r.v .*^ ^^ ■ -s O^ -0 b>V ^/ "-^^ • <^ •'.■^'k'%^'- -P^ G° n^^ "^xt m i" >p.,c;5y ,,....^-... ^ ^v •^ „ - a ''' ft.* ■^{f A ■ ■X'^ •" .<>>■ "^ -.-^iLi- -o V^ •- ^o •^^ ' . . • < ^ .0 v.. ^o y 0- . > s. .■•••. c -'M \.-55^ V- ■I % ^ (3wZ33Z3iZI!P) r.l10NTPEIJE(C ] FROM AlONTPELIERTO MANIU CONTAINING REPRODUCTIONS IN FAOSiniLE OrHlTMERTO UNPUBLISHED LETTEPS OF GEORGE DEWEY DURING THE ADAll RAL'S NAVAL CA REERANb EXTPACTS FROM HIS LOG-BOOK BY ADELBERT M.DEWEY ASSISTED BYHEMBERS OFTHE IMMEDIATE FAMILY OF ADMIRAL GEORGE DEWEY AT liONTPELIER VERMONT EnBELLISHEDWITH OVER TWO HUNDRED AN DHfTY ILLUSTRATIONS AUTHORIZED EDITION [ ^nANILAl ] i THE / NEw^foRK'^ wooLFALL tSSaaxJ 40833 Copyright, iSoq, .^^i>i^f^^r,iuuw^.^ A// rij'hls and translation reserved Lunduri, Eng. The illustrations in this work, from orig- inal drawings and photographs, are protected by copyright, and their reproduction in any form is ludavvful ; and notice is hereby given that anyone guilty of infringing the copyright thereof will be dealt with as the law directs. fZ c^ication.. To the American people, to whom George Dewey, of Ver- mont, is a most illustrious example, and to the many thousands of noble men and women in this haven for the oppressed of all the worli-i, in whose veins courses the blood of Thomas Dewey, the Set- tler, this book is most respect- fully dedicated by the author. 0'«.^■^..^^ ^j (/77 fO CONTENTS Introduction PAGE 15 CHAPTER I MONTPELIER The Capital of the Green Mountain State and the Birthplace of Admiral George Dewey . . .21 CHAPTER II BIRTH AXB VHILJ>llO()l> Home of Dr. Julius Yemans Dewey— Ante-Natal Tn- fliieiiees — "The Poor Little Child of a Tar" ;j'J CHAPTER III A HAP FY BOYHOOD Leader in All Games of Sport or Mischief — His First Cruise — School Days at Montpelier The Pan^'- born Incident 6 CONTENTS PAGE CHAPTER IV NOR 1 1 '/( •// UXI I ^ERSI T Y Preparatory School of the Admiral — A "Nursery of Heroes" — Sketch of Its Founder and of George Dewey's Preceptor 79 CHAPTER V THE NA VAL ACADEMY Dewey at Annapolis — Cadet Life and Discipline — A Critical Period in the Nation's History . . 101 CHAPTER YI 7iY TI/E MEDITEBItANEAN Dewey's Initial Cruise — Training and Discipline Aboard the "Wabash" — First Meeting with a Spanish Ves- sel — Dewey Showed His Colors . . . .125 CHAPTER VII DEWEY IN THE CIVIL WAR The "Mississippi" at Port Hudson — Marriage to Susie (loodwin — Career in Time of Peace — Prepara- tions for the Battle of Manila .... 171 CHAPTER VIII 77/ E n.i TTI. E (> E .U. I .VII . f /!.IY Crushing Defeat of the Spanish Navy in Philippine Waters-"01d Clory" Planted on Spanish Soil . 214 CONTENTS 7 PAGE CHAPTER IX THE ADMIRAL- S OWN STORY Description of the Battle as Written by (leorge Dewey Himself — Battle Was Hard Fought — Lessons from the Victory — The Engagement as Viewed by United States Consul Williams at Manila . . 246 CHAPTER X MOXTO.TO'S VERSION OF THE BATTLE The Story of the Battle of Manila as Told by the Defeated Spanish Admiral — An Account from a Spanish Newspaper 273 CHAPTER XI THE FLEETS COMPARED An Official Statement of the Guns and Men — A Brief Sketch of Each of the Commanders of the Ves- sels in Admii'al Dewey's Fleet .... 21)'.) CHAPTER XII OF Fir I A L S T. I TEMEXTS The Part Played by Each of the Vessels in the Amer- ican Squadron as Told by the Conmianding and Executive Officers of Admiral Dewey's Fleet . 320 CHAPTER XIII HONORED BY STATE AND NATION Resolutions of Congress — Appointed Rear- Admiral by the President — Presented with Historic Flags — Degrees and Medals — Admiral of the Navy — Commended by His Associates .... 375 8 CONTENTS CHAPTER XIV LETTERS FllOM J>EWEY Some Hitherti) Unpublished Letters — The Admiral's Career in a Nutshell — A ijoving Sister's Tribute . 410 CHAPTER XV DEWEY'S BOYAL AXCESTRY The Lyman, Lambert. Osborne, and Dewey Coats of Arms — Brief Mention of Other Deweys Prominent in American Affairs 441 CHAPTER XVI THE RATTLE IJST VERSE AXD SOXG Some Selected Poems on George Dewey and the Vic- tory of Manila Bay — Contributions by Lieut.-Com- mander Rees, Mr. George Coronway, and Others . 474 CHAPTER XVII ANECDOTES OF THE ADMIRAL Claimed by Seven Nations — He Obeyed Orders — "Smarter than Chain Lightning" — Falsehood the Unpardonable Sin 486 CHAPTER XVIII THE I'HrLIl'PIXE ISLANDS Our New I'ossessions in the Far East — Their Hi-story, (Jeography. Cliniate. Waters, Productions. Tnhal)- itants. and Po.ssibilities under Aini'iicaii Iiule . 501 General Index 531) W^r,^^ ^> JW-^r rJ hav 5~of5^ LLUSTRATIONS Admiral George Dewey, Montpelier and Manila, 18:57-1898, Seal of the State of Vermont, Main Street, Montpelier (Residence Portion), Main Street, Montpelier (Business Section), Bust of Admiral Dewe}', Montpelier, Vermont, . Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier State House, Montpelier, National Life Building, Montjiclier, Heaton Hospital, Montpelier, Federal Building, Montpelier, Court House, Montpelier, Vermont, Christ Church, Montpelier, State Street, Montpelier, Vt., Captain Simeon Dewey, Captain Elijah Dewey, Birthplace of Admiral Dewey, Montpelier, Julius Yemans Dewey . Ethan Allen, Statue of, Montpelier, "The Little Hero," George Dewey's School Days, Dewey's Accident in the River, George Dewey's First Cruise, Ford of Winooski River, Miintjielier, Swimming Pool, Montpelier, . School House attended by George Dewey Battle of Snowballs, Dewey's First Punishment, Peace and War, West Point and Hudson River, Old Navy Building, Washington, ir. H. Drake (Frontispiece) II'. ir. //. Drake IT. Drake II. Drake ir. 11. Drake I'lirirait I'lirtraif Porfrait . Treiwhridtje ir. //. Drake W. IT. Drake . Troirbriih/e . Troiehridjie . TrowhrUhje \Y. 11. Drake II'. //. Drake W. II. Drake (9) 15 21 21 23 24 2."'> 27 29 31 32 33 37 .39 41 45 48 ."lO 51 55 57 61 61 62 64 m 69 7.3 76 78 79 79 10 ILLISTKATIONS Old Xiirwioh University Buildings, . Captain Alden Partridge, Edward liinirns, .... General Alonzo Jackman, Cadet Officer's Room, Norwich University, Dewey Hall, Norwich University, Dewey Hall (Interior). Seal of the United States Navy Department, The State House, Annapolis, . Tablet in Commemoration of October 10, 1845, Main Entrance to the Naval Academy, Sick Quarters at the Naval Academy, Library Buildings, Naval Academy. Class Formation at the Naval Academy, Superintendent's Residence, Naval Academy. Seamanship Room. Naval Academy, Distributing Contents of '• Lucky Bag," Naval Ac Lover's Lane, Naval Academy, Cutter Practice, Annapolis. Artillery Drill. Naval Academy, Cadet Drill. Naval Academy, Naval Cadets Repelling Boarders, Duty and Honor, .... The "Wabash" in the Mediterranean, The Old Harbor, Marseilles, . The Harbor, Genoa, .... Landing at Gibraltar, .... Rock of Gibraltar, .... Caravan Bridge over the Melos, Smyrna, . Approach to Jaffa, Syria, Alexandria, The Western Harbor, Villa Doria and Gardens, Genoa. Torre Dell' .Vnnunziata. Naples, Valetta. Malta — Quarantine Harbor, Arco Di Riccardo. Trieste, A Street in Amalfi, near Naples, Civita Vecchia, Port of Rome, Porto Ferrajo (View from Napoleon's House), Bay of Si)ezia. Italy. .... Admiral Farragut. .... The "Mississippi" at \i," George Dewey at the Age of Twenty-four, George Dewey Leaving the Burning " Mississippi," George Dewey Saving a Comrade's Life, . ARTIST PAGE • • . • 81 Pftrtraif 84 P'n-fratf 86 J*(n-trnif 88 . 91 . 9,") . 98 ir. ]l. Dnil.-f 101 W. H. Dnik, 101 . 10-2 ■ 103 . 106 . 107 . 109 111 . 112 ademy, 113 . 116 . 118 . 119 . 1-21 123 ir. H. Drake 124 W. H. Drake 125 Jithii FiiUei/love 129 John Fiillri/Infp 133 Jiihii O'Cdiiiior VX) 1.36 . John .^fdcir/ihicr 137 . Ilcirr/i A. Harper 140 . 11. J. Boot 141 John FnUet/lore 145 Al/rol Flint 149 r. 11'. ]\;i//i!r 151 John Fiillrj/lore 153 Al/rrd Fant 155 John FiiUeylove 157 John Ftillei/lovc 161 John Fnltrt/lore 165 ir. //. /)rakc 171 ir. //. />rakr 171 W. II. Drake 171 Portrait 172 i," . Troii'/)ri(i(/e 173 . Troirttridfir 177 ILLU.STRATIONS U Bay of Beyrout, Syria, Commander Dewey, George Dewey in 1867, Lieutenant Dewey, George Dewey and Susie Goodwin Dewey at th of Their Marriage, . Mosque of Omar — Jerusalem. George Dewey at the Age of Forty-six, Temple of Diana at Ephesus, Athens from the East, Harbor of Nagasaki, Japan, . A Buddhist Priest, Landing Place at Malta, Constantinople and the Bosiihorus, Turkey Imperial Palace, Constantinople, Turkey, Bird's-eye View of Cairo, Egypt, Tomb-Mosque of Caid Bey, Cairo, Egypt, Street Scene in Cairo, Egypt, Boats Sailing on the Nile, Yokohama and HarVior, Jajian, Hong-Kong and Harbor. China, E Pluribus Unum, The Arms of Germany, Vice-Admiral Von Diederichs, Commodore George Dewe}', The Battle of Manila Bay. . The Flagship "Olympia" Leading the Fleet into George Dewey on the Bridge of the "Olympia" During the Battle, .... The "Olympia's" Crew Cheering the Commodore The Men Behind the Guns, . Hotchkiss Rapid-Fire Gun, Flag of Cavite, Captured by the .\mericans. The President's Fighting Flag, Map of Manila Bay, .... Punch Cup Presented to the "Raleigh." . Destruction of the Spanish Fleet at Manila, Wreck of the "(!astilla," "Olympia." U. S. N., ... "Baltimore," U. S. N., "Raleigh," U. S. N " Petrel," U. S. N "Boston." U. S. X. . "Concord." U. S. N. The Arms of Spain, .... AHTIST Hi II r /I A. Harpir Povtntif Port rait Portrait Time Portriiit W. IT. Drake W. H. Drake TI'. H. Drake Portrait ]V(irn II Slirppitril L'tion. Triiirliriiljii- Troicl/ridf/f Trowbrid(/e If. If. W. II. W. II. }V. II. Draki Drake Drake Drake Drake ir. If. hrak, PACE 181 i8;i las ia3 185 187 189 191 191 192 194 19() 197 199 •201 202 20:! 201 20.") 210 21:? 214 214 215 217 221 22;? 228 2.^3 2:^5 2:59 241 24:5 245 24G 241 ; 249 2!'):{ 2.59 2(5:5 207 271 27:5 12 ILLUSTKATIONS Manila Fortifications — Isabella Gate, Admiral Patricio N. Montojo Pasaron, "Isla de Cuba" (Amidships), D. Ramon De Aunon, Duque De Almondovar, "Isla de Cuba" (After Deck), '■ Isla de Cuba " (At HIkIi Tide) Senor Praxedes Mateo Sagasta, "Don Juan de Austria," "Reina Christina," "Isla de Luzon" (Forward Deck), . "Castilla," .... " Don Juan de Ulloa," The (Ireat Seal of the United States, Admiral Dewey's Fleet in Mirs Bay, Revenue Cutter "Hugh MeCulloch," Fighting Top of a War-ship, "Oregon," U S. X.. . Searchlight of a War-ship, Thirteen-Inch Shells, . Signaling on Board a War-ship, Captain Benj. P. Lamberton, Cajitain Charles V. Gridley, Kobe and Harbor, Jajian, Commander X. Mayo Dyer, Captain Joseph B. Coghlan, Captain Frank Wildes, Commander Asa Walker, Commander Edward P. Wood, American and Spanish Fleets Ready for Action, The War Room at Washington The C^apitol. Wa.shington. William R. Day. LL.D. (Ex-Secretary of State), Signing of the Peace Protocol, Stewart L. Woodford, . The White House, Washington, The Board of Naval Strategy. United States Peace Commissioners Unseen Heroes on a War-ship, The "Callao." Captured Si)anish War-ship "Tlie Star-Spangled Banner," 1777-1899 William McKinley, John D. Long, .... Senator Henry Cabot Lodge, . Senator Matthew Stanley Quay, ARTIST PAGE w. H. Drake 273 P(,rlrait 274 275 Porfrail 277 Portrait 277 278 279 Portrait 281 282 283 286 289 293 w. H. Drake 299 w. H. Drake 299 w. H. Drake 299 .301 3a3 305 307 ,309 , Portrait 313 Portrait 314 .315 I'artrait 316 Portrait 316 Portrait 317 . Portrait 318 Portrait 319 ir. IT. Drake 320 17. ■tor Perarrl 323 327 Portrait .3.33 /. Ste ep/e Da via .339 Portrait 349 353 J. Stepplr Darh 357 .363 Vh ■tor Prrard .371 W. II. Drake .375 \v. II. Drake 375 Portrait 377 Portrait .381 Portrait .384 , Port rrak> to be II'. IP Dra/cr 38.J 387 390 .393 .395 .390 398 399 401 101 iO-2 40.3 406 407 441 441 441 4.'31 4.-J3 455 457 457 4.57 4.57 4.57 4.57 457 4.57 459 4(34 4(;4 405 40(5 400 407 408 4(59 470 471 47:2 472 474 480 u LLUSTRATIONS S. A., . S. A.. . Republic, at M; The Flags of Seven Nations, .... New Ti-aining Vessel for the U. S. Naval Academy, Weapons of War of the Filipinos, Corregidor Island, Manila Bay, Map of the Philippine Islands, Lighthouse, Manila Harbor, . Iron Suspension Bridge, Manila, Major-(ieneral Wesley Merritt. U Emilio Aguinaldo Famy, Major-General Elwell S. Otis, U. Proclamation of the Filipino September. 1898, .... The Old Cathedral. Cavity, . Mode of Traveling in the Philippines, In the Spanish Trenches at ^lanila, Major-General Henry W. Lawton, U. S. A.. "Old Glory" Flying above Fort Malate, Manila, Governor-General Augustin, . The Caseos on ^Manila Bay, . Scenes in the Philippine Islands (No. ll. . Rear-Admiral John C. Watson. U. S. N., . Spanish Historical Personages (No. 1), Christina, Queen Regent of Spain, . Alphonso XIII., King of Spain, Spanish Historical Personages (No. 2), House Used as Blockhouse, Near IManila. . The Effect of an American Three-Inch Shell. A Street in the Outskirts of Malolos. Native Huts Near Polo, North of :\lanila. . Filipino Huts, ..... Barricade on the Road from ^lanila to Polo, Scenes in the Philippine Islands (No. 2), . Peace and Prosperity, .... ir. ir. ir. ir. alolos. ir. ir. w. w. w. ARTIST //. Drakr II. Drakf If. Iiruke II. Drake II. Drake Portrait Portrait Portrait H. Drake H. Drake Portrait Portrait H. Drake Portrait H. Drake Portrait Portrait H. Drake W. W. Drake Drake PAGE •486 .JOl 501 502 503 505 505 507 .510 511 513 514 5U 515 518 518 519 519 521 525 527 528 529 5.30 531 531 5.32 5.32 5.34 5.34 a^i 5.38 COATS-OF-ARMS IN COLORS The Lyman Coat-of-Arms, . . . . . The Lyman-Lanibert-Osborne Coat-of-.\rms, The Quartered Arms of Fourteen Royal Families in the Line of George Dewey's Ancestors, The Dewev Coat-of-Arms, . . . . . 411 445 449 455 ■»9aa&^&&&&#:«ie€€€€#€€e««- INTRODUCTION |t is the luippy lot of (teorge Dewey to have merited the uni- versal approval of his country- men. The award is made witli- out a dissentient voice. He indeed would be alike coura- g-eous and perverse who should refuse to join in the harmonious acclaim that comes up from land and sea. Only Thersites. or some of his cynical descend- ants, unloved of mankind and unappreciated of liistory, would dare to croak a discord in the symphony. In the career of most men material abounds for con- troversy and wrangling; as it respects the Hero of Manila, there is virtual unanimity. The countrymen of the Admiral have made up their minds to transfer their favorite from the ranks of the unknown and the common to the ranks of the immortals in Itronze. The (15) 16 INTRODUCTION schoolboys and the youth of the future, in the early morning of their lives, must make the acquaintance of one more captain of the hosts. Whatever may be the elements of Dewey's character and the historical circumstances of which he has availed himself, there can lie no doubt of the fact of his fame. He has passed easily and permanently into the catalogue of the great sea-captains who have won for their respec- tive nations the dominion of the seas. Henceforth, this name will be found written on architrave, tablet, and pedestal, with the names of Nelson and Decatur and Far- ragut. The marvellous thing in the cai-eer of our Admiral is that witliin a single year he has made such an extraor- dinary dash of renown. His victories are emblazoned with the deeds of the Lord of Trafalgar, the Master of the Mediterranean, and the Hero of Mobile Bay. George Dewey is one of the great characters of whom modern history avails herself in the transformation of w^arfare. War now looks from the land to the deep. Mars stands no longer above the plain, but over the intinite sea. The empire of the world is contested not on the shore, but on the ocean. The great states of Christendom have come to depend upon their navies for l>()th defense and victory ; and tliis dependence has not been disapiiointed. Great Britain has risen to her world- wide dominion, not by the onset of her armies, but l)y the power of her fleets. Nor has the Great Republic ever failed of triumph in a, conflict when the American navy has been the right arm of her faith. The splcMi- dor of Dewey's name streams up from the new era of INTRODUCTION 17 Immanity in which naval warfare (ere all warfare be abolished) shall be substituted for the bloodier coiiHicts of armies. There is a historical suspicion, not ill-founded, that men concerning whom the world is agreed are likely to lose their fame. It must be confessed that most of the great characters who have influenced the course of human events have attained their place only by liattle and con- quest, and many have subsequently lost their place by a reversal of the judgment of mankind. Only in rare in- stances does the foremost man of his age hold through life and death an equal and undiminished fame. In the case of Admiral Dewey there are reasons a /ir/orl for Ijclieving that his rank as man and hero will iu)t in the twentieth century be less illustrious than it is in this. The conspicuous leaders in the affairs of nations have generally been fiei-cely assailed. Not only the strong have been thus subjected to the antagonism of their fellow-beings, but the good as well have been attacked and tried liy tire. The military captain has had to ))e- coine such by shaking from his powerful sides the lesser creatures who pursue him, and the statesman has had to reach the ascendant liy traversing the marshlands of ]»olitics and by ))reathing the enmities and bearing the slanders of his rivals. Even the artist and the profes- sional man. preeminent above the rank and tile of their fellows, must gain their stations and secure their fame by enduring the petty ordeals of competition and jjy facing the frown of thousands left liehind. D.