“Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That the President of the United States be requested to present to Captain Thomas Truxtun a gold medal (seePlate IX.,) emblematical of the late action between the United States frigate Constellation, of thirty-eight guns, and the French ship-of-war La Vengeance, of fifty-four guns, in testimony of the high sense entertained by Congress of his gallantry and good conduct in the above engagement, wherein an example was exhibited by the captain, officers, sailors, and marines, honorable to the American name, and instructive to its rising navy.”Theodore Sedgwick,Speaker of the House of Representatives.Thomas Jefferson,Vice President of the United States.John Adams,President of the United States.Approved, March 29th, 1800.
“Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That the President of the United States be requested to present to Captain Thomas Truxtun a gold medal (seePlate IX.,) emblematical of the late action between the United States frigate Constellation, of thirty-eight guns, and the French ship-of-war La Vengeance, of fifty-four guns, in testimony of the high sense entertained by Congress of his gallantry and good conduct in the above engagement, wherein an example was exhibited by the captain, officers, sailors, and marines, honorable to the American name, and instructive to its rising navy.”
Theodore Sedgwick,Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Thomas Jefferson,Vice President of the United States.
John Adams,President of the United States.
Approved, March 29th, 1800.
Captain Truxtun still continued to serve his country with all the ardor of his temperament, and devoted all the energies of his character to the promotion of her glory. In the beginning of 1802, he was ordered to take the command of a squadrondestined for the Mediterranean; he immediately proceeded to Norfolk, where the frigate Chesapeake then was, and made every preparation for the duty assigned to him.
It appears that it was customary in the navy for commanding officers of squadrons, to have assigned to them during their command, an officer who, being entrusted with the charge of the flag ship, could relieve the commander-in-chief of this trust, and thereby enable him to have more leisure to devote to the important duties of his station. This additional officer was deemed necessary by Captain Truxtun, and claimed by him of the secretary of the navy. A correspondence ensued, the sequel of which was that Captain Truxtun wrote to the secretary, informing him that “the task for the intended service would be too severe without some aid, and if that aid could not be rendered, he must beg leave to quit the service,” (meaning the intended service in the Mediterranean.) In the conclusion of his letter, after recommending some particular business to be attended to, he observes “if I do not proceed on the expedition.”
Contrary to his intentions and to his just expectations, Robert Smith, then secretary of the navy under the administration of Thomas Jefferson, chose to construe this letter into a resignation of his commission as a captain in the navy; and notwithstanding every honorable effort that was then made to restore him to his just rights, the administration of that day sacrificed at one blow the man who had shed such lustre upon the infant navy of our country, but who had the misfortune to belong to a different political school from those who then wielded the destinies of America.
Thus at the early age of forty-seven years, in the prime of manhood, at a period when his former life gave promise of much future usefulness, after many years’ devotion to the navy in which he fondly hoped to close his existence, was the subject of this memoir suddenly cut short in that career in whichhe had won unfading laurels, both for his country and himself.
He immediately retired to his farm, and like another Cincinnatus, sought in the enjoyment of domestic happiness a solace to the injustice he had met in public life. For many years he continued a citizen of New Jersey, but towards the latter part of his life, he was induced by the claims of his family, to resume his residence in Philadelphia, where his fellow-citizens welcomed his return in the most grateful manner, and as an appreciation of his services, spontaneously tendered him the important office of high sheriff of the city and county of Philadelphia, to which he was elected in the year 1816, by a very large majority. Soon after the expiration of his term of office in 1819, his health began to decline, until finally in May, 1822, he closed his earthly pilgrimage.
Commodore Truxtun has left several children, but neither of his sons now survives. The only grandchild bearing his name, is a midshipman in the navy. The same service also numbers three other grandsons, one of whom, Edward F. Beale, has recently proved, by his gallant conduct under Commodore Stockton, that he inherits the blood of his illustrious grandsire.
Occasion.—Capture of the French frigate La Vengeance.
Device.—Head of Captain Truxtun.
Legend.—Patriæ patris filio digno Thomæ Truxtun.
Reverse.—Two ships of war, the French a two decker; both much shattered; the rigging of both much cut up.
Legend.—The United States frigate Constellation, of thirty-eight guns, pursues, attacks, and vanquishes the French ship La Vengeance, of fifty-four guns, 1st of Feb. 1800.
The subject of this memoir was born in the ancient town of Falmouth, now Portland, Maine, August 15th, 1761. He was the son of the Hon. Jedediah Preble, a member of the council and senate, who died in 1783, at the advanced age of seventy-seven.
Edward Preble exhibited from early childhood a firm and resolute temper, and a love for adventurous and chivalrous feats. While quite young he showed a predilection for a seafaring life, and although his father was much opposed to his choice, he thought it unwise to thwart him; and therefore placed him on board a ship bound for Europe, in which he made his first voyage. In 1779 Preble became midshipman, in the state ship Protector, of twenty-six guns, under the command of Captain Williams.
The Protector, on her first cruise, had a sharp engagement with a British frigate of thirty-six guns, on the coast of Newfoundland, and so disabled her that she was obliged to strike. She blew up in a few minutes afterwards.
The second cruise of the Protector was less fortunate; she was captured by a British frigate and sloop-of-war. The principalofficers were taken to England, but young Preble, by the influence of his father, obtained his release. Captain Little, who was second in command in the Protector, and one of the prisoners taken to England, scaled the walls of his prison at Plymouth, and escaping with one other person, rowed in a wherry across the British Channel, and landed on the coast of France; thence took passage for Boston; and took the command of the sloop of war Winthrop, with Preble as his first lieutenant.
Captain Little had previously captured the tender of a brig, of superior force to his own, lying in the Penobscot river, in Maine. From the crew he gained sufficient information to determine him to take her by surprise. Accordingly he ran along side in the night, having dressed forty of his men in white frocks, to distinguish them from the enemy. He was hailed by the brig, supposing him to be the tender, with “You will run us aboard!” “Ay!” shouted Preble, “I am coming aboard!” and he immediately jumped into the vessel with fourteen of his men. The rapidity of the vessel was such, that it prevented the remainder from following them. Little cried out to his lieutenant to know if he would not have more men; “No!” he answered with great coolness, (expecting to be overheard by the enemy,) “we have more than we want already; we stand in each other’s way.” Those of the English crew on deck immediately leaped overboard, while others did so from the cabin windows, swimming for the shore, within pistol-shot. Preble then proceeded to the cabin, where he found the officers either in bed or just rising. He informed them they were his prisoners, that the brig was in his possession, and any resistance would be fatal. Supposing themselves captured by a superior force, they submitted, without any effort to rescue the vessel. The captors conveyed their prize to Boston. Our hero was only in his twentieth year,when this daring act took place, which gave striking indications of the intrepidity and courage which afterwards so greatly distinguished him.
