//// Class tl ^ Q 2>> Book ■ ^ 17_ Copyright "N^.. COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. \ I K<1.M \ I'lK THE "CONSTITUTION." iK AVt KF, I'llJMSHKll »!■» A. W. KI.S<» .t / American Naval Heroes . I77c;-i8i2-i86i-i898 BEING BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF THE BRAVE MEN WHO HAVE GLORIFIED THE AMERICAN NAVY BY THEIR DEEDS OF HEROISM BY JOHN HOWARD Brown Edilor-in-Cliief ot the " Cyclopa;di:i nf American Biographies," Etc., Etc. With the editorial a.'^sistance of GERTRUDE BATTLES LANE % '^V^# BOSTON Brown and Company, Publishers 1S99 1tk 30546 Copyright 1899. BROWN AND COMPANY, PUBLISHERS. f^e. f MAn311899 ) Boston : ritf ILiifkin Prtss, I ',5 iJigl) *tvcrl. to tf)£ ff)erDC0 of tl)c JTorccastlc ^djiebemcnts of Eljc American Nabal p?rroes )03f Seetis as lEnactctj on tf)e ©uarterteck are 3£lecort)Eli in tijt's Folume. TABLE OF CONTENTS. The First and the Last, ...... 9 I. The Beginning of a Navv, . . . . . 13 The outbreak of the Revolution — British fleet in Boston harbor — The lack of ammunition — Washington establishes the first navy yard — Captain Manly captures much-needed munitions of war — The navy re-organized — New American victories — The selection of Esek Hopkins as Commander-in-chief of the Navy. II. Esek Hopkins, ....... 23 His parentage and ancestry — He becomes a prosperous trader — Com- mander-in-chief of the Colonial forces of Rhode Island — Commander- in-chief of the navy^ — His engagement with the Glasgow — The trouble with the privateers — He is summoned by Congress to answer for " Breach of Orders " — Dismissed from the service — His death. III. Lambert Wickes, . 43 Commands ihe Reprisal — Engagement with the Shark — Captures two British brigs — Pursued by a line-of -battle ship — Reprisal foundered on the Banks of Newfoundland. IV. John Hazelwood, ....... 49 Early career — A founder of the Saint George Society of Philadelphia — Sent to Philadelphia by Committee of Safety in July, 1776 — Be- comes commodore of the Pennsylvania navy on the Delaware — Receives a vote of thanks from the New York Assembly — His death. V. GusTAVus Connyngham, 51 He takes command of the Surprise — Cz-^iwres two prizes — Is impris- oned and released — Captures more prizes — Is imprisoned in England and cruelly treated — Congress protests against inhumane treatment accorded American seamen. YI. John Paul Jones, ....... 55 Parentage and childhood — Becomes master and supercargo of a trading vessel — Captures sixteen prizes in six weeks — Becomes commander of the Ranker — Engagement between the Drake &nA the Ranger — Takes II Tabic of Contents. I'ACE. command of the Bon Homme Richard — Engagement with the Scrapis — Brilliant victory for Jones — Honors awarded him in France — Re- ceives the thanks of congress — Becomes an admiral in the Russian navy — His unhappy death. VII. Richard Dale, 97 Boyhood — Enters the Colonial navy — ^ First lieutenant under Jones on the Richard — Encounter with the Serapis — Encounter with the Iris and the General Monk — One of the six captains appointed for the naval establishment in June, 1794 — Commander of the Ganges — Resigns — His death. VIII. John Barry, it? His birth — Takes charge of the building of a naval fleet — Commander of the Lexington — Is given command of the Raleigh — Engagement with the Experiment and the Unicorn — Commands the Alliance — Engagement with the Atalanta — Engagement with the Sybil — Becomes senior ofificer of the Navy. IX. Nicholas Biddle, 127 Parentage and ancestry — His service in the British navy — Offers his service to Continental Congress — Made commander of the Camden — Capture of New Providence — Encounter with the Glasgow — Made commander of the Randolph — The Randolph captures the True Briton — Biddle presented with medal by Congress — The Randolph and the Yarmouth — Biddle's untimely death. X. Joshua Barney, 14* His long service — Master's mate on Hornet — Second officer on Sachem — Captures privateer and made prize-master — First ofificer of the Vir- ginia — Lieutenant Barney leads boarding party and captures the Charming VI/(V/v — Commands the Hyder AH and captures the General Monk — Medal ordered by Congress — Enters the French navy — Com- mands United States gunboats in Chesapeake bay, 1813 — U. S. naval officer at Baltimore. XL James Nicholson, 148 Succeeds Esek Hopkins as commander-in-chief — Early life — The Virginia blockaded — The Virginia captured — Commands the Trum- bull And engages the Watt — Combat with the Iris, an unknown British ship and the General Monk — Surrenders with thirty-two survivors — Held a prisoner till end of the war — Dies in New York city. Table of Contents. iir PAGE. XII. John Manly, . . . . . . . 153 English birth — Captain in the Provincial navy — Commands the I.ec — Captures the Nancy with valuable military supplies — Commands the Hancock — Captured by the Rainbow — Commands the Romona- — ■ Captured and imprisoned in Barbadoes — Captain of the privateer jfason — Commands the frigate Hague — Retained in the naval establishment after peace — Dies in Boston. XIII. ALEX.4NDER Murray, . . . . . . 157 Commands a merchant vessel at eighteen — Lieutenant in the Maryland navy — -Commands a fleet of forty vessels — Victorious engagement with two British vessels — Captured by a fleet of 150 British vessels — Ex- changed and returned to PhiladeTphia — Lieutenant on the Trumbull — Captures a British packet — Commands the Armenian fleet — Attacks the fort at New Providence — Lieutenant on the Alliance under Barry — • Captain in command of the Alonteziima — Commands the Insurgente — Cruises in the West Indies — Blockades the Vengeance — Commands the Consiella ti on — ^nconniex with the British frigate Magnanime — Blockades the port of Tripoli — Commanding officer of the Philadelphia station — Dies in 1821. XIV. Thomas Truxton, . . , . . . 169 Birth and boyhood — Impressed on an English man-of-war — Lieutenant on the Congress — Commands the Independence — Captures valuable prizes — Fits out the Mars — Cruises in the English Channel — One of the first six captains in the new naval establishment, 1794 — Super- intends the building of the Constitution — Engagement with the In- surgente — Encounter with the Vengeance — Receives a gold medal from Congress — Commands the West Indian squadron — Retires from the navy — Dies at Philadelphia. XV. Edward Preble, . . . . . . . 1S3 Birth and parentage- — Becomes a sailor — Midshipman in 1779 — First sea tight with the Admiral Duff — Lieutenant on the Winthrop — Boards an English armed brig — Becomes a ship-master — Promoted captain and given command of the Essex — Voyage to Batavia — Com- mands the Constitution — In 1803 takes command of a fleet of seven vessels for the Mediterranean service — Incident in Tangier bay — Preble declares the blockade of Tripoli — The fight off Tripoli — A second as- sault — The John Adams\om% the squadron — A third attack — Preble obtains leave to return home — Preble receives a medal from Congress ■ — His death in Portland, Mains — Honors from the government and friends. IV Tabic of Contents. TAGE. XVI. Stephen Decatur, 207 Born in Maryland — A midshipman on the United States — Joins the Norfolk — The Essex — His daring expedition on the Intrepid in the harbor of Tripoli — Destroys the Philadelphia — The attack on Tripoli — Decatur takes two prizes — Commands the Constitution- — Later com- mands the United States — In charge of the Southern squadron — Captures the Swallow — Engagement with the British frigate Macedon- ian — Ordered to the President — Commands a squadron in the Medi- terranean — Engagement with the Algerine frigate Alashouda — Nego- tiates a treaty with the Bey of Algiers — Ordered home with the Cuerriere — Dies in Washington. XVII. William Bainbridge, . . . . . . 233 Parentage and ancestry — Mate of the ship Hope — Quells a mutiny — Commissioned Lieutenant — Commander LT. S. N. — ^ Commands the Retaliation — Attacked and captured by the French frigate InsKrgente — Imprisoned at (iuadaloupe — Returns to the United States after three months — Sails for Algiers in command of the L^. S. frigate George Washington ■ — • Attached to Dale's squadron cruising against the Barbary states: — Commands the Philadelphia — Captures the Moorish cruiser Meshboha — Vanquished by a Tripolitan fleet — commands the New York naval station — Commandant of the Charlestown Navy Yard — Commands the Constitution — .Engagement with the Java — Receives money and a gold medal from Congress — Commands the Charlestown Navy Yard — Dies in Philadelphia. XVIII. Richard Somers, 253 A sailor from his youth — Midshipman in the navy- — ^ Cruise under Barry on the United States — Commands the A^rt///?7//j — Attached to Preble's squadron in the Mediterranean — • Preble plans to burn the Tripolitan fleet with a fire-ship— Somers commands the Intrepid, selected as the fire-ship — Somers and his brave crew meet an untimely death. XVII L?. The Navy in the War of 181 2, . . . 259 The position of the English navy — The impressment of American sailors — The encounter between the American frigate President and the British sloop-of-war little Belt- — ^War declared by Congress — The navy inadequate. XIX. John Roix;ers, . . . . . . . 263 Apprenticed to the merchant marine service — Executive officer on the Constellation — Engagement between the Constellation and the Insi/r- Tabic of Contents. v PAGE. genie — Rodgers placed in charge of the transfer of prisoners — Boards the Insurgente with thirteen men — Keeps 173 prisoners in subjection — Receives a silver medal from Congress- — Assigned to the John Ac/ams — Captures a Moorish ship and destroys a Tripolitan corsair — Secures from the Bashaw of Tripoli a treaty abolishing the payment of tribute — Commands the Atlantic home squadron — Engagement with the Little Belt — Captures twenty-three prizes in four cruises — Declines the port- folio of the navy in 1814 — Naval Commissioner— Dies in Philadelphia. XX. Isaac Hull, . . . . . . . . 269 Commander of a ship at nineteen — Lieulennnl in the I'nited States Navy — Captain in command of the Constitution — Chased by a British squad- ron — Captures the Giicrricrc, the first victory of the "War of 181 2 — A gold medal from Congress — Serves on the Naval Board — Commands navy yards — Dies in Philadelphia. XXI. Jacob Jones, . . . . . . . 277 Ancestry — On the Philadelphia under Bainbridge — Imprisoned at Tripoli — Captain in command of the Wasp — Engagement with the Frolic — Captured by the Poictiers — Honors from Congress — Com- mands the JMacedoiiian — Commissary of the naval board and governor of the Philadelphia Naval Asylum — Dies in 1850. XXII. Charles Morris, ...... 285 The l)oy midshipman — Voyage in the Congress — One of the volun- teers to capture or burn the Philadelphia — Executive officer on the Constitution during her engagement with the C^ijrmTt' — Captain in command of \.\\& John Adams- — Attack of the British fleet — Morris fires his ship and marches the men to Portland — Commands the gulf squadron — Naval Commissioner — Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography — Dies in Washington. XXIII. William Henry Allen, ..... 291 Birth and parentage — A midshipman in the navy in iSoo — Third lieu- tenant in the Chesapeake — First lieutenant on the United States — Engagement with the Macedonian — Assigned to the Argus — Action between \.\\e Afgus znd the /WeVrt//-— Allen dies in an Enghsh prison hospital. XXIV. David Porter, ...... 303 First voyage in his father's ship — Twice impressed on board an English ship — Commands the Amphitrite — First lieutenant of the VI Table of Contents. PAGE. Experiment — Imprisoned in Tripoli — Commands the Enterprise — Commands a flotilla on the New Orleans station — Engagement with the Alert — Appointed Commissioner of the Navy — Commands an expedition to suppress piracy in the West Indies — Court-martialed — Resigns — Appointed consul-general at Algiers — Dies near Constan- tinople, Turkey. XXV. James Barron, 32 1 A lieutenant on the United States — Commands the Essex — Transferred to the President — Promoted commodore and hoists his broad pennant on the Chesapeake — Engagement with the Leopard — Court martialed — -Employed in the French navy — Duel with Decatur — Dies in Norfolk, Va. XXVI. James Biddle, . . . . . . . 327 A midshipman on the Philadelphia under Bainbridge — Imprisoned in ■ Tripoli — Commands the Hornet — The engagement between the Hornet and the Penguin — Commands the Pacific squadron — Formally takes possession of Oregon in the name of the United States — - Governor of the Naval Asylum at Philadelphia — Flag-officer of the East India squadron — Negotiates the first treaty ever made between the United States and China — In command on the California coast — Dies in Philadelphia. XXVII. William Burrows, . . . . . . 339 Midshipman on the Portsmouth — Acting lieutenant on the Constitution during the Tripolitan War — Serves on the President and the Hornet — Commander of the Enterprise — Captures the Boxer — Mortally wounded — Congress presents a gold medal to his nearest male relative. XXVIII. John Gushing Aylwin, 345 Parentage and early education — Enters the British navy — Leaves the service and enters on board a trading vessel — Removes to Boston — Sailing-master of the frigate Constitution — ^ Capture of the "Java — Death of Aylwin. XXIX. The Navy on the Lakes, . . . . 349 XXX. Oliver Hazard Perry, 351 Midshipman at twelve — Serves in the Tripolitan War — Comm ander of a fleet of seventeen gun-boats — Master of the Revenge — Master- commandant of the new fleet — Engagement with the English fleet — The two encounters — Presented with the thanks of Congress, a sword and a gold medal — In command of the Java — Dies of yellow fever* Table of Contents. vii PAGE. XXXI. Isaac Chauncy, 361 Distinguished parentage — Commissioned a lieutenant on the organiza- tion of the navy — Commands the Chesapeake — Transferred to the Xe-.u York — Fits out the John Adams for the Mediterranean — Organizer and commander of the Navy-yard at Brooklyn — Commands the navy on the Lakes in the War of 1812 — Engagement with the Royal George — Assigned to the command of the Mediterranean squadron — Negotiates with the Dey of Algiers — Commandant of the Brooklyn Navy Yard — President of the board of Naval Commissioners — Dies in Washington . XXXII. Jesse Duncan Elliott, . . . . . 373 Born in Maryland — Midshipman on the Essex — Lieutenant on the Chesapeake — Transferred to the Jin/erprise — Ca.ptures the Detroit and Caledonia — Engages in the capture of York — The battle of Lake Erie — A gold medal from Congress — Commands the Ontario and later the Cyane — Commandant of the Philadelphia Navy Yard — Dies in Philadelphia. XXXIII. Thomas Macdonough, 377 Early experiences — In command of the naval forces in Lake Champlain — Engagement there with the English invaders — Commodore Mac- donough takes a hand in the fight — Victory for the Americans — Ad- vanced and given command of Mediterranean squadron — His death. XXXIV. David Conner, 385 Ancestry and birth — Third lieutenant on the Hornet in 1812 — Conner made first lieutenant — Honors from Congress — Becomes a naval com- missioner — Chief of Bureau of Construction — Appointed commodore of West India squadron — Important service in Mexican War — Co- operation with army against Vera Cruz — Becomes a member of the Society of the Cincinnati — His death. XXXV. Samuel Chester Reid, . . . . . 393 His distinguished ancestry — Induced to take command of the General Armstrong — The battle of Fayal — Remarkable letter from the American consul — A second charge — Captain Reid, after strong defense, sinks his vessel to prevent capture — National honors — Captain Reid invents the marine telegraph — The close of a brilliant and noble career. XXXVI. The Navy in the Civil War, . . . 421. The new navy and the revolution in motive power — New means and modes of battle — Unreadiness in i86i — The first mission of the navy — Preparations for the great blockade — Description in detail of the \iir Tabic of Contents. I'AGE. navy — The courage, ability and devolion evinced during the conflict — What was done on sea and river. XXXVII. Henry Walke 431 The tirst serious event — Commander Walke assigned a ditficult task — Court-martialed — His service in the Mexican War — He takes command of the Taylor \\\ 1861 — The battle of Belmont — Convoying Grant's expedition — Battle of Fort Henry — Battle of Fort Donaldson — At Fort Pillow — Promoted to the rank of captain — Commodore and later Admiral. ■;, XXXVIII. David Glasgow Farragut, .... 445 Educated for the naval service — Midshipman at ten — Thrilling experi- ences on the Essex — Commissioned lieutenant — His part in the Mexi- can War — Commissioned again in 1862 — Runs the batteries of Vicks- burg — Commissioned rear-admiral — Reduction of Port Hudson — Raised to the grade of vice-admiral, created by Congress — Still higher rank of admiral created for him — Commands the European squadron — His death. XXXIX. Silas Horton Stringham, .... 459 A midshipman at twelve — Serves in the War of 181 2 — Promoted lieutenant — Takes partin the War with Algiers — Transferred to the Cyane engaged in the suppression of the African slave trade — Commands the Hornet — Commissioned captain and commands the Ohio in the I'acific squadron — Service in the Mexican War — Commands the Medi- terranean squadron — co-operates with General Butler's land forces in the capture of Forts Hatteras and Clarke — Returns with his fleet to Fort Monroe- — Commissioned rear-admiral. Xr.. William Barker Clshing, ..... 463 Rumors of the Confederate iron-clad ram Albemarle — Her engagement with the Federal gun-boats — Gushing volunteers to destroy the mon- ster — The sinking of the Albemarle — Honors from Congress — Cush- ing's birth and parentage — Appointed a cadet at Annapolis — The Civil War — Captures a tobacco schooner — Durected to capture Jackson- ville, North Carolina, intercept the Wilmington mail, and destroy the salt works — His service in the attacks on Fort Fisher — Promoted commander. XLI. Stephen Clegg Rowan, ..... 469 Of Irish birth — Enters the United States Navy — Servos in Seminole War— (^n the coast survey — The Mexican War — Captures twenty Table of Contents. ix TAGE. blockade-runners — Inspector of Ordnance — Commands the Paivnee. Joins Stringham in the expedition to Hatteras — I'ursues the Con- federates into Albemarle Sound — Receives the thanks of Congress and commissioned captain and commodore — Promoted rear-admiral and made commander-in-chief of the Asiatic squadron — Promoted vice-admiral and commands the Brooklyn Navy Yard. XLII. John Lorimer Worden, ..... 475 Birth and education — In command of \.\\& Monitor — The destruction of the Merrimac — His great courage — In command of the iron- clad Montauk — Attacks Fort McAllister — Further service in Ameri- can and European waters — Commissioned rear-admial. XLIII. John Adolph Dahlgren, ..... 485 The importance of the "Dahlgren Shell Gun" in the Civil War — Dahlgren's birth and training — In the coast survey service — 'Win- ning promotions in the Mexican War — Becomes Chief of Ordnance — A valued adviser of President Lincoln — In command of South Atlantic blockading squadron as rear-admiral — His published works. XLIV. Charles Henry Davis, . . . . . 491 His boyhood in the navy — Made lieutenant — Important work in the coast survey service — The stirring scenes of the battle of Fort Pillow Flag-ofificer Davis takes possession of the fort — The engagement at Memphis — Up the White River — Farragut, Davis and Porter co- operate — Davis commissioned commodore — Chief of the Bureau of Navigation — Made rear-admiral — Important services after the Civil War. XLV. Franklin Buchanan, . . . . . . 507 Enters the United States Navy at fifteen — The first superintendent of the Naval Academy at Annapolis — Commands the Gennantown in the siege of Vera Cruz — Made captain and commander of the Wash- ington Navy Yard — Offers his services to the Confederacy — The rank of admiral — Gives battle to Farragut — Prisoner of war. XLVI. Raphael Semmes, . . . . . . 513 Birth and education — Commands the United States brig Soiner.< — Enters the service of the Southern Confederacy — Takes command of the Sumter — Subsequent career unique in the history of the world — Takes command of the Alabama- — Ships plundered and burned — English syndicate formed — Semmes captures sixty-three American ves- sels in two years — The Alabama finally sighted in the harbor of Cherbourg — Semmes refuses to escape by flight — The Alabama sinks X Table of Contents. PAGE. — Semmes lionized in London — Is made rear-admiral of the Con- federate navy — Semmes becomes a lawyer and a judge — His books. XLVII. The Navy in the War with Spain, . . 519 The opening of the conflict — Spain's equipment — The events which decided the issue of the war- — A lesson to the world — The tribute of Secretary Long to the American Navy. XLVIII. Charles Edgar Clark, 523 Voyage of the Oregon from San Francisco to Key West — Clark's birth and ancestry — Appointed a cadet at Annapolis — The Civil War — First sea service under Farragut — On board the Sewanee when that vessel was wrecked — Rescued by British ships — Captain of the Mare Island Navy Yard — Commands the Independence, the Monterey and finally the Oregon — Service in the W^ar with Spain. XI>IX. George Dewey, 529 Birth, parentage and school days — Appointed a cadet at the United States Naval Academy — The Civil War — Lieutenant Dewey on the Mississippi — The battle at Port Hudson — Dewey with the gun- boat Flotilla engaging the Confederates below Donaldsonville — The attacks on Fort Fisher — Commissioned lieutenant-commander — Placed in command of ihe. Narragansett — Promoted captain — Com- mands the European squadron — 'Chief of the Bureau of Equipment and Recruiting with the rank of commodore — Commissioned commodore — Placed in command of the Asiatic squadron Jan. I, 1S98 — Dewey ordered to the Philippines — The enemy's vessels destroyed — ■ Dewey's official report. L. William Thomas Sampson, . . . . . 547 Boyhood — Graduates from Annapolis — Commissioned lieutenant — Executive officer of the Patapscom 1865 — Subsequent promotions — Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy — Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance — Acting rear-admiral, commanding the North Atlantic fleet operating in Cuban waters in 1898 — Destroys the Spanish fleet of Admiral Cervera off Santiago — Letter from Secretary Long. LI. Winfield ScoiT ScHLEv, . . . . . 553 Of German ancestry — Born at the home of General Winfield Scott — Educated at a Catholic school — Graduated from the United Stat-os Naval Academy — His subsequent promotions — Leader of the Greely relief expedition — Chief of the Bureau of Equipment — Commissioned Table of Contents. xi PAGE. captain — Commands the new cruiser Baltimore — Service during the trouble in Chili — Promoted commodore and placed in command of the North Atlantic flying squadron in 1898 — The destruction of Cer- vera's fleet — Schley's report. LI I. ROBLEY DUNGLISON EVANS, 56 1 Born in Virginia — His promotions in the navy — On board the frigate Powhatan — Wounded at Fort Fisher — Sails for China in 1866 — Navigator of the Shenandoah — Executive officer of the Co7tgress — Equipment officer at the Washington Navy Yard — Superintends the construction of the battleship Maine — Commands the BehringSea fleet — Assigned to the Nezu York and later to the Indiana — His service in the War with Spain and his part in the destruction of Cervera's fleet • — Official report. LI II. Richard Wainwright, . . . . . 567 Son of a naval officer — Promotions in the navy — Executive officer of the battleship Maine — The destruction of the Maine — Wainwright commands the Gloucester — Joins Sampson's fleet — Wainwright's story of the battle at Santiago. LI\'. Richmond Pearson Hobson, . , . . 574 Of distinguished ancestry — Life at Annapolis — Graduated at the head of his class — Assistant naval constructor — Instructor at the Naval Academy — Assigned to Sampson's flagship, the Neiu York — The plan to block the harbor — Hobson's story of the sinking of the Merrimac — A prisoner in Morro Castle — His subsequent service in raising the Maria Teresa, the Christobal Colon and the Vizcaya — President Mclvinley's letter to Congress. lA . Worth Bagley, . . . . . . . 584 His distinguished ancestors — His character and personality — Prepares for the University of North Carolina — Enters the Naval Academy — — Promoted ensign — Serves on the Indiana and the Maine — Second in command of the torpedo boat Winslozu — Heroic act in saving the lives of two sailors — Received a letter of thanks from the Secretary of the Navy — The Winslow and three other small boats attempt to silence the Spanish boats at Cardenas — The Winslow disabled — -The Hudson attempts to rescue her — Bagley and two men instantly killed — Bagley's body carried to his home — Impressive funeral exercises in Washington. THE FIRST AND THE LAST. American Naval Heroes constitute a notable galaxy of brave men who have contributed a remark- able record to the pages of American history. The exploits and sacrifices of the sailors of 1898 add lustre to this record, and show that steel ships, breach-loading guns and steam propulsion, have in no way impaired the supremacy of American courage, skill, discipline and coolness in naval warfare. Blood and training told in 1778 and in 1898. Sails and wooden vessels and eighteen-pounder smoothbores in 1 778, did not make heroes any more than did steam, and electricity, and steel armor, and rapid-fire guns in 1898. Machines cannot be made to do effective fighting unless directed by intelligence and sustained by skill and courage. Money may purchase fighting machines but money can never buy American sailors to direct the machines under any flag except the Stars and Stripes. It was John Paul Jones fighting under the American flag who vanquished the British com- mander of the Ccrapis, and it was George Dewey fighting under the same flag who destroyed the Span- ish fleet in Manila harbor. It is to tell over the never old story of the successive brilliant deeds of American naval heroes, from Hopkins, Dale, Jones and Barry TO The First afid tJie Last. in 1778, to Bagley, Hobson, Schley, Sampson and Dewey in 1898, that this book is given to the world. The history of a ship, the history of a battle, the history of an army, or the history of a navy tells the story of many lives, of many deeds, of concerted action, of cause and effect, produced by conditions planned with reference to a desired end, and wrought out by a succession of instruments called men. These men do not interest the government they represent except as they work out the result sought to be accomplished. The individuality is lost in the machinery of science. Each man is a cog in the great wheel ; he fits a place, and if he does his duty the machine moves and does its work. If he is a coward or a traitor the ring of a pistol in the hand of his superior drops him out, and another man supplies his place. If the man stands heroically at his post, doing his duty to the last, and then falls by the bullet of the enemy, a companion is ready to be the cog, and without a moment's delay the machinery moves on. So history can be written and the story of the American Navy can be told imperson- ally. The ship, or the fleet, or the nation is the hero, if ships, or fleets, or nations are ever heroic. But such a narrative does not fire the imagination, excite sympathy, or make others willing and anxious to become admirals, captains, boatswains, engineers, stokers or powder-monkeys. It is not the admiral, but Farragut and Porter and Dewey. It is not the commodore, but Paul Jones and Biddle and Perry and The First and the Last. 1 1 Schley. It is not the captain, but Dale and Truxton and Gushing and Hobson. It is not the officer or rank, but the man, the individual, the name, that lives. Thus it is that a story is woven around a person. A battle is the victory of one man, the defeat of another. A naval fight is a Jones, and not a battered and sinking Bern Houime Richard ; a Dewey, and not a bloodless decked Olympia. This is why we have chosen to tell the stories of men and to make a record of their acts which the student of history may easily weave into narrative, and the narrative into history. We make a record of personal daring prompted by a noble motive in behalf of a good cause. It is personality directed by intelli- gence and subservient to discipline. Our stories have to do with the men, and what they did, and how they took advantage of their opportunities to conquer an enemy, to prevent a defeat, to carry out a com- mand, to obey an order unquestioning and thus per- chance to gain immortality as heroes. The individual glorifies his work, and if true to duty is glorified by it. This book illuminates history by painting the por- traits that make up the gallery of heroes. Its succes- sion of biographies is not only a history of the American navy, but the stirring story of brave deeds that created American heroes. It is a noble roll-call from first to last. We have omitted many names, not that they do not deserve a place, but that no one book can hold a record of them all. AMERICAN NAVAL HEROES. I. THE BEGINNING OF A NAVY. The Continental army had been placed under the command of General Washington, who had established his, headquarters at Cambridge, Mass. The battles of Lexington and Bunker Hill had been fought, and the first blood shed in freedom's cause had become the seed of an American republic. The colonists who made up the American army were rebels to the British crown, but patriots in the cause of freedom. In Boston harbor was assembled a formidable fleet of English ships of war, all well manned, and the city was occupied by an army of 13,600 English soldiers. Supporting these was this naval force of over i ,000 marines manning a fleet which comprised the Boyne, 64 guns ; Preston, 50 guns ; Scarborough, 20 guns ; Summit, 64 guns; Cerberus, 36 guns; Glasgow, 24 guns ; Lively, 20 guns, and the Falcon and Symmetry, with 18 9-pounders each; besides the usual barges and smaller craft that make up a well-equipped naval squadron. Of these the swiftest cruisers were kept busy along the coast from Falmouth to New London, pillaging the towns to supply the English army with provisions. Gloucester, Bristol and Falmouth had 14 American Naval Heroes. been sacked, and when the inhabitants, forced to give up their stores of provisions, refused to surrender their arms, the towns were bombarded and burned. This conduct outraged pubHc sentiment, and retribu- tive measures were instituted by the colonists. The Provincial Congress of Massachusetts appointed a naval board and proposed to fit out six swift sailing schooners as cruisers. Rhode Island and Connecticut each fitted out two similar schooners to protect their coasts. Washington readily encouraged these efforts, and saw in the movement a possibility of providing a most pressing need of his army — a supply of arms and ammunition. He had notified the Continental Con- gress of this need and had urged the immediate neces- sity for help. His letter stated: "I am in great want of powder, lead, mortars — indeed most sorts of mili- tary stores." The manufacture of gunpowder in the colonies was limited to the few rudely constructed powder-houses located in out-of-the-way places, and amounted to an annual product that did not meet the demand in times of peace, the bulk of the supply being obtained from Europe. At Bunker Hill the American soldiers had soon exhausted their supply of powder and shot. Scraps of iron and lead had served as substitutes for bullets, and were defiantly hurled against the advanc- ing enemy with the last charge of powder in their horns, ere the men fell back, permitting the English troops to intrench themselves on the battle-field. The Beginning of a Navy. 1 5 Each incoming English vessel was heavily laden with arms, ammunition and commissary stores for the use of the army. To appropriate these supplies to meet the needs of the Provincial troops was the motive that gave birth to the first Continental navy. New England was at this time rich in bold and hardy men who since boyhood had followed the sea in the merchant-marine and fishing service. Their largest vessels were but small schooners and sloops, but they were celebrated for their speed, as were their skip- pers for the skill with which they handled them. The war had called into the army many of the ablest of these seamen who never dreamed of the possi- bility of serving the cause of independence on the sea. In the docks at Salem, Gloucester, Marblehead, Bev- erly and Plymouth the crafts were idle from the absence. of their owners and crews, the trade having been closed by the war. Washington directed Colonel James Glover and Muster-Master-General Moyland of the Continental army to co-operate with the Board of Admiralty ap- pointed by the Congress of Massachusetts, and the Lynch and the Franklin were fitted with an armament of four 4-pounders and ten swivel guns each. They were manned by fifty men, drafted mostly from the army. To their commanders were issued letters of marque and reprisal. The cruisers were supplied from the stores of the army with twenty rounds of ammunition for each gun — all that could possibly be i6 American Naval Heroes. spared. These two small crafts set out under the command of Captain Ezekiel Broughton, of Marble- head, who received the first naval commission issued by the Continental Congress. It was signed by George Washington as its agent. The Hancock, the Lee, and the Warren rapidly followed under Captains Manley, Coit, and Adams. These vessels all sailed under the pine-tree flag. This flag was of white bunting, on which was painted a green pine-tree, and upon the reverse the motto, "Appeal to Heaven." Washington established at Plymouth the first Amer- ican navy-yard, where the schooner Harrison and the brigantine Washijigton were fitted out. The Wash- ington was the first ambitious product of the American navy. She mounted ten carriage-guns, which had been brought by wagons and boats from Bristol, R. I. Her commander, Captain Martindale, undertook to equip her as a man-of-war. General Washington discouraged the undertaking and deplored the delay caused by the ambition of her commander. At this time he defined his policy as to the use of the infant navy, which was to seize incoming merchantmen laden with stores intended for the use of the English army, rather than to engage in sea-fights with British men- of-war. The Beginni7ig of a Navy. 1 7 Before Congress had time to respond to the appeal of the commander-in-chief for munitions of war, and just as he had the discouraging news of the capture of the Washington by a British frigate but a few hours after leaving Plymouth, news came from Cape Ann of the arrival of Captain Manley with the Lee, having in convoy the British brigantine Nancy, with 2,000" muskets and bayonets, 31 tons of musket shot. 3,000 cannon-balls for 12-pounders, 8,000 fuzees, 50 carcasses adapted to firing buildings in besieged towns, and one 13-inch mortar, besides a large supply of gunpowder and stores. This news gave great joy to the discouraged army at Cambridge, and the patriots turned out in a body to help unload the prize. Captain Manley had sup- plied the very articles enumerated by General Wash- ington in his letter to Congress, and in conveying to that body the good news, the commander-in-chief added, addressing the president: " I sincerely congrat- ulate you, sir, on this great acquisition; it more than repays all that has been spent in fitting out the squadron." The captured mortar was placed in the artillery park at Cambridge, and General Washington named it " Congress." Captain Manley did not long remain idle, but followed up his success by bringing in three other valuable prizes in less than a week. For these^ ser- vices he received from Congress a place on the list of 1 8 American Naval Heroes. Continental captains, and was given command of a frigate. The Lynch and Franklin returned about this time with well-laden prizes, and Captain Broughton shared with Manley the honors of the naval successes. The Harrison, Captain Coit, also gave a good account of her first cruise, having captured and brought into port a valuable cargo. Early in 1775 the enterprising shipowners of Rhode Island, seeing the possibility of a market for large quantities of gunpowder in the colonies, had loaded two vessels with rum at Newport and despatched them to the coast of Africa where the rum was ex- changed with the garrisons of the British forts along the coast for gunpowder. The thrifty Yankee skip- pers drove so close a bargain with the garrisons that they obtained the very last ounce of powder in their magazines. This supply, added to that captured by the navy, soon enabled Washington to begin offen- sive movements. In February, 1776, the navy was reorganized — if it could be said to have been organized before — and Captain Manley was made Commodore of the fleet, which was made up of the Hancock as flagship ; the Warren, Captain Burke ; the Lynch, Captain Ayres ; and the Harrison, Captain Dyer. After the British had evacuated Boston the Franklin passed to the command of Captain James Mugford, of Marblehead, who had been a seaman from his boyhood. On his first voyage he captured the British ship Hope just The Beginning of a Navy. 1 9 outside the harbor of Boston and within sight of the EngUsh squadron anchored there. When the Hope was brought to, and Captain Mugford and his boarding party reached the deck, the Enghsh captain ordered his sailors to cut the topsail halliards, hoping in this way to delay the progress of the vessel and enable the British squadron to recapture her. Follow- ing this command came Mugford's stern and deter- mined threat to cut down the first man who undertook to carry out the order. The British officers and men did not move, and the ship was safely brought into Boston with her cargo of 1,500 barrels of gunpowder. A few days afterward Captain Mugford in running out of the harbor accidentally grounded the Franklin, and the English squadron sent out boats to capture her. On their attempting to board, the English seamen were met with Yankee cutlasses, and many a poor fellow left his hands on the Franklin, while his body dropped into the sea. The brave Mugford was in the hottest of the fight until a bullet from the enemy pierced his body. Turning to his lieutenant he said, " I am a dead man ; do not give up the vessel ; you will be able to beat them off." He fell back life- less, but the remaining officers and crew saved the ship. The exploits of Captains Broughton, Manley, Adams, Coit, Chew, Waters and Mugford became the chief topics of public interest in the colonies, and the story of their valor even reached England. Wash- 20 Americaji Naval Heroes. ington's army had been placed on a war-footing through the successes of the new navy, and the results accomplished by so small a fleet caused the enemy no little concern. The colonies were really in earnest and England saw that if these Yankee pirates, as they termed them, were not checked, the ocean would soon swarm with their little swift-sailing crafts and a com- plete embargo would be placed on commerce. Shipowners and consignees known to be in sym- pathy with the cause of the colonists were protected by the new government, and their vessels and cargoes released, but the property of loyalists and all goods contraband of war were confiscated and sold, the gov- ernment sharing the prize-money with the officers and crews. In the Continental Congress the chief supporters of the movement towards establishing an efficient navy were John Adams, justly called the "Father of the American Navy", Stephen Hopkins, Silas Dean, and Robert Morris, all members of the Marine Com- mittee. In the fall of 1795 Congress fitted out the Lexing- ton and the Providence, followed by the Alfred and the Columbus. They also purchased the Andrea Doria and the Cabot. These constituted the first Continental navy. Its armament was as follows : the Lexington, Captain John Barry, 16 guns; the Alfred, Captain Saltonstall, 24 guns ; the Columbus, Captain Whipple, 16 guns; the Andrea Doria, Captain Nich- The Beginning of a Navy. 2 i olas Biddle, 14 guns ; and the Cabot, Captain John B. Hopkins, 14 guns. At this time the British navy ruled the sea, and comprised 100 Hne-of-battle ships, 150 frigates, and 300 smaller vessels. Before the end of the Revolutionary war she had 250,000 trained seamen in her service. Their line-of-l^attle ships were immense structures, with from two to four gun- decks and carrying 64 to 100 guns. The frigates had but one deck, and carried an additional battery on the spar deck. They served as scouts or outposts. The smaller vessels called "brig-ships" and "sloop- ships," were square rigged with two and three masts, and carried 20 guns. England could at this time have sung her after- ward famous boasting song so popular in 1874-80: " We don't want to fight, but hy Jingo if we do, We've got the ships, we've got the men, we've got the money too." It became a question of considerable moment with Congress as to the selection of a commander-in-chief for the American navy. Nicholas Biddle, a young midshipman who had seen much service in the Royal navy, and had resigned when the colonists declared war to give his services to his country, was the only skilled officer available who had seen actual service. The Board of Admiralty thought him too young, as he was at the tirrie scarcely twenty-five. As the navy needed money as well as trained officers, the choice for commander-in-chief fell upon Esek Hopkins, a 2 2 American Naval Heroes. brother of Stephen Hopkins, who was a member of the board, one of the few wealthy delegates to the Continental Congress and the oldest signer of the Declaration of Independence except Benjamin Franklin. As this selection and the subsequent difficulties that arose between the naval committee of the Conti- nental Congress and Admiral Hopkins gave rise to much discussion, we will tell the story guided by the letters and other data preserved by the family and by the Rhode Island Historical Society. II. ESEK HOPKINS. "The fame of the f^rst admiral of the American Navy has suffered an eclipse almost total, while other men who were materially helped to do what they did through his exertions, have filled much larger places in the Naval history of the Revolution."— y?o/w-/ Grieve in New Enghuid Magazine. Esek Hopkins was born in Chopmist, Scituate, R. I., April 26, 1718. He was the son of William Hopkins, a farmer, and the great-grandson of Thomas Hopkins, one of the original proprietors of Providence Plantations, who had followed Roger Williams from England about 1640. Esek's brother William was a sea captain and did some privateering during the French and Spanish wars, and another brother, Stephen, was governor of Rhode Island, chief justice, delegate to the Continental Congress and a signer of the Declaration of Indepen- denc'e. Thus, Esek belonged to one of the most distinguished families of Rhode Island. He gained a superior education for his time and environment and like all ambitious boys of his day, saw no way to pro- motion except through sea service. Inspired by his brother William's example, he shipped early in life, gaining some experience as a sailor. Notwithstanding this ex^perience he shipped in 1738 as a "raw hand" on a vessel bound for Surinam and before long became commander of the craft. His fame as a sailor and 24 American Naval Heroes. marine navigator extended along the entire coast, as did his renown as a trader. He was not forty years of age when he commanded a fleet of seventeen vessels owned by the Hopkins family, and while one war after another robbed him of his profits and of many of his ships, he took advantage of the tide in the affairs of government to make good every loss, and was credited with an ample fortune gained by trading and privateering. On November 28, 1741, he was married to Desire, daughter of Ezekiel Burroughs, a leading merchant of Newport, Rhode Island. At this period Newport was a far more important seaport than either Boston or New York. The place had a population of 7000 who lived by following the sea, and with the rich merchantmen of the French and Spanish to prey upon, and with skippers, bold and able as seamen and brave and ready in boarding a prize, it is no wonder that in 1745 more than twenty rich prizes were brought into the harbor. The operations of many of the Newport merchants were little less than piracy, and the right of the stronger to capture the weaker overruled any question of nationality, when a rich prize was in sight. This freebooting practice of the sea-faring residents of Newport did not extend to other walks of life nor did it infect all sea captains. Some drew the line rigidly between lawful privateering and indiscriminate free- booting, and Captain Esek Hopkins was one of these. In 1755 he removed to Providence and purchased a farm upon which he resided during the remainder of Esek Hopkins. 25 his life. He represented Providence in the general assembly from October, 1762, to May, 1764. When the Seven Years' War began, the year after his removal to Providence, he fitted out one of his vessels as a privateer and went upon a cruise, taking command of the vessel. He named his first prize Desire, after his wife. He continued in the business during the whole period of the war, training during this time many of the men who were the chief oi^cers of the future United States navy, including Abra- ham Whipple. He was acquainted with naval war- fare, had visited nearly every port in the world, had excellent executive ability, and knew men thor- oughly. These attributes and experiences marked him as a leader, and when the first necessities of the. war of the American Revolution pointed to the forma- tion of a navy as the only way to provide for a defence, the Continental Congress turned to him for advice and help, as did the citizens, apprehensive that their shores might soon be visited by the same fieet that had captured Newport and bombarded and burned Falmouth, Maine, and the smaller towns along the coast of New Enorland. Under his direction land-batteries were erected and manned, and when on August 22, 1775, two British ships approached within a few miles of the town, they prudently withdrew. He built a floating battery, pre- pared five fire-ships, and arranged a boom and chain ready to stretch across the mouth of the harbor. This 26 Americaii Naval Heroes. work was done under the authority of the town, and defensive operations were not resumed by the colony till October, when the British fleet in Newport harbor had increased by four newly arrived ships and the British commander, Captain Wallace, had called upon the farmers of the islands to supply them with live- stock on pain of having" it seized. In this emergency the colonists united and the recess committee of the General Assembly appointed Esek Hopkins Com- mander-in-Chief of the Colonial forces, with William West as second in command. He at once called out the militia and with this force of six hundred men he marched toward Newport and encamped on the green at Middleton. This determined act of resistance by the colonists brought on neo^otiations with the British commander, and General Hopkins advised the recess committee to agree to furnish the British fleet with provisions on condition that they spare the city of Newport from the torch, the colonists promising not to enter the place if the men on board the British ships were not disem- barked. This settled, General Hopkins erected coast defences at Pawtuxet, Field's Point, Fort Hill, East Providence and elsewhere. These preparations for defence pointed out to the Continental Congress the need of a navy to prevent depredations on commerce and on the cities along the coast. Before Congress acted, the General Assembly of Rhode Island on August 26, 1775, passed a resolution Esck Hopkins. 27 asking for the protection of their commerce from the British. The petition was presented on October 5th, and on October 13th Congress ordered one vessel, followed on October 30th by an order for a second. Congress also appointed Silas Deane, John Adams, Stephen Hopkins, John Langdon, Joseph Hewes and Richard Henry Lee, a Marine Committee, empowered to build a navy. On December 13, 1775, upon the report of the Marine Com- mittee, Congress author- ized the construction of thirteen vessels of war to cost $866,666.66. It also unanimously selected Esek Hopkins as Commander- in-Chief of the navy, the same rank held by Wash- ington in the army. He was addressed as " Admiral " by Congress and by the Marine Committee, but he was familiarly known by the title of " Commodore." He resigned from his military command, held under authority of the recess committee of the General Assembly of Rhode Island, and fitting out the sloop Katie, commanded by Abra- ham Whipple, he enlisted one hundred men for the naval service and with this force proceeded to Phil- adelphia. He there refitted eight merchantmen, con- verting them into war ships with an armament of 28 American Naval Hei'-oes. iio guns, and had the httle armada ready early in January, 1776. His vessels were, ships: Alfred, flag- ship, 24 guns, Dudley Saltonstall commanding, John Paul Jones second in command ; Columbus, 20 guns, Abraham Whipple commanding; brigs: Andrea Doria, 14 guns, Nicholas Biddle commanding; Cabot, 14 guns, John B. Hopkins, son of the admiral, command- ing; sloops: Providence, formerly Katie, 12 guns, Captain Hazzard commanding; Hoi'iiet, 10 guns; Wasp, 8 guns ; and Fly, tender, 8 guns. Maclay in his History of the Navy thus describes the recep- tion of AdmJral Hopkins on board his fleet : "At nine o'clock on a clear frosty morning in \\li 'ill''/^K^ \ \\) January he stepped into his DGNTfSiv^^^l li, ,,\ barge at the foot of Walnut street, Philadelphia, and amid the discharge of artillery and the cheers of the multitude he made his way through the floating ice to his flagship, the Afred. When he gained the deck Captain Dudley Saltonstall gave the signal and First Lieutenant John Paul Jones hoisted a yellow silk flag bearing the device of a pine tree and a rattlesnake with the motto, ' Don't tread on me.' This was the first flagf hoisted on an American man-of- war." The fleet made its way slowly through the ice to the Capes of the Delaware and left the Capes behind Esek Hopkins. 29 February 17, 1776, after being delayed by the ice for over a month. Lord Dunmore had been raiding the seaport towns of the southern colonies with a considerable fleet, and it was Admiral Hopkins's plan to sail to the relief of the colonists. He found the harbors defended by detachments from this fleet, driven into port by the storm, and without means of knowing the strength of the enemy, he dared not attack. To add to his disap- pointment the crews of four of his vessels fell sick. So he decided to sail to the Bahamas and there organize aeainst New Providence on the Island of Nassau and seize the guns and ammunition stored there. He landed two hundred marines under Captain Nicholas, and fifty sailors under Lieutenant Weaver, and took possession of the smaller fort without opposi- tion. He issued a manifesto to the inhabitants declar- ing his purpose to seize the powder and warlike sup- plies belonging to the crown, but not to interfere with the persons or property remaining passive during his occupation of the island. Thereupon the inhabi- tants deserted the larger fort and the governor deliv- ered the keys of the magazine to Captain Nicholas. They despoiled the fort of 88 cannon, 9 to 36- pounders; 15 mortars, 4 to 11 inch; 5,458 shells, 11,000 round shot and 15 barrels of gunpowder, the governor having the day before shipped 150 barrels of gunpowder to Boston in a small sloop. The Admiral borrowed a larger sloop which he promised to return. 30 American Naval Heroes. and on it loaded as much of his valuable spoils, so necessary to the colonies, as could not be carried by the other vessels of the fleet. He took as prisoners Lieutenant-Governor Montfort Brown and Thomas Arvvin, inspector-general of customs in North America. When he left the port of New Providence his pro- gress was necessarily slow, as all his vessels were heavily laden. They reached Long Island Sound from the east on April 4, 1776, and that day fell in with the British schooner Hawke, 6 guns and eight swivels, commanded by Captain Wallace, son of Commodore Wallace in command of the British fleet in Newport harbor. Admiral Hopkins easily captured the schooner and the next day also took the Boltoji, a British bomb- brig, 8 guns and 2 swivels or howitzers, and manned by a crew of 48 men. His fleet, from which the Hornet and Wasp had strayed shortly after they had left the Capes, now consisted of six armed vessels and the store-sloop. Proceeding up the Sound they encountered on the 6th of April a strange ship, which gave out, when hailed by the small vessel in advance, an answering broad- side and successively engaged the Cabot, the Alfred, the Andrea Doria and the Coliinibics. The con- flict lasted for three hours, ten Americans being killed and a number seriously wounded including Cap- tain John B. Hopkins of the Cabot. The Columbus, Captain Whipple, was the last to engage the stranger, which proved to be the British frigate Glasgow, 24 Esek Hopkins. 3 i guns. Her tender was captured but she escaped into Newport harbor. The Admiral not deeming it pru- dent to follow her into the harbor, which was defended by the fleet of Commodore Wallace, on the 8th put into New London. The news of this first naval ex- ploit was received with joy by the colonists. The bat- tery and ammunition captured were much needed, and the prowess of the American seamen had not been found wanting in their first sea fight. The disappoint- ment at not capturing the British frigate was all that prevented the fullest expression of approval of the deeds of the American admiral, but Contrress, throuo^h John Hancock, its president, who wrote from Phila- delphia on April 17, 1776, congratulated the Admiral on the outcome of the expedition. The facts that he had fought the Glasgow in the dead of night, with his ships overloaded with spoils, encumbered with two prizes and a transport, and after a long voyage, with many of the men sick, were very good reasons for want of entire success. If they had followed up the retreating frigate into Newport harbor, they would have been met by the fleet of Commodore Wallace and undoubtedly would have been captured. Captain Whipple was criticised for not closing in with the GlasfTOw, and he demanded a court-martial which was held on board the Alfred at New London on May 6th. He proved that to do so was impossible, owing to the want of wind. Captain Hazzard of the Provi- dence was cashiered for disobedience of orders, and 32 Americaji N^aval Heroes. this, the first example in the hne of discipHne in the American navy, had a sahitary effect and was the seed of the chief distinguishing characteristic of the Ameri- can sailor — obedience to orders without question. The calamity of the escape of the Glasgozv over- shadowed the glory won at New Providence and in the capture of the other prizes, and the outbreak of small- pox which placed over two hundred on the sick list, in addition to the unusual number of sick during the voy- age, so handicapped the new Commander-in-Chief that he was obliged to appeal to General Washington for new men to take the places of the invalids. The British fleet left Newport, and Admiral Hop- kins, on receiving two hundred soldiers from the army at New York to re-man his fleet, sailed for Providence, . R. I., April 24, 1776. Here the malignant fever still held sway and over one hundred were on the sick list. Washington, meanwhile, had asked for the return of his soldiers who were sent back by the sloop Providence, Lieutenant John Paul Jones commanding. Admiral Hopkins had planned to prepare his fleet for a three months' cruise, but continued sickness, the recall of the soldiers, and the unwillingness of raw recruits to enlist on fever-infected ships, upset his plan. Besides these discouragements, the authorization of privateering by the Continental Congress, March 18, 1776, had added another barrier to the progress of building up a navy. Enterprising shipping merchants were offering extraordinary inducements in the way of Esek Hopkins. 33 wages and prize money to seamen, and Congress had established a rate of wages and a share in prize money much less than the owners of the privateers were offering. Admiral Hopkins found himself deserted by all the able-bodied seamen of New England and his ships remained unmanned. The owners of priva- teers then concerted to bring the navy into further disrepute by misrepresenting the condition of affairs to Congress, and they practically succeeded by intrigue and political inHuence to block for the time the efforts of Admiral Hopkins. They were inspired by self- interest to keep the government ships off the sea, as by their heavier armament they would naturally capture the more valuable prizes which otherwise would fall to the privateers. In the spring of 1776 two of the thirteen frigates authorized by Congress and appointed to Rhode Island were built at Providence. The Warren, 132 feet long and 35 feet beam, was given to Old Neptune May 14th, and the Providence, 124 feet long, 34 feet beam was launched on the 24th of the same month. The contract for building these ships had been given to the leading merchants and ship-owners of the port, who constituted a committee appointed by the Marine Board, The delay in getting them ready was charged to the committee on the ground that they had used the men employed on the frigates to work upon their own privateers, and in a letter to John Hancock, pres- ident of the Marine Committee, dated March 18, i777> 34 American Naval Heroes. a year after the frigates were completed, Admiral Hopkins declared that the two vessels had cost twice their contract price, " owing to some of the very com- mittee that built the ships taking the workingmen and the stock agreed for, to fit their privateers, and even threatening the workmen if they did not work for them." That these chiarges were made upon good authority and that x^dmiral Hopkins could abundantly substantiate them, is proven by the records con- tained in the Hopkins papers preserved in the Rhode Island Historical Society library at Providence. The men charged with these unpatriotic and selfish acts were Admiral Hopkins's friends and neighbors who had shared with him the profits from privateering in the Seven Years' War. He might easily have joined them in the peculations and gained a share in the profits had he been false to his duty as a commis- sioned officer of the Continental government, and his very honesty seems to have secured his official downfall. At his request Congress passed, on October 27, 1776, the resolution providing that privateers could not fly pennants without the permission of Continental commanders, and requesting them to show due respect to Continental vessels on penalty of loss of commission. When, however, he asked that power be given to Continental commanders not only to take deserters from the regular naval service found on board of privateers, but to take as well, by way of discipline, Esek Hopkins. 35 the rest of the men, Congress denied the request. The cannon captured at New Providence were denied for the use of the navy and were transported to New York and Philadelphia for the use of the army, and when Governor Trumbull of Connecticut would not deliver them up. Admiral Hopkins wrote him to do so, as it would " have no other bad effect but on me, who had better suffer than the community." In June, Admiral Hopkins was summoned to Philadelphia to answer for "breach of orders" and he appeared before the Marine Committee with Dudley Saltonstall and Abraham Whipple, his two ranking captains. He left the fleet at Providence, not in commission, in command of Captain Nicholas Biddle. The captains were acquitted, but Hopkins's case was referred to Congress and that body on August 15th resolved: "that Commodore Hopkins, during his cruise to the southward, did not pay due regard to the tenor of his in- structions, whereby he was expressly directed to annoy the enemy's ships upon the coast of the southern states, and that his reason for not going from New Providence immediately to the Carolinas are by no means satisfactory;" and the following day resolved: "that the said conduct of Commodore Hopkins de- serves the censure of this House and this House does accordingly censure him." John Adams who ably defended him prevented his immediate discharge from the service, and on August 19th it was ordered: "that he proceed to Rhode Island and resume command of the fleet." 36 American N^aval He^'-ocs. On Aiieust 22nd the Marine Committee instructed him to dispatch the Alfred, the Columbus, the Cabot and the Hampden to the coast of Newfoundland to capture merchantmen bound for the gulf of St. Law- rence and to destroy the British fisheries. President Hancock authorized him to purchase the prize Hawke, captured by him on his return voyage from New Provi- dence, to rename it the Hopkins and to send it to Newfoundland to co-operate with the fieet, and also authorized him to "hoist his broad pennant on board any of the vessels." This action on the part of Congress, the Marine Committee, and its illustrious president, fully acquitted Hopkins before the eyes of the public, to the chagrin of his enemies in Rhode Island. John Paul Jones, who had been an eye witness and a participant in Admiral Hopkins's exploits, and who knew his motives and purposes, wrote him September 4th, 1776, while at sea in the Providence: " I know you will not suspect me of flattery when I affirm I have not experienced a more sincere pleasure for a long time past than the account I have had of your having gained your cause at Philadelphia in spite of party. Your late trouble will tend to your future advantage ; by pointing out your friends and enemies you will be thereby enabled to retain the one part while you are guarded against the other. You will be thrice wel- come to your native land, and to your nearest concerns. After your late shock you will see you are as gold from Esek Hopkins. 37 the fire, of more worth and value, and slander will learn to keep silence when Admiral Hopkins is men- tioned." This letter not only shows the kindliness of a fellow officer and one charged with being himself ambitious for the supreme command, but it shows that the jealousy of New England captains in his command was not shared by the first lieutenant of the flag-ship of the admiral, who could not claim American citizen- ship except by adoption. His brother Stephen, dele- gate to Congress, displeased at the treatment accorded the admiral of the new navy, left Philadelphia early in September, 1775, and did not return that year. Under his new orders Admiral Hopkins fitted out and dispatched his ships from Providence, May 22, 1777, as follows: the Andrea Doria, Captain Nicholas Biddle, and the Cabot, Lieutenant Elisha Hinman, both under the direction of Captain Biddle. The men shipped were taken from the Fly and the Alfred, leaving those vessels unmanned. The Cabot captured before October eight prizes. Captain Biddle sailed from Newport, June i6th, and in four months sent in nine valuable prizes. The Cabot captured a three- deck prize ship on November 2nd. The Colimibtis, Captain Whipple, sailed on July ist and by the end ot August had secured four prizes. On being sent out she drew her crew of twenty men from the provisional force furnished by the General Assembly of Rhode Island, as did the Providence, which was placed under the command of Lieutenant John Paul Jones. In this 2,S American A^aval Heroes. cruise Lieutenant Jones captured fifteen prizes and sent them into Boston, Providence and New Bedford. He returned in October when he was promoted to the rank of Captain and given command of the Alfred. Admiral Hoptcins placed under Jones all his available men and fitted out the sloop Providence, Captain Hoysted Hacker, to accompany the Alfred. On this cruise Jones captured seven prizes. These vessels had all been commissioned and were on their way before Hopkins was summoned to Philadelphia to appear before the Naval Board. The ships at home had no men, and to call back those on cruises of indefinite length was impossible. Under the existinor condition of the volunteer service it was also impossible to carry out immediately the order from the Marine Committee to proceed to New- foundland, and another given October lo, 1776, to prepare an expedition for the protection of the South Atlantic coast. Admiral Hopkins used extraordinary means to obtain men, but without avail. The General Assembly of Rhode Island, to which he applied in October, refused to place an embargo on privateering so that he could get sailors, the measure being defeated by two votes, through the influence of members inter- ested in privateering. The Marine Committee of Congress could not obtain from that body the authority asked, to make drafts of men from the army, which being the first in the field had received in its ranks all the available New Esek Hopkins. 39 England seamen thrown out of employment by the sus- pension of commerce incident to the war. Admiral Hopkins also asked permission to raise the wages of seamen and to make a more Hberal schedule for the distribution of prize money on government ships, but this was delayed till November i, 1776, when Congress tardily enacted to allow men on the govern- ment vessels "one-half of the merchandise, transports and store-ships and the whole of all British war vessels and privateers." Before this became known the navy had fallen into innocuous desue- tude. When on December 8, 1776, Sir Peter Parker came into Newport harbor with seven British ships of the line, four frigates and seventy transports with 6.000 troops on board, Admiral Hopkins was at Prov- idence with the frigates ]]\ir- i-eii, Providence, Columbus and Hampden, and the sloop Providence. He had hoisted his flag on the Warren in September, and had been urging the General Assembly of Rhode Island and the Con- tinental Congress for help to man the fleet. He had been given only partial authority over his officers, who were allowed to receive orders direct from the Marine Committee. In that way Captain Biddle from July nth and Captain Jones from August 6, 1776, were 40 American Naval Heroes. under orders from the Marine Committee, and Admiral Hopkins could neither direct their movements nor share in the prizes captured after those dates, notwith- standing the fact that he had furnished both these commanders with ships and men and that they had recognized his authority in subordinate matters, even in directing the operation of their ships. The opposition of the enterprising merchants of Providence who could not brook the success of the new navy in capturing prizes under their very eyes, renewed itself in 1777, when on February 19th a number of the oiificers of the Warren petitioned Congress to remove Admiral Hopkins, whom they accused of being "unfit for his position," but specified no direct charges. He wrote to John Hancock asking to be heard before the Marine Committee: " I am very willing to come to you to answer for my conduct with such of the committee who built the ships as I could name, but not with the poor men who only acted as machines to a set of men who I wish I could say had any other principle but avarice." He w^as not allowed to defend himself on the terms he named and did not answer the summons. He was suspended March 25, 1777, and on January 2, 1778, he was dismissed from the service. His friends feared that his treatment would drive him from his loyalty, but he wrote to William Ellery: "Although I have lost the interest of a parcel of mercenary mer- chants, owners of privateers, I do not think I have lost Esck Hopkins. 41 it in the major part of the state. I am determined to continue a friend to my country ; neither do I intend to remain inactive." He was elected a representative in the General Assembly of the state for North Provi- dence, was active in drilling recruits for the American army, and while a representative secured the election of President James Manning of the College of Rhode Island as a delegate to the Continental Congress, 1785-1786. A letter written by Admiral Hopkins to the Rev. Samuel Hopkins shows a striking contrast between the early American navy and that of 1898, vv^hen Chaplain Chidwick did his duty so heroically on the Maine. The Admiral says : "I received yours of September 20th, yesterday, and am very much obliged to you for your address and advice. As to your com- plaints of the people belonging to the navy, I am now to let you know that I did not enter into the navy as a divine and that I am not qualified to act or give direct- ions in that matter. The Congress whom I serve made provision for a chaplain to perform that nec- essary duty, but to my mortification I have not been able to get a single man to act in that character al- though I have applied to many. If you know of any that has the good will of mankind at heart sufhciently to expose himself to the necessary danger of that service, should be glad if you would send him, who you may depend will be treated with due respect; and if none can be procured I cannot but condole with you the depravity of the times." 42 A7ncricau Naval Heroes. Esek Hopkins was a martyr to the cause of nationality — to social unity as against the use of public service for private profit. His error, if error it was, was that of interfering with the plans of influ- ential business men who were getting rich in the name of patriotism and liberty. He was too honest to conceal his indignation or to change his policy. The first admiral of the United States navy died in North Providence, R. I., February 26, 1802, and a bronze statue, executed by Mrs. Thomas Ruggles Kiston of Boston, Mass., was erected to his memory in October, 1897. III. LAMBERT WICKES. "The cruise of Captain Wickes has effectually alarmed England, prevented the great fair at Chester, occasioned insurance to rise, and even deterred the English merchants from shipping goods in English bottoms, at any rate, so that in a few weeks forty sail of French ships were loaded in the Thames on freight; an instance never before known." — Commissioner Deane to Robert Morris. Captain Wickes was the first officer in the Ameri- can navy to carry an American armed vessel — a man- of-war, as she was classed at the time, — across the Atlantic, and present himself and his ship at the very gate of the British naval station. He had just returned home from Martinique after a successful cruise on the Reprisal during which he had captured several prizes, and when near the French port the British sloop-of-war Shark, i6 guns. Captain Chapman, lay her close alongside and opened with a broadside that fairly staggered the Reprisal, which was the lighter craft. Captain Wickes was short handed as he had drawn from his crew to man his prizes. His defence was so gallant however, that the Shark drew off and Captain Wickes with the Reprisal and his prizes safely anchored in the port of Martinique. Hundreds had witnessed the fight from the shore and applauded the brave American navigator. 44 American Naval Heroes. As this was early in 1776, before the Declaration of Independence had been proclaimed, the captain of the Shark, upon recovering from his surprise at the audac- ity of the American, followed into port with the Shark and demanded of the governor of Martinique that he deliver up the American ship as a pirate. This demand was refused by the governor who quietly requested Captain Wickes to leave the port. Up to this time operations had been confined to American waters and directed toward the protection of commerce, the defence of seaport towns, and the capture of needed munitions of war on board in-com- ing British vessels intended for the soldiers of King George. The success of the little cruisers, and the building by Congress of formidable ships of war able to inflict serious loss, not only on British commerce, but as well on the proud British navy, had so emboldened the infant government that they entrusted Benjamin Frank- lin, their commissioner to the court of Versailles, bear- ing a letter from Congress to the King of France, to the American brig-of-war Reprisal, Captain Lambert Wickes. This act might have lost to the colonies their independence had the vessel been captured, as Franklin had already secured the friendship and aid of France, and this visit completed the desirable alliance. Captain Wickes, however, did more than deliver his passenger in safety; he furnished to the commis- Lamberi Wickes. 45 sioner an object-lesson of the possibilities of carrying on an aeeressive naval warfare in British waters, for on the voyage he captured two British brigs laden with cargoes of wine and brought them safely into port at Nantes, December 7, 1776, the first prizes that had entered a French port since the beginning of the Amer- ican revolution. In the face of a defiant protest made by the British ambassador to the King, Captain Wickes sold his prizes, disguised his brig as a merchantman and cruised on the coast of England, during which time he captured three British merchantmen and a King's packet that plied between Falmouth and Lisbon, and brought them also into Nantes, trophies of his daring. To make a show of respect for the protest of the Brit- ish ambassador, the King ordered Captain Wickes to leave the harbor, and sailing out upon the high seas, he there made a mock auction of his prizes and under new owners the ships all returned to port, the profits from the sales furnishing money to the American com- missioners with which to purchase other vessels to strengthen their navy. In April, 1777, X\i& Lexington, under Captain John- son, reached France, and the American commissioners planned an expedition bolder than any heretofore un- dertaken under the American flag. They directed Captain Wickes to proceed to sea with the Reprisal and the Lexington, together with, tkie Dolphin, 10 guns. Lieutenant Samuel Nicholson, which had been intended as a dispatch boat between France and America. 46 American Naval Heroes. The orders to Captain Wickes, who commanded the squadron, were to intercept a fleet of linen ships expected to sail from Belfast, Ireland. The fleet left Nantes early in June by way of the Bay of Biscay, and made the entire circuit of Ireland, leaving in their wake, scuttled or burning, every English craft they met, not of a greater force than their own. As they approached the port of Nantes a line-of- battle ship gave them chase. The Lexington and the Dolphin outsailed their pursuer, the former finding refuge in the port of Morlaix, but Captain Wickes found the Reprisal so hard pressed that he threw over- board her heavy guns, sawed her bulwarks and cut away some of her upper timbers to lighten the ship. This exploit placed the French government in a position where they could no longer cover their desire to help the American cause, but not being ready to accept war as an alternative the King felt obliged to punish the Americans caught in the piratical acts. Accordingly, he ordered the Reprisal and the Lexing- ton held until the American commissioners w^ould fur- nish security that they would peaceably quit the Euro- pean seas. He also directed that the prizes leave port without delay and they were taken in the offing and sold to French merchants. The Lexijigton left Morlaix in September and the next day encountered the Alert, a British man-of-war cutter, of about equal metal. With the rough weather that prevailed and the lightness of both vessels they Lambert Wickes. a^^j sustained a fire that lasted two and a half hours and the Lexington exploded most of her powder with but little damage except to the upper works of the Alert. This damage aloft enabled the Lcxingion to leave her, but after a stern chase of four hours the Alert came alongside and engaged her for another hour when Captain Johnson struck his flag to save the lives of his crew. This ended the career of the Lexington on which vessel John Paul Jones had first raised the American flag and which under Captains Barry, Hallock and Johnson had fought two severe battles with war ships, had been twice captured and once re-captured, had sustained several contests with armed ships, and had captured many prizes. The Reprisal had been even more successful than her consort and her fate was more tragic. According to orders Captain Wickes set sail for America, the con- dition imposed by the French government in order to satisfy the demands of Great Britain. Of the entire crew, only the cook lived to tell of the loss of the ship, her brave commander and gallant crew. She foun- dered on the banks of Newfoundland, and the country lost a useful vessel, and a gallant, prudent and efficient officer who promised much more of usefulness to the cause he had already so valliantly defended. k^ ^^^^^ IV. JOHN HAZELWOOD. " I am prepared to defend the fleet to the last." — Hazelwood, Little is known of the early career of Captain Hazelwood. He was born in England probably in 1726, and served in the merchant-marine service up to the time of the American Revolution. His trade was carried on between the colonies and the port of London. He made Philadelphia his home probably in 1756, and is recorded as one of the founders of the Saint George society of that city in 1772, He joined him- self to the cause of the colonists, and in December, 1775, was appointed by the council of safety superintendent of five vessels designed to protect the city of Phil- adelphia from the attacks of the British fieet. In July, 1776, he was sent by the Philadelphia committee of safety to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., on the Hudson river, to consult with the committee there about the best methods of using fire-boats in the defence of the Hudson and Delaware towns. He was made commodore of the Pennsylvania navy in October, 1776; was given full command of the naval forces of the commonwealth on September 6, 1777, and was in command of the Continental naval force 50 American N^aval Heroes. harbored in the Delaware river, ^lll-^ll^- For his services rendered to the state of New York while at Poiighkeepsie a convention of the state assembly voted him the thanks of that body and the sum of ;/"300. Colonel William Bradford in a letter dated October 7, 1777, records the fact that while Lord Howe had possession of Delaware bay with his fleet, he proposed to Commodore Hazelwood a full pardon and kind treatment if he would peaceably surrender the Pennsylvania fleet. To this the patriot replied, " I am prepared to defend the fleet to the last." He was a member of the board of "commissioners of purchase" in Philadelphia during the whole period of the Revolution. His portrait painted by Charles Wilson Peale was purchased by the city of Phila- delphia and hung in Independence Hall. Captain Hazelwood died in Philadelphia, Pa., probably March i, 1800. V. GUSTAVUS CONNYNGHAM. "In a word, Coniiyngham, by his first and second bold expeditions, is become the terror of all the eastern coast of England and Scotland, and is more dreaded than Thurot was, in the late war." — Commissioner Deane to Robert Alorris. The American commissioners had secretly pur- chased the swift saihng Enghsh-buih cutter, which they re- named the Surprise, and had her fitted out as a cruiser in the port of Dunkirk. A blank commis- sion from John Hancock, the president of Congress, was filled out with the name of Gustavus Connyng- ham who was given command of the Surprise, his commission bearing date March i, 1777, and en- titling him to the rank of captain in the United States navy. He took a crew in Dunkirk and on May 4th, captured the Joseph, an English brig. On the 7th, when a few leagues off the coast of Holland, he took the English packet Prince of Orange, bound for Harwich, with so little alarm that on stepping on board his prize Captain Connyngham found the master and passengers at breakfast and coolly notified them that they were his prisoners. As the packet had on board the mail 52 American Naval Heroes. for the north of Europe he carried his prizes into Dunkirk. The audacity of the American in capturing a mail vessel and one engaged in passenger traffic greatly exasperated the British government, and the English ambassador at Dunkirk protested so earnestly that the captain and crew were imprisoned, the vessel seized and the prizes liberated. Captain Connyngham's commis- sion was taken from him and sent to Versailles. This seeming friendly act on the part of the French ministry so disarmed the British admiralty that they dispatched two sloops-of-war to Dunkirk to bring the American prisoners to England to be tried as pirates. When the vessel reached Dunkirk Connyngham and his crew had been released and had shipped on board the Revenge, 14 guns, a second vessel purchased by the American commissioners, who had also provided Captain Connyngham with a new commission bearing date May 2, 1777. He sailed from Dunkirk, on July i8th and captured prizes right and left, generally destroying them, not caring to have a recurrence of his former experience. The richer of the prizes, however, he sent into Spanish ports where their sale replenished the treasury of the American commissioners and agents. Captain Connyngham seemed to possess no fear of capture and when a storm so dismantled his ship as to make it necessary to go into port he carefully disguised his vessel, sailed boldly into a small English GustaviLS Connyngh a in. 53 port and had his ship repaired at a British dockyard without detection. He afterward put into an Irish port, purchased pre- visions and paid for them by drafts on his agent at Ferrol, Spain. He finally became such a terror to the merchant marine of England that a large fleet was fitted out to capture the "bold pirate" and he ran into Ferrol where he refitted and sailed for America. The Revenge was purchased by the naval committee of Congress and was sold when the navy was reduced in 1780. Captain Connyngham was made commander of a small independent privateer, and was captured, sent to England in irons, and threatened with the treatment accorded to a pirate. His imprisonment was long and severe, accompanied with great privations, and it was several months before he was released. Congress, through its secretary Charles Thompson protested against the inhuman treatment accorded American seamen and his remonstrance, dated July 17, 1778, recited that: " Gustavus Connyngham, citizen of America, late commander of an armed vessel in the service of the said States, and taken on board a private armed cutter, is now detained in an English prison and suffering great hardships," and demanded why he was '' treated in a manner contrary to all the dictates of humanity and the practice of civilized nations." But notwith- standing the continued sufferings of the imprisoned 54 Ainerican Naval Heroes. Americans it was not until July 15, 1779, that Congress resolved to "cause the crews of vessels captured from the enemy to be confined on board prison ships and supplied and treated, in all respects, in the same manner as the crews of vessels belonging to these United States, and captured by the enemy, are supplied and treated." VI. JOHN PAUL JONES. "In battle, Paul Jones was brave; in enterprise, hardy and original; in victory, mild and generous; in motives, much disposed to disinterestedness, though ambitious of renown and covetous of distinction; in his pecuniary relations, liberal; in his affections, natural and sincere; and in his temper, except in those cases which assailed his reputation, just and forgiving. Had circumstances put him in a situation of high command, there is little doubt that he would have left a name unsurpassed by that of any naval captain, or have perished in endeavor- ing to obtain it." — Cooper's History of the Navy. He headed the Hst of the first Heutenants appointed in the navy by the Continental Congress, December 22, 1775; held the first captain's commission granted by the United States government August 8, 1776; was made the commanding officer of all American ships in European waters in 1778 ; received the thanks of Congress in 1781 ; was unanimously elected by Congress the ranking officer of the American navy in 1781 ; received a gold medal from Congress similar to that given to Washington in 1787; was presented with a gold sword by Louis XVI of France, and with the Grand Cross of the Order of the Military Merit, never before given to a foreigner ; was a rear admiral in the service of Russia ; received the Order of St. Anne from the Empress Catharine; was held in es- teem by Washington ; won the affection of Franklin, Morris, Jefferson and Lafayette, and was worthy to be 56 A^nerican Naval Heroes. classed an unswerving patriot, and a worthy naval hero. This synopsis of the career of John Paul Jones serves as an introduction to a remarkable story which will never grow old. John Paul Jones was born at Arbingland, in the parish of Kirkbean, Scotland, July 6, 1747, the fifth child of John Paul, an humble gardener, who for a portion of his life, served in the household of the Earl of Selkirk. His birthplace was one of the most picturesque localities of Scotland, being near the shores of the Firth of Solway. Here the boy was the constant companion of seafaring men. He entertained and amused his play- mates by constructing miniature navies, using chips for ships, and manoeuvering rival fleets in well-conducted sea-fights, giving imperious commands to imaginary sailors as they engaged in apparently bloody battles. The parish school at Kirkbean afforded him a good primary education, and to it he added by home study the elements of navigation and a considerable knowl- edge of the French language. When he was twelve years old he was bound, at Whitehaven, apprentice to the merchant marine service, on board a vessel engaged in the tobacco trade with the American colonies. In this service he found but limited time, and that gen- erally late at night, to give to the study of navigation. On his first voyage to Virginia he visited his oldest brother, William Paul, who had married a Virginia girl and settled on a plantation near Fredericksburg. It was during this visit that the boy first imbibed the John Paul yones. 57 spirit of liberty as it was even at that early day — 1760 — the fireside talk and fond hope of the colonists of Virginia. Soon after his return with his ship to Whitehaven his indenture of apprenticeship was cancelled through the failiire of his employer, and he obtained an appointment as third mate on a vessel engaged in the African slave trade. He made two or more voyages between the coast of Africa and the West Indies, where the slaves were sold, but he seems to have become dissatisfied with the business, either through a revolt in his mind, so early charged with the spirit of liberty, or by reason of disappointment in the pay and rewards that the business afforded him. His own cor- respondence points to the former reason. At any rate we find that while the brig was in the West Indies, he took passage on board a Scotch brig- antine bound for his boyhood home. On this voyage the captain and mate both died from yellow fever and young Paul took the vessel in hand and brought her into port. For this service the owner rewarded him by making him master and supercargo of the vessel, and he continued to trade with the West Indies and the colonies until about 1768, when he was made mas- ter of a large London ship in the West Indies trade. In 1770 complaint was lodged against him at Tobago for cruelty in the punishment of a carpenter who was the leader of a revolt. Captain Paul was forced to go through a long trial before a British jury, 58 American Naval Heroes. who after six months' delay failed to render a verdict, and to justify himself he made an affidavit which he sent to his home at Kirkbean, proclaiming his inno- cence and accusing' his enemies of a conspiracy to take his life. In a letter to Robert Morris he refers to this "great misfortune" of his life. He was fully aquitted, but it embittered all his earlier life. (The bracketed words in this letter are lined out in the original.) Providence, at Sea, 4th Septr 1776 To Robert Alorris. Honoured Sir : I herewith enclose for your inspection all the letters and papers which I found in the Brigantine Sea Nymph — for the particulars of my Cruise hitherto I must beg leave to refer you to the within open letter to the Marine Board, which please to lay before them. I purpose to stand to the Southward in hopes of falling in with some ships which I understand are now on their Pas- sage from Barbadoes — but at this late season my success is very Uncertain — I will, however, ply about in this Meridian as long as I think I have any chance and if I fail at last I can run to the North- ward and [take a parcel of] try for better success among the Fisher- men which (will) may answer no bad purpose by increasing the Number of our Seamen. — however my cruise may terminate I forget not the singular obligation I owe to Mr. Morris who promoted it for my honour and advantage & I esteem the Honour done me by his accepting my Correspondence as the [most] greatest favour I could have aspired to — I conclude that Mr. Hewes hath acquainted you with a very great misfortune which befel me some years ago and which brought me into No America, (the best man may soon become equally or far more unfortunate — therefore you will spare me the pain of repeating it here) I am under no concern whatever that this or any past circumstance of my life will sink me in your opinion Since [human foresight] human Wisdom cannot secure us from Acci- dents it is the greatest effort of '[Human] Reason to bear them well. I will from time to time carefully communicate to you every John Paul Jozies. 