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+Project Gutenberg's Dewey and Other Naval Commanders, by Edward S. Ellis
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Dewey and Other Naval Commanders
+
+Author: Edward S. Ellis
+
+Release Date: December 8, 2005 [EBook #17253]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DEWEY AND OTHER NAVAL COMMANDERS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Paul Ereaut and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: ADMIRAL GEORGE DEWEY, U.S.N.]
+
+
+DEWEY
+
+AND OTHER
+
+NAVAL COMMANDERS.
+
+
+BY
+
+EDWARD S. ELLIS, A.M.
+
+Author of "A History of the World," "The People's Standard History
+of the United States," "A History of the State of New York," "Deerfoot
+Series," "Log Cabin Series," Etc.
+
+
+NEW YORK
+
+HURST & COMPANY
+
+PUBLISHERS
+
+Copyright, 1899,
+
+BY
+
+JOHN HOVENDON.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.                                                       Page.
+
+Introduction                                                       5
+
+    CHAPTER I.
+
+Admiral George Dewey--The Birth and Boyhood of
+George Dewey.                                                      7
+
+
+    CHAPTER II.
+
+Dewey in the War for the Union.                                   17
+
+
+    CHAPTER III.
+
+Dewey in the War with Spain.                                      35
+
+
+    CHAPTER IV.
+
+The Revolutionary Battles--Birth of the American
+Navy--The Privateers--Capture of New Providence, in
+the Bahamas--Paul Jones--A Clever Exploit--A
+Skilful Escape--Fine Seamanship--An Audacious
+Scheme.                                                           52
+
+
+    CHAPTER V.
+
+A Daring Attempt by Captain Paul Jones--Why It
+Failed--A Bold Scheme--Why It Did Not Succeed--The
+Fight Between the _Ranger_ and _Drake_.                           63
+
+
+    CHAPTER VI.
+
+One of the Most Memorable Sea Fights Ever Known--The
+Wonderful Exploit of Captain Paul Jones.                          71
+
+
+    CHAPTER VII.
+
+Our Naval War with France--The Tribute Paid to the
+Barbary States by Christian Nations--War Declared
+Against the United States by Tripoli--Bainbridge,
+Decatur, Stewart, Dale and Preble.                                88
+
+
+    CHAPTER VIII.
+
+The First Serious Engagement--Loss of
+the _Philadelphia_--The Scheme of Captain
+Bainbridge--Exploit of Lieutenant Decatur.                        97
+
+
+    CHAPTER IX.
+
+Bombardment of Tripoli--Treacherous Act of a Turkish
+Captain--A Quick Retribution at the Hands of Captain
+Decatur.                                                         108
+
+
+    CHAPTER X.
+
+The Bomb Ketch--A Terrible Missile--Frightful
+Catastrophe--Diplomacy in Place of War--Peace.                   114
+
+
+    CHAPTER XI.
+
+The War of 1812--Cause of the War of 1812--Discreditable
+Work of the Land Forces--Brilliant Record of the
+Navy--The _Constitution_--Captain Isaac Hull--Battle
+Between the _Constitution_ and _Guerriere_--Winning
+a Wager.                                                         122
+
+
+    CHAPTER XII.
+
+Jacob Jones--The _Wasp_ and the _Frolic_--James
+Biddle--The _Hornet_ and the _Penguin_--A
+Narrow Escape.                                                   133
+
+
+    CHAPTER XIII.
+
+Captains Carden and Decatur--Cruise of the
+_Macedonian_--Battle with the Frigate _United
+States_--Decatur's Chivalry.                                     142
+
+
+    CHAPTER XIV.
+
+Occasional American Defeats as Well as Victories--Captain
+Decatur's Misfortune--The _Chesapeake_ and _Shannon_.            152
+
+
+    CHAPTER XV.
+
+David Porter--A Clever Feat--Numerous Captures by
+the _Essex_--Her Remarkable Cruise in the Pacific--Her
+Final Capture.                                                   167
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+Oliver Hazard Perry--Prompt and Effective Work--"We Have
+Met the Enemy and They Are Ours"--Death of Perry.                176
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+A Hero of the Olden Days--Cruise of the
+_Constitution_--Her Capture of the _Cyane_ and
+_Levant_--Reminiscences
+of Admiral Stewart--His Last Days.                               185
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+Captures Made After the Signing of the Treaty of
+Peace--The Privateers--Exploit of the _General
+Armstrong_--Its Far-Reaching Result.                             197
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+Lesser Wars--Resentment of the Barbary States--The
+War with Algiers--Captain Decatur's Vigorous
+Course--His Astonishing Success as a Diplomat.                   206
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+Piracy in the West Indies--Its Cause--Means by Which
+It Was Wiped Out--Piracy in the Mediterranean.                   216
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+The Qualla Battoo Incident.                                      226
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+Wilkes's Exploring Expedition.                                   236
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+The War for the Union--A New Era for the United
+States Navy--Opening of the Great Civil War--John
+Lorimer Worden--Battle Between the _Monitor_
+and _Merrimac_--Death of Worden.                                 246
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+Two Worthy Sons--William D. Porter--The Career of
+Admiral David Dixon Porter.                                      259
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+Charles Stewart Boggs--His Coolness in the Presence
+of Danger--His Desperate Fight Below New Orleans--His
+Subsequent Services.                                             271
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+John Ancrum Winslow--His Early Life and
+Training--The Famous Battle Between the _Kearsarge_
+and _Alabama_.                                                   279
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+An Unexpected Preacher--Andrew Hull Foote--His
+Character and Early Career--His Brilliant Services
+in the War for the Union.                                        295
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+A Man Devoid of Fear--William Barker Cushing--Some
+of His Exploits--The Blowing Up of the
+_Albemarle_--His Sad Death.                                      312
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+The Greatest of Naval Heroes--David Glasgow Farragut.            327
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+The Spanish-American War--The Movement Against
+Cuba--The Destruction of Cervera's Fleet--Admiral
+Sampson--Admiral Schley--"Fighting Bob" Evans--Commodore
+John C. Watson--Commodore John
+W. Philip--Lieutenant Commander Richard Wainwright.              343
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+
+I purpose telling you in the following pages about the exploits of the
+gallant men who composed the American Navy, beginning with the
+Revolution and ending with the story of their wonderful deeds in our
+late war with Spain. You can never read a more interesting story, nor
+one that will make you feel prouder of your birthright. While our
+patriot armies have done nobly, it is none the less true that we never
+could have become one of the greatest nations in the world without the
+help of our heroic navy. Our warships penetrated into all waters of the
+globe, and made people, whether barbarous or civilized, respect and fear
+the Stars and Stripes.
+
+This is due in a great measure to the bravery of our naval heroes, who
+did not fear to meet Great Britain, the "mistress of the seas," when her
+navy outnumbered ours one hundred to one. England is now our best
+friend, and no doubt will always remain so. Never again can there be war
+between her and us, and it will not be strange that one of these days,
+if either gets into trouble, the American and English soldiers will
+"drink from the same canteen," which is another way of saying they will
+fight side by side, as they did a short time ago in Samoa. All the
+same, our brethren across the ocean are very willing to own that we
+fought them right well. Indeed, they think all the more of us for having
+done so. You know that one brave man always likes another who is as
+brave as himself, just as Northerners and Southerners love each other,
+and are all united under one flag, which one side defended and the other
+fought against, through long years, terrible years from 1861 to 1865.
+
+The decks of no ships have ever been trodden by braver men than our
+American sailors. There are no more heroic deeds in all history than
+those of Paul Jones, Porter, Hull, Decatur, Perry, Cushing, Farragut,
+Worden, Dewey, Schley, Evans, Philip, Hobson and scores of others, who
+have braved what seemed certain death for the glory of our flag. Many
+gave up their lives in its defence, and their names form one of the
+proudest and most cherished heritages that can descend to a grateful
+country.
+
+So, I repeat, I am sure you will be interested and instructed in
+learning the story of the heroes who have done so much for us; and their
+example cannot fail to inspire you with loftier heroism, greater
+devotion, and deeper resolve to do all you can for our favored land,
+which is the fairest that ever sun shone upon.
+
+E.S.E.
+
+
+
+
+ADMIRAL GEORGE DEWEY.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE BIRTH AND BOYHOOD OF GEORGE DEWEY.
+
+
+The name of Vermont recalls the gallant "Green Mountain Boys," who
+proved their sturdy patriotism not only in the Revolution, but before
+those stormy days broke over the land. In the colonial times the section
+was known as the "New Hampshire Grants," and was claimed by both New
+York and New Hampshire, but Vermont refused to acknowledge the authority
+of either, even after New York, in 1764, secured a decision in her favor
+from King George, and set vigorously to work to compel the settlers to
+pay a second time for their lands. The doughty pioneers would have none
+of it, and roughly handled the New York officers sent thither. In 1777
+Vermont formally declared her independence and adopted a State
+constitution. Then, since the Revolution was on, Ethan Allen and the
+rest of the "Green Mountain Boys" turned in and helped whip the
+redcoats. That being done, Vermont again asserted her independence,
+compelled New York to recognize it in 1789, and she was admitted to the
+Union in 1791.
+
+It was away back in 1633 that the first Englishman bearing the name of
+Dewey arrived in Massachusetts with a number of other emigrants. They
+settled in Dorchester, and in 1636 Thomas Dewey, as he was named,
+removed to Windsor, Connecticut, where he died in 1648, leaving a widow
+and five children. Following down the family line, we come to the birth
+of Julius Yemans Dewey, August 22, 1801, at Berlin, Vermont. He studied
+medicine, practiced his profession at Montpelier, the capital, and
+became one of the most respected and widely known citizens of the State.
+He was married three times, and by his first wife had three sons and one
+daughter. The latter was Mary, and the sons were Charles, Edward, and
+George, the last of whom became the famous Admiral of the American navy
+and the hero of the late war between our country and Spain. He was born
+in the old colonial house of Dr. Dewey, December 26, 1837.
+
+George was a good specimen of the mischievous, high-spirited and
+roystering youngster, who would go to any pains and run any risk for the
+sake of the fun it afforded. This propensity was carried to such an
+extent that the youth earned the name of being a "bad boy," and there is
+no use of pretending he did not deserve the reputation. He gave his
+parents and neighbors a good deal of anxiety, and Dr. Dewey, who knew
+how to be stern as well as kind, was compelled more than once to
+interpose his authority in a way that no lad is likely to forget.
+
+Dr. Dewey was a man of deep religious convictions. In middle life he
+gave up the practice of medicine and founded the National Life Insurance
+Company, to whose interests he devoted his time and ability, and met
+with a good degree of success. George was gifted by nature with rugged
+health, high spirits and indomitable pluck and fearlessness. None could
+surpass him in running, leaping, swimming and in boyish sports. He was
+fond of fishing and of rough games, and as a fighter few of his years
+could stand in front of him. In numerous athletic trials he was
+invariably the victor, and it must be admitted that he loved fighting as
+well as he liked playing ball or fishing. He gave and received hard
+knocks, and even at that early age showed evidence of the combative,
+aggressive courage that became so marked a feature of his manhood.
+
+An incident is related by Z.K. Pangborn, the well known editor of New
+Jersey, who took charge of the Montpelier school, in which George Dewey
+was a pupil. The school was notorious for the roughness of a number of
+its pupils, who had ousted more than one instructor and welcomed the
+chance to tackle a new one. Master Dewey was the ringleader of these
+young rebels, and chuckled with delight when the quiet-looking,
+ordinary-sized teacher sauntered down the highway to begin his duties in
+the schoolroom.
+
+At the time of the gentleman's appearance George was sitting astride of
+a big limb in a tree at the side of the road, his pockets bulging with
+stones, which he was hurling with unpleasant accuracy at every one who
+came within range. Several youngsters were howling from having served as
+targets to the urchin up the tree, and as soon as Mr. Pangborn saw how
+things were going he shouted to Dewey to stop his sport. The boy replied
+by advising the teacher to go to the hottest region named in works on
+theology, and, descending the tree, led several young scamps in an
+attack upon the instructor. There was a lively brush, in which it cannot
+be said that either party was the victor.
+
+A drawn battle is always unsatisfactory to two armies, and George
+determined to have it out in the schoolroom with the teacher, who,
+expecting the struggle, had prepared for it and was as eager as the
+boys for the fight. As before, Dewey was the leader in the attack on
+the pedagogue, who was wiry, active, and strong. He swung his rawhide
+with a vigor that made Dewey and the others dance, but they pluckily
+kept up the assault, until the instructor seized a big stick, intended
+to serve as fuel for the old-fashioned stove, and laid about him with an
+energy that soon stretched the rebels on the floor.
+
+Then how he belabored them! As fast as one attempted to climb to his
+feet he was thumped back again by the club that continually whizzed
+through the air, and if a boy tried to stay the storm by remaining
+prone, the instructor thumped him none the less viciously. Indeed,
+matters had got to that point that he enjoyed the fun and was loath to
+let up, as he felt obliged to do, when the howling rebels slunk to their
+seats, thoroughly cowed and conquered.
+
+George Dewey was the most battered of the lot and made a sorry sight. In
+fact, he was so bruised that his teacher thought it prudent to accompany
+him to his home and explain to his father the particulars of the affray
+in school. Mr. Pangborn gave a detailed history of the occurrence, to
+which Dr. Dewey listened gravely. When he understood everything, he
+showed his good sense by thanking the teacher for having administered
+the punishment, asking him to repeat it whenever the conduct of his son
+made it necessary.
+
+This chastisement marked a turning point in the boy's career. He did a
+good deal of serious thinking throughout the day, and saw and felt his
+wrongdoing. He became an attentive, obedient pupil, and years after,
+when grown to manhood, he warmly thanked Mr. Pangborn for having
+punished him with such severity, frankly adding: "I believe if you
+hadn't done so I should have ended my career in the penitentiary."
+
+Dr. Dewey wished to give George a career in the army, and he sent him to
+Norwich University, a military training school, in order to fit him for
+the Military Academy at West Point. George's tastes, however, were for
+the navy, and after much pleading with his father he brought him to his
+way of thinking. The utmost that Dr. Dewey could do was to secure the
+appointment of his son as alternate, who, as may be understood, secures
+the appointment only in the event of the principal failing to pass the
+entrance examination. In this case the principal would have passed
+without trouble, and, to quote an ordinary expression, George Dewey
+would have been "left," had not the mother of the other boy interposed
+at the critical moment. Under no circumstances would she allow her son
+to enter the navy. He was compelled to give up all ambition in that
+direction and to take up the study of theology. At this writing he is a
+popular preacher, who will always believe it was a most providential
+thing for our country that turned him aside from blocking the entrance
+of George Dewey to the Naval Academy at Annapolis.
+
+Our hero entered the institution September 23, 1854. It did not take him
+long to discover that the institution, like that at West Point, is
+controlled by the most rigid discipline possible. No stricter rules can
+be devised than those that prevail at the two institutions. I have heard
+it said by a West Point graduate that a cadet cannot sit down and
+breathe for twenty-four hours without violating some rule. The fact that
+a few men do escape being "skinned"--that is, punished for derelictions
+of duty--does not prove that they have not committed any indiscretions,
+but that they have escaped detection.
+
+Hard, however, as was the road for Dewey to travel, he never shrank or
+turned aside, for he knew the same path had been traveled by all who had
+gone before him, and he reasoned that what man had done man could do,
+and he did it.
+
+It will be noted that the future Admiral entered the Naval Academy at a
+stirring period in the history of our country, over which the coming
+Civil War already cast its awful shadow, and, as the months and years
+passed, the shadow darkened and grew more portentous until the red
+lightning rent the clouds apart and they rained blood and fire and woe
+and death.
+
+At the Annapolis Academy the lines between the cadets from the North and
+the South were sharply drawn. They reflected the passions of their
+sections, and, being young and impulsive, there were hot words and
+fierce blows. As might be supposed, George Dewey was prominent in these
+affrays, for it has been said of him that there was never a fight in his
+neighborhood without his getting into the thickest of it.
+
+One day a fiery Southerner called him a dough-face, whereupon Dewey let
+go straight from the shoulder and his insulter turned a backward
+somersault. Leaping to his feet, his face aflame with rage, he went at
+the Green Mountain Boy, who coolly awaited his attack, and they
+proceeded instantly to mix it up for some fifteen minutes in the most
+lively manner conceivable. At the end of that time the Southerner was so
+thoroughly trounced that he was unable to continue the fight.
+
+It was not long before Dewey had a furious scrimmage with another
+cadet, whom he soundly whipped. He challenged Dewey to a duel, and Dewey
+instantly accepted the challenge. Seconds were chosen, weapons provided
+and the ground paced off. By that time the friends of the two parties,
+seeing that one of the young men, and possibly both, were certain to be
+killed, interfered, and, appealing to the authorities of the
+institution, the deadly meeting was prevented. These incidents attest
+the personal daring of Admiral Dewey, of whom it has been said that he
+never showed fear of any living man. Often during his stirring career
+was the attempt made to frighten him, and few have been placed in so
+many situations of peril and come out of them alive, but in none did he
+ever display anything that could possibly be mistaken for timidity. He
+was a brave man and a patriot in every fibre of his being.
+
+A youth can be combative, personally brave and aggressive, and still be
+a good student, as was proven by the graduation of Dewey, fifth in a
+class of fourteen. As was the custom, he was ordered to a cruise before
+his final examination. He was a cadet on the steam frigate _Wabash_,
+which cruised in the Mediterranean squadron until 1859, when he returned
+to Annapolis and, upon examination, took rank as the leader of his
+class, proof that he had spent his time wisely while on what may be
+called his trial cruise. He went to his old home in Montpelier, where he
+was spending the days with his friends, when the country was startled
+and electrified by the news that Fort Sumter had been fired on in
+Charleston harbor and that civil war had begun. Dewey's patriotic blood
+was at the boiling point, and one week later, having been commissioned
+as lieutenant and assigned to the sloop of war _Mississippi_, he hurried
+thither to help in defence of the Union.
+
+The _Mississippi_ was a sidewheel steamer, carrying seventeen guns, and
+was destined to a thrilling career in the stirring operations of the
+West Gulf squadron, under the command of Captain David Glasgow Farragut,
+the greatest naval hero produced by the Civil War, and without a
+superior in all history.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+DEWEY IN THE WAR FOR THE UNION.
+
+
+No one needs to be reminded that the War for the Union was the greatest
+struggle of modern times. The task of bringing back to their allegiance
+those who had risen against the authority of the National Government was
+a gigantic one, and taxed the courage and resources of the country to
+the utmost. In order to make the war effective, it was necessary to
+enforce a rigorous blockade over three thousand miles of seacoast, open
+the Mississippi river, and overcome the large and well-officered armies
+in the field. The last was committed to the land forces, and it proved
+an exhausting and wearying struggle.
+
+Among the most important steps was the second--that of opening the
+Mississippi, which being accomplished, the Southwest, from which the
+Confederacy drew its immense supplies of cattle, would be cut off and a
+serious blow struck against the armed rebellion.
+
+The river was sealed from Vicksburg to the Gulf of Mexico. At the former
+place extensive batteries had been erected and were defended by an army,
+while the river below bristled with batteries and guns in charge of
+brave men and skilful officers.
+
+While General Grant undertook the task of reducing Vicksburg, Captain
+Farragut assumed the herculean work of forcing his way up the
+Mississippi and capturing New Orleans, the greatest commercial city in
+the South. Knowing that such an attack was certain to be made, the
+Confederates had neglected no precaution in the way of defence. Ninety
+miles below the city, and twenty miles above its mouth, at the
+Plaquemine Bend, were the forts of St. Philip and Jackson. The former,
+on the left bank, had forty-two heavy guns, including two mortars and a
+battery of four seacoast mortars, placed below the water battery. Fort
+Jackson, besides its water battery, mounted sixty-two guns, while above
+the forts were fourteen vessels, including the ironclad ram _Manassas_,
+and a partially completed floating battery, armored with railroad iron
+and called the _Louisiana_. New Orleans was defended by three thousand
+volunteers, most of the troops formerly there having been sent to the
+Confederate army in Tennessee.
+
+The expedition against New Orleans was prepared with great care, and so
+many months were occupied that the enemy had all the notice they could
+ask in which to complete their preparations for its defence. The Union
+expedition consisted of six sloops of war, sixteen gunboats, twenty
+mortar schooners and five other vessels. The _Mississippi_, upon which
+young Dewey was serving as a lieutenant, was under the command of
+Melanethon Smith. The land troops numbered 15,000, and were in charge of
+General Benjamin F. Butler, of Massachusetts.
+
+Farragut arrived in February, 1862, nearly two months after the
+beginning of preparations to force the river. When everything was in
+readiness the fleet moved cautiously up stream, on April 18, and a
+bombardment of Forts St. Philip and Jackson was opened, which lasted for
+three days, without accomplishing anything decisive. Farragut had
+carefully studied the situation, and, confident that the passage could
+be made, determined it should be done, no matter at what cost. On the
+night of the 23d his vessels were stripped of every rope and spar that
+could be spared, the masts and rigging of the gunboats and mortar
+vessels being trimmed with the limbs of trees, to conceal their identity
+from the Confederate watchers.
+
+At two o'clock in the morning the signal was hoisted on the _Hartford_,
+Captain Farragut's flagship, and the fleet started in single line to run
+the fearful gauntlet. The _Cayuga_ led, the _Pensacola_ followed, and
+the _Mississippi_ was third. The rebels had huge bonfires burning on
+both shores, and as the _Pensacola_ came opposite the forts they opened
+their furious fire upon her.
+
+A good deal of uneasiness prevailed in the Union fleet regarding the
+rebel rams. It was known they were formidable monsters, which the
+Confederates believed could smash and sink the whole Union squadron.
+While it was known that much was to be feared from the forts, it was the
+ironclads that formed the uncertain factor and magnified the real danger
+in many men's minds.
+
+The _Mississippi_ was hardly abreast of Fort St. Philip when the dreaded
+_Manassas_ came plunging down the river out of the gloom at full speed,
+and headed directly for the _Mississippi._ She was not seen until so
+close that it was impossible to dodge her, and the ironclad struck the
+steamer on the port side, close to the mizzenmast, firing a gun at the
+same time. Fortunately the blow was a glancing one, though it opened a
+rent seven feet long and four inches deep in the steamer, which, being
+caught by the swift current on her starboard bow, was swept across to
+the Fort Jackson side of the river, so close indeed that her gunners and
+those in the fort exchanged curses and imprecations.
+
+[Illustration: SHELLING FORTS PHILIP AND JACKSON.]
+
+The passage of the forts by the Union vessels forms one of the most
+thrilling pictures in the history of the Civil War. The _Hartford_, like
+all the vessels, was subjected to a terrible fire, was assailed by the
+Confederate ironclads, and more than once was in imminent danger of
+being sent to the bottom. Following with the second division, Captain
+Farragut did not reply to the fire of the forts for a quarter of an
+hour. He hurled a broadside into St. Philip and was pushing through the
+dense smoke when a fire-raft, with a tug pushing her along, plunged out
+of the gloom toward the _Hartford's_ port quarter. She swerved to elude
+this peril and ran aground close to St. Philip, which, recognizing her
+three ensigns and flag officer's flag, opened a savage fire, but luckily
+most of the shot passed too high.
+
+There was no getting out of the way of the fire-raft, which, being
+jammed against the flagship, sent the flames through the portholes and
+up the oiled masts. The perfect discipline of the crew enabled them to
+extinguish the fire before it could do much damage, and the _Hartford_
+succeeded in backing into deep water and kept pounding Fort St. Philip
+so long as she was in range.
+
+Without attempting to describe the battle in detail, we will give our
+attention to the _Mississippi_. Within an hour and a quarter of the
+time the leading vessel passed the forts, all had reached a safe point
+above, where they engaged in a furious fight with the Confederate
+flotilla, the smaller members of which were soon disabled or sunk.
+
+[Illustration: THE "HARTFORD"--FARRAGUT'S FLAGSHIP.]
+
+Meanwhile the ironclad _Manassas_ had been prowling at the heels of the
+Union squadron, but being discovered by the _Mississippi_, the steamer
+opened on her with so destructive a fire that the ram ran ashore and the
+crew scrambled over the bows and escaped. The _Mississippi_ continued
+pounding her until she was completely wrecked. The loss of the Union
+fleet was thirty-seven killed and one hundred and forty-seven wounded,
+while the Confederate land forces had twelve killed and forty wounded.
+The Confederate flotilla must have lost as many men as the Unionists.
+Having safely passed all obstructions, Captain Farragut steamed up to
+the river to New Orleans, and the city surrendered April 25, formal
+possession being taken on May 1.
+
+It will be admitted that Lieutenant Dewey had received his "baptism of
+fire."
+
+It is the testimony of every one who saw him during the turmoil of
+battle that he conducted himself with the coolness and courage of a
+veteran. At no time during the passage of the forts and the desperate
+fighting with the Confederate flotilla above did he display the first
+evidence of nervousness or lack of self-possession.
+
+[Illustration: IRONCLADS ON THE MISSISSIPPI.]
+
+The next engagement in which Lieutenant Dewey took part was the attempt
+by Farragut to pass the battery of nineteen guns, mounted on the
+hundred-foot high bluff of Port Hudson, on a bend of the Mississippi,
+below Vicksburg. The position was the most difficult conceivable to
+carry from the river, because of the plunging shots from the enormous
+guns on the bluff above.
+
+Captain Farragut had no thought of reducing these batteries, which would
+have been impossible with a fleet double the strength of his, but he
+wished to get his vessels past in order to blockade the river above the
+bend. The attempt was made on the night of March 14, 1863, with the
+_Hartford_ in the lead, and followed by the _Richmond_, _Monongahela_
+and _Mississippi_, with the smaller boats. The first three boats had as
+consorts the _Albatross_, _Kineo_ and _Genessee_. Captain Mahan, in "The
+Gulf and Inland Waters," gives the following vivid description of this
+historical incident:
+
+"As they drew near the batteries, the lowest of which the _Hartford_ had
+already passed, the enemy threw up rockets and opened their fire.
+Prudence, and the fact of the best water being on the starboard hand,
+led the ships to hug the east shore of the river, passing so close under
+the Confederate guns that the speech of the gunners and troops could be
+distinguished. Along the shore, at the foot of the bluffs, powerful
+reflecting lamps, like those used on locomotives, had been placed to
+show the ships to the enemy as they passed, and for the same purpose
+large fires, already stacked on the opposite point, were lit. The fire
+of the fleet and from the shore soon raised a smoke which made these
+precautions useless, while it involved the ships in a danger greater
+than any from the enemy's guns. Settling down upon the water in a still,
+damp atmosphere, it soon hid everything from the eyes of the pilots. The
+flagship leading had the advantage of pushing often ahead of her own
+smoke; but those who followed ran into it and incurred a perplexity
+which increased from van to rear. At the bend of the river the current
+caught the _Hartford_ on her port bow, sweeping her around with her head
+toward the batteries, and nearly on shore, her stern touching the ground
+slightly; but by her own efforts and the assistance of the _Albatross_
+she was backed clear. Then, the _Albatross_ backing and the _Hartford_
+going ahead strong with the engine, her head was fairly pointed up the
+stream, and she passed by without serious injury. Deceived possibly by
+the report of the howitzers in her top, which were nearly on their own
+level, the Confederates did not depress their guns sufficiently to hit
+her as often as they did the ships that followed her. One killed and two
+wounded is her report; and one marine fell overboard, his cries for help
+being heard on board the other ships as they passed by, unable to save
+him."
+
+If the capture of the batteries was impossible, their passage was almost
+equally so. The _Richmond_ was so badly injured that she was compelled
+to turn down stream, having suffered a loss of three killed and fifteen
+wounded, while the _Monongahela_ had six killed and twenty-one wounded
+before she was able to wrench herself loose from where she had grounded
+and drift out of range.
+
+Now came the _Mississippi_, whose tragic fate is graphically told by
+Admiral Porter in his "Naval History of the Civil War":
+
+"The steamship _Mississippi_, Captain 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 Captain Smith was congratulating himself on
+the prospect of soon 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 starboard battery
+was reopened on 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.
+
+"Captain Smith gave orders 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.
+
+"While preparations were being made to destroy the ship, the sick and
+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 guns. The small arms were thrown overboard,
+and all possible damage was done to the engine and everything else that
+might prove of use to the enemy.
+
+"The ship was 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 afire in four places aft, and when the flames were well under
+way, so as to make her destruction certain, Captain Smith and his first
+lieutenant (George Dewey) left the ship, all the officers and crew
+having been landed before.
+
+"The _Mississippi_ was soon ablaze 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."
+
+When the time came for the crew to save themselves as best they could,
+all sprang overboard and struck out for shore. A little way from the
+blazing steamer a poor sailor was struggling hard to save himself, but
+one arm was palsied from a wound, and he must have drowned but for
+Dewey, who swam powerfully to him, helped him to a floating piece of
+wreckage and towed him safely to land.
+
+The lieutenant was now transferred to one of the gunboats of Admiral
+Farragut's squadron and engaged in patrol duty between Cairo and
+Vicksburg.
+
+[Illustration: GUNBOATS PASSING BEFORE VICKSBURG.]
+
+The latter surrendered to General Grant July 4, 1863, and the river was
+opened from its source to the Gulf. Early in 1864 the lieutenant was
+made executive officer of the gunboat _Agawam_, and when attached to the
+North Atlantic squadron, took part in the attack on Fort Fisher, one of
+the strongest of forts, which, standing at the entrance of Cape Fear
+river, was so efficient a protection to Wilmington that the city became
+the chief port in the Confederacy for blockade runners. Indeed, its
+blockade was a nullity, despite the most determined efforts of the Union
+fleet to keep it closed. The Confederate cruisers advertised their
+regular days for departure, and they ran upon schedule time, even women
+and children taking passage upon the swift steamers with scarcely a fear
+that they would not be able to steam in and out of the river whenever
+the navigators of the craft chose to do so.
+
+The first attempt against Fort Fisher was in the latter part of
+December, 1864, but, though the fleet was numerous and powerful, and the
+greatest gallantry was displayed, the attack was unsuccessful. General
+Butler, in command of the land troops, after a careful examination of
+the Confederate works, pronounced capture impossible and refused to
+sacrifice his men in a useless attack. Nevertheless the attempt was
+renewed January 12, when General Alfred Terry had charge of the land
+forces. The garrison made one of the bravest defences of the whole war,
+and the hand-to-hand fight was of the most furious character. It lasted
+for five hours, when the fort was obliged to surrender, the garrison of
+2,300 men becoming prisoners of war. It was in this fearful struggle
+that Ensign "Bob" Evans, who was with the naval force that charged up
+the unprotected beach, was so frightfully wounded that it was believed
+he could not live. When the surgeon made ready to amputate his shattered
+leg, Bob, who had secured possession of a loaded revolver, swore he
+would shoot any man who touched the limb with such purpose. Perforce he
+was left alone, and in due time fully recovered, though lamed for life.
+
+Lieutenant Dewey was one of the most active of the young officers in the
+attack on Fort Fisher, and conducted himself with so much bravery and
+skill, executing one of the most difficult and dangerous movements in
+the heat of the conflict, that he was highly complimented by his
+superior officers.
+
+But peace soon came, and a generation was to pass before his name was
+again associated with naval exploits. In March, 1865, he was promoted to
+the rank of lieutenant-commander and assigned to duty on the
+_Kearsarge_, the vessel that acquired undying glory for sinking the
+_Alabama_, off Cherbourg, France, during the previous July. Early in
+1867 he was ordered home from the European station and assigned to duty
+at the Kittery Navy Yard, at Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
+
+While at this station he became acquainted with Miss Susan B. Goodwin,
+daughter of the "war Governor" of New Hampshire. She was an accomplished
+young woman, to whom the naval officer was married, October 24, 1867.
+Their all too brief wedded life was ideally happy, but she died December
+28, 1872, a few days after the birth of a son, named George Goodwin, in
+honor of his grandfather.
+
+From 1873 to 1876 Dewey was engaged in making surveys on the Pacific
+coast; he commanded the _Juniata_ on the Asiatic squadron in 1882-83,
+and the following year was made captain and placed in charge of the
+_Dolphin_, one of the original "white squadron." Next came service in
+Washington as Chief of the Bureau of Equipment and Recruiting, as member
+of the Lighthouse Board and president of the Board of Inspection and
+Survey (he being made commodore February 28, 1896), until 1897, when he
+was placed in command of the Asiatic squadron, much against his will.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+DEWEY IN THE WAR WITH SPAIN.
+
+
+While engaged with his duties in Washington, Commodore Dewey found his
+close confinement to work had affected his health. Naturally strong and
+rugged, accustomed to the ozone of the ocean and toned up by the variety
+of the service, even in times of peace, the monotony of a continual
+round of the same duties told upon him, and his physician advised him to
+apply for sea service. He knew the counsel was wise and he made
+application, which was granted.
+
+Assistant Secretary of War Theodore Roosevelt, after a careful study of
+the record of the different naval commanders, was convinced that George
+Dewey deserved one of the most important commands at the disposal of the
+Government. The impetuous official was certain that war with Spain was
+at hand, and that one of the most effective blows against that tyrannous
+power could be struck in the far East, where the group of islands known
+as the Philippines constituted her most princely possessions.
+
+The assignment, as has been stated, was not pleasing to Dewey, because
+he and others believed the real hard fighting must take place in
+European or Atlantic waters. We all know the uneasiness that prevailed
+for weeks over the destination of the Spanish fleet under Admiral
+Cervera. Dewey wanted to meet him and do some fighting that would recall
+his services when a lieutenant in the Civil War, and he saw no chance of
+securing the chance on the other side of the world, but Roosevelt was
+persistent, and, against the wishes of the Naval Board, he obtained his
+assignment as flag officer of the Asiatic squadron.
+
+Commodore Dewey felt that the first duty of an officer is to obey, and
+after a farewell dinner given by his friends at the Metropolitan Club in
+Arlington, he hurriedly completed his preparations, and, starting for
+Hong Kong, duly reached that port, where, on January 3, 1898, he hoisted
+his flag on the _Olympia_.
+
+The official records show that the _Olympia_ was ordered home, but
+Roosevelt, in a confidential dispatch of February 25, directed Commodore
+Dewey to remain, to prepare his squadron for offensive operations, and,
+as soon as war broke out with Spain, to steam to the Philippines and hit
+the enemy as hard as he knew how. Meanwhile ammunition and supplies were
+hurried across the continent to San Francisco as fast as express trains
+could carry them, and were sent thence by steamer to Hong Kong, where
+they were eagerly received by the waiting Commodore.
+
+Reverting to those stirring days, it will be recalled that the Queen
+Regent of Spain declared war against the United States on April 24,
+1898, to which we replied that war had begun three days earlier, when
+the Madrid government dismissed our minister and handed him his
+passports. Then followed, or rather were continued, the vigorous
+preparations on the part of our authorities for the prosecution of the
+war to a prompt and decisive end.
+
+Commodore Dewey's squadron lay at anchor in the harbor of Hong Kong,
+awaiting the momentous news from Washington. When it reached the
+commander it was accompanied by an order to capture or destroy the
+enemy's fleet at Manila. Almost at the same time Great Britain issued
+her proclamation of neutrality, the terms of which compelled Dewey to
+leave the British port of Hong Kong within twenty-four hours. He did so,
+steaming to Mirs Bay, a Chinese port near at hand, where he completed
+his preparations for battle, and on the 27th of April steamed out of the
+harbor on his way to Manila.
+
+The city of Manila, with a population numbering about a quarter of a
+million, lies on the western side of Luzon, the principal island, with a
+magnificent bay in front, extensive enough to permit all the navies of
+the world to manoeuvre with plenty of elbow room. The entrance to the
+immense bay is seven miles wide and contains two islands, Corregidor and
+Caballo, both of which were powerfully fortified, the works containing a
+number of modern guns. Torpedoes were stretched across the channel and
+the bay abounded with enough mines and torpedoes, it would seem, to blow
+any fleet of ironclads to atoms as soon as it dared to try to force an
+entrance into the waters. Some twenty miles beyond lay the city of
+Manila, and about ten miles to the south was Cavite, constituting the
+strongly fortified part of the city proper.
+
+Of course the Spanish spies were on the watch in Hong Kong, and while
+the American squadron was steaming out of the bay the news was
+telegraphed to the authorities at Manila, who knew that the real
+destination of the enemy was that city. Every effort was made to keep
+the matter a secret, but it was impossible, and it soon became known to
+everybody that the American "pigs" were coming, and that Manila must
+fall, if the Spanish fleet were unable to beat off the enemy.
+
+The Spaniards proclaimed that they would send every one of the American
+vessels to the bottom; but they had made similar boasts before, and
+their bombast did not quiet the fears of the people, among whom a panic
+quickly spread. Those who were able to do so gathered their valuables
+and took refuge on the merchant ships in the harbor and thanked heaven
+when they bore them away. Many others fled from the city, but the
+majority stayed, grimly determined to be in at the death and accept
+whatever fate was in store for them.
+
+The distance between Hong Kong and Manila is 630 miles, and it needed
+only a little figuring on the part of the inhabitants to decide that the
+dreaded squadron would be due on the following Saturday evening or early
+the next morning, which would be the first of May. The self-confidence
+of Admiral Montojo and his officers was almost sublime. All they asked
+was a fair chance at the "American pigs." They hoped that nothing would
+occur to prevent the coming of the fleet, for the Spaniards would never
+cease to mourn if the golden opportunity were allowed to slip from their
+grasp. They were not disappointed in that respect.
+
+It is proper to give at this point the respective strength of the
+American and Spanish fleets. The squadron under the command of
+Commodore Dewey was as follows:
+
+_Olympia_--Protected cruiser (flagship), 5,500 tons. Speed, 21.7 knots.
+Complement, 450. Armor, protected deck, 2 inches to 4-3/4 inches. Guns,
+main battery, four 8-inch, ten 5-inch, rapid-fire; secondary battery,
+rapid-fire, fourteen 6-pound, seven 1-pound, four Gatlings, one field
+gun and five torpedo tubes. Captain Charles V. Gridley.
+
+_Baltimore_--Protected cruiser, 4,400 tons. Speed, 20.1 knots.
+Complement, 386. Armor, 2-1/2 inches to 4 inches. Guns, main battery,
+four 8-inch, six 6-inch, slow-fire; secondary battery, rapid-fire, four
+6-pound, two 3-pound, two 1-pound, four 37 MM. Hotchkiss, two Colts, one
+field gun and five torpedo tubes. Captain N.M. Dyer.
+
+_Raleigh_--Protected cruiser, 3,213 tons. Speed, 19 knots. Armor, 1 inch
+to 2-1/2 inches. Guns, one 6-inch, rapid-fire, ten 5-inch; secondary
+battery, eight 6-pounders, four 1-pounders, and two machine guns.
+Complement, 320. Captain J.B. Coghlan.
+
+_Boston_--Protected cruiser, 3,189 tons. Speed, 15.6 knots. Complement,
+270. Armor, 1-1/2 inch deck. Guns, main battery, two 8-inch and six
+6-inch rifles; secondary battery, rapid-fire, two 6-pounders and two
+3-pounders. Captain F. Wildes.
+
+_Petrel_--Fourth-rate cruiser, 890 tons. Speed, 13.7 knots. Guns, four
+6-inch, two 3-pounder rapid-fire, one 1-pounder, and four machine guns.
+Commander E.P. Wood.
+
+_Concord_--Gunboat, 1,710 tons. Speed, 16.8 knots. Armor, 3/8-inch deck.
+Guns, main battery, six 6-inch rifles. Commander Asa Walker.
+
+_Hugh McCulloch_--Revenue cutter, light battery of rapid-fire guns.
+
+_Zafiro_--Auxiliary cruiser: supply vessel.
+
+The vessels under command of Admiral Montojo were the following:
+
+_Reina Cristina_--Cruiser (flagship). Built in 1887, iron, 3,090 tons,
+14 to 17.5 knots, according to draught, and a main battery of six
+6.2-inch rifles.
+
+_Castilla_--Cruiser, built in 1881, wood, 3,342 tons, 14 knots, and four
+5.9-inch Krupps and two 4.7-inch Krupps in her main battery.
+
+_Velasco_--Small cruiser, built in 1881, iron, 1,139 tons, and three
+6-inch Armstrongs in her main battery.
+
+_Don Juan de Austria_--Small cruiser, completed in 1887, iron, 1,152
+tons, 13 to 14 knots, and four 4.7-inch rifles in her main battery.
+
+_Don Antonio de Ulloa_--Small cruiser, iron, 1,152 tons. Four 4.7-inch
+Hontoria guns; two 2.7-inch, two quick-firing; two 1.5-inch; five muzzle
+loaders.
+
+Gunboats _Paragua_, _Callao_, _Samar_, _Pampagna_, and _Arayat_, built
+1881-6, steel, 137 tons, 10 knots, and each mounting two quick-firing
+guns.
+
+Gunboats _Mariveles_ and _Mindoro_, built in 1886 and 1885, iron, 142
+tons, 10 knots, each mounting one 2.7-inch rifle and four machine guns.
+
+Gunboat _Manileno_, built in 1887, wood, 142 tons, 9 knots, and mounting
+three 3.5-inch rifles.
+
+Gunboats _El Cano_ and _General Lezo_, built in 1885, iron, 528 tons, 10
+to nearly 12 knots, and each mounting three 3.5-inch rifles.
+
+Gunboat _Marquis Del Duero_, built in 1875, iron, 500 tons, 10 knots,
+and mounting one 6.2-inch and two 4.7-inch rifles.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Through the bright sunshine and when the stars twinkled in the sky or
+the full moon rode overhead, the American ships steamed to the southeast
+across the heaving China Sea. The Stars and Stripes fluttered in the
+breeze and there was a feeling of expectancy on board the grim engines
+of war, that had laid aside every possible encumbrance, and like
+prize-fighters were stripped to the buff and eager for battle.