Lieutenant Preble remained in the Winthrop the whole of the war. That vessel is acknowledged to have rendered much service to our trade, by destroying privateers infesting our eastern waters.
In 1798, and the ensuing year, government had decided on building fifteen frigates and twelve other vessels of war. Preble was the first lieutenant appointed, and in the winter of 1798 and 1799, he made two cruises as commander of the brig Pickering. The next year, with a captain’s commission, he commanded the frigate Essex of thirty-six guns. In January, 1800, he was ordered to Batavia, in company with the frigate Congress, as a convoy to our homeward bound ships. The Congress was dismasted and obliged to return, while Preble took under his own convoy fourteen sail of merchantmen, valued at several millions of dollars. Soon afterwards he was appointed commander of the Adams, for the Mediterranean; but his health declining, he was compelled to withdraw from the profession until 1803. His government then made him commodore of the squadron fitted out against the Algerine pirates on the coast of Barbary. The brilliant career of this gallant officer, in negotiating with so much ability, not only redound to his own credit, but exalted the character of the American navy in the eyes of all the world. His fleet consisted of the Constitution, of which he was commander, also the frigate Philadelphia, and several smaller vessels. The memorable bombardment of Tripoli is familiar to all readers of history, having been so often recorded by able historians. Congress voted the thanks of the nation, and an elegant gold medal, (SeePlate IX.,) which were both presented by the President, with the most emphatic expressionsof esteem. On his leaving the squadron, the officers presented a most affectionate and interesting address, expressive of their devotion and attachment to him as their commander, and of his worth as a citizen and Christian. In the latter part of the year of 1806, Commodore Preble suffered severely from a debility of the digestive organs. Indulging a hope of recovery, he bore his sufferings with that fortitude which had marked his character through life, until the 25th of August, 1807, when he breathed his last.
Occasion.—The attack on Tripoli.
Device.—Bust of Commodore Preble.
Legend.—Edwardo Preble, duci strenuo comitia Americana.
Reverse.—The American fleet bombarding the town and forts of Tripoli.
Legend.—Vindici commercii Americani.
Exergue.—Ante Tripoli, 1804.
Isaac Hull was born at Derby, in the state of Connecticut, about ten miles distant from New Haven, in 1775. Choosing the sea for his profession, he entered, soon after leaving school, on board a merchant vessel, where he was employed during the interval which occurred between the peace of 1783 and the breaking out of hostilities anew in 1798, when it became the policy of the United States to form a permanent marine. He was immediately appointed a lieutenant, without passing through the subordinate grades; an irregularity of necessary occurrence, owing to the absence of any class of men educated in ships of war from which to make promotion. In May, 1800, he was first lieutenant of the frigate Constitution, under Commodore Talbot, and cut out a French letter of marque from one of the islands of St. Domingo with a small sloop. This gallant act took place at noon-day, without the loss of a single man. In 1804 he commanded the brig Argus, and particularly distinguished himself at the storming of Tripoli and the reduction of Derne. In 1812, he commanded the Constitution, and by his energyand skill as a seaman, he escaped from a British squadron under Commander Broke. That escape is faithfully described by Mr. Cooper in his Naval History, from which the following remarks are quoted. “Thus terminated a chase that has become historical in the American navy, for its length, closeness and activity. On the part of the English there were manifested much perseverance and seamanship, a ready imitation, and a strong desire to get along side of their enemy. But the glory of the affair was carried off by the officers and people of the Constitution.
“Throughout all the trying circumstances of this arduous struggle, this noble frigate, which had so lately been the sneers of the English critics, maintained the high character of a man of war. Even when pressed upon the hardest, nothing was hurried, confused, or slovenly, but the utmost steadiness, order, and discipline reigned in the ship. A cool, discreet, and gallant commander was nobly sustained by his officers, and there cannot be a doubt that had the enemy succeeded in getting any one of the frigates fairly under the fire of the American ship, that she would have been very roughly treated. The escape itself is not so much a matter of admiration, as the manner in which it was effected. A little water was pumped, it is true; and perhaps this was necessary, in order to put a vessel fresh from port on a level, in light winds and calms, with ships that had been cruising some time; but not an anchor was cut away, not a boat stove, not a gun lost. The steady and man-of-war-like style in which the Constitution took in all her boats as occasions offered; the order and rapidity with which she hedged, and the vigilant seamanship with which she was braced up and eased off, extorted admiration from the more liberal of her pursuers. In this affair, the ship, no less than those who worked her, gained a high reputation, if not with the world generally, at least with thosewho, perhaps, as seldom err in their nautical criticism as any people living.” Not long after this affair, Captain Hull met the British frigate Guerriere, and, to the surprise of the whole world, conquered her. That fight was of more importance to America than all the subsequent victories, because it demonstrated that the notion of the British navy being invincible on the seas was incorrect. Commodore Hull was the man that showed that an American frigate was equal to a frigate of any other nation. The following is Mr. Cooper’s description of that most important and eventful action:—
“The Constitution next stood to the southward, and on the 19th, at two P. M., in lat. 41 deg. 41 min., long. 55 deg. 48 min., a sail was made from the mast head, bearing E. S. E., and to leeward, though the distance prevented her character from being discovered. The Constitution immediately made sail in chase, and at three, the stranger was ascertained to be a ship on the starboard tack, under easy canvas, and close hauled. Half an hour later, she was distinctly made out to be a frigate, and no doubt was entertained of her being an enemy. The Constitution kept running free until she was within a league of the frigate to leeward, when she began to shorten sail. By this time the enemy had lain his main topsail aback, in waiting for the Constitution to come down, with everything ready to engage. Perceiving that the Englishman sought a combat, Captain Hull made his own preparations with greater deliberation. The Constitution consequently furled her top-gallant sails, and stowed all her lightstay sails and fling jib. Soon after, she took a second reef in the top-sails, hauled up the courses, sent down royal yards cleared for action, and beat to quarters. At five, the chase hoisted three English ensigns, and immediately after she opened her fire, at long gun shot, wearing several times to rake and prevent being raked. The Constitution occasionally yawed as sheapproached, to avoid being raked, and she fired a few guns as they bore, but her object was not to commence the action seriously until quite close. At six o’clock, the enemy bore up and ran off under his three top-sails and jib, with the wind on his quarter. As this was an indication of a readiness to receive his antagonist, in a fair yard-arm fight, the Constitution immediately set her main-top-gallant sail and foresail to get along side. At a little past six, the bow of the American frigate began to double on the quarter of the English ship, when she opened with her forward guns, drawing slowly ahead with her greater way, both vessels keeping up a close and heavy fire, as their guns bore.