59 intelligence in my Power — and as the regulations of the Navy are of the utmost Consequence you will not think it presumption if with the utmost diffidence I venture to communicate to you such hints as in my Judgement [appear wise] will promote its Honour and Good government. I could heartily wish that every Commission Officer were to be previously examined, for, to my certain knowledge, there are persons who have already creipt into Commission — without abilities or fit Qualification : , am myself far from desiring to be excused. — from [my] experience in Ours, as well as from my former intimacy with many Officers of Note in the British Navy, I am convinced that the Parity of Rank between Sea & Land or Marine officers, is of more consequence to the harmony of the Service, than hath generally been imagined. — in the British Establishment — an Admiral ranks with a Genl. a Vice Adml. with a Lieut. Genl. a Rear Admiral with a Major Gen'l. a Commodore with a Brigadier Genl. — a Captain with a Colonel, a master & Comm. with a Lieut. Colonel — a Lieut. Commanding with a Major and a Lieutenant in the Navy Ranks with a Captam of Horse, Foot or Marines — I propose not our Ene- mies as an Example for our Genl. imitation — yet as their Navy is the best regulated of any in the World, we must in some degree imi- tate them and aim at such further improvement as may one day make ours vie with and — Exceed theirs. Were this Regulation to take place in our Navy, it would prevent numberless disputes and duelings which otherwise will be Unavoidable — besides Sir, you know very well that Marine Officers being utterly unacquainted with Maritime Affairs — are in those Cases unfit persons to pre- side at or Compose half the number of a Court Martial, I beg Pardon for this liberty. I thought that such hints might escape your Memory in the Multiplicity of Business. I have always under- stood that the sentence of a Court Martial when Confirmed by a Commander-in-Chief was definite and admitted of no Appeal — to prove this I must again recur to English authority in the Case of Lord Geo. Sackville who for disobeying the orders of Prince Ferdinand at the Battle of Minden was (Broke) by a Court [Mar- tial] Martial held at the Horse Guards and rendered incapable of serving afterwards in any Military Capacity altho' his great abili- ties were then well known and are Generally acknowledged at this day. I am led into this subject by hearing with astonishment the application and Complaint of the late Cap'n Hazard to the Marine Board after he had been found " Unworthy of Bearing his Commis- 6o American Naval Heroes. sion in the Navy" by the Undivided voice of a Court Martial where I had the honour to sit as a member. If he was then Unworthy of bearing his Commission I cannot see what new Merit he can have acquired — and even if he had merit it would not be sound policy to reverse the sentence — it would make officers stand less in Awe, and attend less punctually to their duty — and it is not improbible that it might induce future Court Martials in some cases to inflict personal punishment from whence there is no appeal. There was a mistake made in the date of my Commission which Unless you stand my Friend will make a material difference when the Navy Rank is settled. I took Command here the Tenth day of May as appears by the Order and Appointment of the Commdr in Chief on the Back of my Commission as Eldest Lieutenant of the Fleet and my Commission as Captain is not dated 'till the Eighth day of August — which you know is not fair as it would subject me to be Superseded by Captain Robinson who was at first my Junior Officer by Six — perhaps it might subject me to be superseded by others. If I have deserved so ill as to be superseded I am unworthy of bearing my Commission (I have been held in some esteemation among my fellow Mortals) I esteem it a greater disgrace and severer punishment than [it would] to be fairly broke and dismissed the Service. I have ordered Mr. Hopkins the Prize Master to deliver you a Turtle which please to accept. I have the Honour to be with grateful Esteem and much respect Honoured Sir, Your very obliged, And very Obedient Humble Serv't John Paul Jones. The Hon'ble Robert Morris Esq. He then left the service and took passage for Vir- ginia, having determined to leave the sea and to devote his time to agriculture and study. His brother Wil- liam died in 1773, and as he had no children and left no will, John undertook the management of the estate. In 1 775 his income from property at Tobago, which he had left in charge of agents, ceased, and this forced JoJui Paul yofies. 6i him to find more profitable employment than planting. Attracted by the early exploits of the New England seamen, he saw his opportunity to serve his adopted country by giving to her the benefit of his experience as a navigator. He went to Philadelphia, where he offered his services to the Naval Committee of the Continental Congress, and accepted a commission as senior first lieutenant in the new navy. It was about this time that he assumed the name of Jones. His reason for doing this does not appear either in his own account of his life or in that of any of his bi- ographers. He was made second of^cer of the Alfred, 30 guns, and as Lieutenant Jones he was the first naval ofificer to hoist the American naval flag under a salute of thirteen guns. This flag then consisted of 13 stripes red and white, with a rattlesnake across the folds stretched at full fength. Underneath was the motto, " Don't Tread on Me." Under Esek Hopkins, the first commander-in-chief of the new navy, he sailed on the expedition that cap- tured New Providence, and on the return of the fleet to New London, took part in his first naval fight, in the engagement of the Cabot, the Alfred and the 62 A^nerican Naval Heroes. Colu7nbus with the British frigate Glasgow, 24 guns, off Block Island. During the fight Lieutenant Jones was between decks serving the first battery of the Alfred, having no voice in the direction of the battle, and therefore no blame could attach to him for the failure to capture the Glasgow. That Lieutenant Jones did not find Commodore Hopkins a weak man, or an inefficient commander is shown by the following letter addressed to Mr, Hewes, delegate to Conp^ress from South Carolina and the member of the Naval Committee to whom Jones was indebted for his commission : April 4th, 1776. Agreeable to your kind request, I have taken up my pen to give you the particulars of our cruise from the Capes of Delaware. On the 17th of Feb'y the Fleet put to Sea, with a Smart North East wind. In the night of the nineteenth (the Gale having Increased) we lost Company with 'the Hornet and Fly tender. We Continued Steering to the Southward without seeing a Single Sail or meeting with anything remarkable till the first of March when we Anchored at Abaco (one of the Bahamia Islands) having previously brought too a Couple of New Providence Sloops to take Pilots out of them — by these People we were informed that there was a large Quantity of Powder with a number of Cannon in the two Forts of New Prov- idence. In Consequence -of this Intelligence the Marines and Landsmen to the number of 300 and Upwards under the Command of Captn Nicholas Embarked in two Sloops. It was determined that they should keep below Deck 'till the Sloops were got in Close to the Fort and they were then to land Instantly and take possession before the Island could be alarmed — this however was rendered abortive as the Forts Fired an alarm on the approach of our Fleet. We then ran in and anchored at a small Key, 3 Leagues to Windward of the Town and from thence the Comodore dispatched the marines with the sloop Providence and Schooner Wasp to cover the Land- ing, they landed without oposition and soon took possession of the JoJm Paul Jones. 63 Eastern Garrison, F. Montigne, which (after Firing a few shot) the Islanders had abandoned. The Next morning, the Marines marched from the Town and were met by a messenger from the Govr. who told Captn Nicholas that "The Western Garrison (F. Nassau) was ready for his reception and he might march his Force in as soon as he pleased." This was effected without firing a Gun on our side — but the Govr has send of 150 barrels of Powder the Night before. Inclosed you have an Inventory of the Cannon stores, &c., which we took Possession of and brought off in the Fleet we continued at N. Providence till the 17th ulta and then bro't off the Govr and two more Gentn Prisoners — our Cruise was now directed back for the Continents, and after meeting with much bad weather, on the 5 th Inst off Block Island we took one of Captain Wallace's tenders the Hawke schooner of 6 guns the next morning we fell in with the Glasgow man of war and a Hot Engagement Ensued the particulars of which I cannot communicate better than by extracting the minutes which I entered in the Alfred's Logbook, as follows. At 2 A. M. Cleared the Slop for Action at 3^ past do the Cabot being between us and the Enemy began to Engage and soon after we did the same — at the third Glass the Enemy bore away and by crouding sail at length got a considerable way ahead made signals for the of ye English Fleet at Rhoad Island to come to her Assist- ance, and steered directly for the Harbour. The Comodore then thought it Imprudent to Resign our Prizes &c. by Pursuing further, therefore to Prevent our being decoyed into their hands, at ^ past 6 made the signal to leave off Chase and hauled by the wind to join our Prizes. The Cabott was disabled at the second broadside — the Capt. being dangerously Wounded ; the Master and several men killed — the Enemy's whole Fire was then directed at us, and an unlucky shot haveing carried away our Wheel Block and Ropes the Ship broached too and gave the Enemy an opportunity of Rakeing us with serving Broadsides before we were again in Condition to steer the Ship and Return the Fire. In the Action we Received several shot under Water which made the ship Verry Leaky — we had besides the Main mast shot thro' and the upper works and Rigging very considerably damaged — Yett it is surprising that we only lost the 2nd lieutenant of Marines and 4 men of whom, a Midshipman prisoner Martin Gellingwater who was in the Cockpit and had been taken in the Bomb Brig Bolton yesterday — we had no more than three men dangerously and 4 slightly wounded. 64 American Naval Heroes. The following paragraph in brackets is marked out, but is perfectly legible : [It is your province to make the Natural Comments arising from the subject I wish to avoid Cencuring Individuals — the utmost del- icacy is necessary and highly becoming in my situation — I there- fore Content myself with relating Facts only, and leave wiser heads the privilege of determing their propriety]. I have the pleasure of Assuring you that the Commr in Chief is respected thro the Fleet and I verily believe that the officers and men in general would go any length to execute his Orders. It is with pain that I confine this plaudit too an individual — I should be happy in extending it to every Captain and officer in the Service — praise is certainly due to some — but alas ! there are Exceptions. It is certainly for the Interest of the Service that a Cordial Interchange of Civilities should subsist between Superiour and Inferiour officers — and therefore it is bad policy in Superiours to behave toward their inferiours indiscriminately as tho' they were of a lower Species. Such a Conduct will damp the spirits of any man. Would to heaven it were otherwise but in sad truth this is a Conduct too much in Fashion in our Infant Fleet — the ill Consequences of this are obvious — men of Uberal minds, who have been long accustomed to com- mand can 111 brook being thus set at naught by others who pretend to claim a monopoly of sense, the rude ungentle treatment they experience, creates such heart burnings as are no wise consonant with that cheerful ardour and spirit which ought ever to be the Char- acteristic of an Officer — and therefore when he adopts such a line of conduct in order to prove it — for to be well obeyed, it is nec- essary to be esteemed — who ever thinks himself hearty in the ser- vice is widely mistaken. The Fleet having been reinforced with 200 men lent from the Army is now in condition for another Enterprize and we expect to embrace the first wind for Rhode Island when I hope we shall meet with better success as we understand that the Scarborough is now there, it is Proposed to clean the ships at Rhode Island or Providence that our detention there will admit of a return of letters from Philadelphia meantime with a grateful sense of Past favours I have the honour to be with Much Esteem Sir Your very obliged Most humble servant J. P. Jones. Johu Paul yones. 65 Lieutenant Jones was promoted to the captaincy of the Providence, 12 guns and ']0 sailors, and reported at New York where he recruited marines to strengthen the new navy. He convoyed vessels loaded with can- non and army supplies between Providence, New York and Philadelphia. This was a dangerous service, as the coast was swarming with British war-ships ready to swoop down on any Yankee vessels. On Board Sloop Providence, ) New York, 19th May 1776. j To J. Hewes. Sir : I had the honour of writing you the history of our Cruise in the Fleet from the Capes of Delaware till our arrival at N. Lond. iithultm. The letter contained a Particular acct of the action with the Glasgow in an Extract from the Alfred's Logbook — also some Free thoughts on Certain Characters in the Fleet, &c. it was enclosed to Mr. Sproat and by ill luck fell into hands not the most agreeable on its way to the Post Ofifice from which circumstance I much fear it hath miscarried. * * * In consequence of the last Trial I was ordered to take the Com- mand of this vessel the loth Currt. I arrived here yesterday after- noon in 36 hours from Rhode Island with a return of Upwards of 100 men besides ofificers which Gen'l. Washington lent to the Fleet at N. London. I left the A. Doria and Cabot at Rhode Island ready to sail together on a four weeks Cruise — what will become of the Alfred and Columbus, Heaven only knows — the seamen have been so sickly since the fleet returned to the Continent that it will be Impos- sible to man them both without others can be Entered. I have landed G. W. [Washington] soldiers and shall now apply to shipping men if any can be obtained — but it appears that the seamen almost to a man had entered into the army before the Fleet was Set on Foot and I am well informed that there are four or five thousand seamen now in the land service. (If this be admitted I will affirm that without an order to draft men out of the army the thirteen new ships may rot in the Harbour for want of hands.) The unfortunate Engagement with the Glasgow seems to be a General reflection on the Officers of the Fleet — but a Uttle reflec- 66 American Naval Hei'ocs. tion will set the matter in a true light, for, no officer, under a supe- riour, who doth not stand charged by that superiour for cowardice or misconduct can be blamed in any occasion whatever. For my own part I wish a general Enquiry might be made respecting the Abilities of Officers in all Stations and the Country would not be cheated (by granting Commissions). I may be wrong (but it doth appear to me that the Qualifications of a Jack alone), but in my opinion, a Commander in the Navy ought to be a man of strong and well connected sense with a tolerable Education — a Gentleman as well as a Seaman both in Theory and Practice — for, want of learning and rude, ungentle manners are by no means the charac- teristics of an officer. I have been led into the subject on feeling myself hurt as an individual by the Censures that have been indis- criminately thrown out — for altho' my station confined me to the Alfred's lower deck Guns, where I Commanded during the Action (and called for all my attention) and tho' the Commodore's letter which hath been Published says "All the officers in the Alfred behaved well" Yet still the publick blames me among the others for not taking the Enemy. The following paragraph in this letter refers to Captain Saltonstall of whom Jones spoke more openly in a subsequent letter. Captain Saltonstall did not lack enterprise but his First Lieutenant could not submit to his temper which appears at times to have been unbearable. I declined the command of this Sloop at Philadelphia, nor would I have accepted it but for the Rude, Unhappy temper of my late Commander. I now reflect with pleasure that I had Philosophy sufficient to avoide quarreling with him, and that I even had his blessing at Parting — may he soon become of an Affable disposition and may he find pleasure in communicating Happiness around him. There is little confidence to be placed in reports — otherwise the Lieutenants of the Fleet might have reason to be Uneasy when they are told that the several Committees have Orders to appoint to all the officers of the new ships except only the Captain's. I cannot think that they will be so far overlooked who at first stept forth and showed at least a willingness Nor can I suppose that my conduct Jo Jul Paid Jones. 67 in the Service will, in the Esteem of the Congress subject me to be superseded in favour of a younger officer especially one who is said not to Understand Navigation — I mean the Lieutenant of the Cabot — who was put in Command of the Fly at Reedy Island after I had declined it. I was then told that no new Commission would be given, and I considered her as a paltry message boat fit to be commanded by a Midshipman but on my appointment to the Provi- dence I was indeed astonished to find my Seniority Questioned the Commodore told me he must refer to the Congress. I have rec'd no new Commission — I wish the matter in dispute may first be Cleared up. I will Cheerfully abide by whatever you thmk right — at the same time I am ready at any time to have my pre- tensions enquired into — by men who are Judges. When I applied for a Lieutenancy I hoped in that rank to have gained much Useful Knowledge from men of more Experience than myself. I was, however mistaken for instead of gaining information I was oblio-ed to inform others — I formed and Exercised and Trained the men so well to the use of the Great Guns in the Alfred that they went through the motions of Broadsides and Rounds as exactly as Soldiers generally perform the Manual Exercise. When I have got what men are to be had here, I am ordered back to Providence for fur- ther instructions — the sloop must be hove down and considerably repaired and refitted before she can proceed properly on any Cruise. I should esteem myself in being sent for to Philadelphia to act under the more Immediate direction of the Congress especially in one of the New Ships — I must rely on your interest therein — the largest and I think by far the best of the Frigates was launched the day after I left Providence — but from what I can learn neither of them will equal the Philadelphia Ships — the Columbus was heaving down and the Alfred was hauling into the Wharf when I sailed. I send this by the Commodore's Steward who hath leave to visit his wife at Philadelphia and will call on you on his return in a day or two. I expect he will overtake me here if I succeed in entering men — but if I should be gone he will follow me on to Rhode Island and Providence. May I hope for the honour of a letter from you by his hands? It will singularly oblige me and greatly add to the favours already conferred on Sir, Your much obliged and very humble servant T. P. loxES. 68 American Naval Heroes. On August 8, 1776, he received from John Han- cock, president of Congress, his commission as cap- tain of the Providence, with directions to operate against the navy of Great Britain, and with her he cruised six weeks. During this time he captured six- teen prizes, and by his skillful seamanship succeeded in evading the British frigate Solway off Bermuda, afterward keeping up a tantalizing running fight with the British frigate Milford. He cruised as far north as Canso, where he captured three schooners and nine fishing-vessels. After removing the valuable cargo to his own vessel and such to crafts as he wished to carry into port, he transferred the captured crews to the remaining vessels, and provided them with provisions necessary to carry them home to England. In Novem- ber he attacked a coal fieet at Cape Breton, rescued the American sailors imprisoned in the coal mines there, and captured three ships, which, however, his old enemy the Milford succeeded in cutting out from his fleet. He also captured a large British transport laden with provisions and clothing, and a privateer from Liverpool which he armed and manned and gave to the command of Lieutenant Saunders. Upon his return from this cruise, after disposing of his prizes in Boston and being relieved of the care of his prisoners, he was without a command, but did not cease to advise the government as to the needs of the new navy, and suo-o-ested many ways in which it could be improved and strengthened. yoJui Paul yones. 69 1 N G R E S S. ThsDEL'EOATES-of.the.UN] TED %'%KTY.% ol Nevi-Hampjhir^ MaJptMfciu.Bay, \ Rhodt-JPaid ComisRiciit,- Ncw-Tork Ncvi-Jk/pr, ttan/jhania, Delaware, f^aryhvj, Virgilm,\ \ l^orth-Crtmimt,, Scuith-CaroHnti.jniA Zeor^ia, TO j WE.-.rcpoCt^ erpecialTruft a icj Confidesce in your PatriotlCnl Valour, fendu.-'^iad Fidelicy, | O Oi -by tftere Prcfcnts, cc itlkuse and appoint you to be oAjy-'y^^^'^*-*^ \ •in the of the United of North-Anteiica, fitted out for he Defence of American Liberty, and for ipclling every hoflile | thereof. You are therefore car fully and dUigentlytodlfcharge the Duty'of yi^ceA^i**- j by d'oing and perfornning all n- maer of Things thereunto belonging. Ant wc do (tridly charg* I ulrcall OfEcers, Marin^ andSj jujie'n under your Command, to be olicdigajto .your Orders aj | 'p,^ And you ate Jo obfci-ve and follow fuch Orders and Dirctions from Time to I $ you fliall receive from this o» d future Congrefs of the United SciJtes, or Ccnmittec of Congrcfs j Purpofe appdlnted, or Commahder in Chief for'tbt Time-being of the .Vavy of the. United any other^rour fuperior Offiur, "according to the Rules ?ad Difciplinc of War, the Ufage of id the Inftru£li6nj herewiifaL^ven you, ia Putfuance.of the .TruH_ yyfcd in you. \Tliil ^on to continue in force until revokcUiby this. or 4 future Congrefs. B xOt yosJiua Barney. 143 to the squadron of Commodore Hopkins in his expe- dition against New Providence in 1775, but with the Fly parted company with the fleet. He saw active service, however, and the Hornet brought valuable prizes into Philadelphia where he was transferred to the JVasp, Captain Alexander. It was on this vessel that he saw his first sea-fight, which was with the tender of a British brig where his gallantry was awarded by promotion to lieutenant. The sloop Sachem, of which he was second officer, captured a British privateer and he was made prize-master. He was soon afterward captured with his prize and made a prisoner. He was released in 1777 and was assigned to the Andrea Doria, 14 guns. Captain Robinson, on a cruise to the West Indies. He was at this time only seventeen years old. In 1778, after various services to the new gov- ernment on the Doria, he was made first officer of the frigate Virginia, 28 guns. Captain James Nichol- son, which vessel was captured while grounded in attempting to pass the mouth of the Chesapeake, and Captain Nicholson escaped with the ship's papers. Lieutenant Barney, after five month's imprisonment on the prison ship Jersey, was exchanged, and in October, 1780, was made second officer of the sloop- of-war Saratoga, 16 guns. Captain James Young. They fell in with and captured a ship and two brigs all well armed. The ship proved to be the Charming Molly, and Lieutenant Barney with a boarding party 144 American Naval Hei'oes. of fifty men led to the deck of the enemy, and after a fierce but short struggle with a crew double his party, received the surrender of the ship and her crew of which he was made prize-master. On his way to Phil- adelphia he was captured and carried into New York, and subsequently, in the hold of the YarmoutJi to Mill prison, England, whence he escaped, wandered through the kingdom and on the continent. He had a price set on his head, and finally shipped as a sailor and reached Philadelphia in 1782. He was then given command of the Hyder Ali, 16 guns, a cruiser hastily fitted out by the State of Pennsylvania for the defence of coast, and the pro- tection of the vessels navigating the river and bay. With this small ship, when off Cape May, New Jersey, he offered battle to the British privateer, Fair American, which was declined, and instead of giving chase he waited for and engaged the British sloop-of- war General Monk, 18 guns, Captain Rodgers, for- merly the American cruiser General Washington, fitted out in 1775, at Plymouth, Mass., by Captain Martingale as a privateer, and captured while under his command. The engagement with the General Monk lasted about twenty-six minutes. During the time the enemy purposely ran foul the Ali, the jib-boom of the English ship piercing the fore-rig- ging of the American and the fight became a hand- to-hand conflict, the two ships being within pistol-shot range. The General Monk was of greatly superior yoshua Barney. 145 armament and a heavier ship, but was finally obliged to strike her colors. Cooper, in his naval history, says : "This action has been justly deemed one of the most brilliant that ever occurred under the American flag. It was fought in the presence of a vastly superior force that was not engaged, and the ship taken was, in every essential respect, superior to her conqueror." The victor and vanquished were towed from the scene of conflict, off Cape May, N. J., into port at Philadelphia a few hours after the conflict, each bear- ing their respective dead. The loss on the Hydei'- AH was four killed and eleven wounded, while the Monk had twenty killed and thirty-six wounded. The old name General Washington was restored to the prize, and Lieutenant Barney made a cruise in her to the West Indies in 1782, in the service of the State of Pennsylvania, whose government had placed the ship at the disposal of Robert Morris, Minister of Finance, to transport specie from Havana to Philadelphia for the use of the treasury. His rank of captain was one accorded by the State of Pennsylvania, Barney's rank in the United States Navy being still that of lieutenant, notwithstanding his gallant exploit in cap- turing the General Alonk. The General W^asJiington then passed to the control of the United States Navy and Lieutenant Barney was retained as her com- mander. Congress in recognition of his valued services caused a medal to be struck in his honor, and the 146 American Naval Heroes. State of Pennsylvania presented him with a handsome gold-hilted sword. He continued an active and ex- tremely successful officer during the war, and was the first to bring to America the news of the conclusion of peace as secured by our indefatigable ministers, and with it a large sum of money loaned to the United States by France. He accompanied Secretary Monroe '7?:^'^ Hyder AM and Gen. Monk. to France and bore the American flag to the National Convention of 1794. He declined a commission as Captain in the new establishment as his name had been placed in the list below that of Captain Talbot, and in 1 797 he entered the French navy as commander of two large frigates, serving in the West Indies in the pro- tection of her commerce from the depredations of Brit- ish privateers till 1800, when he returned to America. Joshua Barney. 147 When the war of 1 8 1 2 broke out he commanded the privateer Rossie, and in 18 13 again entered the United States Navy as commander of a fleet of gun-boats built for the defence of the Chesapeake Bay. He distin- guished himself in the battle of Bladenburg, where he was severely wounded and taken prisoner. After six week's imprisonment he was exchanged when he returned to the command of the gun-boats. He was presented with a sword by the government of the city of Washington for his defence of that city, and was the next year sent to England on a mission but was obliged by the condition of his health to return. He was made naval officer of the port of Baltimore in 181 7 by President Monroe, and lived upon his farm at Elkridge, Md. After nearly forty-two years of naval service he started for the West to take possession of a large tract of land which he had purchased in Ken- tucky, and on his journey thither died at Pittsburgh, Pa., December i, 1818. / XI. JAMES NICHOLSON. " When the captain of the IVa/^ was asked who commanded the Trtwtbull, he replied, ' It must have been either Paul Jones or the Devil — for never was a ship fought before with such frantic desperation. ' " — Sketch of Alexander Murray. Captain Nicholson, successor to Esek Hopkins as commander-in-chief of the Continental Navy, was born in Chestertown, Md., in 1737, the son of a Scotchman who came from Berwick-on-Tweed and settled on a large grant of land near the passage of the Blue Ridge mountains, Virginia. This tract became known as Nicholson's manor and the passage as Nicholson's gap. James was an ambitious boy and shipped as a sailor when quite young. He was rapidly promoted and was an officer in the fleet that captured Havana in 1762. He lived in New York 1763-71, and in 1775 joined the Maryland Navy on board the Defiance, a vessel fitted out by the colony. The vessel was successful in re-capturing a number of the American trading crafts taken by the British, and in June, 1776, Captain Nicholson was appointed commander of the United States sloop-of-war Virginia, of 28 guns. When Commodore Esek Hopkins was dismissed from the navy Captain Nicholson succeeded him, his James Nicholson. 149 rank being that of senior captain, and he held the position as ranking officer in the Continental navy till its dissolution. The Virginia, 28 guns, had been built at Balti- more, and the strict blockade maintained by the British prevented her escape to sea. While the ship was thus imprisoned Captain Nicholson with the crew of the Virginia joined Washington's army at Trenton, and took part in the battle at that place. He returned to his ship, and in an attempt to run the blockade she was grounded on a bar and captured by the block- ading force. Captain Nicholson and most of his crew escaped to the land. ' A court of inquiry instituted by Congress acquitted Captain Nicholson of all blame, and he was made com- 150 Americajt Naval Heroes. mander of the frigate Trumbull, 38 guns. With her he fell in with the British frigate Watt, June 2, 1780, and an engagement of two hours' duration resulted in a loss to the Watt of thirty men killed and wounded. In August, 1 78 1, while off the capes of Delaware, the Trtimbull in a gale lost her fore topmast and main topgallantmast. She had a crew short 200 men, while of the 120 men she did carry many were lands- men. Of the trained sailors on board there were many Englishmen who shipped at the last moment with the hope of an opportunity to capture the ship, knowing her to be short handed. This was in accordance with a direction given by the British parliament which had passed an act offering large bounty to her " loyal subjects " who would take the oath prescribed to seamen shipping on American men-of-war, and when opportunity offered either by mutiny or by taking advantage of an evenly balanced fight, turn to the support of the British government and bring the American vessel to a British port. This was the condition that existed on board the Trumbull when the British frigate Iris, 32 guns, and another British ship, name unknown, ranged up on either side and each discharged a broadside into the Trumbzill. It was a condition that would have fully justified a sur- render without resistance, even had the Trumbull her full complement of men, and they all loyal to the flag. The brave Captain Nicholson however cleared his ship for action and replied to the guns of the two y antes Nicholson. 151 ships in gallant style. With the first discharge the English sailors on board the Trumbull fled to the hold, to a man, and this action frightened the landsmen and they followed. This left but fifty men to fight against two well manned ships, each of heavier metal and both with crews under strict discipline. But these men on board the Trumbull were heroes. Richard Dale, second in command, had been in the battle between the Bon Homme Richard and the Serapis, Alexander Murray had never run from the enemy, and the other brave officer was Christopher R. Perry. It was 28 guns manned by fifty men against 60 guns on two ships with at least five hundred men obedient to the call of their commanders. These four gallant officers kept their men at the guns for fully an hour, at the end of which time eighteen had dropped at their post of duty, dead or desperately wounded. But the Stars and Stripes still waved, and while it does the American Naval hero never leaves his gun. There seemed to be no intention on the part of Captain Nicholson to give up the fight till the third British ship the General Monk came up and gained a posi- tion to rake the Trumbull at short range. It was then that the lives of thirty-two heroic survivors were at stake, and for their sakes Captain Nicholson struck his flag. Owing to his position as senior captain in the American Navy, Captain Nicholson was held a prisoner till near the close of the war. When he beecame free 152 America7t Naval Heroes. he did not resume command of a ship. He made his home in New York city, and served as United States Commissioner of Loans, 1801-04. His daughter was married to Albert Gallatin the banker, secretary of the United States treasury, and his brothers Samuel and John were both officers in the Continental Navy. He died in New York city September 2, 1804. XII. JOHN MANLY. He began and ended the naval engagements in the war of the American Revolution. John Manly was born in Torquay, England, prob- ably in 1733. He became a sailor when a mere boy, and coming- to America settled at Marblehead in the Massachusetts colony. Here he became master of a merchant vessel, and when the war of the American Revolution broke out General Washington, in provid- ing a Provincial Navy to operate on the coast of New England and prevent depredations from British free hooters, and also to seize supplies on board British transports intended for the army of General Gage at Boston, selected him as a captain in the service October 24, 1775. His first cruise in this capacity was made in the schooner Lee, 8 guns, near the close of November, and before the other cruisers preparing for similar ser- vice at Marblehead were ready for sea. On November 29, 1775, he fell in with and captured the British ordi- nance ship Nancy, having on board a large mortar, sev- eral fine brass cannon, 2,000 muskets, 8,000 fuses, 31 tons of musket balls, 3,000 solid shot for 12 -pounders, 154 America7i Naval Heroes. besides ammunition and various military supplies. The reception of this prize at Marblehead, the load- ing of the ordinance and military stores on wagons decked with flags, and transporting the needed stores to Cambridge where thev were received at " Washing- ton's Camp" just as a detachment of Connecticut troops had deserted — a movement feared to be the begin- ning of a general breaking up of the patriotic army, — and how " such universal joy ran through the whole camp as if each one grasped victory in his own hands," is a story familiar to all and yet one that can not be told too often, for it was an early instance, afterward often repeated, of the navy leading the army to victory. In December he captured three other transports and came into port in safety with all his prizes. The prop- erty captured was of great value to General Washing- ton in his seige operations against Boston. Captain Manly continued his privateering and greatly harrassed the British government. He was chased into Gloucester harbor by the British sloop-of- war Falcon which he severely punished when inside the cape. He was commissioned a captain in the Con- tinental Navy on its organization, April 17, 1776, and on August 24th he was assigned to the command of the frigate Hancock, 32 guns, building in Boston. When the first United States Navy was regularly organized, after the Declaration of Independence had been signed, he was placed second in the list of captains. He put to sea in the Hancock, and the John Manly. 155 following day engaged, and after a severe battle, cap- tured the British sloop-of-war Fox, 28 guns. While convoying the prize into port she was cut out from him by the British frigate /v'^'r^?. On July 8, 1777, Captain Manly with the Hancock in company with Captain Hector McNiel, commanding the frigate Boston, 24 guns, fell in with the British frigate Rainbow, 44 guns, and the British brig J'icfor, 20 guns. It was the inten- tion of Captain Manly as ranking captain to assist the Boston in capturing the two vessels, but while he was tacking the Hancock for position the Boston sailed away. Captain Manly then endeavored to escape but was overtaken, and he struck his flag to the RaiJibozv, Captain Sir George Collier. He was carried to Halifax and confined in Mill prison. His conduct in this affair was investigated by the naval committee of Congress and he was exonerated from all blame, but Captain McNeil was dismissed from the service for refusing to assist the Hancock. Captain Manly, when released, was made com- mander of the Roniona, and sailed to the south. He fell in with a British man-of-war, and not being able to escape he struck his flag and was carried into Bar- badoes where he was held as prisoner but managed to escape. On reaching home he found no vessel ready for him to command and was allowed to leave the navy. He was made captain of the privateer Jason, and while on a cruise he fell in with two British privateers in 156 American Naval Heroes. July, 1779, who gave him battle. He managed to run between the two vessels, and ordering both broad- sides to be discharged he crippled the two ships so badly that they were obliged to strike their colors to the venturesome Yankee, and he brought them into port as prizes. In September, 1782, he was placed in command of the frigate Hague, also known as the Deane, and sailed for the West Indies. At Martinique he made port, and on leaving he was discovered by a British man-of-war, 74 guns, which gave chase. To avoid capture he ran his ship on a safe sand bar at low tide, and when he floated off soon" after, he fired thirteen guns as a signal of defiance, and out- sailing his antagonist, escaped. This incident took place after the preliminaries for peace with Great Britain had been arranged, and he thus had the honor of beginning and ending the naval engagements in the war of the American Revolution. On his return to Boston he was received by the citizens with ereat honors and when the action of his subordinate officers caused him to answer to a court of investigation for his conduct while in command of the Hague, he was justified in his course and was retained in the naval establishment after the declara- tion of peace. He died in Boston, Mass., February 12, 1793. XIII. ALEXANDER MURRAY. " He was in thirteen battles in the army and navy, was frequently wounded and often taken prisoner, which was the only thing which ever withdrew him a moment from active and honorable engagement in the service," — Portfolio, Alexander Murray was the son of a respectable farmer who lived near Chestertown, Md. He was born July 12, 1755. As a boy he was ambitious to be a sailor and left home at an early age as cabin boy on a coasting vessel. He was rapidly promoted and when eighteen years old commanded a good sized vessel in the European trade. When the Revolution called all patriotic sailors home, he forsook the mer- chant service and received a commission in the Mary- land Navy as lieutenant. As there was no ship for him to command he accepted the appointment as lieutenant in the First Maryland Regiment, Colonel Smallwood. He was with Washington's army and participated in the battles of Flatbush, White Plains and the other engagements followed by the retreat of the patriot army across the Hudson to New Jersey. While opposing the progress of the British fleet in its passage up the North river he was in command of the battery at the lower end of Manhattan Island, and the bursting of a Alexander Murray. Alexander Mtcri'-ay. 159 gun impaired his sense of hearing which he never fully recovered. He was promoted captain in his regiment which started from Annapolis nine hundred strong, but which was left after the disaster of the New York campaign with less than two hundred effective men. Captain Murray was afflicted with a chronic com- plaint contracted in the camp that rendered further service impossible for the time and he was retired. When his health had become re-established he resumed his rank in the navy, and as there were more officers than ships he was assigned to the command of different letters of marque. In his expeditions in search of plunder from incoming British vessels mak- ing for the port of New York, then held by the enemy, he had various engagements and secured some valu- able prizes. While flying his broad pennant on the letter-of- marque Revenge, 18 guns and fifty men, he sailed with his fleet of forty vessels from Baltimore for Holland. His rank in the Maryland navy gave him the chief command of all vessels engaged in priva- teering, under commission of the Marine Committee, sailing out of the port of Baltimore, and these vessels were generally well armed. On gaining the high sea he encountered a superior force of the enemy and was obliged to put back, seeking refuge in the Patuxent river. Increasing his force to fifty sail the commanders agreed that they would fight their way through the i6o America7i Naval Heroes. British squadron blockading the port. With this determination they put to sea, when a fleet of British privateers hove in sight. Commodore Murray sig- nalled for all the unarmed vessels of his fleet to return, and for the armed vessels to rally around the flag-ship. The enemy's fleet included a ship of 1 8 guns, a brig of i6 guns, and three schooners. Commodore Murray's fleet captains did not respond to his signal, and with the exception of a brig and a schooner he was left alone. In manceuvering for position he found himself between the enemy's ship and the brig, and a severe engagement resulted in the two British vessels with- drawing from the contest after an hour's severe fight- ing. The American brig and the schooner also came off victors in the fight, and the three returned to port at Hampton Roads to refit. The injury to the vessels was mostly to sails and riggings. There were no lives lost, but Commodore Murray and a few of the men were slightly wounded. On refitting his vessel Cap- tain Murray sailed for the banks of Newfoundland where he was overtaken by a fleet of one hundred and fifty British vessels bound for New York, under escort of men-of-war. He was easily captured and carried into port. His acquaintance with the captain and lieutenant of the vessel capturing him obtained for him the best of treatment and a speedy exchange when he returned to Philadelphia. Here he found the frigate Trumbull, 32 guns, commanded by his Alexa?ider Murray. i6i friend and relative Captain James Nicholson, ready for service after her severe fight with the Watt. It was after this engagement that the British captain, after his disabled ship was towed into the port of New York, was asked the name of the TrmnbulVs, com- mander. His reply was, "It must have been either Paul Jones or the Devil — for never was a ship fought before with such frantic desperation." Captain Nicholson secured the services of Captain Murray as his lieutenant and he found on board another friend, Lieutenant Richard Dale. When well at sea and after losing her topmasts in a gale the Trumbtdl ^viQ.o\iVi\.^x^di the British frigate Iris, 32 guns, formerly the American frigate Hancock, and another ship of equal metal, name unknown. With fifty men commanded by Nicholson, Murray, Dale and Perry, all the rest of the crew having fled to the hold through the instigation of traitorous British sailors, who had shipped to mutiny, they kept up the unequal fight till the Gc7ieral Monk came up and prepared to deliver a broadside into the stern of the Trumbull v^\iQ.n Captain Nicholson struck the flag. Lieutenant Murray was severely wounded, one-third of the fifty men who fought the ship were either killed or wounded, the Trtinibull had but one mast standing, and the gun- ports on one side beaten into one long opening. Upon recovering from his wounds Lieutenant Murray was exchanged and Congress furnished him 1 62 American Naval Hei^oes. with a fine brig fitted up as a letter of marque. The dif- ficulty in obtaining a trustworthy crew being so great he enp-aeed as a merchantman and took on board a cargo of tobacco intending to carry it to St. Croix. He sailed from Hampton Roads with a crew of twenty-five men, and his vessel was armed with only five 6-pounders. When well under way a British privateer of 14 guns and one hundred men came alongside by superior sailing and laid by his quarter. Captain Murray brought his five guns to bear upon the enemy and she drew off, but having determined the weakness of the American she returned and re- newed the attack. By shifting his five guns from side to side as occasion demanded Captain Murray was able to keep up a hot fire, and when the privateer attempted to board the American the boarding party was driven back and the privateer withdrew. Captain Murray had lost all his masts but the main- mast, and but a stump of the bowsprit remained. A third time the privateer came up and attempted to board the apparent wreck, but the party was repulsed with the loss of half the men engaged. The action had now continued for two hours and the privateer gave up the attempt and sailed off. Captain Murray after great hazard reached St. Thomas where he sold his cargo and refitted his ship. He then captured a British packet by stratagem without firing a gun, and carried her into Havana. Alexander Murray. i63 Here he found the port under embargo in conse- quence of a fleet then fitting out for an expedition against the Bahama Islands, and several American vessels lying in port had attached to the fleet. Captain Murray also joined by invitation of the governor, and was given command. The Spanish contributed transports and five thousand men, and the large fleet sailed under the American flag. Captain Murray on arriving off New Providence in the midst of a gale had but two alternatives : to attack the fort which was well mounted with heavy ordnance, or to have the fleet stranded on the shore by the wind. He therefore led the fleet into the har- bor and summoned the fort to surrender. This was immediately done and the commander of the Spanish troops hoisted his flag on the fort. The governor and his aid who were both passengers on Captain Murray's ship then engaged in framing the terms of capitulation. Captain Murray urged an incidental surrender as they had virtual possession of the fort, but the governor's aid Miranda, then a captain of Spanish grenadiers, in order to dim the glory that would fall to the American Navy should the terms be accorded, made what Captain Murray considered dis- graceful terms with the British commander. Captain Murray thereupon challenged Miranda, but the crafty Spaniard refused to answer the call. Captain Murray then parted from the fleet, made a successful voyage and returned to Baltimore, where 164 American Naval Heroes. he was ordered on board the frigate Alliance as first lieutenant to Captain Barry. After the ratification of peace Captain Murray was the last ofificer to hold a commission in the naval ser- vice. At the beginning of hostilities between the United States and France he was re-appointed by President Adams among the first list of captains and took command of the United States ship Monteziuna, 24 guns. He was occupied in commanding merchant- men engaged in the West India trade to different ports in the United States, and did not lose a single vessel. On his return he received the public thanks of the President and was ordered to the command of the Insurgente. He had a crew of 320 men and was given a roving commission. He cruised in the West Indies for several weeks in search of the French frigate Amb?iscade, and then put into the port of Lisbon for provisions. He then proceeded in com- pany with the British frigate Phaeton, on board of which ship was Lord Elgin and suite, in quest of two French frigates reported off Cape St. Vincent. On arriving at the Straits of Gibraltar he blockaded two large French corvettes in the bay of Cadiz. He received testimonials of civility and kindness from Admiral Duckworth at Gibraltar, and cruised off Madeira and the Canary Islands. He followed what was reported to be the French frigate Volunteer, 44 guns, cruising off Cayenne, to Guadaloupe, overtook AlexandeT" Murray. 165 her at Point Petre and blockaded her till his pro- visions were exhausted, when he repaired to St. Chris- topher's to lay in a store. Returning to renew the blockade in January, 1800, he fell in with the frigate Constellation, Captain Truxton, and from him learned that the frigate he was blockading was the J^en- geance, with which he had so lately engaged in his memorable battle. The Constellation in her crip- pled state sailed in company with the Instcrgente to Jamaica for the purpose of refitting, and here the two American officers were entertained by Sir Hyde Parker who commanded the station. Captain Murray received orders from Havana to return to America and after much difficulty, owing to adverse winds, he gained the port of Baltimore, com- pleting a nine months' cruise in which he had never been in a port longer than a week. His ship was almost a wreck, having been started in bolts and nails on deck and sides in every gale. After a short visit to his family he was ordered to the command of the Constellatioji, Commodore Trux- ton having been transferred to the Presidefit. He cruised for the Leeward Islands where he relieved Captain Talbot of the Constitution, and commanded, off Cape Fran9ois, a fleet of several sloops-of-war and brigs with which he effectually protected American commerce against French cruisers. He was in turn relieved by the frigate Congress, Captain Sevier, and set out to return to the Delaware. 1 66 American Naval Heroes. He encountered several gales and was once on the eve of cutting away his masts to relieve the ship when the gale abated. While proceeding towards Guadaloupe he fell in with the British frigate MagJtaninie, 44 guns. The night was dark and the British frigate without showing a signal fired a gun at the Coiistellatioji. Captain Murray's ward officers, indignant at the insult offered the American flag, anxiously asked if he did not intend to return the fire. Captain Murray sternly ordered the officers to their quarters without replying to their inquiry. Indignant and yet obedient they silently took their places and awaited the next order which rang out, "Return the salute with a full broadside." Another train of sensations occurred among the officers. Frowns of anger were exchanged for glances of admiration. The order was quickly executed and it brought about an explanation that was satisfactory to Commodore Murray and his officers. He next captured a French lugger of 18 guns and received from the captain the news that peace had concluded between France and the United States and Great Britain. He soon afterward fell in with Admiral Duckworth who confirmed the tidings of peace. Arriving off Point Petre he sent a flao- of truce to the French com- missloner and was his guest for two days which were days of hilarity and mirth enjoyed by the officers and Alexander Murray. 167 crew of the Cojistellation. On his return voyage to Philadelphia with a convoy he fell in with several American commanders to whom he communicated the news ot peace. When the act of Congress reducing the navy was passed on the conclusion of peace Captain Murray was one of the twelve general officers retained in the service, and he sailed to the Mediterranean in the Constellatio7i. He there relieved Commanders Bain- bridge and Barron who, with the Philadelphia and Essex respectively, returned to the United States. While lying in port at Malaga awaiting orders from America he was informed by Lord Keith, the British admiral, of the expected arrival of his royal highness the Duke of Kent, and Commodore Murray joined the admiral in showing respect to the duke. The Constellation was given second place in the parade of war ships in the harbor. He alone blockaded the port of Tripoli for several weeks, repaired to Syracuse for provisions, and received from the bashaw advan- tageous terms of peace which he had no power to accept. After visiting the various Mediterranean ports he received orders to return to the United States and his place was taken by the CJiesapeake, Captain Morris, and the John Adams, Captain Rodgers. He convoyed to America upwards of one hundred vessels, and when he reached Washino-ton his ship was dismantled. French pirates continued to infest the American coast and Commodore Murray 1 68 American Naval Heroes. was ordered to the Adams and cruised for several months off the Georgia and South Carohna coast. On returning to Washington his ship was laid up, and in 1812 he was made commanding officer of the Philadelphia station. He died at the head of the service, 1821. XIV. THOMAS TRUXTON. " Commodore Truxton twice commanded the Guadaloupe station previously to quitting the Constellation and subsequently to his hoisting his broad pennant on the President. At one time he had as many as ten vessels under his orders, a force that he directed with zeal, efficiency and discretion. He was a good seaman and a very brave man. To him belongs the credit of having fought the first battle under the present organization of the navy." — Cooper' s Naval History. Thomas Truxton was the son of an Enghsh barrister of the colony of New York, and was born on Long Island, February 17, 1775. His father died while the lad was very young and he was placed under the guardianship of John Troup, Esq., of Jamaica, L. I. He early determined to follow the sea, and when twelve years of age made his first voyage on board the ship Pitt, Captain Joseph Holmes, bound for Bristol. The next year at his own request he was apprenticed to Captain James Chambers, a celebrated commander engaged in the London trade. While an apprentice he was impressed on board the English man-of-war Prudent, 64 guns, but Captain Chambers obtained his release through a person high in authority. The cap- tain of the Pnidcnt was so pleased with the lad on account of his intelligence and activity, that he made flattering proposals that he should remain in the service and promised him rapid promotion. The 169 Thomas Truxton. 171 agreement that he had vokintarily made with Captain Chambers outweighed all the offers of the English naval commander, and he left the Pimdent and returned to his old ship. In 1775 he commanded a ship engaged in trans- porting powder to the colonies, and about the close of that year he was seized off the island of St. Chris- topher by the captain of the British frigate Argo, and was detained until the general restraining act was passed when his vessel and cargo, of which he was half owner, were condemned. This ill wind did not wreck his buoyant mind, but he made his way to St. Eustatius, to which port he was bound when detained, and thence embarked in a small vessel for Philadelphia. When he arrived the first private ships of war were being fitted out by the colonies. The Congress and the Chance were ready for sea and he entered on board the Congj^ess as lieutenant. The two little ships sailed in company early in the winter of 1776, and proceeded to the West Indies. When off Havana they captured sev- eral valuable Jamaica ships bound for home through the Gulf of Florida. He was placed in command of one of the prizes and brought her safe into New Bedford, Mass. In June, 1777, in company with Isaac Sears, he fitted out the Independence at New York of which he took command. As Admiral Lord Howe had arrived with the British fleet at the Narrows and blocked that entrance to the harbor he made the 172 American Naval Heroes. passage through Hell Gate and Long Island sound, and proceeded to a station off the Azores where he took several prizes and captured three valuable ships out of a Windward Island convoy, one of the vessels captured being superior in both guns and men to the Independence. On his return to the United States he fitted out the ship Mars, 20 guns, and sailed on a cruise to the Enelish channel. He sent some of his numerous prizes into Ouiberon bay, which act in a measure laid the foundation for Lord Stormont to remonstrate with the French court against the admission of American privateers and their prizes into her ports. On his return to Philadelphia he engaged in fitting out privateers and some of the most important of the armed private vessels from that port were owned in part by him. He commanded some of these ships and brought in from France and the West India Islands large car- goes of such captured goods as were needed by the American army. He carried over to France, Thomas Barclay, consul general to the French government, in the St. James, 20 guns and one hundred men, and in the passage encountered and badly whipped a British privateer of 32 guns and two hundred men. His antagonist was afterward towed into the port of New York, then held by the British, by one of the king's ships, in a dismantled condition owing to this encounter. From this 'voyage he returned to the TJiomas Tnixton. 1 73 United States with the most valuable cargo ever brought into an American port during the war. It will be seen that the services to his country during the war for Independence were all rendered on board private ships and outside the general naval establishment. After the peace of 1783 Captain Truxton gave his attention to peaceful commerce and conducted an extensive trade with Europe, China and the East Indies. Upon the reorganization of the naval establishment in 1794, he was one of the first six captains selected by President Washington and in that capacity he superintended the building of the United States frigate Ccvistellation, 38 guns, at Baltimore. His zeal was so great that she was the first of the six frigates author- ized by the law of 1794, ready for sea, and he was directed to cruise for the protection of American com- merce in the West Indies. He effectually guarded the interests of American merchants and an enemy's privateer could scarcely look out of port without being captured. On February 9, 1799, when five leagues off the Island of Nevis, the Constellation being alone. Captain Truxton discovered a large ship to the south- ward upon which he immediately bore down. He promptly hoisted the American ensign and the strange sail showed the French colors and fired a shot to windward, the signal of an enemy. At 3.15 p. m. the commodore was hailed by the French captain and 174 American N'aval Heroes. the Coftstellation ranged alongside the French frigate and poured a close and extremely well directed broad- side which was instantly returned. After an hour and a quarter occupied in a rapid exchange of broad- sides the Frenchman hauled down her colors and Captain Truxton received the surrender of the French frigate Liszirgente, 40 guns, and four hundred and seventeen men from Captain Barreau her commander. The lusurgejite had lost twenty-nine men killed and forty-four wounded, and was a complete wreck, while the one man killed on the Constellation was a gunner, shot by Lieutenant Sterrett for leaving his quarters during action. This disparity of loss can only be accounted for by the superior discipline on Captain Truxton's ship. It is recorded that while he commanded the Con- stellation but one man was whipped at the gangway, and that was for extremely bad conduct, and that he he was left at the first port as unworthy to belong to the crew of the Constellation. The prize was carried into Barse Terre, St. Christophers, and after refitting was added to the American navy. This was the first example of the engagement of an American frigate with an enemy of superior force, and very few of the Constellations crew had ever before engaged in a sea sea fight. The gallantry displayed by Commodore Truxton was highly applauded not only in America but by Euro- pean naval authorities. He received congratulatory Thomas Ti-iixton. 175 addresses from all quarters, and the merchants of Lloyd's coffee house sent him a present of plate valued at upwards of six hundred guineas, with the action between the frigates beautifully engraved on the same. Captain Barreau in a letter to Commodore Trux- ton says: — "I am sorry that our two nations are at war ; but since I have unfortunately been vanquished, I felicitate myself and crew upon being prisoners to you. You have united all the qualities which characterize a man of honor, courage and humanity. Receive from me the most sincere thanks, and be assured I shall make it a duty to publish to all my fellow citizens, the generous conduct which you have observed towards us." Captain Truxton, in his official report to Secretary of War Stoddert, February 10, 1799, after describing the action, says : " * « * J have been much shattered in my rigging and sails, and my fore topmast rendered, from wounds, useless ; you may depend the enemy is not less so. The high state of our disci- phne with the gallant conduct of my oificers and men, would have enabled me to have compelled a more formidable enemy to have yielded had the fortunes of war thrown one in my way. As it is, I hope the President and my country will for the present be content with a very fine frigate being added to our navy, and that, too, with the loss of only one man killed and two wounded, while the enemy had (the French surgeon reports) 52 or 53 killed and wounded. Several were found dead in the tops, etc., and thrown overboard eighteen hours after we had possession. I must not omit in this hasty detail to do justice to Monsieur Bureaul, for he defended his ship manfully, and from my raking him several times fore and aft, and being athwart his stern, ready with every gun to fire when he 176 American N^aval Heroes. struck his colors, we may impute the conflict not being more bloody on our side ; for had not these advantages been taken the engage- ment would not have ended so soon, for the Insurgente was com- pletely officered and manned." In closing his report to the Secretary of the Navy, Captain Truxton distributes the honors won in the fioht in these considerate and o-enerous words : "For the honor of our nation, I must declare that it is impos- sible for officers and men in any service to have behaved better than my people did generally on this occasion ; it must therefore not be understood, because I have mentioned the names of a few of the principal gentlemen, those of an inferior grade in their stations are less deserving ; on the contrary, to the latter I always felt most indebted for their exertions in the hour of battle, as they have gen- erally much less at stake than those in higher stations, and conse- quently less inducement to display their valor." The Constellatio7i was in a very short time again at sea, and the infant American Navy effectually cleared the West Indies of French privateers and that class of vessels dreaded by all nations, the disnationized Buc- caneers. The different ships engaged in this work cruised separately to afford better protection to the American merchantmen. Ccmmodore Truxton learned that the French frigate Vengeance, a large national ship of 54 guns and upwards of five hundred men, including several general officers with troops on board, was lying at Gaudaloupe, and he proceeded in January, 1800, to a point off that port, determined, notwithstanding her heavier metal and greater size, to bring her into action should she put to sea. On February i, 1800, at half- Thomas Triixton. 177 past seven o'clock in the morning, he discovered a sail in the southeast standing to the westward which proved to be the J^eugeajice. Her captain crowded all sail to avoid the Constellation, but after a chase of twelve hours an action was brought on by a fire from the stern and quarter-deck guns of the fleeting French ship. This was not answered by the Co7istellation till she had gained the weather quarter of her antagonist. Commodore Truxton gave orders below not to throw away a single charge of powder, but to take good aim directly into the hull of the enemy with round shot and grape, loading and firing as rapidly as possible. The battle at close quarters was maintained for over four hours, until after midnight, when the enemy's fire was completely silenced, and the ship sheered off. At this moment, when the American commander felt sure of his prize and was using his men to secure his mainmast which had been badly cut, he had the misfortune to have it go by the board as a sudden squall struck the ship. Before he could effectually clear his deck of the wreck, the French ship effected her escape. Her departure was so sudden and unex- pected that those on board the Constellation supposed that she had foundered in the sea with all on board. It appeared, however, that she made the port of Carra- coa in a shattered condition with 160 men killed and wounded and her masts and rigging badly damaged. The French commander had kept his men at the pumps for the entire run into port to keep her from 178 American Naval Heroes. foundering. He afterward generously acknowledged that he had struck his colors twice but the American commander in continuing the fire had determined to sink the ship. The fact was that Commodore Truxton had failed to see the sienal in the darkness. In the Constellation and Vengeance. From an old ivood-c itt. engagement the Constellation had fourteen men killed and twenty-five wounded. Among the killed was James Jarvis, a young midshipman of great promise and excellent family, who commanded the maintop. His courage in this fierce encounter was wonderful and he faced certain death without hesitation. Thomas Triixton, \ 79 When warned by an old sailor that the mast was cut and was likely to go by the board, and requested with his men to come down, Jarvis had replied : " If it goes we must go with it." And a few moments afterward it went and car- ried all but one of the topmen into the sea and a watery grave. In his address to his officers and crew Captain Truxton, after explaining the cause of the escape of the enemy after being vanquished, said : " As the commander, therefore, I feel infinite satisfaction in returning my thanks to the officers of every description, seamen, marines, and others, for the gallantry they displayed on this occasion, which, under a beneficent Providence, has enabled me to add another laurel to the American character on the records of the navy." Congress voted Captain Truxton a gold medal, and passed the following resolutions, which are worthy of being repeated in every published account that claims to record the gallant deeds of America's naval heroes : " Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled : That the Presi- dent of the United States be requested to present to Captain Thomas Truxton a golden medal emblematical of the late action between the United States frigate Constellation, of 38 guns, and the French ship-of-war Vengeance, of 54 guns, in testimony of the high sense entertained by Congress of the gallant and good conduct in the above engagement, wherein an example was exhibited by the cap- tain, officers, sailors and marines honorable to the American name and instructive to its rising navy. " And it is further resolved that the conduct of James Jarvis, a midshipman in said frigate, who gloriously preferred certain death to an abandonment of his post, is deserving of the highest praise, and that the loss of so promising an officer is a subject of national regret." i8o American Naval Heroes. Captain Truxton was the next year transferred to the President and given sole command of the West Indian squadron, with the rank of commodore. In 1802 he was designated for the command of the expedition against Tripoh. In his preparations for this expedition he asked the new Secretary of the President and Piantagenet. From an old "luood-cut engraved in iS^i. Navy, Robert Smith, for the appointment of a captain on board his flagship. This request was looked upon by President Jefferson, with his extreme democratic notions, as savoring too much of an aristocratic estab- lishment in the navy, and aware that Commodore Truxton was well acquainted with his avowed senti- ment on this very subject, the President interpreted the request in the nature of a resignation, which he TJiomas Ti'iixton. i8i promptly accepted, dropping Commodore Truxton's name from the navy list. He retired to his farm in New Jersey and after- ward removed to Philadelphia where he was high sheriff, 1816-1819. Eight of his grandsons followed their illustrious grandsire in selecting the navy as a life calling, and received their training at the Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md. Commodore Truxton died in Philadelphia, Pa., May 5, 1822. XV. EDWARD PREBLE. "The energy and intrepidity which marked his character, the passion for achieving deeds of honor that glowed in his breast, were emulated and shared by his officers and fully seconded by his men who thought mighty things easy under such a commander." — Portfolio. Edward Preble was born in Portland, Maine, then Falmouth, on Casco Bay in the State of Massa- chusetts. His father, the Honorable Jedediah Preble, was a brigadier-general in the Massachusetts militia and after the beginning of the Revolutionary war, a senator and council of the Commonwealth. He died in 1783, in the seventy-seventh year of his age. As a boy Edward loved adventure and his tempera- ment was firm, resolute and persevering. His consti- tution, naturally robust, he had developed into great strength by systematic outdoor exercise and athletic sport. His father wished to give him a college educa- tion and with this end in view placed him at Dummer Academy, Newbury, under the care of Samuel Moody, a celebrated teacher. He was a diligent student and out of school a ruling spirit in sport. It is recorded of his school experience that his pre- ceptor was liable to gusts of temper, portentous in ap- pearance, though harmless in effect. On one occasion 183 184 American Naval Heroes. young Preble in an encounter with a schoolfellow had given a blow which covered his antagonist's face with blood. When the boy presented himself in school in this plight, announcing Preble as the cause of his misfortune, the master's ire was raised to a tempest. Seizing the fire-shovel he sprang toward the offender aiming a blow at his head, but which he took good care should miss the mark and land with a ringing noise upon the desk. He repeated the motion bring- ing the deadly weapon down with the utmost violence on the other side of the apparent victim. Young Preble did not change his attitude or countenance. He sat perfectly erect and looked calmly at his assail- ant. The teacher from being pale and quivering with rage became instandy composed and turning away exclaimed, "That fellow will be a general ! " Against the wishes and hopes of his father Edward persisted in his plan to be a sailor, and after three years at the school he entered on board a ship. His first voyage was to Europe on board a letter of marque, Captain Friend, and his first experience, although trying in the extreme, did not cure him of his infatuation, but gave evidence of the hardihood and courage afterward so conspicuous in his naval career. About the year 1779 he became midshipman in the state ship Protector, 26 guns, Captain John Forster Williams. On the first cruise the Protector engaged in a sea fight with the letter-of-marque Ad- miral Duff, 36 guns, off the banks of Newfoundland. Edward Preble. 185 It was a short but hard-fought battle, and at such close quarters that hand grenades were hurled from one ship to the other with effect. The Admiral Duff struck her flag but the fire raging in her rigging and on her deck reached the magazine and she was destroyed. Captain Williams succeeded in saving about forty of her crew who had taken refuge in the water. With these men as prisoners he continued his voyage, and soon a malignant fever broke out among the prisoners and extended to the crew of the Protector, two-thirds of whom were carried off by the disease. He returned to an eastern port, landed the rem- nant of his prisoners and recruited his crew after which he sailed on a second cruise. Falling in with a British sloop-of-war and frigate the Protector was unable to escape from the vessels and was captured and carried to New York. From here Captain Williams and the chief officers were carried to England, but young Preble, through the influence of Colonel William Tyng, a friend of his father, obtained his release. On returning home, after some months of inactivity, he entered as first lieutenant on board the sloop-of- war JVinthrop, Captain George Little, who had been Captain Williams's second in command on the Pro- tector and who had scaled the walls of the prison at Plymouth, England, and escaped with one other pris- oner in a wherry to France taking passage thence to America and landing in Boston. 1 86 AiJierican Naval Heroes. While on the Winthrop Lieutenant Preble boarded and cut out an English armed brig anchored in Penob- scot harbor under circumstances that gave the exploit much publicity. Captain Little had taken the brig's tender and from the crew gained information of the situation of the brig which made him resolve to attempt to surprise and seige her. The method he used was to dress forty of his crew in white frocks to enable them to distinguish friend from foe in the dark. When he had run alongside the brig in the night he was hailed by the enemy, who supposed the WmtJirop to be their own tender, with: " You will run aboard." Captain Little answered : " I am coming aboard." And immediately Lieutenant Preble with fourteen men sprang into the brig. The motion of the vessel was so rapid as to carry it beyond the brig before the rest of the crew could board, and this left Preble with his little force on the deck while the boat with Captain Little and thirty-seven men was beyond the reach of the brig and would have to tack before they could afford any help. Thereupon Captain Little called out to Preble, " Will you not have more men ? " With great presence of mind and in a loud voice he answered, " No; we have more then we want; we stand in each other's way." Edward Preble. 187 Those of the enemy's crew who were on the deck were seized with fear and leaped over the side swim- ine to the shore. Others followed from the cabin windows. Preble instantly entered the cabin and found the officers in bed or just rising. He assured them they were his prisoners and that resistance was vain and that if they attempted to escape they would be shot down. Believinof the vessel to be in the possession of a considerable party they offered no resistance to their arrest. Meanwhile the sailors who had jumped overboard and reached the shore spread the alarm, and the British troops in possession of the town marched down to the vessel and commenced a brisk firing with muskets while the land battery opened a cannonading on the captured brig, but their aim was too higfh to take effect. In the meantime Lieutenant Preble and his men got their prize out of the harbor in the face of the musketry of the sol- diers and the cannonading from the land battery, and carried her in triumph into Boston. Lieutenant Preble continued on the ]Vinthrop till the peace of 1793 was declared when he became a ship-master and made successful voyages to all parts of the globe. In the year 1798 the conduct of the rulers of France toward the United States had awakened a spirit of re- sistance in both the people and the government. The President issued a call for a navy, which had been, as it now proved, hastily and imprudently disbanded. 1 88 American Naval Heroes. The friends of a policy favoring a standing army and a strong naval force ready for any emergency, not only of defence but as well of negotiation, but who had been overruled by the conservative party, now came forward and supported the President in his demand. In 1799 fifteen frigates and twelve other vessels of war were built and commissioned. The naval heroes of the Revolution who had proved so effective in that struggle, had not yet grown too old to be employed in the service, and they offered the new navy the benefit of their experience. Of the five lieutenants appointed Mr. Preble was one, and he made two cruises with the Pickering which he commanded. He was then promoted cap- tain and was given command of the frigate Essex, 36 guns. In January, 1800, he made a voyage in her to Batavia in company with Captain James Sevier, com- manding the Congress, to convoy returning American merchantmen from India and the East. The day after leaving port they encountered a snow-storm and in it they parted from the three ves- sels they were convoying out. On the 12th in a heavy gale the Essex parted from the Congress which vessel had been dismasted and obliged to put back to port. The Essex pursued the voyage alone without knowledge of the mishap to the Co7igr'ess. After waiting at the Cape of Good Hope a suitable time, hoping that she would come up, the Essex sailed for Batavia making, on the way out and on the return Edward Preble. 189 voyage, cruises in the Straits of Sunda each occupying a fortnight. Captain Preble left for home having under convoy fourteen sail of American merchantmen with cargoes valued at several millions of dollars. He brought his valuable wards safe to New York near the end of the year. This long voyage greatly undermined his health which failed rapidly afterward. He was given command of the Adams and ordered to the Mediter- ranean, but finding himself too ill to undertake the voyage he was obliged to resign her to Captain Campbell. In 1803 he had partially recovered, and in May of that year he was appointed to the command of the Constitution, then lying in Boston, and which he was instructed to get ready for sea. In June, 1803, he received orders to take command of the squadron then preparing for active service in the Mediterranean. The fleet was to be made up of the Constitution, 44 guns, flagship ; the Philadelphia, 44 guns, Captain Willaim Bainbridge, already at the station ; the Argus, 18 guns; the Syren, 16 guns. Lieutenant Stewart; tho. Nautilus, 16 guns; the Vixen, 16 guns; and the Enterprise, Lieutenant Stephen Decatur, 14 guns. President Jefferson in his message to Congress October 3, 1803, speaking of this expedition and its purpose said : "The small vessels authorized by Con- o-ress with a view to the Mediterranean service have 190 American Naval Heroes. been sent into that sea, and will be able more effect- ually to confine the Tripolitan cruisers within their harbors, and supercede the necessity of convoy to our navigation in that quarter. They will sensibly lessen the expenses of the service the ensuing year," The Secretary of the Navy, in announcing to Cap- tain Preble his appointment, observed : " Reposing in your skill, judgment and bravery the highest degree of confidence, the President has determined to commit the command of this squadron to your direction. To a gentleman of your activity and zeal for the public service, to command your most strenuous exertions, I need only inform you that your country requires them." In his answer Captain Preble said : " I am fully aware of the great trust and high responsibility connected with this appointment. The honor of the American flag is very dear to me, and I hope it will never be tarnished under my command." At this time our situation with respect to Morocco and Tunis was critical, and as to Tripoli it had been hostile for two years. The administration had adopted the same policy pursued toward these powers by European countries in giving them presents or annuities in conformity to their prejudices and habits, at the same time making an occasional display of force by sending men-of-war in their seas, and by thus intimidating them keeping down their demands to a reasonable amount. Edward Preble. 191 The tribute had been paid regularly previous to 1793, without recourse to the expense of a naval demonstration, and the demands of the African orov- ernments had become exorbitant and threatening". Great sums had been paid in specie and in articles of war, and this was especially exacting on the part of Algiers. The new bashaw of Tripoli who had deposed his elder brother, not satisfied with the tribute already levied on our government determined to exact more by sending out cruisers to prey upon the American trade. Commodore Dale and subsequently Commo- dore Morris had while in charge of the Mediterranean station furnished convoys to American merchantmen and had blockaded their principal cruiser at Gibral- tar, and fired upon and dismantled another. Both Dale and Morris had recommended small vessels to act as a blockading fleet rather than the large frigates and men-of-war. It was with this in view that Com- modore Preble's fleet was made up of boats carrying 16 and 18 guns. The Cou<;titution was not ready to sail till the 13th of August. Commodore Preble experienced great trouble in shipping a crew as he endeavored to man the ship with American seamen, and the merchant ser- vice was paying higher wages than the navy. He arrived at Gibraltar September 12, and there learned that Captain Bainbridge had captured the Moorish ship Mirboka, 22 guns and 100 men, with orders among her papers to cruise for Americans. 192 American Naval Heroes. The paper was not signed but the captain said it had been dehvered to him sealed by the government of Tangier with orders to open it at sea. Under these orders she had captured the American ship Celia, Captain Bowen, which was then in company and which Captain Bainbridge restored to the owner. The next day Commodore Preble wrote to the American consul, Mr. Simpson, at Tangier, instruct- ing him to assure the Moorish court that the United States desired peace with his majesty if it could be had on proper terms — that he could not suppose the emperor's subjects would dare to make war without his permission ; but as their authority was disarmed by the governor he should punish as a pirate every Moorish cruiser found to have taken an American vessel. Pending an adjustment of this difficulty Commo- dore Preble requested Commodore Rodgers, who was under orders to proceed with the frigates yohn Adams and New York to the United States, to remain on the station for a few days. On the 17th he appeared with the Constitution and the John Ada^ns in Tangier bay and hoisted a white flag in token of peace, but with all his men at quarters by way of precaution. The United States consul was not permitted to come on board nor to write to the commodore except on an open slip of paper, he being in fact a prisoner in his own house with two guards at his door. Edward Preble. 193 He obtained the consent of Commodore Rodgers to remain and co-operate with him, and he then gave orders to his squadron to bring in for examination all vessels belonging to the emperor and his subjects. He dispatched his smaller vessels to cruise off Moga- dor, Sallee, Zarach and Tetuan while he entered the bay of Tangier several times. He also dispatched the Philadelphia and the Vixe7i to lie before Tripoli, The emperor was reported absent and expected to return on October 5th. On that day Commodore Preble in the Co7istitutioji with the Nautilus in com- pany anchored in Tangier bay, one and a half miles from the battery. On the 6th he was joined by the John Adams and the N'ezv York and they all moved nearer to the town. The ships were kept cleared for action and the men at quarters night and day. On the 6th his majesty arrived with a body of troops, horse and foot, estimated at 5,000 and encamped on the beach opposite the American squadron. The commodore ordered the flag-ship dressed and a salute of twenty -one guns fired, which was answered from the battery. The other ships saluted and had their salutes returned the next morning. The consul gave notice that on the arrival of the emperor's minister negotiations would be opened. The emperor sent to the ship a present of bullocks, sheep and fowls dressed for the table as a token of his good will. On the 8th the emperor and his suite with a large body of troops visited the beach and batteries on the 194 American Naval Heroes. bay and the Constitution saluted again with twenty- one guns, which apparently pleased the court. The consul gave notice of the release of the American brig detained at Magador, and informed Commo- dore Preble that the following Monday, the iith, was fixed for an audience. On that day the commo- dore, Colonel Lear, Mr. Morris as secretary, and two midshipmen landed at Tangier. Before he left his ship Commodore Preble gave orders that should the party be forcibly detained, no consideration for their safety should be made, but that the fleet should open fire on the town. On approaching the emperor the commodore refused to lay aside his side arms according to Moorish custom, and was allowed to carry them. He obtained a promise of a restoration of all American vessels captured and a ratification of the treaty of 1786, together with a letter of friendship and peace to the President signed by the emperor. We give the details of this peaceful solution of threatened war as an example of the value of a navy in enforcing peace, as well as in conquering an enemy. In either instance it reflects equal credit on the com- mander of the navy and on the men who stood at their guns ready to enforce his orders. Commodore Preble now formally declared the blockade of Tripoli and sent notices of the fact to the ministers and consuls to be communicated to the respective neutral powers. On October 2 2d, after Edward Preble. 195 returninof from Cadiz, and while sailine from Alo-iers to Syracuse where he went to obtain supplies, he was informed of the disastrous loss of the Philadelphia, Captain William Bainbridge. On December 14th he sailed with the Enterprise on a winter cruise and on the morning of the 23d, the Enterprise captured a ketch in sight of Tripoli, which had left the port at night bound for Bengaza. She was under Turkish colors and had as sailors both Turks and Greeks. She had on board, two Tripolitan officers of distinction, a son of one of the officers, a number of Tripolitan soldiers, and forty or more men and women, slaves belonging to the bashaw and his subjects. Commodore Preble at first determined to release the vessel and men claimed by the Turkish captain and to retain the Tripolitans, about sixty in number, as prisoners, but before executing the order he learned that the captain had been active in the cap- ture of the Philadelphia, having on this very vessel carried to the doomed ship one hundred Tripolitans armed with cutlasses and muskets, and raising the Tripolitan flag in place of his own, had assaulted the ship and plundered the officers. Upon receiving this information Commodore Preble retained the ship and crew, as either a prize or a pirate. He con- verted her into the ketch Intrepid, after transmit- ting her papers to the government and having her appraised. We shall hear more from her in the sketch of Stephen Decatur. 196 American Naval Heroes. Commodore Preble through the good offices of Sir Alexander Bell succeeded in conveying supplies and information to Captain Bainbridge and his offi- cers and men in prison, and tried several times to effect their ransom, but did not think it wise to submit to the extravagant terms demanded by the regency. In the spring he took as a prize the Tripoline, and put her into commission as the Scoiirge. Finding that no additional vessels were likely to arrive speedily from the United States he negotiated with the King of Naples for a loan of gun-boats, and General Acton, the United States minister at the court, effected the loan of six gun-boats and two bomb- vessels completely fitted for service, with permission to ship twelve to fifteen Neapolitans to serve on each boat under the American flag. On July 21, 1804, he joined the detachment off Tripoli, and his force consisted of the Constitution, 44 guns; the Argus, 18 guns; the Sireit, 18 guns; the Scoicrge\ the Vixen, 16 guns; the Nautilus, 16 guns; the Enterprise, 14 guns, six gun-boats of one brass 26-pounder each, and two bomb-ketches each carrying a 13-inch mortar, the entire fleet manned by 1060 men. The enemy had on his castle and the several bat- teries 1 15 guns, and also had two schooners of 8 guns each, a brig of 10 guns and two gallies of 4 guns each. He had in his crews and the garrisons of his forts and batteries 3000 men, and the bashaw had called to the defence of the city more than 20,000 Arabs. Edivai'd Preble. 197 Commodore Preble was delayed in attacking the city by adverse winds that increased to a gale until the 3d of August, when he attacked the shipping at the entrance to the harbor. The order of battle on the part of the American attacking fleet was as fol- lows : the gun-boats in two divisions of three each ; the first division under Captain Somers on board No. I, with Lieutenant James Decatur on No. 2, and with Lieutenant Blake on No. 3 ; the second division under Captain Decatur in No. 4, with Lieutenant Bainbridge in No. 5, and Lieutenant Trippe in No. 6. The two bombards were commanded by Lieutenant Commandant Dent, and by First Lieutenant Robin- son of the Constitution. At half-past one the squadron stood for the bat- teries ; at two they cast off the gun-boats ; at half-past two the signal was given for the bomb-vessels and boats to advance and attack, and in fifteen minutes after the signal was given, general action was begun by the bomb-vessels throwing shells into the city. This drew a response from the entire line of batteries in which 200 guns directed their fire at the squadron,' then within musket-shot of the principal batteries. Captain Decatur attacked the eastern division of nine boats with his three and was soon engaged in a hand to hand conflict more minutely described under his own sketch. Lieutenant Trippe boarded one of the enemy's large boats with only Midshipman Jonathan Henley and nine men. His boat fell off before any 198 American Naval Heroes. more could join him and he was left to conquer or perish with the fearful odds of eleven to thirty-six. In a few moments fourteen of the enemy were bleeding corpses, and twenty-two were prisoners, seven of them badly wounded. Lieutenant Trippe received eleven sabre wounds, some deep and dangerous. The blade of his sword yielded and he closed with his adversary and both fell. In the struggle Trippe wrested the Turk's sword from him and with it pierced his body. Midshipman Henley also displayed the valor and cool- ness expected only from veterans. Lieutenant Bain- bridge had his boat grounded within pistol shot of the enemy's battery, but though exposed to continuous volleys of musketry he succeeded in getting off. Cap- tain Somers with his single boat attacked and drove off five full-manned boats, leaving them in a shattered condition with many dead and wounded on board. Lieutenant Decatur engaged one of the enemy's larg- est boats which struck only after losing most of her men, and at the moment the brave lieutenant was step- ping on his prize, he was shot through the head by the Turkish captain who escaped while the Americans were recovering the body of their unfortunate com- mander. The two bombs kept up a continuous fire at the town and the explosion of the shells spread consternation among the Arab troops. The Constitution kept the enemy's flotilla in dis- order, keeping in constant motion and going to the help of any weak point in the line of battle. She was Edward Preble. 