The American Commodores E-Book

John Frost

• Herausgeber: Jazzybee Verlag
• Kategorie: Sachliteratur, Reportagen, Biografien
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2012

Seitenzahl: 500

Beschreibung

While the Naval Biography of England and the other great maritime powers has been written by the ablest authors, and published with every aid of embellishment and typographical elegance, that of the United States has hitherto been permitted to remain mostly unwritten; or has only presented itself to public notice in the fugitive form of magazine or newspaper articles. It is not to be denied, however, that some of the lives which have appeared in this form were furnished by the ablest writers in the country, and derive their authority from original documents, letters, and personal narratives. From the materials for an American Naval Biography thus furnished, in addition to other original materials politely furnished by surviving naval officers, or the families of those who are deceased, the following work is composed. Contents: Alexander Murray Charles Stewart David Porter Edward Preble Isaac Hull Jacob Jones James Biddle James Lawrence John Barry John Paul Jones Johnston Blakeley Joshua Barney Nicholas Biddle Oliver H. Perry Richard Dale Stephen Decatur Thomas Macdonough Thomas Truxtun William Henry Allen William Bainbridge

Leseprobe

The American Commodores

John Frost

Contents:

The American Commodores

Alexander Murray

Charles Stewart

David Porter

Edward Preble

Isaac Hull

Jacob Jones

James Biddle

James Lawrence

John Barry

John Paul Jones

Johnston Blakeley

Joshua Barney

Nicholas Biddle

Oliver H. Perry

Richard Dale

Stephen Decatur

Thomas Macdonough

Thomas Truxtun

William Henry Allen

William Bainbridge

The American Commodores, J. Frost

Jazzybee Verlag Jürgen Beck

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ISBN:9783849614447

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The American Commodores

ALEXANDER MURRAY

COMMODORE ALEXANDER MURRAY was born in Chestertown, Maryland, on the 12th day of July, 1755, of honest and respectable parents. From early life he was devoted to the watery element; and, at the age of eighteen, commanded a vessel in the European trade. The revolution shortly after breaking out, zealously attached to the cause of his country, he forsook the merchant service, and was appointed a lieutenant in the First Maryland regiment, commanded by Colonel Smallwood. He had previously received an appointment to the same station in the navy, hut as we had no frigate then in service, he entered the army. He took an early and conspicuous part in the hard fought battles that ensued at Whiteplains, Flatbush, York, &c.

His sense of hearing was much impaired by the explosion of sundry pieces of cannon, on the New York battery, while firing at the enemy's fleet, on their passage up the North river. At the close of this campaign he was severely afflicted by chronic complaints, and was compelled to retire, soon after having been appointed to the rank of captain in the second regiment. At this time two hundred effective men only returned, out of nine hundred that marched from Annapolis; the rest having been either killed, or taken, or having fallen victims to the maladies of the camp. On the re-establishment of his health, Captain Murray resumed his rank in the navy. As there were no public ships ready for service, he was appointed, at various times, to command sundry letters of marque, repeatedly passing and repassing the enemy's fleet, and seldom escaping without a battle. One of these engagements is worthy of record: Having been appointed to the command of the Revenge, a letter of marque, carrying eighteen six-pounders, with a complement of fifty men only, he sailed from Baltimore for Holland. He had the chief command of all the vessels then lying at that port, bound on foreign voyages, some of which were well armed. Meeting with the enemy's force much superior, he was compelled to return with his fleet, consisting of forty vessels, and to seek refuge in the river Patuxent. The number afterwards increased to about fifty sail; the commanders of which all agreed to fight their way through the opposing squadron. With this determination they put to sea, when a fleet of privateers hove in sight. A signal was made for all the unarmed vessels to return, and for the remainder to rally round their commander. The enemy's fleet, consisting of one ship of eighteen guns, one brig of sixteen, and three privateer schooners, stood for the body of the fleet. One brig and one schooner only obeyed Captain Murray's signal to rally. He soon discovered himself lying between the ship and the brig, when a severe engagement ensued; Captain Murray kept up an incessant fire from both broadsides, and in an hour's time had the satisfaction to see his enemies haul off, after having sustained much damage. The brig and the schooner likewise behaved extremely well, and repelled the assaults of their adversaries. Captain Murray, after this action, returned to Hampton Roads to refit; his sails and rigging were much injured, but fortunately no lives were lost; few only were wounded, himself amongst the number.

After Captain Murray had repaired his vessel, he sailed for the banks of Newfoundland, and was unfortunately overtaken and surrounded by an English fleet, of one hundred and fifty men of war and transports, bound to New York. He was pursued and captured by a frigate. The captain and lieutenant were his intimate friends, from whom he received every kindness and attention. He at last arrived in Philadelphia, where he was regularly exchanged.

The United States' frigate Trumbull, of thirty-two guns, commanded by his gallant friend and relation, the late Captain Nicholson, was then ready for service. This officer had before distinguished himself, in a very severe engagement off New York, with a British ship of war called the Wyatt. She was manned with a picked crew, and sent expressly to take the Trumbull. The action continued for two hours; both ships received much injury, and a dreadful carnage ensued. The British ship hauled off, and was towed into New York. The captain being asked the name of the Trumbull's commander, replied, that he must be either Paul Jones or the Devil for never was a ship fought before with such frantic desperation. Captain Nicholson likewise put into port to repair; and when he sailed on his second cruise, Captain Murray volunteered his services as a lieutenant; and he had the pleasure of finding his gallant friend, the late Commodore Dale, one of the lieutenants on board likewise. In the midst of a violent gale, accompanied by thunder and lightning, the Trumbull lost her fore-topmast. When the storm abated, the crew discovered themselves to be close on board an English frigate. All hands, were, nevertheless, called to their quarters, and a dreadful action ensued. At the time when the enemy's fire began to slacken, it was discovered that most of the battle-lanterns were extinguished, and that the crew had fled from their stations. A second English ship was laid along the stern of the Trumbull, which poured in her raking broadsides, and put an end to the action.

Two of the lieutenants, with Lieutenant Murray, were severely wounded; and one-third of the crew were either killed or disabled. The Trumbull was the next day tow r ed into New York, without a mast standing, and several of her gun-ports beat into one.

