-/% ■ V /%■ •^'% ^.^^V^" /\ -'^/ ^'-^ "^^ -s^ •■ ^-^ ^* , \. ,/ •'^^'- ^^ ^^ -Iv ;-.T.--/ '=.•••"•••/ X"^^^'-/ X'-i^-V V- %,**" .i^m \/ ; '\y :m^. \/ .-^'•^ '%,< %,**" .i^m \/ ; '\y :m^. \/ .•^'•- '*•= . . - • . ''b J.* . " • . ^^ o'^ . • " • . "^b i* . ' • • . ^^ o'^ c ° • • o^ . < '. 1^ V s;- y\ -xm- .0' ^^ '^m§^^ .^-^ ,H t o ■^o .^^ ^* ^ ^ --^ifi^/ ^ "^^^ -^^«f^-.' ■^ <^ fC^ <^. V . -^ A^ Ca -^AO^ y^^' .-'-1 vT*-, " 0^ o V X- ^^•^^, •J ^x. -"• o > A .«► ^^ .0^ -^o .-^^ -lii f> s-rf? •4- > ■4- .C^ WASHINGTON AT VALLEY FORUK BOOK I SPLENDID DEEDS OF AMERICAN HEROES ON SEA AND LAND EMBRACING A COMPREHENSIVE SUMMARY OF THE GLORIOUS NAVAL AND MILITARY EVENTS FROM WASHINGTON TO DEWEY BY BISHOP SAMUEL FALLOWS, D. D., LL. D. AUTHOR OF "SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS," "PROGRESSIVE DICTIONARY," "LIFE OF SAMUEL ADAMS," EDITOR "AMERICAN CHARACTER SKETCHES," ETC., ETC. ASSISTED BY ALICE KATHARINE FALLOWS, A. B., PROFESSOR ELLERY C. HUNTINGTON, A. M., AND ELIZABETH A. REED, A. M., L. H. D. AUTHOR OF HINDU LITERATURE; PERSIAN LITERATURE, ETC. Superbly Illustrated with Matiy Full Page Colored Plates and Half-tones Made Especially for This Book BOOK II LIVING ISSUES WILLIAM Mckinley W. J. BRYAN archbishop IRELAND w. bourke cockran GEORGE DEWEY BY SAMUEL FALLOWS, LL.D. STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS GEO. G. VEST J. G. SCHURMAN THEODORE ROOSEVELT EX-GOVERNOR HOGG AND MANY OTHERS GEO. F. HOAR H. M. TELLER ANDREW CARNEGIE SAMUEL GOMPERS A, J. BEVERIDGE Illustrated by Frank Beard J. L. Nichols & Co. MANUFACTURING PUBLISHERS OF POPULAR SUBSCRIPTION BOOKS ON THE EXCLUSIVE TERRITORY PLAN TORONTO, ONT. NAPERVILLE (CHICAGO), ILL. ATLANTA, GA. TWO COPIES RECEIVED. LiBrsry of Cei!srai% 'jffloe of til* APR ^ 0. 1900 ij»gltt«r of Copyright* 5(i(>13 Entered According to Act of Congress, in the Year 1900, By SAMUEL FALLOWS, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. Sold only on subscription, and not to be had in bookstores. Any one desiring a copy should address the Publishers. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. SECOND COPY. Vo Co O ^ INTRODUCTION. In the portion of this work which treats of "Splendid Deeds" we are brought face to face with the question: "Is war ever justifiable?" And, connected with this interrogatory, is the further question: "Should the deeds of war be enlarged upon and even glorified?" The admirable words of the Rev. F. A. Noble, D. D., which follow this introduction, uttered in the presence of many of the brave heroes of our great civil war, will answer fully the first question. We may say in reply to the second interrogation, that no nation which is worthy to live can sever itself from its past history and dis- parage the deeds of the men who have helped give it life, continuance, progress and glory. God has put the martial spirit in the breasts of men. It is not a mere survival of a savage ancestry. It is to be a con- stant force. The youthful spirit must be ever ready to do and dare. Woe to that people when the fires of a generous, self-sacrificing en- thusiasm among them shall have died out. Until the better day shall come, as come it surely will, when nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more, we must have a well disciplined army and a formidable navy. We must be ready to maintain our providential position among the nations of the earth. By the very possession of the warlike means of self-preservation, and by the unquestioned ability to use them, we shall be able to secure ultimately the peace of mankind. In the unfolding years the martial spirit will not be displayed in the maiming and killing of men. It will find its expression in fighting the great moral battles which will be constantly imminent, until the millennial glory shall flood the globe. In "Splendid Deeds" we have narrated the conflicts with England, with Mexico, with our brethren of the South, with Spain and with the Filipinos. The wars are all over, thank God, except the contest with the guerrilla bands in our island possessions, j^ It is one of the most gratifying signs of the times that our relations "^ iii iv INTRODUCTION. with England are of such a friendly nature. She rendered us signal service during the Spanish-American war by steadily refusing to join the concert of Europe in making that war one of continental compli- cations. She showed her cordiality by the earnest sympathy mani- fested by the English men-of-war during the engagement at Manila. General Thomas M. Anderson said: "If there could have been any possible doubt as to sympathy at the bombardment of Manila, it was removed when on the day of bombardment the English flagship, with steam up and decks cleared, took up a position that would have enabled it to slip in between our squadron and the foreign vessels. I do not think there was occasion for apprehension, yet it was pleasant to see that blood was thicker than salt water." Admiral Sampson said, on Queen Victoria's eightieth birthday, May 24, 1899: "This year's experiences have made us realize as we could not perhaps twelve months ago, that we of England and America are members of one great world-wide family with interests and sym- pathies in common. "Of this I have had practical proof many times repeated during these last months, when the ships of England and America have met in southern waters, and the fact has made me glad, for it promises to continue through all time." When Admiral Dewey was at Colombo, Ceylon, on his way to the United States, he was royally received by the English governor, the Eight. lion. Sir Joseph West Kidgeway. The Admiral said: "That cheer raised on the jetty when I landed went to the hearts of all of us. We are 14,000 miles from home, but that cheer will be heard in America, although the way in which it has touched me I shall never be able to fully express. The two nations were never so closely allied by mutual sympathy and .appreciation as now. The American people realized this during the late war, and you can imagine that all those who were at Manila and met Sir Edward Chichester, commander of the British first-class cruiser Immortalite, and his gallant comrades, hold that feeling very deeply." We are becoming more and more closely identified in common inter- ests with our sister republic of Mexico. INTRODUCTION. -v North and South in our own beloved land were never so closely bound together as at the present moment. And we are hoping that Spain will enter upon a new life, becoming purified and strong, through the severe affliction which she has suffered, and with America will strive to enlarge and protect the liberties of man. "Living Issues," treated of in this volume, are germane to "Splendid Deeds," particularly that portion relating to Expansion and Anti- Expansion. The war with Spain changed the map of the globe and brought our country out of its comparatively insular condition into the relationship of a world-wide power. As Kipling sings: "We are out of the swaddling clout, thank God, We've entered the shining mail, We've taken our place at the van of the race. We've found new seas to sail." The advocates against as well as for this sudden and unexpected emerging from our previous national position are fairly and adequately treated in its pages. Incidentally, "Trusts" are related to the question of Expansion, as will be seen by a perusal of many of the opinions given on that subject. With the hope of inspiring a profounder love of the land of our birth and adoption by the narration of the Splendid Deeds of its heroes on sea and land, and with the desire of furnishing the material for an intelligent judgment on some of the greatest Living Issues which de- mand the earnest consideration of the American people, this book is respectfully given to the public. Chicago, January 25, 1900. SAMUEL FALLOWS. IS WAR EVER JUSTIFIABLE? REV. F. A. NOBLE, D. D. Is war ever justifiable? Or if war was once justifiable, is it jus- tifiable still? Under our modern civilization, has war any proper part to play, any real contribution to make, to the development and progress VI INTRODUCTION. of mankind? With all the advancement which has been registered, and with all the light of these closing years of the nineteenth century pouring in upon them, may peoples, now as of old, resort to the drastic and terrible means of the battlefield and the navy engagement to gain their ends? Are there any ends so imperative and sacred that before God and the universe peoples are warranted in turning to sword and gun to secure them? There are those whose response to this question, in whatever form it may be put, is in the negative. They take the ground that under any and all circumstances war is contrary to the moral laws under which we live, and that at the bar of a true ethical conception of duty it must stand condemned. Even were this not so, they insist that war is in itself a greater evil than any evil it may ever be invoked to redress. It is better to endure burdens, so it is claimed — burdens of limitation and injustice and oppression — until they can be remedied by peaceable methods than to fight to get rid of them. Sidney Smith said: "In war, God is forgotten and every principle of Christianity is trampled upon." Adam Clark said: "War is as contrary to the spirit of Christianity as murder," Franklin said: "There never has been and never will be such a thing as a good war, or a bad peace." Sumner said: "Thei'e is no war that is honorable, and no peace that is dishonorable." John Bright said: "If we adhere to the heathen practice of warfare we should abandon our pretensions and no longer claim to be Christians. Take down at any rate your Ten Commandments from inside the churches, and say no longer that you read and believe in the Sermon on the Mount." It would be a strange person who could see nothing to admire in the spirit of words like these. But true in part, they are true only in part. There have been righteous wars, and there may be again. In a righteous war God is not forgotten; nor are the principles of Christianity over- ridden and trampled into the dust. Franklin to the contrary notwith- standing, history shows that there may be a good war and a bad peace. In spite of Sumner's assertion, there have been wars that were hon- orable, and terms of surrender and amity which were dishonorable. ,We may still keep the Ten Commandments inscribed on tablets in our INTRODUCTION. vii church edifices, and still read and accept the Sermon on the Mount, and yet fight in a holy cause — fight to throw off oppression and secure liberty and maintain inalienable rights — without in any wise forfeiting the name of Christian, or doing violence to the genius of our faith. Were not Cromwell and Hampden and Pym and Eliot right in their protests against the usurpations and crimes of the Stuarts, and in punctuating their protests, when the hour struck for heroic action, with Marston Moor and Naseby? Does not the revolt of the Thirteen Colonies against the tyranny of English toryism commend itself to the sober second thought of the whole liberty-loving world? Can anybody per- suade his own mind that Washington and Warren, that Adams and Jefferson, that Hancock and Henry, that Franklin and Lee, were only the conspirators and agents in a great murder-plot when they conceived, and, with the help of their co-patriots and the hardy and resolute yeo- manry of the country, prosecuted to a triumphal issue the long-fought American Revolution? The Hon. Galusha A. Grow, of Pennsylvania, so long and so credit- ably before the public, in an address delivered at the unveiling of the statue erected in commemoration of the character and public services of John P. Hale, at Concord, New Hampshire, a half-dozen years ago, used these significant words: "It seems to be a part of the plan of Divine Providence that every marked advance in civilization must begin in mighty convulsions. The moral law was first proclaimed in the thunders of Sinai, and the earthly mission of the Savior of mankind closed amidst the rending of mountains and the throes of the earth- quake. The Goddess of Liberty herself was born in the shock of battle, and amid its carnage has carved out some of her grandest victories, while over its crimson fields the race marches on to higher and uobler destinies. As the lightnings of heaven rend and destroy only to purify and reinvigorate, so freedom's cannon furrows the fields of decaying empires, and seeds them anew with human gore, from which springs a more vigorous race, to cherish the hopes and guard the rights of man- kind." This is history. In this way have many sorrows come to men, but superb and enduring benefits as well. Lincoln and Grant left the Great Republic better than they found it. viii INTRODUCTION. The British Empire is far in advance of what it was when Gladstone and Salisburv were born. The oppressions and crimes possible to Rome and the governments of the petty and discordant principalities of Italy a centurj- ago were made things of the past by Garibaldi and Cavour. Germany has come into her self-consciousness and her resplendent posi- tion by means not always commendable, but her millions are further on than when William and Bismarck began their mighty work. It is not easj' to define France, nor wise to attempt to forecast its future; but when comparisons are made between the France of Louis Fourteenth, or the France of Napoleon the First, or the France of Napoleon the Third, with the France of Felix Faure, it is evident that Gambetta and his associates in revolution and reconstruction labored to some good purpose. Austria and Russia are feeling the upward pressure of the times. The Dark Continent is not so dark as it was; and India and China are not so hopeless. God is in His world. God is in humanity, helping it into a idealiza- tion of its high dignity and its sublime possibilities. God is in His church. Step by step, stage by stage, He is working His way into the laws and customs and iristitutions of society; and this is what takes the laws and customs and institutions of society forward. He uses sun- shine and He uses storms to accomplish His purposes. He is over aU and behind all. Princes get mad and rulers set themselves in opposition to Him, but He turns their wrath and folly to His own account. He acts through good men and through homes and States. He employs Peace Societies and He employs Armies to hasten in His Kingdom. His Kingdom is coming. In spite of all and against all God will win; for "God is love," and "love Avill conquer at the last." TABLE OF CONTENTS. Inteoduction iii BOOK I.— OUR NAVY AND ARMY. Chapter I. Paul Jones — The Bon Homme Richard and The Serapis — Commodore John Barry — Stewart and Bainbridge Plead for the Navy 15 Chapter II. Captain Stephen Decatur — Captain Jacob Jones 37 Chapter III. Captain Isaac Hull 38 Chapter IV. Commodore William Bainbridge — Captain James Lawrence 47 Chapter V. Commodore Oliver H. Perry 66 Chapter VI. Thomas McDonough, the Hero of Lake Champlain 83 Chapter VII. General Armstrong and Privateers of the War — Commodore John Rodgers — David Porter — Richard Dale — Alexander Murray 91 Chapter VIII. Admiral Farragut — David Porter — Lieutenant Wm. B. Cushing 104 Chapter IX. Admiral Wm. T. Sampson — Rear Admiral Winfield S. Schley 116 Chapter X. Eichard P. Hobson — Lieutenant Commander Wainwright — Ensign Gillis. . . . 127 Chapter XL The Story of the Winslow — Story of the Gussie — Cutting Cables at Cienfuegos Chaplain H. W. Jones 134 is. X TABLE OF CONTENTS. Chapter XII. The Destruction of Cervera's Fleet 144 CUAPTER XIII. Admiral George Dewey — Dewey on Shore — His First Marriage — Appointment in Washington — Battle of Manila Bay — The Home Coming of Dewey — Reception in New York — Presentation of Sword in Washington — Recep- tion in Boston — Laying of Corner Stone of Dewey Hall — Speech of Hon. Chauncey Depew — Second Marriage — Gift of Home in Washington 156 Chapter XIV. The Battle of Bunker Hill— Washington at Valley Forge 197 Chapter XV. General Jackson and the Battle of New Orleans — General Winfield Scott — The Capture of Mexico. 211 Chapter XVI. Abraham Lincoln — His Birthplace and Boyhood — His Maiden Speech — The Typical American — His Character — Sympathy — Prayer — Address at Get- tysburg 220 Chapter XVII. General U. S. Grant — A Picture of Grant — Grant and the Child — Grant and Lee at Appomattox — His Last Days at Mount McGregor, N. Y. — General James A. Garfield 231 Chapter XVIII. The Battles of Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain — Union Losses in Civil War — Confederate Losses — Complete Statistics of the Civil War 242 Chapter XIX. The Gallant Fight at Guantanamo Bay — Battle of El Caney and San Juan — On the San Juan Ridge— The Fight for Santiago 257 Chapter XX. The Daring of Lieutenant Rowan — "Buckey' O'Neil — Tenth Cavalry — Ser- geant Bell 271 Chapter XXI. Roosevelt, Assistant Secretary of the Navy — Preparation for War — Raising the Regiment — The Campaign in Cuba — The Reunion of the Rough Riders. . 277 TABLE OF CONTENTS. xi Chapter XXII. Spanish-American War — Summary of Invents — The Treaty of Paris — Cost of the War in 1898 to Both Nations— Loss of Life, Etc 297 Chapter XXIII. The Philippine Question — The Treaty of Peace — The Philippine Commission — Ambition of Aguinaldo — What the Commission Found — The Kebellion Must Be Put Down — Work of Reconstruction — A Few Words About Sulu — Freedom of the Slaves in Jolo — Future Government of the Philippines Rests With Congress — A Protectorate Not Desirable — Will Uphold Sover- eignty of U. S. — Kindness to the Filipinos Is the Defeat of Aguinaldo. . . . 304 Chapter XXIV. Frpderick Funston — Early Life — Services in the Agricultural Department — University Life — Funston's Student Days — Newspaper Reporter — Alaskan Experiences — War Experiences — Funston and the Regular Army — Speech to the Regiment — Commandant of Artillery — His Marriage — Bravery of the Kansas Regiment — Funston's Famous Exploit — Daring of the Cor- poral and Volunteers — Incidents — General Henry W. Lawton — Major John A. Logan — The OfEcers and Soldiers of the Filipino War — Report of the Philippine Commission — Speech of Senator Albert J. Beveridge 315 BOOK li.-LIVING ISSUES. Chapter XXVI. Expansion Sentiments by the Following: Rev. F. A. Noble, D. D. — Admir?l Geo. Dewey — Hon. Stephen A. Douglas — Hon. Wm. Pitt Frye — Archbishop Ireland — Hon. Cushman K. Davis — Gov. Theo. Roosevelt — Hon. D. M. Dickinson — Hon. A. J. Smith — Ex-Senator Peffer — Senator Shelby Cullom — Hon. Champ Clark — Chas. J. Bonaparte — Gen. Edward S. Bragg — Hon. Wm. Dudley Foulke — Hon. J. P. Dolliver — Judge Oliver H. Horton — Bishop Samuel Fallows, D. D. — Hon. E. Benj. Andrews, LL. D. — Hon. Luther Laflin Mills, Democrat — Rev. Lyman Abbott, D. D. — Judge Richard S. Tuthill — Hon. Geo. Adams, Democrat — Hon. Lambert Tree, Democrat — Gen. Jno. Black, Democrat — Hon. John Barton Payne, Democrat— Rev. P. S. Henson, D. D.— Rev. Edward Everett Hale, D. D.— Eev. Father T. P. Hodnett— Col. J. H. Davidson— Bishop C. H. Fowler, D. D.— Rev. J. H. 0. Smith— Rev. E. A. Dunning— Sen. Carter— Gov. Roosevelt — Hon. A. G. Foster — Col. Chas. Denby — Murat Halstead — Opinions of Professors in 17 Western Colleges, Etc., Etc 339 xii TABLE OF CONTENTS. Chapter XXYII. Anti-Expansion Sentiments: \Vm. J. Bryan — Andrew Carnegie — Gen. J. B. Weaver — Hon. Bcnj, R. Tillman — Hon. Geo. F. Hoar — Samuel Gom- pers — Hon. Arthur P. Gorman — Hon. Marion Butler — Hon. Geo. G. Vest — Hon. Stephen M. White — Charles Francis Adams — Hon. Henry M. Teller — Hon. Geo. F. Edmunds — Hon. Adlai Stevenson — David Star Jor- dan — Hon. Carl Schurz — Hon. Jno. W. Daniel — Hon. H. D. Money — Hon. Wm. E. Mason — Hon. Horace Chilton — Hon. A. 0. Bacon — Hon. Geo. W. Turner — Hon. Jno. L. McLaurin — Hon. Alex. S. Clay — Hon. Henry U. Johnson — Rev. H. D. Bigelow of Cincinnati — Ex-Congressman Chas. A. Town — Prof. Geo. Herron — Ex-Governor Geo. S. Boutell — Prof. A. H. Tolman — Prof. J. L. Laughlin — Clarence M. Darrow — Senator Geo. F. Hoar— Gen. W. B. Shattuck and Others 393 Chapter XXVIII. Opinions on Trusts by the Following : Prof. Jno. B. Clark — Henry White —Hon. W. D. Foulke— Lewis F. Post— M. L. Lockwood— Thos. J. Morgan — Edward Keasley — Samuel Gompers — M. M. Garland — Gov. H. S. Pin- gree— Hon. Chas. W. Foster— P. E. Dowe— F. B. Thurber— Gov. G. W. Atkinson — Hon. C. E. Snodgrass — E. Rosewater — Hon. Dudley Wooten — Prof. Jno. G. Brooks, Harvard — Dr. Henry Adams — Attorney General E. C. Crowe— Rev. R. A. Wliite— Gov. H. S. Pingree— Rev. J. Lloyd Jones — Dr F. W. Gunsaulus — Hon. Bourke Cockran — William J. Bryan — Rev. Father Ducey, and Many Others 433 Chapter XXIX. Municipal Ownership 466 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Page George Washington Frontispiece Commodore Jones Capturing the Serapis 14 Commodore Paul Jones 15 Commodore William Bainbridge 20 Commodore John Barry 21 Decatur's Conflict with the Algerians at Tripoli — Reuben Jones Interposing His Head to Save the Life of His Commander 28 Commodore Stephen Decatur 29 Battle Between the Constitution and the Guerriere 125 Another View of the Battle Between the Constitution and the Guerriere 124 Commodore James Laurence 60 Death of Captain Laurence 6i Commodore Oliver H. Perry 76 Battle of Lake Erie — Commodore Perry Leaving His Flagship 77 Battle of Lake Champlain — Macdonough Pointing the Gun 82 Commodore T. Macdonough 83 Naval Heroes in the Spanish-American War — Rear Admiral Sampson — Rear Admiral Schley — Captain Evans — Captain Clark — Lieutenant Commo- dore Wainwright , . . 44 Commodore David E. Farragut , 45 The Sinking of the Merrimae (Colored Plate) 127 Hole Made by a Spanish Shot in the Armor Plate of the Battleship Texas. . . 141 Cutting the Cable Under Fire 140 Effect of a Good American Shot (Colored Plate) 148 Adios, Vizcaya ! 152 Captain Evans Refusing Eulate's Sword 153 Officer Dewey the Last to Leave the Burning Ship Mississippi 156 The Hero of Manila — Admiral George Dewey 157 Dewey's Victory at Manila ( Colored Plate) 185 Washington Taking Command of the Army at Cambridge, 1775 196 George Washington (from an original portrait) 197 At Valley Forge — Washington and Lafayette 200 Battle of Bunker Hill 201 General Scott Entering the City of Mexico 217 General Winfield Scott 216 Giants of the Republic — George Washington — Abraham Lincoln — U. S. Grant. 231 Leading Generals Who Commanded Insurgent Forces in Cuba — Antonio Maceo — Maximo Gomez — Jose Marti — Calixto Garcia .256 2 =^'" xiv LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Page Militan- Heroes in the Spanish- American and Philippine Wars — Major Gen. Nelson A. Miles— Gen. II. W. Lawton— Major Gen. Joseph Wheeler- Col. Theodore Eoosevelt— Major Gen. W. E. Shaftcr 257 Artillery Men Trying to Locate the Enemy's Batteries Under Fire 178 Heroic Charge of the Tenth Cavalry (Colored) at San Juan 172 In the Thick of the Fight Before Santiago (Colored Plate) 267 Storming of Malate (Colored Plate) 271 Teddy Roosevelt (Colored Plate) 277 U. S. Troops Embarking at San Francisco for the Philippine Islands 305 Aguinaldo, the Insurgent Leader of the Filipinos 304 United States Volunteer in Full ilarching Order 314 General Frederick Funston 815 Eminent Politicians and Statesmen — Expansionists — Gen. Jno. C. Black — Hon. Jos. Choatc — Hon. Jno. Barton Pa}-ne — U. S. Senator Mark A. Hanna — U. S. Senator Cushman K. Davis 339 President McKinley and His Cabinet — Expansionists — President McKinley Postmaster General Smith — Secretary Root — Secretary Long — Secretary Gage — Secretary Wilson — Secretary Hay — Attorney General Griggs 339 Noted Divines — Expansionists — Cardinal Gibbons — Rev. F. A. Noble, D. D. — . Rev. Father T. P. Hodnett, D. D.— Rev. J. P. Brushingham, D. D.— Rev. J. II. 0. Smith, D. D 339 A Group of Expansionists — Hon. Whitelaw Reid — Hon. Luther Laflin Mills — Supt. E. B. Andrews— Ex. U. S. Senator Peffer— Hon. Richard S. Tuthill. 339 Educators and Statesmen — Anti-Expansionists — Prof. E. Yon Hoist — Presi- dent Henry Wade Rogers, LL. D. — Ex- Vice-President A. E. Stevenson — U. S. Senator Jno. W. Daniel 410 Eminent Politicians and Statesmen — Anti-Expansionists — Wm. E. Mason — • Col. W. J. Bryan— J. G. Carlisle— B. R. Tillman— G. F. Hoar— Geo. G. Vest 411 Statesmen Who Took Part in the Trust Conference — Geo. W. Atkinson — W. A. Poynter— Hazen S. Pingree— W. E. Stanley— Edward Scofield 426 Officers of Conference on Trusts — Dudley G. Wooten — Henry A^. Johnson — Franklin II. Head— Wm. Wirt Howe— Stephen P. Corless— Ralph M. Easley 427 Noted Politicians — Anti-Trust — William J. Bryan — W. Bourke Cockran — Charles Foster — Henry W. Blair 430 Men of Affairs on Trusts — Samuel Gompers — Edward Q. Xeasbey — U. M. Rose— T. B. Walker— M. M. Garland— A. Leo Weil 431 How Baleful Trusts Are Operated 439 The Trust Octopus 447 The Trust Hog Sent Over the Precipice of Insolvency 45-9 COMMODORE JO\ES CAPTURING THE SERAPIS COMMODORE PAL'L JOKES Splendid Deeds of American Heroes. CHAPTER 1. PAUL JONES, THE BON HOMME RICHARD AND THE SERAPIS. The American people are justly proud of the historic deeds of their navy. Since their first great sea fight between the Bon Homme Richar«l, under the command of John Paul Jones, and the English frigate, Sera- pis, off Flamborough Head, England, the naval history of this western nation has been an almost unbroken line of brilliant exploits. This memorable naval duel was fought on September 23, 1779, under a full harvest moon, which lent an added weirdness to the scene. On th^L English shore were gathered thousands of spectators, who watched the engagement with an eagerness and anxiety corresponding to the des- perate chances of the game. Nothing more thrilling is to be found in naval chronicles. As a close and deadly fight, hand to hand, and attended by all the gallant ex- hibitions of human courage, it has no parallel in history. John Paul Jones was a Scotchman by birth, but some years before the Revolutionary war he had become a citizen of the colonies. His officers were Americans, but the crew was a motley crowd, representing more than a score of nationalities, half of whom, however, were hardy, well trained American seamen. The Bon Homme Richard was an old vessel and her timbers were soft and rotten, while her poorly cast guns were more dangerous to the crew than to the enemy. With Jones sailed two other ships, the Pallas and the Alliance; the latter commanded by a Frenchman named Landais, a jealous, despicable poltroon and traitor. Commodore Jones had sighted a fleet of English merchantmen con- voyed by the Serapis and the Countess of Scarborough, and at once sig- naled for the rest of the squadron to begin a general chase. The Alliance being the fastest sailer took the lead in the pursuit. As she moved ahead, Captain Landais spoke the Pallas, and told her commander that, if the enemy proved to be a fifty-gun ship, there was nothing left but to 15 16 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. try to keep out of the way. Landals took his own advice; for he no sooner discovered the size of the Serapis, than he hauled off, under full , sail. The Pallas bravely engaged the Countess of Scarborough, and, after a bloody conflict of an hour, Captain Cottineau compelled the white cross of St. < ieorge to bow to the Stars and Stripes of an almost name- less republic. Thus llie Ron Homme Richard and the Serapis were left alone to fight in single combat. . Ilalf the afternoon, on that memorable 23d of September, the Rich- ard, under crowded sail, had determinedly chased the Serapis. At seven o'clock, just as the dusk of evening was gathering, Jones came within pistol shot of the English ship. As the Yankee boat slowly drew near. Captain Pearson hailed her: "What ship is that?" "Come a little nearer and I'll tell you," was Paul Jones' answer. "What are you laden with?" again came from the Englishman. "Round, grape and double headed shot!" was the ready-witted reply. And almost at the same instant the Richard let go a broadside in rebuke to the contemptuous demand of the Serapis upon a man-of-war. The Richard carried forty guns, and the whole weight of iron missiles she could throw with them all at one discharge was four hundred and seventy-four pounds; while the Serapis, with forty-one guns, could throw six hundred pounds. At the very first discharge two of the eighteen pounders of the Richard burst, killing almost every man of the gun crews that served them, and, tearing up the deck, created such havoc as to render the four other large gnus useless. The inequality of the contest was in this way greatly increased, for it reduced the armament of the Richard to nearly a third less than that of her antagonist. Almost simultaneously the Serapis responded to the Richard's fire with a heavy broadside. Flash answered flash. The lightning of artil- lery glared upon the scene and the thunder of cannonading was a con- tinuous roar. The hail of iron tore through both ships. Timbers crashed and death- dealing splinters flew in all directions. The decks were strewn with the mangled bodies of the dead and dying. The sand that had been sprinkled on the floors to keep the men from slipping became soaked with blood and refused to hold their hurrying footsteps. PAUL JONES— THE BON HOMME RICHARD. 17 Very slowly the two vessels moved along, each trying to cross the other's track and with a broadside rake the enemy from stern to bow. The Richard had received several shots at the water line and seemed to be sinking. Any other captain than Paul Jones would have struck his colors. Several of the braces of the Richard had been shot away. She would not readily respond to the helm, and the bowsprit of the Serapis was thrust across the stern of the Richard. This Captain Jones grasped with his grappling irons, and with his own hands made the two ships fast. Side by side, with yards entangled, so that the sailors of the Richard could pass from her maintop to the foretop of the Serapis, they ex- changed broadside after broadside. Finding themselves securely locked in a fatal embrace that could not be shaken off, the enemy tried to board the Richard, but were driven back. Officer Stacy, as brave a man as was to be found aboard, but, like many sailors given to profanity, began to swear furiously. Jones said to him: "Don't swear, Mr. Stacy, don't swear; in another minute we may all be in eternity, but let us do our duty.'' The fight now raged furiously. The lower portholes of the Serapis, which had been shut to prevent the Americans from boarding, were blown off, as there was not room between the closely lashed hulls to raise them. The gunners, in ramming down the charges, often ran their ramrods into the portholes of the other vessel, so closely were they interlocked. The superior armament of the Englishman told upon the Richard; her sides were rent by the eighteen pound guns of the Serapis, which, with their muzzles thrust into the vex'y portholes of the American boat, cleared everything before them. The gunners were forced to abandon their pieces on the main deck and go above, some to the upper deck and forecastle, others into the yards and tops, whence they kept up a constant fire of musketry and hand grenades. Captain Jones presently realized that with his rotten vessel he would soon get the worst of such fighting, and therefore gave the order: "Stand by, men, and board her." A hundred men made a rush over the gunwales into the Serapis. They were met by an equal number of Englishmen, with pistol?:, swords and pikes, who drove them back with many killed on either side. 18 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. In the darkness the flags could not be seen and Captain Pearson, of the Serapis, shouted: "Have you struck your flag?" Back was thundered the historic reply from John Paul Jones: "No; I have not yet begun to fight.'' With his own hands the undaunted captain served the guns. Thougli he was blackened with powder-smoke and woundetl b^' a flying splinter he kept calm and watchful, and tried to compensate for the superiority of the guns of the enemy by the rapidity of fire of his own. The Richard was on fire in several places. The flames were so near the powder magazine that her commander ordered the powder kegs to be thrown into the sea. The sailors and marines, perched above in the mainyard of the Rich- ard, had driven almost every man of the Serapis below. Nor were they safe here. One dauntless fellow had crawled out on the extreme end of the Richard's yard, from whence he could drop hand grenades down the enemy's main hatchway with absolute precision. One of these hand grenades probably turned the day in favor of the Bon Ilomme Richard, for it ignited a row of cartridges that the powder- boys of the Serapis had carelessly left, in their dismay, on the gun deck. The flash reached from main to mizzen mast, and the explosion was terrific. Nearly twenty men were blown to pieces or scorched beyond recog- nition. The clothing was torn from their bodies so that nothing was left but the collars and wristbands of their shirts, or the waistbands of their trousers. Thirty-eight men were wounded, many beyond hope of recovery, thus making a total of nearly sixty who were either killed or disabled. At this time the Alliance came alongside and Captain Jones thought the battle was at an end. But, to the horror of the Bon Homme Richard, Landais, by mistake or crazy intent, poured a broadside into the very face of the men on the boat he was supposed to be helping. The Alliance did great damage to the Richard by this broadside, and though she drew off and seemingly tried to aid her consort, the two con- testants were so inextricably interlocked that her fire took effect on friend and foe alike. Some of the men of the Richard became discouraged, and leaving their guns declared that the Englishmen had possession of the ship. The water came in freely through the shot holes, and the vessel began to settle. PAUL JONES—THE BON HOMME RICHARD. 19 The doctor, runniug from tke cockpit below, said: ''The water is gaining so fast that the wounded are floating in it. We must surrender." "What, Doctor," cried Jones, smiling grimly, "would you have me strike to a drop of water? Here, quick, help me get this gun over there." Down far more rapidly than he came up the good doctor went, conclud- ing that it was a safer place below than by the side of the man who did not know how to surrender. But the vessel was lurching fearfully. The conviction deepened every moment among the young officers that the ship was doomed. The crew were in a panic. Some one called: "Quarter, quarter, for God's sake, quarter! our ship is sinking!" Hearing the crj', Jones shouted fiercely: "Shoot the rascals, shoot the rascals who were asking for quarter." The guilty sailors no sooner heard that terrible voice than they started to skulk below, but the Commodore hurled his pistol at the leader's head, which knocked him down at the foot of the gangway, where he lay senseless till the end of the battle. The officers and men of the Richard entreated Jones to strike his colors, but he would not give up the fight. Captain Pearson had also heard the crj^ for quarter and hailed the Richard, crying: "Why don't you haul down your colors?' "Haul down our colors!" cried Jones, "we are waiting for yours to come down first." The conflict, which had momentarily ceased, was again renewed, but both sides were forced to cease firing after a few rounds, as the ships were on fire. In the course of the combat the Serapis had been set on fire a dozen times, while in the latter part of the engagement the Richard ■was in a constant blaze. In addition to the condition of his ship Captain Jones had two hun- dred English prisoners, confined below, who momentarily threatened to overpower the American crew. But the shrewd Scotchman turned this threatening body of men to rare account. There was six feet of water in the hold and he sent an officer below to tell the prisoners that the ship was sinking and if they did not man the pumps Englishmen and Americans would go down to gether. In a frenzy of terror they rushed to the pumps and worked with a will, while the crew on deck continued to fight the Serapis. This cunning device no doubt saved the day for the Richard, for it kept the disabled boat afloat and quieted the panic-stricken men, who 20 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. had begun to fear the prisoners in the hold quite as much as the enemy's guns or a watery grave. As soon as order was restored on board the Richard, her chances of success began to increase greatly, while the enemy appeared to have lost the hope of victory. The fire from the tops of the Richard had shot down every man on the quarterdeck of the Serapis, while her mast was so cut by shot that it fell with a crash and left the deck a perfect wreck. Nearly a hundred and fifty men had perished on each side. Captain Pearson now saw that all was lost, and with his own hands hauled down his flag, the men refusing to expose themselves to the fire of the Richard's tops. Lieutenant Richard Dale and Midshipman May- rant boarded the Englishman, followed by a large party of sailors. The confusion was so great that it was not generally known, at that moment, that the Serapis had surrendered, and Mayrant was run through the thigh with a boarding-pike. Lieutenant Dale found Captain Pearson on the quarterdeck. Salut- ing respectfully, he said : "I have orders to send you on the ship alongside." The first lieutenant of the Serapis coming up at that moment, asked: "Has the enemy struck her flag?'' Dale replied: "No, you have struck to us." Captain Pearson admitted that it was true, and he and his first lieu- tenant accompanied Mr. Dale on board the Richard, where Commodore Jones received the sword of his worthy foe. It is recorded that Pearson in handing his sword made some refer- ence to surrendering to a man with a halter hanging over his neck. If he did so Jones paid no attention to it, but with true magnanimity said: "Sir, you have fought like a hero; and I have no doubt that your sov- ereign will reward you in the most ample manner.*' The words of Jones were prophetic, for Pearson was knighted for his gallant conduct. When Commodore Jones heard of it he significantly remarked: . "He deserves it, and if he shall get another ship and I fall in with him, I will make a duke of him." Captain Heddart, Avho was a midshipman on board the Serapis, wrote a letter in 1824 to his grandson giving an account of the battle. Refer- ring to the condition of the Richard after the surrender of the Serapis he says: "I suppose Paul Jones was himself astonished when daylight showed the condition of his ship. I am sure we were. "His ship was still on fire. Ours had been a dozen times, but was CO.M.MUlHJKE WILLIAM l',AIM-;KII)C_,li COMMODORE JOHX BARRY COMMODORE JOHN BARRY. 