199 frequently within danger line of the rocks and her broadsides effectually silenced any battery she could bring them to bear upon. She was not able to remain long before a single fort as it was necessary to wear or tack to help some gun-boat or to direct her fire against a more destructive battery in another part of the harbor. Commodore Preble felt sadly the need of a second frigate. After two and a half hours' combat the com- modore signalled for the gun-boats and bombs to re- tire from the action, and for the brigs and schooners to take the gun-boats and their prizes in tow. The order w^as handsomely executed under cover of the guns of the Constitution. In fifteen minutes the squadron was out of reach of the enemy's shot and the commodore hauled off to give tow to the bomb-ketches. The damage to the squadron was a mainmast of the Constitution cut thirty feet from the deck by a 32- pound shot, sails and rigging considerably cut, one of her quarter-deck guns injured by a wind shot, and a mariner's arm shattered by a piece of the broken shot, the only casualty on board. The other vessels and boats suffered in their riggings and had several men wounded, Lieutenant Decatur, the brother of Captain Stephen Decatur, being the only man killed. The extremely bad marksmanship of the enemy and the constant and rapid fire of the American guns confused the enemy and their shot went wide of the mark. Of the loss to the enemy no definite knowledge could be 200 American Naval Heroes. gained. On the three boats captured with one hun- dred and three men on board, forty-seven of them were killed and twenty-six wounded, leaving only thirty fit for duty. Three other boats with their crews went to the bottom of the harbor and the decks of the remaining vessels were swept of numbers. On the shore several guns were dismounted, the town was considerably damaged and a large number of men were killed and wounded. The bashaw and his people had apprehended danger, for the exploit of the burning of the Phila- delphia had given them an example of the daring and bravery of American sailors, but they had little sus- pected so complete a disaster to their fleet, batteries and town. In fact when the bashaw saw the squadron standing in he observed, "They will work their distance for tacking; they are a sort of Jews, who have no notion of fighting." The palaces and terraces of the houses were cov- ered with spectators when the fight began, expecting to see the bashaw's boats drive the strangers from the harbor. They soon sought safety in the country and bomb-proofs, and while the fight lasted no specta- tors were to be seen on shore. One of the officers of the Philadelphia then in captivity reported a Turk as asking " if those men that fought so were Americans or infernals in Christian shape sent to destroy the sons of the prophet. The consuls tell us the Americans are a young nation, and gained their independence Edward Preble. 201 through the aid of France ; that they had a small navy and their officers were inexperienced, and that they were merely a nation of merchants, and that by taking- their ships and men we should get a great ransom. Instead of this their Preble pays us a coin of shot, shells and hard blows, and sends a Decatur in a dark night with a band of Christian dogs, fierce and cruel as the tiger, who killed our brothers and burned our ships before our eyes." On the 5th of August Commodore Preble prevailed upon a French privateer to carry to Tripoli fourteen wounded Tripolitans whose wounds had been carefully dressed. He sent with the prisoners a letter to the bashaw's minister. These prisoners are said to have reported to the prince that the Americans in battle were fiercer than lions, but in treatment of their cap- tives were even more kind than Mussulmen. The return of the wounded gained a promise from the min- ister to return any American that might be wounded, but he said that he could not return any of the Phil- adelphia s crew. On the 7th the French privateer returned with a letter from the consul saying that the bashaw had very much lowered his tone and would probably treat for terms. Further movement in that direction not being apparent Commodore Preble began a second assault with the bomb-vessels and schooners. These shelled the town and silenced a battery of seven guns. A hot shot from the enemy's battery passed through the 202 American Naval Heroes. magazine of one of Preble's prize boats and she was blown up with a loss of ten killed and six wounded, includinof Lieutenant Caldwell of the Siren and Mid- shipman J. Dorsey. Midshipman Spence and eleven men were taken up unhurt. Mr. Spence was superintending the loading of a gun when the explosion took place. He with the other survivors finished their work and discharged the gun while the boat was sinking, then jumped in the sea and were taken up by another boat. The Ameri- can loss during the two hours' assault was twenty-two killed, two mortally wounded and four slightly hurt. The John Adams, Captain Chauncey, arrived and joined the squadron at eight o'clock that evening and brought the news to Commodore Preble that four frigates were on the way to re-enforce the detachment. As the frigates were to follow the John Adams in four days the commodore suspended further opera- tions, awaiting their arrival. That vessel having been sent out as a transport, had her guns stowed by the Kelson, and their carriages put away in the other frigates. Hence she was not available for action till the other ships should arrive. Captain Chauncey received orders to remain at the station that the Commodore might make use of his boats and men, should he deem it advisable to renew the attack before the arrival of the other frigates. On the 9th Commodore Preble in the brig Argus recon- noitered the harbor and the next day a flag of truce Edivard Preble. 203 was seen flying from the shore. A boat was sent to answer, but was not allowed to land. It brought from the French consul a letter informinof the commodore that the bashaw would accept five hundred dollars each for the ransom of the prisoners of the Philadel- phia and terminate the war without any consideration or annuity for peace. This demand amounted to $150,000, and Commodore Preble rejected the offer, but for the sake of the captives, and to save the further effusion of blood, offered $80,000 and $10,000 for presents. The French commissary general under- took to negotiate the treaty when the bashaw sus- pended it, declaring that he would await another attack of the Americans. Therefore, on the night of the 23d the bomb- vessels were directed to bombard the town under pro- tection of the gun-boats, and they kept it up for five hours without much apparent effect. On the 27th the commodore stood in for Tripoli. Captain Chaun- cey and several of his officers and about seventy sea- men from the yoh?i Adams volunteered their services on board the Constitution which anchored two miles from Fort English, the light vessels anchoring within pistol-shot of the enemy's line at three o'clock in the morning, with springs to their cables. They opened a brisk fire on the ships, town, batteries and castle which was warmly returned until daylight. Then the Constitution weighed anchor and stood in under the direct fire of Fort English, the castle, crown and mole 204 America7i Naval Heroes. batteries and signalled the gun-boats to retire from action. When within sure distance the Co7istitutioii opened her battery with round and grape-shot upon the thirteen gun-boats and galleys which had engaged the Americans' small craft. This storm of shot sunk one of the gun-boats, disabled two and put the rest to flight. Commodore Preble then ran in along the bat- teries, within musket-shot distance and fired three hundred round shot besides grape and cannister into the bashaw's castle, the town and the batteries. He silenced the castle and two of the batteries and then hauled off. On the 3d of September after repairing the damages of the other attack a third one was begun in which the Constitution took the brunt of the battle. In this all the vessels were injured in their shrouds and riggings and -the Ai'gns received a 32-pound shot in her hull. No lives were lost on the American fleet. Commodore Preble then determined to send a fire- ship into the harbor to destroy the flotilla and at the same time to bombard the town. Captain Somers volunteered for this service and with the assistance of Lieutenants Wadsworth and Israel fitted out the ketch Intrepid for the dangerous expedition. In the ketch was stored 100 barrels of gunpowder and 150 fixed shells, with trains of fuses and other combustibles so fixed as to apply fire easily to the deadly magazine at the moment the venturesome crew should have Edzvard Preble. 205 placed the fire-ship in position. On the evening of September 4, 1804, Captain Somers selected two fast- rowing boats to use in the escape of his volunteer crew. His own boat was manned by four seamen from the Nautilus and carried Lieutenant Wadsworth and six men from the Constitution. At eieht o'clock they parted from the squadron and under convoy of the Argus, Vixen and N^autilus who approached within a short distance of the batteries, the hitrepid with her dangerous freight gained the inner harbor and as she neared the point of destination she was boarded and carried by two Tripolitan galleys of one hundred men each. At this moment she exploded with an awful effect. Every battery was silenced and not a gun was fired afterward duringr the entire niorht. Captain Somers is said to have assured a friend before he started on his perilous expedition, that in case he should be boarded, as he apprehended, he would not be captured. It is very reasonable to suppose that finding the enemy in possession of his ketch, he seized a quick match and touched the trail of gunpowder that led to the mine, and in the explosion that followed he with his companions found a common grave with two hun- dred of the enemy. This exploit was a test of heroism on the part of Captain Somers and his volunteer crew, that was only equaled in naval annals when Lieutenant Hobson 2o6 American Naval Heroes. and his brave followers steamed the Merriniac past the fort into Santiago harbor in July, 1898. On the arrival of Commodore Barron the squad- rons joined and Commodore Preble obtained leave to go home, passing the command of the Constitution over to Captain Decatur. Congress voted the thanks of the nation and an emblematic medal which on the arrival of Commodore Preble in the United States was presented by the President with declarations of admiration and esteem. The next year peace was made with Tripoli, the American prisoners were ran- somed, and the navy returned home. Commodore Preble died in Portland, Maine, August 25, 1807. The Government ordered minute-guns to be fired, and other marks of naval mourning were ordered to honor the memory of the patriot and hero. He died surrounded by a large circle of friends, and the heroism that had gained for him renown in life did not forsake him as he stood on the threshold of the hereafter. He lived and died a Chris- tian hero, and made one of the triumvirate of central figures of the early navy : Jones of the Revolution ; Truxton of the West Indies ; and Preble of the opera- tions against Tripoli. XVI. STEPHEN DECATUR. " His countrymen applauded his conduct as loudly when fortune was adverse as when she crowned him with the wreath of victory. It has ever been his country's boast that Decatur was never a prisoner, but when com- mander of a single frigate he surrendered to the detachment of a fleet." — Memoir of Commodore Decatur. The hero of the American navy who on February 1 6, 1804, destroyed the frigate Philadelphia while in the hands of the enemy in the harbor of Tripoh, and received for the achievement a vote of thanks and a sword from Congress, was the son of Stephen Decatur, commander of the sloop of war Dclaiuarc, and after- w^ard of the frigate Philadelphia in the war against France. He was born on the eastern shore of Mary- land, January 5, 1779, his parents having retired there during the occupation of Philadelphia by the British. He was educated in Philadelphia and was warranted a midshipman in the United States navy in March, 1798, through the influence of Commodore Barry, and was joined to the frigate Lhiited States. He was promoted lieutenant while with Commodore Barry, and when the United States was docked for repairs, he joined the brig Norfolk and made one cruise to the Spanish Main as first lieutenant. On his return he resumed his station on the United States Stephen Decatur. 209 where he remained until peace was concluded with France. He then sailed with Commodore Dale's squadron to the Mediterranean as first lieutenant of the Essex. On the return of that squadron he was ordered to the Ahiu York, one of the frigates in the second Mediter- ranean squadron under Commodore Morris. When he returned to the United States on the Xeio York he was ordered to the command of the ArgiLs and with that vessel joined Commodore Preble's squadron then in the Mediterranean. On arriving at the station he was to give over the command of the Argus to Lieutenant Hull and to take command of the schooner Enterprise then under com- mand of Hull. After making this exchange he pro- ceeded to Syracuse where the squadron was to rendezvous, and there he learned of the fate of the frigate Philadelphia. It appeared that while Commodore Preble was carrying on his negotiations with the Emperor of Morocco, Captain Bainbridge, with the Philadelphia and the Vixen, had proceeded to blockade the harbor of Tripoli. On giving chase to a Tripolitan vessel seeking to enter the harbor, the frigate was led, in the excitement, too near the shore, and ran high on a reef of rocks, where she stuck, despite the best efforts of the captain to lighten her by cutting her anchors and throwing overboard her heavy forward guns. He then braced her yards aback and put out all her boats 2IO American Naval Heroes. astern to tow her into deep water. This too, failed, and the enemy took advantage of the helpless condi- tion of the frigate and directed all their fleet to open fire upon the luckless ship. This they the more eagerly did, as it gave them an opportunity to revenge themselves for the severe punishment and humili- ation they had received on board the Tripoli at the hands of Captain Sterritt. The Philadelphia had toppled to one side as the tide receded, and her guns were thus rendered useless as against the enemy, who directed their fire against the masts and rigging. Captain Bainbridge, finding all efforts to float the frigate useless, and wishing to prevent the wanton sacrifice of his men, hauled down the flag. The Tripolitans at once put to their boats and rapidly rowed to the stranded frigate and crowded over her rails and through her portholes. They looted the chests and lockers and held up the officers and crew, taking from them watches, money, and any valuable trinkets or keepsakes they possessed, even stripping them of their uniforms, leaving officers and men alike in their shirts and trousers. The three hundred and seven making up the crew were carried in this condi- tion before the pasha. They were all imprisoned in the building used before the war as the American con- sulate, where the flagstaff supporting the Stars and Stripes had been cut down, which act had led to the declaration of war. The Tripolitans at high tide suc- ceeded in floating the Philadelphia, and recovering Stephen Decatiu^ 211 her anchors and guns, cast overboard, they soon had her fully restored and in fighting trim and anchored in the inner harbor. Commodore Preble, on learning of this condition of affairs, determined to destroy the Philadelphia as she thus lay at anchor. To this end he accepted the voluntary services of Lieutenant Decatur to command the daring expedition. He disguised the Intrepid, which he had captured a few weeks before from the enemy, with a Tripolitan rig, and accompanied by the Siren, Lieutenant Stewart, as a support and to cover his retreat, made the ven- ture with a volunteer crew of seventy men, mostly from his own vessel. The Philadelphia was protected by the guns of the pasha's castle and by the neigh- boring forts, besides being surrounded by all the gal- leys of the enemy's flotilla. Adverse winds delayed the expedition for over a week, and the Siren was left behind six or eight miles. As delay might prove fatal to the enterprise Decatur decided to venture in the harbor alone, which he did about eight o'clock. The Intrepid, in the darkness, had those of her crew forced to be on deck disguised with Maltese caps, while the remainder of the men were crouched in the shadows of the bulwark or below deck. They passed the battery, gained the side of the ship, and hailed the officer of the Philadelphia in his own tongue, asking for permission to run a hawser to the frigate, as they had lost their anchors in the storm, and 2 1 2 America7i Naval Heroes. would ride by her for the night. A breeze sprang up which drove the Intrepid about twenty miles away and directly under the guns of the Philadelphia. Decatur maintained perfect calmness, and in a low voice ordered the boat manned to carry the hawser to the frigate. This was met by a boat from the Philadelphia sent out to help them. The ends of the respective hawsers were spliced and the boat returned, while the crew of the Philadelphia quietly hauled the hawser taut and soon brought the Intrepid alongside the Philadelphia. Then the cry "Americanos!" broke upon the stillness of the night. They were discovered. Decatur rang out the order "Board!" and with Lieutenant Morris leaped upon the deck of the Phila- delphia. The crew followed, each armed with cutlass and pistol. The Tripolitan crew, panic-stricken, rushed to the bow and leaped from the rail into the water. A few, more brave, offered a feeble resistance, but soon succumbed. The victorious boarders prepared the combustibles, methodically applied the match, and the whole ship was soon in a blaze. Decatur was the last to leave the burning frigate, and swung from the rail into the rigging of the Intrepid as she veered off to escape the conflagration. All the guns of the forts at this moment were trained toward the little Intrepid, as the glare from the burning frigate lightened the harbor and discovered her position. The shot fell fore and aft and alongside, throwing up columns of spray. Stephen Decatur. 2 1 3 Only one struck the target, making a hole through her topsail. No lives were lost and only four men were wounded. The wind fortunately filled her sails, and aided by the powerful arms of the rowers who propelled the oars, the Intrepid was soon out of reach of the batteries, and another chapter was added to the daring deeds of America's naval heroes. Lord Nelson, then commanding the English fleet off Toulon, char- acterized the exploit as " the most bold and daring act of the age." For this gallant and romantic achievement Lieu- tenant Decatur was promoted to the rank of post- captain, there being at the time no intermediate grade. This promotion was made with the consent of the officers over whose heads he was raised, and was thus especially gratifying to the recipient. When the attack on Tripoli was planned by Com- modore Preble in the spring of 1805, Captain Decatur was given command of one of the divisions made up from the gun-boats loaned by the King of Naples, and Lieutenant Somers commanded the other division. The account of this naval battle is oriven at leno-th in the sketch of Commodore Preble ; the part person- ally taken by Decatur will properly belong to this sketch. Captain Decatur was in the leading boat of the assaulting line, and when he came within range of the batteries a heavy fire was opened upon him along the entire line, as well as from the enemy's gun-boats. 214 American Naval Heroes. The commodore seeing the danger, endeavored to order Captain Decatur to retreat, but found no such signal in the code in use. He therefore con- tinued to advance till the opposing gun-boats came in contact. The crews were equal in numbers, about forty men being on each boat. Decatur had thirteen Neapolitans and twenty-seven Americans, and as he led his men to the deck of the enemy his countrymen were prompt to support him, but the Neapolitans remained behind. The Turks, however, did not maintain the hand to hand combat with the firmness for which they had gained a reputation. Decatur had the deck of the enemy in ten minutes. Eight of the Turks took refuge in the hold, and the rest were either dead upon the deck or had jumped into the sea. Of the Americans only three were wounded. As Decatur was about to withdraw with his prize he learned of the death of his brother, Lieutenant James Decatur, through the treachery of the captain of a boat who, after striking his flag to the American, shot his captor as he stepped on board his prize. Captain Decatur finding that the cowardly Turk had escaped with his gun-boat, pushed within the enemy's line with his single boat determined to avenge the death of a brother so basely murdered. He reached the side of the vessel at the head of eleven men, all the Americans he had left, and for twenty minutes maintained a doubtful contest. All StepJieii Decatur. 215 the Americans but four were now severely wounded, and Decatur, signalling out the murderer of his brother, made him the particular object of his vengence. The Turk was armed with an espontoon, Decatur with a cutlass, and in attempting to cut off the head of the weapon of his antagonist, his sword struck on the iron and broke close to the hilt. As the Turk closed on him he was slightly wounded in the right arm and breast by the spear which he seized and both combat- ants fell to the deck, Decatur being on top. With this the Turk drew a dagger from his belt and as he raised it to plunge it into the brave captain's breast Decatur caught his arm and drawing a pistol shot him dead. While the respective commanders were thus engaged the crews had rushed to their aid and between the opposing sides a sanguinary conflict took place. As Decatur tried to rise he found himself pinned down by the killed and wounded who had fal- len around him. One heroic American tar who had lost the use of both hands, seeing his captain as- saulted from behind by a treacherous enemy, and about to receive a blow upon his head from an up- lifted sabre that must have been fatal, rushed between him and the weapon and received the blow upon his own head. Fortunately the heroic sailor was not fatally injured and he was afterward pensioned by the government. Decatur succeeded in getting both his prizes to the squadron and received the thanks of Commodore 2 1 6 American Naval Heroes. Preble in general orders. When that officer was superseded in the command of the squadron he gave the Constitution to Captain Decatur who had received his commission to date from February i6, 1804, the day on which he destroyed the Philadelphia. He was transferred from the Constitution to the Congress and when peace was concluded with Tripoli he returned in the latter vessel to the United States. He superseded Commodore Barron in the com- mand of the Chesapeake and was in charge of the southern squadron until the United States was again put in commission when he was assigned to that frigate. His next engagement was in the war of 18 12 when his frig-ate was one of the fleet which under Commodore Rodgers had sailed from New York on a second cruise. He parted company with the fleet October 12, 181 2, and on the 17th captured the British packet Swallow with a quantity of specie on board. On the 25th the United States made a large sail which proved to be a British frigate which opened fire. Then began a series of manoeuvering which tested the skill of the navigators of both ships, and this with occasional broadsides from each ship as she gained the advantage by tacking and wearing, con- sumed an hour, the Englishman suffering heavily while her own fire inflicted little damage to the United States. Another broadside from the American brought down over the lee of the English frigate her Stephen Decatur. 2 1 7 •mizzen mast, which had been shot away about ten feet above the deck. Captain Decatur now directed his guns to destroy the remaining masts and rigging and the forecourse was soon in ribands, the fore and main topmasts went over the side, the main-yard was cut away and hung in the shngs, and the foremast was tottering, leaving her almost unmanageable. With his men manning the larboard guns the United States filled her mizzentopsail, and as she tacked, the enemy, supposing it to be a movement toward running away, gave three cheers and set a union jack in the main rigging, all the other flags having come down with the destruction of the masts and spars. As the United States \u^ed up to close, their exultation ceased and the union jack came down. Captain Decatur then crossed the stern of the stranger and demanded the name of the antagonist, and if she had struck. To this the reply came that the frigate was the Macedon- ian, 38 guns, Captain Carden, and that she had struck and was ready to receive her captor on board. On taking possession of the vessel Captain Decatur found that the Macedonian had received no less than one hundred round shot in her hull and was fearfully cut to pieces. She had three hundred men on board of which number thirty-six had been killed in the engagement and sixty-eight wounded. The ship was two years old and one of the finest frigates in the British navy commanded by Captain John S. Carden, one of the ablest officers. She was in prime order and 2 1 8 American Naval Heroes. but four months out of dock. She mounted 49 guns, 18 on her gun-deck and 32-pound carronades above. The United States suffered comparatively Httle, losine four killed and seven wounded, and her hull and rigging was in condition to continue the cruise without many repairs. Commodore Decatur received Captain Carden on board and when that officer presented his sword the gallant conqueror made a gesture of protest and remarked : " I cannot think, captain, of taking the sword of an officer who has defended his ship so gallantly, but should be happy to take you, sir, by the hand." Commodore Decatur convoyed his prize home in safety although the ocean was swarming with British ships. She was received in the port of Newport, R. I., under command of Lieutenant William H. Allen, where she was partially repaired. She then went to New York and passed to the command of Captain Jacob Jones, and the United States being again ready for sea, in the latter part of May, 18 13, in company with the sloop-of-war Hornet, Lieutenant Biddle, the three vessels proceeded to sea by way of Long Island sound. They were blockaded in the harbor of New London, Conn., by the British squadron under Sir Thomas Hardy of the Ramilies, 74 guns, and several other equally efficient men-of-war. Seeing no immediate possibility of getting to sea, the department ordered Decatur to the President^ Stephen Decatur. 219 then in New York, and until recently the flag-ship of Commodore Rodgers. He got his ship under way on the morning of January 14, 18 15, and anchored within the Hook, having struck her false keel on the bar and otherwise sustained damage. Being still tight, he then stood to the east and being chased by a heavy frigate in a light wind, he was obliged to lighten ship by throwing overboard pro- visions, and to wet down her sails. The stranger was accompanied by a considerable fleet, and all hope of escape had vanished when he conceived the bold plan of closing and boarding the enemy, and by obtaining possession of the better ship to increase his chances of escape. On calling the men to quarters all greeted him with hearty cheers as he disclosed his plans and an eye-witness on board thus records the scene : " It was truly astonishing to see the cool delib- erate courage and cheerfulness that prevailed among the ofificers and crew, in the face of an enemy more than four times their force. From this you may con- ceive what we would have done had we anything like an equal force to contend with. Every arrangement was now made to close with the leading ship which had at this time ranged up nearly within pistol-shot. Our brave commodore placed himself at the head of the boarders. At 5.00 p. m. we wore short around with the intention of laying him on board, but as if he had anticipated our design, he immediately wore 2 20 American Naval Heroes. and hauled to the wind, fearing to close, although the whole squadron was coming up fast. He having the wind it was impossible for us to close for board- ing. We then opened fire and in fifteen minutes his sails were very much cut up. " Both ships now falling off they continued engag- ing before the wind for an hour and a half in which time his spcirs, sails and rigging were literally cut to pieces, and his fire nearly silenced, only firing single guns at long intervals. We now quit him and in hauling up, had to expose ourselves to a raking fire, but he was so much cut up that he could not avail himself of the advantage, and only fired three or four shots ; we then, astonishing to relate, went out of action with every sail set and soon left our antagonist out of sight. We were now going off with everything set, our damage but trifling, canvas all wet again, and began almost to flatter ourselves on the probability of escaping. " Had thick weather set in, of which there was every appearance, no doubt but we should have succeeded. On the contrary it continued fine, and the three other ships were plainly discernible, making their night sig- nals. Two in particular were nearing us fast, as the concussipn of our guns had destroyed the wind, whereas they were bringing up the breeze with them. " About two hours from the time we had left the ship we had engaged, one of the enemy had approached Stephen Decatur. 221 within half gun-shot, the other taking a raking posi- tion. "■ Being now assailed by so superior a force with- out any probability of escape, our brave commodore with great reluctance, being dictated by motives of humanity, ordered a signal of surrender to be made, notwithstanding which, they continued to fire into us for more than fifteen minutes through mistake." On the restoration of order it was found by Com- modore Decatur that he had struck to the British frigate Majestic and that the vessel he had so badly used up was the E7idyi7iio7i, 40 guns, a 24-pounder frigate, while the third was the Pomo7ie, 38 guns, and the fourth the Tenedos, also 38 guns. In the lone and close cannonade the Pj^esidejit lost twenty-four killed and fifty-six wounded and was badly injured in her hull and spars. Among the slain were Lieutenants Fitz-Henry, Babbitt, Hamilton and Howell. First Lieutenant Babbitt was a native of Massachusetts, and had been once captured. He was standing on the coamings of the after-hatch, working the ship, and Commodore Decatur was seated on the hammock-cloths giving directions, when the Endymions first broadside was received. A twenty-four-pound shot struck Lieu- tenant Babbitt in the knee and he fell down the hatch, fracturing his skull by the fall and dying within half an hour. An order was sent for Second Lieutenant John Templar Shubrick of South Carolina to take the 222 American Naval Heroes. trumpet dropped by his unfortunate senior officer. As he was passing aft along the gun-deck he asked Third Lieutenant Hamilton, son of Paul Hamilton, the former Secretary of the Navy, who commanded the after-guns and who was his townsman, how he was getting on. While making a cheerful reply Lieutenant Hamilton was nearly cut in two by a heavy shot. Fourth Lieutenant Howell, a son of Governor Howell of New Jersey, was killed on the quarter-deck by a spent grape-shot which fractured his skull. The President was carried to Bermuda and both she and the Endymioji were dismasted in a gale before reaching port, the latter vessel being obliged to throw overboard her upper-deck guns. Commodore Decatur was paroled and arrived at New London, February 22, 18 15, in the frigate N^ar- cissus. Captain Gordon. On landing, the populace placed him in a carriage and removing the horses, drew him through the principal streets amid the applause of the thousands assembled to greet the hero, and in the evening a ball was given in honor of the hero, of the conclusion of peace, and of the birth- day of Washington, in which the British and American naval officers and the citizens joined. A court of in- quiry was called, and he with all his surviving officers were acquitted of any blame for the loss of the President. On the declaration of war with the Barbary powers, February 23, 18 15, Congress determined to send two Stephen Decatur. 223 squadrons to the Mediterranean, one from Boston under command of Commodore Bainbridge and the other from New York under Commodore Decatur, with Bainbridge as commander-in-chief of the united squadron. Decatur hoisted his broad pennant on the Giier- riere, 44 guns. Captain Lewis, and the remaining ves- sels of his fleet were as follows: the Constellation, 36 guns. Captain Charles Gordon ; the Macedonian, 36 guns, Captain Jacob Jones ; frigates ; the sloop- of-war Ontario, 22 guns. Commander Jesse D.Elliott; the brig Epervier, 18 guns. Lieutenant-commander John Downs; the brig Firefly, 14 guns. Lieutenant- commander George W. Rodgers ; the brig Flambeau, 12 guns. Lieutenant-commander J. B. Nicholson; the brig Spark, 12 guns, Lieutenant-commander T. Gamble ; the schooner Spitfire, 1 1 guns, Lieutenant- commander A. J. Dallas ; and the schooner Torch, 10 guns. Lieutenant-commander W. Chauncey. This squadron sailed from New York, May 20, 1815. On June 15th he touched at Tangiers where he learned from the American consul that the Algerine admiral had sailed for Carthagena, and he followed for that port. On June 17th when off Cape de Gatte a large vessel was discovered, and it proved to be an Algerine frigate. The Guej^riere ran close alongside so as to decide the combat at close action, a method of warfare which had been generally adopted by Decatur. In doing it the Algerine poured an effective discharge 224 American Naval Heroes. of musketry upon the deck of the Gtierriere and four Americans were wounded. Decatur retained his fire and steadily hekl his course until his whole broad- side could bear. Then ensued one of those terrific discharges for which the American ships had become famous and which had commenced and decided so many bloody encounters at sea. It produced deadly havoc on board the Algerine, and was but feebly answered. Another equally effective broadside followed which drove the men from their guns, and they sought safety below. A few brave fellows in the rigging kept up the fire from their muskets, and the sailing-master made an effort to wear his ship out of danger. To prevent this the Epervier came up and Commander Downes poured in a broadside which put a stop to the effort to escape, and Commodore Decatur took possession of the prize. It proved to be the frigate Mashouda, 46 guns, with four hundred and fifty men, commanded by Admiral Rais Hammida, the ranking officer in the navy of the Bey of Algiers. The admiral was killed early in the action and his death evidently greatly discouraged the crew. The contest was determined in twenty-five minutes, and thirty were killed on the enemy's ship and thrown overboard while four hundred and six of the crew were made prisoners. The explo- sion of a gun on the main deck of the Giierriere dur- ing the broadside firing, killed five men and badly Stephen Decatur. 225 wounded and burned about thirty, and this loss was greater than the total casualties caused by the fire of the enemy. The Macedonian convoyed the prize into Carthagenia. The fleet soon after captured the Bstedio, 22 guns and one hundred and eight men, after a resist- ance that cost the lives of twenty-three Turks killed and eighty prisoners, and she too was carried into Carthagenia. Before leaving the United States, Com- modores Bainbridge and Decatur, and William Shaler, consul-general from United States to the Barbary powers, had been appointed commissioners to negoti- ate a treaty of peace with the Bey of Algiers. The Algerine fleet, learning of the presence of so large an American force in the Mediterranean, had taken refuge in Malta, and Commodore Decatur decided that it would be a promising time to appear before Algiers and try to effect a negotiation for peace. As Mr. Shaler was on board the Guejn^iere a ma- jority of the commissioners were competent to act, and without waiting for Commodore Bainbridge the squad- ron anchored in the bay of Algiers, June 28th, much to the surprise of the Bey, who had not learned of the death of Admiral Hammida or of the loss of the MasJioitda. He sent the captain of the port and the Swedish consul on board, and to them Decatur de- livered the letter from the President of the United States reciting the grievances of the government and the hope of an amicable settlement of the difficulties between the two countries. The captain of the port 2 26 A7nericaii N^aval Heroes. was also informed of the casualties to the Algerine navy and the prisoners on board readily confirmed the report. The Bey invited the commissioners to visit him in his palace and there to make a final settle- ment. Decatur, apprehending" that the purpose of the Bey was to delay the matter and gain time, decided to avoid such a condition and to that end advised the captain of the port and the Swedish consul who were authorized to act for the Bey, that the negotiations must be conducted on board the Guei^riere. At the same time he submitted the draft of a treaty to which they demanded Immediate assent as the stipulations would not be essentially altered. The captain of the port asked for a cessation of hostilities while negotiations were going on. Decatur promptly replied, " Not a minute ; if your squadron appears in sight before the treaty is effectually signed by the Bey, and sent off with the American prisoners, ours ivill cap- ture itr While the agents of the Bey were on shore with the treaty to obtain the signature of the Bey, an Alger- ine corsair hove in sight, and true to his word that hostilities should not cease he ordered the squadron to give chase to the Corsair. This movement put wings to the messengers and they soon re-appeared with a white flag, the signal agreed upon when the treaty should be signed. Decatur then called off the chase. Stephen Decahir. 227 The treaty thus secured provided that no further tribute be paid by the United States, that no Ameri- cans should be enslaved, that all American vessels should be treated hospitably and their wants relieved in any Algerine port, and that neutrality of Algerine ports should be maintained in case of war, terms never obtained from any of the Barbary powers by any of the great nations of Europe. The captives held by the Bey were released and sent on board the flag-ship, and the prizes sent into Carthagenia were restored to the Bey as a peace offerinor. o The Bey's prime minister revealed a little of the secret history of his despotic court in his remark to the British consul while their negotiations were going on " You told us," said he, " that the Americans would be swept from the seas in six months by your navy, and now they make war upon us, with some of your own vessels which they have taken from you." The treaty was dispatched to the United States by the brig Epcrvier, Lieutenant John Temple Shurbrick, the first lieutenant of the Guerriere. Captain Lewis, commander of the Guerriere, desiring to return home, obtained leave of absence and sailed on the Epervier, and the other officers on board were Lieutenants Neale, Yarnall and Drury and the officers and men who had just been rescued from Algerine servitude. The Epervier was last seen as she passed Gibraltar about July 12, 18 15, and a brig resembling her was 2 28 Ainerica7i Naval Heroes. afterward seen by a British West India fleet, during a heavy gale, but no distinct information could be gained respecting her. Decatur proceeded to visit the other Barbary states and to right the wrongs of American seamen and citizens. On the 26th of July he appeared in the bay of Tunis and M. M. Noah, the American consul, laid before him a report of the outrages practiced against Americans. His action was prompt. He demanded full indemnity within twelve hours under penalty of a declaration of war and an immediate attack. Consul Noah thus relates the interview with the Bey when admitted to an audience and after he had presented the ultimatum of Commodore Decatur. \ "Tell your admiral to come and see me," said the Bey. " He declines coming, your Highness, until these disputes are settled, which are best done on shipboard." "But this is not treating me with becoming dig- nity. Humuda Pasha, of blessed memory, com- manded them to land, and wait at the palace until he was pleased to receive them." " Very likely, your Highness, but that was twenty years ago." After a pause the Bey exclaimed : " I know this admiral ; he is the same one who, in the war with Sida Yusef of Trablis, burnt the frio-ate." " The same." Stephen Decatur. 2 29 " Hum ! why do they send wild young men to treat for peace with old powers ? Then you Americans do not speak the truth. You went to war with England, a na- tion with a great fleet, and said you took their frigates in equal fight. Honest people always speak truth." " Well, sir, that was true. Do you see that tall ship in the bay, with a blue flag, the Gucrriere taken from the British. That one near the small island, the Macedonian was also captured by Decatur on equal terms. The sloop near Cape Carthage, the Peacock, was also taken in battle." The Bey laid down his telescope, reposed on his cushions, and with a small tortoise-shell comb set with diamonds, combed his beard. A small vessel got under way and came near the batteries ; a pinnace with a few men moved toward the harbor, and one person dressed in the garb of a sailor, was taking soundings. It was Decatur. The result of this interview was that Decatur landed, paid his respects to the Bey, and received in the presence of the owners of the vessels and cargoes taken by the English brig-of-war Lyra, while in the harbor, during the war with the United States, the sum of forty-six thousand dollars. This matter ended, Decatur, on the 5th of August, appeared before the stern old batteries of Tripoli with his whole fleet. Here he had another wrong to right. The Abellino had also taken two prizes in this port, under the impression that neutrality was enforced. 230 Aniericaji Naval Heroes. These the British brig Paulina cut out under the eyes of the bashaw. Decatur made his usual demand, which was at first boldly refused. In fact the bashaw ordered out his cavalry which he paraded on the shore, and manned his batteries, making all show of intended resistance to their demand. Decatur disposed his fleet for a regular attack, and seeine this, and with vivid recollections of the watch- word of the American sailors under the same com- mander, when with " Remember the Philadelphia " they defeated the Tripolitan fieet and conquered a peace now about to be broken by his own act, the bashaw accepted the terms offered, paid over to Decatur twenty-five thousand dollars and gave assur- ances of better conduct. Commodore Bainbridge arrived in the Mediter- ranean early in August, 18 15, and Decatur's squadron, with the exception of the flagship, joined his fleet while Decatur in the Guci'riere landed some rescued cap- tives at a port in Sicily, made a leisurely cruise, and in October rejoined Bainbridge at Gibraltar, where was assembled the largest fleet ever gathered under the American flag, including the man-of-war Independence, the frigates United States, Congress, Constellation, Macedo7iian and Guerriere, two sloops of war, seven brigs and three schooners. Decatur was ordered home with the Guerriere, and arrived in New York, November 12, 18 15. Stephen Decatur. 2 3 1 In 18 19 James Barron, before the war of 181 2 a conspicuous officer in the American navy, and during that war absent from the United States, apphed to the navy department for reinstatement. This was opposed by Commodore Decatur, who gave it as his opinion that Barron had rendered himself unworthy of a station in the navy, and of the privilege of honor- able service. A long correspondence ensued resulting in a challenge from Barron to Decatur, Commodore Elliott acted as Barron's second, and Commodore Bainbridge performed the same office for Decatur. The parties met on a field near Bladensburg, a short distance from Washington, D. C, March 22, 1820. When ready to fire Barron said to Decatur: " I hope on meeting in another world we shall be better friends." Decatur replied, " I have never been your enemy, sir." Commodore Bainbridge gave the word to fire. Both pistols went off at the same instant, and the two antagonists fell. Barron was severely wounded in the hip and Decatur received a mortal wound in the abdomen. As the two heroes of so many sanguinary sea- fights with the enemies of their country, lay on the ground and each thought himself on the field of death, Decatur exclaimed : " I am mortally wounded, at least I believe so, and wish I had fallen in defence of my country," 2^2 Americmt Naval Hej'oes. Barron also believing himself about to die said, " I forgive my enemy from the bottom of my heart." Decatur was removed to his home in Washington and lingered in great agony till half-past ten in the evening when he expired. Of the forty-two years of his life he had spent twenty-two in the naval service of his country, from the date of his midshipman warrant, April 30, 1798, the date of his death, March 22, 1820. XVII. WILLIAM BAINBRIDGE. " li I had thought at that moment that I could save the ships by telling you that they carried 24-pounders I should have done so." — Bainbridge to Captain St. Laurent. William Bainbridge, who won a full share of the honors gained by the American navy, was born in Princeton, N. J., May 7, 1774. His father, Dr. Absalom Bainbridge, was a physician of wealth and distinction in Princeton and his great-great-grand- father was Sir Arthur Bainbridge of England, whose son immigrated to America and settled in New Jersey. While but a mere child his parents removed to New York city, and he was placed under the care of his maternal grandfather, John Taylor, of Monmouth county, where he was trained for mercantile pursuits. He found work in a counting house in New York city when sixteen years old but soon removed with his grandfather to Philadelphia, where he was appren- ticed to a shipping firm. Miller and Murray, to serve for a certain term without indenture and free of expense. In their employ he made several voyages and was soon made mate of the ship Hope, which vessel while on a voyage to Holland, encountered a violent William Bainbridge. 235 gale, during which the crew mutinied, and seizing the captain nearly succeeded in throwing him overboard, when young Bainbridge hearing the alarm ran on deck armed with an old pistol without a lock, and with the assistance of an apprentice boy and an Irish sailor who was an old shipmate, rescued the captain, seized the ring-leaders, and quelled the mutiny. When nine- teen years old he commanded a ship in the Dutch trade. In 1796 when in command of the ship Hope on his way from Bordeaux to St. Thomas, he had an engage- ment with a British schooner of 8 guns and thirty-five men, commanded by a sailing master of the British navy. The Hope had an armament of 4 small car- riage guns and a crew of nine men. After a short action the schooner was compelled to strike her colors. War not existing between the two countries, and as he was only defending his own ship, Captain Bain- bridge could not take possession of his prize, but hail- ing the captain he said, " Go about your business now, and report to your masters that if they want my ship, they must send a greater force and a more skilful commander to take her." The schooner lost several men in killed and wounded, while the Hope met with no loss. Soon afterward one of his seamen was impressed by Lieutenant Norton of the British razee Iiidefatigable, who boarded the Hope to search for deserters. After 236 American Naval Heroes. an ineffectual attempt to carry off the first mate, he seized this man and despite the remonstrance of Cap- tain Bainbridge carried him off. In his indignation Captain Bainbridge assured the Heutenant that he would supply the place of the sailor from some British ship at the first opportunity, and the lieutenant taunted him with the reply "You dare not." The very next merchantman the Hope encoun- tered was brought to, and Captain Bainbridge boarded and took out of her crew the best seaman she had on board, directing the English captain to report " William Bainbridge had taken one of His Majesty's subjects in retaliation for a seaman taken from the American ship Hope by Lieutenant Norton of the Indefatigabley In 1798 he was commissioned lieutenant-com- mandant of the United States Navy and was given command of the schooner Retail atioii.^iorvix^xXy the French ship Croyablc, 14 guns, captured off the Del- aware by the Constellation, Captain Truxton, and the Delaware, Captain Stephen Decatur, Sr. Early in the morning of November 20, 1798, while cruising in company with the Moritezuina and the Norfolk, Lieu- tenant Bainbridge was attacked by two French frigates, the Volontaire and the Insurgente. The Retaliation was captured by the Insugente, and Lieu- tenant Bainbridge was carried to Guadaloupe on the Volontaire. The captain of the French ship refused William Bainbridge. 237 to receive his sword, and with the other American officers he was allowed to go to the topgallant fore- castle to watch the pursuit of the Moiiteszcma and the Norfolk by the Insiu'-gente, 36 guns. Just as the chase had resulted in the overhauling of the two Americans, and as the hisurgente was in position to open fire Captain St. Laurent of the Vol- ontaire turned to Lieutenant Bainbridge and said, " Pray, sir, ivhat is the force of those vessels?" Bainbridge replied, without a moment's hesitation, and in a way that carried conviction of truthfulness, "The ship carries twenty-eight 12-pounders and the brig twenty 9-pounders." This was in reality more than double their arma- ment, and in great fright the French captain, who was the commander of the fleet, fearing the loss of his ship in so unequal a combat, signalled the Insurgente to withdraw. The captain of the Insurgente was surprised at the order, and when he reached the Volontaire he asked for an explanation, asserting that in ten minutes more both ships would have been his. Captain St. Laurent gave answer, " Citizen Captain, do you not know, sir, what ves- sels you were chasing? Your ship is not able to contend with a force of twenty-eight 12-pounders and twenty 9-pounders." The Insurgente s captain could not contain his indignation as he replied, 238 American Naval Heroes. "Sir, they have nothing heavier than sixes, and do you suppose that the hisurgejite had anything to fear from such toy guns ? " At this Captain St. Laurent turned indignantly to Bainbridge, who could scarcely maintain his compo- sure, and said, " Did you not say, sir, that the ship carried twenty- eight i2-pounders and the brig twenty 9-pounders ? " Bainbridge replied promptly and earnestly, " Yes, sir, and if I had thought at that moment that I could have saved the ship by telling you that they carried 24-pounders, I should have done so." On reaching Guadaloupe he was imprisoned, and remained on the island for three months, during which time General Desforneaux, who had arrived in the Volontaire to succeed Victor Hughes as gov- ernor, urged Lieutenant Bainbridge to resume com- mand of the Retaliation and to return in her to the United States. Bainbridge saw in this a scheme to cover up the greater wrongs perpetrated on captured Americans by the French government, and that while releasing a small ship and invaluable cargo, the gov- ernment were retaining rich prizes, and that instead of treating captured crews as prisoners of war they were treating them as criminals. Finally the. governor gave him a declaration that he had been obliged by force to resume the command of his vessel, and with a crew reduced to forty men. With this justification for his government Lieutenant William Baiiibridge. 239 Bainbridge sailed for the United States in company with two flags of truce. On board the Retaliation were a number of American prisoners whose release he had effected through the anxiety of the governor to conciliate the American people now thoroughly incensed at the conduct of the French government. Bainbridge's report to Congress caused the pas- sage of the " Retaliation Act." He reached home in February, 1799, when his exchange was effected, and he was commissioned master-commandant, and sailed on the brig Norfolk, 18 guns, on a second cruise to the West Indies, where he reported to Commodore C. R. Perry. While in that service he captured the French ship Republican, and destroyed several other vessels. When he returned to the United States he received a captain's commission and sailed for Algiers in May, 1800, in command of the United States frigate Georo^e Washington to carry tribute to the Dey and was forced by that potentate to carry to the Ottoman Porte an ambassador, who was the custodian of presents from the Dey to the Sultan. The frigate anchored at the lower end of Constantinople, November II, 1800, and the next morning the American flag was hoisted at the mizzen, the Algerian at the main. Soon afterwards three officers in succession were sent on board by the grand seignior, to inquire what ship that was and what colors she had hoisted. They were told it was an American frigate and an American flag, and they then asked where America 240 American Naval Hei-oes. was, as they did not know of any such country. Captain Bainbridge then explained that America was the New World, and by this name they had some idea of the country. The ship was allowed to come into the harbor, when Captain Bainbridge saluted the grand seignior's palace with twenty-one guns and proceeded to unload the Algerine cargo. The frigate was oblio-ed to await the arrival of the high admiral from Egypt before the Algerine ambas- sador could have his audience, and Captain Bainbridge employed the interval in giving the Turkish govern- ment a favorable impression of America, as his ship and crew were the first representatives that had ever entered that port. With his long boat he made an excursion to the Black Sea, taking as guests the foreign ministers and such civilized Europeans as he had met in Constantinople. In this way, he was the first to carry the American flag on this great inland water. On returning he gave a dinner, and upon the four corners of the table he placed decanters contain- ing fresh water from the four quarters of the globe- He had natives of Europe, Asia, Africa and America as his guests, and had flesh, fruit, bread and other viands from the several countries represented, pre- sening to each guest as a souvenir on leaving the table, a sample of each article. While the Algerine ambassador was spurned by the Capudon pasha, or high admiral, and refused an audience, Captain Bainbridge was received with William Bainb ridge. 241 distinguished honor and politeness. He took the frig- ate under his immediate protection, requested Captain Bainbridge to haul down the Algerian flag and carry the American, and expressed a high opinion of America's navy. This mission paved the way for the first treaty between the United States and Turkey. He returned to Algiers, arriving January 21, 1801, and anchored at a safe distance from the city, where he finally exacted a reluctant promise from the ruler that he would not compel him to return. He was summoned into the Dey's presence where, as a biog- rapher says, " he was received with a scowling and vindictive expression of countenance, which soon burst forth in a rage so ungovernable, as to threaten personal violence. It occurred to him that unless the 'firman' which the Capudan pasha at Constantinople had given him, would save him, his moments were numbered. The paper was accordingly presented, which acted like a talisman by transforming in an instant the countenance of a ferocious blood-thirsty tyrant, into that of a mild, humble, and even crouching dependent." The Dey was compelled by the sultan to declare war against France, the French consul and all the French subjects then in Algiers were ordered to leave the country in forty-eight hours, and they were taken on board the George Washing- ton by Captain Bainbridge. The Dey liberated some four hundred Venetians, Maltese and Sicilians by an order brought by Bainbridge from the Sultan. 242 American A^aval Heroes. His report of this enforced errand is as follows : "The Dey of Algiers soon after my arrival made a demand that the United States ship should carry an ambassador to Constantinople together with upwards of two hundred Turkish passengers. Every effort was made by me to evade this demand, but it availed nothing. The light in which the chief of this regency looks upon the people of the United States may be inferred from his remark : " ' You payme tribute by which you become my slaves ; I have therefore a right to order you as I may think proper.' " I have no alternative left but compliance or a re- newal of hostilities against our commerce. I hope I will never again be sent to Algiers with tribute unless I am authorized to deliver it at the mouth of our cannon." He sailed from Algiers the last of January, 1801, and after landing the French passangers at Alicant, he arrived in Philadelphia in April, and received from the state department and from the President much praise for the unpleasant and delicate service he had so diplomatically managed. He was retained as one of the nine captains in the re-organization caused by the reduction, after the hostilities with France had ceased, and in June he resumed command of the frigate Essex and was attached to the squadron commanded by Commodore Richard Dale, sent out by the United States to cruise against the Barbary States and pre- vent any further outrages. William Bainbridge. 243 He sailed to Gibraltar, appearing off Algiers, Tunis and Tripoli, and early in 1802 cruised in different parts of the Mediterranean. In July, 1802, he returned to New York and afterward superintended the building of the brig Syren and the schooner Vixen. In May, 1803, he was given command of the frigate Philadelphia, 44 guns, presented to the gov- ernment by the citizens of Philadelphia, and cruised in the Mediterranean under Commodore Preble in search of Tripolitan corsairs. In August of the same year he captured the Moorish cruiser Meshboha, of 22 guns and one hundred and twenty men. The Philadelphia was driven from her station before the harbor of Tripoli by a strong westerly gale, and on returning, October 31, 1804, Captain Bain- bridge discovered, when not many leagues to the east of the town, a strange ship, and immediately gave chase. The stranger kept close to the shore and headed for Tripoli harbor. The Philadelphia followed but dared not venture closer than the seven-fathom line as marked on the chart. She kept up a continual fire and when Bain- bridge found that it was impossible to cut the chase off from the harbor he gave up the pursuit and headed the "ship directly off shore at a speed of six or seven knots. When about four and a half miles from the town she ran upon some rocks, the continuation of a reef extending to the eastward, but not laid down on the charts on board. 244 American Naval Heroes. In order to lighten the ship some of the guns were thrown overboard, the anchors were cast away from the bows, the water started, and the foremast cut away, but to no purpose as the ship was immovable and the tide falling. While in this position the Tripolitan gun-boats appeared and opened fire on the helpless frigate which was answered by the stern-chasers of the Phila- delphia, and this compelled the gun-boats to change their position. While the ship remained on an even keel the gunners of the Philadelphia could beat off their assailants, but soon she listed to one side so far that the guns were useless. After sustaining the fire of the constantly increas- ing Tripolitan fleet for six hours, a council of war of all the officers decided unanimously to destroy what they could of ammunition, arms, and articles of value, and after scuttling the ship and choking the pumps to haul down the flag and give up the ship. The programme agreed upon was carried out ; the mag- azine was flooded and at five o'clock the flag was struck and one of the boats sent under a flag of truce to inform the enemy that the ship could make no further resistance. Before they reached the shore the boat-crew under Lieutenant Porter were robbed of their valuables by small boarding parties who paid no attention to the white flag they carried. On reaching the pasha's castle followed by a jost- lino- crowd they were received by his majesty seated in Willia77t Bauibridge. 245 state with his ministers and chief officers about him and surrounded by a numerous guard. The three officers were invited to seats while the boat's crew stood back some distance. The pasha plied questions rapidly. " How many men are there on the Philadelphia f " " How many guns has she and how many of them are brass ?" " How much powder is on board ? " " How much money on the ship ? " " Where is Commodore Morris ? " " Where is the schooner Entei^prise ? " Three glasses of sherbet were brought, one for each officer, which they drank. When the Tripolitans took possession of the ship the scene of plunder experienced by the boat crew was repeated. They took from Captain Bainbridge his watch and epaulets and the cravat from his neck, and it was with much difficulty he retained posses- sion of a miniature of his wife. When he was brought into the castle the same questions were repeated by the pasha. The officers were placed under charge of the minister of foreign affairs, who conducted them to the house of the late American consul. They were entertained by the Danish consul, who arose from his bed, it beinp- one o'clock in the morning. He provided them with bed- ding, and they rested in comparative comfort. The next day the foreign minister requested the officers 246 Afnerican Naval Heroes. to give their parole in order that he might in turn pledge his word for their safety. After two weeks had elapsed the pasha's min- ister informed Captain Bainbridge that letters had been received from the Tripolitans who had been captured by Captain Rodgers of the John Adams, complaining of ill treatment at the hands of the Americans, and Captain Bainbridge was requested to sign an order upon Commodore Preble to give up these Tripolitan prisoners. If he should refuse the minister had orders to retaliate upon the imprisoned officers off the Philadelphia. Captain Bainbridge peremtorily refused to sign the order, and thereupon they were conducted by a slave-driver to a prison, where the crew were already confined at work. The next day finding the threat to no purpose the minister apologized to Captain Bainbridge, and they were returned to the consular residence. On the 1 6th of February, 1804, when the Phila- delphia was burned by Lieutenant Decatur and a considerable number of the pasha's subjects lost their lives, the American officers were removed to small apartments in the castle with no window light, the air being admitted through a grating of iron covering a small opening at the top. The doors were bolted and a guard was placed in the hall as well as on the top of the building. They were released only on the sign- ing of the Treaty of Peace in June, 1805, having been William Bainbridge. 247 confined in the prison for nineteen months. They reached the United States in the autumn of 1805, and Captain Bainbridge and his officers were received as returning conquerors, rather than as vanquished pris- oners. At the request of Captain Bainbridge a court of inquiry was instituted to consider the loss of the Philadelphia, and the court passed judgment as follows : "It is decidedly the opinion of the court that Cap- tain Bainbridge acted with fortitude and good conduct in the loss of the United States frigate Philadelphia, and that no degree of censure should attach itself to him for that event." He was ordered to the command of the New York naval station in 1806, and soon afterward obtained a furlough to undertake a voyage in the merchant ser- vice, in order to make provision for his family beyond the small pay allowed in the navy. After a successful voyage he returned to his sta- tion in 1807, and in 1808 was appointed to the Port- land station made vacant by the death of Commodore Preble. In December, 1808, he was called to Wash- ington to superintend the repairs of the frigate Presi- dent, to the command of which vessel he was appointed. He completed the repairs and sailed in July, 1809, cruising on the coast till the spring of 18 10, when he was again given leave to engage in the merchant ser- vice. He returned to duty in February, 18 12, and 248 Americari Naval Heroes. was made commandant of the Charlestown navy yard and of the United States force on the eastern station. When war was declared against Great Britain in 1812, he was given the option of remaining at the navy yard or of commanding a ship in the proposed cruise against the enemy on the ocean. He chose to command the frigate Cojistellation, but when Captain Hornet Blockading the Bonne Citoyenne. From an old wood cut engraved in 1831. Hull reached Boston with the Constitution after his victory over the British frigate Guerrire, and applied for a furlough in order to arrange his private affairs, Commodore Bainbridge was assigned to the Consti- tution. In a few weeks he sailed in company with the sloop-of-war Hornet, Captain Lawrence, on a cruise to the East Indies. While running down the coast of William Bainbridge. 249 Brazil and after having parted with the Hornet, which was left to blockade the Boiuie Citoyemie, he discovered on the morning" of Thursday, December 29, 181 2, two sail, one standing off shore toward him. He made sail to meet the stranger and as she did not answer his private signals he put out to sea, hoping to draw her off the neutral coast, which purpose his movement accomplished. About noon he hoisted his ensign and pendant and was answered by the English colors. Determining her to be a frigate he took in the royals, tacked, and stood for the enemy. The stranger at once bore down with a design to rake the Constitution, which that frigate avoided by wearing. This brought the enemy within half a mile to the windward with no flag flying, and the Co?isti- tution fired a gun across her bow to restore the flag to its place. He accompanied the salute with a broad- side which brought to sight the English colors and an answering broadside. The two frigates were within grape and cannister distance and the action became general. In a few minutes the wheel of the Constitution was shot away, and in half an hour as the enemy showed no disposition to close, Commodore Bainbridge determined, in spite of his disabled wheel, to risk being raked, and bring the issue to a speedy conclu- sion by fighting at close range. He therefore luffed up so close to the enemy that in passing, her jib-boom got foul of the Constitution's mizzen rigging. In 250 American Naval Heroes. this position the American frigate poured into the Englishman a well-directed fire, and in ten minutes the jib-boom of the enemy was shot away and with it part of the bowsprit. In five minutes more her foremast w^ent by the board, followed by her maiii topmast, and that by the gaft and spanker boom, when to add to the Constitution and Java. From an old wood-cut ejigraved in 1B3I. disaster the mizzenmast went down, lodging across the deck. The action had now lasted nearly two hours, the enemy's fire had ceased and her flag was down. Commodore Bainbridge supposing she had struck, shot ahead to repair his rigging. As he hove to for that purpose he saw her colors were still flying, although her mainmast had gone by the board. Williavi Bainbridge. 251 He therefore bore down upon her, and when athwart her bows was about to rake her with a broad- side when her colors came down. The ship was an unmanageable wreck without a single mast or spar. On boarding her he found her to be the British frigate Java, 49 guns and four hundred men, Captain Lambert. The captain was mortally wounded, sixty of the men were dead and one hundred wounded besides the commodore. It being found impossible to carry the Java into port, the wounded and prisoners with the baggage were transferred to the Constitution, which task occupied the single boat that was left sea- worthy after the fight, two entire days. Whe^n this was accomplished, what remained of the proud British frigate Java, which a few hours before had been the picture of a perfect ship, was blown up and soon dis- appeared beneath the waves. The Constitution had lost nine killed and twenty- five wounded. Commodore Bainbridge had been twice struck by the enemy's shot, and his wounds were dressed after the action was over. Lieutenant Alwyn, the junior lieutenant, was also wounded, and died of his injuries some time after the action. Commodore Bainbridge landed his prisoners, num- bering three hundred and fifty-one at San Salavdor, and paroled the active participants in the fight, pro- viding amply for the care of the wounded. Upon his return to the United States, February 27, 1 8 13, he was received with every demonstration 25: American Naval Heroes. of joy and esteem, and Congress voted fifty thousand dollars and its thanks " to the commodore, his officers and crew," and caused a gold medal to be cast for Commodore Bainbridge, and a silver one for each of the officers. Bainbridge afterward commanded the Charlestown Navy Yard, laid the keel of the line-of- battle-ship Independence, and commanded the squad- ron that sailed to settle the disturbances in Algiers in 1815. In 18 19 he commanded the new line-of-battle- ship Cohimbiis, in her cruise in the Mediterranean, and in 182 1 fitted out the ship-of-the-line North Carolina. He acted as second to Decatur in his duel with Barron, in which meeting Decatur lost his life. He died in Philadelphia, July 25, 1833. Burning of the Philadelphia. XVIII. RICHARD SOMERS. " The name of Somers has passed into a battle-cry in the American Marine, while those of Wadsworth and Israel are associated with all that can ennoble intrepidit)', coolness and daring." — Cooper. Lieutenant Somers, 1804. Lieutenant Gushing, 1863. Lieutenant Hobson, 1898. A triumvirate of American naval heroes who from choice courted death when they saw in the sacrifice hope for advantage to the causes they had espoused. Richard Somers was a native of Cape May county, N. J. His father, Colonel Somers, had served his country in the American army during the Revolution. The future hero was a sailor from his early youth, and he commanded a vessel previous to the formation of the United States Navy in 1798. to which he was attached as midshipman during that year, Decatur and Caldwell being among his messmates. His first cruise was on the frigate United States under Commodore Barry. Richard Somers was promoted lieutenant, June 2, 1799, and Stephen Decatur was raised to the same rank, June 3, 1799. In the assignment of offi- cers to the United States, Charles Stewart was first lieutenant, Richard Somers was third lieutenant, and Stephen Decatur was fourth lieutenant. 'Old Ironsides. Richard Somers. 255 After the French War Somers served on the frigate Boston, 28 guns, Captain McNiel, and made the cruise in which his captain gained so much blame and was dismissed from the navy. He was appointed to the command of the Nautihis when she was launched, and continued in that station up to the time of his untimely death. He was attached to Commodore Preble's squadron in the Mediterranean, and the six lieutenants then acting as lieutenants-commandant, were in seniority of rank : Stewart, Hull, Smith, Somers, Decatur and Dent. When Decatur was pro- moted captain for destroying the Philadelphia, he became superior officer to four above him in the line of promotion, including Somers and the oldest in service, Lieutenant- commandant vStewart. Commodore Preble, in arranging his gun-boats for the attack on the Tripolitan fleet within the harbor made Lieutenant-commandant Somers with the Nau- tilus one of the division commanders, and Captain Stephen Decatur the other. Somers, finding that he could not get inside the reef by the route taken by Decatur, went down wind by the opposite end of the reef, and for a time faced five of the Tripolitan gun- boats. The other boats of his division coming up later, the enemy were driven of, and the entire fleet of gun- boats led by the Constitution sailed close under the enemy's batteries and silenced them again and again. Then Commodore Preble determined to try the effect of a fire-ship among the Tripolitan fleet in the 256 American Naval Hei'oes. harbor, as he was " desirous of annoying the enemy by all means." For this purpose the ketch Intrepid, which had done such an important service in the destruction of the Philadelphia, was selected as the fire-ship. One hundred barrels of powder, one hun- dred and fifty fixed shells and a quantity of old iron and condemned shells were piled amidships and a train of powder led from this magazine to a position well aft where a mass of combustibles was placed, which was intended to make so furious a blaze as to baffle the efforts of the boarders to extinguish. The train of powder from this room would burn for fifteen minutes before reaching the magazine. The volunteer crew were expected to escape in two swift row-boats placed on the ketch. The Intrepid was to be piloted through the enemy's gun-boat fieet, in the midst of the shipping, and then fired and deserted, the crew taking to the boats and depending upon the confusion of the moment to escape. When Commodore Preble called for volunteers for this hazardous service the crews of the whole squad- ron clamoured for the privilege of manning the Intrepid. Master-commandant Somers was selected to command. Midshipman Henry Wadsworth was made his first officer, and ten seamen made up the crew. Midshipman Joseph Israel had importuned the commodore to allow him to o-o with his commander, but had been denied, and he stowed himself away on the Intrepid and when discovered was not ordered back. Richard Somers. 257 The heroic crew well understood the danger they were encountering, and Somers and his men vowed that they would not be taken alive. Before starting Lieutenant Somers took a gold ring from his finger and breaking it in three pieces gave one piece to Decatur, one to Stewart and kept the third piece him- self. The pieces were to be kept by his two friends as mementos, should he never return. The seamen before they left the Cojistitution made disposition of their personal effects. The exploit was undertaken on the night of Sep- tember 4, 1804. A heavy fog hung low over the harbor, and a fair wind gave speed to the Intrepid as she left the Constihition at eight o'clock and disappeared from the sight of the anxious watchers on the deck. It was arranged for the gun-boats Argus, Vixen and Nautilus to stand over toward the channel to guard the progress of the Intrepid, and if necessary to engage three Tripolitan gun-boats that had anchored in the passage during the afternoon. The Nautilus followed her daring commander and held the Intrepid in view until so near the channel that there was danger of alarming the entire fleet of the enemy, when she hauled to the wind and awaited the result of the soon to be determined venture. The crew were so eager to get the last sight of the boat or to hear the first sound of the explosion that they climbed the rail and with their ears to the 258 American Naval Heroes. water listened, while Midshipman Ridgeley with a powerful glass watched the ketch as she glided between the gunboats into the channel. Just then a signal gun flashed out from the shore and the sound followed in the wake of the flash. Then every cannon in the batteries on that side of the harbor belched forth, and commotion and confusion took the place of the silence of a moment before. A light seemed to run across the deck of the ketch and the next instant came the terrific explosion. The eruption of flame lighted up the sky and disclosed the location of the ketch to the entire fleet, now fairly alive with awakened, terror-stricken crews. The shock made the ships beyond the bar quiver, and the deafening roar followed in its wake. The American ships sent out their boats and fired guns and rockets hoping to rescue some surviver. One of the Tripolitan gun-boats was missing, and three were hauled on shore for repairs. The work planned by the commodore had not been accom- plished, but the men who went to their death in their line of duty, accomplished theirs. Whether Somers being discovered and finding it impossible to place the ketch in the location desired, so as to set fire to the shipping anchored in the bar- ber, himself heroically applied the match, or whether a shot from the battery on shore struck and exploded the magazine, will ever remain among the unsolved mysteries. XVIli THE NAVY IN THE WAR OF 1812. England had gained for her navy imperishable renown and had made herself mistress of the seas. With the aid of the naval forces of the United States she had humbled the flag of France; Lord Howe under the cross of St. George had won splendid victories oi^ Ushant; Sir John Jervis had upheld the royal ensign at Cape St. Vincent ; and the great Nelson on the Nile and at Trafalgar had checked the proud ambition of Napoleon and destroyed the combined navies of France and Spain. These wonderful sea- fights were not hand-to-hand duels between rival ships, but a mustering of immense armadas of from 30 to 60 line-of-battle ships, each carrying an armament of from 50 to 120 guns, and on the larger vessels a crew com- prising over 1000 men. These operations called for the service of skilled seamen, and as the early suc- cesses of the navy of the new American republic had won for her sailors a reputation as navigators and fighting men second to none in the world, England naturally turned to the United States for recruits. But sailors who had won glory fighting under the 26o American Naval Heroes. Stars and Stripes were loth to serve their old enemy, and this led England to take measures to Impress un- wary seamen into her service. The excuse of seeking deserters or loyal subjects of the king, temporarily in the American merchant service, gave a color to their right. But when avowed American subjects on merchant vessels were seized, and even American men- of-war were subjected to the indignity of inspection as to the nationality of their crews, the whole people were aroused, and when it became known that several thousand American sailors were at that time serving in the royal navy under impressment, the Government determined to put a stop to the outrage. Commodore Rodgers was directed to patrol the coast with the frigate President, and to warn off any intruding English man- of-war detected in this business. The British frip-ate Gnerriere while off Sandy Hook and within sight of the forts defending the harbor of New York, had impressed a young American sailor, forcibly taking him from a coasting vessel, and Rodgers determined to punish her for the impertinence. In the darkness he came up with a British sail, and under the belief that it was the Giterriere, he gave chase and soon van- quished the vessel, which proved to be the Little Belt, a British sloop-of-war. In the encounter the Little Belt lost 9 killed and 20 wounded, while the Preside?tt had one boy slightly wounded. This overt act on the part of the American navy rekindled the war spirit so long smothered by the conservative inaction of the The Navy in tJic War of 1S12. 261 older members of Congrress, and the young men of that body resolved that the country should no longer submit to foreign aggression. On June 18, 18 12, Congress declared war against Great Britain, which act was followed on June 19 by a proclamation from the president making the act of Congress effective. The need of a sufficient navy at once became apparent. The Navy department had expended the money appropriated by Congress in building one hundred and seventy-six small gun-boats suitable for shallow water, and suggested as useful in the Tripolitan War where the larger frigates could not enter the harbor. But now they were to meet the royal navy of Eng- land, comprising two hundred and thirty line-of-battle ships and over six hundred frigates and smaller vessels. The forethought of Washington had provided the few frigates now available, but there were only six of them and twelve smaller ships and brigs. The one hundred and seventy-six gun-boats could be used only in defen- sive warfare, and the money expended for them would have built and equipped eight first-class frigates. The young nation did not hesitate to meet the foe, unequal as was the contest, although the older mem- bers of her national legislature still hesitated. If she lacked the ships, she had the men, officers and sea- men, ready to take the chances. Her commanders had been selected by Jefferson and trained by Preble, and all had been, as boys and men, under fire. Constellation Capturing Insurgents XIX. JOHN RODGERS. He suppressed an attempt to re-capture the French frigate Instcrgente, made by the captive crew; saved many lives at the time of the insurrection of the slaves in Santo Domingo; captured the Moorish ship i^ifj/zc/^i/a .