E iT3'tPiton. vol i. pa;;es 'i().i-'22T. The minia'.'c of .^dtniial Thateliei's urandfatlier was tlnis annoiineed in tlie Massa- ehusflls Gazette, June 20, 1774: "Last TliurMlay was nninied, by the Rev. Dr. C'aner, Mr. Henry Knox of tliis town [Boston] to Miss' Lney Fluekcr, seeond daughter of the Hon. Thomas Flueker, Esq. Secretary of ilic Province. " Blest tho' she is with every human firaee, The mien eniiasin^, and liewitehing face, Yet still a higher heanty is her cire. Virtue, the charm that most adorns the fair; This docs new graces to her air inspire. Gives to her lips thsir Mooni, her eyes their fire ; This o'er her cheek with liri^'hter tincture shows The lily's whiteness and the blushinir rose. O, may each liliss the lovely pair surround, And each winy'd hour with new dcliirhts he crowned. Lou;; may they Tho>^e exalted pleasures prove That S|irins from worth, from constancy and love." t Cyrus Eaton's History of Thomr.sron, &c. it might well be called, or chateau, as French travellers* and visitors de- lighted to term it, was well selected, nearly on that of the old fortress, with a delightful prospect in front extending eight or ten miles down that river, finely sheltered by forest on the north-east, and open on the south-west to the breezes which on tlie hottest days of summer seldom failed to come with the tide to fan and refresh the balconies and corridors, arbors and al- coves of this tasteful and noble residence. At the present time [18G5] the view from its roof, in which the villages of Thomaston and iSt. George lie like a map beneath the eye, is superb ; but the original grandeur and elegance of this residence can scarcely be conceived of, from what now [1865] re- mains of it. On each hand, a little back from the mansion, a range or wing of out-buildings extended east and west from it, inclining backwards from the river so as to form, with the mansion in front, a crescent or segment of a circle — -nine buildings in each wing, commencing on one side with the cook house, and on the other with the mews or stable. These two structures be- ing built of brick, are [I860] still remaining in their places. The rest have been removed or taken down. * * * " Beautifully at the water's edge sat this sumptuous villa as it first caught the eye and struck the lofty mind of Mrs. Knox, as she with her husband, children and retinue, first passed up between the sombre evergreens and dusky forests that shaded either side of the river, to take possession [179.5] of her new abode on her ancestral domain. Pleased with so elegant a crea- tion, the romance of its iiite, and the contrast it presented to the surround- ing landscape, its new mistress, in conformity to the French taste, imbibed thi'ough her intimate friend, Mrs. William Bingham of Philadelphia, for some time a resident in France, named the mansion Afoiilpelier." The General also erected on a sightly spot a large tliree story house, intended as a residence for Admiral Thatcher's fatiier ; but it v(ras unfinished at Knox's death, and was subsequently sold, taken down and removed. A fine avenue was to have been opened through the intervening woods to keep the two residences in communication and view of each otlier. The remains of General Knox were at first deposited in a tomb on the grounds of Montpelier, but tliey were in 18(50 removed by Lieut. Tiiatcher to the old town cemetery, Tiiomaston, where they now repose. Having been urged to again remove them to a more sight- ly spot in the same cemetery, where a public monument could be erected over them, Lieut. Thatcher, in a letter dated July 19, 18(50, says : " My feelings revolt from the idea of again disturbing the ashes of my departed kindred, if it can be avoided. I have a sort of veneration for the modest old monument whicli my grandmother • The Duke ilc \a Roclnfoncault-Liancourt, Louis Pliilijipe, afterwaids king of the Frentli, Tallejrand and others, who visited it. raised over Iicr liiishand's tomb. Ncvcrtliclcss, I should liif^ldy appreeiate any elFurts wliicli tlie citizens of our beloved old town niiglit be willing to make to perpetuate the memory of a man who gave all tlie eiiergics of his life to the great cause of establishing for us this model republic, and his latter days to the interests of the town wiiicli he had selected before all others for hia home ; and I cannot but feel a glow of pride