21 out. Wherever our main battery could hit him we had torn his ship to pieces — knocked in and knocked out the sides. "There was a complete breach from the mainmast to the stern. You could see the sky and sea through the old hulk anywhere. Indeed, the wonder was that the quarterdeck did not fall in. The ship was sinking fast and the pumps would not free her." In the National Museum at Washington has been recently placed the historical flag which flew from the masthead of the Richard during this remarkable conflict. It was the first American emblem which was ever saluted on the sea by a foreign nation. It has only twelve stars in the blue field, and was evidently made before Rhode Island ratified the Constitution. It is a priceless relic. The hero who fought beneath it with the in- trepid American seamen who then gave to the world the assurance that the American spirit was unconquerable, deserves the lasting gratitude of the nation. His enemies have called him a pirate and in other ways have striven to blight his fame. But in the light of all the facts which are now accessible to us he is revealed as one of the most devoted, cour- ageous, resourceful commanders the American navy has ever known, as full of patriotism to the Revolutionary cause as any name however dis- tinguished. The English government considered Jones a pirate and offered a reward of 10,000 pounds sterling for his head, dead or alive, a sum equal to nearly $100,000 of our present money. But no one ever received it. Commodore Jones died in Paris in the year 1792. His grave has been very recently discovered. COMMODORE JOHN BARRY. Commodore John Barry may be justly termed one of the fathers of the American navy. He was a man of high-toned magnanimity and in- genuousness of spirit which was so characteristic of many of our great seamen. He was an Irishman by birth and a Catholic in religion. He was born in the County of Wexford, in the year 1745. Having shown an early inclination for the sea he was placed on board a merchantman by his father when a mere lad, but in the intervals of his voyages acquii'ed a good practical education. When about fourteen years of age he reached America and deter- mined to make this country his home. He made several voyages to Europe for some of the merchants of Philadelphia, and finally was given 22 SPLEXDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. the command of the Black Prince, a fine ship which was afterwards pur- chased by Congress as a vessel of war. He was assigned a place in the navy at the breaking out of the war of the Revolution and given the command of the brig Lexington, the second Continental vessel that sailed from Philadelphia. This vessel carried seventy men and sixteen guns. On the 17th of April, 1776, while cruising off the capes of Vir- ginia, he sighted the British vessel, Edward, a tender of the Liverpool, and engaged it in conflict. The action was a very close one and lasted for an hour. On both sides there was desperate fighting. The Lexing- ton had four of her crew killed and wounded, while the enemy sufifered a much greater loss. Commodore Barry had the signal honor of cap- turing the first vessel of war ever taken by a regular American cruiser in battle. He was then given the command of the Effingham, a new vessel which was being built at Philadelphia, and which was afterwards re- moved up the river, when the British fleet occupied that city. Barry planned a bold attack upon the enemy further down the stream, which he carried out with great determination and bravery. Having manned four boats at Burlington, in New Jersey, he rowed down the Delaware with muffled oars and surprised two British trans- ports and an armed schooner that were on their way from Rhode Island to Philadelphia. The transports were laden with forage and the schoon- er was well mounted with eight double four-pounders and twelve four- pound howitzers, and manned with thirty-three men. The transports had one six-pounder, and fourteen men each. Barry had a force of only twenty-eight men. He boarded the schooner and after a short contest forced it to capitulate and the transports with it. Barry was compelled, greatly to his disgust, to burn his prizes and escape by land, on account of the unexpected arrival of two British cruisers. The victory, however, was very cheering to Washington at this disheartening period of the war. He wrote Barry on March 12, 177S, saying: '*I congratulate you on the success which has crowned your gal- lantry and address in the late attack upon the enemy's ships, and al- though circumstances have prevented you from reaping the full benefit of your conquest, yet there is ample compensation in the degree of glory which you have acquired." These were words worthy of the Com- mander-in-Chief arid were balm to Barry's soul. Barry was now appointed to the command of the Raleigh, carrying thirty-two guns. He si\iled from Boston with a brig and sloop under convoy, on the 25th of September, 1778. When a few miles from laud, COMMODORE JOHN BARRY. 23 two British ships, the Experiment carrying fifty guns, and the Unicorn with twenty-two guns, came in sight. They gave chase at once to the Kaleigh. Barry bent every effort to escape them, knowing the futility of any attempt to fight, but at the same time holding his vessel ready for action. His men were at quarters all night peering in the darkness for the enemy whom they knew to be in full pursuit. A hazy morning dawned, and in the distance the English ships were in view. A sec«nd anxious night passed with every man at his post. When day again came there were the British vessels forging steadily ahead. They were now off the coast of Maine, and had the wind continued the Raleigh would have been able to give her pursuers the slip, but it suddenly moderated. The Unicorn now came within fighting distance of the Raleigh and the battle began at five in the afternoon. At the second fire of the Unicorn, Barry's ship unfortunately lost her fore-topmast and mizzen top-gallantmast. This put her at a tremendous disadvantage in all her sailing manoeuvers. Barry attempted to board his antagonist and had he succeeded the result would have been far different. But the Unicorn with her advan- tages of canvas easily baffled the effort. The Experiment was in the meantime coming up to the help of her consort. Barry then saw that the contest was a hopeless one. Calling a council of his officers, he asked their opinion. It was determined to run the Raleigh aground on a rocky island called the Wooden Ball, some dis- tance from the mouth of the Penobscot River. Barry escaped with a portion of his crew, after many hardships, to the main land. A petty officer surrendered the ship. The Unicorn, which was much battered, lost ten men killed. The Raleigh had twenty-five killed and wounded. The skill and bravery of Barry were thoroughly appreciated by Washington and the country in spite of the loss of the frigate. In 1781 Barry succeeded the cowardly and probably insane Landais in the command of the Alliance, which carried thirty-two guns. On May 28 of that year Barry came in sight of the British sloop of war Atlanta, carrying sixteen guns and the brig Trepassy with fourteen guns. On account of the dead calm which prevailed when the ships came within fighting distance, the Alliance lay almost like a log in the water, with the two vessels of the enemy on her quarters and stern. In this position she could not bring her broadside to bear upon the foe. The British had all the advantage, raking the Alliance with grape 24 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. and shot. At two o'clock, Barrv was carried below severely wounded in tbe shoulder. An unlucky shot carried away the fla<; of the Alliance. The enemy taking this as a token of surrender manned the shrouds and gave three tremendous cheers. "What is that cheering for?" asked Barry while his wound was being dressed in the cockpit. "Our flag has been shot away and the British think we have sur- rendered,'' was the answer. "Surrendered," cried tbe heroic commodore, "not by any means. Here, doctor," he said, "if the ship cannot be fought without my being on deck, I am going there at once." The determination of the heroic commander reanimated the crew. "No surrender, no surrender," they shouted. "Hoist the flag." The glorious banner of liberty was again run up. The wind suddenly freshened. The Alliance gained the desired position. Shot after shot was poured into the enemy's ships, and down came their ensign. Captain Edwards of the Atlanta came into the cabin w'here Barry was lying, and suffering greatly from pain. He presented his sword with a courteous remark. The commodore, rising as much as he was able, said : "Captain, you have fought nobly. You have done all that a gallant oflBcer of his majesty could do, in the struggle. Please keep your sword. I hope the king will give you hereafter a ship more worthy of your cour- age and skill." After rendering other services of importance to the country, Barry retired to private life at the close of the war. His good ship the Alliance followed her commander out of active service and was converted into a merchant ship, greatly to the general regret. In 1794, when the navy was reorganized, Barry was appointed to the command of the United States, a vessel carrying forty-two guns, and was employed in protecting the commerce of the country from French depredations, and in making various captures of privateers. He died on the 13th of September, 1803, in Philadelphia, at the age of tifty-eight. His character may be summed up in the memorable reply which he made to the solicitations of General Howe, to gain him over to the side of the English crown. He said: "I have devoted myself to the cause of my adopted country. Not the value and command of the whole British fleet can seduce me from it." Of such stuff were these glorious Revolutionary heroes made. A PLEA FOR THE NAVY. 25 STEWART AND BAINBRIDGE PLEAD FOR THE NAVY. "You talk of going to war with England," sneered Josiah Quincy, in 1812. "Why, you have not resolution enough to meet the expenses of the little navy rotting here in the Potomac!" Such men as Judge Story, the profound expositor of the law, had not been blind to the glorious possibilities of the navy, if it could have the support of the government. In answer to a friend of the adminis- tration, who had spoken contemptuously of our sailors, he said: "I was born among these hardy sons of the ocean. I cannot doubt their courage or their skill. If Great Britain ever obtains possession of our present little navy, it will be at the expense of the best blood of that country. It will be a struggle that will call for more of her strength than she has ever exerted against a European foe." To Bainbridge and Stewart are largely due the nation's thanks that this tribute to the skill and courage of our brave sailors has never been undeserved. ' It is no doubt true that on the declaration of war, in 1812, the govern- ment entertained the project of laying up all the vessels in the harbors. Thus they were to be preserved and kept from falling into the hands of the enemy. Stewart and Bainbridge opposed this marvelous scheme with deter- mined energy. Their stubborn fight against such a cowardly policy was prophetic of their gallant deeds in the future. It happened that they were shown the orders to Commodore Rogers saying: "Do not leave New York. Keep the vessels in port for the defense of the harbor and the security of the vessels." At once they sought an interview with the Secretary of the Navy. He was impressed by their representations, and going to President Madison secured an interview for them at once. Mr. Madison listened with attention to the glowing defense these men made of the navy. "Eight times out of ten," said they, "with equal force, we can hardly fail. Our men are better men. They are better disciplined. Our mid- shipmen are not mere boys, only fit to carry orders. They are young men capable of reflection and action. Our guns are sighted, — an Amer- ican improvement of which the English are ignorant. We can fire our cannon with as accurate an aim as a man with a musket. The English must fire at random, without sight of their object or regard for the un- dulations of the sea. This sends their shots over our heads or far short of our hulls. 26 SPLEXDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. "We may be captured. Probably we shall be, even after taking prizes from tliem, because their numbers are much greater than ours. "But, sir, the American flag will never be dishonored while in the custody of the American sailor. With equal force, it will seldom, if ever, be struck to any tlag that floats." The President not only listened but seemed persuaded. "The experiences of our navy in the Revolutionary war confirm your opinions," he said. The cabinet was called; but the members held to their former view. Still Bainbridge and Stewart were persistent. They would not aban- don their patriotic purpose. A well argued and emphatic letter was addressed to the President; their arguments were so convincing that he was induced to change the plan on his own responsibility. One of the cabinet officers gave a reluctant consent to the President's decision. He said: '"The ships will soon be taken and the government will thus be rid of the cost of maintaining them. This will give the country liberty to direct its energies to the army." The military men had the ascendency in the councils of the predom- inant party. So they aimed to secure for themselves all the expected glory of the war. The poor little navy was to have been ignominiously thrust aside. The ships were to be allowed to rot. The aspiring naval heroes were to remain in inaction. Fortunately this was not to be. In the end it was our little navy that, gaining a chance to show its worth, redeemed the country from the disgrace into which the politico-military leaders had at first plunged it. "You will give us victories, then, you think?" Madison asked Bain- bridge and Stewart, when they had finished their plea for a fair trial of American ships and sailors. "We do, sir, most confidently," was the unhesitating reply. They did as much as they promised, and more. They gave us victor- ies that the American historian records with pride, victories that thrill every American patriot at their recital. When war was declared, the vessels of the navy were not in a condi- tion to act with any degree of intelligent combination. The government had contemptuously disregarded its needs. The ships were scattered; some were laid up; some were being repaired; and others were too dis- tant to be of service. CHAPTER II. CAPTAIN STEPHEN DECATUR. Stephen Decatui* was a native of Maryland. Born January 5, 1779, he was still a young man of only thirty-two when the war of 1812 broke out. However, there were few, if any, in the American navy who had seen as much service as he. Certainly no one had won a more brilliant repu- tation. Unlike many others, who in those days won renown on the sea, Decatur was a thoroughbred naval officer. He had risen in the service from midshipman. Every opportunity had been presented for acquiring a knowledge of seamanship and the duties of a naval commander. While but a lieutenant he greatly distinguished himself in the war with Tripoli. The United States frigate Philadelphia had run ashore on the Barbary coast in 1804. In this helpless condition she fell into the hands of the treacherous piratical Tripolitans, who took her as a prize to Tripoli. The vessel was moored under the guns of the Pasha's castle. Within two cables' lengths on the starboard-quarter, lay two of the enemy's cruisers. In addition to this protection the Philadelphia's own guns were mounted and loaded ready to fire. Against such an array of force Decatur made his heroic attempt in a single ketch captured from the enemy, and manned with a crew of seventy men. Decatur quietly sailed into the fortified harbor at eleven o'clock at night. In the darkness he approached within two hundred yards of the Philadelphia. Then the enemy on board her bailed him. "Drop anchor, or you will be fired on." Decatur ordered his pilot, who was a Maltese, to say: "The ketch has lost her anchor in a gale on the coast and we cannot obey your command." The harbor was very calm, but by this time the ketch had floated within fifty yards of the Philadelphia. Decatur threw a rope to a small boat that had come along side his vessel. "Make this fast to the frigate's fore chains," he requested. 27 28 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. This was done, and the crew quickly warped the ketch alongside. The enemy now began to suspect the character of their visitors. In a moment Decatur and Midshipman Morris were over the rails and on board the Philadelphia. For several moments they stood there, unprotected by any of their own men. The Turks were utterly taken by surprise. They stood huddled on the quarter-deck, and, helpless from fear, offered little resistance to Decatur's crew, when they boarded and attacked them. Twenty of the enemy were killed on the deck. Many jumped over- board and were drowned. The rest fled into the hold. The fight had aroused the Tripolitans on the cruisers and in the castle. With a howl of rage they saw their prize about to be taken away. The guns of cruisers and batteries were then turned on the doomed Philadelphia. Decatur ordered the vessel to be set on fire. His command was obeyed. The wind had freshened, and the flames spread so rapidly that the sailors had great difficulty in getting the ketch clear of them. As the breeze was coming off shore in a few minutes Decatur and his men were well out of reach of the enemy's guns. Not a man was lost in this exploit, Decatur was the hero of the hour, and the rank of post-captain was not too great a reward for his courage and ability. He was now appointed to the command of three gunboats and a bomb vessel. These vessels Commodore Preble had obtained from the King of Naples, to co-operate with the American squadron in an attack on Tripoli. The gunboats were cut loose from the men-ofwar which had them in tow, and Decatur prepared to lead his division immediately into action. The enemy's gunboats presented a formidable line. They occupied a strong position across the mouth of the harbor. Behind them were the cruisers and land batteries, bristling with guns. The Tripolitans had stripped their boats of all sail. The hope of flight was taken away, and nothing remained but to fight or sink their vessels. Decatur was eager for the desperate struggle. Going along the line he gave each captain the same order: "Unship your bowsprit, and follow me. I am resolved to board the enemy." Lieutenant James Decatur had brought his boat from his own divi- sion and joined that of his brother. DECATUR'S CONFLICT WITH THE ALGERINES AT TRIPOLI REUBEN JONES INTERPOSING HIS HEAD TO SAVE THE LIFE OF HIS COMMANDER COMMODORE STEI'HEN' DECATUR CAPTAIN. STEPHEN DECATUR. 29 The Captain now boldly took the lead. His boat was headed straight for the harbor entrance. As they came within range the enemy opened fire from their gun- boats, cruisers and batteries. Decatur returned the fire as he advanced. But he never turned a point from his course. With sail set he dashed his boat, full force, against the foremost of the enemy. Commodore Preble, on the Consti- tution, was dumfounded at Decatur's daring. He thought him rash, and ordered the signal for retreat. * No such signal could be found. Deliberate preparations had been made to cover every possible emer- gency that might arise; but American seamen had not thought of the possibility of retreat. There was a crew of forty men on the enemy's boat. Decatur's was manned by an equal number; but thirteen of them were Neapolitans, As the two boats touched, Decatur sprang over the rail. The Ameri- cans followed their dashing leader, with drawn knives and hangers. The timid Neapolitans remained behind. In less than ten minutes there were only dead Turks to be seen on the vessel. Those not killed either jumped overboard or hid in the hold. Only three Americans were wounded in the encounter. Decatur took his prize in tow and moved out of the harbor. He was met by the gunboat that had been commanded by his brother. The crew reported that they had captured a vessel of the enemy, but that Lieu- tenant Decatur had been treacherously shot by the Turkish commander after he had surrendered. In the confusion he had made oif with his boat and was now pushing for the harbor. Decatur's first and natural thought was of revenge. Without regard to prudence and oblivious of his own safety his one desire was to clutch the murderer. He turned his vessel in instant pursuit. With the one single gunboat he broke through the enemy's line and overhauled the flying Turk. With eleven Americans he sprang on board, and rushed for the object of his vengeance. A fierce struggle followed and for twenty minutes the issue was doubtful. One by one eight of the Americans were wounded. At last Decatur found the commander and engaged him in a hand to hand combat. The Turk was armed with a spear; Decatur with a cutlass. Both were experts in the use of their respective weapons. The Turk 3 30 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. made a lunge with his speiu- and Decatur swung his blade to cut off the point of his antagonist's spear, but falling on the hardened steel his cutlass broke at the hilt. The Turk followed up his advantage, thrust- ing again. The blow would have been mortal had not Decatur turned quickly and caught it on the right arm and breast. At the same instant he seized the spear and closed with his adversary. Thus locked they continued their desperate fight. The men rushed to aid their respective leaders. A burly Turk sneak- ing up behind Decatur had raised his sword to deal him a fatal stroke on the head. An American sailor saw the situation. Though wounded so badly that he could use neither hand, with heroic devotion, he inter- posed his own head and received the blow intended for his captain. The two commanders now sti'uggled with quickening breath. Decatur watched his chance and catching him fairly over his hip laid him, back down, upon the deck. The Turk drew a dagger and was about to plunge it into Decatur's body. Seeing the movement he caught his enemy's uplifted arm and, holding it securely', the next instant shot him with a pistol. The Tripolitan crew made no further resistance, and the captain sailed out of the harbor with his second prize. Such adventures had proved Decatur to be a man of daring tempei*. When the war of 1812 broke out his admirers, confident of his mettle, expected from him a triumphant cruise on his new command, the United States. Turning southward, he sought the track of British ^Yest India trad- ers. When he reached mid-ocean, some three hundred miles south of the Azores, the watch sang out: "A sail!'' Decatur soon made it out to be an English ship. He trimmed the sails of his vessel and stood off for the stranger. Both vessels seemed anxious for a fight and soon drew near each other. At the distance of a mile the enemy brought his guns into play, but to no effect. The United States replied with a broadside. The two vessels, at wide gun-shot distance, continued to tack-and- tack, exchanging shots as they passed and repassed. This sort of jday continued for an hour, during winch time the Eng- lishman was the greater sufferer. Finally a well placed shot struck his mizzenmast about ten feet from the deck and felled it with a crash over the quarter. "Jack," said a sailor to a chum, "we've made a brig of her." Decatur, who had overheard the remark, interposed: CAPTAIN STEPHEN DECATUR. 31 "Take good aim next time, Jack, and you'll make her a sloop." The Englishman was so crippled that he tried to close. But the American poured a broadside into him with disastrous effect. The main topmasts went by the board. The mainyard hung useless and the sails and rigging were in tatters. Even the foremast was splintered and in danger of falling. The United States, after delivering this telling blow, tacked under a full mizzen-topsail. The enemy's vessel was unmanageable and drifted helplessly before the wind. Not realizing the condition of their own boat, and seeing the United States bearing off, the British thought she was running away, and sent up three hearty cheers. With premature triumph they ran up a flag on the rigging of the mainsail, the only place left to hang one. The United States, seeing the flag, closed up to renew the attack, but the Englishman soon pulled down his pennant and surrendered. Decatur brought bis vessel alongside the enemy and, hailing her as he passed, shouted: "What's your- name?" and "Do you surrender?" "The Macedonian," came the reply, "thirty-eight guns, Captain Car- den commanding. We strike." The boat was badly cut up. A hundred round shot had penetrated her hull alone, and sails, masts and rigging were all gone. Thii-ty-six men had been killed and sixty-eight wounded. The United States, on the other hand, had suffered but little. Only a few shot had entered her hull, and, in comparison with the Macedonian, she was not much injured aloft. The rigging had been cut, of course; one of her topgallant masts was gone, and some of the spars badly shattered. Her casualties were five killed and seven wounded. Though the American vessel had a little the advantage in size and armament, the boats were pretty evenly matched. The victory showed again the superiority of American gunners and seamen, and the exul- tation with which the triumph was hailed was fully justifiable. Decatur at once set about repairing the Macedonian. Her fore and main masts were braced, and a jury mast rigged up. In this way she was taken into Newport under her own sail, while the United States went on to New London. As soon as he dropped anchor, Decatur sent Lieutenant Hamilton, the son of the Secretary of the Navy, to Washington. With the dispatches he carried the captured flag of the Macedonian. Lieutenant Hamilton arrived in Washington at night. It was a pro- 32 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. pitious moment. Secretary Hamilton was at a ball given in honor of the naval officers. All the dignitaries of the state and navy depart- ments were present, including President and Mrs. Madison, Commodores Hull and Stewart, and Secretary and Mrs. Ilamilton. The young lieutenant sought his father in the midst of all this gay assemblage. The room was filled with officials, distinguished veterans, ? alongside and blow you to the devil!" "That you may do, but as long as my vessel floats you shall not have the man," said McDonough. "You're a hair-brained youth, and will repent of your rashness. If I had been in the boat you would not have dared to take the man." "I should have tried, at any rate." "W^hat, sir! would you venture to interfere if I were to impress the men from that brig?" "You have only to try it, sir, to find out," answered the resolute Mc- Donough. The enraged Englishman returned to his frigate. A boat was manned and armed. With threatening aspect they pulled off again towards the American merchantman. McDonough manned and armed a boat and went to meet the foe. This seemed to bring the Englishman to his senses. He changed his course, took a roundabout turn and pulled back to his ship. The cool, determined conduct of McDonough showed the temper of the man. He was not to be trifled with. The Englishman recognized the THOMAS Mcdonough, hero of lake c ham plain. ss fact, and was wise enough to avoid a collision with the spirited Ameri- can lieutenant. In his youth McDouough was one of the most athletic oflScers in the navy. He was proficient at sword play and held a wide reputation as an expert with the blade. Once when the Siren was lying in the harbor of Syracuse, McDonough was caught on shore. The last ship's boat had returned to the squadron for the night. There was nothing left but to hire a boat; but finding three men instead of the usual number, two, in it he became suspicious. He re- fused to allow them to row him to his vessel. At this the men drew their poniards and attacked him. In an instant his trusty blade flashed from its sheath. Though they were three to one he succeeded, by his superior skill, in wounding two of his assailants. The third took to his heels. Not satisfied with driving them off McDonough pursued the fugitive to the roof of the barracks. The would-be assassin escaped the sword, but not death, by jumping to the ground. Officers and men all admired the resolute spirit of the young lieu- tenant. His heroism always had a moral element in it, and this elevated it far above any exhibition of mere brute courage. His true dignity of character and fire of spirit were chiefly manifest when action and moments of trial brought his heroic qualities into play. His complexion was fair his eyes and hair light. Ill health, caused by hard service, had, in later life, weakened his once vigorous frame, and gave him an appearance which failed to proclaim the grand qualities of the man. He was tall of stature and possessed of that gentle dignity that be- longs to the gentleman of the old school. His face was resolute, but genial. No taint of impurity ever touched his character. He was as humble a Christian as he was a brilliant hero. After the war with Tripoli, McDonough passed a number of years in retirement. Nothing of importance occurred in his life from that time till the war of 1812. He was, at that time, twenty-six years old. At twenty-eight he was appointed to the command of the small naval force on Lake Champlain, which was regarded as a most important point of defense. The American squadron consisted of McDonough's flagship, the Sara- toga, carrying twenty-six guns and two hundred and twelve men; the 86 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. Eagle, a brig of twenty guns and one hundred and fifty men; the Ticon- deroga, a schooner of seventeen guns and one hundred and ten men; the Preble, a sloop of seven guns and thirty men; and ten small gunboats. Captain McDouough anchored his vessels opposite the mouth of the Sarauac liiver. They formed a line running north and south and parallel to the shores. The Eagle was farthest north. Then came the Saratoga and Ticon- deroga, and lastly the Preble. The gunboats formed a second line. They were placed in the inter- vals between the larger vessels and behind them. Thus the American line formed a barrier, so that the British vessels could pass ueither north nor south. There was nothing now to do but to wait. This, young McDonough proceeded calmly to do. On the morning of September 11, 181-1, as the sun rose, McDonough's guard-boat came alongside. Saluting his commander the officer re- ported : "The enemy's vessels are coming!" Turning to his lieutenant McDonough quietly remarked: "Lieutenant, display the signal to prepare for action." The crews responded to the signal with a will. Decks were cleared, guns run out, and preparations made to fight the British just as they were while the fieet lay at anchor. As eight bells were sounding, the sails of the British squadron began to appear. One by one, in menacing array, they doubled Cumberland Head and sailed into the bay. The British fleet was much superior in weight to the American. The Confiance, Captain Downie's flagship, was a frigate-decked boat of thirty-seven guns, and a crew of three bundled men. The next in size was the Linnet. She was a brig of sixteen guns and a crew of a hundred men. Besides these there were two sloops, the Chubb and the Finch. Each had a full armament and a crew of forty men. Twelve gunboats completed the list. These made a total of sixteen vessels, carrying ninety-six guns and a thousand men. To cope with this armament the Americans had fourteen vessels, mounting eighty-six guns and manned by eight hundred and fifty men. With their white wings spread, the enemy's vessels rounded the head. One after the other they formed into line abreast and headed towards the American squadron. THOMAS Mcdonough, hero of lake champ lain. s? McDonough having had ample time to make all preparations, he accordingly spent those few anxious moments, just before the conflict, in reading the prayer of the Episcopal service appointed to be read before a fight at sea against an enemy. "O most powerful and glorious Lord God, the Lord of Hosts, that rulest and commandest all things; Thou sittest in the throne judging right, and therefore we make our address to Thy Divine Majesty in this our necessity, that Thou wouldest take the cause into Thine own hand, and judge between us and our enemies. Stir up Thy strength, O Lord, and come and help us; for thou givest not alway the battle to the strong, but canst save by many or by few. let not our sins cry now against us for vengeance; but hear us, Thy poor servants, begging mercy, and imploring Thy help, and that Thou wouldest be a defense unto us against the face of the enemy. Make it appear that Thou art our Savior and mighty Deliverer, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." As the British came on the Eagle at the head of the American line, opened fire. The distance at first was too great. The shots apparently produced no effect on the advancing enemy. However, the English gunboats opened fire in response and kept up a heavy cannonading. McDonough, with glass in hand, watched the Eagle's fire. When the shots began to tell he brought the Saratoga's guns to bear on the approaching vessels. Just at this moment a young cock, which had got out of the coop, perched himself on the gun slide and giving his wings a vigorous flap let out a lusty crow. The crew at once saw in this a favorable omen. Their spirits were roused and they gave voice to three hearty cheers. The enemy were now in range of the Saratoga's guns. McDonough himself sighting a long twenty-four pounder, gave the order to fire. The shot struck the Coufiance fairly in the bows. It swept along the whole length of the deck, killing several men and carrying away the wheel. Confident in his superior force, Captain Downie tried to bring his vessels to bear on the American line. The Confiance, however, had been so badly crippled already that she was obliged to check her advance. Casting out her anchor she took up a position a quarter of a mile from the American line. This movement was seconded by the Linnet. Finding a favorable position forward of the Eagle's beam, she also anchored. The Chubb kept under way. Her object was to rake the American 88 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. Hue. lu the meantime the Finch with the gunboats got abreast of the Ticonderoga. The Coufiauce had been exposed to a hot lire while she was anchor- ing. Still Captain Downie would not allow a single shot to be fired in reply until this feat was accomplished. Now, however, he opened with a murderous broadside. Every gun was discharged at the same instant, and aimed directly at the Saratoga. Forty men were killed by this single broadside! The Saratoga's deck was encumbered with the dead and dying. It was found necessary to remove the hatches, which had been fastened down, and to pass the killed and wounded below. The awful slaughter had caused a momentary panic on board. Order was soon restored and McDonough had his little ship fighting as gal- lantly as ever. All the ships, in both squadrons, were now hotly engaged. Flash rapidly followed flash and the roar of artillery was continuous. The Chubb, while manoeuvering, had received a heavy broadside from the Eagle. This so crippled her that she drifted helplessly towards the Saratoga. A well placed shot from one of the flagship's guns forced her to strike her colors. McDonough sent a crew aboard and took pos- session at once. In the meantime the Finch had been given such a punishment by the Ticonderoga that she was driven from her position. The stream carried her away in an unmanageable condition and she grounded on the shoal of Crab Island. Here she was forced to strike her colors. The British gunboats closed in on the American vessels. The fire became too hot for the Preble and she cut her cables and ran in to a safe distance. The efforts of the gunboats were then concentrated on the Ticonderoga. Again and again they were within a boat hook's length of the schooner. Each time the Ticonderoga's commander, pacing the taffrail amid showers of grape and canister, directed the discharge of musket balls and small missiles with such effect that the gunboats were driven off. The Eagle was getting the worst of her duel with the Linnet. She was soon forced to slip her cables, and with topsails set she moved down to a position between the Saratoga and Ticonderoga. The Linnet now joined the Confiance in her fire upon the Saratoga. The result was almost annihilation for the American boat. The Eagle, THOMAS Mcdonough, hero of lake ch am plain. 89 in her new position, began to open tire and drew some of tlie shot that had been directed against the flagship. Still the Saratoga had suffered so severely from the concentrated fire that she had not a gun left on the starboard side. Captain McDonough was not williout resources even in this plight. "Out with the kedge anchors,"' he ordered. "Xow, heave awaj," and by means of hawsers he skilfully turned his vessel around. This enabled him to bring his larboard guns to bear. The Confiance attempted the same manoeuver. It was unsuccessful. Terrible broadsides from the Saratoga's fresh guns raked her fore and aft, and reluctantly she lowered h(>r colors to the Stars and Stripes. The conquest over the flagship, Confiance, meant victory over the fleet. The battle of Lake Champlain had been fought and won! It had taken just two hours and a quarter to Avin one of the greatest of Ameri- can naval conflicts. The Linnet held out for a little longer. Then the Saratoga, bringing her guns on the Englishman, let go a thundering broadside. This was too much for the Linnet and she lowered her flag,— the third one to dip to the Saratoga tliat day. The gunboats, seeing the situation, hauled down their ensigns, and the only colors that remained were the proud and glorious American banners. It was a bloody battle. Fifty-two Americans were killed and fifty- eight wounded. Twice the Saratoga had been set on fire by hot shot from the Con- fiance during the engagement. The heroic exertions of the crew and the coolness of her commander alone saved the vessel. That she was not sunk was due to the fact that the enemy aimed a little high. Fifty-five round shot had penetrated her hull. Thirty-nine took effect on the Eagle. The British suffered still more severely. Though the real number of killed and wounded was never ascer- tained, the Confiance reported forty-one dead and eighty-three wounded. The Linnet was believed to have had many more than ten killed and fourteen wounded. This, however, was the number stated by the British. It is quite certain that the loss of the Finch, put down at two wound- ed, was very much underestimated. Besides the larger boats the enemy's gunboats had suffered severely. Their loss, however, was never ascertained. 