• destroyed a Tripolitan corsair; succeeded Commodore Barron in the command of the Mediterranean squadron; obtained a treaty abolishing the paying of tribute, from the Bashaw of Tripoli, compelled a treaty of peace from the Bey of Tunis; engaged in a sea-fight with the British sloop-of-war Little Belt, before war was declared with Great Britain; fired the first shot after war was declared from the battery of the President: captured twenty-three prizes during a cruise in the Irish sea; declined the cabinet office of secretary of the navy; and was naval com- missioner for twenty-two years. John Rodgers was born in Harford county, Mary- land, July II, 1 77 1. His father was a Scotchman and a colonel in the militia, serving during the war of the American Revolution. The son became an apprentice in the merchant marine service in 1 784, when he was thirteen years old, and commanded a vessel when eighteen. He was commissioned a lieutenant in the United States Navy, March 9, i 798, and was first lieutenant — execu- tive officer — on the Constcllatioji, Captain Truxton. His first sea-fight was in the engagement between the Constellation and the Insurgentc, February 9, 1799. Lieutenant Rodgers and Midshipman David Porter with eleven men were sent on board the prize Insur- gente by Captain Truxton immediately after its 263 264 America7i Naval Heroes. surrender to the Constellatian, to take charge and supervise the transfer of prisoners. While so employed and while one hundred and seventy-three of the French crew were still on the vessel, a gale separated her from the Constellation and then thirteen Ameri- cans were alone on the ship to manage it in a gale, and at the same time to keep in subjection these unshackled and unconfined prisoners. Rodgers as superior officer was equal to the occa- sion, and ordering the prisoners below the hatches before they were fully aware of the small number of their captors, and placing one resolute seaman at each of the hatchways, well armed, and with orders to shoot down the first man endeavoring to escape, the other ten manned the ship and for three days and two nights worked her into St. Christophers, where the Constella- tion awaited them. He received a vote of thanks from Congress and a silver medal for his part in the capture of the lusiirgente. He then obtained leave of absence and purchased a vessel with which he traded with Santo Domingo, and being in that port during the negro insurrection succeeded in saving many lives by giving the white settlers passage to the United States on his ship. He was promoted to the rank of captain, March 5, 1799, and was given command of the Maryland, 20 guns, and in March, 1801, was the bearer of dis- patches to France. He was assigned to the John Adams, 28 guns, fitting out for service with the John Rodger s. 265 Mediterranean squadron operating against the Bar- bary States in 1802, and in May, 1803, he captured the Moorish ship McsJioiida, as she was attempting to run the blockade. On July 21, 1803, in co-operation with the Enterprise, he engaged nine gun-boats and destroyed a Tripolitan corsair. He was ordered home and reached America in December, 1803, when he was transferred to the com- mand of the Ow^rc'i-j-, 37 guns, with which vessel he joined Commodore Barron's squadron in the Mediter- ranean, and on May 22, 1805, succeeded to the com- mand of the station. On June 3, 1805, '"^^ succeeded in procuring from the Bashaw of Tripoli a treaty abol- ishing the tribute that had been theretofore exacted,, not only from the United States but from all Euro- pean powers. The treaty also secured immunity for Christian captives from bondage to their captors. The same year he compelled the Bey of Tunis to sign a similar treaty. He then returned home, commanded gun-boats at New York, and from 1809 till 18 12 commanded the Atlantic home squadron with the President as flag- ship, and afforded protection to American seamen against impressment in the British navy. (^n May 16, 181 1, while cruising near New York, he hailed a strange vessel, and in repeating the hail the stranger's shot struck the President's mainmast. Thereupon Commodore Rodgers answered with a shot as well aimed. This brought on a regular 2 66 America?! N^aval Heroes. engagement until the inferiority of the stranger was demonstrated, when lying by till daylight Rodgers boarded the crippled vessel, which proved to be the British ship Little Belt. The English captain declined assistance and the incident caused much excitement and hastened the United States Congress in determining to declare war against Great Britain, A court of inquiry acquitted Commodore Rodders of all blame and the EuQlish authorities made no investigation of the affair. At the opening of the War of 1812, the first squad- ron to set sail weighed anchor in New York harbor, June 2 1, 18 1 2, under command of Commodore Rod- gers. with the President as flagship. The U7iited States, Captain Stephen Decatur, and the Congress, Captain Smith, were the only other frigates. Captain James Lawrence commanded the brig Hornet, and Captain Sinclair the brig Argus. Their orders were to intercept a fleet of one hundred British merchant- men from Jamaica bound to England under convoy of British men-of-war. The President was the first to discover the fleet, and on the morning of June 22, Rodgers hailed the British frigate Belvidera and immediately gave chase, exchanging a broadside and then using her bow chase guns. So closely was the Englishman pressed that they cut away their anchors and threw overboard their boats and water casks. The pursuit was kept up for eio-ht hours. Rodeers was wounded in the yohu Rodger s. 267 engagement by the bursting of a gun on the President after he had himself fired the first gun in the chase, which was the first shot in the war of 18 12. He made four cruises in search of British men- of-war, and in the third cruise off he visited the Irish channel where he captured twelve vessels, chased the frigate Nymph and the Curlczv, and captured the Highflyer, with the book of signals used in the British navy. His entire number of prizes in these cruises amounted to twenty-three. He was received in the United States with demon- strations of honor. In June, 18 14, he was i.n Balti- more where he commanded the sailors and marines, co-operating with the militia in the battles of North Point and in the attack on Fort McHenry. The naval force under his command also defended the water bat- tery and the auxiliary forts as well as the barges of the naval flotilla, several of which he ordered sunk in the channel to prevent the progress of the British frigates. President Madison offered to Commodore Rodgers the portfolio of the navy in 1814, which he declined. The President then appointed him naval commissioner, which position he held from 18 15 to 1837, except during the years 1824-182 7, when he commanded the Mediterranean squadron. He died in Philadelphia, Pa., August i, 1838. XX. ISAAC HULL. *' The style in which the Constitution had been handled; the deliberate and yet earnest manner in which she had been carried into battle; the extraordinary execution that had been made in a short time by her fire; the readiness and i^rallantry with which she had cleared for action, so soon after destroying one Urilish frigate, in which was manifested a disposition to meet another, united to produce a deep conviction of self reliance, coolness and skill, that was of infinitely more weight than the transient feeling which might result from any accidental triumph." — Cooper. The Constitution, commanded by Captain Isaac Hull, with Lieutenant Charles Morris as second officer, was ordered from Annapolis to New York. July 5, 181 2. This frigate had been characterised by British sailors as a " bundle of pine boards under a bit uf striped bunting," but these very sailors were soon to meet her under conditions that would command their respect, if not their admiration. While on her way to New York the Constitution encountered a formidable English squadron made up of four frigates, a line-of-battle ship, a brig and a schooner, under Commodore Broke. The entire squadron gave chase. It was a dead calm, and the only headway to be made was by towing the great ships. The enemy attached all their boats to two of the frigates, and with the streno-th of the oarsmen succeeded in gaining upon 269 270 American Naval Heroes. the Constitution so as to bring their bow guns to bear on her. In this situation they continued two days, the Constitutio7i occasionally firing her stern chasers, and it was not till the third morning that a slight breeze enabled her to escape from an enemy so much superior in force that to lay to and give battle meant certain destruction or surrender. The chase had lasted sixty hours and during all that time the gallant crew remained at their stations without a word of complaint. This exploit was heralded all over the world, and gained for the American navy additional renov/n. In a public letter, posted in the Exchange Coffee House, Boston, into which port the Cojistitution put for rest. Captain Hull disclaimed personal merit, and generously accorded to his subordinates the credit usually absorbed by the commanding officer. He said : Captain Hull, finding that his friends in Boston are correctly informed of the situation when chased by the British squadron off New York, and that they are good enough to give him more credit for having escaped it than he ought to claim, takes this opportunity of requestmg them to transfer their good wishes to Lieutenant Morris and the other brave officers and the crew under his com- mand, for their very great exertions and prompt attention to his orders while the enemy were in chase. Captain Hull has great pleasure in saying that, notwithstanding the length of the chase, and the officers and crew being deprived of sleep and allowed but little refreshment during the time, not a murmur was heard to escape them. The hero of the hour was born in Derby, Conn., March 9, 1775. His father was an officer in the army Isaac Hull. 271 under Washington, and his uncle, General William Hull, was in the same service. Following" the inclination of the average New England youth, Isaac went to sea as a cabin boy when fourteen years old, and at nineteen com- manded a ship. In March, 1798, he entered the United States Navy as a lieutenant on board the Constitution. In 1804 he served as master on board the Argus, and engaged in the Tripolitan expedition, distinguishing himself at the storming of Tripoli and the reduction of Deccan. In 1806 he was advanced to a captaincy, and in 181 1 to the command of "the Constitution. He was sent to Europe, having on board specie for the pay- ment of the interest on the debt due in Holland. After touching at Cherbourg, the Constitution went off the Texel and landed her money, though not without great difficulty owing to the roughness of the weather, and the great distrust of those on shore, who were closely blockaded by the British. She then proceeded to Portsmouth where she re- mained a few days in order to communicate with the American legation at London. Having completed his official duties in England, Captain Hull sailed for France. The next day several sail of British men-of-war were seen in chase, and as there had been much trouble about deserters while in port it was the impression on board the Constitu- tion that the vessels were sent in pursuit. The 272 American Naval Heroes. Constifution, however, outsailed all the fleet save one frigate that weathered ii|)on her. After leading the ship a long distance ahead of the fleet Captain Hull hove to, beat to quarters and waited to learn her object, which fortunately proved amicable. While in the harbor of Portsmouth, England, he Constitution and Guerriere in Close Engagennent. Fro7n an old wood-cut engraved in iSji. was threatened by English search officers, but instead of submitting to their demands he at once prepared his ship for action. He would have fired upon the Englishman, notwithstanding the peaceful relations that existed between the two countries, had not the British officer desisted in his purpose. After his celebrated chase by the British squadron he remained inactive at Boston, until, tired of waiting Isaac Hit I I 273 for orders, he sailed without them, and on August 19 fell in with the British frigate Guerricrc\ 49 guns, Captain Dacres. After several hours' manceuvering, Captain Hull, in a half-hour's severe fighting, captured the Giicrrierc, having in that time reduced a splendid ship to a Constitution and Guerriere. From an old luood-cut ttigra'rcd in /Sji. dismantled hulk, so badly wounded that the next day- he was obliged to take Captain Dacres and his men on board the Constitution, while he scuttled and fired the prize wreck, wdiich, after illuminating the expanse of the ocean as from a funeral pile, soon found a grave in the deep Atlantic. The killed and woimded on the Guerriere num- bered sevent\'-nine, while those on the Constitutioji 2 74 American Naval Heroes. were but fourteen. In the engagement Lieutenant Charles Morris was shot through the body by a bullet from the musket of a marine, while he was endeavor- ing to lash the bowsprit of the Guery'iere to the toprail of the Constitution. Every mast and spar of the Guerriere had been shot away, her colors being fastened to the stump of the mizzenmast. On the Constitntion the Stars and Stripes at the foretop mast- head was shot away, when one of the crew went aloft and lashed it so securely that it could not be lowered except with the mast itself. We give the following particulars of the action in Captain Hull's own words : United States Frigate Constitution, Off Boston Light, August 30, 181 2. Sir : — I have the honor to inform you that on the 19th instant at 2 p. m., being in latitude 41°, 42' and longitude 55°, 48' with the Constitution under my command, a sail was discovered from the mast-head bearing east by south, or east south-east, but at such a distance we could not tell what she was. All sail was instantly made in chase and soon found we came up with her. At 3 p. m. could plainly see that she was a ship on the starboard tack under easy sail, close to the wind. At half-past three p. m. made her out to be a frigate. We continued the chase untft we were within three miles when I ordered the light sails to be taken in, the courses hauled up and the ship cleared for action. At this time the chase had backed his maintopsail, v/aiting for us to come down. As soon as the Constitntion was ready for action, I bore down with an intention to bring him to close action immediately, but on our coming within gunshot she gave us a broadside, and filled away and wore, giving us a broadside on the other tack but without effect, her shot falling short. She continued wearing and manoeuveringfor about three-quarters of an hour, to get a raking position, but finding she could not, she bore up, and ran under her topsails and jib, with Isaac Hull. 275 the wind to the quarter. I immediately made sail to bring the ship lip with her, and five minutes before 6 p. m. being alongside within half pistol-shot, we commenced a heavy fire from all our guns, double shotted with round and grape, and so well directed were they, and so warmly kept up that in fifteen minutes her mizzenmast went by the board and her main yard in the slings, and the hull, rigging and sails very much torn to pieces. The fire was kept up with equal warmth for fifteen minutes longer when his mainmast and foremast went, taking with them every spar excepting the bowsprit. On seeing this we ceased firing, so that in thirty minutes after we got fairly alongside the enemy she surrendered, and had not a spar standing and her hull below and above water so shattered that a few more broadsides must have carried her down. After informing you that so fine a ship as the Gjicrriere, commanded by an able and experienced officer, had been totally dismasted and otherwise cut to pieces, so as to make her not worth towing into port, in the short space of thirty minutes, you can have no doubt of the gallantry and good conduct of the officers and ship's company I have the honor to command. It only remains with me to assure you that they all fought with great bravery, and it gives me great pleasure to say, that from the smallest boy in the ship to the oldest seaman not a look of fear was seen. They all went into action giving three cheers, and requested to be laid close alongside the enemy. Enclosed I have the honor to send you a list of killed and wounded on board the Constitution and a report of the damages she has sustained, also a list of the killed and wounded on board the enemy with his quarter bill, &c. I have the honor to be with very great respect, Sir, your obedient servant Isaac Hull. The Honorable Paul Hamilton, Esq. In his official letter Captain Dacres characterized the conduct of Captain Hull as " that of a brave enemy ; the greatest care being taken to prevent the men losing the slightest article, and the greatest atten- tion being paid to the wounded." 276 American Naval Heroes. This first victory of the war in a well-balanced sea- fight was hailed with joy, and the Constitution took to herself a new name, " Old Ironsides''' by which she was known ever thereafter. Congress voted fifty thousand dollars as a reward to be distributed among the officers and crew. To Captain Hull, Congress gave a gold medal, and the citizens of Philadelphia a service of plate. The several states vied with each other in honoring the officers and crew of " Old Ironsides y After the war Captain Hull served on the naval board, commanded the navy yards at Boston, Ports- mouth and Washington, and was in charge of the Mediterranean and Pacific Beets. He died in Phila- delphia, February 13, 1843. XX, JAMES LAWRENCE. " Go on deck and tell the officers to fight on to the last and never strike the colors. They shall wave while I live." — I .ast zvords of I.aivrence. The lack of discipline, of training in gunnery prac- tice and of an extended service in the school of the navy on the part of inferior officers and seamen, has always brought to a nation, a fleet, or a commander disaster and defeat. It was under such conditions that the brave though impetuous Lawrence lost his ship and his life, but at the same time won for himself imperish- able renown, and made his "Don't give up the ship," a watch- word in the American Nav}-. James Lawrence was born in Burlington, N. J., Oc- tober I, 1 78 1 He was warranted a midshipman in the United States Navy in 1798 and served as acting lieutenant in iSoo, but did not receive his commission until 1802. His first service was in the squadron operating in the Mediterranean during the Tripolitan War, where he was intrusted with the command of a gun-boat and distinguished himself for his bravery in an attack on an Algerine ketch. He was first officer on the Enterprise, Captain Stephen Decatur, during the bombardment of Tripoli. 2'jOa American Naval Heroes. In making up a picked crew to accompany him in the bold undertaking to rescue or destroy the PJiila- delphia, captured and grounded in the harbor of Trip- oli, Captain Decatur selected Lawrence as his first ofificer, and with the boarding party escaped to the Intrepid after firing the Philadelphia, February i6, 1804. This was pronounced by Lord Nelson to be " the most daring act of the age." He continued to serve in the Mediterranean fleet from 1804 to 1808 when he was transferred to the Constitution as first lieutenant. He next commanded the Vixen and was transferred to the command of the Wasp, the Argus and the Hornet respectively, being ocmmissioned captain in 181 1. As commander of the Hornet he was assigned to the fleet of Commodore Bainbridge on the outbreak of the war with Great Britain in 181 2, and cruised off the coast of Brazil. He blockaded the British man-of-war Bonne Citoyenne in the port of San Salvador and challenged her captain to meet him at sea, but the prudent British commander remained safely within the harbor for a fortnight till a British ship-of-the-line drove the saucy little American away. He then fell in with the British brig Resolution, which he captured with $25,000 in treasure. Finding his prize a dull sailer he removed her treasure and crew to the Hornet and burned the brig. He next encountered the brig- of-war Peacock when off Demerara and both vessels made use of the skill of their navigators to gain the y antes Laiurehcc. 27 1« weather-gage which advantage fell to Lawrence who tacked, and delivered broadside after broadside at short range. The Peacock was vainly endeavoring to wear when the Hornet caught her in her quarter and poured into the brig a heavy fire which so crippled her after a fight of fifteen minutes that she was compelled to surrender. As the Peacock struck her colors she hoisted an ensign, union down, as a signal of distress. Her mast went by the board and she had six feet of water in her hold. Captain Lawrence dispatched the boats of the Hornet to take off the wounded and finding the ship fast sinking the prize crew endeavored to plug the holes caused by the shot from the Hornet and to lighten her by throwing overboard her heavy guns. In this way the prisoners were removed. But not- withstandinp" the efforts of the crew of the Hornet, the Peacock sunk, carrying down thirteen of her crew and three of the rescuers from the Hornet. The captain and four men were found dead on her deck, and thirty-two wounded had been removed to the Hornety while that vessel lost only one man killed and two slightly wounded. Captain Lawrence received the thanks of Congress, and the officers and crew the usual medals and appropriation of money. On June i, 1813, Captain Lawrence, in command of the United States frigate Chesapeake, accepted the challenge of Captain Broke of the British frigate Shannon, to meet him outside Boston Harbor. On 2 72« Americaji Naval Heroes. the same day Captain Lawrence had met an open mutiny from the crew, all new to him, who demanded their pay. Their discontent had been encouraged by their friend sfrom the city, both men and women, who on the morning they were to sail had visited them and held high carnival for many hours before they were ordered ashore. It was with this crew, utterly disregarding discipline and possessed of a spirit of insubordination, that Law- rence undertook to meet the Shannon, a larger ship \vith a much heavier armament and a crew in good training and under strict discipline. The Shannon was noted for excellent gunnery practice and her captain had supplied sights for the guns at his own expense. On the discharge of the first broadside, White, the sailing master, was killed and Captain Lawrence received a severe wound, but insisted on remaining on the quarter-deck. Lieu- tenant Ludlow was also severely wounded. A few minutes later Lawrence received a ball fired from the maintop of the SJiannon and was carried below. On passing the gangway he perceived the hopeless con- dition of the Chesapeake, but cried out, " Don't surrender the ship." On reaching the ward-room, as he lay in excruciat- ing pain, perceiving that the noise above had ceased, he ordered the surgeon to go on deck and tell the yaines Lawrence. 21'' a officers to fig^ht on to the last and never strike the colors. "They shall wave." said he, "while I live." But the enemy had already taken possession of the ship. Captain Lawrence died after suffering the most distressing pain for four days, and sixty-one of his officers and men joined with him the "great majority." while eighty-three were wounded, including Lieu- tenants Ludlow and Ballard. On the Shannoji twenty- six were killed and fifty-seven wounded, including Captain Broke. Both ships were taken to Halifax where Lawrence was buried with military honors. The victory served in a measure to restore the prestige of the British navy and Captain Broke was created a baronet and w^as otherw^ise honored. The remains of Lawrence and Ludlow were restored to the United States and on their arrival at Salem, Mass., w^erc received with public honors, Justice Story delivering an oration. Captain Lawrence's tragic fate and dying injunction silenced public criticism as to his conduct in giving fight to the SJianiion. His memorable words became the motto of the navy, and have been more effective in securing his immortality than monuments of brass or pillars of granite. On the quarter-deck of the Con- stitution, the ship on which he gained his promotion, the legend was written in bold letters, where it will remain as lonof as "Old Ironsides" holds too'ether. 2'7Aa American Naval Heroes. A granite sarcophagus marks his last resting-place in Trinity Church Yard, New York City, where naval heroes for all generations will gain inspiration as they read the record of his exploits there briefly given, with the date of his death, June 6, 1813. and the words: "Don't give up the ship." XXI. JACOB JONES. The combat lietween the IVasp and the Frolic was the first in the War of 1812, between single ships of equal force; and the result proved to the world the conduct, courage and skill of the American ship manned by an American crew; when skill, courage and conduct were alone the factors that could accom- plish a victory. The hero in the battle between the Wasp and the Frolic was born in .Smyrna, Delaware, in the year 1768. He was the son of a farmer of position and influence. His mother, who was a Miss Jones, died shortly after his birth, and his father then married a Miss Holt, granddaughter of the Hon. Ryves Holt, ju.stice of the lower counties in Delaware, and by this step-mother the future commodore was brought up and given a classical education. He studied medicine under Dr. .Sykes of Dover, and was graduated at the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania. He found the medical field well supplied with older practitioners and through the influence of Governor Clayton obtained the clerkship of the Supreme Court of Delaware for Kent county. He tired of inactive official life, and in 1799, when the country was menaced with a war with France, he obtained a warrant as a midshipman in the United n'jAa American Naval Heroes. A granite sarcophagus marks his last resting-place in Trinity Church Yard, New York City, where naval heroes for all generations will gain inspiration as they read the record of his exploits there briefly given, with the date of his death, June 6, 1813, and the words: "Don't give up the ship." XXI. JACOB JONES. The combat between the IVasp and the Frolic was the first in the War of i8i2, between single ships of equal force; and the result proved to the world the conduct, courage and skill of the American ship manned by an American crew; when skill, courage and conduct were alone the factors that could accom- plish a victory. The hero in the battle between the Wasp and the Frolic was born in Smyrna. Delaware, in the year I 768. He was the son of a farmer of position and inlluence. His mother, who was a Miss Jones, died shortly after his birth, and his father then married a Miss Holt, granddaughter of the Hon. Ryves Holt, justice of the lower counties in Delaware, and by this step-mother the future commodore was brought up and given a classical education. He studied medicine under Dr. Sykes of Dover, and was graduated at the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania. He found the medical field well supplied with older practitioners and through the influence of Governor Clayton obtained the clerkship of the Supreme Court of Delaware for Kent county. He tired of inactive official life, and in 1799, when the country was menaced with a war with France, he obtained a warrant as a midshipman in the United yacob Jones. 279 States Navy. He was twenty-nine years old and it seemed to his friends a wild project to begin a life usually taken up for boys and striplings, requiring years of probation and the sacrifice of personal pride and convenience. He was fortunate in having as a master in his new profession so able and thorough a sailor as Commodore John Barry, and his first voyage was as midshipman on board the frigate United States, 44 guns. Captain Barry, when she carried Chief Jus- tice Ellsworth and General Davie as envoys extra- ordinary to the French Republic. He was next a midshipman on the frigate Ganges, 24 guns, and he became a proficient navigator and able seaman. He was on board the Philadelphia, Captain Bain- bridge, when that frigate was ordered to the Mediter- ranean to take part in the war with Tripoli. He suf- fered the fortunes of his commander in the loss of his ship, and the nineteen long months of imprisonment at Tripoli among a barbarous people and' in a noxious climate. This experience neither broke his spirit nor im- paired his iron constitution, and on returning to the United States he was promo'ted to a lieutenancy. He was on the station at New Orleans when he was appointed to the command of the Argus, 16 guns, and cruised for the protection of the southern maritime frontier. 28o American Naval Heroes. In 1811 he was made captain, and was transferred to the command of the sloop-of-war Wasp, 18 guns. With his vessel he followed the Constitution, Captain Hull, and the Hornet, Captain Lawrence, to Europe with official dispatches and diplomatic communica- tions that terminated in the War of 181 2. The declaration of war sent the Frolic home, and when Captain Jones had refitted the Wasp his first cruise resulted only in the capture of an insignificant prize. On October 13, 18 12, he again put to sea, and after weathering a long and heavy gale he fell in with a Heet of well-armed merchantmen under con- voy of the British sloop-of-war Frolic. 22 guns. Cap- tain Thomas Whingates. This eneaeement was the next success to follow the capture of the Gnerriere, and one that has ever stood on the record of the American navy without a parallel among the victories won by the bravery and prowess of her officers and men. The fleet was bound from Honduras for England. The merchantmen under press of sail escaped, leav- ing the Wasp and Frolic to contest single-handed for supremacy. There was a heavy swell on the sea, the weather being boisterous. The topgallant yards of the JVasp were taken down, her topsails were close- reefed and her men were called to quarters. At about eleven o'clock the Frolic displayed Spanish colors. In answer the JFasp ran up the Jacob Jones. 281 American ensign and pendant and in half an hour came down to windward on the larboard side of the Frolic within about sixty yards and halted. With that the enemy hauled down the Spanish ensign and hoisted the British flag, at the same time opening a fire of cannon and musketry, which was promptly returned by the Wasp. The vessels getting at closer quarters, the engagement continued without intermis- sion. A few minutes after the first broadsides had been exchanged, the maintopmast of the Wasp was shot away, leaving the maintopsail-yard across the larboard fore and foretopsail braces, rendering her headyards unmanageable during the remainder of the action. Her gaff and mizzen top-gallantsail were also shot away. The sea was rough, and the muzzles of the guns of the Wasp were frequently dipping the water. Her gunners reserved their fire until the side of the ship was going down, and thus brought the effect of her shot on or below the deck of the Frolic. The Englishman, on the contrary, fired their broad- side as the ship was rising, and hence the destruction to the rigging of the JVasp. A spirited fire was kept up on both sides, which resulted in effectually strip- ping the Wasp of all her spars and rigging, leaving the masts unsupported and in immediate danger of going by the board. In order to avoid this additional calamity, and to prevent the escape of the Frolic, Captain Jones deter- mined to board the enemy and thus decide the contest. 2 82- Aincrican Naval Heroes. He thereupon ran down upon her, the Frolic striking the American vessel between the main and mizzen riggings, immediately over the heads of Cap- tain Jones and Lieutenant Biddle, who stood together on deck near the capstan. The position gave the Americans the opportunity to rake the Englishman, which was promptly done, Wasp and Frolic. From ati old -Mood-cnt e^igraved in iS^i. and at so close quarters that the men in reloading found their ramrods in contact with the sides of the Frolic. The effect of the broadside was startling, as soon after discovered. Before an order to repeat the dose could be given, a brave sailor, John Lang of New Brunsw^ick, N. J., had sprung, cutlass in hand, to the deck of the Frolic, closely followed by Lieutenant Jacob Jones. 283 Bicldle, and as they gained the forecastle they dis- covered but a soHtary seaman at the wheel and three officers on deck. The captain and his lieutenants promptly threw down their swords in token of sur- render, and seeing the British flag still flying, Lieu- tenant Biddle jumped into the rigging and hauled it down. It was now just forty-five minutes since the first gun had fired, and not twenty of the entire crew of the Frolic were capable of any duty. Both upper and berth decks were covered with the dead and dying, and to add to the horror the masts and spars fell and augmented the suffering of those yet alive. The losses on the Frolic were thirty killed and fifty wounded, and on the Wasp five men killed and five wounded. All hands were now employed in clearing the deck, burying the dead, and taking care of the wounded, when Captain Jones sent orders to Lieutenant Biddle to proceed with the prize to any convenient southern port of the United States for repairs. Captain Jones continued his cruise with the Wasp. Just as the vessels parted, a British frigate, the PoicHcrs, Captain John Poer Beresford, appeared and fired a shot over the Frolic. He then overtook the Wasp, which in her disabled condition was unable to escape. Returning, he secured the Frolic, and car- ried both vessels to Bermuda, where he released the officers and crew on parole. 2 84 American N^aval Heroes. Upon returning- to the United States, the gallant Captain Jones was everywhere received with dem- onstrations of gratitude and admiration. Brilliant entertainments were oriven him in the cities through which he passed. The legislature of Delaware appointed a committee to wait upon him with their thanks and to express the " pride and pleasure " they felt in recoofnizingr him as a native of their state, at the same time voting him an elegant piece of plate with appropriate engravings. The Congress of the United States, on motion of Senator J. A. Bayard of Delaware, appropriated twenty-five thousand dollars as a compensation to Captain Jones and his crew for the loss they sustained in the recapture of the Frolic, and ordered a gold medal to be presented to the cap- tain and a silver medal to each of his officers. The several states passed congratulatory resolutions and made to the officers valuable gifts of swords and plate, and he was made an honorary member of the Society of the Cincinnati. Captain Jones was made post-captain March 13, 18 1 3, and commanded the Macedonian in Decatur's squadron operating in the Mediterranean. Return- ing to the United States he was appointed commis- sary of the naval board and governor of the Phil- adelphia Naval Asylum. He died in Philadelphia, Pa., August 3, 1S50. XXI CHARLES MORRIS. As a midshipman he gained a prominent place among the heroes of the Tripolitan War; as a commander he made the flag of America feared and the power of her navy felt in the operations conducted against her commerce; and as a naval expert he built up the American navy to the height of the prosperity it enjoyed from 1823 to 1856, and he was egarded by many as the foremost naval authority in the establishment as it existed before the Civil War. Charles Morris, the gallant midshipman, who, with Lieutenant Decatur, volunteered to accomplish the destruction of the frigate Philadelphia in the harbor of Tripoli, and who was the first man of the party to reach the quarter-deck of the vessel, shared with Decatur in the honors accorded for the exploit. He was born in Woodstock, Conn., July 26, 1784, and was appointed a midshipman in the United States Navy, July i , i 799, when scarcely fifteen years old. He sailed from Portsmouth, N. H., in the frigfate Congress, ^fj guns, Captain James Sever, when that ship and the Essex, Captain Preble, were ordered on a cruise to the West Indies. In their voyage out the Congress was dismantled and was obliged to put back for repairs. In this disaster Midshipman Morris had his shoul- der dislocated by the falling of a spar, and his father, then purser of the ship, inquired of him if he 28s Enterprise and Boxer. Charles Morris. 287 still chose to pursue the life of a sailor. His prompt af^rmative caused him to be kept on the ship and after the repairs were finished he made the cruise. On his return he was assigned to the Constihi- tio?i. Commodore Preble's flagship in the Mediter- ranean squadron. At Syracuse he was one of the seventy who volunteered on the expedition to re-cap- ture or burn the frigate Philadelphia, then in the hands of the Tripolitans in the harbor of Tripoli. On February 3, 1804, the party under Lieutenant Decatur of the Enterprise, sailed from Syracuse in the ketch Intrepid on a duty which the commodore him- self would not encourage on account of the danger with which it must be attended. Midshipman Morris had the honor of wearing the commodore's pistols, handed to him as he was ready to embark. The Intrepid was on the voyage fifteen days, being detained by tempestuous weather. They gained the harbor at night and found the Philadelphia anchored within half gun-shot of the bashaw's castle and the principal battery. Two of the enemy's cruisers lay within two cables' length of the starboard quarter, and his gun-boats within half gun-shot of the star- board bow. On the Philadelphia were one thousand Turks, and her guns were all mounted and loaded. In this hostile harbor the little ketch with her seventy fearless American sailors quietly sailed and came alongside the frigate after eleven o'clock at night. 288 American Naval Heroes. Lieutenant Decatur and Midshipman Morris led the boarding party, and Morris first reached the quarter-deck of the Philadelphia. They surprised the Turks and slew at least twenty, while the rest were driven below or jumped overboard. It was so dark that Morris, being disguised as were the rest of the party, was twice taken as an enemy by his gallant commander, and only saved his life by calling out his name. After the successful accomplishment of the object of the expedition and the safe return of the party to the Constitution, Midshipman Morris was transferred to the Argus, Lieutenant Hull. After the battle of August 3, 1804, in which the Tripolitan gun-boats were badly used up and the land batteries repeatedly silenced by Commodore Preble's fleet, Midshipman Morris, while in a small boat belong- ing to the Argus, boarded and captured a small French privateer that had just escaped from the harbor, and Commodore Preble employed her captain to carry the wounded Tripolitan prisoners back to their homes. In January, 1807, he was promoted to a lieuten- ancy, and in July, 18 12, was made executive of^cer of the Constitution. When she had her remarkable chase for sixty hours in an effort to escape from the British fleet in July of that year, he was in charge of the navigation of the ship. He distinguished him- self in the engagement between the Constitution and the Guerriere and was shot through the body, the ball, however, reaching no vital part. He was Charles Moj'ris. 289 promoted to the rank of captain, March 5, 1S13, pass- ing the intermediate grade of Heutenant-commander, and in- 1 8 14 he was appointed to the command of the United States frigate John Adaiiis, 28 guns, in which vessel he cruised off the United States and Irish coasts and captured many vakiable prizes, doing great injury to British commerce. When a few days out he encountered a severe gale and put into Penobscot bay for repairs. For greater security against attack, while the ship was beached, he proceeded up the river to Hampden, about thirty miles above Castine, Maine. On September i, 1814, while the ship was prepar- ing for heaving, and therefore in no condition for defence, a British force of sixteen sail appeared off the harbor of Castine. Morris at once made preparations for defending the ship from land. He sent the cannon from the ship to the batteries hastily thrown up, placed obstruc- tions in the river, and the militia was called in from the country. By a forced march Lieutenant Lewis arrived from Castine with a detachment of twenty-eight of the United States artillery. The want of arms and ammu- nition in the militia was supplied from the ship. The enemy made an attack on the 3d of Septem- ber, and the militia fled at the first appearance of the British fleet. A feeble resistance was made by the ship's crew and the artillery. To prevent the ship falling into the hands of the enemy Captain Morris set 290 American N^aval Heroes. her on fire after spiking the guns in the batteries, and the men were separated into small parties and marched through the thinly settled country to Portland, a dis- tance of two hundred miles. Captain Morris lost one seaman and one marine, both taken prisoners. The British lost eight to ten killed and forty to fifty wounded, the principal damage being done by the i8-pounder under the charge of Lieutenant Lewis. He was in command of the squadron in the Gulf of Mexico in 18 16-18 17, and on the coast of Buenos Ayres, 18 19-1820. He served as naval commissioner during the years 1823-1827, and 1832-1841, and his position gave him a vote on every question of naval administration. He commanded the Brandywine during the special commission of that vessel in con- veying Lafayette as the guest of the nation back to his home in France in September — October, 1825. He was afterward on special duty as inspector of navy and dock-yards in England and France, and for many years supervised the naval academy in Annapolis. From 185 1 to 1856 he was chief of the bureau of ordnance and hydrography at Washington. He gave more than fifty years of his best thought and energy to promoting the growth of the American navy and may be said to have been its champion when a handful of heroes made its name respected not only at home but abroad. He died in Washington, D. C, January 27, 1856. XXIII. WILLIAM HENRY ALLEN. " To see so many brave men standing to their quarters amid the blood of their butchered and wounded countrymen, and hear their cries, without the means of avenging them ! and when in three minutes we could have avenged them ! To have the flag of my country disgraced ! To be so mortified, humbled, cut to the soul ! Yes, to have the finger of scorn pointed at me as one of the officers of the Chesapeake! — Lieutenant Allen in a letter to afrie?id.'" The name of Allen will be associated with those of Lawrence, Alwyn and Burrows " who while defending the national flag, dyed it in their blood and were wrapped in its folds as they were committed to their graves," William Henry Allen was born in Providence, R. L, October 21, 1784. His father, General William Allen, was a distinguished oflficer of the American Revolution, and his mother was a* sister of William Jones, governor of Rhode Island. In May, 1800, he was admitted to the United States Navy as a midship- man and in August following was ordered on board the frigate Gcoj^ge Washington, Captain Bainbridge, about to proceed to Algiers with tribute to the reign- ing dey. fust before sailing he wrote to his father : "I now bid you a short adieu ; but should it be the last, you shall have the satisfaction to hear of my good conduct in my station as an ofificer and a gentleman." William Henry Allen. William Henry Allen. 293 Under the instruction of Captain Bainbridge he rapidly gained a thorough knowledge of naval tactics, and won the esteem of his officers and the confidence of the government. On his return to the United States in 1 801, he was assigned to the Philadelphia, Captain Barron, also bound on a cruise in the Mediterranean. The frieate visited Algiers, was then ordered to Constantinople by the Dey, and afterward blockaded the harbor of Tripoli. In June, 1802, the Philadelphia returned to the United States. In October, 1802, he was ordered to the frigate Johi Adams, Captain Rodgers, and again visited the Mediterranean. While abroad a friend in- correctly informed him of the promotion of a younger officer over him. His reply was: "I am too well grounded in old principles to mind such assaults now. If the government decides this, I can say Amen with all my heart." Soon after returning from this cruise he was appointed sailing master of the Congress, and once more sailed for the Mediterranean. On this cruise he fell overboard in a gale from the foreyard into the sea, striking near where the anchor was suspended on the bows. He came up directly by the mizzen chains on which he caught hold and regained the ship. When Commodore Rodgers wished to take sound- ings of the harbor of Tripoli, contemplating an attack on the city, he selected Sailing-master Allen to 294 American Naval Heroes. accompany him in the hazardous expedition. They en- tered the harbor with muffled oars and came so near the Tripolitan gun-boats as to hear the conversation of those on board, and so near to the batteries on shore as to hear the sentinel calhng the watchword. A gale came up that shifted the position of the Naiitilus, on which vessel they had entered the harbor, and they just reached her as her officer was obliged to weigh anchor to prevent her being driven upon the enemy's gun-boats. In October, 1804, he was ordered to the Consti- tutiou. Captain Rodgers having been promoted to a lieutenancy, and again went to the Mediterranean. During this cruise he visited Italy and with Captain Rodgers ascended Mount Vesuvius and explored the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. While third lieutenant on the Chesapeake, 40 guns. Captain Gordon, the disgraceful affair with the British ship Leopard, Captain Humphries, took place, June 22, 1807. We give the account in Allen's own words : " On Monday, June 2d, we weighed anchor and stood to sea. The Chesapeake had on this day twenty-eight i8-pounders mounted on her gun-deck, twelve 3 2 -pound carronades on the quarter-deck and had fitted for these guns, three hundred and twenty car- tridges, thirteen powder-horns (not sufficiently filled) and matches ready for action. All these were in the magazine, the keys in charge of the captain, as usual, and which are never delivered to any one but the gunner by the captain for fear of accidents. In the cable ties and around the foremast, one thousand wads and sponges ; the guns loaded and shotted, but of course not primed. Round shots in the locker were ready on deck with a box of cannister for each gun. JVilliam Henry Allen. 295 " At three the Leopard came within hail ; at half-past three the boat came on board with a demand from Captain Humphries for permission to search the Chesapeake for deserters. The orders of the admiral were ' you, will offer to the commander of the Chesa- peake a mutual search ; and any event take the men described wherever they may be found.' Here was a demand which our com- mander knew he must absolutely refuse. Why did he not order his Chesapeake and Leopard, From an old ivood-ctit. men beat to quarters, detaining the lieutenant and his boat until we were ready for action ? " But no ! He gave a positive refusal, which in composing, penning and copying detained the lieutenant half an hour. Our commodore did not order his men beat to quarters until the first gun was fired, nor until then was the key delivered to the gunner, all the officers remaining at this time in perfect ignorance of the contents of the note. I was at the galley (the camboose) and snatching up a coal from the flames, fired the only gun, which went 296 American Naval Heroes. through the ward-room of the Enghsh ship. A shot came into us, and struck a man on the breast — he fell at my feet, covering me with blood and splinters of bones. One of my guns sufifered severely ; one gunner had his leg carried away, two an arm each, and two more were wounded severely — five out of eight. After one gun — one single gun — was fired we struck by order of the captain, who then called his ofificers into his cabin and asked their opinions. My answer was " Sir, you have disgraced us.'' The following is the address to the secretary of the navy composed and penned by Lieutenant Allen at the request of his fellow officers. Late United States Ship Chesapeake, Hampton Roads, June 23, 1807. Sir, The undersigned officers of the late United States' ship Ches- apeake, deeply sensible of the disgrace which must be attached to the late (in their opinion) premature surrender of the United States' ship Chesapeake of 40 guns, to the English ship of war Leopard of 50 guns, without their previous knowledge or consent ; and desirous of proving to their country and the world that it was the wish of all the undersigned to have rendered themselres worthy of the flag under which they have the honor to serve, by a determined resist- ance to an unjust demand, do request the honorable, the secretary of the navy, to order a court of inquiry into their conduct. At the same time they are compelled by imperious duty, by the honor of their flag, by the honor of their countrymen and by all that is dear to themselves, to request that an order may be issued for the arrest of Commodore Barron on the charges herewith exhibited, which the undersigned pledge themselves to prove true. 1. On the probability of an engagement for neglecting to clear his ship for action. 2. For not doing his utmost to take or destroy a vessel which we conceive it his duty to have done. Benjamin Smith, ist Lieutenant. William Crane, 2d Lieutenant. William Henry Allen, 3d Lieutenant. L. Orde Creighton, 4th Lieutenant. Sydney Smith, 5 th Lieutenant. Samuel Brookes, Sailing Master. William Hemy Allen. 297 This request resulted in the court-martial of Com- modore Barron, Captain Gordon, Captain Hall of the marines and the gunner. Barron was suspended without pay for five years ; Gordon was privately rep- remanded, as was Hall, while the sfunnerwas cashiered for not having his priming-horns filled. During the embargo of 1808. Lieutenant Allen was employed in cruising off Block Island in the frigate Chesapeake, for the purpose of intercepting and seiz- ing such vessels as were attempting a violation of that law. This brought him in daily contact with vessels from his native state, and with men who were his father's friends and neighbors. He was often asked even by his own father, to interfere in behalf of some friend detained by the operation of the embargo act. To such a request from his father he replied : " Nothing, my dear sir, could give me more pleas- ure than to have been useful or instrumental in serv- ing those young gentlemen you spoke of in your let- ter ; it requires no request of yours to induce it ; but vain are our desires — impotent the will that exceeds the means of performance. This has been my lot and I believe that of many in the Chesapeake. Need I say that my feelings have ever been on the rack while cruising off the island ! But sir, had this been your vessel, her situation would have been precisely the same. It is impossible that I can be of the least ser- vice to those young gentlemen." 298 American Naval Heroes. In 1809 he was promoted first lieutenant on board the frigate United States, Commodore Decatur, which was fitting out in the navy yard at Washing- ton, and in the absence of the commodore, he for two months gave his unremitting supervision to the prep- aration of the ship for sea. In the frigate he made several short cruises. After war was declared the United States and Macedonian. From aji old vood-cnt engraved /« li^l- United States sailed on a cruise and on October 25, 18 1 2, fell in with the British frigate Macedonia?^, 49 guns, one of the finest frigates in the British navy, commanded by Captain John S. Corden. The enemy had the advantage of the wind and fought the United States at his own distance, and the action continued for one hour and fifty minutes. William Henry Allen. 299 So tremendous was the fire kept up by the Ameri- can frigate that the British sailors shouted several times supposing that the Uniled States was in flames. The Macedonian lost her mizzenmast and fore-top- masts and main yard before she struck, having lost thirty-six killed and sixty-eight wounded, while the United States lost but four killed and seven wounded, and she could easily have continued her cruise had not Commodore Decatur thought It of the first con- sequence to convoy his prize into port. The difficult task of bringing the shattered and sinking Macedonian into port was entrusted to Lieu- tenant Allen, and when he triumphantly entered New York harbor with the American eagle looking down on the British cross, the enthusiasm of the people who lined the docks and water front was unbounded. He next conducted Mr. Crawford, appointed to succeed Mr. Barlow, deceased, as United States minister to France, on board the Argns. He was appointed to the rank of master-commandant but did not receive his commission before he sailed as it was delayed in transmission. He passed safely through the British blockading squadron and in twenty-three days reached L'Orient, and on June 12, 1813, wrote to the secretary of the navy, " I shall immediately proceed to put in execu- tion, my orders, as to the ulterior purposes of my destination." These appear to have been to destroy the Enorlish commerce in the Irish channel. His ;oo Atnericaii Naval Heroes. injury to British ships and cargoes was about two milHon five hundred thousand dollars. On August 14th he fell in with the British ship Pelican, and the account of the meeting is given in the official report of Lieutenant Watson. ^^^ United States and Macedonian. Fro>n an old ivood-cut. Norfolk, March, 2, 1815. Sir — Circumstances during my residence in England having heretofore prevented my attention to the painful duty which devolved on me by the death of my gallant commander, Captain William H. Allen of the United States brig Argus, I have now the honor to state for your information that, having landed the minister plenipotentiary (Mr. Crawford) and suite at L'Orient, we proceeded on the cruise which had been directed by the depart- ment, and after capturing twenty vessels (a Hst of the names and William Henry Allen. 301 other particulars of which I have the honor to enclose) being in latitude 52°, 15' north, longitude 5°, 30' west, on the 14th of August, 1 8 13, we discovered at four o'clock, a. m., a large brig- of-war standing down under a press of sail, upon our weather quarter. The wind being at south and the Argus close hauled on the starboard tack, we immediately prepared to receive her ; and at 4.30, being unable to get the weather-gage, we shortened sail and gave her an opportunity of closing. At six the brig having dis- played the English colors, we hoisted our flag, wore round and gave her the larboard broadside (being at this time within grape dis- tance) which was returned, and the action commenced within range of musketry. At six, poor Captain Allen was wounded, and at six- eight, being much exhausted by loss of blood, he was carried below. At SIX- twelve we lost our spritsail yard and the principal part of the standing rigging on the larboard side of the foremast. At this I received a wound on the head from a grape shot, and I was car- ried below, and W. H. Allen, Jr., succeeded to the command of the deck. * * * » The Argus having suffered so much in hull and rigging, and also in killed and wounded * * * I deemed it neces- sary to surrender, and was taken possession of by his Britannic Majesty's sloop the Pelican, of twenty-one carriage guns, sixteen 32-pounders, four large 6's, and one 12-pound carronade. I hope this missive will meet your approbation, and that the result of this action, when the superior size and metal of our opponents, and the fatigue which the crew, etc., of the Argus underwent from the very rapid succession of captures, is considered, will not be thought unworthy of the flag under which we serve. The Ai\o-2is and her crew were carried into Ply- mouth, Eng., and the wounded captain of the Ar£'?is was carried to the Mill Prison hospital, where he died August 18, 18 13, and was buried in the church-yard of the church, in which the funeral services were read over his body with militg,ry honors. Q^(y(i7C7 XXIV. DAVID PORTER. Commodore Porter's father and grandfather fought in behalf of the colonies, the one as commander of a merchant ship and the other in the regular es- tablishment — three of his sons were officers in the United States Navy, and his son, David Dixon Porter and his adopted son, David G. Farragut, the only two admirals in the United States Navy, fought their first battles on board his ship. David Porter was born in Boston, Mass., February I, 1780; son of Captain David Porter, who saw service in the American navy during the Revoki- tion, and was afterward commander of the revenue cutter Active, making his home in Baltimore, Mary- land. When sixteen years old young Porter sailed to the West Indies in his father's ship, and his next voyage was as mate of a ship sailing from Baltimore to Santo Domingo. On this voyage he was twice impressed on board a British ship, and in each instance he made his escape. He was without money or friends and was obliged to work his way home as a common sailor with a meagre supply of clothing in the winter season. Upon reaching home he obtained a midshipman's warrant on board the Constellation, Commodore Trux- ton, and saw his first sea fight on board that ship in 304 America7i Naval Heroes. her action with the French frigate Insurgenie. His conduct in this battle won for him the commission of lieutenant and he sailed on the same ship under Com- modore Barron. His next vessel was the United States schooner Experiment, Lieutenant William Maley, cruising on the coast of Hispaniola, fighting French pirates and recapturing American ships. He then commanded the Auiphitrite, a pilot- boat schooner armed with 5 small swivel guns taken from the tops of the Constellation, and a crew of fifteen men. In this little vessel he gave battle to a French privateer mounting one long 12-pounder and several swivels, and manned with a crew of forty men. The privateer was accompanied by a prize ship and a large barge with thirty men and armed with swivels. Lieutenant Porter in the engagement lost his rudder, but made prize of the privateer and ship without the loss of a man, though several were wounded and his vessel much injured. The privateer had seven killed and fifteen wounded. His next voyage was as first lieutenant of the Ex- periinent, Captain Charles Stewart, against the French buccaneers operating in the West Indies and the cruise resulted in suppressing the outlaws and shutting up their ships in their own harbors. Both Captain Stewart and Lieutenant Porter were ordered to join the fleet fitting out for the Mediter- ranean and on reaching that station the Enterprise engaged the Tripoli, a corsair of superior force, which David Porter. 305 she vanquished with Httle loss to the American schooner. In one of the encounters with a TripoHtan ketch, Lieutenant Porter was wounded in the thigh. He was on board the PJiiladelpJiia with Captain Bainbridge when that ship was grounded and cap- tured by the Tripohtans, and he shared mineteen month's imprisonment with the captain and crew. During this long confinement the American sailors, employed on the public works by the bashaw, formed a secret passage through which they were accustomed to visit the American officers confined in the castle, and communicate with them through a small hole in the wall of one of the rooms. The means of communica- tion was discovered and when the officer in charge of the castle rushed into the room where the officers of the Philadelphia were assembled, he demanded the name of the officer w^ho had planned the means of communication. Lieutenant Porter at once announced himself as the culprit and he was hurried away from his fellow officers, to what fate they knew not. After some days of anxiety on the part of all, he was returned to the room unharmed. This anecdote of the heroism of Porter was the subject of admiration for the entire period of their confinement. After being released he was appointed to the com- mand of the Enterprise, and ordered to Tripoli. On more than one occasion he vindicated the honor of the fiaof, and when for an insult to the American standard he ordered the Hogging of a British sailor on the 3o6 American Naval Heroes. gangway of the Enterprise, the governor of Malta, where the brig was at anchor, took up the affair and directed the forts to prevent the Enterprise from departing. On learning of this order Captain Porter instantly made sail, called his men to quarters, and with lighted matches and in the attitude of firing upon the town should any obstruction be thrown in his way, he safely left the harbor. He then passed through the Straits of Gibraltar in sight of the town and the British squadron in the harbor, and he was attacked by twelve Spanish gun-boats which he compelled to retire. The exploit was witnessed by the officers and men on the British fleet as well as by inhabitants of the town. After an absence of five years Captain Porter re- turned to his home and was married to the daughter of Representative Anderson, member of Congress for Pennsylvania. He was then assigned to the com- mand of the flotilla assembled on the New Orleans station, where he enforced the embargo and non-inter- course laws vigorously and faithfully. He next com- manded the frigate Essex at Norfolk, and when the War of 1812 broke out sailed in that vessel from New York, July 3, 18 12, on a cruise. When outside that port he was attacked by the British sloop-of-war Alert, Captain Thomas L. P. Langhorne. the ship bearing down upon the weather quarter of the Essex. The English crew gave three cheers and opened the action. The contest was short, as after a few broadsides the David Porter. 307 Alert surrendered to the Essex, and Captain Porter was the first commander in the War of 18 12 to cap- ture a British ship-of-war. He carried her flag home and sent it to Washington as a trophy, the first of the war deposited in the navy department. Captain Porter repaired his ship and sailed from Essex and Alert. From an ohi ivood-cut engraved in 1S31. the Delaware, October 27, 18 12, for the coast of Brazil. He captured the British packet N'octon, 10 guns and thirty-one men, having on board eleven thousand pounds sterling in money, and after taking out her money he sent the prize to the United States. Circumstances made it inexpedient for Captain Porter to remain longer on the coast, as Commodore Bainbridge had captured the ^ava and would probably 3o8 American Naval Heroes. return home for repairs, the Hornet had been cap- tured by the Mo7ttagne, and the coast was swarming with hostile ships, all in search of the Essex. He therefore skirted along the coast of South America and doubled the Horn in a severe storm. He suffered greatly from a panic among the crew and arrived at Valparaiso on March 14, 18 13. Here he replenished his stores, and finding that the Peruvians had been making prizes of American whaling vessels and imprisoning their crews, he therefore captured the Peruvian privateer Nereyda, and threw all her guns and ammunition into the sea. On board the vessel he found twenty-four Americans, the crews of two whale- men held prisoners. These men Captain Porter lib- erated and he wrote an account of his proceedings to the Peruvian viceroy giving his reasons for his acts. Captain Porter afterward re-captured one of the whalemen as she was entering the harbor of Lima. In the Pacific, Captain Porter found that he had a clear field and but slight opposition. The British government had not anticipated the bold movement of Porter and supposed that their commerce in the Pacific was safe, while they had the American whalemen at their mercy. The advent of the Essex changed the condition and Captain Porter made great havoc among the British whalers. He captured the Barclay, the Mon- tezuma, the Georgiana and the Policy, and converted two of these into American cruisers. They were both David Porter, 309 pierced for 18 guns and took their crews out of the Essex, which ship had an extra complement of both officers and men. The Georgiaiia became known as the Essex yunior, Lieutenant Downs. His prizes afforded him an abundance of provisions, clothing, medicine, naval stores and money with which to pay liberally both officers and men. There was now danger that the news of the exploits of the Essex and her escorts would reach the British admiralty and that a large force would be despatched to capture her. Lieutenant Downs learned at Valparaiso, to which port he had conveyed a number of prizes, that the British frigate Phcebe, 36 guns. Commodore Hillyar, with two sloops of war was expected. To meet this frigate and close his expedition with an exploit more brilliant than the capture of merchant- men and whalers, Captain Porter proceeded to repair the Essex and put her in fighting trim. He sailed to the island of Nukahiva, one of the Washington groups, and there repaired the Essex with the material captured on board his prizes. On November 19, 18 13, he took possession of the island in the name of the United States and called it Madison Island. It was large, fertile and populous. The natives were friendly and supplied him with an abundance of provisions, Captain Porter in return marching his ship's crew against some neighboring tribes and subjugating them. 31 o American Naval Heroes. He sailed for the coast of Chili with the three prizes which he had brought with him on December 13, 18 1 3. He then proceeded to Valparaiso in search of Commodore Hillyar. The account of the meeting and the action that ensued in the month of March, 18 14, and the hopes, feelings and expectations of Com- modore Porter on that occasion is given in his own words as extracted from his letter on the subject to the secretary of the navy, dated at sea July, 3, 1814. " The Phoebe, agreeably to my expectations, came to seek me at Valparaiso, where I was anchored with the Essex. My armed prize, the Essex Junior, under the command of Lieutenant Downes, on the lookout off the harbor. But contrary to the course I thought he would pursue. Commodore Hillyar brought with him the Cherub, sloop-of-war, mounting 28 guns, eighteen 3 2 -pound carronades, eight 24's, and two long 9's on the quarter-deck and forecastle, and a complement of one hundred and eighty men. The force of the Phoebe is as follows: thirty long i8-pounders, sixteen 32-pound carronades, one howitzer, and six 3-pounders in the tops, in all 53 guns and a complement of three hundred and twenty men; making a force of 8 1 guns and five hundred men ; in addition to which they took on board the crew of an English letter of marque lying in port. Both ships had picked crews, and were sent into the Pacific in company with the Racoon of 22 guns, and a store ship of 20 guns for the express purpose of seeking the Essex, and were prepared with flags bearing the motto, " God and country ; British sailors' best rights ; Traitors offend both." This was intended as a reply to my motto, " Eree Trade and Sailors^ Rights,''^ under the erroneous impression that my crew were chiefly Englishmen, or to counteract its effect on their own crews. The force of the Essex was 46 guns, forty 32-pound carronades, and six long 12's; and her crew, which had been much reduced by manning prizes, amounted only to two hundred and fifty men. The Essex Junior, which was intended chiefly as a storeship, mounted 20 guns, ten 18-pound carronades and ten short 6's, with only sixty men on David Portej- 1 1 board. In reply to their motto, I wrote at my mizzen, " God, our Country, and Liberty; Tyrants offend them." On getting their provisions on board they went off the port for the purpose of blockading me, where they cruised for near six weeks ; during which time I endeavored to provoke a challenge, and frequently, but ineffectually to bring the Pluvbe alone to action, first with both my ships, and afterward with my single ship, with both crews on board. I was several times under way, and ascer- tained that I had greatly the advantage in point of sailing, and once succeeded in closing within gunshot of the PJmbe, and commenced Essex and British Frigates in the Harbor of Valparaiso. From an old wood-cut engraved in 1831. a fire on her, when she ran down for the Cherub, which was two and a half miles to leeward ; this excited some surprise and expres- sions of indignation, as previous to my getting under way, she hove to off the port, hoisted her motto flag and fired a gun to windward. Commodore Hillyar seemed determined to avoid a contest with me on nearly equal terms, and from his extreme prudence in keeping both his ships ever after, constantly within hail of each other, there were no hopes of any advantages to my country from a longer stay in port. I therefore determined to put to sea the first opportunity which should offer ; and I was the more strongly induced to do so as I had gained certain intelligence that the Tagus, rated t,2>, and two 312 American Naval Heroes. other frigates, had sailed for that sea in pursuit of me ; and I had reason to expect the arrival of the Racoon from the north-west coast of America, where she had been sent for the purpose of destroying our fur establishment on the Columbia. A rendezvous was appointed for the Essex Junior and every arrangement made for sailing, and I intended togetthem chase me off, to give the ^i'i'^jcy>/«/(?r an oppor- tunity of escaping. On the 28th of March, the day after this deter- mination was formed, the wind came on to blow fresh from the south- ward, when I parted my larboard cable and dragged my starboard anchor directly out to sea. Not a moment was to be lost in getting sail on the ship. The enemy were close in with the point forming the west side of the bay ; but on opening them, I saw a prospect of passing to windward, when I took in my top-gallantsails, which were set over single-reefed topsails, and braced up for this purpose ; but on rounding the point, a heavy squall struck the ship and carried away her main top- mast, precipitating the men who were aloft into sea, who were drowned. Both ships now gave chase to me, and I endeavored in my disabled state to regain the port ; but finding I could not recover the common anchorage, I ran close into a small bay about three-quarters of a mile to leeward of the battery on the east side of the harbor, and let go my anchor within pistol shot of the shore where I intended to repair my damages as soon as pos- sible. The enemy continued to approach and showed an evident intention of attacking, regardless of the neutrality of the place where I was anchored ; and the caution observed in their approach to the attack of the crippled Essex was truly ridiculous as was their dis- play of their motto flags and the number of jacks at all their mast heads. I with as much expedition as circumstances would permit of, got my ship ready for action and endeavored to get a spring on my cable, but had not succeeded when the enemy at fifty-four minutes after 3 p. m. made his attack, the FJuvbe placing herself under my stern and the Cherub on my starboard bow ; 1 ut the Cherub, soon finding her situation a hot one, bore up, and ran under my stern also, where both ships kept up a hot, raking fire. I had got three long 1 2 -pounders out of the stern ports, which were worked with so much bravery and skill, that in half an hour we so disabled both, as to compel them to haul off to repair damages. \ In the course of this firing, I had by the great exertions of Mr. Edward Barnewell, the acting sailing-master assisted by Mr. Linscott, the boatswain, succeeded in getting springs on our cable three different David Porter. 313 times ; but the fire of the enemy was so excessive that before we could get our broadside to bear they were shot away and thus ren- dered useless to us. J My ship had received many injuries, and several had been killed and wounded ; but my brave officers and men, notwithstand- ing the unfavorable circumstances under which we were brought to action, and the powerful force opposed to us, were no ways dis- couraged — all appeared determined to defend their ship to the last extremity, and to die in preference to a shameful surrender. Our gaff, with the ensign and motto flag at the mizzen, had been shot away, but '■^ Free Trade and Sailors'- Rights'' continued to fly at the fore. Our ensign was replaced by another ; and to guard against a similar event an ensign was made fast in the mizzen rig- ging, and several jacks were hoisted in different parts of the ship. The enemy soon repaired his damages for a fresh attack. He now placed himself, with both his ships, on my starboard quarter, out of the reach of my carronades, and where my stern guns could not be brought to bear. He there kept up a most gallant fire, which it was out of my power to return, when I saw no prospect of injuring him without getting under way and becoming the assailant. My topsail sheets and halyards were all shot away, as well as the jib and fore top-mast staysail halyards ; and that being the only sail I could set, I caused it to be hoisted, my cable to be cut, and ran down on both ships, with an intention of laying the Phcebe on board. The firing on both sides was now tremendous ; I had let fall my fore- topsail and foresail, but the want of tacks and sheets rendered them almost useless to us, yet we were enabled for a short tune to close with the ene*my ; and although our decks were now strewed with dead, and our cockpit filled with wounded, although our ship had been several times on fire, and was rendered a perfect wreck, we were still encouraged to hope to save her, from the circumstance of the Cherub from her crippled state being compelled to haul off. She did not return to close action again, although she apparently had it her in power to do so, but kept up a distant firing with her long guns. The Pha^be, from our disabled state, was enabled, however, by edging off, to choose the distance which best suited her long guns, and kept up a tremendous fire on us, which mowed down my brave companions by the dozen. Many of my guns had bf en rendered useless by the enemy's shot, and many of them had had their whole crews destroyed. We manned them again from those which 314 America7i Naval Heroes. were disabled, and one gun in particular was three times manned — fifteen men were slain at it in the course of the action ! but strange as it may appear the captain of it escaped with only a slight wound. Finding that the enemy had it in his power to choose his dis- tance I now gave up all hopes of closing with him, and as the wind, for the moment, seemed to favor the design, I determined to endeavor to run her on shore, land my men and destroy her. Everything seemed to favor my wishes. We had approached the shore within musket shot, and 1 had no doubt of succeeding, when, in an instant, the wind shifted from the land (as is very common in this port in the latter part of the day), and payed our head down on the Phoebe, where we were again exposed to a dreadful raking fire. My ship was now totally unmanageable ; yet as her head was toward the enemy, and he to leeward of me, I still hoped to be able to board her. At this moment Lieutenant-commandant Downes came on board to receive my orders, under the impression that I should soon be a prisoner. He could be of no use to me in the then wretched state of the Essex, and finding (from the enemy's putting his helm up) that my last attempt at boarding would not succeed, I directed him, after he had been about ten minutes on board, to return to his own ship, to be prepared for defending and destroying her in case of an attack. He took with him several of my wounded, leaving three of his boat's crew on board to make room for them. The Cherub now had an opportunity of distin- guishing herself by keeping up a hot fire on him during his return. The slaughter on board my ship had now become horrible, the enemy continuing to rake us, and we unable to bring a gun to bear. I therefore directed a hawser to be bent to the sheet anchor, and the anchor to be cut from the bows to bring her head round ; this succeeded. We again got our broadside to bear, and as the enemy was much crippled and unable to hold his own, I have no doubt he would soon have drifted out of gunshot before he discov- ered we had anchored, had not the hawser unfortunately parted. My ship had taken fire several times during the action, but alarmingly so forward and aft at this moment. The flames were bursting up each hatchway and no hopes were entertained of saving her. Our distance from the shore did not exceed three-quarters of a mile, and I hoped many of my brave crew would be able to save themselves, should the ship blow up, as I was informed the fire was near the magazine, and the explosion of a large quantity of powder below served to increase the horrors of our situation. Our boats were destroyed David Porter'. ^5 by the enemy's shot ; I therefore directed those who could swim to jump overboard, and endeavor to gain the shore. Some reached it, some were taken by the enemy, and some perished in the attempt ; but most preferred sharing with me the fate of the ship. We who remained now turned our attention to extinguishing the flames ; and when we had succeeded went again to our guns, where the firing was kept up for some minutes. But the crew had by this time become so weakened that they all declared to me the impossibility of making further resistance, and entreated me to surrender my ship to save my wounded, as all further attempts at opposition must prove ineffectual, almost every gun being dis- abled by the destruction of the crews. I now sent for the officers of divisions to consult them ; but what was my surprise to find only Acting-lieutenant Stephen Decatut M' Knight remaining, who con- firmed the report respecting the condition of the guns on the gun- deck — those on the spar-deck were not in a better state. Lieutenant Wilmer, after fighting most gallantly throughout the action, had been knocked overboard by a splinter while getting the sheet anchor from the bows, and was drowned. Acting-lieutenant J. G. Cowell had lost a leg ; Mr. Edward Barnewell, acting sailing mister, had been carried below after receiving two severe wounds, one in the breast and one in the face; and Acting-lieutenant William H. Odenheimer had been knocked overboard from the quarter an instant before and did not regain the ship until after the surrender. J I was informed that the cockpit, the steerage, the ward-room and the birth-deck could contain no more wounded ; that some of the wounded were killed while the surgeons were dressing them and that unless something was speedily done to prevent it the ship would soon sink from the number of holes in her bottom. On sending for the carpenter he informed me that all his crew had been killed or wounded and that he had once been over the side to stop the leaks when his sling had been shot away and it was with difficulty he was saved from drowning. The enemy, from the smoothness of the water and the impossibility of ever reaching him with our car- ronades and the little apprehension that was excited by our fire, which had now become much slackened, was enabled to take aim at us as at a target ; his shot never missed our hull and my ship was cut up in a manner which was perhaps never before witnessed — in fine I saw no hope of saving her and at twenty minutes past 6 p. m. gave the painful order to strike the colors. v5 1 6 AinericiDi A'aval Heroes. Seventy-five men, including officers, were all that remained of my whole crew capable of doing duty and many of them severely wounded, some of whom have since died. The enemy still con- tinued to fire and my brave though unfortunate companions were still falling about me. I directed an opposite gun to be fired to show them we intended no further resistance but they did not desist ; four men were killed at my side and others in different parts of the ship. I now believed he intended to show us no quarter and that it would be as well to die with my flag flying and I was about on the point of hoisting it, when about ten minutes after hauling the colors down he ceased firing. We have been unfortunate but not disgraced — the defense of the Essex has not been less honorable to her officers and crew than the capture of an equal force, and I now consider my situation less unpleasant than that of Commodore Hillyar, who in violation of every principle of honor and generosity, and regardless of the rights of nations, attacked the Essex in her crippled state within pistol shot of a neutral shore ; when for six weeks I had daily offered him fair and honorable combat on terms greatly to his advantage. The blood of the slain must be on his head and he has yet to reconcile his conduct to Heaven, to his conscience and to the world. On his return home in the Essex Junior, Com- modore Porter was made commissioner of the navy. In 1823, when it was decided to fit out an expedition to suppress the pirates operating in the West Indies, he resigned his commissionership and took command of the expedition, giving his personal attention to the selection of the vessels and their preparation for the service. He took his squadron to sea on Feb. 14, 1823, hoisting his broad pennant on board the Peacock. He arrived off Porto Rico where he sent a letter to the governor in relation to the interruption of American commerce by Porto Rico privateers, and also on the David Porter. 3 1 7 subject of his contemplated blockade of their coasts. He despatched this letter March 3, 1823, by Captain John Porter on board the GreyJiound into the port of San Juan, and on the 5th ordered Lieutenant W. H. Cooke in command of the Fox to enter the same har- bor to ascertain the probabilities of receiving an an- swer to his letter. As Lieutenant Cooke was on his way to execute this order he was killed by a shot from the castle which opened a heavy fire upon the schooner and obliged her to come to anchor under the guns of the castle. It appears that the commander of the fleet had criven orders to allow no more of the American fleet to enter the harbor during the absence of the governor, but Commodore Porter would not receive such a plea and referred the whole matter to the gov- ernment at Washington. He now divided his fleet in small detachments and distributed them along the entire coast of Cuba and Porto Rico. He established a naval depot at Key West, where he reassembled his squadron and made it the center of his operations and the rendezvous of his vessels after their short cruises. The result of this policy was reported April 24, 1823, by Commodore Porter, " I believe I can now say with safety that there is not a pirate afloat on the northern coast of Cuba, larger than an open boat." On May 19 he writes to the secretary of the navy, " I have the honor to inform you that not a single piratical act has been committed on the coast of Cuba since I organized and arrayed my forces." 3i8 American Naval Heroes. In August a malignant fever broke out at Key West and many of the sailors were victims to the epidemic. Commodore Porter was prostrated and without awaiting orders he directed the squadron to return home. After the men had recovered he re- turned with the vessels to the station. In October, 1824, Lieutenant Piatt of the Beagle was informed of the robbery of an American mercantile house in St. Thomas and traced the goods to Foxordo, a small port on the extreme eastern part of Porto Rico, He anchored in the harbor and waited on the proper civil authorities, who demanded to see his commission, pronounced it a forgery, and charging him with being a pirate arrested him and Lieutenant Ritchie who was with him and kept them under guard for a whole day. After various insults they were permitted to return to their vessel. When the Beagle was running up the coast she met the Commodore's flagship JoJui Adams and Lieutenant Piatt reported the treatment to Com- modore Porter, who deemed the act an insult to the American flag which must be atoned for. As the flag- ship drew too much water to enter the harbor, she was anchored at a safe distance and the Commodore took the Beagle and the Grampus with the boats of the JoJin Adams, under Captain Dallas her commander, and entered the harbor of Foxordo, He addressed a letter to the alcalde demanding explanation and atone- ment, under pain of making the town responsible, and gave one hour for an answer. The letter was sent by David Porter. 3 1 9 a lieutenant under a flag of truce. As the vessels came to anchor, Commodore Porter perceived a shore battery making preparation for action and he sent a detachment of seamen and marines to take this battery and spike the guns, which they promptly did without much opposition on the part of the Spanish garrison. He then headed two hundred men and moved towards the town. A battery of two guns that com- manded the road over which they were marching, was captured and spiked. In half an hour the town was reached and was found prepared for a defense. The party then halted and awaited the return of the flag of truce. The alcalde and captain of the ports ap- peared and apologized to Lieutenant Piatt in person, promising to thereafter respect the American flag. The Americans then marched through the town and returned to their vessels. Commodore Porter reported his act to the govern- ment and was ordered home and court-martialed. He based his defense on three grounds in the law of na- tions, American precedents and the orders of the de- partment. He was however suspended from the ser- vice for six months and the President approved the findings of the court and the sentence. This action on the part of his government so dis- pleased Porter that he resigned and entered the Mexi- can service, where he received the appointment of commander-in-chief of the naval forces with a salary of $25,000 a year. 320 American Naval Hei^oes. Captain Lewis Warrington was appointed to suc- ceed Commodore Porter, who remained in the Mex- ican service until 1829, when he returned home and was appointed by President Jackson consul-general at Algiers. This post he occupied till the conquest of Algiers by the French, when he was made charge d'affaires at Constantinople. He visited the United States and returned to the Porte with the accredited appointment as United States minister. He died in Pera, a suburb of Constantinople, Turkey, March 28, 1843, ^^^ his body was brought to the United States and buried in the grounds of the naval asylum near Philadelphia. XXV. JAMES BARRON. " Commodore Barron is chiefly known to the present generaion for his en- counter, when in command of the Chesapeake, with the British frigate Leopard in time of peace, and the duel in which he killed Commodore Decatur." Apple- ton'' s CyclopiEiiia of American Biography. This unfortunate naval officer was born in Virginia, in 1769. He was tlie son of Captain Barron, the com- mander of the Colonial navy of Virginia, during the war of the American revolution and was himself, as a boy, an apprentice on his father's ship and saw service in that war. He entered the United States service as a lieutenant on the frio^ate United States under Commo- dore Barry in 1798, and was promoted captain in 1799 for important services rendered on the United States. His brother, Commodore Samuel Barron, was sent out on the President as flagship with a fleet, to co- operate with Commodore Preble in the Mediterranean, and reached that station shortly after the destruction of the PJiiladelphia. With this fleet Captain James Barron commanded the frigate Essex, 32 guns, and to his ship was entrusted the United States ambassador to the bashaw of Tripoli, empowered to make terms of peace. Commodore Stephen Barron superceded Commodore Preble and transferred his flag from the President to the Constitntion, and made his brother Qjci^n\^ /j coy^t^^h^-^ James Barron. 323 commander of the Preside7it, transferring Captain Cox, who only ranked as master-commander, to the Essex. A treaty was signed, June 3, 1805, which termi- nated the war with TripoH. The outrages of Enghsh captains in searching American vessels, even men-of-war, for deserters, and the arrogance displayed when demanding the right to search, had so incensed the American people, that in 1807, when the authorities awoke to the realization of a need for suitable frigates to resist this outrage, they found that the naval appropriation had been entirely expended in building gun-boats adapted for coast de- fense but not to cruising. The available frigates were in the Mediterranean where the Constitution, the flagship of that station, was to be relieved. The Chesapeake, which had been ordered into commission to take her place, was hastily fitted up, and Captain Charles Gordon, the youngest master-commandant on the list, was assigned to the frigate, May 15, 1807. Captain Barron was promoted commodore, May 15, and was ordered to hoist his broad pennant on the Chesapeake, as flagship of the squadron, and sail to relieve Commodore Rodgers, at the Mediterranean station. At this time Captain Barron ranked as one of the most ready seamen that America had produced, although he had held only a secondary position in any sea-fight. Captain Gordon found, on passing Mount Vernon on his way from the navy yard to Norfolk, 324 American A^aval Hei^oes. that of the twelve guns on board, none were in con- dition to fire the customary salute on passing Wash- ington's grave. When he reached Hampton Roads, June 4th, he anchored to receive the remaining guns and stores. On the 6th day of June Commander Barron paid the frigate his first visit. On the 14th Captain Gordon had shipped his guns and supplies, and had received on board a crew of 375 men. Between that date and the 2 2d the guns were put into position. The men were called to quarters only three times, and no oppor- tunity was found to exercise the guns. On June 22, 1807, the Chesapeake, -^^Z guns. Cap- tain Gordon, bearing the broad pennant of Commodore Barron, got under way. The same day he was hailed by the British frigate Leopard ten miles east of Cape Henry. Captain Humphrey, her commander, sent out a boat with an officer bearing Admiral Berkeley's instructions to search the frigate for deserters from the British navy. Commodore Barron refused to permit him to do so and allowed the officer to return to the Leopard with his answer. In about eight minutes and while the two frigates were within two hundred feet of each other the Leopard poured a broadside of solid shot and canister into the American frigate. The Chesapeake was taken by surprise and was wholly unprepared for a fight. The gun-deck was encumbered with lumber, the cables were not yet stowed away, four of the guns had not been adjusted y antes Bmn^on. 325 to their carriages, and the powder horns for priming the guns were not in condition for use. The Leopard followed its first broadside by three others, and three of the men on the Chesapeake were killed and eighteen wounded. At the end of fifteen minutes of unresisted massacre the flag was struck by Commodore Barron, and just as it touched the taff-rail, Lieutenant Allen, with a burning coal in his fingers, applied it to one of the guns and hulled the Leopai-d, the single shot of resistance made by the Chesapeake. An English oflficer then came on board, mustered the ship's company and picked out a British sailor named Ratford with three other deserters, not named in Admiral Berkeley's orders to Captain Humphrey. When Commodore Barron offered to surrender the Chesapeake to the oflficer as a prize. Captain Humphrey declined to take possession, asserting that his duty had been accomplished. The Chesapeake returned to Norfolk, and Commodore Barron's con- duct was investigated by a naval court-martial. After a long trial he was found not guilty on all of the counts except as to failing to prepare instantly for action before allowing the English officer to depart with his answer to the demand to search his ship, and on that count he was found guilty and condemned to suspension for five years without pay. His orders from the secretary of war appear to extenuate this mistake, and the department was in a large measure at fault in sending out a ship before she was ready 326 American Naval Heroes. for sea, although there appears to have been no pro- test made by either Captain Gordon or Commodore Barron when they went on board and assumed com- mand. Barron went to France where he found employ- ment in the French navy with a high commission and did not return to the United States until the expira- tion of his term of sentence. He then asked to be assigned to active duty but his action in deserting his country and taking service with an enemy, prejudiced the other officers of the navy against him and they entered a vigorous protest against his assignment. As he had been trained to the sea and had given his time to his country and had no other means of sup- port, he claimed when his government cut off that support that he had no recourse but to follow his trade under some other employer. Commodore Decatur was especially severe in his denunciation, and Barron challenged him to mortal combat. They met at Bladensburg, near Washing- ton, D. C, and Decatur was killed and Barron severely wounded.* The unfortunate affair increased Barron's unpopu- larity and he was kept in " waiting orders " until the time of his death. He became senior officer of the navy in 1839, and died in Norfolk, Va., April 21, 1851. * See particulars of the duel under sketch of Stephen Decatur, also another version of the engagement between the Chesapeake and the Leopard in the sketch of William Henry- Allen. XXVI. JAMES BIDDLE. "The neatness and dispatch with which the American sloop did her work, the coolness with which she met an attempt to board, the accuracy of her fire and handling, are all proofs of her having been a disciplined man-of-war, and of the high condition of that service in which she was one of the favorites." — Cooper. The hero of the victory of the Hornet over the British brig Peiigiiin, was born in Philadelphia, Febru- ary 1 8, 1783. He was given a warrant in the United States navy as midshipman in 1800, when he was seven- teen years old, and was under Bainbridge on the Phil- adelphia when that frigate was captured by the Turks off the harbor of Tripoli in 1803, and w^ith the other officers and crew he was confined in prison for nineteen months by the bashaw of Tripoli. On being released he was on ordinary duty until the war of 18 12 called out the best men to officer the new vessels of war, fitted out to meet the Royal navy of Great Britain and to prey upon the commerce of that proud and power- ful nation. Midshipman Biddle was promoted to a lieutenancy and was assigned to duty on the sloop-of-war JJ^asp, Captain Jacob Jones, and in the encounter with and capture of the British sloop Frolic on October 13, 181 2, gave proof of his ability as an officer to that yaines Biddle. 329 extent that when a commander was to be selected to carry the Frolic into port the choice of Captain Jones fell to Biddle. He had narrowly escaped death during the fight when the Frolic struck the American sloop as Captain Jones ran down on her with the Wasp, preparatory to finishing the business on hand, at short range or by boarding. A broadside followed the collision and before the gunners could reload. Lieutenant Biddle followed a seaman, John Long, to the deck of the Frolic, to find as they gained the forecastle only three officers in sight. These promptly surrendered to Lieutenant Biddle, who, upon discovering that the flag had not been struck, hauled it down with his own hands and carried it, with the officers' swords, on board the Wasp. As Lieutenant Biddle was proceeding with the Frolic to make the nearest Southern port, the British frigate Poicticrs appeared and took possession of the disabled prize, Lieutenant Biddle being in no condition either to fight or run away. He was carried into Ber- muda, where he was released in March, 18 13, having been exchanged. On reaching home he was promoted master-com- mandant, and placed in charge of the gun-boat flotilla on the Delaware, but soon afterward was transferred to the command of the Horiict, then blockaded in the port of New London, Conn., by a British squadron, where were also the United States and the 2,2,0 American Naval Heroes. Macedonian laid up in ordinary, the Hornet protect- ing them. This service proving irksome to Captain Biddle, he asked to be relieved, and was finally given orders to join Commodore Decatur, at New York. He took advan- tage of the first favorable position of the blockading fleet to pass out, and in November, 1814, he joined the fleet at New York, made up of the Presidc7it, flag ship, the Peacock, Captain Warrington, the store-ship Tom Boivline and the Hornet, his own vessel. The fleet was detained in the harbor of New York till January, 18 15, when the Presidejit put to sea and was captured by the British frigate Endymion, 40 guns. The commanders of the Horiict, Peacock, and Tom Bowline, not being aware of the fate of the President, followed her to sea on the 22nd, while the blockading squadron was to the south and east, which enabled them to pass unmolested. Commodore Decatur had appointed the island of Tristan d' Acunha as the place of rendezvous and the Peacock and the Tom Bowline arrived about the middle of March, but were driven off the land by bad weather. The Hornet did not arrive till March 23rd, and as Captain Biddle was about to anchor, a sail was discovered to windward. He at once sheeted home his topsails and made for the chase which was run- ning before the wind. The Hornet then hove-to and awaited the stranger, which approached within mus- ketshot, came to the wind, set the English colors and y^ames Biddle. Vcy^ fired one gun. She was the British brig Penguin, 1 8 guns. The i/c^/'/^t^/ thereupon luffed up, displayed her ensign and returned the challenge with a broadside. Both brigs kept up a furious cannonade for fifteen minutes, the Penguin gradually drifting nearer the Hornet whose repeated broadsides were doing effective work. Finding it impossible to stand to under the Hornet and Penguin. From an old ivood-cut engraved in iSjl. Hornets fire, the Penguin put helm up and ran down on the starboard broadside of the Hornet to lay her aboard. The bowsprit of the Penguin came over the deck of the Hornet between the main and mizzen rie- ging, where the British captain had directed his first lieutenant to lead a boarding party to the deck of the Hornet. Surrender of the Penguin. James Biddle. 