 
 
COMMODORE BAI\BRIDGE. 87 
 
 Discovering that neither threats, nor harsh treatment, 
 could force Captain Bainbridge from the course which he 
 had determined to pursue, he and his officers were Hberated 
 about midnight, and conveyed to their place of confine- 
 ment. 
 
 By a little address. Captain Bainbridge was enabled to 
 maintain a correspondence with Commodores Preble and 
 Barron, during the whole period of his confinement. The 
 Dey gave him permission to communicate his wants by let- 
 ter to the commodore of the Mediterranean squadron ; and 
 v/hile Captain Bainbridge availed himself of this privilege, 
 he took at the same time the liberty to enclose them on a 
 ciphered envelope, and thus transmitted intelligence, which 
 the authorities in Tripoli, would not have permitted him to 
 do. The ciphers exciting the suspicion of tlie Dey, he di- 
 rected his minister to withhold papers not legibly written. 
 
 By the assistance of Mr. Nissen, another method was de^ 
 vised, wdiich w-as more successful, because it w^as not de- 
 tected. The good consul, as I have already stated, was in 
 the habit of loaning books to our officers, which were al- 
 ways sent and returned in paper envelopes. On these. Cap- 
 tain Bainbridge wrote his communications with sympathetic 
 ink, sent them to Mr. Nissen, who endorsed them to the Da- 
 nish consul at Malta, for the commander of the American 
 squadron, with directions as to the manner of rendering 
 them legible. 
 
 In one of these communications made v»^ith sympathetic 
 ink, dated, December the fifth, 1803, Captain Bainbridge 
 informed Commodore Preble, that he thought it practicable 
 to destroy the frigate Philadelphia at her moorings in the 
 harbour of Tripoli. He added, that all the enemy's gun- 
 boats were hauled up on shore, and from the ramparts, he 
 had observed, in addition to the castle, only one small bat- 
 tery, with a few awkwardly mounted guns. To accompHsh 
 this object he suggested the following plan— 
 
d8 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 " Charter a small merchant schooner, fill her with men, 
 and have her commanded by fearless and determined of- 
 ficers. Let the vessel enter the harbour at night, with her 
 men secreted below deck — steer her directly on board the 
 frigate, and then let the officers and men board, sword in 
 hand, and there was not a doubt of their success, and with- 
 out any very heavy loss. It would be necessary to take 
 several good row boats, in order to facilitate the retreat, 
 after the enterprise had been accomplished. The frigate, in 
 her present condition, was a powerful auxihary battery for 
 the defence of the harbour. Though it will be impossible 
 to remove her from her anchorage, and thus restore this 
 beautiful vessel to our navy ; yet, as she may, and no doubt 
 will be repaired, an important end would be gained by her 
 destruction." 
 
 Commodore Preble highly approved of the plan suggested, 
 which he submitted to the consideration of several of his 
 confidential ofiicers. By the first opportunity, he wrote to 
 Captain Bainbridge, that concurring with him as to the 
 practicability of destroying the frigate Philadelphia, he was 
 making preparations for that purpose, and that his friend. 
 Lieutenant Stephen Decatur, had volunteered to command 
 the enterprise. 
 
 It is a subject of great regret, that neither Captain Bain- 
 bridge's letter, nor Commodore Preble's reply to it, can be 
 found. The writer has, however, what will be considered 
 equally good authority, a written statement of the facts, in 
 the hand-writing of Commodore Bainbridge. 
 
 In another letter to Commodore Preble, dated from pri- 
 son, the 26th of March, 1804, he states, " The destruction 
 of Tripoli could be effected, by sending three or four thou- 
 sand troops, and if it were possible to preserve profound se- 
 crecy, as to the expedition, I have no doubt, a much less 
 force would accomplish it. I am clearly of opinion, that if 
 you had about eighteen or twenty ship's boats, you could 
 
COMMODORE BAIN BRIDGE. 89 
 
 destroy all the gunboats, which would be attended with the 
 most favourable consequences, towards a peace." 
 
 On the 7 th of July, he again writes, " I gave you my opi- 
 nion, that firing shells into this town, if it was done in the 
 night, would drive all the inhabitants to the country, where 
 there are not habitations to receive them, and by continuing 
 to heave them from time to time, for a month or two, the 
 distress that the people would be in, by being kept out of 
 town, would make them clamorous." 
 
 July the 8th, " I believe the Bashaw expects an attack, 
 for he has moved his family to the gardens, and comes in 
 every evening. I hope you v.ill be able to reduce this 
 place; but don't you think, that ship's boats would answer 
 better than gunboats 1 The former would be more ma- 
 nageable for attack in the harbour, which must be sudden 
 and furious. Cursed fate ! which deprives me of sharing in 
 the danger and glory." 
 
 As Captain Bainbridge and his officers, were not permit- 
 ted to have intercourse with the crew, they knev/ little of 
 their condition. The ever watchful eye of Mr. Nissen dis- 
 covered that they were out of spirits and emaciated. This 
 arose from their being obliged to labour hard on a diet to 
 which they were not accustomed; consisting of black bread 
 and olive oil. Though this is the usual food of the Tripoli- 
 tan labourers, yet it was so much less nutritious than the 
 common food of our sailors and marines, that they became 
 so feeble as not to be able to perform their tasks. 
 
 The carpenters, blacksmiths, riggers, and sail-makers, 
 were employed in business connected with their trades. 
 The rest laboured on the fortifications. 
 
 Captain Bainbridge wrote to Commodore Preble for a 
 supply of salt provision and clothing for the men. These 
 articles being seasonably received, a very rapid improver 
 ment took place in both the health and spirits of the crew. 
 
 Anxious that the fortifications should be perfected as soon 
 12 
 
90 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 as possible, the American prisoners were offered money by 
 the Dey, for any extra work which they would do after 
 their daily task was completed. He also promised, that 
 two or three, at a time, might be permitted to walk through 
 the city. With the money obtained by extra work, they 
 would repair to the Jewish shop-keepers, and soon drink a 
 sufficiency of brandy to make them drunk, after which they 
 would return reeling through the streets. 
 
 As there is no object so offensive to Musselmans as a 
 drunken man, and as there is no way in which they can ex- 
 press their disgust so strongly, as by spitting in the face; 
 Jack seldom failed to encounter a salutation of this kind, when- 
 ever he appeared intoxicated in the street.X As sailors are 
 not, however, disposed to submit to insults under any condi- 
 tion, they generally turned upon the Tripolitans and flogged 
 them severely for their insolence. Poor blue-jacket would 
 now be reported to the Guarda Sclava; who being a per- 
 fect tyrant in disposition, would seldom fail to order the 
 bastinado, a mode of punishment which is terribly severe, 
 and not unfrequently inflicted on the American crew. 
 
 The manner of punishment by the bastinado consists in 
 placing the body of the culprit, horizontally, on his back, 
 tying together his ankles and knees, and placing his legs in 
 a line perpendicularly to his body. They are held in this 
 position by a man placed on either side of him, while a third, 
 with a strong paddle, strikes the soles of his bare feet with 
 all his force. When the blows are numerous, the blood 
 will sometimes be forced through the upper part of the feet 
 by rupturing the skin ; swelling and inflammation Vv^ill follow, 
 which sometimes extend to the knee. Unless the injury 
 thus inflicted is properly attended to, by directing repose 
 in a horizontal position, and by the prompt application of 
 local depletion, suppuration has supervened, which, in some 
 intances, has caussed permanent lameness. 
 
 When our sailors were subjected to the bastinado, they 
 
COMMODORE BAINRRIDGE. 91 
 
 were greatly favoured by the humanity of the slave driver 
 under whose immediate care they were placed. The sailor 
 was secured in the manner already described, two of his 
 messmates were harshly and loudly ordered to hold up his 
 legs, while he placed four or five double of straw mats over 
 his feet, which were directed to be held there, while he 
 pounded them so lustily as to be heard some distance from 
 the prison. To render the deception perfect, the sailor or 
 marine was directed to cry at the top of his voice, which 
 advice he of course followed until nearly exhausted. The 
 chief slave driver would think it undignified to be present at 
 the punishment of so humble a prisoner ; but never fails to 
 listen on the outside of the building, so as to satisfy himself 
 that the blows had been so honestly inflicted as to produce 
 the necessary degree of pain; of w^iich he judged by the 
 noise of the blows, and the screams of the culprit. After 
 this duty has been performed, the slave driver is praised by 
 his superior as a faithful and honest fellow. 
 
 The deception of poor Jack is pardonable, and will not, I 
 hope, be condemned by the moralist. 
 
 It may be gathered, from several private letters from Cap- 
 tain Bainbridge to his confidential friends, that during the 
 first few months of his captivity he was a deeply afflicted 
 man. — To none, however, has he unbosomed himself so tho- 
 roughly as in the subjoined letter to his fond and sympathiz- 
 ing wife. From this the reader may judge of the depth of 
 anguish, which a military oflicer may experience, during the 
 tedious period of suspense which elapses between the dates 
 of his misfortunes, and the investigation of the case by the 
 proper tribunal. 
 
 " Tripoli, Mvemher 1st, 1803. 
 « My Dear Susan, 
 
 " With feelings of distress which I cannot describe, I have 
 to inform you, that I have lost the beautiful frigate which 
 was placed under my command, by running her a-foul of 
 
92 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 rocks, a few miles to the east of this harbour, which are not 
 marked in the charts. After defending her as long as a ray 
 of hope remained, I was obliged to surrender, and am now 
 with my officers and crew confined in a prison in this place. 
 I enclose to you a copy of my official letter to the secretary 
 of the navy, from which you will learn all the circumstances 
 in detail, connected with our capture. 
 
 "My anxiety and affliction does not arise from my confine- 
 ment and deprivations in prison — these, indeed, I could bear 
 if ten times more severe; but is caused by my absencCj 
 which may be a protracted one, from my dearly beloved Su- 
 san; and an apprehension which constantly haunts me, that 
 I may be censured by my countrymen. These impressions, 
 which are seldom absent from my mind, act as a corroding 
 canker at my heart. So maddened am I sometimes by the 
 workings of my imagination, that I cannot refrain from ex- 
 claiming that it would have been a merciful dispensation of 
 Providence if my head had been shot off by the enemy, while 
 our vessel lay rolling on the rocks. 
 
 "You now see, my beloved wife, the cause of my distress — 
 my situation in prison is entirely supportable — I have found 
 here kind and generous friends, such as I hope the virtuous 
 will meet in all situations ; but if my professional character 
 be blotched — if an attempt be made to taint my honour — if 
 I am censured, if it does not kill me, it would at least de- 
 prive me of the power of looking any of my race in the face> 
 always excepting, however, my young, kind, and sympa- 
 thizing wife. If the world desert me, I am sure to find a 
 welcome in her arms — in her affection, to receive the sup- 
 port and condolence which none others can give. 
 
 " I cannot tell why I am so oppressed with apprehension — 
 I am sure I acted according to my best judgment — my offi- 
 cers tell me, that my conduct was faultless — that no one in- 
 deed could have done better, but this I attribute, (perhaps 
 in my weakness) to a generous wish on their part to sustain 
 mc in my affliction. 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 1)3 
 
 I hope soon to hear that your health is good, and akhoiigh 
 grieved at my misfortune, are yet surrounded by dear and 
 condoHng friends, who will in some measure assuage your 
 affliction. Perhaps, too, you will be able to tell me, that I 
 have done injustice to my countrymen — that so far from cen- 
 suring, they sympathize, and some even applaud me. God 
 grant that this may be the case — and why should it not 1 
 The Americans are generous as they are brave. I must stop, 
 my dear wife, for I see I am disclosing my weakness — these 
 are the mere reveries which daily pass through my heated 
 brain. 
 
 " I beg that you will not suppose our imprisonment is at- 
 tended with suffering — on the contrary, it is, as I have alrea- 
 dy assured you, quite a supportable state. 
 "Your ever faithful and 
 
 "Affectionate husband, 
 
 "WILLIAM BAINBRIDGE. 
 " Mrs. Susan Bainbridge, 
 " Perth Amboy." 
 
 About six weeks after the preceding letter w^as written, 
 Captain Bainbridge received the following kind, and cheer- 
 ing letter, from his friend Commodore Preble. Being well 
 informed of all the facts connected with the loss of the fri- 
 gate, the opinion of so distinguished an officer, would not 
 only silence every whisper of censure, but would comfort 
 and tranquillize the wounded sensibility of her afflicted com- 
 mander, during the remainder of his confinement. 
 
 " United States S. Co?2stitution, 
 
 " Off Malta, 19ih Dec. 1803. 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " I am honoured with your several favours of the 1st, 6th, 
 
 12th, and 15th ultimo, with their enclosures. I feel most 
 
 sensibly for the misfortunes of yourself, your officers, and 
 
 crew. Your situation is truly distressing, and affects your 
 
94 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 friends too powerfully to be described. Your zeal for your 
 country has occasioned the loss of a frigate, and, for a time, 
 of a valuable commander, officers, and crew. I have not 
 the smallest doubt, but that you all have done every thing, 
 which you conceived could be done, to get the ship off; and 
 extricate yourself from the unhappy situation in which you 
 were placed ; and I most sincerely regret, that your exer- 
 tions were not attended with success. The necessity of 
 yielding to an enemy of any description, must be painful 
 indeed; but how extremely so to a nation who know not 
 how to respect the unfortunate. You may rest assured, 
 that in me you have a friend, whose exertions shall never 
 be wanting in endeavours to relieve you ; and in the mean 
 time, you may command such supplies of money for the 
 comfort of yourself, officers, and crew, as you may require. 
 I have only to request 3'^our requisition for such supplies— 
 and a certificate, that your officers and crew were obedient 
 to orders, while on board, and that they still continue to be 
 so, as far as their situation will admit of; and to make 
 known unto me, from time to time, for the information of 
 the navy department, any improper conduct on the part of 
 any of them, in order that their pay may be checked. 
 
 " I settled a peace with the emperor of Morocco, the fif- 
 teenth of October ; and the former treaty made by his fa- 
 ther, Sidi Mohamet, was that day ratified and confirmed ; 
 and all detained and captured property was restored on 
 both sides. This arrangement released a cargo of value 
 belonging to Salem, together with her crew detained at 
 Mogador. The emperor positively denied the orders to 
 capture our vessels. I next went to Gibraltar, made up 
 my despatches for government, and on the nineteenth, the 
 John Adams and New York, sailed with them. On my pas- 
 sage from Gibraltar to Syracuse, I spoke the British frigate 
 Amazon, from the captain of which, I received the distress- 
 ing intelligence of your misfortune ; but no particulars, 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 95 
 
 which determined me to go to Malta. On the 27th of Oc- 
 tober, arrived off that place, sent a boat on shore, received 
 your letters, and a gale coming on, I ran for Syracuse, and 
 entered that harbour, where I found the store ship and En- 
 terprise. I have been furnished by the governor of Syra- 
 cuse, with every convenient accommodation for the deposite 
 of provisions and stores, masts, spars, boats, &c. 1 have 
 formed an establishment at that place, and made it the gene- 
 ral rendezvous of the squadron ; although in the winter I 
 shall keep a vessel at Malta for information, and occasional- 
 ly visit it myself. I am now on my way for a cruise off 
 Tripoli. The weather has been extremely stormy, since 
 our arrival at Syracuse : for many days it blew a gale, and 
 prevented us from putting to sea. 
 
 " This letter is left at Malta, as at this season of the year 
 it is possible we may not be able to send a boat on shore at 
 Tripoli. 
 
 " 1 have written to the Swedish and Danish consuls, and 
 endorsed your duplicates. 
 
 " I shall lodge funds for you at Malta, and will make such 
 arrangements, that you can receive a regular supply from 
 thence, until I can make a better arrangement at Tunis. 
 
 " God bless and preserve you. May you have health, 
 and live to enjoy the smiles of the fickle goddess ! I shall 
 write to you often under cover to the Danish consul. Let 
 me know if any other person at Tripoli can bfe of service to 
 you, that I can, by any means, make your friend. Consul 
 O'Brien recommended to me, a Mr. Bryan M'Donough, at 
 Ti'ipoli. as a person who could be serviceable in any nego- 
 tiation with the Bashaw. 
 
 " Perhaps it will be well to make him your friend. I 
 suppose cash, will be necessary for this purpose. 
 
 " The first consul of France, the much celebrated Bona- 
 parte, has interested himself deeply in your situation. More 
 of this hereafter. 
 
9G LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 " Mr. Izard tells me you have grown thin ; I fear, my 
 friend, you let your misfortunes bear too heavy on your 
 mind, by which you may destroy your health. Recollect 
 that destiny, and not want of courage, has deprived you of 
 liberty, but not of honour. You will, I hope, ere long revisit 
 your native country, and meet the approbation of your fel- 
 low citizens, and confidence of your government. 
 
 " Conscious yourself of having done your duty, and the 
 certificates of your officers approbating your conduct and 
 exertions on the day the ship was lost, must afford you 
 consolation amidst your misfortunes. 
 
 '' I have the honour to be, 
 
 " with esteem and respect, 
 " Dear sir, 
 
 ^' Your obedient servant, 
 " EDWARD PREBLE." 
 
LIFE AND SERVICES OF COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 97 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Fast of Ramadan — Biaram Festival — Bainbridge and Porter invited to 
 it — Visits in succession the Bashaw, the Prime Minister, Bay of Ben- 
 gazy, Sidi Mohammed Dgheis — Kind Treatment of the latter — Visits 
 to the Country — Destruction of the Philadelphia, by Decatur — Man- 
 ner in which her Destruction was effected — Rage of the Bashaw — Pri- 
 soners confined to the Castle — Prisoners endeavour to escape — Disap- 
 pointments — Suffering from confined Air — Conduct of the Guarda 
 Sclava — Bombardment of Tripoli by Preble — Gallant Conduct and 
 brilliant Success of the American Frigate and Gunboats — Heroic Con- 
 duct of Decatur, and others — Restores the Tripolitan Prisoners — Ba- 
 shaw submitted Terms of Peace. American Vessel blown up — Bain- 
 bridge injured by falling of the Prison Wall — Cowardly Conduct of 
 the Tripolitan Guard — Rencontre between the Prisoners and Guard — 
 Difficulty adjusted — Preble renews his Attack on the Town — Fire 
 Ship — Awful Explosion — The heroic Sommers — Bainbridge is per- 
 mitted to examine the different Officers — Another Attempt to escape. 
 
 During the Fast of Ramadan, which lasted during a peri- 
 od of thirty days, the prisoners were treated with unusual 
 kindness. This is a period of religious abstinence, during 
 which Mahommedans are enjoined by their creed to im- 
 pose on themselves many moral and physical restraints; 
 such as hospitality and charity to enemies. "To taste food 
 or drink, to smell perfumes, or swallow spittle, to vomit, 
 13 
 
98 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 bathe, or even breathe the air too freely, from day-break till 
 sunset, would render this sacred ordinance null and void. 
 But from evening till day-break, the faithful arc allowed to 
 refresh nature, though the more scrupulous renew their fast 
 at midnight." 
 
 As a reward for these statutory mortifications, the Biaram 
 festival is instituted, which lasts from three to six days, and 
 immediately succeeds the fast. A few of the prisoners were 
 allowed to participate in the enjoyments of the anniversary 
 feast. Captain Bainbridge and Lieutenant D. Porter, were 
 invited to the Bashaw's palace, and were conducted there 
 by the minister of foreign affairs. They were ushered into 
 the Bashaw's audience chamber, and presented to him, while 
 he was seated on his chair of state, surrounded by his chil- 
 dren, officers of the divan, and life guards. As all were 
 magnificently attired, and as the chamber was surrounded 
 by ottomans, covered with richly embroidered scarlet cloth, 
 the spectacle was highly imposing. After presentation, the 
 Bashaw rose, and invited the American officers to be seated 
 on his right. Coffee and sherbet were handed to them, af- 
 ter which they were sprinkled with otto of roses, and fumi- 
 gated with frankincense. These duties were performed by 
 Neapolitan slaves, who constituted a part of his household. 
 After these ceremonies were performed, the officers took 
 leave of the Bashaw, by saluting him in the fashion of theit 
 own country. 
 
 While passing from this scene of festivity, they observed 
 in the avenue from the castle three beautiful little boys 
 seated on a stone bench, with countenances expressive of 
 extreme sadness. On inquiry, Captain Bainlmdge learned 
 that they were the sons of Sidi Hamit, the depbled Bashaw 
 of Tripoli, who was then a proscript and an exile in Egypt. 
 Not content with usurping the whole power of the Regen- 
 cy, he must grace his festival, by indulging in the paltry ma- 
 lice of exhibiting these children to the parasites around him-. 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 99 
 
 as an evidence of his power, and of his triumph over the 
 fortunes of an injured brother. To the credit, however, of 
 many of the Bashaw's guests, they seemed, when unobserved, 
 to sympathize with the innocent and unhappy captive boys, 
 and did not share in the brutal feehngs of the heartless un- 
 cle. 
 
 Under the arcade of the palace gate was seated the prime 
 minister, with whom the American officers conversed for a 
 short period, and again partook of coffee and sherbet. In 
 this situation he held his Bed of Justice. He was chief jus- 
 tice in all civil cases, and was highly esteemed, as well in his 
 official, as in his private character. He is a Russian by birth, 
 though he was quite a youth when first he arrived in Tri- 
 poli. He was very polite and affable, wished our officers a 
 speedy restoration to liberty and their country, and gave 
 each of them a nosegay, a mark of respect which is highly 
 estimated by Tripolitans. 
 
 This minister was an early associate and follower of the 
 existing Bashaw, and proved himself a soldier of high bear- 
 ing and undaunted courage, in his wars against his father, 
 brothers, and Ali Baget. 
 
 From the prime minister they visited the uncle of the Ba- 
 shaw, who was then Bey of Bengazy. Having resided many 
 years in Malta, he acquired a correct knowledge of the Ita- 
 lian language, had cultivated an acquaintance with some 
 branches of natural science, and might be with propriety de- 
 nominated a scholar, and an accomplished gentleman. In 
 receiving the American officers, he manifested great kind- 
 ness and sensibility. Refreshments were presented as be- 
 fore, and in a similar style. 
 
 They were next presented to their tried and good friend 
 Sidi Mohammed Dgheis. In point of splendour, his enter- 
 tainment exceeded all the others. Tea, coffee, sherbet, 
 choice fruits, and confectionary, were served on rich and 
 massive plate. He treated his guests with great affability, 
 
100 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 and on their departure wished them a speedy hberation. 
 After thus feasting, they retired to their gloomy apartments, 
 which formed a strong contrast to the gay and splendid 
 scenes which they had just left — such a contrast, indeed, as 
 was well calculated to produce a revulsion of feeling, not 
 easily to be controlled. 
 
 Through the intercession of this amiable Turk, the officers 
 were permitted, early in February, to ride a few miles into 
 the country. To breathe the fresh air, and delightful odour 
 of the orange groves, in exchange for the damp and stag- 
 nant effluvia of their confined prison, was, indeed, an indul- 
 gence Mdiich none can properly appreciate who were diffe- 
 rently situated. The American officers were indebted to 
 him, indeed, for a continuation of kind offices, during the 
 whole period of their imprisonment. He was a mediator 
 in all cases of difficulty, between them and the Bashaw, and 
 protected them from many indignities, to which otherwise 
 they would have been exposed. He was a gentleman in 
 feelings and in acquirements, and from his knowledge of the 
 world, knew well what was due to others possessing such 
 qualities; having been ambassador at the courts of England, 
 Spain, France, and Naples. 
 
 He frequently obtained permission from the Bashaw for 
 two or three officers to visit him at a time, at his country 
 seat ; and very often would send them choice fruits and ve- 
 getables from his garden. 
 
 The country around Tripoli was beautifully fertile and 
 picturesque. Barley and wheat fields, alternated with groves 
 of date, olive, figs, lemon, orange, apricot, peach, and a great 
 variety of ornamental trees. Their grounds were arranged 
 with taste and elegance — their bowers fancifully decorated, 
 and enriched by luxuriant vines, and every where, indeed, 
 
COMMODORE BAIN BRIDGE. 101 
 
 "By Nalm-e's swift and secret-working luincl 
 The gardens glow, and fill the liberal air, 
 With lavish'd fragrance." 
 
 What delightful sensations must have been awakened in 
 the bejievolent moslem, in exercising his influence to relieve 
 even for a short period, his fellow men, from the tedium of 
 their gloomy prison, to 
 
 » Wander o'er the dewy fields. 
 
 Where freshness breathes;" 
 
 and to observe them 
 
 " Amid the glad creation, musing praise 
 And looking lively gratitude." 
 
 On the 15th of February, 1804, about midnight, the ofB- 
 cers were suddenly awakened, by the rapid discharge of 
 heavy artillery from the Tripohtan batteries. They sprang 
 to the windows, and were delighted to observe the frigate 
 Philadelphia, the boasted trophy of the Bashaw, wrapt in 
 devouring flames. This spectacle was particularly gratify- 
 ing to Captain Bainbridge, as he witnessed in it the accom- 
 phshment of his own scheme, which he had submitted some 
 time before to Commodore Preble, and saw removed at the 
 same time the beautiful vessel which he daily grudged to 
 behold in the possession of the enemy. 
 
 This brilliant enterprise was achieved by Lieutenant Ste- 
 phen Decatur, and his brave followers. After Commodore 
 Preble had received Captain Bainbridge's letter, containing 
 his plan for the destruction of the captured frigate, he sub- 
 mitted it to Lieutenant Decatur, who promptly offered to 
 command the expedition. The crew of the United States 
 frigate were piped on deck for the purpose of obtaining vo- 
 lunteers. As usual on such occasions on board United States 
 vessels, twice the number volunteered that were required. 
 Of these, seventy broad-shouldered gallant-looking fellows 
 
102 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 were selected, and were ordered to hold themselves in rea- 
 diness for this service. Among the volunteers was a slender 
 youth of nineteen, who had belonged to the congregation of 
 Friends in Philadelphia, and who for some trifling breach of 
 discipline, determined to encounter the dangers of the sea, 
 rather than the rebukes of the sages of his own society. 
 Being overlooked in the selection made by Decatur, he 
 begged to be allowed to accompany the expedition, but only 
 received the short reply, that the complement was complete. 
 Unwilling to be thus put off, he again solicited Decatur with 
 great eagerness, as he was about to pass over the gangway of 
 the ship, to accept of him as a volunteer. This unusual im- 
 portunity awakened the curiosity of the Lieutenant, who 
 turned towards the youth, surveyed him with his penetrating 
 eye, and sternly asked him why he was so anxious to go on 
 an enterprise so perilous. The lad blushed, and recollecting, 
 I suppose, his peaceful education, would not say, he wished 
 to engage in battle, but modestly remarked, " I wish to see 
 the paris." I need not add, that his services were accepted. 
 A Tripolitan ketch, which Decatur had captured a few 
 days before, and which was now called the Intrepid, was 
 fitted out to carry them to the harbour of Tripoli. The 
 ofiicers selected for the enterprise, were Lieutenants James 
 Lawrence and Joseph Bainbridge, with Midshipmen, Charles 
 Morris* and John Henly. The Intrepid, in company with 
 the brig Syren, Lieutenant Charles Stewart, sailed from 
 Syracuse on the third of February, and after a tempestuous 
 passage of twelve days, arrived about twilight ofi" their des- 
 tined harbour. The hour of ten was assigned to meet the 
 boats of the Syren, which were to accompany the expedi- 
 tion, but in consequence of the change of wind, the two ves- 
 sels became separated six or eight miles. As there was 
 danger in delay, Decatur resolved to gain the inner harbour. 
 
 • The present Commodore Morris. 
 
COMMODORE BAIN BRIDGE. 103 
 
 Accordingly, at nine o'clock, he increased his sail; but 
 owing to the lightness of the wind, three hours were lost in 
 passing three miles. When within about a hundred yards, 
 he was hailed from the frigate, and threatened with being 
 fired into, unless he immediately came to anchor. A Mal- 
 tese pilot, who was on board, was directed to say that the 
 anchors were lost. The ketch, when wdthin fifty yards of 
 the Philadelphia, being completely becalfned, Lieutenant 
 Decatur ordered a rope to be carried out in a boat, and 
 fastened to the fore-chains of the frigate. This point being 
 gained, the craft was quickly warped along side, before her 
 true character was suspected by the Tripolitans. Decatur 
 immediately sprang on board, with the gallant midshipman 
 Morris, by his side, quickly followed by the other officers 
 and men. Though a short interval elapsed before the crew 
 succeeded in mounting after them, such was the consterna- 
 tion of the Turks, that they took no advantage of this de- 
 lay. The brave commander, with his gallant followers, now 
 rushed, sword in hand, on the enemy, who were crowded 
 together on the forecastle, and soon overpow-ered them; but 
 not until a vast proportion of them were killed, wounded, 
 and thrown overboard. 
 
 Being prepared with matches, and combustibles, each of- 
 ficer ran to such points of the ship as had been assigned to 
 him by previous arrangement, and thus fired her in a num- 
 ber of places at the same time. In a few seconds, she was 
 enveloped in flames. It required great exertions to save 
 the Intrepid from destruction — she was attached to a vessel 
 in a state of fearful conflagration — was fired upon by the 
 water battery and castle at the same time, and had it not 
 been for a favourable breeze, which at that juncture sprang 
 up, escape would have been impossible. In this gallant en- 
 terprise, none of the Americans were killed, and only four 
 wounded. It may not be improper to add, that the stripling 
 ■Friend, to whom allusion has been already made, was among 
 
104 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 the first to board, and the foremost in the daring charge on 
 the forecastle. He was ever afterwards a prime favourite 
 in the squadron. 
 
 Nothing could exceed the rage of the Bashaw at the loss 
 of his valuable prize. He ordered the prison to be imme- 
 diately surrounded by guards, and interrupted all intercourse 
 between the officers and men. On the first of March, they 
 were conducted under a strong guard to the castle, and con- 
 fined in a cold and damp apartment, with only one opening 
 at the top, which vi^as grated with iron. Through this 
 aperture alone they received light and air. In this place, 
 they were entombed during the remainder of their captivity. 
 The condition of the prisoners was, however, in no small 
 decree, alleviated by the unwearied attentions of Mr. Nissen, 
 the benevolent Dane. 
 
 Seeing no prospects of liberation, the officers determined 
 to make an effort to escape from their uncomfortable quar- 
 ters. The castle being situated near the harbour, it was 
 thought practicable to reach it, and thus obtain their free- 
 dom, provided boats could be procured, to carry them to 
 our squadron in -the offing. With this view, Commodore 
 Preble was written to on the subject, requesting the aid of 
 his barges, and designating the place and time of meeting. 
 The difficulty of sending such a letter, was very great, but, 
 by great address, and with the aid of good friends, it was 
 ultimately accomplished. They first attempted to dig a 
 passage under the castle, but had not advanced far, when 
 it was discovered, that the distance which it would be ne- 
 cessary to dig, would extend seventy or eighty feet, and 
 that the outer aperture would be under the water of the 
 bay, which washed the outer walls of the castle. In conse- 
 quence of the difficulty from this cause, and from the im- 
 possibihty of concealing perfectly the dirt which was taken 
 from the passage, this scheme was abandoned. Added to 
 this, they discovered that sentinels were placed along shore 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 105 
 
 for several miles on either side of the cit}'-, so that it would 
 have been difficult for the boats to have approached the, 
 shore, and next to impossible to reach them, even if the of- 
 ficers had extricated themselves from prison. 
 
 During one of the dreary nights of confinement, Captain 
 Bain bridge and Lieutenant Jones determined to explore, 
 if possible, an apartment adjoining to their prison. With 
 this view, they opened a passage through a thick wall, en- 
 tered the room, and discovered that the floor of the upper 
 story was broken down, above which was a window, which, 
 from its great height, was supposed by the prison keeper to 
 be beyond reach, and, therefore, had not been built up, as 
 was the case with all the others. It was secured, however, 
 with iron bars. 
 
 One of the officers, by great exertions, ascended to this 
 window, which he found overlooked the ramparts of the cas- 
 tle. After satisfying himself by this reconnoissance, which 
 was repeated by other officers for several days in succession, 
 it was determined to make an attempt to escape through 
 this window, to pass thence to the edge of the rampart 
 fronting the harbour, — to make fast a rope to one of the 
 cannon, and descend by it into the water, a distance of se- 
 venty feet. Their plan then was to swim for a small vessel 
 which was in view — take her by surprise, and trust to Pro- 
 vidence to be taken up by our own squadron, which was 
 then cruising in the distance. 
 
 None but strong and good swimmers could engage in this 
 enterprise, and the delay occasioned by their descending the 
 rope in succession would increase the risk of discovery. 
 As it appeared, however, the only chance of escape, it was 
 determined to make the attempt. Captain Bainbridge had, 
 at first, resolved to join in this scheme; but perceiving that 
 it occasioned dissatisfaction among those of his fellow pri- 
 soners who could not swim, he at once assured them that 
 14 
 
106 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 he would remain in prison and partake of their danger and 
 sufFering until all were liberated together. 
 
 They commenced their operations, and in a few days cut 
 off the iron bars of the window, so that they could he re- 
 moved in a few minutes. Ropes being formed out of their 
 sheets and blankets, and every preparation made for their 
 hazardous exploit, they took off their clothes with the ex- 
 ception of shirts and pantaloons, and at midnight, when all 
 appeared quiet, and the course clear, they cautiously re- 
 moved the iron bars — passed through the window, and 
 crawled in single file along the rampart, to the point where 
 it was proposed to descend, carrying with them the coils of 
 rope. After they had nearly reached the designated gun to 
 which the rope was to be attached, the relief guard was 
 observed to approach. A halt was immediately commanded, 
 they remained silent and anxious for a few seconds, but be- 
 lieving that they were unobserved, retreated quickly through 
 the window, replaced the iron bars, and returned to the pri- 
 son in safety. 
 