— 2 18 INTRODUCTION Lord Byi'on lia;-< Avell expres.sed the general enmity wliicli tlie linnian race sadly enough cherishes for its leaders and master spirits : ••He wlio ascends flie niouiitaiii-to]) sliall fiiiil Tlie loftiest peaks most clad in ice and snow ; He who surpasses or subdues mankind .Must look down on the hate of all hidow I "' To this sad and almost universal law, it has remained for Admiral Dewey to furnish a conspicuous exception. Nor does there seem to he any well-founded apprehension that the present partial judgment of the American people will he hereafter reversed hy some sudden caprice or prejudice of the coming age. George Dewey has emerged into the broad field of world-wide observation and renown under conditif)ns that are strikingly peculiar. It does not appear that in life or inanuer he is greatly changed from what he was prior to the great apparition of ISUS. It does not appear that in character he is a purer or nobler man than he was on the Ciiliiiudli). in the .Mediterranean, thirty years ago. The change in his relative rank has been simply a reve- lation ; and when a i-evelation is to be made in human histoi-y, there must be something to be revealed ! The rise of Dewey to universal fame is not an acci- dent ; neither is it the result of favoring contingencies which came with the beginning of the Spanish-American war, but it is the result of a great cliai-actiM- nnconscionslv t^' combining with a situation in which his country had 'c^ as if thoughtfully — }ila(('(l liini in the hour of trial INTKODUCTION 1«) And thi^ is the (>nly legitimate nietlKid of hninan great- ness. This is the only greatness which is not envied and denied by those who cannot achieve it. A remarkable fact may be noted as an invarialile con- comitant of this kind of greatness which is not iikhIc but simply rerni/cd, and that is the unconsciousness and com- parative silence of him to whom it belongs. It is true that unconsciousness and silence do not always secure the great man from the hostility of the age, but they go far to mollify and reduce the antagonism and jealousy of his grudging contemporaries. Admiral Dewey has in a re- markable degree that golden reserve of silence which is more powerful in fixing the fame of its possessor than is the orator's ehxiuent period or the poet's rhapsody. Silence, fitting speech, and great deeds ! These are the sterling attributes of the soul of Dewey. These are the (qualities with which in the one brief season of his op- portunity he has conquered not only the Spanish foe. luit also the admiration of his countrymen. He now goes to his trial at the bar of Biography and History. There, in the stillness of the great tribunal, where all the heroes of the nations, each in his turn, have stood to be judged, George Dewey must stand while his cre- dentials to immortal fame are examined ! The most illustrious lives of men belong to a cUivSs of actors who do the deed and arc proclaimed aftci-- wards. Then all of a sudden the world lieconies awan^ of a new force which has been at woik among, and in a measure determining, the character of (>vents. In this -^i/'' ';/ Ailiuind iJeircij the task is e.s,sayed of .setting 20 INTKODliCTION forth and interpreting the career of a man wlio made history l)efore the cyclopedist.s had found him ! Tiie autiior of the present work, and they wlio have assisted in gathering the facts of Admiral Dewey's life, have Iteen fortunate in their near approach to the man himself. It had not been anticipated that so fnll and authentic a record of the hero's work could he made at so early a date. The documents in which are recorded the progress and much of the purpose of the Admiral have been found in the keeping of members of his family. By them his correspondence has been preserved, as if in loving anticipation of the time when his most trilling letter would be held and guarded as a treasure. In more general terms, the author of this work has been successful in tracing the life line of Dewey from his childhood home, in Vermont, to his present place as cap- tain of the .seas. Here are found the pictured scenes of the boyhood of the hero ; his career in school and acad- emy ; his outgoing as a naval tyro : his trials and vicissi- tudes in the long interval between the Civil and the Spanish war; his sudden revelation and ascendency in the Kast. and his seemingly secure con(]uest, not only of the Philippines, bat also of the good-will and confidence of mankinil. May the remainder of Admiral Dewey's life, when the same shall have been coinplctcd. be also writ- ten in letters of gold — according to the promise of the first great act as recorded in those pages. Washington, June, l.siW. ^ — ^ceTve- at\ Vcriruotxt. CHAPTER I MONTPELIER THE CAPITAL OF THE GREEN MOUNTAIN STATE AND THE BIRTH- PLACE OF ADMIRAL GEORGE DEWEY illi3ul)u\lin; -'t,,-./-;^;* j^m niLE searchinit^ for the data with which to authenticate and em- bellish the story of the life and character of America's greatest living naval commander, the writer boarded a train in Grand Central Station, New York city, one Sunday afternoon at four o'clock, and at three o'clock the next morning found himself in the beautiful valley of the Wi- nooski River, in the very heart of the famous (iroen Mountain region of Vermont. "IMontpelier !" called out the trainman in deep stentorian tones, and the Pullman porter helped the weary traveler to the platform of the station. But it was not the Capital Cify affci- all only (21) Xtlam Jlrcct - Rcuxdeuce Portiou 22 LIFE OF ALMIRAL DEWEY a junction, from which a few moments hiter he was car- ried by a combination of freigfht and accommodation train to the charming little city which has now l^ecome his- toric as the birthplace of George Dewey, the hero of Ma- nila Bay. The courteous hotel porter escorted the scribe to comfortable quarters for tlie remainder of the night, and in fifteen minutes after he was left alone the quiet of a New England village had lulled him into a refresh- ing slumber, undisturbed, until the sweet song-birds, which inhabit this region in great numbers, proclaimed the coming of the dawn of another day. Hastily preparing for breakfast (which comes at an early liour here), the searcher after facts was ushered into a large and com- modious dining-hall, where trim New England maidens, in neat frocks, served an old-fashioned New England meal, with fresh Vermont maple syrup for the buckwheat cakes and shaved sugar for the rolls and cereal. Alto- gether, it was such a reception as one might have ex- pected in a New England city which has erected in its State House a marble statue to Ethan Allen, and which celebrated the naval victory of j\Iay 1, 1898, as did no other city in America. And right here it is well that the reader should lie- come a little acquainted with the city of our Admiral's l)ii-tli and boyhood, 'i'he eleventh census (1890) gave to Montpelier a population of a little more than five thou- sand persons, but a later school census increa.ses that number to about eight thousand. The city lies in a quiet, sequestered spot, on the bank of the Winooski River. It is surrouiuled so closely on all sides by the MONTPELIER 23 Green Mountains as to seem to be literally resting in the very lap of Nature. State street, which takes its name from the State House, occupying one whole square of ground, the rear of the building itself reaching to the very foot of the mountain range, is at once a place of business and of pleasure. Not less than one hundred and MAIN STREET, MONTPELIER fifty feet in width, bordered with wide walks of concrete. its parking filled with stately old elms and other trees of dense foliage arching the street, it is indeed a pleas- ant scene to look upon. Uoing from the station, whicli is as near the centre of the town as it well could be. one enters to the right the business portion of the city, while to the left and in front is to be found tlie main 24 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY BUST OF ADMIRAL DEWEY Made by Abrams Chegli, of New York. Presented by Charles Dewey, brother of the Admiral, to the Wood collection of fine arts at Montpelier residence sec- tion. The spot w here George Dewey was born is a few hundred feet to the left of the station, and just op- posite the en- trance to the State House grounds. A b r o t h e r of the Admiral, Capt. Edward Dewey, has since 1 ) u i 1 1 here a hand- s o ni e house, that in which our hero had his first struggle for existence having been moved a little farther down the street. Turning to the right, and before reaching, in the business section, what is called Main Street, one passes the government building and courthouse, and. what is here of more im- poi-tance, the site of Christ Church. That house of woi*- ship was built in the early years of the century, largely through the efforts of I>r. -lulius Yemans Dewey, the Admiral's father, and was also the church in which MONTPELIEK 27 the Admiral himself was christened and tan^ht his first lessons in the catechism. The illustration on page thirty- nine is of the old church as originally built. It has since been replaced by another and more costly structure. The original building, having been remodeled into a dwelling is still in use a shoi-t distance down the street, as a KELLOGG-HUBBARD LIBRARY, MONTPELIER boarding house for summer tourists, who every year visit Monti^elier in large numbers. Passing along still farther to the riglit. and turning into ^lain Street to the left, the visitor discovers that lie has entered another avenue of unusual beauty, bordered on either side by tine residences in \\(jod and stone, surrounded by spacious lawns and gardens enriched by 28 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY an abundance of flowers. Here lie finds the Kellogg- Hubbard Library, a magnificent stone structure built at a cost of $60,000, — a prt)perty incorporated and held in trust for the inhabitants of Montpelier. The building is commodious, and a fit place of abode for the IMontpelier Public Library, wiiich has had an existence, in one form or another, since the year 1794. It is thus seen that the residents of Montpelier, while yet a very young village. and when its inhabitants could have been counted on the fingers of few hands, were seekers after knowledge; and it is but fair to say of them that they have been seeking it ever since. Another of the points of interest to the visitor is the Heaton Hospital erected in 1S95 on the northern por- tion of what is known as Seminary Hill, the place taking its name fi-oni the Montpelier Seminary, a Methodist institution of learning well and favorably known to Methodists and others throughout the Green Mountain State. Both of these are large and conunodious struc- tures, well managed, and pos.sessing attractions for stran- gers, whether in search of health or education. Coming back to the city jiroper, and after feasting our eyes on the architectural beauty of the '" National Life." ami otlirr stiiictm-cs in maililc and sandstone, we will lake a, look at the old iii'ick school building in wliirh one l'aiigi)oi-n. in the late forties, taught the young ideas of Montpelier how to shoot. It is sai'l that this same pedagogue once conquered the iron will of tlie boy who in later years conquered the Spanish navy in the waters of the I'hilippine Archipelago. The building is now used MONTPELIER 31 as a dwelling, the vie w ( > n page sixty-nine being a g o o d one of the out- side of the struc- ture. It was in this place tliat most of the men f Montpelier. now of mature years, were giv- en their first les- sons in the rule of three. There are many now living in the various cities of the United States, as well as many who still dwell beneath the roof which gave them shelter in childhood days, who received their earliest instructions here, and who have since taken their places among the foremost men and w^omen of their time. Last, but by no means least, in this list of points of unusual interest in the Capital City of Vermont, we come to the official home of the State government itself, the State House. The view presented of this stately struc- ture furnishes Ijut a faint idea of the grandeur of the building. Standing, at tliis point, in the very centre of the valley of the Winooski River, a view from the dome of the Capitol building discloses a kaleidoscopic panorama to be found, with equal effect, in no other locality. Hack THE NATIONAL LIFE" BUILDING, MONTPELIER 82 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY of the State House rises majestically one of the highest and most precipitous of the Green Mountain ranges, so close as to make it appear possible for the observer to jumji with ease from the dome to the mountain side. Away to the right and left can be seen the winding waters of the Winooski, with its sloping banks and mead owed lowlands. A quarter of a mile down the stream is the HEATON HOSPITAL, MONTPELIER ford in which George Dewey nearly lost his life on tlie occasion of his hi-st naval ventui'e in his father's run- about some time in the early forties. A view" of the ford is shoA\ n on page sixty-four. Far away, in one direction, on a clear day, can be distinctly seen the foothills of the White Mountains, while in the other, the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain. with its reminders of Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys at Fort Ticonderoga. bring the enchanted observer back to earth again and remind him that time Hies and waits for no man. At his feet lies M0NTPEL1P]R 35 the north In-anch of the Winooski, cutting the little city in two. and winding its way like a thread of silver away to the north and east, forming another valley as beautiful as the one in which the city of Montpelier rests. Along its banks within the city proper are to be seen many manufacturing plants of varied industries, giving to the little city an air of hustling commercialism surpassed only by its quaint and quiet New England homeliness as a place of either rest or recreation. The interior of the State House possesses much in- terest for the stranger. The rooms of the governor and other State officers are both elegant and simple in their furnishings, the walls lieing hung with paintings of for- mer officials and men of note in the affairs of the commonwealth. The Vermont State Historical Society occupies much space with collections, both rare and rich, of everything, from stulfed Itirds. native to the State, to the Indian relics of bygone days found within the borders of old Vermont. The exhibits are as fine as could possibly be gotten together, while the display of polished granite and marble would occasion surprise in one unaccpiainted with the resources of the State in those particular i)rod- ucts. Marble and granite are as common in the construc- tion of buildings in Montpelier as w^ere the mon^ familiar cobble-stones in the dwellings and factories of northern New York erected in the early part of the nineteenth century. Here also is to be found the State Library, said to contain the most complete collection of law books of any lilirary in the United States, not even exce])tiiig the Congressional Library at Wa.shington. It is a boast of 36 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY Vermonters interested in library matters that several of the United States Supreme Court Justices have in recent years written their opinions and decisions vs^itliin the walls of this building, coming there from the White Mountain country in order to avail themselves of the superior facili- ties afforded by this collection of law books. Before leaving the building and after taking a glance into the halls of the Assembly and the State Senate, the visitor is invited to inspect the statue of Ethan Allen, which stands in the porch of the building. This statue was designed liy Larkin (1. Mead, and is said to have been his masterpiece. Vermonters have an especial fondness for Ethan Allen, and their latest hero is yet compelled to yield a place in the affections of the people of the Green j\Iountaiu State for this other Ver- mouter, who called so early in the morning on the British at Ticonderoga. Down the broad steps from the porch toward State Street, one enters the spacious grounds with a feeling that he has been well repaid for his time within the building. The grounds are plain but well kept, the walks from the centre gate to the far corners of the inclosure, at either of the side entrances to the Capitol l)uilding. being trod daily by a large percentage of the population of the city in their passing to and from business or the station. It was in these verj' grounds that the children of Montpelier in the early daj's used to iidld tlicii- annual May-day festivities, though usually the jiicnic would commence in the woods on the hills above the State House, and end within this MONTPELIER 37 f^ 0- II -«r^r^ inclosure. It was here that (ieorge Dewey, on one of these May-day occa- sions when he was a lad of thirteen, had an altercation with the boy who has since become the Rev. John P. Demeritt. An account of the altercation is given elsewhere in this work. It is interesting to listen to tales of the annually re- curring jollifications among the younger people of those other days, and one is led almost to wish that he were young again, and that the customs of the years gone by had not been so ruthlessly cast aside foi' the more fashionable but less enjoyal)le festivities of these later generations. In another pai-ticular the city of ^lontpelier is worthy of more than passing mention in this initial chapter to the story of the life of George Dewey. Scientists tell us that food and drink, and the habits of life influenced .J';^:ivv.\.'«-/ .-i-i*?;: THE COURT HOUSE, MONTPELIER 38 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY l)y both of them, are important factors in affecting the career of any people. The soil of the Winooski valley produces the very best of vegetables and cereals, and the waters of Mirror Lake, from which the city receives its supply of water for domestic uses, are declared by chemists to be as pure as any in the world. If we are to take this into consideration, then surely Montpelier is entitled to another credit mark when we are fixing the rewards for the victory of Manila Bay. Taken altogether, Montpelier is a pleasant place to live in, as well as a good place to have been born in. as has been said by some of the paragraphers in refer- ence to the early home of George Dewey. Best of all, the people are of an hospitable disposition, and the latchstring is always hanging out for the stranger who happens to come within the gates of the city. 'ftri^ 'fteali.'ifeffiJpsftt '-■^ '^.4'*^' •- ^W'^' ■'-'■^^ '-■^mr' CHAPTER II BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD HOME OF DR. JULIUS YEMANS DEWEY - ANTE-NATAL INFLU- ENCES-" THE POOR LITTLE CHILD OF A TAR" |irE day was (Jhristmas. happiest of all the winter holidays, and the good people of the Capital City of the Green Mountain State were as merry with their festivi- ties as is the custom in all those ancient New England house- holds. December twenty-five comes there as early in the cal- endar year as elsewhere : l:>ut. somehow, it seems to be a little later in the season when the snow has lain on the ground for several weeks, and the jolly jingle of the sleigh bells has become sufficiently familiar to cause no longer a scurry of the children to the windows to see the horses (39) Ai'nural 'Hcucy'ii Wrthplace. THDalpeUcr.Vt 40 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY and hear the music of the sweet-toned harbingers of peace and happiness. And, too. the latitude of Montpelier is pretty well north, and lung ere the last week in Decem- ber the thrifty householder of the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty-seven had banked his house against the wintry winds, and lighted the fires in the great stoves and fireplaces which make the long evenings pass so pleasantly, and which have given to the homes of Ver- mont a fame above that of most of her sister States as a jilace of good cheer during Yule Tide. It is here the children come to crack nuts, eat apples, and drink the best of sweet cider ; and the ringing laughter, mingled now and again with the music of song or the interesting tales of other holidays, have a tendency to make the older ones wish for a return of the days of childhood, when Santa Clans was not to them a myth, and before the years of care and responsibility had made them ac- quainted with the stern realities of life. On State, Street, nearly opposite the State House, there then stood a vineclad cottage, known far and wide as the hospital)le home of one of Vermont's foi'emost citizens. Dr. Julius Yemans Dewey. Pleasant were the surround- ings here, so far as nature and loving hands could make them, and the stately elm-trees, with their over-hanging branches, glistening with the crystals which heaven alone can send them at this season of the year, only added to the grandeur of the landscape. Back of the house, at a little distance, ran the muniiuiiug waters of the Onion River, where boys and girls, in their warm hoods angions afar; Deserted and friendless I was then left to roam. The poor little child of a tar." Thus j)laintive he cried, when a traveler who passed. Stopped a moment to give him relief : He stretched forth his hand, and a look on him cast, A look full of wonder and irrief. BIllTH AND CHILDHOOD 59 " What, my Willie," he cried, " my poor little boy. At last I've returned from the war. Thy sorrows shall cease, nor shall irrief more annoy The poor little child of a tar."' As the song progressed tears would till the eyes of the little sympathizer, and in his anxiety lest the "'poor little child of a tar" should suffer, he would interrupt the song to suggest means for relieving his distress. But the climax was reached when the father returned from the war and found his destitute child, and young George would fairly dance for glee to think that the child's sufferings were at an end. This song always left a deep impression on our hero's mind, and he would talk about it for hours at a time. And who shall say that right here was not laid the foundation for the desire which in the later years in- spired George Dewey, the youthful student, to seek ad- mission to the Naval Academy at Annapolis, and in the still later years gave to the world its most eminent and truly great naval commander ? George Dewey as a child was active and playful, impetuous and fond of out-door sports, yet tender and sympathetic ; as a youth, manly, studious, fond of reading, music, and those associations which elevate and inspire to acts of heroism and noble deeds. And here, in lier own words, is his loving sister's tribute to his character as a man: "And now he is a quiet gentleman of finest feelings, thoughtful, kind, and loyal. Not so effusive as many persons, but sincere. A friend to trust in time of troul)le." 60 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY And what higher measure of praise can be imagined? The world is tilled with men just as loyal and just as brave as George Dewey ; but few men possess all the qualities which go to make the all-'round man so clearly illustrated in his life from childhood till threescore years of age. - ^- vis."