After Captain Murray had recovered from his wounds, he repaired to Baltimore, where he was furnished with another fine brig, a letter of marque. As he was unable to procure a complement of men and guns, he took a cargo of tobacco, and went on an intended voyage to St. Croix. When he sailed from Hampton Roads he had only five six-pounders on board, and the crew amounted to no more than twenty-five men. A privateer of fourteen guns, and one hundred men, came alongside, by superior sailing, and lay fast on his quarter. The five guns were brought to bear, and the privateer was repelled. Perceiving Captain Murray's weakness, the attack was renewed with redoubled fury, while his own guns were perpetually shifted from side to side, as occasion demanded. In attempting to board, the privateer was again driven back, but succeeded in carrying away the masts, leaving not a stick of timber standing but the mainmast and the stump of the bowsprit. A final and desperate attempt w r as at length made to board, but the crew of the privateer, with the loss of half their number, were again repulsed. This action continued for two hours. Captain Murray, after much hazard, arrived in safety at St. Thomas, where he made sale of his cargo.

Having refitted at this place, he captured a British packet by stratagem, in the Gulf of Florida, without firing a gun, and brought his prize into the Havanna.

An embargo was laid at this port in consequence of an expedition then fitting out against the Bahama islands, in which he obtained a command. Several other American vessels, lying in port, were armed and attached to this expedition, which set sail with a large fleet of Spanish transports, carrying five thousand men, under the American flag. Captain Murray arrived off new Providence, and the wind blowing hard, no alternative was left but either to attack a fort well mounted with heavy ordnance, or to be driven on shore by the violence of the gale. The former of these alternatives he adopted, and entering the port, summoned the fort to surrender. This was immediately done, and the Spanish flag waved triumphantly on the ramparts.

The Governor and his aid, (since the noted General Miranda,) who both sailed on board Captain Murray's ship, were engaged in forming the terms of capitulation. It was in vain suggested to Miranda, by the subject of the present memoir, that an unconditional surrender might be obtained, as the principal forts were then in their possession. Miranda, then a captain of the Spanish grenadiers, mortified at the thought that the Americans should have so large a share in the glory of the enterprise, made shameful and disgraceful terms of capitulation.

A controversy with Miranda ensued, which ended in a formal challenge on the part of Captain Murray. That officer, believing, with Falstaff, that " the better part of valour was discretion," refused to answer the call.

Captain Murray, after a successful voyage, arrived at Baltimore, and was ordered on board the Alliance frigate, as first lieutenant, under the command of his old friend, the gallant Commodore Barry. Peace, in a short time, ensued between the United States and England; and after the ratification was signed, Captain Murray was the last officer who held a commission in the Naval service. He had been in thirteen battles in the army and navy, was frequently wounded, and often taken prisoner; which was the only thing that ever withdrew him, for a moment, from active and honourable engagement in the service. During the administration of President Adams, at the commencement of our hostilities with France, the name of Captain Murray was found amongst the first officers appointed in the navy. He repaired to Baltimore, and took the command of the United States' ship Montezuma, of twenty-four guns; cruised for eight months along the whole range of the West India islands, and convoyed nearly one hundred sail to the different ports of the United States, without the loss of a single vessel. Returning, he arrived at the Delaware, received the public thanks of the President, and was ordered to the command of the Insurgent. With a crew of three hundred and twenty men he repaired on board of this ship, and sailed under a roving commission. Understanding that the French frigate Ambuscade was in the neighbourhood of the West India islands, he cruised there for several weeks, and put into the port of Lisbon to recruit his provisions.

He next proceeded, in company with the British frigate Phaeton, on board of which were Lord Elgin and suite, in quest of two .French frigates, reported to be' cruising off Cape St. Vincent, with whom he sailed until her arrival at the Straits of Gibraltar. He then blockaded two large French corvettes in the bay of Cadiz; but hearing that a number of American vessels were watched by French privateers at Algeziras, he repaired to Gibraltar for information. Here Admiral Duckworth was anchored with a fleet of several ships of the line, from whom he received every testimonial of civility and kindness. He next cruised off Madeira and the Canary isles; but never obtained a sight of the enemy, the two corvettes excepted.

Receiving information that the French frigate Volunteer, of forty-four guns, was cruising off Cayenne, he arrived at that port, where he understood she had sailed for Guadaloupe. At length he discovered this frigate, of which he had been so long in chase, at Point Petre, where he blockaded her until all his provisions were consumed, and repaired to St. Christophers to recruit. On returning to renew the blockade, he fell in company with the Constellation, and learnt from the gallant Truxton that the frigate was the Vengeance. The particulars of that memorable battle are too well known to require a specific detail. The Constellation, then in a crippled state, and the Insurgent, sailed in company to Jamaica, for the purpose of refitting; where the two American officers experienced every kindness and courtesy from Sir Hyde Parker, who commanded on that station. 

Captain Murray received orders from Havanna to return to America. Meeting with strong and heavy gales, and a lee current, the ship sustained much injury, and it was with the greatest difficulty that she was brought into Baltimore; thus terminating a cruise of nine months, never longer than a week in one port, and his ship almost reduced to a wreck the bolts and nails starting from her decks and sides in every gale.

Scarcely had he time to visit his family at Norfolk before he received orders to take the command of the Constellation, Commodore Truxton having been transferred to the President. His first cruise was for the Leeward islands, where he relieved Captain Talbot, of the Constitution, off Cape Français. He had several sloops of war, brigs, &c., under his command; and such were his arrangements, that our trade in that quarter was effectually protected not a single capture having been made by the French cruisers.