“In about ten minutes, or just as the ships were fairly side by side, the mizzen-mast of the Englishman was shot away, when the American passed slowly ahead, keeping up a tremendous fire, and luffed short round on her bows, to prevent being raked. In executing this manœuvre, the ship shot into the wind, got sternway, and fell foul of her antagonist. While in this situation, the cabin of the Constitution took fire from the close explosion of the forward guns of the enemy, who obtained a small, but momentary advantage from his position. The good conduct of Mr. Hoffman, who commanded in the cabin, soon repaired this accident, and a gun of the enemy’s that had threatened further injury, was disabled. As the vessels touched, both parties prepared to board. The English turned all hands up from below, and mustered forward, with that object, while Mr. Morris the first lieutenant, with his own hands, endeavored to lash the ships together. Mr. Alwyn, the master, and Mr. Bush, the lieutenant of marines, were upon the taffrail of the Constitution to be ready to spring. Both sides now suffered by the closeness of the musketry; the English much the most, however. Mr. Morris was shot through the body, the bullet fortunately missing his vitals. Mr. Alwynwas wounded in the shoulder, and Mr. Bush fell dead by a bullet through the head. It being found impossible for either party to board, in the face of such a fire, and with the heavy sea that was on, the sails were filled, and just as the Constitution shot ahead, the fore-mast of the enemy fell carrying down with it his main-mast, and leaving him wallowing in the trough of the sea, a helpless wreck. The Constitution now hauled aboard her tacks, ran off a short distance, secured her masts, and rove new rigging. At 7, she wore round, and taking a favorable position for raking, a jack that had been kept flying on the stump of the mizzen-mast of the enemy was lowered. Mr. George Campbell Read, the third lieutenant, was sent on board the prize, and the boat soon returned with the report that the captured vessel was the Guerriere, thirty-eight guns, Captain Dacres, one of the ships that had so lately chased the Constitution, off New York. The Constitution kept wearing to remain near her prize, and at two A. M., a strange sail was seen closing, when she cleared for action, but at three the stranger stood off.
“At daylight the officer in charge hailed to say that the Guerriere had four feet water in her hold, and that there was danger of her sinking. On receiving this information, Captain Hull sent all the boats to remove the prisoners. Fortunately the weather was moderate, and by noon this duty was nearly ended. At three P. M., the prize crew was recalled, having set the wreck on fire, and in a quarter of an hour she blew up. Finding himself filled with wounded prisoners, Captain Hull now returned to Boston, where he arrived on the 30th of the same month. It is not easy, at this distant day, to convey any idea of the full force of the moral impression created in this country, by this victory of one frigate over another.
“So deep had been the effect produced on the public mind by the constant accounts of the successes of the English over their enemies at sea, that the opinions already mentioned of their invincibility on that element generally prevailed; and it had been publicly predicted that, before the contest had continued six months, British sloops of war would lie alongside of American frigates with comparative impunity.
“Perhaps the only portion of even the American population that expected different results, was that which composed the little body of officers on whom the trial would fall, and they looked forward to the struggle with a manly resolution, rather than with a very confident hope.
“But the termination of the combat just related, far exceeded the expectations of even the most sanguine. After making all proper allowance for the difference of force, which certainly existed in favor of the Constitution, as well as for the excuses that the defeated party freely offered to the world, men on both sides of the Atlantic, who were competent to form intelligent opinions on such subjects, saw the promise of many future successes in this.
“The style in which the Constitution had been handled, the deliberate and yet earnest manner in which she had been carried into battle; the extraordinary execution that had been made in so short a time by her fire; the readiness and gallantry with which she had cleared for the action, so soon after destroying one British frigate, in which was manifested a disposition to meet another, united to produce a deep conviction of self-reliance, coolness, and skill, that was of infinitely more weight than the transient feeling which might result from any accidental triumph. In this combat the Constitution suffered a good deal in her rigging and sails, but very little in her hull. Her loss was seven killed and seven wounded. As soon asshe had rove new rigging, applied the necessary stoppers, and bent a few sails, as has been seen, she was ready to engage another frigate.” Since that time Captain Hull has commanded in the Pacific and Mediterranean, and at shore stations in the United States. He enjoyed the rank of captain in the United States naval service for thirty-seven years. “No act of Commodore Hull’s life can be quoted as a drawback upon the immense debt of gratitude due him by his fellow-citizens. He did not, in the midst of the continued praise that followed him, yield to a single suggestion of wrong, nor presume, for a moment, upon the hold which he had on the affections of the nation. Every day of his life seemed to be spent as if he felt that day had its special duty, which, if unperformed, would leave incomplete his honors, and perhaps, tarnish the laurels he had already acquired. Hence, day by day, he earned new titles to public affection; and as a man, a patriot, and an officer, he grew in the esteem of his fellow men. And the last day of his life saw his laurels as fresh as when they were first woven into a chaplet for his brow.” He died at his residence in Philadelphia, 13th of February, 1843, in the sixty-eighth year of his age. By a resolution of Congress, it was unanimously agreed to present to Captain Isaac Hull, commander of the frigate Constitution, the thanks of that body and a gold medal (seePlate IX.), for the capture of the British frigate Guerriere, 19th of August, 1812.