- *_,- •''iilli'l CHAPTER 111 ^ M-/Py°>^ BOYHOOD LEADER IN ALL GAMES OF SPORT OR MISCHIEF -HIS FIRST CRUISE-SCHOOL DAYS AT MONTPELIER-THE PANGBORN INCIDENT loMiRAL George Dewey was a boy of but thirteen when he started out on his career as a naval hero. The waters navigated were those of the Winooski River, which flowed past his father's home in Montpelier. The season was spi'ingtime. and the melting snows of the Vermont mountains had swollen the river to over- flowing banks. Just below Mont- pelier there was at that time a convenient fording place used by the people thereabouts as a short cut from their homes in and out of the city. Doctor Dewey, the future admiral's father, had sent young George with liorse and (til) 'PexueijiS accident in. ttit rivci:. 62 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY t£ ^^5^- I" wagon to perform some errand at the home of a neighboring fanner, cautioning him, how- ever, to go around by the bridge and not at- tempt to ford the river, as it was dangerous. But the temptation to shorten the distance was too great to be ov^ercome, and George l)()ldly drove his horse into the t u r b u 1 e n t waters. He soon found himself floating down the stream, the horse plunging iu an eff(_)rt to save his own life, and George himself was obliged to leave the wagon and trust to his faithful dumb companion to get him ashore in safety. But get ashore he did, though thoroughly frightened and effectually cured, for the time being at least, of disobedi- ence. He reached home, in a drenched and forlorn con- diti«n. without having done the errand assigned him. He was immediately ]int to bed, and his father sent for. On his arrival, the kiud and indulgent doctor at first began to scold, 1)ut George interrupted him with the plea, "You ought to l)e thankful that I'm alive, and not scold me because I didn't get drowned." The doctor turned away, and the subject was never nientioiuHl by hiui again. GEORGE DEWEY'S FIRST CRUISE A HAPPY PUYHUUD 63 Dewey was always adventurous. It is related of him by his former associates that no hill was too long, no precipice too steep, for him to coast with his sled. Coast- ing in Montpelier was then, as now, a favorite pastime for the young. From Seminary Hill to State House gate — a distance of more than one mile — was an ordinary coast for George Dewey. The hill back f)f the State House, so precipitate as to be deemed by others unsafe for coasting, was a favorite spot for the hero of Manila and such of his associates as dared to follow his lead. Dewey was especially happy on the ice, where it was his delight to jump over airholes and skate over thin ice which would bend beneath his weight ; and many, many times his companions pulled him out of the water when he had taken too great a risk and fallen into an aix'hole or broken through the ice. A danger signal seemed only to inspire him to more daring deeds. He did not believe he was l)orn to ]>e diTjwned in the Winooski River, and thus far he has escaped such fate. For a great many years the first day of Legislature in Vermont was a gala day in the Capital (Jity. Peo- ple came there from miles around. Circus crowds were no comparison, (lingerliread and sweet cider took tlie place of the peanuts and junk lemonade of to-day. On these occasions the boys of other towns came along to test their muscle with local youths. George Dewey al- ways took a prominent part and retired invariably with flying colors. Adventure upon adventure was the lot of the future hero of Manila. It had become the custom for the older CA LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY people to say, on hearing of some remarkable feat of daring or skillful trick, "Well, that Dewey rascal is at it again." The saying, "Boys will be boys," has a true application to George Dewey. He had time for all kinds of pranks, yet there was no brighter lioy in school than he, who, at the age of thirteen, when attending the old Montpelier Academy, was studying Latin and Greek roots. FORD OF THE WINOOSKI RIVER, MONTPELIER llis father had always wished to have him enter the Army, and sent him to Norwich I'uiversity, a military training school, for tliat purpose. Hut (ieorge's eyes were on the sea, ;iiid he teased his father so much that his scruples against the Navy were overcome, and through his influence a cadetship in the United States Naval Academy I A HAPPY BOYHOOD 65 at Annapolis was secured for the lad, when he was in his seventeenth year. George Dewey was a great boy to do things no other boy dared. One of these was to remain under water while swimming. One of the future Admiral's chums had beaten his record, and he started out to make a new one. The swimming basin was in the Winooski Eiver, at the head of Main Street, in Montpelier. Dewey dived under the water and remained there so long that a howl went up from his companions that he had been drowned. Several men rushed into the river, and after fishing around pulled him out. His face was purple. The first thing he inquired after getting his breath was if he beat the other felloAv. He was also the means of saving one of his companions Avhile swimming. Another favorite pastime of young Dewey was to run down the State House steps blindfolded. The distance is over one hundred yards, with small terraces intervening, making it v^ery dangerous. A single miscalculation would mean a broken head or limb. Dewey never missed the gate. The crowning feature of the whole adventure was to walk so straight that he would not bump the high iron fence. George Dewey was always full of l)oyi.sh pranks, — not what would lie termed mean actions. Init what in college would be termed "practical jokes." Doctor Dewey in those days kept several cows, and George was wont to boast to his young companions that one of them was a saddle-cow. To jirove this he would take the boys to the pasture, approach one of the most domestic animals and 66 LIFK OF ADMIRAL DEWEY assist one of the bo.vs to her back. Thoroughly frightened, the auimal would rush about the pasture, kicking and bellowing, until the entii-e herd was in an upi-oar. and the unfortunate boy on her back clinging for dear life. This joke usually ended at the bai*s nearest the house, with the would-be equestrian on the other side of the bai-s. SW.VV.SO POOL. W1NSKI RIV£^. MCSTP=, £R Of course, this joke could be played on only one boy at a time, but furnished much amusement to all the lads of the neighborhood, who in their turn had the experience. George Dewey, as a boy. was more than usually keen of perception, quick to decide, especially in time of danger. On one occasion, he probably saved his life by quickly kuo\Ting what to do in an emergency. I A HAPPY BOYHOOD G7 Doctor Dewey in that day warmed his home with wood fires, his wood-yard always being well supplied with logs of maple. Sometimes it was found necessary, in working up these logs for fire-wood, to split them open with a blast of powder. George had seen his father do this, and one day called all his companions into the yard to show them how to lilast. Selecting a heavy and unusually knotty log for his experiment, he l)ored a good-sized hole in the centre of the log, filled it with powder, and laying a fuse or line of powder to the charge, plugged the hole and lit the fuse. For some reason, the powder failed to explode, and some of the boys more venturesome than the others rushed forward to ascertain the reason why. George threw himself before the l)oys and commanded them to " Stand back ! First you know you will be killed. That's dangerous !" After having driven the other l)oys to a safe distance, Geoz-ge himself advanced to the log to ascertain the cause of the failure to explode. He had hardly reached the log when the explosion took place, filling his face with powder and setting fire to his clothes. In the yard near by stood a sunken barrel filled with water for the stock, and into this barrel plunged the future Admiral so quickly as to frighten his companions into supposing that he had lieen blown there by the explosion. But his promptness saved his life, extinguishing the fire and even preserving his face from any permanent nuirks of the burning powder. Among George Dewey's schoolmates at Montpelier, during the years 1S47-50, were John P. Demeritt and 6S LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY J. E. Wright, both of whom are now preachers of the Gospel. In a letter to the Kev. J. E. Wright, written soon after the Battle of Manila Bay. the Kev. J. P. Demeritt relates the following as among his many recollections of George Dewey : — I knew George quite well as a boy at school, and saw him take his whipping there which he has often said kept him out of prison. We once tapped maples totjether in the grove of his father's jiasture At a picnic. May 1st, which began (in the hill above the State House and for some reason was transferred or ended in the State House yard, he and I nearly came to blows, he having misused a mug of mine, for which I proposed to pound him ; but he was ready, although a younger boy — at a time, too, when years made (piite a difference. This brush was stopped by the girls, in which I remember Mary Silver took the leading part. George is naturally daring, and I regard him as a very superior officer — the best we have. Louis Wood, one of Moutpelier's stalwart policemen, was a schoolfellow with George Dewey during the last four years of his days at Montpelier Academy. The friendship then formed between them has been intensi- fied witli the passage of years, and the old schoolmate now has many interesting tales to tell of George Dewey as a boy. "George was a boy who stood by his friends," said Mr. Wood, in conversation witli the writer. ''He always took the weaker ones' parts. My parents A\ei'e French Catholics. In those days there was some feeling between the Catholic and Protestant boys, and it was quite the thing for some of them larger tiian myself and a younger brother to catch us alone somewhere and give us a trouncing. 1 rememlKM- tiiat George Dewey wiuild always I i'-jasr /iiS*^ o UJ o A HAPPY BOYHOOD 71 take our part, and never would allow larger boys to attack us. It often ha^jpened that the assault would be as two to one. In those instances you would always find the future Admiral of the Navy demanding fair play, and one at a time. I never knew him to be other than perfectly fair in anything. He might stand by and see a fight, and enjoy it, without interfering to stop it in any way ; but the moment two pitched on to one he was ready to take a hand himself. Of course." said Mr. Wood in conclusion, "I have not seen much of him since he went away to school. He was in the Navy and I in the volunteer service in the Army during the War of the Rebellion. But Ave never quite lost track of each other, and I am proud that he was my associate in boyhood." George Dewey, like many another man who achieved greatness before the end of his allotted span, was in his young days as boyish a boy as he is now found to be a manly man. Dewey's school days in Montpelier were short, as he left there to enter a private school when not more than thirteen years of age. Many anec- dotes are told, however, to illustrate the disposition of the boy even at that tender age, to demonstrate his right to leadership among his associates. Major Z. K. Pangborn, now a resident of New Jersey, and for thirty years editor of the Jersey City Eren/itfj Journal, relates with much bravado a story of how he once whipped George Dewey. This was in the fall of 1849, when Dewey was not yet twelve, when the peda- gogue accepted the unenviable position of teacher of the 72 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY Montpelier district schooL The anti-teacher brigade, of which Dewey, though young and small, was the recog- nized leader, was said to have been in rebellion for a long time, and to have driven out several of the pre- ceptors who had the temerity to undertake their gov- ernment. Pangborn was a small man, weighing not much more than one hundred pounds, but considered himself an athlete and believed himself capable of handling any number of boys who might become his antagonists. When Pangborn appeared at school the first day of the session, he is said to have noticed the future hero of Manila up in a tree, throwing snowballs at boys smaller than himself. Pangborn told him quietly he must stop that, as such conduct would not be tolerated. In reply, the teacher was told to go to ; but Dewey did not come down. School went smoothly enough that day and for sev- eral days thereafter, but the shrewd preceptor could see that trouble was brewing, so he provided himself with a tough rawhide whip, which he tucked away over the door where he could get hold of it when wanted, and awaited results. At the close of school on the first day of the second week of the term, the boys decided to have some sport with their new instructor. It was winter time, and there were several feet of snow on the ground. They decided to lie in ambuscade, and liied themselves to a meeting- house, which stood near the school, the belfry of which the boys were accustomed to enter and ring the liell for want of something else to do. Young George was the A HAPPY BOYHOOD 73 accepted captain of the CO m p any, an d placed one detach- ment of his force in the belfry, armed with well-packed snowballs, while the others were stationed at conven- ient positions to come out at the proper mo- ment and reinforce the attack of the battery in the belfry. The teacher's appearance was the signal for per- fect silence. As he ap- proached the church, entirely unconscious of the hot reception prepared for him by the boys, he was greeted with a volley of snowballs from the church tower. At a signal from their leader his comrades closed in on the victim. It was a short, sharp battle, but the boys seemed to have the best of it, and the teacher finally gave it up and lieat a hasty retreat. During the "scrap," however, several of the boys were handled roughly liy the pedagogue, and the bolder ones, who came within reach of his strong arms, went down head over heels into the deep snow. During this engagement at close range the future Admiral was on top of the schoolmaster, but managed to keep out of his clutches. BATTLE OF SNOWBALLS 74 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY Early ou the morning of the eighth day of school, the fun commenced. Another boy who was disorderly was ordered to take his seat. He did so, and nearly all the larger boys in the school joined him on the bench. Then the boy whose daring entrance into Manila Bay electrified the world stepped up and coolly informed the teacher that they were going to give him the best licking he had ever had in his life. " You take your seat, sir," com- manded the teacher. But Dewey did not start for his seat. On the contrary, he reached for the teacher, liut missed him, and the next instant the rawhide was wind- ing about his legs, head, and ears in cyclone fashion. Another boy entered the contest and was as promptly laid low by a blow with a hickory club from the wood- pile. By this time, Dewey was subdued and appealing for mercy. The rebellion was over and Mr. Pangborn held the school until the end of the term without further trouble. At the close of the school that day, Dewey was taken home to his father by the teacher, who presented him to his fond parent with the statement that he had brought him his son somewhat the worse for wear, but still in condition for school work. "Thank you, sir," replied the dignified Doctor Dewey. "George will not give you any more trouble. If he has not heon sufficiently punished for his misconduct at school, he can have more at home. He will be at school to-morrow the same as usual." And he was. The father of the other boy tried to get a war- rant for the arrest of tlie schoolmaster, but no magis- trate could be found in the town who would issue one, A HAPPY BOYHOOD 75 as every one said that if any man could be found who would govern that school, he was the man for the place. Long before the end of the term, George Dewey and Teacher Pangboru became the liest of friends, the friend- ship then formed having continued thus far through life. Under Dewey's inspiration and admonition the other l^oys also fell into line, and the Montpelier district school became as famous in after years for its stndions and or- derly attendance, as it had once been notorious for its Avant of study and lack of discipline. Years after this event, George Dewey paid a visit to Major Pangborn at his home in Boston. Speaking one day of those early experiences in Vermont, Dewey said to his former tutor: "I shall never cease to be gratefnl to you. You made a man of me. But for that thrashing you gave me in Montpelier, I should proliably have been, ere this, in State prison." Dewey was at this time a young lieutenant in the Navy, and the chum of Major Pangborn's brother, who was also a naval officer. The two spent much time at Major Pangborn's home, and Dewey is always spoken of as "one of our boys." Pangborn says that this is the only recorded instance in which George Dewey was ever beaten in battle. His former schoolmates, however, tell a different story, and while all concede that he was rarely ever beaten in a contest single-handed, it not infrequently happened that the odds were against him and he often went home "the worse for wear." Dewey's early associates are not pleased with Major Pangborn's boasts of victoi-y over their former school- mate and friend, and many of them to-day assert that 76 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY the pedagogue would have had much the worst of the battle had the contest been even-handed without weapons. Though Pangborn was a