90 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. After they had struck, they waited a little to be taken posses- sion of, but as no one came, on account of a misunderstanding, they set sail and made their escape. A gun was accidentally discharged by the party that boarded the Conliance. Taking it for a signal the gunboats moved off without colors, one after another. McDonough did not have a vessel left with a mast standing. Thus he could not pursue with a large boat. The gunboats could not be spared, as their crews were required to man the pumps to keep the larger boats afloat. So he was obliged to see his conquered enemy quietly sail away. This victory justly earned McDonough the title of one of the greatest of our naval heroes. The nation overwhelmed him with praise. Every- where a grateful and enthusiastic people made the victory an occasion of festive honor. Public receptions were proffered; feasts were spread. But with true and characteristic modesty they were generally refused. Congress voted him thanks. An appropriate medal was bestowed, and he was promoted to the rank of post-captain. The under ofiQcers were not forgotten. Medals and swords were presented them, while the petty officers, seamen and marines were given three months' extra pay. The State of New York gave Captain McDonough a beautiful sword and a thousand acres of 'and. Vermont donated two hundred acres to him. Both tracts were situated in full view of the scene of the balllc But the most flattering testimonial he ever received was a sword, costing thirteen hundred dollars, the gift of the officers and men he had commanded in the Mediterranean. He died at sea, November 16, 1825, on board a trading brig, that had been sent by the United States government to bring him home from his last command, the Mediterranean squadron. CHAPTER VII. THE GENERAL ARMSTRONG AND PRIVATEERS OF THE WAR OF 1812. Considerations of expediency recommended the system of privateer- ing to the United States during the war of 1812. The American navy was feeble; while that of England was very strong. England, more- over, had an extended commerce that could be seriously harassed, as her sails were on every sea. This system of warfare was sanctioned at the time both by the laws of nations, and by the general sentiments of mankind. Congress at once, at the outbreak of hostilities, authorized the President to issue commis- sions to private armed vessels of the United States, and he was not tardy in granting these letters of marque and reprisal. In six months New York and Baltimore alone had sent out forty-one privateers, many letters of marque, and a large number of pilot-boats. The privateers carried from six to ten guns, and a crew of forty or fifty men. The pilot-boats usually had a single "Long Tom," mounted on a swivel in the center, and a crew of about fifty men. The fortunes of these craft were varied and interesting. Wonderful boldness and consummate skill were constantly displayed by the Ameri- can seamen, who manned them. They were untaught in the art of naval warfare, but blest with unerring judgment. After the first six months of the war had passed, the greater num- ber of the naval conflicts was conducted, on the American side, by pri- vate armed vessels. In three years and nine mouths they captured, burned or destroyed about sixteen hundred English vessels. The American loss was much smaller, owing to the fact that the mer- chant marine was insignificant and that a majority of the vessels were kept in port. Five hundred ships of all classes would cover the captures made by the British. A fair representative of the American privateer was the General Armstrong, which in March, 1813, was cruising off the coast of South America, under command of Guy R. Champlin. Sighting a British sloop-of-war, the General Armstrong gave chase. 91 92 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. The enemy was the Coquette, mounting twenty-seven guns, and manned by a hundred and twenty hands. At ten o'clock the vessels were in shooting distance, and a brisk en- gagement began. Champlin and his officers concluded from the actions of their antagonist that she was a British letter of marque. They ac- cordingly agreed to board her, and for this purpose tacked and ran full for her side. But they had made a mistake in their calculations. The vessel was much larger than they had imagined. It was too late to retreat. For an hour the two ships poured heavy shot into each other, waging a fierce and obstinate fight within pistol distance. The Armstrong was severely crippled, and Champlin was wounded in the shoulder. From his cabin, however, he continued to give orders until his vessel was out of close range of the enemy. The men were then set to work the sweeps. By vigorous pulling and skilful sailing the Armstrong escaped, but under a heavy fire from the Coquette. At a meeting of the stockholders held in Tammany Hall, Champlin, on his return to New York, was presented with an elegant sword. ''This," said the president, ''is in token of your gallant conduct and skilful seamanshiji which saved our vessel and your crew." Under the command of Captain Samuel C. Keid, the General Arm- strong, in September, 1814, had the most desperate and famous fight recorded in the history of privateering during the war. Captain Keid had anchored his ship in the harbor of Fayal, in the Azore Islands. It was a neutral port and belonged to Portugal. Here the Armstrong was attacked by a large British squadron under com- mand of Commodore Lloyd. The enemy's fleet consisted of the flagship Plantagenet, the frigate Rota, and the brig Carnation. The vessels car- ried a total of one hundred and thirty-six guns and a full complement of men. The Armstrong carried only seven guns and ninety men. In direct violation of neutrality laws Commodore Lloyd sent four large, well armed launches, manned with a total of a hundred and sixty men, into the harbor at night to attack the Americans. Keid, fearing treachery, had worked his vessel under the Castle's guns. These now aided the privateer in repelling the attack. The launches could not withstand the accurate fire, and drew off with heavy loss. The Armstrong had her first lieutenant wounded and one man killed. At midnight the attack was renewed, with fourteen launches and five hundred men. A terrible conflict of an hour ensued. THE GENERAL ARMSTRONG— THE PRH'ATEERS. 93 Again the enemy was repulsed with terrible slaughter. One hundred and twenty men were killed and as many more wounded. At daylight the fight was reopened by the Carnation. The Arm- strong poured a telling fire into her which raked her fore and aft, and she hastily and ignominiously withdrew. The privateer was also very much damaged. "She cannot float through another attack," said Eeid; "send the ship's carpenter below and direct him to scuttle the vessel. At any rate she shall not fall into the hands of the enemy." The Armstrong was then abandoned. The British boarded her at once and set her on fire. The several attacks had lasted ten hours. In this brief period the British casualties amounted to three hundred, while the Americans lost but two killed and seven wounded. The unequal contest against this British squadron was a wonderful exhibition of bravery. Besides this, to Captain Reid and his gallant men is due the credit that New Orleans was not captured. Lloyd's squadron was part of the expedition then collecting at Jamaica to seize this southern American port. The aim of the unwarranted attack on the Armstrong was to capture her and make her a useful auxiliary in the expedition. The result was that the unexpected happened. The American vessel so crippled the fleet and decimated the crew that Lloyd was ten days late In reaching Jamaica. These ten days ga .e General Jackson time to approach the unpro- tected city. When the British expedition did finally arrive "Old Andy" had made preparations for them and the city was no longer a defenceless prey. England made apology to Portugal for the violation of neutrality. She also paid that government an indemnity for property destroyed at Fayal; but neither Portugal nor America obtained satisfaction or resti- tution for the destruction of the Armstrong in a neutral port. The conduct of the Armstrong and the circumstances of the attack made a commotion in the United States. Captain Reid was praised and lauded as one of the most daring of American naval commanders. The State of New York presented him with a sword and honored him with thanks on his return to his native land. He was greeted with enthusi- asm wherever he went. 94 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. THE ROSSIE. Another privateer vessel that holds a record for adventure was the Rossie. She was a swift clipper-built schooner, of fourteen guns, and a crew of a hundred and twenty men, under the command of the naval veteran Commodore Barney. On the 12th of July, 1812, Barney sailed from Baltimore on one of the most exciting voyages on record. Nine days out of Baltimore Barney seized the brig Nymph, from New- buryport, for violating the non-importation act. The next day he, in turn, was chased by a British frigate. The Rossie showed a clean pair of heels to the Englishman and made good her escape, although she had twenty-five shot hurled at her from the frigate's bow chasers. On July 30th, the Rossie was chased again by a frigate and again she outsailed her pursuer. The next two days were each celebrated by a capture. The first, the Princess Royal, Barney burned; the second, the Kitty, he took and manned. Things were now coming Barney's way. On August 2d, he burned the brigs Fame and Devonshire, and the same day captured the brig Two Brothers. Putting sixty of his prisoners on board the latter he •sent her as a cartel to St. Johns, New Brunswick, to effect an exchange of as many American prisoners. With the prisoners Barney sent his compliments to Admiral Sawyer, the English commander. "Treat these prisoners well," he said, "and I will soon send you an- other shipload of captives for exchange." The third of August was also a red letter day. He took and sunk the brig Henry, the schooners Race-Horse and Halifax, captured and manned the brig William and added forty prisoners to the number on board the Two Brothers. On August 9th, Barney had a brief action with the twelve-gun ship Jenney. She proved no match for the Rossie and soon lowered her colors. The next day the Rebecca, of Saco, was seized for a breach of the non-importation law, and on the 28th, the Euphrates, of New Bed- ford, for the same reason. Barney now put into port at Newport. He had been out forty-five days and had captured fourteen vessels, nine of which he destroyed. On September 7th, the Rossie sailed out of the harbor for another cruise. Two days from port she fell in with a British squadron, and it THE GENERAL ARMSTRONG— THE PRIVATEERS. 95 was only due to her good sailing qualities tliat Barney did not lose his ship. Three days later she had another run for her life. Six hours an English frigate tried to get in range, but Barney shook out his sails and darkness found them far in the lead. On the IGth of September, Barney attempted to capture the armed packet Princess Amelia. The English vessel made a stubborn and deter- mined resistance. For an hour the two vessels lay at pistol range firing heavy shot at each other. Barney's first lieutenant and six men were wounded. The Princess Amelia lost her captain, sailing master and one seaman killed, and six men wounded. The Amelia had hardly struck her flag, when Barney saw three ships bearing down upon him. Hastily securing his prize, he turned his vessel to engage the strangers. An eighteen-pound shot through the Rossie's quarter made Barney trim his sails and take to his heels. For four days he dogged the three vessels in the hope that, if they became separated, he could pounce down on one of them and capture it. Finally he gave up the game. Meeting the privateer Globe, of Baltimore, the two sailed on in com- pany. They captured the British schooner Jubilee and sent her to port, and seized the Merrimac for a violation of law. On November 10, Barney returned to Baltimore. In four months he had taken with the Eossie three thousand six hundred and ninety tons of shipping, valued at a million and a half of dollars, and two hundred and seventeen prisoners. The experience of the private vessel. Governor Tompkins, further illustrates the spirit of the sailors on these privateers. . The Tompkins was a schooner of fourteen guns and a "Long Tom," manned by a hundred and forty men. Captain Shaler, on December 25th, had sighted three vessels. They appeared to be two ships and a brig. Shifting his sail he ran down to attack the larger vessel, which he took to be a transport. When the Tompkins was within a quarter of a mile the captain saw that the vessel was a large frigate, which had been completely masked. He boldly opened fire, however, and received a terrible response. Such an unequal contest could not be sustained and he spread his sails to fly. 96 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. "Thanks to her heels," he said, "aud my brave officers and crew, I did not have to give up my command at once." The Tompkins lost two men killed and six wounded. One of the former was a black man, named Johnson. "This man," Captain Shaler wrote, "ought to be registered on the book of fame and remembered with reverence as long as bravery is con- sidered a virtue." A twenty-four pound shot struck him iu the hip aud tore away the lower extremities of the body. In this pitiful state the poor fellow lay on the deck. Several times he exclaimed : "Fire away, boys; don't you neber haul dat color down!" The other man killed was also a negro. Several times before he died he said : "Throw me overboard, boys, I'm only in de way ob de oders." With such stuff for sailors, even though black, America had little to fear. There were dare-devil spirits among the privateersmen as well as in the regular service. To this class belonged Captain Boyle, who sailed first on the Comet and afterwards on the Chasseur. This latter vessel was a beautiful brig, the fastest of all the private craft. The story of her cruises is an exciting tale of romance. She was here, and there, and everywhere, a veritable "Phantom Ship." Sometimes she was in the West Indies, then on the coast of Prance, then in the English and Irish channels, then off Portugal and Spain, everywhere spreading terror among the vessels of England's mer- chant marine. Eighty captured vessels is the Chasseur's record. Many of these ves- sels were of great value. Three alone were worth four hundred thou- sand dollars. She swept over the seas with grace and impunity. Her captain was as bold as he was imprudent, and was confident that he could run if he could not fight. While in the English Channel Boyle issued a burlesque proclamation. The English admirals, Warren and Cochrane, had repeatedly declared the ports of the United States blockaded, but it was no more effectual than the blockade of English ports inspired by fear of the Chasseur. Said Boyle in his mock proclamation: "I declare all the ports, harbors, bays, creeks, rivers, inlets, outlets islands and sea coast of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ire- THE GENERAL ARMSTRONG— THE PRIVATEERS. 97 land in a state of blockade, and the Chasseur is sufficient force to compel obedience." The story of all the two hundred and fifty privateersmen would fill volumes of romantic history. It would be a record of daring, boldness and adventure almost unparalleled in the history of naval combats. The American private armed vessels bore a large share of the con- flict, and carried such distress to England's commerce that chey caused the disappointment and chagrin of the British ministry which had brought on the war. By treaty, the great powers of the world have abolished privateering, holding it to be an act of piracy. Spain was not a party to this agreement, and at the beginning of the Spanish-American war declared her intention to fit out privateers against American merchantmen. She, however, never carried her de- clared purpose into act. COMMODORE JOHN RODGERS. This intrepid naval officer was born in Hartford County, Maryland, on the 11th of July, 1771. His father was a patriotic Scotchman who served as colonel of militia during the year of independence. Like many other distinguished American seamen John Rodgers en- tered the merchant service when quite young. Beginning his seafaring life at thirteen years of age he became a captain at eighteen. He en- tered the American navy as lieutenant in March, 1798. He was the executive officer of the Constellation when the French frigate L'Insurgente was captured in 1799. For the services of Captain Truxton, himself and brother officers Congress voted a silver medal and passed a vote of thanks. He performed many brilliant deeds up to his appointment by senior- ity as chief in command of the home squadron cruising on the Atlantic coast. He sailed in his flagship, the President, with his fleet to inter- cept the British West Indian vessels. On June 23d, 1812, he sighted a large British man-of-war. It proved to be the Belvidera, a ship of thirty-six guns, under Captain Byron. Rodgers' own shixJ carried forty-four guns. The wind suddenly died away, and the commodore found it impossi- ble to overhaul the Englishman. He, however, turned his bow-chasers on the vessel in the hope of crippling her and checking her headway. Rodgers pointed the gun with his own hands. It was the first shot of 98 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. the war. Another shot followed and another, all taking effect on the stern of the Belvidera. Then an unfortunate thing occurred. When the fourth gun was fired it burst, tearing up the forecastle deck. The commodore was thrown into the air and his leg broken in the fall. Sixteen of the crew were either killed or wounded. This unforeseen accident compelled the President to cease firing for a time. Taking advantage of the pause the Belvidera began to use her stern guns and did considerable damage, killing several of the Presi- dent's men. This state of things did not last long. As soon as the President re- sumed her fire she did it with such eflVct that the Belvidera was forced to lighten and try to run out of range. Her anchors were cut loose, water casks stove in, and boats thrown overboard. This lightened her sufifi- ciently to enable her to get out of range. Rodgers could not lighten. He was bound on a cruise, and needed all his supplies. The chase had to be abandoned, though a parting broad- side indicated the American sailor's disappointment. By tins time the rest of Captain Rodgers' fleet had overtaken the President, and again he directed the course in search of the Jamaica fleet. Cocoanut shells and orange peelings floating in abundance near tlie Newfoundland banks indicated that these tropical traders could not be far off. Surer information was gained from the skipper of a British privateer, which had been taken by the Hornet. This individual affirmed that he had seen the fleet; that there were eighty-one vessels convoyed by four men-of-war. They proved too fleet for Eodgers' vessels, however, and though he followed them until within a day's sail of the English Channel he was unable to get a sight of their canvas. Though the main object of the cruise was not accomplished, the squadron had captured seven merchantmen and recaptured an Ameri- can trader. After an absence of seventy days the fleet returned to Boston. Alarmed by the narrow escape of the Belvidera the English gathered their ships in force. In July they appeared off New York and were evi- dently on the hunt for the Yankee captain. The squadron presented a formidable appearance. It was composed of the Africa, of sixty-four guns; the Ouerriere, thirty-eight; the Shannon, thirty-eight; the Belvi- dera, thirty-six, and the Aeolus, thirty-two. COMMODORE DAVID PORTER. 99 Luckily they failed to fall in with Captain Eodgers. Still they hung about the coast, pouncing on all American vessels that came in their way. One of these was the little brig Nautilus, mounting fourteen guns. Lieutenant Crane had been but one day out of New York when he unfortunately ran into the English fleet. There was no use to fight, so he made a desperate attempt to escape. The lee guns were thrown over- board. Every inch of sail was spread and the tanks were all started. Still the little vessel set so low in the water that she was quickly over- taken and forced to strike. Taking off her oflScers and crew, the British put on another sailing force and adopted the little craft into their service. Under her new ensign she continued to hover about the coast in company with the Eng- lish squadron. Commodore Rodgers died in Philadelphia, August 1, 1838. COMMODORE DAVID PORTER. ^ Five generations of the notable Porter family have served in the J American navy. Among the renowned members of these sturdy, patri- otic households Admiral David Porter is not the least. He was born in Boston, Mass., on the first day of February, 1780. When nineteen years of age he was appointed midshipman in the United States frigate Constellation. After many exciting experiences and adventures in which his wonderful skill and genius were displayed, he was assigned to the command of the Essex at the beginning of the war of 1812. When Commodore Rodgers had cleared the harbor in search of the Jamaica fleet, Captain David Porter trimmed the sails of the Essex and turned her prow to the southward. In the course of a few days, several English merchantmen had been captured, their crews taken on board and the boats destroyed. Just as Porter changed his course to the northward again, the for- ward watch reported a fleet of English traders convoyed by a large man- of-war and a gunboat. ''Close the lower ports and clear the decks! Stand by the guns; but keep out of the enemy's sight," were the captain's quick commands. Thus disguised, the Essex headed for the fleet. Porter soon over- hauled the hindmost vessel. "Who are you?" he asked. "A transport, with British soldiers," came the reply. 100 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. When he had thus strategically determined the nature of the fleet, Porter was anxious to overhaul the convoy and, if possible, take her by surprise. Pushing ahead in the darkness he came alongside a second vessel. Her captain had his suspicions aroused while they were exchanging greetings and made ready to signal the fleet that a suspicious stranger lay alongside. Porter at once showed his real character and unmasked his guns. "If you don't strike at once, and so quietly as not to disturb the sus- picions of the rest of the fleet, I'll blow you out of the sea," said the American captain. There was nothing for the Englishman to do, but haul down his colors, and an American crew immediately took possession of the trans- port, which had a hundred and fifty soldiers on board. The capture had occasioned some delay. In the meantime day dawned. A surprise was no longer possible, and Porter had to give up the idea of capturing the fleet. The transports carried a thousand sol- diers and were under the protection of the Minei-va, a sh'p of thirty-six guns. Captain Porter had been so successful in his guise of merchantman that he continued his cruise with his gun-deck ports in, top-gallant masts housed, and slovenly trimmed sails. His little ruse soon proved effectual. A sail appeared in sight. As soon as the Essex was sighted it boldly bore down upon her. Captain Porter ran up his ensign and held his boat away under short- ened sail. The stranger, taking the movements to be an effort to escape, hoisted the English colors. Taking the weather-quarter she began a hot pursuit, firing her bow-chasers as she came on. At this Porter threw off all disguise. "Open the ports," he commanded the men who had been standing by the guns, "and begin firing." The enemy were thunderstruck. Gun crews left their places and fled below. In eight minutes her ensign was down and Porter was in pos- session of his majesty's ship the Alert, carrying twenty guns. This was the first capture of a fighting vessel by the Americans since the beginning of the war. Its facility surprised the British, and not the least the Americans themselves, who had seemingly come to believe in the invincibility of the English navy. COMMODORE RICHARD DALE. 101 It was by no means a bloody encounter. On the Alert three men had been wounded, while the Essex had not received a scratch. The officers of the Alert were severely taken to task for their misfor- tune by the British government, and the first lieutenant was cashiered. Porter was anxious to get rid of his prize. The prisoners seemed to be irritated because they had fallen such easy victims to the Essex, and showed a disposition to rise. Accordingly he converted his prize into a cartel and sent her into St. Johns. The Essex, relieved of her rebellious captive, continued her cruise and soon afterwards fell in with two British frigates. Porter, who seemed fond of strategy, laid a plan to pick one of them off by boarding her during the night. This scheme, however, failed. The night was very thick and in the darkness his intended victim gave him the slip. Por- ter could not pursue her as he was forced to put into the Delaware for supplies. As the Alert was the first national vessel of war which had struck her colors since the declaration of hostilities the affair was invested with peculiar interest to the American people. Commodore Porter died in Pera, near Constantinople, Turkey, March 3, 1843. COMMODORE RICHARD DALE Commodore Richard Dale was born near Norfolk, Va., November 6, 1756. After many thrilling adventures and escapes from the British authorities, he allied himself with Paul Jones and became first lieuten- ant of the Bon Homme Richard. In the famous battle with the Serapis he received a severe wound. In the engagement of the U. S. vessel, the Trumbull, in August, 1781, with the British vessels, the Iris and the Monk, he received his third wound. He was the commodore of the MediteiTanean squadron during the troubles with Tripoli. Lord Nelson, who had closely watched the skill displayed by Dale in the mangement of his ships, made the significant remark : "There is a nucleus of trouble in the handling of these trans-At- lantic squadrons for the navy of Great Britain." The prophecy was fulfilled when the war of 1812 took place, in which Dale did not participate. He died in Philadelphia, Pa., February 26, 1826. 103 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. CAPTAIN NICHOLAS BIDDLE, Captain Biddle was one of the bravest of the Revolutionary heroes. His tragic death cutting him off in the midst of his great usefulness lends an added interest to his career. He was bom in Philadelphia September 10, 1750. He began his active life upon the sea at the age of fourteen. When fifteen years of age he was shipwrecked on a shoal called the Northern Triangles, and with three companions was com- pelled to remain for nearly two months on one of the small uninhab- ited islands near the reef. He afterwards made several European voyages in which he ac- quired a thorough knowledge of seamanship. In 1770 he went to London and entered the British navy as a mid- shipman. When an expedition was fitted out under the command of the Hon. Captain Phipps, afterwards Lord Mulgrave, for the discovery of a northwest oassage into the South Seas, young Biddle greatly de- sired to go. He went to Captain Stirling, his commanding ofiBcer, to procure per- mission for that purpose. "I cannot spare you," he said. "Beside, the danger is very great." But the adventurous lad thought nothing of the danger of the expedi- tion. He did, however, a far more dangerous thing. He left without permission, laid aside his uniform, and shipped as a sailor before the mast on board one of the vessels, the Carcase. On board he found Hora- tio Nelson, England's future greatest naval admiral, who had received the coveted permission which had been denied young Biddle. Both boys were made cockswains before the voyage was over. With the beginning of the Eevolution, Biddle was in active service for the Colonies. He was appointed commander of the Andrea Doria, a brig of fourteen guns and a hundred and thirty men. Paul Jones, who was then a lieutenant, went on the same expedition with Captain Bid- dle, who highly appreciated him. The Andrea Doria was so successful in capturing vessels that when Biddle returned to the Delaware he had but five of his original crew, the rest having been placed on prizes. He was afterwards placed in command of the Randolph, a frigate of thirty-two guns, on June 6, 1776. The Randolph when off the shore of South Carolina encountered, on March 7, 1777, the British man-of-war Yarmouth, carrying sixty-four COMMODORE ALEXANDER MURRAY. 103 guns. The Randolph was unable to get away from her formidable an- tagonist and 80 entered with wonderful energy upon the contest. She fired three broadsides to the enemy's one, and while the battle lasted appeared to be in a constant blaze. Captain Biddle was wounded soon after the engagement began. The surgeon came to examine him. While in the act of so doing and within twenty minutes of the opening of the fight the Randolph blew up. Out of the three hundred and fifteen persons on board all perished except four men, who were tossed about on a portion of the wreck before they were taken up. The gallant captain went down with his crew. COMMODORE ALEXANDER MURRAY. This brave naval ofiicer was born in Chestertown, Maryland, July 12, 1755. ne first served as captain in the Continental army in the Maryland regiments, taking a conspicuous part in several hard fought battles. He afterward entered upon a seafaring life, engaging in privateering. He was a lieutenant along with Dale on the Trumbull and received a severe wound during its engagement with the Iris and the Monk. The Trumbull was towed the next day into New York without a mast standing and several of her gun-ports beaten into one. When the Revolutionary war terminated he had taken part in thir- teen engagements on sea and shore. While in command of the Mediterranean squadron in 1820, with his flagship alone, the Constellation, he fought seventeen Tripolitan gun- boats and drove them into the harbor. He joined with the British Admiral at the latter's request in receiv- ing with honor the Duke of Kent in the harbor of Malaga. He died October 6, 1820, in Philadelphia. CHAPTER VIII. ADMIRAL DAVID G. FARRAGUT. David Glasgoe Farragut was born at Campbell's Station, Tennessee, in 1801. His father was a native of Minorca Island, in the Mediter- ranean, but emigrated to the United States in 1776. David was a lad of abnormal precocity. At nine years of age his father gratified his longing to be a sailor. Through the interest of his father's friend, Captain Porter, David secured a warrant as midshipman. He at once joined his ship and made several cruises under Captain Por- ter, though he was scarcely big enough to climb the rigging. When the war of 1812 broke out Porter, as we have seen, was placed in command of the Essex. Young Farragut, now eleven years old, ac- companied him. His first baptism of fire was received in the battle with the Alei-t. In eight minutes he saw this sloop of war, of twenty guns, strike her colors to Captain Porter. Again Farragut was with Porter in his memorable cruise of a year in the Pacific. In the desperate encounter with the Phoebe and Cherub Farragut was a man in all but years. He bore himself with courage and coolness through all the two hours of terrible carnage. It was in this battle that Farragut learned how to fight. Porter made special mention of his young protege to the secretary of the navy. The lad had fairly won a lieutenant's commission at twelve years of age, and it was with evident regret that Porter was compelled to add, in spite of his gallant conduct, "too young for promotion." Farragut now enjoyed a brief school experience, but was sent to the MediteiTanean in 1816. From this time he was almost constantly in active service. Promotion, however, comes slowly in times of peace, and he waited until 1825 for his lieutenancy. In 1811 he was made commander; and in 1851, captain. Forty-one years of service, in which he had sailed on every sea and visited almost every country, had been necessary to gain this grade. When the Civil War broke out Farragut was living in Norfolk. He was a Southerner by birth and had married a Southern lady. It was sup- 104 ADMIRAL DAVID G. FARRAGUT. 105 posed, therefore, that he would cast in his lot with his people, as so many Southern officers had done. But he loyally declared: ''I have no intention of abandoning that service in which I have lived from childhood to old age." "With such views," replied his friends, "it will be dangerous for you to live in the South." "Very well," he resolutely answered, "I will then go where I can live with such sentiments." When the Federal Government undertook to capture New Orleans in the fall of 1861, Captain Farragut, who was promoted to the grade of flag officer, was put in command of the naval expedition. A powerful fort on either bank guarded the passage to the city. These forts were armed with one hundred and twenty-eight heavy guns, and garrisoned by fifteen hundred Confederate troops. A heavy chain, supported on sunken hulks, blocked the stream, while above the forts lay a fleet of seventeen vessels. Farragut had six war steamers, sixteen gunboats, five other ships, and twenty-one mortars. "You can never hope to get by the Southern batteries," said the officer of a French man-of-war, who had been to New Orleans. "I am ordered to go to New Orleans," replied Farragut, "and I intend to do so." For a week the gunboats threw shells at the forts, to no effect. Far- ragut saw that he must watch his chance and run by. "Whatever is to be done," he told his officers, "must be done quickly." On the night of April 21st the chain across the river was cut, leaving a wide gap for the passage of the fleet. Three nights later the fleet was swinging idly at anchor in midstream. At two o'clock, two red lanterns slowly ascended to the peak of the flagship's mizzenmast. It was the expected signal for close action. In two columns the fleet steamed up the river. The vessels were hardly under way before the watchful Confederates opened fire. The boats answered gun for gun, as they steadily advanced, the flagship leading the way with the signal for close action still flying at her mizzen- top. It was a sublime sight. Fierce flashes of guns lighted the river and forts, which had become more deeply shrouded by volumes of smoke. Suddenly a blaze of flame lighted the river. It was a fire raft sent down the stream. The flagship turns her head to avoid the danger and in a moment is aground. 106 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. The fire raft, as if instinct with reason, floats alongside. Tarragut, with infinite coolness, keeps the men at the guns. The firemen fight the flames that blaze in the Hartford's rigging. The engines are reversed, and hy a powerful effort the boat backs into deep water. The firemen continue to fight the flames until they are sub- dued. The fleet moves steadily on and finally it is past the forts. But the battle is not yet won. The Confederate fleet lies waiting above. A desperate conflict ensues; but when the morning sun break* through the smoke and mists nothing longer obstructs the Union fleet. Thirteen out of seventeen of the Confederate vessels have been sunk or burned. A thrilling shout goes up from the fleet of the victorious Farragut. After the surrender of New Orleans Farragut ascended the river to take part in the operations against Vicksburg. Twice he passed the forts which guarded that place, but was unable to reduce them, though his fleet lay for two hours before the works, pouring in a continuous hail of shot and shell. Farragut then returned to New Orleans. Grant at length turned his military eye on Vicksburg and determined that it must be taken. Farragut Avas ordered to co-operate with his fleet. To do this he must pass Port Uudson, one hundred miles below Vicksburg, which had been strongly fortified by the Confederates. Batteries lined the banks for four miles. To pass these was the sever- est test to which a wooden fleet had ever been subjected. On the 17th of March FaiTagut made the attempt. All day the mor- tar boats engaged the lower batteries. When night came on he lashed his ships in pairs and started to run the awful gauntlet. The Confederates had made ample preparation. As soon as the fleet started, bonfires were lighted, which illuminated the river with a noon- day brightness. The Union vessels became conspicuous marks. On the other hand the smoke from the guns on the boats obscured the river so that there was constant danger of collision. An officer stood at each prow straining his eyes to direct the vessel's course through the thickening gloom. For an hour and a half the battle raged. The roar of cannon was deafening. At last the flagship Hartford, and her consort, emerged from the awful fire and passed into the river above. But they were alone. The rest of the fleet was driven back crippled and disabled. In March, 1863, the rank of Rear Admiral was created by a special act of Congress. President Lincoln bestowed this high honor upon Far- ADMIRAL DAVID G. FARRAGUT. 