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Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to bo entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent Atre filmto A des taux de rMuction diff Arents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour Atre reproduit en un seul clich*. II est film* A pertir de I'angle supArieur gauche, de gauche A droite, et de haut en bas. en prenant le nombre d'images n^cessaira. Les diagrammes suivanta illustrant la m^thode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 6 6 >l t H ffTT HISTORY 'i-; I ■■' or THE NAVY OF THB UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. FROM 1815 TO 1853. FROM MANUSCRIPTS OF J. FENIMORE COOPER, AND OTHER AUTHENTIC SOURCES. NEW YORK: G. P. PUTNAM & CO^ 10 PARK PLACE. 1853. ■i /:« o.f An iVK^ X I ; // CONTENTS TO VOL m. CHAPTER I. Declaration of wtr >«init Alglert— Games of the war— Com. Decatar sail* with hU tqaadron— Captures an Algerine frigate and brig— Treaty with Algiers— Loss of the Epervier— e>ettiei difflculties with Tunis and Tripoli- Squadron of Com. Uain bridge— Com. 8haw left in com- mand — Organization of the Navy Board— Increase and improvement of the Navy— Employ ment of sblpB on varloua statioua— Death of Com. Ferry— Death of Com. Decatur, • Pag» J CHAPTER II. Mexican and South American Revolutions— Paper blockade*— Piracies In the West Indict— Vessels ordered there— Captures by Lieutenanto Kearney and Ramage —Com. Biddle sent with an increased force— Captures bv Lieut Gregory— Death of Lieut. Allen— AUigator wrecked— Captures by Capt. Cassin— Difficulty of suppressing piracies— Com. Porter takes the command- AflUr at St John's— Arrangement of Com. Porter's force— Various captures by Captain Casein, Lieuts. Stribilng, Newell, Watson, Kearney, Skinner and Paine— AfiUr at Foxardo and Porter's recall— Com. Warrington supersedes him —Loss of the Ferret— Gap' tures by Lieuts. Sloat and McKeever— Suppression of the system of piracy, • - •SO CHAPTER III. Potomac under Com. Downes ordered to the East Indies— Attack of Malays on the crew of the ship Friendship— Potomac arrives at Quallah Battoo— Landing of the forces and attack upon the town under Lieut Shubriok- Sharp encounters at the several forts— Malays defeated and pun- iatied— Death of Com. Bainbridge— Deaths of several of the older Commodores, • - 31 CHAPTER IV. United Stales Exploring Expedition— Lieut. Wilkes appointed to the command— Sails in Angntt, 1838— Progress to Cape Horn— First Antarctic cruise— Loss of the Sea Gull— Progress to Syd- ney — Second Antarctic cruise — Perils and escapes — Peacock among the ice — Return to the ■ northward— Extensive explorations among the South Sea islands — Attack upon Sualib — Mur- der of Lieut. Underwood and Midshipman Henry— Severe punishment of the natives — A.'rival at the Sandwich Islands— Cruisings among various island groups— Arrival and surveys upon the north-west coast— Cruise of the Peacock— Her wreck at the Columbia river— Return of the vessels across the Pacific— Rendezvous at Singapore — Course homeward— Mutiny on board U. 8. brig Somers, ' 38 CHAPTER V. Capture of Monterey by Com. Jones— Relations of United States and Mexico— Commencement of hostilities — Com. Sloat's movements in the Pacific — Com. Stockton assumes the command of Pacific squadron— Co-operates with Major Fremont— Enters Los Angelos— Los Angeloa retaken by the Mexicans— Com. Stockton forms a junction with Gen. Kearney— Battles of San Gabriel and Mesa- Recapture of Los Ani^elos— Com. Shubrlck aosumes the command of the squadron — Guaymas, La Paz, and San Jose taken — Capture of Mazatlan — Affair at Muleje and Guaymas — First defence of San Jose by Lieut. Hey wood — Various movements on the coast — Second siege and defence of San Jose — Garrison relieved by Commander Da Pont — Quiet restored in Lower California, 55 CHAPTER VI. Com. Conner on the east coast of Mexico— Blockade— Expedition against Tobasco and Alva- rado— Plan of attack on Vera Cruz— Minor towns taken— Loss of the Somers— Landing of the American army— Com. Perry relieves Com. Conner — Bombardment of Vera Cruz — Capture of Alvarado, Tuspan and Tobasco, and occupation of Mexican ports— Skirmishes- Services of marine corpa— Gen. Quitman— Death of Mi^or Twigge, - • - - 78 CHAPTER VII. Lieutenant Lynch's expedition to the Dead Sea in 1848— Dangerous navigation of the River Jordan — Scientific results of the expedition — The GrinneU expedition in search of Sir John Franklin — Dangers of the Ice — Severe cold and darkness — No tidings of the lost Mariners— Proposed expeditions to Japan, China, River La Plata, and western coast of AMe^ , —Condition and resources of the Navy in 1853, 9* .' -'.. I/] '• .I,'-- ■ ■' ■■'■ ; NAVAL HISTORY OF THB UNITED STATES. CONTINUED FROM 1816. CHAPTER I. Declanttion of war aninst Algleri— Ganges of the war— Cora. Decatur laila with hia ■quadron— Captures an Algerine flrigate and brig— Treaty with Algiers— Loss of the Rpervler— Settles difficulties with Tunis and Tripoli— Squsdron of Com. Ualnbridgfe— Cora. Shaw left in com. Riand- Organization of the Navy Board— Increase and improvement of the Navy— Kniploy* ment of ships on various stations— Death of Com. Ferry— Death of Com. Decatur. Thb proclamation of the treaty of peace between the United States and Great Britain, was issued by President Madison on the 18th of Feb- ruary, 1815. On the 23d of the same month, the President transmitted to the House of Representatives, a report from Mr. Monroe, secretary of state, on the relations of the United States to the Barbary powers. On the same day the President also recommended to Congress *' the expedi- ency of an act declaring the existence of a state of war between the United States and the Dey of Algiers: and of such proviuons as may be requisite for a vigorous prose^'ivcion of it to a successful issue." Con- gress complied with this rec A.:nendation, and declared war. The aggressions of Algiers date back t / the year in which war was declared against Great Britain ; but as American commerce was entirely shut out of the Mediterranean in consequence of that war, and as an adequate naval force could not be sent to that sea, nor operate safely against ooth Algiers and the British cruisers, it was neither important nor possible, at that time, to take notice of the hostile proceedings. The spirit of the Dey of Algiers was sufficiently manifest from his acts. In the month of July, 1812, he pretended to take offence at the quality and quantity of certain military stores which were sent him by the United States in accordance with the treaty of 1795. He refused to receive the stores. He threatened to imprison the American consul- general, and to make slaves of all Americans in his dominions; and by these threats, extorted from the consul a large sum of. money, which he claimed as arrearages of treaty stipulations, but which the United States denied to be due. And in the end, he compelled the consul r.nd all Americans suddenly to leave the country, much to the injury of their affairs, and in plain violation of the existing treaty. He then extended his aggressions to the sea. On the 25th of August, 8 NAVAL HISTORY. [1816 an Algerine corsair captured the American briff Edwin, of Salem, Gap* tain George Smith, bound from Malta to Gibraltar. The brig was taken into Algiers as a prize, and the captain and his crew, consisting of ten men, were retained as captives. A vessel, bearing the Spanish flag, was seized and condemned in the port of Algiers, on the pretence of being an American vessel. In this vessel was an American citizen, Mr. Pollard of Virginiv, who was also retained as a captive. Efforts were made to redeem these captives, the government offering for ransom as high as three thousand dollars per man. But the Dey refused to accept the offer, and avowed his intention of increasing aa much as possible the number of h'fs captives, in order to compel the United States to come to his own terms. It was thus manifest that the Dey had ventured upon a violation of the treaty for the satisfaction of his own rapacity, probably led on by the plausible hope of impunity, inasmuch as the United States were involved in a war with the most mighty maritime power of the world. There is also sufficient evidence for the belief, that agents of the British government incited him to this course, flattering him with the assurance that in a short time the armed vessels of the United States would be swept from the ocean. The wars of continental Europe had almost entirely destroyed the commerce of all the states but Britain. Her triumphant naval power afforded a free ocean to her merchant fleets. She could afford to pay tribute to tho Barbaiy pirates, while their depredations made commerce unsafe under the flag of weaker maritime nations, and thus threw into her own hands the great proportion of the trade which was subject to these exposures. Her statesmen by no means feared these small African states, but they humored and endured them for their own national profit. Her navy, which had in these very seas, off the Nile and off Trafalgar, won the most brilliant renown and indisputable supremacy, would have deemed it a mere inci dental skirmish to drive every freebooting corsair from the highway of commerce, and to compel these lawless powers to be most timid and faithful observers of the laws of nations : but this would not have been politic. These long-indulged pirates could be advantageously used to frighten feebler nations from the track, over which British commerce might pass unmolested. And the humiliation of tribute was but a small price for such an advantage. This charge of mercenary selfishness must be admit :ed in order to account for England's long endurance of such an annoyance and outrage. It was far more of an annoyance and an injury to others than it was to her; she could therefore contemplate it with considerable complacency. The great competitor with her for the trade of the world had, for some time, been the United States. The motive, therefore, was strong and enticing for inducing a rupture between this competitor and the Barbary powers, at a time when the distant govern- ment in America could, by no display of force, protect its assailed commerce. As soon, however, as the war with Great Britain was concluded by a satisfactory peace, the American government turned its attention to the work of reopening the important avenue for our commerce, which stretched along under the very citadels of these treacherous Algerines. It 1815.] NAVAL HISTORY. took the moat efficient means to punish their perfidy, and to enforce respect for its treaties and accredited representatives. The peace had left the entire navy at the disposal of the govemment for this purpose. And after all the losses, hazards, and casu^ties of the late struggle, there was still an effective force fully adequate to the pro- posed undertaking. Orders were promptly issued for fitting out two squadrons, one at Boston under Commodore Bainbridge, and another at New York under Commodore Decatur. Com. Bainbridge was appointed commander-in-chief of the united squadrons. The selection of these two officers for this service was peculiarly appropriate. It was an honor deserved by both, in view of their distinguished achievements in the war just closed. It was, moreover, an act of wisdom and policy to appoint to the command, officers whose names could not but recall to the mem- ories of the rulers of these predatory states, the former prowess and suc- cesses of the Americans on this same coast, and whose previous acquaintance would qualify them more perfectly to deal with these old enemies, either in arms or in negotiations. The second division of the main squadron was first ready for sea. Decatur, honorably acquitted of all fault in the loss of the President in the January preceding, and honored with this mark of the continued confidence of the government, proceeded to his command. The vessels under his orders were, the frigate Guerriere 44, Captain Lewis, on board which vessel the commodore hoisted his broad pennant; the frigate Constellation 36, Captain Charles Gordon; the frigate Macedonian 36, Captain Jacob Jones; sloop of war Ontario 22, Commander Jesse D. Elliott; brig Epervier 18, Lieutenant Commanding John Downes; brig Firefly 14, Lieut. Com. George W. iiodgers; brig Flambeau 12, Lieut. Com. J. B. Nicholson; brig Spark 12, Lieut. Com. T. Gamble; schooner Spitfire 11, Lieut. Com. A. J. Dallas; schooner Torch 10, Lieut. Com. W. Chauncey. This squadron sailed from New York on the 20tL of May, 1815. When a few days out, a gale was experienced, in which the brig Firefly was so unfortunate as to spring her masts, and was obliged to return to port for repairs. She afterward joined the squadron of Com. Bfjnbridge, and was in the Mediterranean under him. Decatur stood directly across the Atlantic, making a rapid passage for a squadron. Considering it possible that the Algerine squadron might be cruising in the Atlantic, he cautiously approached the coast of Africa, speaking every vessel coming in his way, and seeking all the information attainable. His desire was to come upon the whole fleet by surprise; for the preparations had been so rapidly made, that no rumor of hostilities, and of the sailing of a naval force, had, as yet, reached Algiej-s. On the 15th of June, Decatur touched at Tangiers, and from the American consul, learned that the Algerine admiral bad been off that port only the day before, and bad sailed for Carthagena, at which port he intended to touch. He sailed, immediately on receiving this information, to the eastward, entering the Mediterranean with the whole squadron; a part, which bad separated during heavy weather, joining off Gibraltar. On the l7th of June, being off Cape de Gatto, a large vessel was 10 NAVAL HISTORY. [181fi. I - diacovered, which wm soon detorminod to be nn Algerino frignte. ChoM was given, but very cautiounly, lest the Algerino should take the alnrm, and escape. It is probable that the chase at nrat supposed the squadron to be English ; for the suspicion could hardly have been formed of an American force of such a size being in these seas, just at the close of a long naval war with Great Britain. By a mistake of one of the vessels in hoisting American colors, the Algerine suddenly perceiving his danger, made sail in a most seaman-like style, and tried his sailing qualities to the utmost, in a strenuous effort to escape. The Constellation had the advantage in this part of the chase, and soon opened a distant fire. In obedience to a signal from the commodore, however, she sheered off, and the Querriere passed between her and the Algerine, thus enabling the fiag-ship to en* gage. This, Decatur, with bis usual intrepidity and skill, effected by boldly running alongside, so as to decide the combat by a close action. As he was executing this manoeuvre, the Algerine poured in upon tho deck of the Guerriere, a sharp and effective discharge of musketry from his tops, by which four men were wounded. Notwithstanding this, Decntur still retained his fire, and steadily held on his course, until his whole broadside could bear. Then ensued one of those teri-ific discharges fur which the American ships had become famous, and which had commenced and decided so many bloody encounters on the sea. This produced dreadful havoc on board the enemy, and was but feebly returned. Another broadside followed, which drove all the men below, with the exception of a few musketeers, who still gallantly continued the hopeless contest. A formal surrender was not yet made, and there was an evident attempt to escape. But the Epervier, light as she was in comparison with the heavy Algerine frigate, had been gallantly brought into action by Lieut. Com. Downes, and bad opened her fire, which had an effect to check this attempt. The combat was now at an end, and Decatur took possession of the prize. She proved to be the frigate Mashouda, of 46 guns, with a crew of between four and five hundred men. She was commanded by Admiral Rais Hammida, who held the highest rank in the navy of the Dey of Algiers. The running fight continued about twenty-five minutes. The loss on board the Mashouda was considerable; the prisoners stated that about thirty were killed, and thrown overboard. Four hundred and six of the crew were taken prisonera. The Admiral, Hammida, was killed in the commencement of the action on the part of the Guerriere, being cut in two by a heavy shot, on the quarter-deck of bis ship. His death appeared to discourage his crew, and as a conse- quence, the contest was decided more speedily than it would otherwise have been. He was a man of great personal volor, and had fought his way up from the position of a common sailor to the command of the fleet He possessed a spirit which would have impelled him to defend his ship to the very last effort of despair. A very sad casualty occurred on board the Guerriere during the broadside firing. A gun on the main-deck bursted on its first discharge, breaking up the spar-deck, killing five men, and badly wounding and burning about thirty othei-s. A piece of the bursting gun passed close by the head of Lieutenant John T. Shubrick, but did him no injury. Decatur warmly commended the steadiness of the men during this [1815. te. ChoM Hlnrm, and adron to be ) American long naval in hoisting made sail in xitmost, in a itage in thii idience to a 16 Guerriere j-ship to en* etfected by close action, in upon the jsketry from Landing this, rse, until his lischarges for I commenced his produced bly returned, low, with the 1 the hopeless iras an evident nparison with [ito action by an effect to Decatur took ihouda, of 46 jn. She wos rhest rank in itinued about considerable; ivn overboard. 'he Admiral, -J the part of larter-deck of as a conse- uld otherwise ad fought his nmand of the lim to defend •e during the first discharge, ivounding and n passed close im no injury, during this 1815.] NAVAL HISTORY. 11 accident, of a nature so likely to produce confuiion, and he anxiously urged upon the government the exceeding importance of a more thorough testingof the guns. This explosion did far more damage than was effected by the fire of the enemy. A j)ri2e ottlcer and crow were t)ut on board the captured vessel, and she waa sent into Carthagena, under cuitvoy of the Macedonian. Ailer this successful opening of the war, Decatur still continued his search for the main fleet. On the 19th of June, off Cape PhIoh, a brig, showing plain signs of being an Algerine corsair, was seen and chased for three hours. She ran into shoal water, where it was not safe for the larger vessels to follow her. Decatur directed the Epervier, Spark, Torch, and Spitfire to continue the chase. They soon opened their fire, when the Algerines ran their brig aground, and after a short resistance, surren- dered. The vessel was called the Estedio, carrying 22 guns, and one h»m- dred and eighty men. On boarding her, twenty-three men wore found dead, and eighty were taken prisonei-s. The rest escaped in boats to the shore : one boat, however, was sunk in the attempt, by shot from the vessels. The brig was got off, and was also sent into Carthagena as a prize. Having learned that notice of his arrival ^ry the Mediterranean had been sent to Algiers, and also to the rest of ttiu Algerine fleet, in conse- quence of which it had taken refuge in Malta, Decatur concluded that tnis would be the most favorable and promising juncture for him to ap- pear before Algiers, and try the virtue of his powers as negotiator. Commodores Bainbridge and Decatur, in connection with William Shaler, Esq., consul-general to the Barbary powers, had been appointed comniisaioners to negotiate a treaty of peace with the Dey of Algiers. As Mr. Shaler was with Com. Decatur, the majority of the commission were at liberty to take advantage of favorable circumstances, without waiting for the arrival of Corn. Bainbridge. On the 28th of June, the squadron rode at anchor in the bay of Algiers. It may be supposed that its formid- able appearance awakened both surprise and apprehension in the breast of the Dey. He saw its power, but h« had not yet heard of its successes. Little did he imagine that his favorite admiral was killed, and his best ship was a prize. The captain of the port and the Swedish consul came on board. To them Decatur delivered a letter from the President to the Dey, in which complaints were made of the faithless violations of the former treaty, and the barbarous aggressions against the persons and property of American citizens, on the part of the Algerine government. The letter further expressed the hope of an amicable adjustment of difficulties, without a continuance of war, otherwise the utmost power of the government would be exerted to bring the Dey to terms. The cap- tain of the port was also now first informed of the captures, the account of which was confirmed to his satisfaction by the prisoners on board. The letter, the force which was ou hand to sustain its doctrines, the losses already experienced and keenly felt, soon induced in the Dey a more humble and conciliatory spirit and demeanor, than he was accustomed to manifest toward the representatives of foreign powers. He sent an in- vitation to the commissoners to visit him at his palace, and there to make arrangements for a final settlement. His policy was to enter into a protracted course of negotiations, in order to gain time, during which he 12 NAVAL HISTORY. [1810. f'^ I might take advantage of some more favorable change in his aft'airs. Such delays Decatur wisely determined to avoid. He had the power to obtain the recognition of American rights, and he knew that naught but sheer power could gain the respect of this half-civilized despot. The commis- sioners, after consultation, refused to go on shore, and declared to the captain of the port and the Swedish consul, who were authorized to act for the Dey, that negotiations must be carried on on board the Guerriere. They also presented the draft of a treaty, to which they declared the Dey must assent, and the stipulations of which would not be essentially altered. In fine, they would have his majesty understand that they were to dictate the terms of peace, and not he. This was high ground to take in treating with these states; but it could be, and was, maintained. The captain of the port now desired that at least hostilities should cease while negotiations were going on. To this request Decatur promptly replied, "Not a minute; if your squadron appears in sight before the treaty is actually signed by the Dey, and sent oflf with the American prisoners, ours will capture it.