that he is not yet forgotten by his townsmen and their successors." Ailmiral 'Ihatclier received his early education in the schools of Boston, and July 1, 1822, was admitted as a Cadet at the West Point Military Academy. The records of the Academy state that he was " absent with leave, sick, from Nov. 23, 1822, to April 3, 1823," when his resignation is recorded. His predilection being for a sea life, he succeeded in exchanging his cadetship for a mid- shipman's appointment in the U. S. Navy, bearing date ^larch 4, 1823, wlien not quite seventeen years old. His first order was to the Washington Navy Yard, where he made himself useful in aiding to equip the so-called " Musquito fleet " of Commodore David Por- ter, designed to operate against the pirates, who at that time, to the annoyance of our commerce, infested the West India Islands and the Carribean Sea. His next service was, from 1824 to 1827, on the Frigate United States, tiie flag-ship of Commodore Isaac Hull, in the Pacific Ocean. In 1828 we find him servinrr in the ^Nlediter- rancan, on ijoard the Delaware, 74, the flag-ship of Commodore \\'illiam M. Crane. He returned in her to the United States to 1)0 examined for pi-omotion, and INIarch 23, 1829, being then about twenty-three years of age, and having been six years in the ser- vice, was |)romotcd to the grade of Passed Midshipman* while serving on board the Independence 74 at the Boston station. In 1830 the Navy Kegistcr records him as on "leave of absence." In 1831 we find him Acting Master of the Sloop of AVar Erie, 18, Master Commandant Lawrence Rousseau, in the AYest Indies. On Capt. Rousseau's detachment in 1832, he obtained a leave of ab- sence and returned home. On the 28th of February, 1833, when about twenty-seven years of age, he was again promoted, commis- • Tins title was abolislicil on tlic rc-organization of tUc navy in 1862, and that of Ensign substituted for it. sioned a Lieutenant, and ordered to the Navy Yai'd at Boston. In 1834 lie was ordered to the Sloop of War Falmouth, under his old Captain Kousseau, attached to the West India Squadron, and re- mained in her until she was paid off in 183G. In 1837, '38 and '39 he is registered as " waiting orders." In 1840, '41, as attached to the Frigate Brandy wine. Captain William Compton Bolton, in the Mediterranean. In 1842, as attached to the Naval Rendezvous at Portland, Maine, under the command of Commander John Stone Paine. In 1843, Executive Officer of the Receiving Ship Ohio, 74, Capt. Joseph Smith, at Boston. In 1844, on "leave of absence." In 1845, "waiting ordei-s." In 1846, again attached to the Receiv- ing Ship Ohio at Boston. In 1847, "waiting orders." In 1848, on board the Sloop of War Jamestown, 20, flag-ship of Commo- dore William C. Bolton, another of his old commanders, on the coast of Africa. In 184'J Commodore Bolton was transferred to the Me- diterranean squadron, and hoisted his broad pennant on the Frigate Constitution, 44. Tlie Jamestown conveyed him to his new command, and Lieut. Thatcher remained in her as her executive officer until she was put out of commission in 1850, when he was ordered to the Boston Navy Yard as an Inspector, where he re- mained until ordered to command the storeshij) Relief in 1852. The Relief was attached to our squadron on the coast of Brazil, and this was his last sea-service as a Lieutenant. In 1853 we find him well up on the list of Lieutenants (No. 25), and " waiting orders." In 1854-5 he was the executive officer of the Naval Asylum at Philadelphia; and September 14, 1855, at the age of 49, through the action of the naval retiring board, known as " the board of fifteen " — whicii put aside and dismissed many officers from the service — he was promoted and commissioned a Commander, jumping from No. 15 on the Lieutenants' list to No. 25 on the list of ninety-seven Commanders — an advance of eic/htij-seven numbers. Notwithstanding his promotion he remained on duty at the Naval Asylum until ordered, in 1857, to succeed Commander Gansevoort in the command of the Sloop of War De- catur, 16.