107 ragut with the words, "As a reward for your gallant and meritorious services during the war." In January, 18G4, Farragut sailed for Mobile Bay to take part in the operations against its defenses. In the latter part of July the Rear Admiral felt himself strong enough to pass the two granite forts, Morgan and Gaines, and give battle to the Confederate fleet within the harbor. Knowing that the smoke would be dense over the water, the Admiral lashed himself to the maintop to get a view of the entire conflict. Forts and batteries opened fire, but the broadsides from the fleet drove the men from their guns and the Union fleet sailed on hy. Just at this time the Tecumseh struck a torpedo and went to the bottom with all on board. The Brooklyn, the next in line, began to back to avoid the mines, and threatened to break up the line of advance. Farragut saw the danger, and, regardless of torpedoes, pushed ahead and led the fleet into the bay. The Confederate mail-clad ram, Tennessee, now made a dash at the Hartford, but turned again towards the protection of the forts. Farra- gut thought the battle was over, and sent his light vessels in pursuit of the gunboats. At this juncture, the Tennessee again left her place of refuge. Her intention seemed to be to sink the flagship. Every available Union ves- sel was ordered to open fire on her or run her down. It was of no avail. One after another the Union boats dealt the Tennessee a heavy blow. All were forced to withdraw seriously crippled, while the ram kept on uninjured. The fortune of the day now hung on the flagship. Putting on all steam she headed for her invincible antagonist, but the Tennessee sheered and received a glancing blow. Broadside after broadside was poured on the protected ram without making any impression. The wooden walls of the Hartford were cut down to within two feet of the water. She was supposed to be sinking. "Save the Admiral!" was the cry. "Get the Admiral out of the ship I" But the Admiral from his lofty position saw that his shiu was safe and gave the order: "Put the boat about and ram the Tennessee again." The converging fire of the whole Federal fleet had wrought havoc on the ram Tennessee. As the Hartford, a second time, swept down upon her, her plucky captain reluctantly lowered his flag and the bat- tle was over. 108 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. Farragut's loss In this desperate contest had been two hundred and twenty killed and wounded. He was promoted to the rank of Vice-Ad- miral and presented with a gift of fifty thousand dollars by the citizens of New York. In July, 1866, when Congress created the full rank of Admiral, he was promoted to that grade by the President. Admiral Farragut died August 14, 1870, at the age of sixty-nine. His body lies interred in the beautiful Woodlawn Cemetery in New York City. Fit to rank with England's great naval commander, Lord Horatio Nelson, the "Hero of Trafalgar," is America's great Admiral David Glasgoe Farragut, "Old Heart of Oak!" ADMIRAL DAVID D. PORTER. Admiral David Dixon Porter was born in Chester, Delaware County, Pa., June 8, 1813. He entered the U. S. navy as midshipman February 2, 1829. He was on a vessel which cruised on the Mediterranean for quite a period. He then served on the coast survey until he was pro- moted to lieutenant February 27, 1841. He served successively on the Mediterranean and Brazilian waters, at the naval observatory at Wash- ington and during the Mexican war. During the Civil war he rendered most efficient service. When General Banks was operating against the Confederates in Texas, he had need of the Mississippi squadron to aid his efforts in the Red River region. Admiral Porter was accordingly dispatched to his aid with fifteen gunboats, three light steamboats, and transports filled with soldiers. Arriving too late to take part in the capture of Fort de Russy, Por- ter set off for Grand Ecore. Here he turned the flat boats over to Gen- eral Banks and with the rest of the fleet turned towards Shreveport. The stream was full of snags, logs, and sand-bars which made prog- ress very slow. During the frequent delays Porter desired the use of a horse, and so expressed himself to Gorringe, the captain of the flagship. In less than three hours Gorringe reported to the Admiral and turned over to him a fine black animal. As the Admiral rode out that evening he met the lady who owned the horse. "Are you enjoying your ride?" she asked bitterly, and added, "I hope you will be good enough to return the horse before you leave." 'ADMIRAL DAVID D. PORTER. 109 The next day Porter rode down to the house to return the horse and thank the lady for the use of it. She met him with a long story about ''that old thief of an Admiral," whom she did not know by sight. She said she had raised twenty-two bales of cotton. General Kirby Smith was to pay her ten cents a pound for it, and pass it through the Union lines. This would bring her in thirteen hundred and twenty dollars. "But in comes that old skinflint of an Admiral," she said, "and steals all my cotton, hams, and sugar and sends them on board his vessel." "Do you know the name of the vessel and the captain?" asked Porter. She said she did, and gave the names. Porter sent word to the cap- tain that he would give him four hours to return the things. The next day the lady was profuse in her thanks. "I'll give you a horse fit for a king," she said. "Sell him to me. I don't take gifts; or, better, lend him to me,'' said Porter. "But there is one thing you must do," said the unsuspecting lady; "you must give me your name." "If you will give me pen and paper I will write it for you," said Porter. Then her guest wrote out his name in full — "Admiral David D. Por- ter, the great old thief of the widow and orphan." After leaving Grand Ecore the fleet was surprised by a heavy attack from shore batteries. "Give those fellows a two-second shell, Gorringe,'' said the Admiral; "and another," he added, as the first sent the enemy flying. But the Confederate fire was very deadly. The flagship was shaken by a shower of shells. Gorringe, who was the skilful engineer that brought from Egypt the obelisk which now stands in Central Park, New York, was seriously wounded in the head. "I'm all right," he said to the Admiral, "I won't give up the wheel." The men at the howitzers had all been killed or wounded. Springing forward. Porter ordered some slaves, who had come on board at Grand Ecore, to follow him. "Fire the guns off!" he shouted. "Don't let them think that we are hurt." So the black men kept one gun in action; but no one was left to fire another. The engineer was dead with his hand on the throttle, which 8 110 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. his (lying agonies had closed. Porter again set the engine in motion and the boat passed on out of danger. At Alexandria there was not water enough to carry the fleet over the falls. In eight days Porter, at the suggestion and with the aid of Lieu- tenant-Colonel Bailey, of Wisconsin, had built a dam seven hundred and fifty-eight feet long and raised the water sufficiently high to float the boats. Colonel Bailey was promoted to the rank of brigadier-general for the valuable assistance he gave the navy at this time. Porter had been with Farragut when he made his famous trip up the river to New Orleans, and as commander of the gunboats he shared with him in the glories of that daring exploit. At Vicksburg he had aided in the naval operations, in connection with its siege, and finally, when Farragut took command of the Gulf squadron, Porter was left in charge of the important movements on the Mississippi. Later in the war, when he was transferred to the Atlantic coast, he urged the famous attack on Fort Fisher. On January 13, 1S05, the con- flict began. Shells hissed through the air, blazed and flashed, then burst with fearful noise and shock. Great clouds of smoke and sand hid the fort from sight, but the Confederate flag still wavetl. Darkness came on and the storm of battle lulled. With the morning light, sixteen hundred sailors and four hundred marines were sent ashore. "Board the sea face, while the troops assault the land side," was the Admiral's order. A storm of shells and grape shot was launched into the faces of the marines. Twice they were swept back, and twice they rallied to front the hill that seemed one mass of repellant fire. The bodies of the brave fellows who had fallen covered the bloody beach. Till darkness came on the surviving heroes held their ground. Then, when the enemy could no longer see them, the little handful that remained forced their way into the fort. Soon the white flag was raised by the besieged in token of surrender. This was one of the closing scenes of the war. The army and navy had joined hands in this last attack, and the Union fleet added imperish- able laurels to the fame of its commander, the gallant and dashing Porter. LIEUTENANT WILLIAM BARKER GUSHING. Ill LIEUTENANT WILLIAM BARKER GUSHING. The Civil war disclosed a host of lieroes. Few attained the undy- ing fame of Lieutenant William B. Gushing. He was born in Wisconsin, November 24, 1842, and was appointed to the naval academy from New York in 1857. His daring exploits and hairbreadth escapes in the naval service soon gave him high rank as one of the most fearless of young men. He faced Gonfederate lead and iron with seeming immunity, and placed himself almost in the hands of his enemies, yet without capture. In February, 1864, Gushing was with the blockading fleet off Wil- mington, in command of the Monticello. The dull routine of blockade duty grew irksome and he sought diversion in a daring raid up the river. Ensign Jones and Master's Mate Howarth, with twenty men, formed the party. He chose a dark night, and with two boats, stole quietly past the Confederate forts and up the river to Smithville. His object v\'as to land at the town, seize the commanding oflScer, and, boarding what vessels he might find in the harbor, run them down the river. Hiding the men and two boats under the bank he went off alone. Some slaves gave Gushing the information he desired and he returned to the shore. He now set off with the two officers and a sailor for the Gonfederate general's headquarters. These were directly in front of the barracks, where there were a thousand men, who might easily have shot or cap- tured the rash young lieutenant and his companions. It so happened that there were no Confederate boats then at the wharf. General Herbert, too, was away and the adjutant-general took to the woods. However, Gushing seized upou an officer of inferior rank and took him to his boats, passing within pistol shot of the sentry on the wharf. The adjutant, who had forgotten, in his haste, to call out the troops, now signaled to the forts that vessels were in the harbor. Before the guns could open fire Gushing and his men were safe on board the Monticello. Four months later Gushing again set out on a night foray. Jones and Howarth and fifteen men made up the party. Taking one of the Monticello's small boats Gushing headed for Wilmington. Suddenly the moon, which had beeu thickly obscured, came out and disclosed the boat to the sentries on the shore. Gushing at once turned 112 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. in towards the bank where the shadows hid them. Thus he worked his way quietly to within seven miles of the city. Hiding the boat in the swamp, the men kept out of sight all day. At night Gushing was on the move. He captured two boat-loads of fisher- men and made them act as guides. All night he spent in studying how the river was blockaded below the town, and at daybreak again went into hiding. When the men were safely concealed, he struck off for the main road between Wilmington and Fort Fisher. Here he lay in wait to see what he might capture. Soon came a horseman with the mail from the fort. Gushing seized mail, horse, and man, and returned to the boats. Disguising Howarth in the mail-man's clothes, he sent him on a successful trip for food. When night came on they started for the Monticello. Gushing had nearly reached the harbor when he was seen by a guard boat. He made ready to attack her, but at that moment three others came out of the shadows of the shore, and five more from the other side. Gushing now turned his boat towards the only place left open. Here he beheld a schooner filled with troops. It seemed as if his boat was losti But Gushing's pluck did not fail him. Quickly turning his boat he made a dash towards the bar on the west. The enemy tried to head him off, but the young lieutenant dodged them in the shadows and then sped for the harbor. The men were as cool as their lieutenant. The oars kept perfect time, and at each stroke the boat was farther and farther from danger. These exploits were an unpremeditated training for the heroic deed of blowing up the Albemarle, the noted Confederate ram. This formidable vessel had been creating havoc with the Union boats. Nothing could withstand her crushing onset, and shot and shell made no impre.ssion on her iron sides. The authorities at Washington knew that another like boat was building, and if completed the two would be able to destroy all the gun- boats of the Federal government. Young Gushing, meantime, had been thinking. The result of his cogitation was a plan which he submitted to Ad- miral Lee. This plan was to rig a spar, with a hundred pounds of dyna- mite at the end, to the bow of a swift steam launch; sail the boat up the Roanoke at night, and, making for the Albemarle, lower the spar and explode the charge under her hull. LIEUTENANT WILLIAM BARKER GUSHING. 113 Gushing was chosen for the dangerous and seemingly hopeless task. He was known to be cool and brave. He said he wanted but seven men to go with him. All knew that it was a desperate chance, that in all probability none of them would return; but this seemed only to stimu- late their zeal. All was made ready. The spar was fourteen feet long and could be lowered by a rope, beneath the water. With another rope the dynamite could be detached, and by a third the charge could be exploded. The ram lay at Plymouth, eight miles up the river. Confederate sen- tinels patrolled the banks. Batteries were ready to blow the daring adventurers out of the water at a fair shot. Gushing knew all this, but felt no fear. It was about midnight when the boat started on her voyage of de- struction. Each man of his crew had his place and knew his duty. Gushing stood on the deck to work the ropes that would guide and ex- plode the huge torpedo. His original plan was to land at the wharf, board the Albemarle and run her off down the river. For the execution of this scheme he had brought two boat loads of men in tow. If he should be unable to sur- prise the Gonfederates he would then use the torpedo. As he now turned in to the wharf his boat was seen. "What boat goes there?" came from the Albemarle. No answer. "What boat goes there?" came louder and sharper than before. Still no answer; but Cushing's thoughts were working fast. "Gast off!" he said quietly to the men in the two boats that he had been towing. Slowly they drifted away. Muskets began to flash from shore and from the ports of the Albe- marle. He could hear the hurried orders given on the ironclad. Bullets whizzed past him. "Ahead fast!" He gave this command and the launch dashed for the ram. But a chain of logs had been placed about the vessel to protect her from just such an attack. Gushing never for a moment lost his head. His ready wit had in- stantly solved the problem. He would back out into the river and with all steam on drive for the logs. The prow would glide over the timbers that had become slippery from lying in the water and he could then get at the ram. "Put the helm about." Gushing said to the man at the tiller; "circle 114 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. out into the stream till the spar points straight for the ironclad and then run for her full tilt." He knew that once over the logs he could never return with the boat. It was even doubtful if he ever got over. Muskets were flashing; a ball went through the back of his coat; another tore away the sole of his shoe. But there was no hesitation. "What boat goes there?" again came from the Albemarle. Gushing sent a charge of canister from the howitzer in the bow as a reply. The launch is over the logs! "Leave the ram! We're going to blow you up!'' shouted the young lieutenant. Before him yawned the gloomy muzzle of a cannon, but he did not flinch. The spar dropped, dishing pulled the cord to detach the torpedo. Then a pause. A bullet wounded him in the hand. Just as a cannon flashed within two yards of his face he pulled the third coil. The Albemarle gave a lurch; the water rose in a great column and the Albemarle settled, never to rise to battle again. "Surrender! surrender!" cried the enemy! "Save yourselves, men," said Gushing, and taking off coat, shoes, and side arms led the way into the water. The Confederates were soon out in boats to capture them. As the swimmers neared the farther shore one man went down; the remainder of the crew w'ere captured. Gush- ing alone escaped. As the boats passed and repassed him ho heard the voices of his pur- suers, but they could not see him. Weak and chilled he climbed the bank on the farther side. Past sentinels and search parties he crawled on his face to a marsh. By daylight he had worked his way through this into comparative safety. Meeting a negro. Gushing bribed him to go to Plymouth and learn what damage had been done. When the man came back he reported : "Massa, she's got a hole in her side, big enough to dribe a two-boss wagin in." Gushing now struck out for the Union fleet. Goming to a little creek he stole a boat. At dark he came into the Boanoke. He was weary for want of food and from the tense excitement of the last twenty-four hours. Still he kept on going. At midnight he sighted a vessel. "Ship ahoy!" he shouted with all the strength he had left. "Valley Gity," came the welcome response from the watch on deck. LIEUTENANT WILLIAM BARKER GUSHING. 115 A cheer such as only sailors can give, went up from the deck as they lifted his exhausted form on board. No one supposed that Lieutenant Gushing was alive or that his exploit was a success. The hardy men looked with astonished pride upon his face and listened eagerly to the recital of his thrilling story. For completeness, skill and success the destruction of the Albemarle has no parallel in the annals of history. The cool, bold, daring author and executioner of the plan was at this time but twenty-one years of age. Lieutenant Gushing died in Washington, D. G., December 17, 1S74, at the age of thirty-two. CHAPTER IX. ADMIRAL WILLIAM T. SAMPSON. Like many other notable men William T. Sampson appears to have inherited his mentality very largely from his mother. Although she was the wife of an ordinary day laborer and her time was fully occu- pied with household cares, she has a face which is expressive of great refinement and rare sweetness. Her little troop of eight children were tenderly cared for and trained in the ways of wisdom and righteousness. The elder Sampson was an Irish immigrant who came to York State in 1836 and settled on the bank of the Erie canal near Palmyra. He made a scanty living for his family by digging ditches, sawing wood, or doing any other odd jobs that might come in his way. He appears to have been a man of clean habits and honest purpose, but it was the mother who thirsted for knowledge, especially for her children, and it was she who placed in their hands every standard work within her reach. In 1840 William, her first child, was born, and he was the "heir apparent" to a heritage of hard work and privation. At that time edu- cational advantages even in central New York were still in a somewhat primitive condition, and the boy's early lessons were in the manual training school where the pickaxe and shovel were the practical imple- ments of development. The mother, however, was willing to assume any possible burden rather than to have her children deprived of their educational privi- leges, such as they were, so William soon found his place in the school room where he worked faithfully during the short terms, and during the vacations supplemented his father's efforts by any manual labor that offered itself, sometimes working in a brick yard for twenty-five cents a day. During his seventeenth year there was a vacancy in the Naval Acad- emy and two boys of influential parentage were talked of for the position. It is a well known fact that these places are generally used by congressmen for the strengthening of their own political positions, and the closing up of the ranks in their party lines, but fortunately for the ditch-digger's son, the mothers of the other boys refused to allow IIG ADMIRAL WILLIAM T. SAMPSON. 117 them to enter the naval ranks, and Congressman Morgan, of Aurora, then asked the principal of the Palmyra school who was his brightest pupil. The name of Wm. T. Sampson was given, but his father ob- jected, for the boy was now old enough to do a man's work and his strong arms were needed for the support of the family. The mother, however, came to the rescue, and crowding back the tears that would come at the thought of his long and perhaps con- tinued absence, she pleaded his cause so earnestly that the case was won, and it so happened that when his official appointment came the future Admiral of the United States Navy was developing a sturdy manhood by digging a ditch connected with some public improvement in the streets of Palmyra. Thus it was that the first time the boy left his native town it was to be thrown into a class of a hundred young men in the Naval Acad- emy. Here he did faithful work, fighting desperately all through the course for the first place, which he won at last, and was graduated at the head of his class. His methods of work were steady — he went at his subjects with the same dogged persistency with which he would dig a ditch; and when completed, the job was thoroughly done. During his first furlough the young midshipman went cheerfully to work helping his father at the old employments, carrying the saw- buck on his shoulder, even while he wore the first overcoat he had ever owned — the one which he drew with his uniform as a cadet. It was during this first furlough that there was some question in snobbish circles as to whether it would be proper to invite to social functions a young man who, although wearing the naval uniform of the United States, still persisted in humble menial occupation, but the nobler ele- ment prevailed and it was at one of these parties that young Sampson met Miss Margaret Aldrich, who became his wife only three years later. His home life is unpretentious and attended with much real happi- ness. He is the father of two sons still in their minority, and he has four womanly daughters, two of whom have married naval officers. The Admiral is now living with his second wife, Margaret having died in 1878. He was married four years afterward to Miss Elizabeth Burling. His wife claims that he is never violently angry and never in a hurry — a certain evenness of temper and calm deliberation marking all his movements. After his graduation from the Naval Academy in 1861 he was ap- pointed a master and one year later became a lieutenant and was 118 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. assigned to an old sailing ship which was then used as a practice-ship for the naval cadets. The country was even now in the throes of Civil War and Sampson was anxious for practical service under the "Stars and Stripes." The opportunity soon came and he was assigned to the ironclad "Patapsco," then doing blockade duty off the coast of Charleston. Near the close of the war his ship was blown up by a torpedo from the hand of the enemy and every officer in the forward wardroom was instantly killed. The Captain, however, stepped into one of the boats which floated as the ship sank. Sampson, springing to a boarding netting, his foot caught in one of the meshes and he was carried down with the sinking ship, but when the terrible downward strain was partly over he slipped his foot out, rose to the surface and was rescued. After the war was over he was sent on several long cruises but they were interspersed with some years of shore duty. During this time he was for five years connected with the Naval Academy as instructor, and in 1886 he became the superintendent. This work covered the de- partments of chemistry, metallurgy, physics and astronomy. His faith- fulness in technical details became so well known that he was often assigned to important special duties, and also to the direction of some of the government's great business institutions. From 1S93 to 1897, as chief of the Bureau of Ordnance, he directed the expenditure of about |6,000,000 every year. His scientific attain- ments found ample scope here, and at the Naval Gun Factory, where he was the superintendent in 1892. In 1897 Sampson was ordered to the command of the Iowa, a ship with the construction of which he had been closely identified, and the next year found him second in command on the North Atlantic Squad- ron. Soon afterward Admiral Sicard was compelled to retire on ac- count of failing health and thus William T. Sampson became the com- mander-in-chief, being at once appointed to that position. His faithfulness in the whole campaign and especially during the long and trying blockade is fully recognized — a faithfulness constantly on the alert during the weeks of duty under a tropical sun and in the face of a wily and powerful foe. It was not his good fortune to be in at the death, but his whole command had long been ready for any emergency and splendidly did the great battleships and their heroic men come to the front when the opportunity was given. The terrible battle off Santiago will always be remembered as one REAR-ADMIRAL IVINFIELD SCOTT SCHLEY. 119 of the sublimest sea fights, and one of the most brilliant victories known to history. REAR-ADMIRAL WIXFIELD SCOTT SCHLEY. "Maryland, luy Maryland," is the home of Rear-Admiral Schley. A native of the State that also gave to the world the author of our national anthem, he was born in sight of Mount Vernon. Like many other emi- nent men, he is a son of the soil, and his early years were spent on the great farm of three hundred acres or more, four miles north of Frederick City. The founder of the house of Schley in America was Thomas, who was an Alsatian by descent but who made his home in the town of Fred- erick, Maryland, in the latter portion of the eighteenth century. One of his sons was John T. Schley, who married a beautiful Baltimore girl by the name of Virginia McClure. Five children were born to this family, the little boy who came to them in 1840 being now a man whom all America delights to honor. John T. Schley was a great admirer and personal friend of General Winfield Scott, and when the new baby was only a few days old, the venerable general made a visit to the Maryland farm, spending a few days with his friend, and while he was there the boy was christened with the name of Winfield Scott Schley in honor of the distinguished guest. Scott, as he was usually called, grew into a vigorous and assertive lad who was full of fun and mischief — a veritable "barefoot boy," from the ranks of which the brightest lights in the world of letters and of scholars, as well as the most brainy of our business men, have come. Aside from his home training, the little fellow traveled nearly two miles each way to a very ordinary country school where he learned the rudi- ments of letters and a great number of things which were not set down in the regular curriculum. Wide awake and full of mischief, he soon became the leader of the clan of small boys who so readily inspired the neighborhood with a con- viction that some of them would come to a very bad end. To his credit be it said, however, his fun was innocent and jolly, although the victims of some of his harmless pranks were wont to "prophesy evil concerning him." He was fond of fishing and spent many days wandering along the banks of the Monocacy River, throwing his bait into the stream and filling his lungs with the fresh air which helped to lay the founda- tion of that tough and wiry physique which still serves him so well. 120 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. His first great sorrow came tu hiia iu the death of his beautiful mother, who left her little ones when Scott was only a little over twelve years of age. His father afterward married again, but it seldom falls to the lot of a bereft family to find another mother iu the truest sense of the word. The new incumbent of the position in the Schley family must have been a failure in some ways, as her administration resulted in a division of the little flock. When about sixteen years of age the youth was appointed cadet to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, September 20, 1856, and he made an exemplary student so far as actual work was concerned, but here, as elsewhere, he did not forget that there are other desirable things in a pupil's life besides study. He was fond of society and popular with the girls as well as with the young men. He was a graceful dancer, and almost a dandy in his fastidious and dainty attire. He completed his Academic course in 1860 and was soon after assigned to duty on the United States ship Niagara with the rank of a midshipman. This was the beginning of those long and weary voyages which have taken him away from home and friends during the greater portion of his life. No wonder that he once said with great pathos: "Many years of my life have been spent away from home, with nothing of my country to bow to, but its glorious flag." There were many things which grievously tried his patience on this, his first voyage, for his young blood was often fretted with the severe lessons of discipline which were now reduced to actual practice. Almost the first service of the Niagara after he was assigned to her was the taking home of the members of the Japanese embassy. Before the Niagara returned from this long voyage, the great Re- public was quivering with the shock of secession, and omens of a terri- ble fratricidal war were darkening the whole horizon. No news of the coming strife had reached the ship speeding on her homeward way, until an American port was reached and the pilot came on board. "What is the news?" was the eager question to the first man from the shore. "A big war is on us," he answered, "the Southern troops have fired on Fort Sumter, and the whole country is crazy with excitement." This news of fearful import was received with consternation, but under it all was a deep feeling of patriotism and a firm resolve to meet the crisis in a manly way, let the cost be what it would. There were men from the South as well as from the North who were doing duty REAR-ADMIRAL WINFIELD SCOTT SCHLEY. 121 under the Stars and Stripes — men who never knew until that niomenr that one section of their country had been arrayed against another por- tion of home and native land. The commander of the Niagara called his officers into the cabin for consultation, and there drew up a declaration of loyalty, asking all who proposed to stand by the old flag to sign their names. Many did so, and one of the first names on that roll of honor was that of Winfield Scott Schley, of Maryland. The later and perhaps more striking victories of our navy should not lead the American people to forgetfulness of the splendid service in this department during the Civil War. When Greek meets Greek, or American meets American, a terrible conflict must result. The brain and brawn, the nerve and grit of the Anglo-Saxon race form the very bone and sinew of gallant fighting, and when it comes in contact with itself — when ''men of the self-same clan" are arrayed against each other, the onslaught is terrific. The achievements of Farragut's fleet will always remain among the most brilliant naval victories in history, and it was during the mem- orable summer of 1864 that three of our naval heroes received their baptism of blood under the leadership of Farragut. George Dewey, then Lieutenant Dewey, was the executive officer of the Mississippi, and Admiral Watson, who has succeeded Dewey as commander of the Asiatic squadron, was Farragut's flag lieutenant, and was most highly commended by his superior officers for his gal- lantry during action. When Winfield Scott Schley left the Niagara he was advanced to the rank of lieutenant (July 16, 1862) and made the executive officer of the Owasco, which proved to be one of the most effective gunboats in the famous Gulf Squadron. At the battle of Mobile he stood on the forward deck, betravins some of the natural nervousness of a young officer who was exposed for the first time to the range of the enemy's bullets, when the man beside him said: "Something tells me that the shot has never been cast that is go- ing to hit me." "I wish I could share your confidence," replied Schley. But the next day the brave fellow who had been so sure of safety was struck in the neck by a solid shot and his head was severed from his bodv. 122 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. Unfortunately the commander of the Owasco -was a man who in- dulged in what he called "moderate drinking," and this habit then as now led to the ruined manhood of the victim. Even during the trying times when the need of the country demanded that every man in her service should be constantly at his best, this man is said to have been careless and criminal enough to be more than once the worse for his indulgence. After his patience had been severely tried in this direction Schley resolved upon measures sufficiently radical to serve at least as a warn- ing, and he ordered the arrest of the commanding officer, locking him up in his cabin until he should again be fit for duty. While he was thus laid up for repairs Schley was in command, and taking the captain's gig with the captain's pennant flying in the breeze, he put out for the Richmond. The ships were then stationed off Mo- bile, and the senior officer of the small squadron of which the Owasco formed a part was Captain James Alden. Seeing the approach of the captain's gig Officer James put on his uniform and made preparations to receive the captain in a style be- fitting his rank. When Lieutenant Schley boarded the Richmond the captain said: ''I expected to see the captain of the Owasco." "I am at present the commander of that ship, sir," replied Schley. "Since when?" demanded Alden. "Since I ordered the captain's arrest for drunkenness and locked him up in the cabin an hour or more ago," answered Schley. "I am now in command and I report to you for orders." Alden was nonplussed for a moment at the assurance of the young officer, then giving him his first order, he told him to lower the pen- nant on the gig, go back to his ship, unlock his temporary prisoner, and then, if his incapacity still continued, make his report in writing. Very unwillingly, but very promptly, this order was obeyed, and although his action was somewhat futile, it is to be hoped that the joke (if it was one) at least served as a warning to the commanding officer. While still a student in the Naval Academy young Schley formed the acquaintance of a beautiful Southern girl who was the daughter of one of the merchants in Annapolis. When he sailed away in the Niagara he carried her image in his heart, and when he returned to his native land he availed himself of the first opportunity of calling upon her and pressing the suit which had been auspiciously begun. REAR-ADMIRAL WIN FIELD SCOTT SCHLEY. 123 There were the clouds of war and the distracting interests of the opposing sections of the country. Schley was an officer of the navy, and the girl he loved lived in a State which was in open rebellion to the flag under which he served, but he was patient, enthusiastic, and per- sistent. The same traits of character which made him a born fighter also made him an ardent lover, and after awhile he carried the day, win- ning his girl and her father's consent as well. In 1863 he triumphantly led Miss Nannie Franklin to the altar, and we well may add that "they lived happily ever after." Mrs. Schley is not particularly fond of social functions, being a devoted wife and mother. Three children have gladdened their home, all of them inher- iting to a greater or less extent the soldierly characteristics of the father. The oldest son, Thomas Franklin, is a lieutenant in the 14th Regi- ment of U. S. Infantry, now doing duty in the Philippines. The sec- ond son is Winfield Scott Schley, Jr., a surgeon in St. Luke's hospi- tal in New York. The daughter, Virginia, was married in 1890 to Ralph Granville Montague Stewart Wortley, who is a nephew of the English Earl of Warncllffe, but Mr. Wortley, instead of taking his bride to Great Britain, settled down to a business career in New York as a broker and railroad man. The children were educated in Annapolis, where the family made their home for twenty years or more, although the husband and father was necessarily away on duty much of the time. Schley was made lieutenant-commander on the 25th of July, 1866, having spent the previous year (after the close of the Civil War) in service cruising at various foreign stations, protecting American in- terests wherever they seemed to be in peril along the line of his assign- ments. He was made commander on June 10th, 1874, and two years afterward he was punishing pirates on the western coast of Africa. In 1884 the navy department needed a man to command an expedi- tion for the rescue, if possible, of Lieutenant A. W. Greely, who it was feared had been lost in the Arctic seas. The undertaking was known to be fraught with so much of certain suffering and so much of unknown danger, that the department hesitated to order any one to undertake it. Volunteers were, however, invited to offer their services. Quick to perceive the strong demands of humanity. Commander Schley promptly offered his services in the face of perils which daunted many hearts that were truly brave. 124 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. He was placed in command of the expedition, and leaving wife and children again he penetrated the Polar Sea with his three ships — the Bear, the Thetis and the Alert. This successful expedition contains within its dramatic history enough of bravery, adventure, endurance and victory to make up the triumph of a lifetime. No wonder that upon his victorious return from this hazardous expedition, the Legis- lature of his native State voted him a beautiful token of public appre- ciation in the shape of a jeweled watch and chain. The government also recognized his courage and efficiency by mak- ing him a captain on March 31st, 1888. He was given command of the Baltimore, and in 1891 was ordered to Valparaiso, Chili, at a time when it seemed as if war with Chili was inevitable. A civil war was sweeping over the South American State. The United States Minister Egan was accused of partisanship and, therefore, the feeling against America was exceedingly strong, so much so that some of the sailors who left the ship on leave of absence were killed in the streets of Val- paraiso. Schley landed marines at midnight, and was harshly criticised for so doing, but he was determined to protect his men and the honor of the flag under which he sailed at all hazards. An attack on the Bal- timore was threatened from two Chilian cruisers and some torpedo boats, and Schley requested the British and German ships in the harbor to change their positions in order to give his guns a fair range. They did so, but in some cases not very willingly. Successful diplo- macy, however, avoided a war, and the somewhat aggressive captain was relieved from his command and assigned to Lighthouse Service. The warlike element among the American people of course applauded his course, and his own men presented him with a testimonial in the form of a handsome ebony cane with a gold head. The awkward sea- man who acted as spokesman on the deck of the Baltimore, made an impressive if not very elegant speech, which showed the real admira- tion of the men for their former captain who had just been relieved from his command. But the government could not afford to leave so competent an offi- cer long in comparative retirement, and in 1895 he was restored to duty on deck of a warship, succeeding Captain Evans as commander of the New York. He has done valiant service wherever he has been assigned, making the path of duty also the path of glory. He was, perhaps, at times too eager for strife in his younger days, but in later years his cooler judgment holds better balance with his warm impulses. BATTLE BETWEEN THE CONSTlTLTluX AND THE GUERRIERE REAR-ADMIRAL IVIKFIELD SCOTT SCHLEY. 