333 Captain Biddle at once called away boarders to repel boarders. His party was impatient to go into the deck of the enemy, but the commander wishing to take advantage of his position to rake the Penguin with a broadside, restrained the impetuous boarding party and fired a single broadside, when the sea lifted the Hoi^7iet and she shot ahead carrying away her mizzen rigging davits and spanker boom. This caused the Penguin to swing around and hang on the larboard quarter. Captain Biddle then sent the masters forward to set the foresails, in order to part the two ships, when an English oflficer on board the Penguin cried out that the vessel surren- dered. The firing had been kept up with small arms, the position of the two vessels preventing the use of the guns. Captain Biddle ordered all firing to cease and sprung upon the trafrail to inquire if the enemy submitted. He was within a short distance of the forcastle of the Penguin, and two marines on board fired at him with their muske'ts, a ball from one infiictinof a skin wound on his neck. The two marines were promptly killed by a discharge of musketry from the deck of the Hornet. The two vessels then parted, the Penguin leaving her bowspit and formast on the Hojniet's deck. As the Hornet rounded to and was ready to pour another broadside into the Penguiji a score of men appeared on the deck and forcastle of the vessel. 334 American N^aval Heroes. holding up their hands and shouting that they had struck. The Penguin lost forteen killed, including her commander, Captain Dickerson, and the boatswain, and twenty-eight wounded, including a lieutenant, two midshipmen and the purser. The Hornet had one man killed, and ten wounded. Among the wounded besides Captain Biddle, was Lieutenant David Conner, whose life was considered in great danger for some time, and who for his bravery on this occasion was presented by Congress with a medal and by the state of Pennsylvania with a sword. The Pengiiin was so badly damaged that after getting out her stores and provisions, and removing her wounded she was scuttled on the morning of the 25th of March, 1815. The Hornet had received no considerable damag-e, and soon made sail for the island when the strange sail that had hastened his action proved to be the Peacock and "the Tom Boivline in company. The latter was converted into a cartel and sent into San Salvador with the prisoners Captain Biddle was informed by the Macedonian, which brig had sailed with the frigate President, that the latter had probably been captured, and Captain Warrington determined to proceed on the original cruise with the remaining vessels. Commodore Decatur had in- structed them to remain at the island until April 13, 181 5, and at the expiration of that time, they made their way toward the Indian seas. y nines Biddle. 335 On the morning of the 27th of April, the Peacock made the signal of a stranger to the southward and eastward, and at once both sloops made sail in chase. The next morning the chase was in full sight. The Peacock was in advance, being the faster sailer, and Captain Warrington signalled that the vessel was a man-of-war, and an enemy. The Hornet at once hauled close upon the wind, and the Peacock passed ahead and soon got clear of the stranger. Captain Biddle, finding the English ship to be a very fast sailer, realized his dano-er, and begfan to lighten his brig, which was crowded with stores taken from the Penguin. Twelve tons of kentledge, a quantity of shot, and the heavier spars were thrown overboard. At daylight on the 29th, the Englishman was on the lee quarter of the Hovjiet and within gun-shot. At 7 a.m. she hoisted the English colors, showed a rear-admiral's flag and fired a broadside, the shot pass- ing over the Hornet. Captain Biddle then ordered the launch to be cut up, and the remaining anchors, chains, shot, and all heavy articles, including six of the guns, to be thrown overboard. By 9 a. m. the enemy fell astern, the concussion from his guns having deadened the wind, and to gain on the now flying Hornet, the guns were not fired. This enabled the enemy to close, and at 1 1 a. m. the Hornet threw overboard her remaining guns, the boats and all remaining shot and spars, besides cutting away her topgallant forecastle. By noon the enemy got 33^ American Naval Heroes. within a mile and opened fire. A fortunate turn of the wind filled the Hornefs sails, and with so lieht a ship she fairly leaped over the white-caps, so that at sunset the enemy was a league astern. Captain Escape of the Hornet from a British Seventy-four. From an old wood-cut. Biddle made his way into San Salvador to obtain relief for the wounded, and then learned that peace had been declared. He then upon sailed for New York and reached that port July 20, 18 15, where he learned that he had James Biddle. ■x^-^'] been promoted to the rank of post-captain, while at sea. The citizens of New York gave him a state din- ner, his native city a service of plate, and Congress a gold medal. He asked for a court of inquiry to examine into his action in sacrificing his armament and freight, but the safe return of the Hornet served to acquit him of all blame, and the court commended the skill that had saved the brig from capture. He was continued in the service, and in 1817, while in command of the Pacific squadron, formally took possession of Oregon in the name of the United States. In 1826 he represented his government in the negotiation of a treaty of commerce with the Ottoman Empire. He was made governor of the naval asylum at Philadelphia, serving during the years 183 8- 1842, and it was at his suggestion that James K. Paulding, secre- tary of the navy, sent all unemployed midshipmen to the naval asylum for instruction. This school became the foundation of the United States naval academy, afterward removed to Annapolis, Md. In 1845, while flag-officer of the East India squad- ron, he negotiated the first treaty ever made between the United States and China, and afterward landed in Japan, the first American naval officer to visit that empire. During the Mexican war he was in com- mand on the California coast, and on October i. 1848, shortly after his return, he died in his native city. XXVII. WILLIAM BURROWS. «<**»* ^nd the president is also requested to communicate to the nearest male relation of Lieutenant Burrows the deep regret which Congress feels for the loss of that valuable officer, who died in the arms of victory, nobly contend- ing for his country's rights and fame." — Joint Resolution of Cottgress, Decem- ber, fS/j. The hero-martyr of the engagement between the Enterprise and the Boxer was born in Kensington, Pa., October 6, 1785. He was the son of Lieutenant- Colonel Burrows of the United States marine service, and was brought up in affluance, receiving a classical education. He was warranted a midshipman in the United States Navy in 1799, and was assigned to the Ports- nioiitJi, 24 guns, Captain McNiel. That vessel cap- tured two French privateers, the Tripoli and the Ami, and in 1803, when the Portsmouth went out of com- mission, he was transferred to the Constitution, Com- modore Preble, as acting-lieutenant, and he served in that capacity through the Tripolitan War. He returned to the United States in 1807, was commander of gun-boat No. 119 in the Delaware flo- tilla, and engaged in enforcing the embargo law. In 1809 he was transferred to the President, Captain Bainbridge, and thence to the Horizet, Captain Hunt, 340 Aniericaii Naval Heroes. as first lieutenant, and his skill and intrepidity is said to have saved the ship in a gale. Finding himself outranked by his former subor- dinates, he resigned his commission, but Secretary Hamilton would not receive it, and gave him leave of absence for one year, during which time he made a voyage on the TJiomas Penrose, Captain Ansley, from Philadelphia to Canton in the merchant service. On his return voyage the ship was captured by the British and carried into Barbadoes. On being paroled he returned home, and when exchanged he was assigned to the sloop-of-war Enterprise, i6 guns, as commander. He left Portsmouth, N. H., Septembers, 1813, and the next day fell in with the British brig Boxer, Cap- tain Blythe, with an armament of fourteen 18-pound carronades and two long 9-pounders. The Boxer fired a single gun as a challenge, hoisted the English colors and bore down upon the Enterprise. Lieutenant Burrows gained sufficient time by tacking to prepare his vessel for action, to try the sailing of the two vessels and to ascertain the force of his antagonist. He then shortened sail, hoisted three ensig^ns and fired three shots in answer to the challenge. The Boxer bore within half pistol-shot of the Enterprise, and her crew giving three cheers, she fired her starboard broadside. She was answered by three cheers from the American crew and a larboard broadside from the Enterprise, which having the J I lUiam BiLi^rows. 341 advantage of the wind ranged ahead of the Boxer, rounded to on the larboard tack and began a raking broadside. This brought down the main topsail and topsail-yards of the Boxer, when the Enterprise, tak- ing position on the starboard bow of the enemy, opened a raking fire which compelled a cry for quar- ter. When requested to haul down their flag they Enterprise Towing the Boxer into Portland, Maine, after the Battle. From an old wood-ciit engraved in 18 ji. replied that their colors were nailed to the mast and could not be hauled down. The action had lasted forty-five minutes. The Boxer was badly injured in sails, rigging, spars and hull, while the Enterprise had one 1 8-pound shot in her hull, one in her main mast and one in her fore- mast, and her sails and hull were riddled with grape shot. 342 American Naval Hcr^oes. Lieutenant McCall reported the loss on the Enter- piHse to be four killed and ten wounded, while he estimated the loss on the Boxer to be twenty to twenty-five killed and fourteen wounded. Captain Blythe of the Boxer was killed early in the action by a cannon ball. He had served as one of the pall- bearers at the funeral of Captain Lawrence. Lieutenant Burrows was mortally wounded at the first fire, by a musket ball, but refused to be carried below, and he watched the progress of the fight from the quarter-deck until he fainted from loss of blood. With his life fast ebbing away he begged that the fiag might never be struck and when the sword of the gallant Captain Blythe was presented to him he clasped his hands together and exclaimed, " I am satisfied — I die contented." He was then carried below and died soon after. Captain Blythe and Lieu- tenant Burrows were buried in adjoining graves at Portland, Maine, near the scene of the sanguinary encounter. Congress, in recognition of the gallantry of Lieu- tenant Burrows passed the following joint resolution : " Resolved, by the senate and house of represent- atives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled : That the President of the United States be requested to present to the nearest male relative of the late Lieutenant William Burrows and to Lieuten- ant Edwin R. McCall of the brig Enterprise, a gold medal with suitable emblems and devices; and a silver JVi/liain Burrows. o4j medal with like emblems and devices to each of the commissioned officers of the aforesaid vessel in testi- mony of the high sense entertained by Congress, of the gallantry and good conduct of the officers and crew, in the conflict with the British sloop Boxer, on on the fourth of September, in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirteen. And the president is also requested to communicate to the nearest relative of Lieutenant Burrows, the deep regret which Con- gress feels for the loss of that valuable officer, who died in the arms of victory, nobly contending for his country's rights and fame." /^v::- XXVIII. JOHN GUSHING AYLWIN. " He was an officer of great merit, much esteemed by all who had the pleasure of his actiuaintance. He had seen much of the world, and improved his opportunities of observation ; possessed a strong mind, with great benov- olence of disposition. In his death our country has suffered a great loss, his friends a painful deprivation. — Tribute of Commodore Bainbridge. Lieutenant Aylwin was born in Quebec, where his father, WiUiam Alywin, a merchant of Boston, and his mother a sister of Wilham Gushing, justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, had removed at the time of the seige of Boston. The son received a good rudimentary education, and was rated on board a frigate in the British service under Captian Coffin. The custom of impressment as pursued by the British navy, determined him to give up his appoint- ment, and renounce the service that had so outraged his feehngs, as he had witnessed innocent and helpless seamen servingf on British vessels in a condition of abject slavery. He entered on board a vessel employed in the London trade, with the promise of six month's tuition at a naval academy. This part of the stipulation his master did not carry out, and he sailed between London and the West Indies. He was made mate of 346 Americaji Naval Heroes. the ship when fifteen years old, and after he had made but two voyages. He offended the captain, who planned to punish him by contriving to have him kidnapped by a press gang and he was put on board a gun-brig, where he was persecuted in every way, so as to force him to enter voluntarily into the British service. After an ordeal of six years his health gave out, and his persecutors, finding him of little service, allowed him his freedom. He then returned to America and to his family in Boston. His training had made him a good sailor and proficient in naval warfare. In Boston he entered the merchant service and was master of a vessel for several years. When the war of 18 12 broke out, he was appointed sailing-master of the frigate ConstittUion, Captain Hull. His skill in the sixty-hour chase of the Const i- tiLtion by the British fleet, established his reputation, and he was still sailing-master when the ship captured the Giierriere. In this action he was wounded, and was shortly afterward made lieutenant, sailing as such under Captain Bainbridge. In the action of the Constitution with the Java^ the capture of the Java was purchased with the life of Aylwin. Commodore Bainbridge describes the scene and the hero's death as follows: "In the action with the Giierriei'-e, he stood on an elevated position by the side of his brave comrades Morris and Bush, at the yohn CiisJiing Aylwin. 347 time the two vessels came in contact, and was wounded in the left shoulder by a musket ball. "In the action he commanded the forecastle div- ision, and his training- and marked coolness throughout the contest gained him the admiration of his com- mander and of all who had an opportunity of witness- ino- him. .1 V y -^".i > Constitution and Java. From an old 'wood-cut etigraved in iS^l. "When boarders were called to repel boarders, he mounted the quarter-deck hammock cloths, and in the act of firing his pistols at the enemy received a ball through the same shoulder. Notwithstanding the serious nature of his wound he remained at his post until the enemy had struck, and even then did not make known his situation until all the wounded had been dressed. 3+^ A7nerican N^aval Heroes. "His zeal and courage did not forsake him in his last moments; for a few days after the action, although laboring under considerable debility, and the most excruciating pain, he repaired to quarters when an engagement was expected with a ship which after- w^ard proved to be the Hornet. He bore his pain with great and unusual fortitude and expired without a groan." " A dauntless soul erect, who smiled on death." He died on board the United States frigate Consti- tutio7i at sea, January 28, 181 2. XXIX THE NAVY ON THE LAKES. On September lo, 1813, there appeared upon the peaceful waters of Lake Erie, just off Put-in- Bay, a fleet of war vessels which had sprung into existence as if by magic. Its genesis was an event in the history of the New World as startling as it was unique. Six months before, the timbers used in building the ships comprising the fieet had been growing trees shading the borders of the lake. The iron that held together and braced these timbers, making up the stout keels and sturd) sides of veritable men-of-war, was either in the mines unsmelted or in the possession of pioneer farmers and artisans, in the shape of ploughshares, horse-shoes and axes. The shipwrights who had fashioned the crafts had come through the wilderness all the way from Philadelphia, while the guns, ammu- nition, riggings and furnishings that contributed to the completion of well-equipped war-ships had been brought in wagons hundreds of miles through primitive forests over almost impassable roads. The hauling had been done chiefiy by teams of oxen, which were best suited to the rough way over which the heavy 350 American Naval Heroes. loads were transported, from Albany, Buffalo, Sag Harbor and even from New York. The Blue-Jackets who made up the fighting force of the Aladdin-like armada were Pennsylvania soldiers, landsmen, who possibly had never before trod the deck of a ship, much less handled heavy guns between decks or wielded cutlasses and boarding-pikes in desperate hand-to-hand conflict on the rails of opposing ships tossed by the waves and illuminated by the flashes from answering broadsides. The change had been wrought in the few months that the ships themselves were being fashioned, and the master minds who planned, forwarded, and consummated this modern miracle had been trained in the severe school of the American navy, and were pupils of the ablest of naval school- masters — the brave and invincible Preble. Captains Jesse Duncan Elliott and Oliver Hazard Perry were the builders of the fleet, the trainers of the men, and the inspiration of the whole undertaking. Before their appearance on the scene of action the English held undisputed possession of the lake, and their army had invaded the territory of the United States bordering thereon. Aided by the Indian tribes hostile to the pioneer settlers, serious damage was being done by the invading army and their crafty allies. General William Henry Harrison, command- ing the United States army of the West, found him- self powerless to oppose successfully these inroads as long as the English war-ships remained on the lake. XXX. OLIVER HAZARD PERRY. "We have met the enemy and they are ours; two ships, two brigs, one schooner and one sloop." — Captain Perry to General Harrisojt. Oliver Hazard Perry, the hero of Lake Erie, was born at South Kingston, R. I., August 21, 1785, the eldest son of Christopher Raymond and Sarah (Alex- ander) Perry. With his four brothers he was trained in the active service of the United States Navy, to which service his father also belonged. Oliver entered as midshipman when only twelve years of age, and passed the various grades, serving in the Tripolitan War under Preble, and as lieutenant, com- manded the Nautilus in the Mediterranean in 1804. During the embargo that led to the War of 18 12 he served as commander of a fleet of seventeen gun-boats off Newport Harbor. In 18 10 he joined the Revenge at New London, and was master of that vessel when she was stranded on the rocks off Watch Hill, in 181 1. On the outbreak of hostilities with Great Britain in 18 1 2, he resumed command of the gun-boats off Newport. Soon tiring of this inactive life, he asked to be transferred to Sackett's Harbor, N. Y., where Commodore Isaac Chauncey was building and equipping a fleet to operate against the British, who 354 American Naval Heroes. This was to be the watchword and battle-cry of the coming combat. The flag-ship was the Lawrence, and against the heavens were displayed the dying words of the gallant naval hero whose name she bore. The Lawrence was followed by the Niagara, also of 20 guns, under command of Captain Elliott, and next came the brig Caledo?iia, 3 guns, Lieuten- ant Turner. The Ariel, 4 guns. Packet, master, and the Scor- pion, 2 guns, Champlin, master, supported the Law- rence. These vessels, with the Somers, 2 guns and 2 swivels, Alney, master ; the Tigress, i gun, Conklin, master ; the Porcupine, i gun, Lent, master ; the Trippe, i gun. Smith, master, and the Ohio, i gun, Dobbin, master, made up the American fleet. The Englishmen met this armada, opposing the Lawrence with the Detroit, 19 guns and 2 howitzers. The Niagara paired with the Quee^t Charlotte, 17 guns and i howitzer, leaving the Caledonia with her 3 guns to oppose the Hunter, 10 guns, while the Lady Provost, 13 guns and i howitzer; the Little Belt, 3 guns, and the Chippewa, i gun, had but single and 2-gun schooners as opponents. The respective arma- ments were, American, 55 guns; British, 63 guns and 4 howitzers — the British guns being mostly long range. The sun had almost reached the meridian when the stillness of the scene was broken by the discharge of a single gun from the British flagship, followed by Oliver Hazard Perry. 355 a second, which sent a ball crashing through both bulwarks of the Lawrence. Captain Perry replied, but his shot fell short, and while he was receiving a storm of iron hail from the entire British fleet, which was playing havoc with his masts, riggings and bulwarks, he had to navigate his ship as best he could to lessen the distance between them. He gave orders for the entire fleet to close with the enemy ; but the A^iagara was unable to respond, owing to the lightness of the wind, and she soon floated out of range. The smaller vessels were of little use, and Perry saw that his ship would soon be cut to pieces, as the entire fire from the British fleet was directed ag-ainst the Lazurcnce. For two hours she maintained her position in the unequal contest. She was losing by each discharge from the enemy — now a spar, now a mast, next a shot cut the rigging, or a sail was rendered useless. As a mast went by the board, another shot dismounted a gun and killed a gunner. This was repeated with each successive broadside until the surgeons could not give attention to all the wounded, and many a poor fellow had the pain caused by the amputation of a limb, stopped by a cannon-ball, that hunted out its victim even in the quarters for the disabled, and for- ever ended his suffering. Lieutenant Yarnall continued to fight his guns with recruits from Commodore Perry, as man by man fell before the terrible rain of round shot and grape. 356 American Naval Heroes. He was himself wounded in the forehead and neck, and found no time to wipe the blood as it streamed down his face and breast. Dulaney Forrest, the brave second lieutenant, as he stood by his commodore to take fresh orders, was struck down to the deck by a spent grape-shot. Marine Officer Brooks, a brilliant lieutenant just verging into manhood, received cheering encourage- ment from the commodore, and the next moment a ball sent him against the opposite bulwark, and in his agony he implored his companion to shoot him and thus put an end to his misery. A gun captain, just as he was being cautioned for needless exposure of his person to the shot of the enemy, applied the match to his gun, and at the same moment a cannon-ball passed through his body, and he fell without a groan at the feet of Commodore Perry. When all the guns but one were disabled, the commodore, assisted by Chaplain Breeze, Hambleton the purser, and two unwounded seamen continued to work it until a shot killed the purser and dismounted the gun. The commodore, his brave boy brother, the chaplain, and a half dozen men were left on deck with no gun to man, no sails to manage. Should he strike his flag the entire fleet would surrender, and the Law- rence was the only one of the vessels that was harmed. Here the hero was born of the undaunted com- mander, as Perry determined to snatch victory from the very jaws of defeat or die in the attempt. Oliver Hazai^d Perry. 357 Ordering the boat lowered, he, with his young brother, and carrying the commodore's flag on his arm, was rowed under the enemy's fire to the Niagara. The shot from the British fleet broke the oars of the rowers and the spray from the disturbed waters dashed into their faces. Not a shot touched the " Hero of Lake Erie" as ne stood upright in the stern of that open boat and defiantly displayed his flag, bearing the motto of the navy, which was the watchword of the contest now hanging on the result of this desperate movement. He gained the protecting shelter of the Niagara, and hoisting his broad pennant assumed command. Captain Elliott volunteered to bring up the schooners to his support, and forming a new line of battle at close quarters, he directed all sails set, to carry the fleet towards the enemey's line. The onset was irre- sistible, and as the British commodore saw the fresh ships bearing down, driven by a favorable breeze, he undertook to wear his flag-ship and the Queen Char- lotte so as to bring them in position to meet the Yan- kees with broadsides. In this manoeuver the two ships fell foul, and the Niagara at the same moment dashed through the enemy's line, discharging both broadsides as she passed the gap. The Caledonia, Scorpio?t and Trippe broke the line at other points, and soon brought the enemy between two deadly fires. Mean- while the Lawrence had struck her colors ; but the rapid movements of the remainder of the fleet had 358 American Naval Heroes. prevented the British commander from taking posses- sion, and seeing the advantage gained by Perry, Lieu- tenant Yarnell, although himself desperately wounded, restored the Stars and Stripes to its place, and with the aid of the eight men on board capable of duty, kept her afloat, and succeeded in bringing her into port at Erie, where she was found so badly damaged as to be unfitted for further service, and she was dismantled. The second encounter with the British fleet did not last seven minutes, when the flag of the Detroit was lowered, and four of the six vessels surrendered to the Americans. The two smaller crafts that under- took to escape were brought back by the Scoj-pion and Trippe, and after securing the prisoners, manning the prizes, and directing the fleet to a harbor. Com- modore Perry dispatched a letter to General Harrison in these words : Dear General : We have met the enemy, and they are ours ! — two ships, two brigs, one schooner, and one sloop. Yours with great respect and esteem, O. H. Perry. On the same day he wrote to the Secretary of the Navy as follows : Sir : It has pleased the Almighty to give to the arms of the United States a signal victory over their enemies on this lake. The British squadron, consisting of two ships, two brigs, one schooner, and one sloop, have this moment surrendered to the force under my command after a sharp conflict. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully. Your obedient servant, O. H. Perry. Hon. William Jones, Secretary of the Navy. Oliver Hazard Pei^ry. 359 The victory caused great rejoicings throughout the country, and the principal towns were illuminated in honor of the event. The loss to the British was over one hundred and sixty men, killed and wounded, while Perry lost twenty-seven killed and ninety-six wounded. The ships next carried General Harrison's army across the lake in an invasion of Canada, and there, at the battle of the Thames, the British troops were almost entirely annihilated, and the great Indian chief, Tecumseh, the relentless enemy of the United States, was killed. Thus compelled, the British aban- doned the Northwest, and the battle of Lake Erie was the beginning of the end of our second war with Great Britain. For this exploit Perry was made a captain in the navy and was presented with the thanks of Congress, a sword, and a gold medal. He followed up this victory by cooperating with the army of General Harrison in its invasion of Canada. In 18 15 he was appointed to the command of the Java, and was with the squadron under Decatur in his operations against Algiers. In 1 8 19 he commanded the naval station in the West Indies, and during the service fell a victim to yellow fever. He died August 23, 1820, and his body was carried to his native town on a man-of-war, where he was buried and a granite monument was erected over his grave by his native State. At Newport, R. I., and Cleveland, O., statues were also erected to his memory. XXXI. ISAAC CHAUNCEY. •' Had Commodore Chauncey followed Sir James Yeo into Burlington Bay, he would have obtained one of the highest reputations in the American Navy, without as much deserving it as at present." — Cooper. Commodore Chauncey, who planned the defense of the lakes, and organized and built a fleet that won the battle of Lake Erie, was born at Black Rock, Conn., February 20, 1772. He was the son of Wolcott Chauncey, and a great grandson of Israel Chauncey, who was the . youngest son of the Rev. Charles Chauncey. 1592-1674, the emigrant who landed in Phmouth, Mass., from England in 1638 and was president of Harvard College. Isaac's mother was Ann Brown. He was before the mast when twelve years old, and in 1791 was master of a ship. Upon the organization of the United States Navy in 1798, he was commissioned a lieutenant and served under Commodore Morris in the blockade of the ports of the Barbary States, receiving promotion to lieuten- ant commandant. He commanded the Chesapeake, 38 guns, the flag-ship of Commodore Morris, and left the United States for the Mediterranean station in April. 1802. He reached Gibraltar, May 25th, where the Essex, Captain Bainbridge, was still blockading 361 362 Ainerican Naval Heroes. the Tripolitan cruisers. Commodore Morris relieved Captain Bainbridge and the Essex sailed home. The Efiterprise was obhged to stay in the straits to repair her mast, which had sprung, and then sailed for a cruise, being relieved of blockading duty by the John Adams, in July. The flagship was at Leghorn, October 12th, and was joined by the other vessels of the fleet in the harbor at Malta, in January, 1803. After sailing along the coast of Africa, past the ports of the Barbary States, the fleet anchored at Gibraltar, March 23d, when the Chesa- peake was ordered to New York, and Acting-captain Chauncey was transferred with Commodore Morris to the Neiv Vork, 36 guns. While making the passage from Gibraltar to Malta, just as the music had been beating to grog, a heavy explosion was heard in the cockpit of the Nezu York and the lower part of the vessel was immediately filled with smoke. Acting-captain Chauncey was passing the drummer when the explosion occurred, and he immediately gave his orders to beat to quarters. The alarm had not been given a minute when the men were all going steadily to their guns and to other sta- tions in obedience to a standing order in the event of a cry of fire, as the readiest way to prevent confusion. The commodore then appeared and gave the order to hoist out the boats. This order destroyed all discip- line. Every man rushed for safety to the jib-boom, bow- sprit, spritsail-yard and knights-head. Some leaped Isaac CJiauncey. 363 overboard and swam to the nearest vessel. Immedi- ately Captain Chauncey rallied a few followers, and reminding them that they might as well be blown up through one deck as three, led the way below into passages choked with smoke, where the danger seemed imminent. With blankets taken from the pur- ser's store-room and soaked with water, and with buckets of water, they fought the fire, well knowing that a spark blown by their efforts to put out the fire, might explode the magazine and end their efforts and the existence of the ship. Lieutenant David Porter followed by other officers, came up from the ward-room by means of a stern lad- der, and they gave their help to the intrepid com- mander of the ship. The men were called back from the spars and bow-sprit and soon the flames were extinguished. The ship was saved by the personal heroism and leadership of Captain Chauncey. The explosion had killed fourteen officers and men, and two doors leading to the magazine were forced open by the concussion. When Commodore Morris transferred his flag to the Adams and sailed for New York, in obedience to a recall in October, 1803, Commodore Rodgers transferred his flag to the New York. As soon as the difficulties with Morocco were set- tled the Nezv York sailed for the United States with Admiral Rodgers, and after reaching home Acting- captain Chauncey was promoted mas.ter-commandant, 3 6 1 American Naval Heroes. his commission bearing date May 23, 1804. He was ordered to fit out the Johii Adams for the Mediter- ranean with stores for the squadron, and reached the fleet engaged in the attack on Tripoli, August 7, 1804, reporting to the Constitution, Commodore Preble. In order to make room for stores, her guns were dismounted and the carriages freighted in other ves- sels of the fleet, thus practically transforming her into a freight ship. Captain Chauncey, with seventy of his men, went on board the Constitution and acted under orders from the Commodore, and his services were highly commended in the official dispatches of Com- modore Preble, whom Captain Chauncey had the honor of carrying to New York in the John Ada?ns, arriving there February 26, 1805, He returned with his ship to the Mediterranean, where he served under Commodore Rodgers and was promoted to the rank of captain, April 24, 1806. When the troubles with the Barbary States were settled and the navy was reduced, Captain Chauncey was given a furlough, and made a trip to China in an East Indiaman belonging to John Jacob Astor. On his return in 1808, he was commissioned by the department to organize the navy yard at Brooklyn, New York, and he remained in command of the yard till the War of 181 2, when he was ordered to the com- mand of the lakes. He arrived at Sackett's Harbor, N. Y., October 6, 181 2. His command extended to all the lakes except Isaac Chauncey. 365 Champlain, He had already dispatched forty ship- carpenters from New York and more were to follow, and on September i8th, one hundred seaman and offi- cers left New York with guns, shot and stores for Sackett's Harbor. Before commencine the buildine of new ships. Commodore Chauncey ordered to be purchased of the sloops and schooners used in the merchant service, a sufficient number to eive him the command of Lake Ontario, and they were named, armed, manned and duly commissioned. On these small crafts ranging in size from thirty to one hundred tons, the principal armaments were long guns mounted on circles with a few light guns to repel boarders. The keel of the first ship to mount twenty-four 32-pounder carronades w^as laid down in September, 1812, before Commodore Chauncey reached his sta- tion. The largest vessel afloat and fitted for action was the Oneida, 16 guns, and the remaining boats of the flotilla, six in number, averaged four guns each. Commodore Chauncey first appeared on the lake November 8, 18 12, with his broad pennant flying from the Oneida, Lieutenant-commandant Woolsey, and having in company the Conquest, Lieutenant J. D. Elliott, Hamilton, Lieutenant McPherson, Governor Tompkins, Lieutenant Brown, Pert, Mr. Arrendel, Jidia, Mr. Trant and Grozvler, Mr. Mix. As the flo- tilla was off the False Ducks, a group of small islands in the track of vessels keeping to the north shore, a ship was made in shore, and proved to be the Roval 366 American Naval Heroes. George, 22 guns, the largest vessel on the inland waters of America. Commodore Chauncey gave the ship chase and ran her into the Bay of Quinte. The next morning she re-appeared and was chased into Kingston harbor, under the protecting guns of the shore battery. Commodore Chauncey then called his vessels to their stations and stood toward the mouth of the harbor, the Conquest, Lieutenant Elliott, lead- ing and the Oneida bringing up the rear, that the heavy guns of the schooners might clear the way for the closer attack by the brig. The Conquest did not open fire until she had drawn the fire of the land batteries for fully seven minutes, and in three min- utes after the Conquest opened fire, the other three schooners joined in the cannonade. The Oneida did not open her fire on the Royal George till twenty min- utes later, although under fire for some time. Her broadsides threw the enemy into confusion, and in twenty minutes from the time the Oneida fired her first gun, the Royal George cut her cables, ran into the harbor and made fast a wharf: where she was under the protection of the troops on the dock. The detained schooners, Governor Tompkins and Hamilton, now came up the harbor, and the entire flotilla engaged the Royal George, the five land bat- teries and the troops with movable guns, until dark- ness warned the pilots of the danger of lying so close, with the wind blowing strongly in shore. The fleet anchored two miles off shore, intending- to renew the Isaac CJiaiinccy. 367 attack in the morning. The Oneida had one man killed and three wounded, and the loss in the schooners was slight in wounded. Mr. Arrendel of the Pert, wounded by the explosion of a gun on board, was knocked overboard and drowned while the schooner was beating for an anchorage. A gale prevented the contemplated attack the next morning, and the flotilla turned into the open lake for safety. The gale increasing, the pilots refused to remain longer, and Commodore Chauncey was com- pelled to return to Sackett's Harbor, bringing his entire fleet and two prizes. The same day the Oneida went in search of the Earl of Maria, reported off the Ducks, and Commodore Chauncey passed in sight of the Royal George, but could not draw her out of the protection of the land batteries, although she had the support of the Prince Regent, 16 guns, and the Ditke of Gloucester in company. Commodore Chauncey then went off Oswego to convey some stores expected by water, and encount- ered a severe snow storm, which so encased the ship in ice as to prevent the working of the sails, and the brig barely escaped shipwreck. Winter soon set in, and the operations on the lake were suspended. On November 26th, the Madison was launched. She was pierced for 24 guns, 32-pound carronades, which would make her superior in metal to the Royal George. Nine weeks before she slid in the water, her timbers were growing in the forest. Her builder was 368 American Naval Heroes. Henry Eckford of New York. The British followed by laying the keel of a ship still larger than the Madiso7i, and more shipbuilders were ordered from New York to work on another ship at the Sackett's Harbor yard. Captain Sir James Lucas Yeo had as- sumed command of the American lakes, and when Commodore Chauncey in March, 18 13, proposed to the government an attack on York (Toronto) instead of Kingston, as first contemplated, his advice was followed. With the Aladisoii as flagship Commodore Chauncey, after many vexatious delays on account of stormy weather, which caused great suffering among the 1 7C)0 troops crowded on board the fleet, set sail April 22, 1 813, and anchored off York on the 25th, without loss. The troops were landed under pro- tection of the guns of the fleet, and the place was speedily assaulted, and captured. The Duke of Gloucester fell into the hands of the Americans, a ship on the stocks was burned, and large quantities of military and naval stores were destroyed. The army was then transported to Fort George, which stronghold was invested by the army supported by the fleet, and the garrison evacuated the fort and retreated toward Oueenstown, May 27, 18 13. During the entire summer Commodore Chauncey could bring on no general engagement with Sir James Yeo's fleet, and the rival fleets played a skilful game of hide-and-seek between Sackett's Harbor and Niagara, with a few minor engagements between schooners Isaac Chauiicey. 369 caught to disadvantage. On September 26th Commo- dore Chauncey learned that Sir James Yeo was at York with all his squadron. At 8 a. m. on the 27th, the Piki\ the Madison and the Sylph each took a schooner in tow and made sail for the North shore. The enemy edged out into the lake to get sea room and Commodore Chauncey formed his line and steered directly for the centre of the line of the enemy. The Pike received the combined fire of the Wolfe and the Royal George for several minutes without return- ing it, but when near enough opened in her turn. She was supported by the schooner she had in tow and by the Governor Tompkins, the remainder of the Ameri- can fleet not coming up. The Wolfe, flagship, was badly cut up, losing her main and mizzen topmasts, and as she was sorely pressed by the Pike, the Royal George luffed up across her stern, to cover the English commodore who was off to leeward, passing through his own line to effect an escape. This was a judicious movement of Sir James Yeo and his squadron, for the Madison and the Oneida had just come up, prepared to open fire with their carronades, and but for this lucky escape the entire fleet would have been sacrificed. The English squadron bore up for a few minutes before i p. m., and Commodore Chauncey signalled for a general chase. The Royal George kept athwart the stern of the Wolfe, and this protected the English commodore in his crippled ship. The Americans 3/0 American Naval Heroes. brought their circle guns to bear on the fleeing enemy, and after keeping up the chase for two hours, running nearly up to the head of the lake, at Burling- ton Bay, where the enemy had a large land force, and as the prospect of overtaking the British fleet before they reached the cover of the guns on shore was slight. Commodore Chauncey decided to haul off and stand in for Niagara, where he could intercept the retreat of the enemy, who were now effectually bottled up and could be attacked at any time, even when at anchor, if the weather was favorable. The long chase and hot fire had greatly crippled the Pike as well as the other vessels, and the commo- dore thought it the wiser policy to withdraw, as he could do so with honor, having the enemy beaten and in retreat. This decision caused much severe criti- cism and naval experts are still at variance as to the wisdom of the movement. In the manoeuvering of the next few days the English ships succeeded in evading the American fleet under cover of the fog and by skilful navigating. The Pike captured several valuable prizes and over two hundred and fifty prisoners including many general officers, and the remainder of the season was used by Commodore Chauncey in blockading the enemy in Kingston, the war department not allowing him the military force necessary to carry out his scheme. The fleet suffered greatly from heavy gales just as winter set in and operations were suspended. Isaac Chauiiccy. 371 In 18 1 6 he was assigned to the command of the Mediterranean squadron, and he conveyed to Naples William Pinckney, United States minister to Russia. In June, 18 16, he relieved Commodore Shaw, senior officer of the Mediterranean station. He was com- missioned with Mr. Shaler to open negotiations with the Dey of Algiers who had violated the treaty made with Decatur in 1815. The duty was success- fully accomplished, and in 18 18 Commodore Chauncey returned to New York and was made commandant of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. In 182 1 he was made a naval commissioner at Washington, and from 1824 to 1833 was commandant of the navy yard, Brooklyn, N. Y. In June, 1833, he returned to Washington as president of the board of naval commissioners. He was married to Catharine, daughter of John and Catharine Sickles of New York, and their son, John Sickles Chauncey, served in the United States Navy, 1812-69, and was retired as captain. Commodore Chauncey died in Washington, D. C, January 27, 1840. XXXII. JESSE DUNCAN ELLIOTT. Captain Elliott co-operated with Perry in conducting the naval battle on Lake Erie and received from him the credit that historians have failed to report. Jesse Duncan Elliott, who shared with Perry the honors for the naval victory on Lake Erie, was born in Maryland, July 14, 1780. His father, a Revolution- ary patriot, was killed by the Indians toward the close of the War for independence. The orphaned boy had few advantages for acquiring an education until he had reached his twentieth year, when he was entered at a school at Carlisle, Pa. In 1804 he was given a warrant as midshipman on the friofate Essex, and saw his first service in the Mediterranean squadron under Preble. In 1807 he returned to the United States and was appointed lieu- tenant on the frigate Chesapeake. In 1809 he was transferred to the schooner E)iter- prise as acting lieutenant, and engaged in enforcing the embargo laws. In 18 10 he carried important dis- patches to the United States minister at the court of St. James, and on his return was ordered to the frigate yohn Adams. He was shortly afterward transferred to the Argus. 374 American N^aval Heroes. Upon the declaration of war with Great Britain in 1812 he was sent to his ship, which had been hastily ordered to sea, during his absence at Norfolk, Va., where he had been married to a daughter of William Vaughn, a prominent citizen of that place. Delay in receiving orders, and effecting the jour- ney, brought him to New York after the ship had sailed, and he joined Commodore Isaac Chauncey at Sackett's Harbor, who directed him to proceed to Presque Isle on Lake Erie and there construct a fleet similar to the one building at Sackett's Harbor. Upon his arrival he found two British ships, the Detroit and Caledonia, lying at anchor under the very guns of Fort Erie, and he determined to capture them and use them as the nucleus of his contemplated armada. Speedily mustering a small body of sailors, they embarked in two open boats and captured the two vessels without the loss of a single life. As the wind died out and the tide and current set against him, they could not navigate the ships, and after securing his prisoners, he carried to shore the armament and provisions and abandoned his prizes. For his gal- lantry in this act Congress voted him a splendid sword and the thanks of his country. After seeing the building of the ships well under way he joined Commodore Chauncey's fleet and en- gaged in the capture of York, where the gallant Pike fell mortally wounded by the explosion of the enemy's magazine. In August, 18 13, the fleet being ready he ycsse Dune a 71 Elliott. 375 joined Captain Perry with 100 men, and assuming command of \\\^ Niagara, engaged in the memorable battle of Lake Erie. For his part in this glorious victory Congress voted him a gold medal and the thanks of the nation. After the battle he succeeded to the command of the fleet on the lake, but finding no enemy to oppose, he was transferred at his own request to the squadron operating in the Mediterranean, where he commanded the sloop Ontario. Upon his return he was engaged in the coast service until 1825, when he commanded the Cyane in a cruise to the coast of South America. In 1829 he was appointed to the command of the West Indian squadron, and in 1833 to the command of the Charlestown Navy Yard. He afterward commanded the United States squa- dron in the Mediterranean, and visited the most inter- eresting ports of the Old World. Upon his return in 1844 he was made commandant of the navy yard in Philadelphia, and died there Decem- ber 10, 1845. . ^i^t.-.^:^^^^^^^^ "^ XXXIII. THOMAS MACDONOUGH. The work of destroying the British power on the lakes, begun by Commo- dore Chauncey on Lake Ontario and carried forward by Captain Elliott and Lieutenant-commandant Perry on Lake Erie, was completed by Lieutenant-com- mandant Macdonough on Lake Champlain. Following the victory of the navy on Lake Erie, the consequent defeat of the British army in Canada West, determined the British Government to make one supreme effort to reach the commercial metropolis of the New World by way of Lake Champlain and the Hudson River. Sir George Prevost, as commander of the British forces in Canada, had under him a land and naval force of over 10,000 men, "the flower of Wellington's army and the cream of Nelson's marines." These veteran soldiers and seamen were concentrated at the foot of Lake Champlain awaiting the building of ships to carry them up the lake, which was at the time defended by two small sloops-of-war and the militia gathered from the adjacent counties in New York and Vermont, and these two were the only armed ves- sels on the lake, and held undisputed possession of the waters. These sloops were soon captured and transformed into warships carrying the British flag. 3/8 American Naval Heroes. This left the Americans without the shadow of a navy. The white- winged sloop Growler had on her deck 1 1 heavy British guns, and had been rechristened the Chubb, and her consort, the Eagle, with an equally heavy armament, was known as the Finch. While the British were building additions to this small fleet, the Americans were not idle, for Lieu- tenant-commander Macdonough had been quietly pre- paring to oppose the threatened invasion. Thomas Macdonough was born in New Castle county, Delaware, December 23, 1780. He entered the United States Navy as midship- man in 1800, and was attached to the Philadelphia in 1803 when that frigate captured the Moorish frigate Meshoda, off Cape de Gatte. He was left at Gibraltar with the prize, thus escaping the long imprisonment suffered by the commander and crew of the Philadel- phia when that vessel was captured by the Tripblitans. He was on board the Enterprise under Decatur in the attack on Tripoli in 1804, and was one of the party that re-captured the Philadelphia and burned heron February 16, 1804. He was promoted lieutenant in 1807, and master commandant in 18 13. In August, 18 14, he was appointed to the command of the American naval forces at Plattsburg Bay, Lake Champlain. He had well advanced the ship Saratoga, for which he had procured as an armament 8 long 24-pounders and 18 smaller guns. On the stocks about ready to Thomas Macdonough. 379 launch was the brig Eagle, 20 guns, the schooner Ticotidei'oga, ij guns, and the sloop Pi'-eble, 7 guns, besides ten gun-boats carrying 16 guns. The English naval commander, Thomas Downie, had already launched the brig Linnet, 16 guns, and thirteen gun- boats carrying 13 guns. On the stocks he had the frigate Confiancc, built to carry thirty long 24- pounders, besides nine smaller guns. On Sunday, September 11, 1814, one year and a day after the victory of Perry on Lake Erie, the rival fleets were floating on the lake, taking position for a desperate struggle for supremacy. The American fleet was in the bay before Plattsburg, while the British armada sailed up the lake to oppose it. In the van was the Chubb, followed by the Con- fiance, the flagship of Commodore Downie. He at once opposed the Saratoga, bearing Commodore Macdonough's flag. The Linjiet brought to opposite the Eagle, Captain Robert Henley. The thirteen gun-boats confronted the Ticonderoga , Lieutenant Cassin, the Preble, and a division of the American gun-boats, while the Chubb and Finch opposed those remaining. The action lasted without intermission two hours and twenty minutes. The opposing forces were about equally matched in numbers of men and weight of metal. The battle was opened by the Eagle discharging her guns in rapid succession, but the shot fell short. On board the Saratoga, as they cleared the deck for 380 American Naval Heroes. action, a rooster escaped from the hencoop and hid behind a gun. Startled by the boom of the cannon from the Eagle, he flew upon the gunsHde, and, flap- ping his wings, ended his performance with a rousing crow, which he repeated three times. The incident was accepted by the Yankee bluejackets as an omen of good luck, and they went into the fight with cheers, sure that success would attend the presence of this mascot. Commodore Macdonough, standing on the quar- ter-deck, watched the effect of the shot from the Eagle until it reached its mark; he then complacently walked to one of the 24-pounderson the deck of the Saratoga and sighted it carefully, so as to send the ball to the bull's eye — the hawes-hole of the Conjiance. With his own hand he applied the match and sent the first heavy shot crashing through the opening and length- wise the deck of the British flagship, sweeping the gun- carriages and killing and wounding several men in its passage. Then with its spent force it shattered the wheel, rendering it useless. The guns on the Saratoga then poured their fire into the side of the Confiance, piling up the deck with dead and wounded. Great holes pierced her sides, and her bulwarks were badly shattered. Still the brave Downie held his fire, while working his ship nearer the Saratoga. Not until he had cast her anchors and secured in seamanlike order all her fastenings did he pass the word for which the gunners Thomas Macdonough. 381 had so long- and impatiently waited. This brought from the Con/iatice a broadside from guns double- shotted and accurately directed at the very port-holes of the Saratoga. Its effect was as if an immense ram had suddenly struck her side, and half the men on deck fell, forty being either killed or wounded. For a moment the Saratoga made no reply, but quickly recovering from the shock, the Yankee sailors returned the fire, and as officer or gunner fell his place was supplied, and the work of carnage went on. One shot from the Sara- toga struck the muzzle of a gun on the deck of the Conjiancc, and as it left its carriage the gun struck the brave Downie in the groin, and he was killed without uttering even a groan. This gun, with its battered muzzle, was afterward removed to the Naval Academy at Annapolis, a relic of the battle of Lake Champlain. As new men took the place of the more experi- enced gunners killed and wounded, the fire became less and less effective on both sides, and soon most of the guns were either dismounted or rendered useless from careless handling. Meanwhile the Preble was engaging the enemy's gun-boats, and being overpowered, cut her cable and drifted out of range. Lieutenant Cassin, with the Ticonderoga, although hard pressed by the British gun-boats, succeeded in defending the rear of the line of battle, and standing- on the taffrail amid a 382 American Aunur/ Heroes. storm of grape and canister, gave his orders to the gunners. The Eagle continued to oppose the Conjiance ; but the Saratoga had not a single gun on her exposed side. The Lin7iet had gained a position that enabled her to rake the Saratoga from stem to stern. This position necessitated the immediate winding of the ship, so as to bring her port broadside into play. Commodore Macdonough had provided in the planting of his anchors for just such an emergency, and, to the amazement of the enemy, the apparently helpless Saratoga began to swing around until her bow pointed to the south, when she opened her reserved broadside battery on the British ship. The Conjiance undertook the same manoeuver, but was caught when half warped ; and thus exposed to the Saratoga s fire, she was obliged to strike her colors and so end the fight. The incidents of the battle were pathetic in the extreme. Commodore Macdonough, during the prog- ress of the fight, was struck with a splintered spar as it was shot from its place, and was rendered for a time senseless, but upon recovering continued the order the accident had interrupted. At another time he was hit by what appeared to him to be a spent can- non-ball and driven against the bulwarks, but upon regaining his feet and looking for the cause of the mischief, he found it that was the head of an un- fortunate gun captain, who had died at his post of duty. JJioiuas MacdonougJi. 383 The British lost two hundred officers and men exclusive of prisoners, and 75 guns. The Americans had one hundred and twelve killed and wounded. On September 13, the interment of the American and English officers who had fallen in the memorable battle of the iith took place at Plattsburg in a man- ner to do honor to the bravery with which they de- fended their respective flags. The bodies of the Amer- ican officers killed in the action, covered with the Stars and Stripes, under which they had fought, were taken from the American flagship in open boats, followed by the commander and the surviving officers. Arriv- ing alongside the captured British flagship, the bodies of the deceased English officers, covered with the royal ensign, were placed in the boats, and, followed by the surviving officers, now prisoners of war, the sad procession of boats moved slowly toward the shore, amid the firing of minute-guns from the deck of the commodore's ship. On shore, the funeral cortege was met by the infantry and artillery and escorted to the public burial-ground, the fort meanwhile firing minute guns. The rites of Christian burial were pronounced by the chaplain. A volley of musketry and artillery over the new-made graves completed the solemn ceremony. Macdonough's victory had saved New York from invasion, and had turned the fortunes of war in favor of the United States. For his services in this engagement Macdonough was made captain, and received a gold medal from 384 Ajuericaji Naval Heroes. Conoress and civic honors from various towns and cities. The State of Vermont presented him with an estate located upon Cumberland Head overlooking the scene of the engagement. He was afterward in command of the Mediter- ranean squadron, and on November 16, 1825, he died on board a trading ship which had been sent to bring him home. ^v,r:^c-:-^ Macdonough s Farm House. XXXIV. DAVID CONNER. In the operations of the American navy in the Gulf previous to and at the beginning of the war with Mexico, Commodore David Conner was "com- mander-in-chief in foreign seas," an officer supreme in his station, sharing its command with none, and responsible only to his government. This was true of the commodores of the old navy when not mere commanders of squadrons, and this fact most naval writers seem to ignore. Captains of single ships or com- manders of squadrons have their isolated deeds recorded, while the officer who regulates their movements is seldom mentioned. 'The commander-in-chief is held responsible for defeat, but gets slight praise for victory. — Editor. David Conner, a native of Pennsylvania, was the son of David and Abigail (Rhodes) Conner. The former, of Irish family, settled in the province about 1750, and the latter sprung from the original English colonists of 1682. The elder David died at Harris- burg about the time of his son David's birth, in the winter of 1792- 1793, and the widow removed to relatives elsewhere. While yet a lad, David joined his elder brother Edward Conner, a West India merchant, in Philadel- phia. Edward was subsequently ruined by French spoliation, and was ultimately lost at sea. David pushed to attainment his long cherished desire of entering the navy, and was appointed a midshipman, January 16, 1809. He served in the War of 181 2, being third lieuten- ant on the Hornet, which was not put in commission David Conner. 387 until October, 1812, although war with Great Britian had been declared in June. She was then with the Jissex, Captain Porter, assigned to the squadron of Commodore Bainbridge, sailing in the Constitution as flagship. The Hornet and Constitution left Boston on Octo- ber 26th, and reachinpf off San Salvador on December 13th, the Hornet was sent to communicate with the consul. He found the British sloop-of-war Citoyenne, 18 guns. Captain Green, in port about to sail for England with a large amount of specie aboard.' Through the consul Captain Lawrence challenged the Englishman to meet the Hoimct at sea where they would try the metal of the respective vessels. Cap- tain Green declined the challenge, claiming that the Cofistitution would interfere and prevent an equal contest, notwithstanding Captain Lawrence's answer to the contrar)-. When the Constittition left, the Hornet continued to blockade the Bonne Citoyenne alone and she remained on this duty until the arrival of the Con- stitution after her successful encounter with the yava. After Commodore Bainbridge sailed for the United .States, January 6, i8i3,the Hornet for eighteen days longer kept Captain Green inside the harbor and then gave up the blockade on the arrival of the frigate Montague, 74 guns, to relieve the Bonne Citoyenne of her awkward position. The Hornet made a few prizes and when off the mouth of the Demarara river, February 24, 18 13, had 388 Arnerican Naval Heroes. her celebrated contest with the British sloop-of-war Peacock, i8 guns, Captain Peake. It was given to Lieutenant Conner and Midship- man B. Cooper to get out the prisoners who were wounded and to endeavor to save the sinking wreck, all that remained of the Peacock. They plugged the larger shot holes, threw the guns overboard, and set the Hornet and Peacock. Frotit an old ivood-cut engraved in 1S3I. prisoners at the pumps, but to no purpose. While the boats of the Hornet were carrying prisoners to that vessel the Peacock began to sink and Lieutenant Conner summoned the people remaining on board to the deck where the Peacock's launch was standing-. Few responded to his call as they were engaged in looting the sinking vessel. The brig settled suddenly in five fathoms of water and Conner succeeded in David Cornier. 389 getting most of the men and several prisoners in the launch. Three American seamen and nine of the crew of the Peacock went down with her. The launch had no oars and was paddled with pieces of plank until taken in charge by the returning cutters from the Hoi^net, and the brig returned with her prisoners to New York. Captain Lawrence was transferred to the Chesa- peake, on board of which he met his death, and the Hornet passed to the command of Captain James Biddle, Conner remaining on board as his first lieuten- ant. They left New York to get to sea by way of Lono- Island Sound but were blockaded in New Lon- don Harbor in June, 18 14. In January, 18 15, they passed out to sea, and on March 23rd engaged and captured the English brig Penguin, 18 guns. In this sea-fight Lieutenant Conner was severely, and for a time, considered dan- gerously wounded. The Hornet landed them in New York, July 30, 18 15, after peace was declared. For his conduct on those occasions, he received the praise of his commanders, Lawrence and Biddle, a sword from his native state, and the award of two silver medals from Congress. He was first lieutenant of the Ontario, and fired the salute on the occasion of her commander, Biddle, taking formal possession of the Oregon in 18 18. After cruising in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and in the Mediterranean and Red seas, he was 390 Anierica?i Naval Heroes. promoted captain in 1835. ^^ ^^^ made a navy com- missioner in 1 84 1, and chief of the bureau of construc- tion, equipment and repair upon its creation in 1842, thus being the first to hold that position. In 1843 ^^^ ^'^'^ appointed commodore of the home and West-India squadron. In this position his authority, as commander-in-chief, covered a wide extent of sea, lying in the North Atlantic, Caribbean, and Mexican gulf, and continued for more than three years. Upon the breaking out of war with Mexico in 1846, he blockaded her eastern coast, and leading or despatching eight or more expeditions, destroyed her marine, and occupied the most of her ports. Hav- ing In these operations dispatched his second in com- mand, Commodore M. C. Perry, to subdue Yucatan, that officer executed the order to his commander's satisfaction. The province, cut off from the rest of Mexico, sub- mitted, sending a commissioner to Commodore Conner requesting his forbearance. This was granted, so long as she did not interfere with the government set up in her ports by his command, and here it may be remarked that this government proved so satisfactory to the Yucatanos that they requested its continuance after the war was over. General Scott abandoned the plan of landing his army without the assistance of the navy, and accepted Commodore Conner's offer to perform the operation. The Commodore, selecting some ships from his David Coujicy. 391 squadron and some from Scott's transports, formed of them an expeditionary fleet to which he transported the whole army, and then, placing his flagship, the Raritait, in the van while General Scott accompanied in the Massachusetts, he led the descent on Vera Cruz, March 9, 1847. On arriving at the point for debarkation, four thousand five hundred soldiers were at once thrown ashore in one organized body. Others followed, so that in four hours ten thousand men, armed and pro- visioned, were landed. This gives a rate of thirty thousand per day, a rapidity of movement never excelled, if indeed equalled before or since. Although preparing to shell the castle of San Juan de Tilloa by the means of his heavily armed flotilla, and to establish a naval seige battery on land against \'era Cruz, he was {>revented therefrom by the return of Commodore Perry with orders to relieve Conner, who had held command already more than three months over the usual time allowed to any one com- modore. The next morning, March 21st, after the receipt of the order of relief, Commodore Conner resigned his office to Commodore Perry, transferring his own broad pennant to the Princeton, and there quietly remaining until the fall of Vera Cruz on the 29th, when he sailed, bearing the news of victory to his country, and grati- fied by perceiving that his plans for the siege had not been changed, but on the contrary, carried out. 392 American Naval Heroes. Upon reaching Philadelphia, Commodore Conner was welcomed by a public dinner, the councils of that city as well as those of Washington sending him reso- lutions of thanks, while the President repeated his, the secretary of the war doing likewise, and the Society of the Cincinnati making him an honorary member. The sudden change in situation and climate impaired his health, but he recovered, and was again employed in important matters. In person he was tall, thin and erect, and could walk, ride and shoot with anyone. Besides being an accomplished officer he was a cultivated man, possess- ing a thorough knowledge of both French and Spanish. While no speechmaker, he was a good converser, and wrote English well, his dispatches being consid- ered models by the department. He was fond of music, handy at games, and a good dancer. Thus, while an agreeable man in society, he was as an officer very careful of the health and general welfare of his command, kind but reserved in manner, carrying out any duty imposed with firm resolution, no matter how painful to his feelings. After his death, on the 20th of March, 1826, his body was placed, with military and naval honors, in Christ Church Ground, Philadelphia. It was afterward removed to a vault at South Laurel Hill cemeter\-. XXXV. SAMUEL CHESTER REID. Heaven helped the httle A rntsiroiig;'in her hour of bitter need; CJod Almighty nerved the heart and guided well the arm of Reid. lell the story to your sons of the gallant days of yore, When the brig of seven guns fought the fleet of seven score. From the set of sun till morn, through the long September night — Ninety men against two thousand, and the ninety won the fight. In the harbor of Fayal the Azore. From " The Fight of the ' A rmstrong' /'rtTutteer." — James Jeffrey Roche. Captain Samuel Chester Reid was born in the town of Norwich, State of Connecticut, August 25, 1783, the year of peace. He was the second and only surviving son of Lieutenant John Reid of the British navy, who was a son of Lord John Reid, of Glasgow, Scotland, and a lineal descendant of Henry Reid, Earl of Orkney, and Lord High Admiral to Robert III, (Bruce), King of Scotland, in 1393. Lieutenant John Reid while in command of a night-boat expedition sent out from the British squa- dron, under Admiral Hotham, which was then ravag- ing the coast, was taken prisoner at New London, Conn., in October, 1778. He afterward resigned his commission under George III, and espoused the American cause. In February, 1781, he was married to Rebecca Chester of Norwich. Miss Chester was a descendant 394 American Naval Heroes. of the fourth generation of Captain Samuel Chester, formerly an officer of the British navy, who, in 1662 immigrated to Connecticut and settled in New Lon- don. He was a son of Sir Robert Chester, who was knighted by James I, in 1603, and was a direct de- scendant of the Earls of Chester through whom he was collaterally connected with Robert I, (Bruce), King of Scotland. John, the son of Rebecca's father, the third John Chester, served at Bunker Hill and at the Battle of Lexington in 1775, and was a colonel in Briga- dier General Wardsworth's Connecticut brigade. He was a delegate to the Connecticut convention in January, 1788, which ratified the constitution of the United States. Captain Samuel Chester Reid, following the voca- tion of his forefathers, went to sea at the early age of eleven on a voyage from New York to the West Indies. The vessel was captured by a French privateer and carried into Basseterre, Guadaloupe, where he was confined with the rest of the prisoners in an old gothic chapel for six months. He subsequently entered the navy and served as midshipman on the sloop-of-war Baltimore under Commodore Truxton who commanded the West India squadron and who appointed him his aide. Captain Reid was married in New York City, June 8, 181 3, to Mary, daughter of Captain Nathan Jen- nings of Fairfield, Conn., a lady of distinguished Samuel Chester Re id. 395 beauty and talent. Captain Jennings volunteered as a private at the Battle of Lexington, crossed the Dela- ware with Washington, and commanded a company at the Battle of Trenton, December 26, 1775, where he was distinguished for gallant service on the field. The only members of Captain Reid's family now living, of ten children, are Madame di Cesnola, wife of Count Louis Palma di Cesnola, of military and archaeological fame, and her sister Mrs. Savage, the widow of the late John Savage, the well known poet and historian. In 18 14, during the time when the British General Ross, with his six thousand veterans from the troop- ships of Admiral Cochrane's fleet, was burning and pillaging the American capital, for which he after- ward paid the penalty of his life in his demonstration against Baltimore, the saucy little brig General Arvi- strong was being refitted in the port of New York for her fifth cruise against the enemy. She was a beautiful model and had been schooner rigged, but Captain Reid on being induced .to take command of her, changed her rig into a brigantine which made her one of the fastest vessels on the seas. She had a superior armament for boarding or resisting attack, with steel-strapped helmets for the men. She had a picked crew of sailors and marines, all Ameri- cans. The officers of the privateers were commissioned by the President, were under the same rules and reg- ulations as the regular navy, and were subject to the 39^ American Naval Heroes. orders of the secretary of war, (there being no secre- tary of the navy at that time) who was then General John Armstrong, after whom the famous brig was named. The Armstrong lay off the Battery at New York, the admiration of the citizens, awaitine a chance to run the blockade of British war-ships off Sandy Hook. The discipline of her crew was perfect, and her commander, while severely exacting, treated his men with great kindness and consideration. On the night of September 9, 18 14, just two weeks after the burnir of Washington, wind and tide suit- ing, the Armstrong got under weigh with her great spread of sail and a ten knot breeze. At midnight she ran close aboard of an English razee and ship-of-the- line, and as she flew past the " mudscows," as the crew called the clumsy Britishers, she was soon out of range of their guns, and the enemy gave up their attempted pursuit. At noon on the twenty-sixth of September, just ten days before Admiral Cochrane sailed from the Chesapeake, the Armstrong made the island of Fayal, and ran into the bay of the town of Da Horta, to refill with water. The shore of the bay, which is crescent shaped, is surrounded by a high sea-wall, in the center of which lies the castle of Santa Cruz. Oppo- site, to the eastward, lies the island of Pico, four miles distant, with its volcanic mountain rising to a height of seventy-six hundred feet. It was in this bay, Samuel Chestei'- Reici. 397 surrounded by the most romantic scenery, that the battle of Fayal took place. Captain Reid had gone ashore to make arrange- ments with the American consul, Mr. John B. Dabney, for a supply of fresh water, and had accepted the invit- tation of that patriotic and hospitable gentleman of the old school, to dine with him. In making inquiry about the enemy's cruisers. Captain Reid was informed by Mr. Dabney that none had visited those islands for several weeks. About 5 p. m. Captain Reid returned aboard his vessel with the consul and several gentle- men in company. While they were conversing, it being nearly sun- down, the British brig-of-war Cai'uation suddenly hove in sight close under the northeast headland of the harbor, and entering the bay, anchored within half a cable's length of the Armstrong. Soon after, the frigate Rosa and ship-of-the-line Plantagenet followed and came to anchor in the roads, the squadron being on its way to join Cochrane's fleet at Jamaica. Commodore Lloyd, who commanded the squadron, had previously learned from the pilot out at sea, that the Armstrong was in the harbor, and he at once determined upon her capture. The brig Carnation immediately began signalling with the fleet, threw out four large launches or boats and began to pass arms into them. All these movements could be seen, and the orders given, distinctly heard on board the Armstrong. At 398 America?i Naval Heroes. the same time the British brig made every preparation to intercept the privateer should she attempt to escape. Although Captain Reid had been assured by the American consul, of the perfect safety of his vessel, being in a neutral port, he now felt certain from the manoeuvers of the fleet and the preparations going on that there would be trouble, and he accordingly told the gentlemen that they would better go on shore. After their departure a council was held among the officers of the Armstrong, and it was at first suggested that they should make an effort to get out to sea, but the wind being light it was decided to haul close in under the guns of the castle for protection. Captain Reid immediately gave secret orders to clear the deck for action and cautioned the crew to make as little noise as possible. He then cut his cable, got out sweeps and began to pull in shore to the castle. The Carnation immediately dropped her topsails and made sail to prevent the privateer from going out of harbor should she attempt it, while the boats which were lying alongside were ordered in chase of the Arnistro7tg. It was now about eight o'clock in the evening. The moon which was near its full was gradually rising, and silver-sprinkling with its beam the beautiful bay, the hills of Da Horta and Mount Pico, while not a ripple broke the stillness of the glittering surface save the splash of the oars of the four large launches well armed, carrying about forty men each, which were Samuel Chester Reid. 399 pulling swiftly toward the privateer. Captain Reid immediately ceased pulling toward the shore, let go his anchor and got springs on his cable so as to bring the vessel broadside to the enemy. At this time one of the launches which was consid- erably in the advance pulled up under the stern of the Armstrong, when Reid with speaking trumpet in hand, and all hands at quarters, hailed the boat three times. No answer was returned except by one of the sailors, who asked in a gruff voice what was the matter. The officer replied: "Make no answer, sir ; pull away my lads," and the next moment the word was given " toss oars," and with their boat-hooks they hauled alongside under the port quarters of the privateer. The officer in the boat then cried out : " Fire and board, my lads," and as the men rose from their seats Captain Reid instantly gave word to his marines to fire, which was almost simultaneous on the part of both. One man on board the privateer was instantly killed, and the first lieutenant, Fred A. Worth, a brother of General W. J. Worth of the United States army, was wounded. The men in the boat were severely cut up and they cried out for quarter, while the other three boats pulling up at full speed on the starboard side immediately opened their fire. They were received with a full broadside of grape and canister, which was followed by the shrieks and groans of the wounded and dying. A fierce struggle now ensued in which the enemy made a desperate attempt 400 American Naval Heroes. to board ; but staggered and appalled by the galling fire of the privateer they cried out for quarter and the boats pulled off in a sinking condition with great loss, Captain Reid refusing to take them prisoners. The General Armstrong then weighed anchor and pulled toward the shore, about half pistol-shot from the castle, where she was moored head and stern, near the beach, with her port side next to the shore. The Carnation meanwhile sailed down to the fleet, and it was soon evident that they had determined on a more formidable attack. The American consul at this time had written a note to the Portuguese governor, demanding protection for the privateer, but the governor simply dispatched a note to Admiral Lloyd, requesting him to abstain from further hostilities. To this note Lloyd replied that, as the Americans had first fired into one of their boats without any prov- ocation, he now determined at all hazards to take the privateer, and that if protection were afforded her he would fire into the town. About 9 p. m., the wind having breezed up, the enemy's brig was observed standing in with a large fleet of boats in tow, number- ing fourteen, and carrying between forty and fifty men each, armed with carronades, swivels, blunderbusses and muskets, making an aggregate force of at least five hundred and sixty men. When within gun-shot the boats cast off from the brig, and took their sta- tions in three divisions under cover of a small reef or island of rocks, within musket-shot of the General Samuel Chester Reid. \o\ Armstrong. The brig kept under way to act with the boats in case the Armstrong attempted to escape. In the meantime terror and consternation had spread through the town. The windows of the houses nearest the scene were filled with women, and the sea- walls were crowded with the inhabitants, awaiting with intense excitement the coming attack. There lay the American brig with her tall, tapering spars, sleeping on the moonlit waters, as quiet and peaceful as an over-wearied child. There she lay, like a phantom ship ; not a movement was to be seen, not a sound was heard to break the stillness of her decks, seemingly deserted, from the death-like silence which prevailed. Notwithstanding, Captain Reid had made every preparation to receive the enemy on all sides, and his crew were then lying concealed at their quarters. In this position the belligerants remained for nearly three hours, watching each other with painful interest. When it is considered that the crew of the Arm- strong had nothing to gain, and had no motive for remaining by their vessel but the defense of their country's honor, when they saw the terrible odds that opposed them, and which threatened a fearful retribu- tion, it is remarkable that they stood so firm, and their wonderful discipline and courage may be imagined. At length, at midnight, the enemy seemed resolved upon the attack, and the boats were observed in motion. Instead of approaching by divisions, as 402 American Naval Heroes. Captain Reid expected, they came on in solid column, in direct line. When about twenty-five yards off, Captain Reid ordered his men to stand by after the fire, to run in the guns, and lash in the ports in order to prevent the enemy from getting through the port- holes on boarding, as they would not have time to reload the guns before the enemy would be alongside. The men were then cautioned to wait for the word, and to be sure of their object. The Long Tom, a forty-two-pounder, placed on a pivot amidships, was sighted with fearful accuracy. On came the British boats with undaunted intre- pidity. They were again hailed by Captain Reid, but no answer was returned. The fatal command was then given, and at once a destructive fire was opened on the enemy, the thun- der and crash of which broke the charmed stillness of the midnight scene. The discharge of the Long Tom rather staggered them for the moment, but they warmly returned the fire, remanned their oars, and giving three cheers came on most spiritedly. The crew of the ^rwj'/r^';/^ asked if they should return the cheer. "No," replied Captain Reid, "no cheering until we have gained a victory." In a moment they succeeded in gaining the bow and starboard quarter of the Armstrong. The cry of the officers commanding the boats was, " Up and board, my lads — no quarter ! " Samuel Chester Reid. 403 At the same instant they opened a terrific fire with carronades, swivels, bkinderbusses and muskets. They were g-allantly met by the crew of the privateer in their black leather boarding caps, strapped with steel, looking like demons, with boarding pikes, mus- kets, battle-axes, pistols and cutlasses. The vessel soon became one broad sheet of fire, the red glare of which strangely contrasted with the brilliant light of the moon, now ridinor hicrh in mid-heaven. Shrieks o o and yells, orders and oaths, amid the clang of sabres, were heard on both sides through the din and roar of the musketry. Again and again the enemy, led by their officers, attempted to gain the deck of the little brig, but were repulsed at all times with immense loss. The battle now raged with the greatest fury. The Americans fought with the desperation of fiends. Making a last desperate effort to board, the enemy gained the spritsail yard and bowsprit of the Arm- stro7ig, and were pressing their way to her deck, when the American sailors wielding their battle-axes, sabres and pikes with the skill and might of the knights of old, drove back England's best and bravest men with horrid slauohter. The second lieutenant of the Arm- o strong, Mr. Alexander O. Williams, was killed at this moment, while gallantly leading on his forward divi- sion ; and the third lieutenant, Mr. Robert Johnson, also fell dangerously wounded. At the same instant Captain Reid, who commanded the after division, was engaged beating off two larp-'" 404 American N^aval Heroes. launches, the men and officers of which had succeeded in cHmbing up the sides of the Armstrong. One of the latter, the first lieutenant of the Rota, William Matterface, who commanded the attack, had engaged Captain Reid in a hand-to-hand fight with cutlasses, and once or twice came near overpowering him. Cap- tain Reid, being left-handed, used his right in firing pistols which the powder boys handed him, while he continued to fio;ht with the British lieutenant with his left hand, disdainino" to shoot down his brave adver- sary. At last the British lieutenant, making a feint, brought down a desperate blow, the force of which Captain Reid had just time to break, though he was slightly cut across the head and his thumb and fore- finger nearly severed. Before the Englishman could recover Captain Reid struck him down and he fell back dead into the boat. It was at this critical juncture that Captain Reid was informed of the death of his second lieutenant, and that his third lieutenant was badly wounded. Having succeeded in beating the boats off the quarter, and being the only officer on deck, he per- ceived that the fire had slackened on the forecastle. At once rallying the whole of the after division, they rushed forward with a shout and opened a fresh fire, while he ordered the forward division to heave cold shot into the boats and sink them, as those men were out of cartridges. The enemy, appalled with conster- nation and dismay, fell back to their boats and retreated. Saimicl Chester Reid. 405 when Captain Reid, bringing the Long Tom to bear upon them, fired the gun himself, which flew off the carriage, doing fearful destruction and resulting in the total defeat of the British. Then it was that Captain Reid cried out : " Now is the time to cheer, my boys," and three wild, enthusiastic cheers re-echoed over the bay from shore to shore. The Americans among the crowd on the sea-walls hailed the Armstrong, and asked if Cap- tain Reid were safe, and being answered in the affirm- ative, gave three tremendous cheers in return. The scene which now presented itself was one of indescribable horror. The silvered waters of the bay were crimsoned with blood. Dark form^ of dead bodies floated around on every side, while the groans and death shrieks of the wounded struggling around the boats pierced the air. Many of the boats had been sunk. Two large launches belonging to the frig- ate Rota lay alongside the Armstrong with two other boats, literally loaded with their own dead. In a boat belonging to the Plantagcnet all were killed save four. In another boat which had contained fifty souls, but one solitary officer escaped, and he was wounded. Pour boats floated ashore full of dead bodies. Some of the boats were left with but a single man, while others had but three or four to row them. The term- ination was nearly a total massacre. This action lasted about forty minutes. The English force, esti- mating forty men to a boat, was about five hundred 4o6 American Naval Heroes. and sixty men. The English themselves acknowl- edged a loss in this attack of one hundred and twenty killed and one hundred and thirty wounded, but it must have been far greater. The deck of the Armstrong, which was in great confusion, and slippery with human gore, was now cleared up, the Long Tom remounted, and prepara- tions made for a fresh action should the enemy again attack her. About this time Captain Reid received the following note from the American consul. Captain Reid, Dear Sir : — You have performed a most brilliant action in beating off fourteen boats of the British ships in this road. They say they will carry the brig, cost what it will, and that the English brig will haul close in to attack you at the same time the boats do. My dear fellow, do not uselessly expose yourself, if again attacked by an overwhelming force, but scuttle the brig near the beach and come on shore with your brave crew. Yours truly, J. B. Dabney. Two o'clock Tuesday morning, September 27th, 1814. This note was brought on board the Armstrong by Charles W. Dabney, son of the consul, then twenty years of age, who afterward succeeded his father. Captain Reid then went on shore, and after receiv- ing the congratulations of the consul, was informed that the governor had again written to Commodore Lloyd, remonstrating against any further attack, but Lloyd sent answer that he was determined to capture the Armstrong, and that if the governor suffered the Samuel Chester Reid. 407 Americans to injure her in any manner he should con- sider the place an enemy's port, and treat it accord- ingly. Returning on board, Captain Reid determined to defend his vessel to the last. He accordingly ordered the dead and wounded to be taken on shore, and he prepared for the worst. ;fc.L The Privateer "Brigadier-General Armstrong," Capt. S. C. Reid. At daylight on the morning of the twenty-seventh the Carnation was observed under weigh, and stood close in for the little brig, when she immediately opened a heavy fire with all her force. The crew of the Armstrong, as if supernatural spirits, or holding- charmed lives, still grimly stood by their little vessel, 4o8 American Naval Heroes. returning broadside for broadside with wonderful effect, Long Tom doing spendid execution. The maintopmast of the Carnatioii soon fell by the board, she was much cut up in her hull and rigging, and her loss of men was so great that her guns became silenced and she was forced to retire. It was a sublime spectacle to see the little brigantine, with but a handful of men, fighting a hopeless battle against such tremendous odds, in vindication of her rights and her country's honor, with her colors flying in reckless defiance. Finding all further resistance fruitless. Captain Reid blew a hole through the bottom of his vessel to prevent her capture, and then, with his gallant crew, took to the boats and went on shore. The Carnation, soon after perceiving that the Armstrong was deserted, sent two armed boats to seize her, but find- ing she was scuttled, they set her on fire, when she blew up in a blaze of glory. In the three engagements that occurred with the Arnistro?tg, the British loss was two hundred and ten killed and one hundred and forty wounded making a total of three hundred and fifty. The loss of the Armstrong, marvelous to state, was but two killed and seven wounded. After the burning of the Armstro7ig, Commodore Lloyd, frenzied with disappointment and athirst for revenge, demanded that the governor should deliver up her crew as prisoners of war. The governor Samuel CJicster Rcid. 409 refused, on the ground that it would be in violation of his neutrality, when Lloyd threatened to send a large armed force on shore to take them dead or alive. Thus threatened, Captain Reid with his men, all fully armed, took refuge in an old deserted con- vent about half a mile in the interior, fortified it and cut away an adjoining drawbridge, and running up the American flag bade defiance to their foes, deter- mined to defend themselves to the last. Seeino- this last demonstration of American courage Commodore Lloyd gave up the contest and occupied himself with burying his dead. A letter published in Cobbdfs Weekly Register, December 10, 18 14, written to Mr. Cobbett at London, by an English gentlemen who was an eye witness of the midnight attack, after stating the great loss the British sustained, added: "With great reluctance I state that they (the boats) were manned with picked men, and com- manded by the first, second, third and fourth lieu- tenants of the Plantagenct, first, second, third and fourth ditto of the frigate, and the first officer of the brig, together with a great number of mid- shipmen. Our whole force exceeded four hundred men ; but three officers escaped, two of whom are wounded. This bloody and unfortunate contest lasted about forty minutes. " The squadron," he also adds, " was detained ten days at Fayal, repairing damages and in burying their 4IO American Naval Heroes. dead. Two sloops of war, the Thais and Calypso, which arrived two days afterward, were sent back to Eno"land with their wounded." The final act of this tragic naval drama, was the very essence and height of patriotic valor and heroism. The splendid courage and personal prowess by which Captain Reid, his officers and crew achieved so glori- ous a victory over the immensely superior force of the British squadron, has never been exceeded, even by the exploits of the knights in the olden days of roman- tic chivalry. Yet at the time he was ignorant that he had by his undaunted courage ia defeating and dis- abling the British squadron, saved Louisiana from England's conquest. He was only conscious that he had done his duty in vindicating the honor of his country and defending untarnished the sovereignty of the American flagf. This alone induced him and his noble crew to peril their lives against such fearful odds, and to perform such acts of valor. After it became evident that Commodore Lloyd did not intend to execute, his threat to take Captain Reid and his crew prisoners, they returned to the town of Horta. Several British officers, who had come ashore to attend the burial of their deceased comrades, sent a note to Captain Reid, who was then a guest of Consul Dabney, with the request that he meet them at the British consul's. Mr. Dabney who was of the opinion that it was only a ruse to arrest Captain Reid or bring Sanniel Chester Reid. 411 about a duel, counselled him not to g-o. But Reid said that he did not apprehend any indignity, and not to go would be treating- the officers with discourtesy. He accordingly dressed in full uniform, with sash and sabre, and as he approached the quarters of the British consul he observed several British officers standing in front of the house, who upon recognizing him, lifted their caps and gave him a cheer, to his great surprise Captain Reid was invited to enter the house, and three of the officers requested him to accompany them to a private room, to which request he acceded, though wondering much when within the room to see one of them turn and lock the door. " Gentlemen," said Captain Reid " you are three to one, but if any of you are desirous of any satisfaction I am ready to give it to you." But they replied : " We must beg you to excuse us, Captain, but we have a bet which we can only settle by begging you to prove to us that you do not wear a shirt of mail, as we cannot understand how it was that the bullets we fired at you never seemed to strike you. I myself," said the speaker, " fired at you again and again." Captain Reid laughed and said : "As you have a bet, gentlemen, I will not refuse your request and you may satisfy yourselves that I wear no shirt of mail, and you have my word that I have never worn one." 412 Arnerican Naval Heroes. The officers then introducing themselves, expressed their surprise and admiration of so brave a foe, and assuring Captain Reid that though their gov- ernments were at war, it did not prevent a Briton from appreciating true valor wherever it was found, and begged him to join them in a bottle of wine. Another interesting incident occurred, which dis- played the love of the crew for their gallant little vessel. At the time that the Arnistrojig was scuttled and was being deserted, some of the sailors cried out, "We must save the ' Old General,' boys" — as they called the figure-head — and in spite of their becoming a target for the enemy they severed with their battle axes the g^rim lookino; bust of the ' Old General ' from the bow and bore it in triumph to the shore. This quaint specimen of the ship-carver's art of by gone days, was placed over the gates leading to the grand mansion of the American consul. For years it was decorated every Fourth of July by the Dabneys, with flowers and the American flag. It was called " El Santo Americano," by the Portuguese peasantry, who never failed to cross themselves as they passed it. In later years, the American consul, Mr. Charles B, Dabney, son of John B. Dabney, presented this venerable relic to the Naval Lyceum, at Boston, Mass., where it now remains in a good state of preservation. The news of the battle of Fayal reached the United States about the middle of November, 1814; the reverses which had attended our arms on land, the Samuel Chester Reid. 413 bankrupt condition of the government, and the burn- ing of our national capitol, had thrown a general gloom and despondency over the country. Under these circumstances, the news of the battle of the Armstrong and the extraordinary victory sent a thrill of joy through the hearts of the American people. But our government was as yet ignorant that the gallant defense of the little brig was to be the means of saving Louisiana from becoming another empire of India, by the grasp of England, for at this time all was ready at Jamaica for the attack on New Orleans. The troopships and transports with twelve thous- and veterans, under Generals Packenham and Keene, were eager for the fray. Admiral Sir Thomas Coch- rane, as he paced the deck of his flagship, was impatiently awaiting the arrival of Lloyd's squadron, but Lloyd was at Fayal burying his dead and repairing damages, causing the delay of his squadron for ten or twelve days. When Lloyd's squadron arrived in Negoil Bay in its crippled condition, he was loaded with bitter reproaches. A further detention of a week followed. At this time General Jackson's headquarters were at Mobile. On the 7th of November he had driven the British forces from the neutral Spanish town of Pensacola, and on his return to Mobile had learned of the suspected designs of the British fleet against New Orleans. By a forced march he arrived at New Orleans on the second of December with his two thou- sand Tennessee militia. 