* The Decatur was attached to our squadron in the Paci- • An interesting account of tlie service of tlie T>ccattir in Puset Sound, written by Com- modore T. S. riielps, U.S.N., cnn l)e found in " The United Service," for Dcceralier, 1881. It is entitled lleminisceuces of Seattle, Washington Territory, during the Indian war, 18J5-55. fie, ami he remained in command of iicr nntil slic was put out of commission at San Francisco, Cal. On liis return from tiiis cruise, August, 1851), lie was again ordered to the Boston Navy Yard as its executive officer, and remained on that duty earnestly engaged in fitting out the vessels equipped from tiiat station in the eai'ly days of the rebellion, until, in the first months of 1862, he was order- ed to the command of the Constellation, 24, a decked corvette at Portsmoutli, N. H., fitting for special service in the Mediterranean, where the Secretary of the Navy in his annual report says : " Her presence and visits to tlie commercial ports of tlie Levant was con- ducive of good results." July 16, 1862, through the numerous resignations and dismissals of that exciting time, f and the re-oi-ganization of the navy by the establishing of a permanent retired list and the introduction of new grades into tlie service, he was promoted from No. 9 on the list of commanders to a commodore (No. 16) on the active list, passing the intermediate grade of captain, a clearjadvancement of fifty-one numbers. Desiring active service nearer the seat of war, and a command more in accordance with his new rank than the sailing corvette Constellation, he was I'elieved by Captain Stellwagen in Julv, 1863, and liastcninfj home was^ ordered at once to the screw steam Frigate Colorado, 52, a first rate, preparing for sea at the Navy Yard, Portsmouth, N. H. The Colorado was soon after ordered to the North Atlantic Squad- ron, commanded by Rear Admiral David D. Porter, and in her Commodore Thatcher commanded the first division of Poi'ter's fleet in December, 1864, and January, 1865, during the attacks upon and final capture of Fort Fisher and its dependencies. Concerning the last attack Commodore Tliatcher wrote : " I commanded the first divi- sion of the attacking fleet, and the attack terminated in the fall of that fortress (Fort Fisher) and all the surrounding works. Here, in January, 1865, the gallant 'Terry' and his command won im- mortal honor in his splendid and successful assault on those works after the bombardment by the navy had disabled or dismantled nearly + The Secretary of tlie Navy in'his Annual Report says that 259 officers had resigned their commissions or were dismissed the service. '1 he late liear Admiral Cli:irlcs Henry Davis f)rcsentel, and in the second attack, which resulted in its capture, Jaiuiary 13, 18G.5. As comraundiug ollicer of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under an appointment as .Vcling Rear Admiral, he successfully cooperateil with Ma- jor (tiMienil Canhv in the capture of Mobile. April 8, 18G.), Fort Alexis and Spunish Fort were captured, and on the 10th Forts linger and Tracy, which opened the way to the subsequent capture of Mobile, April 14, 18G5. The Secretarj' of the Navv, in acknowledging the reports of these ope- rations, extended to Acting Rear Ailrairal Tiiatcheii, and those under liis commind, and to Jlajor General Canbv, the congratulations of the Navy Department for this victory, which placed in our possession, with but one exception, "all the chief points on the southern coast, and bid fair to be the closing naval contest of the rebellion." On the 4th of .Inly, 18G5, a surrender was made to Acting Rear Admi- ral Thatcher of the confederate naval forces serving in the waters of the State of Alabama. Soon after this the remaining points on the coast of Texas were surrendered, which put an end to naval oonfiict in that quarter. Rear Admiral Tiiatcueii was appointed to command the North Pacific Squadron. .lune 22, 18i;G, and while so serving reached the age of G2 years, IMay 2G, 18G8, and in accordance with law was placed on the Retired List. In respect to his metnory it is herei)y ordered that, on the day after the receipt hereof, the flags of the Navy Yards and Stations, and vessels in commission, be displayed at half-mast, from sunrise to sunset, and thirteen minute guns he fired at noon from the Navy Yards and Stations, flag-ships and vessels acting singly. li. W. TiiosirsON, Secretary of lite Nary. 12 The funeral of Admiral Thatclicr took place at St. Paul's Church, Boston, on Thursday, April 9th (the day appointed by the Governor as the annual Fast Day), at 11 o'clock, a.m., by request, without mili- tary pai-ade, but was voluntarily