While sailing in quest of the French frigate Vengeance, after the action with Commodore Truxton, he received information of her capture by the English. He was afterwards relieved by Captain Sevier, in the frigate Congress, and set out on his return to the Delaware. Passing through the Bahama Straits, he stopped at the Havanna, to convoy some American vessels, and was introduced to the Viceroy of Mexico and his lady, on their route to Spain, by whom he was noticed with every mark of cordial respect, participating in all the splendid entertainments given by them to the principal inhabitants of that place. His stores being replenished, he sailed for the Windward isles, and on his passage encountered a dreadful gale, where he had nearly foundered, and was on the eve of cutting away his masts, when the storm abated. He proceeded onward towards Guadaloupe, and fell in with the British frigate Magnanimie, of forty-four guns, in a dark night, from which a gun was fired without the preliminary ceremony of showing a signal. At this moment, Captain Murray's wardroom-officers crowded around him, indignant at the insult offered to the American flag, and anxiously inquired if he did not intend to return the fire. He sternly ordered them instantly to their quarters, without deigning to give any other reply to their urgent interrogations. Disgusted, they obeyed the command, suspecting no very honourable motives for such haughtiness, coldness, and reserve. It requires but very little aid from fancy to observe by the light of the battle-lanterns, this little group of officers at their guns, bending their full, expressive, and indignant looks on their commander; their eyes gleaming with reproaches which their tongues dare not utter. From him they cast their eyes upon each other, ah-d their silent glances, accompanied by shrugs and indignant smiles, emphatically expressed what opinion was prevalent. The captain, meanwhile maintaining a cold "tranquility of deportment, saw and enjoyed the scene, appearing perfectly unconscious of the impression which his orders had made. The silent interchange of thoughts and sensations more eloquent, however, than all the powers of language lasted for some time. Not a word was spoken all was attention and dumb resentment. These officers, at length, to their astonishment and delight, received orders from their commander to return the salute with a full broadside. Another train of sensations occurred, and the frowns of anger were exchanged for gleams of the fondest admiration. The orders were promptly executed, when an explanation ensued, and precluded further hostility.

The next day he captured a French lugger, of eighteen guns, from which he received the first intelligence that preliminaries of peace had been signed between the two belligerents; and falling in with Admiral Duckworth, these tidings were confirmed. Arriving off Point Petre, he sent a flag of truce to the French commissioner, by whom he was invited on shore, and was received with every testimonial of respect. Feux de joie were fired from the forts as he passed, and during the two days of his residence at that that place, all was hilarity and mirth. He communicated the pacific intelligence to the other American commanders with whom he fell in, and sailed with a convoy for Philadelphia.

The act of Congress reducing the navy was now passed, and the Commodore was one of the thirteen still retained in the service. He received orders to repair to the Mediterranean, to protect the American commerce in that quarter from the ravages of the Tripolitan cruisers. Commodore Truxton was originally destined to take the command in the Mediterranean; his controversy with government and his resignation are well known. Captain Murray, in the Constellation, sailed in pursuance of his orders-, and when he arrived in the Straits, was informed by the British Admiral, Sir James Saumarez, that the Philadelphia and Essex frigates lay at Malaga, where the two commanders, Bainbridge and Barron, were anxiously waiting to be relieved. As senior officer, he permitted their return to the United States. While lying in that port, awaiting instructions from his government, he was informed by Lord Keith, the British admiral on that station, of the daily expectation of the arrival of his Royal Highness, the Duke of Kent. Desiring to pay the Royal Duke every mark of respect, the Admiral invited Commodore Murray to join, if it was not inconsistent with his arrangements. The Commodore, with his usual courtesy agreed, and the first rank was assigned to him after the Admiral's own flag. As soon as the royal standard was discovered in the bay, the British fleet, consisting of twelve sail, fired a salute, followed by the American frigates, and then the Portuguese and Danish men of war. The yards were all manned, and in this manner they escorted his Royal Highness on shore, Lord Keith leading the van in company with the Royal Duke. They then repaired to the parade ground, where they were all presented to his Royal Highness in form, in the centre of a hollow square formed by a garrison of five thousand men. When this ceremony was ended, they marched round, and at the head of each regiment were received with military music, and a feu de joie was fired in rotation from all the cannon in the batteries.

Commodore Murray had a long and familiar conversation with his Royal Highness, which was several times repeated, and always with the warmest declarations of his respect and regard for the Americans. The next day he received a polite note from Lord Keith, in which the Admiral says, "I am commanded by his Royal Highness, the Duke of Kent, to make his public thanks to you, and to the officers commanding the American frigates, for their courtesy and attention to him yesterday, in his own person, and that of the British nation."

On the day following, the Philadelphia and Essex having departed for the United States, Commodore Murray proceeded up the Mediterranean with valuable presents from his government to the Bey of Tunis, sent from England by our Minister, Mr. King, which he delivered. From this port he sailed for Tripoli, and fell in with the Boston and two Swedish frigates, with which he concerted a plan for a vigourous blockade. As the Boston was compelled to put into Malta to repair, and the Swedish ships of war to go away in quest of provision, Commodore Murray was left alone in sight of the town for several weeks. He repaired to Syracuse for provisions, and in the mean time very advantageous terms of peace were offered to him by the Bashaw; to which, as he had no powers from his own government, he was unable to accede.

He was once becalmed, when he was attacked by all the Tripolitan gun-boats, and the contest was maintained for an hour. A light breeze springing up, he brought his guns to bear, and distributed amongst them such showers of grape, that they never annoyed him afterwards.

Commodore Murray visited the ex-bashaw at Malta, where he went in quest of provisions. He was an interesting and well-disposed Turk, of free and easy manners. He detailed to the Commodore, at great length, the sufferings and oppressions imposed on him by his brother, and solicited his assistance; but the Commodore was unable to serve him, and could only breathe a fervent prayer for his success. His brother, the Bashaw, was a tyrant, whose heart was impenetrable to the touches of mercy and compassion.

He remained four months before Tripoli, awaiting the orders of his government. At length he went to Palermo, to inquire if any American vessels required convoy, when he heard that Captain Morris, in the Chesapeake, had arrived in the Mediterranean. He touched at Naples, and remained there until his rudder was repaired, during which time he was introduced to the diplomatic corps, and to the principal nobility of the place, participating in all the courtesy and hospitality of their tables. These compliments he requited by invitations on board his frigate.

At Leghorn he met with Captain Morris, with whom he arranged all matters respecting his future course, and sailed down the Straits with a convoy. He proceeded as far as the Gulf of Lyons, encountering many severe gales, and was compelled to put into Malaga, for the purpose of fishing his mast, which had sprung by the violence of the gale. Here he met with Captain Rodgers, in the frigate John Adams, who put into his hands an open letter from the Secretary of the Navy, directed to Captain Morris, enjoining him to despatch the Constellation and some other vessels of war home. As Captain Morris was then thirteen hundred miles distant, he returned to America, after having informed that officer by letter of his motives for so doing. He sailed with a fleet of upwards of one hundred vessels, under his convoy, and arrived at Washington, where his ship was dismantled.