+
+The run was a smooth one, and as the sun was sinking in the sky
+Commodore Dewey, peering through his glass, caught the faint outlines of
+Corregidor Island, and dimly beyond the flickering haze revealed the
+Spanish fleet in the calm bay. The Commodore had been in that part of
+the world before, and while waiting at Hong Kong had gathered all the
+knowledge possible of the defences of Manila. He knew the fort was
+powerfully fortified and the bay mined, and knowing all this, he
+remembered the exclamation of his immortal instructor in the science of
+war, the peerless Farragut, when he was driving his squadron into Mobile
+Bay. Recalling that occurrence, Commodore Dewey joined in spirit in
+repeating the words:
+
+"D---- the torpedoes!"
+
+It was still many miles to the entrance, and night closed in while the
+squadron was ploughing through the sea that broke in tumbling foam at
+the bows and spread far away in snowy wakes at the rear. All lights were
+put out, the full moon again climbed the sky and the shadowy leviathans
+plunged through the waters straight for the opening of the bay, guarded
+by the fort and batteries, with the Spanish fleet beyond, defiantly
+awaiting the coming of the American squadron.
+
+Suddenly from Corregidor Island the darkness was lit up by a vivid
+flash, a thunderous boom traveled across the bay, and the heavy shot
+tore its way screaming over the _Raleigh_, quickly followed by a second,
+which fell astern of the _Olympia_ and _Raleigh_. The Spaniards had
+discovered the approach of the squadron. The _Raleigh_, _Concord_, and
+_Boston_ replied; all the shots being fired with remarkable accuracy.
+
+One may imagine the consternation in Manila when the boom of those guns
+rolled in from the bay, for none could mistake its meaning. Women and
+children ran to the churches and knelt in frenzied prayer; men dashed to
+and fro, not knowing what to do, while the Spanish soldiers, who had not
+believed the American ships could ever pass the harbor torpedoes and
+mines, were in a wild panic when they learned that the seemingly
+impossible had been done. To add to the terror, rumors spread that the
+ferocious natives were gathering at the rear of the city to rush in and
+plunder and kill.
+
+When at last the morning light appeared in the sky, the Americans saw
+tens of thousands of people crowded along the shore, gazing in terror
+out on the bay where rode the hostile fleets, soon to close in deadly
+battle. Commodore Dewey coolly scanned the hostile vessels, and grasping
+the whole situation, as may be said, at a glance, led in the attack on
+the enemy.
+
+While approaching Cavite two mines exploded directly in front of the
+_Olympia_. The roar was tremendous and the water was flung hundreds of
+feet in the air. Without swerving an inch or halting, Dewey signalled to
+the other vessels to pay no attention to the torpedoes, but to steam
+straight ahead. It was virtually a repetition of the more emphatic
+command of Farragut in Mobile Bay, uttered thirty-four years before.
+
+The batteries on shore let fly at the ships, and the first reply was
+made by Captain Coghlan of the _Raleigh_. The _Olympia_ had led the way
+into the harbor, and she now headed for the centre of the Spanish fleet.
+Calmly watching everything in his field of vision, and knowing when the
+exact moment arrived for the beginning of the appalling work, Commodore
+Dewey, cool, alert, attired in white duck uniform and a golf cap, turned
+to Captain Gridley and said in his ordinary conversational tone:
+
+"Gridley, you may fire when ready."
+
+A series of sharp, crackling sounds followed, like exploding Chinese
+crackers, and then the thunderous roars and a vast volume of smoke
+rolled over the bay and enveloped the warships that were pouring their
+deadly fire into the Spanish vessels. The American ships, in order to
+disconcert the aim of the batteries of the enemy, moved slowly in their
+terrible ellipses or loops, their sides spouting crimson flame and
+answered by the shots of the Spaniards, who fought with a courage
+deserving of all praise. The manoeuvring of the American ships led the
+breathless swarms on shore to believe they were suffering defeat, and an
+exultant telegram to that effect was cabled to Madrid, nearly ten
+thousand miles away, where it caused a wild but short-lived rejoicing.
+
+At half-past seven there was a lull. Commodore Dewey drew off to
+replenish his magazines, of whose shortness of supply he had received
+disturbing reports. Advantage was taken of the cessation to give the men
+breakfast, for it is a well accepted principle that sailors as well as
+soldiers fight best upon full stomachs. As the wind blew aside the dense
+smoke, it was seen that the _Reina Cristina_, the Spanish flagship, was
+in flames. Hardly two hours later the American squadron advanced again
+to the attack, and Admiral Montojo was observed to transfer his flag
+from the doomed _Reina Cristina_ to the _Isla de Cuba_, which soon after
+was also ablaze. Amid the crash and roar of the ponderous guns sounded
+the shrieks and cries of mortal agony from the Spanish crews, victims
+to the matchless gunnery of the Americans.
+
+[Illustration: THE "OLYMPIA" IN MANILA BAY.]
+
+The latter pressed their advantage remorselessly. The _Don Juan de
+Austria_ was the centre of the heaviest fire, and suddenly a part of the
+deck flew upward in the air, carrying with it scores of dead and
+wounded. A shot had exploded one of her magazines, and at the sight of
+the awful results Admiral Montojo threw up his arms in despair. The crew
+refused to leave the blazing ship, and cursing and praying they went
+down with her. Then the _Castilla_ burst into one mass of roaring flame,
+and the rest of the defeated fleet skurried down the long narrow isle
+behind Cavite. Others dashed up a small creek, where they grounded, and
+those that were left ran ashore. By half-past eleven the batteries of
+Cavite were silenced, the Spanish fleet was destroyed, and the
+victorious Americans broke into ringing cheers. The battle of Manila,
+one of the most remarkable in naval annals, was won and Commodore Dewey
+took rank among the greatest of all the heroes of the sea.
+
+What a marvellous record! Of the Spaniards, the dead and wounded
+numbered nearly a thousand, while not a single life had been lost by the
+American squadron. Several were wounded, but none seriously. No such
+victory between ironclads has thus far taken place in the history of
+the world. In the face of mines, torpedoes and shore batteries,
+Commodore Dewey had won an overwhelming and crushing victory. The power
+of Spain in the Philippines was forever destroyed, and another glorious
+victory had been added to the long list that illumines the story of the
+American navy.
+
+It was easy for Dewey to compel the surrender of Manila, but with the
+prudence that always guides him, he decided that since his force was not
+strong enough to occupy and hold the city, to await the arrival of
+reinforcements from the United States. They reached Manila the following
+August, and, under command of General Wesley Merritt and aided by the
+fleet, Manila surrendered, almost at the same hour that the
+representatives of Spain and our own officials in Washington signed the
+protocol that marked the cessation of war between the two countries.
+
+Now came long and trying weeks and months to Rear Admiral Dewey, he
+having been promoted upon receipt of news of his great victory. Peerless
+as was his conduct during offensive operations, it was surpassed in many
+respects by his course throughout the exasperating period named. Germany
+and France were unfriendly and Aguinaldo treacherous, though Great
+Britain and Japan were ardent in their sympathy for the United States.
+Germany especially was a constant cause of irritation to Admiral Dewey,
+whose patience was often tried to the utmost verge. To his tact,
+prudence, self-control, firmness, diplomacy and masterful wisdom were
+due the fact that no complication with foreign powers occurred and that
+the United States escaped a tremendous war, whose consequences no one
+could foresee or calculate.
+
+Everybody instinctively felt that Admiral Dewey was the real hero of our
+war with Spain. The wish was general that he should return home in order
+that his countrymen might have opportunity to show their appreciation of
+him and to give him fitting honors.
+
+And nothing could be more repugnant than all this to the naval hero, who
+is as modest as he is brave. Besides, he felt that his work was by no
+means finished in the far East, for, as has been shown, there was need
+of delicate diplomacy, prudence and statesmanship. He asked to be
+allowed to stay, and he did so, until, the main difficulty being passed,
+and his health feeling the result of the tremendous strain that was
+never relaxed, he finally set sail in the _Olympia_ for home, leaving
+Hong Kong in May, and, one year after his great victory, proceeding at a
+leisurely rate that did not bring him to his native shores until the
+cool breezes of autumn. On the long voyage hither he was shown the
+highest honors everywhere, and Washington or Lincoln could not have
+received more grateful homage than was paid to him by his countrymen,
+whom he had served so long, so faithfully and so well.
+
+Meanwhile, it should be added, that the rank of full Admiral of the
+navy, hitherto borne only by David Glasgow Farragut and David Dixon
+Porter, was revived and bestowed, in February, 1899, upon George Dewey,
+and of the three none has worn the exalted honor more worthily than the
+Green Mountain Boy, who has proven himself the born gentleman and
+fighter, the thorough patriot and statesman and the Chevalier Bayard of
+the American navy.
+
+
+
+
+THE REVOLUTIONARY BATTLES.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+Birth of the American Navy--The Privateers--Capture of New Providence,
+in the Bahamas--Paul Jones--A Clever Exploit--A Skilful Escape--Fine
+Seamanship--An Audacious Scheme.
+
+
+
+When, on April 19, 1775, the battle of Lexington opened the Revolution
+the Colonies did not possess a single ship with which to form the
+beginning of a navy. They had for many years been actively engaged in
+the coasting trade and some of their vessels did valiant service on the
+side of England in the wars against France and Spain. We had a good many
+hardy, skilled seamen, who formed the best material from which to man a
+navy, and before long Congress undertook the work of building one. That
+body ordered the construction of thirteen frigates--one for each
+State--and some of these did noble work, but by the close of the war few
+of them were left; nearly all had been captured or destroyed.
+
+[Illustration: CAPTAIN JOHN PAUL JONES.]
+
+It was far different with the privateers, which were vessels fitted out
+by private parties, under the authority of Congress, to cruise the seas
+wherever they chose and capture English vessels wherever they could.
+When a prize was taken the lucky officers and crews divided the plunder.
+It was a very tempting field for the brave and enterprising Americans
+and when, in March, 1776, Congress gave them permission to fit out and
+sail privateers, they were quick to use the chance of securing prize
+money as it was called. Those swift sailing vessels and their daring
+crews sailed out of Salem, Cape Ann, Newburyport, Bristol and other
+seacoast towns, and they did not have to hunt long before they found the
+richest sort of prizes. In the single year 1776 these privateers
+captured 342 British vessels and wrought great havoc among the English
+shipping.
+
+In January, 1778, one of these privateers entered the harbor of New
+Providence, in the Bahamas, and captured the fort and a sixteen-gun
+man-of-war. Many other valiant exploits were performed and before long
+some of the more daring privateers boldly crossed the Atlantic and by
+their deeds threw the coast of Great Britain into consternation.
+
+Among the most remarkable of these naval heroes was a young Scotchman,
+not quite thirty years old.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+He had been trained in the merchant service and had become a skilful
+sailor before he removed to Virginia, where he made his home. He
+devotedly loved his adopted country, and, when the war broke out between
+the colonies and Great Britain, and the long, hard struggle for
+independence began, he was among the very first to offer his services on
+the side of liberty. His character was so well known and appreciated
+that he was appointed a first lieutenant. I am sure you have all heard
+of him, for his name was John Paul Jones, though since, for some reason
+or other, he dropped his first name and is generally referred to simply
+as Paul Jones.
+
+His first service was on the _Alfred_, which helped in the capture of
+the fort at New Providence, already spoken of. Jones with his own hands
+hoisted the first flag displayed on an American man-of-war. It was of
+yellow silk, with the device of a rattlesnake, and bore the motto,
+"Don't tread on me."
+
+Jones attracted such favorable attention during this enterprise that on
+his return he was made commander of the twelve-ton brig _Providence_ and
+was employed for a time in carrying troops from Rhode Island to New
+York. Since he was by birth a citizen of Great Britain, which then
+insisted that "once a British subject always a British subject," the
+English cruisers made determined efforts to capture him. Many of the
+officers declared that if they could lay hands on the audacious
+freebooter, as they called him, they would hang him at the yard arm.
+But, before doing so, they had to catch him, and that proved a harder
+task than they suspected. He was chased many times and often fired into,
+but the _Providence_ was always swift enough to show a clean pair of
+heels to her pursuers and Jones himself was such a fine sailor that he
+laughed at their efforts to take him prisoner.
+
+One of the cleverest exploits of Jones was performed in the autumn of
+1776. He saw an American brig returning from the West Indies, heavily
+laden with supplies for Washington's army, which was badly in need of
+them. A British frigate was in hot pursuit of the American, which was
+straining every nerve to escape, but would not have been able to do so
+except for Jones, who ran in between the two, and, firing into the
+frigate, induced her to let the American go and chase him. Taking
+advantage of the chance thus offered, the brig got safely away and then
+Jones himself dodged away from the frigate, which thus lost both.
+
+In the month of October, 1776, Jones was promoted to the rank of captain
+and ordered to cruise between Boston and the Delaware. I must tell you
+an anecdote which illustrates his wonderful seamanship.
+
+Some weeks before he was made a captain, and while cruising off Bermuda,
+he saw five sail far to the windward and he beat up, doing so carefully
+and with the purpose of finding out whether there was a chance for him
+to strike an effective blow. He picked out what looked like a large
+merchant ship and gave chase. He gained fast, but to his dismay, when he
+was quite close, he discovered that instead of a merchant ship he had
+almost run into a twenty-eight gun frigate of the enemy.
+
+Finding he had caught a Tartar, Jones did the only thing left to him. He
+hauled off and put on every stitch of sail and the frigate did the same.
+She proved the better sailer, and, though she gained slowly, it was
+surely, and in the course of a few hours she had approached within
+musket shot of the brig's lee quarter. There seemed no possible escape
+for Jones, knowing which, he did a remarkable thing. He veered off until
+the frigate was almost astern, when he put about dead before the wind,
+with every yard of canvas set.
+
+The Englishman was dumfounded by the daring manoeuvre, which brought
+the American within pistol shot, for he did not fire a gun until Jones
+was beyond reach of his grape. The pursuit was continued hour after
+hour, but the brig was now at her best and finally left her pursuer
+hopelessly astern. When the _Providence_ ran into Newport in October she
+had captured or destroyed fifteen prizes.
+
+Jones's bold and skilful seamanship drew attention to him and he was now
+given command of the 24-gun ship _Alfred_, while Captain Hacker took
+charge of the _Providence_. The two vessels started on a cruise in
+company and some days later the _Alfred_ fell in with three British
+vessels, and, after a brisk action, captured them all. One proved to be
+a transport with 150 men and a large amount of supplies for Burgoyne's
+army, which was at that time organizing in Montreal for its notable
+campaign through New York, where it was captured by General Gates, at
+Saratoga.
+
+This transport was so valuable that Jones, instead of putting a prize
+crew on board, determined to take her into port, and, if in danger of
+capture from pursuit, he meant to sink her. It began snowing the
+following night and the _Providence_ and _Alfred_ were obliged to
+separate.
+
+Jones was making for Boston when he was discovered by the frigate that
+he had outwitted two months before, when the _Providence_ narrowly
+escaped capture. Night was closing in and the frigate being to windward,
+her outlines were indistinct. Captain Jones ordered his prizes to steer
+southward and to pay no attention to the signals displayed on his own
+vessel. At midnight he hoisted a toplight and tacked to the west,
+knowing the others would continue to the southward as he had directed.
+The strategem was successful, for at daylight the frigate was pressing
+hard after the _Alfred_, while the prizes had disappeared. The _Alfred_
+eluded her enemy as before, and, upon reaching Boston, Jones found his
+captives awaiting him.
+
+An idea of the effectiveness of the privateers may be gained by the
+statement that during the year 1777 nearly 500 vessels were captured by
+them. By that time Paul Jones had proven himself to be the finest
+officer in the American Navy. He had every quality to make him such. No
+one could surpass him in seamanship. He was cool and daring and was
+animated by the highest patriotism for his adopted country. Such a man
+was sure to be heard of again, as Great Britain learned to her cost.
+
+France had shown a strong liking for the American colonies from the
+first. No doubt this liking was influenced by her hatred of England, for
+the nations had been bitter rivals for years. We had sent several
+commissioners to Paris, and they did a good deal for our country. The
+commissioners had a heavy, single-decked frigate built in Holland, which
+was named the _South Carolinian_ and was intended for Paul Jones, but
+some difficulties occurred and he was sent to sea in the 18-gun ship
+_Ranger_, which left Portsmouth, N.H., at the beginning of November. She
+was so poorly equipped that Jones complained, though he did not hesitate
+on that account.
+
+On the way to Nantes, in France, the _Ranger_ captured two prizes,
+refitted at Brest, and in April, 1778, sailed for the British coast.
+Having made several captures, Captain Jones headed for the Isle of Man,
+his intention being to make a descent upon Whitehaven. A violent wind
+that night baffled him, and, hoping to prevent his presence in the
+section from being discovered, he kept his vessel disguised as a
+merchantman. Sailing hither and thither, generally capturing all vessels
+that he sighted, he finally turned across to the Irish coast and in the
+latter part of the month was off Carrickfergus, where he learned from
+some fishermen that the British sloop-of-war _Drake_ was at anchor in
+the roads. Jones was exceedingly anxious to attack her, and planned a
+night surprise, but again the violent wind interfered and he was forced
+to give up the scheme, so well suited to his daring nature.
+
+This brave man now set out to execute one of the most startling schemes
+that can be imagined. Whitehaven at that time was a city of 50,000
+inhabitants and the harbor was filled with shipping. His plan was to
+sail in among the craft and burn them all. It seemed like the idea of a
+man bereft of his senses, but there was not the slightest hesitation on
+his part. Such enterprises often succeed through their very boldness,
+and his belief was that by acting quickly he could accomplish his
+purpose and strike a blow at England that would carry consternation to
+the people and the government.
+
+Captain Jones had in mind the many outrages committed by British vessels
+along our seacoast, for, describing his purpose in a memorial to
+Congress, he said his intention was, by one good fire in England of
+British shipping, "to put an end to all burnings in America."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+
+A Daring Attempt by Captain Paul Jones--Why It Failed--A Bold
+Scheme--Why It Did Not Succeed--The Fight Between the _Ranger_ and
+_Drake_.
+
+
+
+Paul Jones waited until midnight. Then, when no one was dreaming of
+danger, his men silently pulled away from the _Ranger_ in two boats, one
+commanded by himself and the other by Lieutenant Wallingford. It was a
+long pull, and when they reached the outer pier of the harbor it was
+beginning to grow light in the east. They now parted company, and Jones
+directed his men to row for the south side of the harbor, while the
+Lieutenant was to make for the north shore. The object of the two was
+the same: the burning of the shipping.
+
+Wallingford reached the north side, and then, strangely enough, gave up
+the attempt, his reason being that the candle on which he counted to
+start the fire was blown out. The reader must remember that in those
+days matches were unknown and the task of relighting had to be done with
+the steel, flint and tinder. Though the contrivance is an awkward one,
+we cannot help thinking the excuse of the Lieutenant was weak, but the
+result was a failure on his part to carry out the important work
+assigned to him.
+
+Captain Jones was a different kind of man. Although day had fully
+dawned, he kept his men rowing rapidly. Reaching the south side of the
+harbor, he came upon a small fort garrisoned by a few soldiers. Leaping
+out of the boat, the American dashed forward, bounded over the walls and
+captured the sentinels before they knew their danger. The guns were
+spiked and the garrison made prisoners.
+
+"Set fire to the shipping!" he commanded to his men, while he, with only
+a single companion, ran for a second fort some distance away and spiked
+the guns in that. Then he hurried back to the first fort and found to
+his surprise that the fire had not been started.
+
+"The candles have given out," was the reply to his angry inquiry.
+
+It being broad daylight, his men expected him to jump into the boat and
+order them to return with all haste to the ship; but, instead of doing
+so, he darted into one of the nearest houses, procured some tinder and
+candles and began himself the work of destruction. Fixing his attention
+upon a large vessel, he climbed quickly aboard and started a fire in her
+steerage. To help matters, he flung a barrel of tar over the flames and
+in a few minutes they were roaring fiercely. It meant prodigious damage,
+for the vessel was surrounded by more than a hundred others, none of
+which could move, since they were aground and the tide was out.
+
+As may be supposed, there was great excitement by that time. The alarm
+had been given. Men were running to and fro, and a number hurried toward
+the burning ship with the purpose of extinguishing the flames. All the
+Americans had entered the small boat and were impatiently awaiting their
+commander. Instead of joining them, Jones drew his pistol, and, standing
+alone in front of the crowd, kept them back until the fire burst out of
+the steerage and began running up the rigging. Backing slowly with drawn
+pistol, he stepped into the boat and told his men to row with might and
+main for the vessel.
+
+The instant this was done the crowd rushed forward and by desperate
+efforts succeeded in putting out the blaze before it had done much
+damage. Then the forts attempted to fire on the Americans, but their
+guns were spiked. Some cannon on the ships were discharged at the boats,
+but their shots went wild. When the _Ranger_ was reached Captain Jones
+made the discovery that one of his men was missing. The reason was
+clear. He was a deserter and had been seen by his former comrades
+running from house to house and giving the alarm. Such was the narrow
+chance by which one of the most destructive conflagrations of British
+shipping was averted.
+
+As may be supposed, this daring act caused alarm throughout England.
+Jones was denounced as a freebooter and pirate, and every effort was
+made to capture him. Had his enemies succeeded, little mercy would have
+been shown the dauntless hero.
+
+England was very cruel to many of her American prisoners, and Captain
+Jones fixed upon a bold and novel plan for compelling her to show more
+mercy toward those unfortunate enough to fall into her power. It was to
+capture some prominent nobleman and hold him as a hostage for the better
+treatment of our countrymen. It must be remembered that Jones was
+cruising near his birthplace and when a sailor boy had become familiar
+with the Scottish and the English coasts. The _Ranger_ was a fast
+vessel, and, as I have shown, Jones himself was a master of seamanship.
+It would seem, therefore, that all he had to do was to be alert, and it
+need not be said that he and his crew were vigilant at all times.
+
+The Earl of Selkirk was a Scottish nobleman who had his country seat at
+the mouth of the Dee, and Jones made up his mind that he was just the
+man to serve for a hostage. At any rate, he could not be put to a
+better use and certainly would not suspect the purpose of the American
+vessel which, as night was closing in, anchored offshore. Indeed, no one
+dreamed that the vessel was the terrible American "pirate," which had
+thrown the whole country into terror.
+
+Fortunately the night was dark and the men rowed to land without being
+noticed. The task was an easy one, for there was no one to resist them.
+They walked silently through the darkness to the fine grounds, and,
+having surrounded the handsome building, the officer in charge of the
+party presented himself at the door and made known his startling errand.
+He was informed that the Earl was absent. A careful search revealed that
+such was the fact, and all the trouble of the Americans went for naught.
+
+It was a keen disappointment and the party decided to compensate
+themselves so far as they could. The Earl was wealthy and the house
+contained a great deal of valuable silver plate. A quantity of this was
+carried to the _Ranger_.
+
+Captain Jones was angered when he learned what had been done. He knew
+the Earl and Lady Selkirk well and personally liked them both. The
+singular scheme he had in mind was solely for the benefit of his adopted
+countrymen.
+
+"I am accused of being a pirate, robber and thief," he exclaimed, "and
+you are doing all you can to justify the charges. Every ounce of plate
+shall be returned."
+
+He kept his word. The messengers who took back the silver carried a note
+from Captain Jones apologizing to Lady Selkirk for the misconduct of his
+men.
+
+Now, if there was anything which Paul Jones loved it was to fight. It
+was simply diversion for him to capture merchantmen or vessels that
+could make only a weak resistance, and he longed to give the enemy a
+taste of his mettle. It may be said that his situation grew more
+dangerous with every hour. His presence was known and a score of
+cruisers were hunting for him.
+
+The British sloop of war _Drake_, which the gale prevented him from
+attacking, was still at Carrickfergus, and Jones sailed thither in the
+hope of inducing her to come out and fight him. Being uncertain of his
+identity, the captain of the _Drake_ sent an officer in a boat to learn
+the truth. Captain Jones suspected the errand and skilfully kept his
+broadsides turned away until the officer, determined to know his
+identity, went aboard. As soon as he stepped on deck he was made a
+prisoner and sent below.
+
+Captain Jones reasoned that the captain of the _Drake_ would miss his
+officer after awhile and come out to learn what had become of him. He,
+therefore, headed toward the North Channel, the _Drake_ following, with
+the tide against her and the wind unfavorable until the mid-channel was
+reached, when, to quote Maclay, Paul Jones "in plain view of three
+kingdoms, hove to, ran up the flag of the new Republic and awaited the
+enemy."
+
+In reply to the demand of the _Drake's_ captain, Jones gave the name of
+his vessel and expressed the pleasure it would give him to engage him in
+battle. The American was astern of the _Drake_, and, to show his
+earnestness, Captain Jones ordered his helm put up and let fly with a
+broadside. The _Drake_ replied and then the battle was on. There was
+little manoeuvring, the contest being what is known as a square
+yardarm and yardarm fight.
+
+The comparative strength of the two vessels was as follows: The _Ranger_
+carried 18 guns and 123 men, the _Drake_ 20 guns and 160 men, a number
+of the latter being volunteers for the fight, which lasted one hour and
+four minutes, at the end of which time the _Ranger_ had lost two killed
+and six wounded and the _Drake_ forty-two killed. The latter was so
+badly damaged by the well directed fire of the American that the captain
+called for quarter. Ceasing her firing, Captain Jones lowered a boat
+and sent it to the _Drake_ to take possession.
+
+As an evidence of the effect of the fire of the _Ranger_, the following
+words may be quoted from Jones's official report: "Her fore and
+maintopsail yards being cut away and down on the caps, the topgallant
+yard and mizzen gaff both hanging up and down along the mast, the second
+ensign which they had hoisted shot away and hanging on the quarter
+gallery in the water, the jib shot away and hanging in the water, her
+sails and rigging cut entirely to pieces, her masts and yards all
+wounded and her hull very much galled."
+
+The damages to the _Ranger_ were so slight they were repaired by the
+close of the following day, when she got under sail with her prize.
+Despite the swarm of cruisers that were hunting for him, Jones passed
+unscathed through North Channel, along the western coast of Ireland and
+arrived at Brest, in France, within a month of the day he left the port,
+his cruise having been one of the most remarkable in naval history.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+One of the Most Memorable Sea Fights Ever Known--The Wonderful Exploit
+of Captain Paul Jones.
+
+
+
+I have taken Paul Jones as the highest type of the infant American navy.
+There were others who fought with great bravery and did much to aid in
+the struggle for American independence, but none combined in such
+perfection the qualities of perfect seamanship, cool but dauntless
+courage and skill in fighting.
+
+Of course, no matter how daring our cruisers, they did not always escape
+disaster. At the close of the Revolution there had been twenty-four
+vessels lost, carrying 470 guns. Several of these met their fate through
+shipwreck. Contrast with this the loss of Great Britain, which was 102
+war vessels, carrying in all 2,624 guns. The total vessels of all kinds
+captured from the English by our cruisers and privateers was about 800.
+
+Captain Jones had made so successful a cruise with the _Ranger_ that he
+felt, upon returning to Brest, in France, he was entitled to a better
+ship. He wrote to Benjamin Franklin, expressing himself plainly on that
+point, and the American commissioner, after several months' delay, had a
+ship of 40 guns placed under the command of Jones. Her original name was
+the _Duras_, but at Jones's request it was changed to the _Bonhomme
+Richard_. This was in compliment to Franklin, who was often called "Poor
+Richard" by his admiring countrymen, because for many years he had
+published "Poor Richard's Almanac," filled with wise and witty sayings.
+
+This ship was an old Indiaman, in which 42 guns were placed, and the
+final number of her crew was 304. The 32-gun frigate _Alliance_, Captain
+Landais, was put under the orders of Captain Jones and a third, the
+_Pallas_, was bought and armed with thirty guns. A merchant brig and a
+cutter were also added to the squadron. It was found very hard to man
+these vessels and any other captain than Jones would have given up the
+task as an impossible one. It seemed as if about every known nation in
+the world was represented and some of the men of the most desperate
+character. Maclay says in his "History of the American Navy" that the
+muster roll of the _Bonhomme Richard_ showed that the men hailed from
+America, France, Italy, Ireland, Germany, Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland,
+England, Spain, India, Norway, Portugal, Fayal and Malasia, while there
+were seven Maltese and the knight of the ship's galley was from Africa.
+The majority of the officers, however, were American.
+
+[Illustration: BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.]
+
+This squadron sailed from L'Orient on June 19, 1779. Almost immediately
+trouble occurred. Captain Landais, without any show of reason, claimed
+that the command, by right of seniority of commission, belonged to him.
+On the first night out the _Alliance_ and _Bonhomme Richard_ collided
+and were obliged to return to port for repairs. Vexatious delays
+prevented the sailing of the squadron until August 14.
+
+One of the consorts captured an English war vessel in the latter part of
+June, but was compelled to abandon her on the appearance of a superior
+force of the enemy, and the squadron put into L'Orient for repairs. A
+piece of good fortune came to the _Bonhomme Richard_ while in this port.
+About a hundred exchanged American prisoners volunteered and did a great
+deal to improve the discipline and strengthen the crew of Jones's ship.
+
+The valiant American, however, met with difficulties that were of the
+most exasperating nature. A boat's crew deserted and spread the news of
+the arrival of the squadron off the English coast. Captain Landais,
+commander of the _Alliance_, refused to obey the signals of the
+flagship, and conducted himself so outrageously that Jones more than
+suspected his brain was askew. The _Bonhomme Richard_ was old and in bad
+condition, but Jones told Benjamin Franklin in a letter that he meant to
+do something with her that would induce his Government to provide him
+with a better ship. He sailed almost completely around Great Britain,
+during which he captured seventeen vessels, most of which were
+destroyed though the more valuable were sent into port in charge of
+prize crews.
+
+This depletion of his crew so weakened it that Captain Jones wisely
+refrained from remaining long in one place. Doubling Flamborough Head,
+he came up with his companions, the _Pallas_ and the _Alliance_, the
+latter having been out of his company for a fortnight.
+
+This was on September 23, 1779. It was near noon, while the American
+squadron was chasing a British brigantine and was approaching
+Flamborough Head from the south, that a large sail was discovered,
+rounding that promontory from the south. Another and another followed,
+the astonished Americans counting them until the number had mounted up
+to forty-two.
+
+It was a startling sight, for if these vessels were ships of war nothing
+could save the American squadron, or, if most of them were merchantmen,
+under a strong escort, the peril of Captain Jones and his crews would be
+almost as great. The commander studied the fleet through his glass,
+allowing it to come closer and closer and holding himself ready to flee,
+should it be necessary to do so. Finally, after a long scrutiny, Jones's
+face lit up with exultation. There were only two vessels of war in the
+fleet, and he immediately gave the signal for pursuit.
+
+The _Serapis_, commanded by Captain Pearson, knew that he was confronted
+by the redoubtable Paul Jones, and he welcomed a fight with him, for the
+British captain was one of the bravest of men. He signalled for the
+merchantmen to scatter, and they did so with the utmost haste, while the
+frigate with her consort, the _Countess of Scarborough_, boldly advanced
+to engage the American squadron.
+
+It was at this critical moment that the captain of the _Alliance_ once
+more showed his insubordination. He refused to obey Jones's signal to
+fall to the rear of the _Bonhomme Richard_ and the _Pallas_ for a time
+was equally disobedient. Soon, however, she changed her conduct and
+gallantly advanced to engage the _Countess of Scarborough_. Captain
+Landais, however, sullenly kept out of the battle, and, as we shall
+presently learn, did even worse than that.
+
+Captain Pearson, of the _Serapis_, waited until his convoy was beyond
+danger, when he tacked inshore. Fearing he would get away, Jones ran in
+between him and the land. It was now growing dark, and it was hard for
+the American commander to follow the movements of his enemy. But the
+latter was not fleeing, and, although dimly visible to each other, the
+two antagonists began cautiously approaching, both on the alert for any
+advantage that might present itself. Nothing but the rippling of water
+made by the vessels broke the profound, expectant hush that rested upon
+both.
+
+Suddenly from the gloom came the voice of the captain of the _Serapis_:
+
+"What ship is that?"
+
+Jones wished to get nearer before opening fire and replied:
+
+"I do not understand you; speak louder."
+
+"What ship is that?" repeated the other in a louder voice through his
+trumpet. "Answer or I shall fire into you."
+
+Jones made no reply, knowing that it was useless, but continued to edge
+near his antagonist. A minute later both ships discharged a broadside at
+the same moment, the gloom being lit up by spouts of crimson flame,
+while the thunder "shook the mighty deep" and the sulphurous smoke
+rolled slowly upward and drifted through the rigging. Then again came a
+minute or so of impressive stillness, while the crews of both looked
+around to learn the results of the awful tempest of round shot, grape
+and canister of which they had been the targets.
+
+Sad work, indeed, had been done, for from each vessel rose the cries of
+the wounded and dying--cries that inspired their companions to revenge
+and caused them to hasten the reloading and firing of the cannon. But
+unfortunately the _Bonhomme Richard_ suffered from her own guns as well
+as from those of the enemy. On the lower gun deck was an improvised
+battery of six 18-pounders, two of which burst, killing most of the men
+at work there and tearing away the deck above them. The remainder of the
+men refused to serve the other guns, and thus the _Bonhomme Richard_ was
+deprived of the services of her heaviest battery, in addition to the
+serious loss in dead and wounded.
+
+Captain Jones forged ahead, crossing his enemy's bow, while the latter
+came up on his port quarter. They were within a biscuit's toss of each
+other, wrapped in dense smoke, lit up by the jets of flame which were
+continuous. Mingled with the terrific booming was the spiteful rattle of
+musketry from the tops and yells and cries of the wounded. The decks of
+the _Bonhomme Richard_ were slippery with blood, which increased until
+the men, as they ran to and fro, splashed in it, like children playing
+in a mud puddle, and it was the same on the _Serapis_. It found its
+outlet through the scuppers and crimsoned the deep blue of the ocean.
+
+[Illustration: FIGHT BETWEEN "BONHOMME RICHARD" AND "SERAPIS."]
+
+Some of the shots from the _Serapis_ pierced the _Bonhomme Richard_
+under the water line, causing her to leak badly. Deprived of his
+18-pound guns by reason of the accident mentioned, Jones was forced to
+rely upon his 12-pounders. They were worked for all that was in them,
+but the whole fourteen were silenced in little more than half an hour
+and seven of the quarter deck and forecastle guns were dismounted. She
+was left with three 9-pounders, which, being loaded and aimed under the
+eye of Jones himself, did frightful execution on the deck of the enemy.
+
+An hour had passed and the men were fighting furiously, when the full
+moon appeared above the horizon and lit up the fearful scene. The
+_Serapis_ attempted to cross the bow of the _Bonhomme Richard_, but
+miscalculated and the _Bonhomme Richard_ shoved her bowsprit over the
+other's stern. In the lull that followed, when each expected his
+antagonist to board, Captain Pearson called out:
+
+"Have you struck?"
+
+"Struck!" shouted back Jones; "I am just beginning to fight!"
+
+The _Serapis_ made another effort to get into position to rake the
+American, but in the blinding smoke she ran her jibboom afoul of the
+starboard mizzen shrouds of the _Bonhomme Richard_. Captain Jones
+himself lashed the spar to the rigging, knowing that his only chance was
+in fighting at close quarters, but the swaying of the ships broke them
+apart. At that instant, however, the spare anchor of the _Serapis_
+caught on the American's quarter and held the two vessels, as may be
+said, locked in each other's arms.
+
+They were so close, indeed, that the English gunners could not raise the
+lower port lids, and they blew them off by firing their cannon through
+them. The men on each ship in loading were forced to push their rammers
+into the ports of the other vessel. The _Bonhomme Richard_ was set on
+fire by burning wads, but the flames were speedily extinguished.
+
+The explosion of the American's lower guns at the opening of the battle
+had made her helpless against the corresponding battery of the enemy,
+which pounded away until a huge, yawning gap was opened. Some of the
+shots went clean through the battered hull and splashed into the water,
+hundreds of feet distant. The disadvantage was more than offset by the
+concentration of the Americans on the upper deck and in the rigging. The
+fire of the _Bonhomme Richard_ became so terrible that every officer and
+man of the enemy kept out of sight, observing which an American seaman
+crawled out on the main yard, carrying a bucket of hand grenades which
+he threw wherever he saw a man. He did this with such excellent aim that
+he dropped one through the main hatchway and into the gunroom. It fell
+into a heap of powder and produced an explosion that was awful beyond
+description, for it killed and wounded thirty-eight men and really
+decided the battle.
+
+At that moment, when it all seemed over, Captain Landais fired a
+broadside from the _Alliance_ into the _Bonhomme Richard_. Captain Jones
+called to him in God's name to desist, but he circled about the two
+ships and fired again and again into his ally, killing and wounding a
+number of men and officers. It was believed that the _Alliance_ had been
+captured by the enemy and had joined in the attack on the _Bonhomme
+Richard_, which was so injured that she began slowly to sink. Having
+wrought this irreparable damage, the _Alliance_ drew off and ceased her
+murderous work.
+
+Jones incited his prisoners to desperate pumping by the report that the
+_Serapis_ must soon go down and that the only way to save themselves
+from drowning was to keep the _Bonhomme_ afloat. An officer ran to the
+quarter deck to haul down the colors, but they had been shot away. He
+then hurried to the taffrail and shouted for quarter. Jones, being in
+another part of the ship, did not hear him. The British commander
+mustered his men to board the American, but they were driven back by the
+firing from the rigging of the _Bonhomme Richard_. The condition of the
+latter could not have been more desperate. She was so mangled that she
+began to settle, most of her guns had been disabled, a fire that could
+not be checked was already close to her magazine and several hundred
+prisoners were stealing here and there, waiting for a chance to strike
+from behind.
+
+[Illustration: OLD-TIME BATTLESHIPS.]
+
+A deserter had slipped on board of the _Serapis_ in the confusion and
+acquainted the commander with the frightful plight of the American.
+After firing with renewed ardor for several minutes Captain Pearson
+again called to know whether Jones had surrendered. He shouted back a
+defiant negative, and, pistol in hand, ordered his men to the guns,
+threatening to kill the first one who refused. All knew his temper too
+well to hesitate, and the battle was renewed with greater fury than
+before. Captain Pearson could not believe the condition of the _Bonhomme
+Richard_ as bad as was represented by the deserter. He had lost a great
+many men, all his guns were silenced, and, being utterly unable to make
+any further defence, he hauled down his flag with his own hands.
+
+The surrender was just in time to save the _Bonhomme Richard_, which
+was in danger of going down and blowing up. The united efforts of both
+crews were necessary to extinguish the flames before they reached the
+magazine. She was kept afloat through the night, while the wounded and
+prisoners were transferred to the _Serapis_. Then the battered and
+riddled old hulk plunged downward bow foremost into the depths of the
+German Ocean.
+
+[Illustration: MEDAL PRESENTED BY CONGRESS TO CAPTAIN JOHN PAUL JONES.]
+
+This battle has never been surpassed in heroism. Both sides fought with
+a bravery that has given the conflict a place by itself in naval
+annals, and it will always stand as a proof of the dauntless courage of
+the Anglo-Saxon beyond the reach of those of the Latin race. The
+_Bonhomme Richard_ had 42 guns and the _Serapis_ 50; the American crew
+numbered 304 and the English 320. The killed on each side was 49; the
+wounded on the _Bonhomme Richard_ was 116 and on the _Serapis_ 117,
+there being a difference of only one in the total of killed and wounded.
+The battle lasted three hours and a half.
+
+The _Countess of Scarborough_ made a gallant resistance for two hours,
+when she was so crippled that she was compelled to surrender to the
+Frenchman. An investigation into the treacherous conduct of Captain
+Landais caused many to believe him insane, though others were convinced
+that he was inspired by intense jealousy of Captain Jones. He was
+discharged from both the French and American navy. Benjamin Franklin was
+among those who believed he deserved punishment for his perfidy.
+
+The _Serapis_ and _Countess of Scarborough_ were refitted and given to
+France, while Captain Jones was placed in command of the _Alliance_. He
+was loaded with honors in France, the king presenting him with a gold
+sword, and when he sailed for the United States he gave another
+exhibition of his superb seamanship by eluding the blockaders that were
+waiting for him outside of Texel, running through the Straits of Dover
+and then defiantly standing down the English Channel in full view of
+more than one of the largest British fleets. He reached the United
+States in June, 1780, without mishap.
+
+Congress gave Captain Jones a vote of thanks, and, had the war
+continued, no doubt he would have rendered more brilliant service for
+the country he loved so well, but before he could be given a fitting
+command hostilities ceased. He had won a world-wide reputation and
+accepted the appointment of rear-admiral in the Russian navy, but gained
+no opportunity to display his marvelous prowess. He died in Paris in
+1792.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+Our Naval War with France--The Tribute Paid to the Barbary States by
+Christian Nations--War Declared Against the United States by
+Tripoli--Bainbridge, Decatur, Stewart, Dale and Preble.
+
+
+
+Now I suspect that if my young readers were asked to name the nations
+with which, at one time or another we have been at war, they would not
+be likely to include France in the list. All the same, we have had a war
+with her, though it was confined to the ocean and there was no formal
+declaration on either side.
+
+A few years after the close of our Revolution one of the most appalling
+uprisings in the history of the world took place in France. The kings
+and nobility ground the people into the very dust until they were goaded
+into revolt, which overturned the throne and was marked by atrocities
+that shocked the world. Incredible as it may seem, there were a million
+people put to death during the awful days of the Reign of Terror.
+
+The mad rulers, not satisfied with deluging their own country with
+blood, were at war with most of the neighboring nations. They seemed to
+wish to array themselves against all mankind and began a system of
+action toward us which soon became unbearable.
+
+They seemed to think we could be scared into paying the rulers immense
+sums of money for the privilege of being left alone. They encouraged
+their naval officers to capture American vessels, and when we sent
+commissioners to France to protest they were coolly told that outrages
+upon our commerce would not be stopped until we paid the leaders several
+hundred thousand dollars in the way of bribes. Then it was that one of
+our commissioners made the memorable reply: "Millions for defence, but
+not one cent for tribute."
+
+Our representatives were driven out of France and the capture of our
+vessels by French cruisers continued. So Congress met, cancelled all
+treaties with France, formed an army, placed Washington, then an old
+man, at the head, formed a new navy and told the men-of-war to go out
+and give the insolent nation a lesson she very much needed.