^* After further^ discussion, and some slight alterations in the terms, the agents of the I?ey carried the treaty on shore to obtain his consent and signature. Tn the mean time, a coi'sair hove in sight, coming in toward the harbor, close under the shore. True to his word, that hostilities should not cease until the treaty was assented to, Decatur made signal for the squadron to chase. This movement of the fleet hastened matters on shore, for soon the boat, with £ white flag, was seen coming off. It had been agreed that this should be the signal that the treaty was really signed. When discovered, therefore, making all haste toward the Guer- riere, Decatur felt obliged to order the chase to be relinquished. This treaty secured for tht Americans advantages, in some points, over all other nations, and in all respects placed them on a footing with the most favored. Its principal articles provided, that no more tribute should be paid ; that no Americans should be enslaved ; that all American vessels should be treated hospitably, and their wants relieved in Algerine ports; that the neutrality of the Algerine ports should be maintained in case of war ; and that, generally, the Regency should subject itself to the recog- nized law of nations. The captives held at the time were also given up, and sent on board the flag-ship. The prizes, which Decatur had made, were given back to the Dey, at his most urgent request, as it was found that they required considerable repairs in order to be sent home, and especially because it was urged that such restoration of the vessels would go far toward reconciling the people to a treaty, which withdrew so many of their long-allowed privileges. The Dey was but a late usurper, and sat quite uneasily on his throne. It was policy for the United States to strengthen his position with his people, as this would be more likely to insure the observance of an obnoxious treaty. A little of the secret history of this despotic court is revealed in the remark of the Dey's prime minister to the British consul, while this work of justice was going on, — "You told us that the Americans would be swept from the seas in six months by your navy, and now they make war upon us with some of your own vessels, which they have taken from you ! " - [1816. fairs. Such rer to obtain ;ht but sheer rhe commis- ilared to the orized to act he Guerriere. declared the be essentially lat they were fh ground to 3, maintained. s should cease itur promptly ht before the the American the terms, the is consent and 5 in toward the stilities should signal for the led matters on jg oflf. It had •eaty was really ivard the Guer- lished. me points, over >oting with the e tribute should .merican vessels Algerine ports; ntained incase elf to the recog- vere also given t to the Dey, at red considerable was urged that iling the people )wed privileges. I his throne. It with his people, of an obnoxious ourt is revealed ish consul, while the Americans y, and now they they have taken 1815.] NAVAL HISTORY. la Thus, by decision and firmness, justified by the advantages gained and at command, Decatur, in the space of twenty-four bom's from his arrival, had in his hands a treaty such as had never been obtained from any of the Barbary powers by any of the great nations of Europe. This had been accomplished in forty days from the time of his departure from New York. In the close of tlieir dispatch to the government, transmitting the treaty, Decatur and Shaler say, — " As this treaty appeai-s to us to secure every interest within the contemplation of the government, and as it really places the United States on higher grounds than any other nation, we have no hesitation, on our part, in fulfilling sach of its provisions as are within our power, in the firm belief that it will receive the ratification of the President and Senate." Decatur deemed it advisable to send home one of his vessels with the treaty, and an account of his cruise thus far. He selected the brig Epervier for this service, and gave the command of her to John Teinpler Shubrick, the first lieutenant of the Guerriere. Captain Lewis was desir- ous of returning home, and obtained leave. This left a vacancy in Decatur's own shin, to fill which he transferred Captain Downes from the Epervier. The latter vessel sailed immediately on these changes, and the termina- tion of bar voyage is, up to the present time, wrapt in mystery. She passed Gibraltar about the 12th of July. A brig, resembling her, was seen by a British West-India fleet, during a very heavy gale, and in a position where she might have been ; but no distinct information has ever been gained respecting her. In her were lost, Captain Lewis, Lieutenant Neale, Lieut. Yamall, Lieut. Drury, and other officers, and also the cap- tives who had been just rescued from Algerine servitude, and were embracing this early opportunity to return home. Lieut. Sh^ibrick's appointment to this command was ao evidence of Decatur's high appre- ciation of his character as an officer. He had served n^ucb under Decatur, having now been steadily with him on board the United States, the President during the cruise in which she was taken by the British, and the Guerriere during the present cruise. With him an untimely end terminated a highly honorable career. * * With the prestige of this complete and rapid success Decatur now proceeded to visit the other Barbary states, in order to apply the same ertectual remedy to certain evils and wrongs, which had arisen in their relations to Americans. He appeared in the Bay of Tunis on the 26th of July. Here the American consul, M. M. Noah, Esq., laid before him an account of certain wrongs, and requested his interposition for their redress. It appears that during the war with Great Britain, an American armed brig, the Abellino, had captured an English merchant brig and schooner, which she carried as prizes into the neutral port of Tunis. While they were lying in this port, and under the pi-otection of the cannon of the Bey of Tunis, the English brig of war Lyra ran in, cut them out, and carried them to Malta, thus boldly violating the neutrality of the port. The Bey took no measures to resist this aggression, but quietly suffered it, undoubtedly receiving in some form an adequate remuneration for his indifterence to his own rights, and to the insult oftered to his own independence. The influence of British agents near. his person was felt here also, as well as at Algiers. \) 14 NAVAL HISTORY. [1816. I I I I \l When the facts were properly set forth "and established, Decatur de- cided upon his course with characteristic promptness. He sent a com- munication to the Bey, by the hands of the consul, stating the facts as they had been recited to him, and demanding full indemnity within the space of twelve hours, under penalty of a declaration of war and an immediate attack. Mr. Noah landed and was admitted to an audience. His interview with the Bey he thus relates — " ' Tell your Admiral to come and see me,' said the Bey. • He declines coming, your Highness, until these disputes are settled, which are best done on board ship.' 'But this is not treating me with becoming dignity. Hamuda Pacha, of blessed memory, commanded them to land, and wait at the palace, until he was pleased to receive them.' 'Very likely, your Highness, but that was twenty years ago.' After a pause, the Bey exclaimed, 'J know this Admiral ; he is the same one who, in the war with Sida Yusef of Trablis, burnt the frigate.' ' The same.' ' Hum ! why do they send wild young men to treat for peace with old powers ? Then you Americans do not speak the truth. You went to war with England, a nation with a great fleet, and said you took their frigates in equal fight. Honest people always speak truth.' ' Well, Sir, that was true. Do you see that tall ship in the bay, with a blue flag, the Guerriere, taken from the British ? That one near the small island, the Macedonian, was also captured, by Decatur, on equal terms. The sloop near Cape Carthage, the Peacock, was also taken in battle.' The Bey laid down the telescope, reposed on his cushions, and with a small tortoise-shell comb, set with diamonds, combed his beard. A small vessel got under way and came near tho batteries ; a pinnace, with a few men, rowed toward the harbor, and one pereon, dressed in the garb of a sailor, was taking soundings, It was Decatur." After this conversation and due meditation, the Bey very wisely an- nounced his willingness to repay the owners the value of the retaken vessels and their cargoes. Decatur then landed, and paid his respects to the B§y. The money claimed, forty-six thousand dollars, was paid in his presence to the agent of the owners. This accomplished, Decatur, on the 6th of August,* showed his squadron before, the stern old batteries of Tripoli, with the features of which he was so perfectly familiar. With commendable pride might he survey this field, whereon had been gained the early brightness of his renown. That i-eputation was now of service to his country — it aided the display of physical force. Here there was a similar transaction to that at Tunis to be attended to. The Abellino had also taken two prizes into this port, under the presumption of an eflicient neutrality. But the British brig Paulina, acting on either the weakness or the willingness of the Bashaw, violated his neutral rights, and retook the prizes from under his own eyes. The usual demand having been made, the Bashaw at first quite boldly refused to comply with it. He even took steps for a forcible resistance, drawing out his cavalry upon the shore and manning his batteries. All this did not move Decatur from his purpose, but merely led him to begin his disposition of forces for a regular attack. The memories of the past did not serve to stimulate the courage of the Bashaw, especially the fact that Decatur was the commander of the fleet now assuming a hostile Vf [1816. 1, Decatur de- B sent a coin- ig tbe facta as lity within the f war and an ,0 an audience, imiral to come Highness, until d ship.' 'But acha, of blessed 36, until he was (, but that was 'T know this rusefofTrablis, end wild young nericans do not ion with a great Honest people yon see that tall torn the British? ilso captured, by ge, the Peacock, icope, reposed on with diamonds, i came near the b harbor, and one indings. It was very wisely an- le of the retaken «d his respects to rs, was paid in his 1, Decatur, on the old batteries of y familiar. With I had been gained vas now of service Here there was The Abellino had tion of an efticient ither the weakness rights, and retook ,t first quite boldly forcible resistance, his batteries. AU y led him to begin emories of the past , especially the fact assuming a hostile 1815.J ?fAVAL HISTORY. 15 attitude in that same bay which had been illuminated by the lurid flames of the burning Philadelphia, and where even Moslem fanaticism had proved no match for American valor. So the Bashaw concluded to allow bis valor to practice the lessons of his discretion, and to yield gracefullj while the opportunity for such a demeanor continued. He paid the claim of twenty -five thousand dollars, and gave assurances of better conduct for the future. Decatur also had the pleasure of restoring to liberty tea captives, two of whom were Danish boys, and the rest a Sicilian family. It was now about seventy days since the squadron left New York, and the objects of the cruise had been fully accomplished in this short space of time. The actual fighting had been very little, and the loss on our part trifling. These results are to be ascribed in part to the efficiency and decision of Decatur; yet the best qualities in a commander would have been of little avail without an adequate naval force to sustain him. The mere display of physical power is ever more conclusive, beyond all comparison, with semi-civilized states, than all moral considerations and unsupported i-easonings on justice. It is honorable to the United States that they first placed an effectual restraint upon the intolerable encroachments of these faithless powers; that they compelled the recognition of their maritime rights without tbe continuance of tribute; and insisted, with the needful firmness, upon the careful observance of treaties. The example thus given was soon followed by England and other European powers, until these small states, once regarded with so much terror, and indulged in their haughty address toward their superiors in every element of national honor and greatness, have declined into their proper insignificance. The squadron under the command of Commodore Bainbridge, which followed the one under Decatur, arrived in the MediteiTanean in the early part of August. It consisted of the Independence 74, which had been just finished at Boston under the superintendence of Bainbridge ; the frigate Congress; the sloop of war Erie; the brig Chippewa; and the schooner Lynx. Another detachment, composed of the frigate United States, the brigs Boxer, Saranac, Firefly, and Enterprise, under the com- mand of Commodore John Shaw, joined the main squadron shortly after. On his aiTival at Gibraltar, Bainbridge of course learned that his energetic predecessor had accomplished all the objects of the expedition. He therefore proceeded, in accordance with his instructions, to exhibit his force off Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli, that he might furnish the most con- vincing demonstration of the ability and readiness of the United States to protect their commerce and their agents. Interested persons had induced the belief among these ignorant people, that the United States were bound by treaty with Great Britain, not to build any seventy-four gun ships. The first vessel of this class in our navy, indeed, which was ever taken to sea, was the Independence, Bainbridge's flag-ship on this cruise. Her presence in these watei-s, therefore, was of consequence, as it dissipated this false belief; and this large fleet, following so soon in the wake of Decatur's, impressed these governments and their people with the power and resources of the United States, and contributed decidedly to the maintenance of peace, and the strict observance of treaties. Since this active and successful expedition, our relations with the Barbary powers \ ^ 16 NAVAL HISTORY. [1816. ,i ■I I I! * I . ,: have, with slight exceptions, been highly satisfactory. It was necessary, however, for several of the immediately subsequent years, to maintain an efficient force in these waters, and by regular visits to their ports, to remind these new friends that they were under a close surveillance. On leaving Tripoli, Decatur sailed across to Sicily, where he landed the family he had rescued from captivity, and thence kept along the coast of Italy to Naples. All the rest of the squadron were directed to join Bainbridge, while he followed, more at his leisure, with the Guerriere. During the voyage from Italy to Spain, he fell in with the remainder of the Algerine deet, consisting of four frigates and three sloops, which had escaped him during the war. Thinking that they might be tempted to retaliate, in spit« of the treaty, now that they found him alone, he ordered his ship cleared for action, and the men beat to quarters. Thus prepared, he stood steadily on, and passed the whole fleet unmolested. As he passed the admiral's ship, he was hailed with the usual question, ** Where are you bound t " He himself took the trumpet, and discarding nautical etiquette with his old foes and even yet uncertain friends, quite in defiance answered, " Where I please ! " In October, the entire naval force was assembled under Commodore Bainbridge at Gibraltar. It formed the largest fleet that had ever been collected under the American flag, comprising one two-decked ship, the Independence, five frigates, the Guerriere, Macedonian, Constellation, Congress, and United States, two sloops of war, seven brigs, and three schooners — in all eighteen sail. This was rather an unexpected sight beneath the rock of Gibraltar, but a few months after the close of the English war. The purpose, for which this large force had been sent out, having been effected, it became necessary for the commander to make a new disposition of it. Decatur took the Guerriere home, arriving at New York on the 1 2th of November. Bainbridge also sailed for home, taking with him his own ship, two frigates, and all the brigs and schooners. Commodore Shaw remained in command of the Mediterranean squadron, composed of the frigates United States 44, the Constellation 38, and the sloops Ontario and Erie, each 18. In a short time also, Captain O. H. Perry, in the Java 44, joined the latter squadron. Bainbridge brought his squadron safely into Newport on the 15th of November. In his letter of instructions to Com. Shaw, Cora. Bainbridge says: "The object of leaving this force is to watch the conduct of the Barbary powers, partic- ularly that of Algiers, to guard against, as far as the force under your command can do, any depredations they may be disposed to commit, and to give protection to the commerce of the citizens of the United States." Com. Shaw executed these duties with fidelity, until the next year, when Com. Chauncey, in the Washington 74, was sent out to relieve him. The necessity of a more thorough organization of the Navy Depart- ment had long been felt, and it was especially desirable that its executive administration should be in the charge of individuals, whose professional experience qualified them for its practical duties. To meet this necessity. Congress, in 1816, authorized the formation of a board of navy com- missioners. This board was placed under the superintendence of the 1816-20.] NAVAL HISTORY. 17 secretary of the navy, and was charged with all the ministerial duties of the department, relating to the procuring of supplies and stores, the collection of materials, the construction, armament, and employment of all the vessels. Commodores Bodgers, Hull and Porter were appointed the first commissioners. After the close of the war with Great Britain, an arrangement was effected between that country and the United States, by which the naval forces of both, on the lakes, were reduced to an equality. It was agreed that neither nation should maintain more than one vessel of war on Lake Ontario or Lake Champlain, or more than two vessels on Lake Erie or any of the upper lakes, and that each of these vessels should carry but one gun. There was also, about this time, a very strong disposition manifested, both in and out of Congress, to effect a still greater reduction of the navy, to lay most of the vessels up, to place the officers on half-pay, and to dismiss some of the officers of each grade. Some steps were taken toward carrying out this destructive plan, but the influence of more judicious friends of the navy prevailed, and the general scheme was abandoned. On the other hand, the character which had been so nobly won by this arm of the national service in the late war with England, had established the conviction, with the great mass of the nation, of the necessity of its permanent existence as a part of the means of government, especially so in the relations of government to foreign states. A system was consequently framed for the improvement, and the gradual increase of the navy, which system has been pursued, since that time, with such emendations as enlarged experience and progressive science have sug- gested. The plan for this gradual increase, in connection with a special act of the session of 1819-20, contemplated the formation of a force of twelve line-of-battle ships, fourteen first-class frigates, three second-class frigates, six sloops, and a proper proportion of smaller vessels. The details of this plan have been carried out, in a good degree, respecting the larger vessels, while subsequent enactments have added largely to the number of the sloops, and somewhat to that of the brigs and schooners. In a time of prolonged peace, the services of the national vessels must be mainly directed toward the protection of commerce in the various seas which invite it. With but few exceptions, this has been the occupation of our navy since the close of the war with Great Britain, and the settle- ment of our difficulties with the Barbary powers. For some years after the period mentioned, it was necessary to maintain a careful watch over the interests of commerce in the Mediterranean, since nothing but the knowledge of the presence of a strong force could restrain the predatory disposition of the. inhabitants of the northern coast of Africa ; and during the war between the Turks and the Greeks, this disposition did break forth into overt acts against the vessels of some nations. Several ship^ have generally cruised along our own coast, and in emergencies a squadron of some size has been retained on this duty. For a few years a consid- erable force was engaged in the West Indies, in an exterminating war upon bands of pirates, who abounded there ; some account of which will be hereafter given. From about 1820, some vessels have been stationed 18 NAVAL HISTORY. [1816-20. l!^ I alonff the western coast of Africa, to cooperate with the cruisers of England in the attempt to suppress the slave-trade. The Pacific has also been a regular cruising ground for a portion of the national marine, where, especially during the revolutions of the South American States, it has rendered essential service in the way of protecting our commercial rights. In 1816, it was determined to send a ship of war to the Pacific, to take formal possession of the country about the Columbia river, to collect information that might be useful to commercial operations, and to give protection to those which had already been undertaken there by our citizens. The frigate Congress, Captain Morris, was directed to be pre- pared for this service, in August, 1816. When nearly ready for sea, her destination was changed to the Gulf of Mexico, to protect our commerce against any improper interference by the cruisers of the revolutionary governments bordering on the gulf, and on the Caribbean sea. The Ontario sloop of war, Captain Biddle, having landed agents of the government at Rio de Janeiro, proceeded to the Pacific. After touching at the ports of Valparaiso and Lima, where Captain Biddle rendered essential services to American vessels and citizens, and exemplified in a striking manner the importance of a naval force in foreign ports, be pro- ceeded to Columbia river, and, in August, 1818, took formal possession of the country in the name and in behalf of the United States. The coast of Brazil, also, has for many years been deemed a regular station. In 1819, Coipmodore Perry was ordered to the command of the squadron on this station, being also intrusted with the discharge of certain delicate diplomatic duties. The Constellation was intended for his flag-ship, but not being ready for sea, and the object of his ap- pointment requiring dispatch, he sailed in the sloop of war John Adams. Arrived off the mouth of the Orinoco, he transferred his pennant to the schooner Nonsuch, and ascended the river to Angostura, where he was detained several days in executing the duties of bis mission. This was in midsummer, and during the most sickly part of the season. He conti-acted the yellow fever, and died as the schooner was approaching his own ship, on the 23d of August; he being just thirty-four years of age. He was appointed a midshipman in April, 1799. His remains were interred at Port Spain, but were afterward brought home in a ship of war, a >d deposited in the soil of his native state, Rhode Island. Upon the receipt of the news of the death of Com. Perry, Com. Morris was directed to proceed with the Constellation and John Adams to the Rio de la Plata, and perform the duties connected with the government of Buenos Ayres, which had been originally assigned to the former officer; having done which, he returned to the United States in May, 1820. But a few months after the death of Perry, the navy experienced another severe loss, the attending circumstances of which were so melan- choly, as to affect the entire nation with painful emotions. The event, which thus awakened general regret and grief, was the death of Com. Stephen Decatur, occasioned by a wound received in a duel with Com. James Barron. It will be remembered that Com. Barron had been suspended from the service for five years, in consequence of his conduct in connection with the attack of the Leopard on the Chesapeake in 1807. During his suspension he engaged in mercantile business, and i-emaioed [1816-20. e cruisers of e Pacific has tional roarina, erican States, IT commercial to the Pacific, mbia river, to rations, and to n there by our ted to be pre- dy for sea, her our commerce revolutiooary sea. i agents of the After touching iddle rendered lemplified in a 1 ports, he pro- ■mal possesaiou States. •med a regular le command of be discharge of as intended for •ject of his ap- »r John Adams, pennant to the , where he was sion. This was he season. He as approaching ty-four years of His remains home in a ship Rhode Island, ry. Com. Morris 1 Adams to the the government 1 to the former esin May, 1820. avy experienced \ were so melan- )ii9. The event, Q death of Com. duel with Com. arron had been se of his conduct apeake in 1807. Bs, and remained 1820.J NAVAL HISTORY. 