125 He was in bis ylory ou tlie detk of tlie Broolilyn wli,en that memor- able morning witnessed tbe attempted escape of tbe imprisoned fleet of Spain. Tbe temporary absence of Admiral Sampson made him for tbe time being tbe ranlving officer of the fleet, although he was never tech- nically in command. When tbe Spanish ships came steaming out for the contest, be felt, as be says, "all over."' In an incredibly short time tbe American vessels had been stripped for action, and officers and men fully realized that tbe decisive con- test was right upon them. Never was a more brilliant battle fought in a shorter time. Never was there more urgent need of quick thought on the part of the officers, and rapid action on tbe part of tbe men. Never did both officers and men respond more nobly to the demands their country made upon them in tbe crucial hour. Yeoman Ellis was standing beside Admiral Schley in front of tbe conning tower of the Brooklyn and in tbe midst of showers of shot and shell he was making bis observations and giving the elevation for the gunners to act upon. lie had just uttered a sentence imparting the important information when a shot struck him in tbe bead and scattered bis brains around the deck. America will always be thankful that as soon as the fight was over, her brave sons extended quick mercy to tbe conquered foe. No sooner was a signal of surrender given than tbe bands which had meted out swift punishment became tbe ministers of rescue and relief. Men whose lives had been exposed to tbe guns of tbe foe exposed themselves again to rescue that foe from death hy water or from fire. "The bravest are tbe tenderest — the loving are tbe daring." Our warships were immediately improvised into hospitals for tbe care of the wounded Spaniards, while every man on tbe fleet was glad to render every possible aid to the victims of war. There should be no controversy as to who is entitled to tbe greater praise upon this splendid victory, for, in the language of Schley: "There is glory enough for all." America knows her officers and men too well to doubt that every one on the watery field did bis duty bravely. Every other officer and man in tbe navy would have done his duty just as heroically had he been there. In bis command for tbe officers to cheer tbe men Schley showed that he fully realized the valor of "tbe men behind the guns," and he would surely be tbe last to wrest any laurels from tbe brow of Admiral Samp- 9 13G SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. son, who so long held the enemy within his iron grasp, and so steadily maintained the position which had been assigned him. Still we may say with Senator Henry Cabot Lodge: "It was a cruel piece of ill fortune that the Admiral, who had made every arrangement for the fight, should, by mere chance of war, have been deprived of his personal share in it. Equally cruel was the for- tune which had taken Captain Higginson and the Massachusetts on that day to Guantanamo to coal." One of the principal reasons why the American soldier whether on sea or land is superior to those of the Old World, is because he knows that the eyes of the people are upon him — knows that they trust him fully and that they are quick to recognize his loyalty and valor. President McKinley and Secretary Long signed Schley's commis- sion as Rear-Admiral on the 14th of April, 1899, and he has been the recipient of many tokens of regard from a proud and loving nation. His own State has been glad to do him honor in banquet halls and lowly homes. The gift of his State in commemoration of his part in the battle off Santiago was a splendid medal of wrought gold and rich enamel containing three hundred and twenty diamonds. It is held by a ribbon of blue enamel five inches in length, which is sus- pended upon blue silk bearing the two gold stars of a rear-admiral, and held in the beak of a gold eagle surmounting the coat of arms of the United States. In receiving a silver tea service from the ladies of Maryland, Rear- Admiral Schley said: "To have been a participant in the great work of July 3d off San- tiago, which this testimonial is intended to commemorate, was a high privilege, and as a son of dear old Maryland, if the help I gave to oth- ers on that day added in any degree to the prestige of my State, I feel glad and proud." THE SINKING OF THE IVOERRIMAC. CHAPTER X. RICHMOND P. HOBSON. Admiral Sampson, by virtue of his orders from Washington, as- sumed command of the blockading squadron. At once preparations were made for sinking the Merrimac in the channel, in order to make it difficult for Cervera to attempt a sudden sally. The plan had been dis- cussed with Naval Constructor Richmond P. Hobson, while on the way from Key West, and its execution was left to him, at his urgent re- quest. Every man in the fleet was anxious to volunteer his services for the dangerous task; but the undertaking was too perilous to risk un- necessary lives. Six men were selected from the eager volunteers. They were Daniel Montague, chief master of arms, and gunners' mate, Char- ette, of the New York; Boatswain Mullen, Coxswain Deignan, Machin- ist Phillips and Water Tender Kelly of the Merrimac. The plan was to swing the collier across the channel at a point where the chart showed a navigable width of only 350 feet, drop the anchors at stern and stem, and tire the torpedoes that would sink the vessel. The men were then to jump overboard and work their way out of the channel if possible. The final preparations were all made on June 2d. Coxswain Clausen, of the New York, was added to the crew, and Coxswain Murphy of the Iowa, took the place of Mullen, who was exhausted by physical and mental strain. At 1:30 that night the expedition got under way with Cadet J. W. Powell following in the New York's steam launch to pick up the crew if they escaped. Lieutenant Hobson steered his craft straight for Morro Castle and was not discovered until within five hundred yards of it. Then a heavy fire began from both shores, in which the Merrimac's rudder was shot away, rendering the boat unmanageable, and explaining the reason why the collier was not sunk athwart the channel. Submarine mines and torpedoes were exploded all about the little craft, adding to the excitement, but doing no damage. When the ship was at the desired point, it was found that the rudder was gone and it was impossible to turn her. Lieutenant Hobson called the men on deck, and, while they were launching the raft, exploded the torpedoes. At the same time 127 128 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. two torpedoes from the Eeina Mercedes struck the Merrimac, materially assisting the designs of the crew; but the loss of the steering gear frus- trated the well laid plans, and the boat sank, obstructing, but not block- ading, the passage. All of the crew reached the raft, to which they clung for an hour in the chilly water, not daring to show their heads above it. About five o'clock in the morning a Spanish launch came out to reconnoiter. It was hailed by Lieutenant Hobson, and Admiral Cervera himself stepped forward and assisted him and his brave seamen on board. They were taken to the Reina Mercedes and from there transferred to Morro Castle, from which they were released, on July 7th, by an exchange of prisoners. Ensign Powell waited until daylight to pick up the men, if they should come out; but he saw nothing of them, and as the Spanish bat- teries had opened fire on the launch he was obliged to return to the New York. Nothing was known of the fate of Hobson and his men until Captain Bustamente y Okedo, Admiral Cervera's chief of staff, came out in a launch, under a flag of truce, bearing the following generous tribute of praise from the Admiral for the performers of the brave deed: "Your boys will be all right in our hands. Daring like theirs makes the bitterest enemy proud that his fellow-men can be such heroes. They were taken afterwards to the city of Santiago and thence to Morro Castle, where they are our prisoners, but our friends. Everything is being done to make their stay with us comfortable. If you wish to send them anything, we will cheerfully take it to them." It is not strange that such courtesy earned for Admiral Cervera the kindly feeling of the American people and their very deep sympathy, when, a little later, he stood in great sorrow and dejection at the loss of his fleet, a prisoner in their hands. Lieutenant Hobson's brave deed was made the occasion of a special message to Congress from President McKinley, in which he says: "I cannot too earnestly express my ajipreciatiou of the conduct of Mr. Hobson and his gallant crew. I venture to say that a more brave and daring thing has not been done since Gushing blew up the Albe- marle." lie thereupon recommended him to transference to the line and pro- motion therein. The crew were also advanced and Cadet Powell, who followed and bravely waited for their return in the steam launch, was advanced to the rank of Ensign. The sinking of the Merrimac was a picturesque display of the brav- LIEUTENANT-COMMANDER WAINWRIGHT. 129 ery found everywhere in the army and navy during the war, a bravery no less heroic because in many cases unheralded and less dramatic. No ardency of appreciation by American women will ever lessen the esteem in which this glorious young hero's deed will ever be held. LIEUTENANT-COMMANDER WAINWRIGHT. With Hobson and Powell must be remembered the name of Com- mander Wainwright. He had been executive officer' of the Maine at the time of the fateful explosion of February 15th, and as he stood beside his captain on the sinking quarter-deck and gave the order to lower away the boats he looked forwai-d to some such opportunity as that which was finally presented at the mouth of Santiago Harbor. No one could be more certain than Wainwright that the Maine disaster was not an accident. He had toiled beside the wreck during all those long weeks that followed the disaster. He it was who directed the divers in their grim work of recovering the bodies of his 2GG un- foi-tunate subordinates, and every detail in the development of the evidence, brought to light by the submarine research, made his serious face more serious and his keen blue eye shine with a daugerous deter- mination. Not one spoken word ever betrayed his conviction in regard to the cause of the disaster and no man more studiously obeyed the Department's injunction of secrecy upon subjects pertaining to the Maine Court of Inquiry; but his stern face and firm-set jaw told more than words could express of his inner and ineradicable conviction. It was with a long score to settle that Commander Wainwright waited for the fleet of Admiral Cervera to come out of the harbor; but when it came, his manipulation of the little converted yacht and the deadly accuracy of his six-pound baby batteries was so gallant and effective that his name has become as indissolubly associated with the Gloucester as Hobson's with the Merrimac, or Cushing's with the Albemarle. Another than Wainwright might well have said that in such a battle of the giants there was no place for pygmies, but as the fleet appeared one by one he only slacked his engines to gain steam, and waited for the expected coming of the torpedo boat destroyers, Furor and Pluton. Fifteen minutes after the Teresa appeared, they showed their noses in the channel, and the Gloucester, which had been pumping her batteries at the huge sides of the fleeing cruisers at short range, closed in upon the destroyers, training her forward guns upon the Pluton, her after i:;() SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. guus upon the Furor at a range of but .six hundred yards. Although the secondary batteries of the four big battleships had been directed against the torpedo boats, Commander Wainwright asserts that no damage had been inflicted until this advance by the Gloucester. A few minutes' work sent the Pluton, in flames, towards the shore, where she struck the rocks and soon blew up. The Furor also was on fire and help- less, and when she struck her colors, Wainwright turned his attention at once from the work of destruction to the work of rescue. He ordered the boats lowered and had already rescued twenty-six of the survivors of the Pluton when a series of explosions on the Furor told of her de- struction. She sank in deep water, and with her the crew and Captain Villamil, commander of the destroyer. The Gloucester's boats then went on to the Teresa and Oquendo, one of them picking up the Admiral of the fleet, who asked to be taken on board the Gloucester. Commander Richard Wainwright met him at the gangway and extending his hand to the gray-haired Admiral, he con- gratulated him upon as gallant a fight as was ever witnessed on the sea. With gentle sympathy for the man who wept for his slaughtered com- rades and stricken ship, he turned over the privacy of his own cabin to the defeated Admiral that he might be alone with his grief. That the Gloucester was not herself destroyed was due mainly to the accuracy and rapidity of the fire, and the handsome management of the little unprotected craft by the executive officer. Lieutenant Harry P. House, who, throughout the action, stood upon the bridge and coolly carried out his commander's orders. There were others, too, that day who did their full duty on board the little Gloucester. Such were En- gineer McElroy, whose constant attention made the boat efl'ective for rapid movement; Lieutenants Wood and Norman and Ensign Edson, who were often in person at the guns directing their fire, and later risked tlieir lives repeatedly in boarding and remaining near the destroyers and the two cruisers when their guus were being discharged by the heat and their magazines and boilers were exploding. Commander Wainwright is a sailor by birth, the son of the well- known Commodore Wainwright, and a graduate of Annapolis from the District of Columbia. He has proven himself to be an able oflicer, an intrepid leader, a hard fighter and a generous foe. Well deserved fame will follow Uichard Wainwright, Lieutenant-Commander of the Glou- cester, throughout the coming years. THE HEROES OF THE ENGINE ROOMS. 131 THE HEROES OF THE ENGINE ROOMS. In recounting the heroes of the navy, too much praise cannot be given to the noble fellows of brawn and muscle who, down below the decks in the furnace-heat of the engine room, toil and labor in an atmos- phere that only iron wills and fierce determination make endurable. When a battle like that at Manila or at Santiago harbor has been fought and won, and the glory of victory has given our national flag a new meaning and an added interest, we naturally direct our applause to the man who points the gun or fearlessly stands upon the ship's bridge ex- posed to sudden death. We forget the helpless human beings in the very bowels of the ship who know how to obey and to carry fuel to the insa- tiate furnaces of the engines which alone make a modern ship of war effective. A man can easily stand beside his piece in the excitement of conflict and act without regard to the swift flying missiles of death; but the courage that keeps a man at his post of menial labor without shrinking or shirking, while the air thunders with the discharge of heavy artillerj' and the boat shivers and trembles from the recoil of her own great guns, holds the admiration of every true man. Though these swarthy fellows down below know not when a well placed shell will make a breach and the inrushing water will catch them like rats in a hole, or when inglorious death awaits them from escaping steam -or scalding water, they coolly stand by to supply the coal that keeps the vessel moving, furnishes power for the pumps, operates the hoists, and even lights and guides the vessel. The engine room is a post for none but men of courage, even when a vessel is not in action. Often the firemen serve their country in a tem- perature above 140 degrees, and come from these pent-up furnace rooms reeking with sweat and as black as the coal they have been shoveling into the fire. These are the heroes of our navy no less than those who face the guns of an enemy or take the chances of death or of a forlorn hope. Their names are not blazoned abroad nor do they go down by name into history, but that is no detraction of their humble but necessary achieve- ments. Occasionally the formal records of official reports chronicle some par- ticular act which shows the mettle of these men, who are blessed with noble courage and physique, if not with all the qualities of noble mind. Here is one act reported by Assistant Engineer Morton, of the Vixen, 132 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. which occurred on the night of May 28th, 1898. A manhole gasket of one of the Vixen's boilers blew out, sending out a large stream of boil- ing water and steam into the fireroom. The men were driven from their work and the water in the gauge glass sank below the danger line There was indication that the boiler would explode and seriously, if not completely, wreck the boat. The life of every man on board was in danger. Assistant Engineer Morton called for volunteers to haul the fires, and two hardy firemen, P. Johnson and (J. Mahoney, stepped for- ward. Down they went into the fireroom dense with steam, and with scalding water blowing in their faces. They succeeded in hauling away the fire from beneath the boiler, though subjected to a most intense heat. Intrepid heroes, they saved the boiler and the boat. When Lieutenant Sharp, commander of the Vixen, forwarded his report to the Navy Department at "Washington, he added: ''Assistant Engineer Morton says nothing of his own conduct; when the gasket, having been refitted, blew out again, he, with Johnson, hauled the fires a second time." ENSIGN GILLIS SAVES THE PORTER. An exploit of a different kind from that of Engineer Morton and his firemen, Johnson and Mahoney, was performed by Ensign Irving Van Gordon Gillis, the sou of Rear Admiral Gillis, retired, U. S. N. Young Gillis is a graduate of Annapolis, from Delhi, New York, and went to the front to serve his country during the Spanish-American war, as en- sign on the torpedo boat Porter. It was while Admiral Schley had Cervera's fleet bottled up in San- tiago harbor and the cork had been put in so that there was no safe way to get out, and all around the harbor-mouth lay the huge gray battle- shij)s of the T'nited States, watching sulhMily for the exit of the impris- oned fleet, that Ensign Gillis took desperate chances and saved the offi- cers and crew of the Porter from an explosion that would have been as destructive as the one that sank the Maine. Cervera was chafing under his close confinement and set about to free himself of some of the watch dogs that rcdled and tossed on the s^-ell of the Caribbean waters, a few miles out. To this end several Schwartzkopf torpedoes were launched in the harbor channel at a time when it Avas hojx'd (he strong ebb tide would carry them out to sea, and, directed by Providence (which seemed to be on the other side), would run their noses into some American boat and send her to the bottom of the ocean. ENSIGN GILLIS SAVES THE PORTER. 133 These modern engines of war accomplished the first part of their pur- pose; they got out to sea, and one of them would have succeeded in accomplishing all that was designed for it had it not been for this one of our American boys who stood upon the deck of the torpedo boat Porter. Captain Fremont, with glass in hand, had detected something black and glistening, with a pointed nose, floating towards his boat on the swell of the tide. Gillis had seen it, too, and it did not need a glass to tell him that it Avas a Schwartzkopf torpedo. He knew if its nose ever touched the Porter that nothing would mark the spot where the explo- sion occurred. In a moment his officer's coat was off and before Captain Fremont could catch the meaning of his action and say, "Don't do it, Gillis; she's got her war nose on!" the young ensign was in the sea. Quickly he came alongside the dangerous torpedo and with one arm he carefully circled the nose, quickly adjusting the plunging pin so that it could not operate; he then swam back to the boat, towing his prize with him. With a regard for discipline that no exploit, however brave, could deprive him of, he saluted his captain with one hand while he supported himself on the torpedo with the other, and waited his orders. Torpedo and ensign were soon hoisted on board, where Gillis, with the calmness that characterizes a really brave man, received the spon- taneous and hearty honors bestowed by officers and crew. It was a daring thing to do and shows the world that in the American navy there are heroes on every deck. CHAPTER XI. THE STORY OF THE WINSLOW. On May 11th, 1898, the first American blood was shed in the war with Spain. Six men were wounded and one instantly killed at Cien- fuegos, while at Cardenas on the northern coast of Cuba five were blown to pieces and five were wounded on the toi-pedo boat Winslow. It was only a skirmish when compared with the great naval engage- ments which took place later, but it cost more lives than all these en- gagements put together. When Admiral Sampson sailed away in the exciting and uncertain search for Cervera's fleet, he left on blockade duty off Cardenas Bay two gun boats, the Machias and the Wilmington, the torpedo boat Win- slow and the auxiliary tug Hudson. Three Spanish gunboats were Ij'iug in the harbor and being appar- ently tired of a peaceful blockade. Com. C. C. Todd, of the gunboat Wil- mington, thought to capture them. The Winslow was ordered to run close to the eastern shore of Cardenas Bay, and the Hudson to the western shore while the Wilmington took her place in the channel. At this time one of the gunboats could be seen, and although the shore was known to be lined with Spanish batteries, the Winslow was ordered to run in and cut her out. The gunboat carried twelve pound guns, but Lieutenant Bernadou obeyed orders and di-ove his slender craft straight toward the foe. By this time the harbor and shore were alight with flame and the Span- ish shots were coming thick and fast. One of them struck the Win- slow, passing through the captain's quarters, and exploding in the paint locker, set the contents on fire. Bernadou called ui)on his men to turn on the hose and extinguish the fire, meanwhile standing forward and directing the fight as coolly as if the men were at target practice. Immediately another shot ex- ploded against the forward conning tower,, and a piece of the shell entered the left groin of Lieutenant Bernadou, lodging within half an inch of the artery. Placing his hand on the wound to stay the flow of blood he called for a towel and quickly made a strong bandage around the leg, com- ]34 THE STORY OF THE WINSLOW. 135 pressing the artery still further by crowding a cartridge between the folds of the towel and the leg, and then went coolly on with his work. But a shell tore through the forward conning tower disabling the •steering gear and another passed through the forward boiler, and still another disabled the starboard engine. Six terribly effective shots had now struck the little craft, and with her steering apparatus help- Jess and her engine exploded, she signaled for help. Her gallant crew were still shooting their one-pounders with more or less effect, but the Winslow was evidently helpless, and within easy reach of the enemy's batteries. In the meantime the Hudson was fight- ing bravely, her smoke stack was punctured with bullet holes, and the wood work of cabin and deck was a mass of splinters. Although unable to steer the ship, Bernadou found that he could interfere with the enemy's aim by backing with the power of the one uninjured engine, and Ensign Worth Bagley, the second in command, was placed at the hatch amidshijis to direct the engineer, as other methods of communication had been shot away. Captain Newton, of the Hudson, hurried to the aid of the Winslow, but there was a little delay in heaving the tow line. "Let her come," shouted Bagley, "it's getting mighty warm here." The line was thrown and eagerly caught by the Winslow's men. Bravely they pulled at their one hope of escape, but at this instant another four inch shell whizzed through the air and burst directly beneath the little group of men who were pulling at the life line. Five bodies went whirling through the air. Ensign Bagley and Fireman Daniels were dead when they fell and the other three died in a few minutes. With the explosion of the shell the rope parted and the helpless Winslow drifted back nearer to the enemy's fire, which was sharp and persistent. But even then the little fighter kept pouring her one-pound shot into the Spaniards on shore. At a safe distance, where not a fragment of shot or shell could reach her, the Wilmington was shooting also, and doing considerable exe- cution. The captain of the Hudson says: "I know that we destroyed a large part of the town near the wharf, burned one of their gunboats, and I think destroyed two other torpedo destroyers. We were in a cor- tex of shot, shell and smoke, and could not tell accurately, but we saw one of their boats on fire and sinking soon after the action began, then 136 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. a large building near the wharf — I think the barracks — took fire, and many other buildings were soon burning." After the parting of the first hawser the Hudson quickly threw another line to the Winslow, but again it broke; then Captain Newcome brought his tug to the side of the disabled boat, made her fast and towed her out of the Spaniards' range, and ultimately to a little island twelve miles off where the Machias lay, and Dr. Kichai'ds, of that ves- sel, cared for the wounded men. The next morning the Hudson sailed away to Key West with flags at half mast, and with her gallant dead covered with the flag they loved. The dead were Worth Bagley, Ensign; John Daniels, first-class fireman; John Tuunett (colored), cabin cook, and John Varveres, the oiler. The wounded were Lieutenant Bernadou, commanding the Winslow; R. E. Cox, gunner's mate; F. Gray; D. McKeown, quartermaster, and J. Patterson, fireman. The next morning, also, the Wilmington steamed close to Cardenas Bay, with her decks stripped for action and her men shouting the watchword "Avenge the Winslow." Within easy range were the gun- boats which had decoyed the Winslow into easy range of the masked batteries — into the very gates of hell — and near the forts also two schooners lay at anchor. For an hour a hot bombardment was main- tained against the batteries and the ships in harbor. The gunners of the American navy are remarkable for the accuracy of their shots and the men of the Wilmington were no exception to the rule. The two gunboats and both schooners were sunk and one blockhouse was burned by an exploding shell. For about two weeks the Spaniards had been working at the fortifi- cations here in anticipation of an attack, and the masked batteries and heavy earthworks were well manned, as was clearly proven by the ter- ribly effective work which they accomplished on the Winslow. It was easy to shell the frail sides of the little torpedo boat, but the big guns of the Wilmington proved to be a dangerous foe, and the for- midable batteries with their machine guns were torn from their founda- tions. STORY OF THE GUSSIE. The first contest on Cuban soil between American soldiers and Span- ish troops took place May 12, 1898. It resulted from a gallant attempt to land a quantity of arms and provisions for the benefit of the suffer- ing Cubans. STORY OF THE GUSSIE. * 137 The transport Gussie carried Colonel J. H. Dorst, of the United States Volunteers, who commanded the expedition, and also Company E, First Infantry, numbering sixty men, with Captain J. J. O'Connell and Second Lieutenant W. M. Crofton; Company G, First Infantry, also numbered sixty men, with Captain M. P. Phister, First Lieutenant F. E. Lacey, and Second Lieutenant D. E. Nolan. There were also Dr. Gandy, hospital steward and six men from the hospital corps, besides three or four Cuban scouts. The Gussie, which was heavily laden with supplies, left Key West with only the Manning as an escort, and during the night they became separated, but in the morning they found each other almost directly off Havana, and here they were joined by the Wasp, whose duty it was to patrol the coast opposite Pinar Del Kio. About noon on the 12th of May, the little expedition drew close to the shore near Mariel, but it was found that the country was alive with Spaniards, and if a landing was effected at all it must be made elsewhere. As they steamed on for a few minutes it became evident that they were watched and followed by Spanish cavalry, and soon the enemy was re-enforced by other companies. The first party of Cubans who were to have received the supi^lies had been conquered by a superior force and driven so far away that no aid could be expected from them. Fighting was still going on, however, in the interior, showing that other i)arties of Cubans were attempting to take the place of the defeated insurgent force. The Spanish cavalcade galloped furiously along the coast, occa- sionally throwing wild and ineffective shots toward the ships. On the high gTound, a little to the east of Cabanas, there was a rude fort which had been strongly garrisoned, and a volley fired from there passed over the heads of the watchers on ship board. The Manning returned the fire, but with what effect the Americans could not see, and they sailed on hoping to find a place where a peacea- ble landing might be effected. They could still hear the sound of con- tinuous firing on land, and it was evident that some of the insurgents were still making a brave effort to keep their appointment with their American friends and receive the much needed supplies of food and ammunition. By this time the rain began to fall and s(»on it was pouring down in torrents which are known only to the tropics. Even the tempestu- ous waves of the sea seemed to be beaten down by the fury of the descending floods. 138 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. It was a perilous undertaking, but it was thought that a landing might be effected under cover of the storm, so the little fleet drifted closely to the shore and dropped anchor off Arbolitos Point, where it seemed possible for the small boats to land. Three Cuban scouts went first, hoping to show a way that the other boats might safely follow, but their little skiff struck the coral reef and was overturned, so they made the shore only by swimming for it. Two other boats were launched, and, nothing daunted by the mis- hap of the natives, they were quickly filled by about forty men of Com- pany E. The one was commanded b^' Captain O'Connell and the other by Lieutenant Crofton. They pushed off from the ship even while the pouring rain was threatening to sink them. Captain O'Connell's boat cleared first and went toward shore before the other had started; but the wind was rising; he, too, struck the dangerous reef. The boat was overturned and some of the Americans struck out for shore in the same primitive way by which the Cubans had effected their landing. Thus it happened that Lieutenant Crofton's boat landed first. O'Connell's boat was finally righted and succeeded in making the shore a little to the westward of the other. His men went forward in a skirmish line, deploying carefully into the land of the foe; they were almost immediately hidden from view by the thick growth of chaparral which came down nearly to the water's edge. They were obliged to penetrate a jungle of tropical trees and vines — bamboos and banyans, thorns and stubborn undergrowth, all woven together with grape vines and flowering creepers. Above and far be- yond them the Cacara-Jicara mountains lifted their blue peaks above the storm. By this time the rain had died away almost entirely, and the wind, veering around to the northward, the sea rose again and the breakers crashed upon the coral reefs with a tremendous roar. Communication with the shore was impossible with the speaking trumpets, but those who were left on shipboard soon heard from the heroic landing party, for there was a report made by two heavy volleys of musketry followed by the shai'p cracking noise of American firearms. Before the men on the transport had fully realized that our land- ing was being desperately resisted, two or three volleys which were fired at good range came whistling over their heads. As soon as Captain O'Connell's men had reached the crest which commanded the landing beach they discovered twenty or thirty rifle- STORY OF THE GUSSIE. 139 pits, from which the Spaniards could have slaughtered our men at leis- ure if they had been occupied at the time. When only fifty yards from the beach they came upon an old grass grown road which ran out upon xirbolitos Point, and along this road, less than sixty yards away, a party of Spanish guerrillas were pushing forward at the top of their speed, in the elfort to reach and occupy the rifle-pits. The oncoming Spaniards fired at sight but the only result was a wound in the arm of a brave and enterpi'ising newsijaper man, Mr. Archibald, who had obtained permission to join this dangerous expe- dition. The Americans promptly returned the fire, and four Spaniards responded to the call of their guns, by dropping dead in their tracks. They were not accustomed to such accurate shooting and beat a quick retreat, rushing into the jungle and firing at random as they ran. The Spaniards were led by a lieutenant of their boasted Civil Guard, but he fell before the gun of Metzler of Company E, and his men were demoralized by his fall. Lieutenant Crofton and his men now came up and joined the skir- mish line which was extended across the road and into the jungle be- yond. Captain O'Connell returned to the transport and, after confer- ring with the ofiicers there, went to the Manning and the Wasp and pointed out to their gunners the i)oint where the enemy was last seen. He then returned to the brave men on shore who were standing where they might be shot down at any time, but remaining as coolly as if they were on dress parade. The gunboats now poured their shot and shell into the jungle at the right of our skirmish line, and Captain Phister's men fired their volleys at random in the same direction. The retreating foe threw back an occasional shot, but seemed to be trying to keep out of range of our guns. The Cuban scouts by this time had succeeded in swimming their horses to the shore, and under the direction of Colonel Dorst, they rode along the beach for a mile or two and then disappeared in the jungle. They had a dangerous ride of nine or ten miles to the Cuban camp on the foothills of the Cacara-Jicara Mountains, but night was now coming on and beneath its friendly shadow they sped away over the ground, with every foot of which they were familiar. The men were now brought back to the ship thoroughly soaked with rain, but there were no injuries except that sustained by Mr. Archi- bald. The Gussie was compelled afterward to leave without landin"- 140 SPLENDID DELDS ON SEA AND LAND. her supplies, but the lirst blood which was shed on Cuban soil was Spanish blood, and besides those who were seen to fall, many must have been killed by the raking fire of the gunboats through the woods where they were hidden. In this first contest one prisoner was also captured — a man who was doubtless in the employ of the enemy, as he had given wrong informa- tion, under the guise of friendship, to the first landing party. The faithful O'fficers of the expedition made an attempt to reach the insurgents with supplies at all of the three western provinces which had been agreed upon, but the Spanish forces along the coast succeeded in preventing the Cubans from approaching near enough and in force enough to receive and protect the supplies. It would have been poor policy to take any chances upon allowing them to fall into the hands of the enemy, and so the Gussie with her escort steamed away over the blue seas toward American shores. CUTTING CABLES AT CIENFUEGOS. The Americans found it desirable to cut off, if possible, the cable communication between the Spaniards in Cuba and the rest of the world, especially the government at Madrid, and the dangerous duty was necessarily assigned to men in small boats. The Nashville and Marblehead had been doing blockade duty on the southern coast but were ordered to Cienfuegos to cut the cables there. Two of them were connected with the West Indies, and the third was probably a local line. It was a very hazardous proceeding for the little boats containing the grappling apparatus with a handful of men to row into the har- bor where the water was shallow enough to enable them to reach the cables, because the work must be done under the fire of the formid- able shore batteries. There was one large battery near the harbor mouth, and many rifle pits which had been placed there some months before. To run this gauntlet of destrnclion was almost throwing life away and the men knew it. Before manning the boats the officers announced that so great was the peril of the undertaking tliat no man would be ordered to do the work, but they asked for volunteers. Never has a call for volunteers from American officers failed to meet with a gallant response, and in this case as in so many others, the brave bovs made a rush for the boats. ^,^ ^-k.4, CUTTING THE CABLE UNDER FIKE HOLt MADE BY A SPANISH SHOT IN THE ARMOR PLATE OF THE BATTLESHIP TEXAS CUTTING CABLES AT CIENFUEGOS. 