+
+And France got the lesson. The fighting on the ocean, beginning in 1798,
+continued for two years and a half. The French cruisers succeeded in
+capturing only one vessel from the American navy, while 84 armed French
+ships, mostly privateers, mounting more than 500 guns, were captured by
+our vessels. In February, 1801, a treaty of peace was signed with
+France, which brought our troubles with her to an end.
+
+Now, if you will examine your map of Africa, you will notice a group of
+countries along the southern coast of the Mediterranean that are known
+as the Barbary States. Their names are Morocco, Algiers, Tunis, and
+Tripoli. I remember when I was a boy how easy it was to learn the names
+of the capitals of those countries, for each one was the same as the
+country itself.
+
+The people of the Barbary States are only half civilized or barbarous,
+but they have always had a mighty high opinion of themselves, though it
+can hardly be as high to-day as it was a hundred years ago. They looked
+upon the "dogs of Christians" as heathen nations, only fitted to be
+their slaves, and it must be admitted that it was quite natural they
+should hold the leading maritime nations of Europe as well as ourselves
+in contempt, for all deserved it.
+
+The favorite business of those barbarians was playing pirate. Their
+corsairs roamed up and down the Mediterranean, eagerly hunting for
+Christian merchant vessels, that they might kill the crews and divide
+the plunder among themselves. Sometimes, by way of variety, they would
+throw their captives into dungeons and then notify the governments to
+which they belonged that they would be set free upon the payment of a
+large sum of money to their captors. If the government did not choose to
+pay the ransom, why their captors would give themselves the pleasure of
+putting the prisoners to death.
+
+Now, it would have been an easy thing for any one of the Christian
+nations interested to send a fleet into the Mediterranean, which,
+speaking figuratively, would have wiped those miscreants off the face of
+the earth; but such an enterprise would have cost a good deal of money,
+so, instead of punishing the wretches as they deserved, the countries
+paid them a yearly sum of money on their promise not to disturb vessels
+when they ran across them.
+
+So it was that, year after year, we sent a good round gift to those
+barbarians. You know our Government is often slow in meeting its
+obligations, and it happened now and then we were late in sending our
+tribute to the swarthy rulers. When that occurred, the Dey, or Bashaw,
+imposed a heavy fine to remind us of the expense of trifling with him.
+We meekly bowed our heads, paid it, and tried to be more prompt
+afterward. Then, too, the mighty ruler sometimes expressed a wish to
+receive naval stores instead of money, and we were happy to oblige him.
+Of course, he set his own valuation on what he received, which was
+generally about one-half of what they cost our Government, but we made
+no complaint.
+
+It came about that the Dey of Tripoli got the idea into his head that we
+were not paying him as much as we did his neighbors. In his impatience,
+he decided to give us a lesson as badly needed as it was in the case of
+France, to which I have alluded. So he declared war against the United
+States. It would be interesting to know what ideas the Dey had of the
+Republic on the other side of the Atlantic.
+
+One good thing resulted from our flurry with France. A number of good
+ships had been added to our navy. Better still, many young officers,
+brave, skilful and glowing with patriotic ardor, were serving on those
+ships. They eagerly welcomed the chance of winning glory. To them the
+war with Tripoli offered the very opportunity for which they longed.
+
+Among these was William Bainbridge, who was born in 1774 and died in
+1833. He began life as a sailor at the age of fifteen, and was in
+several engagements before he was appointed to the navy in 1798, during
+our war with France.
+
+Another was Stephen Decatur, born in Maryland in 1779 and killed in a
+duel with Commodore Barron in 1820. His father was a gallant officer in
+the Revolution, and his two sons were among the bravest officers who
+ever trod the quarter deck. Both entered the service in 1798, and
+Stephen is generally regarded as the best type of the young American
+naval officer during the early years of the present century.
+
+Still another was Charles Stewart, born in Philadelphia in 1778, and,
+like those whom I have named, he entered the navy as lieutenant in 1798.
+It will always be one of my pleasantest recollections that I was well
+acquainted with Stewart, and spent many hours talking with him about the
+stirring scenes in which he took part. He lived to be more than ninety
+years of age, dying in 1869, and for a good many years occupied a modest
+little home, just below Bordentown, New Jersey. When eighty-eight years
+old he was as active as a man of half his years. I came upon him one
+wintry day, when he was of that age, and found him in the barn,
+shoveling corn into a hopper, of which a sturdy Irishman was turning the
+crank. The old admiral kept his hired man busy and enjoyed his own work.
+He was of small figure, always wore an old-fashioned blue swallow-tail
+with brass buttons, took snuff, and would laugh and shake until his
+weatherbeaten face was purple over some of his reminiscences of the
+early days of the Republic.
+
+Think of it! He remembered seeing Benedict Arnold burned in effigy in
+Philadelphia in 1781; he recalled Paul Jones, and had drunk wine and
+talked with Washington.
+
+Stewart and Decatur were of about the same age, and attended the old
+Academy in Philadelphia. They were bosom friends from boyhood. Stewart
+told me that Decatur was a good student, but there was hardly a boy in
+the school, anywhere near his own age, with whom he did not have a
+fight. He would "rather fight than eat," but he was not a bully, and
+never imposed upon any one younger or weaker than himself.
+
+A great many of my talks with old Admiral Stewart related to the war
+with Tripoli, which began in 1801 and lasted nearly four years. As you
+will learn, Stewart had a great deal to do with that war, and most of
+the incidents that follow were told to me by him, a fact which insures
+their truthfulness and interest.
+
+Among others to whom I shall refer was Commodore Richard Dale, who was
+born in 1756, and died in 1826. He was older, as you will notice, than
+the three whom I have mentioned. As to his bravery, it is enough to say
+that he was first lieutenant on the _Bonhomme Richard_ during her
+terrible fight under Paul Jones with the _Serapis_, and served with
+that wonderful naval hero on the _Alliance_ and the _Ariel_. Had he not
+been made of the right stuff he never could have held such a position
+when a very young man.
+
+[Illustration: COMMODORE EDWARD PREBLE.]
+
+Another hero was Commodore Edward Preble, born in 1761 and died in 1807.
+When only sixteen years old he joined a privateer, and at eighteen was
+active in the attacks of the _Protector_ on the British privateer
+_Admiral Duff_. He was on the _Winthrop_, and fought bravely in the
+battle which resulted in the capture of a British armed brig. He was
+commissioned lieutenant in 1798, and the year following commanded the
+_Essex_.
+
+From what I have told you, it will be seen that it was a gallant band
+that our Government sent into the Mediterranean in 1801 to chastise the
+barbarians and compel them to respect the Stars and Stripes.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+The First Serious Engagement--Loss of the Philadelphia--The Scheme of
+Captain Bainbridge--Exploit of Lieutenant Decatur.
+
+
+Andrew Sterrett was executive officer of the _Constellation_, which
+captured the French frigate _L'Insurgente_, in 1799, and _La Vengeance_,
+in 1800. It fell to his lot, while in command of the _Enterprise_, a
+vessel of 12 guns, to have the first serious fight in the war with
+Tripoli. When off Malta, he met a Tripolitan vessel of 14 guns, and they
+fought furiously for two hours, at the end of which time the enemy
+hauled down his flag. The Americans left their guns and broke into
+cheers, whereupon the Tripolitan fired a broadside. Nothing loath,
+Lieutenant Sterrett resumed the battle. The Tripolitans ran in close and
+attempted to board, but were repulsed, and, under the fierce fire of the
+_Enterprise_, they again hauled down their flag.
+
+"I guess they mean it this time," remarked Lieutenant Sterrett, but the
+words were hardly spoken when the enemy let fly with another broadside.
+
+As may be supposed, this exhausted the patience of the American
+commander. He ordered his men to their guns, and mentally resolved to
+finish the job without fail. Circling round his antagonist, he raked her
+from stem to stern, shot away the mizzen mast, made a sieve of the hull
+and killed and wounded fifty men. He was still at it, when, through the
+smoke, he caught sight of the swarthy captain, leaping up and down on
+the deck, swinging his arms and shrieking in broken English that he had
+surrendered. To show he was in earnest, he flung his colors overboard.
+
+"Now throw your guns and powder after your flag," shouted Sterrett.
+
+He was promptly obeyed; and, resolved to take no chances, Sterrett then
+compelled him to cut away his masts, after which he was permitted to rig
+a jury mast and a single sail.
+
+"Now go home to your Dey," said his conqueror, "and give him my
+compliments."
+
+Not a man was killed on board the _Enterprise_, though, as has been
+shown, the loss of the enemy was severe.
+
+[Illustration: CAPTAIN WILLIAM BAINBRIDGE.]
+
+The American squadron in that part of the world was increased, and a
+number of engagements took place, with the advantage invariably on the
+side of our countrymen. By the opening of 1803 there were nine of our
+ships, carrying two hundred and fourteen guns, in the Mediterranean
+waters. The fine frigate _Philadelphia_ captured a Moorish cruiser upon
+which were found papers signed by the Governor of Tangier authorizing
+the commander to destroy American commerce. Commodore Preble sailed into
+the harbor and demanded an explanation of the emperor. He denied having
+given any such authority to his subordinate, and in making his denial
+undoubtedly told a falsehood. Nevertheless, he was so scared that he
+signed anew the treaty of 1786, deprived the governor of his commission
+and confiscated his estates.
+
+Captain William Bainbridge was in command of the _Philadelphia_, and was
+detailed to help in blockading Tripoli. His companion vessel was sent in
+pursuit of a corsair, so that the _Philadelphia_ was left alone to
+perform blockade duty. On the last day of October, 1803, Captain
+Bainbridge observed a Tripolitan vessel trying to make port. He gave
+chase, but the coast was dangerous, abounding with shoals and reefs,
+with which the fugitive vessel was familiar, while Captain Bainbridge
+had to keep sounding and regulating his speed in accordance with the
+degree of danger.
+
+In the midst of the pursuit, and while every precaution was taken, the
+crew, to their dismay, heard a dull, grating sound, whose meaning they
+well knew; the bow of the frigate rose six feet out of the water, and
+the stoppage was so sudden that nearly every one was thrown off his
+feet.
+
+A hurried examination showed that the _Philadelphia_ was inextricably
+fast, and could not be freed until the tide rose. Meanwhile the corsairs
+would issue from the harbor near at hand, and, choosing their own
+position, batter the frigate to pieces and kill or make prisoners of the
+crew.
+
+Every possible effort was made to release the ship, but she was too
+firmly spiked on the jagged reef to be budged, and the dreaded peril
+speedily appeared. The Tripolitans soon discovered the plight of the
+American, and nine gunboats hurried out from the harbor. Fire was opened
+on both sides, but neither was effective, the position of the frigate
+preventing an effective aim. The sea drove her higher upon the rocks,
+and she careened so much that all the guns became useless. The
+Tripolitans, seeing her helplessness, now came closer and increased
+their fire.
+
+There was no help for Captain Bainbridge. Unable to deliver an effective
+shot, the enemy could kill every one of his men. He therefore flooded
+his magazine, blocked the pumps, bored holes through the bottom of the
+ship in order to sink her if his enemies succeeded in releasing her,
+and then struck his flag. Distrustful at first, though they ceased
+firing, the Tripolitans finally came aboard, plundered the officers and
+men of their personal property, and then took them--three hundred and
+fifteen in all--to the city, where they were lodged in prison.
+
+Some days later a powerful northerly wind partly lifted the
+_Philadelphia_ off the rocks, and by united efforts her captors
+succeeded in getting her into deep water. The holes in the bottom were
+plugged, and the guns and anchors that had been thrown overboard in the
+shallow water were easily recovered and replaced on the ship. Thus the
+Bashaw secured a most valuable prize.
+
+The disaster gave a serious aspect to the war, for it not only added
+material strength to the enemy, but increased their courage and insured
+a more determined resistance on their part. While the loss was a severe
+one to the American navy, it was not difficult to replace it.
+
+One day a letter reached Commodore Preble. Apparently it was nothing but
+a blank sheet of paper, but knowing that lemon juice had been employed
+for ink, the Commodore held it before a flame and brought out the
+following, in the handwriting of Bainbridge:
+
+"Charter a small merchant schooner, fill her with men and have her
+commanded by fearless and determined officers. Let the vessel enter the
+harbor at night with her men secreted below deck; steer her directly on
+board the frigate, and then let the men and officers board, sword in
+hand, and there is no doubt of their success. It will be necessary to
+take several good rowboats in order to facilitate the retreat after the
+enterprise has been accomplished. The frigate in her present condition
+is a powerful auxiliary battery for the defence of the harbor. Though it
+will be impossible to remove her from her anchorage and thus restore
+this beautiful vessel to our navy, yet, as she may and no doubt will be
+repaired, an important end will be gained by her destruction."
+
+Captain Bainbridge had sent several similar letters to Preble, his good
+friend, the Swedish consul, being the man who secured their delivery.
+The plan suggested by Bainbridge was a good one, for, since it was
+impossible to add the _Philadelphia_ to our navy, the next best thing
+was to prevent her remaining with that of Tripoli. It may as well be
+stated here that the court martial which investigated the particulars of
+the loss of the _Philadelphia_ acquitted Captain Bainbridge of all blame
+and declared that he had done everything possible under the
+circumstances.
+
+Fortunately, the American squadron succeeded about this time in
+capturing a Tripolitan gunboat, which would serve admirably to disguise
+the purpose of the Americans. Preble then told Lieutenant Decatur of the
+suggestion made by Bainbridge. No sooner was the young lieutenant
+acquainted with the plan than he volunteered to lead in the perilous
+enterprise. Nothing could have suited the daring fellow better.
+
+Lieutenant Charles Stewart, who arrived a short time before in the
+_Siren_, not knowing of the scheme that had been formed, proposed with
+the _Siren's_ men to cut out the _Philadelphia_. Preble informed him the
+honor had been given to Decatur. Stewart was disappointed, but expressed
+his honest pleasure that the management of the affair was entrusted to
+such worthy hands.
+
+"He is the best man that could have been selected," he said heartily,
+"and there isn't a shadow of doubt that he will succeed."
+
+Every one in the fleet was eager to volunteer, but Decatur selected
+sixty-two men, to which were added six officers from the _Enterprise_
+and six from the _Constitution_, with a native pilot. Knowing the daring
+nature of Decatur, he was given strict orders not to attempt to cut out
+the _Philadelphia_, but to destroy her.
+
+Late in the day, February 9, 1804, the ketch left Syracuse for Tripoli,
+accompanied by the _Siren_, Lieutenant Stewart, to cover the retreat.
+The weather became so bad that the attempt had to be postponed, since
+the ketch was sure to be dashed to pieces on the rocks. The impatient
+crew was compelled to withdraw and wait for a week before the weather
+moderated. On the 15th, everything being favorable, the crew of the
+ketch bade good-by to their friends and set out on their perilous
+mission.
+
+The night was clear and starlit, and at nine o'clock the ketch was in
+full view of the city and its twinkling lights, with the dark shores
+crowded with batteries, while far ahead, under the guns of the Bashaw's
+castle, lay the _Philadelphia_. The wind fell and the little craft crept
+slowly through the water, seemingly into the very jaws of death, until
+the outlines of the silent frigate loomed to sight through the gloom.
+Following Decatur's guarded orders, the men lay flat on the deck, all
+concealing themselves as best they could, while five or six, dressed as
+Maltese sailors, lounged about in plain sight.
+
+The quartermaster at the wheel, obeying the directions of Decatur,
+steered so as to foul the _Philadelphia_, from which there suddenly came
+a hail. Lieutenant Decatur whispered to the pilot to say they had just
+arrived from Malta, and, having lost their anchor, wished to make fast
+to the _Philadelphia's_ cables until another could be got from shore. A
+brief conversation followed, during which the ketch edged closer, but
+the Tripolitans soon discovered the men in the stargleam, and the alarm
+was sounded; but with great coolness and haste the ketch was worked into
+position and Decatur gave the order to board.
+
+The eager Americans, with cutlass and boarding pike in hand, dashed
+through the gun ports and over the bulwarks. In a twinkling the quarter
+deck was cleared and all the Tripolitans on the forecastle were rushed
+overboard. The noise brought up a number of Turks from below, but the
+moment they saw what was going on they either leaped into the sea or hid
+themselves in the hold. They were pursued, and within ten minutes the
+frigate was captured, without a shot having been fired or an outcry
+made.
+
+An abundance of combustibles had been brought, and they were now
+distributed and fired so effectively that nothing could save the fine
+vessel. Then the Americans scrambled back to the ketch, Lieutenant
+Decatur being the last to leave the doomed frigate, from which the
+dazzling glare lit up the harbor and revealed the smaller boat straining
+to get away. The batteries on shore opened fire, but, in their
+excitement, they aimed wildly, and no harm was done. Every American
+safely reached the _Siren_, waiting anxiously outside. The two made sail
+for Syracuse, where Captain Preble was vastly relieved to hear the news.
+The ketch was renamed the _Intrepid_, and Decatur, for his daring
+exploit, was promoted to the rank of captain and presented with a sword
+by Congress.
+
+The _Philadelphia_ was totally destroyed, and its remains still lie at
+the bottom of the harbor of Tripoli. In referring to this exploit, the
+great English naval commander, Lord Nelson, said it was "the most bold
+and daring act of the age."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+Bombardment of Tripoli--Treacherous Act of a Turkish Captain--A Quick
+Retribution at the Hands of Captain Decatur.
+
+
+The Bashaw of Tripoli was not yet subdued. He treated his American
+prisoners with greater harshness and refused to believe their nation was
+strong enough to bring him to terms.
+
+On August 3, Commodore (as the senior officer of every squadron was then
+called) Preble sailed into the harbor of Tripoli with his fleet and
+opened the bombardment of the city. At the same time, several of his
+gunboats engaged those of the enemy. Lieutenant James Decatur, brother
+of Stephen, made chase of a Tripolitan vessel, reserving his fire until
+the two almost touched, when he poured in such a destructive discharge
+of musketry and grape that the terrified enemy surrendered. Lieutenant
+Decatur sprang aboard of his prize, when, at that instant, the Turkish
+commander, a man of massive strength and build, fired his pistol in the
+American officer's face and killed him. In the confusion caused by this
+treacherous act the enemy's boat got away and started for the city.
+
+[Illustration: CAPTAIN STEPHEN DECATUR.]
+
+Meanwhile, Captain Decatur had been doing characteristic work. With
+three gunboats he attacked a force three times as numerous as his own.
+Impetuously boarding the first craft, after a discharge from his long
+boat, he engaged the numerous crew in a furious hand-to-hand struggle,
+in which all were made prisoners or forced to leap into the sea to save
+themselves. Then Decatur began towing away his prize, when he was told
+of the murder of his brother.
+
+The grief-stricken and enraged captain instantly cast his prize adrift
+and started after the "unspeakable Turk." The boat was easily
+recognized, and, delivering a destructive fire, the pursuer ran
+alongside and the Americans rushed aboard, with Decatur in the lead. The
+enormous size and gorgeous uniform of the Turkish captain made him so
+conspicuous that Decatur knew him at once, and, rushing forward, lunged
+at him with his boarding pike. The Turk must have felt contempt for the
+American who dared thus to assail him, for his assailant was but a boy
+in size compared to him. He speedily proved his physical superiority
+over Decatur, for he not only parried the lunge of the pike, but
+wrenched it from his hand. He in turn drove his pike at Decatur's
+breast, but his blow was also parried, though its violence broke off the
+American's sword at the hilt. The active Turk came again, and his
+second blow was only partly turned aside, the point of the pike tearing
+through Decatur's coat and inflicting a bad wound in his chest.
+
+Before the Turk could strike a third time, Decatur ran in, and the two
+instantly engaged in a fierce wrestling bout. The American was the most
+skilful, but by sheer strength his enormous antagonist threw him to the
+deck, and, gripping him by the throat with one hand, he reached down to
+draw a small curved knife, known as a yataghan. It was behind the sash
+in his waist and directly in front. Decatur threw both legs over the
+back of the Turk and pressed him so close that he could not force his
+hand between their bodies to reach his weapon. Decatur's pistol was at
+his hip. He was able to withdraw it, and he then did the only thing that
+could possibly save his life, though the chances were that the act would
+hasten his death.
+
+Reaching over the back of the Turk, he pointed the weapon downward
+toward his own breast and pulled the trigger. In most cases the bullet
+would have passed through both bodies, but, fortunately, the ball
+encountered some obstruction and did not reach the imperiled American.
+He shoved off the bulky form, which rolled over on its back, dead.
+
+It must not be supposed that while this furious hand-to-hand encounter
+was under way the respective crews were idle. They, too, were fighting
+fiercely, and, closing about the struggling commanders, each side
+endeavored to help its own. The crowd surged back and forth and became
+mixed in inextricable confusion. One of the Turks saw a chance to help
+his captain and made a vicious blow at his opponent with his scimiter.
+Reuben James, a sailor, who was so wounded in his arms that he could not
+use them, thrust his head forward and received the stroke upon his
+skull. The wound was a frightful one, but, beyond dispute, it saved the
+life of Decatur, who never forgot the man that had done him this
+inestimable service.
+
+Reuben James was one of the volunteers who helped Decatur destroy the
+_Philadelphia_. He recovered from his terrible wound and did excellent
+service in the war of 1812. In one battle he was three times wounded
+before he would allow his comrades to carry him below. He lived fully
+twenty years after the death of his beloved commander, dying at a good
+old age, though he was scarred with sabre cuts, wounded times
+innumerable by bullets, and compelled to suffer the amputation of a leg.
+
+The bombardment of Tripoli was less successful than expected. The
+shells were of such poor quality that no impression was made on the
+defences. All naval operations have proven that, as a rule, ships are
+comparatively powerless for aggressive work against forts and batteries
+on shore.
+
+An investigation into the cause of the failure of so many shells sent
+into Tripoli brought out several interesting facts. Captain Bainbridge,
+who carefully noted the results of the bombardment while a prisoner in
+the city, stated that out of forty-eight thrown on one day only one
+exploded. It was found that the fuses in many of the bombs had been
+choked by lead that was poured into them. This was probably done by
+French agents in Sicily.
+
+At the beginning of hostilities, the Tripolitans placed great reliance
+upon their ability to fight at close quarters. Undeniably, they did
+better in such position than in handling their ships. They had all the
+viciousness of wild cats, and it has been shown how fiercely they fought
+in hand-to-hand encounters; but their experience with the Americans
+taught them that they were to be dreaded in any situation where their
+anger was aroused, and, as a consequence, the Turks became less eager
+for tests of individual strength, skill and bravery.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+The Bomb Ketch--A Terrible Missile--Frightful Catastrophe--Diplomacy in
+Place of War--Peace.
+
+
+Whenever a war is under way a number of persons on each side are certain
+to come forward with ingenious schemes for injuring their opponents,
+through improvements upon the accepted methods of conducting
+hostilities. So it came about, after the slight success attained in
+bombarding Tripoli, that a plan was formulated for creating
+consternation in the blockaded city and bringing the defiant Bashaw to
+his senses.
+
+The new scheme was to fix up the _Intrepid_ as a bomb ketch, send her
+into the harbor at night and there explode her. While a few had no faith
+in the plan, others believed it would cause great destruction and spread
+dismay among the Tripolitans.
+
+In the forward hold were stowed one hundred barrels of gunpowder, and on
+the deck above were piled one hundred and fifty shells and a lot of shot
+and scrap iron. The plan was to give this floating volcano the
+appearance of a blockade-runner. Two small boats were taken along, to be
+used by the crews after setting off the fuse that was to blow the ketch
+into a million atoms. It will be seen that the task was of the most
+dangerous nature conceivable, and yet when Captain Preble called for
+volunteers it seemed as if every one was eager to go.
+
+The command was given to Master-Commandant Richard Somers, who was of
+the same age as Decatur and Stewart, and had established a reputation
+for coolness and intrepidity in the operations of the fleet. Midshipman
+Henry Wadsworth, an uncle of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the poet, was
+the second in command. They were accompanied by another midshipman named
+Israel, who begged so hard to be allowed to go that he could not be
+refused, and ten of the best seamen.
+
+After waiting for several days, the night of September 4 was found to be
+just what was desired. A fog lay like a blanket on the sea, but it was
+so clear overhead that the stars shone with brilliant splendor. Before
+the start was made, Decatur, Stewart and Somers, all the most intimate
+of friends, had a long talk in the cabin of the ketch, no one else being
+present. Each felt the gravity of the situation. Somers, though cool and
+composed, seemed to feel a presentiment that he would not return. He
+took a ring off his finger, and breaking it apart, gave one portion to
+Decatur, one to Stewart, and kept the other for himself. He told his
+friends what he wished done in case of his death, and they assured him
+that every wish should be respected.
+
+During that last impressive interview Stewart asked Somers what he would
+do if discovered and attacked by the enemy.
+
+"Blow us all up together!" was the instant response; "I shall never be
+taken prisoner."
+
+I may remark here that no writer has recorded this expression of the
+gallant Somers, and I give it because Admiral Stewart assured me of its
+truth. His recollection of the incident, more than sixty years
+afterward, was as vivid as on the succeeding day. Indeed, Stewart, as is
+often the case with aged persons, remarked that his memory of
+occurrences a half century old was unerring, while of quite recent
+incidents it was unreliable.
+
+It was comparatively early in the evening when the ketch got under way
+with a favoring breeze. Stewart, with the _Siren_, by order of Preble,
+stood toward the northern passage, through which the ketch was to pass.
+His purpose was to remain in as close as was safe, and hold himself
+ready to pick up the men as they returned in their boats. Stewart turned
+his night glass toward the _Intrepid_ and watched her slowly fading
+from sight, until she melted into the gloom and not the slightest trace
+of her outlines was discernible.
+
+Nothing could be more trying than the waiting of the craft outside, for
+Somers' own vessel and two small ones were near at hand. The stillness
+was so profound that men heard the suppressed breathing of their
+comrades. If one moved, he did so on tiptoe. Few words were spoken, and
+all in guarded undertones. The rippling of the water against the prows
+and cables was an annoyance, and on more than one forehead great drops
+of cold perspiration gathered.
+
+Slowly and painfully the long minutes wore away, until it seemed as if
+several hours had passed, when in reality the interval was but a small
+part of that period. Every nerve was in this tense state, when suddenly
+the boom of a cannon came rolling through the fog from the direction of
+the city, followed soon by the rapid firing of artillery. The approach
+of the _Intrepid_ had been discovered, and it seemed as if all the
+enemy's batteries were blazing away at her. But what of the ketch
+itself?
+
+Stewart, like all the rest, was peering into the black mist, when he saw
+a star-like point of light, moving with an up and down motion, in a
+horizontal line, showing that it was a lantern carried by a man running
+along the deck of a ship. Then it dropped out of sight, as if the bearer
+had leaped down a hatchway. For a moment all was profound darkness, and
+then an immense fan-like expanse of flame shot far up into the sky, as
+if from the crater of a volcano, and was crossed by the curving streaks
+of fire made by shells in their eccentric flight. Across the water came
+the crashing roar of the prodigious explosion, followed a few moments
+later by the sounds of wreckage and bodies as they dropped into the sea.
+Then again impenetrable gloom and profound stillness succeeded. The
+batteries on shore were awed into silence by the awful sight, and the
+waiting friends on the ships held their breath.
+
+The hope was that Lieutenant Somers and his companions had fired the
+fuse and then rowed away in their boats, but as minute followed minute
+without the sound of muffled oars from the hollow night reaching the
+straining ears, suspense gave way to sickening dread. The vessels moved
+to and fro about the entrance, as if the inanimate things shared in the
+anxiety that would not allow them to remain still. At intervals a gun
+was fired or a rocket sent up to guide the missing ones, but none
+appeared. Every man had been killed by the explosion of the ketch.
+
+Investigations made afterward seemed to establish that Somers was
+attacked by three gunboats, and, finding escape impossible, it was he
+who ran along the deck, lighted lantern in hand, and deliberately blew
+up the _Intrepid_, destroying not only himself and companions, but many
+of the enemy. The mangled remains of several bodies were found some days
+later and given burial on shore, but not one could be recognized.
+Captain Bainbridge and some of his brother officers, who were prisoners
+in Tripoli, were allowed to view them. He said: "From the whole of them
+being so disfigured, it was impossible to recognize any feature known to
+us, or even to distinguish an officer from a seaman."
+
+In November, Commodore Samuel Barron arrived, and succeeded Captain
+Preble in command of the American squadron. He brought with him the
+_President_ and _Constellation_, thereby increasing the force to ten
+vessels, carrying two hundred and sixty-four guns.
+
+Having failed to bring the Bashaw to terms by force of arms, the
+Americans now resorted to what may be termed diplomacy. The reigning
+Bashaw of Tripoli was a usurper, having displaced his elder brother, who
+had fled to Upper Egypt. He had a good many friends, who, if they dared,
+would have been glad to replace him on his throne. The American consul,
+who understood all the particulars, proposed to our government to use
+the deposed ruler as an instrument to compel the usurper to make terms.
+The Government authorized the consul to go ahead.
+
+Accordingly, he made his way to Alexandria, sought out the banished
+ruler, proposed his plan, and it was eagerly accepted. He furnished the
+consul with a cavalry escort, enlisted a number of Greek soldiers, the
+party marched a thousand miles across the flaming Barcan desert, and in
+April appeared before Derne, one of the seaports of the reigning
+monarch, who was also advancing upon the place. With the help of the
+American fleet, the town was captured, and, for the first time in its
+history, the Stars and Stripes were given to the breeze above a
+fortification on the eastern side of the Atlantic.
+
+By the enlistment of the mongrel population of the neighborhood, the
+American consul gathered a formidable force, with which the enemy were
+again defeated. Then they boldly set out for Tripoli.
+
+Meanwhile the usurper was shivering with fear, and was more than ready
+to make a treaty of peace with the terrible barbarians from the other
+side of the ocean. The treaty was signed on June 2, 1805. The Bashaw,
+who had demanded a princely sum for the release of his American
+prisoners, was now glad to set them free for $60,000. It was agreed,
+furthermore, that no more tribute should be paid, and thus ended all our
+troubles with Tripoli.
+
+These proceedings left the rightful ruler in the lurch. He had been
+promised that he should be restored to his throne on condition of
+helping the Americans, and he had given the most valuable sort of aid,
+but the treaty declared that no assistance should be given him. It was a
+gross injustice on the part of our Government, which did no special
+credit to itself, when, after the deposed ruler had made a pitiful
+appeal to Congress, that body presented him with a beggarly pittance of
+$2,400.
+
+
+
+
+THE WAR OF 1812.
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+Cause of the War of 1812--Discreditable Work of the Land
+Forces--Brilliant Record of the Navy--The _Constitution_--Captain Isaac
+Hull--Battle Between the _Constitution_ and _Guerriere_--Winning a
+Wager.
+
+
+Probably no hostilities in which the United States was ever engaged so
+abound with stirring, romantic and remarkable exploits as those upon the
+ocean in the War of 1812.
+
+Now, as to the cause of the war between England and our country: Great
+Britain was engaged in a tremendous conflict with France, at the head of
+which was the greatest military leader of the world, Napoleon Bonaparte.
+England needed every soldier and sailor she could get. Some of them
+deserted to our ships, so her officers began the practice of stopping
+such vessels on the ocean, searching them for deserters, and if found
+they were taken away. Sometimes she took Americans, because she knew
+they were good seamen, and, to excuse her action, she declared they were
+deserters from the British navy.
+
+[Illustration: IMPRESSING AMERICAN SAILORS.]
+
+This action was against the law of nations. She had no more right to
+molest an American vessel than she had to land a force on our coast,
+march inland and search the house of a private family. We protested, but
+she paid no attention. It happened more than once that when our vessels
+refused to be searched the English fired into them and killed and
+wounded some of the American crews. If any nation acted that way toward
+England to-day she would declare war at once, and so would any other
+nation.
+
+Finding there was no peaceable way of stopping the unbearable conduct of
+Great Britain, our country, in the month of June, 1812, declared war
+against her, and it lasted until the early part of 1815.
+
+There was one feature of that war which it is not pleasant for Americans
+to recall. It opened with a cowardly surrender by General William Hull
+of Detroit to the English army, and for two years our land forces did
+very little to their credit. They set out to invade Canada several
+times, but in every instance were beaten. The leading generals were
+"poor sticks," quarreled among themselves, and for a time failed to gain
+any advantage. The trouble was not with the soldiers. They were among
+the best in the world, but their leaders were of no account. By and by,
+however, the poor officers were weeded out and good ones took their
+places. Then something was accomplished in which we all could feel
+pride.
+
+It was just the other way on the ocean. From the very start our naval
+vessels and privateers won the most brilliant of victories. This was the
+more remarkable when several facts are kept in mind. Great Britain had
+been at war so long that she had the most powerful navy by far in the
+world. It numbered one thousand and thirty-six vessels, of which two
+hundred and fifty-four were ships-of-the-line, not one of which carried
+less than seventy guns of large calibre. This prodigious navy was manned
+by one hundred and forty-four thousand sailors, and eighty-five of her
+war vessels were on the American coast, equipped and ready for action.
+
+In amazing contrast to all this, we had only twenty large war vessels
+and a number of gunboats that were of little account. The disparity was
+so great that our Government, after looking at the situation and
+discussing the matter, decided that it would be folly to fight England
+on the ocean, and it was decided not to do so. When Captains Stewart and
+Bainbridge learned of this decision, they went to President Madison and
+his advisers and insisted that the American navy, weak as it was, should
+be given a chance of showing what it could do. Consent was finally
+given, and then opened the wonderful career of our cruisers and
+privateers.
+
+Among the frigates that had been built during our war with France was
+the _Constitution_, which carried 44 guns. She earned the name of being
+one of the luckiest ships in the navy, and because of her astonishing
+record was named "Old Ironsides." The old hulk of this historical ship
+is still carefully preserved in remembrance of her brilliant record,
+which in some respects has never been equalled.
+
+Sailors are superstitious, and the good name which the _Constitution_
+gained made it easy to get all the seamen needed. When you come to look
+into the matter you will find that the _Constitution_ was a lucky ship,
+because it was always officered by the best men we had, and they were
+wise enough to choose the finest crews.
+
+The captain of the _Constitution_, when the war broke out, was Isaac
+Hull, a nephew of General William Hull, who made the cowardly surrender
+of Detroit. He was born in Connecticut in 1773, and died in 1843. He was
+one of the brilliant young officers who received his commission in 1798,
+and was commander of the _Argus_ during the war with Tripoli. He was
+made a captain in 1806, and the following year was given command of the
+_Constitution_.
+
+Upon learning that the war had broken out, Captain Hull left the
+Chesapeake, with orders to join the squadron under the command of
+Captain Rodgers at New York. When off Barnegat, New Jersey, he was
+sighted by the blockading squadron of Captain Philip Bowes Vere Broke,
+which gave chase. The ingenuity and skill displayed by Captain Hull in
+escaping from the enemy, when all escape seemed hopeless, is still
+referred to as one of the most remarkable exploits in the history of the
+American navy. The chase lasted for more than two days and three nights,
+and it is safe to say that very few commanders placed in the situation
+of Captain Hull would have been able to save themselves from capture.
+
+Captain Hull sailed on a cruise from Boston on August 21, just in time
+to dodge an order from Washington to remain in port until further
+orders. On the afternoon of August 19, when several hundred miles to the
+eastward of Halifax, he sighted the British frigate _Guerriere_. Her
+commander, Captain James E. Dacres, was an old acquaintance of Hull, and
+the two had made a wager of a hat during peace that if they ever met in
+battle the other would run.
+
+The British officer was as anxious as Hull for a fight, and they drew
+near each other, both confident of winning the wager made half in jest
+a brief time before.
+
+Great interest attaches to this naval battle, for it was the first of
+its kind and a fair test of the respective prowess of ships of and crews
+of that nature. The _Constitution_ was somewhat the superior, carrying
+55 guns and four hundred and sixty-eight men, while the _Guerriere_ had
+49 guns and two hundred and sixty-three men, but all of the latter were
+under fine discipline, while most of the Americans were green hands.
+Captain Dacres was confident of his superiority, and had no doubt that
+when the two frigates met the _Constitution_ would be compelled speedily
+to strike her colors. He waited for the American to come up, each having
+cleared for action.
+
+A little after four o'clock the two exchanged broadsides, but they were
+so far apart that no damage was done. Dacres manoeuvred for a raking
+position, but Hull would not permit it, nor could he obtain one for
+himself. There was much wearing and manoeuvring, which prevented the
+firing on either side from being effective. Each was wary of the other
+and took the utmost pains to prevent his securing any advantage.
+
+When it became certain that the battle was to be one at close range,
+Hull ordered the firing to cease, in order that the fullest preparation
+could be made for the next broadside. He knew the skill of his men in
+marksmanship, and determined to hold his fire until the most
+advantageous position was reached. As he drew near his enemy, the latter
+continued firing, and some of her shots were so effective that the crews
+cheered. The Americans, most of them barefooted and stripped to the
+waist, were standing beside their guns eager and impatient for the order
+to fire, but Hull, when appealed to, shook his head. It was a proof of
+the fine discipline of the American crew that when they saw two of their
+comrades killed by the fire of the enemy, they silently waited without
+murmur for the order whose delay they could not comprehend.
+
+Not until about a hundred feet distant and in the exact position desired
+did Captain Hull give the order to fire as the guns bore. To quote
+Maclay: "In an instant the frigate belched forth a storm of iron hail
+that carried death and destruction into the opposing ship. The effect of
+this carefully aimed broadside at short range was terrific. The
+splinters were seen to fly over the British frigate like a cloud, some
+of them reaching as high as the mizzen top, while the cheers of her men
+abruptly ceased and the shrieks and groans of the wounded were heard.
+The Americans had struck their first earnest blow, and it was a
+staggering one. The Englishman felt its full weight, and perhaps for the
+first time realized that this was no child's play."
+
+The Americans displayed remarkable skill in their gunnery, as it may be
+said they have always done. The main yard of the enemy was shot away in
+the slings, and hull, rigging and sails were badly mangled. A shot
+passing through the mizzenmast close to the deck, added to the stress
+from the sails, caused it to break in two and fall over the quarter. One
+curious effect of this dragging in the water was to make the wreckage
+act like a rudder, bringing her up to the wind in spite of the
+opposition of the helm. While the damage on the _Constitution_ was less,
+it clogged her action, but she secured a position from which she
+delivered two raking broadsides. Then as the vessel see-sawed, the
+jibboom of the _Guerriere_ crossed the _Constitution's_ quarter deck.
+Both crews made ready to board, but each found the other so fully
+prepared that neither attempted it. Meanwhile the riflemen in the
+rigging were working with destructive energy. In each of the
+_Constitution's_ tops were seven marines, six loading for the seventh,
+who was the best marksman. A good many officers were wounded and killed
+on both sides.
+
+[Illustration: THE "CONSTITUTION" AND THE "GUERRIERE."]
+
+Although the vessels had been lashed together, their lurching broke
+them apart, and the Englishman gained a chance to use his broadsides. A
+fire broke out on the _Constitution_, but it was quickly extinguished,
+and the shot of the American soon made a complete wreck of the enemy.
+When it became clear that the _Guerriere_ could make no further
+resistance, Captain Hull drew off to repair the damages to his own ship.
+Another English frigate was likely to appear at any moment, and she
+would make short work of the _Constitution_ in her crippled condition.
+It took but a short time to complete the work, when she returned to her
+former position beside the wallowing _Guerriere_. A lieutenant was sent
+on board to receive the surrender, which Dacres gave with painful
+reluctance. When brought to the side of the _Constitution_, Hull
+assisted him up the rope ladder. Dacres extended his sword.
+
+"No" replied Hull, "I will not take it from one who knows so well how to
+use it, but I must trouble you to pay me that hat I have won."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+Jacob Jones--The _Wasp_ and the _Frolic_--James Biddle--The _Hornet_ and
+the _Penguin_--A Narrow Escape.
+
+
+
+I must now tell you something about another gallant young officer who
+entered the American navy at the close of the century, when he was
+hardly thirty years old. He was Jacob Jones, who lived until 1850. He
+was a lieutenant on the _Philadelphia_ for two years, and was with that
+frigate when she ran on the rocks in the harbor of Tripoli. He was given
+command of the 18-gun sloop of war _Wasp_, which sailed from the
+Delaware in October, 1812, and headed eastward, with the intention of
+intercepting some of the enemy's merchantmen plying between Great
+Britain and the West Indies.
+
+About a week after sailing he sighted five merchantmen, several of which
+were well armed, while all were convoyed by a brig of war. Jones stood
+toward them, when the brig signalled to her companions to make all sail
+before the wind, while she dropped back to attend to the stranger. The
+American came up quite close, and hailing, demanded the name of the
+other. For a reply, the brig lowered the Spanish colors, ran up the
+British flag, and let fly with a broadside and volley of musketry.
+
+The _Wasp_ was expecting something of that nature and returned the
+compliment, the vessels working nearer each other and firing as rapidly
+as possible. The action had hardly begun when the _Wasp_ lost her main
+topmast, and a few minutes later the mizzen topgallant mast and the gaff
+were shot away. These mishaps so crippled her that she became almost
+unmanageable. The _Frolic_, as the enemy was named, was also damaged,
+but not so badly as the _Wasp_, but, unfortunately for the _Frolic_, the
+heavy sea and the twisting about of the hull threw her into position to
+be raked by the _Wasp_, and Captain Jones was quick to seize the
+advantage, the vessels being so close that the ramrods were pushed
+against each other's sides while the gunners were loading. The sea was
+so heavy that the guns of the _Wasp_ frequently dipped under water.
+
+The intention of the Americans was to board, and Lieutenant James Biddle
+held himself and men ready to take instant advantage of the moment the
+roll of the sea brought them near enough to do so.
+
+Captain Jones did not believe himself warranted in boarding, since he
+held the advantage of position, and he issued orders for the men to
+wait, but their ardor could not be checked. Among his sailors was one
+who had been impressed into the British service, where he was brutally
+treated. Springing upon his gun, he grasped the bowsprit of the brig,
+swung himself upon the spar and ran as nimbly as a monkey to the deck of
+the enemy. Imitating his enthusiasm, Lieutenant Biddle and his boarders
+took advantage of a favorable lurch at that moment and sprang upon the
+deck of the _Frolic_. There, every man stopped and repressed the cheer
+that rose to his lips, for the scene was one of the most dreadful that
+imagination can picture.