He remained for a period in the bosom of domestic retirement, from whence he was summoned to take command of the Adams, and cruise off the American coast, which was then infested with French privateers. He cruised for some time along the coasts of Carolina and Georgia, in a tempestuous season of the year, until his ship was almost a wreck, when he returned to Washington, where she was laid up.

Commodore Murray's last appointment was that of commander of the navy-yard in Philadelphia, a post in which he rendered important services, and gave universal satisfaction. He held it during the rest of his life. He died October 6, 1820, at his seat near Philadelphia. His remains were interred with the highest honours. He united to the highest firmness and resolution, a remarkable mildness and suavity of temper. Few men were personally more beloved. The invalid, the battered and disabled seaman, returning from the disasters of war or shipwreck, ever found in him a generous friend.

CHARLES STEWART

THE ability and eminent services of Commodore Stewart have not only placed him in a very elevated rank among the naval commanders of the United States, but have been considered by many of his fellow citizens, as giving him a claim to the highest mark of their confidence which their suffrages can confer. Whatever difference of opinion may exist as to the fitness of the commodore for civil stations, it is certain that his abilities have always been found equal to the occasion which called them forth, either upon the land, or upon his favourite field, the ocean. Charles Stewart was born in the city of Philadelphia, on the twenty-eighth day of July, 1778, the month after the British army evacuated the city. His parents were natives of Ireland. It was his misfortune to lose his father before he had attained his second year. He was the youngest of eight children. On the death of his father, his mother was left, in the midst of the revolution, with four children to provide for, and with limited means for their support and education. Being, however, a woman of talents and great energy, she was not found wanting in this arduous task.

At the age of thirteen, Charles sought and found employment in the merchant service, in which he rose, through the several grades, from the situation of cabin boy, to the command of an Indiaman; and here, in the full tide of successful mercantile enterprise, he relinquished all that he had toiled for, and offered himself to the service of his country. On the ninth of March, 1798, he was commissioned lieutenant in the navy of the United States, and received orders to join the frigate United States, then in command of Commodore John Barry. He continued in this ship until July, 1800. Part of this time the frigate was employed in the West Indies, to look after and restrain the French privateers, and to protect our commerce against their depredations, in which service she was eminently successful. In the latter part of the year the frigate was engaged in transporting the commissioners for treating with France to that country, and was thus deprived of the opportunity which, under other circumstances, might have led to other and higher honours.

On the sixteenth of July, 1800, Lieutenant Stewart was appointed to the command of the United States' schooner Experiment, of twelve guns, in which he sailed on a cruise to the West Indies. Having arrived on the station assigned him, on the night of September the 1st, he fell in with the French armed schooner Deux Amis, of eight guns, and brought her to action, which terminated in ten minutes; the Deux Amis having struck her colours, she was sent to the United States for condemnation. Cruising under the lee of Barbuda, at daylight on the thirtieth of September, two sails were discovered, bearing down on the Experiment, with all sail set, and English colours hoisted. The Experiment continued lying to, with the British signal of the day flying, until they approached within gun-shot, when, finding one to be a brig of war of eighteen guns, and the other a three-masted schooner of fourteen guns, and that they would not answer the signal, Lieutenant Stewart determined to retreat from such superior force, and avail himself of any opportunity that might offer for cutting off one of those vessels. It was soon discovered that the Experiment could outsail them, and after a fruitless chase of two hours, on the wind, they gave up the pursuit, hoisted French colours, fired a gun of defiance to windward, and kept their vessels off before the wind. He, being now satisfied of their Character and force, manoeuvred to gain their wake to windward, and thus became the pursuing vessel in his turn. Sail was crowded on the Experiment, and at about eight o'clock at night she came up with the three-masted schooner, and taking a position on her larboard quarter, poured in a broadside; in a few minutes the enemy struck her colours, and surrendered to the Experiment. She proved to be the French national schooner Diana, commanded by Captain Perandeau; having on board Lieutenant de Vaisseau, with a detachment of thirty invalid soldiers, and a crew of sixty-five men, also General Rigaud, on his way to France, under the convoy of the brig of war, which made her escape, and got into Saint Bartholomew. The prize was despatched to the United States, under command of Lieutenant James R. Caldwell, and was restored to the French under an article of the treaty; but the captors were never compensated by the government for this vessel, as others were in many cases.

After disposing of the prisoners at St. Christopher, Lieutenant Stewart continued on his cruising ground, and recaptured a number of American vessels which had been taken by the French, and thus rescued a considerable amount of property from the grasp of their privateers. On the sixteenth of November, at midnight, he fell in with an armed vessel, and after repeatedly hailing and requesting her to heave to, that a boat might board her, for the purpose of ascertaining her character, and receiving no answer or other satisfaction, he determined to bring her to action. The vessel kept up a running fight with great spirit and determination, for forty minutes, when she became so cut up and crippled by the Experiment's fire, that she was obliged to strike and submit to be boarded. She proved to be the Louisa Bridger, of Bermuda, carrying eight nine-pounders, with a stout crew of Bermudians. She was so much injured that the officers and crew of the Experiment were occupied until three o'clock next day in repairing her damages. Having two shot through her bottom, she was almost in a sinking condition, and when Lieutenant Porter boarded her, was found to have four feet water in the hold. After putting her in the best repair which circumstances permitted, Lieutenant Stewart dismissed her on her cruise. The Experiment had only one killed and two wounded slightly. The wind, during the action, was strong and squally, and the Experiment careened so much, that Lieutenant Stewart, to enable his guns to be sufficiently depressed, found it necessary to cut three inch planks into short lengths, and put them under the trucks of the gun carriages, to raise the guns sufficiently from the lower port sills.

On the return of the Experiment to St. Christopher, Commodore Truxtun ordered Lieutenant Stewart to proceed with a convoy from Martinique to the island of St. Thomas, and thence to Curacao, to look for the United States' brig Pickering, and frigate Insurgent, but nothing could be heard of those vessels at that place; they had both foundered in the equinoxial gale, with a store ship under their care, and all hands perished. On leaving Curacao the Experiment was ordered to proceed to Norfolk.