141 The warnings were repeated, the officers asserting that probably no man would return alive. But the men continued to strive for the dan- gerous position and then the officers were compelled to choose from the eager volunteers those whom they considered the most cool headed and competent. The stir on shipboard was eagerly watched by the Spanish officers on shore, and as far as they could judge with the aid of field glasses, preparations were being made for a landing on Cuban shores. The forces were hastily summoned and a thousand Spaniards or more were waiting for an attack before the preparations were com- pleted for the putting out of the small boats. In order to divert suspicion from the real purpose the Nashville drew nearer to the shore and opened fire upon the coast defences. Firing steadily, she drew closer toward her prey and poured her shells upon the battery and rifle pits. Through their glasses the American officers could see that the shots were exceedingly effective, many of the enemy falling before their fire. The Spanish gunners soon got the range of their assailant and poured their leaden and iron shower upon her, but the men on the Nashville were kept under cover as much as possible while they worked the guns. In the meantime the Wiudom came up abreast of the Nashville and only about half a mile from her; the Marblehead was still closer in shore and all three were bombarding the fortifications as fast as shot and shell coiild be carried from their magazines. When some of the guns had been silenced under the terrific fire of an hour or more, four boats were manned for the purpose of accom- plishing the real object in view. Lieutenant Anderson, of the Marble- head, took a cutter with twelve sailors and marines, and a little launch with six men. In the bows of the launch was a rapid firing gun which carried pound balls, and there was also a supply of ammunition. Lieutenant Winslow was placed in command of two other boats which were similarly equipped, and both of the larger boats were sup- plied with tongs and grappling irons for the raising of the cables. The little boats set off with their valiant crews cheering and eager for the work in hand, while over their heads flew the deadly shells and shrapnel from both the American ships and the Spanish batteries. They went within a hundred yards of the shore, and commenced the work of grappling for the cable, but even here they were working in more than forty feet of water, and were also exposed to a constant fire, and every few minutes a wounded man would fall in one of the boats, 10 142 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. but the survivors went on rowing against the current or grappling for the sunken cables as coolly as if they were alone on the open sea. The wounded men tightened their lips and suppressed the cry of pain, while in more than one instance a wounded sailor kept on row- ing until he sank from loss of blood. In the midst of this terrible but suppressed excitement the grap- plers found one of the cables and cut it. Soon the second was brought to the surface and that was also severed, but in the meantime one man was killed at his post and the Spaniards, having obtained the exact range of the workers, their fire became so furious that a retreat was ordered before the third cable was found. The most fatal fusillade of the Spaniards was made under the pro- tection of the lighthouse which, under the courtesy, if not the law of nations, was safe from attack. Depending upon American generosity to spare it, they had fought under its protection with fatal effect. On going into the engagement the word had been given the Amer- ican gunners to avoid the lighthouse, but after the cowardly attack from beneath its sheltering walls, the Windom moved in close to the shore and bombarded the structure until it was reduced to complete ruin. This was one of the bravest actions of the war, one man was killed, two were mortally wounded, and four others were struck. Among the injured men was Captain JIaynard, of the Nashville, who stood in an exposed position on the bridge of his ship, directing the gunners in their work, and also giving orders concerning the movements of the vessel. CHAPLAIN HARRY W. JONES. It requires more courage to stand faithfully in the post of danger when unarmed than it does to carry the battle flag through the excite- ment of a victorious charge, and Harry Jones, of the United States Navy, showed that he had genuine soldier blood in his veins when he left the ship with a squad of marines in order to bury a sailor in the land of the enemy. The only American who was killed in the fierce engagement with Cervera's fleet on that memorable Fourth of July, was the man who fell while standing beside Commodore Schley on the Brooklyn. It was determined to give the brave fellow a Christian burial on the hill CHAPLAIN HARRY IV. JONES. 143 back of the camp which the marines were holding against terrible odds at Guantanamo. It was known that the woods were alive with Spanish sharpshoot- ers, but it was thought that they would hardly fire upon a funeral party, and Chaplain Jones volunteered to go ashore and conduct the service. There was a guard of honor consisting of thirty marines, and eight pall bearers who had been chosen from the messmates of the dead sailor, and the little party was landed on the beach below the camp. With arms reversed and muffled drum the little cortege moved slowly down the valley to the hillside, where a grave was dug, and the body lowered into the ground. Then the chaplain took his place at the head of the grave, and be- gan to read the solemn words of the burial service. He was uttering the sentence, "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust," when the crack of a rifle was heard and a Mauser bullet was buried deeply in the ground at his feet. Mr. Jones raised his head to see from whence the disturbance came, but went coolly on with the services regardless of the cowardly shot. Finding that there was no response to their fire, the Spaniards waxed valiant in fight, and soon the air was filled with the hum of the bullets, while the leaves and twigs which were cut from the trees fell upon the bared heads of the funeral party. There was the patter of bullets on the sod and one of them passed through the sleeve of the chaplain's surplice, but he paid no heed to the shower of lead, and the brave men with bowed heads, seemed to listen reverently to the service. When it was over the grave was filled, the bugler sounded the fare- well taps, and then the marines fired three volleys over the hero's rest- ing place. It was the sound of these volleys that drove the cowardly Spaniards from the spot, for they supposed that the Americans were at last returning their fire. Strange to say, there was no injury received by one of the brave and defenseless men who stood so loyally over their dead comrade. While they reverently performed the funeral rites they were sheltered from the foeman's bullets as if protected by the God of Battles. CHAPTER XII. THE DESTRUCTION OF CERVERA'S FLEET. On July 3, 1898, off Santiago, occurred the greatest naval battle of modern times. It was a fair test of armored ships aud modern projec- tiles; of the value of daily discipline aud target practice. For five weeks the American fleet had watched that harbor. There was not a moment by day when the glasses were not trained on the dim, distant smoke that came from the enemy's ships; not a moment by night when the great search lights did not sweep the sea. Tliere had not been a moment during those five weeks when every man was not ready for his duty — and the long strain was beginning to tell. The American fleet was stationed around Santiago harbor, three miles from Morro Castle. Close to the shore off Aguadores, on the right, was the converted yacht Gloucester, Lieutenant-Commander Wainwright commanding, then the battleship Indiana, Captain Tay- lor commanding, then the battleship Oregon, Captain Clark command- ing, then the battleship Iowa, directly facing the harbor. Captain Evans commanding, then the battleship Texas, Captain Philip commanding, then the armored cruiser Brooklyn, Captain Cook commanding, flying the pennant of Commodore Sohley, and close to the shore on the ex- treme left, the auxiliary Vixen, under the command of Lieutenant Sharp. The Massachusetts, the New Orleans and the cruiser Newark had left the line and gone forty miles to the east for coal, i^rovisions and ammunition. At 8:55 o'clock the flagship New York had signaled the fleet: "Dis- regard the motions of the Commander-in-Chief," and moved towai'd the east. Admiral Sampson had an engagement with General Shafter and at 9:20 the New York was out of signal distance of the fleet and the command devolved on Commodore Schley. General muster had been ordered for the fleet. This is compulsory every month in the navy, and the Articles of War are read to the as- sembled crew. Commodore Schley, with no insignia of rank upon him, tilted his chair back, tapped nervously with bis fingers, and remarked: "This is pretty slow." A distant bugle call on the Texas summoned 144 THE DESTRUCTION OF CERVERA'S FLEET. 145 the crew to church and a bell tolled softly. White mustering clothes had been ordered for the officers and all white for the crew. Yet on every ship glasses were focused on that distant smoke in the harbor of Santiago. On the forwai'd bridge of the Brooklyn Navi- gator Hodgson had relieved the officer of the deck, and Quartermaster Anderson was watching the enemy's ships. That smoke is moving," he said to Mr. Hodgson. Taking the glass the Navigator ti-ained it upon the hazy cloud at the entrance of the harbor. There was an instant of perfect silence, then Anderson caught up the glass as it fell. Hodgson seized his megaphone and yelled, '"After bridge, there! Report to the Commodore and the Captain that the enemy's ships are coming out!'' The cadet on the signal bridge stumbled down the ladder, but be- fore his feet had touched the deck the Lieutenant-Commander shouted : "Clear ship for action!" The scene that followed, while seeming to be the wildest of confu- sion, was, in reality, the result of the most perfect discipline. The men flew to their guns, dropping their clothes as they went, and in three minutes from the time the signal was given, every gun was loaded, every battle hatch was fastened down, every water tight compartment had been closed, ammunition was ready, fire pumps were on and the decks wet down, and every single man of the five hundred on the ship was in his battle station. The movement had been seen on the Iowa also, and the signal fluttered from her mast-head: "Enemy's ships coming out." A six pound gun also thundered a warning to the fleet. From the signal halyards of the Texas waved the flags which meant, "The enemy is attempting to escape." An emergency signal was hoisted on the Ore- gon and the siren sounded t<» attract the attention of the fleet. The Spanish fleet, in column, came boldly out of the harbor. In the lead was the Maria Teresa, Admiral Cervera's flagship. The Viz- caya. Colon and Oquendo followed, then the destroyers Furor and Plu- ton. The Iowa had her guns trained on the flagship, but her crew stopped for a moment to cheer the Spanish ship as she sailed boldly from safety into danger. The crucial test was about to be made. On one side were four battleships and two destroyers, on the other four battleships, an armored cruiser, and two converted yachts. Allowing for the superior speed possessed by the Spanish ships, the conditions were equal as regarded armament and guns. Rut on one side was the theatrical, HG SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. impulsive daring of the Latin, on the other the cool courage of the Anglo-Saxon; on one side officers who treated their men as slaves, on the other officers who treated them as men; ob one side men who had had little experience with the guns, on the other men who had been trained for years with daily target practice. And in the two countries whose ships had met in the southern seas there was a vital difference. The ruler of one was a man, chosen by popular vote, watching for results with no deeper anxiety than seventy million others felt, while far away in Spain, a little boy, scarcely more than a child, turned his wondering eyes toward the west from the blood stained steps of his tottering throne. The Iowa was turned so as to bring the Teresa on her starboard bow, and Captain Evans gave the order, "Commence firing — range five thousand yards." Three of the Spanish ships were now in plain sight and the heavy guns of the Oregon were also firing at the flagship. The Indiana came up from the Morro, and brought her guns to bear. The port battery of the Iowa was firing on the Teresa, and the starboard battery on the Vizcaya and the Oquendo. The Oquendo, superior to the Iowa in speed, though severely injured, went on after the other ships, and the Colon made a gallant dash for liberty, striking the Iowa twice as she passed. As the torpedo boats came out from under the lee of the Morro the Gloucester made for them with a great burst of speed, while the rapid- fire batteries of the Iowa, Indiana and Oregon were also brought to bear. The Gloucester made short work of the two torpedo boats, and in eight minutes from the time they first came under fire, one had sunk and the other was pounding on the rocks. The Oquendo and the Teresa had headed for the beach, the Brooklyn and Oregon were chasing the Colon, firing at the Vizcaya meanwhile. As the Texas and the Iowa drew near, steadily firing, the Vizcaya headed for the beach. Presently it was seen that she was on fire aft, but her flag still flew at her mast- head, so the Iowa opened fire again with her twelve-inch guns. As the fire gained headway she made a run for the beach, so Captain Evans signaled "Cease firing,'' and going as near as the depth of water would permit, prepared to rescue the crew of the Vizcaya, In two minutes from the time the signal was first given, the heavy guns of the Indiana had been trained upon the Morro. From his posi- tion on the bridge, Captain Taylor called : "Get to your guns, lads, our chance has come at last," and the men answered with a cheer. There THE DESTRUCTION OF CERVERA'S FLEET. 147 was a period of doubt as to the intention of the Spanish fleet. Two of the four siiips seemed to be heading for the Indiana, probably to torpedo or ram her, and the fire of the heaviest guns was reserved for the possible emergency. The torpedo boat destroyers also complicated the Indiana's situation. But day by day on the Indiana the exact range of the Spanish ships had been taken and her fire was hence very effective. The gunner's books show that during the first forty minutes of the engagement, the Indiana fired eighteen hundred and seventy-six projec- tiles, of which only twenty-five were of small size. It was a heavy shell from the Indiana which first set the Vizcaya afire, and one from the same ship exploded upon the Teresa and did great damage. The Colon and Furor were also struck by shells from the Indiana. As the Teresa and Oquendo headed for the beach, the gallant crew of the Indiana gave a cheer that resounded above the roar of her guns. When the Vizcaya struck her colors, the bugles of the Indiana sounded "Cease firing." The remaining Spanish ship, the Colon, was far to the west, with the Brooklyn and Oregon in full pursuit. At this moment the flagship New York, which had come abreast of the Indiana from the eastward, firing twice at the torpedo boat destroyers as she passed, signaled to the Indiana to return and guard the harbor entrance. It was Captain Taylor's intention to guard the harbor entrance and at the same time to send relief parties to the Oquendo and Teresa. But two of the light-armored vessels, the Harvard and the Resolute, brought word of a Spanish battleship approaching from the eastward and attack- ing the transports near Siboney. The Indiana soon sighted the ship, and when Captain Taylor could no longer doubt that she flew the Spanish flag, he again sounded the call to quarters and ordered the men to the guns. The crew of the Indiana had been under an intense strain and for three hours had been at the guns, but without a moment's faltering the men rushed, cheering, to their stations. Just at the point of opening fire, the ship was discovered to be an Austrian, but for fear of a ruse the Indiana approached her slowly with (,'wej, known in history as ''Dewe^' tlic Settler," was the first of his name on American soil. He was one of the splendid band of sturdy dis- senters that left old England for the freedom of the new world. George Dewey is a representative of the ninth generation since his time, and between the earliest American Dewey and the latest there have been many brave men of the name who have fought Indians, or any other foe that menaced the safety of their country or fireside during the dramatic chapters of our country's history. With such an inheritance, it is not strange that the thought of wai"S and battles should come early to the boy's mind and that his training should have made him fit to take part in them. When he was sixteen he went for a year to the Norwich Militai-y School at Norwich, Vermont. From there, his father intended to send him to the West Point Military Academy. But the boy's heart was set (111 the navy. His father did not think much of sailors and told him so. Still he was unwilling to thwart his son and yielded to his desire. One of his schoolmates, George Spalding, had the same ambition, and it must have been a bitter disappointment to the boy Dewey when Senator Foote of Vermont, who had the choice to make, gave the appointment to his friend and named him as the altei'uate. George Spalding's mother interfering, however, withdrew her son from the competition, and the appointment fell to Dewey after all. George Spalding is now a minister in Syracuse, New York, and after the battle of Manila he preached a sermon commemorating the victory of his old schoolmate. At seventeen, in 1854, Dewey put the village life with its sorrows and its joys, its defeats and triumphs, behind him to erter the Naval Academy at Annapolis. The entrance reijuirements there have always been severe. A candidate must be, first of all, over fifteen and under twenty. The boy who passes the best examination is usually selected and the next best is made alternative to take his place if for any reason the first candidate is rejected at the aca the side of the ship. The ''Doctor," who had viewed the proceedings from the rail of the vessel, approached him presently with a grin of the utmost width. "Ah, ha!" he said, taking advantage of the familiarity customarily allowed him on board. "Perhaps, Massa Dewey, yo' b'lieve now dat sharks won't bite a pusson. Whar' you' coat tail, eh?" "My coat tail," replied the lieutenant, with his habitual sangfroid, "has been removed by an act of Providence." Profanity involving the name of the Deity is as obnoxious to Dewey as drunkenness. A certain amount of vigorously exclamatory language seems to be necessary to get any body of men through a voyage or a battle, and the Admiral is not exempt from the practice, but he never allows it to go beyond a certain point, nor will he tolerate blasphemy from any one with whom he is associated. Many years ago, when the task was very difficult, he stood by his convictions in rather a remarkable manner. He happened to be serving as watch officer under an Admiral, who was as famous for his rough language as for his bulldog courage. He was what is called a "jacky officer," which signifies that his man- ners were fitted rather for the forecastle than the quarter-deck. One day something roused his wrath and, as his custom was, he swore at everything and evei-ybody in sight. Dewey happened to be in range, and after standing the tirade for a few moments, he walked up to the furious commander of the fleet, and saluting, said: "Admiral, I will not allow you nor any man living to address me in the language you are using." The captain of the flagship and almost all of his officers were near enough to hear the conversation, and a breathless silence followed the words of the bold young officer. The old Admiral turned red and then purple. lie was perfectly quiet for several minutes. In the meantime, Dewey had left the group to attend to his duty. "Tell Mr. Dewey I wish to speak to him," said the Admiral to an ensign. "Dewey's going to catch it now," whispered the officers. Lieutenant Dewey came in a moment. "You sent for me, sir?" he asked, saluting. . ADMIRAL GEORGE DEWEY. 177 "Yes, I did, sir," answered the Admiral. "I wanted to say to 3'ou that I was not addressing you in my remarlcs a few minutes ago. That is all, sir." The Admiral resumed his promenade and the incident was closed. But it was noticed during the rest of their service together that the Admiral treated his lieutenant with unusual courtesy and consideration. The men under Dewey were fond of him, and no one had more loyal crews. Charles E. Uand, who served with Dewey during the Civil war, gives an example of the bravery and self-control under trying circum- stances that made his sailors trust him implicitly. ''I remember," he says, "when I was with Admiral Dewey on the flagship Colorado; he was then lieutenant-commander and executive officer. Once during a terrific gale, we were off the Bay of Biscay, often- times a nasty place, too, and the command was given to save the ship. The" Old Colorado could not move faster than eight knots an hour, and we were on a lee shore. I tell you, it looked bad for us. "At the height of the storm the Admiral took the bridge, relieving Dewey, and the order was given to set sails to help us out to sea. We fellows had to hustle into the riggings, and just to encourage us Dewej"- himself mounted the ladder, and in less time than I can tell it was on the yard unfurling sail. It was an exciting scene and a dangerous sit- uation, but in a short time we were clear of the coast, and safe from wreck on one of the rockiest shores I know of." DEWEY ON SnOKE.— HIS FIRST MARRIAGE. Early in 1867, Lieutenant-Commander Dewey was ordered home from the European station and assigned to duty at the Kittery Navy Yard at Portsmouth, New Hampshire. There he had the entree to the homes of all the most exclusive families of the place, and enjoyed society as only a handsome, popular young officer of thirty could enjoy it. During this time he met Miss Susie Goodwin, who afterwards became his wife. He did not win her, however, without opposition. For there was an- other gallant naval officer also paying court to her, — Commander S. C. Rhind. He was nearly twenty years older than Dewey and he had a rare record of brave deeds to his credit. But fortune was with the younger man and Commander Rhind struck his colors before Dewey and sailed away. Governor Goodwin, the father of Miss Susie, had a great admiration for his new son. He was himself a popular hero of the time and to this 178 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. day is known as "Fighting Governor Goodwin." He found a responsive chord in the young lieutenant and made a prediction of him which the future was to verify. "George is sort of reckless sometimes," the Governor remarked, "but hang me if I can help liking him. He's honest and full of grit, and he'll be heard from one of these days." Dewey was married in 18G7, and soon after was detailed for service at the Annapolis Naval Academy as an instructor. Two years afterwards, he was placed in command of the Narragansett, and in 1872, was pro- moted to the rank of commander. It seemed as if great happiness were opening up to him with these new honors. Everything was prosperous in his material affairs, and his home life was ideal. On the twenty-third of December, a little son was born. But just a week later, the great sorrow of Dewey's life came to him in the death of his young wife. The son, George Goodwin Dewey, grew to vigorous manhood, was graduated from Princeton College, in 1898, and since that time has been in business in New York City. Soon after the death of his wife, Dewey sailed as commander of the Narragansett for the Pacific coast, where he was engaged in making surveys. In 1870 he was called to Washington to act as a lighthouse inspector for two years, and as the secretary of the lighthouse board for four years afterwards. Dewey's first experience in Asiatic waters came in 1882, when he was assigned to the Juniata. He spent two years there, and subsequent events have proved that he put in his time to the very best advantage in making a close stiidy of the people and in learning all there was to know about the different ports. It was during his command of the Juniata that Dewey became so ill as to be compelled to stop at Malta and submit to a very delicate sur- gical operation by which part of his liver was removed. His life hung on a thread, but it was saved by the incessant care and watchfulness of his physicians and nurses. He has often been known since as the man without a liver. When he went back on his ship again, one of his men exclaimed in a burst of admiration: "Was there ever a more courageous, able seaman?" And another answered: "There's one thing sure about what liver Dewey has, — it's not white." In 1884 Dewey was made captain, and was put in charge of the Dol- phin, one of the four new vessels which formed the original "White ADMIRAL GEORGE DEWEY. 179 Squadron." Soon afterwards, he paid a visit to his old home in Mont- pelier. The citizens of the town gave him a cordial welcome, but the children stood in awe of him and were a little afraid of his keen eye and bushy eyebrows and his big moustache. "That did not please Dewey,"' says one writer, for he loves children. "So he took the trouble to win the children of Montpelier to him. He gathered the boys and girls in the afternoon from the capitol grounds across the way, into the grounds around his home; he took them driving, he told them stories about sailor men, until the little girls were almost frightened and all the boys were determined to be captains in the United states navy. He had one fine story about the voyage of Noah's Ark that Montpelier boys who are now men remember." Dewey did not rest until the victory was complete and he had won the hearts of every child in Montpelier. In 1SS5, he was given command of the Peusacola, the flagship of the European squadron. He remained in that station for three years, gain- ing the familiarity with European naval conditions, oi33cers and fleets which only a shrewd, open-eyed, alert man could get. One story told of him during his command of that vessel is worth repeating to show his intolerance of unjust interference. Some of his sailors went on shore while the boat was stopping at Malta and were mixed up some way in a street fight. Though the alarm was given, they managed to escape to the ship. "The next morning," says Mr. Clemens, who tells the story, "the captain of the port came out to the Pensacola to complain to Captain Dewey of the action of the sailors. " 'What can I do?' asked Dewey. " 'Why, your men raised a riot on shore, and you can assist me in arresting and punishing them,' was the reply. "The American captain was very courteous in the expression of re- gret that sailors of the Pensacola should be lawless while on shore leave, but could see no way in which he might assist his visitor in search- ing out the guilty ones. "The reply of the naval officer angered the redcoat, who said, some- what peremptorily: 'You certainly can parade your crew before me in order that the rioters may be identified.' "Looking aloft and pointing to the Stars and Stripes waving at the masthead, Dewey made the reply: 'The deck of this vessel is United States territory, and I'll parade my men for no foreigner that ever drew breath.' " 180 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. No one knows better than the Admiral how to handle sarcasm when it is necessary, but it is usually sarcasm with a twinkle in it, and the men who were on the Pensacola with bim will never forget the effective- ness of one of his rebukes. The ship was in the Mediterranean at the time of this incident, and a rapid fall in the barometer, and a shift of wind gave warning of a change in the weather. Very soon a white squall came up, and every man had his hands full. The executive officer was in the waist, the officer of the deck on the quai'+er-deck, and the midshipman in the forecastle bellowing and repeating orders, and the sailors were jumping through the tops like squirrels. Just then something fouled the clews of the maintopsail, at the very moment the squall struck, and bungling for a moment or two nearly cost the vessel a spar. Dewey, from the bridge, was looking on, and everybody was in tremulous anticipation of a severe rebuke. But he only turned to the officer of the deck and said mildly: ''Will you kindly tell me what was the matter just now with the agricultural population on the maintopsail yard?" The men wilted when the remark came to their ears, and it is said that they did not recover from it for days. Another bon mot of Dewey's which has become famous through the length and breadth of the country was his reply to one of the bureau chiefs. The canny Admiral while at Manila accumulated a great pile of coal at Cavite. He received a cablegram from this bureau chief one day saying: "What have you bought such an enormous quantity of coal for?" And Dewey cabled back : "To burn." APPOINTMEKTS IN WASHINGTON. In 1888, Dewey gave up seafaring life for awhile to become chief of the bureau of equipment and recruiting. This appointment followed in the natural order of things, for early in his career, his unusual admin- istrative ability, and his clear understanding of naval matters in detail and in their general bearing impressed the minds of those with whom he came in contact. Although this position carried with it the rank of commodore, Cap- tain Dewey was not formally appointed commodore until February 28, 1896. In this important position, he won new honors for himself. Whatever he undertook, he did thoroughly, promptly and effectively. His uniform kindliness and courtesy also to those with whom he came ADMIRAL GEORGE DEWEY. 181 in contact, made him as much appreciated for his own personality as for the excellent quality of work he did. Socially, also, he was always an addition to the charmiug circles that claimed him as a friend. His keen sense of humor and his witty stories made him a companion much to be desired. One of the tales he used to tell, which through his love of animals appealed to him particularly, was of a certain captain and his pet par- rot. Dewey was a young lieutenant on the captain's ship at the time, and when it put in at Rio de Janeiro the commander became so greatly worried about the health of his remarkable bird that he asked the ship's doctor to prescribe. He said that all the bird needed was a chance to climb into the green trees on shore, chew bark, and disport itself. So the captain summoned his steward and bade him take the parrot ashore and give it some exercise. The captain's steward was an important per- son then. This one was a conceited old darky, who aped absurdly the authoritative ways of his master, and the men were always on the look- out for a chance to play him some trick. When he stepped to the port gangway to get into the liberty boat, with the cage containing the bird enclosed in an old ammunition bag, they saw their opportunity. There was a sea running in the harbor, which made it difficult for the boat to keep alongside, and, just as the steward put out a foot toward the gun- wale, they purposely eased her oft, so that he tumbled into the sea. He was pulled out in a minute, but the ijarrot and the cage went to the bottom. The steward was distressed. He dreaded punishment by the cap- tain, who had said that he would hold him responsible for the safety of the bird. Having shore-leave for three days, he spent his time wander- ing about the city and figuring to himself how he would put in the balance of the voyage in the ship's brig, on bread and water, double- ironed, and exposed to the derision of the crew. At length he was struck with a brilliant idea. Rio was full of parrots, and one parrot is much like another, especially green ones. He bought, for the equivalent of seventy-five cents, a green bird with a yellow head which looked to him like the twin brother of the one drowned. He was also luckv enough to find a cage like the lost one, and in it he took his precious purchase back to the frigate. Now, as Dewey tells the story, the captain was delighted to see his pet once more, and especially to see how much its plumage was improved and how much more sprightly it had become. But his astonishment may be imagined when, being asked whether it would like a cracker, the 182 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. bird responded with a string of Portuguese oaths. Being fed, it ex- pressed its satisfaction with a lot of swear words in Spanish, and this so amazed the commander that he felt obliged to share his feelings with somebody. Dewey, who bad been walking the quarter-deck, was sum- moned to the cabin, and the parrot was persuaded to swear some more for his benefit. ''Mr. Dewey," said the captain excitedly, "that is a most remarkable bird. He has been ashore only three days, and in that time, upon my sacred honor, he has picked up a thorough working knowledge of the Spanish and Portuguese languages." Another story of a later date, told by Dewey in Manila, was consid- ered worthy of good attention by the man who listened. Admiral von Diedrichs and the British captain of the cruiser Immortalite, one day had a conversation in which the former asked what attitude the latter would assume in case of trouble between the Americans and Germans, whereupon Chichester replied that Dewey was the best bureau of in- formation on that subject. Very soon afterwards, Dewey was dining with Chichester and they began matching stories. The host spoke with much admiration of the confidence of victory exhibited by the Yankee sailors. The Admii'al, with the humorous light in his eyes that his friends linow so well, replied that it was possible to have too much confidence in his ability to win a fight. The Englishman was doubtful, so Dewey to point his remark told the following anecdote: "An old friend of my grandfather's, up in Vermont, lent some help to his country's cause in the war of 1S12 by fitting out a fine privateer. He took command of her himself, having had some experience in sailoring, and called her the New Jeru.salem. She was a smart little barkentiue, and mounted six 12-pounders and a 16-pound pivot gun forward. In the course of the first voyage she took two or three prizes of no great value, and two months or so elapsed before she got a whack at some- thing really worth capturing. "It was in a foggy morning, in the region of the tropics, the wind hav- ing died down to a mere catspaw, that she sighted the royals and gallant stuns'ls of a huge merchantman carrying the British flag. It was a .spec- tacle to make any piratical person's mouth water. The privateer, being to windward, crept up to the prey, herself unobserved in the mist, and presently hove to within half a cable's lent'th of her. " 'Heave to, or I'll sink you,' yelled my grandfather's friend, thinking gloatingly of the silks and laces, with who knows what other spoil, he was going to take back to Vermont. ADMIRAL GEORGE DEWEY. 183 "There was no reply, and just then a puff of wind blew away some of the fog, revealing, instead of a merchantman, a full-fledged line-of-battle ship with rows of frowning ports. " 'I was about to say,' shouted the commander of the privateer, 'that while inviting you to surrender, in case you don't want to do so, I will.' "And he did," said Dewey. "Which will serve to illustrate my mean- ing when I say that too much confidence in warfare is not always a good thing. Your very good health, Chichester." After four years' service as chief of the Bureau of Equipment, Dewey again became a member of the Lighthouse Board. In 1896, about the time that he received his commission as commodore, he was made president of the Board of Inspection. This position he retained until he was placed in command of the Asiatic station in January, 1898. Since Dewey became famous, many interesting sidelights have been thrown upon him, and his Washington experience particularly has fur- nished much material to those who find every detail about their hero worth hearing. He was one of the men who has proved that fastidious- ness in dress, bravery and hard work, combined in a single person are not at all impossible. For during his Washington experience, he had the rei^utation of being the best dressed man in the service. "He carried out the demands of his nature and training, for trimness and accuracy," says one writer, "to the very verge of the Beau Brum- melistic in dress. If a drumhead court-martial had been a Washington penalty for being caught in afternoon costume after 6 P. M., he could not have been more punctual in donning evening costume. It was said of him that the creases of his trousers were ever as well defined as his views on naval warfare." But his punctilious observance of the etiquette of dress made him none the less brave or efficient as sailor and officer, and when the time arrived to place someone in charge of the Asiatic squadron, it was Dewey who came to the fore. Theodore Roosevelt as Assistant Secretary, had put his indomitable energy and thoroughness into the affairs of the naval department. He had much to do with the appointment of men to important stations, and when the naval council was looking about for a man to take command of the Asiatic squadron, Roosevelt named George Dewey. "Dewey!" exclaimed one of the board who knew the sailor well. "Dewey is a dude." "What of it?" asked Roosevelt. 184 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. "Why, you are the last man I should expect to want to advance a dude." Roosevelt's reply is one that will go down among the traditions of the war: "I didn't want to advance him," said Roosevelt. "I'll leave that to you afterward. All I want is a man over there. Some fellow who will fight and mate war. I don't care what kind of a collar he wears; that is, so long as it is some kind of a linen collar." But Dewey did not want the appointment. He wanted the command of the European station where Selfridge was due to be detached early in the new year. Commodore Howell wished it also and to him it was given. By such a small chance, the opportunity of Dewey's lifetime was forced upon him, and he arranged his affairs to go to Hong Kong, where his duty lay, disappointed probably in the thought that the Spanish war, if it came, would be fought aud won while he was tucked away in the conrer of another world. But he made no protest. During his life in Washington he had won for himself many friends both in the department and in the social world of the Capital. As a token of the esteem in which he was held, a farewell dinner was given to him at the Metropolitan Club in Arlington. Colonel Archibald Hop- kins read the following verses, which had a ring of prophecy in them, which those who heard did not appreciate until afterwards: "Fill all your glasses full to-night; The wind is off the shore; And be it feast or be it fight. We pledge the Commodore. "Through days of storm, through days of calm. On broad Pacific seas; At anchor off the isles of Palm, Or with the Japanese; "Ashore, afloat, on deck, below, Or where our bulldogs roar; To back a friend or breast a foe We pledge the Commodore. "We know our honor'll be unstained Where'er his pennant flies; Our rights respe(;ted and maintained, Whatever power defies. < z < S h < h Id ADMIRAL GEORGE DEWEY. 