+
+The quartermaster stood grimly clutching the wheel, a lieutenant,
+bleeding from several wounds, was leaning against the companionway,
+unable to stand without its support, while all along the deck were
+strewn the dead and dying. Silently the victors stepped over the
+prostrate forms to the quarter deck, where the officer weakly dropped
+his sword to signify his surrender. Lieutenant Biddle walked to where
+the colors were still fluttering and pulled them down. A few minutes
+later the mainmast and foremast fell.
+
+Maclay gives the strength of the two vessels as follows: _Wasp_, 18
+guns, _Frolic_, 22; crew of the _Wasp_, 138, of the _Frolic_, 110. On
+the _Wasp_ 5 were killed and 5 wounded; on the _Frolic_ 15 were killed
+and 47 wounded, the latter being completely riddled. The cause of this
+frightful difference in results was brought about by the Americans
+discharging their broadsides when their ship was on the downward roll,
+the shot landing in the hull of the enemy, while the latter fired on the
+rise, her broadsides mainly passing into and through the rigging.
+
+As soon as Captain Jones learned of the fearful plight of the Frolic he
+sent his surgeon on board, and everything possible was done to assist
+the sorely smitten enemy.
+
+The _Wasp_ was so badly injured that Captain Jones gave his attention to
+repairing her, and was thus engaged when a sail appeared. It proved to
+be the British 74-gun ship of the line _Poictiers_, which, surmising
+what had taken place, bore down, took possession of both ships and
+carried them to Bermuda.
+
+This battle, one of the most fiercely contested of the war, naturally
+caused much rejoicing throughout the United States. Congress voted
+$25,000 to the officers and crew of the _Wasp_ as prize money, and gave
+a gold medal to Master-Commandant Jones and a silver one to each of his
+officers, while the Legislature of Pennsylvania presented a sword to
+Lieutenant James Biddle.
+
+This gallant young officer is entitled to more notice than has been
+given him. He was born in Philadelphia in 1783, and died in 1848. After
+his exchange, he was appointed to the command of the _Hornet_, and
+sailed from New York in the month of January, 1815, in company with the
+_Peacock_ and _Tom Bowline_, but the three became separated, each making
+for Tristan d'Acunha, which had been named as the rendezvous of the
+squadron under the command of Stephen Decatur.
+
+This was on the last day of February, and Captain Biddle was about to
+drop anchor when a sail appeared, and the _Hornet_ went out to
+reconnoitre. The stranger approached as if anxious to fight him, and,
+when within musket range, ran up the English flag and fired a shot, to
+which the _Hornet_ replied with a broadside. The vessels continued
+firing as they drew near each other. The superior aim of the American
+speedily crippled the rigging of the other, and, coming together, the
+_Penguin_, as the British vessel proved to be, in preparing to board,
+succeeded in passing her bowsprit between the main and mizzen rigging of
+the _Hornet_ on the starboard quarter. This gave the enemy the
+opportunity he seemed to be seeking, but his boarders did not appear.
+
+The American sailors begged permission of Captain Biddle to board, but
+he would not consent, since he wished to hold the advantage already
+gained. Just then the heaving sea broke the vessels apart, the _Penguin_
+receiving considerable damage from the forcible rupture. The _Hornet_
+wore round to bring her broadside to bear, and was on the point of
+opening fire, when the surviving officer of the _Penguin_ called out
+that they surrendered. His condition was so hopeless that no choice was
+left to him.
+
+Captain Biddle ordered his men to stop firing, and, stepping to the
+taffrail, asked his enemy if they had struck. The answer was two musket
+shots, one aimed at the man at the wheel and the other at Biddle. The
+latter was hit on the chin and badly, though not dangerously, wounded,
+while the man at the wheel was not struck. The men who fired the
+treacherous shots were seen by two American marines, who shot them dead.
+
+No doubt the action of the Englishmen was unauthorized, and probably was
+due to a misunderstanding; but the Americans were so incensed that it
+was difficult to restrain them from continuing the firing. The enemy
+hailed a second time and called out they had surrendered.
+
+The strength of the _Hornet_ was 20 guns and 132 men; of the _Penguin_,
+19 guns and 128 men. The _Hornet_ had 1 man killed and 11 wounded; the
+_Penguin_, 10 killed and 28 wounded. She was so badly shattered that,
+after taking out her stores, her captors scuttled her.
+
+In order to complete our history of the gallant Captain James Biddle it
+is necessary to carry the record in advance of some of the incidents
+that follow.
+
+As has been stated, the _Peacock_ and the _Hornet_ had gone to Tristan
+d'Acunha in obedience to the orders of Commodore Decatur, to wait for
+him and the _President_, but the latter never arrived, for the good
+reason that she had been captured by the enemy. Growing tired of
+waiting, Biddle and Captain Warrington, of the _Peacock_, started on an
+extended cruise, April 13, for the East Indies.
+
+Doubling the Cape of Good Hope, they met with no incident of note until
+the latter part of April, when they sighted a large sail, which they
+believed to be a heavily laden East India merchantman. A chase
+immediately began. It continued a long time, and the _Peacock_ was
+within a few miles, when she made the discovery that the stranger,
+instead of being a merchantman, was a ship of the line. Captain
+Warrington signalled the startling fact to Biddle, and the two turned to
+escape. Since the formidable vessel could not pursue both when they
+took different directions, she selected the _Hornet_ for her prize.
+
+All that Biddle could now hope to do was to out-sail his pursuer. He put
+forth every effort known to the most skilful seamanship. When night
+closed in, however, the pursuer had perceptibly gained. Since the
+weather was perfectly clear and the two were in plain sight of each
+other, the enemy could keep up the chase all night. Captain Biddle threw
+overboard some of his heavy spars, cut away the sheet anchor and flung
+several tons of kentledge into the sea.
+
+This helped matters somewhat, but the stranger continued slowly to gain,
+and secured such a position that Captain Biddle was obliged to go about.
+Still he could not shake off the bulldog at his heels, and at daylight
+he was near enough to begin barking with the bow guns. Although the shot
+did not strike the _Hornet_, Captain Biddle dropped his remaining
+anchors into the sea, including six guns, launch, cables, and everything
+not absolutely necessary.
+
+The lightening was so considerable that for the first time the _Hornet_
+began drawing away from her persistent pursuer. At the end of a few
+hours, however, he began creeping up again, and Captain Biddle tumbled
+overboard all his guns except one, most of his shot, his extra spars,
+cutlasses, muskets, forge and bell, and indeed everything of which he
+could free himself. Not only that, but the men lay down on the quarter
+deck to help trim the ship.
+
+All in vain. The shot and shell whistled about the _Hornet_, the enemy
+came closer, and every American prepared to submit as gracefully as
+possible to the inevitable. Captain Biddle addressed his men feelingly,
+telling them to show the same restraint in misfortune that they had in
+victory, and then the gallant officer coolly awaited the moment when he
+should be obliged to haul down his flag to save the lives of his brave
+crew.
+
+But lo! the wind changed to a quarter favorable to the _Hornet_, and it
+lasted throughout the night and the next day. The _Hornet_ drew steadily
+away from the British ship of the line _Cornwallis_, as she proved to
+be, and made her way at a leisurely speed to the United States.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+Captains Carden and Decatur--Cruise of the _Macedonian_--Battle with the
+Frigate _United States_--Decatur's Chivalry.
+
+
+Before the war broke out between England and the United States the naval
+officers naturally were on the best of terms with one another. They
+exchanged visits, had dinners together and talked in the most friendly
+terms over the relations of their respective countries. Brave men always
+feel thus, and no matter how fiercely they have been fighting, they
+become friends again as soon as peace is declared.
+
+You have already been told considerable about Stephen Decatur, one of
+the bravest and most chivalrous men that ever drew a sword. At the
+breaking out of the War of 1812 he was given command of the frigate
+_United States_, of 44 guns, built in 1798, and one of the finest in the
+American navy. While lying at Norfolk, some months before war was
+declared, the British frigate _Macedonian_, of about the same strength,
+was in port, and the officers and crews became well acquainted.
+
+The commander of the _Macedonian_ was Captain John Surman Carden, one of
+the finest officers in the British service. He and Decatur became fond
+of each other and often discussed the probable results of the impending
+naval contests, for it was apparent to both that their countries were on
+the brink of war. Captain Carden conceded the bravery and skill of the
+American officers and seamen, but insisted that they would be at a
+disadvantage, because they had not met with the experience of the
+Englishmen, who had been engaged in so many wars with European nations.
+
+The _Macedonian_ was made of oak and was without a superior in the
+British navy. In the latter part of September, 1812, she left
+Portsmouth, England. She was just off the docks and her crew, 297 in
+number, were such as the best officer would have been proud to command.
+The discipline was as near perfection as possible, Captain Carden being
+one of the severest of disciplinarians. His business was to look out for
+French merchantmen and warships, though as it was known that war had
+been declared with the United States, it was deemed probable that
+Captain Carden would have a chance of testing the mettle of her naval
+officers and crews.
+
+There were two American vessels that Captain Carden was specially
+anxious to meet. One was the _Essex_, which was playing havoc among the
+English shipping (and of which I shall tell you something later on),
+and the other that of Captain Stephen Decatur, the courteous but brave
+naval officer who had displayed so much intrepidity in the war with
+Tripoli and had insisted to Carden that the American sailors were the
+match of the English anywhere.
+
+While at Madeira Captain Carden learned that the _Essex_ had sailed from
+the Delaware and was expected to cruise in the neighborhood of the
+Canary Islands. The Englishman turned southward and was within a few
+days' sail of the islands when, on the 25th of October, the man at the
+masthead reported a sail. As it approached it was carefully scrutinized
+and found to be a frigate bearing down on the _Macedonian_.
+
+Convinced that she was an enemy, Captain Carden at once issued the
+command to clear for action. The most thorough preparations were made
+and officers were stationed with orders to shoot down the first man who
+flinched from his duty. On board the ship were a number of American
+seamen, who began speculating among themselves as to whether the
+approaching frigate was a Frenchman or belonged to their own country.
+They were in a trying position, for they were patriotic and would have
+given anything in the world to escape firing upon their countrymen, but
+there was no help for it. Such a rigid disciplinarian as Captain Carden
+would listen to no protests from them, and, should the stranger prove
+to be an American, it would be a choice between helping to fight her or
+being shot down by their own officers.
+
+The approaching frigate went through a number of evolutions of such a
+rapid and brilliant nature that the Englishmen murmured their
+admiration. Through their glasses the officers could see groups of men
+on the quarter deck scanning them closely, while glimpses of sailors
+were caught as they moved about the deck and of the gun crews standing
+quietly at their stations. Then, when there was a change of direction,
+parties of marines were observed in her tops, muskets in hand, coolly
+awaiting the time when the ships would engage at close quarters.
+
+While Captain Carden and his officers were in doubt whether the ship was
+a French one she gave her colors to the breeze. They were the Stars and
+Stripes of the American Republic. One of the finest of its frigates had
+thrown down the gage of battle to as superb a frigate as belonged to the
+British navy.
+
+Since all doubt of her nationality was dispelled, one of the American
+seamen walked resolutely to Captain Carden, saluted and told him that he
+and his companions had no wish to fight the flag of their country. In
+reply the officer ordered him back to his station and with notice that
+if the request was repeated he would be shot. Sad to say, the sailor
+who made his wish known was one of the first killed in battle.
+
+The two ships now began exchanging shots, but the distance was too great
+for any damage on either side. A little after 9 o'clock on that bright
+sunshiny Sunday morning they were close enough for the wonderful
+marksmanship of the American to display itself. The first shot that
+found the _Macedonian_ entered through the starboard bulwark and killed
+the sergeant of marines. A minute later the mizzen topmast was sundered,
+and, cluttered with sails, yards and rigging, it fell into the maintop,
+where it hung suspended, liable to fall at any moment and crush those
+beneath.
+
+The fire of the American became frightfully destructive. It seemed as if
+every shot splintered some part of the rigging or hull and killed and
+wounded men right and left. The exasperating feature of this awful
+business was that neither Captain Carden nor his aids, who were
+directing operations from the quarter deck, could discover any
+corresponding damage on the American ship. Her mizzen topgallant mast
+had been carried away, but it looked as if all the other shots sent in
+her direction sped past without harm. She was wrapped in an immense
+volume of smoke made by her own broadsides, and through it constantly
+shot tongues of crimson flame, while the roar of the rapidly discharged
+guns was incessant.
+
+Now and then a rift appeared in the billows of vapor, through which the
+Stars and Stripes were seen fluttering, while the men worked as coolly
+at their guns as if going through manoeuvres in time of peace. Finally
+the smoke became so dense that the Americans were unable to see through
+it. Ceasing firing for a few minutes, the frigate moved far enough
+forward to pass from under the impenetrable blanket of vapor and then
+renewed the battle with more terrific effect than before. Her firing was
+so rapid that several times Captain Carden believed the incessant flame
+indicated she was on fire. The report was spread among his men to
+encourage them, but no such good fortune came to the Englishmen.
+
+One of the men on board the _Macedonian_ gave the following graphic
+account of his experience:
+
+"Our men kept cheering with all their might. I cheered with them, though
+I confess I scarcely knew what for. Certainly there was nothing very
+inspiriting in the aspect of things. Grape shot and canister were
+pouring through our portholes like leaden hail. The large shot came
+against the ship's side, shaking her to the very keel, and passing
+through her timbers and scattering terrific splinters, which did more
+appalling work than the shot itself. A constant stream of wounded men
+were being hurried to the cockpit from all quarters of the ship. My
+feelings were pretty much as I suppose every one else felt at such a
+time. That men are without thought when they stand among the dying and
+dead is too absurd an idea to be entertained. We all appeared cheerful,
+but I know that many a serious thought ran through my mind. Still, what
+could we do but keep up a semblance at least of animation? To run from
+our quarters would have been certain death from the hands of our own
+officers; to give way to gloom or show fear would do no good and might
+brand us with the name of cowards and insure certain defeat."
+
+In the desperate hope of warding off defeat, Captain Garden now ordered
+his helm aport and directed that boarders be called. The response was
+prompt, for the British sailor fights with unsurpassable heroism, but at
+the critical moment the forebrace was carried away, the ship was thrown
+into the wind and exposed to a raking fire. The American instantly
+seized the advantage and swept the decks with murderous destructiveness.
+In a brief time the _Macedonian_ was completely disabled. Her rigging
+was in tatters and splinters and her hull had been pierced by more
+than a hundred shot, many of which struck between wind and water.
+
+[Illustration: BATTLE BETWEEN THE "UNITED STATES" AND THE "MACEDONIAN."]
+
+Finally the American ceased firing and drew off to make the few repairs
+that were necessary. During the lull Captain Carden called his surviving
+officers around him for council. There was indeed but one thing to do,
+and it was agreed to surrender. As the American was returning,
+therefore, to resume her appalling work the English colors were hauled
+down. The victor lay to and lowered a boat, under charge of a
+lieutenant, who, as he climbed aboard, gave his name and that of the
+American 44-gun frigate as the _United States_, Captain Stephen Decatur.
+The _United States_, whose crew numbered 478, had 5 killed and 7
+wounded, while the 297 of the _Macedonian_ lost 36 killed and 68
+wounded.
+
+So it was that the old friends settled the question over which they had
+argued many times. When the English officer came aboard of the _United
+States_ and offered his sword to Decatur the latter said: "I cannot
+receive the sword of a man who has defended his ship with such bravery."
+
+The chivalrous nature of Decatur was shown in a private letter in which
+he wrote: "One-half of the satisfaction arising from this victory is
+destroyed in seeing the mortification of poor Carden, who deserved
+success as much as we did who had the good fortune to obtain it."
+Everything possible was done to alleviate the sufferings of the
+prisoners. The private property of the officers and seamen was returned
+or its equivalent in money. In a letter from Captain Carden to Captain
+Decatur he expressed his feelings and added: "I have much gratitude to
+express to you, my dear sir, for all your kindnesses, and all my
+officers feel it equally with myself. If ever we should turn the tables
+we will endeavor, if possible, to improve on your unusual goodness."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+Occasional American Defeats as Well as Victories--Captain Decatur's
+Misfortune--The _Chesapeake_ and _Shannon_.
+
+
+You would gain a wrong impression if my account of the leading naval
+events in the War of 1812 were made up wholly of American victories. It
+was inevitable that our gallant officers and men should meet with some
+defeats. In order, therefore, to give as true an idea as possible of
+those times I shall devote this chapter to telling about some events
+which went the wrong way.
+
+Enough has been related concerning Stephen Decatur to show that he was
+the most prominent of our naval leaders in our last war with Great
+Britain. He entered into the work with the same dauntless enthusiasm he
+showed whenever it was his privilege to serve his country, and his
+capture of the _Macedonian_ was one of the most brilliant exploits of
+the many that took place during those memorable years.
+
+In order to understand my use of the words "captain" and "commodore," it
+is necessary to explain that at the time to which I now refer the latter
+rank was different from what it is to-day. The commodore of a squadron
+was the highest ranking officer and he might be lower than a captain.
+Thus "Commodore" Perry, who won the remarkable victory on Lake Erie, was
+promoted from that rank to "captain."
+
+Another interesting fact may be named. The Stars and Stripes used in
+that war was slightly different in pattern from the present, for,
+instead of containing thirteen stripes, as it did at the close of the
+Revolution and as it does to-day, it had fifteen. The first law of
+Congress bearing on this point was to add a stripe for every new State
+admitted to the Union, but after two had come in and others were making
+ready it became evident that before long the pattern of the beautiful
+emblem would be spoiled if the rule were followed. So the increase in
+the number of stripes stopped and remained fifteen for a few years after
+the close of the war, even though new States had been admitted. Then the
+law was changed so as to provide that the increase of States should be
+shown by the stars in the blue field, while the stripes should always
+remain thirteen in number, typical of the original colonies of the
+Revolution.
+
+It was decided early in the war to send a squadron consisting of the
+_President_, Captain Stephen Decatur, and the sloops of war _Peacock_,
+Captain Warrington, and _Hornet_, Lieutenant Biddle, and the storeship
+_Tom Bowline_ on a cruise in the Indian Ocean. This squadron was to
+rendezvous at Tristan d'Acunha, but failed to do so, for a reason that
+has been stated in the account of the exploits of the _Hornet_ and
+_Peacock_.
+
+Captain Decatur lay in the harbor of New York with his vessels and found
+himself so closely blockaded by the British squadron that it was
+impossible for the Americans to sail in company. He sent out the two
+ships named, and, on the night of January 14, 1815, when the blockading
+squadron had been driven to the south by a gale, he sailed down the
+Narrows, hoping to get to sea before it returned. There was good reason
+to expect success, but misfortune speedily came. The beacon lights had
+been removed and early in the evening the pilot ran the ship aground
+just before reaching Sandy Hook. It required two hours of the hardest
+kind of work to get her off. The _President_ was not very seaworthy at
+the start, and the efforts to reach deep water so injured her that it
+was necessary to return to the city for repairs, but the strong contrary
+wind prevented and she was driven over the bar.
+
+Meanwhile the blockading squadron had come back and, early the next
+morning, Decatur had four of them in full pursuit. He put on every
+stitch of canvas, threw overboard everything that could be spared and
+wet his sails, but the _President_ was so badly crippled from having run
+aground that, despite all that was done, she steadily lost ground. The
+_Endymion_ led the pursuers and soon drew up within range, her position
+such that Decatur could not reply to the shots which began to injure his
+ship and kill and wound his crew.
+
+He formed a desperate scheme that was characteristic of him. The
+_Endymion_ was so far in advance of the other pursuers that there was a
+possibility of turning about and capturing her. Then, by transferring
+the American crew to her, the worthless _President_ could be abandoned
+and swift flight be made in the _Endymion_, which had already
+demonstrated her superior speed.
+
+The great risk in this attempt (for no one among the Americans doubted
+their ability to overcome the other crew) was that before the capture
+could be accomplished the other vessels would come up and Decatur be
+assailed by an overwhelming force, but he did not hesitate. He explained
+his plan to his men and they responded with cheers. No commander was
+ever more beloved by his crew than Decatur, and they were ready to
+follow him to the death, for he was always their leader and the foremost
+in personal danger.
+
+Since every minute was valuable, Decatur put about and made for the
+_Endymion_ with the intention of engaging her at close quarters. But the
+British vessel suspected his purpose, for she also turned, and, being
+much the superior sailer, was able to hold a safe distance between the
+two. It was an exasperating disappointment, but Decatur opened with a
+heavy fire, hoping to disable his antagonist before the arrival of the
+others.
+
+A furious engagement followed, in which Decatur lost several of his most
+valuable officers and was himself painfully wounded by flying splinters.
+But the American guns were served with perfect precision and the
+_Endymion_ was so broken and shattered by the fire that after two and a
+half hours she was incapable of further resistance. She would have
+surrendered had the time been sufficient for Decatur to enforce the
+demand, but the other blockaders were hurrying up and placed the
+American again in grave danger. He crowded on all sail once more, but
+the scurrying clouds which gave him a chance of escaping were swept from
+the sky and the bright moon revealed him so plainly to his pursuers that
+they rapidly overtook the _President_. A running fight followed, but the
+_President_ was overmatched in every respect. In his official report
+Decatur said: "Two fresh ships of the enemy, the 38-gun frigates
+_Pomone_ and _Tenedos_, had come up. The _Pomone_ had opened fire on the
+port bow, within musket shot, the other, about two cables' length
+astern, taking a raking position on our quarter, and the rest, with the
+exception of the _Endymion_, within gunshot. Thus situated, with about
+one-fifth of my crew killed and wounded, my ship crippled and a more
+than fourfold force opposed to me, without a chance of escape, I deemed
+it my duty to surrender."
+
+The British senior officer of the squadron to whom Decatur offered his
+sword showed his appreciation of the American's gallantry and of his
+chivalrous treatment of Captain Carden, when the situations were
+reversed, by handing the weapon back to Decatur with the remark that he
+was proud to return the sword of an officer who had defended his ship so
+nobly.
+
+Shortly after this misfortune news reached this country of the signing
+of a treaty of peace, though several encounters took place on the ocean
+before the tidings could reach the various ships.
+
+Turning back to the earlier part of the war, mention must be made of
+another American hero, James Lawrence, who was born in Burlington, N.J.,
+in 1781 and was active in the war with Tripoli. He was commander of the
+_Hornet_ when she captured the _Peacock_ in an engagement which lasted
+only fifteen minutes, with the loss of one American killed and two
+wounded. He was given the command of the frigate _Chesapeake_, which was
+repairing in Boston harbor. The ship had gained the reputation of being
+unlucky, and, having already passed through several accidents, Lawrence
+assumed command with extreme reluctance.
+
+Among the blockading vessels of the enemy outside of Boston was the
+_Shannon_, commanded by Captain Philip Bowes Vere Broke. She was one of
+the most efficient ships in the British navy, carried 38 guns and had a
+crew of 330 men, all well disciplined and skilled in firing guns and in
+fighting, while Broke himself probably had no superior as an officer.
+That he was brave was proven not only by his sending a challenge to
+Lawrence, inviting him to come out and fight him, but by his conduct
+during the battle.
+
+Captain Lawrence sailed out of Boston harbor before Broke's challenge
+reached him. He had learned that a single frigate had presumed to
+blockade the port, and, having been ordered to sail as soon as possible,
+he made unwise haste in venturing to give the _Shannon_ battle, even
+though one cause was the wish to leave the port before other blockaders
+appeared.
+
+[Illustration: CAPTAIN JAMES LAWRENCE.]
+
+The crew of the _Chesapeake_ was inferior in every respect to that of
+the enemy, except that it contained ten more men. The majority had been
+newly enlisted and contained many foreigners, landsmen, and
+objectionable sailors. They were not only unaccustomed to the
+ship--though they knew of its reputation as an unlucky one--but were
+unacquainted with one another and nearly all were strangers to the
+officers. The best of these were absent from illness and other causes.
+Worse than all, many were in a maudlin state of drunkenness when the
+_Chesapeake_ started out with flags flying to engage the well-manned
+_Shannon_.
+
+On the way down the bay some of the _Chesapeake's_ crew impudently
+notified Lawrence that they would not fight unless they received the
+prize money earned a short time before. It was a humiliating situation
+for the young commander, but he was virtually in the face of the enemy
+and he issued prize checks to the malcontents. Well aware of the
+character of the foe he was about to encounter, he must have looked upon
+the meeting with foreboding. Maclay uses these impressive words:
+
+[Illustration: THE BATTLE BETWEEN THE "CHESAPEAKE" AND THE "SHANNON."]
+
+"The calm deliberation with which the American and English commanders
+went out to seek each other's life and the earnestness with which they
+urged their officers and men to steep their hands in the blood of
+their fellow beings form one of the sombre pictures of naval history.
+Lawrence was the youngest son of John Lawrence, Esquire,
+counselor-at-law at Burlington, N.J., and was the second in command at
+the celebrated capture of the _Philadelphia_ in the harbor of Tripoli.
+Broke was the descendant of an ancient family which had lived in Broke
+Hall, England, over three hundred and fifty years and for four hundred
+years at Leighton. Both were men in the prime of manhood, Lawrence in
+his thirty-second year and Broke in his thirty-seventh. Both were models
+of chivalry and manly grace; both were held in the highest estimation in
+their profession. Lawrence had just taken an affectionate farewell of
+his two sons and an hour later was urging his men to "_Peacock_ them!
+_Peacock_ them!" Broke a short time before had committed his wife to
+God's mercy and soon afterward was urging his crew to 'Kill the men!
+kill the men!' Both were men of the kindliest feelings and most tender
+affections; both acknowledged the justice of the cause for which the
+Americans were contending, yet with steady determination they went out
+at the head of their ships' companies to take each other's life. A few
+hours afterward, when Captain Broke fell on the _Chesapeake's_ decks
+fainting and covered with his own blood, his lieutenants, on loosening
+his clothes, found a small blue silk case suspended around his neck. It
+contained a lock of his wife's hair."
+
+[Illustration: DEATH OF CAPTAIN LAWRENCE.]
+
+Lawrence, in accordance with his chivalrous nature, disdained to seek
+any unfair advantage, his purpose being to engage in what is called a
+fair yardarm and yardarm fight. It was toward the close of the first day
+of summer, with thousands crowding the hills and points of advantage and
+peering at the ships through glasses, that the battle opened by the fire
+of the _Shannon_. Great damage was inflicted and much execution done by
+the return broadside of the _Chesapeake_. The first fire severely
+wounded Lawrence in the leg, but he refused to go below. Then the firing
+became so close and rapid that half the American officers were killed or
+wounded. The most frightful confusion that can be imagined followed.
+When Lawrence formed his men to board after the two vessels had fouled
+the bugler could not be found, whereupon Captain Broke led his own men
+upon the deck of the _Chesapeake_.
+
+It was at this critical moment that Lawrence was fatally wounded and
+carried below. He kept calling out his commands while in the cockpit to
+fight harder and to keep the guns going. His last words, often
+repeated in his delirium, were "_Don't give up the ship!_" and they
+formed the motto of the American navy for many years afterward.
+
+[Illustration: THE OFFICERS OF THE "CHESAPEAKE" OFFERING THEIR SWORDS.]
+
+In the wild, savage fighting, where everything was so mixed that an
+American lieutenant joined the British boarders under the impression
+that they were his own men, Captain Broke was fearfully wounded, though
+he afterward recovered. The _Chesapeake_, with a loss of 47 killed and
+99 wounded to 24 killed and 59 wounded of the enemy, became the prize of
+the _Shannon_.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+David Porter--A Clever Feat--Numerous Captures by the _Essex_--Her
+Remarkable Cruise in the Pacific--Her Final Capture.
+
+
+David Porter was born in 1780 and died in 1842. He came from a seafaring
+family, and, entering the navy at an early age, did gallant service in
+the war with France and Tripoli. He was the father of David Dixon
+Porter, who, on account of his brilliant record in the war for the
+Union, was made vice-admiral in 1866 and admiral in 1870.
+
+The elder Porter was appointed captain of the _Essex_ at the beginning
+of the War of 1812, and, leaving New York, started on a cruise after the
+British 36-gun _Thetis_, which was on her way to South America with a
+large amount of specie aboard. She took several unimportant prizes, and,
+failing to meet the _Thetis_, turned northward and on the night of July
+10, 1812, sighted a fleet of merchantmen.
+
+The night was cloudy and dark and Porter with a great deal of cleverness
+pushed his way among the vessels without his identity being suspected.
+He had drawn in his guns, hidden most of his men and done all he could
+to give the _Essex_ the appearance of being an inoffensive merchantman.
+His object was to learn whether the escort was too powerful to be
+attacked. He opened conversation with the captain of one of the vessels,
+who, unsuspicious of his identity, informed him that the fleet was
+carrying a thousand soldiers from Barbados to Quebec, and that the
+convoying vessel was the _Minerva_, a 32-gun frigate. In addition,
+several of the merchantmen were heavily armed.
+
+Captain Porter's next act was still more audacious. He glided forward
+among the fleet and hailed the captain of a second vessel, but the
+latter became suspicious, and was on the point of signalling to the
+escort the appearance of a stranger among them, when Porter thrust out
+the muzzles of twenty cannon and warned him that if he failed to keep
+perfect silence and follow in his wake he would blow him out of the
+water. The English captain obeyed, and Porter extricated his prize with
+such astonishing skill that not a vessel took the alarm. When a safe
+point was reached, Porter found that his prize was a brig with about two
+hundred British soldiers on board.
+
+Having succeeded so well, Porter again returned to the fleet for another
+capture. But by this time day was breaking and the character of his
+vessel was discovered. It being useless to attempt further disguise, he
+cleared for action and offered the _Minerva_ battle. The captain,
+however, deemed it his duty to remain with his convoy, and continued his
+course to Quebec, while Porter headed southward, afterward restoring his
+prize to its owners for a liberal ransom.
+
+Captain Porter had become so clever in disguising his vessel as a
+merchantman that some days later he lured the British 16-gun ship-sloop
+_Alert_ to attack him. In the space of eight minutes the _Alert_ was so
+helplessly crippled that her captain surrendered. The _Essex_ did not
+suffer the slightest injury and no men were killed on either vessel.
+
+The _Essex_ had now five hundred prisoners aboard, and they formed an
+element of serious danger, for they began plotting among themselves to
+capture the ship from the Americans and turn her over to the enemy.
+Captain Porter was a severe disciplinarian, and one of his practices was
+to have the alarm of fire sounded at all hours of the day or night, that
+his crew might be taught the successful way of fighting the ever-present
+danger. To make such training perfect, he occasionally started a fire in
+the hatches.
+
+The leader in the conspiracy to seize the ship fixed upon a night to
+make the attempt, and his friends were on the alert to join him the
+moment he gave the signal. In one of the hammocks was sleeping a
+midshipmite only eleven years old, but, young as he was, he was a hero.
+Pistol in hand, the plotter tiptoed up beside the hammock to learn
+whether the boy was asleep. The little fellow was never wider awake in
+his life; but he kept his eyes closed and breathed regularly, so as to
+deceive the scoundrel, who slipped away to lead his companions in their
+murderous uprising.
+
+The instant the man disappeared the boy midshipman sprang out of his
+hammock, crept to the cabin and told Captain Porter what he had seen.
+That officer ran into the berth deck and loudly shouted "_Fire_!" The
+finely disciplined crew promptly answered the call, and going to the
+main hatch, were speedily armed and received their orders from Captain
+Porter. The plotters were overawed and the rebellion nipped in the bud.
+
+Thus the _Essex_ was saved by the wits of a boy only eleven years old.
+The name of that boy was David Glasgow Farragut, and he became the
+greatest naval officer of the American navy. Of course I shall have more
+to tell you about him later on.
+
+Determined to rid himself of the dangerous prisoners, Captain Porter
+placed them on board the _Alert_ and sent them to Nova Scotia on parole.
+In a cruise of sixty days he made nine captures, recaptured five
+privateers and merchantmen, and arrived in the Delaware early in
+September.
+
+He sailed again in the latter part of October with the smallest frigate
+in the navy, but with a full complement of officers and men. Among the
+former, it need hardly be said, was young Midshipman Farragut. The first
+port at which he stopped was Port Praya, where the Portuguese governor
+showed them much courtesy. In December the _Essex_ crossed the equator,
+and soon after overhauled a British brig of war, which strained every
+effort to escape. The two manoeuvred for position, but the _Essex_
+proved her superiority, and, after a volley of musketry, which killed
+one man, the _Nocton_, as she proved to be, hauled down her flag. She
+carried only 10 guns and 31 men, but had $50,000 in specie on board.
+Captain Porter placed an officer and crew in charge of the prize, with
+instructions to make the nearest American port. While striving to do so
+he was captured by the British frigate _Belvidera_.
+
+Captain Porter's instructions were to meet the _Constitution_ and
+_Hornet_, which were cruising in that part of the world. He made
+continued efforts to do so, and frequently got on their track, but
+finally had to give it up. Then Captain Porter formed the bold plan of
+doubling Cape Horn and entering the Pacific ocean.
+
+This venture was more dangerous than would be supposed, for all the
+South American countries on that side of the continent were dominated by
+Great Britain, and in entering the vast expanse the American knew he
+would meet plenty of enemies and not a solitary friend. Like an army
+when it invades a country, however, he determined to live off the enemy.
+He knew that scores of English vessels were in the Pacific, and all
+Porter had to do was to capture them. He had had sufficient experience
+at that sort of work to give him confidence, and he liked the business.
+
+Unfortunately, it was the most dangerous season of the year for doubling
+the Horn, which is always attended with peril. The _Essex_ was caught in
+a tempest that lasted for three days, and was so terrific that the
+stoutest hearted sailors quailed. The escape of the gallant little ship
+could not have been narrower, and she suffered great damage, but finally
+the dreaded extremity of South America was weathered, and in the
+beginning of March, 1813, the _Essex_ sailed into the calmer water of
+the Pacific, where no armed American vessel had ever before penetrated.
+
+The first halt was made off the island of Mocha, where a hunting party
+secured a number of hogs, which were salted down for future use.
+Captain Porter wished to keep secret his presence in that part of the
+world until after he had secured a number of prizes, but the condition
+of his vessel compelled him to put into Valparaiso, where he learned
+that Chili had begun her war of independence against Spain.
+
+A sail which was sighted displayed the Spanish colors, and, believing
+her to be one of the vessels that had been preying upon American
+commerce in the Pacific, Captain Porter hoisted the British flag. The
+stranger approached and sent an armed boat to the _Essex_. It was
+immediately sent back with orders for the Peruvian cruiser to come under
+the lee of the _Essex_. This was done, and she was compelled to strike.
+Upon the demand of Porter, her captain gave a list of all the vessels,
+so far as he could remember, that were cruising in the Pacific. Then the
+arms, ammunition and spars of the captive were thrown overboard and she
+was allowed to go.
+
+From that time forward the captures made by the _Essex_ were so numerous
+that the full story would be monotonous. The swiftest and best of the
+captured cruisers were fitted out with crews and added to the American
+vessel, until Captain Porter had under his command seven ships, carrying
+80 guns and 340 men, in addition to nearly a hundred prisoners. Still
+more were added, and the cruise of the _Essex_ and her companions in
+that part of the world became very much like a picnic.
+
+A number of powerful British frigates were searching for the _Essex_,
+which had wrought such prodigious mischief. Porter sailed for the
+Marquesas Islands, reaching them in the latter part of October. There he
+landed, built a fort and made the repairs of which his vessel stood in
+sore need.
+
+The work accomplished by Captain Porter was almost beyond computation.
+He literally destroyed English commerce in the Pacific, for none of the
+vessels not captured dared leave port, and the American merchant ships
+were protected. The play being over, he craved more serious business. He
+therefore set out to hunt up some of the British cruisers that were
+trying to hunt him up.
+
+In February, 1814, the _Essex_ and the _Essex Junior_, as one of the
+newly manned prizes had been christened, entered Valparaiso, where they
+learned that the 36-gun frigate _Phoebe_ was in the neighborhood
+searching for them. Captain Porter gave a reception to the officials of
+Valparaiso, and the next morning, while half of the crew were ashore,
+the _Essex Junior_ signalled from the offing that two British frigates
+were in sight. They came into port, the captain of the _Phoebe_
+exchanging, compliments with Porter, they being old acquaintances; but,
+all the same, each was distrustful of the other, and both maintained
+what may be termed a position of armed neutrality.
+
+For six weeks the two frigates blockaded Porter. Learning then that
+other ships were expected, Porter determined to get to sea. In the
+attempt, his vessel was completely disabled by a storm. Despite the
+neutrality of the port, the two British frigates attacked him, keeping
+beyond range of the _Essex's_ short guns and thus rendering her
+perfectly powerless to help herself. The _Essex_ was pounded at long
+range until 58 of her men were killed and 66 wounded, when, to save her
+officers and crew from annihilation, she surrendered.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+Oliver Hazard Perry--Prompt and Effective Work--"We Have Met the Enemy
+and They Are Ours"--Death of Perry.
+
+
+Oliver Hazard Perry was born in Rhode Island in 1785, and entered the
+American navy as midshipman when fourteen years old, under his father,
+Captain Christopher Raymond Perry, who commanded the 28-gun ship
+_General Greene_, which did good service in the war against France. The
+son also served on the _Constellation_ in the Tripolitan war, and
+afterward gave his attention to ordnance.
+
+The surrender of Detroit by General William Hull at the opening of the
+war gave the British control of the Territory of Michigan and Lake Erie.
+They had formed the formidable plan of extending the Dominion of Canada
+along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to the Gulf of Mexico, thus
+inserting an immense wedge between the United States and the great West,
+which has since become so important a part of our country. The only way
+of blocking this far-reaching and dangerous scheme was for the Americans
+to regain control of Lake Erie, and to young Perry was assigned the
+seemingly almost impossible task.
+
+At the little town of Erie, Perry began the construction of his fleet,
+and pushed it with such vigor, in the face of every sort of obstacle,
+that early in July, 1813, he had ten vessels ready for sea, but only
+enough men to man one of them. The end of the month made the total three
+hundred, but he determined to get to sea on the first opportunity.
+Outside was a powerful blockading squadron, and the water in the lake
+was so low that it was not until the 4th of August that he was able to
+get all his vessels over the bar. They comprised the _Scorpion_,
+_Ariel_, _Lawrence_ (flagship), _Caledonia_, _Niagara_, _Somers_,
+_Porcupine_, _Tigress_ and _Trippe_. The total guns carried were 54,
+with a force of 490 men.
+
+The British squadron consisted of six vessels, with an aggregate of 63
+guns and 502 men. They were under the command of Commander Robert H.
+Barclay, who had fought under Nelson at Trafalgar, and in another battle
+lost an arm. It was less than three months before that the dying
+Lawrence had uttered the appeal, "Don't give up the ship!" and Perry
+hoisted a flag with the words displayed in large letters. As it floated
+in the breeze from his vessel it was received with enthusiastic cheers.
+
+It was on the 10th of September, 1814, that the two squadrons met at the
+western end of Lake Erie. When a mile apart, the _Detroit_, the British
+flagship, fired a shot to test the distance. It ricochetted past the
+_Lawrence_. A few minutes later she fired a second shot, which smashed
+into the starboard bulwarks of the _Lawrence_ and sent a cloud of
+splinters flying. The reply to these was a 32-pounder from the
+_Scorpion_. Then the firing became more rapid, the enemy possessing the
+advantage at long range.
+
+Most of the shots from the British vessels were directed against Perry's
+flagship, which suffered considerably. He therefore made sail to get to
+close quarters. His ship and the _Scorpion_ and _Ariel_ drew
+considerably ahead of the rest of the fleet. As a consequence they
+received the main fire of the enemy, which soon became concentrated on
+the _Lawrence_, that was gallantly fighting against overwhelming odds.
+Moreover, she was at a hopeless disadvantage with her short guns, and
+soon became a wreck, with a large number of her men killed or wounded.
+
+Gradually the boats drifted nearer and the Americans were able to make
+use of their short guns and small arms. Perry's clothing was torn by
+splinters and two musket balls passed through his hat. The battle
+continued for more than two hours with the utmost desperation, during
+which the scenes on the _Lawrence_ were too frightful to be described.
+Finally the wrecked flagship began drifting helplessly out of action,
+when Perry determined to transfer his flag to the _Niagara_.
+
+[Illustration: COMMODORE PERRY AT THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.]
+
+With his broad pennant folded over his arm, and accompanied by a younger
+brother and four seamen, he stepped into the small boat, which began
+pulling in the direction of the _Niagara_. The thick smoke concealed
+them for a time, but it soon lifted, and Barclay aimed a shot at the
+boat. He said in his official report that he saw the shot strike the
+boat, whereupon Perry took off his coat and plugged the hole with it.
+But for the temporary veil the American commander could not have made
+half the brief distance between the _Lawrence_ and the _Niagara_. As it
+was, however, he reached the latter without a scratch. He hoisted his
+pennant and the flag bearing the immortal words of the gallant Lawrence.
+Then an officer was sent in a boat to communicate the orders of the
+Commodore to the other vessels. This was hardly done when Perry saw with
+the keenest distress the surrender of the _Lawrence_. Such submission
+was inevitable, for almost every man on board was either killed or
+wounded and every gun on the engaged side was disabled. The English
+crews broke into cheers, believing the battle won, but they could not
+take possession of the _Lawrence_, which drifted out of range.
+
+Captain Barclay now made an attempt to change his line of battle with a
+view of bringing his other broadsides into action. The line became
+broken and entangled, observing which, Perry took instant advantage of
+it. The _Niagara_, passing through the disorganized squadron, raked the
+vessels fore and aft, while the other American vessels promptly
+followed, and added to the confusion of the enemy and the dreadful
+destruction on board. The Americans were now at close quarters and able
+to do their best work, and so dreadful was it that fifteen minutes later
+a white handkerchief was waved at the end of a boarding-pike on one of
+the boats as a signal of surrender.