Standing in for the Mona passage, early in the morning, a vessel was discovered in distress, and beating on the reef off Saona Island. On nearing her, many persons were discovered to be on board. After anchoring the Experiment at a safe distance from the reef, Lieutenant Stewart despatched Lieutenant Porter with the boats to their relief, who, with much difficulty and danger from the breakers on the reef, succeeded in rescuing from destruction about sixty women and children, with seven men of the vessel's crew. They were the families of the most respectable inhabitants of St. Domingo, flying from the siege of that city by the blacks. They had been on the rocks for two days, without any thing to eat or drink; and at the time of their rescue only a small portion of the quarter deck was above water.

After the sailors had recovered as much of the property as they could, by diving into the vessel's hold, the Experiment proceeded to the city of St. Domingo with the rescued persons, where they were all landed the next day, and restored to their friends. Their gratitude was unbounded, and the Experiment was most liberally furnished, gratis, with every refreshment the place afforded. The President of St. Domingo, Don Joaquin Garcia, wrote a letter of thanks to the President of the United States, (Mr. Jefferson,) commending in the highest terms the conduct of Lieutenant Stewart and his gallant crew on this occasion.

On the arrival of the Experiment, in 1801, at Norfolk, she was sold out of the service, under the act of congress fixing the naval establishment. Lieutenant Stewart was amongst the thirty-six lieutenants retained under that law, and was placed in charge of the frigate Chesapeake, in ordinary, at Norfolk.

In 1802, he joined the United States' frigate Constellation, as first officer of Captain Murray, who was ordered to the Mediterranean to blockade Tripoli, then at war with the United States. This was a short cruise of one year, and afforded no opportunity for distinction. On her return, Lieutenant Stewart was placed in command of the brig Siren, then being built at Philadelphia, and received orders to superintend her equipment, which was effected in seven days after she was launched; when she sailed for the Mediterranean to join the command of Commodore Preble. She was engaged in giving protection to our commerce by convoy, and conveying the consular presents to the Dey of Algiers.

Syracuse, in the island of Sicily, was the rendezvous of the squadron. From that place the Siren was engaged in the expedition sent under Lieutenant Stewart to destroy the frigate Philadelphia, which had grounded off the harbour of Tripoli, and was surrendered to the Bashaw. Lieutenant Decatur was sent in the Intrepid, ketch, with seventy volunteers, to board and burn the frigate, which he accomplished in the most gallant manner; and with the aid of the Siren's boats, under Lieutenant Caldwell, effected his retreat out of the harbour. After this successful expedition, the Siren, Lieutenant Stewart, with the Vixen, Enterprise, and Nautilus, all under his command, were employed in a rigid blockade of the city of Tripoli and adjacent harbours. During this blockade Lieutenant Stewart frequently led in the vessels of the blockade to the attack of the batteries and flotilla, to accustom the officers and men to the enemy's fire, and to force the Tripolitans to expend their ammunition; and on one occasion, they attacked and destroyed two batteries which the enemy had erected to the westward of the city, for the protection of their coasting trade.

On the 21st of July, 1804, Commodore Preble arrived off Tripoli with the frigate Constitution, 44, .brig Argus, 18, brig Siren, 18, Scourge, schooner Vixen, 16, Enterprise, 14, two mortar vessels, and six gunboats; with these, in conjunction with the force above mentioned, he determined to attack the town, flotilla, and batteries of Tripoli. On the 3rd of August, the wind proving favourable, at meridian the signal was made to prepare for battle, when the whole force, forming a line a-head, led on by the Siren, Lieutenant Stewart, advanced to the attack, and when within reach of the enemy's fire, the gunboats were cast off, and immediately boarded the gunboats of Tripoli, twenty of which were moored in a line, outside of the reef which formed the harbour. Three of them were carried, and brought off under cover of the vessels of war, and added to the American squadron. Lieutenant Stewart for his gallant conduct on this occasion received the thanks of Commodore Preble.

For his distinguished services throughout the blockade he was promoted to be master commandant, and placed in command of the frigate Essex, which vessel, after the conclusion of peace w T ,ith Tripoli, proceeded with the rest of the squadron, commanded by Commodore Rodgers, to Tunis Bay, for the purpose of checking in that regency a rising disposition to commence hostilities on the flag and commerce of the United States. The hostile attitude of the squadron, while there, induced Mr. George Davis, consul of the United States, to leave the city, and seek refuge on board the fleet. The state of our affairs now drawing to a crisis so serious, it appeared to the consul general, Colonel Lear, that the flag officer ought to strengthen his acts with the advice and consent of his principal officers; in consequence of which, the commander-in-chief called a council, consisting of Captains Campbell, Decatur, Stewart, Hull, Smith, Dent, and Robinson, to .whom the situation of our affairs with the regency was explained, and the opinion of the officers demanded whether hostilities ought not immediately to commence. It was at this council that the opinion of Captain Stewart carried with it the assent of all the officers, and preserved the peace of the country with that regency. It was on receiving that opinion, as delivered in the council, transmitted by the consul general and the consul, Mr. Davis, to the President of the United States, that Mr. Jefferson expressed to his cabinet the high satisfaction he felt at having an officer in the squadron who so thoroughly comprehended international law, the constitution of his country, and the policy of his government. On the termination of this affair with the regency of Tunis, Captain Stewart took command of the frigate Constellation, and returned to the United States.

During part of the years 1806 and 1807, Captain Stewart was employed in superintending the construction of gunboats at New York, and was afterwards engaged in prosecuting mercantile enterprises to the East Indies, the Mediterranean, and the Adriatic. On the declaration of war with Great Britain, in 1812, he proceeded, in conjunction with Commodore Bainbridge, to Washington, for the purpose of seeking service; but on presenting themselves at the Navy Department, they were informed that it had been decided by the cabinet to place all the ships of war in the harbour of New York for its defence, and thus deprive the marine of all opportunity for distinguished service. But, on the 22nd of June, 1812, it was determined by the President, in conformity with the suggestions of these officers, that the ships should be sent to sea, and to sea they were forthwith ordered. Captain Stewart was appointed to the command of the brig Argus and the Hornet sloop of war.