Occasion.—Capture of the Guerriere.
Device.—Bust of Captain Hull.
Legend.—Isaacus Hull peritos arte superate, July, 1812, Ang. certamine fortes.
Reverse.—The battle between the Constitution and Guerriere is represented in that particular and interesting stage, when the boarders from the Guerriere were repulsed, and a raking fire from the Constitution had cut away the main and foremasts of the Guerriere, which are falling, leaving the American ship little injured.
Legend.—Horæ momento victoria.
Exergue.—Inter Const. nav. Amer. et Guer. Angl.
Plate 10.272829W. L. Ormsby, sc.
Plate 10.
27
28
29
W. L. Ormsby, sc.
Jacob Jones was the son of an independent and respectable farmer, near the village of Smyrna, in the county of Kent, in the state of Delaware, and was born in the year 1770. His mother, who was an amiable and interesting woman, died when Jacob was two years old. Some time afterwards his father married a second time to a Miss Holt, granddaughter of the Hon. Ryves Holt, formerly Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Delaware, or, as it was then denominated, “the lower counties on Delaware.” Shortly after this second marriage his father died, when this, his only child, was scarcely four years of age. It was the happiness of our hero to be left under the care of a step-mother who possessed all the kind feelings of a natural parent. The affection which this excellent woman had borne towards the father, was, on his death, transferred to his child. By her he was nurtured from infancy to manhood, with a truly maternal care and tenderness. At an early age he was placed at school, where his proficiency exceeded her most anxious expectations. He was soon transferred to a grammar school at Lewes, in Sussex county, where he read the classics with much assiduity, and became wellacquainted with the Latin and Greek languages. At the age of eighteen he left school and commenced the study of medicine at Dover, in the county of Kent, where he remained four years, after which he attended the usual courses of medical lectures of the University of Pennsylvania, and returned to Dover to commence the practice of his profession. He did not, however, continue long in the practice. Discouraged by the scanty employment that is commonly the lot of the young physician, and impatient of an inactive life, he determined to abandon it for a more lucrative occupation. Governor Clayton, who was a personal friend of his father, conferred upon him the clerkship of the Supreme Court of the State of Delaware, for the county of Kent. In this situation he remained some time, but the sedentary nature of its duties caused it to become irksome to him, and possessing a spirit of enterprise, and not content with the tranquil ease of common life, he resolved upon a measure as indicative of the force of his character, as it was decisive of his future fortunes. This was to enter the navy of the United States. Jones, it appears, had weighed all the inconveniences and sacrifices incident to his determination, and had made up his mind to encounter and surmount them all. The only consolation to his friends was the reflection, that if courage, activity and hardihood could ensure naval success, Jacob Jones was peculiarly fitted for the life he had adopted; and it is probable they felt some degree of admiration for that decision of character which, in the pursuit of what he conceived a laudable object, could enable him to make such large sacrifices of personal pride and convenience. Through the exertions of his friends, he obtained a midshipman’s warrant and joined the frigate United States, Commodore Barry, from whom he derived great instruction in the theory and practice of his profession, blended with the utmost kindness and civility. He was a midshipmanon board of the United States, when she bore to France Chief Justice Ellsworth and General Davie, as envoys extraordinary to the French Republic. He was next transferred to the Ganges, where he remained till the breaking out of the war with Tripoli, when he was stationed on board of the frigate Philadelphia, under the command of the gallant Bainbridge. The disaster which befel that ship and her crew before Tripoli, forms a solemn page in our naval history; atoned for, however, by the brilliant achievements to which it gave rise.
Twenty months of severe captivity among a barbarous people, and in a noxious climate, neither broke the spirit nor impaired the constitution of our hero. Blest by nature with vigorous health and an invincible resolution, when relieved from bondage by the bravery of his countrymen, he returned home full of life and ardor. He was soon after promoted to a lieutenancy, which grade he merited before his confinement in Tripoli, but older warrant officers had stood in the way of his preferment.
After being employed for some length of time on the Orleans station, he was appointed to the command of the brig Argus, stationed for the protection of our commerce on the southern maritime frontier. In this situation he acted with vigilance and fidelity, and conformed to his instructions, to the public interest and the entire satisfaction of his government. In 1811, Captain Jones was transferred to the command of the sloop of war Wasp, mounting eighteen twenty-four pound carronades, and was dispatched, in the spring of 1812, with communications to the courts of St. Cloud and St. James. During this voyage, war was declared by the United States against Great Britain.
On his return, Captain Jones refitted his ship with all possible dispatch, and repaired to sea on a cruise, in which he met with no other luck than the capture of an inconsiderableprize. He again put to sea on the 13th of October, and on the 18th of the same month, after a long and heavy gale, he fell in with a number of strongly armed merchantmen, under convoy of his Britannic majesty’s sloop of war The Frolic, Captain Whinyates.