light-weight, Dewey was little move than a child, and even lighter in weight and smaller in stature than the teacher who punished him. Doctor Dewey sustained the teacher in his punishment of the lad, from a sense of duty. He himself had once taught school, and knew the importance of discipline. He also knew that to take issue with the teacher on the action referred to, meant the destruction of all discipline in that school for the balance of the term. But, after dismissing the boy, the teacher was taken into Doctor Dewey's library, where for more than one hour the two were closeted in secret conference, the purport of which can only be surmi.sed. It is said, however, that Pangborn's whip-and- club method for the maintenance of school discipline was imme- diately discontinued. This part of the story j\Iajor Pangl)orn does not relate. George Dewey, as a young boy, was not un- like other boys of liis own circle of acquaint- ances ; but he was al- ways the chosen leader GEORGE DEWEY'S FIRST PUNISHMENT J A HAPPY BOYHOOD 77 in their games or sports. Elsewhere in this work are told stories and anecdotes of his childhood and youth, all going to illustrate a character which the passage of years has but intensified and strengthened. As a child he played marbles, swapped knives with the other boys, played mumble-te-peg. jacks, four-old-cat, hide and seek, and all the other games known to Young America in that day and generation. But one thing was notice- able. His kite would fly a little the highest, he was a trifle the best shot at marbles, his hand a little steadier than the others at the game of jacks; and when some one was wanted to take the lead in anything, from play- ing truant to go nutting, to the running away from school to go in swimming, it was the future Admiral who was called upon to head the procession. And so his life was spent till he was fourteen years of age, when he followed the dominie who had so soundly trounced him in the village school to a private school which he established about this time in a neigh- boring village. But George was not contented with the quiet life which his family had led, and yearned for something more exciting. It was this spirit which led him, one year later, to pi-evail upon his father to send him to the military academy since known as Norwich University, then located at Norwich, Vt.. but which has since been moved to Northfield in the same State. Here he was prepared for West Point, but here, too, he acquired a liking for the naval branch of the government service, and, after much efl'ort. succeeded in obtaining the per- mission of his father to enter the Naval Academy at 78 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY Annapolis. A schoolmate of his at Norwich named George Spaulding also wished to enter the Naval Academy, and it so happened that Spaulding secured the appointment to the vacancy then existing to the credit of the State of Vermont, while George Dewey was certified as alternate. But. as is often the case, the alternate entered the class, and George Spaulding became a preacher of the Gospel in Syracuse, N. Y., and is reported to have preached an elo- quent discourse to an interested congregation, May 15, 1898, on the subject of his former schoolmate's great naval victory. ^eace ? m Ular tUept ■^ovxit and Huct^ort Bivcr. Y'^^ CHAPTER IV NORIVICH UNIVERSITY PREPARATORY SCHOOL OF THE ADMIRAL -A "NURSERY OF HEROES" -SKETCH OF ITS FOUNDER AND OF GEORGE DEWEY'S PRECEPTOR OEwicH University, of Northfield, Vt., sometimes called "the luirs- eiy of heroes," which has always been poor and struggling, never having had a cent of endowment, was founded in LSI!) by Captain Alden Partridge. He graduated from West Point in 1S06, served there as professor of mathematics and of engineering, and in 1816- 17 was in command of the acad- emy. A man of arbitrary will and independent views, he became at odds with his superiors, and in ISIS re- signed his commission. He then established at Norwich, Vt., his birthplace, the "American Literary, Sciciitific, and (7!t) She ©Idllavy Jmlding. UlafiUingtoa. 80 LIFE OF ADMllJAL DEWEY Military Academy," which retained this name until 1834, when it was incorporated Norwich University. Its build- ings at Norwich were destroyed by fire in 1S66. and the university was removed to Northfield, Vt., on account of inducements offered by the citizens of the latter place. Captain Partridge was president of the institution until 1843, and was succeeded by Colonel Truman B. Ransom, who resigned his chair to command the Ninth (New Eng- land) Regiment in the War with Mexico. The latter fell at the head of his regiment in the assault on Chapultepec, his last words being, '"Forward the Ninth!" Of Norwich. University it may be said, as Daniel Webster said of Dartmouth, " It is a small college, but there are those who love it," and its record in the country's military and naval annals is one of which its alumni may well be proud. General Sherman in paying a public tribute to one of its cadets spoke of "Norwich University, then, as since, a college of great i-enown." and said: '"This military school at one time almost rivaled the National Military Academy at West Point, and there, many a man who afterwards liecame famous in the ]\lexican War and Civil War. dnink in the in- spiration of patriotism and learned the lessons of the art of war, which enabled him, out of unorganized masses of men, to make compact companies, regiments, and brigades of soldiers, to act as a single body in the great game of war." More than five hundred of the graduates and past cadets have served in the Army or Navy, and many have gained high rank or been con- spicuous for gallant and meritorious services. A roll of NORWICH UNIVERSITY SB honor recently compiled includes the names of live hundred and twenty-one past cadets who have served the Hag of their country, and shows that the university has furnished to the army six majoi'-generals, eight brigadier-generals, two surgeon-generals, fourteen colonels and brevet brigadier-generals, thirty-five colonels, thirty- four lieutenant-colonels, twenty-four majors, ten majors and surgeons, seven captains and assistant surgeons, one hundred and fifty-five captains, sixty-eight first lieuten- ants, and twenty-three second lieutenants. To the Navy it has sujiplied one admiral, four rear-admirals, h\o com- modores, three captains, one chaplain, three commanders, one lieutenant-commander, and eight lieutenants. Admiral Dewey is the second cadet of Norwich Uni- versity to command the Asiatic squadron, the first being Rear-Admiral Charles C. Carpenter, who was in charge of the squadron during the war lietween China and Japan. Still earlier a past-cadet attracted attention on the Pacific Ocean, this being Commodore Josiah Tattnall, first of the United States and then of the Confederate navy, who in 1857 aided the English vessels in their en- gagement with the Chinese at Pei-ho, and explained his act by the famous saying : •' Blood is thicker than water." At its last commencement the university conferred tlie degree of Master of Military science upon Admiral Dewey, he being the first recipient of it in the last fifty years. Among its reiiresentatives in the Navy, besides those already mentioned, have been Rear-Admirals lliiam Paulding and Charles S. Boggs, Pay-Director William 84 LIFE OF AD.MU^AL DEWFY CAPTAIN ALDEN PARTRIDGE Founder of Norwich University B. Hoggs, Captain George M. Colvo- coresses, Com- mander George A. Converse, and Captain James H. Ward, who is said to have been the first naval officer killed in the Civil War, being shot on June 27. ISGl, while sighting a gun. in the attack of his gunboat tlotilla on !Mat- thias Point. The list of past-cadets in the Army in- cludes Brevet Major-Geueral Thomas E.G. Tran- som (son of Colonel Truman B. Ransom), who died while leading the Seventeenth Corps in the pursuit of Hood, and was ranked by both Grant and Sherman as among the ablest of their volunteer generals; Major-General Kobert 11. Milioy. who. after gallant service in the Mexican War, distinguished him.seli' in the Civil War. and at Winchester. Va., in command of the Second Division, p]ighth Corps, resisted nearly the whole of Lee's army for three days. NORWICH UNIVEKtSlTY 85 until his ammunition and provisions were exhausted, and then cut his way out l)y night; Major-General Grenville M. Dodge, who commanded the Sixteenth Corps in Sherman's Georgia campaign, and at Atlanta, where he was severely wounded, with eleven regiments withstood a whole army corps; Brigadier-General F. W. Lander, who died early in the Civil War, after brilliant services at Philippi, Rich Mountain, Blooming Gap, and elsewhere ; Brevet Major- General Truman Seymour, who served with high credit in both the Mexican and Civil wars, and led a division in the Shenandoah Valley and the Richmond campaign ; Brigadier-General Seth Williams, also a Mexican veteran, who was adjutant-general of the Army of the Potomac; and so many others who attained distinction that space forbids a continuance of the roll. Among the military representatives of Norwich in the war with Spain may be mentioned Brigadier-General E. B. Williston and Colonel Edmund Rice, of whom General Miles recently wrote that he "had the best regiment in the Army of the Potomac." The present head of the university is a retired naval officer, Commander Allan D. Brown. The United States Government details an officer from the active list of the army for duty as professor of military science and tactics, and sends an inspecting officer to make a yearly examin- ation of the discipline and drill. Small as the college is. and remote from large cities, associations of its alumni are maintained in Boston and New York. The officers of the New York Alumni Association are as follows : Presi- dent, Grenville M. Dodge, '5o ; vice-presidents, Cyrus H. ^1^^ 86 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY ' Fay, '87 ; Clayton E. Rich, '63 ; Wil- f %^ liam R. Mead, '64 ; William M. Rum- baugh, 76 ; secretary and treasurer, Robert L. Irish, '89. From an excellent article by N. L. Sheldon in the New England Mag- azine for March 181)9, we learn many most interesting facts about this justly celebrated educational insti- EDWARD BOURNS tutiou, aud WO have drawn upon it President of Norw.ch University, for a portlou of the remainder of 1850-1865 this chapter. In September 1850, Reverend Edward Bourns, LL.D., became president of the university. Doctor Bourns was born in Dublin, Ireland, and had secured his educa- tion at Trinity College. Dublin, having taken the degree of B. A. in 1833. He came to this country in 1837, and was for several years professor of ancient lan- guages at Ilobart College. He was a man of peace by profession, and better versed in canon law than in cannon balls. It may seem strange that a military college should have, a clerical head, but it is well, perhaps, to maintain an equilibrium of forces. " There was plenty of latent fire among the cadets, and they were ready at any time to explode, like so many cans of nitro- glycerine ; but the cassock generally kept the mastery of the Cossack, and the science of war was peacefully pur- sued.'' Certain it is that the ])()ys would have as soon thought of bearding a lion in his den as the doctor in his study. NORWICH UNIVERSITY 87 One of his former pupils has recently said of him: — Dr. Bourns was no ordinary man. 'I'lio intrinsic force, native shrewdness, and g'enial kindness of liis nature made him i^enerally respected and admired. He was a man of learning and acumen. He was a voluminous, careful, and exhaustive reader, yet never at any time in his addresses, in conversation, or in discussion, did he betray the consequence of the pedant, or assume to be other than a sincere inquirer after truth. The doctor had never belonged to a military organization, but somehow he had accpured the swinging stride of the modern soldier, and in his best days at Norwich it was a pleasant and invitjoratinof sieht to see him take a constitutional across the parade. When standing erect, his height was six feet two inches, with a framework — a breadth of shouhler, a development of muscle, and massive limbs — in equal proportions. He endeared himself to the members of the corps of cadets by his eminent attainments, his kindly sympathy, his delicate and incisive wit. It has been truly said that no one ever entered the doctor's presence on the briefest errand who did not depart wiser than he came. Associated with Doctor Bourns during this period was General Alonzo Jackman, LL.D., as professor of military science, mathematics, and civil engineering. General Jack- man was born at Thetford, Vt., in ISOiJ, graduated from Norwich University at its first commencement in LS86 with the degree of B. A., and spent most of his life in her service. He was for several years brigade drill- master of the New Hampshire militia. In 1S59 he M'as commis- sioned colonel of the Second Vermont Infantry, and the same year became brigadier-general of the State troops. At the beginning of the war of the States. Governor Fair- banks offered him any i^osition in his power to grant, but earnestly requested him in these words to remain with the university: '"There is a duty, a very patriotic 88 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY duty for you to perform; that is to remain at the Military College and • s. qualify young men for duty as offi- ; cers ; and thus you will do your ^^ State the best service." Like a true . soldier he stayed where duty called him. inspected and got into readi- ness the old militia, organized new companies and regiments, and sent out cadet officers to drill companies in different parts of the State, as GENERAL ALONZO JACKMAN Instructor of George Dewey In he was uotified of their fonnatiou. Kegimental officers from different States Avent to him for instruction at the university. To his skill and energy is due the efficient manner in which the Vermont troops were sent forward to the seat of war. Much honor is due him for the result of his work on behalf of the State of Vermont. His indus- try was untiring, and his clear, precise, thorough instruc- tions to officers and men were of great value to them in service. He was a close student and every inch a sol- dier. His delight was in mathematics, in which he ex- celled, and he was thoroughly conversant with the natural sciences. He Avas thoroughly in earnest in whatever he undertook. "Gentlemen," he would say. "you see this dot in the centre of the circle ? It begins to grow smaller — grows smaller — smaller — it vanishes!" One held his breath at "vanishes" on account of the tragical way in which he said it, with upturned face and flashing eye. Then came further explanation, wound up with this characteristic NORWICH UNIVEKSITY 89 expression : " I have now introduced you to tlie very poetry of mathematics." The period from 1850 to 1860 was particularly produc- tive of cadets who have since distinguished themselves in both war and peace. "The university domain of this time," says a member of the class of '54, "comprised the North and South Barracks, the former being for commons and indoor drill, literary exercises, and church services on Sundays; the latter, for barracks and attendant purposes. The Congregational Church was just across the common, in front of the North Barracks, and the northerly side of the square. The parade ground was in front, extend- ing to the street, and the tall Hag-staff, with topmast and cross-trees, stood on the western edge. The barracks were of brick, four stories, truncated roof, with passageways running the length of each floor. The president's room and headquarters were on this floor, also the library, with cabinets, etc. General Jackman's room was on the sec- ond passage, immediately over the entrance. The large recitation room was over this, and in it were read morn- ing and evening prayers. The armory was the centre front of the fourth passage. Roll-calls were had in this second passage, the right resting on the north. The rooms were practically alike; numerous chimneys pro- vided each pair of adjoining rooms with fireplaces, or later, with opportunity for stoves, the space between the chimney, passage, and outer wall lieing for closets. — thus offering one unbroken side to each apartment. These rooms were all whitewashed with a tint known by the cadets as 'brindle.' There were no bedsteads, mattresses, 90 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY or carpets. A wooden bunk, three feet wide, with slat bottom, held the blankets and recumbent cadet, and was turned up against the wall before morning inspection. Over the bunk was the gun rack, with wooden pegs, on which were suspended the musket and equipments. Over the front door, and between the centre window and that next to the south, were the cabalistic letters, scrawled in chalk, but somehow always kept fresh, however often they were erased : — B. E. D. & E. M. — the first letter having originally been P. and then R., and finally, in our day. B. Tliis was understood by the initi- ated to mean, ' Bourns (Partridge, Ransom) Expels Devils and Educates Men ' ; although the cynics sometimes re- versed the translation so as to provide for the education of devils and the expulsion of men. The cadet uniform was the claw-hammer drill coat with three rows of cadet buttons, dark blue pants with two-inch black velvet stripe down the seam, 'bell muzzle,' high, blue cloth cap with gold band ; for undress, the single-breasted frock, soft blue cap witli velvet band and the letters N. U. in a gold wreath in front ; white trousers were worn in summer. The old rtint-lock, twelve-pound Springfield musket was used ; the text-book was ' Scott's Infantry Tactics.' " The strictest order did not always reign at Norwich Plain, nor was it always quiet on the Connecticut. From time immemorial, that is to say from the fouudation of the university, a feud liad raged between the cadets and NOKVVICH UNIVERSITY 91 the students at Dartmouth, across the river. Many raids and encounters had taken place, in regard to which tradition had much to say. The cadets were inferior in numbers to their classical antagonists, but they were filled with martial ardor and utterly unwilling to admit that the stylus is mightier than the sword. The prevailing opinion among them A CADET-OFFICER'S ROOM AT NORWICH UNIVERSITY seemed to be that Dartmouth must be destroyed. The discipline of the university prevented the attempt by any well-organized expedition to accomplish this favorite object. Imt it was not sufficient to restrain individual cadets from hostile incursions into the enemy's country. Bristling with daggei's and revolvers, which they never had a serious thought of using, it is said that two or three together would cross the river at night, either by 92 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY In'idge or boat, and parade the streets of Hanover, or penetrate even to '"Tempe's pleasant vale," with a marked disregard of the dangers they incurred. Fre- quently they succeeded in provoking hostilities, and then they displayed the gallantry which afterward distin- guished them upon larger fields. When greatly out- numbered, as they usually were, they would fall back to the river with a celerity to which Xenophon's famous retreat furnishes no parallel. If they discovered that the bridge was disputed they took to l)oats, or if these were not to be found, a flank movement up or down the river to a fording place