In December he was appointed to the command of the frigate Constellation, then repairing at Washington. Shortly after, she was equipped, and ready for sea, upon which occasion Captain Stewart gave a splendid entertainment on board that vessel, to all branches of government, and the citizens of the district. He now proceeded to Hampton Roads, preparatory to going on a cruise; but unfortunately, the morning after anchoring there, he discovered the enemy approaching his anchorage with a superior force of two seventy-fours, three frigates, and several small vessels of war; he lost no time in preparing to retreat. It being calm with him, he commenced kedging his frigate towards Norfolk; the enemy's vessels approached rapidly with a fine breeze, which they fortunately lost off Willoughby's point, and they were in consequence of the ebb tide compelled to anchor. The Constellation was kedged up on the flats off Sowell's Point, where she lay aground the rest of the day; Captain Stewart continued to press the river craft and lighten his vessel. In case the enemy, by kedging up their seventy-fours, or by means of a breeze, had reached his position, he was prepared for burning the Constellation; the night flood, however, made, when about eight o'clock his ship floated, sail was made on her with a fine breeze, boats with lights and pilots were sent to point out the shoals, and at eleven o'clock, P. M., the Constellation was safely moored between forts Norfolk and Nelson, where she afterwards contributed to defend that place, and with her cannon and her crew repulsed the enemy's attack on Craney Island, and defeated the expedition sent to capture Norfolk and its dependencies.

In the summer of 1813, Captain Stewart was ordered to assume the command of the frigate Constitution, then undergoing repairs at Boston. In December following he proceeded on a cruise. After exhibiting that ship on the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina, and about the Bermuda Islands, &c. and destroying the Picton of sixteen guns, a merchant ship of ten guns, the brig Catherine, and schooner Phoenix, he chased several British ships of war, and the frigate La Pique, in the Mona passage, without being able to overtake any of them, in consequence of the worn out state of the sails of the Constitution. Captain Stewart determined to return to Boston, and replace them; in April the Constitution arrived at Marblehead, in Massachusetts, having with great difficulty escaped from the British frigates, the Junon, and La Nymphe, of fifty guns each.

In December, the Constitution proceeded on another cruise, having been refitted with great care, and furnished with new sails. On the 24th, he captured and destroyed, to the eastward of the Bermudas, the brig Lord Nelson; off Lisbon he captured the ship Susan, with a valuable cargo, and sent her to New York; and on the 20th of February, 1815, after a sharp conflict of forty minutes, he captured the British ships of war, the Cyane of thirty-four guns, and the Levant of twenty-one guns, having three men killed, and thirteen wounded, the British ships having in all thirty-five killed, and forty-two wounded.

Captain Stewart proceeded with these prizes to the Island of St. Jago, with a view to divest his ship of the numerous prisoners, consisting of the officers, seamen, and marines of both ships of the enemy, amounting to nearly four hundred. While making arrangements for despatching them at Port Praya, for Barbados, the British squadron, consisting of the ships of war the Acasta of fifty guns, the New Castle of sixty-four guns, and the Leander of sixty-four guns, under the command of Sir George Collier, reached his position under cover of a thick fog. Notwithstanding their near approach, Captain Stewart determined to retreat, and immediately the Constitution and her prizes cut their cables and crowded sail to escape. He was fortunate in being able, by his skilful management and manoeuvres, to save from their grasp his favourite frigate Constitution, and the Cyane; the Levant was captured by the squadron and sent to Barbadoes

After this escape, he proceeded with the Constitution to Maranham, in the Brazils, and landed the prisoners, refreshed his crew, refitted his vessel, and returned to Boston, where he and his officers were received with the usual courtesies by their fellow citizens.

On his way through New York, the common council honoured Captain Stewart with the freedom of their city, in a gold box, and extended towards him and his officers the courteous hospitalities of that city, by a public dinner. On his arrival in Philadelphia, the legislature of his native State (Pennsylvania) voted him their thanks, and directed his excellency the governor to cause a gold-hilted sword to be presented to Captain Stewart, in testimony of their sense of his distinguished merits in capturing the British ships of war of superior force, the Cyane, and the Levant. On the meeting of congress, the assembled representatives of the nation passed a vote of thanks to Captain Stewart, his officers, and crew; and resolved that a suitable gold medal, commemorative of that brilliant event, the capture of the two British ships of war, the Cyane and the Levant, by the Constitution, should be presented to Captain Stewart, in testimony of the sense they entertained of his gallantry, and that of his officers, seamen and marines, under his command on that occasion.

The war with Great Britain having terminated, the Constitution was put out of commission, and laid up in ordinary. In 1816, Captain Stewart was placed in command of the Franklin ship of the line, of severity-four guns, and in 1817, she was fitted out at Philadelphia as the flag ship of Commodore Stewart, who was directed to take command of the American squadron in the Mediterranean sea. In November, 1817, he sailed for England, to convey the Hon. Richard Rush as a minister to the court of St. James, who was landed there in the latter part of December, after which the Franklin proceeded to the Mediterranean, and Commodore Steward took command of the forces of the United States in that sea. In this station he preserved the glory of his former exploits, and the honour of his country. He was placed in a situation which calls forth an energy and address that few men are fortunate enough to combine.

In 1820, the Franklin returned to the United States, and remained in ordinary until the following year, when she was again fitted for service in the Pacific, and Commodore Stewart was placed in command. This post, owing to the state of affairs in the South American provinces, called for the exercise of great discretion and prudence in giving protection to his fellow citizens, their commerce and their property, while, at the same time, he had to guard against the representations of malignant enemies. In these trying circumstances the commodore adopted that line of conduct which patriotism, duty and honour alone could point out.

On returning to the country he had so nobly served, Commodore Stewart was subject to a degrading arrest for one year, and to the costs of an expensive court martial. An acquittal, more honourable than the records of any naval tribunal can furnish, was the result accorded him, under the oath of twelve of his brother officers, distinguished for their patriotism, valour, experience, and fidelity to their country. On his return from Washington, where his trial took place, to Philadelphia, his friends greeted him with a public dinner in approbation of his services in the Pacific. From 1825 to 1830, he was variously engaged in appropriate duties, such as examining midshipmen, and sitting on court martials.