19 away from his country throughout the war with Great Britain. On his return, and some time after the close of the war, he sought a command according to his rank in the navy. Com. Decatur opposed his application, and expressed his opinion very freely respecting Barron's absence during the war, and his subsequent conduct. Reports, as usual in such a case, incorrectly representing Decatur's language and feelings, were conveyed to Banron's ears, and led to a correspondence between them, which was opened by Barron in June, 1819, and continued at intervals for several months, and up to the time of their hostile meeting. The course of this correspondence evinced increased exasperation of feeling on both sides; Decatur still reiterating his opinion, that Barron had rendered himself unworthy of his station in the navy, and of the privilege of honorable service; and Barron, while defending himself against Decatur's severe charges, refusing to explain to his antagonist the real cause of his remain- ing abroad, while his country was engaged in a war to so great an extent maritime in its character. It afterward appeared that pecuniary embar» rassment was the real reason of Barron's singular conduct Had this been known, the generous Decatur would have been the last person to taunt a fellow-officer, who had already endured so much as Barron had. The correspondence, however, led to a challenge from Barron to Decatur; both yielding to the bloody and barbarous maxims of a most fallacious code of honor, which they admitted was repulsive to their moral senti- ments and better feelings. Com. Elliot was selected by Barron as his second, and Com. Bainbridge appeared on behalf of Decatur. The arrangements having been very quietly made, the parties met early on the morning of the 22d of March, 1820, between Washington and Bladensburg, near the latter place. When they had taken their positions, . and were ready to fire, Barron said to Decatur, " I hope, on meeting in another world, we will be better friends;" and Decatur replied, "I have never been your enemy, sir." Com. Bainbridge gave the word to fire, and both pistols went ofi' at the same instant. The two antagonists fell, Barron being severely wounded in the hip, and Decatur having received a mortal wound in the abdomen. As they lay upon the ground, Decatur exclaimed, "I am mortally wounded, at least 1 believe so, and wish I had fallen in defence of my country." Barron, also considering his wound mortal, remarked that he " forgave his enemy from the bottom of his heart." Decatur was then removed to his residence in Washington, and lingered in great agony until half-past ten o'clock in the evening, when he expired. He was but forty-one years of age, and had spent twenty- two years of his life in the naval service, his warrant as a midshipman bearing the data of April 30th, 1798. Without detracting from the high merit of other officers, there were certain very favorable circum- stances in the history of Perry and Decatur, which rendered them peculiar favorites with the entire nation ; and tlwir death, occurring in the very prime of their days, and with attending incidents of a very aggravating character, was felt with universal and keen regret and sorrow.. 20 NAVAL HISTORY. ^0. . ■■■ I ■H CHAPTER II. Mexican and South American RevolutionN— Paper blookadet—nrartca In tha Went Indies— VeMels ordered there— Capture* by Lieutenantu Kearney niiil KamoK" —Com. Hiddle sent I with an increased force— Captures by Lieut. Ur«atti of I.l«ut. Allen— Alligator wrecked— Captures by Capt Cassin— Dlfflculty of Bui)pri>»iilnK plrnt)li«»— Oon>, I»orter takes the command— Atfair at St. John's— Arrangement of Com. IHirter'a ftiri'o— Various captures by Captain Cassin, Lieuts. Stribling, Newell, Watsun, KoHrnity, Hklniior and Paino— Atlikir at Foxardo and Porter's recall— Com. Warrinitton supnmcilrs hint— tiOM of the Ferret— Cap- tures by Lieuts. Sloat and McKeover— Suppression uf tltu i^stoiu of ptrauy. The example of the North American coIonioR, in their successful struggle for independence of English rule, in time oxtotided its influence to the colonies of Spain. A relaxation in tho vigor of her tyranny, com- pelled by the dread of this example, did not liindor the spi-ead of free ideas throughout these distant dependencies. When tho contest came, it was marked by an eneigy and a determination on tho part of the col- onies, which finally resulted in wresting from tho crown of Spain her most extensive and valuable possessions on this continent. This series of levolutions necessarily produced a serious interf«n>nco with the regular <;ourse of commerce; and this consequence tho United States quickly and deeply felt. The hindrance to commercial intorcoui'so arose from two different sources — the establishment of blockudos and tho ravages of pirates. The right of belligerents to blockade onch other's ports, our government never disputed. But in vindication of tho rights of neutrals, it maintained that the blockade should bo actual and effectual ; that an adequate naval force should be present to enforce it, and to render it hazai'dous in a merchant ship to disregaitl it. It will be remembered that our government had been so strenuous i'Ognrding this principle, as to maintain it by force against both France and Great Britain. Spain, unable to enforce a strict blockade, now sought to establish one along an extended line of sea-board, by mere proclamation. This paper blockade of course damaged our shipping interests, inasmuch as vessels relying upon the American doctrine on the subioot, disn^gardod a proclamation which was not supported by an actual ftdem. Porter t»k»8 tho I'tirlnus capture* by id P\»liici— ArtWr at of the Kcrret-Cap- thoir successful led its influence ,r tyranny, cotn- e spread of free ho contest came, I part of the col- m of Spain her . This series of with tho regular tates quickly and I arose from two 1 tho ravages of other's ports, our rights of neutrals, Bfttictual ; that an nnd to render it I be remembered f this principle, as t Britain. Spain, l>lish one along an lis paper blockade as vessels relying 3d a proclamation •CO. The Spanish practice by effectu- nally to capture an ), and were even m such an intention. order to tho West edings against our on to resist the ap- isplay. of our naval itests, was fully sue- ctrino was admitted .men pursued their .asily managed, and revolutioiis, feeble governments, a low state of morality in surrounding communities, and the debasing influence of war — all these characteristics of tho times and regions conspired to foster a system of piratical enterprises in tlitj West Indies. It is unnecessary to describe the details of this dark and do- structive system. Vessels were plundered, then sent adrift, burnt, or taken possession of, as fancy or interest dictated ; the oflicers, crows and passen- gers were always treated with indignity and violence, very frc^iuently murdered in cold blood, and in some instances, their bodies aftor death were abused with disgusting barbarity, after cruelty had exhausted ingenuity in contrivances of insupportable torture. Indeed, tho wor«t imaginable scenes connected with the idea of piracy, were realities in tho career of those lawless bands. It must not be understood that ©very instance was thus marked with every possible horror; but that tho enor- mities mentioned formed a fearful proportion to the ordinary outrages of these miscreants. Some of tho freebooters seemed intent only on plun- der, and took the stops necessary to their object with quite commenuablo decorum. Tho majority delighted in the opportunity to gratify moro bloody and cruel dispositions, and when rapacity had been satisliod, or hindered in its desires, they gave way to the demands of fiercer passions. Repeated reports of such outrages, committed on our very borders, at a time of peace, when seamen expected no more than tho usual perils of the ocean, soon awakened not only tho fears but tho indignation of tho nation. Merchant ships were armed to some extent, and in somo in- stances successfully repelled the attacks of pirates. But this was insufficient. Government was called upon to attbrd protection, and promptly responded to the call. Yet in estimating tho crodit due to the government and the navy, on account of their exertions in this service, we must remember that it required time and experience to dis- cover the best mode of operating against tho pirates, and that our entire naval force could not be safely or wisely directed against this single evil. This must account for the time which it actually took finally and fully to suppress these lawless aggressions. In the fall of 1821, the first accounts of piracies were received in tho United States. The administration immediately took measures to capture and bring to punishment the offenders. The sloop of war Hornet, brigs Enterprise and Spark, and schooners Shark, Porpoise and Grampus, wiu» three gun-boats, were ordered to sail directly on this service. On the 16th of October, 1821, Lieutenant Kearney, commanding the Enterprise, while cruising oft' Cape Antonio, Cuba, discovered four piratical vessels in the act of plundering three American vessels which they had just captured. They were quite in shore in shoal water, whero the bi'ig could not venture. Five boats were, therefore, sent in pui-suit. The pirates being hard pressed, set fire to and burnt two schooners. The detachment, however, succeeded in capturing two schooners, and one sloop, together with some forty pirates. The brig then carried her pris- oners into Charleston, to be tried under an act of Congress, passed in 1819, for the punishment of the crime of piracy. On the 29th of October, tho Hornet, Captain Robert Honly, captured a schooner named the Moscow, which he sent into Norfolk. On the 21bt of December, Lieut Kearney captured a schooner of about thirty-six li'S 22 NAVAL HISTORY. [1822. f! V: tons, but the crew, consisting of twenty- five men, escaped. He also .destroyed the rendezvous of the pirates at Capo Antonio. On the 7th of January, 1822, Lieutenant Kamage, commanding the schooner Porpoise, attacked and captured six piratical vessels on the north coast of Cuba. He burnt five of them, and manned the remaining one for the purpose of cruising against the pirates, three of whom were taken prisoners. He also landed forty men, under Lieut. Curtis, who drove the pirates to the woods and broke up their depot. This was accom- plifthed without loss on the part of the assailants, while the loss of the enemy must have been se/ere, though it could not be ascertained. On the 6th of March, Lieut. Kearney, of the Enterprise, made another large ciipture otf Cape Antonio. It consisted of three launches and four barges, with their crews, numbering about one hundred and sixty men. These were the principal captures etlected by the first squadron sent out. These successes of the cruisers gave but a slight check to the operations of the freebootei-s. They still conmiitted their depredations to an alarm- ing extent. More efficient measures were consequently adopted. Com. James Biddle was ordered to take command of the West India squadron, having as his flag-ship the frigate Macedonian. An addition of two hundred marines was also made to the force. The Macedonian proceeded to her station in the month of April, 1822. The squadron in these seas, during this year, consisted of the Macedonian 38 ; the frigate Congress 30; sloops of war John Adams 24, and Peacock 18; brig Spark 12; schooners Alligator, Grampus, Shark and Porpoise, each carrying twelve guns. The Enterprise was at home, refitting. The principal portion of these vessels was engaged directly in the suppression of piracy, while the remainder was occupied in the general protection of commerce, and in furnishing convoy to merchantmen. On the 16th of August, 1822, Lieut. Gregory, commanding the Grampus, gave chase to a brigantine. On being overtaken, the brig showed Spanish colors. But Lieut. Greg- ory, suspecting her to be a pirate, called upon her commander to surren- der. This demand was replied to by a fire from cannon and small-arms. The Grampus now opened her fire in broadside, and in three minutes and a half the brig struck. When boarded she was found to be a complete wreck, with one man killed and six wounded. The Grampus sustained no injury. The prize proved to be the privateer Palmira, of Porto Rico, carrying one long brass eighteen, and eight 18ft). carronades, with a crew of eighty-eight men. The oflBcers acknowledged that they Lad robbed the American schooner Coquette, complaint of which had been made to Lieut. Gregory. Though carrying the papers of a privateer, she was thus really doing the work of a pirate. And her capture was a warning to other privateers, which class of vessels had, before this time, in various ways, annoyed and interfered with American merchantmen. During the month of November, in this year, the Alligator, commanded by Lieut. William H. Allen, was lying in the harbor of Matanzas, v.hen information was brought on board, of late acts of piracy in the vicinity. Lieut. Allen, with great alacrity, immediately stood out of the bay, and sailed in pursuit. When about fifteen leagues from Matanzas, he came in sight of a piratical force, consisting of three well-armed vessels, carrying some three hundred men. They had five prize vessels in their possession. 1822.] NAVAL HISTORY. 23 Tba Alligator being tinnble to come up with thetn, an attack was made upon one of the vessels in boats; Lieut. Allen taking tlie lead. One of the pirates oi)ened a heavy fire upon the boats, which continued for some time, H8 he was under way, and the boats hud to ptdl hard to overtake biin. Thus exposed they still pressed on ; Allen's boat being considerably in advance of the others, and the gallant commander standing up, and encouraging his men in their exertions. While in this position he received a musket shot in the head, and, soon after, another in the breast, whicli, in a few hours, proved mortal. The pirates, however, did not wait to be boarded, but deserted their vessel, when they found themselves unable to drive off the boats. They escaped with their two other schooners, but the prizes were recaptured. In this action the loss of the Alligator was, besides Lieut. Allen, two men killed, and five wounded ; two mor- tally. It was supposed that some fourteen of the pirates were killed. , The schooner taken was armed with one long twelve, two long sixes, two long threes, and two swivels. The others were also fully armed and equipped. Lieut. Allen had attained a high reputation in the navy, for so young an officer, as he was but thirty at the time of his death. He was the second lieutenant of the brig Argus, Captain Allen, when she was taken by the Pelican, on the coast of England, in 1813, and commanded throughout the latter part of the action, when both his superior officers had been carried below severely wounded. On this occasion he fought and raanoeuvered the brig in the most gallant and skillful manner. Shortly after this exploit, on the night of the 19th of November, the Alligator was wrecked on Carysford Reof. Her officers and crew were all saved. On the 28th and 30th of September, of this year, five piratical vessels were captured by Captain S. Cassin, commanding the Peacock. The vessels of the squadron acted with all possible efficiency on this difficult service ; still, notwithstanding the captures made, these ravages upon our commerce, and outrages upon our citizens, were rather on the increase. The difficulties of thoroughly checking them could hardly be appreciated; and the impatience and dissatisfaction manifested through the public journals of the period, evince that they were not appreciated, even by the best inforn^ed. But few of the pirates kept the open sea, so as to fall in the way of the larger cruisers. This class of ships could, therefore, eff"ect but little toward their extermination by regular sea-fights. The main portion of the pirates were established on the coast, in the more uninhabited parts of the various islands, and issued out from their retreats on short excursions, in small schooners, barges and boats. When found on shore, unless actually taken in the act of plunder and chased in, it was oftentimes difficult to find evidence to identify them as pirates, for to appearance they were but fishermen or landsmen. Others, still, were fitted out directly from some of the principal Spanish ports, and obtained their information, from friends on shore, as to the sailing of vessels, their cargoes, and other items of importance ; and instances were not wanting, in which the connivance of the authorities was apparent to the least sagacious. The labor imposed upon the officers and seamen of our navy, Traa consequently to be performed very much in open boats, under a I 24 NAVAL HISTORY. [1823. I tronicitl sun, ami amid the intricacien and dangors of unknown cooaU; ami, whi^n tliey tvoio fortunate enough to drive any band of tlienu harba- nans on Hhoro, they were not permitted by the Spanish authoritie* to pursue them on land ; and, in case of a short puiisuit, the pinitoH had the advantage of a local knowledge, through which tlicy could Hnd numerous ways of cHoapo. It waa apparent, then, that, the force uii this service, to be made cHicicnt, must be both peculiar unerg(»ncy, than any preceding it. Commodore David Porker resigned his otiico as commiiwioner of the navy, in order to take command of this expedition. His nenional attention was devoted to the selection of > i .isoia, and their preparation for the service. The squadron, when ' v''^ Kiourt)% '■ v. tiie Greyhound, Jackall, Fox, Wildcat, Beagle, Ferret, 'A'e .^el nnd Tenior; the transport-shii) Decov; and five barges, vir,: the ivL ^uito, Gnat, Miilge, Sandfly and Gallinipper. Besides ihe^r, ;ii vessels already on the West India Station were the John Adaiutt, ) cacock, H<^niet, Spark, Grampus and Shark. Commodore Porter took his squadron to sea on tlie 14th of February, 1823. As great publicity had been given through the press to the pronaration and constitution of this expedition, and the proximity of the Ijnited States to the scene of operations coul 1 not but favor the trans- mission of this published information. Com. Porter wisely judged that the piratoa would undoubtedly change their ground as far as nosailtjo, and therefore an immediate cruise near their old haunts would ue fruit- less. Ho consequently sailed to the windward, intending first to touch at tlio island of St. Thomas. His broad pennant was hoisted on board tlio Pea 'ock. Arrived olf Porto Rico, he addressed a communication to the governor on the subject of the interruptions to our commerce on tho coasts of Mexico and Colombia by Porto Kico privateers, and also on tiio subject of the blockade of these coasts. His presence and communica- tions here resulted in the raising of the blockade of the main, which hud nominally existed up to this time, and in effectually checking tho system of licensed piracy, under the uame of privateering, which had long been carried on from the porta of this island. While off this island, a very unfortunate occurrence took place, in re- gard to which the conduct I th authorities was wholly indefensible. On the i/il of March, CommodOi^ •^ '^r dispatched the G: yhound, Cnpt. John Porter, into the pcn ot' Sf. ••i\:M% v\\h ..o above-mentioned com- munication to the governui . On the 5th, he ordered Lieut. W, H. Cocke, in command of the Fox, to enter the same harbor, in order to ascertain the probabilities respecting an answer. As the latter was endeavoring to execute this order, he was killed by a shot from the castle, which suddenly opened a heavy fire upon the schooner, and obliged her to come to anchor under its guns. The only satisfaction offered for this insult auvl catastrophe was the plea, that the character of the squadron was sus- pected or not certainly understood, and therefore the commandant ot the poit had issued orders that no more of tho vessels should be penuittod to enter, until the arrival of the governor. Com. Porter ably refuted thi« 188.1.] NAVAL HISTORY. S0 S'ea, in a letter to the govornor, and itnmer th« cnpturo uf the Pahiiirs, previouhlv uotiooil. Com. Portor now divided hi« force into small lotfuhmenta, and in this waj thoroii^lii\ ( oiired the coastnof all the islandn U^ the north of Porto Rico, inchidin^r St Domingo and Cuba. Aroinid the entire ooastof this ln»t island, piracies had been oiiffi«av and inlet and itoy of all liiis region was tlins carefully soandu'l. With- out doubt, the infornuition conveyed to tli" piratt's of the fit! ut and departure of the expedition Imd thorongbiy nlHrmod thuni, for tl. lotual captures were by nomeauH what niigli havn been expflct-'d, liau 'h«ir hostile acts continued to the extent t,o which thoy had sdortly U lo been prosecuted. Com. Porter then proceeded to Thompson's island, now k. ^ We.- . where he established a naval doj)Ot, and reassembled his squadror Th^ point ho made the centre of his operations, and the rei ■ zvou f his vessels after their short cruises. These vessels were kept > iistantlj •>< w- pied, either furnishing convoy to tl ; merchantmen pwwiiig in an.J -ut of the gulf, or chasing the pirates m lo occasionally dared to veni.i' >■ Jt. Piracy as a system was eftectnally br ,^(in up. Under date of April Com. Porter remarks: " I believe I ,\\\ now say with safety, that ) is not a pirate afloat on this part of ho coast of Cuba, (the* noi' larger than an open boat." On May i )tli, he writes to the secrotai) :' the navy to this effect: "I have the i onor to inform you, that not single piratical act has been comnjittea on the coast of Cuba sinci organized and arranged my forces." It must be remembered that at this time there was also n considerabl- British force cruising on the same service, and that the Spanish authoritie- were also aftbrding more efficient cooperation than formerly. Ther.- seemed, therefore, a cheering prospect that m end would won be put to these crimes upon the high seas. Still, the force under Com. Porter was so -mall for the service, that the labor imposed upon the officers and men w Ji exceedingly onercrs; per- formed, as most of it was, in small vessels and open boats, by day ind by night, thus exposing them to the baneCul intiiiences of the climate, and the dangerous consequences of over-exertion. The willing endurance and unceasing vigilance manifested by all, wer deserving of very high commendation. The retreat of the pirates from the sea was soon followed by their «pj)earance in a similar dangerous character on land. In the noi;.jhbor- hood of Matanzas they were especially bold and alarming, roaming over the country in large bands, fully armed, and plundering and murdering the unprotected inhabitants. With this general view of the operations and benefits of the squadron, it may be interesting to connect a more detailed account of some of the most important captures. Information being received of a suspicious looking vessel on the coast of Cuba, Capt. Cassin was ordered in search, taking with him the •choonere Fox and Jackall, and the barges Gallinipper and Mosquito. He 26 NAVAL HISTORY. [1823. :V i ■ went off Havana, and there offered "convoy to a lar^ * fleet of merchant- men, while Lieut. Stribling, in the Gallinipper, was dispatched after the pirate. On the morning of the 8th of April, this officer discovered a schooner about three miles off", working in toward shore. She appeared full of men, and evidently piratical. Muskets were fired to bring her to. She returned a smart fire of round shot, grape and musketry, and still worked hard to escape. She was soon run on shore, and the crew, with the exception of one man, escaped. Two were found killed, and others must have been severely wounded, as the captain afterward appeared at Matanzas, and acknowledged that all his crew, but three, were killed. Pursuit by land could not be made, so the party were contented with getting the vessel off", and carrying her in as a prize.