+
+Firing ceased, and in the smoke and confusion two of the enemy's boats
+darted away in an attempt to escape; but they were followed and brought
+back. Determined to honor the _Lawrence_, Perry now had himself rowed to
+the wreck, drifting some distance away in charge of the few that had
+survived the awful conflict. Perry took his position aft and with calm
+dignity received the surrender. As the defeated officers approached and
+presented their swords in turn, he told each to retain the weapon,
+accompanying the remark with words of compliment for the bravery he had
+displayed.
+
+The loss of the Americans was 27 killed and 96 wounded, and that of the
+British 41 killed and 94 wounded. Perry showed every possible kindness
+to the suffering prisoners, who expressed their gratitude. Commander
+Barclay displayed conspicuous bravery throughout the battle and was
+twice wounded, one of his injuries depriving him of the use of his
+single remaining arm.
+
+From what was stated at the beginning of this chapter, it will be seen
+that this battle was one of the most important of the war. Not only was
+it a glorious victory of itself, the occasion being the first time in
+England's history that she surrendered a whole squadron, but it settled
+a much more momentous matter. The British General Proctor was waiting
+with his army on the Canadian shore ready to be carried across the lake
+by the English fleet, in the event of their being successful, and
+pressing his invasion of Ohio, which would have been an almost fatal
+blow to our country.
+
+On the Ohio shore General Harrison was waiting with an American force to
+invade Canada, if Perry gained a victory. Hardly had the surrender been
+made when the commandant, using his cap for a desk and the back of an
+old letter for paper, pencilled the despatch which has become famous:
+"We have met the enemy and they are ours--two ships, two brigs, one
+schooner and one sloop," which he sent by messenger to General Harrison.
+
+[Illustration: THE BATTLE OF LAKE ERIE.]
+
+In the following month Harrison invaded Canada, with Proctor retreating
+before him, and accompanied by the famous Indian, Tecumseh, and several
+hundred of his warriors. Proctor halted near the Moravian Towns, where a
+battle was fought October 5, in which the British and Indians were
+decisively defeated. The Indian confederacy was destroyed and all danger
+of the invasion of Ohio ended.
+
+Master-Commandant Perry's victory caused his promotion to the rank of
+captain, and Congress awarded him a gold medal, besides suitably
+rewarding his officers and men. After the war he was sent into southern
+waters to help suppress piracy, which had become very troublesome. While
+engaged on this duty he was seized with yellow fever, and died August
+24, 1819, just as his ship reached Port of Spain, Trinidad.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+A Hero of the Olden Days--Cruise of the _Constitution_--Her Capture of
+the _Cyane_ and _Levant_--Reminiscences of Admiral Stewart--His Last
+Days.
+
+
+During the early days of President Lincoln's administration, before the
+firing upon Fort Sumter by the Confederates, the all-absorbing question
+was as to whether or not the fort should be reinforced by the
+Government. A good many opposed, because it was known that the attempt
+would bring on a conflict, and, if war was to come, each was anxious
+that the other side should strike the first blow.
+
+It was amid those times of excitement, doubt and trouble that Commodore
+Charles Stewart left his modest home near Bordentown, N.J., and went by
+train to Washington. From the station he made his way straight to the
+White House and sent in his name to President Lincoln. As usual, the
+Executive had a swarm of visitors, but he directed the distinguished
+caller to be admitted at once. As the tall, sad-faced man rose from his
+chair he towered fully two feet above the diminutive form of the naval
+officer in his blue swallow-tail, who took the proffered hand, and,
+after a few conventional words, looked up and said in his brisk manner:
+
+"Mr. President, I'll reinforce Fort Sumter."
+
+"You, Commodore! We are just discussing the question."
+
+"There's no need of discussing it; it must be done! Give me the men and
+ships--there won't be many required--and I'll do it."
+
+The President saw that his caller was in earnest, and he respected him
+too highly to indulge in anything like jesting.
+
+"I am inclined to think as you do, Commodore, but--"
+
+"But _what_?" impatiently interrupted the veteran.
+
+"You have already done so much for your country that it seems only fair
+that we should give the younger men a chance."
+
+"Younger men! What's the matter with me? I'm not old enough yet to need
+a cane."
+
+"I observe that; you are wonderfully spry for one of your years. Let me
+see, what _is_ your age?"
+
+"Not quite eighty-four."
+
+"Why, you are still a young man; but the trouble is, Commodore, we have
+so many that are still younger, that they are plaguing the life out of
+me; I don't see how I can refuse them, but I shall be grateful to have
+the benefit of your counsel any time you are willing to give it."
+
+[Illustration: THE BOMBARDMENT OF FORT SUMTER.]
+
+"Counsel be hanged! We have had too much _talk_; it's time for actions,
+and I demand that you give me a chance with the rest."
+
+With that inimitable tact for which President Lincoln was noted, he
+succeeded in soothing the ruffled feelings of the Commodore (soon
+afterward made an admiral), but the old gentleman was not quite
+satisfied, when he bade the President good-by, without having obtained
+the opportunity to re-enter the active service of his country.
+
+This little anecdote, which is authentic, may serve to introduce my last
+references to one of the most remarkable naval heroes of our country. If
+his fire, vigor and patriotism burned so brightly in 1861, little need
+be said in way of explanation of its nature when he was less than forty
+years of age.
+
+Captain Stewart came back from a cruise in the West Indies in the spring
+of 1814, and found the _Constitution_, "Old Ironsides," closely
+blockaded by a powerful British squadron. That remarkable frigate had
+already won such a reputation that the enemy were determined she should
+not get to sea again. They held her locked in the port for months, but
+despite their unceasing vigilance, Captain Stewart, who was a consummate
+seaman, slipped out in December and sailed away.
+
+He made several captures, and the frigates of the enemy began an
+industrious search for him, while all the lesser craft strained every
+nerve to keep out of his way. On the 20th of February, 1815, when off
+the coast of South America, he gave chase to two of the enemy's vessels,
+one of which proved to be the _Cyane_ and the other the _Levant_. The
+two together carried 55 guns and 313 men, while the _Constitution_ had
+51 guns and a crew of 456 men. The _Cyane_ was properly a frigate, and
+she being at the rear, Stewart opened fire from the long guns of his
+port battery. The response from the starboard guns of the enemy was
+prompt, and for a time the cannonade was deafening. The _Constitution_
+gave most of her attention to the rear ship. The smoke around the
+American becoming so dense as to cloud the vision, Stewart slipped
+forward and quickly delivered a double-shotted broadside. Before it
+could be repeated the other ship attempted to gain a raking position
+across the stern of the _Constitution_. By a splendid manoeuvre,
+Stewart defeated the purpose, and, placing himself abreast the rear
+ship, delivered another destructive broadside before the more sluggish
+enemy comprehended their danger. He maintained his tremendous fire for a
+time, when he observed the other ship luffing across his course to
+secure a raking position, whereupon, with the same unsurpassable
+seamanship that he had shown from the first, he crossed the wake of the
+foremost ship and obtained a raking position himself. Before the vessel
+could extricate itself Stewart raked her twice. Then the second ship
+repeated the attempt of its consort, but Stewart not only defeated her,
+but again laid the _Constitution_ so as to rake her.
+
+In the manoeuvring the two ships drew up side by side, and, the enemy
+opening with the port battery, Stewart replied with his starboard guns.
+The fire of the American was so amazingly accurate and effective that in
+a short time the enemy hoisted a light and fired a gun in token of
+surrender. The battle occurred in the early hours of evening.
+
+Upon sending an officer to take possession, it was found that the
+captured vessel was the English 32-gun frigate _Cyane_. It took an hour
+to transfer and secure the prisoners, when the _Constitution_ started
+after the other ship, which was some distance away, engaged in repairing
+her rigging. Seeing the American approaching, and not knowing what fate
+had befallen her consort, the Englishman gallantly bore down to meet his
+formidable enemy. The two vessels passed each other and exchanged
+broadsides, but with another display of masterly seamanship Stewart,
+before the other was aware of her danger, crossed her wake and raked
+her.
+
+This startling experience convinced the Englishman that he had met his
+master and he crowded on all sail in the desperate effort to escape. The
+_Constitution_ was immediately after her, and by ten o'clock secured a
+position from which to deliver another of her terrible broadsides,
+seeing which the enemy surrendered. She proved to be the British sloop
+of war _Levant_, of 21 guns.
+
+In this battle the _Constitution_ had 4 killed and 10 wounded, while on
+the _Cyane_ and _Levant_ 35 were killed and 42 wounded. Of all the
+battles in which this famous ship was engaged, there was none more
+remarkable than this. When Stewart advanced to the attack he believed
+both his enemies were frigates. The manner in which he baffled every
+effort of the two to rake him, while he repeatedly raked them, was one
+of the many proofs that the American navy contained no finer seaman than
+he. The grand old _Constitution_ seemed to anticipate every wish of her
+commander and responded with a promptness that could not have been
+surpassed. The discipline of the crew was perfect, and, after all,
+therefore, it is little wonder that one of the last acts of the famous
+ship was the most brilliant of them all.
+
+It is stated by Richard Watson Gilder that when Captain Stewart was
+talking with the respective captains of the _Cyane_ and _Levant_ in his
+own cabin, the two fell into a dispute, each charging the other with
+failing to do the right thing during the engagement, and insisting that
+if it had been done they would not have been defeated. Stewart sat
+amused and interested until he saw they were becoming angry, when he
+interfered.
+
+"Now, gentlemen," said he, "there's no need of your growing warm over
+this affair; no matter what evolutions you made, or what you did, the
+end would have been the same. If you don't believe it, I will put each
+of you back on your ship with the same crews and we'll fight it all over
+again."
+
+Neither of the gentlemen was prepared to accept this proposal, and there
+can be no doubt that Captain Stewart was warranted in his declaration,
+and his prisoners knew it.
+
+Stewart started for home with his prizes, and early in March anchored in
+Port Praya. While there, three powerful British frigates approached,
+which, through a series of singular coincidences, were blockading Boston
+at the time the _Constitution_ made her escape some months before. They
+were anxious, above everything else, to capture the most dreaded ship
+in the American navy. Stewart knew that his only chance was to get away
+before they shut him in, for the experience of the _Essex_ at Valparaiso
+proved that the neutrality of no port would protect an American cruiser.
+
+Accordingly, he lost no time in getting to sea, leaving with the utmost
+haste and signalling to the _Cyane_ and _Levant_ to follow. They obeyed,
+and were handled with such skill that all got to sea, with the squadron
+in hot pursuit. The chase was continued for a long time, with the
+remarkable result that both the _Constitution_ and _Cyane_ safely
+reached Boston, while the _Levant_ was recaptured--a small reward for
+the exertions of the British squadron.
+
+Maclay says: "In this brilliant cruise Captain Stewart proved himself an
+officer of rare ability. His action with the _Cyane_ and _Levant_, and
+his masterly escape from the British squadron, called for all the
+qualities of a great commander, while his unhesitating attack on what
+appeared, in the heavy weather, to be two frigates, the beautiful style
+in which the _Constitution_ was put through the most difficult
+manoeuvres, and the neatness with which he captured a superior force,
+have ranked him as one of the most remarkable naval officers of his day.
+Congress awarded him a sword and gold medal."
+
+It happened one day, when I was talking with Admiral Stewart at his
+home, that he showed me a Toledo sword which had been presented to him
+by the King of Spain, because of his rescue of a Spanish ship, drifting
+helplessly in mid ocean, with the captain and all the crew dead or
+prostrated by yellow fever.
+
+The blade of the weapon, although quite plain and ordinary looking, of
+course was very valuable, but the hilt was so rough and crude that I
+expressed my surprise.
+
+"I supposed that when a king makes a present of a sword," I said, "that
+the hilt is generally of a more costly pattern than that."
+
+"So it is," replied Stewart, accepting it from me and playfully making a
+few lightning-like passes in the air just to show that he had not
+forgotten how to handle the weapon; "that was a very handsome sword when
+it came to me, and I could not accept it until authorized by Congress.
+During my fight with the _Cyane_ and _Levant_ I was walking back and
+forth with this sword under my arm, the hilt slightly projecting in
+front of my chest, when a grapeshot slipped it off, as it grazed me. The
+hilt which it now has was put there by my gunner."
+
+"Were you ever wounded in battle?" I asked. "I was struck only once,
+and it amounted to nothing. It was in the same battle. A pigeon became
+so frightened by the smoke and racket that it flew hither and thither,
+and finally perched on my shoulder. While there a musket ball struck its
+claw at the junction of the toes with the leg, and entered my shoulder.
+The resistance it met was so tough that it saved my shoulder from being
+shattered; except for that, the hurt must have proved serious, but it
+did not bother me at all."
+
+The Admiral, still loosely holding the weapon in his hand, turned his
+faded eyes toward the window and gazed out over the snow. Those eyes
+seemed to look backward over the vista of forty, fifty, sixty, seventy,
+eighty years, and must have recalled the many stirring scenes in which
+he had taken part, as well as the faces of the brave fellows, like
+himself, who had gone from earth long ago, leaving him alone. Then the
+old veteran, still erect and with the fires of patriotism glowing in his
+brave heart, softly murmured:
+
+"I have been more fortunate than I deserve; strange that I should be the
+only one left, but it cannot be for long."
+
+And yet he lived for seven more years. Then, when a scirrhus cancer
+appeared on his tongue, a skilful surgeon told him it could be easily
+removed and need cause him no trouble.
+
+"Oh," said the Admiral, who was then past ninety, "I've lived long
+enough; let it alone."
+
+He died a few months later, and, as has been stated, was in his
+ninety-second year.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+Captures Made After the Signing of the Treaty of Peace--The
+Privateers--Exploit of the _General Armstrong_--Its Far-Reaching Result.
+
+
+The treaty of peace between Great Britain and the United States was
+signed December 24, 1814, at the city of Ghent, in Belgium. Had the
+submarine telegraph been known at that time, or had we possessed our
+ocean greyhounds, a good deal of blood-shed would have been saved, and
+the most important victory of the whole war would not have been gained.
+General Jackson won his famous triumph at New Orleans--still celebrated
+in all parts of the country--January 8, 1815; the _President_ was
+captured by a British fleet, January 15; Captain Stewart captured the
+_Cyane_ and _Levant_, February 20; the _Hornet_ took the _Penguin_,
+March 23, and the _Peacock_ captured the _Nautilus_, in a distant part
+of the world, June 30. That was the last of hostilities between the two
+countries, and let us pray that it will be the last for all time to
+come.
+
+In the account of the naval exploits of the War of 1812, I have confined
+myself to those of the regular cruisers of the United States, but in no
+other war in which we were engaged did the privateers play so prominent
+a part. These vessels were usually schooners or brigs of 200 or 300
+tons, with crews varying from 75 to 100 men. They left all of our
+principal ports, many of the swiftest and most effective going from
+Baltimore, but twenty-six were fitted out in New York alone in the
+summer of 1812. Probably the whole number engaged was about six hundred.
+Of the four hundred British prizes captured in the second year of the
+war, four-fifths were taken by privateers. A favorite cruising ground
+was the West Indies, but some of the vessels ventured across the ocean
+and displayed a degree of boldness that recalled the days of Paul Jones.
+Among the most famous were the _Reindeer_, _Avon_ and _Blakeley_, built
+in a few weeks, near Boston, in 1814. They were so large and well
+equipped that more than once they attacked and defeated British
+warships.
+
+Some of the privateers which left Charleston, Bristol and Plymouth were
+nothing but pilot boats, carrying twenty or thirty men each, who gave
+their attention to the West Indies. They were often obliged to deplete
+their crews to that extent in order to man their prizes that barely
+enough were left to manage their own ships. In those days all, of
+course, were sailing vessels, and they carried nothing in the shape of
+armor. Their guns were cannon, loading at the muzzle and firing solid
+shot. The most effective of these was the "Long Tom," which was
+generally mounted on a pivot forward, and used in firing upon a fleeing
+vessel.
+
+[Illustration: GENERAL ANDREW JACKSON.]
+
+(_Afterward President of the United States_.)
+
+The most famous achievement was that of the privateer _General
+Armstrong_, which carried nine long guns, the largest being 24-pounders,
+or "long nines." She sailed with a large crew, which was depleted to
+ninety on account of the number in charge of the prizes captured. Her
+commander was Captain Samuel C. Reid, born in Connecticut in 1783, and
+died in 1861. It was he who designed the accepted pattern of the United
+States flag, with its thirteen stripes and one star for each State. The
+fifteen-striped flag, which it has been stated was carried through the
+War of 1812, remained the pattern until 1818, when the change referred
+to was made.
+
+While engaged upon one of his successful cruises, Captain Reid put into
+the harbor of Fayal, one of the Azores, to provision his ship. He was
+thus employed when Admiral Sir Thomas Cochrane, of England, reached the
+same port and on the same errand. He had with him three vessels: the
+flagship _Plantagenet_, 74 guns; the frigate _Rotan_, 38 guns, and the
+brig _Carnation_, 18 guns. This powerful squadron was manned by 2,000
+men, and was on the way to New Orleans with the purpose of occupying the
+city.
+
+When the British admiral discovered the American privateer within the
+harbor, he placed his own vessels so as to prevent its escape. Captain
+Reid did not think the enemy would attack him, since the harbor was
+neutral, but the previous experience of his countrymen warned him that
+it was not safe to count upon the British respecting the laws of war
+when there was an opportunity to destroy one of the pests of the ocean.
+He cleared his decks and made every preparation against attack, and it
+was well he did so.
+
+It was not long before he observed several boats, crowded with men,
+leave the _Plantagenet_ and row toward him. This was on the 26th of
+September. There being no doubt of their hostile purpose, Captain Reid
+several times warned them off, but they paid no attention to him. He
+then fired upon the boats, and a number of the crews were killed and
+wounded. This was a sort of reception they had not counted upon, and the
+boats turned about and hastily rowed back to the flagship.
+
+"We have got to fight," said Captain Reid to his men; "they will attack
+us again to-night, and things will be lively."
+
+There was no thought of surrender on the part of the Americans, though,
+as will be noted, they were threatened by a force more than twenty times
+as numerous as their own. They sent their valuables ashore and disposed
+of everything, as if not a man expected to emerge from the fight alive.
+All were cool and confident, and the dauntless courage of the commander
+inspired every one around him.
+
+Night settled over the harbor, and by and by the sounds of oars showed
+the enemy were approaching again. Through the gloom seven boats,
+containing two hundred men, loomed into view, coming straight for the
+_General Armstrong_. Each carried a carronade, with which they opened
+fire on the privateer. The reply of the latter was so well directed and
+effective that three of the boats were sunk and their crews left
+struggling in the water. The cries that sounded across the harbor left
+no doubt of the effect of the fire of the American.
+
+The four remaining boats were not frightened off, but, rowing with might
+and main, reached the side of the vessel and began clambering on board.
+They were enraged, and as their heads rose above the gunwales they
+shouted, "No quarter!"
+
+"No quarter!" replied the Americans, discharging their pistols in their
+faces and pressing them back into the water with their pikes. The
+assailants displayed great bravery and made desperate efforts to board
+the privateer; but the Americans needed not the incentive of the warning
+that no quarter would be given to fight with all the vigor and skill at
+their command. The struggle was a furious one, but in the end the
+British were so decisively defeated that only two of the boats returned
+to the ships. The others, filled with dead and wounded, drifted ashore.
+
+[Illustration: BRITISH ATTACK ON SULLIVAN ISLAND.]
+
+(_Our Last Naval Engagement with England_.)
+
+In this brief but terrific struggle there were only two Americans killed
+and seven wounded, while the enemy acknowledged a loss of thirty-four
+killed and eighty-six wounded, the former including the leader of the
+expedition.
+
+Admiral Cochrane was so incensed by the rough treatment his men had
+received that he determined to throw neutrality to the winds and destroy
+the defiant privateer. Nothing more was attempted that evening, but in
+the morning the _Carnation_ advanced to the attack of the _General
+Armstrong_. This gave the latter a chance to bring its Long Tom into
+play, and it was served with such unerring accuracy that not a shot
+missed. Before the brig could come to close quarters she was so crippled
+that she was obliged to withdraw.
+
+The three ships now closed in. It would have been folly to fight them.
+So Captain Reid scuttled his ship, lowered his boats and rowed ashore.
+The enemy were disposed to follow him thither, but he and his men took
+refuge in an old stone fortress and dared the Englishmen to do so. Upon
+second thought they decided to leave the Americans to themselves.
+
+This wonderful exploit was celebrated in song, one stanza of which ended
+thus:
+
+
+"From set of sun till rise of morn, through the long September night,
+Ninety men against two thousand, and the ninety won the fight;
+
+                                   In the harbor of Fayal the Azore."
+
+While the victory of itself was one of the most remarkable of which
+there is any record, it resembled that of Perry on Lake Erie in its
+far-reaching consequences. Admiral Cochrane found his ships so crippled
+that he returned to England to refit. He then sailed for New Orleans,
+which he reached a few days after it had been occupied by General
+Jackson. But for the delay caused by his fight with Captain Reid he
+would have shut out General Jackson from the city and prevented his
+winning the most glorious land victory of the whole war.
+
+
+
+
+LESSER WARS.
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+
+Resentment of the Barbary States--The War with Algiers--Captain
+Decatur's Vigorous Course--His Astonishing Success as a Diplomat.
+
+
+It was not alone in our wars with the leading nations that the American
+navy won glory. Wherever there arose a demand for its work, its
+patriotism, skill and bravery were instant to respond.
+
+England had its hands full during the early years of the nineteenth
+century in combating Napoleon Bonaparte and other nations with which she
+became embroiled. Had she been wise and treated the United States with
+justice, she would have saved herself the many humiliations received at
+our hands. She is another nation to-day, but it was wholly her fault
+that her "children" on this side of the ocean were forced to strike for
+the defence of their rights in the Revolution and the War of 1812.
+
+In the account of our war with Tripoli it has been shown that the young
+American navy performed brilliant service. The Barbary States took
+naturally to piracy, and Great Britain, by securing immunity for her
+vessels through the payment of tribute, also secured a virtual monopoly
+of the commerce of the Mediterranean. Her policy was a selfish one, for
+she believed the United States was too weak to send any effective
+warships into that part of the world. The story of Tripoli convinced her
+of the mistake of this belief.
+
+The Barbary States were sour over their defeat, and, when the War of
+1812 broke out, they eagerly seized the occasion to pick a quarrel with
+us. The Dey of Algiers opened the ball by insisting that $27,000 should
+be paid him, the same being past due (under the old treaty providing for
+tribute from the United States), owing to the difference in the methods
+of computing time by the two countries. Since our war with England
+prevented the sending of any force to the Mediterranean at that time,
+the consul complied and the blackmail was handed to the Dey.
+
+This concession only whetted the barbarian's appetite, and his next step
+was to order the consul to leave the country, since he was not honest
+enough to make his residence in the Dey's dominions congenial to the
+latter. About that time the Dey received a present of valuable naval
+stores from England, and he lost no time in sending out his corsairs to
+prey upon American commerce.
+
+Tripoli and Tunis were not so active, but believing the British boast
+that they would sweep the American navy from the seas, they allowed the
+warships of that nation to recapture several prizes that the American
+privateers had sent into their ports. Their sympathies were wholly with
+England and against the United States, which they hated with an
+intensity natural to their savage nature.
+
+The United States bided its time. No sooner had the War of 1812 closed
+than our Government decided to give its attention to Algiers, whose
+defiant Dey had not only refused to allow his American prisoners to be
+ransomed, but had insolently declared that he meant to add a good many
+more to them.
+
+Hardly had the treaty with England been proclaimed when two squadrons
+were ordered into Algerian waters. The first was under the command of
+Captain William Bainbridge and assembled at Boston, and the second,
+under Captain Stephen Decatur, was organized at New York. Decatur was
+the first to get under way, sailing on May 20 with a squadron consisting
+of ten vessels, mounting 210 guns. He had under his direct command
+nearly all the seamen who had served under him and survived the last
+war.
+
+It may seem that Decatur had an easy task before him, but Maclay shows
+that the force against which he sailed was really the stronger. It
+consisted of 5 frigates, 6 sloops of war and 1 schooner--all carrying
+360 guns, which exceeded those of the American squadron by 50 per cent.
+The Algerian admiral was the terror of the Mediterranean. He had risen
+from the lowest to the highest rank by his indomitable valor and skill.
+He once captured by boarding in broad daylight a Portuguese frigate
+within sight of Gibraltar. He had performed other valiant exploits; his
+ships were well equipped and manned, and the crews trained in modern
+warfare.
+
+In addition, the city of Algiers was so strongly fortified that Lord
+Nelson declared that twenty-five ships of the line would not be more
+than enough to capture it. As Decatur drew near the Portugal coast he
+made guarded inquiries as to the whereabouts of the Algerian squadron.
+He used the utmost care to prevent his presence from becoming known to
+the enemy, and finally heard that which led him to believe the Moorish
+admiral had passed through the Straits of Gibraltar and entered the
+Mediterranean. At Gibraltar Decatur saw several boats hurrying off to
+Algiers to warn his enemy of his danger. He made sail up the
+Mediterranean, hoping to beat the despatch boats. The admiral's flagship
+was descried, and, still striving to avert suspicion, the American ships
+worked gradually toward him. Before they could get within range the
+Moorish admiral took the alarm, and, crowding on every stitch of canvas,
+made a resolute effort to escape. He handled his ship with great skill,
+and Decatur feared he would succeed in reaching some neutral port or
+elude him in the night, which was near at hand.
+
+A hot chase followed, and the Turks soon opened on the American flagship
+and wounded several men, but Decatur reserved his fire until able to
+deliver one of his fearful broadsides. A shot literally cut the Moorish
+admiral in two. A few minutes later a second broadside was fired, but no
+signal of surrender was made, and the men in the tops continued firing
+until the American marines picked them off. Seeing there was no escape
+for the enemy, and wishing to save the unnecessary shedding of blood,
+Decatur took a position off the frigate's bow, whereupon she made a
+vigorous effort to escape.
+
+In doing this, she headed directly for the 18-gun brig _Epervier_, which
+was in danger of being run down; but the plucky master-commandant, John
+Downes, backed and filled away with wonderful skill, chased the flying
+frigate, delivered nine diminutive broadsides and compelled the Turk to
+strike his colors.
+
+Upon taking possession of the prize it was found that 30 had been killed
+and there were 406 prisoners. On the _Guerriere_ 3 had fallen and 11
+were wounded by the fire of the enemy.
+
+Believing that the rest of the Algerian squadron would make haste to
+their home port, Decatur hastened thither with the view of cutting them
+off. If the Dey refused to come to terms, he intended to blockade the
+squadron and bombard the city. It was on the 28th of June, 1815, that
+the American fleet appeared off Algiers, and the commander signalled a
+request for the Swedish consul to come aboard. He came out a few hours
+later, accompanied by the Algerian captain of the port. When Decatur
+proved by the testimony of one of the native prisoners that their
+admiral had been killed and his ship and a second one captured, the
+officer was astounded, and so alarmed that he asked the American
+commander on what terms he would make peace.
+
+Decatur was prepared for this question, and produced a letter to the Dey
+from the President of the United States, in which it was declared that
+the only conditions upon which peace could be made was the full and
+final relinquishment by Algiers of all claim to tribute in the future,
+and the guarantee that American commerce would not be molested. The
+captain, like all Orientals, began to quibble to gain time, asking that
+the commissioners should land and conduct the negotiations on shore.
+Decatur replied that they must be negotiated on board the _Guerriere_
+and nowhere else.
+
+The next day the Moorish captain returned with full powers to negotiate.
+Decatur now notified him that, in addition to the terms already named,
+every American prisoner must be given up without ransom, and the value,
+to the last penny, of their stolen property restored. Other minor
+demands were added, all of which were within the province of Decatur,
+who had been clothed with full authority to make peace. The captain
+asked for a truce that he might lay the terms before the Dey. This was
+denied. Then he asked for a delay of three hours.
+
+"Not three minutes," replied Decatur; "if the remaining ships of your
+squadron appear before the treaty is signed, or before every American
+prisoner is on board this ship, I will capture every one of them."
+
+[Illustration: CAPTAIN BAINBRIDGE AND THE DEY OF ALGIERS.]
+
+The Moor was thoroughly cowed by the aggressive American, and,
+promising to do all he could to secure the consent of the Dey, he was
+hastily rowed ashore. It was understood that if the Dey agreed to the
+terms the captain would return in the boat with a white flag displayed
+at the bow.
+
+He had been gone but a short time when an Algerian ship of war was
+discovered, crowded with soldiers and approaching. Decatur instantly
+cleared for action, and had started to meet the enemy, when the port
+captain was observed approaching as rapidly in his boat as his men could
+row, and with the white signal fluttering from the bow. All the
+Americans, including Decatur, were disappointed, but as he had promised,
+he waited until the boat was within hail. Then he called out to know
+whether the treaty was signed. He was told that it was, and in a short
+time the prisoners were brought alongside and delivered to their
+rescuers. Wan, emaciated and hollow-eyed from their long and bitter
+imprisonment, they wept tears of joy and kissed the American flag that,
+coming so many thousand miles, had brought them deliverance.
+
+Thus in two weeks after the arrival of the American squadron in Algerian
+waters, every demand of its Government was complied with, and a treaty
+of peace made on terms dictated by its gallant and faithful
+representative. It will be admitted that Stephen Decatur proved himself
+one of the most successful diplomats as well as intrepid and skilful of
+commanders.
+
+He now proceeded to Tunis and notified the Dey that he would give him
+twelve hours in which to pay $46,000 for allowing the seizure of
+American prizes in his port during the late war. The Dey paid it. The
+next call of the American commander was on the Bashaw of Tripoli, who,
+although he blustered a good deal, was compelled to hand over $25,000
+for a similar breach of the law.
+
+Among the vessels of the American squadron were three--the _Guerriere_,
+_Macedonian_, and the _Peacock_--which had been captured from Great
+Britain during the late war. This fact gave peculiar point to the
+reproof of the Dey's prime minister to the British consul: "You told us
+that the Americans should 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 took from you."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+Piracy in the West Indies--Its Cause--Means by Which It Was Wiped
+Out--Piracy in the Mediterranean.
+
+
+We hear little of pirates in these days, but for ten years or more after
+the close of the War of 1812 the West Indies were infested by them. Our
+Government saw that in self-defense they must be wiped out, for they
+grew bolder with every month and made it unsafe for our commerce in
+those waters.
+
+Where did they come from and what gave rise to the ocean nuisances?
+About the time named Spain was the mistress of most of the South
+American countries. When she discovered America through Columbus, and
+for a long period afterward, she was one of the greatest maritime
+nations in the world. Like England at the present time, she had colonies
+in all parts of the globe, and had she not been so cruel and unwise in
+the treatment of her dependencies, would still have retained a great
+deal of her former greatness and power; but she is one of the few
+nations that never learn from experience, and a short time after our
+second war with Great Britain her South American colonies began
+revolting against her, and one by one they gained their independence.
+
+Among the most powerful of the rebelling provinces were Buenos Ayres
+and Venezuela; and, taking lesson from the success of our privateers,
+they sent out many swift sailing, well-armed vessels to prey upon
+Spanish commerce. They did their work so effectively that by and by they
+extended their attacks to the vessels of all nations. Nothing being done
+for a time to check them, they grew rapidly in numbers and audacity,
+until, as has been stated, the West Indies swarmed with the pests. The
+men living along the coast found buccaneering so profitable that they
+gave up their peaceful pursuits and became free-booters of the sea. Like
+the Spaniards themselves, they were ferocious, and generally murdered
+the crews of the captured vessels and then divided the plunder among
+themselves.
+
+Seeing that something must be done to check these intolerable outrages,
+our Government gave the task, in 1819, to Oliver Hazard Perry, the hero
+of Lake Erie. His work was more difficult than would be supposed, for,
+in addition to destroying the pirates, he had to avoid offending the
+countries named, with whom we wished to maintain friendly relations.
+They sent out regular cruisers that had the same right to prey upon
+Spanish commerce that our privateers had to attack English ships when we
+were at war with their country. Some of these cruisers secretly engaged
+in piracy; many that flew the black flag, in the presence of those who
+could not defend themselves, claimed to be authorized privateers at
+other times and carried forged commissions. They were treacherous, cruel
+and merciless to the last degree.
+
+It will be seen, therefore, that the task assigned to Captain Perry
+required quick decision, courage and discretion. He possessed all those
+qualities in a high degree, and, in the performance of his duty, reached
+the mouth of the Orinoco in July, 1815, in command of three powerful
+ships. The following extract from his journal will give a vivid idea of
+the discomforts which he and his men underwent in the performance of
+their work:
+
+"The sun, as soon as it shows itself in the morning, strikes almost
+through you. Mosquitoes, sand flies and gnats cover you, and as the sun
+gets up higher it becomes entirely calm and the rays pour down a heat
+that is insufferable. The fever that it creates, together with the
+irritation caused by the insects, produces a thirst which is insatiable,
+to quench which we drink water at a temperature of eighty-two degrees.
+About four o'clock in the afternoon a rain squall, accompanied by a
+little wind, generally takes place. It might be supposed that this would
+cool the air, but not so, for the steam which arises as soon as the sun
+comes out makes the heat still more intolerable. At length night
+approaches and we go close inshore and anchor. Myriads of mosquitoes and
+gnats come off to the vessel and compel us to sit over strong smoke
+created by burning oakum and tar, rather than endure their terrible
+stings, until, wearied and exhausted, we go to bed to endure new
+torments. Shut up in the berth of a small cabin, if there is any air
+stirring, not a breath of it can reach us. The mosquitoes, more
+persevering, follow us and annoy us the whole night by their noise and
+bites until, almost mad with heat and pain, we rise to go through the
+same trouble the next day."
+
+Perry sailed three hundred miles up the Orinoco and was undaunted by the
+fact that the dreaded yellow fever soon appeared among his men. He was
+seized with the terrible disease and died on the 24th of August. He was
+buried with the highest civic and military honors at Trinidad, many
+British officers who had fought against him on Lake Erie showing their
+respect for his bravery and an appreciation of his kindness to them when
+they were prisoners of war. His remains were afterward removed to
+Newport, Rhode Island, where a magnificent monument was erected to his
+memory.
+
+The untimely death of this naval hero before he had time to complete
+his work encouraged the West Indian pirates and they became more
+audacious than before. In the autumn of 1821 several naval vessels were
+sent thither by our Government. They did vigorous work, capturing and
+destroying a number of piratical vessels, but there were too many of
+them, and they were spread over too extended a space to be wiped out by
+a few captures. In the following year a still more powerful squadron
+went to the West Indies under the command of Captain James Biddle, who
+did such valiant service in the War of 1812. A good many buccaneers were
+destroyed, including several leaders of the buccaneers whose atrocious
+deeds had long made their names a terror. In one of these attacks
+Lieutenant William H. Allen, of the schooner _Alligator_, was killed by
+a musket ball. His gallantry in the fight between the _Argus_ and
+_Pelican_ in the war with Great Britain sent a thrill of admiration
+through the country and brought him well-merited promotion.
+
+You have not forgotten the wonderful cruise of Captain David Porter in
+the _Essex_, when he entered the Pacific Ocean and caused such havoc
+among the British shipping. He was appointed commander of the West India
+forces and arrived off Porto Rico in March, 1823. He was provided, in
+addition to his warships, with a number of barges, furnished with
+twenty oars apiece, and which were indispensable in following the
+pirates up the shallow creeks and into the shoal waters where the
+vessels could not go.
+
+[Illustration: OUR FLEET IN THE BALTIC.]
+
+Captain Porter was discreet but impatient with injustice. When one of
+his schooners was fired into by the Porto Rican authorities he promptly
+demanded an explanation, which was given. The most important incident of
+his service occurred in the autumn of 1824 and is known as the "Foxardo
+Affair."
+
+In October of that year the storehouse of the American consul at St.
+Thomas was broken into and robbed of much valuable property which there
+was reason to believe had been carried to the small port at the eastern
+end of Porto Rico known as Foxardo. Lieutenant Platt, of the _Beagle_,
+anchored off the town and asked the help of the authorities in capturing
+the criminals and recovering the property. The officer was treated with
+the grossest discourtesy. Having landed in civilian clothes, the
+authorities accused him of being an impostor and ordered him to show his
+commission. The Lieutenant produced it, whereupon they declared it a
+forgery and arrested him on the charge of being a pirate. After he and a
+midshipman who accompanied him had been insulted repeatedly they were
+allowed to leave.
+
+When Captain Porter learned of this outrage he entered the harbor with
+several of his vessels and sent a letter to the alcalde or governor,
+notifying him that he had one hour in which to send an explanation of
+his action. While waiting for the return of the flag of truce Captain
+Porter saw one of the shore batteries getting ready to fire upon him.
+Instantly, he sent a detachment, which captured the battery and spiked
+the guns. Then Captain Porter landed, and, after spiking another
+battery, made his way to the town. By and by the alcalde and captain of
+the port appeared and made such profuse and humble apologies that the
+officer could not refuse to accept them, and returned to his ship.
+
+Such is a truthful account of the incident as it occurred. It would seem
+that there was nothing in the course of the gallant naval officer that
+deserved censure. One of his officers had been insulted and he compelled
+the offenders to make a suitable apology. Fearing with good reason a
+treacherous attack from the batteries on shore, he spiked their guns.
+But when the news reached our Government Captain Porter was ordered
+home, tried by court martial and sentenced to be suspended from the
+service for six months. Feeling himself unjustly treated, Captain Porter
+resigned and entered the Mexican navy, where he remained until 1829. In
+that year Andrew Jackson became President of the United States. He had
+been through trying and stormy times himself and would never submit to
+insult from any man or nation. He appointed Porter consul general at
+Algiers. He afterward became minister to Turkey and died March 28, 1843.
+
+Captain Lewis Warrington succeeded Porter in the West Indies and
+followed out his aggressive policy. The buccaneers were hunted down
+without cessation and nest after nest broken up until, at the close of
+1825, piracy in those waters was practically suppressed. For several
+years, however, a squadron was maintained there and more than once its
+services were needed, but the work was completed and since then no
+trouble in that quarter of the world of the nature described has plagued
+either ourselves or any other nation.
+
+Even in the Mediterranean our navy had similar work to do. While little
+Greece was making so gallant a struggle for freedom against Turkey a
+number of her vessels played the role of pirate and attacked ships of
+other nations. Among others, an English brig had been seized, but
+Lieutenant Lewis M. Goldsborough, after a furious fight, recaptured the
+vessel. Lieutenant John A. Carr singled out the Greek captain and in
+the fierce hand-to-hand conflict killed him. Lieutenant
+Goldsborough--who afterward became rear-admiral--received the thanks of
+several of the Mediterranean powers for his assistance in ridding the
+waters of the pirates who, though few in number, became exceedingly
+troublesome.
+
+It was by such prompt, vigorous and brave measures that the American
+navy compelled the respect not only of civilized but of barbarous
+peoples in all parts of the world. This fact is proven by a remarkable
+occurrence, not often mentioned in history, the particulars of which are
+given in the next chapter.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+The Qualla Battoo Incident.
+
+
+Qualla Battoo is the name of a small Malay town, which stood on the
+northwestern coast of Sumatra. In the month of February, 1831, the
+_Friendship_, a trading vessel from Salem, Mass., lay at anchor off the
+town, taking on board a cargo of pepper. Her captain, Mr. Endicott, and
+crew numbered fifteen men. There being no harbor, the vessel was about
+half a mile from shore. The day was oppressively hot and no one on the
+_Friendship_ put forth more exertion than was absolutely necessary. Even
+the swarthy natives seemed to languish in the flaming heat and displayed
+less vigor in bringing out the pepper in their boats than they did when
+the sun beat down upon them with its usual rigor.
+
+Captain Endicott understood the treacherous nature of the Malays, and he
+and his crew kept sharp watch of those who were given the management of
+the vessel's boats, owing to the difficult character of the coast which
+made such a course necessary.
+
+The trade in pepper was almost the only one in which Qualla Battoo
+engaged. Captain Endicott, his second mate and four seamen were on
+shore at the trading station, a little way up the river, superintending
+the weighing of the pepper. The first mate and the rest of the crew
+waited on the vessel to receive and stow away the cargo. The work had
+hardly begun when a suspicious proceeding caught the eye of Captain
+Endicott.
+
+The first boat, after receiving its load, passed the short distance
+necessary down the river to the sea, where, instead of rowing directly
+out to the ship, it turned up the coast and took on board more men. The
+Captain concluded the crew needed this additional help to work their way
+through the heavy surf. But, not wholly satisfied, he told two of his
+men to go nearer the shore, keep their eyes on the boat and report to
+him anything that looked wrong.
+
+Captain Endicott, from his position, was unable to catch the full
+significance of the first action of the natives in charge of the
+outgoing boat, for, instead of taking on board more help, the whole
+unarmed party stepped ashore and twice as many fully armed warriors took
+their places. They carefully concealed their weapons and the Americans
+on the vessel made the same mistake as their captain in believing they
+were merely the additions necessary to help work the craft through the
+surf.
+
+They tied fast to the gangway and most of them climbed over the side
+with their daggers hidden in their clothing. The mate would have stopped
+them, but they pretended not to understand his words and acted as if
+interested in the appearance of the guns and rigging. Their conduct was
+so natural that the mate and his men gave their whole attention to
+taking the pepper on board and stowing it away. The mate was absorbed in
+his work, when suddenly several Malays sprang with lightning-like
+quickness at him and buried their daggers in his back. He turned and
+attempted to defend himself, but was quickly despatched. Five men rushed
+to the help of the mate, but they were unarmed and outnumbered four to
+one. Two were quickly killed and three made prisoners. The other four
+seamen sprang overboard and swam for land. They saw that the beach was
+lined with warriors waiting for them. Accordingly they turned to one
+side and swam several miles to a promontory, where they were safe for
+the time.
+
+Seeing that their friends had gained possession of the ship, several
+boatloads of natives rowed out to it, took possession, plundered and
+then tried to run it ashore, that they might break out the metal work at
+their leisure.