185 "And when he takes the homeward tack Beneath an admiral's flag, We'll hail the day and bring him back, And have another jag." Six months later. Colonel Hopkins added this postcript: "Along the far Philippine coast, Where flew the flag of Spain, Our Commodore to-day can boast 'Twill never fly again. "And up from all our hills and vales. From city, town and shore, A mighty shout the welkin hails: 'Well done, brave Commodore!' " 'Now, let your admiral's pennant fly; You've won it like a man Where heroes love to fight and die — Right in the battle's van.' '' BATTLE OF MANILA BAY. "I am going to fight the first battle of the war and I will fight it before breakfast." These were the words of Admiral Dewey to a friend who expressed regret that he was to leave the seat of the war. His words found their fulfillment on May 1st in Manila harbor. When war broke out Admiral Dewey was at Hong Kong, command- ing the Asiatic squadron. On April 24th he received the following dis- patch from the Navy Department at Washington: "War has been commenced between the Ignited States and Spain. Proceed at once to the Philippine Islands. Commence operations at once, particularly against Spanish fleet. You must capture vessels or destroy. Use utmost endeavors." Great Britain had. issued a proclamation of neutrality as soon as Spain and the United States had declared war, and, as Hong Kong was a British port, the governor of the colony asked Dewey to leave the har- bor. This he did, going to Mirs Bay, a Chinese port, thirty miles away. Here preparations were completed, and on April 27th the fleet sailed for Manila. The squadron was made up of Admiral Dewey's flagship, Olympia, Captain C. V. Gridley commanding; the Baltimore, under Captain N. M. Dyer; the Raleigh, under Captain J. B. Coghlan; the 186 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. Boston, under Captain Frank Wildes; the Concord, under Commander Asa Walker; the Petrel, under Commander E. P. Wood, and the dis- patch boat Hugh McCullough. On April 30th, when the shores of Luzon were sighted, the ships were cleared for action. An hour before midnight the fleet came to Manila Bay, and, headed by the Olympia, with the Baltimore, Kaleigh, Petrel, Concord and Boston, following in order, steamed through a channel that was commanded by batteries on Corregidor Island, and possibly laid with mines. Commodore Dewey had surprised the Spanish. Not until his flagship was a mile beyond the fortress guarding the channel was the entrance of the fleet discovered. Then the guns of El Fraile opened fire, but the Raleigh, Concord and Boston pounded it into silence. It was at this time that Engineer Randall of the McCullough was stricken by heat, or apoplexy, and died — the only loss of life during the attack. Daylight found Admiral Dewey facing Rear-Admiral Montojo's fleet, which lay under the protection of the guns of the fortress at Cavite. The fleet consisted of his flagship Reina Cristina, the Castilla, the Don Juan de Austria, the Don Antonio de Ulloa, the Isla de Cuba, the Isla de Luzon and three light gunboats. This squadron was much inferior to Admiral Dewey's, but it had the advantage of position, and the aid of shore batteries. As the American vessels steamed slowly past Manila city the forts opened fire but failed to stop the progress of the stately procession. The heat was intense. Men stood at their posts, stripped to the waist, depressing the guns to the range-finder's call, "4,000 yards,— .3,500,— 3,000," not firing though the guns of the Cavite forts and Montojo's ships began to get the range and plowed the water with their shells about the American vessels. All was silent on Admiral Dewey's fleet; the commanders waited for the signal from the flagship. At nineteen minutes to six Admiral Dewey is reported to have turned quietly to the commander of the Olympia and said: "You may fire when ready, Gridley." For two hours the line of American vessels passed back and forth before the Spanish squadron. The American marksmanship was as splen- did as that of the Spanish was execrable. With seventy guns firing at objects within easy range for two hours they did practically no damage. One shell exploded on the Baltimore, slightly wounding eight men. On the other hand, the fire from the American guns was simply withering. 'ADMIRAL GEORGE DEWEY. 187 Despite the awful bombardment, the Spaniards made a gallant fight. The Cristina's guns were fired until only two gunners remained un- hurt. Then, with more than half her crew dead or wounded, the ship blazing in several places and hopelessly disabled, Montojo moved his flag to the Isla de Cuba and continued to direct the battle from this little boat, while his men jumped overboard and saved themselves in whatever way they could. After passing five times by the Spanish line and practically silencing and wrecking it. Admiral Dewey, at twenty minutes to eight, ordered his ships to cease firing and withdraw. His men had been under a constant strain for twenty-four hours and had had no breakfast, except a cup of coffee. At a quarter past eleven the order again went up for "close action." In a short time the work was completed. The Manila and some smaller boats were captured, the rest of Montojo's fleet sunk or de- stroyed and with 3S1 killed and wounded, and the Cavite batteries silenced. Thus Spain, by one of the most complete defeats in naval warfare, had lost a fleet and an Asiatic archipelago, and the United States had practically acquired the responsibility for the government of a foreign country, the enlightenment of a half civilized peojile and the main- tenance of a wider place in the congress of nations. THE HOME-COMING OF DEWEY! When the Olympia sailed into New York harbor two days before time the people of the city were taken as completely by surprise as the Spaniards in Manila Bay. The news spread like wild fire and before Dewey's ship had been an hour in sight a whole army of paper boys, with their huge piles of extras, had earned the word to the far- thest parts of Harlem. What could be found of the Reception Com- mittee hastily gathered itself together to decide on a course of action. The workmen on the Dewey Arch looked at each other in dismay, and dilatory decorators brought out their flags and bunting with the promptitude of firemen when the clarion rings. The little boys who sold Dewey buttons, found their stock going like hot cakes and almost turned somersaults in their excitement. Never before had the staid old city found itself in such a state of activity and pleasant confu- sion. The welcome was intended to be a kind of mammoth surprise party for the great hero, but the guest had turned the tables. However, the Admiral felt that he was acting under the unwrit- 188 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. ten orders of the public, and when the reception committee steamed out to tell him something of the preparations for his reception, he promptly decided that officially he had not arrived and that he would not for any consideration throw the plans of a million people into confusion by a premature appearance within the confines of the city. But the Olympia became for the time being the center of the uni- verse. With hundreds of boats flying about her, circling nearer and nearer from all directions the warship seemed like a huge magnet that drew irresistibly toward herself everything that could ride the water. From the earliest moment that visitors were allowed in the morning, until the warning bell sounded at night, her decks were thronged with humanity of every sort and condition. The most distinguished men of the country went out to greet Dewey during the days of his voluntary exile, (Jeneral Miles and members of the Washington committee, General Jlerritt and a host of others. Again and again the guns boomed forth a welcome. The other war- ships followed the lead; people shouted and cheered incessantly and there was a kind of joyful pandemonium all the time. Governor Roosevelt visited Dewey to welcome him in the name of the State of New York, and also to renew his warm personal rela- tions with him. His reception was a dramatic one. The visitors cheered, and as he and the Admiral pushed through the crowd toward the men of the Olympia, who had been gotten up to see the Governor, they gave vent to a tremendous ringing cheer, and some one cried "Speech, speech." The Governor took off his hat with the words: "There is just one thing I will say. As we were coming down the bay, at sight of the Olympia Capt. Coghlan said to me, 'There is the Olympia over there. Aren't you proud of her?' I want to say that I am not only proud of her, but I am proud of every man on her, from the Admiral down, and nothing could give me so much pleas- ure as to welcome home so brave a body of men. Since the Admiral and I met lust he has grown up alongside of Nelson and Farragut." Then the crew gave another cheer, which in volume and heartiness even exceeded the first. The Admiral took the Governor and his party below to his roona, and then said, speaking to the five Captains of the warships that fought at Manila, who were with Governor Roosevelt: "The last time we all met was on the thirteenth of April, 1898, the night before the scrimmage, wasn't it? And now I want to propose the health of the ADMIRAL GEORGE DEWEY. 189 man who had more to do toward making me an Admiral than any other man in the United States, Governor Roosevelt!" No other visitor had such honoi's at the hands of the Admiral as the Governor. He was the only one for whom all hands on the flag ship were mustered, that he might see the whole ship's company. At his departure, too, seventeen guns were fired, as many as the Admiral himself is entitled to receive. By his consideration of the humblest as well as the highest of his guests Dewey endeared himself to all who came in contact with him and made the whole nation feel as if it were saying "Welcome,'' to a personal friend. One of the most touching things that happened during Dewey's stay in New York harbor was the presentation of Admiral Farragut's flag to him by Commander George W. Baird, into whose possession the flag had come. Commander Baird was an old shipmate of Dewey's. The Admiral was taken by surprise and when he learned that the flag was to be given to him, he was too much overcome to say a word. As the Commander handed him the flag he said: "Admiral, I wish to present to you the first Admiral's flag ever floated out in the Navy of this country. That grand old Admiral, whose name and memory we all so revere, first hoisted this ensign upon the good ship Hartford before New Orleans and afterward upon the Franklin, and since it came down from that masthead it has never been whipped by the wind nor worn by the elements. And you, the worthy successor of that great Admiral, whose tactics you so suc- cessfully followed a short while ago, I deem the proper person for Far- ragut's mantle to fall upon." Admiral Dewey did not speak for a moment. Then he said, his voice trembling: "This is the last flag I'll fly. It was the first Admiral's flag, and I feel the honor that it brings to me." The tears were still in his eyes as he turned to the committee with Commander Baird and said: "You do me too great an honor by bringing me this beautiful flag." Under this flag, the next day, the hero of Manila received one of the greatest ovations ever given by the people of the United States to a single man. By ten o'clock the harbor was filled from shore to shore with boats crowded to their utmost capacity. A whole cityful seemed to be afloat, and yet on land were a million people watching the magnificent display. At one o'clock the stately Olympia led the 13 190 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. way up the river, the snowy warships following. Behind were a thou- sand craft in line. 'The North River," says one spectator who watched the scene from the flagship, "was the stage of a theater ten miles long. The huge buildings in the lower part of the city and in Jersey City, the higher grounds further up and finally the Palisades themselves became the sides of this theater, and from the stage every seat seemed to be taken. To say that a million people lined the shores is in all probability an underestimate. They were not to be counted, but everywhere, from the Battery to One Hundred and Twenty-fifth street on the New York side, it looked as if every foot of si)ace in view of the river had a human occupant from the other side, from Staten Island itself to Fort Lee and beyond was almost the same. Up the center of this stage Admiral Dewey and the Olympia sailed, the air rent with the squalls and the roars of a thousand whistles. It was noise, noise, noise everywhere, until one was driven almost mad. The shrieking of the multitude of whistles was punctuated by the booming of cannon, the thunder of exploding bombs and the cheers of the multitude afloat." As the Olympia reached the stake-boat the scene was one never- to-be-forgotten. Beyond the kaleidoscopic, shifting mass of boats the river lay serene and blue. To the right the high columns of Grant's tomb caught the sunlight, and as the Olympia rounded it she saluted for another great fighter, lying silent at the top of the height. From the river bed the hill looked like a mountain spotted here and there with color, as if it had suddenly blossomed with strange flowers. Indi- viduals looked no larger than bees, and they covered the hill tier after tier until it seemed an unbroken mass of humanity. At the salute the whole hillside seemed to become alive. There was a rush of move- ment over it. Flags waved and the multitude sent forth a mighty cheer, which rose for a moment above the din of the guns. Each warship in turn saluted General Grant as it began its return journey. Then one after another they steamed slowly past the Olym- pia, which had anchored below, and the other boats in the endless proces- sion followed. For two hours and a half the Admiral reviewed them, until the last of the varied collection of water craft had gone on its way. There was everything in the procession, from the most grace- ful modern yacht to the old hulk that could scarcely hold water. But it was an American day. The principle of equality was ever uppermost, and the day laborer was just as free to look upon the face of his hero as the millionaire. 'ADMIRAL GEORGE DEWEY. 191 The sun had gone down before the Admiral left the bridge, and the most momentous day of his life ended with a salute to the flag, which, through him, had sot its authority over the uttermost parts of the sea. Every man on shipboard stood at attention facing the en- sign and the band played the Star Spangled Banner. Not a soul stiiTod until the last note was struck. Then the ensign came down and every one, raising his right hand to his forehead, saluted with a bow. And the man who at that moment commanded more attention than any other man in the world, stood there, and as simply as the rest owned his allegiance to his country's flag. The naval parade on Friday was wonderful enough to set It apart from all other welcomes, but the reception given to the Admiral on land the next day eclipsed even that. The people had seen him from afar on the bridge of his ship, like a figure on a pedestal, the very ideal of a hero, and their enthusiasm then rose to a high pitch. But when he came down among them, a man Avith his countrymen, the demonstration was something so extraordinary and unique that the city has never known its equal before. The first ceremony of the day was the presentation of the gold lov- ing cup by the Mayor in behalf of the city. It was at the hour when most people are leisurely sipping their last cup of coffee, and looking over the morning paper. But it was not too early for the admirers of Dewey. When he drove up to the stand erected for the occasion he looked down upon a mass of seething, jostling, cheering humanity that strained and stretched for a sight of him. The illimitable vista of people almost took one's breath away, as does the immensity of the ocean. But it was a miniature, as it were, of the experience that re- peated itself for Dewey through every hour of that memorable day. From the City Hall the Admiral was escorted up the river to Grant's tomb, and near it the great procession fell into place. Everywhere along the line of march were people, people, people, bounded by walls, whose windows opened for yet more people, and whose roofs wei'e fringed with faces; wherever there was space were flags and bunting, which rose like a background behind the mighty crowds. From One Hundred and Twenty-fifth street to the reviewing stand at Twenty-third street, there was an unbroken series of decorations, until it seemed as if New York had borrowed all the national colors in the United States to honor the Admiral. The spectacle made one feel as if history had turned back nine- teen centuries to the time of Emperors and Boman triumphs. But 192 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. there were no gaudy chariots, no captives at the wheels, only a mod- est man, bowing and smiling and saluting in the foremost carriage, over whom the crowds went almost delirious with enthusiasm. Along the seven miles of the course were packed three million people, shoulder to shoulder, and in the middle, as if some mighty hand had parted the crowd as the Israelites did the Red Sea, was a clear space where the procession passed through. The cheers that greeted it were beyond description. They were like a mighty burst of composite thunders that rose and ebbed, and rose again in a joy- ful crash, which echoed and reverberated as Dewey rode through the human lane until he took his seat on the reviewing stand on Twenty- third street, behind the twenty thousand roses, constructing it into a victor's throne, under the wonderful white triumphal arch, which threw its shadow protectingly over the Admiral. For hours he stood there watching and saluting, as soldiers and generals and governors and statesmen did him homage, and then passed on through the Admiral's gateway. Nearly every State in the Union had sent her troops, some with flags rent into ribbons in Cuba or Manila. The grand old veterans of the Civil War were there, too. All the flower of the American soldiery marched by the Admiral that day, and shared in his ovation under sunny blue skies, while bands played stirring music and the crowds cheered and cheered, and the sound of the tramp, tramp, tramp sang itself into the American brain with a new rhythm. For the man in his Admiral's uniform reviewing the troops had had a hand in the destiny of nations. By force of arms he had blazed out new territory for the United States, and in that steady march of feet was the old fone and power of the army with all the new possibilities that victory brings. It was this unconscious recognition of the mighty strength of the nation that made every loyal American's heart beat a little faster, when flag after flag was carried by and the Admiral swept off his hat and bowed before it. When the last of the thirty-five thousand men in the procession had gone bej-ond the arch, the city breathed a sigh of satisfaction. Dewey Day was over and the welcome to the hero had even surpassed the most extravagant dreams. For weeks the thought of it had been foremost with innumerable people. Busy men had lent their time, statesmen their services, and artists their genius. But the climax and the fulfilment had repaid them for every care. Before the multitude dispersed at Twenty-third ADMIRAL GEORGE DEWEY. 193 street it was dusk, and a flashlight played upon the arch brought out its decorations with a kind of unearthly beauty. It seemed again as if the ghosts of conquerors in the world's history must be making an invisible obeisance to the Admiral, who, in the annals of time will find his name beside theirs. Even the most unimaginative, however, could but feel that the day was the culmination of great events, of which they had just witnessed the climax. Dewey's achievement stands single and alone, without a counterpart. But the reception given him by the people of New York was perhaps as significant in its way, not only because of the splendid pageant which greeted him. The Dewey Arch, too, was a remarkable con- ception, a signal honor, not paid to an American before. Cut in mar- ble, near Grant's tomb, it will stand as a perpetual reminder of the vic- tory and the victor, linking in the minds of those who see the old war and the new war together. But, after all, the Dewey Arch was not the greatest factor in that day. It was the fact that on American soil three million people, for- getting race and nationality, birth and circumstance, joined as if with one voice in a mighty cheer of welcome for an American hero. In union there is strength and in such union of many elements in one harmon- ious whole is the foundation on which will rest the glory and pros- perity of the United States, wherever the Stars and Stripes shall lead her. On the third day of October, 1898, the magnificent sword awarded by the act of Congress was presented to Admiral Dewey in Washington in the presence of the President, the members of his cabinet and the judiciary, the highest officers of the army and navy, and a vast crowd of the plain people. From a beautifully flag decorated stand in front of the shining Capitol the ceremonies took place, and were opened with prayer by the Kev. Frank Bristol, D. D. The day was as perfect as a day in June. Amid the brilliant presence on the platform and before the immense assemblage the Admiral stood at the close of Secretary Long's eloquent address, with bowed head, to receive the sword at President McKiuley's hands. The President said: "Admiral Dewey: From your entrance in the harbor of New York, with your gallant crew and valiant ship, the demonstrations which everywhere have greeted you reveal the public esteem of your heroic action, and the fulness of love in which you are held by your country. "The voice of the nation is lifted in praise and gratitude for the 194 ADMIRAL GEORGE DEWEY. distinguished and memorable services you have rendered the country, and all the people give you affectionate welcome home, in which I join with all my heart, "Your victory exalted American valor and extended American au- thority. There was no fla.w in your victory; there will be no faltering in maintaining it. "It gives me extreme pleasure and great honor in behalf of all the people, to hand you this sword, the gift of the nation, voted by the Congress of the United States." The President handed the Admiral the sword with a deep bow, and there was a roar of applause as Dewey received it. All were still as he turned to reply. Admiral Dewey then said: "I thank you, Mr. President, for this great honor you have conferred upon me. I thank the Congress for what it has done. I thank the Sec- retary of the Navy for his gracious words, I thank my countrymen for this beautiful gift, which shall be an heirloom in my family forever, as an evidence that republics are not ungrateful, and I thank you, Mr. Chairman and gentlemen of the committee, for the gracious, cordial, and kindly welcome which you have given me to my home." After the tumultuous exhibition of satisfaction on the part of the delighted crowd had ended. Cardinal Gibbons pronounced the bene- diction. On the thirteenth day of October the city of Boston gave the gallant Admiral a magnificent reception, on his return from laying the corner- stone of Dewey Ilall, which is to be a part of Norwich University, at Northfield, Vermont, the institution in which the Admiral received his earliest military training. Chauncey M. Depew delivered a beautiful address on the occasion of this ceremony. Among other utterances he said: "The cheering millions along the I'oute of his homeward journey voice the acclaim of the whole people for the American who has done so much for the country, and the sailor whose deeds have given greater luster to our navy, whose record has always been illustrious. The pre- .sentation of the sword voted by Congress by the President of the United States, in the presence of the Cabinet, the Supreme Court, the Senate, and the TTouse of Kepresentatives, at the Capitol was the crowning glory of this marvelous ovation. Not yet its culmination and its lesson — not yet. That is reserved for his alma mater. With the associations and surroundings of this seat of learning the faculty and students receive ADMIRAL GEORGE DEWEY. 195 their fellow-student and honored alumnus. The building which will rise upon the corner-stone now laid by Admiral Dewey will remain for unnumbered generations as a monument to the advantages of a liberal education and the possibilities of American citizenship. "The victory of Admiral Dewey has a far wider significance than the heroism of the fight. It opened a new chapter in the history of the United States. The lifting of the cloud of battle smoke from the waters of Manila Bay revealed a new and potential power in the aifairs of the world. We must first subdue the rebellion. The more quickly, the more energetically, and the more overwhelming the force with which it is done the more merciful will be the war and the earlier will come the regeneration of the Philippines. "The demonstration for a brief period of a government which gives protection to life and property, which grants liberty and law, which plants schoolhouses and encourages thrift, will be conditions for happi- ness they have never experienced and only vaguely imagine possible through the anarchy they would now inaugurate. "Forty years ago, standing as a young cadet in the Capitol at Mont- pelier and gazing upon the statue of Ethan Allen, he exclaimed: 'Life can achieve no greater reward than that.' He has won that reward. Beside the hero of Ticonderoga will stand a companion figure. "Under the one will be the immortal words which began the first victory of our revolutionary war: " 'I demand your surrender in the name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress,' and under the other, the statue of Admiral Dewey, the sentence which opened the gates of the Orient for his country: " 'You may fire when you are ready, Gridley,' " An unexpected event (the unexpected was always happening with Dewey) took place on November the ninth, in the Capital City. This was his marriage to Mrs. Mildred McLean Hazen, widow of the renowned General Hazen. Only a few of his most intimate friends had known that he had lost his heart to this charming woman. As Mrs. Hazen was a member of the Catholic church they were married by a special dispensation from Cardinal Gibbons of Baltimore. Then another unexpected circumstance took place. Previous to his marriage Admiral Dewey had been presented with a fine house by a large number of admiring friends. He accepted the gift as expressive of the feelings of the American people towards him. Immediately following the wedding he deeded the house to his wife. Some carping 196 ADMIRAL GEORGE DEWEY. critics began to find fault with what he had done. A few newspapers tried to fan a flame of discontent among the nation at large for his act. It seemed for the moment as though the idol of the country was about to be hurled down beneath the feet of an indignant people. But the New York Journal expressed the feeling of the overwhelm- ing majority of Americans when it said: "Admiral Dewey may undo the deed to the house presented him by a small portion of his fellow countrymen, but he can never undo the deed of May 1, last year. He asked no favors of his country or of his country- men. He asked no favors of Montojo. He asked no favors of foreign fleets anchored at Manila. He asked for no demonstration in his honor, and, lastly, he did not ask for a house. "But what he does ask at present is to be let alone. He has spent almost all his life at sea, and the least this country can do is to allow him to enjoy his 'shore leave' to the end of his d.ays. "Suppose a war were to break out to-morrow. Ah! there is where the shoe pinches. It would be, 'For God's sake, send Dewey to the front;' 'By all means, hurry Dewey after them;' 'Let the country rely on Dewey.' "Wall Street would go down on its marrow-bones and perform rites to him. The persons who regret their miserable contributions would turn to Dewey with prayers. "Then do you kuow what this grizzled old sailor would do? "Newly married, and with almost the only domestic happiness he has ever known before him, he would buckle on his sword, hoist the four- starred flag of Farragut, and go to battle for the honor of his country and the welfare of his selfish countrj-men." But it would seem that the house was deeded to Mrs. Dewey in order that it might be transferred, without any claim whatever against it, to George Dewey, the Admiral's only son. The Brooklyn Eagle therefore justly said : "Let us all learn charity, while also learning a little law. When held in the name of the Admiral, the house was subject to dower rights. Since deeded to the son hx the gracious woman to whom the Admiral lovingly gave it all, the house has had an indivisible Dewey title. This not only perfects the intent of the gift in the present but secures that intent for the future. The result is better than the case was before the incident began, which is now so happily closed. Out of the bitter has come sweet." O Q o o o ■5 > ?3 > o > 3 o GEORGE WASHINGTON" From an oricinal portrait, '-First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of his Countrymen " CHAPTER XIV. THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. June 17, 1775. Such wild days! New England blood had never been so hot before. Everybody was excited in those four brave colonies all the way from Portsmouth on the Piscataqua to New Haven on "The Sound." Most of the people were feeling fierce and were willing in their anger to kill the men who had come from Old England with swords and muskets to make them bow to a king they had learned to hate for his pride and folly. Only a few weeks since they shot two hundred and seventy of these soldiers in red coats on a furious chase of almost twenty miles from Concord to Boston. Eight Americans had dropped dead on Lexington Green, about sun- rise of April 19, 1775; shot down like dogs by King George's troops— a cowardly killing, for the British with four hundred to our fifty, needed not to hurt a man, and yet have had their way all the while. But they paid a great price for that morning murder. The country turned out and soon had the thousand proud English- men on the run. Hundreds of "Yankees" were there stinging the fright- ened soldiers to death, crowding clo^e to their line of march, making every stone wall a little fort, shooting the wretches who had butchered their brethren, and teaching an all-the-afternoon lesson of terror and vengeance to a haughty enemy. That dreadful and glorious day had brought twenty thousand men from the New England farms down to Boston, with flint-lock guns over their shoulders. It was a crowd rather than an army that had rushed together, a crowd of plain and sober country folks, just common every- day men who earned their living by hard work all the year around. They were peaceable people, too, and great lovers of good order and quiet, but they had come out now on purpose to fight, and had shut up in Boston ten thousand British soldiers, trained and plucky fighters, famous fellows for a battle, admired and feared the wide world over for their terrible valor. But the angry New England farmers had come to 197 198 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. let those powerful men know that Americans loved liberty well enough to (lie for it, and that it was dangerous business for foreign soldiers to be meddling where they were not wanted. Not a man in the British ranks dared come out of the town. There they were, an army of them, corked in by the despised "Yankees." This was how matters stood June 10 in and about Boston. It had just been found out by the quick-witted Boston people that General Gage, the British commander, meant, on June 18, to seize the hills on two sides of the city, and hold them with his army. Of course the news straightway got out of town and into the American camp. The patriot leaders resolved to get the start of their enemies, feeling that they had the first right to their own hill tops — so one thousand men were marched out of Cambridge late in the evening, June IG, across the narrow isthmus of Charlestown "Neck" to Bunker hill, a height rising one hundred and ten feet above the water on either side of it. These men carried guns, pickaxes and spades, and were ordered to build a dirt fort before morn- ing, and be ready to keep the British at the bottom of the hill if they should cross the river from Boston and want to climb up. Colonel William Prescott, a farmer from Pepperell, ilass., led this tiny army, a bold man with a cool head, a first-rate commander. Brave Israel Putnam of Connecticut was there too, the man who had become known all through the colonies as a hero, who dared, single- handed, to fight wolves, Indians, or even that swarthy old rascal Satan, himself. Before the fight began next day General Warren went, too, as noble a spirit as ever dwelt in man's form, a well beloved physician, the favor- ite of all Boston, and one of the most valuable leaders of opinion in all the colonies. Warren chose to go as volunteer, taking his place, gun in hand, among the soldiers. By midnight the men were hard at work on their little fort or re- doubt, having concluded to go forward to Breed's Hill, a third of a mile nearer Boston, than at first intended. Four busy hours went by, pick and shovel doing their best, and with the morning light came a vast surprise to the British, who saw almost more than they could believe to be so; stout fortifications crowned the Charlestown hill and were alive with a thousand saucy rebels. "Boom, boom!" The cannon begin to roar from the English war-ships in Charles Eiver at the base of the hill. The great iron balls rush at the bold fort and plunge wrathfully into the patriotic dirt-heap of the Americans. THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL. 199 Nobody hurt, but everybody who is yet iu bed scared and shaken half out of his wits, for the racket of a hundred cannon at once so early in the day is a sound as frightful as if Boston were being torn to pieces. Into the streets hurried the people, then to the tops of their houses, to the church steeples, to the hills — all for a chance to see what was going on at Bunker and Breed's hills. What they then saw, was their friends digging away as hard as evei", getting more dirt every minute between them and the British. ''Bang-bang!'' It is war thundering from the ship and the shore. King George the Third is bellowing with auger at these Yankee boors on the hill who dare to throw dirt in his face. No wonder, either, for the British king had always supposed that these Americans were made on purpose for his personal convenience, and that if they did not act to suit him they not only insulted the king but also abused God, who created the common man for the special benefit of the king. So the storm of fire and iron is crashing upon that hill, where the plain people are bidding defiance to their king. The uproar is horrible, and the air is full of flying destruction. One would think those rustics up there would drop their work and run for their lives. The Yankee spade doesn't stop, however, and the saucy breastworks on the hill grow fast. But the great guns have shaken good-natured General Gage out of bed, and he comes forth dressed in a beautiful uniform to learn why his big iron war-dogs are barking so furiously. It almost spoils his good nature, though, to see that big bank of fresh dirt across Charles River, and a thousand Continentals making it bigger every minute. That is really ridiculous, or something worse. What shall be done about it? Why, first, of course, eat our break- fast. When did gallant Englishman ever refuse to perform that fore- most duty of the day? So General Gage began the battle of Bunker Hill by an able and successful attack on two mutton-chops and a coffee pot, completely wiping out everything standing in his way. Much en- couraged by this event, the general calls in bis chief officers for a council of war. All agree that the "Rebels" must be brushed off that Charles- town hill top. Of course, it would only be necessary to send a few thou- sand British soldiers across the Charles River and start them up the hill. Those farm laborers at the top will be glad enough to get out of the way as soon as they see the terrible troops coming. By noon the English 200 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. army is across the river. Its first attack is made on its own provisions, and after liaving gotten tlie better of mucli beef and bread, it begins to think about walking up the hill and taking possession of those offending earthworks. Meantime the Americans have never stopped shoving their spades. Hour after hour the work has gone on. Tired and hungry and thirsty — from sunrise till mid-day under a scorching summer sky, they fling that important dirt where it can be most useful. It was really wonderful, and only lion-like men would or could have done it. Sure now that the British really meant to attack the new works, Prescott and Putnam sent back to Cambridge for more soldiers, know- ing that a thousand worn-out men were not enough for the great fight that was coming. There were almost five thousand of those brave and proud English veterans down there by the river only a thousand yards away, almost ready now to make a rush for the little band of exhausted heroes. The American General Ward, at Cambridge, is very slow in sending out the fresh troops called for, but at last about two thousand five hun- dred Americans joined their comrades and were ready for the bloody work waiting them. Colonel Stark had come with his New Hampshire riflemen. The farmer and blacksmith from Northampton, brave Seth Ponioroy, is there, too, a famous soldier in the French and Indian war twenty years before, and now a general. lie, like Warren, has to come to fight in the ranks, and is welcomed with a mighty cheer. The Yankee spade has now stopped. The men who have handled it so well are resting. The dinner hour goes by and leaves them neither food nor drink, but does not take their grit away with it. They will stay to fight, though it be against hunger, thirst, weariness and British lead all at once, so they are soberly waiting for the deadly business to begin. The American oificers now go up and down the lines with cheering words. Colonel Prescott mounts the redoubt to get a look at the enemy. Tall and powerful in person, he was, of course, at once seen by the British, as he bad been by General Gage in the early morning. '•Will he fight?"' asked the General of Prescott 's brother-in-law, who stood at his side. "Yes, sir, depend upon it, 1o the last drop of blood in him, but I cannot answer for his men." As we shall now see, the men soon made out to answer for themselves in an emphatic manner. Three o'clock, afternoon. \!. 