- She proved to be the schooner Pilot, of Norfolk, a very fast sailer, and a craft that the pirates had long wished to possess. They had captured her but eight days before. She was armed with a long twelve-pounder, and an abund- ance of blunderbusses and other small-arms. It is surprising that none in the assailing party were injured by her fire. Her commander was a notorious buccaneer, named Domingo, who, notwithstanding his course of life, was possessed of some sentiments of honor; for there were letters for Com. Porter and his officers on board the Pilot when Domingo tooki her, and he politely forwarded them, with the message, that he did not wish to deprive them of the opportunity of hearing from their friends; that he had no ill will against them ; that they were only engaged in doing their duty. During the same cruise Capt. Cassin entered a harbor noted for pirates, where he discovered a felucca standing out. She was chased ; when her crew ran her ashore, and took to the land. Pursuit was made for a short distance, but the enemy knew the ground and escaped. The felucca was a new, well coppered boat, pulling sixteen sweeps, and evidently just starting on her first cruise. Capt. Cassin also broke up several different establishments where the pirates were harbored ; and the latter burnt three of their own schoonere on his approach. Lieut. Newell, commanding the Ferret, discovered a large armed barge in a bay not far from Matanzas. He sent an officer with five men, all that his boat would hold, to reconnoitre. Seven boats were seen on the shore. The pirates fired upon the boat with muskets, and a shot taking effect near the water edge, the officer was obliged to retreat. The schooner then stood in shore as close as possible, and commenced firing, endeavoring to destroy the boats, for the pirates were out of harm's way behind the rocks. As she could fire only when in the act of staying, and it was blowing hard, she hauled off and went to Matanzas for a suitable boat. The next day Lieut. Newell fell in with an English brig, from which he obtained a boat; but on returning to the bay, the pirates were found to have decamped. On landing, two boats were found ; the rest had been removed up a lagoon extending some miles into the country. Being unprovided with proper boats, Lieut. Newell could not follow. In July, one of the most desperate contests and brilliant victories of the expedition, took place on the coast of Cuba. In June, several piracies were reported, as having occurred on the south side of the island. Lieut. Watson, commanding the Gallinipper, was ordered to sail round *f 1823.] NAVAL HISTORY. 27 the entire island, giving its shores a close examination. He was accom- panied by the Mosquito, commanded by Lieut. Inman. These barges carried, in all, twenty-six men and five ofiicers. While cruising in Si- quapa bay, near the very spot where the gallant Allen was killed, a large top-sail schooner, with a launch in company, was seen working up to an anchorage, where several merchantmen were lying. The appearance of these vessels was so suspicious, that Lieut. Watson bore up in order to discover their character. The schooner was seen to be well armed, and her deck filled with men. Lieut Watson, therefore, showed his colors. On this the chase ran up the Spanish flag, brailed up her foresail, and commenced firing into the Gallinipper. Lieut. Watson kept away, and ran down upon her weather quarter, in order to board ; the Mosquito attempting to close at the same time. But the pirates, wishing to avoid a close action, and having vessels of good sailing qualities, set all sail, and went off" before the wind, compelling the barges to enter upon a long chase. At length, having run quite in shore, they anchored with springs to their cables, and seemed determined to make an obstinate resistance. As the barges now stood down for them, the pirates fired one of their heavy guns; but, though within close range, no injury was done. They then opened with small-arms, which the barges returned. After a few volleys the order was given to board, and was obeyed with a loud cheer, and the watchword " Huzza for Allen." The pirates did not wait for this hand-to-hand fight, but jumped overboard, and sought to escape by swimming to the shore. The Mosquito now sailed by the schooner, and passed through those that were swimming in the water, shooting many of them as she went by. The Gallinipper also pushed on to cut off their retreat. Some reached the launch, which still kept up her fire. But a volley of musketry soon drove her crew out of her. The men from the barges landed, and, in conrection with the local authorities, killed, wounded, or took prisoners, all who reached the shore. Many were killed in the water. So that the almost total destruction of the crews, of both the schooner and the launch, was effected ; amounting, on the best information that could bo gained, to some seventy or eighty men. What is certainly remarkable, not a person on our part was even wounded. When we consider the great disparity in the number of men, the superiority in the vessel, and all the advantages which existed on the part of the pirates, this must be set down as a very brilliant naval exploit. The schooner was called the Catalina, mounting one long nine-pounder and three sixes. She was commanded by a celebrated pirate named Diabolito, or Little Devil, who was killed in the action. Her career had been short, having been captured from the Spaniards just before, and this being her first piratical cruise. 'The launch, also captured, was about equal to one of the barges. The pirates taken prisoners by the local authorities, were sent to Matanzas ; and five surviving ones, in the hands of LieiH. Watson, were taken to Havana and delivered up, to be punished under Spanish law. In the same month, Lieut. Kearney, commanding the Greyhound, and Lieut. Newton, commanding the Beagle, landed with a force at Cape Cruz, and after a pretty sharp encounter, broke up an establishment of iH' 28 NAVAL HISTORY. [1824. b the pirates, burning several houses, and capturing some ordnance, which was mounted on shore. In the month of August, a malignant fever broke out, and spread greatly among the vessels at Thompson's Island. Its prevalence became alarming. Many died, and Commodore Porter and many of his officers were prostrated by it. It was a very natural result of their exposures and poor accommodations. When information of it reached Washington, Com. Rodgei-s was directed to proceed without delay to the island, taking with him a board of competent surgeons, in order that it might be de- termined, whether from any cause the island itself was imhealthy. In case of a fatal issue of Commodore Porter's attack, Com. Rodgers was to assume the command. In the mean time, however. Com. Porter had determined, for the safety of his men, to come to the northward, and brought most of his squadron home shortly after Commodore Rodgers had sailed for the island. After remaining a sufficient time to obtain the desired benefit of a change of air, he returned with his vessels to his station. During the following year, 1824, piracies were carried on to some ex- tent — committed mainly in small boats, which were concealed in shore, and made short and rapid excursions, as opportunities occurred. In the, early part of the day, merchant ships were very liable to be becalmed, when near the coast of Cuba. Pirates in these boats could at such times issue out, and easily attack them, there being no chance of escape by the use of their sails. The absence of the squadron, during the latter part of the previous year, had tended somewhat to revive the spirit of these mf- fian adventurers. It became quite apparent also that these desperadoes were organized into a secret association, which, in the case of Cuba, ex- tended entirely round the island, and with which Spanish merchants of respectable standing had connections of so intimate a chai-acter, as to make them accessories to all these inhuman crimes. Nor were some agents of the custom service, and other officials of the governments of the islands, too upright and pure to make their share of profit out of this system of plunder. And it certainly wore an air of suspicion, that the Spanish authorities, when too feeble themselves to destroy the pirates on land, would not accord, to the American forces, the privilege of pursuit into their territories. A continued grievance also existed in the fact, that the actual outrages of piracy were constantly committed by vessels, bearing commissions as pri- vateers from the Spanish authorities of Porto Rico. The little American squadron, therefore, had all these difficulties to contend against, superadded to the physical hardships of the service. The actual force of this squadron should also be borne in mind, for that portion specially directed io this one object did not much exceed in guns and men, the force of a first class frigate. Some few captures were made during this year. Lieut. Commandant Skinner, of the Porpoise, captured a schooner, the crew of which escaped to the shore. Lieut. Comd't Paine, of the Terrier, recaptured ^* French ship from the pirates, and chased the latter, but they jumped from their boat and swam to the shore. In the latter part of October, Lieut. Piatt, commanding the Beagle, was informed of the robbery of an American mercantile house in St. 1 f I 1824.J NAVAL HISTORY f» Thomas. There was satisfactory evidence that the goods had beea carried by the pirates into a small port on the east end of Porto Rico, called Foxardo. There had long been a good understanding with the pirates on the part of the inhabitants, if not of the local government of this town. Lieut. Piatt readily agreed to afford his aid in recoveiing the property. He set sail immediately, and anchored in the harbor of J'oxardo. He then waited upon the proper civil officers, who treated him roughly, demanded his commission, which, when sent for, they pronounced a forgery ; charged him with being a pirate, and finally arrested him, and Lieut. Ritchie, who was with him, and detained them under guard during the day. After various insults on the part of the officials and the inhab- itants, they were permitted to return to their vessel. As the Beagle was running off the coast, she met the John Adams standing in. Lieut. Piatt went on board, and reported the treatment he had received, to Cora. Porter. The decision of the latter was soon formed : he deemed this an insult to the flag of his country, which nmst be atoned for. The John Adams, drawing too much water to enter the bay, was ordered to a safe anchorage. The Commodore then took the Beagle and Grampus, with the boats of the John Adams, containing a part of her crew and officers under Captain Dallas, her commander, and proceeded toward Foxardo. He addressed a letter, dated November 12th, to the alcalde of the place, reciting the facts of the injury, demanding explanation and atonement, and threatening in case of refusal to make the town responsible. He gave one hour for a decision. This letter, on landing, was sent by a lieutenant with a flag of truce. Previous to this, as the vessels were coming to anchor, it was perceived that preparations were making in a shore battery to fire upon them. A boat was immediately sent with a detachment of seamen and marines, who took the battery and spiked the £^ jns, the Spaniards fleeing without an attempt at defence. Commodore Porter now landed with two hundred men, who were formed in marching Older, and moved toward the town. A battery of two guns, which raked the road in a very commanding position, was also deserted, and the guns were spiked by our men. In half an hour the town was reached, and was found prepared to make a defence. The party halted to await the return of the white flag. The authorities concluded to endure the humiliation of an explanation, rather than the evils of a contest. The alcalde and the captain of the port appeared, and in the most humble manner apologized to Lieut. Piatt pei-sonally. They expressed great penitence for the wrong they had done, and promised thereafter to respect most carefully the rights of American officers. This apology was accepted, and after marching through the town the party returned to their vessels. Com. Porter's dispatch, giving an account of this affair, produced an immediate order, dated 27th December, for his return home. The gov- ernment deemed that he had overstepped the limits of his powei's, and so also did the court-martial which was appointed for his tiial. He offered a defence based on three grounds — the law of nations, American prece- dents, and the ordera of the department. He was, however, sentenced to be suspended from the service for six months ; and the President approved the sentence. This result so deeply affected the feelings of Com, Porter, i; s(f NAVAL HISTORY. [1825. that he resigned, and entered into the Mexican service, where he received the appointment of commander-in-chief of the naval forces, with a salary of twenty-five thousand dollars a year.* Captain Lewis Warrington was appointed to succeed Com. Porter in his command. The vessels employed in the West Indies during the year 1826, were the Constellation, John Adams, Hornet, Spark, Grampus, Shark, Fox, the Steam Galliot Sea Gull, the store-ship Decoy and the barges. The schooner Feiret was upset in a squall, on the 4th of February, 1825, off the coast of Cuba, and five of her crew were lost. The vessel sunk soon after the survivors were rescued by the Sea Gull and the Jackall. -i ; •. The same system of marine police, which had been established by Com. Porter, was still maintained by his successor, the vessels being con- stantly occupied in watching the coasts, and afibrding convoy to merchant- men. As it became now a settled purpose with our government to maintain an efficient force in these seas so long as the danger existed, the depredations and cruelties of the pirates gradually diminished, as they doubtless found that their business was growing more hazardous and less profitable. Consequently, but few captures were reported during this year. In the month of March, a piratical sloop appearing in the neighborhood of the island of St. Thomas, Lieut Sloat, commai^ding the Grampus, cruising in that quarter, fitted out a trading sloop with two lieutenants and twenty-three men, and dispatched her in pursuit The pirate, unsus- picious of the character of the sloop, came alongside, and at half musket shot commenced firing. Having thus drawn the other into the snare, the sloop now opened a warm and unexpected fire. The action continued about forty-five minutes, when the pirates as u^ual ran their vessel on shore, and took to the land. Two of them were killed, and ten were taken prisoners, after landing, by Spanish soldiei-s. It was a subject of special satisfaction that among the prisoners was a celebrated chief Colfrecinas, who had for years been the terror of the vicinity. They were all exe- cuted by the government of Porto Rico. In the month of March, Lieut. McKeever, commanding the Sea Gull, accompanied by the barge Gallinipper, started on a cruise. Falling in with the English frigate Dartmouth, and two English armed -schoonera, he entered into an arrangement for cooperation with the boats of the frigate, on condition that he should command the party. On the after- noon of the 25th, in approaching a key, which they suspected of being a rendezvous of pirates, they discovered the masts of a vessel concealed in the bushes. When hailed she hoisted Spanish a>lors, and ordered the boats to keep oflj at the same time training her guns upon them, and making some inefiectual attempts to fire. Part of the force was now > He remained in the service of Mexico until 1829, when he returned to bis native country, and was appointed by President Jackson, consul-general to Algiers. This post he occupied till the Frciicli conquest of Algiers, when he wre transferred to Constantinople in the capacity of Charge d'aflPaires. He afterward came to this country on a visit, and returned accredited to the Porte as a ftill minister. He proved a very capable and worthy representative of his country, •nd rendered her valuable services in the negotiation of important treaties with the Sultan. His health, however, gradually failed, and he died at Tera, a suburb of Constantinople, on the 3Sth of March, 1843, at the age nf si.xty-three. His body was brought home and interred in tb« ground* of the Naval Asylum near Philadelphia. 1826-31.] NAVAL HISTORY. 51 landed, wliilo one boat kept on, to board. The commander was ordered to come on shore, which he did after much hesitation, but then attempted to run away. The cutter, in the mean time, boarding, and resistance being made, a general firing ensued both on board and on shore. The pirates were finally subdued, with a loss on their part of eight killed and nine- teen taken prisoners. Several escaped by taking to the bushes. The schooner mounted two sixes on pivots, and four large swivels, besides arms for thirty-five men. She pretended to carry Spanish papera, but they were evidently false. Cases of American goods were also found, not only in the vessel, but also concealed in the bushes on shore. The next day they chased a schooner-rigged boat, which was deserted by the crew when they found they could not escape. Cora. Warrington, in discharging the duties of this command, gained a well-deserved reputation aa a vigilant, active and zealous officer. More- over he was fully successful in accomplishing the object so long desired, the freedom of the seas from the dangerous presence of these lawless and inhuman rovers. In his message of December, 1826, the President was able to report to Congress, that piratical practices had been totally sup- pressed. At the same time the secretary of the navy says in his report: " The view of our interests in the West Indies, so far as they are con- nected with the services of the navy, is more gratifying than at any time during the last four years." It was of course still necessary, during several years, to keep a squadron in these waters, until the permanent conviction that the United States were determined to protect their commerce effectually, was so thoroughly impressed upon this unprincipled and reckless class of men, that they abandoned all hope of a revival of their outlawed trade. In late years this region has become entirely freed from this source of annoyance and danger, and its maritime interests have been under the supervision of the home squadron. , " , ..... .^ CHAPTER III. Potomac under Com. Downes ordered to the East Indies— Attack of Malays on the crcvr of the ship Friendship — Potomac arrives at Quallah Uuttoo — Landing of the forces and attack upontho town under Lieut. Shubrick — Sharp encounters at the several forts— Malays defeated and pun- ished—Death of Com. Bainbridge— Deaths of several of tlie older Commodores. The frigate Potomac 44, was selected, in 1831, to be the flag-ship of the Pacific squadron, and was placed under the command of Commodore John Downes. It was originally intended that she should convey the Hon. Martin Van Buren, lately appointed minister to the court of St. James, to England, and then proceed by way of Cape Horn to her sta- tion. But intelligence of events in the East Indies, received at this time, altered the plan, and hastened her departure in a more direct course toward that part of the Pacific. The events which caused this change were these. The ship Friendship, Captain Endicott, of Salem, Mass., was lying, on the 7th of February, 1831, in the harbor of Quallah Battoo, f! I 32 NAVAL HISTORY. [1831. on the western coast of the island of Sumatra. Her officers and crew were engaged in taking on board a cargo of pepper. The pepper was purchased of the Malays, there being large plantations in the neighbor- hood devoted to its cultivation ; it was weighed on shore, and then carried off to the ship in her own boats rowed by natives hired for the occasion. On the morning of the day mentioned. Captain Endicott, his second mate, and four seamen were on shore as usual, attending to or watching the part of the business transacted there. The depot was situated a short distance up a river which ran through the town and emptied into the harbor. One boat received its load and was rowed to the mouth of the river, where it stopped, and, as the captain supposed, received some more natives on board ; but in reality the crew was changed, a body of armed men, double the number of the iortner crew, taking their place. This attracted the notice, but did not awaken the feara of the party on shore, and two of them were directed to watch. The boat proceeded alongside the ship, and commenced unloading. As more were in the boat than were necessary for this purpose, the larger part went on board the ship. The mate ordered them back, but they lingered, and as he was attending to the reception of the pepper, they suddenly approached him from be- hind, stabbed him in the back and soon dispatched him. They also killed two seamen and wounded three others. Four seamen jumped overboard and succeeded in reaching the shore, though they swam two miles before they could safely land, as the M.^lays lined the beach. The ship was now in the possession of the treacherous and murderous assail- ants, and many more began to push oflF in boats to join them. In the mean time, the party on shore perceived that there was trouble on board the vessel, and were able to step into their other boat and push out into the river, just in time to save their lives from an assault of the natives, who were exulting with delight, as they saw the signals of capture flying on board the ship. As they shoved oftj Po Adam, a Malay Rajah, who was peculiarly favorable to the Americans, sprang into the boat and went with them. The captain said, "What, you come too, Adam?" " Yes," he replied ; " if they kill you, they must kill me first, captain." They were intercepted by a boat at the mouth of the river, but the mate, brandishing the cutlass of Po Adam, the only weapon indeed they had, kept the enemy at bay, so that they passed out uninjured. Seeing such numbers of Malays on board, Captain Endicott concluded that any attempt to retake the ship would be but destruction to them- selves, and therefore steered for Muckie, a place twenty miles to the south, to obtain assistance. After a hard row they reached this place in the night, and found there one ship and two brigs, all American, the captaiiu of which resolved to undertake the recapture of the Friendship. They proceeded to Quallah Battoo, and sent a demand to the principal Rajah for the restoration of the vessel. He refused to give her up, and taunt- ingly sent them word to take her " if tliey could." The Malays, in their at- tempts to get her to the shore, had r a her upon a reef. The three vessels ranged as near as possible, and opened a fire upon her. This was returned both from the ship, and from the forts on shore. Finding the fire was ineffective, the Americans now manned their boats, and pulled toward the ship, with the intention of boarding. This the Malays did not care to 1832.] NAVAL HISTORY. 