+
+Meanwhile the two seamen stationed near shore by the captain saw what
+had taken place and ran back to him with the alarming news. He instantly
+ordered all into the second boat and hurried down the river, hoping to
+reach the vessel in time to recapture it. The boat was pursued by the
+natives along the bank, but it managed to reach the mouth of the river,
+where it would have perished in the surf but for the help of a friendly
+member of an adjoining tribe, who sprang from his armed coasting
+schooner and swam to their assistance. He helped them through the surf,
+and, when confronted by the native armed boats, made such threats and
+flourishes with his sword (none of the Americans being armed) that he
+kept the miscreants at bay and the white men succeeded in reaching the
+open sea.
+
+Seeing that it would be sure death to go to the vessel, the boat was
+rowed to a small town about twenty miles distant, where the occupants
+found three American merchant vessels. The officers and crews were
+enraged upon learning what had taken place, and, although it was night,
+they made sail at once for Qualla Battoo, reaching it next day. In reply
+to the demand that the _Friendship_ should be returned, the insolent
+Rajah told them to take her if they could. The three ships moved as
+close to shore as was safe and opened fire with such guns as they had.
+All merchant vessels carried some kind of armament against pirates in
+that part of the world. Impatient with the delay involved in recapturing
+the _Friendship_, by attacking at long range, as it may be called, three
+boats were filled with armed men who rowed straight for the vessel. It
+was swarming with armed natives, who kept up a vicious but ill directed
+fire, the result of which was the sailors rowed the faster, eager to get
+close enough to punish the miscreants for their murderous work.
+
+When they were almost to the ship the Malays sprang overboard and swam
+frantically for land. Captain Endicott regained possession of his
+vessel, and, upon examination, found it had been rifled from stem to
+stern. Among the plunder taken away was $12,000 in specie. Altogether
+the loss was $40,000 to the owners of the ship and the captain was
+compelled to give up his voyage and return home.
+
+It took a long time for news to travel in those days, but it finally
+reached the United States, where Andrew Jackson happened to be
+President. He immediately ordered the 44-gun frigate _Potomac_ to that
+out of the way corner of the world, with instructions to punish the
+guilty parties concerned in the outrage. Captain Downes lost no time in
+getting under way and arrived off Qualla Battoo in February, 1832, just
+a year after the treacherous attack upon the _Friendship_.
+
+Anxious to prevent his errand becoming known so that he might surprise
+the Malays, Captain Downes disguised his ship as a merchantman, closing
+his ports and taking every precaution possible. He displayed the Danish
+colors, still maintaining the guise of a merchantman, and sent a boat's
+crew to take soundings along shore. The natives on the beach displayed
+so hostile a disposition that no landing was made, and, having gained
+the necessary information, the boat returned to the frigate. Captain
+Downes then informed them that the expedition would leave the ship at
+midnight.
+
+A strong armed force in several boats secretly rowed to land at the time
+named, but day was approaching when they reached the beach, where the
+men landed under the guidance of the former second mate of the
+_Friendship_ and started inland. One division turned to the left to
+attack the fort at the northern end of the town. The Malays received
+them with a brisk discharge of cannon, muskets, javelins and arrows.
+But, returning the fire, the Americans burst open the gate of the
+stockade, fought hand to hand with the fierce Malays and drove them out
+of the open space into the citadel. There they were attacked with the
+same impetuosity, but they fought like tigers, and it was not until
+twelve had been killed and a great many wounded that they were overcome.
+The Rajah in command, after a desperate defence in which he wounded
+several Americans, was finally despatched.
+
+In the meantime the fort in the middle of the town had been attacked by
+the other division and carried after a bloody fight in which a marine
+was killed and a number wounded. But the strongest fort of all stood on
+the bank of the river near the beach. There the Rajah of Qualla Battoo,
+who was the real author of the attack on the _Friendship_, had gathered
+a large force of his best warriors and announced that he would fight to
+the death.
+
+The strength of the force which marched against the fort was eighty-five
+men. One of the officers who took part in this attack said: "The natives
+were brave and fought with a fierceness bordering on desperation. They
+would not yield while a drop of their savage blood warmed their bosoms
+or while they had strength to wield a weapon, fighting with that
+undaunted firmness which is the characteristic of bold and determined
+spirits and displaying such an utter carelessness of life as would have
+been honored in a better cause. Instances of the bravery of these
+people were numerous, so much so that were I to give the detail of each
+event my description would probably become tiresome."
+
+The barricades stoutly resisted the fire. Leaving a force to engage the
+fort in front, Lieutenant Shubrick led a body of sailors through the
+woods to the rear with the 6-pounder which had been brought from the
+frigate. When they reached their position they came upon three heavily
+armed schooners, swarming with warriors, awaiting a chance to take part
+in the fight. Shubrick promptly opened upon them with his cannon,
+followed by a destructive fire of musketry, which sent the Malays
+leaping overboard and into the woods. They succeeded, however, in
+warping one of the schooners beyond range.
+
+The Americans now being at the front and rear of the fort, a
+simultaneous attack was made. The gate was wrenched from its fastenings,
+but the first American who tried to enter was killed and three others
+badly wounded. Undaunted the remainder of the assailants rushed through
+and drove the defenders to a high platform, where they made their final
+stand. The other stockade was in flames, which were burning so fast that
+the Americans themselves were in danger from them. The little cannon was
+brought into play from a neighboring elevation and poured canister and
+grape into the Malays. Meanwhile the Americans, who had performed their
+part so well, came up and joined in the attack on the main fort. The
+Malays, still fighting, shrieked out their defiant cries. In the ardor
+of the assault the little cannon was too heavily loaded and dismounted.
+Amid the wild confusion the flames of the second fort reached the
+magazine and the whole structure blew up with a tremendous explosion.
+
+The cannon being useless, Lieutenant Shubrick ordered a general assault
+upon the citadel, and it was made with a resistless rush. The men
+scrambled upon the platform, in the face of the swarthy wild cats, and
+despatched them in a whirlwind fashion. The work being apparently
+completed, the bugle was sounded for retreat and the Americans returned
+to the beach. On the way they were fired upon by another fort for which
+they had searched without being able to find it. Returning the fire, the
+Americans charged through the jungle and after another desperate fight
+it was captured, most of the garrison slain and the remainder sent
+scurrying through the woods.
+
+The roll call revealed that two Americans had been killed and eleven
+wounded. All were gently lifted into the boats and carried to the ship.
+A moderate estimate made 100 of the Malays killed and fully double the
+number wounded.
+
+Captain Downes now brought his long 32-pounders to bear and opened a
+bombardment of Qualla Battoo which spread destruction and death among
+the natives. Many were killed and others sent scurrying in terror to the
+jungle. Toward the close of the day white flags were displayed and the
+firing ceased. Immediately after a boat was sent out by the remaining
+rajahs, with a white flag fluttering at the bow. On coming aboard the
+messengers were presented to Captain Downes and they humbly prayed that
+he would stop the firing of his big guns, which were killing all their
+people. He promised to do so on their pledge never again to molest an
+American. He assured them that if they ever did his country would send
+larger and more terrible ships across the ocean that would lay their
+towns in ashes and slay hundreds of their men. The subsequent history of
+that quarter of the world leaves no doubt that the impressive warning of
+Captain Downes produced the best of results, for Sumatra has never
+required any further attention from our navy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+Wilkes's Exploring Expedition.
+
+
+Perhaps my young readers have wondered over the same fact that used to
+puzzle me when a boy. While the civilized world was interested, as it
+has been for hundreds of years, in trying to reach the Pole, and the
+nations were constantly sending expeditions to search for it, to be
+followed by others to hunt for the expeditions and then by others to
+look up those that were hunting for the others and so on, all these
+efforts were confined to the North Pole. Everybody seemed to have
+forgotten that there is also a South Pole, which is not a mile further
+from the equator than the North Pole.
+
+Of course there was good reason for all this. There is a great deal of
+land in the north, while the unbroken ocean seas stretch away from the
+South Pole for hundreds and thousands of miles in every direction and
+the prodigious masses and mountains of ice make it impossible to get
+anywhere near it. Our daring explorers are continually edging further
+north, and doubtless within a few years the Pole will be reached, but
+there appears no prospect of the South Pole being seen for many a year
+to come.
+
+[Illustration: CAPTAIN CHARLES WILKES.]
+
+Lieutenant Charles Wilkes was born in 1798 and died in 1877. He entered
+the American navy at an early age and in 1838 was made commander of the
+squadron which spent four years in sailing through the Pacific, along
+its American coasts and in the Antarctic regions.
+
+Before giving an account of this memorable scientific expedition, let me
+add a little more information concerning this distinguished naval
+officer, since this is the only chapter which contains any reference to
+him. He was made a captain in 1855. In the month of November, 1861,
+while in command of the steamer _San Jacinto_, he stopped the British
+ship _Trent_ and forcibly took off the two Confederate commissioners,
+Mason and Slidell, who were on their way respectively to England and
+France to secure their aid for the Southern Confederacy.
+
+Captain Wilkes was highly applauded for his act by his countrymen, but
+England was very indignant. It was an illegal proceeding on his part,
+since the deck of a ship is the same as the soil of the country whose
+flag she flies. Our Government was compelled to disavow his action and
+restore the commissioners to English custody.
+
+In the War for the Union Captain Wilkes commanded the James River
+squadron, was made commodore in 1862 and was retired in 1864 and made
+rear-admiral on the retired list.
+
+[Illustration: THE "SAN JACINTO" STOPPING THE "TRENT."]
+
+The scientific expedition of which Lieutenant Wilkes was given command
+was intended, to quote the words of Congress, "for the purpose of
+exploring and surveying the southern ocean, as well to determine the
+existence of all doubtful islands and shoals as to discover and
+accurately fix the position of those which lie in or near the track of
+our vessels in that quarter and may have escaped the observation of
+scientific navigators."
+
+Lieutenant Wilkes sailed from Hampton Roads on the 19th of August, 1838,
+his flagship being the 18-gun sloop-of-war _Vincennes_, the 18-gun
+sloop-of-war _Peacock_, the 12-gun brig-of-war _Porpoise_, the storeship
+_Relief_, the tender _Sea Gull_ and the tender _Flying Fish_. Since one
+of the main objects was scientific research, the expedition was provided
+with a philologist, naturalists, conchologists, mineralogist, botanist,
+draughtsmen and a horticulturist.
+
+A halt for a week was made at the Madeira Islands, when the ships headed
+southward, reaching Rio Janeiro late in November. In January, 1839, they
+halted at Orange Harbor, Terra del Fuego, and made it their base of
+operations. On the 25th of February Lieutenant Wilkes, in the
+_Porpoise_, accompanied by the _Sea Gull_, started for the South Pole.
+On the 1st of March considerable ice and snow were encountered and an
+island sighted, but the men could not land because of the surf. The next
+day the Ashland Islands were discovered and soon after the two vessels
+reached Palmersland. The following is the account of Lieutenant Wilkes:
+
+"It was a day of great excitement to all, for we had ice of all kinds to
+encounter, from the iceberg of huge quadrangular shape, with its
+stratified appearance, to the sunken and deceptive masses that were
+difficult to perceive before they were under the bow. I have rarely seen
+a finer sight. The sea was literally studded with these beautiful
+masses, some of pure white, others showing all shades of the opal,
+others emerald green and occasionally, here and there, some of deep
+black. Our situation was critical, but the weather favored us for a few
+hours. On clearing these dangers we kept off to the south and west under
+all sail, and at 9 P.M. we counted eight large islands. Afterward the
+weather became so thick with mist and fog as to render it necessary to
+lie to till daylight, before which time we had a heavy snowstorm. A
+strong gale now set in from the southwest; the deck of the brig was
+covered with ice and snow and the weather became exceedingly damp and
+cold. The men were suffering not only from want of sufficient room but
+from the inadequacy of the clothing."
+
+Naturally the further south they penetrated the greater became their
+danger from the increasing fields of ice and icebergs. The _Peacock_ and
+_Flying Fish_ left Orange Harbor on the same day with the _Porpoise_ and
+_Sea Gull_. They were separated by a gale and the _Peacock_ was
+continually beset by icebergs. Every rope and the deck, spars and
+rigging were thickly coated with ice. Some days later the _Flying Fish_
+was met and she reported that she had penetrated to the parallel of 70
+degrees. There was imminent danger of being frozen in, and, as they were
+short of provisions, they sailed northward. The _Flying Fish_ reached
+Orange Harbor in April, while the _Peacock_ continued on to Valparaiso,
+where the storeship _Relief_ was found. In May the other members of the
+squadron arrived at the port, with the exception of the _Sea Gull_,
+which was never heard of again.
+
+The squadron now crossed the Pacific, reaching Sydney, New South Wales,
+in the latter part of November. There, after consulting with his
+officers, Lieutenant Wilkes decided to make another Antarctic cruise.
+The _Flying Fish_ proved so unseaworthy that, after passing through a
+violent storm, she was obliged to return to port and took no further
+part in the enterprise.
+
+Once more among the ice fields, the ships were menaced by danger from
+every side. Some of the escapes were of the most thrilling nature. One
+of the ships barely missed being crushed by hundreds of tons of ice
+which fell from the top of an overhanging iceberg. The weather was
+intensely cold and the snow and fine sleet which were whirled
+horizontally through the air cut the face like bird shot.
+
+The _Vincennes_ prowled along the edge of the Antarctic Continent as far
+as 97 degrees east, when Lieutenant Wilkes headed northward and arrived
+at Sydney in March, 1840, and found the _Peacock_ at anchor. The
+_Porpoise_ reached 100 degrees east and 64 degrees 65 minutes south when
+she turned her prow away from the inhospitable solitude and in March
+arrived at Auckland Isle.
+
+The following summer was spent in exploring the islands of the Southern
+Archipelago. A party was engaged in a launch and cutter, when a tempest
+compelled them to run into a bay of the Fiji group for shelter. While
+working its way back the cutter ran upon a reef and was attacked by the
+natives. The ammunition of the Americans was wet and they abandoned the
+cutter and returned to the _Vincennes_.
+
+Since these natives needed a lesson, Lieutenant Wilkes landed a force
+and burned the native village. A few days later an exploring party was
+again attacked while trying to trade with the natives. The men were
+forced to retreat to their boats, under a hot fire, many of the savages
+using muskets with no little skill. Reinforcements were landed and the
+savages put to flight, but in the fighting Midshipman Underwood and
+Henry Wilkes were mortally hurt and a seaman dangerously wounded.
+
+Matters had now assumed so serious a shape that a detachment of seventy
+officers and men landed at another point on the island and marched upon
+the nearest village, laying waste the crops as they advanced. When the
+village was reached it was found to be defended by a strong stockade,
+with a trench inside, from which the crouching natives could fire
+through loopholes, while outside of the stockade was a deep ditch of
+water. Feeling their position impregnable, the savages flourished their
+weapons and uttered tantalizing whoops at the white men. The whoops
+quickly changed when the cabins within the stockade were set on fire by
+a rocket. The natives fled, leaving the village to be burned to ashes.
+The Americans pushed hostilities so aggressively that on the following
+day the islanders sued for peace.
+
+The squadron next sailed to the Hawaiian Islands, where several months
+were spent in exploration. Then the coast of Oregon was visited and the
+_Peacock_ suffered wreck at the mouth of the Columbia. Doubling the Cape
+of Good Hope, the expedition reached New York in June, 1842, having been
+gone nearly four years and having sailed more than 30,000 miles.
+
+
+
+
+THE WAR FOR THE UNION.
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+A New Era for the United States Navy--Opening of the Great Civil
+War--John Lorimer Worden--Battle Between the _Monitor_ and
+_Merrimac_--Death of Worden.
+
+
+The War for the Union ushered in a new era for the American navy. Steam
+navigation had been fully established some years before. As all my
+readers no doubt know, the first successful steamboat in this country
+was the _Clermont_, made by Robert Fulton, which ascended the Hudson in
+the summer of 1807. The average speed of the pioneer boat was about five
+miles an hour, so that the trip occupied more than thirty hours. This
+great invention was a novelty, and, like many others of a similar
+nature, it required considerable time for it to come into use. The first
+western steamboat was built at Pittsburg in 1811. It gave an impetus to
+river navigation by steam, and before long the boats were ploughing the
+principal streams of the country. The first steamer to cross the
+Atlantic was the _Savannah_, which made the voyage in 1819, but ocean
+navigation was not fairly begun until 1838, when the _Sirius_ and _Great
+Western_ made the voyage from England to the United States. It is a
+noteworthy fact that one of the greatest of English scientists, after
+demonstrating that ocean navigation by steam was impossible, was a
+passenger on the _Great Western_ on her first trip across the Atlantic.
+
+When the great Civil War burst upon the country the National Government
+not only failed to comprehend the gigantic nature of the struggle, but
+was almost wholly unprepared for it. The navy consisted of 90 vessels,
+of which only 42 were in commission, while 21 were unfit for service,
+and of those in commission there were but 11, carrying 134 guns, that
+were in American waters. The remainder were scattered over the waters of
+the globe, such being the policy of President Buchanan's Secretary of
+the Navy, who, like the Secretary of War and other members of the
+Presidential Cabinet, were secessionists who did all they could to pave
+the way for the establishment of the Southern Confederacy.
+
+On the authority of Maclay, the total number of officers of all grades
+in the navy on August 1, 1861, was 1,457, in addition to whom an immense
+volunteer force was called for and 7,500 volunteer officers were
+enrolled before the close of the war. Three hundred and twenty-two
+officers resigned from the United States navy and entered that of the
+seceding States, of which 243 were officers of the line. The 7,600
+sailors in the navy at the opening of the war was increased to 51,500
+before the close of hostilities.
+
+In a work of this nature the difficulty is to select the most striking
+and interesting incidents from the scores that formed a part of the War
+for the Union. One of the many heroes who was brought into prominence
+was John Lorimer Worden, who was born in Dutchess County, N.Y., March
+12, 1818. He entered the navy when sixteen years old and became a
+lieutenant in 1840. His services in the Mexican War were unimportant and
+he was a first lieutenant of the Brooklyn Navy Yard when the Civil War
+broke out.
+
+In the month of April, 1861, when a conflict was inevitable, the
+Government was anxious to send dispatches to Captain Adams commanding
+the fleet at Pensacola, who was waiting for orders to reinforce with two
+companies of artillery, that post being in danger of capture by the
+Confederates. The dispatches intrusted to Lieutenant Worden were orders
+for such reinforcements to be made.
+
+It was so delicate and dangerous a duty, since Worden was compelled to
+make his way through the South which was aflame with secession
+excitement, that he committed the dispatches to memory and then
+destroyed them. He applied to General Bragg in command of the
+Confederate forces in that neighborhood for permission to make a verbal
+communication from the Secretary of War to Captain Adams. Permission was
+given, and, going on board, Worden delivered his message like a boy
+reciting his piece at school. Captain Adams gave him a written
+acknowledgment of the receipt of the dispatches, adding that the orders
+of the Government would be carried out.
+
+Having thus cleverly eluded the suspicious watchfulness of the
+authorities, Lieutenant Worden started for home, but when near
+Montgomery, Ala., then the capital of the Confederacy, he was arrested,
+taken from the train and thrown into prison. This was on the order of
+General Bragg, who discovered how he had been outwitted, and the prompt
+reinforcement prevented the capture of Fort Pickens, for which Bragg had
+made every preparation. The post was held by the Unionists throughout
+the war and was the only one south of Mason and Dixon's line so held.
+
+Lieutenant Worden was kept a prisoner until the 13th of the following
+November, when, his health having broken down, he was exchanged and sent
+North. There he remained, slowly regaining his strength until March,
+1862, when it fell to his lot to become a leading actor in one of the
+most famous naval engagements in all history.
+
+When war had fully begun the Union forces in charge of the Norfolk Navy
+Yard saw they were not strong enough to prevent its capture by the
+Confederates, who were arming for that purpose. They therefore set fire
+to the numerous and valuable shipping there. Among the vessels scuttled
+and sunk was the steam frigate _Merrimac_, at that time the finest
+vessel in the service. In truth, she went down so quickly that very
+little damage was done to her. The Confederates raised her, fastened a
+huge iron snout or prow at the front, cut down her deck and encased her
+with railroad iron, which sloped at an angle of forty-five degrees, and
+was smeared on the outside with grease and tallow. Her enormous weight
+made her draw more than twenty feet of water and when she was moving
+slowly through the bay or river her appearance suggested the mansard
+roof of a vast house. From what has been said it will be noted that the
+_Merrimac_ was a genuine ironclad, something which had never been heard
+of before.
+
+[Illustration: BLOCKADE RUNNER--THE "MONITOR"--CAPTAIN ERICSSON.]
+
+Regular news of the building of the _Merrimac_ (called the _Virginia_ by
+the Confederates) was telegraphed to Washington by friends of the
+Government. The authorities felt some uneasiness, but were far from
+suspecting the terrible power for destructiveness possessed by the
+monster. Captain Ericsson, the famous Swedish inventor, was constructing
+on Long Island an ironclad about one-fourth the size of the _Merrimac_,
+and he was urged to all possible speed in its completion. He kept his
+men busy night and day and had it finished a day or two before the
+completion of the _Merrimac_.
+
+The _Merrimac_ carried ten guns, which fired shells and had a crew of
+300 men, under the command of Commodore Franklin Buchanan, a former
+officer of the United States navy. Late in the forenoon of March 8,
+1862, a column of black smoke rising over the Norfolk Navy Yard gave
+notice that the _Merrimac_ had started out at last on her mission of
+destruction and death. As the enormous craft forged into sight it was
+seen that she was accompanied by three gunboats ready to give what help
+they could.
+
+Five Union vessels were awaiting her in Hampton Roads. They were the
+steam frigates _Minnesota_ and _Roanoke_ and the sailing frigates
+_Congress_, _Cumberland_ and _St. Lawrence_, all of which immediately
+cleared for action. Turning her frightful front toward the _Cumberland_,
+the _Merrimac_ swept down upon her in grim and awful majesty. The
+_Cumberland_ let fly with her terrific broadsides, which were powerful
+enough to sink the largest ship afloat, but the tons of metal hurled
+with inconceivable force skipped off the greased sides of the iron roof
+and scooted away for hundreds of yards through the startled air.
+
+The prodigious broadsides were launched again and again, but produced no
+more effect than so many paper wads from a popgun. The iron prow of the
+_Merrimac_ crashed through the wooden walls of the _Cumberland_ as if
+they were cardboard, and, while her crew were still heroically working
+their guns, the _Cumberland_ went down, with the red flag, meaning "no
+surrender," flying from her peak. Lieutenant Morris succeeded in saving
+himself, but 121 were lost out of the crew of 376.
+
+Having destroyed the _Cumberland_, the _Merrimac_ now made for the
+_Congress_, which had been vainly pelting her with her broadsides. The
+_Congress_ was aground and so completely at the mercy of the _Merrimac_,
+which raked her fore and aft, that every man would have been killed had
+not the sign of surrender been displayed. As it was, her commander and
+100 of the crew were slain by the irresistible fire of the tremendous
+ironclad.
+
+By this time the fearful spring afternoon was drawing to a close and
+the _Merrimac_ labored heavily back to Sewall's Point, intending to
+return on the morrow and continue her work of destruction.
+
+The news of what the _Merrimac_ had done was telegraphed throughout the
+South and North. In the former it caused wild rejoicing and raised hope
+that before the resistless might of the new ironclad the North would be
+compelled to make terms and save her leading seacoast cities from
+annihilation by acknowledging the Southern Confederacy. The national
+authorities were thrown into consternation. At a special meeting of the
+President's Cabinet Secretary of War Stanton expressed his belief that
+the _Merrimac_ would appear in front of Washington and compel the
+authorities to choose between surrender and destruction, and that the
+principal seaports would be laid under contribution.
+
+But at that very time the hastily completed _Monitor_ was speeding
+southward under the command of Lieutenant Worden, who had risen from a
+sick bed to assume the duty which no one else was willing to undertake.
+Her crew numbered 16 officers and 42 men, with Lieutenant S. Dana Green
+as executive officer. Her voyage to Hampton Roads was difficult and of
+the most trying nature to the officers and crew, who were nearly
+smothered by gas. The boat would have foundered had not the weather been
+unusually favorable, but she reached Hampton Roads on the night of March
+8 and took a position beside the _Minnesota_, ready and eager for the
+terrific fray of the morrow. The _Monitor_ carried two 11-inch Dahlgren
+guns and fired solid shot.
+
+[Illustration: THE BATTLE BETWEEN THE "MERRIMAC" AND "MONITOR."]
+
+When the _Merrimac_ steamed back the _Monitor_ moved out from her
+position and boldly advanced to meet her. The huge monster and smaller
+craft, whose appearance suggested the apt comparison of a cheese box on
+a raft, silently drew near each other until within a hundred yards, when
+the smaller opened with a shot to which the larger replied. The battle
+was now between two ironclads. If the shots of the _Monitor_ glanced
+harmlessly off of the _Merrimac_ those of the latter were equally
+ineffective against the _Monitor_. The latter had the advantage of being
+so much smaller that many of the shells of the _Merrimac_ missed her
+altogether. Those which impinged against the pilot house or turret did
+no harm, while the lesser boat was able to dart here and there at will,
+dodging the _Merrimac_ and ramming her when she chose, though such
+tactics accomplished nothing. All attempts to run down the _Monitor_
+were vain. The novel battle continued for four hours, when the
+_Merrimac_, unable to defeat her nimble antagonist, steamed back to
+Norfolk and the strange contest--the first between ironclads--was over.
+
+The _Monitor_ had proven her inestimable value and was held in reserve
+by the Government for future emergencies. But the first battle between
+the two proved the last. Some months later, when the Union troops
+advanced upon Norfolk, the _Merrimac_ was blown up to prevent her
+falling into the hands of the Federals, while at the close of the year
+the _Monitor_ foundered in a gale off Cape Hatteras.
+
+This fight marked an era in the history of naval warfare. The days of
+wooden vessels were numbered. All nations saw that their warships to be
+effective must be ironclad, and the reader does not need to be reminded
+that such is the fact to-day respecting the navy of every civilized
+nation.
+
+During this memorable fight a shell from the _Merrimac_ lifted the iron
+plate of the pilot house of the _Monitor_ and disabled Lieutenant Worden
+by driving the fragments into his face, while he was peering out of the
+peep-hole. He was compelled to give way to Lieutenant Green, who handled
+the little ironclad throughout the remainder of the fight.
+
+Lieutenant Worden never fully recovered from the injuries received in
+his fight with the _Merrimac_. As soon as he was able to take an active
+command he asked the privilege of doing so. In charge of the _Montauk_,
+of the South Atlantic blockading squadron, he destroyed, while under a
+heavy fire, the Confederate steamer _Nashville_ and participated in the
+unsuccessful attack upon Charleston. He received the thanks of Congress
+and was promoted to be a commander for his services with the _Monitor_.
+From 1870 to 1874 he was superintendent of the Naval Academy at
+Annapolis, becoming commodore in 1868, rear admiral in 1872 and was
+retired in 1886. It was said that he never was without pain from the
+injuries received in the battle with the _Merrimac_ until his death,
+October 18, 1897.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+Two Worthy Sons--William D. Porter--The Career of Admiral David Dixon
+Porter.
+
+
+The reader will not forget the exploits of Captain David Porter, in
+command of the _Essex_ in the War of 1812. Contrary to the rule that
+great men never have great sons, Captain Porter left two boys who
+possessed the same remarkable qualities as himself and one of whom
+became more famous than his gallant father.
+
+The eldest of his sons was William D., who was born in New Orleans in
+1809, but was educated in the North and was appointed to the navy when
+fourteen years old. He was placed in command of a cumbrous ironclad
+constructed from a ferryboat at the beginning of the war and named the
+_Essex_, in honor of the famous cruiser with which his father played
+havoc with the shipping of Great Britain in the Pacific. In the attack
+on Fort Henry, in February, 1862, the _Essex_, while doing effective
+service, had her boiler pierced by a shot from the enemy, with appalling
+consequences. Porter was scalded and knocked senseless and twenty-nine
+officers and men were disabled or killed by the escaping steam.
+
+Later, when he had fully recovered, he was placed in command of the
+_Essex_, which was repaired and greatly improved. The Confederates had
+completed a more terrible ironclad than the _Merrimac_, which they named
+the _Arkansas_. Manned by brave officers and crew, it came down the
+Yazoo into the Mississippi, and, secure in her fancied invulnerability,
+challenged the whole Union fleet which was assisting in the siege of
+Vicksburg. In the furious engagement that followed Captain Porter, with
+the _Essex_, succeeded in destroying the ironclad. He rendered his
+country other valuable service, but his health gave way, and, while in
+the East for medical attendance, he died in the City of New York at the
+age of fifty-three.
+
+The more famous son of Captain Porter was David Dixon, who was born in
+Chester, Pa., in 1813. He entered Columbia College, Washington, when
+only eleven years old, but left it in 1824 to accompany his father on
+his cruise in the West Indies to break up piracy in those waters. When,
+two years later, Captain Porter entered the Mexican navy he appointed
+his son a midshipman. He acquitted himself gallantly in more than one
+fight with the Spanish cruisers. While still a mere boy he was made a
+midshipman in the United States navy. As a lieutenant he saw plenty of
+active service in the war with Mexico, and, at the beginning of the
+Civil War, was one of our most trusted officers. In command of the
+_Powhatan_ he covered the landing of the reinforcements for Fort Pickens
+just in time to save its capture by Confederates.
+
+[Illustration: DAVID DIXON PORTER.]
+
+One of the most important captures of the war was that of New Orleans,
+in the spring of 1862. The naval forces were under the command of
+Admiral Farragut, while Commander Porter had charge of the mortar fleet.
+The principal defences below the city were Forts Jackson and St. Philip.
+In approaching them Porter had his ships dressed out with leaves and
+branches of trees, the clever disguise proving an effectual protection
+from a very destructive fire.
+
+The furious bombardment lasted for several days and nights. The river
+was spanned by a boom of logs, which it was necessary to break through
+that the vessels might reach the city above. This was done, Porter
+protecting the expedition which effected it. When the situation of the
+forts became hopeless his demand for their surrender was accepted and an
+officer came on board under a flag of truce to complete the
+negotiations.
+
+While Porter and his visitor were conversing an officer came forward
+with the information that the immense floating battery _Louisiana_, of
+four thousand tons burden and carrying sixteen heavy guns, had been set
+on fire, as Admiral Cervera did with his ships a generation later, when
+his escape was cut off from Santiago.
+
+"Such an act is anything but creditable to you," remarked Porter,
+addressing the Confederate commander.
+
+"I am not responsible for the acts of the naval officers," replied the
+visitor.
+
+The explanation was reasonable, and without any excitement, Commander
+Porter renewed the conversation respecting the surrender, but a few
+minutes later the officer again approached.
+
+"The ropes which held the floating battery to the bank have been burned
+and she is drifting down stream toward us."
+
+"Are her guns loaded and is there much ammunition aboard?" asked Porter
+of the Confederate commander.
+
+"I suppose the guns are loaded, but I know nothing about naval matters
+here," was the reply.
+
+Just then the heated cannon began firing their huge charges, which,
+though without aim, were likely to do injury to the Union vessels toward
+which the battery was floating. Besides, the magazine was stored with
+powder and the impending explosion could not fail to be disastrous.
+
+"If you do not mind it," said Porter, addressing the visitor, "we will
+continue our negotiations."
+
+In referring to this incident, the Admiral said:
+
+"A good Providence, which directs the most important events, sent the
+battery off toward Fort St. Philip, and, as it came abreast of that
+formidable fort, it blew up with a force which scattered the fragments
+in all directions, killing one of their own men in the fort, and when
+the smoke cleared off it was nowhere to be seen, having sunk immediately
+in the deep water of the Mississippi. The explosion was terrific and was
+seen and heard for many miles up and down the river. Had it occurred
+near the vessels, it would have destroyed every one of them."
+
+[Illustration: GUN AND MORTAR BOATS ON THE MISSISSIPPI.]
+
+After the fall of New Orleans Porter was sent to Ship Island to await
+the attack that was in contemplation upon New Orleans. He was recalled
+by Admiral Farragut to aid him in the siege of Vicksburg. In passing the
+batteries Porter had three of his vessels disabled and twenty-nine men
+killed and wounded. The capture of that last Confederate stronghold on
+the Mississippi was a severe and tedious task, but General Grant, with
+that bulldog tenacity for which he was famous, held on until the 4th
+of July, 1863, when General Pemberton, the Confederate commander,
+surrendered his whole garrison of more than 20,000 men. In thus opening
+the Mississippi all the way to the Gulf the navy rendered invaluable
+assistance. Porter's aid was so important and his conduct so gallant
+that he received the thanks of Congress and was created a full rear
+admiral, his commission dating from July 4, 1863. In a public dispatch
+the Secretary of the Navy said, addressing Admiral Porter: "To yourself,
+your officers and the brave and gallant sailors who have been so fertile
+in resources, so persistent and so daring under all circumstances, I
+tender, in the name of the President, the thanks and congratulations of
+the whole country on the fall of Vicksburg."
+
+One of the most disastrous expeditions of the Civil War was that which
+was undertaken by General N.P. Banks, in the spring of 1864. His
+ostensible purpose was to complete the conquest of Texas and Louisiana,
+but there is good reason to believe that the famous Red River expedition
+was little more than a huge cotton speculation. Immense quantities were
+stored along the river and could it have been secured would have been
+worth many hundred thousand dollars to the captors. The charge has been
+made, with apparent reason, that several Confederate leaders were
+concerned in the "deal," seeing as they did, that the end of the
+Confederacy was at hand. The trouble, however, was that other
+Confederates like General Dick Taylor did all they could to defeat the
+purpose of General Banks and they succeeded to perfection.
+
+The Union commander had an army of 30,000 men with which he began the
+ascent of the Red River. He captured Fort de Russy March 14 and then
+marched against Shreveport. His forces were strewn along for miles, with
+no thought of danger, when at Sabine Cross Roads they were furiously
+attacked by General Dick Taylor and routed as utterly as was the first
+advance upon Manassas in July, 1861. The demoralized men were rallied at
+Pleasant Hill, where they were again attacked and routed by Taylor.
+Banks succeeded at last in reaching New Orleans, where he was relieved
+of his command.
+
+When Porter had waited a short time at the appointed place of meeting
+for Banks's army a messenger reached him with news of that General's
+defeat and his hurried retreat. Porter saw that it would not do for him
+to delay an hour. He had had great difficulty in getting his fifty
+vessels up the narrow stream, whose current was falling so rapidly that
+it already appeared impossible to get the fleet past the snags and
+shoals to the point of safety two hundred miles below.
+
+Improving every moment and under a continual fire from the shore, Porter
+managed to descend something more than half way down the river to Grand
+Ecore, where he found Banks and his demoralized army. Porter advised the
+commander to remain where he was until the spring rains would enable the
+fleet to ascend the river again, but Banks was too frightened to do
+anything but retreat, and he kept it up until he arrived at New Orleans.
+
+The river fell so rapidly that all the fleet would have been stranded
+above the falls but for the genius of Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Bailey,
+of Wisconsin, a military engineer who accompanied Banks's expedition.
+Under his direction several thousand men were set to work, and, at the
+end of twelve days, they had constructed a series of wing dams, through
+which the vessels were safely floated into the deeper water below the
+falls. This accomplished their deliverance from what otherwise would
+have been certain destruction. Porter pronounced the exploit of Bailey
+the greatest engineering feat of the whole war. One of the Admiral's
+most pleasing traits was his appreciation of the services of his
+assistants. He complimented Bailey in glowing terms in his official
+report, secured his promotion to brigadier-general and presented him
+with a sword which cost nearly a thousand dollars.
+
+[Illustration: BREAKING THROUGH THE DAMS ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER.]
+
+Porter was now transferred to the North Atlantic Squadron and commanded
+the powerful naval contingents in the two attacks on Fort Fisher,
+December, 1864, and January, 1865. In the latter Porter and General
+Terry succeeded in capturing the last important sea fortress belonging
+to the Confederates. Porter was promoted to be vice-admiral in 1866 and
+admiral in 1870. He was superintendent of the naval academy until 1869,
+and died in Washington, February 13, 1891, one day before the death of
+General Sherman.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+Charles Stuart Boggs--His Coolness in the Presence of Danger--His
+Desperate Fight Below New Orleans--His Subsequent Services.
+
+
+When the gallant Lawrence, mortally wounded on the _Chesapeake_, was
+dying, he called out in his delirium, "Don't give up the ship!" thus
+furnishing a motto that has served times without number for the American
+navy. Among the mourning relatives left by Lawrence was a married
+sister, Mrs. Boggs, who lived in New Brunswick, N.J., where a son was
+born to her in January, 1811, and named Charles Stuart.
+
+It was probably the admiration formed for his heroic uncle which led the
+boy to determine to follow in his footsteps, for he was appointed a
+midshipman when fifteen years old, and saw active service in the
+Mediterranean against the Greek pirates, to which reference has been
+made in a previous chapter. He was made lieutenant in 1833. One of the
+most marked traits in young Boggs was his perfect coolness in times of
+peril and his instant perception of the best thing to do. The following
+incident will illustrate this remarkable power on his part, which was
+united to a gentleness of disposition that made one wonder at his daring
+and intrepidity.
+
+During the war with Mexico Lieutenant Boggs was ordered to the steamer
+_Princeton_, which took a leading part in the bombardment of the Castle
+of St. Juan de Ulloa and of Tampico. The brig _Truxton_ unfortunately
+ran aground on the bar of Tuspan River and had to be surrendered to the
+Mexicans. The _Princeton_ was ordered to destroy her. Anchoring near the
+wreck, a boat was manned and placed in charge of Lieutenant Boggs, to
+whom the work of destruction was intrusted.
+
+The boat had nearly reached the stranded vessel when it was caught in
+one of the tropical tempests, which sometimes appear with cyclonic
+suddenness in that part of the world. It was impossible to board the
+wreck, and equally impossible to get back to the _Princeton_. A powerful
+current set in toward shore, in which direction the gale was blowing.
+The combined efforts of the sturdy rowers could not check the progress
+of the boat, which perhaps would have been the right course to take but
+for an alarming discovery.
+
+On the beach a company of Mexican soldiers were drawn up with a field
+piece, making ready to annihilate the little American company, as they
+could do without the slightest difficulty before the gallant sailors
+could land and make a charge. Here was a dilemma indeed. Nothing could
+extricate the boat and its crew from their peril and not a man could
+raise a finger to help himself.
+
+There was only one person who saw the only possible thing to do.
+Lieutenant Boggs ordered the single white shirt in the party to be torn
+up, tied on the end of a boathook and displayed as a flag of truce.
+Then, by his directions, the men rowed with all speed straight for the
+enemy, who were thus disarmed of their hostile purpose. Walking up to
+the leader of the company, the lieutenant explained that he had been
+sent to destroy the _Truxton_, but had been driven ashore against his
+will. He hastened to explain to the officer that he had no intention of
+attacking the town, but he should do so if any one tried to prevent his
+destruction of the stranded vessel.
+
+When the insignificance of the American party is remembered, there was
+something amusing in this; but the Mexican officer not only gave his
+promise, but entertained his visitors until the gale was over. Then the
+_Truxton_ was fired and Boggs returned to his ship.
+
+He was on the Pacific coast when the Civil War broke out, serving as
+inspector of lighthouses. Chafing under idleness, he petitioned the
+Government to give him active employment afloat. His wish was granted
+and he was placed in command of the _Varuna_, a passenger steamer,
+purchased by the Government and changed into a gunboat. Admiral Farragut
+was making his preparations to attack New Orleans, and the _Varuna_ was
+added to his fleet. She was a very swift but frail craft, a fact which
+led Farragut to grant Boggs' request to be allowed to run ahead of the
+position that had been assigned him.
+
+In order to get up all the steam possible, the pork among the ship's
+store was flung into the blazing furnace under the boilers. The craft
+went through the water at a tremendous speed, and upon coming opposite
+the forts, Boggs fired his starboard battery and then ordered grape and
+canister to be used as rapidly as possible. Work had hardly begun when
+the Confederate gunboats appeared on every hand. With the same coolness
+that he had shown when driven ashore in Mexico, the command was given
+for the guns to be fired "on both sides." Indeed, there were so many
+targets that it would have been about as difficult to miss as to hit
+one.
+
+[Illustration: ATTACK ON ROANOKE ISLAND--LANDING OF THE TROOPS.]
+
+The _Varuna_ did terrific work, her gunners displaying fine markmanship.
+The formidable craft _Governor Moore_ had detected her in the early
+morning light, and steaming after her, fired a shot when only a
+hundred yards away, but missed. The _Varuna_ replied, killing and
+wounding men on the _Governor Moore_ at every shot. One of the enemy's
+shot, however, raked the _Varuna_, killing four men and wounding nine.
+Another struck the _Varuna's_ pivot gun and killed and wounded a number
+more. Then the _Governor Moore_ rammed the _Varuna_ twice in quick
+succession.
+
+But while the Confederate was doing so, Boggs planted three 8-inch
+shells into his antagonist, which set her on fire and compelled her to
+drop out of action. Her loss had been heavy and her engines were so
+battered that her commander ran her ashore, where she was burned to the
+water's edge.
+
+Out of the misty light burst the _Stonewall Jackson_ and rammed the
+_Varuna_ on the port side, repeating the blow with a viciousness that
+stove in the vessel below the water line; but the _Varuna_ swung the ram
+ahead until her own broadside guns bore, when she planted several 5-inch
+shells into the _Stonewall Jackson_, which set her on fire and caused
+her to drift ashore.
+
+But the _Varuna_ had been mortally hurt and was sinking fast. To quote
+the words of Commodore Boggs: "In fifteen minutes from the time the
+_Varuna_ was struck by the _Stonewall Jackson_, she was on the bottom,
+with only her topgallant forecastle out of the water."
+
+But those were exceedingly lively minutes for the _Varuna_ and the other
+craft in her neighborhood. Commander Boggs turned her prow toward shore
+and crowded all steam, firing his guns as the water rose about the
+trucks. When the last shell left the side of the sinking vessel the
+current had reached the mouth of the piece, and some of it was blown out
+like mist with the shrieking missile.