 Though much chagrined at this disappointment, it proved 
 fortunate in the end, as the vessel to which they proposed 
 to swim, had disappeared, and, as they afterwards learned, 
 had weighed anchor early the previous evening, and sailed 
 with the view of eluding the United States squadron. Had 
 it not been for the appearance of the sentinel, they would 
 have descended into the water, would have swam to the ves- 
 sel, which lay half a mile from the shore, bewildered and ex- 
 hausted in the dark, and would have either perished in the sea, 
 or shot by the guards if they attempted to reach the shore. 
 
 These various unsuccessful elTbrts destroyed, for a time, 
 all hopes of escape. After a few months had elapsed, how- 
 ever, the spirit of adventure was again awakened by learn- 
 ing that a British frigate was soon expected to bring in, and 
 land a consul. It was again determined to make an effort 
 to escape from the castle, and to swim for the frigate, where 
 
COMMODORE EAI\ERIDGE. 107 
 
 it was hoped they would be received and protected. To 
 accomplish this, it was resolved to cut a passage through 
 the castle and under the ramparts, through which they in- 
 tended to descend into the water of the harbour, and thence 
 reach the frigate by swimming. 
 
 This new enterprise was commenced with great spirit, 
 about the last of June, but while digging under the rampart, 
 a vault was entered, by which the work was so weakened, 
 as to give way, while the guard was engaged in the night, 
 in moving a forty-two pounder. Though the whole super- 
 incumbent part caved in, yet it did not awaken suspicion, 
 or lead to discovery. This accident again arrested their 
 labours, but had they been successful, the plan would not 
 have proved successful, inasmuch as the frigate did not 
 even come to anchor, but merely hove to, until the consul 
 was sent on shore, and then proceeded to sea. 
 
 These repeated failures induced them to relinquish all 
 further attempts to escape from their irksome confinement. 
 
 The foul and stagnant air of the prison, caused, during 
 the hot weather, great oppression and suffering to the pri- 
 soners. Repeated solicitations w^ere made to have the 
 apartment ventilated, but receiving no attention, one of the 
 officers opened a part of a window which had b,een closed 
 with stone and mortar. So soon as Sossey, the Guarda 
 Sclava, perceived the breach, he rushed into the prison, and 
 in a tone of great violence, demanded, who had dared to 
 violate the sacred walls of the prison. After indulging in 
 gross abuse, he bade them recollect that they were in 
 Tripoli, and then threatened them with the terrible ven- 
 geance of the Bashaw. Captain Bainbridge very coolly re- 
 plied, that the oppressive treatment which they had received 
 made them fully aware that they were in Tripoli. He ex- 
 pressed his entire disregard of any additional severity which 
 the Bashaw could inflict, and his contempt for the minion 
 whose conduct was characterized by such unmanliness. 
 
108 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 Lieutenant Poi'ter now stepped forwards, and informed 
 Sossey that he had made the opening. This terrible mon- 
 ster immediately seized the Lieutenant, and while breathing 
 vengeance, he hurried him to a filthy room in a distant part 
 of the castle, where he was locked up. In the course of a 
 few hours he was carried before Sidi Mohammed Dgheis, 
 who received him in his usual kind manner — expressed his 
 grief, that the prisoners were so uncomfortably situated, and 
 lamented that it was not in his power to improve their con- 
 dition, and added that he entirely disapproved of the brutal 
 conduct of Sossey. 
 
 An event soon happened which taught the Bashaw that 
 he was neither so secure nor so powerful as he had fan- 
 cied himself On the twelfth of July, 1804, Commodore Pre- 
 ble appeared off Tripoli with a small squadron. On the 
 third of August, at three P. M., commenced a tremendous 
 fire between our men of war, and the Tripolitan castle, bat- 
 teries, and gunboats. Shot and shells were thrown into 
 every quarter of the city, causing the greatest consternation 
 among the inhabitants. The firing attracted the attention 
 of the officers to the high grated window of the prison, from 
 which they observed with unspeakable pride, three of the 
 American gunboats bear down, in gallant style, on the ene- 
 my's eastern division, consisting of nine vessels of the same 
 class. As our vessels advanced, a few well directed rounds 
 of grape and musketry were fired, and as soon as the ves- 
 sels came in contact, our gallant countrymen boarded sword 
 in hand, and after a fierce contest of a few minutes, they 
 captured three of the Tripolitan gunboats, the other six 
 precipitately fled. At the moment of victory Captain De- 
 catur was informed that his brother. Lieutenant James De- 
 catur had been treacherously shot by a Tripolitan comman- 
 der, after he had boarded and captured him. The fearless 
 Decatur immediately pursued the murderer, and succeeding 
 in getting alongside just as he was retreating within the ene'^ 
 
COMMODORE BAlNBRIDGE. 109 
 
 «iy's lines, he boarded with only eleven followers. Decatur 
 immediately attacked the Tripolitan commander, who was 
 armed with spear and cutlass. In the contest, which for a 
 time appeared doubtful, Decatur broke his sword near the 
 hilt. He seized his enemy's spear, and after a violent strug- 
 gle succeeded in throwing him on the deck. The Turk now 
 drew from his belt a dirk, and when in the act of striking, 
 Decatur caught his arm, drew from his pocket a pistol, and 
 shot him through the head. During the continuance of this 
 terrible struggle, the crews of each vessel impetuously rushed 
 to the assistance of their respective commanders. Such was 
 the carnage in this furious and desperate battle, that it was 
 with difficulty Decatur could extricate himself from the 
 killed and wounded by which he was surrounded. 
 
 In this affair an American sailor, named Reuben James,* 
 
 • The reader may be curious to know more of the character and services 
 of this gallant seaman. He is a native of the state of Delaware, and when 
 quite a boy devoted himself to the sea. In 1797, he was captured by a 
 French privateer, and after his liberation determined to ship, hereafter, in 
 men-of-war, by which he hoped to escape for the future, the hardships and 
 sufferings to which prisoners are exposed. In accordance with this deter- 
 mination, he shipped on board the frigate Constellation, 1799, commanded 
 by Commodore Truxtun, and was in both the actions which resulted in the 
 capture of the French frigates Insurgente and Vengeance. 
 
 In 1804, he sailed in the frigate United States for the Mediterranean, and 
 was a volunteer with Decatur when he burnt the frigate Philadelphia in 
 the harbour of Tripoli. He remained under Decatur's command, in the 
 desperate actions with the Tripolitan gunboats, on which occasion he per- 
 formed the act of noble daring already recorded. 
 
 After five years' absence, he returned across the Atlantic, in a common 
 gunboat, with the lamented Captain Lawrence. He rejoined his old favour- 
 ite Captain Decatur, and remained with him during the whole of the last 
 war. He was in the action which resulted in the capture of the frigate Ma- 
 cedonian, and in the severely fought battle between the United States fri- 
 gate President, and the British frigate Endymion. In this engagement, he 
 received three wounds. He 'was afterwards in the United States frigate 
 Guerrier, when she captured the Algerine frigate Messouda, 
 
110 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 manifested the most heroic self-devotion. Seeing a Tripoli- 
 tan officer aiming a blow at Decatur's head, whilst he was 
 struggling with his prostrate foe, and which must have 
 proved fatal, had not the generous and fearless tar, who 
 had been deprived of the use of both his hands, by severe 
 wounds, rushed between the sabre and his commander, and 
 received the blow on his head, by which his skull was frac- 
 tured. 
 
 Since the war, he has been almost constantly cruising in the United 
 States vessels in the Mediterranean, West Indies, and Pacific Ocean. To 
 use his own phrase, he has seen " tenjighls and as many skrimedges." 
 
 In tlie autumn of 1836, he arrived in Washington, for the yjurpose of ob- 
 taining a pension. At tliat lime, he suffered very much from a disease of 
 his leg, arising from an old musket ball wound, which caused an extensive 
 disease of the bone. In order to save his life, amputation was recommended, 
 to wliich he assented with his characteristic indifference to either danger or 
 suffering, though he " thought it was not ship-shape to put him under jury 
 masts, when in harbour." The day after the amputation, his symptoms 
 were so alarming that the old sailor thought that his career was near its ter- 
 mination — seemed quite resigned, and begged the surgeon "to ease him off 
 handsomely." 
 
 In order to support his strength, stimulants were recommended to him, and 
 it was asked wliich he would prefer, brown stout, or brandy toddy, he re- 
 plied, " Suppose, doctor, you give us both." Poor Reuben has no disposi- 
 tion to join the temperance society at present. 
 
 It is a custom in the navy, to give the sailors on certain anniversaries, an 
 extra glass of grog beyond their regular allowance. This veteran felt it his 
 duty to celebrate an unusual number of them. Besides the national anniver- 
 saries, he always celebrated his own birth-day — that of his favourite commo- 
 dore, and those of his " te7i fights and as many skrimedges," In this way, 
 he contrived to have many "merry makings." 
 
 This gallant old tar has been in the public service near forty years, and 
 has always behaved with the characteristic firmness of a United States sailor. 
 He is an incessant talker — well acquainted with the history of the navy — ^ 
 knows well the character of all the elder officers — calls them his friends, 
 and will allow no one to speak disrespectfully of them. 
 
 Dr. Foltz, of the United States navy, who recently amputated his limb, 
 informs me, that he has recovered from the operation, and is now in good 
 ^health. 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. Ill 
 
 The boat commanded by Lieutenant Joseph Bainbridge 
 received a shot that carried away her lateen yards, by 
 which all his exertions to get alongside of the enemy were 
 rendered altogether unavailing. Being within musket shot, 
 however, he directed a brisk fire, which did great execution. 
 Unable to manage his boat without sails, she grounded near 
 the enemy's batteries; but by courage and great exertions, 
 she was extricated from her perilous situation. 
 
 Captain Somers being unable to beat to windward, in or- 
 der to co-operate with Decatur, bore down with his single 
 boat, on the leeward division of the enemy, and attacked 
 within pistol shot, five of the Tripolitan vessels. He main- 
 tained the action with great spirit until the other division of 
 the enemy was defeated, when this also precipitately fled 
 within their harbour. 
 
 The enemy's boats again rallied, and attempted to sur- 
 round the American gunboats and prizes. This bold enter- 
 prise was defeated, however, by the advance of Commodore 
 Preble, in the frigate Constitution, which, by a few spirited 
 broadsides, effectually covered the retreat of the brave little 
 squadron, which had so signally triumphed. The frigate Con- 
 stitution, bomb vessels, &c., created great alarm and confu- 
 sion in the city, by throwing shot, and shells. The frigate 
 was several times within three cables' length of the batt»-* 
 ries, and each time silenced those against which her broad- 
 sides were directed. These advantages, however, the gal^ 
 lant commodore was unable to secure without more assist-^ 
 ance, for so soon as he changed his position, the firing re- 
 commenced at the points of the fort, from which the men 
 had been driven. 
 
 Availing themselves of the land breeze, which commenced 
 to blow between four and five in the afternoon, the squad-? 
 ron retired from the action. The damage sustained by the 
 Americans was quite inconsiderable, w^hen compared with 
 the apparent danger to which they were exposed. The loss 
 
112 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 of the enemy was very great. The three boats captured 
 from the Tripohtans contained one hundred and three men, 
 of whom forty -seven were killed, and twenty-six wounded. 
 Three of their boats were sunk, and the crews buried in the 
 waves. A number of guns in the batteries were dismounted, 
 the city was considerably injured, and many of the inhabi- 
 tants killed. A great proportion of the inhabitants and all 
 the foreign consuls fled from the city, with the exception of 
 the benevolent Mr. Nissen. So devoted was he to the Ame- 
 rican prisoners, that he remained at the risk of his life and 
 property, in order that he might contribute to their comfort. 
 
 During one of the attacks, a twenty-four pound shot en- 
 tered the window of a small room in the turret, where Mr. 
 Nissen but a moment before had been examining the ope- 
 rations of the squadron. This shot continues lodged in the 
 wall, and was shown to Commodore Decatur in the year 
 1815, by another Danish consul. Several shells fell in Mr. 
 Nissen's house, during the bombardment, but as they did not 
 explode, httle injury was done. 
 
 At the commencement of these operations, the Bashaw 
 surveyed the squadron fi'om his palace windows, and affect- 
 ed to ridicule any attempt which might be made to injure 
 either the batteries or the city. He promised the specta- 
 iavs who were on the terraces, that rare sport would be pre- 
 sently enjoyed, by observing the triumph of his boats over 
 those of the Americans. In a few minutes, however, he be- 
 came convinced of his error, and precipitately retreated with 
 an humbled and aching heart to his bomb proof chamber. 
 
 On the fifth of August, the wounded Turkish prisoners, 
 who had l^en carefully and kindly treated, were placed on 
 board a French privateer, and sent to Tripoli. The priso- 
 ners informed the Bashaw that " though the Americans in 
 battle were fiercer than lions, yet in the treatment of priso- 
 ners they were even kinder than Musselmans." The Ba-i 
 shaw applauded the humane conduct of Commodore Preble 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 113 
 
 on returning the wounded, and observed, that if any Ameri- 
 cans similarly injured should fall into his hands, he would 
 treat them with equal kindness. 
 
 The Bashaw now offered terms of adjustment, hut they 
 could not be acceded to, in consequence of his extravagant 
 demands. Preble determined to quicken his anxiety for 
 peace, by renewing his broadsides. Preparations being com- 
 pleted for another attack, the action commenced at half-past 
 two, P. M., and in two hours the batteries were again si- 
 lenced, and much injury was done to the city, by round shot 
 and shell;;. The loss which the Americans sustained in this 
 affair was a serious one. A small vessel was blown up by 
 the passage of a red hot shot through her magazine. There 
 were twenty-eight souls on board of her, of whom ten were 
 killed, and six v/ounded. The injured, as well as those who 
 escaped unhurt, were picked out of the water by the other 
 boats. Among the killed was her gallant commander, Lieu- 
 tenant James Caldwell. 
 
 On the twenty-seventh of August, the United States squad- 
 ron again stood into the harbour, and after directing a rapid 
 fire for two hours, silenced the batteries and did much injury 
 to the castle. In this attack a twenty-four pound shot pene- 
 trate(J the castle, and entered the officers' apartment. The 
 ball fell within a foot of Captain Bainbridge's head, and 
 threw on him as he lay in bed, at least a ton of stone and 
 mortar from the wall. He was severely wounded in the 
 ankle by a large stone, and from which he slowly recovered. 
 
 During the last attack of the American squadron, the Tri- 
 politan guards fled from their posts on the terrace, behind the 
 wall of an adjoining building. This cowardly retreat excited 
 the gibes and merriment of the American officers. The guard 
 finding that their unmanly attempt to screen themselves from 
 danger was discovered by the prisoners, became ungovern- 
 ably enraged, threw stones in through the windows, and 
 threatened to fire at them. This assault was promptly re- 
 15 
 
114 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 turned with the fragments of stone and mortar which had 
 been knocked by the cannon into their apartment. With 
 the view of increasing the Bashaw's prejudice against the 
 prisoners, it was immediately reported to him that they were 
 making an attempt to escape. Sossey, the chief of the slave 
 guard, promptly appeared and threatened vengeance unless 
 the officers conducted them.selves more submissively. As 
 Captain Bainbridge could not descend to enter into explana- 
 tions with this scowling Cerberus, he handed him a note to 
 Sidi Mohammed Dgheis, and observed, that he was very sure 
 that the minister would decide properly on the subject. Cap- 
 tain Bainbridge was informed, in the course of a few hours, 
 that the guard who first threw stones into the prison, was 
 severely bastinadoed, and dismissed from the guard. 
 
 All the damages which the vessels sustained in the action 
 of the twenty-seventh being repaired, the Commodore re- 
 solved on another attack. Soon after the commencement of 
 the action the enemy's galleys gave way; and the American 
 gunboats, schooners, and brigs, pursued them within musket 
 shot of fort English. Here our little squadron separated, a 
 part of it continuing the attack on the Tripolitan boats and 
 galleys, the remainder boldly engaged the fort. The two 
 bomb ketches threw shells into the town with great eflect, 
 but being exposed to a fire from the castle, crown, and mole 
 batteries, were threatened with destruction. Their danger 
 being discovered by the Commodore, he ran his frigate be- 
 tween them and the batteries ; and though he was within 
 musket shot of seventy guns which were brought to bear 
 upon him from the batteries, yet so rapidly and effectually 
 did he discharge his broadsides, that he again drove the ene- 
 my from their guns and did great injury to the city. 
 
 The wind now commenced to blow fresh on shore, which 
 obliged the Commodore to order all vessels to withdraw un- 
 der cover of the Constitution. The American vessels re- 
 ceived considerable injury in this engagement, but strange 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 115 
 
 as it may appear, not a man was killed. Failing in the last 
 several attacks to capture more of the Tripolitan vessels, in 
 consequence of their unwillingness to venture beyond the 
 protection of their forts, it was determined by Commodore 
 Preble to send in a fire-ship with a view of burning them. 
 For this purpose he fitted out the ketch Intrepid, with one 
 hundred barrels of gunpowder, and one hundred and fifty 
 shells in her hold. Trains were so arranged as not to en- 
 danger the ship, — Captain Somers, Lieutenants Wadsworth 
 Isreal, and ten men volunteered for the expedition. Two 
 fast rowing boats were selected for the purpose of retreat, 
 after applying the matches. At eight o'clock in the evening 
 on the fourth of September, the Intrepid stood into the har- 
 bour under convoy, for some distance, of the Argus, Vixen, 
 and Nautilus. When she had nearly reached the point of 
 destination, the fire ship was boarded by two hundred Tri- 
 politans from two galleys. At this instant an awful explo- 
 sion took place, which hurled to destruction, not only Cap- 
 tain Somers and his brave companions, but the two hundred 
 Turks — not a soul was spared to explain the cause of the 
 disaster. The trains may have been ignited by the wads 
 which w^ere fired by the enemy, or, as some suppose, on Cap- 
 tain Somers perceiving no means of escape, resolved to die, 
 and with his own heroic hands fired the vessel. 
 
 On the sixth of September, Captain Bainbridge and seve- 
 ral of his officers were permitted to view the dead bodies of 
 their self-devoted countrymen, who had perished by the ex- 
 plosion. Their features were so mutilated and disfigured 
 that none of them could be identified. This circumstance, 
 however, did not lessen the poignancy of the grief which 
 such a spectacle was calculated to awaken. It was suffi- 
 cient to know, that they were brave Americans who made 
 themselves a willing sacrifice, to efTect the release of their 
 captive brethren. Several of our imprisoned officers were 
 allowed the privilege and sad consolation of paying the last 
 
116 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 melancholy duty to the remains of their unfortunate coun- 
 trymen. 
 
 After each of these bold and repeated attacks of the dash- 
 ing Preble, the Bashaw renewed his negotiations for peace. 
 As might be expected from the injury inflicted by our squad- 
 ron, he gradually lessened in the amount of the ransom which 
 he demanded. 
 
 The Tripolitan demands being still thought extravagant, 
 the United States government sent out a larger squadron, 
 under the command of Commodore Samuel Barron, who be- 
 ing senior to Commodore Preble, took command of the whole. 
 Preble relinquished to his young and distinguished friend 
 Captain Decatur the frigate which he commanded, and re- 
 turned to the United States, where he was most cordially 
 received and honoured wherever he appeared. Before he left 
 the squadron, however, an address was presented to him, 
 signed by every officer of the squadron, expressive of " the 
 very high estimation in which he was held as an officer and 
 commander, and regret that he should have been superseded 
 in a command in which he had acquired so much honour to 
 himself and country." 
 
 Commodore Barron's squadron retired to Syracuse, where 
 he was engaged in preparing it for active operations in the 
 spring. Arrangements were also making to procure the co- 
 operation of the deposed Bashaw of Tripoli, with whatever 
 forces he could command and bring into the field. 
 
 The captive sailors being uninformed with regard to these 
 movements and preparations, and deeming their liberation 
 almost hopeless, planned a method of escape, which they 
 found means to communicate to their officers. The sailors 
 were to rush in a body into the castle, force open the prison 
 doors of the officers, who were to head them in an attack on 
 the palace, which forms a part of the castle. The Bashaw 
 and his family were to be treated kindly, but secured, and 
 the castle was to be retained possession of, until the arrival of 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 117 
 
 some of the American vessels. This enterprise was coun- 
 tenanced by Captain Bainbridge and his officers, but the at- 
 tempt was defeated by the suspicions of the Bashaw. The 
 carpenter, boatswain, sail-maker, and master's mate were in 
 consequence taken from among the crew, and lodged with 
 the officers. The prisoners were rigidly searched for con- 
 cealed arms — the guards without the castle were increased 
 in numbers, and an additional force placed at all their out- 
 posts ; so that this scheme, like all the previous ones, failed 
 of its object through causes beyond the control of the intre- 
 pid and almost desperate projectors of them. 
 
 The scene of these brilliant operations on the water with 
 a view to procure the liberation of the prisoners, changed 
 for the same objects to the land, 
 
LIFE AND SERVICES OF COMMODORE BAlNBRIDGE. 119 
 
 CHAPTER VL 
 
 General Eaton forms an acquaintance with Ex-Bashaw of Tripoli — A 
 Plan for the Restoration of the deposed Bashaw and the Release of the 
 American Prisoners at Tripoli — Eaton seeks Sidi Ha met in Egypt — 
 Difficulties he encounters — Traverses the Deserts of Lybia — Orga- 
 nizes the Army— Attack on, and Fall of Derne — Consternation in Tri- 
 poli — Arrival of Colonel Lear at Tripoli in the Essex — Successful Ne- 
 gotiation — Peace — Prisoners released — Noble Gratitude of the Ame- 
 rican Sailors — Prisoners sent on board the United States Squadron — • 
 Sails for Syracuse — Court of Inquiry — Bainbridge and Officers return 
 to the United States — Kindly received — Enters the Merchants' Service 
 again — Perilous Situation — Takes the Command of the Portsmouth 
 Station — Is appointed to the Command of the Frigate President-— 
 Sails for the North of Europe in a Merchant Vessel — Paul Hamilton's 
 Letter — Meets Mr. Nisscn at Copenhagan — His Vessel captured and 
 restored through the Agency of Mr. Nissen — A set of Plate given 
 to Mr, Nissen — St. Petersburg — Returns across the Continent in 
 mid-winter — Sir James Ry lie— -Letters to Baron Steinga], Barclay is 
 Tolly, Baron Nicholn — Visits Allando, Stockholm, Gotheburg — Peril 
 in passing the Orkneys — Arrives at Liverpool — Sails for Boston — 
 Reports at Washington^ — Remonstrates against laying up the Ships 
 of War — Takes Charge of the Boston Station— War declared — Ap- 
 pointed to the Command of the Frigate Constellation— Afterwards to 
 the Constitution — Sailed on a Cruise with the Hornet and Essex, for 
 the Coast of Brazil. 
 
 When William Eaton, Esq., consul of the United States, 
 ^-esided at Tunis, he formed an acquaintance with Sidi Ha- 
 
120 UFE AND SERVICES OP 
 
 met Caramonly, the deposed and exiled Bashaw of Tripoli ; 
 whose younger brother, Joseph Caramonly, the reigning Ba- 
 shaw, had usurped his regency. A plan was arranged by 
 Sidi Hamet, and Mr. Eaton, to restore the former to his 
 rightful possession, the details of which were submitted to the 
 consideration of the president of the United States. About 
 this period the Bey of Tunis manifested a hostile disposition 
 to the government of the United States, which induced Mr. 
 Eaton to leave the regency and return home. After several 
 interviews with the President of the United States, Mr. Ea- 
 ton was directed to repair to the Mediterranean, and there 
 to make with Commodore Barren proper arrangements to 
 carry his plans into operation. On his arrival at Syracuse 
 he learned that Sidi Hamet had been driven from Tunis to 
 Egypt by the intrigues of his brother. He immediately fol- 
 lowed the Ex-Bashaw thither, in the brig Argus, command- 
 ed by Captain Hull, in order to make arrangements for their 
 projected campaign, which it was hoped would end in his 
 being restored to the head of the Tripolitan government, and 
 in the liberation of the American prisoners. On Mr. Eaton's 
 arrival at Alexandria, he learned that Sidi Hamet was in 
 upper Egypt acting with the Mamelukes against the Otto- 
 man government. Mr. Eaton with a small escort proceeded 
 to Grand Cairo, but owing to the suspicions of the Mame- 
 lukes, aggravated by the intrigues of foreign consuls, he did 
 not succeed in obtaining the interview which he desired. At 
 length, however, by bribes and management he obtained a 
 meeting with the Ex-Bashaw at Demanhour, a village about 
 eighty miles from Alexandria. 
 
 On the fifth of February, 1805, they concluded an arrange- 
 ment, in which it was stipulated that the United States 
 should aid in the restoration of Sidi Hamet to the regency of 
 Tripoli — and in return all the American prisoners and pro- 
 perty were to be released, and the expenses of the United 
 States in this expedition should be reimbursed. As Mr. Ea- 
 
COMMODORE BAIN BRIDGE. 121 
 
 ton had been an officer in the army of the United States, and 
 well instructed in military tactics, it was agreed that he 
 should be commander-in-chief of all the forces. 
 
 They commenced their march for Derne and Bengazy, 
 through the deserts of Lybia, collected a considerable body 
 of recruits in the vicinity of Bomba, a harbour fifty miles 
 east of Derne, where the United States sloop Hornet fur- 
 nished them with the necessary provisions and munitions 
 of war. 
 
 The little army moved westward on the 10th of March, 
 and on the 25th of April encamped on the heights of Derne, 
 having marched fifty-two days through the desert. Two 
 days afterwards the Nautilus, Captain Dent, Hornet, Lieu- 
 tenant Evans, all under the command of Captain Hull, of the 
 Argus, appeared off the harbour, when a simultaneous at- 
 tack was made by the land and naval forces, which even- 
 tuated in the capture of this city. On the 10th of June, the 
 enemy rallied and made an irregular attack on the town, 
 but were promptly repulsed. 
 
 A knowledge of these events, and the expected attack of 
 the United States squadron lying at Syracuse, caused great 
 consternation throughout Tripoli, and stimulated the Bashaw 
 to place the city and harbour in an improved state of de- 
 fence. New fortifications were erected, old ones repaired, 
 and a large military force collected to garrison the works. 
 
 In the midst of this excitement the United States frigate 
 Essex, Captain James Barron, appeared off the harbour with 
 a flag of truce, having on board Colonel Lear, the United 
 States consul general for the Barbary powers, with the ap- 
 pointment of commissioner to negotiate a treaty of peace. 
 The next day Commodore Rodgers arrived with the frigates 
 Constitution, Constellation, and a few smaller vessels. An at- 
 tempt was now made to open a negotiation, for which purpose 
 the Spanish consul was appointed the agent of the Bashaw, 
 and was directed to hold the conference on board the frigate 
 16 
 
122 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 Constitution. This consul's enmity to the United States had 
 been manifested on several occasions, and therefore Captain 
 Bainbridge was anxious to apprize Commodore Rodgers and 
 Colonel Lear of his true character. Believing that the Tri- 
 politan minister of foreign affairs was anxious for the resto- 
 ration of peace, it was proposed to him to allow Captain 
 Bainbridge to visit the Constitution frigate in order to have 
 an interview v/ith the American negotiators on the subject 
 of peace. The minister having little confidence in the Spa- 
 nish consul's disposition to conclude a treaty, readily ad- 
 mitted the propriety of the measure, but expressed strong 
 doubts whether the Bashaw would consent to the proposal. 
 He promised, however, to submit the proposition to the re- 
 gent, provided Captain Bainbridge would obtain the pledge 
 of his fellow prisoners for his safe return. They accordingly 
 drafted a document pledging their lives that their comman- 
 der would act in strict conformity with the permission he 
 might receive, and return in due time to prison. If he failed 
 in thus acting, they expressed a willingness to submit to any 
 punishment which the Bashaw might think proper to inflict. 
 On the minister's making the proposition to the Bashaw, he 
 exclaimed, "Are you so mad as to believe that Captain Bain- 
 bridge will return after getting on board a vessel of his own 
 nation, simply, because he has made a declaration to that 
 effect ?" He added, that he valued Captain Bainbridge as a 
 prisoner more than all his officers, and did not therefore 
 place a high value on their pledge. From long association 
 with Christian officers in different parts of Europe, Sidi Mo- 
 hammed Dgheis well knew that the pledge of a parole of ho- 
 nour was seldom if ever broken. Having contracted a friend- 
 ship for Captain Bainbridge, and having, besides, the fullest 
 confidence in his honour, he observed, with great feeling to 
 the Bashaw, "You know that I am a Tripolitan by birth — 
 that all my affections are for my own country, and that I 
 would propose no measure by which it would be injured. 
 
COMiMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 123 
 
 Grant Bainbridge's request, and I will leave my son in your 
 castle; and in the event of his not returning according to 
 promise, take off the head of him, whose life I value more 
 than my own." 
 
 With these pledges the Bashaw yielded the desired per- 
 mission, though such a privilege was unprecedented in the 
 annals of Barbary. The whole affair appeared so incom- 
 prehensible to Tripolitans, that few of them could believe 
 that Captain Bainbridge would ever return. Even the Ba- 
 shaw could scarcely persuade himself that any Christian 
 would thus keep his word and return to captivity. 
 
 On the first of June, 1805, Captain Bainbridge left Tri- 
 poli, and spent the dtiy with the officers of the squadron. In 
 the evening he returned with slender hopes for the success 
 of the negotiation. He waited on his good friend Sidi Mo- 
 hammed Dgheis, who proceeded with him direct to the pa- 
 lace. It being late at night before he reached the shore, the 
 Bashaw expressed surprise at seeing him, for he had relin- 
 quished all hope of his return, and had severely rebuked his 
 minister for inducing him to place the least reliance on the 
 word of a "Christian dog." 
 
 Captain Bainbridge reported to the Bashaw the terms on 
 which the government of the United States proposed to treat, 
 but which he at once rejected. A special divan was, how- 
 ever, called the next day, and after deliberation Mr. Nissen, 
 the Danish consul, was selected to renew the negotiation, and 
 for this purpose went on board the United States frigate 
 Constitution, to confer with Commodore Rodgers and Colo- 
 nel Lear, who agreed on the basis of a treaty. 
 
 On the third of June, a council was convened by order of 
 the Bashaw to consider the items of the treaty, and to de- 
 cide whether it should be rejected or ratified. Captain Bain- 
 bridge and Mr. Nissen were invited to be present during the 
 discussion. They were conducted into the splendid divan 
 
124 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 chamber, where the members of the council were arranged 
 in the form of a crescent, the prime minister being on the 
 right, and the minister of foreign affairs on the left of the 
 regent. After inviting the two guests to be seated, the Ba- 
 shaw remarked to Captain Bainbridge that if he were ac- 
 quainted with the French language, he would be able to un- 
 derstand the debates on the subject of the treaty. In thus 
 admitting you into my private divan, you have received an 
 honour never before conferred on a prisoner in Barbary. The 
 Bashaw, who presided with commanding dignity, submitted 
 the question of "peace or war with the United States." 
 Without taking the question, it was soon discovered that six 
 of the council were in favour of rejecting the treaty, while 
 two, Sidi Mohammed Dgheis, and the Rais of Marine were 
 in favour of its acceptation. Each addressed his sovereign 
 with decorum and eloquence, and after the debate had con- 
 tinued some time, two of the members changed their opi- 
 nions, in favour of peace, when of course they became equally 
 divided. 
 
 The Bashaw now remarked, " Four of you are for peace, 
 and four for war; which party am I to satisfy? — how shall 
 I act." Sidi Mohammed Dgheis suddenly rose before the Ba- 
 shaw had time to express his ultimatum, and observed to 
 him, " You are our prince and master — you have not called 
 us here to dictate to you, but to hear our opinions. It re- 
 mains now for you to act as you please; but let me entreat 
 you, for your own interest, and the happiness of your peo- 
 ple, to make peace." — So soon as the minister became seated, 
 the Bashaw immediately drew a signet from his bosom, and 
 pressing it upon the treaty, exclaimed — " // is peaceJ" 
 
 The ratified treaty which Mr. Nissen had so successfully 
 negotiated, was again placed in his hands by the Bashaw, 
 with directions to carry it on board the frigate Constitution, 
 after which the customary salute of peace took place — 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 125 
 
 twenty-one guns were fired from the Tripolitan castle, 
 which was promptly returned from the United States flag- 
 ship. The terms were as follows : " That there should be 
 an exchange of prisoners, man for man, so far as they would 
 go: that the Bashaw should send all the Americans in his 
 power on board the squadron off' Tripoli, that his subjects 
 should be brought over from Syracuse and delivered to him, 
 with all convenient speed; and as he had three hundred 
 Americans, more or less, and the United States squadron 
 one hundred Tripolitans, more or less, the American com- 
 missioners engaged to give, for the balance in the Bashaw's 
 favour, $60,000; and that a treaty of peace should be made 
 on honourable and mutually beneficial terms." 
 
 Commodore Rodgers, Colonel Lear, and a number of other 
 officers belonging to the American squadron, landed the 
 same evening for the purpose of visiting the released officers, 
 and to congratulate them on their emancipation. The pri- 
 soners embarked the next day, and were distributed aftiong 
 the different vessels of the squadron; and in a few days de- 
 parted with light hearts and buoyant spirits from the coast 
 of Barbary. 
 
 After a painful captivity of upwards of nineteen months, 
 the officers and men were restored to liberty, and if not at 
 once to their own country, at least to a theatre, the decks 
 of United States men-of-war, where their nation's honour has 
 been always gallantly and successfully sustained. 
 
 These events necessarily put an end to the operations of 
 General Eaton and Sidi Hamet Caramonly. Whether they 
 would have succeeded in their designs is extremely proble- 
 matical, as no great reliance could be placed on the tumul- 
 tuous and undisciplined horde which constituted the great 
 body of their force. Both Sidi Hamet and General Eaton 
 considered themselves ungenerously treated in this transac- 
 tion, and I think few will be disposed to entirely acquit our 
 
126 LIFE AND SERVICES OP , 
 
 government of all blame. After encountering so many hard- 
 ships and dangers they should at least have been consulted 
 before a treaty of peace was negotiated. The government 
 of the United States, however, were not unmindful of the 
 interests of the Ex-Bashaw during the negotiation. A com- 
 plete amnesty, and a suitable provision for life, was insisted 
 on, c.rA obtained from the reigning Bashaw. 
 