33 wait for, but threw themselves into the water and made for shore. Cap- tain Endicott was again master of his ship, but she had been com- pletely rifled of all valuables. Twelve thousand dollars in specie waa stolen, and other property to a large amount, and as the voyage was abandoned, the entire loss to the owners was some forty thousand dollars. This account plainly discloses distinct evidences of a concealed plan on the part of the Rajahs and people to become possessed of this ship. These evidences need not be recapitulated. When the Friendship arrived home, her owners laid a statement of these facts before the government, and in view of the interests of commerce, it was deemed exceedingly important that a vessel of war should show itself in these seas, and obtain redress for this special and aggravated wrong. Commodore Downes was instructed to this effect. The Potomac sailed from New York on the 2l8t of August, 1831, having a complement, of all ranks, of five hundred men. She touched at the Cape of Good Hope, in search of information. No very certain or extensive knowledge could be obtained respecting the place or people, to whom this first visit of an American national ship was to be made. Not even a full and reliable chart of the coast could be obtained. The place, named Quallah Battoo, is situated, as has been already stated, on the western shore of the island of Sumatra. It lies entirely open to the sea. The navigation in the vicinity is exceedingly difficult and danger- ous; reefs and shoals lining the shore. The town, including the neighbor- ing pepper plantations, and thus embracing those who may be regarded as under one government, may have had a population of four thousand souls. It is almost perfectly concealed in a thick growth of timber and jungle. Several small forts, mounted with three or four guns each, constitute its defences ; which, indeed, are quite effectual against the attacks of neighbor- ing tribes. The Quallah Battooans forn independent community, owing no particular allegiance to any power. They pay some tribute to the King of Acheen, but he does not hold himself responsible for any of their acts. They are divided into various clans, at the head of each of which is a Rajah or chief. They are a treacherous race, acknowledging none of the laws that govern civilized nations, and in fact cannot be considered, in the light of justice and morality, as any better than pirates. They are of a warlike disposition, and in respect to courage and military skill, are by no means to be despised. On the 5th of February, 1832, the Potomac arrived on the coast of Su- matra. Commodore Downes disguised the frigate as a merchantman, and then stood in and anchored about three miles from the town. Several otHcers, dressed as citizens and sailors, rowed toward the shore in a small boat, with the intention of landing, and gaining some idea of the localities. But the Malays evidently had their suspicions aroused, and manifested such signs of hostility, that it was not deemed prudent to attempt to land. Com. Downes being convinced that any mere verbal demand for satisfac- tion would be entirely useless, and only give time for the Malays to pre- pare better for their defence, determined to make an attack as soon as possible, in hopes of taking them by surprise, and securing the persons of some of the Rajahs; holding whom aa hostages, he might gain higher m i m .t^::ll :!iiii' 34 NAVAL HISTORY. [1883. i' terms of sutisfaction. Preparations to land tho sntno night were therefore made. Two hundred and fifty seamen and ninrinos wore detailed for the duty, with proper division officei-s, and the whole phiuod under the com- mand of Irvine Shubrick, tlie first lieutenant of the Hhip. Mr. Barry, who was the second mate of the Friendship at the time of the massacre, had come out as master's mate in the Potomac, in order that he might render service as a guide. Ho had a general knowledge of the position of the forts, and rendered invaluable aid in dii'ooting the attacking parties. At a sufficient time before daylight to be unobserved, tho boats were hoisted out, and the men stowed away in thoin; when they quietly and swiftly pulled toward shore. They went in through a heavy surf, but were all safely landed, and in fifteen minutes wore formed in their line of march. Lieut. Edson led the van with tho marines. The first divis- ion of the seamen was commanded by Lieut. Pinkham, the second by Lieut. Hoff, and the third by Lieut. Ingersoll. A six-pounder followed under the charge of sailing-master Totten. Tho boats wore directed to keep company just outside the surf. When the dny dawned, the inarch commenced along the beach. The Malays were anticipating an attack, for their scouts wore seen. Lieut. Hoff was ordered to surround the firat fort, which was the most northern one. He left the main body with his division, and soon came to the outworks, consisting ^f a strong stockade of tinibor. Within this there was still a citadel, armed with small cannon. No time was afforded for parley and conciliation, for, as soon as the division approached, tho Malays commenced the action by a sharp fire from all urni.s. They fought with great bravery and steadiness, and wore found to bo no mean advei-saries. Lieut. Hoff succeeded in breaking through tho gateway of the stockade, but the Malays still stood the attack for two hours, within their citadel. Finding it impossible to dislodge them by a distant firo, preparations were made to take the citadel by storm. It was nocosmiry to tear up some of the palisades and to form a bridge of them, over which the eager seamen rushed, carrying the work which had go long held them in check, by an assault, which the Malays could not withstand, Thoy lied, leaving twelve dead, but carrying their wounded with thorn. Lieut. Edson, with his marines, attacked the next fort situated in the rear of tho town. The Malays behaved with tho same spirit here. But they could not face the marines, as with steady discipline they stormed the fort, and foi'ced their way into it. The contest was not continued so long here as at the first fort. • Mr. Barry was unable to find the othor fort in tho rear of the town, so thoroughly was it concealed in the trees; so that Liout. Pinkham, who had been sent against it with tho first division, lod his men througli the town, and rejoined Lieut. Shubrick. Tho latter had already commenced his attack, with the third division under Lieut. Jngoi-soll, aided by the six-pounder, upon the principal fort, situated at the southern point of the town, and quite near the beach. Hero the fight was long and gallantly maintained on both sides. The six-poundor was brought up, and being managed with admirable precision and skill by Mr. Totten, did great ex- ecution. The gate of the outer defences was soon forced, and the men [1883. ire therefore liled for the er the com- Mr. Barry, lie tnasaacre, at he mi^ht the position le attacking 3 boats were ' quietly and avy surf, but in their line he first divis- lie socond by nder followed [•0 directed to I beach. The seen. Lieut, most northern I came to the thin this there ts attbrded for ed, the Malays )y fought with inn advei-saries. f the stockade, n their citadel, jarations were \r up some of J eager seamen n check, by an oaving twelve situated in the irit here. But they stormed ot continued so ar of the town, Pinkham, who en through the dy commenced , aided by the jrn point of the and gallantly up, and being n, did great ex- d, and the men 1832.] NAVAL HISTORY. 85 rushed in without reluctance, anxious to come to closer quarters with their foes. But the severest part of their wc et remained to be done. T h« stronghold, consisting of an elevated platto. m mounted with several oannon, still held out, and our men had to stand the fire from it without protection. The ladder to the platform bad of course been removed, and in the at- tempt to climb up to it one of the seamen was killed and several wen> wounded. At this critical moment Lieutenants Hoff and Kdson, liaving secured their victories, came up with detachments from their divisions, and took a position between the fort and the wattir, from which they poured in a very effective cross fire. The men in the boata were also near enough to make their fire felt in the contest. The battle now ramjd against the devoted Malays with exterminating severity. Although thus closely invested, and numbers falling under so well conducted a firo, they yet fought with desperation ; and it was not till almost all were killed, that their position could be carried. Their guns were then spiked and dismounted. There was still another large fort upon the opposite side of the river. It had kept up an annoying fire upon our troops from a twelve-iMnmder, during the attack upon the last fort. But it wiis found impracticable to ford tlio river, and it was not prudent to bring the boats around into it, Bo that an attack upon this one was relinquished. The town was now fired and much of it was reduced to aslios. Tho fort which Lieut. Pinkham's division was unable to find, now revealed its position by opening its fire. A detachment was ordered to captuixj it- The Malays as usual fought fiercely. But success had animated tho Americans with even unwonted zeal and impetuosity, and after a short conflict they carried this work by assault. The Malays surtored greatly at this point also. Those able to flee escaped through secrut pjxssagea in the jungle, into which it was worse than useless to follow thom. The action had now continued about two hours and a half, and with success on our part at every point attacked. The surf began to increase so much as to rer ier it unsafe for the boats to remain lonijer near tho shore. Large numbers of Malays also began to collect in tho rear of tho town, and the officer in conmiand wisely judged that further injury oven to the enemy could not be necessary after the severe retaliatory measures just inflicted. The order was therefore given to re-embark, and soon tlio victorious troops were again on board of the frigate. This success was pur» chased at some cost to our own brave men, though it was comparativoly small. Two men were killed ; two officers and nine men were wounded* The loss of the enemy must have been very severe; for it was knowa that at least one hundred and fifty were killed. Among those killod was the Rajah who was principally concerned in the capture and pluiulor of the Friendship. Com. Downes in his report of tho affair, romiu'ks: "Lieut. Shubrick has my warmest acknowledgement for the ablo and gallant manner in which he conducted the expedition." In his report to Commodore Downes, Lieut. Shubrick says: "The lieutenants, com- manding the different divii^ions, have reported to me the entire satisfaction they derived from the coolness and bravery of the officers and men under their particular commands." The next morning the Potomac stood in, and anchored within a mil© 36 NAVAL HISTORY. [1883. ii r I i'i $ of the town, bringinjr her broadalde to bear upon it. The Malays thought, or pretended to think, that the /raericans had no ships of war, or *' ships with big guns," inasmuch as none had ever appeared off their coast. Commodore Downes thought it would be an impressive lesson for them to iearn, from their own observation, the power of heavy guns. He con- sequently opened a fire with thirtv-two pound shot upon the fort on the other side of the river, which had been so troublesome the day before. As the shot began to plough their way through the wooden structure^ the Malays, abundantly convinced, fled from its slender protection. After cutting up the fort very severely, seeing white flags raised in various places, the Commodore ordered hostilities to cease. A white flag shortly came oft' to the ship, accompanied by several of the inhabitants, who expressed the greatest penitence for their misdeeds, sued most humbly for peace, and begged especially that no more " big guns " should be fired. Com. Downes, through an interpreter, addressed them respecting their conduct in the case of the Friendship, set forth its enormity, cautioned them as to their future treatment o'' Americans, and threatened Ihera with the power of l.Is country ;i!ionld they again manifest similar treachery and barbarity. The Potomac then proceeded by the way of China to her station in the Pacific. After a full account, and a particular explanation of the causes which induced him to retaliate by force without any previous demand for satisfaction upon the Rajahs of Quallah Battoo, the course of Com. Downes met the approval of the government. In 1833, the navy was called upon to mourn the death of one of its long distinguished crntains ; one of that number whose personal fame appears identified with < j..- fan' . of the service itself. On the 26th of July in this year, Com, William Bainbridge expired in the city of Philadelphia, in the sixtieth year of Iiis age. He entered the navy in 1798, his com- mission as A lieutenant being offered him by the secretary without any solicitation on his part. His career has been traced in the preceding his- tory up to the time of his return from the Mediterranean in 1815. For several years, after this he remained in command of the Boston station, being permitted also to retain on board of his favorite ship, the Independ- ence, a full complement of officers and about two-thirds of a crew. In November, 1819, he was ordered to the new line-of-battle ship Columbus, and again sent out as the commander-in-chief of the Mediterranean squadron. He returned from this, his last cruise, in the summer of 1821. He was subsequently appointed to the command of the Philadelphia station, then to the Boston station, and then for three years was president of the Navy Board. He afterward returned to the Philadelpliia station, but in 1832, was again placed in command at Boston, where, however, he remained but a short time, as the climate seriously affected his now declining health. He therefore returned to his family in Philadelphia, where he reoiained until his death. About two hours before he died, his mind began to wander, and he called for his sword and pistols, which not being attended to, he raised himself partially in bed, and de- manded these instruments with great vehemence, and ordered that all hands should be called to board the enemy ! Though not in the order of time, we will here mention the dates of the 1833.] NAVAL II8TORY uo -^n ■<.v. deaths of the older and more prominent cnptaina, who hft e b mentioned in the main history.* Com. John Shaw died in Philadelnhia on the IV -'ii, 1823, nt the age^pf fifty. He returned from the connnaua the , ifii- terranean squadron in 1817, and afterward commanded at the Boston and Charleston stations. Com. John Rodgers after the close of the war with Great Britain, served as president of the Board of Naval Commissioners for twenty-one yeara, with but an interval of two years, when ho was in command of the Mediterranean squadron, in the North Carolina 74. Ho died at Philadelphia on the 1st of Angust, 1838, aged sixty-seven years. Com. Isaac Hull was employed at various stations on shore and also on the Navy Board. He wore a broad pennant in the Pacific, and after- ward in the Mediterranean on board tho Ohio 74. His death occurred in Philadelphia, on tho 13th of February, 1843, in his sixty-eighth year. Com. Jacob Jones commanded in 1821 in the Mediterranean, and in 1820 in the Pacific. Ho was also a navy commissioner, and commanded at various navy-yards. He died at Philadelphia on the 3d of Augiist, 1850, in the eighty-second year of his age, being at the time the gover- nor of the Naval Asylum. Com. Isaac Chauncey succeeded Bainbridge, in 1816, in the command of the Mediterranean squadron. He was never at sea again, but per- formed the usual shore service, and while president of the Navy Board, died on the 27th of January, 1840. Com. Jesse D. Elliot was employed in quite constant sea-service after the close of the British war. He commanded the Ontario in Decatur's squadron in the war against Algiei-s, and was successively on the Brazil station, and in command of the West India and of the Mediten-anean squadrons. On charges in connection Avith this last command, he was sentenced to a suspension of four years, but was restored before the ex- piration of the time. He died in command of the Philadelphia navy- yard, on the 10th of December, 1845, aged fifty-six years. Cora. Melancthon T. Woolsey, who performed such good service ou the lakes, hoisted a broad pennant on the Brazil station, toward the close of his life, and died soon .?fter his return, in 1838, he being about fifty-six years of age. Com. Lewit Warrington was the successor of Com. Porter in the com- mand of the naval force assembled in the West Indies for tho suppression of piracy. He was for some time j)residenl of the Board of Navy Com- missioners, and at the time of his death, was chief of the Bureau of Ord- nance and Hydrography. He died at Washington on the 12th of October, 1851. Com. Thomas M'Donougli earned iiis laurels early. After his great battle on Lake Champlain, he was continued in active duty; but his career was not a long one. He died on the 10th of November, 1825, at sea, when about ten days from Gibraltar, being on his return from the command of the Mediterranean squadron. He was about forty-two years of age at the time of his death. • BiographieB of several of those whose decease is here mentioned, will be found fh Coopsr's LiVKB OP Naval Officers, which includes Dainbridge, Sliaw, Preble, Sfaubrick, Somers, Pau) Jones, Woolsey, Perry, Dale, Barry, and a history of " Old Ironsides." k. 38 NAVAL IIISTORV. [isn.i. Corn. Jhtiios Bitldle, it will Iw romomboi'pd, o()nimftnein^ in any coinnmncl at the tinio, but having recently returned tVotn the command uf the East India *^iiud- ron and on the Pacific Htation. Com. James iJarron never was Hont to sea by tlio f^fovemment after liii unfortunato affair ill the Chertapeako. lUn Hii.spension lasted ll\») yeai?*, and at different times ho was in command at Philadelphia and Norfolk, When too infirm for active service, he retired to the latter place to lewdc, and died there in 1851, at the advanced aije of oighty-threo years, lie held a commission as ])ost-ca|)tain since 1 700, and Leaded the list of captains at the time of his death. CHAPTER IV. United Statos Explorlnir Expedition— Mcut. Wilkes nppolntiMl to the commAtul— flnlli In AnfiMt, isas— I'roKrpsii to Oapu llorn— First AiltarL'tic criiUo— Loss oj'tlio Si-u (iull— I'ldtfi-pss to S,*! ney— SfL-riml Aiitnrt'tic crtiUe— Peril* anil p»cttj»e»— IVat'ock ainoiiK tlio ice— Kvlurn to ilia northwiiril— F,\tcnslv>9 expluratlons iinioiii; ilio Suutli Seu islands — Attack upon Sunlit)— Mur- der of Mciit. Underwood and Midshipman Henry— Soreri) punishment ol'the natives- Arrival at til'.' Sandwlrli Islands— CrulslnKS anionjf various island ((roups— Arrival ond aurvey* upon the north-west const- Cruise of the Peacock— Her wreck ut the Columbia river— Hoturn of the vessels ncrosH tlio Pttciilo— Itundezvuus ut Singapore- Course homeward — Mutiny on bixtrd U. 8. brig Sumers. The entire liistory of the peo])le of the United States evinces their pe- culiar aptitude for maritime piirnuits. The enterprise of no other nation, ancient or modern, luis so rapidly given existence to so vast n comnierco. During the state of colonial dependence, and in the very infancy of national independence, the genius of the nation took this direction so readily, as to give promise of some future unwonted development. That promise has been abundantly ledeemed. Every sea has curled its foam, in token of subjection, under the conquering ])row of the American merchantmen. Yet the nation liad lived a half century in the power and prosperity of its sej)arato existence, and had taken rank beyond dis- pute beside the first maritime power of the world, before the govornniont made any attempts to investigate the many obscure points, and the many unknown portions of that great element of the earth, upon which was risked so large a jiroportion of the wealth of its subjects. It was natural that even for so long a period, it should modestly lenvo these undertakings to such older nations as could command the leisnre, the wealth, and the science necessary, while it could but encourage ita seamen in the practical task of availing themselves of the labors of ex- perienced and scientific navigators. Still it must certainly be perceived, that bare justice to so important a branch of national industry, as well as a noble spirit of emulation in the career of scientific discovery, would at some period demand that a government, representing so much mental vigor and physical greatness in the people, should perform some generouu and etiicient service in the cause of nautical exploration. Such consider- atioDB have prevailed, and such a demand has been responded to on tho (1833. 1838.1 NAVAL HISTORY. 89 (1 n nnvnl forco jtobor, 184H, ul ul at tilt) tiiDo, wt Ittdiu *imul- rnment nflor \m wtcil thn yi'iirs, lin niul Norfolk, r pldce to ie»iilt«, hieo yosus. H«> ivdod the list of nnnd— Si»lli In AnRiwt, dull— rioitrpHH 1(1 S*l lio ke— ftetuni to tli* ick uiioii 8ui\llb~Mur« of the native*— Arrlvul •Ivul nntJ iurvey* iipon nbia river— Hotuvii of *ard— Mutiny on board , evinces tlieir pe- f no other nation, vast a commerco. very infancy of this direction so I'elopment. TliiU 19 CTirlod its foam, of the Ainorioan ury in the I'ower rank beyond dis- •e the govornniont nts, and the many 1, upon which was ;8. )ld modestly leave raand the leisure, but encourage its : the labors of ex- linly be perceived, ndustry, as well as iscovery, would at 80 much mental l)rm some generous I. Such consider- sponded to on tha part of the (government. As the officers, seamen, and ves«olfl of tlie navy were employed in this expedition, it comes properly within the si-opo and intention of this work, to give n succinct account of itit courmi and its rudiillM. Congress, by a law of the 18th of May, 18.10, authorized the equip- ment ami employment of a portion of the national marine, for the pur- pose of exploring thoHe seas in which the wluiU-fiHliories, as well as other branches of commercial enterpriHe, were pursuiul. The ajjpropriations of money were liberal, and the expenditures for the numerous items of outfit, nt'cessary for so unusual a voyage, were made on the moHt lavish Kcale. Hut for various reasons, which need not hero bo set forth or dis- cussed, the organization and departure of the expedition were delayed from montli to month, until, indeed, years began to settle upon the .'ibortive plan, and the very mention of its ambitious title wouM provoke ridicule. Dillerent otficers, appointed to the command, succesMively re- signed, and finally all but one of the vessels of the number originally selected were changed. This state of things continu gc^'''^gy» mineralogy and botany, with artists and a liorticulturist, will accompany the expedition, and are placed under your direction. The hydrography and geography of the various seas and countries you may visit in the route pointed out to you, will occupy your special attention; .;nd all the researches connected with them, as well as Avith astronomy, terrestrial magnetism, and meteorology, are confided exclusively to the oflicers of the navy, on whose zeal and talents the department confidently relies for such results as will enable future navigato's to pass over the track traversed by your vessels, without fear and w out danger." The track marked out in the instructions re((uir. a circumnavigation of the globe, with a divergence quite toward the southern pole, and so far toward the north as the western possessions of the United States ex- tended, with frequent crossings of the Pacific Ocean and extensive cruisings among its countless islands. This course it will be seen was very fully and faithfully pursued through a space of three years and ten months. The vessels composing the squadron were, the sloop of war Vincennes, 40 NAVAL HISTORY. [1838. I- Lieutentint Wilkes, commanding the expedition ; the sloop of war Pea- cock, William L. Hudson, Lieutenant commanding; the brig of war Povpoise, Cadwalader Ringgold, Lieutenant commanding; store-ship Relief, A. K. Long, Lieutenant commanding; tenders Sea Gull and Flying Fish, commanded by Passed-midshipmen Reid and Knox. The tendeis were originally New York pilot boats, purchased and altered for this service. The officers throughout were volunteers. The larger j)ortion of the summer was consumed in the necessary preparations, and even then the outfit was by no means complete. On the 8th of August, 1838, the vessels dropped down to Hampton Roads, and on the 1 9th of the same month they put to sea. In the body of this work many instances are cited to enforce tho nautical principle of the necessity of an approximate equality in the sailing capacity of the several vessels of a squadron amid actual hostilities; as the most unprofessional must perceive that the fastest sailing vessels must, for concert of action, conform their progress to the attainments of the dullest sailer. This expedition, which, from the nature of its objects, required a precision and an attainable harmony in the movement of all its members upon a given point, was embarrassed by a violation of the same valuable principle. The store-ship Relief was soon fownd to be a dull sailer, and incapable of acting with the rest of the squadron ; she was therefore ordered to proceed alone to Rio Janeiro. Subsequently she proved so much of a hindrance, that from Callao she was dispatched home, leaving her sup- plies at the Sandwich Islands and Sidney, and so no longer formed a part of the expedition. The squadron first sailed for Madeira, stopping there a week; then it took a southerly course, touched at the Cape de Verde Islands, and ar- rived at Rio on the 24th of November. In passing over portions of tlie ocean where shoals or reefs were supposed to exist, the vessels sailed io open order, from three to five miles apart ; thus giving the opportunity of examining carefully a space of about twenty miles in breadth, and afl;brdiiig means of fully determining many obscure points in hydro- graphy. This course, pursued in all similar cases, gave many valuable results, and furnished reliable data for the science of navigation. After certain observations, surveys, and repairs, on the 6th of January, they left Rio; stopped at the Rio Negro, 41° south latitude, for the purpose of ascertaining the resources of the country, and the inducements it offered for trade; doubled Cape Horn on the 16th of February, and shortly after entered Orange Harbor, which had been appointed as tho place of rendezvous. From this point was made the first attempt at Antarctic discovery. For this purpose it was advisable not to proceed in squadron. The Vin- cennes was left anchored in Orange Harbor; her oflicers employed in making surveys and recording observations. Lieut. Com. Wilkes went on board the Porpoise, and taking the Sea Gull with him, proceeded toward the South. He penetrated as far in that direction as the season would permit. The weather becoming very unpropitious, the vessels being constantly exposed amid fogs and icebergs, and the equipments of the crew proving insufficient for such severe navigation, he was unable to 1839. NAVAL HISTORY. 