As this engagement has been one of the most decidedly honorable to the American flag, from the superior force of the enemy, we vouch for the following account of it to be scrupulously correct:—“There was a heavy swell in the sea, and the weather was boisterous. The top-gallant yards of the Wasp were taken down, her top-sails were close reefed, and she was prepared for action. About eleven o’clock A. M., the Frolic showed Spanish colors, and the Wasp immediately displayed the American ensign and pendant. At thirty-two minutes past eleven, the Wasp came down to windward on her larboard side, within about sixty yards and hailed. The enemy hauled down the Spanish colors, hoisted the British ensign, and opened a fire of cannon and musketry. This the Wasp instantly returned, and coming nearer to the enemy, the action became close and without intermission. In four or five minutes the main-topmast of the Wasp was shot away, and falling down with the main-top sail yard across the larboard fore and fore-topsail braces, rendered her head-yards unmanageable during the rest of the action. In two or three minutes more her gaft and mizzen top-gallant sail were shot away. Still she continued a close and constant fire. The sea was so rough that the muzzles of the Wasp’s guns were frequently in the water. The Americans, therefore, fired as the ship’s side was going down, so that their shot went either on the enemy’s deck or below it, while the English fired as the vessel rose, and thus her balls chiefly touched the rigging, or were thrown away. The Wasp now shot ahead of the Frolic, raked her, and then resumed her position on her larboard bow. Her firewas now obviously attended with such success, and that of the Frolic so slackened that Captain Jones did not wish to board her, lest the roughness of the sea might endanger both vessels; but in the course of a few minutes more every brace of the Wasp was shot away, and her rigging so much torn to pieces that he was afraid that his masts, being unsupported, would go by the board and the Frolic be able to escape. He thought, therefore, the best chance of securing her was to board and decide the contest at once. With this view he wore ship, and running down upon the enemy, the vessels struck each other, the Wasp’s side rubbing along the Frolic’s bow so that her jib-boom came in between the main and mizzen rigging of the Wasp, directly over the heads of Captain Jones and the first lieutenant, Mr. Biddle, who were at that moment standing together near the capstan. The Frolic lay so fair for raking, that they decided not to board until they had given a closing broadside. Whilst they were loading for this, so near were the two vessels, that the rammers of the Wasp were pushed against the Frolic’s sides, and two of her guns went through the bow-ports of the Frolic, and swept the whole length of her deck. At this moment, Jack Lang,[A]a seaman of the Wasp, a gallant fellow, who had been once impressed by a British man-of-war, jumped on a gun with his cutlass, and was springing on board the Frolic. Captain Jones, wishing to fire again before boarding, called him down, but his impetuosity could not be restrained, and he was already on the bowsprit of the Frolic; when, seeing the ardor and enthusiasm of the Wasp’s crew, Lieutenant Biddle mounted on the hammock-cloth to board.
[A]John Lang was a native of New Brunswick, in New Jersey. This seaman is a proof that conspicuous bravery is confined to no rank in the naval service.
[A]John Lang was a native of New Brunswick, in New Jersey. This seaman is a proof that conspicuous bravery is confined to no rank in the naval service.
[A]John Lang was a native of New Brunswick, in New Jersey. This seaman is a proof that conspicuous bravery is confined to no rank in the naval service.
“At this signal, the crew followed, but Lieutenant Biddle’sfeet got entangled in the rigging of the enemy’s bowsprit, and Midshipman Baker, in his ardor to get on board, laying hold of his coat, he fell back on the Wasp’s deck. He sprang up, and as the next swell of the sea brought the Frolic nearer, he got on her bowsprit where Lang and another seaman were already. He passed them on the forecastle, and was surprised at not seeing a single man alive on the Frolic’s deck, except the seaman at the wheel and three officers. The deck was slippery with blood and strewed with the bodies of the dead. As he went forward, the Captain of the Frolic, with two other officers, who were standing on the quarter-deck, threw down their swords, with an inclination of their bodies, denoting that they had surrendered. At this moment the colors were still flying; Lieutenant Biddle, therefore, jumped into the rigging himself and hauled down the British ensign, and possession was taken of the Frolic in forty-three minutes after the first fire. She was in a shocking condition; the birth-deck, particularly, was crowded with dead, wounded and dying; there being but a small portion of the Frolic’s crew who had escaped.
“Captain Jones instantly sent on board his surgeon’s mate, and all the blankets of the Frolic were brought from her slop room for the comfort of the wounded. To increase this confusion, both the Frolic’s masts soon fell, covering the dead and everything on deck, and she lay a complete wreck.
“It now appeared that the Frolic mounted sixteen thirty-two pound carronades, four twelve pounders on the maindeck, and two twelve pound carronades.
“She was, therefore, superior to the Wasp, by exactly four twelve pounders. The number of men on board, as stated by the officers of the Frolic, was one hundred and ten; the number of seamen on board the Wasp, was one hundred and two; but it could not be ascertained, whether in this one hundred and ten, were included the marines and officers, for the Wasphad besides her one hundred and two men, officers and marines, making the whole crew about one hundred and thirty-five. What is, however, decisive, as to their comparative force is, that the officers of the Frolic acknowledged that they had as many men as they knew what to do with, and in fact the Wasp could have spared fifteen men. There was, therefore, on the most favorable view, at least an equality of men, and an inequality of guns. The disparity of loss was much greater. The exact number of killed and wounded on board the Frolic, could not be precisely determined, but from the observation of our officers, and the declarations of those of the Frolic, the number could not have been less than about thirty killed, including two officers, and of the wounded between forty and fifty, the captain and second lieutenant being of the number. The Wasp had five men killed and five slightly wounded. All hands were now employed in clearing the deck, burying the dead, and taking care of the wounded, when Captain Jones sent orders to Lieutenant Biddle to proceed to Charleston, or any southern port of the United States; and, as there was a suspicious sail to windward, the Wasp would continue her cruise. The ships then parted. The suspicious sail was now coming down very fast. At first it was supposed that she was one of the convoy, who had fled during the engagement, and who now came for the purpose of attacking the prize. The guns of the Frolic were therefore loaded, and the ship cleared for action; but the enemy, as she advanced, proved to be a seventy-four, the Poictiers, Captain Beresford. She fired a shot over the Frolic, passed her, overtook the Wasp, the disabled state of whose rigging prevented her from escaping; and then returned to the Frolic, who could, of course, make no resistance. The Wasp and Frolic were both carried into Bermuda.”
On the return of Captain Jones to the United States, he was everywhere received with the utmost demonstrations of gratitudeand admiration. Brilliant fêtes were given him in the cities through which he passed. The legislature of his native state appointed a committee to wait on him with their thanks, and to express the “pride and pleasure” they felt in recognizing him as a native of their state; in the same resolution they voted him an elegant piece of plate, embellished with appropriate designs.
The Congress of the United States appropriated twenty-five thousand dollars, as a compensation to Captain Jones and his crew for the loss they sustained by the recapture of the Frolic. They also ordered a gold medal (seePlate X.) to be presented to the Captain, and a silver one to each of his officers. Various other marks of honor have been paid by the legislatures and citizens of different states, but the most substantial testimony of approbation which he received, was the appointment to the command of the frigate Macedonian, captured from the British.
Since the peace with England, Captain Jones has been alternately employed on foreign or home stations; he has now retired to his farm in his native state, to enjoy the evening of his days in tranquillity and peace. May they be as serene and happy as those of his early years were patriotic and brave!
Occasion.—Capture of the British sloop of war Frolic.
Device.—Bust of Captain Jones.