 During the captivity of our countrymen, and some months 
 previously to the conclusion of the treaty of peace, the im- 
 prisoned sailors and marines informed Captain Bainbridge by 
 letter, that one of their keepers, a Neapolitan, had treated 
 them with great humanity and kindness, and that they were 
 desirous of reciprocating the favours which he had so gene- 
 rously bestowed upon them. This keeper being a slave, and 
 anxious, like themselves, to be liberated, they requested their 
 commander to authorize the purser to advance, from the pay 
 then due to them, the sum of seven hundred dollars, the 
 amount demanded for his freedom. So soon as they were 
 informed that peace was concluded, their application was 
 renewed, and, in obedience to their wishes, the money ad- 
 vanced them by the purser ; the benevolent slave was re- 
 deemed from bondage, and conveyed in safety to his native 
 country, in one of our national vessels. When our sailors 
 and their freedman separated at Naples, a poignancy of feel- 
 ing was exhibited, which would have done honour to those 
 who move in more elevated walks in life, and who pretend 
 'to more refinement of sentiment. 
 
 The squadron having arrived at Syracuse, a court of in- 
 quiry was ordered on Commodore Bainbridge, by the secre- 
 tary of the navy, to investigate the circumstances connected 
 with the loss of the frigate Philadelphia. It is scarcely ne- 
 cessary to add, that the court most honourably acquitted 
 him. 
 
 Captain Bainbridge and his officers soon returned to the 
 iTnited States, and landed at Hampton, in Virginia. They 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 127 
 
 passed through Richmond and Fredericksburg,* on their 
 way to Washington, and were received with every naark of 
 kindness, and pubHcly entertained in each of those cities. 
 Respect for their gallantry, and sympathy for their past suf- 
 fering were every where expressed by our most distin- 
 guished citizens. 
 
 So soon as Captain Bainbridge arrived in Washington, he 
 officially informed the secretary of the navy, and the Presi- 
 dent of the United States, of the full extent of his obligations 
 to the benevolent Danish consul, Mr. Nissen. This informa- 
 tion was laid before Congress, after which, the following re- 
 solution was adopted : — 
 
 " Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
 United States of America, in Congress assembled, That the 
 President of the United States be requested to cause to be 
 made known to JVicholas C. Nissen, Esq., his Danish Majes- 
 
 * When the citizens of Freclericksburg- heard of the approach of Captain 
 Bainbridge and his officers, towards that place, a military and civic proces- 
 sion was promptly formed, under the command of Colonel Hugh Mercer, 
 which conducted him into the town. 
 
 His reception is well described in the following extract from a recent let- 
 ter, from Colonel Mercer to the writer. 
 
 « \Ye gave our departed friend a welcome to his native shores, which po- 
 tentates might have envied. Such was the enthusiastic welcome which 
 was manifested by our citizens, that he was completely overcome, and could 
 not refrain from shedding tears as he returned their salutations. 
 
 " The next day, the compliment of a public dinner was given to him, 
 (notwithstanding his wish to decline it,) and was numerously attended by 
 the gentlemen of this place, and the country adjacent. Among the guests, 
 we had Colonel Washington, the hereof the Cow-Pens, and the much dread- 
 ed foe of Tarlton. Never on any occasion, either before or since, except at 
 the reception we gave General La Fayette, when he was the nation's guest, 
 and for which there was a preparation of several weeks, have I witnessed 
 such interesting and joyous scenes in our little town. My intercourse 
 with Bainbridge, on that occasion, formed the basis of a sincere friendship, 
 which continued fresh and vigorous until the day of his death." 
 
128 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 ty's consul, residing at Tripoli, the high sense entertained 
 by Congress, of his disinterested and benevolent attentions, 
 manifested to Captain Bainbridge, his officers and crew, 
 during the time of their captivity in Tripoli." 
 
 [Approved 10th April, 180G.] 
 
 After Captain Bainbridge had passed a few months with 
 his family, he was appointed by the secretary of the navy 
 to the command of the navy yard in New York, Finding 
 his pecuniary concerns somewhat embarrassed, arising from 
 neglect during his long captivity, he was influenced by con- 
 siderations of duty to his family to obtain a furlough for the 
 purpose of engaging, for a time, in the merchant service ; 
 the situation of the country not requiring his services. 
 
 He accordingly sailed in the brig Minerva, for Havanna, 
 as commander and part owner, by which he made a pros- 
 perous voyage. On his return home, however, he met with 
 an accident, by which he had nearly lost his life. Near the 
 Bahama bank, he met his old friend, Captain Hays, of Phi- 
 ladelphia, on an outward voyage, to whom he paid a short 
 visit. When the boat returned alongside the Minerva, he 
 placed his foot on the gunwale with the design of springing 
 into the main channels, but, at that moment, a sea struck 
 the boat, by which he was thrown between her and the 
 ship. Unacquainted with the art of swimming, he imme- 
 diately sunk, but rose again at the stern of the ship. The 
 mate promptly directed the vessel to be hove to, seized the 
 main brace, and attempted to jump overboard with it, in 
 order to place it in the hands of his commander, but his feet 
 became entangled in it, so that he did not reach the water. 
 Captain Bainbridge again sunk, some distance from the ship, 
 but was collected, and had still confidence that he would be 
 rescued. With a view of affording him every possible 
 chance of saving himself, various articles were thrown near 
 him, with an expectation that he would seize them, and 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGK. 1'29 
 
 thus buoy himself up, until a boat might reach him. With 
 every possible exertion, however, he could not reach any of 
 them, sunk a third time, and was now considered irretrieva- 
 bly lost. While slowly descending, at some distance from 
 the surface, he saw the deep sea lead-line floating near him, 
 which, by making great efforts with his hands and feet, he 
 reached, and by making a few turns of the line around his 
 arm, succeeded in drawing hiinself to the surface of the wa- 
 ter, when the men in the boat, which were sent to his assist- 
 ance, snatched him from a watery grave. 
 
 He w^as lifted from the boat into his vessel in a state of 
 extreme exhaustion. He now learned that his mulatto ser- 
 vant Will had been the means of saving his life. Hearing 
 the exclamation that Captain Bainbridge had fallen over- 
 board, he ran on deck, and seeing his master struggling in 
 the waves, he instantly veered out the lead-line to its full 
 extent. He was thus miraculously rescued from impending 
 death, at the awful moment when hope itself was aban- 
 doned 
 
 He continued in the merchant service until March, 1808, 
 and then was appointed to the Portland station, which had 
 become vacant by the lamented death of his gallant friend 
 Commodore Preble. The gunboats which had been build- 
 ing at that station were completed under his superinten- 
 dence, and equipped for active service. His frank and gen- 
 tleman-like deportment, conciliated many warm friends, and 
 when he was ordered on other duty at a distant station, it 
 excited universal regret. 
 
 In consequence of our difficulties with England, arising out 
 of the spoliations committed by her on our commerce — the im- 
 pressment of our seamen — the unprovoked attack on the 
 United States frigate Chesapeake — the disavowal of Er- 
 shine's arrangement — and the unsatisfactory missions of the 
 British ministers Rose and Jackson, confident expectations 
 were entertained that the government of the United State/: 
 17 
 
130 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 would declare war against that power. Anticipating such 
 an event, our best officers were ordered on active duty. In 
 accordance with this determination, Bainbridge was ap- 
 pointed, in December, 1808, to command the frigate Presi- 
 dent, then lying at Washington. After superintending her 
 repairs and equipment he sailed in July, 1809, on a cruise 
 along our coast until May, 1810. He thus kept at sea during 
 a long and boisterous winter, in order to prepare his crew 
 for the exigency of war. 
 
 Not realizing his expectations with regard to hostilities 
 with Great Britain, he was induced to accept an advantage- 
 ous offer made to him by his commercial friends in Phila- 
 delphia. He therefore solicited a furlough from the govern- 
 ment, which was granted, accompanied by the subjoined hand- 
 some letter from Paul Hamilton, Esq., then secretary of the 
 navy. 
 
 " Your letter of the third instant, wherein you resign the 
 command of the frigate President, for the purpose of making 
 a voyage in the merchant service has been received, and has 
 very much excited my sensibility; as the ability and zeal 
 with which for many years you have served our country, 
 cannot fail to cause me great regret at parting with you even 
 for a time. 
 
 That you have made great sacrifices to patriotism, I well 
 know, and it is only by combining this consideration with the 
 motives on which your request is founded, that I am enabled 
 to comply with your wishes. 
 
 " In whatever situation you may be placed, and at all 
 times, be assured your prosperity and honour will be ex- 
 tremely dear to me; and while I shall anxiously wish for 
 your return, at the earliest moment your scheme will admit, 
 I present you my sincere wishes for complete success in it. 
 
 "You are at liberty, on receipt of this, to quit the frigate; 
 in which case Lieutenant Morris will proceed to Hampton- 
 roads, there anchor, and wait further orders." 
 
 As soon as the merchant vessel was equipped and loaded. 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 131 
 
 Captain Bainbridge proceeded on a voyage to St. Petersburg. 
 Nothing of interest occurred until he passed the sound into 
 the Baltic, when he was captured by a Danish privateer and 
 carried into Copenhagen. He had not anchored in the har- 
 bour more than half an hour, when Mr. Nissen, the zealous 
 friend of the American prisoners in Tripoli, called on him 
 and again tendered his services, with his characteristic kind- 
 ness and sincerity. Never so happy as when in the exercise 
 of disinterested benevolence, Mr. Nissen directed all his in- 
 terest and energy to obtain the release of Captain Bain- 
 bridge's vessel. His generous efforts were crowned with com- 
 plete success — the ship was released, and Captain Bainbridge 
 was permitted to proceed on his voyage to St. Petersburg. 
 
 The first interview between Mr. Nissen at Copenhagen 
 was rendered more interesting by a strange coincidence of 
 circumstances. At the very juncture when Mr. Nissen heard 
 that his old Barbary friend had been brought into port, he 
 was engaged in unpacking the silver urn, which was pre- 
 sented to him by the American prisoners, to whose comfort 
 he had so largely contributed. As the urn had been manu- 
 factured in England, and as war had subsisted between that 
 country and the northern powers of Europe, intercourse was 
 in some degree suspended, to which must be attributed the 
 delay in the reception of this testimony of the ofHcers' grati- 
 tude to their benefactor. 
 
 Captain Bainbridge made a second voyage to St. Peters- 
 burg, in the autumn of 1811. Intrusted with an important 
 mercantile negotiation, he had made arrangements to remain 
 in the Russian capital until the next spring. His letters from 
 the United States had informed him, however, that an ac- 
 tion had taken place between the United States frigate Pre- 
 sident, and his Britannic majesty's frigate Little Belt, which, 
 added to other causes of irritation, might lead to a war be- 
 tween these governments. Unwilling to be absent from his 
 post in the hour of danger, he determined to surmount all 
 
132 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 difficulties, and return so as to report himself personally at 
 Washington. The Baltic being frozen over, the only route 
 was over land through Sweden to Gotheburg, a distance of 
 nearly eleven hundred miles. A journey of this kind during 
 the inclemency of winter is considered so perilous, that to a 
 mind less energetic, the enterprise would have been fright- 
 ful indeed. 
 
 Previousl}^ to his departure from St. Petersburg, he waited 
 on the honourable John Q,uincy Adams, resident minister 
 from the United States at that court, and acquainted him 
 with his determination. A courier's pass was obtained for 
 him by aur minister, who commissioned him as bearer of de- 
 spatches to our minister at the court of St. James, whence 
 he intended to return in a merchant vessel to the United 
 States. 
 
 During Captain Bainbridge's residence at St. Petersburg 
 he formed an intimate acquaintance with Doctor Jacques Wy- 
 lie, the private physician, as well as the intimate and confi- 
 dential friend of the Emperor Alexander. These connexions 
 necessarily gave him great influence at court. To remove 
 all obstacles, and to procure every facility in his journey, he 
 was placed under the protection of the Russian government, 
 by Count Romanskoif, the premier, appointing him bearer 
 of despatches to Baron Nicholn, minister plenipotentiary of 
 his imperial majesty at the court of Sweden. He also ob- 
 tained letters for Captain Bainbridge to General Steingal, 
 Governor and Captain General of Finland ; and to Barclay 
 de Tolly, adjutant general of the Russian army, and gover- 
 nor of the islands of Alands in the gulf of Bothnia. The 
 young Barclay de Tolly, who was the pupil of Dr. Wylie, 
 also gave Captain. Bainbridge a very warm letter to his fa- 
 ther. 
 
 Thus protected he proceeded on his journey, and was ac- 
 companied as far as the frontiers of Sweden by a Russian 
 commissioned officer. The journey was tedious, arising from 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGK. 133 
 
 the wretched condition of the roads. There were no public 
 houses of entertainment on the way, which compelled him 
 to travel night and day, to sleep in his carriage, and to allay 
 his hunger by such provision as he could carry with him* 
 When he arrived at Abo, situated on the gulf of Bothnia, 
 the ice prevented him from proceeding by water to Stock- 
 holm direct, which is the usual route. Intent on his purposes, 
 however, he resolved to hazard an attempt to cross a dan- 
 gerous ferry to Alands, and thence over the island in a four- 
 wheeled carriage, though it was said, that such an effort was 
 never before made in an inclement season. As the distance 
 to the island was twenty miles, it was necessary to take the 
 vehicle to pieces and send it over in several boats. In cross- 
 ing the strait he was exposed to great suffering from the in- 
 tensity of the cold, and great danger from the floating masses 
 of ice which obstructed the passage of the boats. After 
 reaching the principal island, he learned with great regret 
 that Barclay de Tolly had left his station that morning by 
 order of the emperor to repair with despatch to St. Peters- 
 burg in order to make the necessary arrangements for open- 
 ing the campaign early in the spring, against the Emperor 
 JXapoleon. The Russian officers, however, treated him with 
 great courtesy and hospitality, and insisted on his remaining 
 with them in order that he might recruit from his fatigue. 
 
 Being now refreshed he departed for Stockholm, where he 
 received many civilities from Baron Nicholn the Russian mi- 
 nister, and from the highest military officers of that capital. 
 Whilst pursuing his journey to Gotheburg, he was driven, 
 through the carelessness of the driver, over a precipice of 
 thirty feet. The coachman and one of his horses were in- 
 stantly killed — the carriage dashed to pieces, and Captain 
 Bainbridge severely bruised. In consequence of the injury 
 he had received, it was with difficulty he could reach the 
 next port. His persevering spirit, however, enabled him to 
 surmount every inconvenience resulting from inclement wea- 
 
134 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 ther, mountainous roads, and wretched accommodations. He 
 arriv^ed at Gotheburg, on December 20th, and on the 31st of 
 the same month, sailed in company with a number of En- 
 ghsh men of war. 
 
 The day after leaving Gotheburg, the vessels encountered 
 a violent gale, in which a British three decker and a frigate 
 were lost on the coast of Jutland. The vessel in which Cap- 
 tain Bainbridge was a passenger would have experienced the 
 same fate had he not, by the most earnest solicitations, per- 
 suaded the commander to steer for the coast of Norway. 
 The captain yielded, though with evident reluctance, be- 
 lieving that the experience of the British ofiiccrs, whose ves- 
 sels were then standing to the opposite coast, rendered them 
 the better guides. This incident alone would establish the 
 superiority of the judgment of Captain Bainbridge, even if 
 it had not been signally and gloriously confirmed by the events 
 of the subsequent year. 
 
 On the thirteenth of January, 1812, the vessel was again 
 in great peril, and would have been lost, in passing through 
 the channel between the Orkneys and Shetland.^ islands, had 
 he not boldly and promptly countermanded an order of the 
 captain of the vessel, given under feelings of great alarm oc- 
 casioned by observing breakers. Captain Bainbridge's fel- 
 low passengers never afterwards met him without express- 
 ing their thanks to him for having saved their lives by his 
 energy and presence of mind, at a moment of appalling dan- 
 ger. He arrived safely at last in .Liverpool, carried his de- 
 spatches to our minister in London, again immediately re- 
 turned, took passage in a vessel about to sail for Boston, 
 where he arrived early in February — proceeded direct to 
 Washington, and reported himself ready for active service. 
 
 After remaining in Washington a few weeks, during the 
 deliberation of Congress on the svibject of a declaration of 
 war against Great Britain, he was ordered to the command 
 of the navy yard at Charlestowq, Massachussetts. Before 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGB. 135 
 
 leaving the seat of government, he learned with infinite re- 
 gret and mortification, that in a caljinet council it icus deler- 
 miiied, that our xesf^els of u-ar should be placed in ordinary! ! as 
 it was deemed unwise to jeopard our few frigates and sloops 
 of war in a contest with the gigantic navy of our enemy. 
 Captain Bainbridge consulted Captain Charles Stewart, who 
 was also then in Washington, on the propriety of remon- 
 strating against this measure. They accordingly drew up a 
 letter to the secretary of the navy, which both signed, stating 
 in forcible language, that such a course would have a most 
 chilling and unhappy effect on the spirit of our officers. The 
 efTect on the people of the United States would be an unwil- 
 lingness hereafter to support the expense of a navy which 
 had been thus pronounced useless during a period of national 
 peril. They further stated, that our vessels, by sailing singly, 
 might materially injure the commerce of the enemy, and that 
 in any conflict with an equal force, they were very sure the 
 result would redound to the honour of our navy. If we were 
 even to lose some of our vessels of war, it would be better 
 to do so, than that they should be ingloriously laid up in har- 
 bour, while other branches of the service were gallantly con- 
 tending in the field. From the high discipline of our navy, 
 and from the eagerness of our officers and crews for the con- 
 test, they felt perfectly assured that if our vessels did not 
 prove invariably triumphant, they would certainly never dis- 
 grace themselves or the nation. This letter had its efl^ect — 
 our men of war were permitted to cruise, and the result has 
 shown the truth of their predictions. 
 
 Commodore Stewart happened to be in the navy depart- 
 ment at Washington, when Midshipman Hamilton arrived as 
 bearer of despatches from Commodore Decatur, command- 
 ing the frigate United States, with the flag of the Macedo- 
 nian, which he had captured. 
 
 After the usual congratulations occasioned by the news of 
 
136 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 the third victory, gained in a few months over the enemy, 
 Mr. Hamilton, then secretary of the navy, remarked, " We are 
 indebted to Bainbridge and yourself for these flags and vic- 
 tories. Had it not been for your strong remonstrance, not a 
 vessel of war belonging to the government would have left 
 its anchorage." 
 
 Having gained this important point, which otherwise would 
 have proved fatal to the interest of the navy, he departed 
 for Boston, to take command of the navy yard on the Charles- 
 town station. Until that period the yard had been so much 
 neglected, that there was not a single convenience for either 
 building, repairing, or for laying up vessels in ordinary. It 
 possessed, indeed, but few of the necessary appendages of a 
 navy yard. 
 
 Captain Bainbridge proceeded at once to examine and 
 sound the harbour and channels, which led him to the con- 
 viction that the site combined great advantages for a per- 
 manent naval establishment. The harbour was never closed 
 l)y ice — it could be at all times safely navigated, and It could 
 never be effectually blockaded by an enemy. Experience 
 confirmed the truth of his statement; for during the whole 
 war, both national and merchant vessels went to sea, when- 
 ever they found It convenient, and without exposing them- 
 selves to great risk. 
 
 Captain Bainbridge made frequent communications to go- 
 vernment, In which he detailed the complete security which 
 our commerce would receive from an extensive naval esta- 
 blishment at Charlestown. The distance of the yard from 
 the sea, precluding the possibility of surprise, and the chan- 
 nel being commanded by forts Independence and Warren, 
 would render It impossible for any armament to advance 
 within gun shot of the town, without being demolished. 
 
 Though the government was originally opposed to the 
 Gommodore's views on this point, yet such was his unabating 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 137 
 
 zeal and perseverance, and such the force of his arguments 
 in favour of a scheme which he deemed vitally important to 
 the interests of the nation, that the president of the United 
 States was at length persuaded to authorize an expenditure 
 for improvements. 
 
 While he was superintending these operations, war was 
 declared on the eighteenth of June, 1812, by the United 
 States against Great Britain. Adventurous in disposition, it 
 was not to be supposed that he would be satisfied with a 
 command on shore, when danger and glory could be courted 
 on the ocean. He, therefore, solicited that he might be ap- 
 pointed to the command of a frigate. In conformity with 
 his wishes, he was ordered to the command of the Constel- 
 lation, and directed to proceed to Washington, and to fit her 
 out with all possible despatch. The order was promptly 
 obeyed; and after directing the necessary repairs, and 
 making such arrangements as were proper to facilitate their 
 completion, he returned to Charlestown to make provision 
 for his family during his absence on a cruise. 
 
 He had not returned more than a few days, when the 
 frigate Constitution arrived in Boston harbour after a splen- 
 did victory obtained over the British frigate Guerrier. 
 Captain Hull, her gallant commander, applied for leave of 
 absence, in order to attend to some private concerns which 
 imperiously demanded his attention. Captain Bainbridge be- 
 ing informed of this determination, immediately applied to 
 be transferred to that frigate. The secretary of the navy 
 cheerfully acceded to this request, and placed, besides, a 
 small squadron under his command, consisting of the frigate 
 Essex, commanded by Captain David Porter, and the sloop 
 of war Hornet, under the command of Captain James Law- 
 rence. His broad pendant was hoisted on board the Con- 
 stitution, on the fifteenth day of September, 1812. 
 
 Commodore Bainbridge transmitted orders to Captain Por- 
 ter, whose vessel was then lying in the Delaware, for his 
 18 
 
138 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 government during the cruise. He directed that the Essex 
 should sail direct for the Cape de Verd Islands — stop at 
 Port Pray, a bay in the island of St. Jago, and from thence 
 proceed to the island of Fernando Noronha, where he might 
 obtain water and refreshments. If the Essex should not 
 form a junction with the Constitution and Hornet, at the 
 port last mentioned, he directed Captain Porter to touch at 
 the island of St. Catherine, early in February, where he 
 should remain until the fifteenth, thence proceed to St. He- 
 lena, and cruise to the southward of it until the first of April, 
 for the purpose of intercepting the homeward bound British 
 East India ships. 
 
 In the event of the desired junction being found impracti- 
 cable. Captain Porter was directed to act in conformity with 
 his own judgment, and to use every effort to annoy the ene- 
 my's commerce. 
 
 On the twenty-sixth of October, the Constitution and 
 Hornet sailed from Boston on their destined cruise. In De- 
 cember, the little squadron touched at Fernando Noronha, 
 as well to obtain water and fresh provisions, as to meet the 
 frigate Essex, as this was one of the places assigned as a 
 rendezvous. This island lies north-east of Cape St. Roque, 
 which is the most eastern part of the Brazil coast. It is the 
 Botany Bay of the Portuguese territories, and, as might be 
 expected, its population consists of a few miserable pro- 
 scripts, under the surveillance of a scarcely less miserable 
 guard. 
 
 The island produces the choicest fruits and vegetables, and 
 abounds in wild hogs, goats, cattle; and the waters produce 
 an excellent variety of fish. Females are entirely excluded 
 from the island, in order that the period of exile may be 
 rendered more tedious and annoying. To prevent desertion, 
 boats are not permitted to be kept on the island. 
 
 While the Constitution and Hornet were off Fernando 
 Noronha, a dependency of Portugal in the interest of the 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 139 
 
 enemy, they wore the flag of Great Britain, and were 
 reported to the governor as his Britannic Majesty's ships 
 x\casta, of forty-four guns, and the Morgianna, of twenty 
 guns. 
 
 The commodore made an effort to obtain a supply of wa- 
 ter, but such was the distance from the point where the 
 water was obtained to where the ships were anchored, that 
 it was impracticable to accomplish it within any reasonable 
 time. The commodore, therefore, left the island, first 
 placing in the hands of the governor a letter for Captain 
 Porter, addressed to Sir James Yeo. This plan of commu- 
 nicating with each other, had been arranged previously to 
 sailing. 
 
 " My DEAR Mediterranean Friend, 
 
 " Probably you may stop here, but do not attempt to 
 water, as it is attended with too much difficulty. I learned 
 before I left England, that you intended to apply for a sta- 
 tion on the Brazil coast, and that you would probably cruise 
 from St. Salvador to Rio de Janeiro. I should be happy to 
 meet and converse on old affairs of captivity. Recollect 
 our secret of former times. 
 
 " Your friend of his Majesty's 
 " ship Acasta, 
 
 " KERR." 
 
 " To Sir James Yeo, i 
 
 « H. B. M. ship Southampton." \ 
 
 To this was subjoined the following remarks, written with 
 sympathetic ink. " I am bound off" St. Salvador, thence ofT 
 Cape Trio, where I intend to cruise until the first of Janua- 
 ry. Go off" Cape Trio, to the northward of Rio de Janeiro, 
 and keep a look out for me. 
 
 " Your Friend." 
 
LIFE AJfD SERVICES OF COMMODORE BAfNBRIDGE. 141 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Constitution and Hornet arrive off St. Salvador — Bonne Citoyenne ly- 
 ing in Harbour — The Challange — The Refusal— Hostility of the Go- 
 vernor of Bahia — His Partiality to the British Nation — Action with 
 the Frigate Java — Official Letter — Bainbridge wounded — Heroic Con- 
 duct of John Cheever — The Dream — Returns to St. Salvador — Pri- 
 soners on Parole of Honour — Returns the Sword of Captain Lambert — 
 General Hislop's Correspondence — Death of Captain Lambert — Or- 
 ders to Captain Lawrence — Montague Seventy-four raises the Block- 
 ade of the Bonne Citoyenne — Capture of the British Brig Peacock 
 by the Hornet. 
 
 The Constitution and Hornet arrived off St. Salvador on 
 the 13th of December, 1812. Captain Lawrence was di- 
 rected to enter this harbour with the view of consulting 
 Henry Hill, Esq., the United States consul, in relation to the 
 disposition of the government of Brazil, towards the United 
 States — whether there were any British cruisers on the 
 coast — whether British merchantmen stopped at this port, 
 from the East Indies, &c. &c. After receiving satisfactory an- 
 swers to these questions. Captain Lawrence hastened his re- 
 turn, and with a joyous heart informed Commodore Bain- 
 
142 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 bridge, that the British sloop of war Bojme Citoyc?i?ie, was 
 Iving at anchor in the harbour — that she was ladened with 
 a large amount of specie, and was ahout to sail direct for 
 England. He expressed a confidence in his ability to cap- 
 ture the ship, and hoped the commodore would make such 
 arrangements as would invite her commander to leave the 
 port. 
 
 Highly appreciating the talents and determined bravery 
 of Captain Lawrence, and the gallant officers and crew of 
 the Hornet, and not doubting their ability to triumph over 
 the Bonne Citoyenne, the commodore left the coast for a few 
 days, in order that the hostile vessels might have a conflict 
 under circumstances of perfect equality. As soon as the fri- 
 gate Constitution had left the coast. Captain Lawrence sent 
 the following communication to Consul Hill. 
 
 " When I last saw you I stated my wishes to meet the 
 Bonne Citoyenne, and authoriized you to make them known 
 to Captain Green. I now request you to state to him, and 
 pledge my honour, that neither the Constitution, nor any 
 other American vessel shall interfere." 
 
 Consul Hill wrote to the British consul, and communicated 
 through him Captain Lawrence's challenge to Captain Green, 
 and informed him that Commodore Bainbridge, of the Con- 
 stitution frigate, confirmed to him the assurance of Captain 
 Lawrence in these words : " If Captain Gree?i wishes to try 
 equal force, I pledge my honour to give him a7i opportunity by 
 being out of the way, or not i?itcfering.'^ 
 
 This direct and manly offer to meet in equal combat 
 was declined on the part of the British commander. 
 The following letter from Frederick Landerman, Esq., the 
 British consul, contains Captain Green's very prudent 
 reply. 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 143 
 
 " Fort de St. Pedro, Dec. 29th, 1812. 
 
 "Sra, 
 
 " I transmitted your letter to me of yesterday to Cap- 
 tain P. B. Green, to whom the substance is directed; and 
 having his reply, I herewith insert it, verbatim. 
 
 " I hasten to acknowledge the favour of your communica- 
 tion made to me, this day, from Mr. Hill, consul of the 
 United States of America, on the subject of a challenge, 
 stated to have been offered through Mr. Hill, by Captain 
 Lawrence, of the United States sloop of war, the Hornet, 
 to myself as commander of his Britannic Majesty's ship, the 
 Bonne Citoyenne, anchored in this port, pledging his honour, 
 as well as that of Commodore Bainbridge, that no advan- 
 tage shall be taken by the Constitution, or any other Ame- 
 rican vessel whatever, on the occasion. 
 
 " I am convinced, sir, if such a rencontre were to take 
 place, the result could not remain long dubious, and would 
 terminate favourably to the ship which I have the honour 
 to command; but I am equally convinced, that Commodore 
 Bainbridge, could not reserve so much from the paramount 
 duty which he owes to his country, as to become an inaCf 
 tive spectator, and see a ship belonging to the very squad- 
 ron under his orders fall into the hands of an enemy: this 
 reason operates powerfully on my mind, for exposing the 
 Bonne Citoyenne to a risk upon terms so manifestly disad- 
 vantageous, as those proposed by Commodore Bainbridge; 
 indeed, nothing could give me a greater satisfaction than com- 
 plying with the wishes of Captain Lawrence ; and I earnestly 
 hope, that chance will alford him an opportunity of meeting 
 the Bonne Citoyenne under different circumstances, to enable 
 him to distinguish himself in the manner he is so desirous of 
 doing. I further assure you, that my ship will, at all times, 
 be prepared, wherever she may be, to repel any attacks 
 
144 LIFE AND SERVICES OP 
 
 made against her, and I shall also act offensively whenever 
 I judge it proper to do so." 
 
 " I am, &.C. &c. 
 <' P. B. GREEN." 
 
 Though caution is sometimes commendable, yet when 
 carried so far as was exhibited in this instance, by Captain 
 Green, betrays, to say the least, a want of confidence in him- 
 self. His reply, besides, may be fairly considered an ac- 
 knowledgment of the prowess and skill of his enemy. No 
 true knight would have hesitated to lift the glove which 
 had been so gallantly thrown. It was an idle and discour- 
 teous excuse, to say that Commodore Bainbridge would in- 
 terfere, after he had solemnly pledged his honour to the con- 
 trary. 
 
 The commodore forwarded this correspondence to the se- 
 cretary of the navy, accompanied by the following animad- 
 versions. 
 
 " Captain Green's excuse, I have no doubt, will be viewed 
 by those who see it in its proper light. He certainly was 
 not warranted in questioning the sacred pledge I made to 
 him. The confidence which I had in the gallant command- 
 er, brave officers and crew of the Hornet, all of whom ex- 
 hibited the most ardent desire for the conflict, induced me 
 to take the responsibility, from which I never would have 
 swerved. The strongest proof, indeed, which I could give 
 of that, was leaving the Hornet for days together, off the 
 harbour in which the Bonne Citoyenne laid, and from which 
 might be discovered that the Constitution was not within 
 forty miles; therefore, at any period. Captain Green could 
 have been certain of contending with her alone. Finally, 
 to prevent his having the least possible excuse, I went into 
 the harbour of St. Salvador, and remained at anchor there 
 for three days, where he could have detained me twenty- 
 four hours, on application to the governor. These three 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 145 
 
 days, the Hornet remained off the harbour, and the Bonne 
 Citoyenne continued in it, safely riding at her anchor. 
 
 " On my leaving the coast of Brazil, I left Captain Law- 
 rence to watch her, and have no doubt, should he fall in 
 with her, that the result will be honourable to his country 
 and to himself. 
 
 " Hitherto, our enemy has attributed our victories over 
 them to our having a superior force, when, in fact, the dif- 
 ference in force has not been comparable with the superi- 
 ority of effect done by us. In the present instance, they 
 have not the least shade for such an excuse, for the Bonne 
 Citoyenne is a larger vessel, and of greater force in guns 
 and men than the Hornet; but the high state of discipline, 
 and excellent order which the Hornet is in, makes me feel 
 confident of a favourable result, if an action should take 
 place between them. 
 
 *' Permit me to take this opportunity of expressing to you, 
 the great satisfaction I have received from Captain Law- 
 rence's conduct, ever since he has been under my command, 
 and I respectfully recommend him to your particular notice 
 as a most meritorious officer." 
 
 Count de Arcos, the governor of Bahia, early manifested 
 an unfriendly disposition to the squadron under the com- 
 mand of Commodore Bainbridge. He availed himself of 
 every trivial circumstance to justify his inhospitable de- 
 meanour. The chase of a British vessel by the Hornet, off 
 the coast of Brazil, was charitably construed by the go- 
 vernor, into a violation of neutrality. 
 
 The American consul informed the commodore, that he 
 discovered an evident partiality for the British. The con- 
 sul opened a correspondence with the governor, with the 
 view of removing prejudices which he was sensible had 
 been created by the management of the resident English 
 agents. 
 
 The consul transmitted copies of these communications 
 19 
 
146 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 to G)mmodore Bainbridge. The ability with which he de- 
 fended the conduct of the American commanders, on princi- 
 ples of national law, and the dignity and firmness with 
 which he animadverted on the captious communications of 
 the governor, are alike creditable to his talents and to his 
 patriotism. 
 
 After sending a spirited remonstrance to the governor of 
 Bahia, against the hostile attitude which he had discovered 
 towards the United States vessels, he prepared to continue 
 his cruise ; first, however, sending the following laconic order 
 to Captain Lawrence. 
 