was executed in a masterly manner, and the barracks gained some time before re- veille. The casualties were always few, but the fun and glory were considerable. On one of those quiet escapades a cadet returned to the barracks with his coat very much " ripped-up-the-back." This was considered a suf- ficient casus hi'lli, and an encounter followed on the Dartmouth side of the Connecticut, which tradition calls the "Battle of Torn Coats," wherein the cadets, although greatly outnuml)ered. gained a decisive victory. For many years commencements were held in the old Congregational Church, but in 1S53 difliculties be- tween town and gown culminated. The faculty were of the Episcopal faith in an orthodox community, and the church was refused. In a delightful dell in the woods just back of the town a platform was erected, draped with flags, and flanked by the two shining cannons then just allotted the institution, and liere a vcj-y pleasant commencement was held. But '"a spirit of reprisal was NORWICH UNIVERSITY 93 engendered among the cadets, evidenced l^y Frary's old white horse found by the sexton one Sunday morning in the main aisle of the church ; by the village bier chained to the elm in front of Benjamin Burton's, with the deacon's effigy suspended above, and kindred pranks. A truce was called, amity succeeded, and thereafter the church was at our disposal." ■'A notable event of those days was the visit to Fort Ticonderoga. By rail to Winooski, just out of Burlington, marching up the hill, topping its crest to look down upon the city and beautiful Lake Champlain; forming around Ethan Allen's grave in the cemetery on the hill, and marching to quarters in town, the observed of all ; the trip down the lake on the Fnn/ci.s Salf/fs, the occupancy of Ticonderoga, and our reception along the line were things to evoke pleasant memories after the lapse of many years. The formation was a battalion of four companies, with Major (afterwards General) Jack- man in command. The same year we went, by invita- tion, to Claremont, N. H., on Jul}' 4, and gave an exhibition drill." It was amid such surroundings, in the fifties, and under the principal instruction of Doctor Edward Bourns and (leneral Alonzo Jackman. that a long list of heroic men, some of whom have served their country with distinction in two conflicts, drank in the first ins])ira- tions of war. A member of the class of '.r2 has recently remarked: "I believe, and the belief grows upon me, that no institution of New England at this time offered better oppoi'tunities for a complete education. " The 94 LTFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY cadet roster of those clays contains uumy names which have since been written high up on the scroll of fame, seeming to bear out the truth of the above statement. At this time, no chapter on Norwich Fniversity could even approach completeness, without some particular mention of Admiral Dewey's cadetship there. It was in the fall of iN.Jl, after having received some special preparati(m at Johnson (Vermont) Academy, that George Dewey became a cadet at Norwich University, where he remained more than three years. His father was anxious to give his children the best educational advantages pos- sible, and his attention was called to Norwich University as an institution giving a thorough mental and physical training. Soon after his son entered. Doctor Dewey be- came an active trustee. He was succeeded in iSfiS liy his son. the Honorable Charles Dewey, Admiral Dewey's eldest brother. A member of the class of 1855 has recently said of young Dewey : " We have always called him ' Doc ' Dewey. I suppose it was because his father was a phj'siciau. He was tlie first to drill me in squad drill after I entered the old South Barracks. He became proficient in drill and was captain of my companj' when we went to Bur- lington and Ticonderoga. He was as full of fun as an egg is full of meat, and he and 'Bill E ' were the most popular cadets. His room was a poi)ular resort for us, when olT duty. Doctor Dewey had no bad (|uali- ties. He was a manly fellow and fond of music. ]\Iany a time have we congregated in Dewey's room and sung 'Old South liarracks. Oh!' lie was the -pink of neat- I NORWICH UNIVERSITY 97 ness' in his dress. His father, then an active trustee, frequently called at the barracks. He once asked me if George was studying, and if T thought he would gradu- ate, and I was able to inform him that he would sureh* graduate. He took a conspicuous part in the 'Battle of Torn Coats.' We always felt safe when Doc. Dewey was with us. Well do I remember the day he was notified of his appointment at Annapolis, and our regret at his leaving us." In the summer of IS-jS the faculty succeeded in pro- curing from the State two 6-pound field pieces, with lim- bers, to replace the cumbrous and antiquated iron cannon in use at that time. The story of how they were taken from the railway .station to the parade ground is told in Cadet K 's diary as follows: — Thursday. July 21. 1853. We have had an exciting time this afternoon. The new g-uns arrived bv the mornin. call to THE NAVAL ACADEMY 111 studies; 8:2(5 to 12:45, recitations; 1:10 P.M., dinner; 2:00 to 8:50, recitations; 4:05, drill; 5:15, recall; 5:20. evening roll call and parade; 6:80, supper; 7: 15, gymnasium ; 7:80 to S:00, evening studies; 9:30. gun tire and tattoo: 10:0(1, taps (lights out). This routine is subject to slight changes SUPERINTENDENT'S RESIDENCE, NAVAL ACADEMY, ANNAPOLIS during the different seasons of the year. On arising in the morning, the cadet makes his own l)ed and gets his room in order. He then forms with his classmates for breakfast, and the battalion formation is inspected by the officer in charge. A report of the previous day is read, and the chaplain reads a chapter from the Bible, wbich 11-2 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY is followed by prayer. Two cadets of the first class are appointed daily to act as officers of the day, and when acting in that capacity they have no drills or recitations; they have other important dnties to perform, however, and throughout the academy the rules of work and discipline SEAMANSHIP ROOM AT THE NAVAL ACADEMY are quite as severe as they are on shipboard during a cruise. 15ut it must not be thought that life at the academy is ail work and restrictions, for that is not the case. A graduate of the school. Iiimself a classmate of Admiral D.-S THE NAVAL ACADEMY 115 George Dewey, writing of Annapolis life, says: "There is liberty, and plenty of it. There is fun by the fathom. Some of it may be considered a part of the regular routine, but it is jjleasure just the same; for what could be more enjoyal)le than a boat drill under sail out upon the broad water.s of the Chesapeake? If the breeze be fresh, there is plenty of excitement in it, and rivalry is encouraged, and spurs on to perfection. Every cadet must know how to i>ull an oar and handle a small boat under sail. He must have occupied every place in a boat from that of bowman to coxswain huddled in his little box ; and mighty clever oarsmen do these light, slender lads develop into, and the way they can jump a big twelve-oared cutter through the water is remark- able. But they have other sports which are enjoyed in common by every American schoollioy and collegian. The rowing clubs possess paper shells and picked crews that compete with rowing associations and colleges, and. while all the time for practice in football, baseball, and track athletics must be taken from their scanty recrea- tion hours, the cadets from the Naval Academy have proven themselves worthy opponents of the larger uni- versities. When George Dewey was at the academy there was an annual contest on the gridiron between teajns from Annapolis and West Point, although he never himself participated except as a spectator; but Uncle Sam's managers stepped in. a few years ago. and stopped this sport, so far as the contest between the two schools was concerned, and thus spoiled as interesting a fight as one could wish to see. But it was probably better so." lie. LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY Before the close of his first year in tlie academy. George Dewey had added to his curriculum the Spanish and Gez'mau languages, botli of which he found useful to him when dealing with the authorities in Manila Bay. His skill as a diplomat has often been commended ; but it should be understood that during his four years at LOVERS' LANE, NAVAL ACADEMY GROUNDS Annaiiolis he was tliorouglily schooled in constitutional law as a part of the n^guhir course of study. During his second year he added to his list of studies sucii sul)- jects as trigonometry. h»gic, themes, physics, and mechan- ical drawing; these, in addition to those undertaken on entrance to the academy. Later in this year he was also THE NAVAL ACADEMY 117 required to take up chemistry, analytical geometry, and English literature; and as the years went by the course of study became more and more difficult. Physics, marine engines and boilers, differential calculus, integral calculus, astronomy, the science of mechanics and electricity, were added during the third year of the course. The fourth and last year included, in addition to all the others enum- erated, classes in seamanship, naval construction, naval tactics, fleet organization, signaling in every code, squad- ron evolutions ; ordnance instruction, the elastic strength of guns, effect of powder on guns, the manufacture of gunpowder, etc. ; infantry tactics, gunnery, theory and practice of navigation, method of least squares, applied mechanics, gun carriages, ammunition, theory of the devia- tion of the compass, hydrographic surveying, international law. physiology and hygiene, machinery designing, heat and analytical chemistry. When this course of instruc- tion is considered, it ceases to be a wonder that the man wdio could master it all, and graduate at the close of the course with the honors of his class, could enter the Bay of Manila and destroy a fleet of vessels before breakfast. And yet every graduate of the Annapolis Academy has passed through the same general course of study as did George Dewey, and there are doubtless many among the numlier who would have accomplished the same feat, in naval warfare, as did he. hud the oiiiioi-tunity ever presented itself. The one sin which the discipline of the Aiiiuii)olis Academy would never overlook or condone was that of lying. The cadet who was inclined to falsehood rarely 118 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY ever remained in the Academy to the end of the course. And that is why the officers of the American Navy always look you in the eye when talking with you on any subject. They are themselves open and aboveboard with everything, antl they expect you to be the same with tlipin. It is the prevaricator who cannot look you in the eye when talking to you. This is true even CUTTER PRACTICE. ANNAPOLIS when he is telling the truth. It l)Pcomes second nature with him. Hut not so with u gi-aduate of Annapolis. And this trait is a strong one with the .Admiral of the Navy to-day.- He detests a liar above all tilings. George Dewey entered the Naval .\cademy at a critical period in the nation's history. It was during the years just preceding the War of the Rebellion, and there were THE NAVAL ACADEMY 121 many sons of Southern States in all the classes of the Academy. Animated slavery and anti-slavery discussions were of every-day occurrence on the Academy green, and the gallant son of the Green Mountain State could always be depended on to espouse the cause of free- dom. And what was more, he was ever ready to de- fend his position with muscle, if necessary. He did ndt mind being called a "Yankee," for to him that was a CADET DRILL ON BOARD SHIP, NAVAL ACADEMY title rather to be jiroud (if; and it was not a difiicult task for him to hnd a name for his opponents quite as opprobrious as any they should apply to him. And it is said of him that, in such contests, he nearly always came out best. Young Dewey was not quarrelsome : but he knew when he was insulted, and was as ready to re- sent an insult then as he was afterward to carry out the President's order to find and destroy or capture the Spanish 122 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY fleet in the China Sea. He had rather study than liglit ; but he could do both equally well, as the Spanish admiral in the I'hilippine waters can testify. On one occasion, when the future Admiral had soundly thrashed a fellow-cadet who had assaulted him because he dis- agreed with him on some point or other, he was chal- lenged to a duel with pistols. The challenge was promptly accepted, and we may be sure there would have been a vacancy in some class the next morning had not some fellow-student informed the officer of the day of the impending contest on the field of honor. And the vacancy would not have been in the Vermont contingent either. An incident in George Dewey's life while a student at the Naval Academy illustrates very forcibly one trait in his character which is much admired l)y those with whom lie is familiar. Even as a child, he would tight in a mo- ment in defense of the good name or reputation of any wonum or girl whom he heard maligned or referred to in a slighting or insulting numner. His associates in childhood ri'inark this in speaking of his life in Mont- pelier. But it is to a particular instance of this character that we wish to refer. The time was during Dewey's thirty days' vacation the year before he graduated from the Academy. The future Admiral's sister was at that time a student at St. Mary's Hall. Ihirlington. New Jersey. He paid iier a short visit on his way through to tlicir home in \ Crmout. and in- vited Ihm' to accompany him to New York for an even- ing at the theatre. < »n tlie train from Burlington to THE NAVAL ACADEMY 123 the city were a number of other young ladies from the same school, but none of them were acquainted with or in the company of the tine-appearing naval cadet. The train also carried a number of young men of the rowdy type, who felt that it was quite the thing to make remarks aljout or to the young hidies who apparently were without an escort. Dewey's blood l)oiled with indigna- tion. He told his sister that he felt like thrashing half a NAVAL CADETS REPELLING BOARDERS dozen or more of the rowdies, and it was with difliculty that he was restrained from attemitting to do so. The remarks became more frequent and more insulting in their character, until at last the young chevalicc could stand it no longer. Turning on the foremost among the rowdy element he gave him to understand that if he heard an- other word, or saw another move, of a character to gi\(> offense in the slightest degree, be would soundly thrash 1-24 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY the whole lot of them. His act was applauded by the large number of passengers in the car. and the young ladies whom he had so unexpectedly and so gallantly de- fended were most profuse with their thanks and protes- tations of obligation to him for the service rendered. But to (ileorge Dewey it was merely the duty of a passing moment in his life, and he could not understand why his conduct should be especially commended. To him, no gentleman could have done less without censure ; then why should he receive commendation for simply doing his duty? Would that there were more such defenders of the virtue of womanhood among the young men of to-day! For sure it is that, in all the world, woman has no stronger friend than the gallant Annapolis cadet of lb56, — the Admiral of to-day. CUfc UJabaslv in. Lhe. irLedvLerratiearv, CHAPTER VI IN THE MEDITERRANEAN DEWEY'S INITIAL CRUISE-TRAINING AND DISCIPLINE ABOARD THE WABASH-FIRST MEETING WITH A SPANISH VESSEL- DEWEY SHOWED HIS COLORS |eokc4e Dewey graduated from the Naval Academy in Maj', lS5.S. The class of '54: contained some sixty mem))ers. but only four- teen men finished the course and graduated. Dewey w^as not at the head of this class, but was near enough to the head of the line to speak volumes for his devotion to his studies while in school. He was fifth on that list of graduates, which numbered among its members several other men who have made their marks in the his- tory of the United States Navy, though it remained for Geoj'ge Dewey to eclipse all who had preceded him on the honor roll of the American naval I'egister. (125) (126) >> b t>i >. t|^ >j t^ t-> < (5 G G C3 HH fi (S Q Q ti E- < CD xf ^ S ^ S 4J 1/ ^ »-H f^ »^ r^ r^ S r^, rq ^ ! 'ji f/i X X d ^ ^ ^ t: X C 5 *" > o _o 5 S X 0^ !§ G < CE ■X O M c X >) "S ? 6 0^ '5 c K }rj J3 X c c d A c C c c c; >• o Q ^0 0- a; ^ c Oj a^ aj CL 0. cs o. O 'K - c _o 5 c ^ 5 X Jr. x x X X > i^ X >■ > X ™ ^ T — ,^ 'X. "> -ii! — > X s Q -::; '"' ji: Z. "" ~ -*i ^ X ^ t; 5 i-; Oj pl^ c/: H fa l^ X X P^ 1- -> 1/ n «.-. a: « < z n T3 « (127) 128 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY After a short vacation at his home in ]\Ioutpelier, Vt., the young midshipman was ordered to duty on the United States steam frigate Wahitsli for his initial cruise upon the high seas. Dewey's log book shows that the Jl'ahiisli bore the flag of Flag-Officer E. A. F. Lavalette, Captain Samuel Barron lieing the commander. As usual in all such ca.ses. the log book of the Wahasli opens with a tabulated statement of divisional routine for each working day of the week (see page 127). EXTRACT IN FAC-SIMILE FROM GEORGE DEWEY'S LOO BOOK Midshipmau l)(nvey reported for duty at Key West. Fla., Monday, July 12. 1858. The Wahash remained in that harbor until noon of the twenty-second of that month, wlum she sailed for the Mediterranean. Nothing unusual seems to luive occurred to disturl) the cus- . ^^ p-f/ D.— 9 IN THE MEDITERRANEAN 131 toinary routine (.hiring tliat first twelve-days' cruise of Dewey's life as a niidshipinan in the Navy, except that one of his associates is recorded in the log book as having been "discharged and lauded with his effects upon the beach, for gross indecency." The record of that voyage to the Mediterranean is replete with all the daily routine of the ship's line and contains many instances of more than passing interest even at this late day, more than forty years after their occurrence. Under date of Saturday, July 24, Dewey records having " passed several small sails to leeward ; showed our colors to a Spanish bark and spoke the English brig Fmcn, of Halifax, from Tortugas, bound for New York." This was the first time George Dewey showed his colors to the Spaniards, the last time probably hav- ing made a more lasting impression. He also records on the same date that the Wahash was "struck by a squall which carried away the flying jib boom and port foretop mast studding sail from the yard." Nothing more unusual seems to have occurred until August 17. when "at 3 A. M., let go the starboard anchor in the har- 1ior of Gibraltar, in nineteen fathoms of water. At four tlie 'Health Oiticer' came alongside to receive our report of health, etc., put the ship in quaj-antiue, and forbade our communicating with any vessel whatever. I'oiild not, therefore, send the cutter to the brig's assistance. Ameirican consul came alongside. At eight, hoisted the English flag to the fore and saluted it with twenty-one guns, wiiich was returned on shore. Received offers of attention from English naval aiitliorities. Saluted the ■yX-^ru-t^ ^^ ^ Z--'''^'Z-«>-X.''<-<£-^ ^^Z_^ ^.^ / ;- 4/ ^^ U-^^ . 