Legend.—Jacobus Jones, virtus in ardua tendit.
Reverse.—Two ships closely engaged, the bowsprit of the Wasp between the mast of the Frolic; men engaged on the bow of the Wasp while in the act of boarding the Frolic; the main-topmast of the Wasp shot away.
Legend.—Victoriam hosti Majori celerrime rapuit.
Exergue.—Inter Wasp nav. Ameri. et Frolic nav. Ang. die 18th Oct. 1812.
The subject of the following brief sketch was born in Worcester county, Maryland, on the 5th of January, 1779. He was the son of Stephen Decatur, a naval officer from the first establishment of the American navy, until the difficulties with the French terminated, when he retired to Philadelphia. He died, in 1808, honored and respected by all who knew him. His son, Stephen Decatur, Jun., entered the navy in 1798 as a midshipman in the frigate United States, then commanded by Commodore Barry.
In 1801, he was promoted and sailed as lieutenant on board the Essex, in Commodore Dale’s squadron, to the Mediterranean.
At Malta, he had an unfortunate rencontre with a British officer, which caused his suspension, and he returned home. He demanded an investigation, which ended in his appointment to the command of the Argus, destined to form part of Commodore Preble’s squadron then lying before Tripoli.
On his joining the squadron he was transferred to the command of the Enterprise, and shortly after, captured a Tripolitanketch, within sight of the tower, which he afterwards named the Intrepid. A short time before the arrival of our hero, the frigate Philadelphia, which had run aground on the Barbary coast, had fallen into the hands of the Tripolitans. His jealous ardor excited him to form some project by which she could be recaptured or destroyed.
Having obtained the consent of his commodore, with seventy volunteers on board the ketch Intrepid, accompanied by the United States brig Syren, Lieutenant Stewart, he arrived about eight o’clock in the evening. The Philadelphia, lying within half gun-shot of the Bashaw’s castle, and of the principal battery, made the adventure extremely hazardous. About eleven o’clock, he approached within two hundred yards, when he was hailed, and ordered to anchor. He directed a Maltese pilot to answer that the anchor had been lost in a gale of wind. His object was not suspected till he was almost along side of the frigate, when the Turks were thrown into the utmost confusion.
Before they were aware of the character of their visitors, Decatur had sprung on board, followed by Midshipman Charles Morris: these officers were nearly a minute on the deck before their companions joined them. Fortunately the surprise was so great that before the Turks could recover themselves, a sufficient number had assembled equal to their adversaries; about twenty Turks were killed; the rest jumped overboard or fled below. After setting fire to the ship in several places, Decatur and crew returned to the ketch. A favorable breeze sprung up soon and carried them beyond the reach of the enemy’s guns, which had opened a fire upon them from the batteries and castles, and two corsairs. In this daring exploit, not one man was killed, and only four wounded. For this gallant achievement, he was immediately promoted to the rank of post captain. Commodore Preble had determinedto make an attack on Tripoli; and having obtained the loan of some gun-boats and bombards from the King of Naples, gave the command of one division of them to Captain Decatur. The signal to prepare for action was made from the Commodore’s ship, the Constitution, on the morning of the 3d of August, and at nine o’clock the squadron began to bombard the town and the vessels in the harbor. Decatur advanced his gun-boats in a line to attack the Tripolitan gun-boats, which were moored along within musket-shot of the batteries. Disregarding the heavy fire from the batteries now pouring upon them, he, with twenty-seven men, boarded one of the enemy’s gun-boats which contained forty-seven men, and in ten minutes its deck was cleared, and the boat made a prize. At this moment he was informed that his brother, Lieutenant James Decatur, who commanded another boat, had captured a gun-boat of the enemy, but had been treacherously shot by her commander, who had pushed off, and was then steering towards the harbor. Decatur instantly pursued him, entering the enemy’s line with his single boat, and, overtaking the foe, boarded her with eleven men, being all the Americans he had left. He singled out the Turkish commander, who was armed with an espontoon or spear; in attempting to strike off the head of which with his sword, the treacherous steel gave way and was broken at the hilt, and he received a severe wound in the right arm and breast; upon which he seized the spear and closed with him. In the struggle both fell. Decatur, being uppermost, caught the arm of the Turk with his left hand, and with his right, seized a pistol which he had in his pocket, cocked it, fired through his pocket and killed him. During this struggle, a Tripolitan aimed a blow at the head of Decatur with a sabre; an American seaman, although so severely wounded as to lose the use of both hands, rushed forward and received the blow on his own head, by which hisskull was fractured. The generous-hearted sailor survived, and his devotion to his commander was rewarded by his government.
Captain Decatur secured both his prizes, and received from Commodore Preble the highest commendation for his bravery, who, on retiring from the squadron, gave him the command of the Constitution.
On his return to America, he superintended the building of gun-boats, until he was ordered to supersede Commodore Barron in the command of the Chesapeake frigate. He was afterwards removed to the frigate United States. On the 25th of October, 1812, he fell in with his Britannic majesty’s ship Macedonian, one of the finest frigates in the British navy, which he captured after an action of an hour and a half. His loss was four killed and seven wounded; that of the Macedonian thirty-six killed and sixty-eight wounded. When the commander of the Macedonian came on board of the United States and presented his sword, Decatur, with a chivalrous and delicate courtesy, declined taking it, observing that he could not think of taking the sword of an officer who had defended his ship so gallantly, but he should be happy to take him by the hand. The Macedonian was taken into the harbor of New York, where she was repaired and equipped as an American frigate; and the name of her gallant victor was hailed with enthusiastic admiration throughout the country. Congress presented to him a vote of thanks and a splendid gold medal, (seePlate X.,) while several of the state legislatures and cities testified their high sense of his services by votes of thanks and valuable presents. In 1813 Commodore Decatur was ordered to sea with the United States, the Macedonian and the Hornet, but being compelled to run into the mouth of the Thames in Connecticut, by a British squadron, he lay off New London for several months; this becomingirksome, he sent a challenge to the commander of the blockading squadron, offering to meet two British ships, with the United States and the Macedonian; but this invitation Sir Thomas M. Hardy politely declined.