 " I shall keep off the land to the northward of lat. 12° 
 20', until Thursday next, wrhen you will meet me there, 
 except you have great reason to believe the Bonyie CUoyefine 
 is coming out, in that case, watch close, and join me on Sa- 
 turday next. 
 
 " May glory and success attend you." 
 
 Three days afler the Gjnstitution had separated from the 
 Hornet, off St. Salvador, and while running down the coast 
 of Brazil, he fell in with, and captured the British frigate 
 Java. The particulars of this brilliant action, is lucidly de- 
 tailed in the subjoined official report of Commodore Bain- 
 bridge to the secretary of the navy. 
 
 " I have the honour to inform you, that on the 29th of 
 December, at two o'clock, P. M., in south latitude 13° 6', 
 west longitude 38°, and about ten leagues distant from the 
 eoast of Brazil, I fell in with, and captured, his Britannic 
 Majesty's frigate Java, of forty-nine guns, and upwards of 
 four hundred men, commanded by Captain Lambert, a very 
 distinguished officer. The action lasted one hour and fifty- 
 five minutes, in which time, the enemy was completely dis- 
 mantled, not having a spar of any kind standing. 
 
 " The loss on board the Constitution, was nine killed, and 
 twenty-five wounded, as per enclosed list. The enemy had 
 sixty killed, and one hundred and one wounded, (among the 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGK. 147 
 
 latter, Captain Lambert, mortally,) but, by the enclosed 
 letter, written on board this ship, by one of the officers of 
 the Java, and accidentally found, it is evident that the ene- 
 my's wounded must have been much greater than as above 
 stated, and who must have died of their wounds, previously 
 to their being removed. The letter states, sixty killed, and 
 one hundred and seventy wounded. 
 
 " For further details of the action, I beg leave to refer 
 you to the enclosed extract from my journal : The Java 
 had, in addition to her own crew, upwards of one hundred 
 supernumerary officers and seamen, to join the British ships 
 of war in the East Indies. She had also on board, Lieute- 
 nant-General Hislop, appointed to the command of Bombay; 
 Major Walker, and Captain Wood of his staff, and Captain 
 Marshall, master and commander in the British navy, going 
 to the East Indies to take command of a sloop of war there. 
 
 " Should I attempt to do justice, by representation, to the 
 brave and good conduct of my officers and crew, I should 
 fail in the attempt; therefore, suffice it to say, that the 
 whole of their conduct, was such as to meet my highest en- 
 comiums. I beg leave to recommend the officers, particu- 
 larly, to the notice of the government, as, also, the unfortu- 
 nate seamen who were wounded, and the families of those 
 brave men who fell in action. 
 
 *' The great distance from our own coast, and the perfect 
 wreck we made of the enemy's frigate, forbade every idea 
 of attempting to take her to the United States. I had, 
 therefore, no alternative, but burning her, which I did on 
 the thirty-first, after receiving all the prisoners and their 
 baggage, which was very hard work, only having two boats 
 left out of eight, and not one left on board the Java. 
 
 " On blowing up the frigate Java, I proceeded to St. Sal- 
 vador, where I landed all the prisoners on their parole, to 
 return to England, and there remain until regularly ex- 
 changed, and not to serve in their professional capacities in 
 
148 LIFE AND SERVICES OP 
 
 any place, or in any manner, whatsoever, against the 
 United States of America, until their exchange shall be ef- 
 fected." 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE'S JOURNAL. 
 
 ^' Tuesday, December 29th, 1812, at nine, A. M., disco- 
 vered two strange sails on the weather bow. At ten, dis- 
 covered the strange sails to be ships; one of them stood in 
 for the land — the other stood oif shore, in a direction to- 
 wards us. At forty-five minutes past ten, A. M., we tacked 
 ship to the northward and westward, and stood for the sail 
 standing towards us. At eleven, A. M., tacked to the south- 
 ward and eastward — hauled up the mainsail, and took in 
 the royals. At thirty minutes past eleven, made the private 
 signal for the day, which was not answered, and then set 
 the mainsail and royals, to draw the strange sail off from 
 the neutral coast, and separate her from the sail in com- 
 pany. 
 
 " Wednesday, the thirtieth of December, (nautical time,) 
 latitude 13° 6' south longitude 31° west, ten leagues from 
 the coast of Brazil, commenced with clear weather and mo- 
 derate breezes from the E. N. E. ; hoisted our ensign and 
 pendant. At fifteen minutes past meridian, the ship hoisted 
 her colours, an English ensign, having a signal flying at the 
 main. At twenty-six minutes past one, P. M., being suffi- 
 ciently from the land, and finding the ship to be an English 
 frigate, took in the mainsail and royals, tacked ship, and 
 stood for the enemy. 
 
 "At fifty minutes past one, P. M., the enemy bore down 
 with an intention of raking us, which we avoided by wear- 
 ing. At two, P. M., the enemy being within half a mile of 
 us, and to windward, and having hauled down his colours, 
 except the union Jack, at the mizenmast head, induced me 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 149 
 
 to give orders to the officer of the third division, to fire a gun 
 ahead of the enemy, to make him show his colours, which 
 being done, brought on a fire from us of the whole broadside, 
 on which the enemy hoisted his colours, and immediately re- 
 turned our fire. A general action, with round and grape 
 then commenced ; the enemy keeping at a much greater 
 distance than I wished ; but could not bring him to a closer 
 action. Considerable manoeuvres were made by both ves- 
 sels to rake and avoid being raked. 
 
 "The following minutes were taken during the action. 
 
 "At ten minutes past two, P. M., commenced the action 
 within good grape or cannister distance, the enemy to wind- 
 ward, but much further than I wished. At thirty minutes 
 past two, our wheel was shot entirely away. At forty mi- 
 nutes past two determined to close with the enemy, notwith- 
 standing his raking. Set the fore and main sail, and luffed 
 up close to him. At fifty minutes past two, the enemy's jib- 
 boom got foul of our mizzen rigging. At three, the head of 
 the enemy's bowsprit and jib-boom were shot away by us. 
 At five minutes past three, shot dway the enemy's foremast 
 by the board. At fifteen minutes past three, shot away his 
 main top-mast just above the cap. At forty minutes past 
 three, shot away the gaft and spancker-boom. At fifty-five 
 minutes past three, shot away his mizzen-mast, nearly by the 
 board, at five minutes past four, having silenced the fire of 
 the enemy completely, and his colours in the main rigging 
 being down, we supposed he had struck ; we then hauled 
 down courses and shot ahead, to repair our rigging which 
 was extremely cut, leaving the enemy a complete wreck : 
 soon afterwards discovered the enemy's flag was still flying. 
 Hove to, to repair some of our damage. At twenty minutes 
 past four, wore ship and stood for the enemy. At twenty- 
 five minutes past five, got very close to the enemy in 
 a very effectual raking position, athwart his bows, and 
 when about to fire, he most prudently struck his flag ; for 
 
150 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 had he suffered the broadside to have raked him, his ad- 
 ditional loss must have been extremely great, as he laid an 
 unmanageable wreck upon the water. 
 
 "After the enemy had struck, wore ship and reefed the 
 topsails, then hoisted one of the only two remaining boats 
 we had left out of eight, and sent Lieutenant Parker, first 
 of the Constitution, to take possession of the enemy, which 
 proved to be his Britannic Majesty's frigate Java, rated thir- 
 ty-eight, but carried forty -nine guns, and manned with up- 
 wards of four hundred men, — commanded by Captain Lam- 
 bert, a very distinguished officer, who was mortally wound- 
 ed. 
 
 "The action continued from the commencement to the end 
 of the fire, one hour and fifty-five minutes. 
 
 " The force of the enemy at the commencement of the ac- 
 tion was, no doubt, considerably greater than we had been 
 able to ascertain. The officers were extremely cautious in 
 discovering the number.. By her quarter bill, she had one 
 man stationed at each gun. more than we had. The Con- 
 stitution was very much cut in her sails and rigging, and 
 many of her spars injured. 
 
 '^'At seven, P. M., the boat returned with Lieutenant Chads, 
 the first lieutenant of the enemy's frigate, and Lieutenant- 
 General Hislop, governor of Bombay, Major Walker, and 
 Captain Wood of his staff. Captain Lambert of the Java, 
 was too dangerously wounded to be removed immediately. 
 
 " The cutter returned on board the prize for the prison- 
 ers, and brought Captain Marshall, master and commander in 
 *the British navy, who was a passenger on board, and seve- 
 ral other naval officers destined for ships in the East Indies. 
 
 "The Java was an important ship, fitted out in the com- 
 pletest manner to convey Lieutenant-General Hislop and 
 staff to Bombay, several naval officers, and a number of sea- 
 men for ships in the East Indies. 
 
 " She had also despatches for St. Helena, Cape of Good 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 151 
 
 Hope, and every British establishment in the India, and Chi- 
 na seas. 
 
 " There was copper for a seventy-four, and two brigs 
 building at Bombay, and a great many other valuables, but 
 every thing was blown up in her, except the officers' bag- 
 gage." 
 
 In the early part of the action. Commodore Bainbridge 
 was wounded by a musket ball in the hip, and shortly after- 
 ward by a piece of langrage in the thigh. Though these 
 wounds were severe and extremely painful, yet so deeply in- 
 terested was he in the important duties which devolved upon 
 him after the action, that he would not be persuaded to leave 
 the deck until eleven o'clock at night. The langrage was 
 not extracted for many days after the wound had been in- 
 flicted. The constant irritation produced by the lodgement 
 of this foreign subst^mce in his muscles, gave rise to symp-. 
 toms of tetanus, yet by the skill and unremitting attentions 
 of the surgeon of the ship, Dr. Evans, he was happily re- 
 stored to his country, and to the arms of his affectionate fa- 
 mily. 
 
 On the 29th, after the action. Lieutenant Aylwin, a young 
 officer of great promise, died of his wounds. He had been 
 in the previous action between the Constitution and Guer- 
 rier, and for his gallantry and good conduct on that occa-^ 
 sion he was promoted to a lieutenancy. 
 
 During this action there were many instances among the 
 seamen and marines of not only dashing bravery, but of a 
 patriotic enthusiasm which deserves particular admiration, 
 A remarkable example was in the case of John Cheever, a 
 seaman from Marblehead, who, while lying on the deck in 
 the agonies of death, by the side of a dead brother, who had 
 been killed in the early part of the action, heard the word 
 passed that the enemy has struck. This animating intelligence 
 giving a momentary reflux to his fast ebbing spirit, he raised 
 himself on his left hand, pronounced three cheers with lou4 
 
152 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 and joyaus vehemence, and then fell back and expired with 
 a smile of content and satisfaction playing upon his coun- 
 tenance. 
 
 Commodore Bainbridge had a singular dream a few nights 
 before the action, in which he foresaw almost every incident 
 of the battle. He dreamed that he had a severe action with 
 an English frigate, in which he ultimately triumphed ; and 
 among the prisoners were several army officers, one of whom 
 had the rank of General. The circumstance made so strong 
 an impression on him, that he made a note of it next morn- 
 ing in his journal, and mentioned it also to his officers. 
 
 In the first boat which arrived from the captured frigate, 
 was brought the general officer, and as it approached the 
 Constitution, the recollection of the dream was revived, and 
 he exclaimed to Lieutenant Parker, that is the identical offi- 
 cer I saw in my dream. He might have added, in the lan- 
 guage of Brabantio, 
 
 ♦• This incident is not unlike my dream," 
 
 After the capture of the Java, the Constitution arrived off 
 St. Salvador, where she found her consort, the Hornet, still 
 maintaining a blockade of the port. Commodore Bainbridge 
 requested Captain Lawrence to pilot his frigate into the har- 
 bour, as he had some previous knowledge of the channel. As 
 his vessel was entering it, a boat came alongside with infor- 
 mation that the Bonne Citoycnne had hove short, loosed her 
 sails, and that Captain Green had expressed his determina- 
 tion to go to sea that night. 
 
 Captain Lawrence was ordered to return on board the 
 Hornet, and make preparations to engage the enemy. An 
 action was now confidently anticipated, both by the officers 
 of the Constitution, and by the English officers who were their 
 prisoners. Captain Green had indeed no excuse to avoid an 
 engagement. The Constitution was now in the harbour of 
 St. Salvador, under the command of the batteries on shore 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIBGE. 153 
 
 where she might have been detained for ten days, by appH- 
 cation to the governor. 
 
 Notwithstanding this favourable opportunity to meet an 
 equal force, and under equal circumstances, yet prudential 
 considerations, and such as do not often characterize his coun- 
 trymen, induced the commander of the Bonne Citoyenne to 
 decline the proffered combat. 
 
 Commodore Bainbridge landed all his prisoners on parole 
 of honour, not to serve during the war, or until regularly 
 exchanged by their respective governments. 
 
 At this time an interesting interview took place on the 
 quarter deck of the Constitution between the two wounded 
 commanders. While Captain Lambert was lying on his cot 
 on deck, Commodore Bainbridge approached him supported 
 by two of his officers, for the purpose of exchanging the sa- 
 lutations of parting. On this occasion he presented to the 
 gallant Lambert his side-arms, and observed w^ith unaffected 
 emotion, " I return your sword, my dear sir, with my sin- 
 cerest wish that you will recover, and wear it as you have 
 hitherto done, with honour to yourself and country." 
 
 This magnanimous conduct made a deep impression on 
 the British officers, who, with corresponding feelings, tendered 
 the commodore their warmest thanks for his kind and deli- 
 cate attentions to their wounded and greatly beloved com- 
 mander. 
 
 The benevolent and delicate attentions of the United 
 States officers to their prisoners inspired them with great 
 admiration of the American character, and called forth the 
 liveliest expressions of gratitude. 
 
 Lieutenant General Hislop had on board the Java a quan- 
 tity of valuable plate, which, with every other article 
 claimed either by himself or his officers as personal property, 
 was carefully restored to them. 
 
 The subjoined correspondence places the character of 
 Commodore Bainbridge in an interesting point of view, and 
 20 
 
154 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 must be to his countrymen a gratifying evidence of the high 
 sense of honour and generosity which has been always his 
 distinguishing characteristic. 
 
 "St. Salvador, January 3, 1813. 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " I am justly penetrated with the fullest sense of your 
 very handsome and kind treatment, ever since the fate of 
 war placed me in your power, and I beg once more to re- 
 new to you my sincerest acknowledgments for the same. 
 
 '* Your acquiescence with my request in granting my pa- 
 role with the officers of my staff, added to the obligations I 
 had previously experienced, claim from me this additional 
 tribute of my thanks. May I now finally flatter myself that 
 in the further extension of your generous and humane feel- 
 ings, in the alleviation of the misfortunes of war, that you 
 will have the goodness to fulfil the only wish I am now anx- 
 ious to see completed, by enlarging on their parole, (on the 
 same conditions you acceded to with respect to myself,) all 
 the officers of the Java still on board your ship ; a favour I 
 shall never cease duly to appreciate by your acquiescence 
 thereto. 
 
 *' I have the honour to subscribe myself, dear sir, 
 " Your much obliged, 
 
 " and very humble servant, 
 
 " T. HISLOP, 
 " Lieut. Gen. and Gov. of Bombay. 
 " Commodore Bainbridge." 
 
 " U. States^ Frigate Constitution, 
 " St. Salvador, January 3, 1813. 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " I have received your letter of this date expressive of 
 your feelings regarding my treatment towards you since the 
 fate of war placed you in my power. The kind sentiments 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGK. 155 
 
 which you have been pleased to use, are very justly appre- 
 ciated by me, and far overbalance those common civilities 
 shown by me, and v^^hich are always due to prisoners of war, 
 I regret that the lumbered state of my ship prevented me 
 from making you as comfortable on board, as I sincerely 
 wished to have done. 1 have complied with your last re- 
 quest respecting paroling all the officers of the Java. In 
 doing so, your desire, in addition to my own disposition to 
 ameliorate as much as possible the situationof those officers, 
 has materially influenced me. 
 
 " Permit me to tender to you, (notwithstanding our re- 
 spective countries are at war,) assurances of my sincere es- 
 teem and high respect, and to assure you, that I shall feel at 
 all times highly gratified in hearing of, and from you. With 
 fervent wishes for the recovery of the gallant Captain Lam- 
 bert, I have the honour to subscribe myself, very respect- 
 fully, &c., 
 
 '' WM. BAINBRIDGE. 
 
 «' Lieut. General Hislop, ) 
 
 of the British Army, &c., &c." ) 
 
 " St. Salvador f January 4, 1813. 
 
 '" Dear Sir, 
 
 " Allow me once more to express my sincerest acknow- 
 ledgments for this last instance of your kind attention to my 
 wishes, by having complied with my request in behalf of the 
 officers of the Java. Lieut. Chads delivered to me your 
 very polite and obliging letter, and be assured I shall feel 
 no less gratification at all times to hear of or from you than 
 that which you are so good as to express you will derive in 
 receiving information respecting myself. 
 
 " May I request now that you will be so good as to cause 
 to be looked for a small chest, containing articles of plate, 
 more valuable to me on account of having been presented to 
 
156 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 me by the colony of Demerara, where I commanded for 
 several years. 
 
 " I have the honour to be, 
 
 " with great respect, 
 
 « T. HISLOP. 
 " Commodore Bainbridgb." 
 
 " United States' Frigate Constitution. 
 
 " St. Salvador, January 4, 1813. 
 *' Dear Sir, 
 
 " It is painful to me to learn that you have lost the plate 
 presented by the colony of Demerara. It cannot be found 
 on board ship, and I candidly believe it is not here. If, how- 
 ever, it should be on board it will be found, and you may 
 rely on my honour of sending it to England for you. If it 
 came from the Java, I have no doubt it was taken amongst 
 the other boxes of plate and baggage. 
 
 " With great esteem, &c., 
 
 " WM. BAINBRIDGE. 
 " Lieut. General Hislop." 
 
 " St. Salvador, January 4, 1813. 
 <'Dear Sir, 
 
 " I am very happy in being able to inform you, that in 
 opening the large cases of my baggage, one of them has 
 been found to contain two chests, one of which proves to be 
 the one which could not be accounted for this morning, and 
 which arose from the incorrectness of the silver-smith in 
 numbering the packages. 
 
 " I am extremely sorry this circumstance should have 
 occasioned you any trouble, and beg to assure you that 1 
 shall always remain, with great respect, 
 
 *' Dear sir, your very ob't. serv't. 
 " T. HISLOP. 
 '' Commodore Bainbridge." 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 157 
 
 "St. Salvador, Monday, Jamtanj 4th, 1813. 
 " Lieutenant Chads presents his compliments to Commo- 
 dore Bainbridge, and is extremely sorry to inform him that 
 Captain Lambert died a short time since." 
 
 " U. Stales' Frigate Constitidio7i, January 4, 1813. 
 
 " Commodore Bainbridge has learned, with real sorrow, 
 the death of Captain Lambert. 
 
 " Though a political enemy, he could not but greatly re- 
 spect him for the brave defence he made with his ship ; and 
 Commodore Bainbridge takes this occasion to observe, in 
 justice to Lieutenant Chads, who fought the Java after Cap- 
 tain Lambert was wounded, that he had done every thing 
 for the defence of that ship which a brave and skilful officer 
 could do, and further resistance would have been a wanton 
 effusion of human blood." 
 
 General Hislop presented to Commodore Bainbridge a 
 splendid gold-mounted sword, as an evidence of his gratitude 
 for the delicate, liberal, and humane treatment which had 
 been shown to himself and the other officers captured in the 
 Java. 
 
 The shattered and decayed state of the Constitution, 
 obliged the commodore to return to the U. States without 
 delay. Before leaving St. Salvador, however, he gave to 
 Captain Lawrence the following order. 
 
 *' You will cruise off here as long as, in your judgment, you 
 may deem it necessary, for the interception of the British 
 ship of war Bonne Citoyenne, or some of the valuable British 
 merchant vessels now in St. Salvador ; but I should not ad- 
 vise you to lose much time here, without a great probability 
 of being successful. Be on your guard against the arrival 
 
158 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 of the Montague seventy-four, and I advise you not to rely 
 too much on the protection of the neutral port of Bahia, 
 against the admiral's influence to capture you even in port. 
 On this subject consult Mr. Hill, our consul there. 
 
 "On quitting this station, you will cruise along the coast 
 of Brazil to Pernambuco ; remain off there a few days, and 
 from thence shape your course so as to fall in with the coast 
 of Cayenne, Surinam, and Demerara, where, it is probable, 
 you may meet some valuable English vessels that trade to 
 these parts. 
 
 " From thence proceed through the West India islands, 
 where you must arrive from the first to the middle of April ; 
 and then you are at liberty to take a short cruise, returning 
 to the port of Boston, the place of rendezvous for my squad- 
 ron. 
 
 " It is impossible to foresee events that may happen, and 
 as positive orders often perplex and defeat the object in 
 view, I would have you, notwithstanding what I have di- 
 rected, to act very much from your own judgment, and 
 known discretion ; and I do so with perfect satisfaction, 
 having the fullest confidence in your patriotism and abilities. 
 Wishing you every success in the pursuit of fame and for- 
 tune, 
 
 " I am yours, &c., 
 
 " WM. BAINBRIDGE." 
 
 After the Constitution had left the coast, the Hornet con- 
 tinued off the harbour of St. Salvador, blockading the Bonne 
 Citoyenne, until the twenty-fourth of January. At this time, 
 the Montague, a^British line-of-battle ship, hove in sight, and 
 chased her into the harbour; but night coming on, the Hornet 
 wore ship, stood to the southward, and escaped. As it ap- 
 peared to Captain Lawrence that this ship had left Rio 
 
COMMODORE BAI\BRIDGE. ISO- 
 
 Janeiro for the purpose of relieving the Bonne Citoyenne, 
 which he was then blockading, he determined at once to 
 change his cruising ground. He therefore run down the 
 coast of Brazil and Guiana until the 24th of February, when 
 he discovered a brig to which he gave chase ; but, being 
 without a pilot, w-as obliged to haul off, when about two 
 and a half leagues from the mouth of the Demerara river. 
 About the time he relinquished the chase, he discovered a 
 brig of war at anchor with English colours flying. In beat- 
 ing round the bank for the purpose of engaging her, he ob- 
 served another large British brig of war edging from him. 
 
 After some manoeuvring the two vessels passed each other, 
 within half pistol shot, and exchanged broadsides. Observing 
 the enemy in the act of wearing, he bore up, received the 
 starboard broadside, run him close aboard the starboard quar- 
 ter, and kept up such a heavy and well directed fire, that in 
 less than fifteen minvitcs the enemy surrendered. Being 
 much cut to pieces, he hoisted his ensign, union down from 
 the fore-rigging, as a signal of distress. 
 
 Lieutenant Shubrick was directed to board the prize, 
 who soon returning with her first lieutenant, reported her 
 to be his Britannic Majesty's brig Peacock, commanded by 
 Captain William Peake, who was killed just before the ter- 
 mination of the action — that a number of her crew were 
 killed and wounded, and the vessel was in a perilous condi- 
 tion, having six feet water in the hold. Both vessels were 
 immediately anchored, and every effort made to save the 
 crew of the sinking vessel, but unhappily without complete 
 success. Nine of the crew of the Peacock, and four of the 
 brave seamen of the Hornet, who were fearlessly exerting 
 themselves to save their helpless enemy, sunk with the ves- 
 sel. The gallant Lieutenant Conner, and Midshipman Coo- 
 per, in exerting themselves in the benevolent office of res- 
 cuing the lives of their conquered foes, saved themselves. 
 
160 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 with difficulty, by jumping into a boat which was lying on 
 the booms of the wreck, as she sank into the bosom of the 
 deep. Had it not been for the quick and violent energies 
 of the oarsmen, she would have fallen into the eddying whirl 
 which engulfed the larger vessel. 
 
 The precise number of the enemy who were killed never 
 could be ascertained. Captain Peake and four men were 
 found dead on board. The master, one of the midshipmen, 
 the captain's clerk, the carpenter, and twenty-nine seamen, 
 were wounded, and most of them severely. 
 
 The loss of the Hornet was inconsiderable, having only 
 one man killed and two wounded. The contending forces 
 were entirely ecpial, but the disparity of effect was inexpli- 
 cable. It is a matter of wonder that any stoutly built ves- 
 sel could be demolished in so short a period, even if she had 
 been anchored and had not returned the fire of the Hornet. 
 
 At the time this action took place, the Espiegle, a British 
 brig of war, mounting sixteen thirty-two pound carronades, 
 and two long nines, was at anchor in shore within six miles, 
 and could plainly see the action. The commander, however, 
 discovered no disposition to bring the Hornet to another en- 
 gagement. 
 
 In consequence of the number of prisoners, and the short 
 allowance of provisions on board the Hornet, Captain Law- 
 rence resolved to proceed at once to the United States. 
 
 The Peacock was about the same tonnage as the Hornet, 
 and was considered one of the finest vessels of her class in 
 the British navy. She mounted sixteen twenty-four pound 
 carronades, two long nines, one twelve pound carronade on 
 her top-gallant forecastle, a shifting gun, one six pounder, 
 and two swivels mounted aft. It was found by her quarter 
 bill, that her crew consisted of one hundred and thirty-four 
 men. 
 
 After the destruction of the Peacock, the crew of the Hor- 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. IGl 
 
 net made a subscription, by wbich they supplied the British 
 sailors who had lost all their clothing, with two shirts, a blue 
 jacket and trousers to each. This act of generosity, added to 
 other kind and delicate attentions, called forth the warmest 
 expressions of gratitude from the captured officers. 
 
 21 
 
LIFE AND SERVICES OF COMMODORE BAINBRIDOE. 103 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Letter of Commodore Bainbridge on the Subject of Prize Money — Con- 
 stitution arrives in Boston — Bainbridge's Reception at Boston, New 
 York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore — Honours conferred on him by 
 Congress and several State Legislatures — The Opinions of George the 
 Fourth, and of Admiral Jarvis — Cruise of the Essex — Commodore 
 Bainbridge appointed to the Command of the Boston Navy Yard — 
 Laid the Keel of the Line-of-battle ship Independence — The Actions 
 between the Chesapeake and Shannon — Honours conferred on Cap- 
 tain Broke — Naval Signals — Ship Houses. 
 
 During the passage of the Constitution from St. Salvador 
 to the United States, Commodore Bainbridge wrote to a friend 
 the following communication. The substantial reasons which 
 he offered in favour of his views, made so great an impres- 
 sion on his government, that laws were soon after enacted 
 to carry them into operation. 
 
 " United Slates frigate Constitution, 
 " January, 24th, 1813. 
 
 " I am confident, my much valued friend, that none of my 
 countrymen will receive the nev/s of my success with more 
 
iG4 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 pleasure than yourself. Had not the damage which the 
 Constitution received in the action, but more especially the 
 decayed state she is in, made it necessary for me to return 
 to the United States for repairs, I should, beyond doubt, 
 have made a most successful cruise against the enemy's 
 commerce. 
 
 " The information I received from our consul at St. Sal- 
 vador, enabled me to digest a plan of cruising for the squad- 
 ron under my command, which in all human calculation 
 must have proved successful. Should the war continue, 1 
 yet flatter myself that I shall be enabled to annoy the ene- 
 my's trade, where they least expect it. 
 
 " If I had been in a seventy-four, or had one more 
 frigate with me, without vanity or ostentation, I may con- 
 fidently assert, I should have had the honour of taking Ad- 
 miral Dixon in the Montague seventy-four. 
 
 " The Java was exceedingly well fought and bravely de- 
 fended. Poor Lambert, whose death I sincerely regret, was 
 a distinguished officer and a worthy man. He has left a 
 widow, and two helpless children ; but his country makes 
 provision for such sad events. 
 
 " I regret that I am obliged to return home, and my crew 
 participate in this sentiment; they are, however, consoling 
 themselves with the hope of receiving their prize money. 
 One says, he will buy him a sniig little ship on the highest 
 hill he can find, that he may there, in his old age, view all 
 our sea fights; another, that now he will marry his Poll; 
 another, that he will send his Jack to school, &c. &c. &c. 
 
 " Poor fellows, I trust they will not be disappointed in 
 their expectations. Twice have they willingly and gallant- 
 ly encountered the enemy, and twice have they been suc- 
 cessful. To return home now, and find they have nothing 
 but a remnant of pay coming to them, would be extremely 
 mortifying. It would inevitably depress their spirits, and 
 damp that noble ardour which they have hitherto felt and 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 163 
 
 displayed. The officer may feel differently. For the per- 
 formance of his duty, he feels a reward in his own bosom, 
 and in his country's thanks. 
 
 " Patriotism, and a laudable thirst for renown, will lead 
 him to court perils in defence of his country's rights. These 
 feelings operate on the sailor also; but to keep up the high 
 tone of his ardour, he must have prize money in view. It 
 is prize money which stimulates the sailor; and patriotism 
 and fame guide the officer. 
 
 " True policy, in my humble opinion, dictates the destruc- 
 tion of the enemy's ships after capture; for by manning them, 
 even if they are left in a manageable situation, our ships 
 would be so weakened in their crews, that they would be 
 liable to be captured by an equal, or insulted by an inferior 
 force. The act of destruction is done by the command of 
 the captain only ; the crew, who have exposed their lives 
 equally with him, have not the right of opposition. When 
 I ordered the Java to be destroyed, these considerations pre- 
 sented themselves to my mind with great force. Surely 
 justice and sound policy recommend a liberal provision in 
 their favour. In making these observations, I am not in- 
 fluenced by selfish motives. The applause of my country- 
 men has for me greater charms than all the gold that glit- 
 ters ; but justice to those who bravely fought under my 
 command, and assisted me in gaining this victory, requires 
 at my hands, an exertion in their behalf; and should it 
 please Heaven to conduct us safe to our native shores, I 
 shall not fail to use my best endeavours, solemnly believing, 
 as I do, that the principle is all-important to the continued 
 success of our navy. 
 
 " For, if it is, as I hold it, the indispensable duty of the 
 commander to destroy the captured vessel, on account of 
 the gauntlet he would have to run with both the prize and 
 his own ship, (except he should be very near one of our own 
 ports,) and the captain should receive (which is almost al- 
 
16G LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 ways the case,) all the honour, and the others no compen- 
 sation ; is it not natural to suppos'c, that the ardent desire 
 which our seamen so strongly manifest to get into battle 
 should diminish? 
 
 " Let that once take place, and your naval fights will 
 not, I prophesy, be so decisive as they would be by keeping 
 the ardour up ; and how trifling an expense the compensa- 
 tion would be in a national point of view. The schooner 
 which I am now despatching a prize to the Hornet, will 
 give to the public treasury upwards of one hundred thou- 
 sand dollars," 
 
 On the 27th of February, 1813, the noble and successful 
 frigate Constitution again arrived in the harbour of Boston. 
 Commodore Bainbridge landed next morning, was received 
 by several officers and citizens of distinction, and was 
 escorted by a company of light infantry to the Exchange 
 Coffee House. He was greeted, at intervals, with repeated 
 huzzas by the citizens. 
 
 The street leading to his hotel was decorated with flags 
 and colours, and the merchant ships in the harbour exhi- 
 bited a similarly gay appearance. A large ensign was sus- 
 pended across the street from opposite houses, on which 
 were inscribed the names of Hull, Jo7ies, Decatur, and Bain- 
 bridge ; names which had become greatly distinguished up 
 to that period of the war. 
 
 A public dinner was given to him by the citizens of Bos- 
 ton, and every other attention shown which could manifest 
 the high estimation in which his gallant services v^'ere viewed. 
 Every where throughout the country, indeed, he received de- 
 monstrations of the respect which was entertained for his 
 character, and grateful thanks for the important services 
 which he had rendered to his country. 
 
 The Legislature of Massachussetts being in session when 
 Commodore Bainbridge returned after his victory, the Se- 
 nate and House of Representatives passed the following re- 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 167 
 
 solutions, which were communicated to him by the president 
 and speaker of these respective bodies. 
 
 " Sir, 
 
 " By request of the House of Representatives of the Com- 
 monwealth of Massachussetts, I have the honour to trans- 
 mit to you the enclosed copy of their vote, wherein they 
 have unanimously expressed the high sense which they enter- 
 tain of the distinguished ability, gallantry, and generosity to 
 the vanquished, exhibited by you particularly, and the offi- 
 cers and crew of the United States frigate Constitution un- 
 der your command, in the late brilliant achievement ; the 
 capture of the British frigate Java: permit me to add, that 
 I feel much personal gratification, in being in any way in- 
 strumental in bestowing applause so justly merited. 
 
 "T. BIGELOW, Speaker." 
 
 '• Commonwealth of Massachusselts, 
 ^^ House of Representatives, February 20, 1813. 
 
 "Whereas every event which reflects lustre on the Ameri- 
 can name, and contributes to elevate the 7ialional character 
 in the view of foreign powers, ought to be distinguished and 
 honoured by the people of the United States. And whereas 
 the brilliant victories achieved by our gallant navy since the 
 commencement of the present war with Great Britain, are 
 highly calculated to produce that effect ; and while they de- 
 monstrate to the nation the wisdom and patriotism of that 
 policy which created a navy, they strongly urge upon the 
 national government the importance of encouraging and in- 
 creasing that species of force, on which the protection of 
 our maritime rights essentially depend. It becomes the re- 
 presentatives of the people of Massachussetts, (whatever 
 may be their opinions in relation to the existing war) to tes- 
 tify their high approbation of the gallant and able conduct 
 of those officers and crews of the navy, to whom the fortu- 
 
168 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 nate opportunities have occurred of giving reputation to the 
 American arms, and of signalizing their own valour, enter- 
 prise, and nautical skill. Therefore, resolved, as the opinion 
 of this house, that Commodores Bainbridge and Decatur, 
 Captains Hull, and Jones, of the United States Navy, their 
 oflicers and crews, in the splendid victories by them recently 
 obtained over the British ships of war, the Java, Macedo- 
 nian, Guerrier, and Frolic; and in their generous conduct 
 to their captured enemies, have acquired for themselves a 
 distinguished title to that consideration and applause of their 
 fellow-citizens, which is due to a heroic and able discharge 
 of duty, and which is the legitimate reward of the brave 
 man, who devotes his life to the service of his country. 
 
 RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE, 
 
 Commonwealth of Massachussetts, 
 In Senate, February 19, 1813. 
 
 Resolved, That the thanks of this senate be given to Com- 
 modore William Bainbridge, and to the officers and crew 
 of the frigate Constitution under his command, for their 
 brilliant achievement in capturing and destroying his Bri- 
 tannic Majesty's frigate Java, and that the commodore be 
 requested to communicate the same to his officers and crew, 
 with an assurance from this branch of the legislature, that 
 they will hold in grateful remembrance those who fell in 
 fighting, for the essential and violated rights of their coun- 
 try. 
 
 Resolved, That the President of the Senate cause an at- 
 tested copy of this resolution to be transmitted to Commo- 
 dore Bainbridge. 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 169 
 
 On the receipt of Commodore Bainbridge's despatches, at 
 the navy department, the President of the United States 
 sent the following message to Congress. 
 
 " To the Senate and House of Representatives. 
 
 " 1 lay before Congress a letter with accompanying do- 
 cuments from Commodore Bainbridge, now commanding the 
 United States frigate, ' the Constitution,' reporting his cap- 
 ture, and destruction of the British frigate ' Java/ The 
 circumstances of the issue of this combat atTord another 
 example of the professional skill, and hei'oic spirit which pre- 
 vail in our naval service. The signal display of both by 
 Commodore Bainbridge, his officers and crew, command the 
 highest praise. This being the second instance in which 
 the condition of the captured ship, by rendering it impossi- 
 sible to get her into port, has barred a contemplated reward 
 for successful valour, I recommend to the consideration of 
 Congress, the equity and propriety of a general provision, 
 allowing, in such cases, both past and future, a fair propor- 
 tion of the value which would accrue to the captors on the 
 safe arrival and sale of the prize. 
 
 " JAMES MADISON." 
 
 After reading the message, the following resolution was 
 passed. 
 
 " Resolved, by the Senate and House of Repreientatives of 
 America, in Congress assembled, That the President of the 
 United States be, and he is hereby requested to present to 
 Captain William Bainbridge, of the frigate Constitution, a 
 gold medal, with suitable emblems and devices, and a silver 
 medal, with suitable emblems and devices, to each com-r 
 missioned officer of the said frigate, in testimony of the high 
 sense entertained by Congress of the gallantry, good con- 
 duct, and services of Captain William Bainbridge, his officers 
 22 
 
170 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 and crew, in the capture of the British frigate Java, after a 
 successful combat. 
 
 "HENRY CLAY, 
 " Speaker of the House of Representatives. 
 
 " WM. H. CRAWFORD, 
 
 " President of the Senate, pro tern. 
 
 "March 3, 1813. 
 
 " Approved. 
 " James Madison." 
 
 An act was passed by Congress, at the same session, au- 
 thorizing the President of the United States to distribute 
 fifty thousand dollars to the officers and crew of the Consti- 
 tution, for the capture and destruction of the Java. An 
 authorized agent distributed this donation as prize money, 
 during the following summer, agreeably to the regulations 
 of the navy. 
 
 The importance of this proud and signal victory, was 
 deeply felt, and duly appreciated in all parts of the Union. 
 
 The governor of JNew York was directed by the legisla- 
 ture of the stale, to transmit the thanks of that body to 
 Commodore Bainbridge for his gallant services. 
 
 Albany, March 5, 1813. 
 " Sir, 
 
 " 1 have the honour to present to you resolutions of the 
 Honourable the Senate and x\ssembly of the state of New 
 York, containing their unanimous vote of thanks, for the 
 skill and valour displayed by yourself and officers, and crew 
 of the Constitution, in the capture of the British frigate 
 Java, and for bravely supporting the honour of the Ameri- 
 can flag, and valiantly avenging the violated rights of our 
 country on the ocean, 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 171 
 
 " With that of the other departments of the government, 
 1 beg leave to unite my deep sense of the conduct displayed 
 in the capture of the Jav'a ; and of my estimation of the 
 distinguished gallantry of those heroes who achieved that 
 brilliant victory. 
 
 " I have the honour to be, 
 
 " with the greatest respect, 
 " Your obedient servant, 
 
 " DANIEL D. TOMPKINS. 
 
 " Commodore William Bain bridge." 
 
 " Stale of Neil) York, 
 " In Senate, February 27, 1813. 
 
 " Resolved, unanimously, That the gallantry and skill of 
 Captain Hull, in attacking and destroying the British frigate 
 Guerrier ; of Captain Jones, in attacking and capturing the 
 sloop of war Frolic, a ship of decidedly superior force; of 
 Commodore Decatur, in attacking and capturing the frigate 
 Macedonian; and of Commodore Bainbridge, in attacking 
 and destroying the frigate Java, are events of such noble 
 and splendid achievements; and happening in such rapid 
 succession, as to demand from the representatives of the 
 people of this state, a public expression of the high sense in 
 which they are held. 
 
 " That the thanks of this legislature be presented to Cap- 
 tains Hull, Jo?ies, and Commodores Decatur and Bainbridge, 
 their officers and crews, for their cool and intrepid valour 
 in the capture of the above-mentioned British ships, and for 
 their bravely supporting the American flag, and valiantly 
 avenging the violated rights of their country on the ocean. 
 
 " Resolved, That the concurrence of the Honourable the 
 Assembly be requested, and in case of such concurrence, 
 that his Excellency the Governor be desired to transmit a 
 
172 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 copy of the above resolution to each of the above named 
 officers. 
 
 " By order, 
 
 " S. VJSSEHER, Clerk." 
 
 '" State of JVew York, 
 " In Assembly, March 1, 1813." 
 " Resolved, unanirhoiisly. That this House do concur with 
 the Honourable the Senate, in their preceding resolution. 
 " By order, 
 
 *' JOSEPH VAN INGEN, Clerk." 
 
 "■ U?iited States^ Frigate Constitution. 
 
 " Boston, March 31, 1813. 
 
 " Sir, 
 
 " I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your 
 letter of the 6th instant, enclosing resolutions of the Honour- 
 able the Senate and Assembly of the state of New York, 
 containing their unanimous vote of thanks to myself, officers 
 and crew of the frigate Constitution, for attacking and de- 
 stroying the British frigate Java. 
 
 " Permit me, sir, through the same channel, to convey to 
 those highly respectable legislative bodies of the state of 
 New York, my grateful acknowledgments for the honour 
 they have conferred on us, and to assure them, that when 
 we are again required to fulfil our duty in opposing the 
 enemy, we shall be animated by the remembrance of the 
 honours our country has already liberally bestowed on us. 
 The most grateful as well as the greatest honour an Ame- 
 rican officer can receive, is the approbation and applause 
 of his countrymen. 
 
 " For the friendly manner, sir, in which you have beefi 
 pleased to communicate the resolutions of the vote of thanks, 
 
COMMODORE BAIN BRIDGE. 173 
 
 I beg you to accept my best wishes for your health and hap- 
 piness. 
 
 " And belive me to be, 
 " with sentiments of great respect, 
 " Your obedient servant, 
 
 " WILLIAM BAINBRIDGE." 
 
 " His Excellency, 5 
 
 " DANIEL D. TOMPKINS." \ 
 
 The subjoined proceedings of the common council of the 
 city of New York were transmitted to Commodore Bain- 
 bridge in the following envelope. 
 
 "Afeiu York, April 1, 1813. 
 " Sir, 
 
 " It is with the highest satisfaction I communicate to 
 you the enclosed resolution of the common council of this 
 city. 
 
 " You will receive it as one of those evidences of atten- 
 tion and gratitude, which our country is proud to show to 
 those who have so eminently distinguished themselves by 
 their gallantry and valour. 
 
 " With my congratulations for the past, and best wishes 
 for your future success, I have the honour to be, 
 " Your obedient servant, 
 
 "P. C. VAN WYCK." 
 
 " In Commoii Council, JVeio York, 
 " March 1, 1813. 
 
 '" The following resolution was presented, and unanimous- 
 ly agreed to. 
 
 " In testimony of the high sense entertained by the com- 
 mon council of the gallantry and skill of Commodore Wil- 
 
174 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 liam Bainbridge, his officers and crew of the United States 
 frigate Constitution, in the late capture and destruction of 
 his Britannic Majesty's frigate Java ; wliereby, new laurels 
 have been acquired by our gallant navy; and a new in- 
 stance offered of the practical utility of that kind of defence 
 for the protection and encouragement of the important com- 
 mercial interests of our country : — 
 
 " Resolved, That the freedom of the city, in a gold box, be 
 presented to Commodore Bainbridge, and that his portrait 
 be obtained and set up in the gallery of portraits belonging 
 to this city : and that the thanks of the common council be 
 presented to his officers and crew who were engaged in this 
 achievement, so honourable to themselves and the nation. 
 
 (Extract from the minutes.) 
 
 ^'Commodore BAmBRiDOE. 
 
 "J. MORTON, &c." 
 C. C. C. 
 
 " U. Slates' Frigate Constitution, 
 
 ''Boston, April 14, 1813. 
 "" Sir, 
 
 " The resolution of the common council of the city of New 
 York in favour of myself, the officers and crew of the frigate 
 Constitution, relative to our conduct in the action with the 
 British frigate Java, has been through you gratefully re- 
 ceived. 
 
 *' Permit me, sir, to convey through the same channel, to 
 that highly respected body, the common council, my warm- 
 est acknowledgments for the honour they have personally 
 done me in presenting to me the freedom of the city of New 
 York, and in giving me a place in the gallery of portraits of 
 that city. 
 
 " Such distinguished favours from a city in which I have 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. l?^ 
 
 spent many happy days of my juvenile years, could not fail 
 to make a just penetration on my feelings, and to command 
 my best wishes for the prosperity and happiness of its inha- 
 bitants. 
 
 " For the very friendly participation which you take in 
 communicating the resolution, I beg you to accept the assu- 
 rances of the sincere esteem and great respect with which 
 " I have the honour to be, 
 " Sir, your obedient and 
 "Very humble servant, 
 
 "WM. BAINBRIDGE. 
 «P. C. Van Wyck, Esq." 
 
 The following communication announced to Commodore 
 Bainbridge his election, as an honorary member of the New 
 York state society of the Cincinnati. 
 
 ''New York, March 19, 1813. 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " It is my pleasant task, as the existing president of the 
 New York state society of the Cincinnati, and at their re- 
 quest, to inform you, that at a meeting specially convened, 
 on Wednesday the seventeenth instant, those gentlemen, be- 
 ing some of the few surviving companions in arms of the 
 great and good Washington, in the war of the Revolution, 
 have unanimously elected you as one of their distinguished 
 fellow-citizens, an honorary member of that society, and to 
 be their friend and the friend of their heirs male during life ; 
 to wdiich some of your naval friends and companions have 
 already become entitled. 
 
 " A copy of the proceedings of the society, extracted from 
 the minutes, and certified by Captain Henry S. Dodge, their 
 secretary, you have enclosed. 
 
 " It now remains for me to inquire from you, whether it will 
 be agreeable to you to become one of us? and if so, what 
 
17G LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 time it is probable you will be in this city? For as it is very 
 uncertain, nay, improbable, that you will be here on the 4th 
 of July, the anniversary day of the society, the society have 
 provisionally delegated the power of installation, or investi- 
 ture of the order, to their Vice President General Stevens, 
 General Giles, Colonel Troup, Major Farley, and myself, at 
 such time as may suit your avocations, as well as private 
 convenience, to be in this city and receive that honour, and 
 those gentlemen are desirous to be early advised when they 
 will be called upon to discharge the trust committed to them 
 by their fellows. 
 
 " It would be very pleasant if the service would admit of 
 your gallant predecessor in the same ship being here at the 
 same time. This is, however, hardly to be expected. 
 " I have the honour to be, 
 
 " With great respect and consideration, 
 " Dear sir, your friend, and 
 "Very humble servant, 
 
 "RICHARD VARICK. 
 "Commodore Bainbridge." 
 
 " At a general meeting of the New York state society of the 
 Cincinnati, held in the city of New York, pursuant to public 
 notice, the seventeenth day of March, 1813. 
 
 " Resolved, That whereas, by the constitution of this society, 
 it is among other matters provided as follows, viz : 
 
 " As there are, and will at all times be men in the respec- 
 tive states eminent for their abilities and patriotism, whose 
 views may be directed to the same laudable objects with 
 those of the Cincinnati, it shall be a rule to admit such cha- 
 racters as honorary members of the society for their own 
 lives only. 
 
 " This society, in testimony of the high sense which it en- 
 tertains of the patriotism and abilities of Commodore Wil- 
 liam Bainbridge, of the United States frigate Constitution, 
 
COMMODORE BAIN BRIDGE. 177 
 
 and of the meritorious services rendered by him in the de- 
 struction of his 15ritannic Majesty's frigate Java, Henry Lam- 
 bert, Esq. commander, on the twenty-ninth of December, 
 1812, after an action of one hour and fifty-five minutes, do 
 admit him, and he is hereby unanimously admitted an honc- 
 rary member of the society of Cincinnati. 
 
 I certify the above to be a true extract from the records 
 of the New York society of the Cincinnati. 
 
 HENRY S. DODGE, Secretary. 
 
 During the month of March, Commodore Bainbridge visit- 
 ed Washington city. On his passage tliither he was splen- 
 didly entertained, and tendered ev^ery demonstration of re- 
 spect by the citizens of New York, Philadelphia, and Bal- 
 timore. While in New York, he was duly inslalled as a 
 member of the Cincinnati society, and invested with its ap- 
 propriate badge. As a mark of particular respect, he was 
 presented with a diploma which possessed the signature of 
 General Washington. 
 
 On his arrival in Philadelphia, he was also installed an 
 honorary member of the Cincinnati of Pennsylvania. The 
 gentlemen of this city presented to him an elegant silver 
 vase, together with a tea set of plate, on which were en- 
 graven suitable emblems and devices. 
 
 Commodore Bainbridge was now considered at the summit 
 of his glory. Congratulations, rewards, and honours were 
 bestowed upon him by the most prominent states and cities 
 of the Union. 
 
 The happy union of skill and humanity which he mani- 
 fested awakened admiration even in the enemy's country. 
 Sir Benjamin Bloomfield informed a friend of the writer, 
 that he heard the Prince Regent, afterwards George the 
 Fourth, remark, that he would be delighted to take the offi- 
 cer by the hand who could fight so bravely, and afterwards 
 behave with so much magnanimity. 
 23 
 
178 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 The following anecdote I have extracted from an excel- 
 lent manuscript biography of Commodore Bainbridge by H. 
 A. S. Dearborn, of Boston. 
 
 " A New York gentleman being in London at the time when 
 the news of the capture of the Java by Commodore Bainbridge 
 arrived, and happening next day to be in company with the 
 venerable and distinguished Admiral Jarvis, the veteran re- 
 marked that he had passed a sleepless night. It was not occa- 
 sioned, he said, by the loss of his Majesty's frigate Java, but 
 by the proud and dignified manner in which the American 
 commander had treated his vanquished enemy. He observed, 
 that the deportment of Bainbridge more resembled the proud 
 bearing of a Spanish grandee to his prisoners during the 
 days of ancient chivalry, than of a young man of a young na- 
 tion, scarcely yet in the gristle of manhood. He added, that 
 this trait of national character, which indicated so much of 
 future greatness, had given to him, as an Englishman, much 
 uneasiness and apprehension." 
 
 A succession of brilliant naval victories had every where 
 inspired confidence in this " arm of our national defence," 
 and awakened the patriotic pride of our citizens to an unre- 
 strained enthusiasm. They proudly witnessed a brave ene- 
 my, who had been hitherto considered invincible, and who 
 had therefore boastfully claimed the seas as her "wide do- 
 main," yield, when opportunity offered, both her "wooden 
 walls," and maritime possessions, to the skill and gallantry 
 of our infant navy. 
 
 The heroes of the navy became the pride and boast of 
 the country, while their achievements shed a living lustre 
 on our national history. Our citizens of all classes partici- 
 pated deeply in these triumphs. The destructive thunders 
 of our men-of-war dispelled the cloud of prejudice which had 
 exerted so baleful an influence on the fortunes of the navy; 
 so that Congress became convinced of its importance, a,nd 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 179 
 
 promptly adopted such measures for its gradual increase, as 
 the then limited finances of the country would warrant. 
 
 While the cruises of the Constitution and Hornet were 
 highly creditable to their commanders, officers, and crews, 
 the frigate Essex, commanded by Captain Porter, which 
 constituted one of the squadron under the command of Com- 
 modore Bainbridgc, was scarcely less successful in the career 
 of glory. 
 
 The Essex sailed from the river Delaware on the 27th of 
 October, 1812, and touched at the various points of rendez- 
 vous assigned to him in Commodore Bainbridge's letter of in- 
 struction ; but not meeting the squadron, and learning that 
 the Montague seventy-four was in pursuit of him, he availed 
 himself of his discretionary orders, shaped his course towards 
 the Pacific ocean, and arrived at Valparaiso on the 14th of 
 March, 1813- After obtaining a supply of water and pro- 
 visions, he proceeded on a cruise, and was so fortunate as to 
 release many of his captured countrymen, to recapture se- 
 veral American merchant vessels which had been taken by 
 the enemy, to give protection to our valuable trade in those 
 seas, and to entirely destroy the enemy's commerce engaged 
 in the whale fishery. While cruising among the Gallipagos 
 islands he captured twelve vessels chiefly engaged in the 
 whale fishery — the whole having on board three hundred 
 and two men, and one hundred and seven guns. 
 
 These achievements, added to the obstinate and heroic de- 
 fence of the Essex, then in a crippled state, against the Bri- 
 tish men-of-war Phoebe, and Cherub, whose united forces 
 were nearly double that of the American frigate, may be 
 ranked among the most brilliant eflforts of the war. 
 
 No squadron of equal strength ever sailed from any coun- 
 try, which accomplished more than did that under the com- 
 mand of Commodore Bainbridge. The glorious achieve- 
 ments of the Constitution, Essex, and Hornet, became thenies 
 of general exultation. 
 
180 LIFE AND SERVICES Or 
 
 When this gallant little squadron left the United States, 
 the chance of return was thought to be improbable. The 
 awful disparity of force against which our few national 
 ships had to contend, while it excited the strongest appre- 
 hensions on the part of our citizens, never for a moment 
 caused our officers to falter, or to lessen their anxiety to 
 measure strength and skill with an enemy who had hitherto 
 undervalued them. All, however, that could be achieved 
 by skill, patriotism, and undaunted hearts, was anticipated, 
 for the fame of our naval heroes had been already blazoned 
 on our national escutcheon. 
 
 Notwithstanding these discouraging forebodings, the cruise 
 proved of great importance to our country and disastrous to 
 the enemy. — The destruction of a frigate and sloop of war, 
 and a valuable packet ship on the coast of Brazil, by the 
 Constitution and Hornet, the capture of twelve valuable mer- 
 chant ships, and the recapture of a number of American 
 ships which had fallen into the hands of the enemy in the 
 Pacific ocean, by the Essex, were exploits of no common cha- 
 racter. 
 
 It is said that Captain Porter captured and destroyed pro- 
 perty belonging to the enemy, to the amount of at least two 
 and a half millions of dollars, while his presence in those seas 
 had preserved from capture an equal amount of American 
 propert}^ 
 
 A very short period before Commodore Bainbridge re- 
 turned from his successful cruise, a law was passed by Con- 
 gress to authorize the building of three line-of-battle ships. 
 As one of these was to be laid at the Boston navy yard, he 
 was requested to superintend the building of it. With this 
 view he resigned the command of the Constitution in March, 
 1813, and accepted an appointment to the navy yard at 
 Charlestown, and of the eastern naval stations, which in- 
 cluded Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine, 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 181 
 
 As there was no convenience for either building or re- 
 pairing ships at this navy yard, the commodore submitted 
 plans, with an estimate, for the erection of wharves, ways, 
 and store-houses, to the secretary of the navy. To these 
 recommendations, the government consented; and measures 
 were at once taken to prepare the yard for building the In- 
 dependence seventy-four. So active was he in urging for- 
 ward the improvements, that on the eighteenth of August 
 her keel was laid, which was the first line-of-battle ship 
 which had been commenced in the United States. As the 
 frame of this ship was moulded in the years 1798-'99 and 
 1800, in conformity to a draught then made, the commo- 
 dore found it impossible to construct her upon the form and 
 dimensions which he deemed most advisable. 
 
 He then thought it important that all our national ships 
 should exceed in size and equipment the same class in the 
 possession of the enemy. By having them so constructed, 
 victory would be rendered certain in all single combats. 
 
 If our ships were larger, and contained a greater force 
 than those of other nations, they could not cruise against us 
 ship for ship. In single fights we could conquer, and soon af- 
 terwards be in a condition to commence another engagement, 
 a matter of great importance, so long as our navy is so 
 much inferior in point of numbers. These views were re- 
 peatedly urged on the secretary of the navy until adopted, 
 and all vessels built since that period have been construct-^ 
 ed in accordance with the above suggestions. 
 
 While Commodore Bainbridge commanded the Boston sta- 
 tion, the United States' frigate Chesapeake sailed from that 
 harbour to encounter the British frigate Shannon, then in 
 the offing. The result of this action, and the causes which 
 led to it, are familiarly known to the nation. The joy 
 which this Victory awakened in England, and the honours 
 which were conferred on Captain Broke, afford the highest 
 complintient which our little navy had previously received. 
 
182 LIFE AND SERVICES OP 
 
 When, before, were the Tower guns fired for the capture 
 of a single frigate ? The English now proclaimed, that all 
 their previous defeats resulted from the superiority in the 
 force of the United States vessels, and that victory would 
 always perch on their standard, whenever the strength and 
 weight of metal of the contending ships were perfectly 
 equal. They have a perfect right to explain their nume- 
 rous disasters in their own way, but this declaration is, for 
 the most part, incorrect; for in several of the engagements, 
 the forces on each side were perfectly equal, and in the 
 instance of the United States ship Wasp, and British brig 
 of war Frolic, the superiority was on the side of the enemy, 
 the latter having four more guns than the former. 
 
 These attempts, which were made to lessen the impor- 
 tance of our naval victories, were reiterated throughout the 
 British press, until our officers felt no small degree of indig- 
 nation. Under the influence of such feeling. Commodore 
 Bainbridge addressed a letter to the secretary of the navy 
 on the subject, of which the following is an extract. 
 
 " We have two frigates, rated thirty-six guns — the Con- 
 gress and Constellation, and should the latter vessel be with- 
 out a commander, and Admiral Warren will agree to an 
 engagement between her and the best thirty-eight gun fri- 
 gate under his command, I beg leave to offer my services 
 on that occasion, as commander of the frigate Constella- 
 tion." 
 
 This bold movement on the part of the commodore was 
 not encouraged by the government, though it applauded the 
 spirit and patriotism in which it originated. The govern- 
 ment did not consider that challenges to single combat were 
 strictly within the bounds of national morals; but when they 
 grew out of circumstances beyond the control of the execu- 
 tive, it was not necessarily considered a subject for inquiry, 
 or of condemnation. 
 
 If zeal for the character and honour of the navy, ani- 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 183 
 
 mated by heroic aspirations for military glory, induced an 
 officer to offer combat on equal terms, and when so situated 
 as not to require the approbation of his government, then 
 neither public feeling nor national dignity is, in any degree, 
 otfended. 
 
 By the loss of the frigate Chesapeake, our naval signals 
 fell into the hands of the enemy. This circumstance ren- 
 dered the preparation of a new code necessary; and Com- 
 modores Bain bridge, Decatur and Hull, were constituted a 
 board, with directions from the secretary of the navy to per- 
 form this dut}'. 
 
 The attention of the officers who w^ere associated with 
 him being engaged, at that period, in other important du- 
 ties, Bainbridge prepared the signals himself, and transmit- 
 ted them to the navy department. The private signals 
 were so formed, as to make a discovery of them impossible, 
 except through treachery. The numerical, private, day, 
 night and fog signals were highly approved of, and were im- 
 mediately introduced into the navy. The system of naval 
 telegraph, thus hastily prepared, has continued in use ever 
 since. 
 
 Commodore Bainbridge had often observed w-ith concern, 
 that great abuses were practised by commanders in the re- 
 pair and equipment of vessels, arising from their various 
 tastes and predilections. In a communication to the navy 
 department, he stated, that he wished to see some regula- 
 tions adopted for the government of officers while engaged 
 on this duty. He lamented to witness the capricious dispo- 
 sition of commanders to alter and undo what had been pre- 
 viously executed by a predecessor; being always attended 
 with considerable expense, and the alteration was as fre- 
 quently injurious as beneficial. He deprecated this idle and 
 improper course, and expressed the opinion that it could not 
 be prevented without some positive regulation on the sub- 
 ject by the navy department. In consequence of these rep- 
 resentations. Commodores Bainbridge and Morris were di- 
 
184 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 rected to report a code of rules and regulations on this sub- 
 ject. In the autumn of 1813 these regulations had been 
 digested and arranged, and soon afterwards reported to the 
 navy department. They were acknowledged to be most 
 useful and instructive. 
 
 During the autumn of 1813, and spring of 1814, Commo- 
 dore Bainbridgc had advanced rapidly in his improvements 
 of the navy yard at Charlestown. The hull of the seventy- 
 four was in progress— the sloops of war, Frolic and Wasp, 
 named after the captvu'ed ships, were built under his direc- 
 tion, and were equipped, and sailed in February under the 
 commands of Captains Joseph Bainbridge and Blakely. 
 
 The frigate Constitution was also thoroughly repaired, 
 and sailed in December, 1813, under the command of Com- 
 modore Stewart. Always blest with able commanders, of- 
 ficers, and crews, she soon proved again triumphant, and 
 was not long in returning to port with a small frigate and 
 sloop of war in her train. 
 
 In northern climates, it is found impracticable for mecha- 
 nics to labour advantageously during the inclement season 
 of winter. Anxious to urge forward the completion of the 
 seventy-four as rapidly as possible, Commodore Bainbridge 
 proposed, in a letter to the secretary of the navy, dated 
 August 21.st, 1813, to consti'uct houses over the ship's zvays, 
 then building at Charlestown and Portsmouth. The work- 
 men being thus protected, would be able not only to labour 
 ivith more celerity, but with more neatness and efficiency. 
 The vessels themselves, if not sooner required, might remain 
 on the stocks for half a century, without suffering any ma- 
 terial deterioration. The advantages proposed were so appa- 
 rent, that the secretary of the navy did not hesitate to au- 
 thorize the immediate erection of the houses. 
 
 Similar houses have since been erected at all the build- 
 ing yards in the United States. By this improvement, me- 
 chanics are enabled to labour throughout the winter, with 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 185 
 
 as much advantage to the public, and convenience to them- 
 selves, as in the pleasant months of summer. 
 
 The distinguished British naval architect, Sir Robert Sep- 
 pings, having learned from this experiment, the great advan- 
 tages of such structures, he suggested to the board of admi- 
 ralty, in the year 181G, to direct similar cditices to be erected 
 at all the principal navy yards in that kingdom. 
 
 24 
 
LIFE AND SERVICES OF COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 187 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Ports of New England threatened by the Enemy — Exertions made tb 
 protect the Harbour of Boston — Letters to General Brooks — Boston 
 Committee — How received — Harrison Gray Otis addresses the Town 
 Meeting — Plan of Defence — Blockade of the Harbour removed — Pro- 
 poses a Cruise for the Independence — Proposes the Formation of a 
 Navy Board — War declared against Algiers — Commissioners to form 
 a Treaty of Peace — Peace made — A Misunderstanding with the Go- 
 vernor of Malaga — Return to Gibraltar — Orders to Captain Shaw — 
 Arrives in Boston — A Letter from Mr. Monroe and Mr. Crowninshield 
 — A Letter to Mr. Felsh — Officers placed on Half Pay— A Proposi- 
 tion to reduce the Navy. 
 
 In the early part of the summer of 1814, it was appre- 
 hended that a powerful land and naval force was preparing 
 at Hahfax and Bermuda, destined for the destruction of the 
 principal sea ports in New England. The navy yards of 
 Boston and Portsmouth were the points which most invited 
 attacks. The seventy-fours, frigates, and smaller vessels 
 now moored at these places, together with the valuable naval 
 and military stores, were thought important objects, which 
 it was for the interest of Great Britain to destroy. 
 
 Commodore Bainbridge made every exertion which his 
 limited means would warrant to afford protection to the na- 
 
188 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 tional properly. The Independence seventy-four was 
 launched, guns were mounted on board of her, and so an- 
 chored in connexion with the frigate Constitution as to rake 
 the harbour, and intilade any squadron of boats which might 
 attempt to carry the navy yard by assault. He erected, be- 
 sides, three small batteries on the eastern embankment of the 
 yard, on which w^ere mounted twenty-four cannon, placed a 
 line of palisades across the wharf, and mounted some heavy 
 cannon in the rear of them, which commanded the passage 
 to the yard. He placed other guns so as to enable him to 
 rake the estuary of the Mystic river. A chain of sentinels 
 were stationed round the yard and wdiarf, and every prepa- 
 ration made for a vigorous defence. The militia of Charles- 
 town and Boston volunteered their services, mounted guard 
 in different parts of the town, and manifested a patriotic de- 
 termination to contribute to the defence of the station. As 
 the enemy now appeared off the harbour with a large force, 
 the commodore deemed it prudent to confer with the adju- 
 tant general of the state in relation to the adoption of such 
 measures as might conduce to the protection of the navy 
 yard and harbour of Boston. Owing, however, to causes 
 which the commodore could not comprehend, he did not 
 observe that zeal and activity manifested by the state au- 
 thorities which the alarming emergency required. Feeling 
 deeply the responsibility of his situation, he endeavoured to 
 av\'aken in them, by the following communications, a dispo- 
 sition more congenial with his own. 
 
 ^' JVavy Yard, CharJestown, 
 ''June the 12lh, 1814. 
 
 *' Sir, 
 
 " I entertained a hope that I would have heard from you 
 before this on the subject of my verbal communications. 
 
 '' The force of the enemy at the mouth of our harbour 
 
COMMODORE BAIN BRIDGE. 189 
 
 has been increased ; and, from their known character for 
 enterprise, I think an attack on this place a probable event:, 
 unless some measures of defence are speedily adopted to pre- 
 vent it. With the enemy at our threshold, when the inte- 
 rests of both the general and state government are in jeo- 
 pardy, I sincerely hope it will not be a question which of 
 them shall repel the assault. If the enemy should enter 
 these waters with a view to the destruction of this estab- 
 lishment, the resistance which most assuredly will be made, 
 must endanger the towns of Boston and Cliarlestown. 
 
 *' Feeling, as I sincerely do, for the interest and safety of 
 this section of our country in the present hour of peril, I shall 
 exert all the means within m}^ power, not only for the pro- 
 tection of this important post, but for the security of the 
 harbour and town of Boston. 
 
 " You will oblige me by laying this communication before 
 his excellency, the governor of the commonwealth of Massa- 
 chusetts, and by informing me of his excellency's determina- 
 tion on the subject, you will oblige, 
 
 " Dear sir, yours with sentiments 
 " of high respect, 
 
 " WM. BAINBRIDGE. 
 
 ^' General John Brooks, 
 
 " Adjutant General of, &c." 
 
 •' A^avy Yard, Charleslown, 
 " Jime 13th, 1814. 
 *« Sir, 
 
 " The force of the enemy in Boston Bay justifies, in my 
 opinion, apprehensions of an attack being made on this place, 
 and calls for united exertions to repel it. 
 
 " The important public property intrusted to my charge 
 within this establishment, might, in such an event, suffer 
 severely, and would, in a considerable degree, expose the 
 -towns of Boston and Charlestown. I hope, therefore, that 
 
190 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 such measures will be adopted, as shall guard against the 
 threatening danger. 
 
 "I beg leave to particularly recommend that orders be 
 given to the militia in this neighbourhood to hold themselves 
 in readiness to act immediately when they hear the signal of 
 alarm ; that a guard with two pieces of artillery be sta- 
 tioned on this side of Chelsea Bridge to give the alarm, and 
 to repel the enemy if advanchig by that passage ; and that 
 videttes be placed on the heights beyond Chelsea meeting- 
 house, to watch the movements of the enemy, and to make 
 them known, if of moment. 
 
 " Should his excellency the governor be pleased to direct 
 the foregoing arrangements to be made, it will contribute 
 to the safety of the United States' property within this navy 
 yard, and the capital of the state. 
 
 " Annexed are the signals v»'hich will be made in case of 
 alarm, when the assistance of five or six hundred militia 
 might prove of the utmost importance to the preservation of 
 the public stores, and the national vessels at this place. 
 
 " I am, dear sir, &c., &c., 
 "WM. BAINBRIDGK 
 
 " General Brooks," &c., &c. 
 
 A part only of the measures recommended by Commodore 
 Bainbridge were acceded to, and adopted. 
 
 A committee w-as directed by the governor and council to 
 propose to him to remove the line-of-battle ship and frigate 
 below forts Independence and Warren. The commodore 
 informed the committee that he had disposed of his force 
 according to his best judgment, and could not act in obe- 
 dience to suggestions which he deemed unsound. If the 
 ships were removed to the situation proposed, the forts could 
 not co-operate with them, and they would be subject to the 
 same fire as the fleet of the enemy, by which the two most 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 191 
 
 commanding works for the protection of the town of Boston 
 would thus be rendered inefficient. 
 