3 2^ ^ ', y 3 / 4^ f // 3 ^ ^ >^ /t J 4* J^ ; 4/ ^ ^^^^ ^ /^ 4^ <^t '/ >y z y/ '/ // / // * ', i~ 9 // /' /^ /^ / 4- ^r t/^ // /p ^ If x/ ^ /^ /a ^ J 'As n^ ^ y ff 4- 2- y^ / '/ '' 4^ 3 y /r^ Xf ff '^ 'V . y ^ /, A 4^ J~ f 4^ /' n ^ / /p ^r // ^ 7 7 ■^AA) j>~ (f f 4^ // j>~ 7 / A/ c/y'f/yj- ^ 3 // 7 /' y» /A yjj 1 i O /■' 4^ (lS-2) EXTRACT IN FAC-SIMILE FROM GEORGE DEWEY'S LOG BOOK IN THE MEDITERRANEAN .).) United States consul witli nine guns. An Egyptian steamer passed under nur stern and saluted with three LANDING AT GIBRALTAR guns and an American tlag at tlie fore. Returned it witli music and colors. Engaged in watering and coaling ship." The W'dliiisli renmined in the harbor i)f (Mal recogni- tion by the American frigate seems to have been that of Turkey, which was saluted with twenty-one guns on the night of September 2(5, off the isle of Milo. This being a dangerous coast, signals were fired indicating that a pilot was wanted: l)ut no pilot came until after Lieuten- ant Corbin had been sent ashore to find one. Twenty- four hours later, the W'hIkisIi again anchored in the bay of Smyrna, where she reniained until Octohei- '.I. I>uring ili:i) 144 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY her stay at this port. Dewey had an oiiport unity to wit- ness some of the social life with which he has since be- come so very familiar. The official etiquette of the Navy demands a rigid adherence to the customs requiring the official exchange of courtesies between our Navy officers and those of other nations with whom they may come in contact, and while our young midshipman records a faith- ful discharge of routine duties, he shows that there was also time for social functions. Visits were made to the Wabash by the admiral of the French navy, and by offi- cers of a lesser rank from other nationalities. While in the harbor of Constantinople, two days later, the WahdsJi was honored with a visit from the United States minister to Turkey. Here. Flag-Officer Lavalette was specially invited to an audience with the Sultan. He appears, also, to have exchanged the customary courtesies with naval officers of other nations whose vessels were at that time in the harbor with him. October 19, 1858. appeal's to have been a red-letter day on board the Wahasli. '"At 10 A. M., the Turkish Minister of War, Minister of Marine, and Rear-Admiral, together with the Sultan's guard, came on board. At 11:25, manned the yards and hoisted the Turkish flag at the fore. At 11:80, the Sultan of Turkey came on board. Received him with military honors; hoisted the imi)erial standard at the main and fdic with salute of twenty-one guns, which was returned hy the Turkish 120-gun ship. Ran into by an English bark, carrying away some of her awning stanchions. Sent boats to her assistance and towed her clear. At 12:15, manned the yards; the Sultan IN THE MEDITERRANEAN 147 and suite left the ship ; fired twenty-one guns ; manned the rigging; gave three cheers, and hauled down the Turkish flags. The Turkish admiral returned the salute with the same number of guns. At sunset, the Turkish fleet and battei'ies fired a salute in memory of the eve of the anniversary of the birthday of Mahomet; and as a token of respect to the Turkish government we hoisted our colors with the Turkish flag at the fore, and saluted with twenty-one guns. At nightfall, the fleet and mina- rets were illuminated. At 6:30, the fleet and batteries fired another salute. At S:00, sent off three rockets and burned blue lights at the yardarm." Having thus performed the social and official duties which devolved upon him, as a representative of the American government, Flag-Otficer Lavalette the next day set sail for the harl)or of Beyrout, where the vessel remained for several days. During the stay in this port, midshipman Ueorge Dewey records that "at 11 A. M. a summary court-martial convened for the trial of Thomas Carey. At 3 P. M., called all hands to witness punish- ment, and read sentence, which was 'solitary confinement in double irons on diminished rations for thirty days, and to be deprived of three months' pay.' The execution of the sentence was immediately commenced." We next find the future Admiral at anchor in the bay of Jaffa, where the vessel was visited officially l)y the governor and civil authorities of that ancient and his- toric city. It was while at this port that (leorge Dewey sent home to his aged grandsii-e an olive-wood cane cut by him. This the old gentleman prized and carried to the 148 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY day of bis death, which occurred a few years later, in Vermont. Writing at the harbor of Alexandria, November 13, 1858, Dewey's log contains the record that "at 7:30, sent a boat on board an Austrian bark lying too near us, to change her berth, and while heaving in, the wind hauled fore a few points and swung her afoul of us, slightly dam- aging our starboard quarter. Moored ship with twenty fathoms on port, and twenty-five fathoms on starboard cable. At 1):00. hoisted out the second cutter and second launch. At 10:00 sent boats to the assistance of the Aus- trian vessel lying under our stern, slipped her chain, and warped her to another part of the harbor. At 2 P. M., sent to the Austrian ship her anchor and chain, in charge of the boatswain, with the second launch and extra men, with in- structions to report all tlie damage that she had sustained in her rigging by collision with this ship. Sent carpen- ter on l)oard to examine what injury she had sustained in his department. He returned reporting a trifling in- jury in her bow^sprit cap." Two days later, this incident is closed with the statement that the Wabat^h "sent on board the Austrian bark stores from the boatswain's and sailmaker's departments to make good the damage done her when in contact with us on the morning of the 13th instant." On the same day it is reported that "the Twenty- Eighth Regiment of English troops disembarked from the troop ship I'rrsrrcnuicr, and cheered our sliip as they passed." From Alexandria the W'hIkisIi sailed for the hurhor of Valetta. Here Dewey had an opportunity of participa- ting in a salutation to the \' ice- Admiral of the Rritish m'""''i^'"'^'ir'] '■""■■.,ii» Til ■Sii* .;*:,=,!. o 1- iiiiiilii'MliiliiiliiiJIi liiUiMlnllJllli IN THE MEDITERRANEAN 151 navy, an honor which to him doubtless, at that time, was deemed a special privilege, but which was as noth- VALETTA, MALTA — QUARANTINE HARBOR ing compared with the honors which would ])e ac- corded to himself were he now to visit the English 152 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY ports or come in contact with British navy officers any- where else. Leaving Valetta. the Wahasli headed once again for Genoa, stopping at Spezia and reaching Genoa, December 10, 1S5S. That day is long to be remembered by our gallant young midshipman. On the first of these days, the Russian consul-general came on board the Wahash and announced that the (Jrand Duke Constantine of Russia intended visiting that ship. "At 4:15 P. M., a Russian squadron entered the harbor, the flagship flying an admiral's ensign at the main. The customary exchange of salutations took place, and Dewey and his associates made ready to receive his Royal Highness on the follow- ing day. A careful inspection of crew at quarters, with attention to every detail of that preparation, is minutely recorded in the journal of that date. The Grand Duke was received with military honors at high noon, while the mast of the Wdlxoih displayed the Russian flag at the fore. After the withdrawal of their distinguished guests, the crew of the American frigate hauled down the Russian flag and saluted the Grand Duke's squadron as his ve.ssels got under way and stood out of the harbor."' And thus was ended the first six months of George Dewey's experience as a graduated midshipman in the United States Xavy. The first two weeks of the new year, 1859. found the ]\'iihii.s/i with her i)recious crew of patriotic hu- manity still within the harbor of Genoa. Nothing unusual seems to have occurred until January 27. when two French steam liue-of-battle ships and a frigate came ARCO Dl RICCARDO, TRIESTE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN 155 iuto the harbor and anchored near the American vessel. An exchange of international courtesies is recorded as 1 r A STREET IN AMALFI, NEAR NAPLES having taken place, and the admiral of the French navy made an official visit to Flag-Officer Lavalette. Three days later, the American vessel fired a salute of twenty- \:a\ life of admiral DEWEY one guns in honor of the niarriage of Prince Napoleon of France to the daughter of the King of Sardinia. The day following. Victor Emmanuel. King of Sardinia, visited the French flagship, and was saluted by all the French and Sardinian vessels in the harbor, as well as by the Wdlids}/. On the evening of the day following, still another salute of twenty-one guns was given by the Wtihdsh. with the French flag to the fore, and the Sar- dinian flag at the main. This salute was in honor of Prince Napoleon and his suite, who on board the royal Fi'ench yacht, Itc'nic Ifoiinisr, sailed out of the harbor, accompanied by the entire French s(|uadron. The older residents of the United States are reminded by an entry in George Dewey's log book, while at Genoa, February G, 1859, of the death of Brevet Brigadier- General Henderson, who died at Washington. D. C, January 8, of the same year. On February 7 a salute of thirteen guns was flred, with the flag at half mast, in honor of the memory of that distinguished ofKcer of the marine corps. Washington's birthday was duly celebrated by a dis- play of flags and a salute of twenty-one guns. A Sardin- ian man-of-war anchored near by joined the Americans in the ceremony, and thus did tlie frieudsliip already sprung up between the Vnited States and tiie govern- ment of Sardinia l)ecome materially strengthened. This celebration took place in the harbor of Sjjezia. wher(> the Wabash seems to have remained at anchor until the 5th of the following nidulli. Tlio next port at wliicli the ]\'iil,itsli ciist licr aiicliur appears to have l)een Leghoiii. where Klag-Othcer Lava- I \m§ ., 'I % '^ (159) 160 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY lette and his staff were received with honors by the officers of the port, and in return the American vessel fired the customary salute of thirteen guns, with the Tus- can flag at the fore. On March 31 George Dewey received a reminder of the first visit to America by the Pilgrim Fathers who brought with them Thomas Dewey, the settler. This was by the arrival of the American ship Maj/fioircr from Trieste. The newcomer was boarded l)y an officer from the WciJxtslt before she had applied for and received pra- tique. This made trouble at once, and the health officer of the port placed the ship in quarantine for having thus communicated. This was straightened out, however, by the officers of the Wahasli. who sent a boat on shore to obtain the necessary papers. Two days later, while try- ing to get under way, the Walmxli ran aground, and did not succeed in getting free until the following morning, being assisted in a very gracious manner by a British merchant steamer, the captain of which saw their predic- ament and came to their relief. May 1, 1859, was not unlike other days on board the Wabasli, in the bay of Naples ; the only unusual inci- dent recorded in Dewey's log book being an official visit from the admiral of the Neapolitan navy. This day was in striking contrast to that other ]\Iay 1 , when George Dewey, as commodore of the American squadron on the Asiatic station, quietly entered another bay and destroyed the fleet of a hostile nation. The casualties were the same on both of the dates nientioiicd. Tlie log book of the Ohjmpid For that last May d:iy would be interesting IN THE MEDITERRANEAN 163 reading now when compared with that other record made by Midshipman George Dewey while in the Medi- terranean. A pleasant interchange of courtesies took pla'ce on May 19, between the Wahasli and the British man-of-war Ceiifnriau; this time, however, no powder was burned, the salutation being one of music of an entirely different nature. As the American vessel passed out of the harbor, the red-coated band of the followers of the Union Jack struck up "Hail, Columbia, Happy Land!" vrhich was returned by the band on board the Wabash playing "God Save the Queen." While off Civita Vecchia, May 23, the Wahash was honored by a visit from United States Minister Stock- ton, who represented this country at Rome during that period. The United States consul at Rome was also an honored guest at the same time. These visits were deemed worthy of record in the ship's log by Midship- man Dewey. Two days later, all the Neapolitan vessels in the harbor are recoi'ded as having half-masted their flags, and with yards '" a-cockbill " fired half-hour guns throughout the day in honor of the memory of the late King of Naples. The Wahash followed suit except as to firing the guns, and half-masted the Stars and Stripes, together with the Neapolitan flag at the mainmast. On June 2, the Wahash was honored with a visit from the Prince of Syracuse, who was formally saluted liy the firing of guns, as also were the Spanish minis- ter and the ministers of Prussia and Sardinia. This salutation to the Spanish ambassador was music in his ears, differing very materially from that other salutation 1('4 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY given by George Dewey and his gallant crews in the harbor of Cavite. The eighty-third anniversary of the Independence of the United States was celeljrated on board the W((hi(sh at sea, with a salute of twenty-one guns and a display of the emblem of civil and religious liberty at the masthead. The Declaration of Independence was read by one of the ship's officers, and in every way possible the young midshipmen and crew were made to under- stand the meaning of the celeljration. When off Leghorn, on August 15. the ]]'(ih(isJi is reported as having j(nned a Fi-ench steamer in hring a salute of twenty-one guns in honor of the fete of Na- poleon L Here, also, the ship w^as visited by an officer of the Swedish government, who was received with tlie honors due his rank and station, the Swedish flag Ijeing hoisted to the foremast. There has l)een no exposure of frauds in feeding the sailors in the Navy during the war with Spain, and it is generally supposed that the Navy has always been free from such abuses. But. nevertheless, it was not always thus — at least it has sometimes been found necessary to condemn and throw away large (luantities of provisions intended Uw the use of tlie men in that arm of the government service, (ieorge Dew'ey. inidship- man, recorded in his joui-nal under date of August '2->. 1859. the fact that ''live hundred and hfty gallons of beans were sui'veyed. ct)ndemned. and thrown overboard." One thing seems certain: The buys were not then eom- pelled to eat the food found unfitted for their use. ■IIIIB II' '''■")i IN THE MEDITERRANEAN 167 The example thus set for the young midshipman evi- dently had its influence upon his conduct in that par- ticular regard ever since ; for true it is that he has never been charged with supplying his men with any- thing in the way of food which he did not consider tit for his own table. The condemnation of food referred to took place in the harbor of Spezia. September 18 was also a day to l)e remembered. A large number of men from the American frigate had evidently been on shore the night before, which was Saturday, and had been present, either as spectators or participants, at a street fracas of some sort, in which a man named Collins had been killed. Sunday morning, "in obedience to an order from the Flag-Officer, Captain Barron directed that George C. Rogers, and such other persons as were on shore on the evening of the fracas in the streets of Genoa which led to the death of the man by the name of Collins, be sent on shore to the usual landing by 9:30 on the morning of the ISth instant, for the purpose of identifying the man or men who were en- gaged as principals in the aforesaid outrage. Sent three seamen, one landsman, one private marine, five first-class firemen, nine second-class firemen, and fourteen coal heav- ers (Rogers himself included), in charge of Engineers Fletcher and English. At 1 P. M. all the men sent on shore returned excepting George C. Rogers (first-class fire- man), who was detained by the judicial authorities, hav- ing been identified as one of the men engaged in the aforesaid outrage." George Dewey, midshipman, was here taught another of the lessons which have made him 16S LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY respected in all the years of his life since passed. He will stand by one of his men to the last if he believes him to be in the right. But if a man violates the law of the land and deserves punishment for the protection of so- ciety, the American Admiral is not the man to stand in the way of the administration of justice. November 13 was the next date of this eventful year to the young midshipman which must have be- come memoral)le to him. It was the date ou which the IVahasJi bade good-bye to foreign shores and started for home once more, after an absence of more than eighteen months. The voyage was an uneventful one. the regular routine of inspection and drills being the only record in addition to the state of weather, barom- eter, thermometer, soundings, etc. Ou the thirtieth of the same month Dewey's journal or log book was in- spected or examined by the captain of the frigate, who simply indorsed it as '"examined." and signed the name of '"S. Barron. Captain United States Navy." This was evidently equivalent to an approval of the manner in which the record had been kept. The journey home consumed thirty-three days of time, as it was on the morning of December 16. at 5:80, that the Wdhasli made the Highland lights, and tired a gun for signal that a pilot was wanted to bring her up to the battery, from where she was moved later in the day to the navy yard dock in Brooklyn. After a most rigid in- spection of the boat and ci-ew Iiy the proper otRcials of the Navy, on December 20, 1859. "the crew were per- mitted to leave the ship, ami tlie officers were detached." (109) 170 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY And thus ends the record of the first sea voyage of the man who was apparently destined even then to outrank all his jiredecessors in naval achievements, and \\in a place only second to that of the revered Wash- ington and the immortal Lincoln in the hearts of the American people. ■^N'Cincolti. \8 6/ |%.