414 American A'az'al Heroes. Cochrane's fleet arrived at Lake Borgne on the 6th of December, just four days afterward. New Orleans was then utterly defenseless. It is evident that if Cochrane's fleet had arrived fifteen days sooner (the period of its delay) , the British troops could have taken taken possession of the city before any defense could have been made. And even as it was, General Jackson, that man of brilliant resources, barely had time to check the enemy by the affair of the 23rd of December and thus make possible his immortal vic- tory at New Orleans on January 8, 18 15. The Battle of Fayal was the last battle fought upon the seas, and the Battle of New Orleans the last upon the land, so that these two battles had in a blaze of glory finished the War of 1812-14. On the occasion of a resolution in the United States Senate in 1890, to strike a gold medal in commemora- tion of the services of Captain Reid, Senator Daniel W. Voorhees, in a speech of thrilling eloquence said : " But for the terrific injury inflicted on Lloyd's forces at Fayal, the British would have reached New Orleans as soon, if not much sooner, than General Jackson. Had this happened, that city would have fallen without a blow." Senator W. M. Evarts, followed in this tribute : " Mr. President, I have no need to add anything to the eloquent homage paid to the great fame of Captain Reid. Every word that the Senator from Indiana has said is as truthful as it was eloquent. There is not to be found in the classics or in modern history any stronger instance of personal prowess. But for Captain Reid that fight would not have been made ; and but for Captain Reid that battle would not have been won. So strong is this simile under the most Samuel CJiester Reid. 415 diverse circumstances, tliat it may be said of Captain Reid as was said of Horatius at the bridge : ' If he had not kept the bridge, who would have saved the town?' This battle in the Port of Fayal was the bridge that he kept that saved the town of New Orleans, and saved the honor of the country." Governor Isaac Shelby of Kentucky, in a letter to Captain Reid, dated May 8, 1815, wrote: — " No one conflict during the war has placed the American character in so proud a view." On the fifteenth of November, 18 14, Captain Reid with his officers and crew proceeded to St. Mary's, Fla. He received ovations all the way from Savannah to New York. At Richmond, Va., the members of the legislature gave him a dinner at which Mr. Stevenson, the speaker of the House of Delegates, acted as presi- dent, and Mr. William Wirt as vice-president. After the regular toasts, on Captain Reid's retiring, the president gave: "Captain Reid — His valor has shed a blaze of renown upon the character of our seamen, and has won for him a laurel of eternal bloom." In the evening a grand ball was given in his honor by the prominent citizens of Richmond. On Captain Reid's return to the city of New York, where his family resided, the legislature of the State passed resolutions of thanks to him, his officers and crew, "for their intrepid valor in thus gloriously main- taining the honor of the American flag," and voted him a superb gold sword with an alto relievo in gold on the hilt representing the infant Hercules grappling with a lion. This was presented to him on November 4i6 American Naval Heroes. 25, 18 16, by Governor Tompkins, on the steps of the City Hall, amid a vast concourse of enthusiastic citizens. Soon after, at Tammany Hall, an elegant service of plate was presented to Captain Reid, consisting of a large silver pitcher with an emblematical engraving of the action, and suitable inscription thereon ; also a silver teapot, sugar bowl, milk ewer, slop-bowl, and two silver goblets, by the citizens of New York. This service is now in the possession of his daughter, Madame di Cesnola, of New York city. The Secretary of War offered him a past captaincy in the navy (there was no Secretary of the Navy then) which Captain Reid declined, having received offers of much more lucrative offices in New York. He accepted the position of Harbor Master of New York, and devoted his talents and genius to the benefit and service of his country. He was president of the Marine Society which he instituted for the improvement of the marine service and for the support of their widows and children. He was also vice president of the Nautical Society. He invented and erected the first marine telegraph between the Highlands of the Neversink on Staten Island, and the Battery of New York city. He also designed and published a national code of signals for all vessels belonging to the United States. He re-organized and perfected regulations for governing the pilots of New York and had the pilot boats numbered. Samuel Chester Reid. 4 1 7 Through his efforts and instigation the government estabHshfed a hghtship off Sandy Hook, the first ever constructed. In 1826 he invented a new system of land telegraphs, by means of which he satisfactorily demonstrated that a message could be sent from Washington city to New Orleans in two hours. A bill was before Congress for its adoption, when Morse's discovery superseded it. Captain Reid also designed the United States flag under its present form, it having been altered from time to time on the admission of a new state. The last alteration was made on the occasion of the admis- sion of Vermont and Kentucky, in 1795, into the Union, when a resolution was passed "That the flag of the United States should be fifteen stripes alterna- ting red and white, and the Union fifteen stars, white in a blue field.' The bill was attacked by several members of Con- gress, it being declared that " at this rate we may go on adding and altering for a hundred years to come." It was not until 181 7, when five new states had been admitted to the Union, that Congressman Peter H. Wendover of New York, proposed to make a change in the flag, in view of the fact that there were five states not represented by stars. A committee was appointed to consider the proposition, and Captain Reid was invited to suggest a design. He recommended that the number of stripes be reduced to thirteen, to represent the thirteen original 41 8 American Naval Heroes. states ; that each of these states be represented by a star ; and the stars be formed into one grand star, symbohzing the National motto, " E Pluribus Ujuim'' and that a star be added on the admission of each new state. The design was accepted, and a bill to establish the flag was passed and approved by Presi- dent Monroe on April 4, 18 18, as follows: "That from and after the fourth day of July next, the flaof of the United States be thirteen horizontal stripes, alternate red and white ; that the Union have twenty stars, white in a blue field ; that on the admis- sion of every new State into the Union, one star shall be added to the Union in the flag, and that such addi- tion shall take effect on the fourth day of July succeed- ing such admission." The law as then passed remains in force to-day. The first flag as designed by Captain Reid was made of silk by Mrs. Reid assisted by her young friends and each embroidered her name in the centre of a star. Mrs. Reid then sent the flag to Represetative Wend- over, who presented it in the name of Mrs. Reid to the government, and on April 13, 18 18, it was hoisted on the flag-staff of the House of Representatives. At the suggestion of President Tyler, he re-entered the navy in 1842 and was retired in 1856. He died on January 28, 1 861, in his seventy-eighth year, after a short illness from pneumonia, at his house on West 45th Street, New York city, surrounded by all the living members of his family. Samuel Chester Reid. 419 His last words were, " Soon I shall solve the great mystery of life." The following is from the New York Herald of that date: FUNEIL^L OF CAPTAIN SAMUEL CHESTER REID. The funeral services of Captain Samuel Chester Reid, a hero of the war of i§i2, and a sketch of whose life was published in our edition of Tuesday, took place yesterday afternoon, from Trinity Church. The magnificent edifice was filled with a highly respect- able congregation, composed principally of the friends of the deceased patriot, who was greatly admired, loved and respected, not only by those immediately within the circle of his acquaintances, but also by the people of the whole country. The services were of the impressive character, peculiar to the Church of England, four ministers (The Rev. Messrs. Vinton, Ogilby, Ewer and another) officiating. About half-past two o'clock, the cofifin (which had been exposed in the vestibule of the church, where hundreds visited it) was beautifully decorated, and was brought into the middle aisle of the church and deposited before the altar. On the lid of the coffin was engraved the following : Captain Saml:el Chester Reid, U. S. N., Died January 28th, 185 1, Aged 78 years. Among those who acted as pall-bearers we noticed in uniform : Captain Ward, Captain Gansevort, Lieutenant McDermott and Lieutenant Heny, and in citizens' dress, Charles O'Connor, James r. Brady, Mr. Thomas Tileston and Mr. Paul Spofford. At the conclusion of the services the remains were conveyed to Greenwood Cemetery, followed by several hundred carriages. Fort Sumter, XXXVI. THE NAVY IN THE CIVIL WAR. For two hundred years, from 1640 to 1840, the o^eneral character of the ships used in the naval service of the civiHzed world had undergone no change. The great line-of-battle ship, the frigate, the ship-brig, the schooner and the sloop had possibly increased in size as nations vied with each other in floating heavy armament, or in constructing formidable battleships ; but the wind had be^n the only power by which they had been driven, and the navigator's skill had been directed toward the handling of these ships in all sorts of weather and under every condition or emergency. The advent of steam as motive power relegated to school practice in the navy yards and to occasional cruises in peaceful waters the former noble frigates with which Preble, Jones, Hull, Decatur, Truxton, Lawrence, Perry and Macdonough had won such glor- ious victories in the War of 18 12. All the ancient time-honored appliances of warfare and navigation had to be re-adjusted to meet the new order of things. There was to be no more display of superiority in sea- manship, by which one ship would by tacking and 42 2 American N'aval Hei^oes. wearing, gain the advantage over its antagonists and the days of manoeuvring to keep the weather-gage, and of wetting down the canvas, and of trimming the yards, were over. The new warship had a motive power by which she could steer at will for any point of the compass, as far as dependence upon wind and sails were concerned. The naval warfare conducted by the ancient Greeks and Romans, with galleys propelled by a hundred oars, and with prow armored with iron or bronze mak- ing the boat a veritable battering ram — one of the most effective ancient weapons of warfare — was to be revived in the nineteenth century. Steam was to serve as the strong arms, and paddle-wheels and pro- pelling screws were to take the place of the sweeping oars to carry the vessel into any desired position. The cannon of the War of 1812 was to be supplanted by the large rifled gun or columbiad, which could carry a 13-inch shell with unerring precision for miles, leaving death and destruction in its wake. Then again from the ancients was to be borrowed the idea of the use of armor plate, not as heretofore for the protection of man and beast on the battle-field, but to save the ships's sides from the destructive effects of these heavy shot and shell. The helmet and coat of mail in an exaesferated form rendered the ironclad invulnerable at Hampton Roads, and on the Mississippi and Ark- ansas rivers the saucy little gunboat, with her impro- vised armor of railroad iron, bade defiance to the heavy The Navy in the Civil liar. 4-3 euns of the forts as she ran their o-auntlet unharmed, to carry protection to the beseiged army beyond. Added to all these, the dread torpedo, devised by Ful- ton a half century before, was planted in the rivers and bays, there to be a permanent menace to intruding warships. Such was the condition of affairs when the peace of fifty years for the American navy was broken by a shot fired at a beseiged fort in Charleston harbor flying the American flag. The navy list of 1861 was half made up of sailing vessels. To be sure, there were some formidable steam frigates, useful in times of peace in making up respectable fleets at the various naval stations abroad. At the navy yards were some steamers laid up in ordinary, but which would require weeks and months to get ready for active service. Another difficulty confronted the navy department. The practice of regular and methodical advancement of officers by promotion in order of time of service, irrespective of ability, had left the navy encumbered with a host of men grown gray in the service dur- ing so many years of peace, and now ill-fitted, either by training or inclination, to enter into active vigorous operations against an enemy. The war of 18 12 had found in the navy a line of young officers — active captains and lieutenants — most of them under thirty-five years of age, ready to take any risk and able to endure any hardship. 424 Aiuerican A' aval Heroes. The ranking officers of 1861 had been boys on board the saiHng-vessels of the old navy, and had not accustomed themselves to the modern appli- ances of the steam frigate. The fear that a shot from the enemy would pierce the boiler, disarrange the ma- chinery, unship the rudder, or run the ship aground, were a few of the causes of anxiety that made the older naval officers cautious and slow to move upon an untried sea filled with innumerable possibilities of danger. Then the seamen necessary to put the new navy on a war footing had to be drawn from the civil list and trained to the service, the government having no naval reserve to draw from. In fact, on the whole Atlantic coast there were not, in 1861, over two hun- dred trained seamen available for the naval service. In 1865 there were over fifty thousand enlisted men serving in the navy, many of them having only entered the service after being urged to do so by the generous bounty of one thousand and even fifteen hundred dollars. The first use to which the navy was put was to try to save the custom houses, mints, and Government properties along the coast. John A. Dix had been appointed secretary of the treasury to succeed Howell Cobb, and his first thought was to save the revenue cutters Cass, at Mobile, Ala., and McClelland, at New Orleans, La., from falling into the hands of the state authorities. Captain Breshwood of the McClelland The Navy i)i the Civil War. 425 was a southern sympathizer, and refused to obey the orders of the Secretary, and the second officer, Caldwell, dared not move agauist his superior. Find- ing this condition of affairs, the treasury agent, Hemphill Jones, telegraphed the department at Wash- ington for instructions. It was this request that called forth the famous telegram, which was the rallying cry of the whole patriotic North at this early stage of the Civil War. Treasury Department. Washington, Jan. 21, 1861. To Hemphill J(»nes, Esq., Special Agent for the U. S. Treasury Department, New Orleans, La. Tell Lieutenant Caldwell to arrest Captain Breshwood, assume command of the cutter, and obey the order through you. If Cap- tain Breshwood, after arrest, undertakes to interfere with the com- mand of the cutter, tell Lieutenant Caldwell to consider him as a mutineer, and treat him accordingly. If any one attempts to haul down the American flag, shoot him on the spot. John A. Dix, Secretary of the 'Treasury . The dispatch was unfortunately intercepted on its way, and failed to reach Special Agent Jones, so the cutter fell into the hands of the authorities of the State of Louisiana, and when Jones reached Mobile, the Cass had been taken possession of by the State of Alabama. On the advent of a new administration, March 4, 1 86 1, with the Government in the possession of but a sinele fort on the entire Atlantic coast below Fort Monroe, a condition of affairs presented itself to the 4^6 American iVavai Heroes. Navy department that would need active and speedy adjustment. There were 3,000 miles of sea- coast to be effectually blockaded. The Southern States were rich in cotton, and the nations of Europe were ready to exchange for this cotton the munitions of war, of which the Confederacy stood in so great need. With open ports, and with 4,000,000 slaves to produce cotton, they had the markets of the world at their doors, and the issues of war would be but the matter of a short campaign before foreign nations would demand their independence. The responsi- bility for an effective blockade rested upon the United States Navy. In the past the country had found that navy always ready for duty; but in 1861 half of the officers and men had gone out of the service of the Government to give their allegiance to their native states. The emergency, however, gave birth to new men able to meet the issue, and out from these sprang the naval heroes of 1861-65. The department had but few ships, and their officers were untried in the new methods of naval warfare. They had no light-draft vessels to enter the harbor and hold the port, then in possession of the enemy. They had no formidable ironclads to retake the forts and to re-establish the custom houses from which the Stars and Stripes had been hauled down. As to the ships, there was a home squadron of twelve vessels, one-half of them sailino- craft. The The Navy in the Civil War. 427 Paivnee, a screw sloop-of-war, was in the yard at Washington, and carried 8 guns, and the Crusader and Mohawk, steamers of 8 and 5 guns respectively, were in the navy yard at New York, which, with the steamship Supply, 4 guns, lately returned from Pensa- cola, made up the entire fleet in Northern waters. The frigate Sabine, 50 guns, the sloop St. Louis, 20 guns, the steamers Brooklyji, 25 guns, and Wyan- dotte, 5 guns, were at Pensacola, and the sloops Mace- doniaii and Cumberland, of 24 guns each, with the steamers Pocahontas and Powhatan, were at Vera Cruz. In June and July the steam sloops Richmond, Iroquois, and Susquehanna arrived from the Mediter- ranean, and later in the year the sloops Constellation and Portsmouth, the steam sloops Mohicaji and San Jacinto, the steamers Mystic and Sumter, and the storeship Relief reached home from the coast of Africa, and the frigate Congress and steam sloop Sctu- i?iole arrived from Brazil. These vessels made up the entire navy of 1861. Early in 1862 the sloop John Adams and the steam sloops Hartford and Dakotah came in from the East Indies, leaving the sloop Saratoga, 18 guns, on the coast of Africa, the steamer Pulaski, one gun, on the coast of Brazil, and the steamer Saginaw, 3 guns, in the East Indies, the sole representatives of our Government in foreign waters. These, with the steam frigate, Niagara, returning from Japan, the few ves- sels stationed on the Pacific coast, and four tenders 428 American Naval Heroes. and storeships, made up a total of forty-two vessels, carrying 555 guns, and manned with 7,600 seamen in commission, March 4, 1861. The vessels dismantled and in ordinary at the vari- ous yards in possession of the government, exclusive of those lost by the destruction of the Norfolk Navy Yard, were the frigates Potomac, St. Lazvrence and Santee ; the sloops SavaJDiak, yaiitestoivn, Vinccnncs, Marion, Dale and Preble ; the brigs Bainbridge and Perry ; and the steamers Roanoke, Colorado, Minne- sota, Wabash, Pensacola, Mississippi and Water Witch, and these were put into commission during the latter part of 1861. The government constructed and purchased other steam vessels of every class, which they armed and equipped, until they floated on December 31, 1861, a navy of 211 vessels, armed with 2,301 guns, represent- ing a tonnage of 176,468, and manned by 20,000 sea- men. At that date they had fifty-two vessels of 41,448 tons, to carry 256 guns, on the stocks in pro- cess of construction. These figures tell better than words the growth of the navy to meet an emergency. We must remember, however, that the vessels of largest tonnage and greatest number of guns were the useless ones, which included six ships-of-the-line, seven frigates, seventeen sloops, and two brigs, carry- ing in all 1,208 guns, and measuring 44,768 tons. There was little opportunity during the first year of the war for the officers of the navy to exhibit that —7^ The Navy in the Civil War. 429 courage, zeal and heroism manifested at a later period, but at the end of the year the Secretary of the Navy in his report paid this tribute to the officers and men of the service: " To the patriotic officers of the navy and the brave men who, in various scenes of naval action, have served under them, the department and the government justly owe an acknowledgment ever more earnest and emphatic. Courage, ability, unfaltering fidelity and devotion to the cause of their country, have been the general and noble character- istics of their conduct in the arduous and important service with which they have been entrusted. We state, in all confidence, that in their hands the historic renown of the American navy has been elevated and augmented." That the blockade was effective is shown by the recorded losses to the Confederacy of 11 19 vessels captured by our navy and condemned as prizes, among which were 210 fast steamers. There were besides these 355 vessels burned or otherwise de- stroyed, and the total value of vessels and cargoes thus condemned or destroyed was over $30,000,000. While accounts of naval battles are more readable than dry statistics of the result of dull blockade, their value to the government is much less. The blockade, which led to the impoverishing of the Confederate army and the recapture of the forts and seaports which followed, cut off foreign supplies and virtually ended the rebellion. XXXVII. HENRY WALKE. "The evils of war should l)e strongly impressed upon the minds of our people and the effects of war should be carefully recorded for the instruction of posterity. Flattering accounts of glorious victories should not alone fill the pages of our history, for such often intoxicate the minds with vanity and falsa ideas as to the nature and consequences of war." — Rear Admiral Henrv IValkc. The first serious event in the war between the government of the United States and the states in rebelhon occurred January 12, 1861, when the forts, navy yard and government property at Pensacola were surrendered by Commodore James Armstrong, U. S. N., to the state authorities of Florida without defense. The Stars and Stripes were hauled down by William Conway, a seaman and acting quartermaster, in obedience to the order of Lieutenant Francis B. Renshaw, of the United States navy. Fort Barrancas, an historical stronghold built by the Spanish immigrants in the seventeenth century, Fort McCrea, the navy yard at Warrington, and the United States Hospital, surrendered with their officers and men, who were made prisoners of war, and this con- dition of affairs left the responsibility for the safety of the remaining property and garrison of the naval station to Commander Henry Walke, the ranking naval officer, who had arrived at the yard December 7, i860, 432 American Naval Heroes. with the United States storeship Supply, for stores for the United States squadron at Vera Cruz. The slav^es used at the fort as laborers, and hired for this purpose from their owners, had been withdrawn, their masters fearing that the United States Government would not pay for the labor. This delayed the loading of the vessel, and meanwhile Commandant Armstrong- had directed Walke to carry provisions to Fort Pickens, and then to return to the navy yard and finish loading for Vera Cruz. This order was dated January lo, 1 86 1, and if it had been literally carried out it would have resulted in the surrender of Fort Pickens at the same time that Commodore Armstrong yielded pos- session of Fort McCrea, Fort Barrancas and the navy yard. Commander Walke took the responsibility of remaining to support Lieutenant Slemmer, who assured him that with his co-operation in removing the garrison to Fort Pickens, and dismantling the aban- doned forts, he could hold the fort against any force for six months. After transporting from Fort Bar- rancas to Fort Pickens, the ammunition, provisions and other articles necessary to the comfort of the beseiged garrison he destroyed the powder and muni- tions of war likely to fall into the hands of the state authorities, and as the facts of history bear out, was the first and immediate instrument in causing results that led to the refusal of England to acknowledge the independence of the Southern States, which she at the time was but too anxious to do. Henry Walke. 433 Learning that the flag still floated over Fort Pickens, Mr. Seward prevailed on the President to strengthen immediately the defense of the fort, and the relief afforded resulted in the recapture of the other forts and the entire possession of Pensacola Bay and the coast of Florida, down to and including- the port of Key West, early in 1862. The Secretary of State was thus able to refute the claim of the Confed- eracy to entire possession of her sea coast, as a reason for immediate recognition as a separate nation, and pointed to the possession of this territory as a chief argument. Finding that he could do a great service to his government by taking on board and carrying directly to a place of safety the women, children and invalid soldiers and marines now harbored in the forts, he took the responsibility of returning to New York with one hundred and eio^ht non-combatants, who, includine the paroled prisoners, were in danger of suffering great privations if left behind. He sailed from Pensacola Bay, January 15, 1861. Afterward the arrival of the Brooklyn, Sabine and St. Louis made the position of Lieutenant Slemmer less dangerous, and he enjoyed the proud distinction of holding the only fort on the South Atlantic coast, and maintaining at its flagstaff the Stars and Stripes. Upon reporting February 4, 1861, from New York, to the Secretary of the Navy, Isaac Tousey, Com- mander Walke gave a full history of his action in 434 Americafi Naval Heroes. defense of the government property, and the condi- tions under which he had left the harbor. Upon the accession of a new administration, March 4, 1861, his action was questioned, and he was submitted to a court-martial, which resulted in his being admonished by the secretary of the navy, not- withstanding Commodore Armstrong's statement "that he did not consider that there was any disobedience on the part of Commodore Walke in not returning to the yard, for he could not discharge the duties on which he had been dispatched," and without supplies short of New York there was no port from which they could have been obtained to render his voyage to Vera Cruz necessary. History will yet do justice to the brave officer who, while the earliest of the naval heroes born of the Civil War, and its first martyr, lived to do valiant service, even in subordinate positions, and fully vindicated his valor, patriotism and humanity. In the operations of the navy on the Western rivers he was the pioneer in gun-boat fighting as he had been the hero in rescuing, provisioning and encouraging the little band of patriot soldiers in Fort Pickens in the dark days of 1861. Henry Walke was born in Princess Anne County, Va., December 24, 1808, of Dutch descent. His first American ancestor, Anthony Walke, came from Eng- land and settled in Virginia. His father, Anthony Walke, removed from Virginia to Chillicothe, Ohio, in Hciiry Walke. 435 181 1. When the boy was nineteen years old he entered the United States Navy as midshipman, and served under Lieutenant David G. Farragut. After a service of six years he was promoted passed midshipman, and the same year was further advanced to Heutenant. During the Mexican War he partici- pated in the naval engagements that resulted in the capture of Vera Cruz, Tobasco, Tespan and Alverado. In 1855 ^^ ^"^"^"^ made commander of the United States ship Supply, employed in African and West Indian waters. His last service in that ship was to fortify and provision Fort Pickens and to transfer the paroled officers and civilians from the captured forts and navy yard to New York. When, in 1861, the government determined upon employing a naval force on the Western rivers, to co-operate with the army, Commander John Rodgers was ordered to St. Louis, where James B. Eads, a civil engineer, was building a flotilla of iron-plated gun- boats. Three river steamboats purchased in Cincin- nati were hastily transformed into gun-boats and placed in commission. They were the Taylor, Lex- ington, and Conestoga. The first-named, bearing the commander's flag, carried an armament of six 64- pounder broadside guns. These steamers with immense paddle-wheels and high pilot-houses, not being iron-clad, were ill-adapted for the purpose of opposing the Confederate river bat- teries, generally located on bluffs from which they 436 A77ie7'ican Naval Heroes. could fire plunging shot, and while they did good ser- vice, proved to be veritable slaughter pens to the officers and pilots. On September 12, 1861, Flag Officer Foote or- dered Commander Walke to the Taylor to relieve Commander Rodgers, and Walke at once proceeded with the flotilla from Paducah to Cairo, where, with a number of army officers detailed by General Grant, he proceeded down the Mississippi River to Columbus to determine the position and strength of the enemy. This was the first reconnoissance made by a gun- boat on the Western waters, and the Taylor was thus continually employed by the army during September, October and November, 1861. On November 7, 1 86 1, the Taylor, with her consort the Lexington, Lieutenant Stembel, convoyed the transports contain- ing the entire land forces of General Grant, down the river from Cairo to Belmont. During the battle of Belmont the gun-boats were ordered to attack the Confederate batteries, in order to divert their fire. This was effectually done, until the heavy guns of the batteries forced the wooden gun- boats to withdraw. Commander Walke here found that he could run close to the batteries and deliver broadsides into the fort, the elevation of the guns of the land-batteries insuring the safety of the boats, and he continued his attack and was able to deal destruction to the earth- works. Henry Walke. 43 7 Upon the approach of transports from below with recruits for the Confederate army, Commander Walke, by elevating" the guns, was able to prevent the Confed- erates landing far enough up the river to intercept General Grant's retreat, and Grant was thus enabled to withdraw his army in good order. Meanwhile the batteries on the bluff were playing havoc with the frail gun boats. One cannon-ball com- ing down obliquely through the side deck and scant- ling of the Taylor, took off the head of Michael Adams, a gunner, and wounded several others. Knowinof that the destruction of the orun-boats at this time meant the loss of the army of General Grant and of the important military depot at Cairo, Com- mander Walke, after a few more broadsides, withdrew out of range of the guns of the battery and protected the soldiers as they came down to the river-bank to re-embark aboard the transports, and by his continu- ous broadsides, over the heads of the troops, kept back the pursuing Confederates and dislodged the artillery that had opened fire on the rapidly loading transports. After convoying the transports four or five miles up the river, the Taylor and Lexington returned to protect and bring up the regiment of Colonel Buford, left behind in the confusion. They also picked up many stragglers on the river-banks for miles below. While no official report appears to have been made to the Navy Department of the part the gun-boats took 438 American Naval Heroes. in this battle, Flag-officer Foote being in St. Louis at the time, General Grant, in his second official report said : "The gunboats convoyed the expedition, and rendered most effective service immediately upon our landing. They engaged the enemy's batteries on the heights above Columbus, and protected our transports throughout. For a detailed account of the part taken by them I refer with pleasure to the accompanying report of Captain Walke, senior officer." The Taylor and Lexington remained on picket duty below Cairo and made numerous reconnoissances within the enemy's lines, and also above Cairo on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Early in 1862, when the plated gun-boats built by Engineer Eads under direc- tion of Commodore John Rodgers were completed, Commander Walke was detailed to the Carondelet. She was one hundred and fifty feet long and drew seven feet of water. The sides and casement were built to the water-line at an angle of about 45° with the level of the gun-deck, which was about a foot above water and covered with the casement to the curve of the bow and stern enclosing the wheel with all her machinery. She had three ports in the bow, four in each broadside, and two in the stern. Her armament consisted of three guns in the bow, two 42- pounder rifles which threw shells of over 84 pounds weight, and one smooth-bore 64-pounder. Her broad- side batteries were two 42-pounder rifles, two 64- pounders, smooth bore, and four light 32-poimders, while her stern battery was two light 3 2 -pounders. Henry Walke. 439 The pilot-house was on the upper deck, and was casemated and partially plated. We have been thus particular in describing the armor and armament of the Carondelet, as she serves as an example of her class of gun-boats, and as her construction was an innovation in naval architecture. Before the attack on Fort Henry, General Grant again called upon the gun-boats and gave them a prominent place in his plan of attack. The gun-boats, in fact, accomplished the reduction of the fort and received the surrender of the garrison before the arrival of the troops. Upon approaching to take possession of the fort, the Carondelct ran aground, and the incident resulted in a strange illusion on the part of the flag officer, who, not being aware that the Cincinnati (flag-ship) was being carried down stream by the current, in spite of the powerful working of her engine, supposed that Commander Walke was preced- ing him w^ith the Carondelei, and repeatedly ordered him to stop, using strong language to enforce his command, and it was some time before he found that his subordinate officer was fast aground, while he was the unconscious victim of an illusion caused by the swift current. The ironclad gunboats under Flag Officer Foote engaged in the battle were the Essex, Commander William D. Porter ; the Carondelet, Commander Henry Walke ; the Cincinnati (flag-ship). Commander R. N. Stembel ; and the St. Loitis, Lieutenant-Commander 440 American N^aval Heroes. Leonard Paulding ; with the wooden gun-boats Tay- lor, Lexington, and Conestoga in reserve. In the en- gagement the Carondelet was struck by shot and shell in thirty places. She fired from her batteries one hundred and one 64-pounder and 84-pounder rifle shells and one solid shot, and during the entire engagement did not lose a man killed or wounded. After raising the white flag, General Tilgham, with two of his staff, came on board the Cincinjiafi and formally surrendered the fort to Flag-officer Foote, who sent for Commander Walke and directed him to take possession of the fort until relieved by General Grant. In the ceremony of surrender, General Tilgham remarked to the flag officer : " I am glad to surrender to so gallant an officer." "You do perfectly right, sir, in surrendering," Flag-officer Foote replied, "but you would have blown my gun-boats out of water before I would have surrendered to you." Commander Walke thus describes the scene that met his eye as with the captured Confederate general he walked into the fort : " The first glance silenced all jubilant expressions of the victors. On every side lay the lifeless bodies of the victims in reckless con- fusion, intermingled with shattered implements of war. Our eyes then met each other's gaze in sadness, full of meaning, that forbade any attempt to speak, and in a stillness like to that of a graveyard, we walked slowly over the desolate scene. The largest gun of the fort was disabled, being filled with earth by one of our shells striking the parapet near its muzzle ; the muzzle of another was broken by our shell ; a third, with broken carriage and two dead men, was HeiLvy ]]\ilkc. 44 1 buried under the heaps of earth ; a fourth had burst, scattering the mangled gunners into the water and in all directions, scarcely one of them escaping. The surgeon of the fort was laboring, with the few he could get to help him, to save the bleeding and dying. Some of our shot had pierced entirely through the breastworks, throwing tons of earth over the prostrated gunners, and then plunging ten feet into the earth beyond or through the cabins in the rear, after- ward setting fire to them by their explosions. After the wounded were cared for and the excitement had subsided, our men proceeded instinctively and quietly to draw the dead bodies of the victims from the water and the earth, and we buried them as well as we could." On the Essex the casualties were frightful, owing to a shot from the batteries piercing the boiler and the escaping steam scalding all on the forward deck, includinof the brave commander. The shot that did the mischief also killed young Brittan, aid to Captain Porter, who stood at the side of his chief. Brittan was carried below, and on learning of the surrender of the fort, raised himself on his elbow, called for three cheers, and gave two himself, when he fell back exhausted in his effort to make the third. A seaman, Jaspar P. Breas, who was badly scalded, sprang to his feet, naked to the waist, his jacket and shirt having" been removed to dress his wounds, and climbing the stairs to the spar deck, he saw the Stars and Stripes waving over the fort, when he shouted, " Glory to God ! " and sank exhausted on the deck. He died the same night — a hero giving up his life for his country's safety. At the battle of Fort Donelson the Carojidelet was the first of the gun-boats to engage the enemy — the order coming- from General Grant and not from 442 American Naval Heroes. Flag-officer Foote — and Commander Walke in this way preceded the fleet of Flag-officer Foote probably two days. He fired 139 shells into the fort, and was in return struck only by one 128-pounder solid shot which glanced over the boiler, cutting a steam pipe and landing in the engine-room, with no damage save the splinters it made. The Caro?ide/et disabled three of the guns within the fort, while the combined attack of the four gun-boats the second day did but little real damage to the fort. The pilot of the Carondclet \^2js> killed at the wheel, the pilot-house was wrecked, her port rifle gun burst, and she received two shots in her bow between wind and water, and soon all the gunboats were obliged to drop out of range of the enemy's heavy guns. The Carondclet next did gallant service at the bombarding of Island No. 10, where she was again the pioneer in showing the possibilities of the ironclads to protect the land forces as well as to run the gauntlet of the forts built upon the bluffs of the river banks. Her exploit on the dark and stormy night of April 4, 1862, when Commander Walke volunteered to run the steamer past the Confederate forts and give relief to the army under General Pope at New Madrid, was one of the most thrilling episodes of the war, as well as one of the most important strategic movements of the Federal Army. The success of the experiment surprised the flag officer, and demonstrated the prac- ticability of gaining possession of the Western waters Henry Walke. 44^ by boldly running the gauntlet of the forts which had been supposed to guard effectually the passage of the river. The service rendered by Commander Walke at Island No. 10 was in itself enough to make him an admiral, had not the jealousies of ranking officers blinded the department at Washington as to the merits of his voluntary undertaking. It was after this exploit that Farragut carried his fleet past the forts below New Orleans and gave to the nation the possession of the lower Mississippi for the remainder of the period of the war. At the battle of Fort Pillow, May 1 1, 1862, the Car- ondelet led the Federal fleet, and at Memphis, June 6, 1862, Commander Walke still in command of the Cm^- oiidelct was in the first line of attack. He then took part in the running fight with the Confederate ram Ar- kansas as described in the sketch of Flag-ofificer Davis. He was promoted to the rank of captain on July 16, 1862, and with the Lafayette engaged in the passage of the batteries at Vicksburg. He led the second division of Porter's fleet at the battle of Grand Gulf, April 29, 1863, and in the attack on the Point of Rocks was for ten hours under fire. He continued with the Mississippi squadron till September 24, 1863, when he went in search of the Alabama with the Sacramento. After several week's chase he arrived at Lisbon to find that she had been sunk by the Kear- sarge. He then blockaded the Rappahajmock for fiifteen months at Calais, France, and when she hoisted 444 American Naval Heroes. the British flag and ran out of the harbor he followed her and blockaded her in the harbor of Liverpool until the close of the war. When the naval retiring board of 1855 undertook to dispose of over one hundred naval ofificers includ- ing many of the heroes of the war of 18 12, and their sons, by retiring them without pay or on half, or two- thirds pay. Lieutenant Walke protested against the injunction of the proceeding and w^as instrumental in its defeat. He was before the same board in a court of inquiry and after refuting the complaint against him was restored to his proper rank on the active list and was promoted to the rank of commander to date from the time of inquiry (1855). By the ambiguity of an act of Congress full pay to the restored officer was withheld until the injustice was acknowledged several years after the close of the Civil War, when Congress, through the efforts of Admiral Walke, restored the back pay to all the officers so affected. He was made commodore, February 25, 1866; rear-admiral, July 13, 1871 ; and was placed on the retired list at his own request, April 26, 1871. He published " Naval Scenes and Reminiscences of the Civil War" (1877), illustrated with drawings made by himself. Admiral Walke died in Brooklyn, N. Y., March 8, 1896. XXXVIII. DAVID GLASGOW FARRAGUT. Farragut, Farragut, Oh ! while Atlantic's breast Old Heart of Oak, Bears a white sail, Daring Dave Farragut, While the Gulf's towering crest Thunderbolt stroke, Tops a green vale; Watches the hoary mist Men thy bold deeds shall tell. Lift from the bay, Old Heart of Oak, 'Till his flag, glory-kissed, Daring Dave Farragut, Greets the young day. Thunderbolt stroke ! — ir. T.Meredith. The hero of Mobile Bay was born in East Ten- nessee at Campbell's station, near Knoxville, July 5, 1 80 1. His father, Major George Farragut, was born in Minorca, the lesser of the Balearic Islands, Septem- ber 29, 1755, immigrated to America in 1776, was a soldier in the American Revolution, muster-master for the militia defending the frontiers from Indians in i792-'93, major of cavalry, and subsequently a navi- gator on Lake Pontchartrain. Being of an adventurous nature, he made a voyage in a small boat to Havana, Cuba. Sailing-master David Porter, United States Navy, father of David Porter of the Essex, was in command of the station at New Orleans. He was attacked by sunstroke while fishing in Lake Pontchartrain and was rescued by Major Farragut. In 1808 Porter was a guest at Farragut's house, and while there was attacked by yellow fever and died. ..5^/i David Glasgow Farragict. 447 Mrs. Farragut contracted the disease and died the same day. Captain David Porter succeeded his father in com- mand of the naval station at New Orleans in 1808, and persuaded young Farragut to be educated for the naval service. With that end in view Porter adopted the boy and took him with him on the bomb-ketch Vesuvius to Washington, D. C, where he attended a school and received from Secretary of War Paul Hamilton the promise of a midshipman's warrant when he had reached the age of ten years. He received the warrant December 17, 1810, seven months before attaining the required age. He cruised with Captain Porter on the Essex inom. July, 181 1, and in the winter of 1811-1812 he attended the naval school at Newport, R. I. In June, 18 12, he was again ordered to the Essex and the declaration of war with Great Britain gave to the youthful midshipman his first experience in cap- turing prizes. During this voyage he discovered and was the means of preventing a mutiny among the prisoners confined in the Essex. In October of the same year he was with Porter in his memorable cruise in the Pacific, and as prize master of the re-captured Ameri- can whaler Barclay, although but twelve years old, he brought her with her crew into the port at Valparaiso. On March 28, 18 14, the Essex, after a desperate fight capitulated to the Phoebe and CJmntb in the 448 Americaji Naval Heroes. harbor of Valparaiso. This engagement introduced Midshipman Farragut to the horrors of an actual sea- fight, as it was " one of the bloodiest battles ever fought upon the sea." During its progress he served as captain's aid, as quarter-gunner, as powder-boy, or in any service the exigencies of the unequal fight called for. He was made a prisoner with Captain Porter, and on being Essex, Phoebe and Alert. From an old wood-act. exchanged accompanied his foster-father to New York. He then attended school at Chester, Pa., where he added to the usual school course, military drill. He was next aid to Captain W. M. Crane in 18 15 in the Mediterranean squadron, and in 1816 was on board the Macedo7iian. At this time he received nine months' instruction in European literature and in mathematics under the Rev. Charles Folsom, United States Consul at Tunis. He was again in the Mediterranean in 18 19 David Glasgow Farragut. 449 a^ acting lieutenant on board the Shark, and in 1820, having taken passage for New York on board a mer- chantman, he put the vessel in fighting trim when chased by a supposed pirate. On returning to Washington he passed his exam- ination in 1820, and in 1823 was married to Susan C, daughter of Jordan Marchant of Norfolk, Va. The same year he was" ordered to the Greyhound of Com- modore David Porter's fleet which was to proceed against pirates in the Caribbean Sea. ' He was commissioned lieutenant in 1825, and he was ordered to the Brandyzvme, Captain Charles Morris, and was second officer of the ship when she carried Lafayette to France. The Braitdywine after- ward cruised in the Mediterranean and on his return to America he attended lectures at Yale College during 1826, and conducted a school on the Alert in Norfolk Navy Yard in i826-'2 7. He was on board the Vandalia, of the Brazilian squadron, 1828-29, obtained leave of absence in 1830, and returned to the United States on a merchantman which was pursued by pirates and put in fighting trim by the lieutenant, but escaped without a battle. He was on the N^atchez, in Charleston harbor in 18 13, during the nullification troubles, and then returned to the Brazilian station. He was given command of the schooner Boxer, and in the summer of 1834 was ordered home. He was at the Norfolk Navy Yard and at Washington, 1834-45. 450 American Naval Heroes. When the war with Mexico broke out he was exec- utive officer bn the receiving ship Pennsylvania at Norfolk Navy Yard, and he requested Secretary Ban- croft to assign him to active service, but had no atten- tion paid to his request until February, 1847, when he was given command of the Saratoga, and reached Vera Cruz after its fall, through the investment of the land force under General Scott. It was a great dis- appointment to Farragut that the flag of the castle of San Juan had not fallen before the guns of the navy. He contracted the yellow fever while off this coast and afterward had a misunderstanding with Commodore Perry, by whom he claimed to have been unfairly treated in the assignment of duty, and on his com- plaining to the department at Washington, he was ordered to return to Norfolk with the Saratoga, and resumed the position of executive officer. He was at Mare Island station, San Francisco, during the construction of the United States Navy yard i853-'55, receiving his commission as captain the latter year. In 1858 he was made commander of the steam sloop Brooklyn. When the Civil War broke out he was at Norfolk on waiting orders, and he sent his family North and reported at Washington for duty. He was sent to Brooklyn, N. Y., as a member of the retiring board and it was not till 1862 that he was assigned to active duty. He was then made commander of the expedi- tion that had for its object the capture of New David Glasgow Farragut. 451 Orleans and the opening of the Mississippi River. He sailed from Hampton Roads, Feb. 2, 1862, in the Hartford as flag-ship, and collected such vessels as he could from the blockading fleets along the Atlantic Fighting-top of the Hartford. coast. A land force of 15,000 men under Gen. B. F. Butler sailed on February 22nd, and the transports and naval force with Porter's mortar fleet made rendez- vous at Ship Island. Farragut's command embraced six sloops-of-war, sixteen gun-boats, twenty-one mor- tar-schooners, and five other vessels, carrying in all 452 American Naval Heroes. 200 guns. In the fleet was not a single ironclad or armored ship. With this fleet led by the Hartford, he gained the mouth of the Mississippi river, and sailed up that stream until opposite Forts Jackson and St. Philip without opposition. Here he encountered not only the forts, but a chain stretched across the river, torpe- does planted in the channel and ready to be dis- charged from the shore, fire-rafts ready to be lighted and allowed to drift among the approaching vessels, a floating battery clad in iron, and a line of sharp- shooters protected by the river banks. In the face of all these obstructions to his passage. Commodore Farragut, from his flagship the Hartford, directed the passage of the forts and the destruction of the opposing Confederate fleet that came down the river to offer further opposition. His orders were carried out with military precision. We quote the discription of an eye-witness : "At two o'clock on the morning of April 24, 1862, a red light from the Hartfofcfs taffrail warned the fleet to get under way. Positions in line of battle had been taken the night before, and every ship lay ' hove short ' to her anchors. The fleet was formed in two divisions. That to follow up the west bank and attack Fort Jackson was the Hartford, Brooklyn, Richmond, and four smaller ships. That to follow the east bank and engage Fort St. Philip was the Cayuga, Pensacola, Mississippi, Oneida, Iroquois and three small gun-boats. The three sloops — Hartford, Richmond and Brooklyn — carried each 15 guns in broadside, besides brass pieces in the tops. " It was a dark night, yet the stars were shining. The great river loomed, for the water was high, and piles of driftwood coming down had kept all lookouts on the alert. The first division, Farragut leading, hugged the west bank as close as the Hartford's pilot would David Glasgow Farragut. 453 permit. The pilot was an old New Orleans man. He had no politics. He was working for money. He had a little cage built which let down from the port fore-chains, and dropped him jus t to the water's edge. His idea was to get under the smoke. Two midshipmen were stationed to signal his orders. Farragut and his staff went forward to the forecastle. Captain Wainwright took the bridge, and Lieutenant Thurston — he of Keanarge fame after- ward — took charge of the batteries. The two Hnes steamed slowly up. Porter's mortars doubled their fire. The Confederate forts were silent. " There were no sounds save the swish of the current, the dull thump of the engines, and the buzz and restlessness of the crew. Farragut stood with his night-glass, peering through the darkness ahead. Wainwright was beside him; Watson, his signal ofificer, near. " ' Is Bailey well up in line ? ' he asked, without removing the glass from his eyes. " ' Aye, aye, sir,' replied the signal man softly. " All at once there was a flash ahead that lit up the heavens, and in an instant a shot whistled over the Hartfonfs bow. Farra- gut removed the glass and said quietly : " ' Gentlemen, the time has come. Wainwright, have your men stand by their guns. Pilot,' to the man over the side, ' do you see that water battery right ahead ? Put this ship as close to it as you can get her.' " By this time the whole Confederate force was aroused. Fort St. Philip opened. Fort Jackson turned loose her casements. The water battery had its whole 20 guns at play. Away ahead in the gloom could be seen the preparations of the Confederate fleet — the fire-rafts being ignited, the black smoke scurrying back and forth, and withal the deadly missiles hissing by. " « Port ! ' yelled the pilot. " ' Here we are, sir.' " Farragut leaned over the side : 'Can't you get us any closer? ' The Hartford seemed then within a hundred feet of the battery. " ' Not without danger of grounding.' " 'AH right — port it is. Hard-a-port ! Now boys !' and the commodore waved his glass. The crew waited for the ship to sheer, and then came the crash. It was the first broadside that had been fired in that squadron. It was deafening ; it was almost paralyzing ; 454 American N^aval Heroes. but, like the taste of blood, the stripped sailors wanted more of it. From that hour smoke enveloped the ship. Obeying his orders, the pilot kept his ship close to the west shore. By this time the guns of Jackson were all in full play. The smoke was so dense that from the deck nothing could be seen but a sheet of flame issuing from the canopy. The fierce hail of iron from the fort was like the hiss of countless steam valves. Happily the artillerymen had poor range, and so most of their fire was ineffective. The fleet made little or no reply, but steamed ahead. Pretty soon the Hai'tford, Richmond and Brooklyn were all in position to bring their guns to bear at close range. The orders were to get as close as the pilots would allow, and sweep the parapets with grape and canister. It was hardly five minutes after the ship's batteries had got into this work before the enemy's fire slackened. They could not stand it. The ships passed upward. By this time all ahead was black and fire-flamed. The Confederates had sent afloat a dozen fire-rafts, and they were coming down with the current. " Here was a new danger. The forts were still firing, but in the dense smoke nobody could tell where he was. A great fire-raft, the flames rising fifty feet, came swooping down on the Hartford. To dodge it the pilot made an error, and the ship went ashore in the mud. The raft swung alongside, and in an instant the flames had caught the Hartfonfs rigging. Lieutenant Thornton's fire depart- ment was perfect, and it responded even in the face of su^h awful dangers. The Hartfora^s engines were backed, and then it was discovered that the ram Manassas was pushing the fire-raft and holding it against the ship's side. " 'Cast loose that starboard battery ! ' yelled Farragut. * Quick, gentlemen ! See that ram? For God's sake, give it to him.' " The ram got it. The Manassas fell off from the raft, the raft slid by the Hartford and the latter was free. Captain Warley, the commander of the Manassas, seeing he was hurt, tried to make for the shore. The Mississippi caught him and pushed him into the mud. There was no time to stop, or Warley would have been a prisoner, but he was helpless, and it was the duty of the wooden ships to get out of fire. *' Once above the range of fire from the forts the enemy's fleet had to be encountered. It was getting almost daylight. The smoke was drifting away, and, looking ahead, the flag officer could see the Confederate gun- boats and cotton-boats, and rams. The David Glasg07u Farragut. 455 Federal gun-boat Van/na, Captain Boggs, had already dashed in among them, and, as the result proved, got the worst of it, for after half an hour's tussle she went down, stern first, and lost thirty of her crew. The Oneida was also being sore beset ; when the heavy ships came up, Farragut, through his glass, could see at a glance where the trouble lay. The little vessels did not carry guns enough. He signalled the big ships to form in ' line ahead,' that is, single file, and take the middle of the channel. The Confederate fleet was formed in two lines. " * Man both sides ! ' he called to his captain, as the Hartford's bow loomed up through the smoke, and the Richmond, the Brooklyn and the Mississippi followed. ' Man both sides ! ' was the signal to the other ships. It was dreadful. As the Hne steamed up, and the heavy batteries poured from both sides into the frail and panic-stricken craft, it seemed Hke horror-stricken destruction. The big river steamers were all top-hamper. They had cotton bales to protect them, but the shells from the nine-inch Dahlgrens sent these flying into mid- air. Two of the craft were together. They seemed filled with people. The Richmond sheered within twenty feet of them and let go a broadside. The roof and cabin and ' texas ' and smokestacks, all went by the board. On either bank, as the fleet passed up, were the wrecks of the wretched fleet. The officers and crews had fled. Grape and canister from the big ships had knocked them into match kindling, and all were either sinking or burning. There was not one vessel left." On the morning of April 25, 1862, New Orleans was captured. The loss in running the forts and in destroying the Confederate fleet had been thirty-seven men killed, one hundred and forty-seven wounded and one gun-boat, the Variina, lost. On January 28th, Commodore Farragut ran the batteries of V^icksburg, and with eight of his wooden vessels joined Commodore Davis's fleet of iron- clads above the city. He again ran the batteries on his return, July 15, and on July 16, 1862, was 456 Americmi Naval Heroes. commissioned rear-admiral. He ran the Confederate batteries at Port Hudson and opened communication with Flag-officer Daniel D. Porter, the son of his benefactor, who was in command of the Upper Missis- sippi. He assisted in the reduction of Port Hudson which fell July 9, 1863, and then turned over the com- mand of the Western Squadron to Admiral Porter, and was on leave of absence till January, 1864, when he made a reconnoissance of the defenses of Mobile Bay, and reported to the government that with an iron-clad gun-boat and 5,000 men he could take the city. On August 5, 1864, with a fleet of four iron-clads and fourteen wooden vessels led by the HajHford as flag- ship, he passed the forts at the entrance of the bay with the loss of the iron-clad Tecumseh, sunk by a torpedo. In this engagement the admiral took his place in the rigging of the Hartford and from this elevated position gave his orders. This in- cident was made the subject of story and of the painter's art. The forts were captured and blockade running stopped, but on account of shallow water the fleet did not proceed to the city. After the battle of Mobile Bay, Rear-Admiral Farragut issued the fol- lowing order : Flagship Hartford, Mobile Bay, Aug. 7, 1864. The Admiral desires the fleet to return thanks to Almighty God for the signal victory over the enemy on the morning of the 5 th inst. D. G. Farragut, Rear-Admiral. Commanding W. G. B. Squadron. David Glasgow Farragut. 457 In November, 1864, he received from the citizens of New York, a gift of fifty thousand dollars with which to purchase a home in that city. On December 22, 1864, Congress created the grade of vice-admiral of the navy and President Lincoln nominated Rear- Admiral Farragut to the position. On July 25, 1865, Congress created the still higher grade of admiral, and he was given the commission. He commanded the European squadron in 1867- '69, visited California in 1869, and took charge of the naval obsequies of George Peabody, at Portland, Maine, in January, 1870. He died in Portsmouth, N. H., August 14, 1870. it^^^Aci-r^'^ XXXIX. SILAS HORTON STRINGHAM. He accomplished the task set before him; carried out to the letter the orders of his superiors; won a great victory, the first in the Civil war; and brought his fleet safely back to Hampton Roads. Because he did not run into danger and disobey orders, that he might capture some cotton and naval stores ready for shipment to England, he was condemned by the press and politicians and was relieved of the command of the fleet at his own request. Silas Horton Stringham, was born in Orange County, N. Y., in 1798, and entered the navy as mid- shipman when twelve years old. He served through the War of 18 12 under Commander Rodgers on the Presidcjit, and his heroism and daring, coupled with the strict regard for discipline exhibited in the dis- charge of his duty as subordinate, won for him the esteem of his superior officers and the admiration of his companions. At the close of the war he was re- commended for promotion, and was made lieutenant, December 9, 18 14. The next year he saw active service on board the brig Spark, Captain Gamble, one of the fleet of Decatur's squadron in the war with Algiers. Here he took part in the capture of an Algerian frigate. In 1816, while the Spark \v3.s,Vj\n^ off Gibraltar, the crew were witnesses of an accident which befell a French brig in the harbor. She was struck by a 460 A7nerican Naval Heroes. squall and capsized, and the entire crew was thrown into the water. The American sailors came to their rescue, and Lieutenant Stringham was conspicuous in that he himself saved the lives of three sailors. In 18 19 he was transferred to the Cyane, engaged in the suppression of the African slave trade. The cruise resulted in the capture of four ships, which as prize master, and carried into port. In 1 82 1 he was promoted to the rank of first lieu- tenant and given command of the Hornet, with which he captured a noted slaver and pirate. He was sub- sequently in command of the Brooklyn Navy Yard and on various duties at home and abroad. He was com- missioned captain in 1841, and commanded the ship- of-the-line Ohio, in the Pacific squadron. He was present at the bombardment of Vera Cruz during the Mexican War, after which he commanded the Brazilian squadron. - In 1852 he commanded the Mediterranean squadron, with the Cumberland 2,'s> his flagship. On the outbreak of the Civil War Captain String- ham was made Flag-ofificer of the North Atlantic block- ading squadron,, and in August, 1861, commanded the naval forces which co-operated with the army under General Butler in the capture of Forts Hatteras and Clarke on the North Carolina coast. In those attacks he was opposed by Commodore Samuel Barron of the Confederate navy who now commanded the forts. He had entered the United States Navy about the same Silas Horton Stringham. . 461 year as Stringham and had for a time commanded the Wabash, which in this expedition was one of the fleet operating against the forts. The result of the bombardment by Stringham's fleet was the surrender of the fort and of the garrison, including Barron and all his officers, with seven hun- dred and fifteen men, one thousand stand of arms, seventy-five kegs of gun-powder, thirty-one cannon, as well as several stands of colors and various stores of provisions and cotton. Barron was carried to New York and held until exchanged when he went to Eng- land and engaged in fitting up blockade-runners and privateers for the Confederate service. This achievement of the navy coming so soon after the defeat of the army at Bull Run in July, greatly cheered the Union forces, and Captain Stringham was for the time the lion of the day. His action, however, in returning with his fleet to Fort Monroe was criti- cised. He was found to have obeyed strictly the orders given him on setting out on the expedition, and a later attempt to navigate the shallow waters of the sounds with ships of deep draught proved dis- astrous. His pride was deeply hurt by having his courage and loyalty questioned, and at his own request he was relieved of the command of the squadron. In July, 1862, he was commissioned rear-admiral, and detailed to special duty. He died in Brooklyn N. Y., February 7, 1876. William Barker Cushing. XL WILLIAM BARKER GUSHING. Mary Barker Gushing, a widow, offered her four sons a sacrifice upon the altar of patriotism. She not only sent her boys to fight for the American flag, but she had endowed them with a spirit of self immolation which made each one a hero. Captain Alonzo H. Gushing, United States Volunteers, was instantly killed at Gettysburg, fighting desperately for an hour and a half after being pronounced unfit for duty, from wounds received early in the day. Lieutenant Howard B. Gushing, United States Army, was killed while leading a handful of brave Regulars against ten times their number of Apache Indians in a defile in the mountains of Arizona. Paymaster Milton B. Gushing, United States Navy, served with distinction through the Givil War, was on board the Seneca at the battles of Fort Fisher, and was the victim of disease produced from exposure while in the line of duty. The story of Lieutenant William B. Gushing, United States Navy, is told in the following chapter. The mother sent her boys forth with this injunction; " My sons, death but not dishonor." In the summer of 1863, the United States naval squadron in possession of the sounds of North Caro- lina, had learned that a formidable iron-clad ram de- signed to clear the waters of that state from all hostile crafts, had been launched in the Roanoke River, and was now under steam ready to deal destruction to the Federal fleet. The rumors of this marine monster and her for- midable character, had put the Federal navy on the defensive, but their worst fears were as fairy tales to their consternation when the dread monster appeared in the midst of the fleet, and steaming at will, with- stood a combined attack of the entire force of Federal gun-boats for several hours, and then, unconcerned as 463 464 American Naval Heroes. to the presence of the fleet, turned and steamed up the river, an apparently invulnerable navy destroyer. Young Gushing had witnessed this exploit and he at once sought the commodore of the fleet with the pro- posal that he would destroy the ram if furnished with a steam launch, a volunteer crew, ready to risk their lives and do his bidding, and an armed cutter in which to escape if any should survive the desperate under- taking. A hundred at once volunteered. From these Gushing selected Acting Ensign William L. Howarth, Acting Master's Mates Thomas S. Gay and John Woodman, Acting Assistant Paymaster Francis H. Swan, Acting Third Assistant Engineers Gharles L. Steever and William Stotesbury, and eight enlisted men — Samuel Higgins, Richard Hamilton, William Smith, Bernard Harley, Edward J. Houghton, Lorenzo Demming, Henry Wilkes and Robert H. King. The plan of attack was for a crew on the cutter to capture the Gonfederate guard in a picket schooner near the half- submerged warship Southfield, and pre vent it from sending up an alarm rocket. Then the steam launch, with Gushing in the bow, was to land a short distance below the Albemarle and board her from the wharf at Plymouth, capture her by surprise, and take her down stream. If unable to do this, Gush- ing was to blow up the ram with a spar torpedo which he had with him. The two boats passed the Gonfed- erate sentinal sloop a mile below Plymouth without being challenged. William Barker Gushing. 465 By keeping in the shade of the trees along the banks of the river and by reducing the speed of the launch so as not to make much noise, he nearly reached the ram unobserved. Had it not been for a dog, Gushing might have carried out his plan of steal- ing the ram and taking her down the river. But the dog barked a staccato solo, and then every dog in the neighborhood joined in a grand chorus of yelps, which awakened every sleeping Confederate soldier and sailor. Sentinels appeared on both sides of the river and every man ordered Gushing to stop. In the hubbub of excitement on shore and on the Albemarle Gush- ing, knowing that it was useless to try to maintain further secrecy, shouted to the engineer : " Ahead, fast ! " He also cut the towline and sent the cutter down the river to capture the picket guard near the Southfield. As he approached the ram he saw that it was sur- rounded by logs so far away from the ship that it would be necessary to get within the enclosure in order to make his torpedo effective. He steered out into the riverto get the desired position, and then ran at full speed at the ram, believing, that his launch would ride over the slippery logs. This actually happened and with a view to fright- ening off the Confederates Gushing yelled out between shots from the Albemarle : " Leave the ram ! We are going to blow you up." As soon as the launch got over the logs Gushing was 466 American Naval Heroes. standing in the bow with his torpedo, ready to swing it aeainst the side of the Albemarle. As he ran out the spar a shot from his victims struck and disabled the launch and at the same instan<- the torpedo exploded. It rent an immense hole in the monster's side below the water line, and the next instant the huge hulk dropped to the bottom of the river and was buried in the mud. The Confederates twice called upon the party in the boat to surrender, and several of the men did so, but Gushing, throwing his weapons, shoes and coat away, plunged into the river. Woodman and Higgins did likewise and were drowned, but Gushing reached the shore in safety and after wandering in the swamps for twenty hours he hailed a Federal picket-boat and was carried more nearly dead than alive to a gun-boat at the mouth of the river. Only one of his brave crew reached a place of safety, but unlike the exploits of Somers and Hobson, his undertaking was crowned with success, and a great service was done to the Federal cause. When Gushing left on the launch, he had laugh- ingly remarked to his companions, " Here's for an- other stripe or a coffin." He received the stripe when he was made lieutenant commander, October 27, 1864, and also received congratulatory letters from the secretary of the navy, and the concurrent thanks of both houses of Gongress. William Barker Gushing was born in Delafield, Wis., November 24, 1842, the son of Dr. Milton B. William Barker Ctishing. 467 Gushing and his wife Mary Barker (Smith) Cushing. Dr. Gushing died when WilHam was quite young, and left his widow with four sons to support. WilHam Barker was a page in the House of Re- presentatives at Washington, and was appointed a naval cadet at Annapolis by President Buchanan in 1857. He attended the academy until the breaking out of the Givil war, resigning March 23, 1861, to volunteer and participate in the coming struggle. He was made master's mate in May, 1861, and was attached to the North Atlantic blockading squadron. On the very day of his arrival in Vir- ginia waters he captured a tobacco schooner valued at $30,000, the first prize of the war. His commission as lieutenant was dated July 16, 1862, and in Novem- ber, with the United States gun-boat Ellis, he was directed to " capture Jacksonville, N. C., intercept the Wilmington mail, and destroy the salt works at New Juliet." He succeeded in capturing a large mail, taking two prizes and shelling a Gonfederate camp. In under- taking to cross the bar of the Onslow river, November 25th, on returning from this expedition, he ran aground and was obliged to transfer his crew and property to one of the captured schooners. He then ordered the vessels to stand off the inlet, and with a single pivot gun and six volunteers to aid him, he guarded the Ellis until the cross fire from the shore batteries, so disabled the vessel that there was no hope of floating 468 American Naval Heroes. her and he then set her on fire, and in an open boat escaped with his volunteers to the schooner from the deck of which he saw the Ellis blow up. He continued his exploits in the sounds of North Carolina making venturesome expeditions up the Cape Fear and Little rivers, and gaining much valuable in- formation as to the designs of the Confederates. After his exploit in destroying the Albemarle, he buoyed out the channel for the passage of the fleet in its attack on Fort Fisher in December, 1864, exposing himself for six hours in an open boat until he completed the task. In the second attack on Fort Fisher, in January, 1865, he commanded a company of sailors and marines from the Mo7iticcllo, landing them on the sea-front of the fort, and after leading them across the one hundred yards of sand under a short range fire from the fort where half his men were killed, he gained the parapet and co-operated with the Federal land force in taking possession of the stronghold. He then served on the Pacific and on the Asiatic squadrons, commanded the Lancaster, in 1866 -'67, and the Maitmcc, 1867 -'69. He was promoted commander, January 21, 1872, the youngest ofificer of that rank in the navy. He was granted leave of absence on account of ill health, and died in Washington, D. C, December 17, 1874. XLI. STEPHEN CLEGG ROWAN. With the Pawnee he fought the first battle between a war-ship and a fort in the Civil War. The successes achieved by the navy under String- ham and Goldsborough were followed up by that of Commander Stephen C. Rowan. This gallant officer was born near the city of Dublin, Ireland, December 25, 1808. His parents removed to America the next year and settled in Ohio, where the boy attended the district school and assisted the family in making a home in the wilderness. He was appointed midshipman in the United States Navy when eighteen years old, and made "his first cruise on the Viiicemies, under Commodore Balton, who between 1827 and 1830 was the first naval officer to sail a United States man-of-war around the world. Upon his return to America Rowan was promoted passed midshipman, and for four years was stationed in the West Indies. He took part in the naval opera- tions against the Indians in Florida during the Semi- nole War. As lieutenant he served in the coast survey, and from 1843 to 1846 on the frigate Delaware, and afterward on the Ontario. 469 Stephen Clegg Rowan. Stephen Clegg Rowan. 471 He then succeeded as executive officer on the Cyane in the Pacific squadron. In the Mexican War he participated in the capturing of Monterey and San Diego. He was wounded while serving under Stock- ton at the battle of Mesa, and won high praise by a bold night attack which he led against the out-posts at Mazatlan, as also at the bombardment of Guaymas. While operating in the Gulf of California he captured twenty blockade-runners, besides destroying a number of Mexican gun-boats. When peace with Mexico was declared he was made inspector of ordnance, organizing that depart- ment in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. In September, 1855, he was promoted commander, and served as such on the United States supply ship Relief. When the Civil War broke out, he was on ordnance duty at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and in January, 1 86 1, was placed in command of the United States steam frigate Pawnee, and took her from Philadelphia around the capes and up the Potomac to Washington, where she was anchored, as the only naval vessel in commission for the protection of the national capital. It was a part of his duty, soon after the inauguration of President Lincoln, to cover with his ship the land- ing of Colonel Ellsworth and his regiment of New York Fire Zouaves at Alexandria, Va., the day that gal- lant officer met his death while in the act of removing the Confederate flag from the fiagstaff of the Marshall House. 472 America7t Naval Heroes. Commodore Rowan was at this time a resident of Norfolk, Va., and had wedded a Virginia lady. He did not, however, hesitate to declare his allegiance to the government that had taken him as a lad, trained him in its service, and advanced him in rank and posi- tion in its navy. While so many of his fellow-officers claimed for the state of their residence their first alle- giance, he recognized the fact that his duty was to protect the flag he had sworn to defend and the government he had promised to serve. ' His first active engagement in the Civil War was at Acquia Creek, Va., May 21, 1861, where, with the Pawnee, he endeavored to capture the batteries erected by the Confederates at that point. His ship was struck by the enemy's heavy shot nine times, and he was obliged to withdraw out of range of the guns. This was the first naval engagement of the Civil War. He joined Flag-officer Stringham in his expedition to Hatteras, and after the return of the fleet to Norfolk commanded there the Brooklyn and Delaware succes- sively, until in February, 1862, when he led a naval flotilla of light-draught vessels in the expedition of Commodore Goldsborough to North Carolina, and with it on February 8th, was one of the prominent officers in forcing the surrender of Roanoke Island. He then pursued the retreating Confederates into Albemarle Sound, destroying their earthworks and capturing their entire fleet of transports and gun-boats. He took his flotilla as far as Elizabeth City and Stephen Clegg Rowan. 473 Edenton, and effectually obstructed the canal leading to the Chesapeake. He conducted various other suc- cessful expeditions in these waters, and upon the return of Commodore Goldsborough to Hampton Roads, he succeeded to the command of the entire fleet. On February loth, co-operating with General A. E. Burnside, he captured Winston, and on the 12th Newbern, following on April 25th with the capture of Fort Macon and the town of Beaufort. For these sig-nal services he received the thanks of Congress, and on July 16, 1862, was commissioned captain, and for his gallantry was further promoted to the rank of commodore, his second promotion to take effect the same date. He then joined the blockading squadron under Commodore Dahlgren in Charleston Harbor, and as commander of the iron-clad Nezu Ironsides took a lead- ing part in the reduction of Forts Gregg, Wagner and Moultrie. The New L^onsides was under fire in four- teen engagements in Charleston Harbor, and during the period was struck 133 times. He commanded the entire South Atlantic squadron in the early part of 1864, during the absence of Admiral Dahlgren. The New Ironsides was disabled by a torpedo, and Rowan was transferred to the iron-clad Nadawasco. He was made rear-admiral July 25, 1866. From 1 867 to 1 870, he was Commander-in-chief of the Asiatic squadron. He was promoted vice-admiral in 1870, commanded the Brooklyn Navy Yard, 1872-79, after 474 American Naval Heroes. which he served as naval examiner, governor of the naval asylum at Philadelphia, superintendent of the naval observatory, and chairman of the lighthouse board. His active life at sea covered over twenty-five years. His eminent services, while not distinguished by incidents of special personal daring, were marked by calm and resourceful expedients in time of emer- gency, and while he avoided the theatrical, his energy and incessant activity were ever conspicuous. He served his adopted country long and well, and died at his home in Washington, D. C, March 31, 1890. XLII. JOHN I.ORIMER WORDEN. He commanded the " Cheese Box on a Raft." Another notable naval officer came conspicuously before the public eye early in the Civil War, and pos- sibly the service he helped to render effective had more to do with turnino- the fortunes of war in favor of the Federal Government than any other. At least his valor, wisdom, and promptness averted a terrible calamity to the country. This conspicuous naval hero was John Lorimer Worden. He was born at Mount Pleasant, N. Y., March 12, 1 81 7. His education was acquired at the best schools of his native county, and he was appointed midship- man in the navy before he was seventeen years old. His first sea service was on board the ship-of-war Erie, and extended for three years in Brazilian waters. In September, 1837, he was transferred to the Mediterranean squadron, and after two years' service he attended the naval school at Philadelphia for nine months, when he was made passed midshipman, his commission bearing date July 16, 1840. After the usual round of service on ship and ashore, upon the outbreak of the Civil War he reported r .in,) WllML John Lorimer JVorden. 