 The committee observed that the public ships were the 
 exclusive objects of attack ; and if the Independence and 
 Constitution remained at their present anchorage, the fire of 
 the enemy would be drawn on the towns of Boston and 
 Charlestown, and thus involve them in the ruin of the na- 
 tional property. Bainbridge wuth warmth replied, that the 
 government had confided to him an important command, 
 and no temporizing expedients would induce him to alter 
 the system of defence which he had originally planned. He 
 was then asked, that if the people of Boston should decline 
 all measures of defence, in consequence of his refusing to 
 move the ships to the places proposed, whether that consi- 
 deration would not induce him to yield 1 to which he firmly 
 replied, JVb, nor any other consideration whatever. If the 
 people of Boston, he added, should refuse to defend their 
 houses and property, they alone must be answerable for the 
 neglect. The public property did not belong to any parti- 
 cular administration, but to the nation, and he regretted to 
 observe that a portion, he believed a very small portion of 
 the citizens of that vicinity, in manifesting a hostility to the 
 one, should give evidence of a want of proper zeal in their 
 duty to the other. For his own part, he would act like an 
 American, and do all that was incumbent on him as an of- 
 ficer of the United States. 
 
 Bainbridge informed the committee that he was deter- 
 mined to defend his command to the last extremity, let the 
 consequences be what they might. If the citizens chose to 
 make their interests a separate one from that of the nation, 
 let the terrible consequences fall where they deserve. Duty 
 and honour dictated the course which he should pursue. 
 
 Other attempts were made by individual consultations to 
 induce the commodore to change his plan of defence ; but he 
 
192 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 remained firm to his purpose, and devoted his whole ener- 
 gies to the organization and proper disposition of his force. 
 
 The danger evidently increasing towards autumn, the 
 President of the United States transmitted to Major General 
 Dearborn the necessary instructions for the defence of the 
 north-eastern mihtary district. This officer's exertions were 
 not seconded by proper zeal on the part of the executive of 
 the state. The requisitions which were made on him by the 
 President of the United Stales, to detach a body of mihtia to 
 garrison the forts on the sea-coast, were not obeyed, and he 
 refused to co-operate with General Dearborn for the com- 
 mon defence. The executive alleged that an officer of the 
 general government had no constitutional claim to call out 
 and command the militia, except in cases W'here it was ne- 
 cessary " to execute the laws of the union, suppress insurrec- 
 tion, and to repel invasion." Such exigencies he thought 
 had not presented themselves. This doctrine has been since 
 formally repudiated by the legislature of Massachusetts. 
 
 The variance of opinion between tiie state and national 
 executives, tended greatly to increase the general alarm. It 
 Wcis found difficult to properly man all our forts from the 
 reo-ular army, and to prevent the devastating excursions 
 which marked the conduct of the enemy on tiie southern 
 coast. The British army, now re-enforced by the victorious 
 troops of Wellington, seconded by a powerful navy, threat- 
 ened our country throughout our maritime frontier. Added 
 to this, the district of Maine was conquered as far as Penob- 
 scot, the city of Washington conflagrated, Baltimore assailed, 
 and many villages on the Chesapeake plundered and laid 
 in ashes, and still the spirit of the Revolution slumbered. 
 
 The patriotic of both political parties, however, urged the 
 necessity of the immediate adoption of such measures as 
 the crisis demanded. Meetings were called throughout the 
 sea-board to recommend the adoption of strong measures for 
 the common defence. 
 
COMMODORE BAIN BRIDGE. 193 
 
 A public call was made on the citizens of Boston to as- 
 semble for this purpose, and previously to the day on which 
 they were to meet, Commodore Bainbridge addressed the 
 subjoined letter to the Honourable Harrison Gray Otis. This 
 gentleman, to his honour be it said, warmly participated 
 in the discussion of the day, and by his eloquence infused 
 such zeal into the breasts of his auditory, as to cause them 
 to adopt, without hesitation, the salutary measures recom- 
 mended by the patriotic Bainbridge. 
 
 '\JVavy Yard, Charlestowti, 
 "September 3d, 1814. 
 " Sir, 
 
 " At the approaching town meeting I sincerely hope you 
 will advocate preparatory measures of defence. The in- 
 fluence of your opinion is great, and believe me if you exert 
 it to that object you will render essential benefit to your 
 country, and protection to your native town. I am decided- 
 ly of opinion, that if the following measures should be adopted, 
 the citizens of Boston and its vicinity may sleep in perfect 
 security, viz : 
 
 " A battery on Noddle's Island of heavy cannon ; tempo., 
 rary breast-works on North End Battery wharf, May's, and 
 Long wharves, to mount four or six eighteen pounders each ; 
 a few cannon placed on Dorchester Flats and Heights; 
 three eighteen pounders on Long Island Head, with a picket 
 guard of forty or fifty men ; videttes stationed on Chelsea 
 Woods and Heights, and on Nantucket Heights ; redoubts 
 on the Neck, west end of Chelsea and of Maiden Bridges; 
 with proper arrangements to destroy those bridges, on the 
 approach of an enemy, would, in my opinion, give complete 
 security against any views or objects that the enemy might 
 have against us. 
 
 " 1 have no hesitation in pledging my opinion as an officer, 
 that the adoption of these measures, would, in all moral pro- 
 25 
 
194 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 bability, secure us from any attack of the enemy ; if not, it 
 would certainly enable us to make a better defence, and I 
 doubt not an honourable one. 
 
 " The defence, by these precautionary measures, would be 
 much less than at a first view of the subject might be con- 
 ceived. You may naturally suppose, my dear sir, that I feel 
 great responsibility, and have great desire to be secure in 
 the important trust committed to me; but I pray you, how- 
 ever, not to form hasty misconceptions on this communica- 
 tion. I assuredly feel the importance of my command, and 
 the duty I owe to my country; and I trust, with the fullest 
 confidence, that the naval force in the harbour under my 
 direction, will do its duty faithfully, in the event of an attack. 
 I have, therefore, no apprehensions on that head, for I may 
 gain public approbation in an able defence. 
 
 " Yet, sir, I am deeply interested for the safety of the 
 towns of Boston and Charlestown in such an event, and 
 should be highly gratified at the adoption of such measures 
 for their defence, (as much as for the national property 
 within my command,) as it is in the power of the common- 
 wealth to apply. I wish to see measures taken for the se- 
 curity of all, which could be so readily and cheaply ap- 
 plied. 
 
 " These observations, thrown hastily together, after mid- 
 night, will, I am confident, be received by you with that dis- 
 position which the friendship which subsists between us au- 
 thorizes me to anticipate. 
 
 "Believe me to be, with great respect, 
 *' Your ob't. servant, 
 
 « WM. BAINBRIDGE." 
 
 By his patriotic importunities, and devoted zeal as an offi- 
 cer, sustained as he was by many of the most eminent citizens 
 of Boston, and by the public voice, the resources of the state 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 195 
 
 were at length fully drawn forth. The militia were called 
 out, redouhts and breast-works were erected, hulks nnoored 
 in the channel, and prepared to be sunk on the approach of 
 the enemy, and such other arrangements as the times and 
 the occasion seemed to require. As the commodore had 
 predicted, these preparations completely secured Boston and 
 its dependencies from any attack from the enemy. The 
 British commanding officer, learning that the spirit of the 
 people was roused, and that every arrangement was made 
 to give them a rough reception, very prudently changed his 
 determination with regard to his contemplated onset, and 
 directed his course to the south. 
 
 It is due to the people of Boston, as well as to Commodore 
 Bainbridge, to state, that he never for a moment doubted 
 their patriotism, and always attributed the want of zeal 
 ■which he lamented, to the effects of former political feuds, 
 of which they could not divest themselves until danger 
 threatened. When the peril was the greatest, they boldly 
 marched to the rescue, and thus proved that the stout hearts 
 of the Revolution continued to beat for their country. 
 
 Being now relieved from all painful apprehensions with 
 regard to the navy yard and line-of-battle ship, he urged the 
 carpenters to complete her as fast as practicable. After she 
 was rigged, and only waited for her guns and crew to be 
 prepared for a cruise, Commodore Bainbridge signified his 
 wishes to the secretary of the navy in the following private 
 letter. 
 
 " JVavy Yard, Charleslown, 
 "October 22, 1813. 
 " Mv DEAR Sir, 
 
 " I feel extremely anxious to get to sea during this win- 
 ter, to establish the fact that we are able successfully to fight 
 Great Britain in other classes of vessels besides those of fri- 
 gates and sloops of war. By having the guns sent to me, 
 
196 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 and a draught of men from the lakes, I could employ an ex- 
 cellent ship on a cruise against the enemy, and if not as suc- 
 cessful as I could wish, will not, I pledge you, detract from 
 the reputation of the navy. If you think it possihle that 
 the hidcpendence can be got to sea this winter, I would be 
 very much obliged to you to inform me of it, and to permit 
 me to give you my ideas of a plan for her cruise. 
 
 " In fact, I would willingly travel to Washington to com- 
 municate with you verbally on so desirable an object. Be- 
 lieving as I do, that the war must inevitably continue some 
 time longer, before the enemy will be disposed to treat on 
 terms compatible with our national honour and interest; and 
 the more we make her pride and commerce feel our exer- 
 tions, the sooner will she recover from the delusion into which 
 she has been thrown by her past success, which has been 
 for many years almost uninterrupted. 
 
 " It will take, comparatively speaking, but a small sum td 
 get the Independence to sea ; and if she is sent, I pledge my 
 life that you will be gratified with the cruise. 
 
 " Do you not think that an advisable cruise might be made 
 wuth the Independence, a frigate, and a small tender in the 
 China seas? The British trade in that quarter is immensely 
 valuable; and besides, I might come athwart a small squad- 
 ron of the enemy, such as would not exceed in strength that 
 under my own command. 
 
 " With hopes of soon hearing from you, 
 " I am very sincerely yours, 
 
 "WM. BAINBRIDGE. 
 " The Honourable Wm, Jones, ^ 
 " Secretary of the Navy." 3 
 
 The secretary of the navy was made fully sensible of the 
 importance of getting the line-of-battle ship on a cruise a's 
 early as possible ; but the transportation of her guns from the 
 5outh ]>y land during the winter senson was considered im- 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGR. 197 
 
 practicable. The danger of capture forbid a coast convey- 
 ance. From these circumstances, the secretary of the navy 
 decided to wait until the return of good roads, before any at- 
 tempt should be made to forward the necessary armament. 
 
 While the commodore was thus anxiously waiting for the 
 period to arrive when he might again try his fortune on an 
 element, which but a short time before had witnessed his 
 brilliant success, the news of Peace with England reached 
 this country. Though this intelligence was received by him, 
 for many reasonsv with much gratification, yet it added to 
 the poignancy of the regrets which he had previously felt, 
 that he had been unable to get to sea the previous autumn, 
 in order that he might have had an opportunity of endea- 
 vouring to break the charm of British invincibility in their 
 own favourite class of vessels. 
 
 Long experience in naval concerns, convinced Commo- 
 dore Bainbridge that the administration of the navy never 
 can be wisely conducted without professional knowledge. 
 In a letter to a member of the naval committee, in answer 
 to a communication on the subject of rules and regulations 
 for the government of the navy, he remarks : 
 
 " I am decidedly of opinion that the desirable object which 
 your committee has been instructed to obtain cannot be ef- 
 fectually or successfully accomplished without the aid of a 
 board of naval commissioners composed of the best nautical 
 skill of your naval service. 
 
 "Officers thus appointed would be enabled to create and 
 digest a system for the better government of the navy, and 
 report the same for the approbation and confirmation of Con- 
 gress. The advantage would be not only in having a sys- 
 tem in theory, but, with such assistance to the secretary of 
 the navy, it would be practically adopted. To expect any 
 secretary of the navy, hov^^ever well qualified for the sta- 
 'tion, to be enabled to perform all the multifarious duties 
 
198 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 which at present devolve upon him, would be expecting im- 
 possibilities, which I am confident any gentleman who has 
 filled it will readily acknowledge. 
 
 " The organization of a system so complicated as the 
 whole of a naval establishment, cannot be immediately regu- 
 lated. To correct abuses and create improvements will re- 
 quire time, and can be only done by competent and faithful 
 officers invested with proper power. I am certain that in 
 less than one year after the appointment of a board of able 
 commissioners, the propriety and advantages of such a mea- 
 sure v/ould be fully demonstrated." 
 
 In conformity to the above recommendation, the secretary 
 of the navy submitted to Congress a project for the establish- 
 ment of a board of naval commissioners. At the close of the 
 session of 18 14-' 15, such a board was authorized by law, 
 and was soon afterwards organized. Commodore Bainbridge 
 was not appointed one of the first naval commissioners, as 
 he was then engaged in another important service. He was, 
 however, the first to suggest the necessity of establishing this 
 highly important improvement in the administration of the 
 concerns of the navy. 
 
 Shortly after the commencement of hostilities with Great 
 Britain, war was declared against the United States by the 
 regency of Algiers. Having happily adjusted our difficul- 
 ties with England, our government made hasty preparations 
 to protect our valuable commerce in the Mediterranean. Con- 
 gress declared war against Algiers, on the second of March, 
 1815. Two squadrons were ordered to be fitted out imme- 
 diately; one at Boston, under the command of Commodore 
 Bainbridge, and the other at New York, under the command 
 of Commodore Decatur. The latter squadron sailed first, 
 though both were to be united under the command of Bain- 
 Ijridge on his arrival in the Mediterranean. 
 
 Commodores Bainbridge, Decatur, and William Shaler, 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGK. 199 
 
 Esq., consul general of Barbary, were appointed commission- 
 ers to negotiate a treaty of peace with the regency of Al- 
 giers. 
 
 On the thirteenth of June, the squadron commanded by 
 Decatur, arrived at Gibraltar — on the seventeenth fell in 
 with and captured the Algerine frigate Mazouda off Cape 
 De Gatte, and on the nineteenth took a large man-of-war 
 brig off Cape Palos. He sent the captured vessels into Car- 
 thagena, and proceeded at once to Algiers, where, after a few 
 days, an advantageous treaty of peace was negotiated. 
 
 The squadron under the command of Commodore Bain- 
 bridge arrived in the Mediterranean on the fifth of August, 
 and learning that hostilities had terminated, he wrote the 
 subjoined letter to the secretary of the navy. 
 
 " Peace having taken place with the regency of Algiers^ 
 it only now remains for me to obey your instructions, by 
 exhibiting the squadron off Tunis and Tripoli, and by leaving 
 one frigate and two smaller vessels near the Gut of Gibral- 
 tar, and then return to New^port, with the remainder of the 
 squadron, where I shall expect to arrive some time in No- 
 vember next," 
 
 Learning that some difficulty had occurred between the 
 Bashaw of Tripoli and Tunis, and the United States con- 
 suls residing there, Bainbridge proceeded to these ports, and 
 on his way touched at Algiers with the view of exhibiting 
 the additional naval force under his command. He was well 
 aware of the importance of giving the Dey ocular demon- 
 stration of the extent and resources of the naval power of 
 this country. Faithless as regards political obligations, the 
 only way by which the friendship of this people can be pre- 
 served, is by operating on their fears. 
 
 The misunderstandings both at Tunis and Tripoli had 
 been adjusted by Decatur, before the arrival of the second 
 squadron. Commodore Bainbridge was informed, however. 
 
200 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 by the several consuls, that the display of his squadron im- 
 mediately after the departure of that under the command 
 of Commodore Decatur, had a happy influence in checking 
 the pride and rapacity of the Barhary chiefs. By thus af- 
 fording them an evidence, not only of the extent and re- 
 sources of the United States, but of their prompt disposition 
 to repel encroachments on their maritime rights, she would 
 secure a lasting peace and courteous treatment to our agents. 
 The friendly relations which have since subsisted between the 
 United States and these regencies, afford the best proof of 
 the character of the impression which was then made. 
 
 The squadron soon afterwards sailed for Malaga, and while 
 lying at anchor in that harbour, a seaman deserted from the 
 line-of-battle ship Independence. The deserter was seized 
 in the streets by one of the United States' officers ; but upon 
 declaring himself a Spanish subject, and claiming protection 
 as such, he was released by a military guard, and carried 
 to the quarters of the general of marine. The commodore 
 being informed of these transactions, waited on the governor, 
 and demanded the restoration of the deserter. The gover- 
 nor referred him to the general of marine, on whom he 
 called and made a similar demand, which was peremptorily 
 refused. The commodore returned to the governor, and as- 
 sured him that unless the seaman was restored immediately, 
 he was determined to take him by force. He considered his 
 detention an insult to the flag of his country, which should 
 not be submitted to with impunity. If this man had been 
 secreted in a private house, he should not use violence to re- 
 cover him ; but being detained by an officer of the Spanish 
 government, he must consider the act as hostile to the United 
 States, and act accordingly. 
 
 On departing from the house of the governor, he declared 
 in a tone which sufficiently indicated his determined pur- 
 pose, that unless the man was sent on board the Indepen- 
 
COMMODORE BAJNBRIDGE. 201 
 
 dence in half an hour, he would land five hundred men, and 
 take him from the quarters of the general of marine. If 
 resistance were made, he would open the fire of the squad- 
 ron upon the town. This firm conduct so speedily worked a 
 change in the sentiments of the governor and general of 
 marine, that the commodore had scarcely reached the boat 
 when the seaman was delivered by a guard of soldiers. 
 
 A few days after these transactions he sailed hence for 
 Gibraltar, where it was his intention to await the arrival of 
 the first squadron. On entering the harbour he saluted the 
 garrison with seventeen guns, which was returned with only 
 fifteen. Though the commodore was satisfied that this omis- 
 sion was either the result of accident, or a misunderstanding, 
 yet, always alive to the honour of the flag which proudly 
 waved over his squadron, he never would suflTer it, from any 
 cause, to be treated with disrespect. He therefore despatched 
 an ofiicer to request that an equal number of guns be re- 
 turned to the salute which he had fired. Governor Don 
 promptly ordered this to be done — explained the cause of 
 the omission, and offered an apology which was entirely sa- 
 tisfactory. 
 
 So soon as the object of the expedition was attained, he 
 was directed by the secretary of the navy, to detail a fri- 
 gate and two sloops of war, for the protection of our com- 
 merce in the Mediterranean, and return with the rest of the 
 squadron to the United States. As this force was not con- 
 sidered altogether sufficient, he took upon himself the re- 
 sponsibility of adding to it another frigate. The command 
 of this little squadron was conferred on Captain Shaw, to 
 whom he gave the following orders. 
 
 " Sir, 
 
 " I shall leave the following vessels in the MediteiTa- 
 nean, viz. the frigates United States and Constellation, and 
 26 
 
202 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 sloops of war Ontario and Erie; and as you will be the se- 
 nior officer, the command will devolve on you. 
 
 " The object of leaving this force is to watch the conduct 
 of the Barbary powers, particularly that of Algiers, — to 
 guard against, as far as the force under your command can 
 do, any depredations they may be disposed to commit, and 
 "to give protection to the commerce of the citizens of the 
 United States. 
 
 " For your rendezvous, you will select Gibraltar, Cadiz, 
 or Malaga, whichever may, in your judgment, appear most 
 advantageous. Enclosed is a list of articles daily expected 
 in the United States ships John Adams and Alert, and 
 which are to be disposed of agreeably to the directions on 
 said list, when the vessels must be ordered to proceed, with 
 the least possible delay, to New York. 
 
 " You must occasionally show the force under your com- 
 mand off Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli, and keep up a regular 
 communication with William Shaler, Esq., our consul at 
 Algiers. Keep the navy department informed of your move- 
 ments, and the state of our affairs with Barbary. 
 " I am, sir, 
 
 " Your obedient servant, 
 "WM. BAINBRIDGE." 
 
 Having made the necessary arrangements for the protec- 
 tion of our commerce against the pirates of Barbary, Com- 
 modore Bainbridge sailed from Gibraltar on the sixth of Oc- 
 tober, and safely arrived in Nev^^port on the fifteenth of No- 
 vember, 1815. The vessels under his immediate command, 
 added to those which he had stationed in the Mediterranean, 
 formed the largest squadron which was ever before fitted 
 cut in the United States. 
 
 The health and discipline of the crew — the neatness and 
 perfect equipment of the vessels, together with the correct 
 &.nd gentleman-like deportment of the officers, made a fa- 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGK. 303 
 
 vourable impression, and elicited expressions of admiratioi^ 
 wherever the squadron appeared. Though suflScient time 
 had hardly elapsed to wear away the asperities occasioned 
 by the recent war with Great Britain, yet, whenever their 
 officers met ours, there existed the utmost courtesy. His 
 Excellency Governor Don was in every way cordial, but 
 particularly so to Commodore Bainbridge. 
 
 This prompt display of our naval strength, so soon after 
 the termination of hostilities with Great Britain, evinced 
 both the ability and disposition of the United States, to af- 
 ford protection to our citizens and commerce in all situa- 
 tions. 
 
 Before the authorities of Barbary had received an inti- 
 mation of the restoration of peace with the great naval 
 power of Europe, our squadron appeared before their capi- 
 tals — had captured several of their vessels, and soon after- 
 wards made Algiers sue for peace — obliged Tunis to refund 
 the amount of American property which they permitted the 
 English cruisers to take out of their harbour — and com- 
 pelled Tripoli to offer an apology for the insult offered to 
 the United States consul, and again to hoist the flag of the 
 United States over the consul's house, accompanied by a 
 salute of twenty-four guns. Most of these ends were 
 achieved by Commodore Decatur before the arrival of 
 Bainbridge, yet the government was perfectly pleased and 
 gratified with the manner in which he performed the duties 
 assigned to him, as will appear from the following letters 
 from the secretaries of state and of the navy. 
 
 " Department of State, 
 " December 5, 1815. 
 " Sir, 
 
 " I have had the honour to receive your letters of Sep- 
 tember the sixth, and November the fifteenth, communicating 
 the movements of the squadron under your command, in the 
 
204 LIFE AlfD SERVICES OF 
 
 late expedition to the Mediterranean, and to submit them 
 to the consideration of the President. 
 
 " I am instructed to inform you, that all the measures 
 which you adopted, in obedience to your orders in present- 
 ing your squadron before Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli, and 
 in providing for the safety of our commerce in that sea, are 
 approved by the President, and that he has the fullest con- 
 fidence, had an opportunity been offered for signalizing the 
 gallantry which you and the officers under you have dis- 
 played on former occasions, that the result would have been 
 equally glorious. 
 
 " I have the honour to be, 
 " Very respectfully, 
 
 " Your obedient servant, 
 
 "JAMES MONROE. 
 
 " Commodore Bainbridge." 
 
 " N'avy Depariment. 
 
 " November 27, 1815. 
 
 " Sir, 
 
 " I have the honour to acknowledge your several letters 
 of the 15th, 16th, and 19th, current. 
 
 " The copies of correspondence and your journal have 
 been submitted to the President of the United States, who 
 has expressed his entire approbation of your conduct. I am 
 happy in being the organ of communicating to you the sa- 
 tisfaction which the President feels at the successful result 
 of the expedition to the Mediterranean, in which your ser- 
 vices are fully appreciated, from a conviction, that, had cir- 
 cumstances rendered them farther necessary to the accom- 
 plishment of the object, you would have added to the lustre 
 of your fame, and nautical reputation, and fulfilled the, 
 high expectations of your country and government. 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE- 205 
 
 " The judicious arrangements nmade under your direction, 
 and the superior organization and discipUne of our ships, 
 during the short and important period of your command, 
 will receive the meed of praise and national respect to 
 which you are justly entitled, while the ' marked allenlion,^ 
 you have received from the officers of that nation, with 
 which we were lately at war, must afford to you the high- 
 est satisfaction, in reflecting upon the distinguished share 
 you sustained in the glorious conflict which established our 
 naval character. 
 
 The other subjects of your letter, shall receive due con- 
 sideration, and prompt attention. 
 
 " I have the honour to be, 
 " Sir, very respectfully, 
 
 " Your obedient servant, 
 
 ''B. W. CROWNINSHIELD, 
 
 " CbMMODORE BaINBRIDGE." 
 
 Orders were transmitted to the commodore, to send part 
 of the squadron under his command to New York, and 
 proceed with the remainder to Boston, where, with the ex- 
 ception of the Independence, they were all dismantled and 
 placed in ordinary. 
 
 Commodore Bainbridge continued in command of the In- 
 dependence, and of the Boston station for several years. 
 During this period, his favourite ship was supplied with her 
 full complement of officers, and about two-thirds of her 
 crew. From the perfect condition of this vessel, and from 
 the high state of discipline maintained, she was the admira- 
 tion of the numerous visiters with which she was daily ho- 
 noured. 
 
 Anxious to afford the officers under his command all the 
 opportunities for improvement which he could control, he 
 
206 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 established a school in the navy yard, which was placed, by 
 the following order, under the direction of the Rev. Mr. 
 Felsh, a chaplain of the navy. 
 
 " United States^ ship Independence, 
 
 " Boston Harbour, December 10, 1815. 
 « Sir, 
 
 " I have to direct, that you open a naval school within 
 the navy yard at Charlestown, in such apartments as Cap- 
 tain Hull may assign to you, for the purpose of instructing 
 the officers of the squadron in those branches of mathema- 
 tics, which appertain to their profession. 
 
 " The school must be opened every day in the week, Sun- 
 day excepted, — the hours of study must be from nine, A. M. 
 to one, P. M, You will daily report to me the names of the 
 officers who attend. Once a fortnight, you will make to me 
 a general report of the respective branches of study in 
 which each officer is engaged, accompanied with candid re- 
 inarks on their conduct, attention, and progress. 
 " I am, &c. 
 
 "WM. BAINBRIDGE. 
 
 «' The Rev. Mr. Felsh." 
 
 By thus giving the junior officers habits of study and in- 
 dustry, he preserved their morals, and improved their pro- 
 fessional acquirements. — To prevent the officers under his 
 command, while in port, from falling into habits of idleness — 
 a habit so easily acquired, and difficult to be shaken off, 
 he made it an invariable rule to give them employ- 
 ment. For this purpose he obliged the officers of the Inde- 
 pendence to keep their regular watches, and to perform 
 their duty precisely in the same way, which it would be 
 necessary to do, if the ship were in daily expectation of 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 207 
 
 sailing. — By this course, the younger officers acquired a 
 knowledge of their duty, and by which, also, they were pre- 
 vented from 
 
 " living' dully, slug-gardized at home. 
 
 Wearing out their youth with shapeless idleness." 
 
 About this period an injudicious spirit of economy had 
 well nigh proved destructive of our naval establishments. — 
 Our ships, with but few exceptions, were directed to be 
 placed in ordinary, and our officers placed on half pay. — By 
 this policy, those gentlemen who had embarked their for- 
 tunes in the service of their country would be forced, by 
 necessity, either to direct their attention to other pursuits, 
 to engage in the navy of a foreign government, or to lead 
 an idle and listless life ; engendering habits of vice, not only 
 injurious to their own characters, but to those officers with 
 whom they might afterwards associate. Either course would 
 necessarily have proved equally injurious to this important 
 branch of the public service. 
 
 Commodore Bainbridge was so deeply impressed with the 
 destructive tendency of this measure, that he suffered no 
 opportunity to pass without bestowing upon it the strongest 
 expressions of reprobation. Being sustained in his views by 
 many of the most intelligent citizens of our country, as well 
 as by the officers, they were at last embraced by the go- 
 vernment, and those that were more contracted and illibe- 
 ral abandoned it, never again, it was hoped, to be re- 
 vived. 
 
 Though our economists were driven from the ground on 
 this point, yet they soon afterwards discovered, that the 
 services of certain officers could be dispensed with, and thus 
 some ten or twenty thousand dollars would be saved by the 
 government. — In conformity with these views, a bill was re- 
 vported to Congress which authorized the dismissal of a num- 
 
208 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 ber of officers from each grade. — Believing that this mea- 
 sure would prove as injurious as the one against which he 
 had already remonstrated, he strongly opposed its passage 
 into a law. — To a friend in Congress, who had asked his 
 opinion on the subject, he replied, that — 
 
 " This vascillating policy, but above all this ungratefril 
 method of dismissing brave, intelligent, and useful officers, 
 will ultimately lead to the worst consequences. It will not 
 only weaken the bond of attachment which unites them to 
 the government, but takes away all incitement to become 
 qualified for the appointments which they hold, by a tenure 
 so precarious. If an officer serves with an expectation of 
 being discharged at the whim and caprice of changehng po- 
 liticians, he will not apply himself to study the dry and un- 
 interesting details of his duty, but direct his mind to other 
 studies and pursuits, which promise him greater and more 
 permanent advantages. 
 
 "When a gentleman enters into military life, he should 
 receive positive assurances, that so long as he conducts him- 
 self with propriety, and uses his best endeavours to acquire 
 a knowledge of his profession, he should be rewarded with 
 the continued confidence of government, and honoured in 
 time with a more elevated rank. Nothing less than such ex- 
 pectations can reconcile a young man of pride and sensibi- 
 lity to the privations, hardships, poverty, and vexations ne- 
 cessarily attendant on his first appointment. 
 
 "What can be more unjust or unfeeling, than, after an of- 
 ficer has served faithfully, and fought bravely in the hum- 
 ble walks of his profession, that he should be doomed to pe- 
 nury and want, at a time when he has an indispensable 
 right to an increase of rank and emolument ? Such treat- 
 ment will diminish that confidence in the paternal and fos- 
 tering care of government, which an officer should always 
 be taught to entertain. As military men have not the ca- 
 pacity to direct their attention to civil pursuits, they will he 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE, 209 
 
 obliged by necessity to enter the service of other govern- 
 ments, however revolting such a course may be to their feel- 
 ings," 
 
 The committee on naval affairs did not call up the bill 
 they reported, from a conviction, which was afterwards ad- 
 mitted, that much injury would result from the adoption of 
 the measure proposed. The commodore had the satisfaction 
 to again witness the destruction of a scheme fraught with 
 mischief, and subversive of the best interests of the nation. 
 
 27 
 
LIFE AND SERVICES OF COMMODORE BAINBRIDOE. 211 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Commodore Bairibridge ordered to select a Site for a Navy Yard — Ac- 
 companies President Monroe in his Eastern Tour — Correspondence 
 with General Hislop and Lieutenant Elliot — Freedom of the City of 
 Albany — Visits Canada — Letter from the Earl of Dalhousie — Ordered 
 to the Command of the Columbus — Sails for the Mediterranean — 
 Settled Despatches at Gibraltar— General Don — Touches at Leghorn 
 and Naples — The Revolution in Naples — General Nugent — Visits Sy- 
 racuse, and the Barbary Capitals — Sends an Agent to Smyrna — Revo- 
 cation of the Act exacting Duties on Provisions imposed by Spain 
 
 Admiral Ruysch — Invitation to Genoa — Arrives in the Harbour of Tou- 
 lon— Admiral Missiessy — Letter to the Secretary of the Navy — Arri- 
 val of Commodore Jones. 
 
 In the year 1817, the President of the United States was 
 authorized by a resolution of Congress to direct an examina- 
 tion of the eastern coast of the United States, in order that 
 a proper site might be selected for a naval depot, rendez- 
 vous and dock-yard. Commodore Bainbridge, Captains Evans 
 and Perry, of the navy, and General Swift, and Colonel 
 M'Crea of the engineer corps, were appointed commission- 
 ers to make the necessary surveys, and examinations. The 
 brigs of war, Prometheus and Enterprise, and Schooner 
 
212 LIFE AiVD SERVICES OF 
 
 Lynx were properly manned and placed under the command 
 of the commodore, for the purpose of carrying him and his 
 associates to the different points which they had been directed 
 to survey. 
 
 While engaged in this service he received an invitation 
 from President Monroe, wdio was then making a tour through 
 the United States, to meet him at New London with the ves- 
 sels then under his command. At the appointed time the 
 commodore's little squadron arrived at the place assigned, 
 and conveyed the president and suite to Newport. 
 
 The commodore accompanied the chief magistrate, as one 
 of his aids, as far as Portland by land; after which he was 
 directed, in conjunction with General Swift, to examine the 
 Penobscot river, and select proper sites for fortifications. Af- 
 ter this duty was performed he resumed his command as se- 
 nior officer of the Boston station. 
 
 As his duties now did not engross much of his attention,' 
 and possessing industry and an activity mind, he engaged 
 in a correspondence with his friends in Congress, on the sub- 
 ject of a reorganization of the navy. These letters are 
 highly creditable to him as an officer of judgment and pene- 
 tration, yet as they relate to circumstances which could be 
 only interesting during the period at which they were writ- 
 ten, I do not think it advisable to submit them to the pub- 
 lic. 
 
 During this season of leisure, he devoted no inconsidera- 
 ble portion of his time to a correspondence with his nume- 
 rous friends. — His letters evince an ardour of feeling, and a 
 warmth of attachment, which is characteristic of his affec- 
 tionate disposition. 
 
 The following letter, addressed to his excellency General 
 Hislop, then Governor of Bombay, is of this character. 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 213 
 
 "Boston, July 9, 1818. 
 " My dear General, 
 
 "Having this moment heard, that an officer of the British 
 army is about to sail from this port to join your command in 
 the East Indies, I eagerly avail myself of the opportunity to 
 revive our acquaintance, and to tender to you the assurance 
 of my sincere regard. In whatever situation you may be 
 placed, you will always have the esteem of one who will ever 
 feel a lively interest in your welfare. Though I was in- 
 debted to the fortune of war for my first knowledge of you, 
 yet the gallantry and firmness which you displayed on that 
 occasion, and your subsequent conciliatory deportment, have 
 made an impression upon mc which can never be eradi- 
 cated. 
 
 " Should the events connected with either peace or war 
 bring us again together, I am certain that after our duty to 
 our country is performed, we will meet as friends. — How de- 
 lighted I should be to see you in the United States, in order 
 that I might afford you a proof of my great respect for your 
 character ; and at the same time to thank jou for the hand- 
 some and liberal manner in which you have represented my 
 conduct after your return to England. 
 
 " This I feel the more sensibly from the circumstance of 
 your making them during the period of war, when the feel- 
 ings and passions are often too much excited, to allow us to 
 do strict justice to an enemy. 
 
 ^' Since the termination of the war I have observed, with 
 great satisfaction, that our respective governments entertain 
 a higher respect for each other than they did previously to 
 the occurrence of that event. It is the true interest of each 
 to cherish such sentiments, and that they may continue to 
 do so, is my ardent wish. 
 