attended by a large number of citizens and representatives of the various bodies of which the deceased was a member. Prayers were said at the Evans House by the Rev. Dr. Isaac P. Langwortliy. Tiie services at the church were conducted by his old friend the Rev. Dr. Thomas R. Lambert, of St. John's Church, Charlestown. By a special order of the Commandant, all the offi- cers attached to the Boston Navy Yard and Station who could be spared from duty, as well as many naval friends resident in the city and suburban towns, were present at tlie cluu-ch ; as were also the Rev. Dr. Samuel K. Lothrop, Dr. Charles D. Homans, Alexander Willirans and otiiers of tlie Society of the Cincinnati ; the Rev. Ed- mund F. Slaf ter, John Ward Dean and otiicrs representing the New England Historic, Genealogical Society ; Col. Francis J. Parker, representing the Loyal Legion; tlie Hon. John B. D. Cogswell, ex-President of the Mass. Senate; Abbott Lawrence and many otliors in military, naval and civic positions. The floral offerings were of rare beauty, an anchor of lilies and clioice flowers from the Cincinnati being tlie most noticeable and appropriate. The choral service was rendered by tiie choir of St. Paul's. The pall-bearers were Rear Admirals Green and Preble, Commodores Ellison and Ransom, and Col. Jones of tlie Marine Corps, representing the Navy ; ex-Mayor Frederic W. Lincoln, representing tiie Bunker Hill Monu- ment Association ; ex-Mayor Samuel C. Cobb, Vice-President of the Society of the Cincinnati ; the lion. Marshall P. Wilder, President of the New England Historic, Genealogical Society, and S. C. Small, Commander of Post 148, G. A. R., of Wincliester, and of tlie Alaine Veteran Association, of vviiicli tlie late Admiral was a member. Tiie remains were temporarily deposited in the receiving tomb at Forest Hills. Col. J. Hemphill Jones, one of the pall-bearers, died of pneumonia in a week's time, the result of a severe cold caught or aggravated by his attendance at the Admiral's funeral [see Reg- ister, XXXV. 197] ; and by a singular fatality, the Colonel's bro- ther, coming from Washington to attenil his brotiier's funeral, 13 (lit'd in less tlian a week after his return to Wasliington, from a similar cause. Iinmciliatcly tliat tlie deafli ol' Adiniral Tli-itrhcr was ' known, a special meeting of tlie Massaeluisetts Society of the Cincinnati waa calieil by the Hon. Saniucl C. Col)b, Vice-President, to take action upon the sad event to the society of which lie was tiie honored pre- sident. The meeting was called to order by Mr. Clobl), who made the following address : Brethren of (he Clncinnali : ^Ve meet at this time to take note of a sol- emn and mournful event Henry Knox Tliatclior, a vahied member of tills Society for iioaily tliirty-sevcn years, died on llic iJtii inst. This is not the time or (ilace to pronounce any eulogy on the life and charactiT of the deceased. AVe who enjoyed the privilege of a personal association widi iiiin. and who are familiar with the (listinguislied recoi'd he lias uiaile, know full well how valuable was his life in all that constitutes a brave ollicer ami a high-minded citizen. His name was borne upon the lolls of the navy as an active otlicer for more than forty years, and those who shall read the stoiy of his eventful career will learn how rich was our brother in the virtues which predominate in the man who is ever faithful, diligent and fearless in the discharge of duty. The eldest grandson of one of the founr:ictieal wisdom and his earnest devotion to the interests of the Society, and it will be long before the recollection of his dignilied presence and his genial manners will be forgotten. * * « At the conclusion of ilr. Cobb's remarks, the following resolu- tions, prepared by the Rev. S. K. Lothrop, D.D., were adopted by a rising vote : " It having pleased Almighty God to take out of this life our esteemed associate and honored President, Henry Knox Thatcher, Rear Admiral in llie United States Navy, we the members of the Society of the Cincinnati here assembled, desire to express our sense of his worth, and our own loss, in the following resolutions : liesoh-eil, — That while we how in devout submission to the will of the Hea- venly Father who is too wise to err and too good to do wrong, wo deeply lament the death of one whom we have long known and lionoied, who for 14 many years