In August, 1830, he was appointed a member of the Board of Navy Commissioners at Washington, where he remained until August, 1833, he then retired to his farm in New Jersey. In July, 1836, Commodores Stewart, Dallas and Bolton were appointed commissioners to prepare plans for the improvement of the navy yard at Pensacola.

On the 1st of July, 1837, Commodore James Barren resigned the command of the navy yard at Philadelphia, and Commodore Stewart was placed in command of that station. By the most strenuous exertions, Commodore Stewart succeeded in launching the line-of-battle ship Pennsylvania, on the 18th of July. This ship, the largest and most magnificent in point of model and construction now afloat, was ordered by the Secretary of the Navy to be removed from Philadelphia to Norfolk, to be coppered, and Commodore Stewart was appointed to equip and take her to that place for the purpose. Since that period he has been engaged, as usual, in various services, requiring the ability and experience of a first rate commander.

Commodore Stewart is about five feet nine inches in height, erect and well proportioned, of a dignified and engaging presence, and possessed of great constitutional powers to endure hardships and privations of all kinds. Although sixty-five years of age, he is still as active as if he were but in the prime of life. His complexion is fair, but it bears the weather-beaten marks of naval service. His hair is of a chestnut colour; his eyes blue, large, penetrating, and intelligent. The cast of his countenance is Roman, bold, strong, and commanding, and his head finely formed. He possesses great vigor of mind, a high sense of justice, and inflexible resolution of purpose. His mind is acute and powerful, grasping the greatest or smallest subjects with the intuitive mastery of genius. He not only fully understands his profession as a naval commander, but all the various interests of commerce, the foreign and domestic policy of his country, the principles of government, and the " law of nations," are as familiar to him as " household words." His control over his passions is truly surprising; and under the most irritating circumstances, his oldest seamen have never yet seen a ray of anger flash from his eye. His kindness, benevolence and humanity are proverbial amongst those who know him; but his sense of justice and of the requisitions of duty are as unbending as fate.

DAVID PORTER

DAVID PORTER, the eldest son of Captain David Porter, was born in Boston, on the 1st February, 1780. His father was an officer in our navy during the revolutionary war, and distinguished himself on various occasions by his activity, enterprise and daring spirit. Being necessarily absent from home for the greater part of his time, the charge of his infant family devolved almost entirely on his wife. She was a pious and intelligent woman, the friend and instructor of her children, teaching them not merely by her precepts, but by her amiable and virtuous example. Soon after the conclusion of the war, Captain Porter removed with his household to Baltimore, where he took command of the revenue cutter the Active. Here, in the bosom of his family, he would indulge in the veteran's foible of recounting past scenes of peril and adventure, and talking over the wonders and vicissitudes that chequer a seafaring life. Little David would sit for hours and listen and kindle at these marvellous tales; while his father, perceiving his own love of enterprise springing up in the bosom of the lad, took every means to cherish it and to inspire him with a passion for the sea. He at the same time gave him all the education and instruction that his limited means afforded, and being afterwards in command of a vessel in the West India trade, proposed to take him a voyage by way of initiating him into the life of a sailor. The constitution of the latter being feeble and delicate excited all the apprehensions of a tender mother, who remonstrated, with maternal solicitude, against exposing the puny stripling to the dangers and hardships of so rude a life. Her objections, however, were either obviated or overruled, and at the age of sixteen he sailed with his father for the West Indies, in the schooner Eliza. While at the port of Jeremie, in the island of St. Domingo, a press-gang endeavoured to board the vessel in search of men; they were bravely repelled, with the loss of several killed and wounded on both sides; one man was shot down close by the side of young Porter. This affair excited considerable attention at the time. A narrative appeared in the public papers, and much praise was awarded to Captain Porter for the gallant vindication of his flag.

In the course of his second voyage, which he performed as mate of a ship, from Baltimore to St. Domingo, young Porter had a further taste of the vicissitudes of a sailor's life. He was twice impressed by the British, and each time effected his escape, but was so reduced in purse as to be obliged to work his passage home in the winter season, destitute of necessary clothing. In this forlorn condition, he had to perform duty on a cold and stormy coast, where every spray was converted instantaneously into a sheet of ice. It would appear almost incredible that his feeble frame, little inured to hardship, could have sustained so much, were it not known how greatly the exertions of the body are supported by mental excitement. Scarcely had he recovered from his late fatigues when he applied for admission into the navy; and on receiving a midshipman's warrant, immediately joined the frigate Constellation, Commodore Truxtun. In the action with the French frigate the Insurgent, Porter was stationed on the foretop, and distinguished himself by his good conduct. Want of friends alone prevented his promotion at the time. When Commodore Barren was appointed to the command of the Constellation, Porter was advanced to the rank of lieutenant solely on account of his merit, having no friends or connexions capable of urging his fortunes. He was ordered to join the United States' schooner Experiment under Captain Maley, to be employed on the West India station. During the cruise they had a long and obstinate engagement with a number of brigand barges in the Bite of Leogan, which afforded him another opportunity of bringing himself into notice. He was also frequently employed in boat expeditions to cut out vessels, in which he displayed much coolness and address. Commodore Talbot, who commanded on that station, gave him charge of the Amphitrite, a small pilot boat prize schooner, mounting five small swivels taken from the tops of the Constellation, and manned with fifteen hands. Not long after taking this command he fell in with a French privateer, mounting a long twelve pounder and several swivels, having a crew of forty men, and accompanied with a prize ship and a large barge, with thirty men armed with swivels. Notwithstanding the great disparity of force, Porter ordered his vessel to be laid alongside the privateer. The contest was arduous, and for some time doubtful, for in the commencement of the action he lost his rudder, which rendered the schooner unmanageable. The event, however, excused the desperateness of the attack, for after an obstinate and bloody resistance, the privateer surrendered with the loss of seven killed and fifteen wounded. Not a man of Porter's crew was killed; several, however, were wounded, and his vessel was much injured. The prize was also taken, but the barge escaped. The conduct of Lieutenant Porter in this gallant little affair was highly applauded by his commander.