 " I should be greatly gratified to hear from you, and be 
 
214 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 assured, you have no friend who would be more pleased to 
 learn of your welfare. I pray you to rest assured of the un- 
 feigned-friendship and esteem of, 
 
 " WILLIAM BAINBPaDGE." 
 
 The generous warmth of feeling, which breathes through 
 this letter, corresponds with the general tone of his letters 
 of friendship. The numerous letters which he has left on 
 file, prove that he is capable of inspiring his correspondents 
 with congenial sentiments. — The following letter from Gene- 
 ral Hislop is of this nature, and is an interesting testimonial 
 of friendship, commenced under very peculiar circumstances. 
 
 "Madras, March 14lh, 1819. 
 " My dear Sir, 
 
 " I have been highly gratified by the receipt of your very 
 kind and friendly letter of the 9th of July last, which came 
 to hand about a week ago, having been forwarded from Cal- 
 cutta. Accept in consequence, my dear sir, of my most sin- 
 cere and grateful thanks for your friendly remembrance of 
 me, and be always assured, that the recollection on my part of 
 the liberal and generous treatment, together with the perso- 
 nal kind attention which I and every other officer with me, 
 who by the fortune of war became your prisoners, (after the 
 hard fought action which terminated in the capture of the 
 Java, by the frigate Constitution under your command) has 
 made an impression of gratitude which no time or circum- 
 stances can eflface. — It was from sentiments arising out of 
 those feelings, which impelled me to take every occasion after 
 my arrival in England from the Brazils to render you that 
 justice by the unreserved acknowledgments for your very 
 great kindness and liberality to which you were so justly en- 
 titled, and which I could not have concealed, consistent with 
 what was due to my own feelings as an honourable man. 
 
COMMODORE BAUVBRIDGK. 215 
 
 " It would, indeed, afford me very sincere pleasure, could I 
 Indulge in the probability of a prospect of again meeting 
 with you, (though not exactly in the same way as that 
 which brought me to your acquaintance,) but were it possi- 
 ble that such a recurrence could take place, in whatever 
 way the contest might terminate, our personal friendship 
 would not, 1 am convinced, suffer any diminution by the re- 
 sult. I most earnestly hope, however, that the blessings of 
 peace may long continue to subsist between our respective 
 countries, certain as I am that it will be for the advantage 
 of both. 
 
 " Through the channel of the public papers, you will pos- 
 sibly have become acquainted with the war which broke 
 out towards the end of the year 1817, in this quarter of the 
 globe, between our government and the confederated Mah- 
 ratta princes, which a few months after the opening of the 
 campaign sufficed to deprive them of their thrones and their 
 power. 
 
 " It was my good fortune to give the death blow to their 
 machinations, on the 20th of December of that year, on 
 which day, I attacked the army of Holcar, one of the most 
 powerful of these princes, and by the power of the Almighty, 
 totally defeated him, capturing all his artillery, treasure, 
 &c. In a few days after the action, he sued for peace, and 
 we got it upon our own terms. After an absence of ten 
 months' severe service in the field, I returned to Madras on 
 the 24th of June last, since which, I have been enjoying re- 
 pose, accompanied by a great share of good health, which 
 continues to reconcile me to the climate. 
 
 " How long I shall remain in it is yet uncertain, but I ex- 
 pect it will be at least a couple of years longer. Should 
 you, therefore, oblige me, by doing me the favour of another 
 letter, after this reaches you, I request you to send it by the 
 way of London, and under cover to Messrs. Greenwood & 
 
216 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 Co., Craigs court, Charring Cross, from whence they will 
 forward it to me by the packet. 
 
 " I will conclude by complying with Captain Wood's re- 
 quest, who is with me, and who desires me to make his 
 kindest remembrances to you. — Major Walker, if alive, is 
 in the West Indies ; but he was very ill when I last heard 
 from him. With every good wish for your enjoyment of 
 health, and every earthly happiness, 
 
 " I remain, my dear sir, 
 
 " Yours most sincerely 
 
 " and faithfully, 
 
 " T. HISLOP. 
 
 "Wm. Bainbridge, Esq., 
 " United States navy, &c. Aic." 
 
 This high-minded and honourable soldier let no opportu- 
 nity pass, when among his friends particularly, to represent 
 the conduct and character of the commodore in the same 
 point of view, which he has done in this letter. The most 
 satisfactory proofs of this, are derived from many sources. 
 
 When in New York, in the year 1824, presiding over a 
 court marshal. Commodore Bainbridge received the sub- 
 joined highly respectful note from Lieutenant Elliot of the 
 British frigate Hussar, then lying in that port. 
 
 '' H. B. M. Ship Hussar, 
 " JVew York, Dec. 3, 1824. 
 "My dear Sir, 
 
 " I had the honour of calling at your house this morn- 
 ing and found, as, indeed, I feared would be the case, that 
 you were still engaged in your public duties. The principal 
 object of my visit was to leave a message to beg that you 
 
COMMODORE BAINBIUDUK. 217 
 
 would not on any account think of giving yourself the trou- 
 ble to call upon me. On my return on board, I received 
 your most obliging and kind note. 
 
 " Sir Thomas Hislop is married to my sister, and to his fre- 
 quent and grateful acknowledgments of your politeness, or 
 rather kindness to him in the hour of need, you will, per- 
 haps, permit me, as so near a relative, to add my own thanks, 
 and to offer the expression of my own respect and regard 
 for your character and person. — I shall not fail to send Sir 
 Thomas your very kind message, which I need not say will 
 give him the most sincere pleasure. I am sure it will give 
 you real pleasure to learn that Captain Chads is at this mo- 
 ment employed, and that there is every reason to expect 
 his speedy promotion. 
 
 " If it can be done without exposing you to the least de- 
 gree of inconvenience or trouble, may I venture to observe, 
 that nothing will give me more pleasure, than an opportunity 
 of paying my respects to you in person, and again assuring 
 you, that 1 shall always be, my dear sir, with sentiments of 
 the highest consideration, and most perfect truth, 
 " Your very obedient 
 
 " and much obliged servant, 
 
 "CHARLES ELLIOT. 
 
 "To Commodore Bainbridge," 
 &.C. &c. &c. 
 
 In the year 1803, Commodore Bainbridge formed an ac- 
 quaintance with the Earl of Dalhousie at Gibraltar, which 
 soon afterwards ripened into a sincere friendship. — A corre- 
 spondence at intervals, was maintained between them until 
 the death of Commodore Bainbridge. 
 
 Learning from the public prints that the Earl was travel- 
 ling through Upper Canada, the commodore left Boston for 
 28 
 
218 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 the purpose of paying him a visit. He commenced his jour- 
 ney in the early part of July, 1819, and in passing through 
 Albany, in the state of New York, the city councils, passed, 
 unanimously, the subjoined preamble and resolution. 
 
 " Cily of Albany. 
 " In Common Council, July 19, 1819. 
 
 " Whereas the board has received the gratifying intelli- 
 gence of the arrival in this city of Commodore William 
 Bainbridge, the heroic commander of the frigate Philadel- 
 phia, off Tripoli in 1803, of the frigate Constitution, off the 
 coast of Brazil in December, 1812: and, whereas, this com- 
 mon council entertain a high sense of the distinguished ser- 
 vices of the gallant naval hero, and a high respect and ve- 
 neration for his exalted character; Therefore, Resolvedr 
 That the freedom of this city, in a gold box, be presented to 
 Commodore Bainbridge, with a suitable address by his ho- 
 nour the mayor." 
 
 This resolution was accordingly conveyed to the commo- 
 dore, enclosed in the annexed letter from the cliief magis- 
 trate of the city. 
 
 " To Commodore William Bai?ibridge, 
 " of the JVavy of the United States. 
 " Sir, 
 
 " In conformity with a resolution of the common coun- 
 cil, I have the honour to present to you the freedom of this 
 city, as a testimony of the sense which we entertain of your 
 naval services and reputation. 
 
 " Permit me to add the assurance of m}'' personal esteem 
 and respect, accompanied with my sincere wishes for the 
 
COMMODORE RAINBRIDGK. 219 
 
 prolongation of your valuable life to support your country's 
 flag, and advance her naval glory. 
 
 '' I have the honour to be, 
 " Yours, &c. 
 
 " P. S. VAN RENSALAER. 
 
 -" Albany, October, 1819." 
 
 In pursuing his journey to Canada, he had the mortifica- 
 tion to learn, when at Buffalo, that the Earl had left the 
 Falls of Niagara some days, on his return to Nova Scotia, 
 of which province he was then governor. The commodore 
 hastened his pace for the purpose of overtaking his old 
 friend, but was not successful. This disappointment was 
 expressed in very feeling terms by both of them in their 
 subsequent correspondence. 
 
 In passing through the British provinces, he was treated 
 with great civility by the British officers, stationed at King- 
 ston, Montreal, and Quebec. 
 
 The character given of our gallant countryman by Sir 
 Thomas Hislop, was generally known among the British 
 army officers, who generously took every opportunity to 
 convince him of the high respect which they entertained for 
 his great private worth, as well as for his accomplishments 
 as an officer. 
 
 After his return to Boston, he made a long report to the 
 secretary of the navy, on the political and military condition 
 of the Canadas. Though this report evinces no inconsidera- 
 ble powers of observation and judgment, yet it could be only 
 interesting at that particular period. 
 
 In October, 1819, a board of senior captains, of which Com- 
 modore Bainbridge was president, was ordered by the sec- 
 retary of the navy to convene at New York, in order to ex- 
 amine midshipmen for promotion. — This was the first exa- 
 mination of midshipmen instituted by the government, and 
 
220 LIFE AN'D SERVICES Of 
 
 the result proved so advantageous to the navy, that they 
 have been continued ever since. — From this period none 
 have been promoted to heutenants, without first passing a 
 rigid examination in seamanship, and in such parts of ma- 
 thematics as appertain to their profession, — They are obliged, 
 besides, to furnish satisfactory testimonials of moral conduct, 
 and gentleman-like deportment. By this tribunal the worthy 
 and intelligent are encouraged, and the ignorant and profli- 
 gate are driven from the service, before they receive a com- 
 mission which they would not fail to disgrace. 
 
 In November of the same year^ the commodore was or- 
 dered to the new line-of-battle ship Columbus, then lying at 
 Washington, and was appointed to the command of tlie 
 United States naval forces in the Mediterranean. 
 
 When he was about to leave the Boston station, he re- 
 ceived the subjoined address, signed by eighteen officers. 
 
 " The undersigned, cockpit and steerage officers of the 
 United States ship Independence, beg leave to express their 
 unfeigned regret at the prospect of your departure from the 
 ship which you have commanded for so long a period, and 
 with so much dignity. Be pleased to accept their sincere 
 thanks for the many indulgences and the kind treatment re- 
 ceived from you, while serving under your command. With 
 regret for the bereavement which they are about to experi- 
 ence in the loss of your paternal care, receive their congra- 
 tulations on your transfer to a command of equal or superi- 
 or importance, convinced as they are, that there is no situa- 
 tion in which you would not confer honour on the naval 
 character of our country. Anxious to rejoin you shortly, 
 they remain with sentiments of the highest respect and 
 esteem, 
 
 " Your most obedient servants." 
 
 When he reached the ship in December, she was in a very 
 unfinished state, having only her lower masts in, the lower 
 
COMMODORE BAIN BRIDGE. 221 
 
 rigging over head, and about forty Ions of ballast. Anxious 
 to have the ship rennoved, before being locked in the ice, she 
 was in this state towed down the Potonnac by a steam boat, 
 as far as the mouth of the river St. Mary's, distant one hun- 
 dred and twenty miles from the city of Washington. 
 
 He carried with him eighty mechanics, consisting of car- 
 penters, joiners, blacksmiths, plumbers, and painters. 
 
 With such means he completed, and prepared for sailing, 
 this noble vessel, in a situation, which afforded no more fa- 
 cilities, or comforts, than if he had been in the wilderness. 
 
 The difhculties, hardships, and privations which the vete- 
 ran experienced in fitting out this vessel were so great, that 
 no one, except endowed with uncommon energy, could have 
 surmounted them. 
 
 At this time no part of the ship intended for the accom- 
 modation of officers was completed, excepting the cockpit 
 and steerage. — He was therefore obliged, as he stated to a 
 friend, " to rough it for some months with his young offi- 
 cers." Being thus compelled to expose himself during the in- 
 clement months of winter, it is a matter of surprise, that an 
 officer of his age, and accustomed as he was, to at least all 
 the comforts which a good cabin can afford, did not suffer 
 severely in health. His conduct, however, on this, as on all 
 other occasions, proves that a zealous and energetic perform- 
 ance of his public duties was his first consideration, and per- 
 sonal comforts and advantages secondary. 
 
 By great exertions the ship was prepared for sailing, and 
 left her anchorage in St. Mary's river about the first of 
 March. Some time previously to his leaving the United 
 States, he received the subjoined letter from his friend the 
 Earl of Dalhousie, which, with its enclosures, were found in 
 no small degree useful to him. 
 
222 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 ''Halifax, JVov. 25th, 1819. 
 "My DEAR Sir, 
 
 "Accept a thousand thanks for your kind letter; in renew- 
 ing an intercourse between us once more, it fills up a va- 
 cuum of twenty years, while it recalls very many happy 
 days left behind us at that distance, I am sorry to think 
 that you are about to cross the Atlantic : but in that perso- 
 nal regret, I am not so selfish as not to rejoice in seeing you 
 still actively employed in the highest rank of your country's 
 service. — I feel it a duty to persevere in the same line, while 
 I am blessed with health to do my part. I had resolved on 
 returning the next year to England, but the very melancholy 
 event that occurred in Canada the past summer, has led me 
 up to the chief command there, one of the most honourable 
 under the British crown. The same hopes, the same pros- 
 pects, I am sure, animate us equally — that of retiring in due 
 time with minds contented in having served our country 
 faithfully, to enjoy the evening of our days in calm and 
 peaceable retirement. 
 
 " 1 shall be indeed truly happy to receive you at Quebec 
 on your return. I like your climate in the new world very 
 much, and I take a warm interest in seeing a state of socie- 
 ty far behind the condition of Europe, bursting with asto- 
 nishing vigour from its infant state to manly efforts. Active 
 myself, I delight in making people active about me. I am 
 not therefore afraid of home-sickness, so long as I can find 
 a busy scene within my reach. You will therefore, in all 
 probability, find me in Canada on your return. I wish you 
 health and every happiness during your cruise in the Medi- 
 terranean, and shall be most happy to hear fi'om you. When 
 you have an idle hour, think of Quebec. 
 
 Though you will not find me, you will my regiment in the 
 garrison of Gibraltar. It contains many good people. The 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 223 
 
 governor, General Don, is a friend for whom I have long had 
 a great respect and regard. I beg you will allow me to en- 
 close to your care a few lines to him, as also to the officers 
 commanding my regiment. 
 
 "With every wish for your welfare, helieve me, my dear 
 sir, 
 
 "Yours faithfully and sincerely, 
 
 " DALHOUSIE. 
 "Commodore Baixbridge," 
 &c. &c. &,c. 
 
 Sailed from Hampton Roads on the 28th of April, and ar- 
 rived at Gibraltar on the 4th of June. The officers of the 
 American squadron under the temporary command of Cap- 
 tain Thompson, a gallant and discrete commander, were pro- 
 hibited, by an order from General Don, from having any in- 
 tercourse either with the town or garrison. This measure, 
 which certainly had the appearance of being a high-handed 
 one, grew out of the repeated quarrels, and duels, which 
 had taken place between the American and British officers. 
 As these officers were becoming daily more exasperated 
 against each other, arising rather from national prejudice 
 than from personal injury, General Don thought it an act of 
 prudence, to say the least, to put a stop to further effusion 
 of blood by this interdiction. 
 
 Immediately after the Columbus came to anchor, a visit 
 of ceremony was paid to the governor, when the latter im- 
 mediately proposed an adjustment of the dispute between the 
 officers under their respective commands. The commodore 
 stated that he must decline entering into any negotiation, un- 
 til his order of interdiction should first be repealed. This 
 order prohibiting the American officers from visiting the town 
 was considered an indignity, and that therefore he could not 
 receive any civilities, much less enter into a negotiation so 
 long as the offensive act continued in operation. The go- 
 
224 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 vernor expressed an assurance, that the measure which he 
 adopted was entirely precautionary, and which he could not 
 remove until the difficulty which called it forth was ami- 
 cably and satisfactorily settled. 
 
 Finding, however, that the commodore was determined on 
 the course which he had at first proposed, the governor obli- 
 gingly yielded so far as to remove the prohibition, after which 
 the commanders had little difficulty in adjusting the contro- 
 versy, in a manner highly honourable and satisfactory to both 
 parties. 
 
 Commodore Bainbridge had formed an acquaintance with 
 General Don, during his short command in the Mediterra- 
 nean, in the year 1815: the prompt manner in which he set- 
 tled the quarrels among the officers of the squadron, and those 
 of the garrison, added to the warm letters of his friend the 
 Earl of Dalhousie, procured for him the kindest and most 
 flattering civilities. The officers of the earl's regiment evinced 
 every disposition to be courteous and hospitable to the friend 
 of their commander. 
 
 Harmony and good feeling was thus completely restored, 
 and a friendly intercourse again re-established upon a foot- 
 ing much more cordial than had existed between the English 
 and American officers at any previous period. Since this 
 reconciliation no misunderstanding of any kind has recurred. 
 
 The American squadron sailed from Gibraltar on the 12th 
 of June, touched at Leghorn and arrived at Naples, on the 
 9th of July, the day on which the revolutionary troops en- 
 tered the city, and the day subsequent to that on which the 
 king signed the constitution. Forty thousand soldiers and 
 armed peasantry passed through the principal streets, con- 
 ducting themselves with the most perfect propriety and de- 
 corum. 
 
 The commodore states in his journal, that " soon after he 
 had cast anchor, a Neapolitan officer came alongside of the 
 ship to tender the respects of the captain of marine, and po- 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 225 
 
 litely ofTcred the customary civilities. — Soon after breakfast 
 I went on shore, when the whole city appeared in active 
 motion, hut no disorder. The street of Toledo was crowded 
 with the populace, awaiting the entry of the ' army of re- 
 union,' which was received with the heartiest acclamations; 
 every countenance beamed with joy and satisfaction. 
 
 " This army was composed of the king's revolted troops, 
 of the militia from the different provinces, and of armed ci- 
 tizens from all parts of the kingdom, amounting, it was sup- 
 posed, to about 40,000, all of whom were completely armed. 
 After passing through the street of Toledo, the whole force 
 moved in procession before the palace, and the houses of 
 the royal ministers ; after which they separated in detach- 
 -ments, and lodged in the suburbs of the city. 
 
 " The temperance and forbearance of the revolutionists, — 
 the extreme order and regularity which characterize all 
 their movements, — the wisdom and moderation which pre- 
 side over their councils, while they excite general astonish- 
 ment, are, at the same time, subjects of the most delightful 
 self-gratulation, to all friends of liberal principles. At pre- 
 sent, appearances justify a hope, that absolute despotism is 
 for ever prostrated, and that constitutional and representa- 
 tive freedom, is established on a basis that cannot be shaken 
 by any efforts of the feeble monarch, who is still, nominally, 
 tolerated as the chief of the nation. Though he has signed 
 the constitution, and sworn to support and maintain its prin- 
 ciples, yet there are few of his subjects weak enough to be- 
 lieve that he would not gladly forget the obligation he had 
 taken, provided a fair opportunity were offered to restore 
 lawless power and savage bigotry." 
 
 The opinion which the commodore had formed of the sta- 
 bility of the institutions, which he saw raised under circum- 
 stances so cheering and favourable, does not detract, in any 
 degree, from his usual sound judgment. — Had not foreiga 
 despots conspired against the happiness of the people — -had 
 29 
 
226 LIFE AUD SERVICES OF 
 
 not the citizens been corrupted, and their efforts enfeebled 
 by a profuse distribution of gold — had not a powerful foreign 
 army overspread the fair fields of Campagnia ; " And 
 like an evil angel, bid the people forget their liberty," 
 her excellent government might still have flourished, and 
 the people have become vigorous and intelligent, as they 
 are sprightly, obliging, and courteous. The hated and dark- 
 ening banner of withering legitimacy has again waved over 
 the nation, and the gloom of ignorance, bigotry, and profli- 
 gacy, must continue, until bold and enlightened patriots, 
 fearlessly proclaiming the rights of their species, reduce 
 " opinion to reason, and power to law." 
 
 During the short period which the commodore remained 
 in Naples, he visited the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, 
 the royal palace and museum at Portici, — the Grotto of 
 Pausillippo, Virgil's tomb, and most of the objects of interest 
 in the city of Naples. — On the 10th of July, he received a 
 visit from Mr. Middleton of South Carolina, fand Mr. Lus- 
 sington, the British consul, who requested a private interview. 
 The consul stated, that General Nugent, a British officer 
 engaged in the Neapolitan service, had rendered himself so 
 obnoxious to the populace of Naples, by the political mea- 
 sures which he had advocated, that he was in great person- 
 al danger. He, therefore, requested the commodore to re- 
 lieve him from his perilous situation, by receiving him on 
 board the Columbus. — This favour was very properly re- 
 fused, on the ground that it would be an interference in the 
 internal concerns of the city, whichj as the representative 
 of a friendly nation would be highly reprehensible. — If Ge- 
 neral Nugent had made strong efforts to arrest the progress 
 of the revolution, and to oppose the wishes of the nation, he 
 must take the consequences. — Were he to give protection 
 to an enemy of the people and of the government, he would 
 act inconsistently with his duty, and would give just cause 
 
COMMODORE BAIN BRIDGE, 227 
 
 of complaint, where it was his wish to cuUivate friendly re- 
 lations. 
 
 On the 1 2th of July, the Columbus sailed from Naples, 
 and after having touched at Syracuse, proceeded to the 
 coast of Africa. — The commodore visited the three Barbary 
 capitals, communicated with the different consuls, and find- 
 ing that our relations with those powers continued on an 
 amicable footing, he returned to Gibraltar about the first of 
 September. 
 
 A few days after the arrival of the American squadron 
 in this bay, the commodore despatched his private secretary, 
 Mr. Folsome, to Smyrna, for the purpose of obtaining infor- 
 mation on the following points. 
 
 1. On the extent and nature of the commerce between 
 the United States and Smyrna, and other ports in the Turk- 
 ish empire. 
 
 2. The commercial regulations by which this trade is go- 
 verned. 
 
 3. Whether an American consul or commercial agent at 
 Smyrna, would prove an advantage to our merchants? 
 
 The secretary performed the duty assigned to him with 
 so much ability and industry, as to elicit the thanks of his 
 commander. After furnishing much curious information on 
 the peculiar state of the trade of Smyrna, he proves from 
 documents in the possession of Mr. Offley, an enterprising 
 American merchant residing there, that the value of our 
 commerce, with this port alone, was worth about a million, 
 annually. — He proves also, that this amount might be great- 
 ly increased, provided the government would afford proper 
 protection. 
 
 Sailed again from Gibraltar on the 10th of September, 
 eastward, and arrived at Port Mahon, in the island of Mi- 
 norca, on the 26th, and was received with much distinction by 
 the governor of the island, who is an officer of great intelli- 
 
5i28 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 gcncG and energy. — He was honoured with a visit from the 
 commandant of marine, Captain Mandeville, who ohHgingly 
 offered the use of the navy yard to repair any of the Ame- 
 rican ships that required it, and professed a great wilUng- 
 ness to contribute as much as possible to the commodore's 
 personal comfort, so long as he remained in their harbour. 
 
 The obliging disposition of these gentlemen, however, was 
 thwarted by instructions conveyed from the Spanish govern- 
 ment to the Intendant, to exact heavy duties on all the pro- 
 visions either landed or removed from the store-ships to the 
 men-of-war. As the commodore could not submit to such 
 enormous exactions, he forthwith ordered the return of the 
 store-ships to Gibraltar. 
 
 He opened a correspondence with the American minister 
 near the court of Madrid on this subject, and satisfactorily 
 pointed out the great disadvantages which would result to 
 Port Mahon, by the continuance of measures which must 
 for ever prevent its being a place of rendezvous to the Ame- 
 rican squadron. 
 
 These representations were conveyed to the Spanish go- 
 vernment by our minister, which had the effect to cause an 
 immediate revocation of the obnoxious regulation. — Great 
 advantages were thus secured to the American squadron, 
 and which are not obtained in any other port in the Medi- 
 terranean, except that of Gibraltar. 
 
 During this visit to Port Mahon, many personal civilities 
 passed between Rear Admiral Ruysch, commander of the 
 Dutch squadron in the Mediterranean, and Commodore 
 Bainbridge. The courteous demeanour, and great hospita- 
 lity of the American commander, added to the fine appear- 
 ance, and high state of discipline of his squadron, conciliated 
 the esteem of the Dutch admiral, and awakened the high- 
 est respect for his talents as an accomplished officer. — A 
 friendship of a lasting character was thus commenced, and 
 
COMMODORE BAINHRIDGE. 229 
 
 has ever since been maintained by correspondence. — This 
 is another proof of the commodore's powers to concihate 
 friends, and of awaking a warmth of feeUng in the breast of 
 others, responsive to the generous ardour which glowed with- 
 in his own. 
 
 The American squadron sailed from Port Mahon on the 
 2d of March for Genoa, to which place Commodore Bain- 
 bridge was invited by the American consul, at the instance 
 of some of the most eminent citizens of that place. As one 
 object of the squadron was to give to the different powers 
 along the shores of the Mediterranean proofs of our naval 
 strength, and of our ability to defend our commerce, should 
 it again be assailed, he did not hesitate to accept the invita- 
 tion. The inhabitants of a city, which had the honour to 
 give birth to Columbus, were anxious to see the noble ship 
 which bore the proud name of a citizen whose memory was 
 dearly cherished by them. It seems that his fame becomes 
 more exalted in the estimation of his countrymen, as the 
 new world which he discovered rises in grandeur and mag- 
 nificence. 
 
 Though they boast of many distinguished names — their 
 Grimaldis — Fieshis — Dorias — Sp'molas, and a host of others, 
 yet at present there is no name of which they are so proud 
 as that of Christoforo Colombo, the name by which he is 
 known in his native city. 
 
 It was intended that the arrival of the United States ship 
 of the line, with the other ships of the squadron, should be 
 made a gala day, when the sprightly Genoese were to freely 
 indulge in self-glorification. When near the entrance of the 
 gulf of Genoa a violent north-western sprung up, which drove 
 off" the vessels so far as to oblige them to run into Toulon for 
 safety. In consequence of other engagements, the commo- 
 dore, and his associates were obliged to forego the pleasure 
 of a visit from which they had anticipated much gratifica- 
 tion. 
 
230 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 After anchoring in the harbour of Toulon, the commo- 
 dore, in conformity with a custom in our service, sent an 
 officer to Admiral Missiessy to signify his disposition to sa- 
 lute his flag, provided assurances were given, that the com- 
 pliment w^ould be promptly returned. — The French com- 
 mander replied, that he would with much pleasure direct 
 the salute to be returned, but as he was the lord high ad- 
 miral of France, and as Commodore Bainbridge wore the 
 pendant of a captain de vaisseaux, he could not return 
 as many guns by six, as the number to which his flag 
 was entitled. On these terms the commodore declined tiring 
 the salute, but professed a desire to cultivate the acquain- 
 tance of the admiral, and promote a friendly intercourse 
 among the officers under their respective commands. These 
 sentiments were reciprocated by Admiral Missiessy, and 
 a perfectly good understanding was maintained, and re- 
 peated civilities exchanged so long as the American squad- 
 ron continued at Toulon. I think it necessary to men- 
 tion these facts, (which are not of themselves particularly 
 interesting,) in contradiction to a malicious report that 
 the Commodore sacrificed certain advantages to his squad- 
 ron, to idle punctilios. The report was entirely without 
 foundation : but admit such to be the result of the stand 
 which he assumed, still he was perfectly justified. An offi- 
 cer who will not exact every tittle of respect to which his 
 flag is entitled will lower himself in the estimation of fo- 
 reign officers, and will afterwards invite treatment of a si- 
 milar, if not of a more aggravated character. 
 
 So favourable was the impression made by the commo- 
 dore wherever his squadron appeared, that American citi- 
 zens resident in France and Italy felt and testified to the be- 
 nefits which they derived from his cruise. 
 
 During Commodore Bainbridge's command in the Medi- 
 terranean, he carried on an active correspondence with many 
 of the American consuls, and all ministers, near the diflferent 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 231 
 
 European courts. The multiplied duties which he had to 
 perform were accomplished with his usual zeal, and in a 
 manner highly satisfactory to his government. 
 
 One of the objects of Commodore Bainbridge's cruise in 
 the Mediterranean was to show his finely constructed ship 
 at Constantinople, and to sound the disposition of the Otto- 
 man government, whether or not an American minister would 
 be received. As permission, however, could not be obtained 
 to pass beyond the Dardanelles, the wishes of government 
 on this point could not be fulfilled. He states in a letter to 
 the secretary of the navy, dated May the 7th, 1821, that, 
 
 "Although I have been prevented visiting Constantinople, 
 by the positive interdiction of the Turkish government, I 
 have yet the satisfaction to believe that my cruise in this 
 sea has been in some degree serviceable to our country, by 
 effecting an amicable adjustment of our difficulties at Gib- 
 raltar and by obtaining, in the most eligible situation, a place 
 of deposite for our squadron on the most favourable condi- 
 tions. Showing our squadron, and particulai'ly so formida- 
 ble a vessel as the Columbus, before the different Barbary 
 ports, has heightened the respect which these powers alrea- 
 dy entertain for our nation." 
 
 " My communications with Mr. Shaler, the American con- 
 sul general for the Barbary regencies, by correspondence, and 
 by other modes, has been frequent, and such in all respects 
 as to satisfy the intentions of government. The squadron 
 under my command was always kept on the alert, and rea- 
 dy to move at any moment against these corsairs, should they 
 manifest the least disposition to molest our commerce, or in 
 any degree to violate their treaties with the United States. 
 Little apprehension, however, has been entertained on this 
 point, as our consuls at Tripoli, Tunis, x^lgiers, and Morocco, 
 have given me the most satisfactory assurances of the friendly 
 disposition of all these governments. 
 
 "Agreeably to your instructions I have kept up a regular 
 
232 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 correspondence with the resident ministers of the United 
 States at the courts of Europe, and with the consuls at the 
 principal ports. The minister at London has been particu- 
 larly attentive to my letters. 
 
 " I have not been unmindful of the unsettled state of Eu- 
 rope, and have accordingly conducted the squadron with 
 great circumspection into foreign ports. I have the satisfac- 
 tion to inform you, that in whatever place I visited, the flag 
 of the United States was treated with the highest respect. 
 During my command of this squadron, it has had communi- 
 cation with English, French, Spanish, Italian, Turkish, and 
 Barbary ports, yet not a single instance has occurred of the 
 slightest collision between the oflicers of it, and the various 
 people with whom they have had intercourse. 
 
 " Such of your instructions as relate to the maintenance 
 of strict discipline, in order to avoid the expenses attending 
 courts martial and to lessen the evil consequences of duelling, 
 has been steadily attended to, and most happy has been the 
 result. Only one officer (a midshipman) has been brought 
 to a court martial, and not one duel has taken place. This 
 gratifying fact will appear the more remarkable when the 
 whole number of oflicers (one hundred and eighty- four) is 
 taken into consideration, and when it is remembered that of- 
 ten supernumerary oflicers were attached to the vessels, 
 crowding those who regularly belonged to them, and thus in- 
 creasing tiie difficulty of preserving exact discipline. 
 
 " Your subsequent instructions dated on the 22d of August 
 last, relative to the selection of a place of depot and rendez- 
 vous for the squadron called forth my best exertions ; and with 
 the aid of Mr. Richard M'Call, and that of Mr. Brent charge 
 d'affairs of the United States at Madrid, I was successful in 
 obtaining from the Spanish government the privilege of depo- 
 siting provisions and stores for the United States squadron, 
 free of duties, at Port Mahon in the island of Minorca ; that 
 being the place I had chosen as best adapted to the purpose. 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 233 
 
 The term of permission, however, is limited to six months, 
 though intimation was given that it may be renewed on the 
 application of the American government, and that, at all 
 events, an additional period of three months will be allowed 
 for the removal of any stores which may be there deposited. 
 Although I do not entertain the least apprehension of an in- 
 tention on the part of the Spanish government to withdraw 
 the permission, yet I would suggest the propriety of the 
 charge d^aifairs of the United States being instructed to re- 
 quest a renewal of it every six months, or to secure it for an 
 indefinite period," 
 
 On the fourth of June, 1821, Commodore Jones arrived in 
 the frigate Constitution at Gibraltar, for the purpose of re- 
 lieving Commodore Bainbridge of the command of the Medi- 
 terranean squadron. So soon as the ceremonies attending 
 the transfer were performed, the latter sailed in the Colum- 
 bus for the United States, and arrived at Boston on the 21st 
 of July. He was received by his numerous friends in Boston 
 with every demonstration of cordiality and kindness. 
 
 So soon as the government was officially informed of the 
 arrival of the Columbus in Boston, the President of the United 
 States wrote a private letter to Commodore Bainbridge, in 
 which he expressed great gratification at the manner in which 
 his duties were performed, and concludes by remarking, that, 
 
 " I have read your report, as I had previously done all 
 your correspondence with the secretary of the navy, with 
 great satisfaction. 
 
 " With very cordial respect for your public services, and 
 regard for your private qualities, 
 
 " I am sincerely yours, 
 
 "JAMES MONROE." 
 