'I III: i:.rril.li O/'- lUfNKI'.R III 1. 1.. !i()l, 'I'lic I'ritiHli Jirc Hhiilin;:;. S|)liri(liil I 'I'Ik'v tii.ircli lo music !lii/ii- miiiuIh (>r f lifiii — fii'in iiml f'ciirlcss cIdIIiciI in lii'i;^lil coloi-s, Hlr;ii;^lil ii|) llic hill. I'lic A iiicrir;iiiH junk on :uiil vv;iil. I'r-t-siol I :itiil I'lilniuji ;irc vci'y biiHy iiriioii;^ liicji- incii vvilli NihI onlfr-s. "Wail, iiiciil l';il iiiiri'. i,il (iiiiti cotfic cloHc. Nol a HJHtl lili _yi)ii can Hcc the uliilcs of llicir eyes! N'oii an- all iiiarkHiiicii; any man of yon can kill a H(|iiir'fcl al a liiniiiifX'OLN. The greatness of a man's nature comes out more beautifully, per- haps, in sympathy than anywhere else. A new and beautiful story has recently been published concerning Abraham Lincoln. It was while he was a member of Congress, and was home in Springfield, 111., during the Congressional recess. He was going down the street one morning. 228 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. when he saw a little girl standing at the gate with her hat and gloves on, as if ready for a journey, sobbing as if her heart would break. "Why, what's the matter?" inquired the great, tall Congressman. And then she poured her broken little heart out to him, telling how she had arranged to take her first trip on the cars that day, and the express- man had failed to come for her trunk and she was going to miss the train. "How big is the trunk? There's still time, if it isn't too big." And he pushed through the gate and up to the door. She took him up to her room, where her little, old-fashioned trunk stood, locked and tied. "Oh!" he cried. "Wipe your eyes and come on, quick."' And, before she knew what he w-as going to do, he had shouldered the trunk, was downstairs and striding out of the yard. Down street he went, as fast as his long legs could carrj- him. The little girl trotted behind, drying her tears as she went. They reached the station on time, and Abraham Lincoln sent his little friend away happy. I doubt if any other scene in the splendid life of that noble man reveals more beautifully the simplicity and grandeur of his noble heart. It is of the same grade and quality of action that after- ward, when applied to national affairs, made men love him all over the world. PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S PRAYER. The following touching story of Lincoln is relateil by Colonel Day- ton: "Shortly after the battle of Getty.sburg, General Sickles, badly wounded, was brought to Washington by some members of his staff and was taken to the private house of a Mr. Dule, on F street, opposite or nearly opposite the Ebbitt House. The brave hero of many a hard won field we thought was very near his last muster. "The morning after his arrival President Lincoln, with his boy. Tad, was announced. He walked with solemn tread into the room where the general lay hardly gasping. We all thought he was dying. Dr. Simms was holding his pulse, and as Mr. Lincoln approached the bed- side with Tad he was much affected. He raised his head to heaven, while big drops of tears fell from his eyes, and offered up the most fervent prayer I ever heard. Not a dry eye was in that room, all, even Tad, were sobbing. I cannot remember the exact words of the prayer, but this portion will never be effaced from my memory: 'O God, let me not lose all my friends in this war.' Mr. Lincoln was very fond of ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 239 General Sickles and visited him almost every day, and sent flowers of the choicest kind to his room daily from the White House con- servatory." General James F. Rusling, of Trenton, N. J., in an article in the Independent enlarges upon the incident. "It may be his early beliefs were unsettled and variable, but it is certain that our great war, as it progressed, sobered and steadied him, and that in the end he came to accept as the rule of his life 'to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly before God.' As striking evidence of this I beg to give a significant conversation of his in my presence in July, 1863, in Washington, D. C, on the Sunday after the battle of Gettysburg. General Sickles, of New York, had lost a leg on the second day at Gettysburg, while in command of the Third Corps, and arrived in Washington on the Sunday following (July 5j. As a member of his staff I called to see him, and while there Mr. Lincoln also called, with his son Tad, and remained an hour or more. He greeted Sickles very heartily and kindly, of course, and complimented him on his stout fight at Gettysburg, and then, after inquiring about our killed and wounded generally, passed on to the question as to what Meade was going to do with his victory. They discussed this pro and con at some length, Lincoln hoping for great results if Meade only pressed Lee actively, but Sickles was dubious and diplomatic, as became so astute a man. And then presently General Sickles turned to him, and asked what he thought during the Gettysburg campaign, and whether he was not anxious about it. "Mr. Lincoln gravely replied, no, he was not; that some of his cab- inet and many others in Washington were, but that he himself had had no fears. General Sickles inquired how this was, and seemed curious about it. Mr. Lincoln hesitated, but finally replied: 'Well, I will tell you how it was. In the pinch of your campaign up there, when every- body seemed panic-stricken, and nobody could tell what was going to happen, oppressed by the gravity of our affairs, I went to my room one day, and locked the door, and got down on my knees before Almighty God, and prayed to him mightily for victory at Gettysburg. I told him this was his war, and our cause his cause, but that we couldn't stand another Fredericksburg or Chancellorsville. And I then and there made a solemn vow to Almighty God that if he would stand by our boys at Gettysburg I would stand by him. And he did, and I will. And after that (I don't know how it was, and I can't explain it), soon a sweet comfort crept into my soul that things would go all right at Get- 230 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. tysburg. And this is why I bad no fears about you.' He said this sol- emnly and pathetically, as if from the very depths of his heart, and both Sickles and I were deeply touched by his manner, "Then he added, 'I have been praying over Vicksburg also, and believe our heavenly Father is going to give us victory there, too, because we need it, in order to bisect the Confederacy, and have the Mississippi flow unvexed to the sea.' Of course he did not know that Vicksburg had already fallen, July 4, and that a gunboat was soon to ari"ive at Cairo with the great news that was to make that Foui'th of July memorable in history forever." LINCOLN'S ADDRESS AT GETTYSBURG. Delivered on November 19, 1863, at the dedication of the soldiers' cemetery. Copied (including punctuation) from a photograph of the original manuscript. "Four-score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and deilicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so con- ceived and so dedicated, can long endure. "We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting-place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate — we can not consecrate — we can not hallow — this ground. "The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have conse- crated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here; but it can never for- get what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. "It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honoretl dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.'" Abraham Lincoln 1609 - 1865 ULYS5ES S.CRAMt' 1 822.- 1685 CopyiieUt. 1900, by J. 1.. Ni-hols & Co. GIANTS or Tin; ri:i'i.i;lic CHAPTER XVII. GENERAL U. S. GRANT. General W. T. Sherman tells us how near General Grant came leaving the army soon after the battle of Corinth, Miss., which was fought April 6 and 7 in the year 1S62: "A short time before leaving Corinth I rode from my camp to General Halleck's headquarters, then in tents just outside of the town, where we sat and gossiped for some time, when he mentioned to me casually that General Grant was going away the next morning. "I inquired the cause, and he said he did not know, but that Grant had applied for a thirty days' leave, which had been given him. Of course we all knew he was chafing under the slight of his anomalous position, and T determined to see him on my way back. His camp was a short distance off the Monterey road, in the woods, and consisted of four or five tents, with a sapling railing around the front. "As I rode up, Majors Rawlings, Lagow and Hilyer were in front at the camp, and piled up near them were the usual office and camp chests, all ready for a start in the morning. I inquired for the general, and was shown to his tent, where I found him seated on a camp stool, with papers on a rude camp table; he seemed to be employed in assorting letters, and tying them up with red tape into convenient bundles. "After passing the usual compliments, I inquired if it were true that he was going away. "He said, 'Yes.' I then inquired the reason, and he said: " 'Sherman, you know. You know that I am in the way here. I have stood it as long as I can, and can endure it no longer.' "I inquired where he was going to, and he said, 'St. Louis.' I then asked if he had any business there, and he said, 'not a bit.' I then begged him to stay, illustrating his case by ray own. "Before the battle of Shiloh, I had been cast down by a mere news- paper assertion of 'crazy;' but that single battle had given me new life, and now I was in high feather; and I argued with him that, if he went away, events would go right along, and he would be left out; whereas, if he remained, some happy accident might restore him to favor and his true place. 231 232 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND' LAND. "He certainly appreciated my friendly advice, and promised to wait awhile; at all events, not to go without seeing me again, or communi- cating with me. Very soon after this, I was ordered to Chewallo, where, on the 6th of June, I received a note from him, saying that he had reconsidered his intention and would remain. I cannot find the note, but my answer I have kept." A PICTURE OF GRANT. There is in existence a photograph of General Grant which is of pathetic interest. It was taken during the last winter of the war, while the headquarters of the Army of the Potomac were at City Point. The photogi'aph may have been instantaneous, for there is no ap- pearance of posing for it. Grant appears in the door of his tent with one arm raised, grasping the tent pole. He is in the simplest field uniform, the coat is unbuttoned, and he wears the soft hat with the twi-sted cord of the service. The face is thin and heavy with care, and the whole figure denotes self-forgetfulness, if not dejection. The utter absence of parade, the entire simplicity of the attitude, the rudeness of the surroundings, would advise no spectator that this was the iron commander of great armies, the man upon whom the hopes of the nation at that time centered. Upon his skill, coolness, tenacity, unshakable faith, millions reposed implicit trust. It was wearA' waiting; wealth was wasted in streams, debt was accumulating, foreign powers were threatening, treason was brewing, precious life was poured out like water, and the land was full of mourning. This general, silent, inflexible, stands there at his tent door, appar- ently unconscious of observation, not so much looking abroad as com- muning with himself, bearing in every line of his, face and figure the impress of the heaviest responsibility and of vicarious suffering. No note of complaint, no sign of relenting, no consciousness of the show of power, but just at that moment a patient endurance in his own wasted person for the woes of an anxious nation. Upon him, at that instant, rested greater responsibility than upon any other living man; upon him centered hopes, entreaties, prayers, curses, bitter criticism, brutal disparagement. He is in the attitude of bearing it all, with the capacity of suffering GENERAL U. S. GRANT. 233 and of carrying the burdens of others without complaint, which is the mark of greatness. Perhaps if he had failed, perhaps if he had lost his cause and dis- appointed the hopes set upon him, this picture might to-day have been more utterly pathetic than it is, but remembering what the man had endured and was still to suffer before the final triumph of the people through him, this simple figure is not wanting in any of the heroic elements that touch the hearts of men. GRANT AND THE CHILD. At the surrender of Lee, said a surgeon at Erie, Pa., I was serving as medical director of the Second Division of the Twenty-Fifth Army Corps. After the surrender, the division was ordered to join the bal- ance of the corps near Petersburg, and we left Appomattox Court House on the 11th of April, following the South Side Railroad. The general commanding directed me to take an orderly and proceed to Prospect station, and there select a camping gi'ound for the division, and also a place to pitch our headquarters tents. I proceeded as directed, and after selecting a suitable camping ground, crossed the fields to a large white house near the station. As I rode up to the gate, a most venerable and noble-looking gen- tleman of probably sixty-five years came to the front gate, and I asked him if he would have any objection to our pitching headquarters in his yard. He said: "I should be very glad to have you do it, as it will be a protection against the stragglers of the army." He asked me to come in, but I told him I would prefer a seat on the veranda. Finding him to be a Methodist minister and a most polished gentle- man, I became interested in him, and we began at once to discuss the unfortunate division of the church in 1844, and then I switched off on the war. I asked him if he had ever seen Grant. "Yes," said he, "my house was full of your generals last night. There were Sheridan, Humphreys, Meade, Custer, Ord, and quite a number of others, and they were a lively set and full of fun, and all were quite jolly with the exception of one officer, whom I noticed sitting in a corner smoking and taking but little part in the sports in which the rest were engaged. "They all went out of the house but this solitary, silent man, and as 234 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. I was going out he asked me where the pump was, as he would like to get a drink. "On offering to get him some water, he said: " 'No, sir, I am younger than you; I will go myself.' And as I passed oat he came up behind me. '•When in about the middle of the hall, my little granddaughter came toward me, but the silent mau, spreading out both arms, caught her, and taking her up, fairly smothered her with kisses, saying: " 'This reminds me of my little girl at home, and makes me home- sick.' "To the question, 'Where is your home?' he replied, 'Galena, 111. ; but I have my family at City Point, and am anxious to get back to them.' "I said, 'Will you permit me to ask your name, sir?' " 'Certainly, my name is Grant.' "'Grant,' exclaimed I, 'General Grant?' and I stood there, awe- struck and paralyzed with astonishment, while my heart went out after this man. "I thought to myself, Here is a man whose name is now in the mouth of man, woman and child throughout the civilized world, and yet withal he exhibits no emotion, and seems unconcerned and unmoved until the little child reminds him of his loved ones at home; and I fairly broke down, as General Grant had been pictured out to us as a bloody butcher, and I had looked for a man looking as savage as a Comanche Indian." IT WAS GENERAL GRANT. The late Professor Benjamin Pierce, long of Harvard College, and later at the head of the United States Coast Survey, was a man of the keenest intellect and soberest judgment. One evening, just after the close of the war, he was at an evening party in Washington, and was introduced to a quiet man whose name he did not catch, but he sat down beside him, and soon was engaged with him in a long and earnest talk. At the end of the evening he asked his host, "Who was that man to whom you introduced me? I didn't catch his name, but he seems to me the cleverest and solidest man I have met in years — a man of very great powers." "Why," said his host, "that was General Grant." GENERAL U. S. GRANT. 235 GRANT AND LEE AT APPOMATTOX. General Horace Porter, who was an aide of General Grant, draws the following contrast, in the Century Magazine, between Generals Grant and Lee at Appomattox: "The contrast between the two com- manders was very striking, and could not fail to attract marked atten- tion, as they sat ten feet apart, facing each other. General Grant, then nearly forty-three years of age, was five feet eight inches in height, with shoulders slightly stooped. His hair and full beard were a nut-brown, without a trace of gray in them. "He had on a single-brea.sted blouse made of dark blue flannel, un- buttoned in front, and showing a waistcoat underneath. He wore an ordinary pair of top boots, with his trousers inside, and was without spurs. The boots and portions of his clothes were spattered with mud. "He had on a pair of thread gloves of a dark yellow color, which he had taken off on entering the room. His felt 'sugar-loaf stiff- brimmed hat was thrown on a table beside him. He had no sword, and a pair of shoulder straps was all there was about him to designate his rank. In fact, aside from these, his uniform was that of a private soldier. "Lee, on the other hand, was fully six feet in height, and quite erect for one of his age, for he was Grant's senior by sixteen years. His hair and full beard were a silver gray, and quite thick, except that the hair had become a little thin in front. He wore a new uniform of Confed- erate gray, buttoned up to the throat, and at his side he carried a long sword of exceedingly fine workmanship, the hilt studded with jewels. It was said to be the sword which had been presented to him by the State of Virginia. "His top boots were comparatively new, and seemed to have on them some ornamental stitching of red silk. Like his uniform, they were singularly clean, and but little travel-stained. On the boots were hand- some spurs, with large rowels. A felt hat, which in color matched pretty closely to that of his uniform, and a pair of long buckskin gaunt- lets lay beside him on the table. "We asked Colonel Marshall afterward how it was that both he and his chief wore such fine toggery, and looked so much as if they had just turned out to go to church, while with us our outward garb scarcely rose to the dignity even of the 'shabby-genteel.' "He enlightened us regarding the contrast by explaining that when their headquarters' wagons had been pressed so closely by our cavalry 236 'SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. a few days before, and it was found they would have to destroy all their baggage except the clothes they carried on their backs, each one natu- rally selected the newest suit he had, and sought to propitiate the gods of destruction by a sacrifice of his second best." THE LAST DAYS OF GENERAL GRANT AT MOUNT McGREGOR, N. Y. All the world knows of the patient suffering of this great hero in the last months of his eventful life in the Drexel cottage on Mount McGregor. Here he wrote, with such patience and perseverance, the Memoirs which he gave to the world. Here, he wrote the remarkable letter to Dr. Douglas, his attendant physician, in Dr. Douglas' i)resence, on Thursday, July 2, 1885, as follows: RECONCILED TO HIS FATE. "I ask you not to .show this to any one, unless the physicians you consult with, until the end. Particularly, I want it kept from my family. If known to one man the papers will get it, and they (my family) will get it. "It would only distress them almost beyond endurance to know it, and by reflex would distress me. I have not changed my mind mate- rially since I wrote you before in the same strain. Now, however, I know that I gain strength some days, but when I do go back it is beyond where I started to improve. "I think the chances are very decidedly in favor of your being able to keep me alive until the change of weather, toward winter. Of course there are contingencies that might arise at any time that might carry me off vei*y suddenly. The most probable of these is choking. Under the circumstances life is not worth the living. "I am very thankful ("glad' was written, but scratched out and 'thankful' substituted) to have been spared this long, because it has enabled me to practically complete the work in which I took so mucli interest. I cannot stir up strength enough to review it and make addi- tions and subtractions that would suggest themselves to me, and are not likely to suggest themselves to any one else. "Under the above circumstances, I will be the happiest, the most pain I can avoid. If there is to be any extraordinarj- cure, such as some people believe there is to be, it will develop it.self. I would say, there- GENERAL U. S. GRANT. 237 fore, to you and your colleagues, to make me as comfortable as you can. "If it is within God's providence that I should go now, I am ready to obey His call without a murmur. I should prefer to go now to enduring my present suffering for a single day, without hope of recovery. "As I have stated, I am thankful for the providential extension of my time to enable me to continue my work. I am further thankful, and in a much greater degree thankful, because it has enabled me to see for myself the happy harmony which so suddenly sprung up be- tween those engaged, but a few short years ago, in deadly conflict. "It has been an inestimable blessing to me to hear the kind expres- sions toward me in person from all parts of our country, from people of all nationalities, of all religions, and of no religions; of Confederates and of national troops alike; of soldiers' organizations; of mechanical, scientific, religious and other societies, embracing almost every citizen in the land. They have brought jcy to my heart if they have not effected a cure. "So, to you and your colleagues I acknowledge my indebtedness for having brought me through the valley of the shadow of death to enable me to witness these things. "U. S. GEANT. "Mt. McGregor, N. Y., July 2." Fourteen hours before his death General Grant desired to lie down, which he had not done for more than ten months. The clock on the mantel pointed to eight minutes past 8 o'clock on the morning of July 23, 1885, when he breathed his last. At that moment Colonel Fred Grant stopped the clock, and ever since the pointer has not been moved. On the 8th day of August, 1885, General Grant was borne to his rest- ing place at Riverside, N. Y., on the banks of the Hudson River, amid solemn pomp and pageantry. The pall bearers were Admiral Worden, Mr. A. W. Drexel, Geo. W. Childs, Geo. Jones and Oliver Hoyt, with the Union generals, Sherman, Sheridan and Logan, and the Confederate generals, Johnston and Buckner. JAMES A. GARFIELD. In the gloom of the tragedy that closed the life of the noble Garfield we Americans must not forget that there are deeds of valor in his earlier life that entitle him to a place on the roll of heroes, aside from his presidency and martyr's death. 16 238 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. When the Civil War broke out he offered his services to his coun- try and they were at once accepted. He began his new life as lieuten- ant-colonel, but of the art and science of war he knew little. It was probably the only office he ever accepted without suitable qualifications. But he set himself to learn. With saw and plane he fashioned whole armies out of maple blocks, and with these wooden- headed, but thoroughly manageable, soldiers he mastered the whole range of infantry tactics. Garfield was now* thirty years of age. His regiment, the Forty- second Ohio, was ready for the field. Owing to Garfield's constant training, it had the reputation of being the best drilled regiment in Ohio, and in recognition of his faithful services he was made a full colonel. Orders came to report to Buel at Louisville. The regiment was to go for its baptism of fire. As Garfield took leave of his mother she quietly and patriotically said: "Go, my .sou, your life belongs to your country." The Confederate General, Humphrey Marshall, was moving in on eastern Kentucky. Buel laid the situation before Garfield and said: "Now, if you were in command of this sub-district what would you do? Report your answer here at nine o'clock to-mon-ow morning.'' Garfield studied the situation. At nine o'clock he laid his plan be- fore Buel, whose skilled eye mastered it in a moment. He was satisfied. "All right," he said, "proceed with the least possible delay, to the mouth of the Sandy, and move with your force in that vicinity up that river. Drive the enemy back or cut him off. I must commit all matters of detail, Colonel, to your discretion.'' Garfield had fifteen hundred men. Marshall had forty-six hundred, and they were entrenched. Three roads led out from Garfield's headquarters to where the enemy lay. Strategy must be made to make up for lack of men. Bradley Brown, a man Garfield had known on the Ohio canal, had been brought in by the pickets. He asked to see the colonel. Garfield received him, and said: "What, is this Brown; are you a rebel?" "Yes," said the visitor, "I belong to Marshall's force, and I've come straight from him to spy on your army." "Well, you have a queer way of going about it," said Garfield. "Well, you see, when I heard that you was in command down here, I determined, for old times' sake, to help ye." JAMES A. GARFIELD. 239 "I advise you to go back to Mar^Lall," said Garfield, "and tell him all about my strength and iutended movements." "But how kin I? I don't know a thing about it." "Guess," said Garfield. "You'd orter have ten thousand men to do anything against Mar- shall, I reckon." "That will do for a guess," said Garfield. "Now tell Marshall I shall attack in about ten days." Brown did as Garfield suggested, and Marshall awaited an attack in force. Garfield sent a detachment along each of the three roads, strong enough to drive in Marshall's outposts. One after another these Confedei*ate pickets came in to camp and reported that the Yankees were coming in large numbers. Marshall was puzzled. He did not know where to look for the attack, and, in his dilemma, withdrew with his whole force. Garfield quietly took possession. The whole thing was a huge practical joke; but one which the enemy would not appreciate. Garfield had showed himself a strategist of the first order. He had executed a plan that required boldness and dash, and had done himself the greatest credit. Garfield had gained a great advantage, but it must be followed up, despite the odds. Marshall took a new position on a semi-circular hill at the forks of Middle Creek. It was well chosen and supported by twelve pieces of artillery. But Garfield had been sent to cut Marshall off, or drive him out, and he prepared for the attack. Up one spur of the mountain he sent a detachment of Hiram Col- lege boys. Garfield on a rocky height watched the tide of battle. He saw that it was unequal, and that they would lose the hill if not supported. lustantly he sent five hundred men under Major Pardee to the rescue. Then turning to his staff, he asked: "Who will volunteer to carry the other mountain?" Colonel Munroe quickly stood forward. "Go in, then," cries Garfield, "and give them Hail Columbia!" From noon till dark the eleven hundred men under Garfield con- tended against overpowering odds. Alternate hopes and fears fill the heart of the Union commander. Suddenly a starry banner was seen waving over an advancing host. 240 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. It was Seldon with reinforooments. Panic seized the enemy. The eleven hundred were fired by new energy, and with a final charge the day was won. Shortly after dark a bright light blazed up behind the hill of battle. It was the Confederate general's last fire. In it he consumed everything that would hinder flight or be of value to his foe, and by the light started with his troops for Pound Gap. Military writers have awarded Tiarfield great praise for the cam- paign. It was well planned and daringly executed. The victory at Middle Creek over an entrenched foe four times the number of his own is a feat unparalleled in the history of the war. The little army was victorious, but it had less than three days' supply of provisions, and the roads were impassable from mud. There was the river; but it was swollen with rain. What wa.s to be done? Garfield asked the advice of the ex-canal man Brown, who had again (Sought Garfield from Marshall's camp. "It's which and t'other. General Jim,'' he said, ''starvin' or drown- in'. I'd ruther drown 'n starve. So give the word, and, dead or alive, I'll git down the river.'" Garfield gave the word; but went with him on the perilous voyage. At the mouth of the river he found and took possession of a little steamer in the service of the quartermaster. She was loaded with pro- visions and headed up the stream. "We cannot make it," said the captain. But Garfield ordered the chicken-hearted fellow away and himself took the helm. The river surged and boiled. With every turn of the wheel the boat trembled from stem to stern. Three miles an hour was all they could make with all steam on. At night the captain begged to tie up till morning, but Brown cried out: "Put her ahead, General Jim," and he drove her on through the dark- ness. All night, all the next day and all the following night they strug- gled with the furious tide. The waiting men were wild with joy as the boat rounded into view of the Union camp. The one-time canal boy had saved the army from starvation. Tie had risked his life a dozen times, and but for his early experience on the Evening Star he would never have been able to bring the steamer up the foaming river. JAMES A. GARFIELD. 241 Of the whole forty-eight hours spent in climbing the Big Sandy, Gar- field had been absent from the wheel but eight hours. He was formed for a soldier's idol. Marshall disappeared in a shower of ridicule and sarcasm from both sides. Garfield was made Brigadier-General. The fortunes of war finally found him on that field of blood, glory and disaster at Chickamauga. Seventy thousand Confederates and fifty-five thousand Federal soldiers were massed against each other. It is said Garfield wrote every order on that field except that fatal one to Wood. That order lost the battle on the right. McCook's whole corps was fleeing, a horde of panic-stricken frightened soldiers, back towards Chattanooga. A tramping flood of human beings, reft of reason, caught the gen- eral and chief-of-staff in its rush. Garfield, dismounted, with his figure towering above the surging mass, snatching the colors from the flee- ing standard-bearer. The general hastily planted the staff in the ground. Seizing men to the right and left he faced them about and formed the nucleus of a stand. His ringing appeals made no impression on the dead ears of the unhearing men, reft of all human attributes save fear. A panic is a disease which nothing can stay. His exertions were vain. The moment he took his hands from a man he fled. The mad- dened crowd swept on. Garfield turned away to where the thunder of guns proclaimed the heart of the battle to beat fiercest. Almost alone he reached Thomas; informed him how he could withdraw his I'ight, form a new line and meet Longstreet. Thomas, the army, its honor were saved. As night closed on that awful day with the warm steam of blood from the ghastly wounded and recently killed rising from the burdened earth, Garfield still stood personally directing the loading and pointing of a battery that sent its shot crashing after the retiring foe. Thus closed the battle of Chickamauga. What was left of the Union army was left in possession of the field. Garfield hurried to Washington with dispatches. On his arrival he found himself a full major-general of volunteers — "for gallant and meritorious conduct at the battle of Chickamauga." CHAPTER XVIII. THE BATTLES OF MISSIONARY RIDGE AND LOOKOUT MOUN- TAIN. These battles, in many particulars unequalled in the history of warfare, took place on the 2J:th and 25th of November, 1SG3. General Grant had been previously invested with the consolidated departments of the Cumberland, Ohio and Tennessee. On October 19, 18G3, he left Louisville for Nashville, still suffering and lame from a fall from his frightened horse. The injuries he had received con- fined him to his bed for twenty days. Before starting he sent the fol- lowing dispatch to Thomas, "the rock of Chickamauga." "Ilold Chattanooga at all hazards. I will be there as soon as pos- sible." To which the grand old hero responded at once: "I will hold the town till we starve." B. F. Taylor, the eloquent writer of prose and poetry, graphically describes these battles as an eye witness, in language unsurpassed for thrilling effect: "The iron heart of Sherman's column began to be audible, like the fall of great trees in the depth of the forest, as it beat beyond the woods on the extreme left. Over roads indescribable, and con- quering lions of difficulties that met him all the way, he at length arrived with his command of the army of the Tennessee. "The roar of his guns was like the striking of a great clock, and grew nearer and louder as the morning wore away. "Along the center all was still. "Our men lay as they had lain since Tuesday night — motionless, behind the works. Generals Grant, Thomas, Granger, Meigs, Hunter, Reynolds, were grouped at Orchard Knob, here; Bragg, Breckinridge, Hardee, Stevens, Cleburn, Bates, Walker, were waiting on Mission Ridge, yonder. "And the Northern clock tolled on! "At noon a pair of steamers, screaming in the river across the town, telling over in their own wild way our mountain triumph on the right, 242 BATTLE OF LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN. 243 pierced the hushed breath of air between two lines of battle with a note or two of the music of peaceful life. "At one o'clock the signal flag at Fort Wood was a-flutter. Scan- ning the horizon, another flag, glancing like a lady's handkerchief, showed white across a field lying high and dry upon a ridge three miles to the northeast, and answered back. "The center and Sherman's corps had spoken. "As the hour went by all semblance to falling tree and tolling clock had vanished. It was a rattling roar; the ring of Sherman's panting artillery, and the fieiy gust from the Confederate guns on Tunnel Hill, the point of Mission Ridge. "The enemy had massed there the corps of Hardee and Buckner, as upon a battlement, utterly inaccessible save by one steep, naiTow way, commanded by their guns. "A thousand men could hold it against a host. "And right in front of this bold abutment of the ridge is a broad, clear field, skirted by woods. Across this tremendous threshold, up to death's door, moved Sherman's column. "Twice it advanced, and twice I saAV it swept back in bleeding lines before the furnace blast, until that russet field seemed some strange page ruled thick with blue and red. "But valor was in vain; they lacked the ground to stand on; they wanted, like the giant of old story, a touch of earth to make them strong. "It was the devil's own corner. "Before them was a lane, whose upper end the Confederate cannon swallowed. "Moving by the right flank, nature opposed them with precipitous heights. There was nothing for it but straight across the field, swept by an enfilading fire, and up to the lane down which drove the storm. They could unfold no broad front, and so the losses were less than seven hundred, that must othen\'ise have swelled to thousands. "The musketry fire was delivered with terrible emphasis. "Two dwellings, in one of which Federal wounded men were lying, set on fire by the Confederates, began to send up tall columns of smoke, streaked red with fire. The grand and the terrible were blended. "The brief November afternoon was half gone. It was yet thunder- ing on the left; along the center all was still. At that very hour a 244 SPLENDID DEEDS ON SEA AND LAND. fierce assault was made upon the enemy's left, near Kossville, four miles down toward the old field of Chickamauga. "Thej carried the Ridge — Mission Ridge seems everywhere; they strewed its summit with Confederate dead; they held it. "And thus the tips of the Federal army's widespread wings fiapped grandly. But it had not swooped; the grey quarry yet perched upon Mission Ridge. The Confederate army was terribly battered at the edges; but there, full in our front, it grimly waited, biding out its time. If the horns of the rebel crescent could not be doubled crushingly together, in a shapeless mass, possibly it might be sundered in its center, and tumbled in fragments over the other side of Mission Ridge. "Sherman was halted upon the left; Hooker was holding hard in Chattanooga Valley; the Fourth Corps, that rounded out our center, grew impatient of restraint. The day was waning; but little time re- mained to complete the commanding general's grand design. "Gordon Granger's hour had come; his work was full before him, "And what a work that was, to make a weak man falter and a brave man think! "One and a-half miles to traverse, with narrow fringes of woods, rough valleys, sweeps of open field, rocky acclivities, to the base of the ridge, and no foot in all the breadth withdrawn from Confederate sight; no foot that could not be played upon by Confederate cannon, like a piano's keys under Thalberg's stormy fingers. "The base attained, what then? "A heavy Confederate work, packed with the enemy, rimming it like a battlement. "That work carried, and what then? "A hill, struggling up out of the valley four hundred feet, rained on by bullets, swept by shot and shell; another line of works, and then, up like a Gothic roof, rough with rocks, a wreck with fallen trees, four hundred more; another ring of fire and iron, and then the crest, and then the enemy. "To dream of such a journey would be madness; to devise it a thing incredible; to do it a deed impossible. But Grant was guilty of them all, and Granger was equal to the work. The story of the battle of Mis- sion Ridge is struck with immortality already; let the leader of the Fourth Corps bear it company. "That the center yet lies along its silent line is still true; in five minutes it will be the wildest fiction. Let us take that little breath BATTLE OF LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN. 245 of grace for just one glance at the surroundings, since we shall have neither heart nor eyes for it again. "Did ever battle have so vast a cloud of witnesses? The hive- shape