+
+The moment the bow of the _Varuna_ struck the bank a chain cable was
+fastened around the trunk of a tree, so as to prevent her from sliding
+into deep water as she went down and taking the wounded and dead with
+her. This was a precaution which would not have occurred to every man in
+the situation of Commander Boggs.
+
+The daring conduct of this officer brought a tribute from one of our
+poets, which contains the stanzas:
+
+"Who has not heard of the dauntless _Varuna_?
+  Who shall not hear of the deeds she has done?
+Who shall not hear while the brown Mississippi
+  Rushes along from the snow to the sun?
+
+"Five of the rebels like satellites round her,
+  Burned in her orbit of splendor and fear,
+One like the Pleiad of mystical story
+  Shot terror-stricken beyond her dread sphere."
+
+When Boggs' native city heard of his gallant conduct it voted him a
+sword, and the State of New Jersey did the same. He came North and was
+appointed to the command of the blockading squadron off Wilmington. He
+would have preferred active service, and finally his health broke down
+under the exposure and fatigue to which he was subjected, and he was
+compelled to return home to recruit. Upon his recovery, he was appointed
+to duty in New York, but the war ended without his having another
+opportunity to distinguish himself in the service of his country. He
+died a few years after the close of hostilities.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+John Ancrum Winslow--His Early Life and Training--The Famous Battle
+Between the _Kearsarge_ and _Alabama_.
+
+
+A few weeks ago I had as guests at my house two young men who were
+graduates of the West Point Military Academy in 1889. One was my son, at
+present an instructor in the Academy, and the other was E. Eveleth
+Winslow, of the corps of engineers, who had the honor of being graduated
+at the head of his class. During the course of the conversation I asked
+Captain Winslow whether he was a relative of the late Commodore John
+Ancrum Winslow, commander of the _Kearsarge_ in her famous fight with
+the _Alabama_.
+
+"He was my grandfather," replied my friend, with a glow of pride.
+
+It was a pleasant bit of information, but it made me realize how the
+years are passing. It seems but a short time ago that the country was
+electrified by the news of the great battle, off Cherbourg, France,
+which sent to the bottom of the ocean the most destructive cruiser the
+Southern Confederacy ever launched. And here was the grandson of the
+hero of that fight, already thirty years of age, with the hair on his
+crown growing scant. _Tempus fugit_ indeed.
+
+The name Winslow is a distinguished one in the annals of our country,
+and especially in Massachusetts, the State from which Captain Winslow
+hails. He is the ninth generation from John Winslow, brother of Edward
+Winslow, Governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony, and the founder, as may
+be said, of Plymouth Rock itself. John A. Winslow, the subject of this
+sketch, however, was a Southerner by birth, being a native of
+Wilmington, North Carolina, where he was born November 19, 1811. His
+mother belonged to the famous Rhett family of the fiery State of South
+Carolina. The father had gone to Wilmington from Boston, to establish a
+commercial house, four years before the birth of the son, who was sent
+North to be educated. At the age of sixteen he entered the navy, and saw
+a good deal of dangerous service in the extirpation of the West Indian
+pirates. The exciting experience was exactly to the liking of young
+Winslow, whose life more than once was placed in great peril.
+
+After an extended cruise in the Pacific, he returned east in 1833, and
+was promoted to past midshipman. His service was of an unimportant
+character for a number of years, the rank of lieutenant coming to him
+in 1839. His conduct was so gallant in the war with Mexico that he was
+publicly complimented by Commodore Matthew C. Perry, a younger brother
+of the Lake Erie hero, and given the choice of vessels belonging to the
+fleet.
+
+A curious incident is mentioned by his biographer. He went with the
+division which set out to capture Tampico, but the city surrendered
+without a fight upon the approach of the boats. He remained several
+weeks and then went back to the fleet at Vera Cruz. One of the vessels
+had been capsized in a squall, and the captain was occupying Winslow's
+room, and continued to share it until other arrangements could be made.
+The name of this visitor was Raphael Semmes, afterward the commander of
+the _Alabama_. The history of our navy is full of such strange
+occurrences. When the furnace blast of secession swept over the country,
+the most intimate friends--in many cases brothers--became the deadliest
+of enemies. For a time two flags were flung to the breeze in the United
+States, and the men who fought under each were among the bravest of the
+brave, for they were all _Americans_.
+
+In 1855 Winslow was made a commander and was engaged in various duties
+until the breaking out of the Civil War. He hurried to Washington and
+applied for active service. Captain Foote was busy fitting out a
+flotilla at St. Louis, and Winslow was sent to join him. The work
+involved great labor and difficulty, and Winslow's aid was invaluable,
+although far from congenial. The task of blazing away at the guerrillas
+in the bushes and woods along shore, of raking the muddy rivers and
+streams for torpedoes, and of managing the awkward, nondescript craft,
+was not to the liking of the naval officer, accustomed to the free air
+of the deep, blue ocean. Finally his request to be transferred to sea
+service was granted, and in the early part of 1863 he was placed in
+command of the _Kearsarge_.
+
+This sloop of war had a crew of 163 men, carried two 11-inch pivot guns,
+four short 32-pounders and one rifled 30-pounder, the total shot weight
+of the seven guns being 430 pounds. In this place it may be well to give
+the statistics of the _Alabama_, since the two vessels were so
+intimately associated in history. The Confederate cruiser carried one
+100-pounder Blakely gun, one 8-inch shell gun and six long 32-pounders,
+the eight guns having a total of 360 pounds shot weight, while the crew
+consisted of 149 men, of mixed nationalities, nearly all of them being
+Englishmen.
+
+England at that time was less friendly to the United States than she
+has since become, and she gave most unfair help to the Southern
+Confederacy by aiding to fit out and man cruisers for it. When the war
+was over she was compelled to pay a good round sum for her dishonest
+course, and was taught a lesson she is not likely soon to forget. These
+cruisers wrought immense havoc among our shipping, and Commander Winslow
+was sent into European waters in quest of them. He was specially anxious
+to meet the _Florida_, and followed her from the coast of South America
+to that of England and France. The governments of those two countries
+threw every possible obstacle in his way. The French pilots were
+forbidden to serve the _Kearsarge_, and Captain Winslow had to be his
+own pilot--something he was well able to do because of his familiarity
+with the coasts.
+
+Finding the _Florida_ in Brest, he blockaded the port. It was in the
+depth of winter and the shore was dangerous, but Winslow did his duty so
+well that the _Florida_ dared not poke her nose outside, until he was
+compelled, because of shortness of provisions, to steam over to Cadiz to
+obtain them. He made all haste to return, but when he arrived the
+_Florida_ had slipped out and was gone.
+
+There was no telling to what part of the world she had fled, and Captain
+Winslow sailed to Calais, where he learned that the rebel
+_Rappahannock_ was awaiting a chance to put to sea. He held her there
+for two months, when a French pilot purposely ran the _Kearsarge_ into
+the piers along shore. It was done by prearrangement with the officers
+of the _Rappahannock_, in order to give the latter a chance to put to
+sea. The indignant Winslow drove all the French pilots off his ship, and
+by vigorous work got her off by daylight the next morning. Meanwhile the
+_Rappahannock_, which had greatly overstayed her time, was ordered by
+the French authorities to leave. Winslow heard of this, and, without
+waiting for some of his men and officers who were on shore, he moved out
+of the harbor. When the commander of the _Rappahannock_ saw the
+_Kearsarge_ once more off the port of Calais, he knew it was all up and
+dismantled his ship.
+
+There was one Confederate scourge that had been roaming the seas for
+months which Captain Winslow was anxious, above all others, to meet;
+that was the _Alabama_, commanded by his former room-mate, Captain
+Raphael Semmes. The _Kearsarge_, like many other vessels of the United
+States, had been hunting here and there for the ocean pest, but it
+seemed impossible to bring her to bay.
+
+On Sunday morning, June 12, 1864, the _Kearsarge_ was lying off the town
+of Flushing, Holland, with many of the officers and men ashore, and
+with everything wearing the appearance of a protracted rest for the
+crew. Some hours later, however, a gun was fired as a signal for every
+member of the ship's company to come aboard at once. The cause of this
+sudden awaking was a telegram from Minister William L. Dayton, at Paris,
+notifying Captain Winslow that the _Alabama_ had arrived at Cherbourg.
+On Tuesday, Winslow appeared off the fort, and saw the cruiser within,
+with her Stars and Bars floating defiantly in the breeze. Had Captain
+Winslow followed, he would have been compelled by law to remain
+twenty-four hours after the departure of the _Alabama_, so he took a
+station outside, determined that the cruiser should not escape him
+again.
+
+In this case, however, the precaution was unnecessary, for Semmes had
+made up his mind to fight the National vessel. He had been charged with
+cowardice in running away from armed ships, and he had destroyed and
+captured so many helpless merchantmen that he felt something was due to
+retrieve his reputation. A comparison of the crews and armaments of the
+_Kearsarge_ and _Alabama_ will show that they were pretty evenly
+matched, though the slight numerical superiority of the Union ship was
+emphasized by the fact that her men were almost wholly American, while
+those of Semmes, as already stated, were nearly all English.
+
+Shortly after the arrival of Captain Winslow the following challenge was
+brought out to him:
+
+
+
+                              Confederate Steamer _Alabama_,
+                              Cherbourg, June 14, 1864.
+
+      Sir:--I hear that you were informed by the United States
+     Consul that the _Kearsarge_ was to come to this port solely for the
+     prisoners landed by me, and that she was to depart in twenty-four
+     hours. I desire you to say to the United States Consul that my
+     intention is to fight the _Kearsarge_ as soon as I can make the
+     necessary arrangements. I hope these will not detain me more than
+     till to-morrow evening, or next morning, at the farthest. I beg she
+     will not depart before I am ready to go out.
+
+      I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant
+
+                                        R. Semmes, _Captain_.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+This note, though couched in seemingly courteous language, contained the
+most aggravating sort of sting, in the hope expressed that the
+_Kearsarge_ would not leave until the _Alabama_ was ready to go out, and
+the intimation--undoubtedly false--that the sole business of the Union
+vessel was to take charge of the prisoners brought thither by the
+Confederate. Captain Winslow had not spent months in hunting over the
+globe for such a chance as this to let it slip.
+
+The _Alabama_ was among friends. She had the sympathies of the
+thousands, who hoped to see the Yankee ship sunk by the fearful
+commerce-destroyer. Excursion trains were run from Paris and other
+points to Cherbourg, and among the vast multitude who gathered on shore
+on that warm, hazy Sunday morning--June 19--to witness the coming
+battle, it may be doubted whether there were a score who wished to see
+the _Kearsarge_ win.
+
+The respective captains were brave men and good officers. Both had
+declared that, if they ever met, the battle would not end until one of
+the ships went to the bottom, and each knew that the other would keep
+his word. Such a thing as surrender was not thought of by either.
+
+Semmes was confident of his ability to sink the _Kearsarge_. Being a
+Roman Catholic, and unable to attend service, he requested a friend to
+go to mass and have it offered up for him, which was done. His
+accumulated sixty chronometers were sent ashore, and the motto displayed
+by his ship was "_Aide toi et Dieu t'aidera_," meaning, "Help yourself
+and God will help you," another version of the old adage, "God helps
+them that help themselves."
+
+The church chimes were sending out their mellow notes on the warm summer
+air when the _Alabama_ began slowly steaming out of the harbor. She was
+cheered by the sympathetic thousands, who heard the drums beating to
+quarters, and fervently prayed that their favorite might return
+victorious.
+
+Winslow neglected nothing in the way of preparation. While calmly
+confident, his experience had taught him that such a contest is often
+decided by a chance shot, and he knew that the doom of one of the ships
+would be sealed before the set of sun. Having done all he could, he
+committed everything to the God of battles, content to abide by His
+will, whatever it might be.
+
+It was about ten o'clock that Winslow, with his glass pointed toward
+shore, saw the head of the _Alabama_ coming round the point of the mole,
+some three miles distant. He immediately beat to quarters. The
+_Couronne_ accompanied the _Alabama_ to the limits of French waters, and
+then turned back. The English yacht _Deerhound_ had hurried down from
+Caen, upon being telegraphed of the impending fight, and the owner, with
+his family on board, followed the _Alabama_ at the risk of receiving a
+stray shot that would wind up the career of the pleasure craft and all
+on board.
+
+Some time before Captain Winslow had arranged his sheet chains for a
+distance of fifty feet amidships and over the side of his vessel,
+extending six feet down. They were intended as an additional protection
+to his machinery, and the practice is common among warships. The chains
+were secured by marline to eyebolts protected with one-inch boards. This
+natural precaution was the foundation for Captain Semmes' charge that
+the _Kearsarge_ was partly armored. During the fight this part of the
+ship was hit only twice, so that the protection, if it be considered
+such, bore an unimportant part in the battle itself.
+
+Captain Winslow was determined that no question about neutral waters
+should be raised. Accordingly, as the _Alabama_ approached, he steamed
+out to sea, as if running away from his antagonist. Another object he
+had in mind was to prevent the _Alabama_, in case she was crippled, from
+escaping by running into the harbor.
+
+When the _Kearsarge_ had reached a point some seven miles from land, she
+swung around and made directly for the _Alabama_, although such a course
+exposed her to the raking broadsides of the enemy. Reading his purpose,
+Semmes slowed his engines and sheered off, thus presenting his starboard
+battery to the _Kearsarge_. When the vessels were about a mile apart,
+the jets of fire and smoke from the side of the _Alabama_, followed by
+the reverberating boom of her cannon, showed that she had fired her
+first broadside. It did only trifling damage to the rigging of the
+_Kearsarge_. A second and part of a third broadside were delivered, with
+no perceptible effect. All the time, under a full head of steam, Winslow
+was rushing toward his enemy for the death grapple. Still in peril of
+being raked, he now sheered when half a mile distant and fired his
+broadside of five-second shells, at the same time endeavoring to pass
+under the _Alabama's_ stern, but Semmes defeated the manoeuvre by also
+sheering his vessel. The effort of each was now to keep his starboard
+broadside presented to the other, the attempt causing the two ships to
+describe an immense circle, the diameter of which steadily decreased,
+until it was barely a third of a mile.
+
+Ten minutes after the opening of the battle the spanker gaff of the
+_Alabama_ and the ensign were brought down by the fire of the
+_Kearsarge_, whose crew burst into cheers, but the Confederates quickly
+hoisted the colors to their mizzen. When the two ships were within a
+third of a mile of each other the fire became terrible; but from the
+first that of the _Kearsarge_ was more accurate and did vast damage.
+This was impressively shown by the fact that although the _Kearsarge_
+fired only 173 shots during the fight, nearly every one struck the
+_Alabama_, which fired 370, of which only 28 landed.
+
+One of the _Alabama's_ 60-pound Blakely shells passed through the
+bulwarks of the _Kearsarge_, and, bursting on the quarter deck, wounded
+three men, of whom William Gowin was mortally hurt. When carried to the
+surgeon, the intensely suffering man smiled. "We are whipping the
+_Alabama_," he said, "and I am willing to give my life for such a
+victory."
+
+Another Confederate shell burst in the hammock nettings and started a
+fire, which was easily extinguished. A third lodged in the sternpost,
+but failed to explode. Had it done so, its effect would have been
+terrific. The damage done by the other shells was insignificant.
+
+A far different story was told on the Confederate cruiser. Winslow's
+instructions to his gunners were to fire slowly and to make every shot
+tell, and they did so. The men on the _Alabama_ stripped to their shirts
+and drawers and fired rapidly, as if the only thing to do was to work
+the guns without taking pause to aim. Crashing planks and timber and
+exploding shells seemed to be all about them. A single shot from the
+_Kearsarge_ killed and wounded eighteen men and disabled a gun. Another
+burst in the coal bunks and cluttered up the engine room. Death and
+destruction raged on every hand, and still the terrible _Kearsarge_
+kept working nearer, the dearest wish of Winslow being to get to close
+quarters.
+
+The ships had described seven circles about each other and were starting
+on the eighth, when Winslow, all alive and eagerness, saw the _Alabama_
+set her fore trysail and two jibs and start for shore. That meant that
+it was all up with her, and her captain's only hope now was to get into
+the harbor of Cherbourg. Winslow ran across her bow and was on the point
+of raking her, when the _Alabama's_ flag came down. Uncertain whether
+this was an accident, and suspecting a ruse by which the enemy expected
+to reach shore, now only two miles off, Winslow stopped firing, but held
+himself ready to open again. A white flag was displayed, and he began
+preparations to render assistance to his defeated antagonist. Just then,
+however, the _Alabama_ fired again, upon which Winslow answered with
+several shots, when the white flag was run up for the second time.
+
+The doom of the _Alabama_ had overtaken her at last. She was fast
+settling, and while the only two serviceable boats of the _Kearsarge_
+were hurrying to the relief of the crew, the famous cruiser threw her
+prow high in air and slid stern foremost into the depths of the
+Atlantic.
+
+In the midst of the wild confusion a boat from the _Alabama_, under
+charge of the English master's mate, came alongside, announcing that the
+_Alabama_ had surrendered and begging for help. On the promise of this
+man to return, Winslow allowed him to go back to the aid of the drowning
+crew, but instead of keeping his pledge, he took refuge on the yacht
+_Deerhound_, which was circling about and doing all it could for the
+struggling wretches in the water. Among those picked up was Captain
+Semmes, who had flung his sword into the sea and leaped overboard as his
+ship was going down. He was suffering from a painful wound in the hand,
+and when helped on board of the _Deerhound_ was in an exhausted
+condition. The captain of the yacht, after picking up thirty-nine men,
+including a number of officers, instead of delivering them to Captain
+Winslow, as he was in honor bound to do, edged away from the scene, and,
+putting on all steam, did not pause until he reached Southampton. The
+_Kearsarge_ picked up the men that remained and took them into
+Cherbourg.
+
+In this famous battle the _Kearsarge_ had only 1 killed and 2 wounded,
+while Semmes lost 40 killed and 70 taken prisoners. The Confederate
+commander and his sympathizing British friends offered all sorts of
+excuses for his defeat. Some of them were ingenious, but none was the
+true one. The cause of the sinking of the _Alabama_ was the same as that
+which gave us so many wonderful naval victories in the War of 1812. Our
+vessels were manned by Americans, while the _Alabama_ was really an
+English ship, armed with English guns and manned and fought by an
+English crew: there's the truth in a nutshell.
+
+Captain Winslow received the promotion to the grade of a commodore which
+he had so gallantly won. He died in 1873. It was a source of regret
+throughout the country that on the night of February 2, 1894, the
+_Kearsarge_ was wrecked off Roncador Reef, while on a voyage from
+Port-au-Prince, Hayti, to Bluefields, Nicaragua. None of her crew was
+drowned, but the vessel itself was lost, despite every effort to save
+her.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+
+An Unexpected Preacher--Andrew Hull Foote--His Character and Early
+Career--His Brilliant Services in the War for the Union.
+
+
+One Sunday morning early in the Civil War a large assemblage had
+gathered in a prominent church in a Western city for the purpose of
+worship. But the hour for opening the services came and passed and the
+preacher, the one indispensable individual, did not appear. The auditors
+became uneasy. No one knew the cause of his absence and no word came
+from the parsonage, which was at some distance from the church. When the
+congregation were about to break up and pass out a stranger, sitting
+near the front, quietly arose, walked up the pulpit steps, gave out the
+opening hymn, led in prayer and preached a sermon which impressed all by
+its plain, practical truths. He held the attention of the people from
+the opening to the close, and among the listeners were more than one who
+felt that the unexplained absence of the regular pastor had resulted in
+a gain, though a brief one, for them.
+
+Naturally there was no little curiosity to learn the name of the
+stranger. When approached by some of the leading brethren at the close
+of the services, he modestly said he was Captain Foote of the United
+States navy. He occasionally preached, when there seemed to be a call
+for such work on his part, but preaching was not his profession, and he
+would not have thought of entering the pulpit had he not seen that it
+was a choice between doing so and allowing the congregation to go home.
+
+Andrew Hull Foote was born in New Haven, Conn., September 12, 1806. He
+belonged to a prominent family, his father, Samuel A. Foote, having
+served in Congress for several terms, as United States Senator, and as
+Governor of his State. The son received the best educational training
+and was subjected to the strict religious discipline characteristic of
+the Puritan families of old New England. His romantic nature was deeply
+stirred by the accounts of the naval exploits of his countrymen in the
+War of 1812, and he set his heart upon entering the navy. His mother
+opposed, but, when she saw it was useless, wisely yielded. His father's
+influence readily procured him the appointment of midshipman, and he was
+directed to report on the schooner _Grampus_, under the command of
+Lieutenant (afterward Admiral) Gregory.
+
+[Illustration: ANDREW HULL FOOTE.]
+
+The _Grampus_ went to the West Indies in quest of pirates, but never
+found any. Young Foote was then transferred to the sloop of war
+_Peacock_, which had made such a glorious record in the last war with
+Great Britain, his next transfer being to the frigate _United States_,
+the flagship of Commodore Isaac Hull, who won the famous victory over
+the _Guerriere_ in August, 1812.
+
+The cruise lasted three years, and Foote returned to New York in the
+spring of 1837. He made a visit to his home, when he was once more
+ordered to the West Indies.
+
+About this time he was brought under religious influence. He read his
+Bible and spent many hours in prayer, and finally yielded completely to
+God. He made his mother inexpressibly happy by sending her the glad
+news, and thenceforward throughout his stirring life he was one of the
+most humble, devout and consecrated of Christians.
+
+Like Havelock, he did an amount of good among those placed under his
+charge, the full extent of which can never be known in this world. While
+on duty at the Naval Asylum in Philadelphia he persuaded the men to give
+up their grog rations and sign a pledge of total abstinence, and when
+executive officer on the _Cumberland_ he did the same thing with its
+crew. He was a voluntary chaplain and gave a religious address on the
+berth deck every Sunday evening to those who wished to listen.
+
+Disease of the eyes incapacitated him for duty for a long time, and he
+was much disappointed that he was not permitted to take any part in the
+Mexican war. One of his most practical temperance addresses was that,
+while engaged off the coast of Africa in suppressing the slave trade, he
+persuaded the men under him on the _Perry_, of which he was the
+commander, to give up the use of liquor. Although exposed to one of the
+most pestilential climates in the world, he did not lose a man.
+
+At the breaking out of the Civil War he was in command of the Brooklyn
+Navy Yard. He was overwhelmed with work for a time, and was glad when,
+early in the autumn of 1861, he was ordered to the West to help in the
+building of an inland navy on the Mississippi.
+
+Captain Foote worked with the tremendous energy which he threw into
+every task, and succeeded in getting together seven boats, four of which
+were partly protected by armor. At the beginning of February, 1862, he
+started from Cairo to ascend the Tennessee, his objective point being
+Fort Henry, though the Confederates were deceived into thinking it was
+Columbus, on the Mississippi. He asked the Government for more men with
+which to man additional boats, but they were not furnished, and he went
+forward with such as he could get.
+
+On the night preceding the attack on Fort Henry the little fleet
+anchored abreast of the army under General Grant, which was encamped on
+the bank. The night was cold and tempestuous, but the morning dawned
+keen and clear, and no time was lost in preparing the flotilla for the
+attack on the fort. He intimated to General Grant that he must not
+linger if he wished to cut off the retreat of the enemy. Grant assured
+him he would be on time to put his army in motion.
+
+Fort Henry stood on a bend in the river, which it commanded for a long
+distance up and down stream. Foote placed his boats behind an island a
+mile below the fort, with a view of avoiding the long range rifles of
+the Confederates, which were liable to cripple the gunboats before they
+could get into close action. The wooden vessels halted upon coming in
+view of the fort, and the ironclads, as they were called, moved slowly
+up stream abreast of one another, firing their bow guns in answer to the
+shots of the rebels. The latter had had the time to practice to acquire
+the exact range, while the boats had yet to find it. They fired slowly
+and with such accuracy that the infantry stationed outside of the works
+hastily fled, though the gunners bravely remained at their posts.
+
+Foote opened fire when not quite a mile from the fort. His instructions
+were to fire slowly and with care, the result of which was that guns
+were continually dismounted and the earth and sandbags sent flying in
+every direction. It was while the attack was being pressed in this
+vigorous fashion that a shell pierced the boiler of the _Essex_,
+commanded by Lieutenant Porter, and caused so many deaths, as has been
+related in a preceding chapter.
+
+This appalling accident was a serious loss to Captain Foote, for Porter
+was doing inestimable service when thus driven out of action, but the
+daring commander pressed forward in the face of the murderous fire,
+encouraged by the visible results of his shots, which were playing
+frightful havoc against the defences of the fort. Tilghman, the
+Confederate commander, displayed great bravery, fighting until every one
+of his guns was dismounted. Then, finding himself powerless to offer
+further resistance, he hauled down his flag. Firing immediately ceased
+on the part of the Union flotilla, and Foote sent a boat ashore to take
+possession.
+
+Despite General Grant's usual promptness, he did not arrive in time to
+intercept the flight of the garrison. As a consequence the prisoners
+surrendered, including General Tilghman and his staff, numbered less
+than a hundred. The others fled overland to Fort Donelson, only to be
+compelled to surrender shortly afterward to Grant in what proved to be
+the first great Union victory of the war.
+
+The severity of this battle is shown by the fact that Foote's ship was
+struck 31 times, the _Essex_ 15, and the _Carondelet_ 6. The total
+number of killed, wounded and missing was 48. The success was so
+decisive that Foote was applauded throughout the North, sharing the
+well-earned honors with General Grant, whose successful career is known
+to every boy in the land.
+
+Foote now steamed down the river to Cairo and began the ascent of the
+Cumberland, to assist General Grant, who was marching overland to the
+attack on Fort Donelson. Dauntless as was the courage of the naval
+leader, he knew his task was a hopeless one. He had not only lost the
+_Essex_, but Fort Donelson was greatly superior in strength to Fort
+Henry. The water assault, however, was deemed a military necessity, and
+he did not hesitate.
+
+On February 14 he advanced resolutely to the attack with his two wooden
+gunboats and four partial ironclads. The tremendous land batteries
+opened on this weak force the moment it came within range, and the
+results were of the most destructive nature. As usual, the chief
+attention was given to the flagship, which was struck again and again by
+the flying shot and shell. Undismayed by the awful tempest, Foote pushed
+steadily onward, cool, calm, hopeful and prepared for the worst.
+
+His pilot was a brave man, but under the frightful fire he began to show
+a nervousness that caught the eye of Foote. Walking up to him, he placed
+his hand in a kindly manner on his shoulder and spoke encouragingly to
+him. While he was doing so, the poor fellow was torn into pieces by a
+shot, and the captain himself was badly wounded in the foot by a flying
+splinter. Paying no heed to the bleeding member, he limped about the
+boat, swept by the iron hail, and gave his orders as coolly as before.
+But the shot that killed the pilot also smashed the wheel, and the
+unmanageable boat began drifting down stream. The tiller ropes of
+another boat were also cut about the same time, and she also floated
+helplessly with the current. The Confederates increased their fire, and
+the other two boats, also greatly damaged, followed the flagship, and
+the ferocious fight that had lasted more than an hour was over, with the
+Union flotilla badly repulsed.
+
+The flagship had been struck 59 times, and 54 had been killed and
+wounded on the different ships; but Foote would have maintained the
+fight, with a fair probability of success, but for the destruction of
+his steering gear.
+
+Grant and Foote now formed a plan for the capture of Nashville, but on
+the eve of starting were stopped by a telegraphic order from General
+Halleck not to allow the gunboats to go further up the river than
+Clarksville. Foote was greatly disappointed, and, absolutely certain of
+capturing the city, telegraphed for permission to do so, but it was
+refused. Thus he was left no alternative but to return to Cairo.
+
+While there, he learned that the Confederate force occupying Columbus
+had evacuated the town and fortified themselves on Island No. 10. They
+numbered about 8,000 and were under the command of General Mackall, from
+Beauregard's army. Foote transferred his flag to the ironclad _Benton_
+and advanced against the powerful works that had been erected on the
+island. The bombardment was continued for three weeks, without
+inflicting serious damage, and there was little prospect of capturing
+the place from the river, when General Pope arrived with a large land
+force; but to reach the fort it was necessary for him to get his troops
+across the river, and he had not a single transport to use for that
+purpose.
+
+Pope's arrival below made it necessary to send a gunboat down to him,
+for until that was done he could make no movement against the rebel
+force there. The all-important question was whether any one of the
+gunboats could run the terrific gauntlet of the batteries that lined the
+shore. It looked as if the attempt must result in the inevitable
+destruction of any craft before half the distance could be accomplished.
+At a council of the officers it was agreed that it was too hazardous to
+try to run one of the gunboats past the batteries. Such was the opinion
+of every man except Henry Walke, commander of the _Carondelet_, who
+volunteered to try the seemingly impossible task. Captain Foote
+reluctantly gave his consent.
+
+It was understood that Walke was to make the attempt on the first rainy
+or foggy night. In the event of success, he was to cooperate with Pope,
+and, when he moved, to assist in the attack on the fortifications.
+Captain Foote closed his instructions to his faithful aide with the
+following impressive words:
+
+     On this delicate and somewhat hazardous service to which I assign
+     you I must enjoin upon you the importance of keeping your lights
+     secreted in the hold or put out, keeping your officers and men
+     from speaking at all, when passing the forts, above a whisper, and
+     then only on duty, and of using every other precaution to prevent
+     the rebels suspecting that you are dropping below their batteries.
+
+      If you successfully perform this duty assigned to you, which you
+     so willingly undertake, it will reflect the highest credit upon you
+     and all belonging to your vessel, and I doubt not but that the
+     government will fully appreciate and reward you for a service
+     which, I trust, will enable the army to cross the river and make a
+     successful attack in the rear, while we storm the batteries in
+     front of this stronghold of the rebels.
+
+      Commending you and all who compose your command to the care and
+     protection of God, who rules the world and directs all things, I
+     am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
+
+                                                  A.H. Foote.
+
+      P.S.--Should you meet with disaster, you will, as a last resort,
+     destroy the steam machinery, and, if possible, to escape, set fire
+     to your gunboat, or sink her, and prevent her falling into the
+     hands of the rebels.
+
+The night selected--April 4--was rainy and of inky blackness, relieved
+by vivid flashes of lightning. No precaution that could be thought of
+was neglected. Chains were twisted around the pilot-house and other
+vulnerable parts, and wood was piled against the boilers, with which the
+hose was connected, to make the jets of steam available to repel
+boarders. On one side was lashed a boat loaded with pressed hay, while a
+barge of coal was fastened on the side furthest from the dangerous
+batteries, and the escape steam was led into the paddle-wheel house in
+order to muffle the sound. Among the fully armed crew were twenty of
+the most expert sharpshooters in the army.
+
+It was about ten o'clock when the _Carondelet_ swung round in the stream
+and started on its fearful race. The fleet fairly held its breath, as
+officers and men listened and peered down the river in the tempestuous
+darkness. Now and then the zigzagging lightning gave a momentary glimpse
+of the craft moving away, but the straining eye and ear caught no sight
+or sound.
+
+But when the _Carondelet_ was close to the batteries a blaze suddenly
+shot up several feet above the chimneys. The soot had caught fire and
+the reflection was thrown far out on the water. The engineer immediately
+opened the flue caps and all was darkness again. So quickly did this
+singular glow come and vanish that it must have been mistaken by the
+sentinels for a part of the lightning display, for it caused no alarm;
+but the turning of the escape steam into the paddle-box had allowed the
+soot to get dry, and they flamed up a second time. Though extinguished
+as promptly as before, the sentinels knew something was wrong and
+signalled to the batteries below that one of the boats of the enemy was
+approaching.
+
+It was useless to attempt concealment any longer. Walke ordered the
+engine ahead at full speed and ran close to the shore nearest the
+batteries, that their shot might pass over him. Aside from the enemy,
+this was dangerous work, for there was no telling into what obstruction
+the boat would dash. A man stood at the front with lead and line,
+quietly calling out in a guarded voice the soundings, which were
+repeated by a second man on deck, who forwarded the report aft to Walke,
+standing beside the pilot.
+
+All the time the rain was falling in torrents. Suddenly a dazzling gleam
+showed the pilot he was speeding straight for a shoal under the guns of
+the Confederate battery.
+
+"Hard aport!" commanded the captain, and the heavy craft barely missed
+the island, past which it shot at the highest speed. The lightning
+flashes helped the _Carondelet_ in more than one way. It not only gave
+the pilot the necessary knowledge to avoid running aground, but confused
+the Confederate gunners, who sent most of their shots over the boat,
+which was not struck once during its remarkable run down the
+Mississippi. Two shots had entered the barge at her side, but not a man
+was hurt. The boat was received with wild cheers by the expectant
+soldiers, who, while hoping for the best, feared the worst.
+
+It had been agreed between Walke and Captain Foote that in case the
+former was successful, he was to make it known by firing minute guns.
+The captain was listening intently, when through the rain and darkness
+the welcome signals reached his ears, and he thanked God that all had
+come out so well.
+
+Now that General Pope had received the transport for which he longed,
+Captain Foote breathed freely and prepared to give what help he could in
+the attack upon the rebel fortifications; but, to his surprise, Pope
+sent an urgent request that a second boat should be sent to him on the
+next night, adding that the success of the whole movement depended upon
+a compliance with this request.
+
+Foote replied that it would be as safe to run the batteries at midday as
+on a clear night; for a vessel had to pass not only seven batteries, but
+be kept "head on" to a battery of eleven guns, at the upper part of
+Island No. 10, and to pass within 300 yards of it. In deference to
+Pope's earnest request, Captain Foote consented to prepare another boat,
+but would not permit it to start until the night was favorable.
+
+The second night was similar to the one described, and Lieutenant
+Thompson, in charge of the _Pittsburg_, started down the river at two
+o'clock in the morning. Although exposed to the same fire as the
+_Carondelet_, he was equally fortunate, and ran the gauntlet with the
+same good fortune.
+
+The passage of these two ironclads sealed the fate of Island No. 10, for
+Pope could now cross the river, and, by taking position in the rear of
+the Confederate works, cut off the supplies of the garrison. The
+crossing was made and the enemy's batteries silenced. On the 8th the
+island was surrendered to Captain Foote and General Pope, including the
+garrison of 5,000 men.
+
+Captain Foote's next move was to Fort Pillow. All this time he was
+suffering so severely from the wound in his foot that it affected his
+spirits, usually buoyant and hopeful. Another disturbing cause was the
+continual interference of General Halleck, who prevented several
+movements that Foote knew must have resulted in important successes.
+
+His health continued to decline till finally the day came when he was
+compelled to ask for a leave of absence. He went to his brother's home
+in Cleveland, where his condition caused great solicitude throughout the
+country. Afflictions crowded upon him. He returned to his home, which
+was shadowed by the death of his bright boy at the age of fourteen
+years. A few months later two of his daughters died. How hollow sounded
+the praises of his countrymen when his head was bowed with such
+overwhelming sorrow! He had been made rear admiral, and, though still
+weak, was by his own request assigned to the command of the North
+Atlantic squadron. He went to New York to complete his preparations, but
+while there succumbed to his illness, and died at the Astor House, June
+26, 1863.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+A Man Devoid of Fear--William Barker Cushing--Some of His Exploits--The
+Blowing Up of the _Albemarle_--His Sad Death.
+
+
+If ever man lived who knew not the meaning of fear, he was William
+Barker Cushing, born in Wisconsin in 1842. He entered the Naval Academy
+in 1857, remained four years, received his appointment from the State of
+New York, but claiming Pennsylvania as his residence. He was wild and
+reckless, and resigned in March, 1861, when even his closest friends saw
+little hope of his success in life.
+
+Many heroes are referred to as fearless, but that man is reckoned brave
+who knows the full extent of the danger facing him, and yet does not
+hesitate to meet it; but Cushing was a youth who really seemed to love
+danger for its own sake, and never flinched while death was on every
+hand, but went unhesitatingly forward, when it would have been no
+reflection upon his courage had he turned about and run.
+
+The breaking out of the Civil War offered so fascinating a field for him
+that he could not resist the temptation. The Secretary of the Navy
+always had a tender spot in his heart for the daring fellow, and when
+Cushing promised that if he would give him a chance he would prove
+himself worthy of the Secretary's confidence, that official consented
+and attached him to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. At the very
+first opportunity Cushing displayed the wonderful personal intrepidity
+which was soon to make him the most famous naval officer of his age.
+
+In the expedition against Franklin, Va., in the autumn of the year, he
+was placed in command of the gunboat _Ellis_, and showed such skill and
+bravery that he was recommended by the acting admiral to the Navy
+Department. Some weeks later he steamed into New River Inlet, with the
+object of capturing Jacksonville and destroying the salt works. He was
+successful, secured three vessels and drove the enemy from two pieces of
+artillery with which they were firing on him at short range. All was
+going well, but while still close to the abandoned works Cushing's
+little steamer ran aground, and, despite every effort, he could not work
+her free.
+
+He saw it was useless to try to get the boat off. He therefore took
+everything out of her, excepting the pivot gun and ammunition, and,
+placing them on board one of the captured schooners, ordered the crew to
+leave. Knowing the enemy would soon return in overwhelming numbers, he
+asked for six volunteers to stay with him and fight with the single gun
+to the last. The response was prompt, for his daring spirit was
+infectious, and he instructed the others, in the event of him and his
+comrades being attacked, to make no attempt to help them.
+
+Just as he anticipated, the Confederates opened upon the doomed steamer
+at daylight, firing from so many different points that the defenders
+were helpless. As fast as the gun could be loaded, it was pointed here,
+there and everywhere, for, no matter in what direction it was aimed, it
+was pretty sure to hit some of the enemy; but a single gun against a
+score could accomplish nothing, and the lieutenant had to decide whether
+to remain, with the certainty of every man being shot to pieces, of
+surrendering, or of rowing in an open boat for more than a mile through
+the murderous fire. With scarcely a moment's hesitation, he resolved
+upon the last plan, which looked as suicidal as remaining on the
+steamer.
+
+The gun was loaded to the muzzle and trained upon the enemy, so as to go
+off when heated, the steamer set on fire in several places, and,
+dropping into the smaller boat, the men pulled with might and main for
+the schooner. Fortune favors the brave, and they reached it in safety,
+and soon after arrived at Beaufort.
+
+This exploit won for Cushing the commendation of the Navy Department
+for "his courage, coolness and gallantry."
+
+His restless spirit would not allow him to remain idle. He was
+continually engaging in some daring enterprise, in which it must not be
+supposed he displayed nothing more than headlong recklessness. That
+quality was supplemented by coolness and skill, without which he never
+could have attained the remarkable success that attended his career.
+
+Among the numerous achievements the following will serve as an
+illustration of the young man's disposition:
+
+Lieutenants Lamson and Cushing had command of a number of gunboats that
+were sent to the aid of General Peck, stationed at Norfolk. In the
+latter part of April it was learned that a Union boat had been decoyed
+ashore by the display of a white handkerchief and then fired upon. The
+angered Cushing asked for and received the privilege of retaliating for
+this treacherous act. In charge of seven boats, manned by ninety
+sailors, he set out and landed under the protection of the fire of the
+vessels. Leaving a part of his force to protect the boats, he started
+inland, taking a 12-pounder howitzer with him.
+
+His objective point was a village three miles away, where several
+hundred cavalry were stationed. Advancing boldly, he drove in the
+pickets, and coming across a span of mules hitched to a cart, he tied
+the rope of the howitzer to the rear, lashed the animals to a gallop and
+went clattering into the village to the loud shouts of "Forward, double
+quick!"
+
+Just as they entered the formidable body of cavalry were discerned,
+galloping down the street toward them, swinging their sabres and
+shouting at the top of their voices. In a twinkling the howitzer was
+unlimbered, and the charge of grape which was poured into the
+approaching horsemen was supplemented by a volley of musketry. The
+racket terrified the mules, which broke into a gallop, dragging the cart
+and ammunition after them, and never paused until they were among the
+ranks of the enemy. With a shout, Cushing was after them, followed by
+his men, and mules and ammunition were recovered in a twinkling. By this
+time the demoralized cavalry had fled, and Cushing, after retaining
+possession of the village until dusk, leisurely made his way back to the
+boats.
+
+The war having proven the immeasurable value of ironclads of the
+_Merrimac_ type, the Confederates strained every nerve to build them,
+often succeeding under the most trying conditions. One of the most
+formidable of these craft was the _Albemarle_, upon which work was
+begun early in 1863, at Edward's Ferry, several miles up the Roanoke
+River. Iron was so scarce that the country was scoured for miles in
+every direction for bolts, bars and metal. As stated by Maclay, the keel
+was laid in an open cornfield, and an ordinary blacksmith's outfit
+formed the plant for building; but the makers persevered and completed a
+craft 122 feet over all, with 45 feet beam and drawing 8 feet of water.
+The casemate was 60 feet long, constructed of massive timbers, covered
+with 4-inch planking, over which were placed two layers of 2-inch iron.
+The motive power was furnished by twin screws operated by engines of 200
+horse-power each. Her armament consisted of an Armstrong 100-pounder in
+the bow and another in the stern, the casemate being so pierced that the
+guns could be used at broadside or quarter.
+
+At midnight, April 19, 1864, the _Albemarle_ gave a proof of her
+prodigious power of destruction. On the preceding two days the
+Confederates had made a determined attack on Plymouth, held by the Union
+forces, and the ironclad now set out to render assistance. The wooden
+gunboats _Miami_ and _Southfield_ offered just the sort of targets the
+monster fancied. Under a full head of steam, the _Albemarle_ rammed her
+iron beak clean into the fire room of the _Southfield_. The latter was
+skewered upon the projection and began slowly sinking. The snout was so
+entangled with the _Southfield_ that the victim could not be shaken off,
+and as she sank she carried her foe with her. The bow of the ironclad
+dipped below the surface, and a most extraordinary and inglorious end
+seemed inevitable, when the _Southfield_ touched bottom, rolled over and
+freed itself from the bow of the ram, which popped up again.