*m-5.T'a 3rhe Ttlufissippv y»pr'a.s«S. at Key Tllest JZieuteuauL Ptuieij xuitb. Farragut at TLtuj ©rkaap. CHAPTER VII DEIVEY IN THE CIl'IL IVAR THE "MISSISSIPPI" AT PORT HUDSON — MARRIAGE TO SUSIE GOODWIN — CAREER IN TIME OF PEACE — PREPARATIONS FOR THE BATTLE OF MANILA N I860 George Dewej' was ordered ))ack to Annapolis for examina- tion for a commission, and suc- ceeded so well as to advance him in class standing over two of his fellows, giving him a final rating of number three. On April 11». iSfU. he was commissioned a lieu- tenant, and from 1801 to 1863 served on the steam sloop Mis- sissippi of the West Gulf squad- ron. He took part in the capture of New Orleans in 1862, and also of Port Royal in 1863. The most important recorded act of the present Ad- i (171) PejlrxicUon of the TtLlssissippi' miral during the Civil War occurred while he was 172 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY GEORGE DEWEY AT THE AGE CF 24 From a very rare photograph lieutenant on the steam sloop Mississippi under Admiral Far- ragut. and of which Melancthon Smith Avas captain. It was in March iSlio that the Mississipjii attempted to run by the Con- federate batteries at Port Hud- son. Some of the ships got as far as the narrow part of the cliannel, where they met the land batteries almost muzzle to muzzle, and then they were forced to retreat. The Mississippi did not get so far as that. A foggy day had been chosen for the attempt, and amid the fog and smoke of battle, which redouljled the ol)scurity, the Mississippi lost her bearings and ran aground. Her ofticers found that she had struck just under the guns of a battery in the middle of the line of fortihca- tions, and one of the strongest of the line. In half an hour she was struck by two hundred and fifty shot, and was riddled like a sieve. There was no chance of liold- ing her, so her crew were ordered to take to the wat(M- and save themselves if possible. Captain Smith and Lieutenant Dewey themselves re- mained till the very last, and personally fired the boat in several places, and spiked her guns. The guns of the Mississippi tired two hundred and fifty-five shots in the short space of thirty-five minutes before the ship was abandoned. On this occasion George Dewey is said to have per- formed an act of licroism wliicli attracted the attention m- .tR-^ \ GEORGE DEWEY LEAVING THE BURNING MISSISSIPPI" DEWEY IN THE CIVIL WAR 175 of the admiral of the Navy. As told by one of his com- rades at the time, we give it here: "Lieutenant Dewey could have escaped easily, as he was a bold, powerful swimmer; but he was too unselfish to think only of him- self so long as any of his comrades were in danger. Not far from him he spied a seaman who was trying his l)est to keep above water after his right arm had been para- lyzed by a bullet. Dewey struck right out for him and gave him a lift, till they reached a floating spar. Then the wounded man was towed ashore in safety. There were picked shots among the "Johnnies' on the bank, and they did deadly work. So whether they spared young Dewey and his wounded shipmate because of the act of mercy he was doing, or whether the floating spar con- cealed them somewhat, we never knew. At any rate, there were so few who escaped when they swam for the shore that the old fellows in the service said right away, when they heard the story: 'Well, I'll be durned if that young Dewey ain't being kept alive for something better than trying to sneak by old Confederate forts. He'll live to show the stuff that's in him some day, if I know what I'm saying.' But we never thought he would ever get such a high-sounding title as the 'Hero of Manila'; but T am quite sure he deserves it, for thrashing those ras- cally Spaniards." So many versions of this incident in the life of George Dewey have been published, some of them apparently from reliable sources, we here give the story as sent by Lieutenant Dewey to his father at Montpelier. The story 176 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY was not written by the lieutenant himself, but was sent with his full approval of its contents. The 3[ississippi. in obedience to the order of Admiral Farniifut, broufj^ht up the rear. She had readied the point directly opposite the town, and her oflBcers were congratulating themselves upon hav- ing ])assed through the greater danger, the ship uji to this time not having sustained a single casualty. The 3Ionon()ahela not being in sight, orders were given to increase the speed in order to close up the space between the ships. The atmosphere being humid, the smoke hanging close to the surface of the river, nothing being dis- cernible but the flames of our own and the enemy's pieces, tlie ship, which had acquired rajiid headway, grounded on the right bank of the river, directly opposite the terminus of tlie Port Hudson and Clin- ton Railroad. Her engines were immediately reversed, and orders were given by Captain Smith for the men to fire with all possible rapidity, as their safety depended upon keeping the enemy from their guns. The men responded with alacrity, and, in the short space of thirty- five minutes, they fired two hundred and fifty shots. During this time Engineer Rutherford made every exertion to get the ship afloat, but without success. Captain Smith finding it impossible to save the vessel gave orders to make instant preparations to destroy the ship and save the crew. Orders were also given to the chief engineer to destroy the engines, and cut the outward connecting jiipes. This being done, the water flowed rajiidly into the ship. The sick and wounded were conveyed on board the ironclad ram Eascv. and tin- remainder of the crew were conveyed to the right bank of the river, which had been cleared by the gunboats of the Confederate sharp- shooters. Before the crew left the ship, every pre])aration was made to destroy her by collecting combustibles in the forward and after parts of the vessel. Unfortunately, she was fired forward before the order was given. This becoming known to the crew, and there being lint three small boats which they could use, many jumped overboard, and it is feared were drowned in attempting to escape. Some others, seven in all. including Marine-Captain Fontene. Assistant Engineer Brown, and Master's Mate Francis, fell into the hands of the enemv. GEORGE DEWEY SAVING A COMRADE'S LIFE DEWEY IN THE CIVIL WAK 17!J Just before the order was ij;iveii to aliaiidoii the ship a shot from the enemy entered forward of the wheel, killinir Aetini,r-!Master Kel- ler, c-omnianding the Second Division, also killinsj and woundino- all l:)ut four men at one of his sjuns. After seeing that the survivors of his crew were fairly clear of the ship, and every preparation made to insure her destruction. Cap- tain Sniitli. Lieutenant Dewey, Ensign Baohelder, and Assistant En- gineer Tower, together left the ship and abandoned her to the Hames. after having with their own hands spiked most of the guns. As an evidence of the coolness which Captain Smith displayed on this occasion, it is related that in the midst of the death and destruc- tion which surrounded him. while coolly lighting a cigar with flint and steel he remarked to Lieutenant Dewey : ' It is not likely that we shall escape, antl we must make every preparation to insure the destruction of the ship." As soon as Captain Caldwell of the _S'.s>t.c discovered the flames bursting from the J/i.taissijtpi, notwithstanding she was within five hundred yards of the principal Confederate batteries, he steamed up the river and succeeded in taking off from the shore many of the men who had escaped, and in saving many who were still struggling with the current for their lives. Tlie fire having full possession of the shij). ragetl through her for an hour, greatly lightening her. while the water flowing aft set- tled her stern, and she gradually slid off into the current. By a seeming act of Providence, the ship was swung round by the force of the current, and headed down the stream. The guns of her port battery, which had not been fired, becoming heated, the venerable old frigate paid a parting salute to the Confederates at the same time she fired the minute guns over her own grave. Had the ship floated down the stream stern foremost, it is impossible to conjecture what might have been the result, inasmuch as her guns would have been dis- charged upon her own crew on the neighboring bank. She floated down the stream, her guns discharging', and shells on deck exploding in every clirecticju, until at half-past five o'clock, when, having reached a point near which the Confederate ram ^irhn/.t'is was destroyed, she blew up. with a concussion whic'li shook the country for miles around. Fragments of the ship drifted jiast Baton Itouge. an DEWEY IN THE CIVIL WAR 187 Much has been said in the public press al)out an ill- ness through which George Dewey passed in ].SS3. Most of the published statements have been untrue. He was taken ill while on his way to join the Asiatic squadron, and was sent to the naval hospital at Malta. In a letter to his sister, under date of April 11, 1S83. MOSQUE OF OMAR, JERUSALEM after speaking of the press reports of his illness, the Admiral wrote : — J/y Dear twister: - . . . Sci I will iidt say nim-li aliout it myself except that I have been very, very ill. and. on twci nr three occasions, very near "the other shore."' At one time I fully ex- pected to die, and nothing- but an excellent constitution and (tod's mercy brought me through. 188 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY The climate of Malta is much like tliat of Florida, and we are enjoj-ing oranges, roses, etc., — and now and then a moscjuito. Your affectionate brother, Geokge Dkwky. Two years later he was promoted to a captaincy, and took command of the Dolph'ni, and afterwards of the I'li/sdro/a, flagship of the European squadron. While in coiniiiand of the Fnisarohi, Dewey made his second cruise in the Mediterranean, and while there wrote the following letter to his sister at Montpelier: — June 1, 188(5, U. S. Stkamship Pkxsacola, ) Smykxa, Turkey. ) Dear Sister: — ... I am sure vou will be ijlad to know niv health is quite restored again. We are making a very delightful cruise in this ]iart of the world, in being able to visit so many interesting places. I spent several days in Cairo. .Jerusalem. Bevrout. etc., and to-morrow I am going to visit the ruins of Ephesus, where stand the remains of the Temple of Diana, oru- of the Seven Wonders of the World. When I have seen it, 1 will have seen four of the seven. From here we go to Athens, and will visit some of the Greek islands en route. . . . Your affectionate brother. Geokge Dewey. In 1S88 Captain Dewey was detailed as Chief of the Bureau of E([iiipnient and K'ocrnitiug, with the rank of commodore. His commission as a commodore, however, was not issued to him until Fehruary 2S, 1896. He was a memher of the Lightliouse Board again from lS9o to 1895, being transferred u> Board of Inspection and Survey immediately thereafter, and in 1S96 and 1897 he GEORGE DEWEY AT THE AGE OF 46 DEWEY IN THE CIVIL WAR Jl) TEMPLE OF DIANA AT EPHESUS was president of this latter important department of the naval service. During the summer of 1S97 George Dewey's health, which was not of the l)est while on shoi'e duty. Iiegan ATHENS FROM THE EAST 11)L LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY to fail him. and, as he was fast approaching the age limit for the active service of the Navy, he was urged by his friends to take another crnise for the ))enetit of his health. There are many interesting tales told re- garding his assignment to the command of the squadron then in Asiatic waters. One of them is to the effect that his assignment was strenuously opposed by some of HARBOR OF NAGASAKI, JAPAN those high in authority, and that it was only when his friend of a lifetime, the llonoralile Senatur h'edfield I'roctor, called on President McKinley and made a i)er- sonal request that Dewey be thus assigned, that the orders were issued which eventually brought fame to the hero of ]\Ianila Bay and success to the American Navy unparalleled in the history of naval warfare. The DEWEY IN THE CIVIL WAR 193 assignment to the command of the Asiatic squadron was issued from the Navy Department at Washington. Novem- ber 30, 1897. and one month later the coming Admiral raised his pennant over the flagship Uhjnipia, at Nagas- aki, Japan. Naval oflBcers in foreign ports are always well re- ceived, and the reception accorded George Dewey at Yokohama was no exception to the rule. On February 4, 1898, he was accorded a private audience with the Emperor and Empress of Japan, and l)efore leaving for Hong-Kong he himself entertained a party of ladies and gentlemen at luncheon on board the flagship (>hiiii[)i-^4j6Si?S' I ■■'■J ^. S IB CONSTANTINOPLE AND THE BOSPHORUS, TURKEY ready for action, and should war Ije the word I l)elieve we will make short work of the Spanish reign in the Philippines. The insurgents are ready to rise at our first gun, and long before this reaches you we may be masters of Manila and Philippine cities. But, after all, war is a terrilde thing, and I hope some way out of 198 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY the dilemma may be found without resorting to the very last course. . . . My health continues good, al- though it is taxed to the utmost, and my one prayer is that I may hold out until we have finished our work." Another sentence in the same letter is worthy of reproduction here: "I believe I am not over-confident in saying that, with the force under my command. I could enter the liay of IManila. capture or destroy the Spanish squadron, and reduce tlie defenses, in one day." After receiving his orders from the President to pro- ceed, he wrote: "I am thankful we have now received our orders. We have got them |the Spanish fleet] where we want them, and we will now fix them." And fix tliem he did in earnest — how well, the story of the Battle of Manila, elsewhere told with more of detail, only too vividly portrays. His prophesied limit of time to one day he reduced to an actual time of less than four hours of fighting, and within twelve hours from tlie time the first vessel of his fleet passed the bat- teries at the entrance to Manila Bay he had literally ''captured or destroyed the Spanish squadron," and planted Old Glory on the ramparts above the fortress at Cavite on Spanish soil. And there she floats to-day. now, as ever, the sign of freedom from the yoke of the oppressor, and tlie emblem of human liberty. After the battle of May 1, (ieorge Dewey found him- self confronted with a peculiar condition of things in the Philippines. The attention of other nations was at once attracted to the desirability of .sharing in the spoils of conquest, if spoils there were to be, and the war ships DEWEY IN THE CIVIL WAR 199 of several nations were headed for the Philippine waters. Representatives of Germany in particular seemed inclined to rather take sides with the Spanish authorities, and there were at times apprehensions lest some violation of the treaty of neutrality mij^ht lead to serious results. The Emperor's brother. Priucp Henry, who represented his IMPERIAL PALACE. CONSTANTINOPLE, TURKEY government at Hong-Kong, called on Commodore Dewey to say good-bye as the American fleet was al)out to leave Chinese waters for Manila. United States Consul Wild- man and Captain Gridley, of the Ohjiiijilit. were on the (luarter-deck of the flagship in conversation with the Commodore and the Prince. The Prince said laughingly to the three, but looking Dewey in the eye: — 200 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY •'I will send my ships to Manila to see that yon be- have." With tliat perfect grace and dignity for which tlie Commodore was noted he courteously replied :~- "I shall be delighted to have you do so. your lligh- ne.ss; but permit me to caution you to keep your ships from between my guns and the enemy." The Prince saw the point, and he knew full well from tliiit moment that George Dewey meant just w^hat he said, and tliat it would not be w^ell for any one to inter- fere with him in his dealings with Spain or the Spanish fleet. Nor was this by any means the only ditliculty whicli presented itself. The natives of the Philippine Islands were little else than savages, and had imbibed just enough of civilization fi-om the Anglo-Saxon race to in- spire them with hatred for the oppression Spain hud put upon them, and had l)een engaged in an Herculean struggle for their own liberty for many years. But till the time of the entrance of Geoi'ge Dewey to Manila Hay their cause had been a w^ell-nigh hopeless one. Their acknowledged chieftain had been expelled from the islands, and was exiled to foreign lands. But with the victory of the Americans on ]\Iay 1, acting under the advice of Consul Wildmau. this Filipino chieftain. Aguinaldo by name, was retuimed to his native land, and at once began active co-operation with Comiiiodore Dewey against the Spanish forces still in possession of a large part of the island group. These native in.surgents were armed from the captured stores of Cavite arsenal, and DEWEY IN THE CIVIL WAR 201 immediately began aggressive movements against their common enemy. So successful were they in every battle that they soon became a menace to the Americans themselves. Many of the chiefs among the natives be- lieved they were entitled to all the fruits of the Spanish defeat, and organized a provisional government of their BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF CAIRO, EGYPT own, and demanded recognition from the United States authorities. To handle such an element without serious trouble required the skill of a statesman and trained diplomat; yet the man who, thus far in his life, had confined his energies very largely to a study of the art of warfare, at once rose equal to the occasion, and the masterly exhibition of diplomacy displayed by George 202 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY Dewey has commanded the admiration of the world. In all emer- gencies which have arisen the man lias been eqnal to the oc- cas i on . In a word. George Dewey has demonstrated an abil- ity as a statesman and diplomat equaled only by his display of ainlity as a fighter and naval commander, and few indeed are there among all our TOMB-MOSQUE OF CAID BEY, CAIHU.E.VPT ^^^^^jj^ SerVantS SO well entitled to l)e considered "an all-'ronnd man." The unfortunate war with the Filipinos came about only after a visit to the United States of an emissary of the insurgent provisional government, who was encour- aged by the attitude of some Senators and Representatives at Washington to believe that the people of the United States were opposed to an extension of American sover- eignty to the Philippines. In a letter to his brother, the Honorable Charles Dewey, of Montpelier, written l)efore the outbreak of hostilities, and while the ratification of the Treaty of Paris was pending in the United States Senate. George Dewey said : " We are waiting to hear from Wash- ington that the United States owns the islands, and then DEWEY IN THE CIVIL WAR 203 will follow the question of dealing with the insurgents. General Otis thinks Aguinaldo is losing his power, and that the insurrection will soon disintegrate. I hope so." George Dewey is a man of peace, but he believes the best way to promote it is to always ])e pi-epared for war. Among the many precautionary orders issued from the Navy Department preceding the declaration of war with Spain, were several dispatches to Commodore George Dewey which have not hitherto appeared in the pulijic prints. While Dewey w^as yet at Yokohama. Japan, January 25, 1S9S. he was cabled by the Chief of the Bureau of Navigation to "retain until further orders the crew of the squadron whose terms of enlistment have expired." The officials at Washing- ton knew the import- ance of trained men on board the ships, and they also knew that Commodore Dewey could be depended on to keep the l)est of them when authorized to do so. As early as Febru- ary 25, 181)8, Assistant- Secretary Roosevelt cabled, under seal of a street scene, cairo, egypt 204 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY secrecy and confidence, to order all boats of his squadron to Hong-Kong, and to keep full of coal. "In the event of a declaration of war it will be your duty to see that the JSpanish squadron does not leave the Asiatic coast, and then offensive operations in the Philippine Islands." The next day, as if the first order were not sufficient, BOATS SAILING ON THE NILE followed a cable from Secretary Long to "Keep full of coal, the best that can be had." April 1 Dewey was ordered to "fill up with in-o- visions purchased on station." Then he was asked to let them know at Washington just how many days' provisions he had on hand. The same message also indicated a regard for the fellows who do tlie fighting, DEWEY liN THE CIVIL WAR 2()'j as the Secretary wanted to know how much toliacco and soap was needed. Three days later Dewey cabled that he had chartered a steamer with three thousand tons of coal on board, and asked authority to buy the boat and cargo. The authority was given, and he was told to charge the expense to special appropriation. Then Dewey showed his skill as a business man by YOKOHAMA AND HARBOR, JAPAN making a good bargain for his country, and by engag- ing the crew of the purchased vessel to manage her till they should be no longer needed. Five days later he reports having purchased another vessel foi- supi)lies, which he armed, equipped, and manned immediately. There was no secrecy as to the price paid for boats 206 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY either. All his dealings were open to the light of day, aud were held to be confidential only for diplomatic reasons until the facts could be safely made known. On April 7 the Secretary of the Navy sent an order to Commodore Dewey to ''land all woodwork, stores, etc., not absolutely necessary to have for opera- tions." April 24 Dewey was notified by Secretary Long that war had commenced l)etween Spain aud the United States. He was directed to "proceed at once to the Philippine Islands. Commence operations immediately, particularly against the Spanish fleet. You must cap- ture or destroy vessels. Use utmost endeavors." This was the famous "capture or destroy" message popularly accredited to President McKinley. It was written, how- ever, and sent by Secretary Long. To this the Commo- dore replied, showing how thoroughly he had carried out his in.structions to be ready at a moment's notice: "The squadron will leave for Manila, Philippine Islands, im- mediately II [ion the arrival of the United States consul from Manihi.'' 