477 at Washington, requesting" to be put into active sea service. This was April 6, 1861. The next day President Lincoln, in consultation with Secretary Seward, sent him overland with dispatches to Captain Adams, com- manding the fleet off Pensacola. This was a delicate and dangerous commission, and after a three days' journey he reached Pensacola, but could not com- municate with the fleet or with Fort Pickens on account of a heavy gale prevailing. He thereupon destroyed his dispatches, having first committed them to memory, and awaited the subsidence of the storm. The next day about noon he succeeded in reaching the fleet. After communicating his dispatches and re- ceiving orders, which he was to carry with all expedi- tion to Washington, he took rail to Montgomery, Ala. Before reaching the city he was arrested by Confed- erate officers and detained as a prisoner-of-war for over seven months. His health breaking down by reason of his con- finement, he was paroled November 14, 1861, and ordered to report to the Secretary of War at the Con- federate capital. Upon reaching Richmond he was sent through the lines, his release being conditional upon his promise not to divulge anything he might have seen while traveling through the enemy's country that could be used to the harm of the cause of the Confederacy. At Norfolk he was exchanged for 478 American Naval Heroes. Lieutenant Shafer, a Confederate officer captured by the Federal army. The condition of his health precluded his reporting for duty until February, 1862. The next month he was placed in command of a new iron-clad just built by Captain John Ericsson under his supervision and offered to the government on trial, its purchase de- pending upon its effectiveness as an engine of war. Here was a war vessel both unique and uncertain. The ablest naval constructors had condemned it as im- practicable and unsafe ; and only one naval officer, Captain D. D. Porter, had any confidence in its effec- tiveness. Captain Porter had been sent to New York to examine and report as to its ability and seaworthi- ness. He telegraphed to the Navy Department in these words : "This is the strongfest fio"htinor vessel in the world, and can whip anything afloat." In his dAvmx^kA^ Naval Histoiy of the Civil War, Admiral Porter thus describes the coming of the Mo7iitor and the circumstances that led to the occasion that made Lieutenant Worden's name a household word throughout the length and breath of America, and his achievement with the little gun-boat de- risively called " a cheese-box on a raft," a chapter in the history of our navy worthy the pen of so able a writer : "A month before the Monitor was launched the Confederates, through their spies, had learned the exact condition of the vessel and the day on which she would probably be put into the water, in consequence of which information the number of workmen on the John Lori?ner lVorde7i. 479 Merrimac, which was building at Norfolk, and against which the Monitor was soon to be pitted, was doubled, and the work carried on by day and by night. This extra energy made all the difference in the world, and doubtless gained the one day which enabled the Confederate vessel to commit such havoc without any effectual opposition. Lieutenant John L. Worden, who had been assigned to the command of the Monitor, watched her building for several months, urging on the work by every means in his power, in which he was heartily supported by the inventor. When the vessel was launched and equipped, Lieutenant Worden started at once for Hampton Roads without a trial trip and with no means of judging how the vessel was going to behave. At one time in his passage he was doubtful if the little Afonitor would live through the rough seas and arrive in time to be of any assistance to our fleet ; or, even if she did arrive, whether she could accomplish what her inventor claimed for her. In fact, Worden was somewhat doubtful whether he should ever again set foot on land, for his vessel was almost inun- dated, and leaked apparently enough to sink her. In the mean- time the Merrimac alias Virginia was all ready to leave the Nor- folk Navy Yard on what was said to be her trial trip, and up to the last moment she was filled with mechanics working to complete her. On March 8, 1862, the iron-clad got under weigh and proceeded down the Elizabeth River, cheered by hundreds of people who crowded the banks as she passed." Lieutenant Worden took the novel craft from its anchorage in the Brooklyn Navy Yard and proceeded with it to Hampton Roads. He arrived on the even- ing of March 8, 1862, and proceeded immediately to where the Minnesota lay aground, just below Newport News. He found the Merrimac had worked terrible havoc that day as she made her way almost unopposed among the helpless Federal fleet. The sides of the Cumberland had been crushed by the iron prow of the powerful ram, and she was sinking. The Congress was on fire, and her crew, helpless and unable to leave 480 American N^aval Heroes. the ship, had been obHged to strike their colors to save themselves from being roasted alive. The Min- 7iesota and Lawrence were aground. With the Federal fleet in this condition, Worden arrived with his little untried " nondescript" armed only with two guns in a cramped revolving turret. The blaze from the burning Congress lighted the sky on that eventful Saturday night. Soon an explosion shook the waters and reverberated along the shores. The fire had reached the magazine, and the great ship was a total wreck. Sunday morning dawned bright and fair. The Merrimac passed out of her berth to complete the destruction wrought the day before. She steamed toward the grounded Minnesota, expecting to ram the helpless enemy, when suddenly between the two ap- peared the little Monitor, and from the "cheese box" belched a sudden roar as a 170 pound shot struck the iron plating of the Merrimac with an effect that as- tonished the complacant officers and crew. They found that they must rid themselves of the little craft that clung so persistently at their side. Turning her huge iron hulk, the Merrimac delivered her full weight, prow forward, against the half-sub- merged Monitor, expecting to run upon the low deck and sink the little craft by her weight. At that moment, however, another well-directed shot from the little turret sent a heavy sphere crash- ing against the railroad iron that formed the shield of yoJiii Lori'yncr ]]\ii-dcii. 481 the monster antagonist. The effect was to shake the battery so severely as to cause the sailors to rush to the deck, expecting that the ship was sinking. This confusion diverted the course of the Merriiuac, and the Monitor ran from under the immense prow, but kept close to the monster's side, continuing to deliver her heavy shot, as the turret was turned so as to bring the guns alternately into position. The officers of the Merrimac, finding that their shot had no effect upon the deck or turret of the little craft, directed the gunners to aim for the pilot-house, which surmounted the turret. The vessels almost touched, and Worden was directing both the firing and the movements of the Monitor from his lookout in the pilot-house when a shot struck the slot used as a lookout, and the concussion forced iron splinters and dust through the opening, blinding the brave com- mander and rendering him for the time senseless. The effect of the heavy shot at so short a range was as astonishinor as the readiness with which the iron armor of either vessel repelled the tremendous momentum of the iron hail. The concussion was a new experience in naval warfare, and each discharge threatened to shake the vessels into pieces. The fight had continued without interruption from 8.30 a.m. to 12.15 P- "1-. a-nd had been witnessed by crowds on shore and on the vessels anchored on the roads. With the fall of Worden the Monitor changed her position and appeared to those on the Merrimac 482 American iVaz'al I Zeroes. " be leaving the scene. She, however, turned again toward her antagonist only to find the MerriiJiac dnh ine and calline to her aid two tiitrs, which took her back to her berth. The duel between the giant and the dwarf was over. The Monitor took her position near the Minnesota, and awaited the movments of her antagonist. Hut the Merriniac, badly crippled and leaking, ran aground and never came out to renew the fight, but was sooti after destroyed to prevent her falling into the liands of the Union navy. Lieutenant Worden, when he recovered conscious- ness, turned to his attendants and asked : " Have I saved the Miniicsota ? " " Yes," was the reply. " Then I don't care what becomes of me," said the hero. The Mi^mesota was not all his heroism had saved ; he had saved from total annihilation the remnant of the United States Navy. The news of the exploit spread through the world, and opened a new era in naval warfare. On July 1 6th, eight days after the battle, Worden was promoted commander, and upon his partial recov- ery — for he never fully recovered from the effects of his terrible experience — he superintended the con- struction of the iron-clads building in New York. In October he was oriven command of the iron -clad Jfontauk in the .South Atlantic Squadron. With this yohiL Larimer Wordeii. 483 formidable little turreted oun-boat he attacked Fort McAllister guarding the passage to the Ogeeche River, in January, 1863, and kept up a continuous bom- bardment for four hours, until he had exhausted all his ammunition. The shot from the fort were entirely harmless against the armor of the Montaiik. On February 28th following he destroyed the Con- federate privateer Nashville under the very walls of the fort and in the face of a fire froni the guns that sent shot against the little iron-clad, striking her forty- six times. On February 3, 1863, Commander Worden was made captain, and aided with his iron-clad in the blockade of Charleston Harbor and in the operations against Fort Sumter. On March 29, 1872, he was commissioned rear-admiral, and commanded the Euro- pean squadron from 18 75-' 7 7. He was retired by reason of failing health, Decem- ber 23, 1886, with full pay and the thanks of a grateful nation. He died in Washington, D. C, October 18, 1879. C/c^^^ XL. JOHN ADOLPH DAHLGREN. " My father was a quiet, thoughtful, retiring man whose motto was, ' Always do your duty,' and he did it. He was methodical and steady. If that will attract the young it ought to be shown up in its full light." — Tribute by his son, Capt. C. B. Dahlgren. The success of the North in the Civil War was in a great measure decided by means of the " Dahlgren Shell Gun," the invention of John A. Dahlgren, operated by the navy of the United States. The Dahlgren guns quieted the pretention of the formidable iron-clad mon- ster Virginia {Merrimac) ; it opened the Mississippi river at New Orleans and Vicksburg ; it gave to the North the naval station at Port Royal, S. C.; it sealed Charleston and Wilmington to blockade runners ; it captured Mobile and sunk the Alabama. John Adolph Dahlgren was born in Philadelphia. Pa., November 13, 1809. His father, Bernard Ulric Gustavus Dahlorren, was the son of an eminent Swedish physician, and came from Sweden to Philadelphia in December, 1807. He at once applied for naturaliza- tion papers which were granted in 18 12. In 1808 he was married to Martha Rowan McConnell of Phila- delphia. He became a merchant, was afterward ap- pointed Swedish and Norwegian consul, and died, fulv 19. 1824. 485 486 A)}icrican Naval Heroes. His son John Adolph was given a warrant as mid- shipman in the United States Navy, February i, 1826; served in his first cruise on board the United States frio-ate Macedonian, and was attached to the Ontario of the Mediterranean squadron, i830-'32. In 1832 he passed an examination, and by reason of his proficiency in mathematics was detailed for duty in the United States coast survey service. He was commissioned Heutenant in 1837. and by advice of a physician, was given leave of absence. He spent two years of rest on a farm to recover his sight, then greatly impaired by reason of an injury to the optic nerve. In 1839 ^^ '^^^ married to Mary Clement Ikinker of Philadelphia, and In 1840 returned to duty, his eyesight fully restored. In 1843 he sailed to the Mediterranean on the frigate Ciimberla^td, returning later, in 1845, t>y reason of the threatened war with Mexico. He was assigned to ordnance duty at Washington in 1847, much against his wish, as his inclination was for active duty afioat. His progress and promotion in the ordnance depart- ment was rapid and he introduced improvements and innovations that made the ordnance department of the United States Navy the most efficient and formidable in the world. He continued in the department for sixteen years, reaching the position of Chief of Ordnance. The " Dahlofren Shell Gun" and Its accessories was the crownine result of his inventions, and when in John Adolpli Dahlgren. 4S7 1 86 1 the Civil War put it to the severest tests, it proved the wisdom and forethought of its inventor and projector. He instituted the foundry for cannon, the gun-carriage ship, and the experimental battery. He was made commander in 1855, and in order to test his apparent innovations he was allowed to equip the sloop-of-war PlyTnoutJi, with his eleven-inch guns and other modern ordnance considered too heavy for sea service. In 1857 he visited the European coast from Portu- gal to Holland, and in 1858-59 cruised in the West Indies, fully testing the efficacy and adaptability of his guns to naval warfare. In the Civil War he was a valued adviser of the President. His guns and heavy ammunition quieted the Merrimac in Hampton Roads, opened the Mis- sissippi at New Orleans and Vicksburg, gave Port Royal to the Union forces as a naval station, sealed Charleston, Wilmington and Savannah to blockade runners, captured Mobile, and sunk the Alabama. In 1 86 1 Commander Dahlgren was at the Wash- ington Navy Yard, and on account of the disaffection in the navy he was the senior officer loyal to the gov- ernment left in that yard, which he held for four days, until the Federal troops relieved him. He was promoted captain in July, 1861, remaining commander of the yard. In July. 1862, he was made chief of the Bureau of Ordnance, and in February, 1863, he received from Congress a vote of thanks and 488 ATfierican Naval Heroes. was made rear-admiral. In July. 1863, he succeeded to the command of the South Atlantic blockading- squadron, which comprised ninety vessels of war, in- cluding the iron-clad monitor fleet at Charleston, and guarded three hundred miles of coast and twenty-five ports. He succeeded in silencing Fort Sumter, and the batteries on Morris Island; put a stop to blockade running, led a successful expedition on the St. Johns River, co-operated with Sherman in the capture of Savannah and entered Charleston in February, 1865. He commanded the South Pacific squadron in 1866, and was again chief of ordnance, 1869 -'70, being relieved at his own request and appointed to the command of the Washington Navy Yard. He did not make a brilliant naval record as he did not encourage pomp or display, but he accomplished a great work and will be remembered for the efficient gun he invented and gave to his country, together with his undivided service during the Civil War. His long career in the navy was marked by unfaltering loyalty and spotless integrity. His son Ulric was killed before Richmond, Va., when leading a cavalry force in an endeavor to rescue the Federal soldiers confined in prison at the Confed- erate capital. He had fought at Fredericksburg, Chan- cellorsville and throughout the Virginia campaign. At Gettysburg he lost a leg and was promoted to a colonelcy. Another son, Charles Bunker, was a naval yoJui Adolpk Dahlgreii. 489 officer who fought at New Orleans, Arkansas Fort and Vicksburg and on board the iron-clads on the Atlantic coast, and reached the rank of captain in command of the Gettysburg. He died in Washington, D. C, July 12, 1870, and was buried in the family burying ground at Laurel Hill, Philadelphia, Pa. Admiral Dahlgren published several valuable works, chiefly on ordnance, their titles including :" Exercise and. Manoeuver for the Boat Howitzer" (1852); "Boat Armament" (1852); "Percussion System" (1852); "Ordnance Memoranda" (1853); and "Shells and Shell Guns " (1859). He also wrote " Memoir of Ulric Dahlgren. " Charles Henry Davis. XLIV. CHARLES HENRY DAVIS. To Flag-officer Davis belongs the credit of planning the first extensive naval flotillas used in the Civil War in connection with the operations of the army. To his genius when in a subordinate position, is due the possession of the coasts of North and South Carolina with Military Departments in both states. This put a decided check on blockade running when that means of raising revenue was of vital importance to the Southern Confederacy. The operations of the gun-boats on the upper Mis- sissippi after the signal victory gained by the navy under Flag-officer Foote at Island No. lo, in which the possibilities of the new engine of war had been demonstrated, increased public interest in that arm of the service. The achievements of Captain Walke with the Car- 07idelet decided the fate of the Confederate forts and water batteries that had been built with such consum- mate engineering skill and provided with an armament made up of the latest improved heavy guns to be pro- cured in England. Flag-officer Foote by reason of ill health attending injuries received in service, had been relieved, and Commodore Charles Henry Davis succeeded him as flag-officer of the upper Mississippi flotilla on May 9, 1862. The older officers hailed his coming with great satisfaction and looked to him as a leader who would not be content to be a mere witness to the naval 492 American Naval Heroes. engagements directed by him, but a leader in person, a participant in victories, whose flag-ship would be the last in retreat. He was born in Boston. Mass., January i6, 1807. When sixteen years old he joined the navy on board the frigate United States, and was stationed with the Pacific squadron from 1827 to 1829. In 1829 he was pro- moted passed midshipman and ordered to the Ontario, going with her to the Mediterranean. In March, 1834, he joined the Vincennes of the Pacific squadron, having attained the rank of lieutenant. Upon his return home he was transferred to the Independence, one of the vessels making up the Brazilian squadron, where he served until 1842, when he was ordered home and to shore duty in the ordnance department, and subsequently to the coast survey service. In this line of duty he made valuable discoveries in locating the New South Shoals off Nantucket Island, directly in the track of European and coastwise vessels coming into the harbor of New York. This achieve- ment in surveying skill removed the mystery that had been woven into many a story of the sea, and the numerous unaccountable wrecks and accidents attributed to the displeasure of old Neptune were found to be due to natural causes, thereafter named upon all charts. The merchant and marine insurance companies of New York passed special resolutions of thanks to Lieutenant Davis and the invaluable ser- vice he had rendered the merchant marine was Charles Henry Davis. 493 generally acknowledged. He inaugurated the publica- tion of the American Nautical Almanac in 1849, and superintended its publication for several years. His literary and scientific work was interfered with by the outbreak of the Civil War, when as a member of the coast survey he was made one of a board of ofificers entrusted with the task of inquiring into the condition of the harbors and inlets of the Southern coast, preparatory to the operations of Flag-officer S. F. Dupont in the expedition of the combined land and naval forces at Port Royal, S. C. In this service Lieu- tenant Davis was chief-of-staff to the flaof-officer. This fleet was the largest in point of number of vessels ever placed in command of an American naval officer up to that time. It included fifty steamers and sailing vessels besides twenty-five coalers. Lieutenant Davis had been active in accumulatino- and fitting out this expedition, and was better informed as to its armament and strength than any other officer connected with the fleet. It assembled at Hampton Roads, October 27, 1861. On October 29th the flag- ship Wabash gave signal and raised anchor, and was followed by the entire fleet out of the roads. When off Hatteras they encountered a severe storm and the vessels became separated. The suffering of the men during four consecutive days of continuous hurricane such as is only known off that stormy cape, is a chapter of unwritten history, and its deeds of heroism remain unsung. 494 America7i Naval Heroes. Heroes are born not only in the glamour of battle, but as well in the dread conflicts between the ele- ments, as each in turn makes a plaything of the men and ships that dare to cross their path. But heroes of the storm escape the record incident to the accom- paniment of shot and shell. It was a battle for life against enraged and furious wind and wave, and the brave soldier and battle-scarred sailor when the storm was over, voiced a single expression that they would rather a thousand times encounter death in the line of battle or before the broadside of opposing ships-of- war than experience one night of such storm. On November 4th, twenty-five of the fleet, includ- ing the flags-hip, anchored on the bar off Port Royal harbor, and the other vessels of the fleet that had weathered the storm came in day after day thereafter. Fleet Captain Davis after careful surveys, planted buoys to mark the channel, all former guides having been destroyed or misplaced by the Confederates, and the fleet passed safely into the inner harbor. Subsequently Forts Walker and Beauregard were reduced by the naval squadron and undisputed posses- sion was gained of the town and surrounding country. A base of supply and operations for both the mili- tary and naval forces of the Federal government was thus formed. The army of occupation was under com- mand of General W. T. Sherman, and the Confederate force driven out of town was commanded by General Drayton and the naval forces by Commander Tatnall Charles Henry Davis. 495 of the Confederate navy. The men made their escape in Tatnall's steamers and in army transports, but the works, ammunition, guns and provisions fell into the hands of the Federal forces. Flag-officer Dupont in his report of the capture especially commended the work done by Fleet Captain Davis and gave him credit for great bravery, skill and executive aid. Meanwhile the condition of affairs in the West called for a naval commander, and the department selected for the service Captain Davis, who relieved Admiral Foote, May 9, 1862. The next day he assumed command of the fleet, which at the time comprised seven partially iron-clad gun-boats arranged in two divisions. They com- manded the Mississippi River above Fort Pillow, Tenn. The Tennessee shore was guarded by the first division, comprising three gun-boats, including Flag- officer Davis's flag-ship. The second division was stationed on the Arkansas shore of the river and embraced four gun-boats. They were anchored bow down stream. Under orders from the retiring flag-officer they had been for two days in readiness for action with steam up and " on watch and watch," awaiting the Confed- erate fleet of nine gun-boats below the bend and also with steam up. There had been some firing with mortars, but no effective shot reached the enemy. The Benton, Phelps, commander, was flag-ship, and with the Carondelet, Walke, commander, and the 496 American Naval Heroes. Pittsburg, Thompson, commander, made up the Ten- nessee shore division. The Mound City, Kilty, com- mander ; the Cincinnati, Steubel, commander ; the St. Louis, Eben, commander ; and the Cairo, Bryant, commander, made up the Arkansas shore division. The crews w^ere lying at their guns and the men were on watch for any movement of the enemy. A mortar-boat under consort of the Cincinnati dropped down stream until nearly opposite Fort Pil- low, and opened fire upon the enemy about 5 a. m. The Confederate ram fleet at once cleared for action and weighed anchor. The heavy black smoke from their fires was the first intimation Flag-officer Davis had of the intended attack. The Carondelet was the first to take the alarm, and her crew were at their guns and the ship cleared for action before the order came from the Benton. The gun tackle, swords, pistols, boarding pikes, rifles, gun-carriages, rammers and sponges, shot and shell, crowbars and handspikes, were ready at hand within three or four minutes. It was 6.30 a.m. when the Benton made a general signal to get under weigh. The mist over the river prevented the signal being seen, and verbal orders were passed by the pilots of the Pittsburg and Caro7i- delet through the trumpet. Slipping her hawser the Carondelet was the first to be off, and as she passed the Benton Flag-officer Davis ordered her to go ahead and not wait for the flag-ship. This action saved the Cincinnati which was four miles below and in great Charles Henry Davis. 497 danger, as the whole Confederate fleet was making for her, determined to effect her capture before the other vessels could come to her aid. The Caroiidelet was a slow sailer, and the Mound City, which had not waited for orders, had caught up to her just at the critical moment. Together they drove off the Confederate fleet after the General Bragg had cut an immense hole in the starboard side of the Cinci?inati and delivered several effective broadsides from her ports, severely wounding Com- mander Steubel. The other Confederate rams had given her the force of their iron prows in her wounded side. The Carondelet discharged repeated broadsides into the General Bragg, so disabling her machinery as to cause her to drift down the stream and out of the fight. As the General Van Dor7i, the General Price, and the General Sunipter advanced to continue the work of the General Bragg, the Mound City and Caro?i- delet met them with continuous broadsides until their proximity to the Ciiici^inati endangered that vessel, which was in a sinking condition. The effect of the shot stayed the course of the Confederate fleet, as the General Van Dorn was the only one of the fleet to pass the Cinciniiati. As she did so she ran for and delivered her sharp prow against the Mound City, and was answered by a broadside full into her bow. The antagonists then drifted apart, the one steam- ing up the river and the other down stream, both 498 A77terica7i Naval Heroes. badly damaged. This left the Carondelet alone to oppose the General ^eff Thompson , tho. General Lovell and the General Beauregard which had come up to the support of the disabled fleet. On rounding to in the middle of the river, the Carondelet ran between the opposing fires of the remainder of the Federal fleet — ■which had reached the scene of action in this order: St. Louis, Pittsburg, and Benton, — and the re- enforced Confederate fleet. One or two grape-shot from the Benton swept across the deck of the Caron- delet. The smoke was so dense as to prevent the operations of the several vessels being witnessed from the others, and the firing was necessarily interrupted. Durino- the confusion incident to this condition the Confederate flag-ship Little Rebel dashed into the midst of the Federal fleet and ran close under the ^5*6';^- tons broadside, but escaped annihilation by a skillful manoeuver on the part of the pilot, who placed her under the lee of the disabled rams. As the smoke arose the Confederates were retiring, taking their dis- abled vessels with them. They were closely pursued by the Carondelet 2,x\A Bento7i, keeping up a continuous fire from their bow guns until the Confederates found shelter under the guns of Fort Pillow. The Mound City sank at the first island above the scene of the fight, and the Cincinnati sank on the Tennessee shore. The Carondelet remained on the spot the day and night following, acting as a guard to protect the mortar-boats which the enemy had not harmed. Charles Henry Davis. 499 The Confederate naval force engaged in the battle of Fort Pillow was commanded by Captain J. E. Mont gomery. who had not received a naval training. The enfjai^ement lasted one hour and ten minutes, and was the first of a series of pitched battles between the Federal and Confederate gun-boats on the Western waters. Under o-uard of the or-un-boats, the mortar-boats kept up the bombardment of Fort Pillow without inter- ruption until that stronghold was evacuated June 4, 1862, and in the early morning of June 5, Flag-officer Davis with the Benton, Mound City, Carondclet, St. Louis, Cairo, and Louisville, accompanied by the ram fleet Monarch, Queen of the West, Switzerland, and Lancaster, under Colonel Ellet, rounded to at Fort Pillow and took possession of the abandoned works, Colonel Ellet hoisting the stars and stripes over the fort. The Confederates had spiked two 128-pounders which weighed 16,000 pounds each, and the entire fort was of superior construction and not equaled by any other of the Confederate strongholds. On June 6 the fleet had reached Memphis, Tenn., before which city they found the Confederate fleet of Commander Montgomery drawn up in double line of battle ready to oppose them. The ram squadron under Colonel Ellet dashed ahead of the gun-boats and ran for the enemy's fleet. They succeeded at the first onslaught in sinking one and disablino: another of the Confederate iron-clads. 500 Americafi Naval Heroes. but in turn they were treated to the same method of warfare by the Confederate ram Beauregard which, missing Colonel Ellet's vessel, ran into the General Price and disabled her by tearing off her wheel. The Federal fleet then raked the Beauregard fore and aft with shot and shell until she found her grave in the river opposite Memphis. The General Lovcll was badly rammed by Qiiceu of the West, and under the effect of shot and shell from the Federal fleet she too found a grave for herself and many of her gallant officers and crew in the middle of the Mississippi. The General Price, Little Rebel and Queen of the West were disabled and ran ashore on the Arkansas side. The Jeff Thompson was next disabled, ran ashore and was blown up. The General Sumter was also dis- abled and captured, the General Bragg soon after sharing the same fate, her officers first running her ashore and escaping into the woods. The General Van Dorn alone of the entire Con- federate fleet escaped down the river, followed closely by the rams Monarch and Switzerland, from which she escaped by reason of her superior speed. An eye witness thus describes the fight : " The people in thousands crowded the high bluffs overlooking the river, some of them apparently as gay and cheerful as a bright May morning, and others watchmg with silent awe the impending struggle. The roar of cannon and shell soon shook the earth on either shore for many miles ; first, wild yells, shrieks and clamors, then loud despairing murmurs, filled the affrighted city. The screaming, plunging shell crashed into the boats, blowing them and their crev»'s into fragments ; and the rams rushed upon each other Charles Henry Davis. 501 like wild beasts in deadly conflict. Amidst all this confusion and horror, the air was filled with the coal and sulphurous blinding smoke ; and as the battle progressed, all the cheering accents on shore were silent, every voice became tremulous and disheartened as it became evident that their fleet was faltering, and one after an- other of their vessels sank or became disabled. The deep sympa- thizing wail which followed each disaster went up like a funeral dirge from the assembled multitude and had an overwhelming pathos : but still they gazed through their flowing tears upon the struggle, until the last hope gave way, and then the lamentations of the be- reaved burst upon the ear in deep, heartrending cries of anguish. The die was cast, and the crowd of mourning spectators melted away, in unutterable sadness for loved ones lost and their sanguine hopes of victory forever gone. The spectacle was one which sub- dued all feeling of resentment on the part of the victors, and awak- ened a natural sympathy toward the vanquished — their fellow countrymen — onshore. The general grief and the weight of woe inflicted on some of the spectators was such as could arise only from a civil war, like that in which we were then engaged. The crowning scene though less distressing was more terrific and sublime than anything which had preceded it. In the hour of triumph and naval supremacy when our gun-boats were returning to Memphis occurred the explosion of the Jeff Thompson'' s magazine. In an instant before a sound had reached our ears, the heavens were lighted up as by a magnificent coronet, its snowy white crest reaching beyond the clouds. Then came the terrific roar, and the scene — one that can never be forgotten — was of surprising beauty and grandeur. " A few days after the battle and capture of Mem- phis, Flag-officer Davis dispatched the Mound City, St. Louis, and Lexington, followed by the Cones toga and three captured transports, up the White River. They proceeded about one hundred miles to St. Charles, a fortified Confederate stronghold. The Mound City opened fire, and the transports under this protection landed the troops that accompanied the expedition. A shot from the Confederate battery 502 American Naval Heroes. struck the Mound City, piercing the steam chest, and the steam as it escaped dealt death or an agony ten times worse, to about two hundred of her crew. Only thirty-five escaped serious injury. Every offi- cer but one was either scalded or killed. The land force captured the fort and the vessels of the fleet secured several river crafts loaded with cotton, which " loyal" owners claimed and the prizes were given up. The fleet then returned to the Mississippi River, and there on June 30, learned from a Federal naval officer that Admiral Farragut had arrived above Vicks- burg with eight of his fleet, and Admiral Porter with his mortar fleet was just below the city. On the morning of July i , the flotilla exchanged signals with Farragut's fleet. This movement se- cured the possession of the entire Mississippi, except before Vicksburg, to the Federal gun-boats, and enabled Farragut, Davis, and Porter to co-operate in their future movements against fortifications at Vicksburg and the few remaining Confederate iron- clads. About this time Flag-officer Davis learned of the near completion of a formidable iron-clad ram and gun- boat combined, said to be equal in armament and armor to the Virginia or Merrimac, destroyed by the little Monitor. This Western terror was named the Arkansas. The Confederates boasted that she would speedily clear the Mississippi River of every Federal gun-boat and hold undisputed possession of the river. Charles Henry Davis. 503 In view of the presence of so dangerous an antag-- onist Captain Davis had the fleet strengthened by heavy timbers placed inside the iron-clad shields so as to protect the boilers, engines, artd other vulnerable points, should the shot from the heavy guns of the Arkansas pierce the armor-plated sides. He then gave separate instructions to the commanders of the Carondelet, Taylor, and the steam ram Qnecn of the West, and they proceeded up the Yazoo River to reconnoiter, neither of the commanding officers beino- informed as to the object of their mission or of the possible danger attending it. When they had proceeded six miles up the river the Taylor and Queen of the West being in the lead, as they were the better sailers, discovered the monster iron-clad of 1,200 tons burden with a sharp iron beak projecting four feet in front of her stem, and the entire sloping deck clad with railroad iron inverted so as to present a perfectly smooth surface. The two Federal vessels beat a hasty retreat, fearing to encoun- ter the monster and desirous of notifying the Federal fleet before Memphis of the proximity and rapid approach of the dangerous antagonist. In their retreat they kept up a running fire from their stern guns which continued for an hour, when the Arkansas was found to increase her speed, intending to run the little gun-boats down. At this critical moment the Carondelet, then still on her way up the river, reached the scene of action 504 American Naval Heroes. and opened fire from her bow guns, and as she approached the Arkansas, avoided her sharp prow by a skillful turn of her wheel. This brought the two vessels side by side, and as they passed, the Carondelet discharged a full broadside on the armored side of the Arkansas, the shot doing no apparent harm. The movement, however, enabled the Carondelet to turn around and use her bow guns fairly on the stern of the enemy, but the shot glanced from her invulner- able armor as had those discharged broadsides even in the closest possible range. The answering shot from the Arka7isas, however, played havoc with the steering gear of the Carondelet, and she ran into shore pierced with thirteen shot holes and with her machinery greatly damaged. Of her crew four were killed, some wounded, many leaping overboard to escape the scalding steam from the chest pierced by the shot. The Taylor meanwhile came under the protection of the Caro7idelet which was soon again afloat and steaming with her best efforts toward the protecting fleet six miles below. The Arkansas slackened her speed so as to keep alongside the two Federal gun- boats and continued to pour shot from her heavy guns into their broken sides and stern. This running fight was kept up for over an hour, the Arkansas using her bow guns while the Carondelet and Taylor ysi&x^ thus enabled to use their stern guns, which were the ones least affected by the previous combat. The Charles Henry Davis. 505 distance between the vessels ranged from 500 yards to 20 feet. As the Arkansas drew near the Carondelet, Cap- tain Walke ordered his boarders on deck, determining at all hazards to risk a hand-to-hand fight rather than to let the unequal duel at close range continue. As the men appeared to carry out this intention the Arka7isas increased her speed and passed the Caron- dclet within twenty feet. Taking advantage of this movement Captain Walke ordered his boarders below and directed a broadside against the pilot-house of the Arkansas, at the same time crowding her to the western shore of the river. As she passed, the Car- ondelet fired her bow guns into the stern ports of the Arkansas, shooting away her flag. The Arkajisas gave chase to the Taylor and Queen of the West, while the steering ropes of the Carondelet being shot away, she ran helpless ashore. The Arkansas ran through the anchored fleet of Farragut, Porter and Davis at the mouth of the river, and made her way to a place of safety where she repaired the damages done to her by the shot of the Carondelet. As she passed the Federal fleet she dis- charged broadsides right and left into the fleet and re- ceived in turn broadsides from the Hartford, Iroquois, Richard, Essex and Benton, but without slackening her speed, made her way to Vicksburg. Her commander. Captain Isaac N. Brown, reported her loss, ten killed and fifteen wounded, others with 5o6 America7i Naval Heroes. slight wounds. He added that her smokestack was shot to pieces and the vessel otherwise cut up. The Mississippi squadron then passed to the com- mand of Acting Rear-Admiral David D. Porter, and he added to the victories of the naval forces the con- quest of all the Confederate strongholds. Davis was commissioned commodore in July, 1862, and was chief of the bureau of navigation in Washing- ton from 1862 to 1865. He was next made rear- admiral to date from February, 1863. He was superintendent of the United States Naval Observatory at Washington, 1865-67 ; commanded the South Atlantic squadron 1867-69 ; was a member of the light-house board; commander of the Norfolk Navy Yard, and finally resumed his old place as super- intendent of the Naval Observatory. He died in W^ashington, D. C, February 18, 1877. XLV. FRANKLIN BUCHANAN. He opposed Admiral Farragut in tiie battle of Mobile Bay, and as com- mander of the formidable iron-clad 7 entiessee gave to the Admiral a valiant and ably conducted fight against great odds and did not surrender until so severely wounded as to incapacitate him from commanding his ship. Franklin Buchanan was born in Baltimore, Md., September 17, 1800. He joined the United States Navy and was a midshipman at fifteen ; a lieutenant at twenty-five ; and master-commandant at forty-one. His service in the United States Navy included the safe delivery of the Baltimore, a steam frig-ate built for the Emperor of Brazil, at the port of Rio de Janeiro in July, 1826. He assisted in organizing- and was the first superintendent of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, 1845-47; commanded the Gertnantoivn in the seige of Vera Cruz in 1847, under Commodore M. C. Perry, and accompanied that officer in the expedition to China and Japan as commander of the flag-ship Susquehanna in 1853-54. He was made captain in 1855, and commanded the Washing- ton Navy Yard, i859-'6i. In April, 1 861, he resigned his commission in the United States Navy in the full belief that his native state was about to pass the ordi- nance of secession. When Maryland failed to pass the ordinance he asked to be reinstated in the navy Franklin Buchanan. Franklin Buchanan. 509 but was refused and he thereupon offered his services to the Confederacy in September, 1 86 1 , and was placed in charge of the construction and equipment of the iron-clad Merrimac or Virginia. When the vessel was completed he brought her out of the navy yard at Norfolk, and attacked the Federal fleet at Hampton Roads, March 8, 1862, destroying the Congress and Cumberland and placing the entire fleet at jeopardy. He was wounded in the encounter and was not in command of the iron-clad on the following day when she encountered the Mon- itor and was defeated. For his action in the fight of the 8th he received from the Confederate Congress a note of thanks for his gallantry, and was promoted to the full rank of admiral and placed in command of the Confederate navy as senior officer. He commanded the naval defenses of Mobile in 1863, and suggested and superintended the construc- tion of the iron-clad ram Tennessee, the most effective vessel brought against Admiral Farragut's fleet in the battle of August 5, 1864. In this battle Admiral Buchanan formed his vessels across the channel in single line, flanked on either wing by powerful land batteries. As Farragut's fleet approached, the four monitors formed a single column to the right of the wooden fleet. Buchanan allowed the Federal fleet to get into short range before he ordered his fleet and the batteries on land to open fire, which was delivered with terrific effect. 5IO Americaii Naval Heroes. The first opponent to the Tennessee was the United States monitor Tecumseh, which had crept up in good form and was ready to deliver her 12-inch solid shot against the sides of the Confederate ram when she was seen to reel and disappear beneath the waves, a victim to a torpedo, and her gallant commander, T. A. Craven and most of her crew were coffined in her iron hulk. The Brooklyn, which followed in the wake of the Tecimisch, when her officers witnessed this disaster, stopped the vessel and the whole fleet seemed to be paralyzed. The Confederate admiral made good use of his opportunity by signalling the fleet and batteries to keep up a continuous fire. It was at this moment that the determination of one man snatched victory from defeat and notwith- standing the skill and heroism of Admiral Buchanan encompassed the destruction of the Tennessee whose power at that moment was supreme. Admiral Farragut, seeing the fleet hesitate, shouted through his trumpet : " What's the trouble?" and when the answer came " Torpedoes ! " he called back : "Damn the torpedoes! Four bells. Captain Drayton, go ahead. Jouett, full speed." His flag-ship, the Hartford, took the lead and the entire fleet passed the forts and took refuge out of the way of Fort Morgan. Admiral Buchanan was not yet defeated. Without delay he directed the Tennessee to ram the Hartford, Franklin Buchanan. 511 and on the way encountered the Monongakela, to which vessel the ram paid no attention. As the ship struck the iron-clad obliquely she slid off with no damage to the Tennessee, and as she passed the Monongahela the admiral directed the battery to give her a salute, and two heavy twelve-pound solid shot passed through her. The shot from the Federal fleet glanced off the sides of the Tennessee and she continued on her way, giving the entire Federal fleet as much as they could do to stear clear of her iron prow. Her batteries were playing havoc with the wooden fleet, while their heaviest shot rolled down the iron-clad's sides like pebbles. The monitor Chickasaiu then approached the Tennessee and hung to her side like a bulldog. Finding her gables less protected she poured shot after shot into them, the first to do any damage. Meanwhile, the guns of the Tennessee were directed to drive off the little antagonist. One shot cleared her of her smokestack, another damaged her steering gear. Just as Admiral Buchanan thought he had won the day the monitor Manhattaii crept up and delivered a shot that penetrated the vessel and dis- abled her machinery. Admiral Buchanan was severely wounded, and having made so gallant a fight he as gallantly struck his flag and the battle of Mobile Bay was over. He was a prisoner of war until February, 1865, when he was exchanged. He died in Talbot County, Md., May 11, 1874. Raphael Semmes. XLVI. RAPHAEL SEMMES. "There is no doubt that for intrepidity and daring no American ever com- manded a vessel who surpassed him in courage." Montgomery^ {Ala.) Advertiser. Raphael Semmes was born in Charles County, Md., September 27, 1809. He was appointed a midship- man in the United States Navy in 1826, spent six years in private study, and entered upon the active duties of his profession in 1832. He returned from his first cruise in 1834, and while in waiting orders studied law and was admitted to the bar with no intention, however, of abandoning his chosen profession. He was promoted lieutenant in 1837, ^^^ was flag- lieutenant under Commodore Conner in the Gulf squadron before and at the time of the Mexican War. Under Commodore Perry he took part in the siege of Vera Cruz and commanded the naval batteries planted on the shores when it was decided not to con- tinue the bombardment of the fort. He commanded the United States brig Somcrs. named after the gallant hero of Tripoli, in the blockade of the Mexican coast when that vessel foundered and most of the crew were drowned. He served on the light-house board on the 514 Americaii Naval Heroes. gulf coast and as secretary of the board at Washington 1848-61. When Alabama seceded, February 15, 1861, he resigned his commission in the United States Navy and reported to Jefferson Davis at Montgomery. He was entrusted with a mission to buy war material, and to hire mechanics skilled in the construction of guns and ordnance. He travelled through the north and procured thousands of tons of ordnance and powder and many workmen competent to erect and operate powder mills in the south and to manufacture light ordnance. He also secured several steamers of light draught. He returned to Alabama in April, 1861, took the oath of allegiance to the new grovernment and was assigned to the command of the Suniter at New Orleans, the pioneer vessel in the Confederate navy. She was armed with four 24-pounder howitzers and a heavy 8-inch shell-gun. She escaped to sea while the United States steam sloop Brooklyn was blockading the mouth of the Mississippi delta after being chased for four hours by the Brooklyn. He cruised in the West Indian waters and captured twelve prizes in as many days, when he ran into Cienfuegos for supplies. He then continued his cruise, capturing a great num- ber of prizes and landing at various ports in the West Indies and South America. On entering the port of Gibraltar the United States gun-boat Tuscarora blockaded the Suniter. Raphael Semmes. 5 1 5 The Tiiscarora was soon joined by the Kearsarge, and this precluded the chance of escape, so Captain Semmes abandoned his vessel under the pretence of selling her. His diary about this time, after recount- ing the successes of the Su?nter and the number of prizes taken, reads: "We have thus far beaten the vandal hordes that have invaded and desecrated our soil. The just God of Heaven, who looks down upon the quarrels of men, will avenge the right." After the sale of the Sumter Captain Semmes went to England, where he arranged for the speedy completion of a cruiser then in an unfinished condi- tion. He had the armament loaded in a barque and dispatched to the Azores, and the cruiser soon put to sea and received her armament at Augra bay, where Captain Semmes, his officers, and twenty sailors, also joined her. He thereupon hoisted the Confederate flag. Then started a career which can scarcely be duplicated in the history of the world. For two years the Alabama sailed, sweeping the seas with a thoroughness which attracted the comment of the merchant service of the world and amazed the nations of civilization. England was filled with wonder and concern as report after report came in of captures and fights, as the little sea hermit, sent out from her dockyard in the face of neutrality laws, darted here and there, leaving in its wake a long list of plundered ships and burned vessels. 5i6 Americatt Naval Heroes. The cupidity of the commercial Englishman was aroused as he saw a possibility of private gain from Semmes's intrepidity and recklessness. This led to the formation of a syndicate to buy the captured ships, and good English gold was paid to Semmes and his crew, with the understanding that the captured ships should be landed on the Hottentot coast, but there is no record of the syndicate getting any prizes. In two years Captain Semmes made 78,000 miles and had captured sixty-three American vessels. Of these he destroyed fifty-three, released nine on ransom bonds, and made one a tender. In all this time no United States war vessel had sighted the Alabama. Merchantmen were continually on the watch and were in terror of every unknown craft. This spectre of the deep swept the seas everywhere, and no American ship flying the Stars and Stripes was safe. It was not till January 11, 1865, that the real Alabama was sio-hted in the harbor of Cherbourof, France. The news of the discovery thrilled the whole North and the Navy Department ordered all available swift sailing vessels to the pursuit. Semmes appreciated the desperate position and might have escaped by flight before a United States war-ship could reach the port. But Raphael Semmes had been trained in the American navy and was at that moment an American seaman fighting under an American flag, though not Raphael Semmes. 5 1 7 the Stars and Stripes of his youthful inspiration. As a secessionist or revolutionist he had not relinquished his Americanism and no American naval officer whether fighting for the northern or southern section could endure the stigma of fleeing before an enemy. Had he known that his powder was useless from age, that his shells were defective and would not ex- plode and that his guns were incapable, he might have pursued another course, but Semmes knew his hard- ened, toughened crew. He also knew his own ability and knew not fear. When the Kearsarge, Captain Winslow, appeared off the port he made ready for battle. He saw the shores and docks off Cherbourcj lined with sight seers eager to witness the naval duel between the Stars and Stripes of the North and the Stars and Bars of the South. The Alabama opened with her starboard battery and tried to close with the Kcarsarge. A broadside from that war-ship tore away the bulwarks of the Ala- bama and disabled her pivot gun. Another round and the Alabama was unable to respond to her helm. A lo-inch shell from the Kcarsarge exploded in the enofine room and the Alabama, with several feet of water in her hold, gave a death shiver. Captain Semmes ordered all sails set, hoping to reach the French coast ere his gallant ship sank beneath his feet. The order, "All hands save yourselves!" was reluctantly given, and the wounded were sent off in the only boat not shot to pieces. 5i8 American Naval Heroes. The Confederate flag was not lowered, but Captain Semmes and his brave Heutenants, dressed in full Confederate naval uniform, stood on the deck. As the Alabama gave a lurch Semmes stepped to the side of his ship and threw his sword into the sea. Then he followed. The English yacht Deerhoiind, that had stood off to witness the duel, came to the rsecue of the officers before the boats of the Kearsarge could gain the place, and just then the Alabama, with her stern deep into the water dropped, her browsprit being the last object visible above the waves. Captain Semmes was carried to London where he was lionized, presented with swords, and continually feted. He made his way to his home through Mexico and on reaching Richmond was made rear-admiral and placed in command of the squadron operating on the James river guarding the approach to Richmond. After the war he practiced law and was elected a judge. He subsequently became an editor and wrote accounts of his naval exploits on the Alabama under the titles "The Cruise of the Alabama 2inA Siuiiter' (1864); " Memoirs of Service Afloat During the War Between the States " ( 1 869) , He died in Mobile, Ala., August 30, 1877. XLVII. THE NAVY IN THE WAR WITH SPAIN. In the spring of 1898 the United States and Spain stood before the world in the attitude of belligerents. Spain had a fleet that no naval constructor in the ser- vice of any nation at that time could improve. In armor, in guns, in ammunition and in the accessor- ies of torpedoes, torpedo-boats and torpedo-boat destroyers, the nations of Europe had nothing better to offer. Her army in Cuba numbered above one hundred thousand acclimated men, armed with the best rifles, provided with smokeless powder and having the most effective projectile known to modern warfare. The men were on their own soil under efficient officers, and the defenses behind which they were entrenched were models of military skill. The battles before Santiago gave an index to the determined, stand Spanish soldiers could make, and the length of the war, determined by the results of that series of battles, was an unsolved problem. It was not the fear of the issue as between the acclimated troops of Spain with their powerful ally the 520 American Naval Heroes. deadly fever, on one side, and fifty thousand regulars and one hundred thousand volunteers — as brave men as ever stood in line of battle — on the other, that determined the issue of the war. On May 4, 1898, the beginning of the end was foretold when Commodore George Dewey steamed into Manila Bay and before breakfast annihilated the Spanish fleet defending* that harbor, without the loss of a single American sailor. The end came in July, 1898, when Commodore Sampson directed the blockading fleet before Santiago harbor not to allow Cervera's battle-ships and torpedo-boat des- troyers to escape, and when the Spanish admiral did make the effort on July 3d, the last ship of Spain's boasted navy was a wreck on the rocky shores of Santiago. The American navy decided the issue of the war with Spain, and without detracting from the heroism' and patriotism of the American soldier in that war, it remains for the impartial historian to place the credit where it belongs. The smoke had hardly arisen from the scene of destruction off the harbor of Santiago when England took measures to strengthen her already supreme naval establishment, and this with no fear of immedi- ate or even prospective use. A lesson had been taught by America that the world was not slow to learn, — that the emblem of the powerful battle-ship of the future would be a dove. The Navy iji the J Far With Spain. 521 Secretary of the Navy John D. Long, in the Boston Herald oi November 13, 1898, pays this tribute to the conduct of the Navy in the War with Spain: "It is with great pleasure that I respond to the request to give my testimony in behalf of the Navy. Nothing could be finer than its record during the present war, or furnish better evidence of the high standards it has attained in every branch. A great many influences have worked to this end : a fine spirit is inculcated at the beginning at the Academy ; the War College has been a great stimulus to high professional standards ; the training schools for sea- men ha\e elevated their character; it has also been an important factor that our naval officers have such a variety of work and experi- ence, serving for a few years afloat, then following the more direct lines of the service, and then as many years ashore engaged in duties which develop business qualifications, scientific attainments, and large general comprehension. Those who have not been on board one of our great battleships are unaware of what a compendium of the whole world of mechanical enterprise it is. Electricity, steam, hydraulics are all in use ; the business of housekeeping is made a science ; there is an establishment for printing ; a plant for distilling water ; a pharmacy and surgical operating room, and, indeed, almost every feature of civilized life. When, therefore, men, whose range of experience and training has been on such broad fields, took up the business of making war, they knew what they were about ; they added to brains the elements of skill and experience ; were hampered by no political complications ; their sole duty was to do their pro- fessional duty, and how well they did it the result shows. The absence of the loss of life, or even of ordinary casualties to person or property, is simply marvellous. One of the brightest pages in the story is that of the medical department, which made just as good a record on land as at sea. Not only was the health of our sailors on board ship good, but the marines who fought the first land battle and remained ashore at Guantanamo, made the same fine record in that respect. " Some new features were introduced into the naval service during the present war. The Solace is, I think, the first naval hospital ?hip. She was bought, put in perfect condition in about ten days, and has been a floating hospital with all that that means in the way of comfort Charles Edgar Clark. Charles Edgar Clark. 525 Here he coaled and joined the fleet blockading the northern coast of Cuba, May 29, and the fleet of Com- modore Schley off Santiago de Cuba, June i, 1898. He was, like Admiral Dewey, a Vermont boy, having been born in Bradford, August 10, 1843. His father, James Dayton Clark, was a bookbinder in Mont- pelier, Vt., and his mother was Mary Saxton. His great-grandmother, Lois (Williams) Clark, a descend- ant of Robert Williams, settled in Roxbury, Mass., in 1636, and removed with her children to Bradford Vt., after the death of her husband, James Clark, who was a descendant of Myron Clark of Marblehead, Mass. His maternal grandfather, Major Hiram Saxton, was a soldier with the Vermont troops during the War of 18 1 2 and his maternal grandmother was the daughter of Captain Williams of Wilmington, Vt., an officer of the Continental army. Charles attended the district school and the Acad- emy in Bradford. His brother Granville Lloyd, seven years his junior, went west and became a ranchman in Nebraska. Charles was appointed to a cadetship at Annapolis through the influence of Representative Justin S. Morrill, afterward United States senator from Vermont. He entered the Naval Academy, September 29, 1 860, in the class of 1864. This was a remarkable class in that Charles Dwight Sigsbee, Commander of the Maine and of the St. Paul ; Charles Vernon Gridley, Commander of the Olympia, flag-ship of Commodore 526 American Naval Heroes. Dewey ; Bowman Hendry McCalla, commander of the Marblehead ; Robley Dunglison Evans, commander of the Iowa ; Colby Mitchell Chester, commanding South Atlantic Station ; Henry Glass, commander of the Charleston ; Casper Frederick Goodrich, commander of the St. Loicis ; Joseph Bullock Coghlan, commander of the Raleigh ; Francis Augustus Cook, commander of x\\Q Brooklyn ; James Hoban Sands, commander of the Coluinbia ; Frank Wildes, commander of the Boston ; and Benjamin Peffer Lamberton, who succeeded Grid- ley as commander of the Olympia, were all fellow-, middies at Annapolis. The need for naval officers in the Civil War called the greater part of the class of 1864 into active ser- vice before the completion of the course, and Midship- man Clark was made acting ensign, October, 1863; master, May 10, 1866; lieutenant, February 21, 1867; lieutenant-commander, March 12, 1868; commander, November 16, 1881 ; and captain, June 21, 1886. His first sea service was under Admiral Farragut, attached to the western gulf blockading squadron. He took part in the battle of Mobile Bay, and in the attack upon and capture of Fort Morgan. After the war he was attached chiefly to the Pacific and West Indian stations. He was on board the flag-ship of Commodore Rodgers at Valparaiso, S. A., when the United States commodore vainly urged the English admiral, present in the harbor, to unite with him in preventing the bombardment of the city, and he CJiarlcs Edgar Clark. 527 witnessed several engagements between the Spanish fleet and the Peruvian batteries at Callio. He was on board the United States ship Sewanee when that vessel was lost off the coast of British Col- umbia, July 7, 1869, ^^d with a large portion of her crew was rescued by the British ships Sparrow and Hawk, and landed on Hope Island where he com- manded the shipwrecked party to protect them from the ravages of Indians, till they could be taken off by a steamer sent to their rescue by Admiral Thatcher. He was on duty at the Brooklyn and Portsmouth Navy Yards and as instructor in the U. S. Naval Acad- emy at Annapolis, 18 70-' 73 ; and served in the Asiatic station on board the Hartford, the Monocacy and the Kearsargc, 1873-77. He was then on duty at the Charlestown Navy Yard, 1877-80. He com- manded the training ship Ahw Hampshire in 1881 ; made a survey of the North Pacific coast, 1883-86; and was light-house inspector, 1889-91. He was assigned to the Mare Island Navy Yard, serving as captain of the yard, 1 891 -'93, and he was a member of various examining boards, 1893-95. He commanded the receiving ship Independence at the Mare Island Station, 1895-96; commanded the iM?;^- terey, 1896-98; and was transferred to the battle- ship 0reg07i, March 19, 1898, then under orders to join the Atlantic squadron on account of threatened war with Spain. 528 American Naval Heroes. The Oregon took part in these engagements with the batteries defending the entrance to Santiago de Cuba harbor and in the battle of July 3, when the Spanish fleet was destroyed. He was detached from the Oregon, August 6, 1898, and ordered to the naval hospital at Brooklyn, New York, and on August 27 was granted two months' leave of absence. He was married to Maria Louisa, daughter of Wen- dell T. and Maria Louisa (Russell) Davis of Greenfield, Mass. Their daughters were married, one to Lieu- tenant Samuel S. Robison, and the other to Lieutenant Charles F. Hughes, both officers in the United States Navy. XLIX. GEORGE DEWEY. " The great heart of our nation throbs, not with boasting or greed of con- quest, but with deep gratitude that this triumph has come in a just cause, and that, by the grace of God, an effectual step has thus been taken toward the attain- ment of the wished-for peace." — President McKinley on learning of Dewey's victory in Manila Harbor. The hero of Manila Bay was born in MontpeHer, Vermont, December 26, 1837. His father, JuHus Yemans Dewey, was a leading physician in Montpelier, and his grandfather, Simeon Dewey, was a thrifty far- mer who migrated to Vermont from Hanover, N. H. His mother was Mary Perrin. George was an attendant of the village school and a ringleader in sport, frolic and boyish pranks. The boys were accustomed to rule the schoolmaster, but a new teacher, Major Z. K. Pangborn, determined to rule the boys and to that end began by giving George a severe flogging. He then accompanied the boy to his home where he displayed to the father the results of the chastisement inHicted, which George had taken without flinching. The Spartan father, who was the village doctor, neither commiserated with the lad nor cursed the teacher, but asked the boy if his punishment was sufficient to secure obedience to the orders of the school, and remarked that if such was not the case he would add to the sore back some additional stripes. George Dewey. 531 George as heroically acknowledged submission to authority, as he had stood up to the ordeal of the rod wielded by the sinewy arm of the "new teacher" and after the good doctor had applied a lotion to the wounds he allowed George to remain at home a day or two to let his pride as well as his bruised skin heal. This incident was the beginning of a true and lasting friendship between the future Admiral and Major Pangborn, and George followed the teacher when he left Montpelier to another school at Johnson, Vermont. After spending some time at Johnson he attended the Academy at Montpelier and in 1852 entered Norwich University, a military school, where he learned to shoulder a musket and go through the manual of arms. In 1854 he prevailed upon his father to allow him to carry out the cherished desire of his boyhood days to join the navy, and Dr. Dewey readily obtained for his son an appointment to Annapolis through the Hon. James Meecham, representative in Congress from that district, who was also a college professor and a Congregational minister. Young Dewey found at the Naval Academy the life of which he had so long dreamed, and his progress was so rapid that on commencement day in 1858 he found himself fifth in his class. He was now a passed mid- shipman in the United States Navy and was assigned to the United States frigate, Wabash, attached to the Mediterranian squadron. Returning home in 1859, he was given leave of absence and was resting at his 532 Ajnerican Naval Heroes. boyhood home among the hills ci Vermont when the news of the firing upon the Stars and Stripes that floated over Fort Sumter aroused him to the fact that his country was in need of him, and he hastened to the national capitol to report for duty. He was com- missioned lieutenant, April 19, 1861, and was assigned to the steam sloop-of-war Mississippi, a side wheeler of 17 guns commanded by Captain Melancthon Smith. The Mississippi left Hampton Roads, V^a., as one of the vessels making up the fleet of Flag-officers Farragut and Porter, ordered to operate with the west gulf blockading squadron in reducing Forts Jackson and St. Philip on the Mississippi river below New Orleans, and to capture the city. In the order of battle the Mississippi was assigned to the first division under Captain Theodorus Bailey, who on the Cayuga as flag- ship, led the division and the fleet. His orders from Flag-officer Farragut were to run the gauntlet of Fort Jackson which was on the right, and to open fire only when reaching Fort St. Philip on the left bank of the river. The Alississippi was the third vessel in the first division being preceded by the Cayuga and the Pensacola. The forts were passed on April 24, and after the passage, a fleet of eleven Confederate vessels includ- ing the two rams (iron-clads), the Manassas and the Louisiana, were in the river disputing the passage. They together attacked the Varuna and sunk her when Captain Bailey volunteered to ram the Manassas George Dewey. 533 with the Mississippi, and to destroy her, which service was accepted by Farragut and accomplished by a double broadside from the Mississippi. The rest of the Confederate vessels were speedily disposed of by other vessels making- up the fleet of Flag-officer Farragut. On the 29th of April, the city of New Orleans was taken possession of by the United States marines, under command of Captain John L. Broome, and the Stars and Stripes hoisted over the Custom House, and on May ist the city was formally possessed by the United States army under General B. F. Butler. The Mississippi was sent down the river after the destruction of the Confederate fleet to look after Gen- eral Butler's transports, and to intercept the Confed- erate ram Loiiisiana, which had escaped while the fleet was passing Fort Jackson, and was blown up by the Confederates while under a flag of truce. They were negotiating for the surrender to Flag-officer Porter of forts, floating batteries and munitions of war. This cleared the river below New Orleans, and broke the back-bone of the Confederate strength. In undertaking to run the batteries of Port Hud- son, the RicJunoiid became disabled, and in trying to steer clear of her the Mississippi ran aground and stuck in the mud within one hundred yards of the Confederate batteries, so close In fact, that the sailors on the Mississippi could hear the gunners talking within the fort. The battery at once opened fire on 534 American Naval Heroes. the helpless side wheeler and the vessel was soon in a blaze from stem to stern. Lieutenant Dewey was in charge of the gun-deck, and at once gave orders to spike the guns, while the crew not so employed were jumping overboard on the side opposite the battery to escape the flames. The captain with Lieutenant Dewey were the last to leave the burning vessel, and they were taken ashore by Seaman James Ruskin in a catamaran. While trudg- ing through the swamps and woods, they met a band of Confederate guerillas, who, recognizing in the ship- wrecked sailors no officers of rank, they let them pursue their course unmolsted. Dewey had cut the buttons from his coat and thus avoided capture. Admiral Porter in his Naval History of the Civil War thus describes the exploit and its result : " The steamship Mississippi, Capt. Melancthon Smith, followed in the wake of the Monongahela, firing whenever her guns could be brought to bear. At 11.30 o'clock she reached the turn which seemed to give our vessels so much trouble, and Capt. Smith was congratulating himself on the prospect of catching up with the flag- officer, when his ship grounded and heeled over three streaks to port. " The engines were instantly reversed, and the port guns run in in order to bring her on an even keel, while the fire from her star- board battery was re-opened upon the forts. The engines were backed with all the steam that could be put upon them, and the backing was continued for thirty minutes, but without avail. " It was now seen that it would be impossible to get the ship afloat. " Capt. Smith gave the order to spike the port battery and throw the guns overboard, but it was not done, for the enemy's fire was becoming so rapid and severe that the captain deemed it judicious to abandon the ship at once in order to save the lives of the men. *' \Vhile preparations were being made to destroy the ship the George Dewey. 535 sick and the wounded were lowered into boats and conveyed ashore, while the men at the starboard battery continued to fight in splendid style, firing at every flash of the enemy's gun. The small arms were thrown overboard and all possible damage was done to engine and everything else that might prove of use to the enemy. " The ship was at first set on fire in the forward storeroom, but three shots came through below her water line and put out the flames. She was then set fire in four places aft, and when the flames were well under way, so as to make her destruction certain, Capt. Smith and his first lieutenant (George Dewey) left the ship, all the other officers and crew having been landed before. " The J/mm//// was soon in a blaze fore and aft, and as she was now relieved of a great deal of weight — by the removal of her crew and the destruction of her upper works — she floated off the bank and drifted down the river, much to the danger of the Union vessels below. But she passed without doing them any injury, and at 5.30 o'clock blew up and went to the bottom. " The detonation was heard for miles around, and exceedingly rejoiced the hearts of the Confederates along the banks of the river." In July, 1863, Lieutenant Dewey was with the gun-boat flotilla that engaged the Confederates below Donaldsonville, and in the spring of 1864. he was on duty at the Kittery Navy Yard, Portsmouth, N. H., and was attached to the North Atlantic blockading squadron on board the steam gun-boat Agawani, one of the fleet that made the two memorable attacks on Fort Fisher, N. C, in December, 1864, and January, 1865, in the latter of which the fort was captured. He received his commission as lieutenant-com- mander, March 3, 1865, served on the Kearsarge as executive officer 1865-67 and on the flag-ship Colo- rado of the European squadron, 1867—68. In 1868 he was assigned to duty at the Naval Academy, Annapolis, and in 1870. received his first command, 536 American Naval Heroes. that of the Nai^ragansett, with which vessel he was detailed to special service receiving while on that duty, his commission as commander, and from 1872 to 1875 having charge of tl\e Pacific survey. He was lighthouse inspector from 1875 to 1877; secretary of the lighthouse board, 1877-82, and commanded the Juniata of the Asiatic squadron, 1882-84. He was promoted to the rank of captain in September, 1884, and commanded the Dolphin, one of the four new ships making up the original " white squadron." He commanded the Pensacola, flag-ship of the European squadron, 1885-88, and was chief of the bureau of equipment and recruiting, 1888-93 with the rank of commodore given him August i, 1889, and a member of the lighthouse board for a second time, 1893-96. He received his commission as commodore, Febru- ary 28, 1896, and at the same time was made president of the Board of Inspection and Survey at Washington, D. C, serving from i896-'98. On January i, 1898, he was placed in command of the Asiatic squad- ron, and after the battle of the Bay of Manila, May 1-2, 1898, he was promoted to the rank of acting rear- admiral. May 12, 1898, and received the thanks of the President and the joint houses of Congress, May 10, 1898. Commodore Dewey's fleet cruising in Asiatic waters in the spring of 1898, comprised the protected cruisers Olympia, Baltimore, Raleigh and Boston, and George Dewey. 537 the gun-boats Concord and Petrel. The flag-ship Olympia, an unarmored steel protected cruiser of 5,870 tons displacement — 21.6 knots speed, 17,313 horse- power, armed with four 8-inch breech-loading rifle guns as a main battery with a secondary battery of four- teen 6-pounders rapid fire, six i -pounder rapid firing cannon, and four Gatling guns, was built in 1891-92 at a cost of $1,796,000 and was commanded by Captain C. V. Gridley. The Baltimore, an unarmored protected cruiser of 4,413 tons displacement, with a speed of 20.09 knots, 10,064 horse-power, armed with four 8- inch and six 6-inch breech-loading rifles as a main bat- tery with a secondary battery of four 6-pounders rapid fire, five i -pounder rapid fire cannon, four thirty- seven to the minute Hotchkiss revolving cannon and two Gatling guns, was built in 1887-88 at a cost of $1,325,000 and was commanded by Captain N. M. Dyer. The protected cruiser Raleigh of 3,213 tons displace- ment, a speed of 19 knots, 10,000 horse-power, a main battery of ten 5-inch and one 6-inch rapid firing guns and a secondary battery of eight 6-pounders rapid fire, four I -pounder rapid fire cannon and two Gatling guns, was built in 1889-90, at a cost of $1,100,100 and was commanded by J. B. Coghlan. The protected cruiser Boston of 3,000 tons displacement, a speed of 18.6 knots, 4,030 horse-power, amain battery of six 6- inch and two 8-inch breech-loading rifles, a secondary battery of two 6-pounders and two 3-pounder rapid fire, two I -pounder rapid firing cannon and two Gatling 538 American Naval Heroes. guns, was built in 1883-84 at a cost of $619,000, and was commanded by Captain Frank Wildes. The gun- boat Concord, 1,710 tons displacement, a speed of 16.8 knots, 3,405 horse-power, a main battery of six 6-inch breech-loading rifles and a secondary battery of two 6- pounder rapid fire, two 3-pounder rapid fire guns, 237 new Hotchkiss revolving cannon and two Catling guns, was built in 1888-89 at a cost of $490,000 and was commanded by Commodore Asa Walker. The gun-boat Petrel, 892 tons displacement, 1,095 horse- power with a main battery of four 6-inch breech-loading rifles and a secondary battery of one i -pounder rapid firing gun, 227 new Hotchkiss revolving cannon and five Catling guns, was built in 1887-88 at a cost of $247,000, and was in charge of Commander E. P. Wood. On Monday, April 25, 1898, Commodore Dewey received the news of the declaration of war between the United States and Spain, and a notice to quit British waters. He also received a telegraphic des- patch from the government at Washington, dated April 24, 1898, to proceed forthwith to the Philippine Islands, then to begin operations and engage the Spanish fleet. The fleet set sail for Manila on Wednesday, April 27, at the fastest possible speed, and at eight o'clock Saturday night, April 30, arrived off the batteries at the entrance of Manila Bay. Commodore Dewey de- cided to enter the bay at once, and ordered all lights out and the guns manned. ik^rW I ■Sis* 'TOii '"^ 11 ^ ft George Dewey. 539 Leading with the Olympia, followed by the Balti- ?nore, the Raleigh, the Petrel, the Concord and the Boston, the squadron under a bright moonlight proceeded past Corregidor Island. This order was maintained during the entire engagement. When the flag-ship had reached a point one mile beyond the island, a heavy shot from a Spanish battery passed over the Raleigh and the Olympia, followed by a second shot which fell astern these vessels. The Raleigh was the first to reply, her shell going scream- ing into the heart of the Spanish battery where it exploded. The Concord and the Boston sent shells belching from their guns almost simultaneously with that of the Raleigh, and the battery was silenced. The fleet then diminished its speed and the men were allowed to sleep at their guns. By daylight the invading squadron was within five miles of Manila. In the distance toward Cavite, where there was a well equipped navy yard known as Cavite Arsenal, Dewey discovered the Spanish fleet under weigh and in the following order of battle : The protected cruiser Reina Christina of 3.500 tons displacement, the flag-ship of Admiral Montijo ; the protected cruiser Costilla of 3,200 tons astern the port battery of the Reina Christina, and to the leeward the cruisers Don jfnna de Austria, Don Antonio de Ulloa^ Is la de Cuba, Is la de Luzon, El Correo, Marquis del Ducro, the Ge?ieral Lezo, Velasco, Isla de Mendanao and several smaller vessels, eleven in all, under protection of the 540 American Naval Heroes. fire of land forts. As the United States fleet steamed past the city of Manila with the Stars and Stripes flying from every masthead, three batteries mounting power- ful guns opened fire on the ships which were five miles off shore, and the shell fell beyond the ships. The Concoi'd responded to the fire with two shots. No more were fired and the fleet proceeded at an eight-knot rate of speed, Commodore Dewey not wish- ing to bombard the city without notice. Nearing the Spanish fleet, two mines planted off Cavite Point exploded ahead of the Oly^npia throwing up immense volumes of water but not harming the ships. This incident in no way deterred the purpose of the com- modore, and he kept on his way expecting rt any moment to be saluted by an explosion of other sub- marine mines. As they approached the enemy's fleet a shot from a shore battery off Cavite Point passed over the flag- ship and its force was not spent until it landed at the base of the battery in Manila. With this both the batteries and the Spanish fleet opened fire anJ they George Dewey. 541 soon got the range that landed their shot and shell in the midst of the United States fleet rendering the position extremely uncomfortable. The Olympia remained silent and only the throb of the engine and the whirr of the blowers could be heard. The other ships followed their gallant leader silently and sullenly. Commodore Dewey, Staff Com- mander Lamberton, Executive Officer Lieutenant Reco and Navigator Lieutenant Calkins were on the bridge forward, while Captain Gridley was in the conning tower by orders of Commodore Dewey, who deemed it inexpedient to risk losing all senior officers, by massing them on the bridge where a single shell might incapacitate them from duty. Reaching a point 5,000 yards from the Spanish forts the commodore passed the order to Gridley : "You may fire when ready," and at 5.41 o'clock the starboard 8-inch gun of the forward turret of the Olympia effectively saluted the forts. Immediately there followed from the Baltimore and the Boston similar salutes accompanied by 250-pound shells 542 American Naval Heroes. against the Castilla and the Reina Christina respec- tively. Early in the engagement two launches put out toward the Olynipia with the apparent intention of using torpedoes. One was sunk and the other disabled by the fire of the Olympia before an opportunity occurred to fire torpedoes. The Spanish had the range of the American fleet and they quickened their fire, and between the heavy guns of the forts and the rapid fire guns of the cruisers, the position was one requiring immediate action on the part of Commodore Dewey. As one large shell was coming straight for the bridge on which the com- modore and his officers stood it promised serious consequences but fortunately fell short of the gunner's aim by lOO feet, fragments cutting the rigging over the bridge, striking the gratings in line and boring a hole in the deck under the feet of the commodore. The Olympia kept on her way for the centre of the Spanish line and when within 4,000 yards of his mark he changed his course and ran parallel to the line of the Spanish column. The order came to the impatient gunners " Open with all guns," and as the port broadside was brought to bear upon the enemy the Olympia belched forth from her 5 -inch rapid fire guns such a storm as swept the deck of the Spanish cruisers. To this was added the compliments from all the 8-inch guns in her turrets as they were brought to bear upon the enemy's ships. The example was followed by the George Dewey. 543 Ihjliimore, the Raleigh, the Petrel, the Concord and the Boston, and Cavite harbor was a hot place for the Spanish fleet, even protected as it was by the land batteries. The vessels of both fleets kept sailing back and forth, the smaller Spanish vessels keeping behind the Castilla. After making four runs along the Spanish line, Navigator Calkins asked leave to carry the Olym- pia nearer to the enemy and with men heaving the lead he brought her within 2,000 yards as she made her fifth course. This brought her 6-pounders in use and the storm of shell soon told on the enemy's ships. These were seen burning and their fire be- came less frequent. When this run was completed the commodore ordered breakfast as the men had already been at their guns two hours with only a cup of coffee. At 7.35 action temporarily ceased on the Olympta and as the other ships in turn passed the flag-ship the men cheered lustily. The entire fleet remained out of range until 10.50 o'clock. The commodore then gave the signal for close action and the Baltimore was given the place of honor in the lead, the Olyinpia following, and the others in order as before breakfast. The Baltimore opened at sixteen minutes past eleven at close range and displayed a target practice, every discharge a bull's eye. The enemy were slow and irregular in returning the fire and Dewey signalled the Raleigh, Boston, Concord and 544 American Naval Heroes. Petrel to destroy the ships in the harbor. The Petrel approached within i,ooo yards and soon com- manded every Spanish flag then flying. The largest ships of Dewey's fleet were equally effective in their work and soon not a red and yellow flag was aloft save that on the battery up the coast. The Reina Christina was afire and soon sank. The Castilla was in as desperate condition and of the eleven ships the last to strike her colors was the Don Antonio de Ulloa which lurched and sank, and at 12.30 a white flag replaced the Spanish ensign on the arsenal staff. Dewey then signalled the Petrel, being of the lightest draft, to destroy all the enemy's vessels in the harbor and the Do7i Juan de Aiistria, the Marquis del Duero, the Isla de Cuba, the Velasco, the Ge7i- eral Lezo and the El Correo were set on fire by Lieutenant Hughes with an armed boat crew. The transport Manila and the tug-boats and smaller craft were captured. Dewey's orders from Washington had been " capture or destroy the Spanish squadron" and after seven hours in Manila harbor Spain's second largest naval fleet was as if it had not existed save for the terrible loss of Spanish life, while in carrying out the order, not one American life had been sacrificed. Such a victory had never before been recorded in history. The civilized world had another example of American valor and the hero history of the world had been enriched by the deeds of both victor and vanquished. George Dewey. 545 Commodore Dewey closed his official report as follows: " I am unable to obtain complete accounts of the enemy's killed and wounded, but believe their losses to be very heavy. The Reina Christina alone had 150 killed, including the captain, and ninety wounded. I am happy to report that the damage done to the squadron under my command was inconsiderable. There were none killed and only seven men in the squadron very slightly wounded. " Several of the vessels were struck and even penetrated, but the damage was of the slighest, and the squadron is in as good condition now as before the battle. " 1 beg to state to the department that I doubt if any commander- in-chief was ever served by more loyal, efficient and gallant captains than those of the squadron now under my command. " Captain Frank Wildes, commanding the Boston, volunteered to remain in command of his vessel, although his relief arrived before leaving Hong Kong. Assistant Surgeon Kindleberger of the Olym- pia and Gunner J. C. Evans of the Boston also volunteered to re- main after orders detaching them had arrived. " The conduct of my personal staff was excellent. Commander B. P. Lamberton, chief-of-staflf, was a volunteer for that position, and gave me most efficient aid. Lieutenant Brumby, flag-lieutenant, and Ensign W. P. Scott, aide, performed their duties as signal officers in a highly creditable manner. " The Olympia being short of officers for the battery. Ensign H. H. Caldwell, flag-secretary, volunteered for and was assigned to a sub-division of 5-inch battery. Mr. J. E. Stickney, formerly an officer in the United States Navy and now correspondent for the New York Herald, volunteered for duty as my aide, and rendered valuable services. " I desire especially to mention the coolness of Lieutenant C. G. Calkins, the navigator of the Olympia, who came under my personal observation, being on the bridge with me throughout the entire action and giving the ranges to the guns with an accuracy that was proven by the excellency of the firing. On May 2, the day follow- ing the engagement, the squadron again went to Cavite, where it remains." William Thomas Sampson. WILLIAM THOMAS SAMPSON. "The commandiii"; officer of every vessel knew bis post and his duty in case of an attempt to escape, so that when that attempt came the movement to pre- vent it by the attack of our vessels upon the outcoming Spaniards went on like clock-work as like at Chattanooga every movement of that great battle was carried out, although General Grant was neither at Missionary Kidge nor Look- out Mountain." — Sccretar-y I.ojtg. The commander-in-chief of the United States Naval forces operating- in the North Atlantic against the navy of Spain in 1S98, was born in Palmyra, Wayne County, N. Y., February 9, 1840. His father, George Sampson, was a day laborer and as a boy William accompanied him on tramps from one farm house to another and helped him to split and pile wood and to do other chores for the neighbors. He was a bright boy and managed to attend the public schools at intervals. He made a friend of Squire Southwick of Palmyra, who upon learning that Representive E. B. Morgan of Aurora, had a right to appoint a naval cadet to the Academy at Annapolis, went to the congress- man and asked him to appoint young Sampson which he did. He went to Annapolis in 1857, and was graduated in 1S61. and attached to the United States frigate Polo}nai\ with the rank of master. He won his promotion as lieutenant by good conduct and close observance to duty and was commissioned July 16, 1862. He served on the practice ship JoJui Adams, 548 American Naval Heroes. at the naval academy, on the iron-clad Pataspco of the South Atlantic blockading squadron, and on the United States steam frigate Colorado, flag-ship of the Euro- pean squadron. He was executive oflficer of the Patapsco off Charleston harbor, when on January 16, 1865, the admiral of the fleet ordered that vessel to enter the harbor, search for hidden mines and torpe- does and take them up or destroy them preparatory to a general attack on the forts and city. Lieutenant Sampson was on the bridge of the Patapsco as she came under the fire of the forts and shore batteries and despite the terrific iron hail he maintained his post on the bridge, but ordered the sailors and marines behind the protection iron of the lower deck. At this moment the firing ceased with ill-boding suddenness. He had hardly time to discern the cause when the iron-clad went up into the air from the con- cussion of an enormous torpedo which had exploded directly under her. With his ship the executive offi- cer went up and was thrown one hundred feet away from the wreck into the sea. He saw his companions struggling in the trough made by the sinking of the iron mass, and more than seventy had been torn to pieces by the explosion. The survivors were rescued by the boats that came to their aid, and the next day Lieutenant Sampson was ready for duty none the worse for his experience. He was commissioned lieu- tenant-commander, July 25, 1866 ; commander, August 9, 1872, and captain, March 26. 1889. William T/io?nas Sampson. 549 In 1880 he was given command of the Swatara of the Asiatic squadron. He was assistant superinten- dent of the United States Naval Observatory, 1882-83, and superintendent of the United States Naval Acad- emy, 1886-93. He was chief of the bureau of ordnance, 1893-97, ^^^^ commanded the Iowa, 1897- '98. He was appointed acting rear-admiral in May, 1898, and given command of the North Atlantic fleet operating in Cuban waters. He destroyed the Span- ish fleet of Admiral Cervera off Santiago, July 3, 1898, and the secretary of the navy in answer to a news- paper correspondent, defended his action as follows : — Navy Deparimeni-, Washington, D. C, Aug. 8, 1898. My Dear Sir : — I am in receipt of your letter and hasten to as- sure you that what you say about Admiral Sampson is so unjust that it can only be pardoned on the ground of your ignorance of the whole matter. You have no appreciation of the responsibihties that have been upon Admiral Sampson, of his very superior attainments as an officer, and the splendid work he has done in preparing for the naval victory which was the crowning accomplishment of his efforts for weeks and weeks before Santiago. Justice is always done in the long run. But when you indulge in such unfounded criticism, I cannot forbear to protest, as I should feel bound to do if you had referred in similar terms to any other of our deserving officers. First — Admiral Sampson was selected for the command of the North Atlantic squadron because the department, in the exercise of its best judgment, with an eye single to the public interests, believed that he was especially fitted for the place. Admiral Sicard, who held the command, having become incapaci- tated for duty by reason of sickness, was necessarily withdrawn by order of the department, and Sampson was next in command. The two are especially accomplished ordnance officers, havmg been each at the head of the ordnance bureau and having devoted 550 American Naval Heroes. themselves to that branch of naval science. Sampson is a man of the very highest professional attainments, solely devoted to his duty. He never pushes himself forward, and when you accuse him of any- thing of that sort you do most cruel injustice to a man who has never sought favor or applause in any other way than by the simple discharge of his duty. Second — The movement on Porto Rico was not a movement for its capture. The department, which has very rarely interfered with the movements of admirals commanding squadrons, did, however, make one express order and that was that our battleships should not be exposed to the risk of serious injury from the fire of any fort. At that time the Spanish fleet was strong. Its whereabouts and destination were unknown. The primal necessity was to meet and crush its ships and to secure for us the domination of the sea. The Oregon had not arrived, the Maine was destroyed, and no naval authority would justify the unnecessary risk of the destruction of any of our battleships except in battle with the enemy's ships. The movement to Porto Rico was to meet, if possible, the fleet of Cervera, which was then expected. Cervera, undoubtedly learn- ing that our fleet was at San Juan, changed his destination to San- tiago. Our movement to Porto Rico thus became reconnoissance and fulfilled its purpose. There was no intention at the time of taking Porto Rico as the army was not there to co-operate. Third — With regard to sending our ships into the harbor of San- tiago : Admiral Sampson was acting under the explicit orders of the department not to expose his armored ships to the risk of sinking by mmes, and the wisdom of the course, I believe, is universally acknowledged by naval authorities. He waited, as he should have done, the co-operation of the army. How effectually under this co-operation the result was accomplished is now a matter of history. There are few more graphic scenes than must have been presented at 4 o'clock on the afternoon of the 4th of July, when Shaffer, with his troops ready to assault Santiago, awaited the reply of the Spanish com- mander to the demand for surrender. Sampson's fleet was at the mouth of the harbor, drawn up in line and ready to bombard, as it had been for days previous, and the signal officer stood on the heights ready to wig-wag the signal for firing. Happily, instead of this signal came the good word that the Spanish had surrendered to this combined readiness for attack. JJ^iI/iain TJionias Sampson. 