+
+Meanwhile the _Miami_ was pounding the iron hide of the monster, which
+shed the missiles as the _Merrimac_ shed the broadsides from the
+_Cumberland_ and _Congress_. When only a few feet from the _Albemarle_,
+Lieutenant Flusser, standing directly behind a gun of the _Miami_, let
+fly with a heavy shell, which, striking the armor of the _Albemarle_,
+was shivered into a thousand fragments, most of which rebounding,
+instantly killed the officer and wounded a dozen men. The _Miami_
+retreated, and the next day Plymouth surrendered to the Confederates.
+
+In May, the _Albemarle_ steamed down into the Sound and attacked the
+Union gunboats, which made a heroic defence. The monster received
+broadside after broadside and was repeatedly rammed, but suffered no
+material damage, while she killed 4, wounded 25 and caused the scalding
+of 13, through piercing the boiler of one of her assailants.
+
+It will be seen that this ironclad had become a formidable menace to the
+Union arms, not only in the immediate neighborhood, but further north.
+It was the intention of her commander to clear out the fleets at the
+mouth of the river, and then make an excursion up the coast, somewhat
+like that which Secretary Stanton once believed the _Merrimac_ was about
+to undertake. General Grant was pressing his final campaign against
+Richmond, and the _Albemarle_ threatened to interfere with his plans,
+for if she made the diversion of which she was capable, she was likely
+to postpone indefinitely the wind up of the war.
+
+Ah, if some daring scheme could be perfected for destroying the
+_Albemarle_! What a feat it would be and how vast the good it would
+accomplish! There was one young officer in the American navy who
+believed the thing could be done, and he volunteered to undertake it.
+
+Well aware that the Unionists would neglect no means of blowing up the
+_Albemarle_, the Confederates used every possible precaution. At the
+wharf in Plymouth, where she was moored, a thousand soldiers were on
+guard, and her crew, consisting of sixty men, were alert and vigilant.
+To prevent the approach of a torpedo boat, the ram was surrounded by a
+boom of cypress logs, placed a considerable distance from the hull, and
+a double line of sentries was stationed along the river. What earthly
+chance was there under such conditions of any possible harm coming to
+her?
+
+The picket boat in which Lieutenant Cushing undertook to destroy the
+rebel ram was built at New York under his supervision, and taken to
+Norfolk by way of the canals, and thence to Albemarle Sound again by
+canal. He made his preparations with great care, and on the night of
+October 27, which was dark and stormy, he started in his picket boat. He
+was accompanied by eight men and the following officers: 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 Charles L. Steever and William Stotesbury.
+
+Cushing took in tow a small cutter, in which he intended to capture the
+Confederate guard, that was in a schooner anchored near the wrecked
+_Southfield_, and prevent their sending up an alarm rocket as a warning
+to the sentinels above of the approach of danger. He stationed himself
+at the stern, his plan being to land a little way below the ram and
+board her from the wharf. A sudden dash promised her capture by
+surprise, when she could be taken down stream. If this scheme could not
+be carried out, he intended to blow her up with a torpedo as she lay at
+the dock.
+
+The launch crept along the river bank as silently as an Indian canoe
+stealing into a hostile camp. The distance to be passed was fully eight
+miles, and the peril began almost from the moment of starting. The
+necessary commands were spoken in whispers, and the waiting men scarcely
+moved as they peered into the deep gloom and listened to the almost
+inaudible rippling of the water from the bow. Speed was reduced as they
+drew near Plymouth, in order to lessen the soft clanking of the engine
+or the motion of the screw.
+
+They were still a mile below Plymouth when the shadowy outlines of the
+wrecked _Southfield_ loomed dimly to view. The Confederates had raised
+her so that her hurricane deck was above the surface. Within a few yards
+of the wreck a schooner was anchored containing a guard of twenty men
+with a field piece and rocket, provided for precisely such danger as now
+drew near. But on this night, of all others, the sentinels were dozing,
+for had they been vigilant they must have seen the little craft whose
+crew saw theirs and were on the _qui vive_ to board on the instant of
+discovery.
+
+The good fortune encouraged all hands, and as the schooner and wreck
+melted into the darkness the launch swept around a bend in the river and
+caught the glimmer of the camp fires along the banks, partly
+extinguished by the falling rain. Still creeping cautiously on, the
+outlines of the prodigious ram gradually assumed form in the gloom. It
+looked as if the surprise would be complete, when a dog, more watchful
+than his masters, began barking. He had discovered the approaching
+danger, and the startled sentinels challenged, but no reply was made. A
+second challenge bringing no response, several muskets flashed in the
+night. Other dogs joined in barking, alarm rattles were sprung and wood
+flung upon the fires, which, flaring up, threw their illumination out on
+the river and revealed the launch and cutter. The hoarse commands of
+officers rang out, and the soldiers, springing from sleep, caught up
+their guns and rushed to quarters.
+
+Amid the fearful din and peril Cushing cut the tow line and ordered the
+cutter to hasten down the river and capture the guard near the
+_Southfield_. At the same moment he directed the launch to go ahead at
+full speed. He had changed his plan. Instead of landing he determined
+to blow up the ram. When close to it he learned for the first time of
+the cordon of logs which surrounded the _Albemarle_, but, believing they
+were slippery enough from remaining long in the water to be passed, he
+sheered off, made a sweep of a hundred yards and again charged under
+full steam for the obstruction.
+
+As he drew near the guards fired a volley which riddled Cushing's coat
+and tore off the sole of his shoe.
+
+At the same moment he heard the vicious snapping of the primers of the
+huge guns, which showed they had missed fire.
+
+"Leave the ram!" he shouted. "We're going to blow you up!"
+
+The Confederates, however, did not follow the advice and the launch
+fired her howitzer. Then she glided over the slimy logs and paused in
+front of the muzzle of a loaded cannon which could be almost reached
+with the outstretched hand. Still cool and self-possessed amid the
+horrible perils, Cushing stood erect, lowered the torpedo spar, shoved
+it under the overhang, waited a moment for it to rise until he felt it
+touch the bottom of the ram, when he gave a quick, strong pull on the
+trigger line. A muffled, thunderous explosion followed, an immense
+column of water rose in the air and the tremendous tipping of the
+_Albemarle_ showed she had received a mortal hurt.
+
+It was accomplished at the critical second, for the rifled gun, filled
+with 100 pounds of canister and pointed at the launch ten feet away, was
+immediately discharged. The careening of the ram deviated the aim just
+enough to prevent the crew from being blown to fragments, but confident
+that not a man could escape, the Confederates twice called upon their
+assailants to surrender, and several did so, but Cushing was not among
+them. With the same marvelous coolness he had displayed from the first
+he took off his coat and shoes, flung his sword and revolver aside and
+shouted:
+
+"Every man save himself!"
+
+Then he leaped into the water and began swimming with might and main
+down stream, the bullets skipping all about him, but he soon passed
+beyond sight and was still swimming when he heard a plashing near him.
+It was made by one of the acting master's mates, John Woodman, who was
+exhausted. Cushing helped him until he himself had hardly an ounce of
+strength left, when he was obliged to let go, and the poor fellow,
+calling good-by, sank from sight.
+
+When unable to struggle longer, Cushing let his feet drop and they
+touched bottom. He managed to reach land, where he sank down so worn
+out that he lay motionless until daylight. Then he crawled into a swamp,
+where he remained hidden until a friendly negro appeared, who extended
+every possible kindness to him. From him Cushing learned that the
+_Albemarle_ had been destroyed and was at the bottom of the river. It
+was thrilling news, and the following night, after he had thoroughly
+rested and been fed by his dusky friend, he moved down the river, found
+a skiff and in it made his way to the fleet, bringing the first news of
+the success of an exploit which it is safe to say has never been
+surpassed in the history of our navy. Even the captain of the
+_Albemarle_ declared that "a more gallant thing was not done during the
+war."
+
+While conceding to Lieutenant Hobson the full credit for his daring
+achievement in sinking the _Merrimac_ in the channel of Santiago harbor,
+on June 3, 1898, it was by no means the equal of that of Lieutenant
+Cushing, thirty-four years before.
+
+For his superb work Cushing received a vote of thanks from Congress and
+was promoted to the rank of lieutenant commander. He led a division of
+sailors in the second and what proved to be the successful attack upon
+Fort Fisher, in January, 1865. It was a desperate fight and none
+displayed more heroism than the young officer who had destroyed the
+_Albemarle_.
+
+Hon. J.T. Headley, the biographer of Cushing, in an article written
+immediately after the close of the Civil War, used these words: "Still a
+young man, he has a bright future before him, and if he lives will
+doubtless reach the highest rank in the navy. Bold, daring and
+self-collected under the most trying circumstances--equal to any
+emergency--never unbalanced by an unexpected contingency, he possesses
+those great qualities always found in a successful commander. No man in
+our navy, at his age, has ever won so brilliant a reputation, and it
+will be his own fault if it is not increased until he has no superior."
+
+And yet Commander Cushing's reputation was not increased nor was it
+through any fault of his own. It was not long after the war that his
+friends were pained to observe unmistakable signs of mental unsoundness
+in the young hero. These increased until his brain was all askew, and he
+died in an insane asylum in 1874.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+The Greatest of Naval Heroes--David Glasgow Farragut.
+
+
+David Glasgow Farragut was the greatest naval hero of modern times.
+There are many honored names connected with the American navy, but his
+towers above them all. The highest honors that his country could give
+were freely bestowed upon him and no one will deny that he earned them
+all.
+
+His father, although a native of Minorca, came to this country in 1776
+and lost no time in joining the ragged, starving patriots in their
+struggle for independence. His skill and gallantry won him the rank of
+major. When the war ended he settled on the western frontier, near
+Knoxville, Tenn., where at a place called Campbell's Station his son
+David was born in 1801. When only nine years old he was appointed
+midshipman under Captain David Porter, the heroic commander of the
+_Essex_. Captain Porter and Major Farragut were old friends, to which
+fact was due the privilege extended to a lad of such tender years.
+
+In the sketch of Captain Porter the reader will recall the incident in
+which young Farragut learned of the conspiracy among the 500 prisoners
+on board the _Essex_, and, by giving his commander warning, prevented
+the capture of the ship by the savage plotters.
+
+The boy was on the _Essex_ when, disabled and helpless, she was pounded
+into a surrender by two British ships while in the harbor of Valparaiso,
+in January, 1814. It was one of the most sanguinary battles of the war,
+when the decks ran with blood and the dead and dying were stretched on
+every hand. Amid the terrible carnage the boy Farragut conducted himself
+with such coolness and bravery that he was specially complimented by
+Captain Porter in his report. Although wounded, he stood unflinchingly
+to his guns, winning the admiration of the grim heroes around him and
+demonstrating the wonderful qualities which later were to raise him to
+the position of the foremost naval hero of the age.
+
+Peace came, and, although Farragut was in continual service, promotion
+was slow. He became lieutenant in 1825, commander in 1841 and captain in
+1851. His first wife, whom he married in Norfolk, became an invalid and
+did not live long. His second wife was also a native of Norfolk. Thus he
+was not only a Southerner himself, but his wife was a native of that
+section. When, therefore, civil war came and it became fashionable for
+people to express secession sentiments, it was taken for granted that
+Farragut would cast his fortunes with the South; but upon being
+approached he indignantly replied: "I would see every man of you damned
+before I would raise my hand against that flag!" Being told that it
+would be unsafe for him to remain in the South, he added that he wanted
+only two hours to find another place of residence. He moved away at once
+and with his wife and only son took up his home on the Hudson near
+Tarrytown.
+
+[Illustration: COMMODORE DAVID GLASGOW FARRAGUT.]
+
+Being a stranger in that neighborhood, he was regarded with suspicion.
+He was fond of taking long walks, and it is said that some of the people
+suspected that he belonged to a gang of plotters who intended to cut the
+Croton Aqueduct, but the quiet man was simply awaiting the summons of
+his country to serve her in any capacity possible.
+
+The call came in the spring of 1861, when he was about threescore years
+old. His duty was that of serving on the board appointed by Congress to
+retire superannuated officers from the active service. This duty
+completed, he was appointed to the command of the expedition organized
+for the capture of New Orleans. He sailed from Hampton Roads on the 3d
+of February, 1862, in the flagship _Hartford_ and arrived seventeen
+days later at Ship Island, the place of rendezvous. There he set to work
+to make his arrangements for the great task which was wholly different
+from any that had ever engaged his attention. But how well he completed
+this grand work, he being the real supervisor and superintendent, has
+been referred to in a previous chapter and is told in every history of
+our country.
+
+[Illustration: CAPTURE OF NEW ORLEANS--ATTACK ON FORT PHILIP.]
+
+The skill and courage displayed by Farragut in the capture of New
+Orleans attracted national attention and added greatly to his
+reputation. In the latter part of June he ran the batteries of
+Vicksburg, but notified the Government that though he could go up and
+down the river as he chose and silence the batteries when he pleased, no
+substantial good would result unless a land force of ten or twelve
+thousand men attacked the town from the rear. It was this plan which
+brought about the capture of Vicksburg by General Grant and the opening
+of the Mississippi River. Farragut, who had been made rear admiral,
+afforded great aid in taking Port Hudson and cleaning out all rebel
+fortifications along the Father of Waters.
+
+This immense work having been accomplished, the Government now gave its
+attention to Mobile, another of the Confederate strongholds in the
+South. The campaign arranged was to attack it with a land force under
+the command of Generals Canby and Granger and a naval force under
+Farragut. In January, 1864, he made a reconnaissance of Mobile Bay and
+informed the Government that if it would supply him with a slight
+additional force he would attack and capture it at once. He knew that
+the defences were being strengthened every day and repeatedly urged that
+he be furnished with the means of making an immediate assault. But the
+ill-advised and disastrous expedition of Banks up the Red River took
+away the available troops and the appeal of Farragut remained unheeded
+until the summer was well advanced.
+
+By that time the defences of Mobile were well nigh impregnable. Fort
+Gaines, on Dauphin Island, had a garrison of 864 men and mounted three
+10-inch columbiads, four 32-pounder rifled guns and twenty smoothbore
+guns of 32, 24 and 18-pound calibres. The principal pass to Mississippi
+Sound was commanded by Fort Powell, with one mounted 10-inch gun, one
+8-inch columbiad and four rifled guns. The main fortification was Fort
+Morgan, whose heavy guns were placed in three tiers. It mounted seven
+10-inch, three 8-inch and twenty-two 32-pounder smoothbore guns and two
+8-inch, two 6.5-inch and four 5.82-inch rifled guns. The exterior
+batteries were also heavily armed and the garrison numbered 640 men.
+The bay was filled with skilfully placed torpedoes, some of them of
+stupendous size and power and sufficient, it would seem, if properly
+handled, to destroy all the navies of the world.
+
+All arrangements being completed, the signal for the advance was hoisted
+at daylight, August 5, 1864. The Union fleet consisted of 21 wooden
+vessels and 6 ironclads. The wooden vessels sailed in pairs, the larger
+on the starboard, so that if either was disabled the other could carry
+it along. Farragut's intention was to lead with the flagship _Hartford_,
+but he reluctantly allowed the _Brooklyn_ to take that post, since she
+carried four chase guns to the _Hartford's_ one and was provided with an
+ingenious apparatus for picking up torpedoes. It was contended further
+that the flagship would be the special target of the enemy, a fact that
+was likely to cripple her and prevent the employment of the
+all-important signals. The last argument bore no weight with Farragut,
+who replied that she would be the chief target anyway, no matter what
+the position, and exposure to fire was one of the penalties of rank in
+the navy. The monitors were to advance in single file, slightly in
+advance of the wooden ships, the _Tecumseh_, Commander Tunis A.M.
+Craven, in the lead.
+
+[Illustration: IN MOBILE BAY.]
+
+In this order the slow advance was begun and at a few minutes past
+seven the _Tecumseh_ fired the first gun. The forts waited twenty
+minutes when they replied, and the _Brooklyn_ responded with two
+100-pounder Parrot rifles. Under the protection of Fort Morgan nestled
+the Confederate rams and ironclads, which directed their fire
+principally at the wooden vessels. The great battle was opened.
+
+The enemy's gunboats and the ram _Tennessee_ moved out from behind the
+fort and continued firing at the wooden boats, giving principal
+attention, as was expected, to the flagship, which was struck several
+times. She soon began returning the fire, still advancing, and
+repeatedly drove the gunners from the water batteries, but they
+immediately returned and kept bravely at work.
+
+Smokeless powder was unknown in those days, and, as the vapor enfolded
+the ships, Farragut kept stepping up the rigging almost unconsciously
+until he was so high that he was clinging to the futtock shrouds. He had
+his spyglass in one hand and kept raising it to his eyes. Captain
+Percival Drayton had been closely watching the Admiral and now became
+alarmed, lest some damage to the ropes should cause him to fall
+overboard. He told Signal Quartermaster Knowles to climb the rigging and
+secure Farragut to the shrouds. He obeyed and passed a lead line to one
+of the forward shrouds and then drew it around the Admiral to the after
+shroud and made it fast. Feeling the faithful officer at work, the
+Admiral looked down kindly at him and said: "Never mind me, I am all
+right." But Knowles persisted and did not descend until he had completed
+his work.
+
+By and by the increasing smoke made it necessary for the commander to
+ascend still higher, in order to maintain a clear view of the battle. He
+untied the fastenings, and, climbing to the futtock shrouds, passed the
+rope once more around his body several times and tied the end to the
+rigging. The picture of Admiral Farragut thus lashed to the rigging has
+been seen thousands of times in the histories of the Civil War.
+
+While in this perilous position he signalled for closer order. The
+bombardment of the fort was terrific and produced great effect.
+Commander Craven, with the _Tecumseh_, singled out the ram _Tennessee_,
+under the command of Admiral Franklin Buchanan, who had charge of the
+_Merrimac_ on the first day of her fight with the _Monitor_. Both were
+ironclads and Buchanan was as anxious to fight Craven as the latter was
+to fight him. Craven, fearing his adversary would retreat, pressed
+forward so eagerly that he paid no attention to the torpedoes over
+which his hull was continually scraping. One or more of these suddenly
+exploded, the front dipped and the _Tecumseh_ plunged bow foremost to
+the bottom of the bay, carrying with her 93 men out of a crew of 114.
+
+This appalling disaster was accompanied by a touching incident. When the
+_Tecumseh_ was diving downward Commander Craven and the pilot
+instinctively started for the opening through which only one man could
+pass at a time. They reached the foot of the ladder at the same moment.
+"You first," said Craven, halting. The pilot just succeeded in
+scrambling out, when the _Tecumseh_ went down, taking her heroic captain
+with her.
+
+The terrible occurrence was witnessed by friends and foes. A boat was
+quickly lowered from the _Metacomet_ and sent to the relief of the
+survivors. It passed within a hundred yards of Fort Morgan, which could
+have easily blown it out of the water. But General Page, the Confederate
+commandant, knowing her errand, gave the order not to harm the boat,
+which was on its way to save drowning men. His soldiers broke into
+cheers, but he sternly stopped them, with the advice to wait till the
+_Hartford_ was sunk. The boat picked up ten men and officers, while four
+swam to the beach and were made prisoners.
+
+When the lull was over Farragut headed his ship for the fort,
+signalling to the remainder of the fleet, which followed close after
+him. When warned of the torpedoes the wrathful Admiral came near adding
+a little profanity to his contemptuous opinion of them as he passed on.
+Wheeling, he launched his whole broadside at the fort, then delivered a
+second at the _Tennessee_ and headed for the gunboats _Selma_, _Gaines_
+and _Morgan_, all of which were raking him. Casting off his consort, the
+_Metacomet_, he sent her after the _Selma_, and, after a hot chase, she
+captured her. The other two took to shallow water under the guns of the
+fort.
+
+The ships, having passed the latter, were about to anchor when the
+_Tennessee_ was perceived coming straight for the fleet, with the
+intention of attacking it. Farragut signalled to the vessels to run her
+down and ordered the pilot of the _Hartford_ to drive her with full
+speed at the ironclad. The _Monongahela_ was the first to reach the
+monster, struck her fairly, and, swinging around, let fly with a
+broadside of 11-inch shot, which dropped harmlessly from her mailed
+side. Undaunted, the _Monongahela_ rammed her again, though she received
+ten times as much damage as she inflicted. The _Lackawanna_ passed
+through a somewhat similar experience but a gunner drove a 9-inch shell
+into one of the shutters, which was shattered and forced within the
+casemate. The crews were so close that they taunted each other through
+the portholes and even hurled missiles across the brief intervening
+space.
+
+At this juncture the _Hartford_ arrived, charging full speed upon the
+ram, which so shifted its position that the blow was a glancing one.
+Recoiling, the flagship delivered its most tremendous broadside, doing
+no harm, while the _Hartford_ itself was pierced again and again by the
+exploding shells which strewed her deck with dead and dying. Nothing
+daunted, Farragut prepared to ram once more, when his ship was badly
+injured by an accidental blow from the _Lackawanna_. But Farragut,
+seeing that she still floated, called for a full head of steam that he
+might deliver a blow that was likely to send his own ship to the bottom.
+
+By this time the slower going monitors had arrived and were getting in
+their fine work. The _Tennessee's_ smokestack was shot away, her stern
+port shutter was disabled, making the gun useless, while her steering
+chains were smashed. Like a stag beset by a pack of hounds, she was
+brought to her knees. The white flag was raised, and the sorely battered
+_Tennessee_ became the captive of the Union fleet. The forts were
+passed and the victory of Mobile Bay was secure.
+
+[Illustration: BURNSIDE'S EXPEDITION CROSSING HATTERAS BAR (1862).]
+
+But it had cost dearly. In addition to the men lost on the _Tecumseh_,
+there had been 25 killed and 28 wounded on the _Hartford_, 11 killed and
+43 wounded on the _Brooklyn_, the total of all, including those lost on
+the _Tecumseh_, being 145 killed and 170 wounded. The Confederate loss
+was 12 killed, 20 wounded and 280 prisoners.
+
+Fort Powell was subjected to a severe bombardment that afternoon and on
+the following night was abandoned and blown up. Fire being opened on
+Fort Gaines, it also surrendered. Fort Morgan, the only fort in the
+possession of the enemy, surrendered August 23, before an attack of the
+navy and the land forces under General Granger from New Orleans.
+
+Soon after this splendid victory Admiral Farragut went North, where he
+was received with all possible honors. The war ending soon after, his
+inestimable services came to a close. That no reward might be lacking,
+the office of vice-admiral was specially created for him in December,
+1864, and that of admiral in 1866. He died in 1870.
+
+
+
+
+THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+The Movement Against Cuba--The Destruction of Cervera's Fleet--Admiral
+Sampson--Admiral Schley--"Fighting Bob" Evans--Commodore John C.
+Watson--Commodore John W. Philip--Lieutenant Commander Richard
+Wainwright.
+
+
+Since the war with Spain was undertaken for the liberation of Cuba from
+the most frightful atrocities that mind can conceive, it was natural
+that the chief attention of our Government should be directed to the
+expulsion of the Spaniards from that island. Neither the Ladrones nor
+Philippines entered into the question; but, inasmuch as they were
+valuable possessions of Spain, their conquest was a natural and
+effective blow against the nation with which we were at war.
+
+In view of what subsequently occurred, we can smile at the general
+uneasiness and fear which prevailed in this country at the opening of
+hostilities regarding the fleets of Spain. She was known to have a
+formidable navy and a great many believed it was superior to our own.
+There was no telling where it would strike the first blow. Boston, New
+York, Philadelphia, Washington and other seaboard cities made powerful
+preparations against the dread fleet, which in truth was no more to be
+feared than the ferryboats on the North River, and yet but for the
+preparations referred to it is more than probable we should have
+suffered.
+
+The most formidable fleet was under the command of Admiral Cervera. Our
+own squadrons were engaged for weeks in hunting for it, and it was
+reported in a dozen different places. Finally it was learned that it had
+taken refuge in the harbor of Santiago, the city of that name being
+besieged by the land forces under General Shafter. Immediately the
+American fleet of Admiral Sampson blockaded the ships of the enemy,
+determined to hold it powerless inside the broad harbor, for it
+followed, as a matter of course, that so long as it was bottled up there
+it could do nothing to help Spain.
+
+No one could know his weakness better than the Spanish Admiral. He had
+fine ships and fine guns, but his crews were undisciplined. They were
+wretched marksmen and in no respect to be compared with our gunners, who
+demonstrated in the War of 1812 that they have no equals in the whole
+world. Knowing all this, Admiral Cervera was loth to venture out of
+the harbor of Santiago, and the days and weeks passed in idleness while
+the monotonous blockade continued.
+
+[Illustration: ADMIRAL CERVERA.]
+
+It was the fear that the Spanish ships would make a dash on some dark,
+stormy night and escape that led to one of the most striking and
+brilliant exploits of the war. That is the sinking of the collier
+_Merrimac_ in the channel of the harbor by Lieutenant Richmond Pearson
+Hobson, on the night of June 3. That the effort was not wholly
+successful does not detract from the glory of the brave men who went
+unflinchingly to what looked like almost certain death.
+
+The companions of Lieutenant Hobson in this remarkable achievement were
+Osborn Deignan, George F. Phillips, Francis Kelly, George Charette,
+Daniel Montague, J.C. Murphy and Randolph Clausen. The last named was
+not one of the original six chosen, but he had been at work on the
+_Merrimac_ preparing her for the attempt and hid himself away on the
+lumbersome craft and they were obliged to take him.
+
+As soon as the Spaniards discovered the approach of the _Merrimac_, in
+the darkness, they opened upon her with their batteries from both
+shores, and she was subjected to a fire which it would seem must riddle
+her like a sieve and kill every man. But under the direction of the
+cool-headed and daring Lieutenant the collier was swung into the right
+position, and, but for the shooting away of the rudder, would have been
+sunk directly across the channel, which would have been effectively
+blocked. The position of the wreck as a consequence was diagonal and
+left the passage partly open.
+
+[Illustration: LIEUTENANT RICHMOND PEARSON HOBSON.]
+
+Having accomplished as nearly as possible the perilous task the brave
+party were obliged to remain clinging to a raft until morning, when the
+Spaniards discovered and made them prisoners. Admiral Cervera himself
+helped to take Hobson out of the water and was so filled with admiration
+of the extraordinary daring of himself and companions that he sent a
+flag of truce to Admiral Sampson with the welcome news that all the men
+were safe in his hands. They were confined first in Morro Castle and
+later in the city of Santiago. They were treated with the respect their
+heroism deserved and on July 6 were exchanged for a number of prisoners
+held by our forces.
+
+[Illustration: ADMIRAL WILLIAM T. SAMPSON.]
+
+Just one month after this exploit, that is on the morning of July 3,
+1898, Admiral Cervera attempted to escape from the harbor of Santiago.
+The smoke of his vessels was discerned over the hills, and the watchful
+ships outside signalled the fact to the other members of the squadron. A
+few minutes later the bow of one of the Spanish steamers came into sight
+from behind the Estrella Battery. The _Brooklyn_, _Iowa_ and _Oregon_,
+some two and a half miles distant, crowded on all steam and headed for
+the harbor. The first Spanish cruiser to show itself was the _Infanta
+Maria Teresa_, followed by the _Vizcaya_, the _Almirante Oquendo_ and
+the _Cristobal Colon_, with the torpedo boats _Pluton_ and _Furor_
+bringing up the rear. The _Infanta Maria Teresa_, leading the
+procession, was the flagship of Admiral Cervera. He sent a shell toward
+the American vessels, but, in accordance with the rule, it went wide of
+the mark. The _Texas_ opened with her big guns and her companions
+quickly joined in the thunderous chorus.
+
+No sooner were the Spanish ships clear of the harbor than they turned
+westward and strained every nerve to escape, firing at their pursuers,
+who were equally determined to overtake or destroy them. The _Brooklyn_,
+further away from shore, changed her course so as to follow a parallel
+direction, and, as soon as she attained a fair range, opened a
+tremendous and well directed fire. The _Texas_, whose course was
+somewhat diagonal, singled out the _Vizcaya_, and, unable to outspeed
+her, pounded her savagely with her shells.
+
+[Illustration: CAPTAIN JOHN PHILIP, OF THE "TEXAS."]
+
+Every movement of the splendid battleship was directed by her Captain,
+John W. Philip. The _Texas_ was struck several times, but did not
+receive any material damage, while she wrought frightful havoc on the
+_Vizcaya_.
+
+The _Oregon_, the finest ship in our navy, which had come more than
+14,000 miles from the Pacific coast, was ploughing forward under forced
+draught, and, with a tremendous burst of speed, shot past the _Texas_
+and drew up on the _Brooklyn_ in the effort to head off the leading
+fugitive, while the _Iowa_ was doing her utmost to maintain her killing
+pace and was firing her great guns with splendid precision. Suddenly the
+_Vizcaya_ broke into flames and headed for shore. Knowing that she was
+doomed, the _Brooklyn_ and _Oregon_ gave her a few parting shots and
+kept up their furious pursuit of the _Almirante Oquendo_ and the
+_Cristobal Colon_.
+
+Just then the torpedo boat destroyers _Pluton_ and _Furor_ were
+discovered speeding also to the westward. Lieutenant Commander Richard
+Wainwright, who was an officer on the _Maine_ when she was destroyed,
+was now in command of the auxiliary cruiser _Gloucester_, and, without
+hesitation, he dashed after the destroyers, though for a part of the
+time he received the fire of Morro Castle, the _Vizcaya_ and both of the
+dangerous craft he was chasing. But the _Gloucester_ seemed to bear a
+charmed life, or, more truthfully speaking, the Spanish gunners didn't
+know how to shoot.
+
+Unfortunately for Admiral Sampson, he had gone some miles away to hold a
+conference with General Shafter when the Spanish fleet made its attempt
+to escape, but he now came up with the _New York_, eagerly rushing
+forward to bear a hand in the fight. The _Pluton_ and _Furor_ fled
+before her, while the _Indiana_ shelled the first destroyer so
+mercilessly that she turned and headed for the mouth of the harbor,
+several miles distant. The vigilant _Gloucester_ joined the _Indiana_
+and one of the destroyers displayed a flag of truce. She was ablaze from
+bow to stern and her crew ran her ashore, where she blew up. The second
+was also beached and deserted by her crew. Meanwhile the _Vizcaya_ ran
+up the white flag and the _Texas_ stopped firing. She, like the _Infanta
+Maria Teresa_, was on fire and her crews could do nothing but take to
+the shore in the desperate effort to save themselves.
+
+The _Almirante Oquendo_ and the _Colon_ were still fleeing for life,
+with the _Iowa, Oregon, Brooklyn_ and _Texas_ hard after them. Suddenly
+the _Almirante Oquendo_ turned toward shore. The _Brooklyn_ and _Oregon_
+kept after the _Cristobal Colon_, leaving the _Texas_ to dispose of the
+_Almirante Oquendo_. But the latter was in flames and the flag at her
+stern was pulled down. The _Texas_ was approaching when the Spanish ship
+was torn by a tremendous explosion. The Americans broke into cheers.
+Captain Philip threw up his hand and called:
+
+"Don't cheer, boys; the poor fellows are dying!"
+
+It was chivalrous and thoughtful on the part of the American commander
+and will never be forgotten.
+
+The _Cristobal Colon_ steamed along the coast with the speed of a race
+horse, but the _Brooklyn_, _Texas_ and _Oregon_ seemed to feel the prick
+of the spur and ran as never before and as their captains did not
+believe them capable of doing. The _Brooklyn_ gradually drew ahead and
+the Spaniard, seeing that escape was out of the question, hauled down
+his flag. Thus the victory became complete.
+
+The news was just in time to help in the universal rejoicing and
+celebration of the Fourth of July. The Spanish fleet on the other side
+of the globe had been destroyed and now the second fleet was wiped out.
+In the former instance not a life was lost and in the latter only one
+man was killed on our side, while the loss of the enemy was severe.
+Never was a more decisive victory gained by one nation over another in
+the whole history of the world.
+
+All my readers are familiar with the events that immediately followed,
+but perhaps they would like to know something concerning the naval
+heroes who did so much to contribute to the grand naval victory off
+Santiago.
+
+William T. Sampson was born in Palmyra, N.Y., February 9, 1840. He was
+the son of an ordinary day laborer and had few early educational
+advantages, but he was appointed to the Naval Academy and was graduated
+at the head of his class. He was on the frigate _Potomac_, with the rank
+of master, when the war broke out, but was too young to secure a command
+during the war. He became a lieutenant in July, 1862, and served with
+that rank on the practice ship _John Adams_ at the Naval Academy and on
+the ironclad _Patapsco_. On January 15, 1865, the _Patapsco_ attempted
+to force an entrance into the harbor of Charleston, which was one
+network of mines. Sampson exposed himself fearlessly and the ship met
+with a fearful disaster by being blown up by a submarine mine. Seventy
+went down to death as did those on the _Maine_, while Sampson and more
+than a score of others, after being blown a hundred feet through the
+air, saved themselves by swimming until they were picked up. Sampson was
+commissioned as lieutenant commander in 1866, was at the Naval Academy
+from 1868 to 1871, cruised for two years in European waters and first
+commanded the _Alert_ in 1874. Appointed to the superintendency of the
+Naval Academy in 1888, he held the situation for four years.
+
+With the construction of the new navy, Sampson commanded in turn two
+modern ships, the cruiser _San Francisco_ and the battleship _Iowa_. He
+was a close student of ordnance matters, gave special attention to
+torpedo work and was chief of the Bureau of Naval Ordnance from 1893 to
+1897. There can be no question of his fine ability nor that, had the
+opportunity presented, Rear Admiral Sampson, as he had become, would
+have proven himself among the foremost officers in our navy. It was a
+great personal misfortune that he happened to be absent from the front
+of Santiago when the Spanish fleet made its venture, but it must not be
+forgotten that, in anticipation of such action, he had planned the
+battle that was fought by the American ships.
+
+[Illustration: VIEW OF CHARLESTON HARBOR, SHOWING THE SUNKEN VESSELS.]
+
+Winfield Scott Schley was born in Frederick, Md., October 9, 1839, and
+was graduated from the Naval Academy at the beginning of the Civil War.
+After brief service on the storeship _Potomac_ he was promoted to master
+in 1861, and served on the _Winona_, of the West Gulf blockading
+squadron, 1862-63. He there gained a taste of real war and performed a
+number of exploits which proved his coolness and daring. He received
+honorable mention for his services in the engagements which led to the
+capture of Port Hudson. He was commissioned lieutenant in July, 1862,
+and was executive officer of the _Wateree_ from 1864 to 1865, having
+been made lieutenant commander in July, 1866, after which he spent three
+years again at the Naval Academy, serving as instructor of modern
+languages.
+
+Admiral Schley has done brilliant service outside of what is generally
+considered the routine duty of his profession. When he was in Eastern
+waters in 1864 he landed 100 men, who protected the American consulate
+when threatened during a native insurrection among the natives of the
+Chin-Chi Islands. His most famous exploit was the rescue of the Greely
+Arctic expedition. In 1881 Lieutenant Adolphus W. Greely commanded an
+expedition of twenty-five men, which established an observation station
+at the farthest point in the polar regions then attained. The
+expedition, when in a starving condition and with only seven men alive,
+was rescued at Cape Sabine, Grinnell Land, in 1884 by Captain Schley. He
+was rewarded for this service by a gold medal from Congress and promoted
+by President Arthur to chief of the Bureau of Equipment and made captain
+in 1888.
+
+[Illustration: COMMODORE WINFIELD SCOTT SCHLEY.]
+
+After resigning this position Captain Schley commanded the cruiser
+_Baltimore_, which bore the remains of Ericsson, the great Swedish
+inventor, to his native land, whose king presented Schley with a gold
+medal in recognition of this service. He won the commendation of the
+Navy Department for his tactful success in settling threatened trouble
+over the stoning of a number of American sailors from the _Baltimore_ by
+a party of Chilians at Valparaiso. Commodore Schley is a fine tactician,
+possesses a winning personality and his work with the _Brooklyn,_ off
+Santiago, on July 3, was neither more nor less than his friends expected
+of him.
+
+Robley D. Evans, known everywhere as "Fighting Bob," was born in
+Virginia in 1846. When his father died he made his home with his uncle
+in Washington, D.C., where he attended Gonzaga College. In 1859 a
+Congressional Representative from Utah appointed him to the Naval
+Academy. It was necessary for the boy to take up a nominal residence in
+that distant territory, and on the journey thither and back he
+encountered many personal dangers through all of which he conducted
+himself with the pluck and bravery which afterward distinguished him in
+the service of his country. He entered the academy in 1860 and upon his
+graduation became a midshipman and ensign, first on the frigate
+_Powhatan_, and before he had attained his majority took part in the
+desperate assault on Fort Fisher. He was stretched on the ground,
+dreadfully wounded and with so many dead men piled upon him that he
+barely escaped suffocation. He was wounded twice in the body and shot
+through both legs. It seemed scarcely possible for him to live, and he
+lay in the hospital for months. But when a surgeon prepared to amputate
+one of his legs Evans, who had managed to procure a revolver, warned him
+that upon his first attempt to do so he would shoot him. The leg was
+saved, but Evans was lamed for life.
+
+[Illustration: CAPTAIN ROBLEY D. EVANS, OF THE "IOWA."]
+
+As soon as he was able to get about he applied for active service and
+his application was granted. He was engaged in various duties and in
+October, 1891, he arrived in command of the _Yorktown_ at Valparaiso,
+directly after the attack of a mob of Chilians upon the sailors of the
+_Baltimore_. When some of the refugees fled for safety to the _Yorktown_
+and the Chilians demanded their surrender "Fighting Bob" replied that he
+would defend them until the _Yorktown_ went to the bottom. Some time
+later the captain's launch was stoned, for the Chilians hated the
+Americans as intensely as did the Spaniards. Captain Evans placed a
+rapid fire gun in the bow of the launch, filled her with armed men and
+went ashore. Hunting out the authorities, he notified them that if any
+more stones were thrown at his launch he would make life a burden for
+every Chilian within reach of the Yorktown's guns. The launch was not
+stoned again.
+
+It is a mistaken though general impression of "Fighting Bob" that he is
+simply a headlong and reckless fighter. Such is far from being the case,
+for he is deliberate, thoughtful and tactful. He is a fine scholar,
+possesses a thorough knowledge of international law and is simply
+resolute in protecting the rights of himself and countrymen. This was
+proven by his conduct when in charge of the American fleet in the Bering
+Sea, placed there to prevent the illegal killing of seals. There was a
+good deal of friction at that time between this country and England and
+had Captain Evans been the reckless "scrapper" that many supposed he
+could not have failed to involve us in trouble with that country. There
+was not a word of censure upon his course. Out of 108 vessels engaged in
+the illegal trade he captured 98 and of the several hundred seals
+unlawfully killed he captured every one. Like all the other officers and
+sailors who took part in the destruction of Cervera's fleet, he was
+energetic, skilful, brave and chivalrous, for when Captain Eulate, of
+the captured _Vizcaya_, offered his sword to the Captain of the _Iowa_
+that gentleman kindly waved him back and told him to keep the weapon he
+had used so well.
+
+Captain Evans does not like the name "Fighting Bob", for he feels he has
+no more claim to the distinction than the rest of his associates. Many
+of the stories told of his roughness of speech and profanity are not
+true, though it cannot be denied that he has a habit of expressing
+himself very vigorously when his feelings are stirred. By his own
+request, Captain Evans was relieved, September 15, 1898, of the command
+of the _Iowa_, he having served more than his regular term of sea
+service. At present he is a member of the Board of Inspection and
+Survey.
+
+John C. Watson was born in Frankfort, Ky., August 24, 1842, and is a
+member of one of the leading families of the State. He entered the Naval
+Academy at the age of fourteen and was graduated near the head of his
+class in June, 1860. He was a midshipman on the _Susquehanna_ in Europe,
+at the breaking out of the war, and was made master in August, 1861.
+
+It is proof of the worth of the man that he was assigned as navigator of
+the flagship _Hartford_, commanded by the lion-hearted Farragut. He
+became lieutenant in June, 1862, and flag lieutenant to Farragut in
+January, 1864.
+
+The reader of these pages has learned something of the great battles of
+New Orleans, Mobile Bay, Vicksburg and Port Hudson. Watson took part in
+all of them and none acquitted himself better. In a letter to his son,
+Admiral Farragut wrote: "I am almost as fond of Watson as I am of your
+own dear self." In his report of the battle of Mobile Bay, where Watson
+was wounded, Farragut wrote: "Lieutenant Watson has been brought to your
+attention in former times. He was on the poop attending to the signals
+and performed his duty, as might be expected, thoroughly. He is a scion
+worthy of the noble stock he springs from, and I commend him to your
+attention."
+
+A squadron of invincible power was made up for Watson in the summer of
+1898, with which it was intended Commodore Watson should pay a hostile
+visit to the coast of Spain. But for the signing of the peace protocol,
+that visit under its gallant and distinguished commander would have
+proved one that the decrepit monarchy would remember to the end of time.
+
+Captain John W. Philip, promoted to the rank of commodore for his superb
+work with the _Texas_ off Santiago, is brave, modest, devout and fond of
+practical joking. He is genial, exceedingly popular with his associates
+and men and one of the finest officers in the navy. The little incident
+well illustrates his character, when, in the midst of the wild rejoicing
+of his men over the destruction of the Spanish fleet, he checked them
+with the words: "Don't cheer, boys; the poor fellows are dying!"
+
+Lieutenant Commander Richard Wainwright performed an unequalled exploit
+when in command of the _Gloucester_, formerly the yacht _Corsair_, he
+wiped out the two torpedo boat destroyers _Pluton_ and _Furor_. At the
+time of that exploit he was only forty-eight years old and the youngest
+man of his grade in the navy. He is a fine officer and is a son of the
+late Commodore Wainwright, who died in the service of his country during
+the Civil War. Like many of our naval heroes, he seems to inherit his
+fine fighting qualities, though it would not be far from the truth to
+say that such is the rightful heritage of every American soldier and
+sailor.
+
+[THE END.]
+
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++------------------------------++--------------------------+
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+| _of_             ||     Homestead on the Hillside,  |
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+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Dewey and Other Naval Commanders
+by Edward S. Ellis
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