'i'he same day Dewey was requested by the Governor of Hong-Kong to get out of the harbor, iiiid he at once made ready to leave for Mirs Bay to await telegraphic instructions. This he coiumunicated to Secretary Long, W'ho cabled him the following day, April 26, the President's proclamation, as follows: — WiiEUEAS, Bv an act of Congress approved April "ifi, 1898, it is declared tliat war exists and that war has existed since the twenty-first day of April, A. I). 189S. including said day, between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Spain : and DEWEY IN THE CIVIL WAR 207 Whereas, It beinp desirable tliat sueh war should be conducted upon principles in liannony with the present views of nations and sanctioned by their recent jiractice, it has already been announced that the policy of this i^rovernnient will be not to resort to iirivat- eering, but to adhere to the rules of tlie Declaration of Paris: Now, therefore. I, William .McKinley. President of the United States of America, by virtue of the power vested in me by the Constitution and the laws, do hereby declare and proclaim : One, the neutral Hag covers the enemy's goods, with the exception of contraband of war; two. neutral goods, contraband of war. are not liable to confiscation under the enemy's flag ; three, blockades, in order to be binding, must be effective ; four, Spanish merchant vessels in any ports or places within the United States shall be allowed till May 31, 1898, inclusive, for loading their cargoes and departing from such ports or places, and such Spanish mer- chant vessels, if met at sea by any United States ship, shall be permitted to continue their voyage, if, on examination of their |iapers, it shall ajijiear that their cargoes were taken on board be- fore the expiration of the above term. pro\ ided that nothing herein contained shall apply to Spanish vessels having on board any offi- cer in the military or naval service of the enemy, or any coal, ex- cept such as may be necessary for their voyag-e, or any other article prohibited or contraband of war. or an^' dispatch of or to the Sjianish government; five, any Sjianish merchant vessel which, prior to April "J I. 18U8. shall have sailed froiri any foreign port or place in the United States, shall !n' permitted to enter such port nr place, and to discharge her cargo, and afterwards, forthwith, tci dc- pa7-t without molestation, and any such vessel, if met at sea l)v any United States shiji, shall be permitted to continue her voyagv to any port not blockaded ; six, the rij_dit of search is to be exercised with strict regard for the rigdits of neutrals, and thi' voyages of mail steamers are not to be interfered with except on the elearest grounds of suspicion of a violatiun of law. in respcH-t to contra- band or blockaile. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the city of Washington on the twenty-sixth da\' of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight liuridi'ed and 208 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY niaety-eitjlit. and of tin' iiidi'pfndence of the I'liitfd States thf one hundred and tufiitv-si'coiid. AN'ii.i.iam McKinley. ]5y till' President : Joiix SiiEKMAN, Secretaiy of State. April 27 the United States consul from Manila ar- rived at Mirs Bay. After inforniin<,r liis government of his contemplated movements, Commodore Dewey at once prepared to set sail for the Philippine Islands. Tlien came the Battle of Manila, reported elsewhere at great length. After the battle Dewey sent to the officials at Washington a few very modest dispatches, in all of which he gave the most of the credit for his victory to the commanders and men of his Heet, notwithstanding that each of the officers and men gave all the credit foi- the splendid victory achieved to the commodore, whose master mind had conceived and dii-ected the execution nf the plan of operation in the minutest detail. Dewey indicated the character of man he is when, on May 15, in acknowledging to the President his own promotion to the rank of a rear-admiral, he also urgently recommended that each of his gallant commanders be advanced ten numbers for their part in the Battle of Manila. In making this request, Dewey refers to the officials in a complimentary manner, and says: "Without their aid I could have done nothing." From Dewey's dispatches to the department at Wash- ington it is plainly seen that he had confidence in the honor and integrity of the Filipino chieftain Aguinaldo, from whom he expected much assistance. Tliat this leader of the insurgent forces should hii\(> finally turned against DEWEY IN THE CIVIL WAR 209 the Americans is one of the tragedies connected with the Spanish W"ar. Dewey was ever on the alert to see tluit the men under his command were properly provided for. May 20, 1S9S, he cal)led for supplies, and indicated that he wanted good ones. And then came the crowning act of confidence on the part of the government at Washington. Until now Dewey had acted under general orders, at least, from the seat of government. Now he was cabled: "Exercise your own discretion in all matters, and be governed according to circumstances, which you know and which we cannot know here." And well he exercised it, at all times upholding the honor and integrity of the United States as against all comers. When the German naval officers in the Philippine waters seemed inclined to take sides with the enemies of America they were soon called upon to observe the laws of neutrality. And they knew that George Dewey was not to be trifled with either. About the middle of July, Dewey cabled that Aguinaldo had informed him that the German man-of-war Irene had interfered with the insurgents in their operations against the Spaniards at Isla Grande, and he had sent the Balc'njli and ('oiirord there to straighten the matter out. These vessels proceeded to take the island and some 1,300 pris- oners of war, with arms and ammunition. The Imic retired from the bay on the approach of the American vessels. The commander of the German war-ship did not wish to try issues with any of the vessels of Dewey's fleet. D.-ll 210 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY July 14. the day following the Irene incident re- ferred to, Admiral Dewey received a communication from General Emilio Aguinaldo, a document setting forth the formation of the provisional government of the Philip- pines by the Filipinos, independent of the United States. The several proclamations accompanying this document were at once forwarded to the government at Washing- ton by the conservative Admiral in the Philippines. v-rrS*; HONG-KONG AND HARBOR, CHINA After the arrival of General Wesley Merritt in the Philippines. Admiral Dewey very properly co-operated with him in all matters affecting the operations against the Spanish arms. The correspondence passing lietween these two officers and the Governor-General of the Pliilippine Islands is interesting reading, as showing the wisdom and tact displayed by the American officers. The result of those negotiations, and of the refusal of the Spanish DEWEY IN THE CIVIL WAR 211 authorities to surrender to the Americans, is now a matter of history. The fieet under Rear-Admiral George Dewey performed an important part of the work in the assault of Manila which followed, but as there were no vessels pitted against him it will not be recorded in history as a naval engagement. After the fall of ]\Ianila and the complete occupation of the Philippine Islands by the United States forces, Ad- miral Dewey was urged by his friends to return to the United States. Much of a contradictory nature was said and written on the subject and it is perhaps as well that the truth be stated here as tf» his own wishes on the sul)- ject. Under date of August 30, in a message to the Secretary of the Navy at Washington, George Dewey es- pecially requested to be permitted to remain where he was. Here are his own words: "I trust it may not be necessary to order me to Washington. Should regret very much to leave here while matters remain in present crit- ical condition." Dewey was then requested to send his views on questions in general as to the Philippines to the President liy the quickest method possible, and to ad- vise with General Merritt l:)efore he should leave the islands. Standing on the quarter-deck of the Bnltitnore August 22, 1898, and gazing at the American flag over Fort San- tiago, within the walled city of Manila, Admiral Dewey said: "I hope it floats there forever, forever. It is strange that we have wrested an empire from those people, and that with the loss of only a few men. Our Navy did most remarkable work. If I were a religious man. and I 212 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY hope I am, I should say that it was the hand of God. I remember, when we engaged the fleet, seeing shells fired directly at us, and I do not understand under heaven how we escaped. " Then we came up here on the Olympia and sent them an ultimatum. In three letters written by Consul Williams I told them if they fired another shot I would destroy their city. I demanded the surrender of some small vessels that scurried into the Pasig, and which I believed to be torpedo boats, and I asked the joint use of the cable. We were cloi^e in and alone; but they did not fire, and never did. "I am proud of these men under me, and proud to be their leader. They are all efficient. I gave up the Olympia, and sent her to Hong-Kong, and came on the Baltimore. Here I find everything as efficient as on the Oli/iiijda. I am sending all of the squadron up to be cleaned, and have asked for a battleship and an ar- mored cruiser. "I do not intend to go home unless it is absolutely necessary, for there is much work still to be done here. I do not want to go until it is all over. The truth has not been told about this place. It is not so hot, and the weather is much better than has been asserted. In the fleet we have had less sickness than on ordinary cruises." In a letter to his sister written a few weeks after the Battle of Manila Bay, the Admiral used these Avords : "Just a line to thank you for your kind letter of .April (), and also for your prayers fen- my safety. Perhaps they did help. Who knows?" DEWEY IN THE CIVIL WAR 213 The career of George Dewey has been an eventful one, and during his threescore years, forty of which have been spent in the active service of his country, he has traveled far and wide and has come in contact with some of the greatest minds in the world. And there are many who now believe that in reality he has but just entered upon his larger career of usefulness, and predict for him still higher honors at the hands of the American people. And who can tell ? Vict >\i^miral CHAPTER VIII THE BATTLE OF AUNfLA BAY CRUSHING DEFEAT OF THE SPANISH NAVY IN PHILIPPINE WATERS — "OLD GLORY" PLANTED ON SPANISH SOIL FORMER officer of the Ihiited States Navy, then a correspond- ent for the New York Herald, was on the flagship Oli/iii/iin during the Battle of Manila, and was appointed by Commo- dore Dewey as aid during the engagement. From the excel- lent report of the events lead- ing up to and during the Ijattle caliled to his paper, we take the following most interesting account of that memorable event: — ^L\^•ILA. Pim.iprixK Islands, on boa, which lurched over and sank. Then the Spanish flag on the arsenal staff was hauled down, and at half-past twelve o'clock a white flag was hoisted there. Signal was made to the Petrel to destroy all the vessels in the inner harbor, and Lieutenant Hughes, with an armed lioat's crew, set fire to the Don Jiiini (Je Austria, Munpies del Diiero, the Isia de Cuba, and the El Correo. The lai-ge transport Manila and many tug boats and small craft fell into our hands. "Capture or destroy Spanish squadron." were Dewey's orders. Never were instructions more effectually carried out. Within seven hours after arriving on the scene of action nothing remained to be done. Five days after the date of the foregoing dispatches, the same correspondent reviewed the story of the battle at greater length, and we deem this second dispatch of 228 LIFE OF ADMIKAL DFWEY sufficient impoi-tance to give it a place in this perma- nent story of the Battle of ^lanihi Bay. I .'. f. \ ■;/' THE OLYMPIA'S" CREW CHEERING THE COMMODORE It was in the latter part of last February that Com- modore George Dewey, commanding the Asiatic station THE BATTLE OF MANILA UAY 22^) of the United States Navy, began to feel that the drift of events was toward a warlike rather than a peaceful settlement of onr differences with Spain. At any rate, he decided to bring all his squadron together, and he chose Hong-Kong as the place of rendezvous for strategic reasons, the importance and value of which were fully justified by subsequent events. The vessels attached to this station were as follows: — Olijiiijiid, Hagsliip. Captain C. V. (Iridley, commanding; Boston, Captain Frank Wildes; Conroi-d. Commander Asa Walker; Pctnl, Commander E. P. Wood. The Bdh'ujh. Cap- tain J. B. Coghlan commanding, arrived from New York soon afterward ; and just before the Battle of Manila Bay the Ba/f/iiioir. commanded by Captain N. M. Dyer, was detached from the Pacihc station and given to Commodore Dewey. These vessels were all cruisers — not, as many people have erroneously supposed, '"ironclads." or armored battle- ships. Except the armor four inches thick around the turret guns of the Oh/m/ild. there was no armor in the squadron. These six cruisers may be briefly summed up as follows : — The 5,800-ton O/tfinplo. carrying four S-inch and ten rapid-fii-e 5-inch guns and fourteen fi-pounders. with Lieu- tenant C. P. Ivees as executive officer. The 4,400-ton llulfinnirc. four S-inch and six (')-iiich rillcs and two G-pounders, with Lieutenant-Commander .1. 15. Briggs as executive officer. The 3.000-ton Bosfoii, carrying two 8-inch and six 6-incli rifles and two G-pounders. with Lieutenant-Commander J. A. Norris as executive officer. 230 LIFE OF ADMIRAL DEWEY The 3,200-tou L'tthii/I/, carryiiifi^ one 6-inch and ten rapid- fire 5-iuch gnus, Avith Lieuteuant-Commander Frederic Singer as executive officer. The 1.700-ton Conconl, carrying six ()-iiicli rifles and two 6-pounders. with Lieutenant-Commander G. P. Colvocoresses as executive officer. The yOO-ton Prfjr/, carrying four 6-inch rifles, with Lieu- tenant E. M. Hughes as executive officer. The total number of officers and men in the squadron was 1,695. There were, of course, some vacancies in the ship's companies, but just before sailing for Manila the Commodore brought one hundred men and several officers from the obsolete Mdimninj and hlled up the complements of his active ships. Accompanying the squadron was the revenue cutter HiKjJi MrCiilIorJi, which had arrived at Hong-Kong on her way from New York to the Pacific coast. She carried four light pieces, and was commanded by Captain Hodgsdou. of the Revenue Marine Service, who was ordered by the Sec- retary of the Treasury to report to Commodore Dewey for duty as a dispatch vessel or for any other service that she might be found capable to perform. Two merchant steamers, the Xonsluni, laden with :!.00(» tons of Cardiff coal, aiul the Znfin). carrying 7.000 tons of similar coal, having been bought by Commodore Dewey, went with the squadron. They were not taken into the navy, but were regarded merely as merchant vessels owned by the United States. Their officers and crews all gave notice of their intention to become United States citizens, and remained on board to navigate the vessels as needed. THE BATTLE OF MANILA BAY 231 Commodore Dewey withdrew from the liarbor of Hong- Kong on Monday, April 25, in response to a request from the Acting Governor of Hong-Kong. The Commo- dore remained at Mirs Bay, in Chinese waters, about thirty miles from Hong-Kong, until the afternoon of Wednesday, the 27th, when he sailed for the Philip- pines. Owing to the necessity of economy in the use of coal, as well as the danger of driving into the rather heavy sea that was running, a speed of about eight knots was maintained in making the trip to the Philippines. Even at this slow speed the heavily laden K" what they thought about liini and his proclamation. Bandmaster Xalifuoco selected the music for the evening concert on Thursday with special reference to rousing the patriotism of flip ''boys in blue." choosing many of the airs tliat wove p(i])nlar in the North dur- ing the Civil War: l>ut though these were favorably received, it was not till the band struck uj) "Yankee THE BATTLE OF MANILA BAY 233 Doodle" that the boys cheered. When the concert closed with ''Star-Spangled Banner," the voices of at least fifty men took up the words of each verse, tlie young apprentices particularly being prominent in the lead, and the chorus spread through the ship from fore- castle to caliin witli an enthusiasm that carried the hearts of all on l)oard. THE MEN BEHIND THE GUNS Searchlight and night signal exercise took place dur- ing a large part of the first watch Thurs