 30 
 
LIFE AND SERVICES OF COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 235 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 Commodol-e Bainbriclge ordered to preside at a Soa'rd for Examination 
 of Midshipmen — Appointed to the Philadelphia Station — Letter from 
 the Emperor of Mexico — Ordered to the Boston Station— President of 
 a Court Martial at New York — Appointed President of the Navy- 
 Board of Commissioners — A Commissioner to form Plans for the fu- 
 ture Improvements of Navy Yards — Appointed to the Command of 
 the Philadelphia Station — Difficulty with the Secretary of the Navy 
 —^The Compliment of a Public Dinner — Death of his Son — Ordered 
 to the Command of the Boston Station — 111 Health — Resigns his Com- 
 mand and returns to Philadelphia — Death — Character. 
 
 In the autumn of 1821, and shortly after the commodore's 
 ■return to the United States, he was ordered to New York 
 as president of a board, instituted for the examination of 
 midshipmen for promotion. — After the duties of the board 
 were finished, he was appointed to the command of the Phi- 
 ladelphia station. — On his return to Boston for the purpose 
 of removing his family, both officers and citizens testified 
 the keenest regret at the prospect of his leaving that sta- 
 tion. 
 
 The officers of the station gave him a handsome public 
 dinner, as a testimony of their " respect for his public cha- 
 
236 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 racter, and esteem for his private virtues." The mechanics 
 of the navy yard made a similar manifestation of their at- 
 tachment to him. 
 
 The appointment of Commodore Bainbridge to the Phila- 
 delphia station, where he was generally known, and not less 
 generally esteemed, afforded great satisfaction to the citi- 
 zens. This feeling was soon made manifest by the kind and 
 marked, but inostentatious attentions, which were shown to 
 himself and family. 
 
 During his command of this station, he fitted out the 
 North Carolina seventy-four, and systematized the duties of 
 the navy yard in such a way, as to promote economy, and 
 to afford additional security to the valuable public pro- 
 perty. 
 
 At this period, Commodore Baiiibri<3ge rendered some ser- 
 vice to Commodore Cortes, a distinguished Mexican officer. 
 These services were considered of so much importance by 
 the unfortunate Emperor, as to elicit from him the subjoined 
 letter. 
 
 " Mexico, May Alh, 1822. 
 " My DRAR Sir, 
 
 " Among the letters received by me from Philadelphia, 
 by the schooner Equalla, I have received some from Richard 
 Meade, and Commodore Cortes of this empire. Both make 
 mention of the kindness and good wishes entertained by you 
 towards my country, as also your kindness in offering to 
 Commodore Cortes your assistance in fulfilling his commis- 
 sion. For these services the empire is indebted to your li- 
 berality and humanity, in showing a predilection in favour 
 of my country, which has excited in me the warmest grati- 
 tude, and determined me to offer to you my friendship and 
 respects, and beg you will have the goodness to consider 
 
COMMODORE BAINERIDGE. 237 
 
 these expressions as emanating from a sincere and frank 
 heart. 
 
 " I remain, 
 " With great consideration, 
 " Your a S. M. B. 
 
 " AUGUSTIN DE ITURBEDIE, 
 
 "Commodore Bainbridge." 
 
 »,■ 
 
 This letter, as an emanation from royalty, may be consi- 
 dered as a curiosity. The warmth and condescension by 
 which it is marked, will form a striking contrast to the cau- 
 tious and measured expressions of his more legitimate breth- 
 ren. 
 
 In July, 1823, the secretary of the navy offered to Com- 
 modore Bainbridge the command of the navy yard in Bos- 
 ton, which had been rendered vacant by the transfer of 
 Captain Hull to the command of the squadron destined to 
 ihe Pacific Ocean. 
 
 As this command is one of more activity than that of 
 Philadelphia, and presents a wider field for the exercise of 
 his talents, it was promptly accepted ; though in opposition 
 to the earnest solicitations of his Philadelphia friends. The 
 officers of this station who were warmly attached to him, 
 importuned him to remain, but his resolve was taken, and 
 he could not be diverted from his purpose. Before he left 
 Philadelphia, they gave to him a handsome public enter- 
 tainment. 
 
 In obedience to his orders he entered upon the duties of 
 liis new command early in August. — The citizens of Charles- 
 town evinced, in many ways, the high respect which they 
 entertained for his character. He was received by a depu- 
 "tation of citizens at Chelsea bridge, and conducted amid the 
 
238 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 hearty cheers of the people, to a splendid public entertain- 
 ment prepared for the occasion. 
 
 During his short command of this station, he introduced 
 the same internal regulations and system of discipline, which 
 had been found so salutary at the station which he had just 
 left. He had scarce, however, adopted his new arrange- 
 ments, and located his family comfortably, when he was in- 
 vited by the President of the United States to the station of 
 president of the board of navy commissions, which had 
 been rendered vacant by the resignation of Commodore 
 Rodgers. Possessing a command which he had long desired, 
 enjoying every comfort which himself and family could 
 wish, — associated in society with a people, to whom he was 
 warmly attached, it was not to be supposed that he would 
 relinquish it, even for the elevated station to which he was 
 called, without some degree of hesitation. — The solicitations, 
 however, of the secretary of the navy — the advice of his 
 friends, added to that deep sense of duty, which had hither- 
 to taught him not to avoid any situation in which he could 
 be useful, at length determined him to accept it, but not 
 until he received assurances from government, that he 
 should be permitted to resume his favourite command, if h-e 
 desired it, at the expiration of three years. 
 
 Before he entered upon his duties as commissioner, he 
 was ordered by the secretary of the navy to New York, as 
 president of a court martial, for the trial of Lieutenant 
 Weaver and other officers. — The secretary's object in order- 
 ing the commodore on this trial was, that the country might 
 enjoy the benefit of his unerring and independent judgment, 
 in cases which were of vital importance to the navy, and 
 to the best interests of the nation. — As soon as the court 
 adjourned, he proceeded to Washington, and was inducted 
 in his seat as president of the navy board about the middle 
 of December. — He was associated in his duties with Com- 
 
COMMODOUE lUINBRlDGE. 239 
 
 modores Jones and Morris, ofiicers greatly distinguished for 
 their services, for tlieir hberal views, and for their general 
 intelligence. 
 
 In exercising the functions of his recent appointment, he 
 was remarkable for the industry and zeal with which he in- 
 vestigated every subject submitted to his examination, for 
 the promptitude with which he acted, and for the impar- 
 tiality and justice which characterized his decisions. 
 
 The duties which he was called upon to perform were 
 highly important, requiring great industry, sound judgment, 
 and accurate professional knowledge. His associate com- 
 missioners bear high testimony to his ability as a presiding 
 officer, and to his patriotic devotion to the best interests of 
 the navy. A history of the dry and fatiguing details of his 
 labours in this office, would not interest the general i-eader, 
 yet his journal contains many valuable suggestions, which 
 might prove highly important to those who may succeed 
 him in the same appointment. 
 
 At the expiration of three years, the period for which he 
 accepted the appointment of president of the navy board, 
 he offered his resignation ; but instead of returning to Bos- 
 ton, as was his original intention, he expressed a preference 
 for the navy yard at Philadelphia, believing that the cli- 
 mate w'ould best suit his impaired health. 
 
 In addition to his duties as commanding officer, others 
 were required of him, growing out of a law passed by Con- 
 gress at the close of the session of 1827, which directs, 
 " That the President of the United States be, and he is 
 hereby authorized to cause the navy yards of the United 
 States to be thoroughly examined, and plans to be prepared 
 and sanctioned by the President for the improvement of the 
 same, and the preservation of the public property therein, 
 from which plans, no deviations shall hereafter be made but 
 by his special order." 
 
 In obedience to this authority, the President, through the 
 
240 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 secretary of the navy, Mr. Southard, appointed Commodores 
 Bainbridge, Chauncey, and Morris, commissioners to carry 
 into efTect the provisions of this law. Mr. L. Baldwin was 
 appointed engineer to aid thern in their surveys, and in form- 
 ing their plans and arrangements. They engaged in this 
 duty early in May, 1827, but did not complete it until some 
 time in the year 1829. From a variety of causes these la- 
 bours were frequently interrupted, but were ultimately ac- 
 complished in such a manner as to receive the hearty ap- 
 probation of the government. 
 
 So soon as this arduous duty had been performed, the 
 commodore confined his attention almost exclusively to his 
 command on the Philadelphia station. He lived here hap- 
 pily among his early associates in life; honoured by the com- 
 munity, and highly esteemed and admired by the officers 
 under his command. 
 
 Having moved his family from one point of command to 
 another, for the twenty-sixth time, he resolved that it should 
 be the last; and, therefore, purchased a house from which 
 he determined that his family should never be disturbed. 
 Having lived, during a long life, in storms and straits, he 
 seemed to take counsel of the Roman, who, at the approach 
 of old age, determined " to retire into, and die in his own 
 harbom:" 
 
 From this state of dignified tranquillity, he was disturbed 
 in the year 1831, by a controversy as painful as unexpected, 
 with Mr. Branch, secretary of the navy. He preferred a 
 claim to the secretary for the usual compensation for extra 
 services, who, instead of deciding on the case himself, re- 
 ferred it to the fourth auditor, who decided against him. 
 
 Feeling wounded, and somewhat indignant at being thus 
 refused a remuneration, which had been for a period of be- 
 tween thirty and forty years always allowed to him and to 
 others, he ventured to so express himself in a letter to the 
 head of the navy department. In a few days afterwards, 
 
COMMODORE BAIXBRIDGK- 241 
 
 he was informed by the secretary, that he was superseded 
 in his command by another officer, without his even deign- 
 ing to state the grounds on which his removal took place. 
 
 In this affair, Mr. Branch manifested a want of considera- 
 tion by no means creditable to him as a man of sensibility. 
 Though the letter of Commodore Bainbridge might be con- 
 sidered by some a little too strong, yet it was perfectly re- 
 spectful to the President of the United States, and offensive 
 only to Mr. Kendall, who, if he felt himself aggrieved, had 
 the privilege of redressing his own wrongs. 
 
 Why then did Mr. Branch thus sport with the feelings of 
 a veteran officer, who had zealously served his coimtry for 
 a period of thirty-three years — who had courted hardships 
 and perils in their worst forms — who, by his skill and gal- 
 lantry had shed a halo of glory around the American arms? 
 In the calmness of retirement, Mr. Branch will have leisure, 
 I hope, to answer this question himself. If he reflect on the 
 subject at all, he will now, no doubt, concur in the expressed 
 opinions of his fellow citizens generally, that it is not the 
 duty of a patriotic minister of state to treat with contumely 
 a gallant spirit who was always ready to peril life in the 
 defence of his country. I mention these circumstances with 
 sorrow, and feel more disposed to view it in a spirit of grief 
 than of denunciation. 
 
 Commodore Bainbridge had an acute, I had almost said, a 
 morbid sensibility, and, therefore, felt his harsh treatment 
 the more severely. In an honourable career of service, 
 commenced in the year 1798, and continued until this pe- 
 riod, he never before received even a hint of disapprobation. 
 His feelings, however, were soon soothed by a strong expres- 
 sion of opinion in his favour by the citizens of Philadelphia 
 of all parties, who, to manifest their own sentiments on the 
 occasion, offered to him the compliment of a public dinner. 
 It was one of the handsomest and most respectable ever 
 given in Philadelphia; and though there was no party sen- 
 31 
 
242 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 timents delivered, yet there was that which was more grate- 
 ful to his feelings, the strongest expressions of approbation 
 and even admiration of his conduct and character. The vene- 
 rable patriot, Mr. Duponceau, was appointed president, as- 
 sisted by General Patterson and Colonel Wetherill as vice 
 presidents. 
 
 No guest was ever received with more cordiality and 
 kindness — all, indeed, seemed anxious to pour balm over the 
 bruised spirit of this pure and single-minded veteran. In 
 consequence of feeble health, he retired early from the din- 
 ner, when the company rose to a man, and long and loud 
 cheering greeted his departure. 
 
 This pubHc manifestation of the sentiments of his fellow 
 citizens, added to other marks of flattering attention, very 
 soon restored his spirits to their accustomed buoyancy. 
 
 In June of this year, he experienced a melancholy be- 
 reavement in the death of an only and much cherished son. 
 This youth was educated at Princeton college, and gra- 
 duated with much honour in that venerable institution. — 
 He afterwards studied law, was admitted to the bar of 
 Philadelphia, and afterwards settled in the city of Pitts- 
 burg. 
 
 His friends entertained sanguine expectations of his pro- 
 fessional success. — Endowed with pure principles, and sound 
 judgment, and possessing, withal, ripeness as a scholar, their 
 reasonable anticipations were grounded on a solid basis. 
 He inherited, besides, the sentiments of high honour and chi- 
 valry which distinguished his father. 
 
 The climate of Pittsburg not suiting his constitution, 
 which was always delicate, he was obliged to return to Phi- 
 ladelphia, but wath his disease so far advanced as to be be- 
 yond the reach of professional skill. His affectionate pa- 
 rents had only the sad consolation of sustaining and com- 
 forting him in his last moments. 
 
COMMODORE BAIIVERIDGE. 243 
 
 This was the severest trial which the veteran's feelings 
 had ever experienced. From this son he had the highest 
 expectations — he loved him as his child, and felt confident 
 that such were the qualities of liis heart, and mind, that he 
 would never disgrace his name. 
 
 In the autumn of the year 1832, Commodore Bainbridge 
 was restored to duty, and was ordered by the President of 
 the United States, through Mr. Woodbury, secretary of the 
 navy, to the command of the Boston station and navy yard. 
 Having determined not to move liis family again, he ac- 
 cepted the appointment temporarily, and proceeded alone to 
 assume the command. Finding the climate too severe for 
 his impaired health, he resolved to relinquish the charge of 
 the station during the following summer ; but his health de- 
 clining more rapidly than he anticipated, he resigned his 
 command early in March, and found great difficulty in re- 
 turning to Philadelphia. On his arrival, it was evident to 
 his medical advisers that he could not recover. Sitting by 
 his bed-side the day after his return, he observed in the 
 writer's countenance an anxious, perhaps a discouraging ex- 
 pression, which he seemed to understand and quickly re- 
 marked, in the language of poor Lawrence, " Come, doctor, 
 you must not give up the ship — you can again patch up tliis 
 old hulk as you have often done before."' 
 
 For the period of five and twenty years he was constantly 
 troubled with a violent spasmodic cough and neuralgia. It 
 cannot be said of Commodore Bainbridge, as was remarked 
 of Pope, that "his life was a long disease;" still, for nearly 
 one half of it, he experienced continued suffering. 
 
 In addition to his chronic maladies, he was attacked in 
 January, 1833, with Pneumonia, connected with great irri- 
 tation of his bowels, which terminated in ulceration of them, 
 with wasting diarrhoea. He was anxious to live, and urged 
 Dr. Chapman and the writer to candidly inform hun whe- 
 
244 LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 ther there was any prospect of his recovery. Both believing 
 that there was not the shghtest, they replied to that effect. 
 He became calm and resigned at once, and indulged in the 
 hope that the period of his sufferings might soon close. Sink- 
 ing rapidly about the first of July, he expressed a wish that 
 he might linger to the fourth ; but on that day, much to his 
 disappointment, he was slightly better, so that his life was 
 prolonged to the 28th. 
 
 He died as he had lived, a hero and a Christian—peace 
 to his noble spirit. 
 
 His intellect continued perfectly sound and collected until 
 about two hours before his death, Vv^hen occasionally it wan- 
 dered. At this time he called for his sword and pistols, which 
 not being attended to, he raised himself partially in his bed, 
 and demanded these instruments with great vehemence, and 
 ordered that all hands should be called to board the enemy. 
 
 This incident shows how far the favourite pursuit may 
 operate on the mind, even during the last pangs of existence. 
 This is by no means a singular instance of the continuance 
 of " the ruling passion, strong in death." 
 
 The celebrate<J physician and physiologist Haller, died feel- 
 ing his pulse. He said to his friend, " The artery ceases to 
 beat," and immediately expired. 
 
 Chaucer died singing ballads. The last words Napoleon 
 uttered, were ; " Tete d'armie." 
 
 He left behind him a wife and four daughters. The eld- 
 est and third, were married. The former to Captain Tho- 
 mas Hayes, once of the navy, and the latter to Mr. Ashbel 
 G. Jaudon, a respectable merchant of Philadelphia. His two 
 other daughters remain single and reside with their mother. 
 
 His funeral, which took place on the 31st, was quite im- 
 posing. Besides being attended by the Cincinnati society, 
 and a large concourse of our most respectable citizens, his 
 body was conducted to the grave, and buried with military 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 245 
 
 honours by the United States marines, and by a beautiful 
 brigade of infantry under the command of Colonel Wat- 
 mough. 
 
 He was interred in Christ Church burying ground, and the 
 following record was inscribed on the four sides of a beauti- 
 ful marble obelisk, which is placed over his grave. 
 
 WILLIAM BAINBRIDGE, 
 
 United States Navy. 
 
 BORN IN PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY, 
 
 7th of May, 1774. 
 
 DIED IN PHILADELPHIA, 
 28th of July, 1833. 
 
 Patria victisque laudatus.* 
 
 To this narrative of the incidents connected with the ca- 
 reer of this distinguished man, I will add a few particulars 
 in relation to his appearance, opinions, and character. 
 
 Commodore Bainbridge was about six feet in stature, and 
 had a finely modelled and muscular frame, which enabled 
 him to endure almost any degree of fatigue. His complex- 
 ion was rather fair — his beard dark and strong — his eyes 
 black, animated, and expressive. His deportment was com- 
 manding — his dress always neat and genteel, and though his 
 temperament was ardent and sometimes impetuous he could 
 qualify it with the greatest courtesy and with the most at- 
 tractive amenity. 
 
 The daring and commanding spirit, which was equal to 
 every emergency, enabled him to meet any movement of dif- 
 
 * This motto is taken from the medal voted to him by Congress, for Iiis gallant ser- 
 vices in capturing the Britiih frigate Java. 
 
24G LIFE AND SERVICES OF 
 
 ficulty with more than ordinary confidence. He was cou- 
 rageous, but not rash, and had the power to inspire every 
 one around liim with the same feeling. He had, besides, a de- 
 gree of energy and moral elevation about him, which caused 
 him to seek, rather than to avoid responsibility. When roused 
 he was somewhat fierce and vehement; but, like a summer 
 cloud, the excitement would soon pass away, and all would 
 be calmness and mildness. 
 
 Among young officers, Commodore Bainbridge was consi- 
 dered a model, or the beau ideal of an accomplished com- 
 mander. As a disciplinarian he was rigid; in the early part 
 of his career, perhaps a little too much so. This error was 
 not an uncommon one among young commanders, and arose 
 from over zeal, which, however, is almost invariably cor- 
 rected by reflection and the advance of years. In a conver- 
 sation with him regarding the system of terror, which once 
 prevailed in the public ships, both of the United Slates and 
 Great Britain, he remarked, that it was the fault of youthful 
 ardour, and rejoiced that he had lived to alter, and to assist 
 in changing the former practice. He added, on the same oc- 
 casion, that it was perfectly idle to hope to maintain proper 
 discipline on board a mem of ivar without occasional flog<jing; 
 but at the same time, he knew from experience that its fre- 
 quency could and had been greatly diminished. In many 
 cases, no doubt, poor Jack will derive more advantage from 
 an address to his reason, than to his back. 
 
 ■ He was exceedingly careful of the healtli of his crew — 
 and would cheerfully and promptly adopt any sound sug- 
 gestion from the medical officer of the ship, that would con- 
 tribute to this end. He was always particularly anxious to 
 protect his men from unnecessary labour, and those harass- 
 ing duties which always create dissatisfaction, without ac- 
 complishing an equivalent good. 
 
 The writer has heard him remark, that in fleets men are 
 worried and exhausted by a spirit of rivalry which is en- 
 
COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE. 247 
 
 couraged among the crews of the different ships. He has 
 seen men so exhausted and heated by a violent effort at the 
 capstan in weighing anchor, tliat in a cold climate it has 
 proved the exciting cause of catarrh, and in a warm one of 
 fever. He was, therefore, in the practice of directing his 
 officers to allow the crew to work in moderation, unless im- 
 perious circumstances demanded an opposite course. 
 
 He was so remarkable for his industry, that he never 
 seemed disposed to excuse idleness in others. His mornino-s 
 were usually occupied in his cabin in reading or writing, 
 except when called to the deck on duty, or for exercise. 
 
 He was always hospitable, and did the duties of his table 
 with an unaffected grace; several of his young officers, 
 according to the good old sociable custom, dined with him 
 almost every day. 
 
 He conciliated the esteem of almost every one with whom 
 he associated, and seldom, if ever, lost it. He may have 
 had enemies, as few men of decided characters are without 
 them, yet certainly no one had more or warmer friends. 
 
 Commodore Bainbridge thought soundly and rapidly on 
 most subjects, but often experienced some difficulty in ex- 
 pressing himself, particularly when speaking in that tone of 
 vehemence, in which he sometimes indulged. He would 
 occasionally lose his equanimity of temper, nor is this to be 
 wondered at, when we consider the countless annoyances to 
 which a commander at sea is exposed. 
 
 " Who can be wise, amazed, temperate and funous. 
 Loyal and neutral, in a moment?" 
 
 He never, however, lost sight of the perfect gentleman,- 
 if he deemed it necessary to reprove an officer, however 
 strong the provocation, he would relieve him from duty, in- 
 vite him into his cabin, and say to him privately, whatever 
 he deemed the nature of the offence demanded. 
 
248 LIFE AND SERVICES OP COMMODORE BAINBRIDOE. 
 
 Commodore Bainbridge did not make a public profession of 
 religion, but he always entertained a profound veneration 
 for it, and expressed a deep disgust towards those who 
 treated this sacred subject slightingly. 
 
 His excellent widow has informed the writer that she 
 never knew him to retire to rest, without first offering up a 
 fervent prayer to his God. During his last illness he fre- 
 quently called on his nephew, the Rev. John M'Lean, to 
 pray for and with him. 
 
 For a few years before his death, his sufferings became 
 so severe, that he was obliged to take opium, ether, and 
 other antispasmodics to such an extent, as to seriously affect 
 his nervous system. So great was the alteration in the 
 mind and character of this long admired officer, that his 
 friends observed the change with regret and disquietude. 
 The dashing, warm-hearted, generous, chivalric commander 
 of former times, became garrulous, irritable, and in a great 
 degree, withdrew from the society of which he had been 
 long the life and ornament. 
 
 The firmest minds and sweetest disposition, are not exempt 
 from this fate, when the nervous system becomes the seat of 
 disease. — Bolingbroke correctly remarked, that " the great- 
 est hero is nothing when under a certain state of the nerves; 
 his mind becomes like a fine ring of bells, jangled and out 
 of tune." 
 
 THE END. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 As the preceding memoir was passing througli the press, the 
 subject of the following remarks arrested the author's attention, 
 and although not immediately connected with, is yet incidental 
 to the principal subject. 
 
 Whatever may have been the opinions formerly entertained on 
 the policy of a permanent navy, the dear-bought experience of 
 the last forty years, whether of peace or war, has removed all 
 doubts regarding its practical utility. For more than twenty 
 years the United States were tributary to the African regencies^ 
 for it was not until the year 1815, immediately succeeding the 
 late war with Great Britain, when fresh from its victories, our 
 navy released the nation from this odious burden. It would be 
 an interesting, and not an unprofitable inquiry, to estimate the 
 aggregate amount of tribute, and other humiliating requisitions, 
 paid to these piratical states, and add to them, the losses sus- 
 tained by European aggressions during the same period j then to 
 compare the whole with the cost of a naval force adequate to 
 protect the nation from both. The author has not the means to 
 make this calculation, and if he had, this might not be considered 
 the proper place to note the various details. It may not, how- 
 ever, be amiss to state, generally, on the authority of a late num- 
 32 
 
250 APPENDIX. 
 
 ber of the Naval Magazine, that exclusive of the depredations 
 of the Barbary powers, and the tribute paid to them, tlie amount of 
 injury sustained by the United States from France and Great 
 Britain during the late continental wars, amounted to seventy 
 millions of dollars, besides " the detention of our citizens, and the 
 national impoyerishment resulting from loss of capital." 
 
 In the year 1800, we had nearly one million of tons of ship- 
 ping exposed on the high seas; and in 1805, our exports alone 
 were estimated at one hundred and eight millions of dollars. A 
 naval force requiring an expenditure of six millions of dollars, 
 annually, would have aftorded complete protection not only to 
 this vast amount of property, but would have saved our citizens 
 from insult and suffering, and would have sustained our national 
 pride and honour in their proper elevated position. — Enormous, 
 indeed, as was the loss of property which was sustained, it was 
 more supportable than the lacerating wounds which our national 
 character received, by long submission to European insolence and. 
 aggression. 
 
 Professor Tucker of the University of Virginia, in his life of 
 Mr. Jefferson, recently published, remarks, that " whatever is 
 connected with this branch of the national defence, which is at 
 once the cheapest, most efficient, and earned for the nation a 
 glory which can never die, is interesting." In this work there is 
 republished from " The writings " of Mr. Jefferson, a correspon- 
 dence which took place in the year 1822, with his venerable friend 
 Mr, Adams, in which he gives Mr. Jefferson the merit of being 
 the father of the American navy; and opinions hostile to it were 
 imputed to the first President of the United States and other dis- 
 tinguished statesmen, m ho had been ranked among its early ad- 
 vocates. Mr. Adams, in attributing to Mr. Jefferson the merit 
 of being the earliest advocate of a navy, must have had relerence 
 to the suggestions of the latter when minister in France, and not 
 to his policy as chief magistrate. But Professor Tucker is him- 
 self in error in saying " that the cautious character of General 
 Washington prevented his being a zealous advocate for a navy." 
 
 It is important that the opinions of this great man, whose policy 
 as a statesman is worthy the example of all future legislators, and 
 
APPENDIX. 251 
 
 wliose patriotism ami piivato viiluos are a perpotiial moral to Iiis 
 countrymen, should be clearly understootl. For this purpose tiie 
 author has considered a brief view of the orij^in of the navy 
 with which the early services of Commodore Bainbridge were 
 connected, and the opinions of the first three presidents on this 
 point, not inappropriate subjects for an article annexed to his 
 memoir. 
 
 At the peace of 1783, all the vessels of the United States be- 
 ing either captured or destroyed, Congress decided not to esta- 
 blish a national marine until the government was in a condition 
 to provide adequate means to support it on a respectable footing. 
 The state of Virginia, however, was permitted to keep two 
 small vessels of fourteen guns each, for the defence of our com- 
 merce in the Mediterranean against the pirates of Earbai y. 
 
 The attention of Congress being called to this danger, our mi- 
 nisters in France, ]Messrs. Franklin, Adams, and Jefferson, were 
 authorized to negotiate a treaty of peace and amity with these 
 states. Notwithstanding their best efforts, and those of their 
 successors, an arrangement for the release of the American pri- 
 soners was not accomplished until after nine years' negotiation, 
 and at a cost of at least a million of dollars. One hundred and 
 nineteen citizens of the United States, entitled to the protection 
 of their government, thus remained in cruel bondage to the Al- 
 gerines, for different periods, from 1785 to 1794, and our com- 
 merce entirely excluded from the Mediterranean. These pirates 
 emerged from their inland sea and made many captures in the 
 Atlantic. The whole force of Algiers at that period, consisted of 
 eight vessels, varying in size from thirty-four to ten guns. 
 
 During the negotiations Mr. Jefferson in his public despatches 
 uniformly and warmly advocated a naval force, and in his pri- 
 vate letters he recommended an entire abandonment of the com- 
 merce of the Mediterranean in preference to the payment of a 
 tribute, although paid at that time by all European nations. 
 
 He supported the policy of a permanent navy, as necessary to 
 procure us respect in Europe — as less expensive than tribute — 
 not dangerous to the liberties of the people — and would thus 
 arm " the federal government with the safest instruments of co- 
 ercion against its delinquent members." He adds, that to ob- 
 
252 APPENDIX. 
 
 tain revenue for tlie purposes of the general government, it may 
 be necessary that " the Stales should see the rod, and, perhaps, 
 to feel it." 
 
 In these days of state's right principles such a declaration from 
 tiie great apostle of this doctrine, may excite some surprise. 
 
 Mr. Adams preferred the payment of a tribute, principally on 
 the score of expense. " It is worthy of remark, (says Professor 
 Tucker) that both these gentlemen took the sides that were op- 
 posed to the general chai acter of their tempers and policy. Mr, 
 Jefferson, who was generally in favour of peace, was on this oc- 
 casion the advocate of war; and Mr. Adams, who both before and 
 after was among the most strenuous advocates of national rights, 
 was willing, in conformity with the usage of other nations, to be- 
 come tributary to these freebooters." Subsequently, says the 
 same author, Mr. Jefferson concurred with the party in opposi- 
 tion to the navy, and Mr. Adams, when President of tlie United 
 States, made it a prominent point in his policy, or as Mr. Jeffer- 
 son remarks of him, he became the advocate of " the wooden 
 walls of Themistocles." 
 
 Regarding the difference of opinion between these gentlemen, 
 " It is probable," says Professor Tucker, " that the impression pro- 
 duced on Mr. Adams' mind on this occasion, inclined him at that 
 advanced age, when the recollection is partial, to regard Mr. Jef- 
 ferson as a zealous friend to a naval establishment." 
 
 It is not, however, so much the object of these remarks, to de- 
 cide what may have been the opinions of Mr. Adams and Mr. 
 Jefierson, as to correct what is believed to be an error of the for- 
 mer, and of the biographer of the latter, regarding the opinions 
 and policy of General Washington. Both these gentlemen ex- 
 press the opinion that this illustrious statesman was hostile to 
 the establishment of a navy. That this is an error, can, I think, 
 be fairly proved. 
 
 In a message to Congress in the year 1792, General Washing- 
 ton recommended " measures for the fulfilment of our duties to 
 the rest of the world, by placing the nation in a condition of com- 
 plete defence, and of exacling from other nations the fulfilment of 
 their duties to us. That the United States ought not to indulge 
 
APPENDIX. 253 
 
 a persuasion, that contrary to the order of human events, they will 
 for ever keep at a distance from the painful appeal to arms with 
 which the history of other nations abound. That there was a 
 rank due to them among nations, which would be withheld, if not 
 absolutely lost, by the reputation of weakness." 
 
 As early as 1790, among the first of his official acts, he com- 
 municated to Congress a report from Mr. Jefferson, suggesting 
 the propriety, after four years fruitless negotiation, of the employ- 
 ment of force. Mr. Jefferson at the same time, and doubtless, 
 with the approbation of the president, made a report to the senate, 
 in which he speaks of protecting the commerce of the United 
 States by arms, and by employing a naval force equal to that of 
 Algiers, the only power which had then committed aggressions 
 on our commerce. This report was approved of by General 
 Washington. 
 
 In 1793, the Dey of Algiers rejected all negotiations either for 
 peace or ransom, and directed his corsairs to cruise against our 
 commerce in the Atlantic. In the year 1794, General Washing- 
 ton referred the whole subject to Congress, with a report from 
 the secretary of state reiterating the recommendation of an ade- 
 quate naval force. " This," says Professor Tucker, " was warmly 
 opposed by the democratic party, with whom Mr. Jefferson, then 
 in retirement, concurred." 
 
 It is somewhat curious and interesting to examine the argu- 
 ments against the general policy of a navy, and even against it 
 for the special purpose for whicli it was designed. Some even 
 preferred protecting our commerce by subsidizing otiier nations. 
 
 The law, however, authorizing the building of six frigates, 
 passed in the congressional session of 1794, by a majority of ele- 
 ven votes, but with a proviso, which alone secured its passage, 
 that the woikmen should not continue their operations, in the 
 event of a peace with this regency. The proviso Avas considered 
 the more extraordinary, as aggressions had already commenced on 
 our commerce, by both England and France. All these frigates 
 were commenced at the same time in the different ports of the 
 United States, and when in an advanced state, a peace was un- 
 expectedly made with Algiers. 
 
254 APPENDIX. 
 
 About this time a treaty was negotiated with Great Britain by 
 Mr. Jay, whicli although it adjusted most of the points of dispute 
 witli that nation, it was only to increase them with France. 
 
 Although the treaty with Algiers was not executed, nor the 
 prisoners released until the year 1796 — our misunderstanding 
 with Great Britain not finally settled — apparently on the eve of 
 a war with France, yet such was the hostility to a navy, that 
 Congress ordered the discontinuance of the building of three fri- 
 gates. 
 
 In General Washington's last address to Congress, he strongly 
 urges on it, the establishment of a naval force. This should be 
 considered as one of his many valuable legacies to his country- 
 men. This address contains the first distinct recommendation of 
 a permanent naval armament in the following terms. 
 
 " To active external commerce the protection of a naval force 
 is indispensable^ not only as regards wars in which the United 
 States are a party, but to preserve our neutral rights. The trade 
 in the Mediterranean, without a protecting force, will always be 
 insecure, and our citizens exposed to those calamities from which 
 numbers of them have just been relieved. These considerations 
 invite the United States to look to tlie means, and set about with- 
 out delay to collect materials for building ships of war, and to 
 provide by degrees in proportion as our resources shall render it 
 practicable, without inconvenience, so that a future war in Eu- 
 rope may not finil our commerce in the same unprotected state 
 in which it was found by the present." 
 
 Professor Tucker must have inadvertently overlooked the sen- 
 timents contained in this document, otherwise he could not have 
 expressed the opinion that the establishment of a navy was not a 
 favourite measure of General Washington. These views, be- 
 sides, accord with his known principles; that to preserve peace, 
 preparation for war is necessary. It appears then, that the foun- 
 dation of the navy was laid during the administration of the first 
 president. 
 
ERRATA. 
 
 Page 17, for " Russe " read Ruse. 
 
 19, 11 lines from bottom, for "disclose" read discover. 
 26, 3 " " " " russe " read rzjse. 
 
 35,24 « « " " for" read o/. 
 
 39, 10 « " after " men " insert a7id. 
 
 79, Contents, for "Nison " read JVissen. 
 " " " " Triopoli tans " read 2>?!po/«7fl!n5. 
 Wlien " Desferneaux " occm's, read Dcsfourneaux. 
 
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