41 prosecute the work of discovery to any great extent. Ho coasted alonjr Palmer's Land and observed its course, but could not reach a high south- ern latitude. Here they gained their first experience of the exciting grandeur presented in the severer forms of nature in the polar regions. Both vessels returned safely to Orange Harbor about the close of Alarch. The Peacock, accompanied by the Flying Fish, L-ore off in a south- westerly direction. They soon separated in a gale. They cruised, how- ever, mainly in the same direction, their object being to attain if possible the ne plus ultra of Captain Cook, and to observe the changes wbich might have occurred in the appearance of the ice since his time. The Flying Fish did reach within sixty railes of the desired point, and it seemed at one time that she would penetrate beyond; but the fickle weather, and the ever shifting islands of ice soon disappointed that hope. At times the ice fields closed around her, as if decreeing her destruction, but bold and skillful seamanship accomplished her deliverance. The Peacock was often exposed to like dangers, and her escapes were alike wonderful. Finding the season too fiir advanced for useful or safe navi- gation, and the crews suffering severely from the unsuitable character of the vessels for such service, they both turned northward. On the 25th of March, to their mutual joy, they fell in with each other, and sailed together until the first of April, when the Peacock bore up for Valparaiso, and the tender made her way to Orange Harbor. The Relief, in the mean time, taking on board the most of the scien- tific gentlemen, proceetled toward the Straits of Magellan, in order to gain information respecting the country. But having consumed much time on the passage, and having lost her anchors while endeavoring to ride out a sevei-e and long gale at Noir Island, which accident came very near causing the wreck of the vessel on a reef toward which she drifted, it was concluded at a council of officers, to steer directly for Valparaiso. Thus the object of her detachment was entirely frustrated. In the lat- ter pait of May the Vincennes, Peacock, Porpoise and Flying Fish were together in the harbor of Valparaiso. Here they waited in vain for the arrival of the Sea Gull. This valuable httle schooner had sailed with her consort, the Flying Fish, from Oiange Harbor. A severe gale came upon them the first night they were out, when they lost sight of each other. The latter vessel regained the Harbor, and rode out the gale safely. But no account has ever been received of her companion. It is probable she was lost in the gale. Passed-midshipraen J. W. E. Reid, and F. A. Bacon, with a crew of fifteen men, were lost by this disaster. These ofticers had won excellent characters in the service, and their untimely end could not but cause sadness among their companions in adventure and danger. The squadron next stopped at Callao. Both in Chili and Peru, the officers and scientific corps were active in gaining valuable information in the various departments to which they were devoted. But our limits will allow us to give only an outline sketch of even the strictly maritime labors and results of the expedition. In accoidance with instructions, they now stretched in a due westerly course across the Pacific, leaving Callao on the 12th of July. They examined various island groups lying in their course, verified some doubtful points in hydrography, added largely to their scientific accumulations, and 42 NAVAL HISTORY. [1840. arrived at Sidney, New South Wales, on the 28th of November. The commander speaks warmly of the courtesy with which they were re- ceived and entertained during their stay, by the English authorities and residents. Preparations were now made for another and more extensive cruise in the polar seas. After all that could be done in the form of repairs, it was still apparent that the vessels were but imperfectly fitted for the trying ordeal before them. The Peacock, indeed, was in such a condition, that it was involving considerable risk to take her on so perilous a voyage. But the reputation of the expedition and the honor of the nation were deeply involved in the venture, and properly proved preponderating motives, for persistence through painful uncertainties. It was wisely determined that the members of the scientific corps should pursue their researches through the wide field opened to them in New Holland and New Zealand, during the absence of the vessels. On the 26th of December, the expedition once more turned toward the extreme south which forbids man's approach by the savage frown of nature and the gloomy reign of death, while enticing him by the chances of discovery and renown amid her unknown wonders. Considerations relating to the safety of the vessels, the saving of time, and the awakening of a more active and promising spirit of emulation, induced Lieutenant Coin. Wilkes to direct each vessel to act independently of her consorts, when arrived in the region of the designed explorations. The Flying Fish consequently parted from the squadron on the 2d, and the Peacock on the 3d of January. The Vinceimes and the Porpoise remained in company until the 12th. The day previous, they came in sight of the solid barrier of ice in latitude 64° 11' S., longitude 164° 63' E. The Peacock came up with the ice on the 15th, and the Flying Fish on the 21st, both more to the westward of the former vessels. No doubt now remains of the existence of land within the Antarctic circle. The testimony of both French and English exploring expeditions confirms the fact^ which it is claimed the American expedition first estab- lished as a part of geographical knowledge. This fact is determined by repeated and continuous observations made separately on board the Vincennes, the Peacock, and the Porpoise. And the discovery was made some days before the officers of the French expedition claim to have made the same. The American vessels coasted some sixty-five degrees of longitude along the impenetrable barrier of ice, observing throughout most of this distance, highlands evidently reaching thousands of feet in altitude, and covered with perpetual snow. They met also other decisive signs of contiguous land. All the evidence sust ''ng the claim, that these elevated points of land are not portions of mere uJtached islands inclosed within a frozen sea, but are the visible parts of a vast Antarctic continent, the main extent undistinguishable from the resplendent snow fringe skirt- ing its ocean boundary. No human beings inhabit these regions, and the representatives of any animal tribes are very few. It was not without great hardships and perilous exposures, that the expedition gained these honors of the discoverer. All the vessels suflered from severe and prolonged gales, heightened in their fearfulness, and armed with unusual elements of destruction, by the addition of vast and [1840. ember. The hey were re- ithorities and e cruise in the jrs, it was still trying ordeal )n, that it was age. But the 1 were deeply ig motives, for ic corps should them in New 9els. turned toward ivage frown of by the chances Considerations the awakening jed Lieutenant' )f her consorts, i. The Flying nd the Peacock se remained in in sight of the o 53' E. The ing Fish on the n the Antarctic ring expeditions ition first estab- determined by on board the overy was made claim to have xty-five degrees nng througiiout sands of feet in 50 other decisive ilaira, that these islands inclosed .arctic continent, low fringe skirt- ese regions, and )Osures, that the e vessels sutiered fearfulness, and ition of vast and n40.] NAVAL HISTORY. 4& innumerable icebergs, and masses of floe-ice. It must be observed also that the temperature was most of the time below the freezing point, and that mists, fogs, sleet and snow storms, were relieved by but occasional clear and sunny days. The Flying Fish was soon compelled to return northward. Her crew was so reduced by sickness that they were unable to reef the foresail, and consequently the vassel was obliged to carry the whole sail during a gale of several days' duration, which caused her to labor heavily and to leak so much, that it was necessary to keep the pumps going constantly. The imperative demands of safety, constrained the officers to retrace their steps to a more genial clime. The Peacock, however, ran the gauntlet of dangere in the most heroio and successful manner. Her commander, in order if possible to make more accurate determinations respecting the land seen in the distance, ran into a deep bay filled, with a large number of icebergs. He obtained soundings in three hundred and twenty fathoms, thus clearly establishing the proximity of land. The dangers which now brouglit the ship to the very verge of destruction, can best be detailed in the language employed by Lieutenant Cora. Hudson, in his report to the department. " While further pursuing the object of our search in this vicinity on the morning of the 24th, and endeavoring to clear some ice ahead of us, the ship made a sternboard, and came in contact with a large piece of ice, which . carried away one of the wheel-ropes, wrenched the neck of the rudder, and rendered it useless. " We immediately commenced working ship with tho sails and ice- anchors into a more open sea. In this we were successful for a time, until an increase of wind and a change in its direction, brought in upon us masses of ice for miles in extent, which completely beset the ship, fin- ished the work of destruction on our rudder, and forced us into the im- mediate vicinity of an ice-island some seven or eight miles in extent, with an elevation equaling our topgallant-masthead, and its upper portion in- clining toward the ship. In this situation we furled all but the fore-and- aft sails, and hung by our ice anchors. " Fortunately, between us and a portion of this island lay a large piece of ice, one end of which held us by the counter, until forced beyond it by the pressing masses of ice outside, which started our anchors and set us stern on to the island, cari-ying away our spanker-boom and stern-davits, and forcing the starboard quarter-deck bulwarks in end some three or four inches, jamming a signal-gun hard and fiist in the gangway, and breaking ott" the bulwark stanchions on that side of ^the quarter-deck. We took this occasion to cant her with the jib, into a narrow channel alongside the island, and with the help of other sails, passed by a portion of it without further injury to our spurs, until an opportunity presented of forcing her into a small opening in the ice, with the head toward the sea. " Our rudder, which we unshipped and got in upon deck while w^edgev' in the ice, came in over the side in two pieces, the head and neck entirely broken oft', with the two midship pintles, and we shortly afterward found the uppr > and lower braces gone from the stern-post. Towa»-d midnight the sea Was increasing, accompanied with snow, with every 44 NAVAL HISTORY. [1840. ■I ! e *-■ indication of a gale from seaward ; and the ice, with which We were con- tinually in contact, or actually jammed, more formidable in character, rapidly accumulating outside of us, and forming a compact mass. I found, as we were nearing the open sea, that we had been carried so far to leeward by the ice, as to be in great danger of taking up our last resi- dence in the barrier, amongst bergs and islands of ice. There was there- fore no chance left, but to force her out, or grind and thump the ship to pieces in the attempt. " Aided by a kind Providence, we reached an open space on the mor- ning of the 25th, after having beat off the gripe of the ship, &c.; and at meridian the carpenters had so far secured our rudder that it was again shipped, in the two remaining braces left on the stern-post. We were yet surrounded by ice and icebergs, in a bay some thirty miles in extent, from which no outlet could be seen from the mast-head. At mid- night, however, we found a passage, about half a mile in width, between some bergs and field-ice." Though having gained the open sea in safety, the ship was so dam- aged, as to require the commander, in the exercise of common prudence, to steer directly for Sidney. On examination for repairs, it was found that the action of the ice had ground the stem off" to within an inch and a half of the wood ends of the planking ; thus revealing the very narrow escape that had been effected. The Vincennes, in the persevering efforts of her commander to reach and examine the land, also became repeatedly involved in the wide fields of floating ice. Gales were encountered in such situations, which drove the ship along the borders of the huge moving masses, with a velocity which would have caused instant destruction, had not the raanagen)ent been both skillful and fortunate. The Porpoise also encountered the same difficulties, which must ever characterize polar navigation, but was able successfully to carry out her instructions, and pushed on as far as longi- tude 100° E., and latitude 64° 15' S., from which point she also com- menced her return. During the cruise along this lonely coast, her com- mander reports a most surprising instance of national envy and jealousy. On the 30th of January two vessels were discovered, which proved to be French discovery ships under Captain D'Urville. Lieut. Cora. Ringgold says: "Desirous of speaking, and exchanging the usual and customary compliments incident to naval life, I closed with them, designing to pass within hail, under the flag-ship's stern. When within short musket-shot, my intentions too evident to excite a doubt, so far from a reciprocity being evinced, I saw, with surprise, sail made on board the flag-ship. With- out a moment's delay, T. hauled down my colors, and bore up on ray course." The Vincennes penetrated as far as longitude 97° E.; the weather then evincing that the short and doubtful reign of the Antarctic summer was over, she finally turned away from the cheerless coast. The results of this cruise ai-e certainly honorable to the skill, vigilance, enterprise, and prudence of the officei's, and to the cheerful endurance and prompt obedience of the crews, of all the vessels. The reputation of the American navy was augmented by this, the first attempt in a new field of effort, in which a weighty responsibility was met by a vigorous I [1840. ;h Vye were con- le in character, inpact mass. I en carried so far up our last resi- rhere was there- ump the ship to »ace on the mor- e ship, &c.; and dder that it was stern-post. We 9 thirty miles in -head. At mid- Q width, between ihip was so dam- )ramon prudence, airs, it was found ithin an inch and * the very narrow Timander to reach in the wide fields jons, which drove es, with a velocity the management countered the same tion, hut was able on as far as longi- )int she also com- y coast, her com- envy and jealousy, lich proved to bfl t. Cora. Ringgold I and customary , designing to pass short musket-shot, a reciprocity being flag-ship. With- bore up on ray the weather then arctic summer was the skill, vigilance, jheerful endurance The reputation t attempt in a new met by a vigorous 1840.] NAVAL HISTORY. 45 exercise of those moral qualities, which had been developed by previous more appropriate trials. The squadron found constant occupation during the ensuing summer in surveying and exploring duties, amid the numerous islands of the Southern Archipelago. New Zealand, the Friendly Islands, and the Fejee Group were visited for these purposes. The extent of labor per- formed may be estimated when the commander states, that one hundred and fifty-four islands, and fifty detatched reefs were surveyed, and besides this, numerous harbors were surveyed and sounded. Nor was there any want of effort and success in gaining useful information of all kinds re- lating to commerce, in enlarging the collections illustrating the various branches of natural science, and in obtaining full acquaintance with the character, the manners, the modes of life, and the moral condition of the inhabitants, thus making a valuable contribution to the science of Ethnology. Though prosecuting a work of peace, and especially desirous of estab- lishing permanent relations of amity with tlie barbarous tribes of the Pacific, in order to the greater secui-ity of commerce, still, during its stay in the Fejee Group, the expedition w«o under the necessity of twice put- ting in exercise its military power. In July a surveying party, under Lieutenant Perry in a launch and Mr. Knox in a first cutter, ran into Sualib bay for shelter during a storm. In endeavoring to beat out again the cutter ran on a reef at low tide, and it was found impossible to get her off. The natives in great numbers and well armed, soon collected near, and commenced a serious attack. The ammunition in the cutter being all wet, and the launcli being unable to render any effisclive assist- ance in repelling the savages, the crew abandoned the boat, and went on board the launch. On the 12th the launch rejoined the Vincennes and Peacock. Immediately the schooner and eight boats from the ships, with an extra complement of men, under the immediate command of Lieutenants Wilkes and Hudson, proceeded to inflict merited punishment upon the natives. They entered the bay and cautiously marched to the principal village, meeting with no resistance, though the inhabitants of this island were unusually well supplied with fire-arms, and had the ad- vantage of a good position, from which they might have inflicted con- siderable injury on the Americans. The town, consisting of about sixty slender huts, was burned, and the savages were taught a salutary lesson, without the loss of any lives. The cutter was recovered, but property in it, to the value of a thousand dollars, was stolen. A tragical affair occurred during the latter part of July, at Malolo, an island of the same group. Lieut. Underwood with a party landed on this island, during a survey carried on in two of the boats of the squad- ron, under the command of Lieut. Alden, for the purpose of ascending a height to look for the Porpoise. He was soon recalled, in consequence of some suspicious movements among the natives, bringing with him a young native, who was retained as a hostage. The next morning the same oflScer landed for the purpose of procuring provisions. The natives for some reason manifested considerable reluctance to trading, and Lieut. Underwood and party remained some length of time on shore in unsuc- cessful attempts at negotiation. In the mean time Midshipman Henry 46 NAVAL HISTORY. [1840. i fs m desired, and was allowed to join those on shore. The natives now began to collect in greater numbers, and evidently were not in a friendly mood. ■ The symptoms of an attack became so manifest, that Lieut Under- wood called his party together and ordered a retreat to the boat. At the same time the hostage suddenly jumped out of Lieut. Alden's boat and commenced running toward the shore. A midshipman fired over his head, but this did not stop his escape. The report of fire-arms was heard on shore, and it became evident to those in the boats that their companions were engaged in a serious conflict with an overpowering number of savages. They pushed for the land, and as soon as their fire- arms bore effectively, the savages disappeared in a hasty retreat. But the murderous deed had been consummated. On landing they found one seaman badly wounded, and Lieut. Underwood and Midshipman Henry lying piostrate near the beach. The officers in a few moments expired in the arms of their friends; and their bodies, rescued from the revolting horrors of cannibalism, were sadly borne off to the Flying Fish, which was a few miles distant. They were interred on one of the small sand islands in the vicinity, and all possible precautions adopted to save their graves from being violated by the savages. This unprovoked massacre called for stern retribution ; and the pun- 1 ishment was inflicted with certainly adequate severity. Lieutenant Com. Wilkes was himself at this time on board the Flying Fish, and the brig Porpoise was also now in company. There were two towns, Sualib and Arro, situated upon opposite sides of the island. The party which was to attack and destroy these, consisted of seventy officers and men, and was placed under the orders of Lieutenant Commandant Ringgold. The party in the boats, intended to cut off escape from the island and to co- operate with the former party, was led by Lieutenant Com. Wilkes, The first party landed without opposition on the south-east point of the island, destoyed the plantations in their course, and crossing over the high land, came in sight of Sualib, situated on the southern shore. Here it was found that the natives were mostly assembled with the intention of defending themselves by all means possible to them; and their prep- arations and position were not to be despised, even by disciplined troops. They evideatly expected some punishment for the bloody deed, and had retreated to their stronghold. The village was surrounded entirely by a strong stockade of cocoa-nut trees, placed a few feet apart, and filled be- tween with exceedingly close and substantial wicker-work. On the outside of this was a wide diteh, filled with water; and on the inside a dry ditch, in which the defenders were quite safely intrenched, while they shot through the loopholes in the palisade. The savages wore very confident in the impregnability of their fortress, for they received the advancing Americans with shouts and expressions of defiance. They possessed quite a number of muskets, as well as their ordinary weapons. Almost the entire population were within the inclosure, and the women and children were as defiant and active in defence as the men. Knowing that an assault must be attended with some loss, even though conducted against undisciplined troops, the commander wisely .attacked from such a distaice as his means ^ould permit. A sharp contest of about fifteen minutes was maintained, during which a chief and six of the savages ' t 1840.] NAVAL HISTORY. 