Shortly after his return to the United States he sailed as first lieutenant in the Experiment, commanded by Captain Charles Stewart. They were again stationed in the West Indies, and afforded great protection to the American commerce in that quarter. They had several engagements with French privateers, and were always successful, insomuch that they became the terror of those marauders of the ocean, and effectually controlled their rapacity and kept them quiet in port. The gallant and lamented Trippe was second lieutenant of the Experiment at the time.

When the first squadron was ordered for the Mediterranean, Porter sailed as first lieutenant of the schooner Enterprise, Captain Stewart. In this cruise they encountered a Tripolitan corsair, of very superior force; a severe battle ensued, in which the enemy suffered great slaughter, and was compelled to surrender, while our ship received but little injury.

In this brilliant action Porter acquired much reputation from the conspicuous part he acted. He afterwards served on board of different ships in the Mediterranean station, and distinguished himself by his intrepidity and zeal whenever an opportunity presented. On one occasion he commanded an expedition of boats sent to destroy some vessels laden with wheat, at anchor in the harbour of old Tripoli; the service was promptly and effectually performed; in the engagement he received a musket ball through his left thigh.

Shortly after recovering from his wound he was transposed from the New York to the Philadelphia, Captain Bainbridge, as first lieutenant. The frigate was then lying at Gibraltar, when he joined her in September, 1803. She soon after sailed for the blockade of Tripoli. No event took place worthy of mention until the 31st of October. Nearly a week previous to this ill-fated day, the weather had been tempestuous, which rendered it prudent to keep the ship off the land.

The 31st opened with all the splendour of a Sicilian morning: the promise of a more delightful day never appeared. The land was just observed, when a sail was descried making for the harbour, with a pleasant easterly breeze. It was soon ascertained to be an armed ship of the enemy, and all sail was set in chase. After an ineffectual pursuit of several leagues, Captain Bainbridge had just given orders to haul off, when the frigate grounded. Every expedient that skill or courage could devise to float or defend her, was successively resorted to, but in vain. The particulars of this unfortunate affair are too generally known to need a minute recital; it is sufficient to add that this noble ship and her gallant crew were surrendered to a barbarous and dastardly enemy, whose only motive in warfare is the hope of plunder. Throughout the long and dreary confinement which ensued, in the dungeons of Tripoli, Porter never suffered himself for a moment to sink into despondency; but supported the galling indignities and hardships of his situation with equanimity and even cheerfulness. A seasonable supply of books served to beguile the hours of imprisonment, and enabled him even to turn them to advantage. He closely applied himself to the study of ancient and modern history, biography, the French language, and drawing; in which art, so useful to a seaman, he made himself a considerable proficient. He also sedulously cultivated the theory of his profession, and improved the junior officers by his frequent instructions; representing the manoeuvres of fleets in battle by means of small boards ingeniously arranged. He was active in promoting any plan of labour or amusement that could ameliorate the situation or dispel the gloomy reflections of his companions. By these means captivity was robbed of its heaviest evils that dull monotony that wearies the spirits, and that mental inactivity that engenders melancholy and hypochondria. An incident which occurred during his confinement deserves to be mentioned, as being highly creditable to Lieutenant Porter. Under the rooms occupied by the officers was a long dark passage, through which the American sailors, who were employed in public labour, frequently passed to different parts of the castle. Their conversation being repeatedly heard as they passed to and fro, some one made a small hole in the wall to communicate with them. For some days a constant intercourse was kept up, by sending down notes tied to a string. Some persons, however, indiscreetly entering into conversation with the seamen, were overheard, and information immediately carried to the Bashaw. In a few minutes the bolts of the prison door were heard to fly back with unwonted violence, and Sassi (chief officer of the castle) rushed furiously in. His features were distorted, and his voice almost inarticulate with passion. He demanded in a vehement tone by whom or whose authority the walls had been opened; when Porter advanced with a firm step and composed countenance, and replied, " I alone am responsible." He was abruptly and rudely hurried from the prison, and the gate was again closed. His generous self-devotion, while it commanded the admiration of his companions, heightened their anxiety for his fate; apprehending some act of violence from the impetuous temper and absolute power of the Bashaw. Their fears, however, were appeased by the return of Porter, after considerable detention; having been dismissed without any further severity, through the intercession of the minister Mahomet Dghies, who had on previous occasions shown a friendly disposition towards the prisoners.

It is unnecessary here to dwell on the various incidents that occurred in this tedious captivity, and of the many ingenious and adventurous plans of escape, devised and attempted by our officers, in all which Porter took an active and prominent part. When peace was at length made, and they were restored to light and liberty, he embarked with his companions for Syracuse, where a court of inquiry was held on the loss of the Philadelphia. After an honourable acquittal he was appointed to the command of the United States' brig Enterprise, and soon after was ordered by Commodore Rodgers to proceed to Tripoli, with permission to cruise along the shore of Bengazi, and to visit the ruins of Septis Magna, anciently a Roman colony. He was accompanied in this expedition by some of his friends, and after a short and pleasant passage, anchored near the latter place. They passed three days in wandering among the mouldering remains of Roman taste and grandeur; and excavated in such places as seemed to promise a reward for their researches. A number of ancient coins and cameos were found, and, among other curiosities, were two statues in tolerable preservation; the one a warrior, the other a female figure, of beautiful white marble and excellent workmanship.

Verde antique pillars, of large size, formed of a single piece, and unbroken, were scattered along the shores. Near the harbour stood a lofty and elegant building, of which Lieutenant Porter took a drawing. The awning under which the party dined was spread on the site, and among the fallen columns of a temple of Jupiter; and a zest was given to the repast, by the classical ideas awakened by surrounding objects.

While Porter was in command of the Enterprise, and at anchor in the port of Malta, an English sailor came alongside and insulted the officers and crew by abusive language. Captain Porter overhearing the scurrilous epithets he vociferated, ordered a boatswain's mate to seize him and give him a flogging at the gangway. This well-merited chastisement excited the indignation of the governor of Malta, who considered it a daring outrage, and gave orders that the forts should not permit the Enterprise to depart. No sooner was Captain Porter informed of it, than he got his vessel ready for action, weighed anchor, and with lighted matches and every man at his station, with the avowed determination of firing the town if attacked, sailed between the batteries and departed unmolested.