has presided over our Society with dignity and urbanity, and both ;is an officer and a member was ever zealous to promote its best inter- ests, to extend its usefulness, and to carry out the patriotic and benevolent pui-poses of its founders. Ri'solred, — That we recognize with pride and satisfoetion that our de- ceased friend, associate and president uot onlj' bore with honor while living and left untarnished at his death, the name of his grandfather of revolu- tionary iame and memory, — Henry Knox, — but by his ovTn gallant deeds and brave and manly bearing iu the service of his country, added new lus- tre and fresh Lturels to that name with which hereafter in this Society his own will ever be associated with reverence and honor. Resolved, — That in his long career in the Navy of the United States, an accomplished seaman, a gallant officer, a wise and considerate commander, a loyal, brave, patriotic man, of calm, fearless courage, ready in the face of danger and of death to do his duty at all times and at all hazards, Rear Admiral Thatcher has rendered services to his country at home anil abroad, in peace and iu war, that entitle him to be held iu grateful honor and remembrance. Resolved, — That in the private life and character of our departed friend we recall with pleasure his many amiable qualities, the frankness and sim- plicity of his manners, the kindness of his disposition, the quickness of his sympathy with whatever was good, noble and worthy, all that large, warm- hearted benevolence and honesty, and that earnest, steadfast christian faith, wdiich made it a pleasure and a satisfaction to be associated with him, and will cause his memory to be long cherished among us. Resolved, — That a copy of these resolutions be sent by tlie secretary to the family of our late President, and entered upon the records of this meeting." In seconding the resolutions, Mr. Winslow Warren briefly eulo- gized the character of Admiral Thatcher, Mr. Alexander Williams followed with appropriate remarks, and a committee was appointed to attend the funeral. At the quarterly meeting of the New England Historic, Genea- logical Society, April 7, a committee was appointed, of which Rear Admiral William Rogers Taylor, U.S.N. , was chairman, to prepare resolutions in memory of Admiral Thatcher, and at the monthly meeting. May 5th, 1S80, Captain William A. Parker, U.S.N. , in behalf of the committee, reported the following resolutions, pre- pared by the Rev. Thomas R. Lambert, D.D., for many years a cha[ilain in the navy, and a lifetime friend of the deceased. Whereas. — In the allwise ordering of Divine Providence, our honored associate, the lato Rear Admiral Henry Knox Thatcher, of the United States Nav}', has l)een taken from among us, and his place on earth shall know him no more; therefore 15 Resdlrcd. — Tli;it (Iio Now Knjihind Historic rioiio:ili)iric;il .Society put on record ;i loriii:il ;iiiil :it llie saiiU! tiliu' iie;irtlell exiire.-sioii ot' our iill'eetioii- :ite esteem tor one who re|iresenle(l in our midst ii mime so revei'ed in tiie |>iist, and also in his own person and < liaiaeter gave it a new claim upon the reverent remembrance of those who are to come after us. Resohu'd, — That as the name of Ilenrj' Knox has come down to us among lliose of the nolilest of our revolutioiiarv heroes and patriots, so that of liis graiKlson, lleniy Knox Thateher, will live among those in |ieaee as a high- toned, loval and virtuous citizen — in war as a hohl seaman, a brave and gallant ollieer and a tearless defender ot his country's flag — honored in the service to wdiose highest rank he had so worthily risen. Resolved. — That, as his fellow members, we personally have sustained an irreparable loss in tiie death of one who, by the extremely valuable gift of the Knox Manuscripts, has rendered himself one of the greatest benefac- tors of this society ; one whose frank and kindly nature, large-hearted and generous impulses, and whose manly goodness, have won fur him the most genuine atfeetion and the deepest regret. Resolved, — That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to the family of our late associate, and be entered on the records of the society. Captain I'arker in reporting tiic resolutions allu(le(l fccliiigiy to tlie deatli of one of tlie committee appointed to draft tiiem — Col. Jones, of the U. S. Marine Corps, who