551 Fourth — Please bear in mind the variety and weight of the re- sponsibihties which were upon Admiral Sampson for the month prior to the great battle which destroyed Cervera's fleet. He was commanding officer of the whole squadron ; charged with the blockade of the whole Cuban coast ; charged with the detail of all the movements of ships ; charged with clerical correspondence with the department and other officers especally charged with pre- venting the escape of Cervera. Remember that this man, whom you so sweepingly accuse, was devoting his days and nights to these duties. If you will read the orders issued by him, beginning with June i, you will find that the most thorough precautions had been taken to prevent the escape of Cervera ; that our fleet was kept constantly in line, so far from the entrance by night and so far by day ; that the most rigid care with search-lights and every other appliance was taken every night that the commanding officer of every vessel knew his post and his duty in case of an attempt to escape, so that when that attempt came the movement to prevent it, by the attack of our vessels upon the outcoming Spaniards, went on Uke clock-work as at Chattanooga, every movement of that great battle was carried out, although Gen- eral Grant was neither at Missionary Ridge nor Lookout Mountain. I can well understand why. the friends of other officers should be so enthusiastic and earnest as I am in giving them the credit they so richly, every one of them, deserve for their glorious work. I cannot conceive of anybody so mean as to detract by a single hair from their merit. But I cannot understand why such a bitter feeling is mani- fested in many quarters toward Admiral Sampson, when all these officers subordinate to him, in their reports, clearly and cordially recognize the fact that, although at the beginning he was, by orders from Washington, going to confer with General Shafter, yet the battle was fought under his orders, and that the victory was the consummation of his thorough preparations. For myself, I know of no predilection for any one of these gallant men. I would crown every one of them with laurels. I want them all to have their just deserts. Every one of them deserves unstinted praise ; not one of them deserves any less than a full measure for that day's work, and" therefore, I can think of nothing more cruel than a depreciation of the merit of the faithful, devoted, patriotic commander-in-chief, physically frail, worn with sleepless vigil 55- American Naval Heroes. weighed with measureless responsibiUty and details, letting no duty go undone ; for weeks with ceaseless precautions, blockading the Spanish squadron, at last, by the untiring fulfilment of his plans, crushing it under the fleet which executed his command, yet now compelled in dignified silence to be assailed as vindictively as if he were an enemy. I am sure that no one deprecates such an attack more than the officers of the fleet, commodore, captains and all. Among them all is peace ; whatever disquiet there may be elsewhere, the navy is serene. I am reminded of Harriet Beecher Stowe's beautiful verse : " Far, far beneath, the noise of tempests dieth And silver waves chime ever peacefully; And no rude storm, how fierce so e'er it flieth, Disturbs the Sabbath of that deeper sea," Truly yours, (Signed) John D. Long. LI. WINFIELD SCOTT SCHLEY. "Resolved: — That the thanks of Congress and the American people are hereby tendered to Commodore Winfield S. Schley of the United States Naval force operating against the Spanish force in Cuban waters, for highly distin- guished conduct in conflict with the enemy, as displayed by him in the destruction of the Spanish fleet off the harbor of Santiago, Cuba, July 3, 1898." — Resolution passed by the United States Senate, July, iSgS. Winfield Scott Schley was born at Richfield Farm, in Frederick County, Md., October 9, 1839, son of John Thomas and Virginia (McClure) Schley, grandson of John Thomas Schley, and great-grandson of John Thomas Schley, who came to America from Germany in 1745, went first to Pennsylvania and finally made his home in what became the town of Frederick, Md., and built the first house erected in that place. He came into possession of 300 acres of land a few miles from Frederick, below the Monocacy and Tuscarora rivers, and his son Thomas built a large old-time Maryland house on the estate. In this house the future admiral of the United States Navy was born. His father was an intimate friend of General Win- field Scott, and the great soldier was a guest at Schley's house when the son was born, and the host named him for the euest. He was educated with his two brothers, Eugene and Arthur, at St. John's Catholic //infield Scott Schley. Winfield Scott Schley. 555 school, although their parents were Protestants. He was appointed to the United States Naval Academy by Representative Huffman, and was graduated in i860. He was attached to the frigates Niagara and Potomac, then to the gun-boat Winona and the sloops Monongahcla and RicJimond, and saw service at the capture of Fort Hudson on board the Potomac. He was promoted lieutenant, July 16, 1862, and as lieu- tenant-commander was given command of the United States gun-boat Wateree in the Pacific squadron. He was attached to the Asiatic squadron in 1S71. and took part in the capture of the Corian forts on the Salee river. He was promoted commander in 1874, and was stationed at the Naval Academy, 1874-76. He sailed in the Essex on the Brazil station, 1876 -'79, and was lighthouse inspector, 1880-83. He headed the Greely relief expedition of 1884, and during this expedition his ship passed through i ,400 miles of ice and brought the rescued party back from Sabine, Grinnell Land. Had he been delayed twenty-four hours the fi\e survivors would have perished. This exploit made Commander Schley's name known throughout the civilized world. His services were recognized by the government at Washington, and he was placed in charge of the Bureau of Equipment. He received his commission as captain, March 30, t888, and when the protected cruiser Baltimore was launched, Captain Schley resigned as chief of the Bureau of Equipment, and was placed in command of 556 ATnerican Naval Heroes. the new ship. He carried the body of John Ericsson, the builder of the Monitor, the httle iron-clad that vanquished the Mcrrimac in Hampton Roads, back to the native land of the great inventor and patriot, and the Swedish people feted and honored him as the Commander of the Baltimore and the representative of the United States Navy. In 1891 he was ordered with the Balti7?iore to Valparaiso, Chili, at the outbreak of hostilities between that country and Peru, and his manly bearing through these tr\ing times which f followed the fight on shore, October 19, 1861, between Chilian and American sailors, in which one Yankee blue-jacket was killed and five others badly hurt, won for him the admiration of the country as a true American sailor. He was promoted to the rank of commodore, and placed in command of the North Atlantic tlying squad- ron at the outbreak of the war with Spain early in 1898, his mission being to watch the approach of the Spanish navy and guard the cities of the Atlantic coast against threatened bombardment. Following is Commodore Schle)''s report on the destruction of Cervera's ileet, made to Rear-Admiral Sampson, and transmitted by the latter to the Navy Department : North Atlantic Fleet, Second Squadrox, U. S. Flag-ship Bpooklvn. GuANTANAMO Bay, Cuba, July 6, 1898. Sir— I have the honor to make the following report of that part of the squadron under your command which came under my U'lnjicld Scott Schley. ' 557 observation during the engagement with the Spanish fleet on July 3, 1898. At 9.35 a. m., Admiral Cervera, with the Infanta Maria Teresa, Vizcaya, Oquendo, Christohal Colon and two torpedo-boat destroyers, came out of the harbor of Santiago de Cuba in column, at distance, and attempted to escape to the westward. Signal was made from the Iowa that the enemy was coming out, but his move- ment had been discovered from this ship at the same moment. This vessel was the farthest west, except the VLxen, on the blockading line. Signal was made to the western division, as pre- scribed in your general orders, and there was immediate and rapid movement inward by your squadron and a general engagement at ranges beginning at 1,100 yards and varying to 3,000, until the Vizcaya was destroyed about 10.50 a. m. The concentration of the fire of the squadron upon the ships coming out was most furious and terrific, and great damage was done them. About twenty or twenty-five minutes after the engagement began, two vessels, thought to be the Maria Teresa and Oqnefido, and since verified as such, took fire from the effecdve shelling of the squadron and were forced to run on the beach some six or seven miles west of the harbor entrance, where they burned and blew up later. The torpedo-boat destroyers were destroyed early in the action, but the smoke was so dense in their direction that I cannot say to which vessel or ves- sels the credit belongs. This doubtless was better seen from your flag-ship. The Vizcaya and Colon, perceiving the disaster to their con- sorts, continued at full speed to the westward to escape, and were followed and engaged in a running fight with the Brooklyn, Texas, loiva and Oregon until 10.50, when the Vizcaya took fire from our shells. She put her helm to port, and, with a heavy list to port, stood in shore and ran aground at Ascerraderos, about twenty miles west of Santiago, on fire fore and aft, and where she blew up during the night. Observing that she had struck her colors, and that several vessels were nearing her to capture and save her crew, signal was made to cease firing. The Oregon having proved vastly faster than the other battleships, she and the Brooklyn, together with the Texas and another vessel, which proved to be your flag-ship, continued westward in pursuit of the Colon, which had run close in shore, evi- dently seeking some good spot to beach if she should fail to elude her pursuers. This pursuit continued with increasing speed in the Brooklyn, Oregon and other ships, and soon the Brooklyn and the Oregon were within long range of the Colon, when the Oregon 560 American Naval Heroes. your command, and I am glad that I had an opportunity to con- tribute in the least to a victory that seems big enough for all of us. Since reaching this place and holding conversation with several of the captains, viz., Captain Eulate of the Vizcaya, and Commander Contreras, the second in command of the Colo?i, I have learned that the Spanish admiral's scheme was to concentrate all fire for awhile on the Brooklyn, and the Vizcaya to ram her, in hopes, if they could . destroy her, the chance of escape would be increased, as it was sup- posed she was the swiftest ship of your squadron. This explains the heavy fire mentioned and the Vizcaya's action in the earlier moments of the engagement. The execution of this purpose was promptly defeated by the fact that all the ships of the squadron advanced into close range and opened an irresistably furious and terrific fire upon the enemy's squadron as it was coming out of the harbor. I am glad to say that the injury supposed to be below the water line was due to a water- valve being opened from some unknown cause, and flooding the compartment. The injury to the belt is found to be only slight and the leak small. I cannot close this report without mentioning in high terms of praise the splendid conduct and support of Captain C. E. Clark of the Oregon. Her speed was wonderful, and her accurate fire splen- didly destructive. Very respectfully, W. S. SCHLEV. Commodore United States Navy, commanding second squadron North Atlantic fleet. LII. ROBLEY DUNGLISON EVANS. " Fkihtinc; Boh Evans.'' The commander of the Jozua in the battle of San- tiago Bay, was born in Floyd County, Va., August 1 8, 1846. He was entered a naval cadet in May, 1S59; was graduated at Annapolis, in May, 1863 ; was promoted ensign, October i, 1863; master, May 10. 1866; lieutenant, July 25, 1866; lieutenant-commander March 12, 1868; commander, July 12, 1878; and cap- tain, June 27, 1893. He was on board the frigate Powhatan, i863-'64; in the North Atlantic squadron in 1864-65 ; was wounded in the engagement at Fort Fisher in January, 1865, and was retired from active service. Upon his recovery he was restored to the active list at his own request and sailed for China in 1866 on the Delaware, the flag-ship of Vice- Admiral Rowan. On returning home he was on ordnance duty and was stationed at Annapolis, 1870-72. He was navigator of the Shenandoah in the Medi- terranean squadron i872-'74; and w.as executive offi- cer of the Co7igress in the Mediterranean squadron, 1874-76. 56. 562 American Naval Heroes. He was ordered home to attend the inauguration of the Centennial Exposition of Philadelphia, 1876; commanded the training ship Saratoga, 1876-80 ; and was equipment officer at the Washington Navy Yard, i88o-'8i. As a member of the first advisory board, offered the resolution by which steel was adopted as the material for the construction of all future war vessels built by the United States. He was chief inspector of steel and organized the scheme for the inspection of all material going in to new war ships, in 1887. He superintended the construction of the battleship Maine, 1888-89. In 1889 he obtained leave of absence and erected a sulphite fibre mill at Appleton, Wis. He was in command of the Bering Sea fleet, and in 1894 was assigned to the cruiser A''^zty Yo7'k. On November 20, 1895, he was placed in command of the battleship Indiana and superintended the completion of that vessel, and in March 25, 1898, was assigned to com- mand the battleship Iowa. He took an important part in the blockade of the Cuban ports ; in the search for Cervera's fleet; and in its final destruction, July 3, 1898. His official report of that exploit as he saw it is given as showing the part he took in the engagement. U. S. S. Iowa (First Rate), Off Santiago de Cuha, July 4, 1898. Sir : — I have the honor to make the following report of the engagement with the Spanish squadron off Santiago de Cuba on the 3d of July : On the morning of the 3d, while the crew was at quarters for Sunday inspection, the leading vessel of the Spanish Robley Dunglisofi Evans. 563 s([uadron was sighted at 9.30 coming out of the harbor of Santiago de Cuba. Signal " Enemy's coming out," was immediately hoisted, and a gun fired to attract attention. The call to general quarters was sounded immediately, the battery made ready for firing and the engines rung full speed ahead. The position of this vessel at the time of sighting the squadron was the usual blocking station off the entrance of the harbor, Morro Castle bearing about north, and dis- tant about three to four miles. The steam at this time in the boilers was sufficient for a speed of five knots. After sighting the leading vessel, the Infanta Maria Teresa, Admiral Cervera's flag- ship, it was observed that she was followed in succession by the remaining three vessels of the Spanish squadron, the Vizcaya, Chris- tohal Colon and Almirante Oquendo. The Spanish ships moved at a speed of about eight to ten knots, which was steadily increased as ihey cleared the harbor entrance and stood to the westward. They maintained a distance of about eight hundred yards between vessels. The squadron moved with precision, and stations were well kept. Immediately upon sighting the leading vessel, fires were spread, and the loiva headed toward the leading Spanish ship. About 9.40 the first shot was fired from this ship at a distance of about 6,000 yards. The course of this vessel was so laid that the range speedily iliminished. A number of shots were fired at ranges varying be- tween 6,000 and 4,000 yards. The range was rapidly reduced to 2,500 yards, and subsequently to 2,000 and to 1,500 yards. When it was certain that the Maria Teresa would pass ahead of us, the helm was put to starboard, and the starboard broadsides delivered at a range of 2,500 yards. The helm was then put to port, and the ship headed across the bow of the second ship, and as she drew ahead the helm was again put to starboard, and she received in turn the full weight of our starboard broadside at a range of 1,800 yards. The loiiia was again headed ofif with port helm for the third ship, and as she approached, the helm was put to the starboard until our course was approximately that of the Spanish ship. In this position, at a range of 1,400 yards, the fire of the entire battery, including rapid-fire guns, was poured into the enemy's ship. About ten o'clock the enemy's torpedo-boat destroyers Furo and Pluton were observed to have left the harbor and to be follow- ing the Spanish squadron. At the. time that they were observed? and in fact, most of the time that they were under fire, they were at a distance varying from 4,500 to 4,000 yards. As soon as they were discovered the secondary battery of this ship was turned upon them. 564 American Naval Heroes. while the main battery continued to engage the Vizcaya, Oquendo, and Maria Teresa. The fire of the main battery of this ship, when the range was below 2,500 yards, was most effective and destructive, and after a continuance of this fire for perhaps twenty minutes, it was noticed that the Maria Teresa and Oqiiendo were in flames, and were being headed for the beach. Their colors were struck about 10.20, and they were beached about eight miles west of Santiago. About the same time (about 10.25) the fire of this vessel, together with that of the Gloucester and another smaller vessel, proved so destructive that one of the torpedo-boat destroyers (the Pillion^ was sunk, and the Furor was so much damaged that she was run upon the rocks. After having passed, at 10.35, '^he Oquendo and Maria Teresa, 4 on fire and ashore, this vessel continued to chase and fire upon the Vizcaya until 10.36, when signal to cease firing was sounded on board, it having been discovered that the Vizcaya had struck her colors. At eleven o'clock the Iowa arrived in the vicinity of the Vizcaya, which had been run ashore, and as it was evident that she could not catch the Christobal Colon, and that the Oregon, Brook- lyn and New York would, two steam cutters and three cutters were immediately hoisted out and sent to the Vizcaya to rescue her crew. Our boats succeeded in bringing off a large number of officers and men of that ship's company, and in placing many of them on board the torpedo-boat Ericsson and the auxiliary dispatch vessel Hist. About 11.30 the New K?/-/^ passed, in chase of the Christobal Colon, which was endeavoring to escape from the Oregon, Brooklyn and Texas. We received on board this vessel from the Vizcaya, Captain Eulate, the commanding officer, and twenty-three officers, together with about two hundred and forty-eight petty officers and men, of whom thirty-two were wounded. There were also received on board five dead bodies, which were immediately buried with the honors due to their grade. The battery behaved well in all respects. The dash pot of the forward twelve-inch gun, damaged in the engagement of the 2nd, having been replaced the same day by one of the old dash pots, gave no trouble during the engagement. I give an approximate statement of the ammunition expended during the engagement. A more exact statement cannot be given at this time. This ship was struck in the hull on the starboard side, during the early part of the engagement, by two projectiles of about six Rob ley Dunglison Evans. 565 inch calibre, one striking the hull two or three feet above the actual waterline, and almost tlirectly on the line of the berth deck, pierc- ing the ship's sides between frames nine and ten, and the other piercing the side and the coffer-dam. The first projectile did not pass beyond the inner bulkhead of the coffer-dam. The hole made by it was large and ragged, being sixteen inches in a longitudinal direction and about seven inches in a vertical direction. It struck with a slight inclination aft, and perforated the coffer-dam partition bulkhead. It did not explode, and remained in the coffer-dam. The second projectile pierced the side of the ship and the coffer- dam, the upper edge of the hole being immediately below the top of the coffer-dam on the berth deck. The projectile broke off the hatch plate, and exploded and perforated the walls of the chain locker. The explosion created a small fire which was promptly extinguished. The hole in the side made by this projectile was about five feet above the waterline and about two or three feet above the berth deck. One fragment of this shell struck a link of the sheet chain, wound around the 6-pounder ammunition hoist, cutting the link in two. Another perforated the coffer-dam on the port side and slightly dished the outside plating. These two wounds, fortunately, were not of serious importance. Two or three other projectiles of small calibre struck about the upper bridge and smokestack, inflicting trifling damage, and four other small projec- tiles struck the hammock nettings and the side aft. There are no casualties among the ship's company to report. No officer or man was injured during the engagement. After having received on board the rescued crew of the Vizcaya, this vessel proceeded to the eastward and resumed the blockading station, in obedience to the signal made by the commander-in-chief, about 1 1 .30. Upon arriving at the blockading station, the Gloucester transferred to this vessel Rear-Admiral Cervera, his flag-lieutenant and the commanding officers of the torpedo-boat destroyers. Furor and Pluton, and also one of the 0(}uendd' s crew rescued by the Gloucester. Naval-cadets, Frank Taylor Evans and John E. Lewis, and five men belonging to the Massachusetts, were on board the Iowa, when the enemy's ship came out. They were stationed at different points and rendered effective service. The officers and men of this ship behaved admirably. No set of men could have done more gallant service. I take pleasure in stating to you, sir, that the coolness and judgment of the executive officer, Lieutenant-Commander Raymond 566 American Naval Heroes. P. Rodgers, deserves, and will, I hope, receive a proper reward at the hands of the government. The rest of all the executive officer's work is the conduct of ship and crew in battle. In this case it was simply superb. The coolness of the navigator, Lieutenant W. H. Schuetze, and of Lieutenant F. K. Hill, in charge of the rapid-fire guns on the upper deck, are worthy of the highest commendation. Other officers of the ship did not come under my personal observa- tion, but the result of the action shows how well they did their duty. I cannot express my admiration for my magnificent crew. So long as the enemy showed his flag, they fought like American seamen, but when the flag came down they were as gentle and tender as American women. In conclusion, sir, allow me to congratulate you on the complete victory achieved by our fleet. Very respectfully, R. D. Evans. Captain, United States Navy, Commanding. LIII. RICHARD WAINWRIGHT. "As commander Wainwright from the deck of the Clouci'ster looked at Cervera's shattered and burning torpedo boats he cried out, ' The Maii7e is avenged !' " — Press Dispatch, Jtily lo^ i8g8. Lieu tenant- Commander Richard Wainwright, was born in the District of Columbia, the son of Captain Richard Wainwright, U. S. N., who died at New Orleans, La., August lo, 1862, while in command of the United States sloop-of-war Hartford. He was appointed mid- shipman, as the son of an officer, September 28, 1864 ; was promoted to ensign, April 16, 1869; to master, July 12, 1870; to lieutenant, September 25, 1873; and to lieutenant-commander, September 16, 1894. On December 8, 1897, he was assigned to the battle-ship Maine and was executive officer of that vessel when she was destroyed in Havana harbor by the explosion of a submarine mine. On the fateful night of February 15, 1898, Execu- tive Officer Wainwright was the last man to leave the torn and battered wreck, and then not until he had secured the halyards that held the Stars and Stripes at half-mast over the coffin of 266 officers, sailors and marines who went down to their death through the treachery of an apparently friendly power. He was^ 567 Richard Waijiwrighi. 56c) th(^ last siirvivinpf officer of the Maine left in Havana harbor and for weeks conducted a weary search for the dead bodies of his shipmates. On April 5, 1898, after pulling down the flag- that had been half-masted day and night for nearly two months, from the shrouds of the wrecked battleship, he resigned the iron hulk into the hands of Spain. Soon afterward he reported to Secretary Long at Washington, D. C. When asked b\' a fellow officer what position he wanted in case of war with Spain, which he prophesied, he replied, "As a lieutenant-commander only, I know I cannot expect a separate command of great importance, but I'd like to get a good little vessel with some capable guns and then I'd like to get a crack at the enemy on something like even terms." His wish was fulfilled, and his own story of how he helped to avenge the Maine is here given. Shortly after the outbreak of hostilities Wain- wright was put in charge of Commodore Morgan's yacht, the Corsair. It had been bought by the gov- ernment, renamed the Gloucester, and fitted as an aux- iliar)' vessel, being given a miniature battery of four 6-pounders,. four 3-pounders and two Colt automatic rilles. Four of the officers were regulars and five volunteers. Her crew numbered ninety-three men. The Gloucester was ordered to join Admiral Samp- son's fleet, and proceeded via Key West and Uanes to Santiago. When blockading off Santiago her station was on the eastern end of the line and inshore of all 570 Aniericaji Naval Heroes. the vessels, being off Aguadores in the day time and off the Morro during the night. Sunday morning, July 3, she was in her usual station. This was the day when Cevera sailed out of Santiago harbor. Wainwright takes up his own stor) thus : "The fleet opened fire at once on the Maria Teresa. VVe were heading out and commenced firing with our after guns. Our helm was put hard a-port, so that we turned toward the Indiana and in the direction taken by the enemy, and was kept a-port until we were heading at right angles to their column. We were in every way prepared for our work, the men being at quarters, with plenty of ammunition on deck, except for the time required to attain full speed. " As soon as the enemy were sighted, orders were given to start the blowers, and we were soon under a full head of steam. "The enemy soon developed their tactics, such as they were. They evidently expected to take advantage of their high speed and escape past the western end of our fleet before we could destroy them. " We of the Gloucester closed in toward the enemy, firing such guns as we could bring to bear. We were near the Indiana and anxiously looking for the destroyers. They were not very far be- hind the armored cruisers, but the time appeared long as we slowed down to wait for them. " As soon as the Pluton and Furor made their appearance our duty was plain — we must prevent them from attacking one of our battle ships. We started ahead at full speed and gradually closed in on them, firing as rapidly as possible. About this time we made out a signal from the Indiana to read : 'Gunboats, close in.' " I have since heard that Captain Taylor intended to signal 'Torpedo boats coming out.' To close in on the torpedo boats required us to cross the Indiana' s line of fire, and as she was pour- ing in shell from her secondary battery, we were glad to feel secure that she would stop as we crossed her line. " As we drew closer to the destroyers their fire became quite warm, and their projectiles and those from the forts appeared to hit Richard IVainwright. 571 all around us, and when their Maxim i -pounder started into play- it seemed almost impossible for them to fail to hit us. " But not a shot struck us, and there were men blown away from their guns before they got our range. When we were distant about twelve hundred yards we opened fire with our two 6-milhmetre automatic Colt rifles. They poured a shower of bullets onto the decks of the destroyers and did great execution. " As we gathered speed we closed in on the Pluton and the Furor rapidly. Although built for twenty-eight and thirty knots, our seventeen knots good was too much for them. The Pluton soon began to slacken and then she stopped in the breakers. At this, time the Indiana was rounding the point ahead to the westward and the Netu York was coming up rapidly from the direction of Siboney. " When it was evident that the Pluton was done for we concen- trated our fire on the Furor and every shot appeared to take effect. Suddenly she jammed her helm hard a-starboard and made for us. It was evident that as our guns were too much for her she was going to try a torpedo. One of our prisoners told us after the battle that they made several attempts to fire a torpedo, but the crews were driven from the tubes by our own fire. "With her helm still a-starboard, the Furor \.\xxwtA toward the en- trance of the harbor, and the New York, having approached until she was engaged with the principal shore batteries, fired two or three shots at her, fearing she might escape. But the Furor's helm was jammed and she continued to circle to port, so the New York, her crew cheering, continued under full steam after the escaping cruisers. " The /y/^/<7« had blown up and was on the rocks. The Furor was on fire, her helm jammed and unable to continue the fight. We had been doing our best to destroy life ; now had come the time when we could commence to save the lives of our conquered ene- mies. The Socapa battery was firing at us still, and when we stopped, the shells began to fall pretty close to us ; but as soon as our boats were lowered they ceased firing." "The boats brought off every one who was alive on the burning wrecks of the Pluton and the Furor, and also rescued those in the water and on the rocks. The trouble in getting the Spaniards off the rocks was especially great, as they refused to jump into the water, and in some cases it was necessary to throw them in and then pull them into the boat. 572 America7i Naval Heroes. " The complement of the Furor vizs, sixty-seven and of the Pliiton seventy men. Of these nineteen were saved from the former and twenty-six from the latter. But it is known that a few swam ashore and managed to reach Santiago. " Meanwhile the Gloucester itself had steamed on to where the Infanta Maria Teresa and the Almirante Oquendo were lying, wrecked and burning on the shore. Each had white flags flying. They were burning fore and aft ; their guns and reserve ammunition were exploding, and it was not known at what moment the fire would reach the main magazines. Moreover, a heavy sea was run- ning just inside of the Spanish ships. But no danger and no difiti- culty deterred the officers and men of the Gloucester until, in two small boats and a dingy, they had rescued all the survivors, includ- ing the wounded from the two burnmg ships." Among- the saved was Admiral Cervera himself. Of the chivalrous courtesy with which Wainwright received him when he came aboard the Gloiuestei^, a broken hearted prisoner of war, Wainwright himself, of course, says nothing. LIV RICHMOND PEARSON HOBSON. "The act of Lieutenant Hohson has few if any equals in the history of the world. At Manila the act of Commodore Dewey was brave, but he entered a hostile harbor able to give '.hot for shot, to beat down his assailants, to triumph by the force of his arms. Lieutenant Hobson and his heroic crew not only went with the Merrimac into the range of an awful fire unable to reply, but with the interior of their vessel loaded with torpedoes for hur destruction at the proper time. They went in unable to fire a single shot at the enemy and prepared to destroy the very deck under their feet. We search the pages of history in vain to find some act of heroism for country and flag that approaches this." — Benjamin Harrison. Richmond Pearson Hobson was born in Greens- boro, Alabama, July 15, 1870. His father. Judge James M. Hobson, was a Confederate soldier through- out the Civil War, and his mother, Sallie C. Pearson, was the daughter of Richmond W. Pearson of North Carolina, who for forty years served as chief-justice of the state. His great-grandfather. Colonel John Williams, fought with General Jackson at the battle of New Orleans and was afterward United States Sena- tor from Tennessee. His great-great-grandfather. Major Joseph Williams, was an officer in the American army in the war of the Revolution and fought with distin- guished bravery at King's Mountain and Cowpens. Thus he inherited some of the heroism and darino- that marked his exploit in the harbor of Santiago and gained for him the honor of being the most conspicu- Richmond Pearso7i Hobson. 575 ous of the many naval heroes of the war for the inde- pendence of Cuba. Richmond was educated at the Southern University, Greensboro, Alabama, where he led his class and won all the honors. In 1884, when but fourteen years old, he made a trip to New Orleans and there visited the old United States warship Ten- nessee. He acquainted himself with the details of her construction and learned much of her operation in action. On his return he announced his desire to go to Annapolis and learn to be a sailor. He obtained his appointment and entered the naval Academy in 1885. Here he followed his home train- ing that included Bible reading and the repetition of prayers before retiring, continuing this custom amid the jeers of his mates. He gained the ill-will of his classmates by reporting infringements of the rules while he was on duty as monitor, his sense of justice forbidding him to make any distinction. The class determined to punish him and he was completely ostracised, but quietly submitting to the inevitable he maintained his position and refused to bend. Before the time for graduation his classmates had learned the stuff of which Hobson was made and anxiously courted his friendship. His characteristic reply was: "No gentlemen, you have got on without me these three years and I'll manage to worry along without you for the remaining year." Thus for four years he had no social companions at ths Academy. He never spoke to a cadet without 576 American Naval Heroes. addressing him as "Mister," and he insisted upon being treated by his fellow cadets with the same form- ality. He was graduated in 1889 ^.t the head of his class, and on July i, 1889 he was eighth in order of precedence on the list of naval constructors. He was made assistant naval constructor on July i, 1891 ; and his term of sea service expired in September, 1895. He was made instructor at the Naval Acad- emy July 8, 1897, ^i^d on the declaration of war with Spain, was assigned to the battleship New York, flag- ship of Rear-Admiral Sampson. When the Spanish fleet was found to be in the harbor of Santiago de Cuba, Admiral Sampson determined to obstruct the narrow part of the entrance to the harbor by sinking a collier at that point. He called upon Mr. Hobson for his professional opinion as to a sure method of sinking the ship. After several days consideration, Lieutenant Hobson presented a solution which he considered would insure the immediate sinking of the vessel when she had reached the desired point in the channel. His plan called for only seven men and he asked that he might be intrusted with the direction of the plan. When the New York reached Santiago on Wednesday morning, Hobson went at work on the Merriniac which had on board six hundred tons of coal. All day long crews from the New York and Brooklyn were on board the collier working under Hobson's directions. The news of the intended ex- pedition spread like wild-fire through the entire fleet Richmond Pearson Hob son. 577 and when it became known that volunteers were needed for the desperate undertaking, the Iowa s signal yard announced: " 140 volunteers ready," and the other ships were not far behind. On the New York over two hundred volunteered to go into the narrow harbor and face death. In their rush to get their names on the volunteer list the junior officers literally tumbled over each other. When it was learned that Lieutenant Hobson only required six men the disappointment on all the ships can better be imagined than described. The crews worked on board the Merrimac all Wednesday night and shortly before midnight Lieutenant Hobson visited the flag-ship to take his final orders. At three o'clock in the morning the admiral, with Flag-lieutenant Staunton, ordered the launch and made an inspection of the Merrimac. When the men had completed their work and the last boat load had returned to the New York, the admiral at 4.30 a. m., after wishing Hobson and his brave crew God Speed, left the fated ship. Dawn was breaking over Santiago as the seemingly deserted collier headed straight for Morro Castle. A few moments later she was recalled by a signal from the flag-ship, the admiral deeming it certain death for Hobson to venture in at that hour. Word came back: "Lieutenant Hobson asks permission to continue on his course. He thinks he can make it." The Admiral in turn replied: "The Merrimac must return at once," and the doomed collier slowly steamed 5/8 American Naval Heroes. back. On Thursday more elaborate preparations were made, Hobson personally supervising- every detail. His uniform was begrimed, his hands were black and he looked like a man who had been at work in an eneine-room for a week. Two men were found on the collier who had no right to be there. They were Assistant Engineer Crank of the Merrimac and Boat- swain Mullin of the New York. They had been work- ing on the collier all day Wednesday and did not leave the ship with the rest of the workmen. As their dis- obedience was of the nature of bravery, it was not officially recognized. Lieutenant Hobson started on his daring errand a second time at 3 o'clock on Friday morning. The moon was obstructed by clouds and the Merrimac stole in, followed by a steam launch from the New York with the following crew on board : Naval-cadet J. W. Powell, Coxswain P. K. Peterson, Apprentice H. Handford, Coal-passer J. Mullings, Machinist G. L. Russel. In the launch were bandages and appliances for the wounded. On the MeriHniac were Naval Constructor Hobson and Daniel Montague, George Charette, J. C. Murphy, Oscar Deignan, John P. Phillips, John Kelly and H. Clausen. Clausen was a coxswain of the New York and was on board against orders. We give the account of the sinking of the Merrimac in Hobson's own words : " It was about three o'clock in the morning when the Merrimac entered the narrow channel and steamed in under the guns of Morro Richmond Pearson Hobson. 579 Castle. The stillness of death prevailed. It was so dark that we could scarcely see the headland. We had planned to drop our star- board anchor at a certain point to the right of the channel, reverse our engines and then swing the Merrimac around, sinking her directly across the channel. " This plan was adhered to, but circumstances rendered its exe- cution impossible. When the Merrimac poked her nose into the channel our troubles commenced. The deadly silence was broken by the wash of a small boat approaching us from the shore. I made her out to be a picket boat. She ran close up under the stern of the Merrimac and fired several shots from what seemed to be 3 -pounder guns. The Meirrmac's rudder was carried away by this fire. This is why the collier was not sunk across the channel. We did not discover the loss of the rudder until the Merrimac cast anchor. We then found that the Merrimac would not answer to the helm, and were compelled to make the best of the situation. "The run up the channel was very exciting. The picket boat had given the alarm, and in a moment the guns of the Vizcaya, the Almirante Oquendo and the shore batteries were turned upon us. Submarine mines and torpedoes also were exploding all about us, adding to the excitement. The mines did no damage, although we could hear rumbling, and could feel the ship tremble. " We were running without lights, and only the darkness saved us from utter destruction. When the ship was in the desired posi- tion, and we found that the rudder was gone, I called the men on deck. While they were launching the catamaran I touched off the explosives. " At the same moment, two torpedoes fired by the Reina Mer- cedes, struck the Merrimac amidships. I cannot say whether our own explosive or the Spanish torpedoes did the work, but the Merrimac was lifted out of the water and almost rent asunder. As she settled down we scrambled overboard and cut away the catama- ran. A great cheer went up from the fort and warships as the collier foundered, the Spaniards thinking that the Merrimac was an American warship. " We attempted to get out of the harbor on the catamaran, but the strong tide was running, and daylight found us still struggling in the water. Then for the first time the Spaniards saw us, and a boat from the Reina Mercedes picked us up. It was then shortly after five o'clock in the morning, and we had been in the water more than 580 American Naval Heroes. an hour. We were taken on board the Reina Mercedes, and later sent to Morro Castle. "In Morro Castle we were confined in cells in the inner side of the fort, and were there the first day the fleet bombarded Morro. I could only hear the whistling of the shells and the noise they made when they struck, but I judged from the conversation of the guards that the shells did considerable damage. "After this bombardment, Mr. Ramsden, the British consul, protested, and we were removed to the hospital. There I was separated from the other men in our crew, and could see them only by special permission. Montague and Kelly fell ill two weeks ago, suffering from malaria, and I was permitted to visit them twice. *' Mr. Ramsden was very kind to us, and demanded that Montague and Kelly be removed to better quarters in the hospital. It was done. " As for myself, there is little to say. The Spanish were not dis- posed to do much for the comfort of any of the prisoners at first, but after our army had taken some of their men as prisoners, our treatment was better. Food is scarce in the city, and I was told that we fared better than the Spanish officers." After his exchange he succeeded in raising and floating the Maria Teresa, the Christobal C0I071 and the Vizcaya, and then was sent to Manila to raise the Spanish battleships sunk by Admiral Dewey. The accompanying proclamation of President McKinley gives the voice of the nation as to the act of Lieutenant Hobson. Washington, June 27, 189S. To the Congress of the United States — On the morning of the third of June, 1898, Assistant Naval Con- structor Richmond P. Hobson, U. S. N., with a volunteer crew of seven men, in charge of the partially dismantled collier Merrimac, entered the fortified harbor of Santiago, Cuba, for the purpose of sinking the collier in the narrowest portion of the channel and thus interposing a serious obstacle to the egress of the Spanish fleet, which had recently entered that harbor. Richmond Pearson Hobson. 581 This enterprise, demanding coolness, judgment and bravery amounting to heroism, was carried into successful execution in the face of a persistent fire from the hostile fleet as well as from the fortifications on shore. Rear Admiral Sampson, commander-in-chief of our naval force in Cuban waters, in an official report dated " Off Santiago de Cuba, June 3, 1898," and addressed to the Secretary of the Navy, referring to Mr. Hobson's gallant exploit, says : " As stated in a recent telegram, before coming here, I decided to make the harbor entrance secure against the possibility of egress of the Spanish ships, by obstructing the narrow part of the entrance by sinking a collier at that point. " Upon calling upon Mr. Hobson for his professional opinion as to a sure method of sinking the ship he manifested a most lively interest in the problem. After several day's consideration he pre- sented a solution which he considered would insure the immediate sinking of the ship when she had reached the desired point in the channel. The plan contemplated a crew of only seven men and Mr. Hobson, who begged that it might be intrusted to him. " As soon as I reached Santiago and had the collier to work upon, the details were commenced and diligently prosecuted, hopmg to complete them in one day, as the moon and tide served best the first night after our arrival. Notwithstanding every effort, the hour of 4 o'clock in the morning arrived, and the preparations were scarcely completed. After a careful inspection of the final prepar- ation, I was forced to relinquish the plan for that morning, as dawn was breaking. Mr. Hobson begged to try it at all hazards. "This morning proved more propitious, as a prompt start could be made. Nothing could have been more gallantly executed. * * * * A careful inspection of the harbor from this ship showed that the Merriinac had been sunk in the channel. " I cannot myself too earnestly express my appreciation of the conduct of Mr. Hobson and his gallant crew. I venture to say that a more brave and daring thing has not been done since Cushing blew up the Albemarley The members of the crew who were with Mr. Hobson on the mem- orable occasion have already been rewarded for their services by advancement, which, under the provisions of law and regulation, the Secretary of the Navy was authorized to make, and the nomin- ation to the senate of Naval Cadet Powel who, in a steam launch, 582 Amei'ican Naval Heroes. followed the Merrimac on her perilous trip, for the purpose of rescuing her force after the sinking of that vessel, to be advanced in rank to the grade of ensign, has been prepared and will be submitted. Gushing, with whose gallant act in blowing up the ram Albe- marle during the Civil War, Admiral Sampson compares Mr. Hobson's sinking of the Merrimac, received the thanks of Congress upon recommendation of the President, by name, and was in consequence, under the provisions of section 1,508 of the revised statutes, ad- vanced one grade, such advancement embracing 56 numbers. The section cited applies, however, to line officers only, and Mr. Hobson, being a member of the staff of the navy, could not, under its pro- visions, be so advanced. In considering the question of suitably rewarding Assistant Naval Constructor Hobson for his valiant conduct on the occasion referred to, I have deemed it proper to address this message to you with the recommendation that he receive the thanks of congress and, further, that he be transferred to the line of the navy, and promoted to such position therein as the President, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, may determine. Mr. Hobson's transfer from the construction corps to the line is fully warranted, he having received the necessary technical train- ing as a graduate of the naval academy, where he stood number one in his class, and such action is recommended, — partly in deference to what is understood to be his own desire, although he being now a prisoner in the hands of the enemy, no direct communication on the subject has been received from him, — and partly for the reason that the abilities displayed by him at Santiago are of such a character as to indicate especial fitness for the duties of the line. William McKixlev. Executive Mansion. June 27, 1898. LV. WORTH BAGLEY. "Nothing will happen to me with such prayers as yours to aid me. I shall have full confidence at all times, in action or wherever I may be, and that alone would keep me ready to do good service. Do not be afraid for me. Everything turns out for the best. You will have to get out of the habit of feeling fear for my safety. Besides you have enough of the Spartan in you, if you wish, to say, 'With your shield, or on it,' and that is what you must always say to me." — Letter to his mother, dated April 21, i8g8. ^-Ja. ^ -n-^-5." C'^RDEMAS Worth Bagley was born in Raleigh, N. C, April 6, 1874. He was the oldest son of the late Major William H. Bagley, a native of Perquimans County, N. C. When the Civil War broke out Major Bagley 583 Worth Bagley. Worth Bagley. 585 volunteered in the first company for the Confederate service that was raised in his county. He rose to the rank of major in the 68th N. C. Regiment, and held that position in the Confederate army when Lee sur- rendered. Upon the election of Jonathan Worth as governor of the state in 1865, Major Bagley became private secretary to the governor, and in March, 1866, he was married to the governor's daughter, Adelaide Anne. In 1868 he was chosen clerk of the supreme court of North Carolina, and held the position until his death, February 21, 1886. Major Bagley was a son of Colonel William H. Bagley, grandson of William Bagley, who fought in the War of 18 1 2, and great-grandson of Thomas Bagley, who served in the Revolutionary War. Ensign Bag- ley's mother is the youngest living daughter of the late Governor Jonathan Worth and Martitia Daniel. The Worths were orginally Quakers, and were among the first of the Friends who came to America, William Worth havinof emigrated from Devonshire, Eno-land, about 1640. Worth Bagley was a worthy descendant of distin- guished ancestors. There was in him the rare blending of the simplicity and directness of his Quaker ancestry and the bonhomie and geniality that is characteristic of Southern civilization. Robust and healthy from baby- hood he grew in strength and manly grace. He was gentle, courteous, affectionate and deeply religious. 586 American Naval Heroes. He finished the course in the Centennial Graded School and in 1884 entered the classical school of Morson and Denson, at Raleigh, to prepare for col- lege. He took a high stand there, winning many medals and honors. In all athletic games and sports he displayed surprising skill and strength for his age. At the close of the session of 1888-89 he received the highest honors in several of his classes, and was fully prepared to enter the University of North Carolina, but entering a competition examination for appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis he won the prize in a large class composed of young men who were all his seniors by several years. The committee who held his examination reported that young Bagley's papers were almost perfect. He was appointed a cadet by the Hon. Benjamin H. Bunn, and entered the United States Naval Acad- emy in 1889. He had previously given especial attention to the classics and was a fine Latin and Greek scholar, but at Annapolis Latin and Greek are omitted altogether from the curriculum, and mathe- matics, chemistry and kindred subjects are given pre- eminence, so it was not suprising that he failed to pass the examination in the spring of 189 1. He was reappointed, however, by Mr. Bunn, and became a member of the class of 1895, in which he made an excellent record both in scholarship and in athletics. Worth Bagley. 587 Detached from the academy in June, 1895, he went on board the receiving ship Vemnont, whence he was sent to the cruiser Montgomery, July 23, and thence to the Texas, October 8th. On January 20, 1896, he was assigned to the Maine, and on July 20, 1896, was transferred back to the Texas where he remained until he returned to Annapolis for his final examination in May, 1S97. He was promoted ensign, July i, 1897, and assigned to the Indiana, whence he was transferred to the Maine on August 17th. On November 19, 1897, he was ordered to the Columbian Iron Works, Balti- more, as inspector, in connection with fitting out the torpedo boat IVins/oza. Of his short career before he went on board the Winslow there is little to be said, except that he was a faithful and popular officer. When Lieutenant John B. Bernardou knew that he was to be given command of the Wiitslow he offered Ensign Bagley the position of second in command, which after some hesitation he accepted, entering upon his duties December 28. 1897. In January, 1898, he was given his first opportunity to show the heroism of his nature. In a rag/ng storm wdth the assistance of two sailors in a life-boat, he saved the lives of two poor fellows from a scow which was adrift at sea about fifty miles from New York. For this deed the Secretary of the Navy on February 1st wrote a letter of thanks to Lieutenant Bernardou, Ensigp Bagley and the other members of the crew. 588 American Naval Heroes. When the Maine was blown up in Havana harbor, his indignation knew no bounds and he was eager for the war with Spain to begin. On the morning of May 12, 1898, the gun-boats Machias and Wilmington, the torpedo-boat Winslow and the armed revenue cutter Hudson, met off the harbor of Cardenas determined to put a stop to the annoyance the spiteful little Spanish boats in the har- bor were giving the patrol. The Wilmington took the middle position, the Hudson the west shore and the Winslow the east shore and proceeded into the harbor by an entrance inside Cayo Cupey. The Machias was obliged to remain outside on account of her drawing too much water. The Wil- iningto7i soon found her draft of ten feet too much for the passage and this left the Winslow and Hudson to hunt out their game. The Winslow darted ahead and soon found herself the target of hidden shore batteries and of the Spanish gun-boats. Lieutenant J. B. Ber- nardou, the commanding officer of the Winslow, was wounded in the thigh, but twisting a handkerchief around his leg he continued fighting. His men never faltered. At 2.35 p. m., a solid shot crashed through her hull, and knocked out the boiler and disabled the steering gear, then she began to roll and drift help- lessly. It was a moment of awful suspense on the Wins- low. The brave crew heard the fierce cheer of Worth Bagley. 589 triumph from the Spaniards as they witnessed the effect of the iron hail. The next sound was a storm of shot and shell aimed unerringly at the helpless craft. The gun-boat Hudson soon came up to the Winslow and Lieutenant Frank H. Newcomb, her commander, heard the megaphone message from the Winslow, " We are disabled, come and tow us off." Lieutenant Newcomb in this emergency showed himself a hero. He rushed to the rescue, and as the Hudson came alongside, threw a line to the Winslow but it did not strike the deck which was now a sure target for every gun of the Spanish batteries, and to run into it meant certain death to the unprotected revenue cutter. The next trial of the Hudson, which consumed fully twenty minutes, resulted in the line reaching the Winslow on whose deck stood Ensign Bagley, second in command, and six men to receive it. " Heave her, heave her," shouted Bagley, looking toward the commander of the Hudson. " Don't miss it," returned the officer of the Hudson, and with a smile young Bagley called back, "All right, let her come, this is getting too hot for comfort." The line reached the deck and at the same moment a Spanish shell exploded in the midst of the group. Ensign Bagley and two of' the men were instantly killed and three of the crew dropped groaning to the blood-stained deck, two dying within a few hours. Another wild shout of triumph went up from the 1^90 American Naval Heroes. Spanish boats and forts. The Hudson bravely kept her place by the side of the Winslow and the line fastened by the surviv.ors drew taut and broke. It was not till 3.50 p. m. that the Hudson again passed the line to the three remaining men on the deck. They made it fast and the Winslow was towed out of the range of the Spanish guns with the lifeless bodies of Ensign Bagley, Firemen Deneef and Meek, Oiler Varvaris and Cook Tunnell, five victims. The Winsloiv had been struck first by a three-inch shell from one of the gun-boats, which ripped through her side and pierced the forward bulkhead ; two others struck her on her port side further aft, one of these shots carrying away 125 tubes of one boiler. A shell struck the hood of the forward conning tower ; eight others pierced the tower lower down and Quarter- master McEwen described their explosion to be like the voice of thunder. One shell burst the steam pipe and the escaping steam filled the tower. Eive of the nine shells burst inside the tower. A torpedo lashed to the port side was struck by a shell and the war head was smashed to bits, some of the pieces penetrating the wet gun-cotton. It was only chance that pre- vented an explosion that would have destroyed the craft and all on board. A box of one pounder ammu- nition full of cartridges lay on the deck and a Spanish shell exploded in the box but the ammunition was not disturbed. A shell passed between the legs of Mate Cavanaugh and through the conning tower while he ll'ortJi Bagley.^ 591 was working the forward gun to extract a jammed shell and he kept right on as if nothing unusual had happened. A shell hit the starboard about amidship and passed through the coal bunker into the engine room. As it exploded a piece lodged between the piston head and the cylinder and rendered the engine useless. The wheel ropes were carried away early in the action. The IVhisUno carried out of the fieht twenty-six scars, every one acquired in her half-hour fight at Cardenas, besides seven dents made by Spanish Mauser bullets fired by riflemen as she ran close in shore. In Harper's Magazine for December, 1898, Lieu- tenant Ernest E. Mead, an officer of the revenue cutter service, who was on board the Hudson at the rescue of the JJiJtslozu at Cardenas, thus tells the story of the death of Ensign Bagley and his comrades : " As we were approaching the IVinsIoni on our second attempt to close with her the tragic event which has given this engagement its sad prominence occurred. The officers and crew of the Whis/ow were gathered along her rail waiting to grasp the expected heaving- line. Grouped around the starboard gun were an officer and four men. They stood there, the men, expectant, every nerve taut, waiting to grasp the elusive line, which was their only chance to escape almost certain destruction — the officer, self-contained, smil- ing, a perfect antidote for nervousness in his calm bearing. The next instant they were gone. A flash, barely visible in the glare of the sun, a report, unnoticed in the noise of battle, a faint puff of vapor, and as it cleared away we realized that five of our comrades in danger had been wounded, killed, destroyed by an enemy's projectile. One poor fellow, falling on the curve of the deck, was slipping overboard when he made a last despairing grasp at a stanchion and held on, calling plaintively for help. A shriek of 592 American Naval Heroes. horror rose from both crews as his shipmates sprang to his assis- tance. He never knew of their ready answer to his call. He was dead when they tenderly drew his body back on deck. One cry, a few muttered curses, and the crews hurried to their stations ; some to their guns to work them as they had never been worked before, the others to the seemingly hopeless task of saving both vessels." Young Bagley was the first officer to fall, and the fifth member of his class to die a violent death.in the war with Spain. His body was carried to hishome in Raleigh, N. C, and the United States Nav))" was represented by Assistant Naval Constructor Lieuten- ant Lawrence L. Adams of the Norfolk Navy Yard. His body was laid in state in the rotunda of the State Capitol, and the funeral exercises were held in the presence of ten thousand people on the Capitol grounds in front of the statue of Washington. The procession to the cemetery was seen by fifteen thou- sand spectators. As the procession moved eleven guns were fired by a battery and eleven more were fired at the grave after which two regiments of state militia fired three volleys. His grave was made near that of his grandfather, Governor Jonathan Worth, of North Carolina, for whom he was named. NDEX. Abellino, 229. Active, 303. Acton, General, 196. Adams, Captain, 16, 19, 477. Adams, John, 20, 27, 35, 93, 164, 289, 364. Adams, Lawrence L., 592. Adams, 165, 168, 189, 363. Admiral Duff, 184, 185. ^A7/^«/«rt, 443,485, 487, 515.516, 517, 518. Albermarle, 464, 465, 466, 468, 5S1, 582. Alerf, 46, 47, 102, 306, 307, 449. Alexander, Captain, 143. Alfred, 20, 28, 30, 31, 36, 37, 38, 61, 62, 71, 119. Allen, William, 291. Allen, William Henry, 291 to 301, 218, 325. Allen, William Henry, Jr., 301. Allen, Colonel, 522. Alliance, 70, 79, 80, 81,83,88, 90, .91,92, 106, 109,111, 112, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 164. Almirante Oquendo, 563, 564, 565, 572, 579- Alney, Master, 354. Ambuscade, 164. America, 93, 94. American flag, 45, 47. Ami, 339. Amphitritc, 304. Anderson, Representative, 306. Andrea Doria, 20,28, 30, 37, 131, 132, 133. 134. 143- Ansley, Captain, 340. Applegate, F. T., 559. Argo, 171. Argus, 189, 196, 202, 204, 205, 209, 257, 266, 271, 271a, 279, 288, 299, 300, 301, 373. Ariel, 112, 92, 93, 354. Arkansas, 443, 502, 503, 504, 505. Armstrong, James, 431, 432. Armstrong, John, 396. Armstrong, 393, 397, 398, 399, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 412, 413- Arrendel, Mr., 365, 367. Arwin, Thomas, 30. Astor, John Jacob, 364. Atalanta, 122, 123. Aylwin, John Cushing, 345 to 348, 291. Aylwin, William, 345. Ayres, Captain, 18. Babbitt, Lieutenant, 221, Bagley, Thomas, 585. Bagley, William H., 584, 585. Bagley, Worth, 584 to 592, 10. Bainbridge, Dr. Absolom, 233. Bainbridge, Sir Arthur, 233. Bainbridge, William, 233 to 252, 114, 167, 189, 191, 192, 195, 197, 209, 223, 225, 230, 231, 270a, 279, 291, 293, 305, 307, 327, 339. 346, 361, 362, 387. Bainbridge, 428. Ballard, Lieutenant, 274a. Baltimore, 394, 507. 536, 537, 539, 541, 543. 555. 556. 594 Index. Balton, Commodore, 469. Bank of North America, 124. Barclay, 308, 447. Barclay, Commodore, 353. Barclay, Thomas, 172. Barlow, Mr., 299. Barnewell, Edward, 312, 315. Barnes, Lieutenant,. 138. Barney, Joshua, 141 to 147. Barreau, Captain, 174, 175. Barron, James, 321 10326, 114, 167, 231, 263, 265, 293, 296. Barron, Samuel, 114, 115, 206, 216, 252, 321, 460, 461. Barron, Stephen, 321. Barry, John, 117 to 126, 9, 20, 47, 164, 279, 321. Bayard, J. A., 284. Beagle, 318. Belvidera, 266. Benton, 495, 496, 498, 499, 505. Beresford, John Poer, 283. Berkeley, Admiral, 324, 325. Bernardo, J. B., 587. Biddle, James, 282, 283, 327, 329, 330, 333. 334. 335. 336. 389- Biddle, Nicholas, 12710 140, 10, 20, 21, 28, 35, 37, 39- Biddle, William, 127. Blake, Captain, 137. Blake, Lieutenant, 197. Blythe, Captain, 340, 342. Boggs, Captain, 455. Bolton, 30. Bon Ho77i7ne Richard, 11, 69, 80, 86, 104, 105, 107, 108, 109, no. III, 121, 151. Bonne Citoyenne, 249, 270a, 387. Boston, 155, 255, 526, 536, 537, 539, 541, 543, 545. Bowen, Captain, 192. Boxer, 339, 340, 341, 342, Boyne, 13. Bradford, William, 50. Brady, James T., 419. Bragg, General, 497, Brandywine, 290, 449. Breas, Jaspar P., 441. Breeze, Chaplain, 356. Breshwood, Captain, 424, 425. Broke, Commodore, 269, 273a. Brookes, Samuel, 296. Brooklyn, 427, 433, 450, 452, 454, 455, 472, 510, 514, 526, 557, 558, 559. 560, 564. 576. Brooks, Marine Officer, 356. Broome, John L., 533. Broughton, Ezekiel, 16, 18, 19. Brown, Ann, 361. Brown, Isaac N., 505. Brown, Mountfort, 30. Brown, Lieutenant, 365. Brumby, Lieutenant, 545. Bryant, Commander, 496. Buchanan, Franklin, 507 to 511. Buchanan, James, 467. Bunn, Benjamin H., 586. Burke, Captain, 18. Burns, J., 559. Burnside, A. E., 473. Burroughs, Ezekiel, 24. Burrows, William, 339 to 343, 291. Butler, Benjamin F., 451, 460, 533. Cabot, 20, 28, 30, 36, 37, 61. Cairo, 496, 499. Caldwell, Lieutenant, 202, 253, 425. Coledonia, 353, 354, 357, 374- Calkins, Lieutenant, 541, 543, 545- Index. 595 Calypso, 410. Camden, 131. Campbell, Captain, 1S9. Carcase, 130. Carden, John S., 217, 21S. Carnation, 397, 398, 400, 407, 408. Caromiekt, 438, 439, 440, 441, 442, 443. 49i» 495. 496, 497, 498, 499, 503. 504- Carrysfort, 137. Cass, 424, 425. Cassin, Lieutenant, 379, 381. Castilla, 542, 543, 544. Cavanaugh, Mate, 590. Cayuga, 452, 532. Celia, 192. Cerberus, 13, 135. Cerf, 80, 81. Cervera, Admiral, 549, 550, 551, 556, 557. 561, 565. 568, 569, 572. Cesnola, Count Louis Palma di, 395. Cesnola, Madame di, 395, 416. Chambers, James, 169, 171. Champlin, Master, 354. Chance, 171. Charette, George, 578. Charleston, 526. Charming Molly, 143. Chauncey, Rev. Charles, 361. Chauncey, Isaac, 361 to 371, 351, 374. 377- Chauncey, Israel, 361. Chauncey, John S., 371. Chauncey, Walcott, 361. Chauncey, Captain, 202, 203. Chauncey, Lieutenant W., 223. Cherub, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 447- Chesapeake, 167, 216, 271a, 272a, 294, 295, 296, 297, 321, 325, 361, 362, 373. 389- Chester, Colby Mitchell, 526. Chester, John, 394. Chester, Rebecca, 393. Chester, Sir Robert, 394. Chester, Samuel, 394. Chew, Captain, 19. Chickasaw, 5 1 1 . Chidwick, Chaplin, 41. Chippewa , 354. Chrisiobal Colon, 523, 557, 558, 560, 563, 564. 5S0. Chubb, 378, 379. Cincinnati, 439, 440, 496, 497, 498. Citoyenne, 387. Ci.ARK, Charles Edgar, 523 ti. 528, 560. Clark, Granville Lloyd, 525. Clark, James, 525. Clark, James Dayton, 525. Clark, Lois (Williams), 525. Clark, Myron, 525. Clausen, H., 578. Clayton, Governor, 277. Cobb, Howell, 424. Cochrane, Sir Thomas, 395, 396, 397, 413, 414- Coffin, Captain, 345. Coghlan, Joseph Bullock, 526, 540-.. Coit, Captain, 16, 18, 19. Collier, Sir George, 155. Colorado, 428, 548. Columbia, 526. Columbus, 20, 28, 30, 36, 39, 62, 252:^ Concord, 536, 538, 539, 540, 543. Conestoga, 435, 440, 501. Confiance, 379, 380, 381, 382. Congress, 165, 188, 216, 230, 265, 266, 285, 293, 427, 479, 480, 509, 561. Conklin, Master, 354. Conner, David, 385 to 392, 334. Conner, Abigail (Rhodes), 385. 596 Index. Conner, Edward, 385. CONN'YNGHAM, GUSTAVUS, 5 1 tO 54, 90. Concjiiest, 356, 365. Co7tstdlation 165, 166, 167, 173, 174, 177, 178, 223, 230, 236, 248, 263, 264, 303. 304, 427- Constitution, 165, 189, 191, 194, 196, 197, 198, 199, 203, 204, 205, 206, 216, 248, 249, 251, 255, 256, 269, 270, 276, 271a, 274a, 280, 284, 288, 294, 321, 323, 339, 346, 348, 364, 387- Contreras, Commander, 560. Conway, William, 431. Cook, Francis Augustus, 526, 558. Cooke, William H., 317. Corden, John S., 298. •Corsair, 226, 569. Costilla, 539. Countess of Scarborough, 107. Cowell, J. G., 315. Cox, Captain, 323. Crane, William, 296. Crank, Assistant Engineer, 57S. Cranston, Lord, 135. Craven, T. A., 510. Crawford, United States Minister, 299, 300. Creighton, L. Orde, 296. Croyable, 236. Crusader, 427. Cumberland, 427, 460, 479, 486, 509. Curlew, 267. Gushing, Alonzo, H., 463. Gushing, Howard B., 463. Gushing, Mary Barker, 463, 467. Gushing, Milton B., 463, 466. CrsHiNG, William Parker, 463, 468 ". 345. 375' 460, 469. Cyane, 375, 460, 469. Dabney, Charles W., 406, 412. Dacres, Captain, 273, 275. Dahlgren, Bernard Ulric Gustavus, 485. Dahlgren, Charles Bunker, 488. Dahlgren, John Adolph, 485 to 489, 473- Dahlgren, Ulric, 488. Dakotah, 427. Dale, Richard, 97 to 116, 9, 11, 80, 92, 151, 161, 191, 209, 242. Dale, 428. Dallas, A. J., 223. Dallas, Captain, 318. Davie, General, 279. Davis, Charles Henry, 491 to 506, 455- Davis, Jefferson, 514. Davis, Maria Louisa, 528. Davis, Maria Louisa (Russell) 528. Davis, Wendell T., 528. Deane, Silas, 20, 27, 72. Deane, 156. Decatur, James, 197, 198, 199, 214. Decatur, Stephen, Sr., 207, 236. Decatur, Stephen, Jr., 207 to 232, 189, 195, 199, 206, 246, 252, 253, 255, 257, 266, 269a, 271a, 284, 285, 287, 288, 298, 299, 321, 326, 330, 334. 351. 359. 378. 421, 459- Deerhotind, 518. Defiance, 148. Deiguan, Oscar, 578. Delaware, 207, 236, 469, 472, 561. Deueef, Fireman, 590. Demming, Lorenzo, 464. Dent, Lieutenant, 197, 255. Desforneaux, General, 238. Desire, 25. Detroit, 353, 354, 358, 374. Dewey, George, 529 to 545, 9, 19, 520, 525, 526, 574,580. Index. 597 Dewey, Julius Yemares, 529, 531. Dewey, Simon, 529. Dickerson, Captain, 334. Dix, John A., 424, 425. Dobbin, Master, 354. Dolphin, 45, 46, loi, 536. Don Antonio de Ulloa, 539, 544. Don yuna de Austria, 539, 544. Dorsey, J., 202. Downes, John, 223, Downie, Thomas, 379, 380, 381. Downs, Lieutenant, 309, 310, 314. Doyle, J. G., 559. Drake, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78. Drayton, General, 494. Duckworth, Admiral, 164, 166 Duke of Gloucester, 367, 368. Dunmore, Lord, 29. Dupont, S. F., 493, 495. Duras, 80. Dyer, Captain, 18. Enterprise, 114, 189, 195, 196, 209, 245,265, 269a, 287, 304, 305, 306, 339. 340, 341, 342, 362, 373. 378. Epervier, 223, 224, 227. Ericsson, John, 478, 556. Ericsson, 564. Essex, 114, 167, 188, 209, 242, 285, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 312, 314, 316, 321,323.361,362,373. 387, 439,441.445.447. 505. 555- Essex, ytmior ( Georgiana,) 309, 310, 312, 316. Estedio, 225. Eulate, Captain, 560. Evans, Frank Taylor, 565. Evans, J. C, 545, 558. Evans, Robley Dunglison, 526, 561 to 566. Ewarts, W. M., 414. Experiment, 120, 304. Eads, James B., 435, 438. f-'^S^e, 378, 379, 380, 382. Earl of Maria , 367. Eben, Commander, 496. Eckford, Henry, 368. Edward, Captain, 17, 18, 122. Effingham, 118, 119. El Correo, 539, 544. Elery, William, 40. Elgin, Lord, 164. Ellet, Colonel, 499. Elliott, Jessie Duncan, 373 to 375, 223, 231, 350, 353, 354, 357, 365, 366, 377- Ellis, G. H.,559. Ellis, 467, 468. KUsworth, James, 279. Ellsworth, Colonel, 471. Endyinion, 221, 222. Fair American, 137, 140, 144. Falcon, 13, 154. Farragut, David G., 445 10457, 10, 303. 435. 502, 507, 509, 526, 532, 533- Farragut, George, 445. Farragut, Mrs., 447. Finch, 378, 379, Firefly, 223. Fitz, Henry, Lieutenant, 221. Flag, the American, 45, 47. Paul Jones, 70. Pine Tree, 16. Rattlesnake, 71. of the United States, 71. Flandeaii, 223. Flora, 155. Fly, 28, 37, 143. Folsom, Rev. Charles, 448. 598 Index. Foote, Klag-Officer, 439, 440, 442,491, 495- Forrest, Lieutenant, 356. Fo-x, 317. Franklin, Benjamin, 22, 44, 55, 72, 79, 80, 90, 92. Franklin, 15, 18, 19. Friend, Captain, 184. Frolic^ 82, 277, 280, 281, 282, 2S3, 284, 327, 329. Furor, 563, 564, 565, 570, 571, 572. Gage, General, 153. Gallatin, Albert, 152. Gamble, Captain, 459. Gamboll, Lieutenant T., 223. Ganges, 114, 279. Gausevort, Captain, 419. Gay, Thomas S., 464. General Armstrong, 395, 400, 401. Generel Beauregard, 498, 500. General Bragg, 500. General Lezo, 539, 544. General Lovell, 500. General Monk, 112, 113, 161, 144, 145, 151- General Moultry, 137, 139. General Price, 500. General Sumter, 500. General Van Darn, 500. Geotge Washington, 144, 145, 239, 241, 291. Georgiana (Essex Junior), 308, 309. Germantowit, 507. Gettysburg, 489. Glasg07v, 13, 30, 32, 31, 62, 134. Glass, Henry, 526. Gloucester, 558, 564, 565, 568, 569, 570, 572. Glover, James, 15. Goldsborough, Commodore, 469, 472, 473- Goodrich, Casper F., 526. Gordon, Charles, 222, 294, 297, 323, 324, 326. Governor Tompkins, 365, 366, 369. Grampus, 3 1 8. Grant, U. S., 436, 437, 438, 439,440, 441, 547. 551- Green, Captain, 124, 387. Greyhound, 317, 449- Gridley, Charles V., 525, 540, 541. Griffin, T. D., 559. Grozvler, 378. Guerriere, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 229, 230, 248, 260, 273, 274, 275, 280, 288, 346. Gutheridge, Bridges, 99. Gutheridge, William, 100. Hacker, Hoysted, 38. Hague, 156. Hall, Captain, 297. ' Hallock, Captain, 47, 100, loi. Hambleton, Purser, 356. Hamilton, Paul, 222, 340, 447. ' Hamilton, Richard, 464. Hamilton, Lieutenant, 221, 222. Hamilton, 365, 366. Hampden, 36, 39. Hancock, John, 31, 33, 40, 51, 68, 69, 72, 93- Hancock, 16, 18, 154, 155, 161. Handford, H., 578. Hardy, Sir Thomas, 218. Harley, Bernard, 464. Harrison, William H., 350, 359. Harrison, 16, 18. Hartford, 0,2-] , 451, 452, 453, 454, 455» 456, 505, 510, 527, 568. Hawk, 527. Index, 599 Hawke, 30, 36. Hazelwood, John, 49 to 50. Hazzard, Captain, 28, 31, 59. Henley, Lieutenant, 197, 198. Heny, Lieutenant, 419. Hewes, Joseph, 27, 58, 62, 65. Higgins, Samuel, 464, 466. Highflyer, 267. Hill^ F. K., 566. Hill, William H., 559. Hillyar, Commodore, 309, 310, 311, 316. Hinchinbrooh, 137. Himman, Elisha, 37. Hist, 564. Hobson, James M., 574. HoBsoN, Richmond Pearson, 574, to 582, 10, II, 205, 466. Hodgson, Captain, 540, 559. Holmes, Joseph, 169. Holt, Hon. Ryres, 277. Holt, Miss, 277. Hope, 18, 19, 233, 235, 236. Hopkins, Esek, 23 to 42, 9, 21, 61, 62, 132, 143, 148. Hopkins, John K., 20, 28, 30. Ilnpkins, Rev. Samuel, 41. Hopkins, Stephen, 20, 22, 27, 37. Hopkins, Thomas, 23. Hopkins, William, 23. Hopkins, 36. Hornet, 28, 30, 141, 143, 218, 248, 249, 266, 270a, 271a, 280, 308, 327. 329, 330, 331. 333. 334, 335, 336, 337. 339, 384, 385, 387, 388, 389, 460. Hotham, Admiral, 393. Houghton, Edward J., 464. Howarth, William L., 464. Howe, Tyringham, 134. Howe, Admiral, 50, 135, 171, 259. Howe, General, 125, 255. Howell, Governor, 222. Howell, Lieutenant, 221, 222. Hudson, 588, 589, 590, 591. Hughes, Charles P., 528, 544. Hughes, Victor, 238. Hull, Isaac, 269 to 276, 280, 288 346, 421. Hull, William, 271. Hull, Lieutenant, 209. Humphrey, Captain, 324, 325. Humphries, Captain, 294. Hunt, Captain, 339. Hunter, 354. Hyder AH, 1 44 , 145. Indefatigalde, 235, 236. Independence, 171, 172, 230, 252, 492, 527, Indian, 72, 94. Indiana, 558, 561, 570, 571, 587. Infanta Maria Teresa, 557, 558, 563, 564, 570, 572, 580. Insurgenle, 164, 174, 165, 236, 237, 238, 263, 264, 304. Intrepid, 195, 204,205,211, 212, 213, 256, 257, 270a, 287. Iowa, 526, 549, 551, 561, 563, 565, 577- Iris, 113, 150, 161, 522. Iroquois, 427, 452, 505. Isla de Cuba, 539, 544. Isla de Luzon, 539. hla de Mendanao, 539. Israel, Joseph, 256. Israel, Lieutenant, 204. Jackson, General, 413, 414. Jackson, President, 320. yamesto~vn, 428. Jarvis, James, 178, 179. 6oo Inde: Jason, 155. Java, 251, 307, 346, 359, 387. Jefferson, Thomas, 55, 95, 1S9, 261. yeff T/iotnpson, 500, 501. Jennings, Nathan, 394. Jennings, Mary, 394. Jersey, 138. Jervis, Sir John, 259. John Adams, 167, 192, 193, 202, 203, 246, 264, 293, 318, 362, 373, 427, 547- Johnson, Robert, 403. Johnson, Captain, 45, 47, loi, 102, 103. Jones, Hemphill, 425. Jones, Jacob, 277 to 284, 218, 223, 327, 329, 421. Jones, John Paul, 55 to 96, 9, 10, 28, 32, 36, 37, 38, 39, 47, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, III, 112, 116, 132. Jones, Miss, 277. Jones, William, 60, 291, 358. Joseph, 51. Josiah, James, 134, 135. Julia, 365. Juniata, 536. Katie, 27, 28, Kearsarge, 443, 453, 515, 517, 51S, 527. Keene, General, 413. Keith, Lord, 167. Kelly, John, 578, 580. Kelson, 202. Kent, Duke of, 167. Kilty, Commander, 496. Kindleburger, Surgeon, 544. King, Robert H., 464. Kiston, Mrs. Thomas Kuggles, 42. Lady Provoste, 354. Lafayette, 55, 79, 93, 123, 290. Lafayette, \2.2., 443. Lambert, Captain, 251. Lamberton, Benjamin, 526, 541, 545. Lancaster, 468, 499. Landais, Pierre, 79, 81, 91, 92, 109, III, 121. Lang, John, 82. Langdon, John, 27. Langhorne, Thomas L. P., 306. Laurens, Henry, 121. Lawrence, James, 269a to 275a, 24S, 266, 280, 291, 342, 3S7, 389, 421. Lawrence, 354, 355, 356, 357, 480. Lear, Colonel, 194. Lee, Arthur, iii. Lee, Richard Henry, 27, 72, 92. Lee, 16, 17, 153, 585. Lent, Master, 354. Leopard, 294, 295, 296, 321, 324, 325. Lewis, John E., 223, 290, 565. Lexington, 20, 45, 46, 47, 100, lOi, 102, 117, 118,435,436,437,438, 440, 501. Lincoln, Abraham, 457, 471, 477. LAnnet, 379, 382. Linscott, Boatswain, 312. Little Belt, 260, 263, 266, 354. Little, Cxeorge, 185, 186. Little Rebel, 498, 500. Lively, 13. Liverpool, 117. Livingston, 9 1 . Lloyd, Commodore, 397, 400, 406, 408, 409, 410, 413, 414. Long, John D., 329, 521, 547, 552, 569- Lord Chatham, 73. L^onisiana, 532, 533. L.ouisville, 499. Judex. 60 1 Lovell, General, 49S. Ludlow, Lieutenant, 274a. Luzerne, 124. Lyra, 229. LyrcJi, 15, 18. Macedonian, 217, 223, 225, 229, 230, 284, 298, 299, 330, 334, 427, 448, 486. Macdonough, Thomas, 377 to 384, 421. Machias, 588. Madison, 367, 368, 369. Madison, President, 267. Magnanime, 166. Magnijhjue, 94. Maine, 41, 525, 550, 561, 568, 569, 587. Majestic, 221. Maley, William, 304. Manassas, 454, 532. ' Manhattan, 511. Manley, John, 15310 156, 16, 17, 18, 19. Manila, 544. Manning, James, 41. Marblehead, 526. Marquis del Duero, 539, 544. Marquis de la Fayette, 121. Martingale, Captain, 144. Martindale, Captain, 16. Mars, 122, 172. Maryland, 264, 265. Mason, N. E., 559. Massachusetts, 391, 565. Matterface, William, 404. Maumee, 468. x McCall, Edwin R., 342. McCalla, Hendry, 526. McConnell, Martha Rowan, 485. McCauley, Jr., 559. McClelland, General, 424. McDermott, Lieutenant, 419. McEven, 590. McKinley, William, 529, 580, 582. McNeil, Hector, 155, 255. McPherson, Lieutenant, 365. Mead, Ernest E., 591. Meecham, James, 531. Meek, Freeman, 590. Merrimac, 206, 479, 480, 481, 482, 485, 487, 502, 509, 556, 574, 576, 577, 578, 579. 581, 582. Meshoda, 224, 225, 243, 263, 37S. Meyler, James, 70. Milford, 68. Miller and Murray, 233. Mill Prison, 103, 144, 155. Minerva, 122. Minnesota, 428, 479, 480, 4S2. Mir b oka, 191. Mississippi, 428, 432, 433, 434, 435, 452, 454, 455. Miranda, Captain, 163. McKnight, Stephen, 315. Mix, Mr. 365. Mohawk, 427. Mohican, 427. Monarch, 499, 500. Monitor, 478, 479, 480, 481, 482, 502, 509, 556. Montague, Daniel, 578, 5S0. Monterey, 523, 527. Montgomery, J. E., 499. Montgomery, 587. Monticello, 486. Montijo, Admiral, 539. Monocacy, 527. Monongahela, 511, 534, 555. Monroe, President, 147, 418. Monroe, Secretary, 146. Montague, 30S, 387. 602 Index. Montauk, 4S2, 4S3. Montezuma^ 164, 236, 237, 308. Moody, Samuel, 183. Morgan, E. B., 140, 547, 56S. Morrill, Justin S., 525. Morris, Charles, 285 to 290, 167, 191, 20^, 212, 245, 269, 270, 274, 346, 361, 362, 363, 449. Morris, Robert, 20, 55, 58, 123, 124, Mound City, 496, 497, 498, 499, 501, 502. Moultrie, 138. Moyland, 15. Mugford, James, 18, 19. Mulgrave, Lord, 130. Mullings, J., 578. Murphy, J. C, 578. Murray, Alexandkk, 157 to 168. Mystic, 427. Nadaruasco, 473. Nancy, 17, 153. A^arcissus, 222. A^arragansett, 536. Nassau, Prince of, 78. Nash'jille, 483. Natchez, 449. Nautilus, 189, 193, 196, 205, 255, 257, 294, 351- Nelson, Lord, 131, 213, 259, 271a. iVc?-eyda, 308. Ne-cv Hampshire, 527. N'cw Ironsides, 473. Newcomb, F. H., 589. Newton, Thomas, 97. New York, 192, 193, 209, 362, 363, 561, 564, 571. 576, 577, 578. Niagara, 354,355> 357, 375, 427, 555- Nicholas, Captain, 29. Ntchoi.son, James, 14S to 152, 112, 1 13, 161. Nicholson, J. B., 223. Nicholson, Samuel, 45, loi. Nixon, M., 124. Noah, M. M., 228. Nocton, 307. Norfolk, 207, 236, 237, 239. North Carolina, 252. Norton, Lieutenant, 236. Notre Dame, 137. Nymph, 267. O'Connor, Charles, 419. Odenheimer, William H., 315. Ohio, 354, 460. Old Ironsides, 276, 274a. Olympia, 525, 526, 536, 537, 539, 540, 541, 542, 543, 545. Oneida, 365, 366, 367, 369, 452, 455. Ontario, 223, 375, 389, 469,486, 492. Oregon, 389, 523, 527, 528, 550, 557, 558, 560, 564. Packenham, General, 413. Pallas, 80, 83, 106, 107. Pangborn, Z. K., 529, 531. Parker, Sir Hyde, 165. Parker, Sir Peter, 39. Patappsco, 548. Paul Jones' Flag, 70. Paul, William, 56, 57. Paulding, James K., 337. Paulding, Leonard, 440. Paulina, 230. Pawnee, 427, 469, 471, 472. Peacock, 229,270a, 2713,316, 330,3^4, 335, 388, 389- Peale, Charles Wilson, 50. Pearson, Richmond W., 86, 107, 109, no, 574. Pelican, 300, 301. Penguin, 327, 331, 333, 334, 335, 3S9. hidex. 603 Pensacola, 428, 452, 532, 536. Peinisylvania, 450. Perrin, Mary, 529. Perry, Christopher Raymond, 151, 351. Perry, C. R., 239. Perry, M. C, 390, 391, 507. Pf.rry, Oliver Hazard, 351 to 359, 10, 161, 357, 373,421, 513- Perry, Sarah (Alexander), 351. Perry f 428. Perseus, 137. Pert, 365, 367. Peterson, P. K., 5 78. Petrel, 537, 538, 543, 544. Phicton, 164. Phelps, 495. rhiladelphia, 114, 115, 167, 189, 193, 195, 200, 201, 203, 207, 209, 210, 211, 212, 216, 230, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 255, 256, 260, 271a, 279, 285, 287, 288, 293, 305, 321, 327. 378. Philip, Captain, 55S. Phillips, J. P., 578. /y/rt/'f, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 477- Pickering, 188. Piercy, Captain, 107. Pi>^'-, 369, 370. 374- Pinckney, Charles Colesworth, 137, 371- Pinder, Captain, 92. Pine Tree Flag, 16. /'///, 169. Pittsiuirg, 496, 498. Piatt, Lieutenant, 318, 319. Plantageiut, 397, 405, 409. Plutou. 563, 564, 565, 570, 571, 572. Plymouth, 487. Pocahontas, 427. Poictiers, 283, 329. Policy, 308. Polly, 137. Pomone, 221. Pope, General, 442. Porcupine, 354. Porter, David, 303 to 320, 263. Porter, John, 317. Porter, William D., 224, 439. Porter, Daniel D., 456. Porter, David Dixon, 303. Portsmouth, 339, 427. Potomac, 428, 547, 555. Powell, J. W., 578, 581. Potvhatan, 427, 561. President, 1 14, 1 15, 1 16, 165, 180, 218, 221, 222, 247, 263, 265, 266, 267, 321, 323, 330, 334, 339, 459. Preble, Edward, 183 to 206, 209, 211, 213, 243, 246, 255, 256, 261, 364- Preble, Jedediah, 183. Price, General, 497. Prince of Orange, 5 1 . Princeton, 391. Protector, 184, 185. Providence, 20, 28, 31, 32, y;^, 36, 38, 39, 65, 68. Prudent, 169, 1 71. Pulaski, 427. Queen Charlotte, 354, 357. Queen of the l-Vest, 499, 500, 503, 505. Race Horse, 130. Racoon, 310, 312. -Rainbow, 155, 522. Raleigh, 1 19, 120, 121, 526, 536, 537, 539, 543- Ratnilies, 218. Ramsden, Mr., 80. 6o4 Index. Randolph, 13 1, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140. Ranger, 71, 73, 74, 76, 77, 78. Rappahannock, 443. Raritan, 391. Ratford, Sailor, 325. Rattlesnake Flag, 71. Read, Commodore, 116. Reco, Lieutenant, 541. Relief, 427, 471. Reid, Henry, Earl of Orkeney, 393. Ried, Lieutenant John, 393. Reid, Lord John, 393. Reid, Samuel Chester, 393 to 419. Reid, Mrs., 418, 419. Reina Christina, 539, 542, 544, 545. Reina Mercedes, 579, 580. Renshaw, Francis B., 431. Reprisal, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, loi. Republican, 239. Resolution, 270a. Retaliation, 236, 238, 239. Retaliation Act, 239. Revenge, 52, 53, 106, 159, 351. Richard, 80, 81, 83, 84, 87, 505. Richmond, 427, 452, 454, 455, 533, 555- Ridgeley, Midshipman, 258. Ritchie, Lieutenant, 318. Roanoke, 428. Robert I, 394. Robert III, 393. Robinson, Captain, 60, 143, 197. Robinson, Samuel S., 528. Roche, James Jeffrey, 393. RoDGERS, John, 263 to 267. Rogers, George W., 216, 223, 246. Rogers, Raymond P., 566. Romotia, 155. Roosevelt, Theodore, 522. Rosa, 397. Ross, General, 395. Rossie, 147. Rota, 404, 405. Royal Geographical Society, 130. Royal George, 366, 367, 369. Rowan, Stephen Ci.egg, 469 to 474, 561. Rush, W. R., 559. Ruskin, James, 534. Russell, G. L., 578. Sabine, 427, 433. Sachem, 143. Sacramento, 443. Saginaw, 427. Salonstall, Dudley, 20, 28, 35, 66. Sampson, George, 547, 569, 576, 581, 582. Sampson, Thomas William, 547 to 552, 10, 523, 556. Sands, James Hoban, 526. San Jacinto, 427. Santcc, 428. Saratoga, 143, 378, 379, 380, 381, 382, 427, 450, 461. Saunders, Lieutenant, 68. Savage, John, 395. Savage, Mrs., 395. Savannah, 428. Saxton, Hiram, 525. Saxton, Mary, 555. Scarborough, 13, 83. Schley, Winfield Scott, 525 to 553. Schley, John Thomas, 553. Schley, Virginia McClure, 553. Schley, Arthur, 553. Schley, Eugene, 553. Schuetze, W. N., 566. Scorpion, 354, 357, 35S. Scott, General Winfield, 390, 391 , 450, 553- Index. 60 T. Scott, N. P., 545. Scottrge, 196. Scull, Nicholas, 127. Sears, Isaac, 171. Sears, James H., 559. Selkirk, Lord, 74, 75. Selkirk, Lady, 75, 76. Seminole, 427. Semmes Raphael, 513 to 518. Seneca, 463. Serapis, 9, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 97, 107, 109, no. III, 121, 151. Seven Years War, 25. Seveir, James, 285. Sewanee, 527. Seward, Mr., 433, 477. Shafer, Lieutenant, 478. Shatter, General, 550, 551. Shaler, William, 225, 371. Shannon, 273a, 274a. Shark, 43, 44. Shaw, Commander, 371. Shark, 499. Shelby, Isaac, 415. Shenandoah, 561. Sherman, W. T., 488, 494. Shubrick, John Semplar, 221, 227. Sickles, Catherine, 371, Sickles, John, 371. Sigsbee, Charles Dwight, 525. Simpson, American Consul, 192. Simpson, Edward, 559. Sinclair, Captain, 266. Siren, 196, 202, 21 1. Slemmer, Lieutenant, 432. Smallwood, Colonel, 157. Smith, Benjamin, 296. Smith, Melancthon, 532, 534, 535. Smith, Captain, 172, 255, 266. Smith, Sidney, 296. Smith, William, 464. Solace, 521. Solway, 68. Somers, Captain, 197, 198, 204, 205, 354, 466, 513. Somers, Richard, 253 to 258. South Carolina, 94. Southjield, 464, 465. South wick. Squire, 547. Spark, 223, 459. Sparrow, 527. Spence, Midshipman, 202. Spitfire, 223. Spofford, Paul, 419. Stafford, James Bayard, 70. Stars and Stripes, 568. Staunton, Lieutenant, 577. Steever, Charles L., 464. Stembel, Lieutenant, 436. Sterling, Admiral, 129, 130. Sterrett, Lieutenant, 174, 210. Stephenson, Mr., 415. Steubel, Commander, 496. Stewart, Andrew, 114, 189. Stewart, Charles, 253, 255, 257, 304.. Stickney, J. L. 545. Stockton, Mr., 471. Stoddert, Secretary of War, 175. Stonbel, R. N., 439. Stormont, Lord, 172. Story, Justice, 274a. Stotesbury, William, 464. Stringham, Silas Horton, 459 to 461, 469. St. James, 172. St. Lawrence, 428. St. Louis, 427, 433, 496, 498, 499,. 501, 526. St. Paul, 525. St. Shannon, 272a. Summit, 13. Sumpter, General, 497. \ 6o6 Index. Sumter, 427, 514, 515, 518. Supply, 427, 432, 435. Sttrprisc, 51. Susquehanna, 427, 507. S'ivallaii.', 2.\(i. Swan, Francis H,, 464. Sivitzerland, 499, 500. Sybil, 124, 125. Sykes, Dr., 277. Symmehy, 13. Syren, 189, 243. Tagus, 311. Talbot, Captain, 146, 165. Tatnall, Commander, 494, 495. Taylor, 435, 436, 437, 438, 440, 503, 504, 505. Taylor, John, 233, 570. Tciumseh, 359, 456, 510. Tennessee, 507, 509, 510, 511, 575. Texas, 557, 558, 564, 587. Teuedos, 221. Thais, 410. " The Polly of New York," 138. Thomas Penrose, 340. Thompkins, Governor, 416. Thompson, Charles, 53. Thompson, Commander, 496. Thompson, Thomas, 119. Ticonderoga, 379, 381. Tigress, 354. Tileston, Thomas, 419. Tilgham, General, 440. To?n Bowline, 330, 334. Torch, 223. Trant, Mr., 365. Trepassy, 122, 123. Tripoli, 210, 304. Tripoline, 196. Tripon, 339. Trippe, 354, 357, 358. Trippe, Lieutenant, 197, 198. Triumph, 92, 93. Troup, John, 169. True Br i ion, 136. Trumbull, Governor, 35, 160, 161. Trumbull, 112, 1 13, 150, 15 1. Truxton, Thomas, 169 to 181, 11, 165, 236, 263, 303, 394, 421. Tunnell, Cook, 590. Turner, Lieutenant, 354. Tuscarora, 514, 515. Tyler, President, 418. Tyng, William, 185. Unicorn, 120. United States Flag, 71. United States Nax'y, 154. United States, 125, 207, 216, 217, 218, 230, 253, 266, 279, 298, 299, 321, 329, 492. Vandalia, 449. Van Dorn, General, 497. Varuna, 455, 532. Varvaris, Oiler, 590. Vaughn, William, 374. \'ashan, James, 125. Velasco, 539, 544. Vengeance, 80, 83, 107, 165, 176, 177. Vermont, 586. Vesuvius, 447. Victor, 155. Vincennes, 428, 469, 492. Vincent, Captain, 139. Virginia, 143, 148, 149, 479, 4S5, 502, 509. Vixen, 189, 193, 205, 209, 243, 257, 270a, 557. 558- Vizcaya, 523, 557, 560, 563, 564, 565, 579, 580. Voorhees, Daniel W., 414. Index. 607 Volonlaire, 236, 238. Volunteer, 164. Villi II II, 522. Wabash, 428,461,493,531. Wadsworth, Henry, 254, 256. Wadsworth, Brig. General, 394. Wainwright, Richard, 453, 56S. Wait, 150, 161 . Walke, Anthony, 434. Walke, Henry, 431 10444,491,495, 505- Walker, Aza, 538, 541. Wallace, Captain, 26, 30, 31, 120. Ward, Captain, 419. Warford, G. H., 559. Warren, 16, 18, 33, 39, 40. Warrington, Lewis, 320, 330, 335. Washington, George, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 27, 32, 55, 93, 134. 135. 153. 154, 157. 173. 27i>395- Washington, 16, 17. Wasp, 28, 30, 143, 270a, 277, 2S0, 281, 283, 327, 329. Waters, Captain, 19. Water Witch, 428. Wateree, 555. Watson, Lieutenant, 30, 453. Weaver, Lieutenant, 29. Webster, Charles, 559. Wells, B. W. Jr., 559. Wendover, Peter N., 417, 418. West, William, 26. Whingates, 280. Whipple, Abrahau), 20, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31. 35. 37- White, Sailing Master, 272a. WicKES, Lambert, 43 to 47, loi. Wildes, Frank, 526, 538, 541, 545. Wilkes, Henry, 464. Wilmer, Lieutenant, 315. Wilwi/igton, 588. Willing, Thomas, 124, 129. Williams, Alexander O., 403. Williams, Joseph, 574. Williams, John Forster, 184, 185,, 574- Williams, Captain, 525. Williams, Robert, 525. Wilson, Charles, 50. Winona, 555. Winthrop, 185, 186, 187. Winsiow, 587, 58S, 589, 590, 591. Winslow, Captain, 517. Wirt, William, 415. Wolfe, 369. Wood, E. P., 538, 541. Worden, Lieutenant, 48, 478, 479, 480, 481,483. Worth, Jonathan, 585, 592. Worth, William, 399, 584, 5S5. Worth, W. J., 399. Wyandotte, 427. Woodman, John, 464, 466. Woolsey, Lieutenant, 365. Yarmouth, 139, 140, 144. Yarnall, Lieutenant, 355, 358. Yeo, Sir James Lucas, 361, 36S,. 369- Young, Joseph, 143. Lb,