In 1815 he was appointed to the command of the frigate President, and in attempting to get to sea, came in contact with the Endymon, Tenedos and Pomona frigates, by which he was captured and carried into Bermuda. After the peace with England, Commodore Decatur was dispatched to the Mediterranean, to chastise the Algerines, who, instigated as was supposed by the British, had captured some of our merchantmen and enslaved their crews. He soon captured an Algerine frigate of forty-nine guns, after a short action (in which the celebrated Rais Hammida was killed), and a brig of twenty-two guns. He arrived before Algiers on the 22d of June, 1815, and the next day compelled the proud regency to a treaty most honorable to our country. He demanded that no tribute was ever to be required of the United States; that all enslaved Americans were to be released without ransom, and that no American was ever to be held again as a slave. The relinquishment of the tribute was a point most difficult to adjust. The Dey contended that it might be used as a precedent by other nations; “even a little powder,” said he, “might prove satisfactory.” “If,” replied our hero, “you insist upon receiving powder as tribute, you must expect to receive balls with it.” The next day the treaty was negotiated, with immunities and privileges never before granted by a Barbary state to a Christian nation. Commodore Decatur thence proceeded to Tunis and Tripoli, where, by similar diplomatism, he obtained the necessary redress, and returned home in the autumn of the same year. He was appointed one of the board of commissioners, and resided at Kalarama, near Washington. In October, 1819, a correspondence commencedbetween Commodore Barron, former commander of the Chesapeake, and Commodore Decatur, in relation to harsh expressions said to have been used by the latter towards the former. Commodore Decatur denied having, at any time, made use of such expressions, but admitted at the same time, that he had not been particular to conceal his opinions, which were not very favorable to Commodore Barron. This controversy, which lasted some months, could not be assuaged by the interference of friends, but a challenge sent and accepted, named the day that was to send its victim bleeding to his grave. On the 20th of March, 1820, they repaired to Bladensburg. At the first fire both were wounded, Decatur mortally, Barron dangerously.
Commodore Decatur died the same evening. In the enjoyment of his country’s highest regard and confidence, he added his before unsullied name to the list of victims who died slaves to “an affair of honor.” His remains were temporarily deposited in the family vault of Colonel Bomford, at Kalarama, where they remained until 1846, when they were re-interred with appropriate ceremonies in the churchyard of St. Peter’s, in Philadelphia, and rest by the side of those of his father and family.
The lid of the coffin was removed when it was brought out of the vault at Washington, in the hope that the noble features of the dead hero were still perfect, but the friends who so anxiously sought this gratification, had to undergo a sad disappointment. Every lineament of the fine face was gone—nothing remained save the skeleton and a few remnants of the clothes.
The original coffin is now enclosed in a new one of black walnut, a silver shield on the top of which bears the following touching inscription:—“Here lie the remains of Commodore Stephen Decatur, of the United States Navy, who departedthis life in the city of Washington, on the twentieth day of March, 1820, aged forty-two years. His public services are recorded in the annals of his country—his private virtues in the hearts of his friends—and above all, in her heart who was for fourteen years the happy partner of his life, and the delighted witness of his exalted worth; and who can with truth inscribe upon this humble tablet, that he possessed every virtue of which the human character is susceptible, and each carried to its highest perfection. Columbia mourn! For time, which soothes the grief of individuals, will only render you more sensible of the irreparable loss you have sustained.”
Occasion.—Capture of the British frigate Macedonian.
Device.—A bust of Captain Decatur.
Legend.—Stephanus Decatur Navarchus pugnis pluribus victor.
Reverse.—Two ships engaged; the topmasts of one shot away, the other with a few shot only in her sails.
Legend.—Occidit signum hostile sidera surgunt.
Exergue.—Inter sta. uni. nav. Amer. et Macedo. nav. Ang. die 25th Octobris, 1812.
William Bainbridge, of the American navy, was born at Princeton, New Jersey, on the 7th of May, 1774. He was the son of Dr. Absalom Bainbridge, a respectable physician of that town. His education was limited to the usual branches of an English school, with a pretty good knowledge of the French language.
His first setting out in life was in a counting-house in New York. Thence he removed to Philadelphia, and was for some time employed as clerk in a mercantile house in that city. Some of his biographers say he was sent in some capacity to sea, by the house in which he was employed; others, that, tired of a mercantile life, he wished to try the sea. Be that as it may, he sailed as mate of the ship Hope, on a voyage to Holland, during which voyage he saved the life of his captain, who was seized by a mutinous crew with the intention of throwing him overboard. On his return home, he was offered the command of a merchant vessel in the Dutch trade which he accepted, being then but nineteen years of age. In this and other trading vessels he remained until 1798, whenhe entered the naval service of the United States as lieutenant. His first cruise in the American service, was to the West Indies, in command of the schooner Retaliation, of fourteen guns, which unfortunately was captured by two French frigates and carried into Guadaloupe; after remaining there a short time, he, with his vessel, was permitted to return to the United States. In 1799, he again sailed to the West Indies in the brig Norfolk, eighteen guns, with the commission of master commandant. During this cruise he was more fortunate, for he captured several merchant vessels, and a privateer, destroyed a number of barges, and compelled another privateer of sixteen guns to run ashore. He also gave protection to our merchants trading in those seas. In 1800, Bainbridge was promoted to the rank of captain, and sailed in the frigate George Washington, with presents to the Dey of Algiers. On his arrival there, he was anxiously solicited to convey an ambassador with presents from the Dey to the Grand Seignior, at Constantinople. To this he reluctantly consented, and the sight of an American frigate struck the wondering Turks with astonishment. They were unable to comprehend where this country, called the New World, was situated, but being pleased with a visit from such a stranger, they gave Captain Bainbridge a most cordial welcome, treating him with the greatest respect. The Algerine ambassador was, on the contrary, repelled with indignity by the pacha, his presents refused, and he not permitted to land, on account of the depredations on the commerce of nations in amity with the Porte, committed by the Dey.