was also one of tiic pall-hcarcrs at the Admiral's funeral. Iveniarks on the character of Admiral Tliatclier were also made hy President Marsiiall P. Wilder, Mr. Frederic Kidder, and ,hulge (i. ^Vashington AVarrcn, and t'le resolutions were adopted by a standing vote. At the annual meeting of the I>unker Ilill Monument Associa- tion following tiie Admiral's decease, June 17, 1880, Abbott Law- rence, ICsq., offered the following remarks and resolutions : Mr. /'resident: You have already fitly and eloquently alluded to those of our numbers who have passed away smce we last met, and whom we miss here tonlay. Among them no one was hehl in higlier respect and regard than our lamented tVienil atid associate the late A(bniral Thatcher. Born of heroic ancestry at Thomaston, Jlaine, on the 20tii of May, 180G, he early showed a love for the sea, and at the age of 17 entered the navy as a mid- shipmau. The well earned rank which is now so widely associated with liis name, was conferred upon him in 18GG. lie was a brave and elficient ollict-r. highly respected wdierever he held command. With him patriotism was an instinct rather than a duty, and in this spirit he was a tearless anil uncompromising uiuonist during the rebellion. He rendered important service in the battle of ^Mobile Hay. at the storming of Fort Fisher, and in the surrender of Galveston. He was a man of strong couvictioiis, IG steadfast purposes, incorrnptihle integritj', unshaken loyalty. At our meet- ing a year ago I happened to sit next the gallant old sailor, bronzed and worn with service to his connti-y all the world over, and I shall never for- get the marked interest lie took in our proceedings. I rejoice, sir, that my own recollection of him will be indelibly coiniected with this anniversary. Let us pay his memoiy the tribute of honor and praise which it so justly deserves. At the close of jNIr. Lawrence's remarks the following resolutions were unanimously adopted : Resolved, — That in the death of Henry Kno-x Tliatcher, Rear Admiral in the United States Navy, this Association has lost one of its most hon- ored members, and our country an able and gallant otficer whose patriotism and devoted service in his profession, and whose loyal and noble character gave him a distinguished place on the roll of our naval commanders, added new lustre to the revolutionary name he bore, and ensured him our grate- ful and lasting remembrance. liesolreil, — That the secretary bo instructed to transmit a copy of these resolutions to the family of Admiral Thatcher.* These resolutions so summarize the character of Admiral Tliatch- er, that taken in connection with wliat lias been shown of it in this memoir, tliere is nothing left to add, unless to say he was God's noblest work, an honest man, a firm friend, an agreeable messmate, a sound disciplinarian, yet kind commander, a christian gentleman, an uncompromising unionist, a competent and braye officer. Ilia cliief cliaractcristic was prompt and unliesitating obedience to the orders of his superior officers, let the consequences be what they may.f IMy actpialntance with Admiral Thatcher commenced in 1842-43, when he was the executive officer of the U. S. S. Ohio in Boston liarbor, and I a passed midshipman on board. I soon learned to make allowance for his eccentricities and to admire liim for iiis ster- ling integrity. We were drawn to each otlier from being natives of the same state. I never was associated witli him again on duty, but frequently met him in the vicissitudes of naval service, and we remained good friends to the close of his life. I am glad to be able to pay this tribute to his memory. * Proceedings of tlie Bunker Hill Moninnent Association, June 1", ISSO. t Tile story toli'., and as purser perisheil in the Grampus, ^larch, 1843. 8. Harriet Elizabeth, m. George B. Page, of Belgrade, Oct. 28, 1841, and died Feb. 18, 1847. • The pedigree nntl gcneilogy of .\iliiiiral Tli.itclier'.'! ancestors can lie found in PMigc's History of Ciiniliriilge, Mass., eilition of IS,"?, |ia:,'es 609-70. He says ilie Tliatchcr lionie- stcail. wliicli was occupied by Deacon Samuel Tliatclicr, the earliest Aniorican ancestor of the .\dniiral, was near the easterly corner of Mount .\ulnn"n Street anti Coolidjre .\vcniie, wliieh until 17H was included in Watertown. Tlic Admiral's grandfather Samuel inherit- ed iliis honiestea