47 wore killed, and the houses within were fired by a rocket The natives, convinced of the superiority of their assailants, and terrified at a confla- gration among their bamboo huts, which they could not extinguish, began to escape through a gate, leading toward the sea, in the utmost conster- nation and confusion. They were allowed to retreat without further attack. A few of the Americans were wounded, but only one severel;/. The town was entirely consumed. The party now marched northward across the island to cooperate with the boat party against Arro. The latter reached Arro first, and without resistance set fire to and destroyed it. While these operations were going on. Lieutenant Emmons chased five canoes, containing about forty native warriors. When overtaken they offered fight and made a resolute resist- ance. But four of them were finally captured, the other escaping. The next day the whole force from the vessels assembled on a hill, and received a large part of the population of the island, who came to sue for pardon in the most beseeching and abject manner, thus acknowledging, according to their own form and custom, that they were conquered, and were justly punished for their murder of the officers. On this part of his conduct, Lieutenant Com. Wilkes, in his narrative, makes the following remarks, which are entitled to careful and candid consideration : " The punishment inflicted on the natives was no doubt severe : but I cannot view it as unmerited, and the extent to which it wa» carried was neither dictated by cruelty nor revenge, I thought that they had been long enough allowed to kill and eat with impunity, every defenceless white that fell into their hands, either by accident or misfor- tune, and that it was quite time, as their intercourse with our countrymen on their adventurous voyages was becoming more frequent, to make the latter more secure. I desired to teach the savages that it was not weakness or fear that had thus far stayed our hands; I was aware, too, that they had ridiculed and raisunderatood the lenity, with which they had hereto- fore been treated by both the French and English men-of-war." On the 11th of August, the expedition left the Fejee Islands, on its way to the Sandwich Islands, where it now became necessary to seek the supplies, which had been left by the store-ship Relief, the crew having been already on short allowance for some time. The vessels pursued separate courses, in order that more islands might be examined on the way, and the existence of some doubtful ones be det' mined. In October the vessels were again reunited at Honolulu, island of Oahu. As the time for which the crews had enlisted was nearly expired, and the expe- dition in order to accomplish all its objects must be absent from home longer than was originally intended, it became necessary to enter into new arrangements with the men. The most of them reentered the service, and the places of the few who preferred returning home, were supplied by natives, under the sanction of the governor. The year now drawing to its close, it was deemed useless to undertake the exploration of the north-west coast of America, which was a part of the service ordered, until the ensuing spring. Wo therefore find the vessels employed during the winter in surveys of various groups of islands, of importance as lying in the track of the whalers, as far south as the Society Islands, and westward to the Kingsmill Group; while the m '.-J: I I 48 NAVAL HiarORY. [1841. I commander with the Vincennes and accompnnitxl by the scientific corps made extensive tours around and through the Sandwich Islands. These hitter islands deserved special notice at the hands of an Ameri- can expedition, because they constitute the liiost natural and valuable stopping place for American shipping in tlio Pacific, and because a moral bond unites them most happily with the Western Republic, as the origin of a philanthropy and a Christian bonovolonce, whence have arisen, by the blessing of God, their incipient civilization, their recognized national independence, and their wondrous religious dovulopnient. In prosecuting these researches, Lieutenant Com. Wilkes, with ii i)arty of officers and men, accomplished an ascent of the noted volcanic mountain, Mauna Loa, on the island of Hawaii. On the very sunnnit of this noble mountain, at an altitude of upward of thirteen thousand feet, an observatory station was established especially with reference to the motions of the pendulum, and amid the barrenness, the snow storms, and tha various discomforts of such a height, and unusual fatigues inoidynt to a rarefied atmosphere, a series of observations was continued through three weeks. But all these toils were amply compensated for, in tho subhuiity of the prospects enjoyed, and by an opportunity of examining the most grand and wonderful volcanic craters in the world. The Porpoise having returned in March, and beon subjected to neces- sary repairs, sailed, in company with the Vinconnea, from the harbor of Honolulu, on the 5th of April, 18-41. In twenty-two days these ves- sels were off the bar at the mouth of the Columbia river; but the con- dition of the bar at the time induced Lieutenant Com. Wilkes to proceed directly to the north, to attend to contemplated surveys in the watei-s adjoining the southern part of Vancouver s Island. These surveying duties were very thoroughly performed. Two oxpoditions were also fitted out for the interior; one of which crossed over to the Columbia river, and visited the stations of the Hudson's Bay Company at Astoria and Vancouver, and the other penetrated through the country, to a point higher up on the Columbia, These tours have ndded much to the knowl- edge of a portion of the extensive territory of Oregon. In the midst of these occupations at the north, the commander was recalled to the Columbia river by the news of the unfortunate loss of the Peacock, whose course, until its abrupt tormlnation, we must now trace. On the 2d of December, 1840, accompanied by the tender B'lying Fish, she left Oahu. Her cruise extended through several groups lying to the Bouth and west of the Sai-dwich Islands. Upsides searching for uncer- tain and detached islands, she visited the Sainoun Islands, Bowditch Island, Ellice's and Kiugsmill Group, and by this cii-cuitous itiute again reaching Oahu about the middle of Juna, 1841, she touched for supplies and bore away for Columbia river. On this cruise she sailed over nine- teen thousand miles of ocenn. At one of the Sumoan Islands, Lieut. Com. Hudson made a demand for the surrender of a native who had murdered a white man. In violation of the ivgultttions assented to dur- ing a former visit of Ihe expedition, the chiefs refused to give hira up, and at the same timo sent insulting messages to the Americana, and bid defi- ance to their military power. Hence it beeunio necessary to give another of those painful lessons, which had already beon repeated twice at other I ats\viun t accomplioo. Theso quarter-deck. ^ ed to be iiicroasmgiy ,till were the olhcers id the general (hspo- -ii-s were at larg^' \vho Lite of marineB, they 1842.] NAVAL IIIRTORT. 53 considered themwives inadequate to tho guarding of many prisoner*. The 2StU and 'iOth pawed with no very in irl;ed evcntu, tho men / Capture of Monterey by Com. Jones— Relations of United States and Mexico — Commencement of hostilities — Cora. Sloat's movements in the Pacitlc Com. Stocliton assumes the command of Pacific squadron— Co-operates with Major Fremont— Enters Los Angelos— Los Angelos retaken by the Mexicans — Com. Stockton forms a junction with Gen. Keirney— Battles of San Gabriel and Mesa— Recapture of Los An^elos— Com. Shubrick assumes the command of the squadron — Guaymaa, La Paz, and San Jose taken— Capture of Mazatlan — Aittiir at Mul^e and Guaymas— First defence of San Jose by Lieut. Hey wood— Various movements on the coast— Second siege and defence of San Jose — Garrison relieved by Commander Du Pont— Quiet restored in Lower California. In the year 1842, Commodore Thomas Ap. C. Jones was in command of the United States naval force in the Pacific. During the lattter part of the summer of that year, he was lying in the port of Callao, with the flag-ship United States 44, the sloop of war Cyane 20, the sloop of war Dale 16, and the schooner Shark 12. While at this place, he received a Mexican newspaper containing a manifesto from the Mexican govern- ment, respecting the relations between that country and the United States, from which he considered it probable that war existed between the two nations. In an American newspaper ho also found a report to the effect that Great Britain had made purchase of California from Mexico. There is no doubt that for some time before the Mexican war, secret nego- tiations had been carried on by British agents, having in view the cession of some portion of Mexican territory to the latter power; Mexico being, it should be remembered, largely in debt to British citizens. But nothing of this kind wa? ever really effected. At the same time that Cora. Jones had his suspicions awakened by these rumors of cession, there happened to be an English squadron of some force concentrated in this part of the Pacific ; and the Dublin frigate, the flag-ship of Rear Admiral Thomas, had looked into Callao, and, after a short stay, had suddenly departed in the night, without giving any intimation of her destination, but bound, it was supposed, to the coast of North America. The American commodore had evidently been put upon the alert by his ov.'n government; the question of the annexation of Texas, then in agitation, having given unusual interest and prominence to Mexican aflairs, and, in the event of a war between the two countries, it being mainifestly the policy of the United States to seize upon California. It seemed quite likely to Cora. Jones, that the British admiral was now in- tending to take formal possession of the territory, ^apposed to have been ceded, and he deemed it his duty to forestall or resist him in any such plan. He consequently sailed suddenly from Callao on the 7tli of Sep- tember with the entire squadron, standing out to the westward. The Shark was soon sent back to Callao, and, shortly after, the Dale was detached with orders to proceed to Panama and land a special messenger with dispatches for the home government. Previously, however, to the separation of the latter vessel from the squadron, a council of officers, consisting of Captaiu Armstrong of the United States, Commander Stribling of the Cyane, and Commander Dornin of the Dale, was called 'ii'.%;'i I :-« wm llri'iJliHiil 56 NAVAL HISTORY. [1842. f; ; ^ ^. » i 1 • If i j, , • i 1 ■ I the ere ■ful His by Cora. Jones, for the purpose of giving their advice as to the course proper to bo pursued. Their decision on the main question proposed, was, that " in case the United States and Mexico are at war, it would be our bounden duty to possess ourselves of every point and port in California, v'lich we could take and defend without much embarrassment to our optiAtions on the ocean," and that " we should consider the military occupation of the Californias by any European power, but more particularly by our great commercial rival, England, and especially at this particular juncture, as a measure so decidedly hostile to the true interest of the United States, as not only to warrant our so doing, but to make it our duty to forestall the design of Admiral Thomas, if possible, by supplanting the Mexican flag by that of the United States, at Monterey, San Francisco, and any other tenable points within the territory said to have been recently cedgd by secret treaty to Great Britain." The United States and Cyane then proceeded to the northward, crowding all sail for the coast of Mexico. While on the way, Coi» . Jones, in writing to the secretary of the navy, after alluding to the fact of having received no communication since his sailing orders of nine months previous, says : " In all that I may do, I shall confine myself strictly to what I may suppose would be your views and orders, had you the means of communicating them to me." On the afternoon of October 1 9th, the two ships anchor' ^ ' harbor of Monterey. The Mexican flag floated over the towi was no sign of British authority; so that the commodore was in being beforehand in respect to the admiral's supposed design, suspicions were so far confirmed by what he heard and saw, however, that he concluded to summon the governor to surrender. The next morning the articles of capitulation were signed, the Mexican authorities meanwhile declaring themselves ignorant of the existence of any hostili- ties. No opposition being offered, the capture was an easy one, and the American flag soon rose in the place of the Mexican, over a dilapidated fortification mounting eleven guns. A proclamation was also immediately issued by Com. Jones, designed to explain the purpose of the American commander in this capture, and to reconcile the inhabitants to the change of their allegiance. The next day Com. Jones discovered, through late Mexican newspapers and commercial letters from Mazatlan, that the facts were by no means what he had sup]>osed ; that there was no war, and that there was no evidence that the idea of cessi n to Great Britain was entertained by the Mexican government. He hud, in fact, seized upon a province of a country, with which his own government was still at peace. He, there- fore, immediately completed the act of retrocession to the original author- ities, with all proper and customary marks of respect, and retired from before the place. [The following, to page 67, was dictated by Mr. Cooper in the summer of 1851.] This somewhat precipitate movement on the part of Commodore Jones compelled a change in the command, as a species of propitiatory offering to the Mexicans. He was recalled, and Commodore Sloat was sent out aa his successor. No censure, however, was ever passed upon the former, for his very decided movement, and it is to be supposed, that I '^••M [1842. 1846.] NAVAL HISTORY. 57 to the course at " in case the ounden duty to ivViich we could )tv -itions on the jupation of the rly by our great liar juncture, as J United States, duty to forestall ing the Mexican ancisco, and any in recently ced§d and Cyane then coast of Mexico, tary of the navy, aication since his ;hat I may do, I lid be your views 1 to rae." \ anchor;^ i" the the tow 1 ^'^ere ore was »•■ ■ f-'tul )sed design. His md saw, however, fender. The next exican authorities ice of any hostili- easy one, and the over a dilapidated s also immediately e of the American iints to the change Mexican newspapers [were by no means [that there was no I entertained by the a province of a [peace. He, there- the original author- and retired from Ithe summer of 1851.] Irt of Commodore Icies of propitiatory imodore Sloat was ever passed upon [o bo supposed, thai the vigilance of the officer was acceptable to the government at houuv rather than otherwise. In point of fact, there were several years during which the fate of California niay be said to have been suspended in the political scales. Should Texas be annexed, as was the wish of her own people, though so strongly opposed by England and France, it was almost certain that a collision with Mexico must follow. The latter country had, unfortunately for the cause of peace, been guilty of many actf '^f aggres- sion to provoke hostilities, and there was only too much ground for the course of policy subsequently pursued by the American government. Errors and wrongs there were, no doubt, committed by both nations; but on the whole, there is much reason to think that the United States had the best of the argument, on purely national principles. Texas was independent de facto, and she had become so by a marked breach of faith on the part of the central government of Mexico. It is true tHat a belt of country, extending to the northward of the Rio Grande, might be deemed fairly in dispute between the two nations: a state of things that certainly gave to one party as much the right of possession as fo the other. Whether the Nueces, or the Great River of the North, was to be the dividing line, was a question for diplomacy to decide, unless an appeal should be'made to arms, in which event, the debatable terri- tory would, as a matter of course, follow the ordinary contingencies of war. Such a state of things, with two armies in close proximity, was not likely to continue long. Collisions might be hourly expected, and, indeed, did soon occur, between small parties of the contending forces, until matters proceeded so far as to induce the Americans to open a fire upon the Mexicans, in the city of Mataraoras, opposite to which town the former had constructed a fort This led to an ttempt to carry that work by rapid siege, and the crossing of a force of several thousand men, under the orders of General Ampudia. It was while marching to the relief of Fort Brown, as this post was called, that the armies — that of the Mexicans, now under the orders of General Arista, and that of the Amer- icans, under the command of Brevet Brigadier-general Taylor — firat came fairly in contact, at a place called Palo Alto ; the disparity in force was greatly in favor of the Mexicans, and the result of this brilliant cannon- ading showed the great superiority of the American arms in any thing like a serious conflict. The more brilliant affair of Resaca de la Palmti, succeeded the next day, and war was shortly afterward formally declared by both nations, the proclamation of the United States being dated the 12th of May, 1846, and that of Mexico, the 23d of the same month. A declaration of war between countries such as Mexico and the United States, very naturally created strong apprehensions of what might be the efl^ect on the widely spread commerce of the latter, under a loose and rapacious L,ystem of privateering. It was naturally expected that Mexico would have recourse to such an expedient to injure her adversary, whose shipping whitened the ocean, while there was scarcely a Mexican flag to be met with, unless it might be at the peak of some insignificant coaster. It is Understood that an early attempt was made by agents of the Mexican government, to dispose of commissions for privateers among the seamen of the islands; but the three principal governments having colonies in and about the gulf, had the wisdom and good foith not to encourage such 4|: 68 NAVAL HISTORY. [1846, I a systern of rapacious plundering. The authorities of Cuba in particular, took very firm ground, and effectually prevented any thing like »? hostile armament from quitting its jurisdiction. A solitary vessel, at a later day, was captured in the Mediterranean, but was restored on the demand of the Amerit n government. In a word, it may as well be said here, that a war which menaced so many nnaritime disasters to the commerce of the country, did not, in fact, produce one. And the trade of the United States continued to pursue its customary objects, with nearly as much confidence and security, as in a time of profound peace. The large and well-manned liners which then carried on most of the trade between New York and Europe, took in a heavy gun or two, and relied for the means of defence ori this slight armament, and the number of passengers that were passing to and fro. One of the firet measures of the government was to add several small cruisers purchased from among the fast-sailing schooners of the different ports, temporarily to the service. These, equipped with a single heavy gun, and additional armament, placed under the command of old heuten- ants, were sent to join the squadron of Commodore Conner in the gulf. Other vessels wore added to that oflBcer's force, which war soon arapJe for any of the probable circumstances of a maritime war against such ^n enemy. Vera Cruz was closely watched, and the American flag whs soon seen hovering around all the little ports in the gulf, that were then under the control of the enemy. On the other side of the continent, a different state of things existed. The trade was so much scattered, and, as a whole, so well prepared to take care of itself, more especially in the whalei-s, that little apprehension seems to ha^'e been felt, at any time, on the subject of privateei-s. The delicacy of the relations between Mexico and certain European states, in connection with the two Californias, principally occupied the attention of Commodore Sloat, the officer then in command. It was understood to be the policy of England to effect, through her merchants, in the event of hostilities between this country and Mexico, such a transfer of these two provinces, as would give them a claim of a very embarrassing nature, in the shape of security for money lent, and to be lent. Commodore Sloat lay at Mazatlan, in the Savamah 44, in com- pany with different smaller vessels, which came and went as circumstances required, closely watching the course of events in the G-ulf of Mexico. He had a line of -ictive communication across the continent, by means of different meica. le houses, and on the Vth of June, he received through that channel, the very important information of the result of the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma. Although without particular instructions to meet the espeoial emergency, war not having then been proclaimed by either party, this officer came to a prompt and wise deter- mination. ** If," said he, " the Mexicans have been the assailr.nts in these battles, it is my duty to employ the naval force unde." my orders, in di- verting their efforts, and in retaliating for these hostilities?; and if on the •)ther hand, the hostile movement has come from our own ode, the duty rf every officer, in separate command, to sustain such a movement, is K) obvious as to require no vindication." He sailed on the 8th for the northward, leaving the Warren at Mazatlan, to wait for further 1846.] NAVAL HISTORY. 