Captain Bainbridge, accompanied by Dr. Clarke, the celebrated traveler, and many other persons of distinction, proceeded to the Black Sea in his long boat, where he had the honor of displaying “the star-spangled banner” for the first time. On his return to Constantinople, he gave a splendidentertainment on board his frigate, and beheld, among his distinguished guests, natives of the four quarters of the globe mingled together at the same table. This visit to Constantinople opened the way to subsequent negotiations and friendly intercourse, besides leaving a favorable impression of the American character. On the return of Bainbridge to Algiers, he found that war had been declared against France, and that the French consul and citizens had been ordered to leave forthwith. To save them from captivity he received them all on board his ship, and landed them at Alicant, on his return to Philadelphia, where he arrived in April, 1801. In the following June, he was ordered again to the Mediterranean, to protect our commerce against the Tripolitans. After remaining there a year, he returned in 1802; and in July, 1803, sailed to join the squadron under Commodore Preble.
This voyage he sailed in the frigate Philadelphia, which had been built by the merchants of that city, and by them presented to the government.
An able historian has described the loss of this beautiful ship in the following lines: “While Commodore Preble was engaged in negotiation, Captain Bainbridge proceeded to blockade Tripoli with the Philadelphia and Vixen. Being informed that a Tripolitan cruiser had escaped from the port, the Vixen was ordered to cruise off Cape Bon, in quest of her. After her departure, the Philadelphia was driven from her cruising ground by strong westerly gales; but the wind coming round to the eastward, she was returning to her station, when a strange ship was discovered in shore, and running for the harbor of Tripoli. The Philadelphia gave chase, and when about four knots, she ran upon a reef of rocks which were unknown to our navigators in that sea. This unfortunate event occurred on the morning of the 31st of October. Every exertion was made to float the ship by throwing overboardthe guns and anchors, starting the water, and cutting away the fore-mast, but to no purpose. The gun boats came out of the harbor and fired upon her, but so long as she kept an upright position, they were kept off by the few guns which could be brought to bear upon them. At length she turned upon her side, and could no longer be defended; the magazine was drowned, every article of value was thrown overboard, the ship skuttled, the pumps choked, and all this being accomplished, the colors were struck at five o’clock in the afternoon. The officers and crew were plundered of everything valuable on their persons, before they reached the shore, but were afterwards kindly treated by the pacha, until Decatur burnt the Philadelphia, after which they were closely confined in the castle, through fear of their escape. On a treaty being concluded, by which the pacha was to receive sixty thousand dollars, they were liberated.” From this period till the declaration of war in 1812, Captain Bainbridge was occasionally employed in the public service, either in the navy yards or at sea.
At the commencement of the war, Captain Bainbridge was appointed to the command of the Constellation frigate; he was thence transferred to the Constitution, on the arrival of that ship at Boston, after the capture of the Guerriere. His destination was a cruise to the West Indies in company with the sloop-of-war Hornet, Captain Lawrence. Having parted with the Hornet on the coast of Brazil, he fell in with the Java, a British frigate of forty-nine guns, commanded by Captain Lambert, with a crew of more than four hundred men, and upwards of one hundred officers and men, intended for ships on the East India station, together with a lieutenant-general and suite of the British army. The ships were separated from each other about half a mile, when the action commenced, but they gradually approached each other untilthe jib boom of the Java came in contact with the mizzen rigging of the Constitution. The contest, which lasted nearly two hours, only terminated when the last spar of the Java had gone by the board.
After the British frigate had struck, the Constitution wore and reefed top-sails. One of the only two remaining boats out of eight, was then hoisted out, and Lieutenant Parker, of the Constitution, was sent to take possession of the frigate. She proved to be his Britannic majesty’s frigate Java, rating thirty-eight, but carrying forty-nine guns. She was manned by upwards of four hundred men, and was commanded by Captain Lambert, a very distinguished naval officer, who was mortally wounded. The Constitution had nine men killed, and twenty-five wounded. The Java had sixty killed and one hundred and one wounded. But, by a letter written on board the Constitution, by one of the officers of the Java, and accidentally found, it is evident her loss must have been much greater. He states it to have been sixty killed, and one hundred and seventy wounded.
The Java had her own full complement of men, and upwards of one hundred supernumeraries, for British ships in the East Indies. Her force, in number of men, at the commencement of the action, was probably much greater than the officers of the Constitution were enabled to ascertain. Her officers were extremely cautious about concealing the number of her crew. By her quarter-bill she had one man more stationed at each gun than the Constitution.
The Java was an important ship. She was fitted out in the most complete manner to carry Lieutenant-General Hyslop and staff to Bombay, of which place he had been appointed governor, and several naval officers for different vessels in the East Indies. She had dispatches for St. Helena, the Cape of Good Hope, and for every British settlement in the India andChinese seas. She had copper on board for a seventy-four, and for two brigs, building at Bombay, and a number of other valuable articles.
The great distance from the United States, and the disabled state of the Java, forebade the idea of attempting to bring her to the United States. No alternative was therefore left, but to burn her, which was done, after the prisoners and their property were removed to the Constitution. They were all landed at St. Salvador and parolled.
The commander of the Java, Captain Lambert, died soon after he was put on shore. Commodore Bainbridge was received by his countrymen, on his return to the United States, with every demonstration of joy and esteem that his gallant exploit merited.
The Congress of the United States voted fifty thousand dollars, and their thanks to Commodore Bainbridge, his officers, and crew. They likewise ordered a gold medal (seePlate X.,) to be presented to him, and silver ones to each of his officers, in token of their esteem. The citizens of Philadelphia presented him with an elegant piece of plate, and the common council of New York voted to him the freedom of their city, in a gold box; and ordered that his portrait be obtained, and placed in the gallery of portraits belonging to the city. The Constitution now became an object of national pride, and having seen so much service, with so little injury, during her numerous encounters, that she acquired the popularsobriquetof “Old Ironsides.” At the conclusion of the war, Commodore Bainbridge went again to the Mediterranean, in command of the Columbus, seventy-four, which was the last of his services at sea. He commanded for several years, at the different naval stations, till his health became infirm, when he retired to Philadelphia, and breathed his last on the 27th of July,1833.
Occasion.—Capture of the British frigate Java.
Device.—A bust of Captain Bainbridge.
Legend.—Gulielmus Bainbridge patria victisque laudatus.
Reverse.—A ship with three stumps only of her masts standing; the American ship with but a few shot holes in her sails.
Legend.—Pugnando.
Exergue.—Inter Const. nav. Ameri. et Java nav. Angl. 29th December, 1812.