59 intelligence. The Savannah reached Monterey on the 2d of July. Hero the Commodore found the Cyane and Levant, and ascertained that the Portsmouth was at San Francisco. The place was summoned on the morning of the 7th, but the oflSctr in command refer ed to the com- manding general of California for the answer. The previous arrangements having been made, a party of two hundied and Rhv seamen and marines landed under the immediate command of Capt. Wm. Mervine. This force raised the standard of the United States, under a salute of twenty-one guns. At the same time a procla- mation announcing the t cansfer of flag was published in both Spanish and English. Orders were sent to Commander Montgomery of the Portsmouth, to take possession also of the Bay of San Francisco, which was done on the 9th. Commodore Sloat took the other necessary measures to secure his bloodless conquest, and to preserve order in the country. On the afternoon of the 15th of July, the Congress arrived from Valparaiso, by way of the Sandwich Islands, and Commodore Stockton reported himself for duty to his senior officer. On the 16th, Sir George F. Seymour, British admiral commanding in the Pacific, arrived in the Collingwood 80; the civilities of the port were tendered to him by Commodore Sloat, in the usual manner; he was supplied with some spare spars, and oh the 23d, sailed for the Sandwich Islands. The appearance of the English commander-in-chief, his pacific relations with the Americans, and his early departure, had the effect to destroy all hope among the Californians, of assistance from that quarter. On the 29th of July, Commodore Sloat shifted his pennant to the Levant, and sailed for Panama, on liis way to the United States. The squadron, of course, was left under the command of Commodore Stockton. Previously to the departure of Commodore Sloat, however, a body of about one hundred and fifty riflemen was sent down to San Diego, under Captain Fremont.* This movement was made to intercept the communications of General Castro, the Mexican commander-in-chief, with the more southern provinces. The Congress was ordered to sail on the 30th for San Pedro, to take possession there. There happened to be at the time within the limits of California, an expedition of a scientific charac- ter, under the orders of an officer of the topographical engineers, of great activity and merit, of the name of Fremont, who had long been employed on the duty of exploring the whole region between the Mississippi and the Pacific Ocean, more especially as connected with the communication with the territory of Oregon. This gentleman conceived himself injured by some of the proceedings of the authorities of California, and in danger of being captured, if not destroyed, by the policy of the Mexi- cans, through their apprehensions of what might be his real objects. Singularly enough, the two parties would seem to have been appreliensive of each other's intentions, and both had recourse to the strong hand, in order to secure themselves against the hostility of tJieir supposed * This detachment was carried down to San Diego in the Cyano, Commander Du Pont ; which vessel arrived before the place on the 29th of July. The American Hag was hoisted by Lieut. Rowan of the Cyane, on the afternoon of the same day, at the Presidio, five miles distant from the port ; and the iilace was immediately garrisoned by the marine guard. A portion of th« troops under Captain Fremont was landed that day, and the rest the next morning.— Ed. i I ' )i 60 NAVAL HISTORY. fi84n adversaries. Fortunately for the American oflScer, there was a sufficient number of trappei's, huntera and other adventurers, who had crossed froip the States, to be met with on the plains of the upper country, and as these men were as loyal to their flag as they were daring and reckless, their enterprising and energetic leader soon collected enough of them to render himself formidable in a region where revolutions had often been eftected by the merest handfuls of men. San Francisco was taken possession of on the 9th day of July, by Commander Montgomery of the Portsmouth, and the whole of that very noble and important bay became, at once, substantially subject to the American flag. By the 11th, the flag was flying at Suter's fort on the Sacranionto, at Bodega on the coast, at Sonomsi, and at Yerba Buena, or what is commonly called San Francisco. Such was the state of things, when Commodore Stockton in the Congress 44, app'^ared off Monterey. This officer had left home on the 25th of October, 1846; he had touched at Rio and the usua] ports on the western coast of South America, and at Honolulu, whence, having there heard of the commencement of the war between the United States and Mexico, he had hastened with the ardor that belonged to hia character, to participate in the events then in progress along the coast between Cape St. Lucas and the frontiers 'of Oregon. As Commodore Sloat had effected the principal object of liis remaining out longer than his health rendered expedient, a transfer of command took place, and Commodore Stockton, hoisting the blue pen- nant, in place of the red, now took charge of the whole of the American force then supposed to be in the Pacific. The government, however, aware of the great importance of securing the command of those distant seas, and jealous, perhaps, of the views of France and England, neither of which countries has ever been particularly diffident in appropriating to its own purposes territory of any part of the world that might be found convenient to possess, had given its attention to the increase of tho squadron in that distant quarter of the world. The Independence 54, Captain Lavalette, and wearing the broad pennant of Commodore Williiim B. Shubrick, sailed from Boston with ordera for tho north-west coast, on the 29th of August, 1846. At the same time the Columbus 80, Cap- tain Wyman, and under the orders of Commodore Biddle, was on her way from China and Japan, with orders to touch at Lima for instructions as to her future coui-se. This was assembling a very formidable force along the coast, and giving ettectual security to the recent conquests, so far as the interference of any European power might reasonably be an- ticipated. The Independence appeared off Valparaiso on the 2d of De- cember, and while standing oti' and on, she made a large sail to the northward and westward, which, on being signaled, showed the number of the Columbus. The two ships went in that morning and anchored, when Commodore Biddle, after examining the instructions of his junior, decided to send the Independence to the coast of Califoinia direct, while he proceeded in person in his own ship to Callao, in quest of his ordera from home. The two vessels sailed shortly after, and the Independence reached her point of destination on the 22d of January, 1847, after the short run of forty days. Here, then, was another transfer in the naval command in this part of the Pacific, and Commodd in a fog. Luckily a merchant vessel from Monterey, bound to tho north* ward, was fallen in with by the frigate, and dispatches were received from Lieutenant Maddox, in command at Monterey, bringing tho iniportant intelligence that the place was threatened with an assault, and asking assistance. The frigate ran into the bay, landed a party of fifty men, and some ordnance, and immediately proceedea on. On arriving otV San Pedro, the Congress joined the Savannah, on board of which ship was Captain Gillespie and his whole party ; that officer having evacuated his position in the government house at Los Angelos under a capitulation entered into with General Flores. Previously to this measure, however, an unsuccessful attempt was made by Captain Mervine to relievo him. A strong party of seamen and marines had been landed, and a march was commenced upon tho capital. Unfortunately no pi-ovision had been made of any artillery, and on encountering the enemy at a distance of some twelve miles from San Pedro, a smart skirmish took place between the hostile forces. The Mexicans had the advantage of a field-piece, which they appear to have used with great discretion and spirit. When- ever a charge was made it was carried oft' by the acti*-e horvses of the mounted men, reopening upon its assailants as soon as a new and favor- able position was gained. The great disadvantage under which he was acting, and the loss of several valuable men, induced Captain Mervine to fall back unoa San Pedro, and wait for the Commodore. A new landing was made at the latter point, as soon as the Congress arrived ; a force of about 1800 men under General Flores, having been collected outside. Finding the road- stead of San Pedro too open, and too much exposed to the piHivalent gales of the season, although it took him farther from his gitiat noint of attack, the Commodore was induced to carry the Congress round to San Diego, where was an excellent harbor for such vessels as could enter it. Nothing of the draught of the Congress, however, had ever been known to cross the bar. Every thing was embarked, therefore, and the ship proceeded to the southward. On arriving off the harbor of San Diego, Commodore Stockton received a report from the ofKcer lefl in oonmtand, that this place too w^s besieged by the enemy ; that the stock of piH> visions was running low ; and that he required a reinforcement. This oflScer was of opinion that the frigate could enter the bay. On making the attempt, however, the ship struck, and she was cornj)elled to return to the anchorage outside^ The next day, a prize to the Worreu, the 1 .I'iflV' 1 J'; 64 NAVAL HISTORY. [1846. V "Maiek Adhel," anivefl from Monterey with dispatches from Colonel Fremont, who, ascertaining the impossibility of procuring horses at the southward, had returned to the base of operations, and was preparing to march thence, with all his force, to form a junction with the Commodore, on his way into the interior. It was now necessary to collect beeves as well oa horses, and the Sa- vannah was dispatched to Monterey to furthor the preparations in that quarter. The Congress had proceeded, also, to San Pedro, to carry out tne necessary arrangements, but returned ns soon as possible to San Diego. So great was the anxiety of the Commodore for the situation of the corps of Lieutenant-colonel Fremont, that meeting with a calm on Lis way south, he sent in a boat to San Diego, a distance of forty miles, with a communication directed to that officer. On reaching the port it was deemed an object of so great importance to carry the ship within the bfir, that a second attempt was made to cross it. This time she suc- ceeded, but she grounded when within the bay. It was found necessary to prepare spars for shoring her up, and nt the moment while her people were thus occupied, the Mexicans made an attack upon the town. Not- withstanding the necessity, as it might be, of fighting with one hand, and having a care for the ship with the other, the duty went on with the greatest activity and method. As soon as a sufficient force could ' le landed, the enemy was repelled by a charge made under the orders of Lieutenant Minor of the navy, and Captain Gillespie of the marines. Finding it necessary to recruit his horses, and to make harness, sad- dles, bridles, &c., the delay was improved in the construction of a fort. Runners were now sent out to ascertain the position of the enemy, who was discovered encamped at San Bernardo, distant about thirty miles. Two expeditions were immediately ordered to be got ready. The one under Captain Gillespie to surprise the enemy, in their camp, and the other under Captain Heasley of the volunteer corps, who was sent to the southward in quest of beeves and horses. The latter effected his object, returning with five hundred head of cattle, and nearly one hundred and fifty horses and mules. Before Captain Gillespie was ready to march, however, the Commodore received a dispatch from Brigadier-general Kearney of the U. S. Army, who had effected the passage of the moun- tains, at the head of a hundred dragoons, and now appeared in Cali- fornia, to take the command of any portion of the army that might have reached there. The direction of Captain Gillespie's movement was immediately changed, and that officer was ordered to make a junction, as soon as possible, with this new reinforcement. This was on the 6th of Decem- ber; the same evening the Commodore was notified that an attack had been made by General Kearney upon a strong detachment of the enemy, in their camp at San Pasqual, and it would seem one that was unsuccessful. The following morning, this information was in part cor- roborated; such an engagement having actually taken place, under circumstances very favorable to the enemy, whose horees were opposed to the broken-down animals of the American detachment. The Amer- icans must have lost near forty men in killed and wounded in this affair. Among the latter was General Kearney himself. This officer had taken [1846. ihes from Colonel iring horses nt the 1 was preparing to h the Commodore, orses, and the Sa- 'eparations in that Pedro, to carry out 18 possible to San re for the situation ling with a calm on ;nce of forty milef, saching the port it rry the ship within This time she suc- ms found necessary nt while her people m the town. Wot- ng with one hand, ;y went on with the ent force could ' le nder the orders of of the marines, make harness, aad- istruction of a fort, of the enemy, who about thirty miles. >t ready. The one heir camp, and the vho was sent to the effected his object, one hundred and as ready to march, Brigadier-general ssage of the moun- appoared in Cali- army that might ; was immediately mction, as soon as the 6th of Decem- that an attack had etachment of the seem one that was on was in part cor- aken place, under Di*ses were opposed ment. The Amer- mded in this affair, is ofHcer bad taken 1847.] NAVAL HI8T0BY. 65 post on an eminence, and where hd was able to maintain himself until relieved. Commodore Stockton at first determined to move with his whole force, to etl'ect a junction with the dragoons; but learning the emergency of the case, and that the enemy was not as strong as had been reported, the plan was changed to sending a quicker moving detachment, em- bracing only a portion of the force on shore. Rather more than two hundred men marched that night under the orders of Lieutenant Gray. This party effected its object, and General Kearney and his whole party entered the works at San Diego, a few hours later. An arrangement was now made between the Commodore and the General, by which tho direction of the military detiiils was to bo assumed by tho latter ofHcer, while the former of course retained his authority, as the officer in com- mrnd of the squadron, whether employed afloat or on shore. This delicate arrangement led to some subsequent misunderetandings between the two commanders, though tlieir duty would seem to have been carried on with perfect accord and zeal so long as an enemy appeared before them. It wouM seem that General Kearney had arrived under the im- pression that he was to be civil governor of the newly conquered terri- tory; while Commodore Stockton was not disposed to yield his authority 80 Jong as it was found necessary to employ any material portion of tho crews of the shipping ashore. At a later day this controversy led to some unpleasant collisions, more especially between General Kearney and Lieutenant-colonel Fremont, his subordinate in the line of the army ; but as they belong rather to the general history of the country than to a work of the character of this, we shall not dwell on their consequences here. Ou the 29th of December, the party of Commodore Stockton was ready to march. Altogether it mustered a force of about six hundred men. Owing to the mountainous character of the country, and the great watchfulness rendered necessary by tho activity of the enemy, he did not reach the San Gabriel, until the evening of the Vth of January. Here the Mexicans had erected batteries, and prepared to make a stand. The following day the Americans crossed the river to the north bank, here they found a force of five hundred men and four pieces of artillery ready to receive them. The guns were placed in very favorable positions, while the remainder of the Mexicans, altogether cavalry, were so posted as to command each flank of their assailants. Reaching the margin of the stream, the Commodore dismounted, and led the troops over in per- son, under a smart fire from the enemy's artillery. A charge up the hill, on the opposite bank, was next made, and the position carried, driving the enemy and his guns before it. At this moment the enemy made an attempt to cut off the pack-horses and beeves, in tho rear, but the steadiness of the guard repulsed them. As soon as the American guns were in position on the heights, a smart canuonading commenced, on both sides, but soon terminated by forcing the enemy from the field. The result of this handsome day's work, was the ol'taining of the com- plete commaid of the Mexican position, where the Americans encamped for the night. The next day, the party of Commodore Stockton ad- vanced upon the town, where it was again met by General Flores on the ik|t| wm 60 NAVAL niSTOUT. [IU47. plains of Mesa. A hot cannonnding Huccoeded, and the Mexicans made several nttempbi to cliarge, but could never be broug;lit within l\(ly vards of the American liijes. After a 6nul etturt, General Flurea abandoned the defence, and moved off in the diractiuu of Sonora, accumpaniod bj most of his princij>al uftlcei-s. As the enemy iiad been greatly encouraged by the rough treatment be had given the detachment of dragoonn, under General Kearney, and by tlie si'cceas of his expedient in the ropulso of the party under Captain Mervine, the result of these two very handsumo atfans, produced such a reaction as at once to look down every thing like resistance. Shortly after re-entering Los Angelos, Conmiodore Stockton was joined by Colonel Fremont, increasing his force to near one thousand men. A new negotiation was now entered into with Don Andres Pico, the Californian governor, by which the Mexicans stipulated to lay down their arms, and yield quiet possession of the province. Throughout the whole of the foregoing moveiiients, Commodore Stockton exhibited an activity, energy, and spirit that would have done no discredit to the ind itigable Preble. Ho and his ship seem to havo been everywhere, and whatever may be the decision of military etiquette as between the rival competitors for thu command of this successful expedition against the enemy's capital, there can bo no misapprehension on one subject, and that is, that the Commodore was in the thickest of the fray, and ani- mated his men, not only by his presence but by a very brilliant pereonal example. According to every usage with wliich we are acquainted, sea- officers can never come under the cuiiiiiiand of soldiers. The nautical profession requires a peculiar and specific knowledge, and s(>ntnen can only be used, even on shore, with a due regard to their habits and pre- judices. There was, however, a peculiar claim on the part of the navy to most of the credit of the military movements in front of Los Angolos. The seamen and marines composed the greater portion of the American force, and the officers of the service lield the most important subordinate commands in the detachment. Doubtless an officer as accomplislied and as brave as General Kearney, must have been of great assistance on such an occasion; but we confess we see no admitted rule of service short of positive orders from home, that, under the peculiar circumstances of the war in that province, at that particular moment, could have justified Commodore Stockton in carrying on the sort of expedition in which he was ihou engaged, without retaining his full authority over all who were engaged in it, and who belonged to the navy proper. Commodore Stockton virtually assumed the command near the close of July, and the whole of the succeeding five months was on his part, a scene of as great exertion, and as bold an assumption of responsibility, as ever yet characterized the service of any man under the flag. We conceive the whole of these movements, marked as they were by so much decision and enterprise, to have been highly creditable to the American arms, and particularly so to that branch of the service of which we are writing. Shortly after, hearing of the arrival of his senior officer at Monterey, Commodore Stockton struck his penrant on board the Congress, aod finding a party about to cross the Rocky Mountains, returned by that ^ 1847.] NAVAL HISTORY. 67 route to the Unitocl States. The furce that Commodore Shubrick found uodor hit ordera on aaauming the command of the Pacific M^uadron, consiflted of his own flhip, the Indopondoiice C4 ; the Congrcwt 44, to the command of which vewicl ho a^taigned Captain Lavalette, lato in the Independence; the Savannah 44, Portsmouth 20, Warren 20, Cyane 20, Preble 16, and Dale 10. , A few day* after his own orrivni. tha Lexington, store^hip, came in from the Atlantic coast; thin vuhhoI brought a company of regular artil- lery. Aa soon aa the latter landed, all the seamen wore withdrawn from tlio fort, and the town was lei't in the care of the artillery and marines. Similar arrangemeiita were made at San Francisco, where, however, the Warreu was loft, the whole force being under the orders of Commander Hull. The peafton of the year wjis still too early to carry ships into- the Gulf of California, but preparations wore now made to move the whole of the available foi^e afloat, in that direction as soon as it would bo piudent to do so. TLo Congress wa^ kept cruising at the southward^ and indeed most of the active vessels were moving up and down the- coast, looking out for privateers, and > 'V*pteinbov Capl.iin Lavulette went into the Gulf with his own ship and the Pot -'mouth, and on the lOtb of October the Independence sailed in cor j'i'iy with the Cyano to join him oft* Caj)e San Lucas. This junction v/;i8 made on the 29tb, when Captain Lavalette i '.'ported the res : ^ "" his successful ; ttempt made oa the town of Guaymas, nearly at tie h* ad of the (iulf. The place had a considerable force, and works of r&spectablo extent, but Captaitt Lavalette took his frigate, and the sloop of war within fair range of the enemy's guns, planting two pieces of heavy artillery also, on a couple of islands that were favorably situated for such a purpose. After a cannon- ading of three quarters of an hour, which commenced at sunrise the next morning, a white flag was hoisted from the shore. It appeared that the enemy had evacuated the place, which indeed was now aban- doned by all of the inhabitauts. After some negotiation, Captain Lavalette caused all the batteries on the water-front of the town to be blown up. On the evening of the same day, it being reported by the officer in command on shore, that General Campujano vaa marching upon the place with n , ery considerable force, including artillery and lancers, parties were i:aown on shore in readiness to rneef him; the enemy, however, abandoned bis intention of attack, ascertaining now that the troops of Campujano, some three or four hundred regulars with the same number of militia and Indians, were rapidly deserting and disbanding;; themselves. Captain Lavalette now left Commander Mont- gomery in the Portsmouth to look out for the port of Guaymas, and ran over to Loreto to meet the Dale, which vessel he expected to find at that place, on his way to join Commodore Shubrick oft' San Lucas. [This is the conclusion of the portion dictated by Mr. Cooper.] Before proceeding in the regular order of time, it here becomes neces- sary to go back lo the year 1846, in order to notice some actions in which the sloop of war Cyane, Commander Du Pont, was creditably concerned. This vessel, having in the month of July landed the detach- ment of Major Fremont at San Diego, remained for a time on the coast m t ■:"''.■, ■'V ^ 68 NAVAL HISTORY. [1846. ''■i: '^ is':- of California, when she was sent down on blockading duty to the main coast of Mexico. She arrived at San Bias on the 2d of September. Here a party was sent on shore under the command of Lieut Rowan, which spiked all the guns that could be found at the place, amounting to twenty-four in all, and varying in calibre from twelves to thirty-twos. They were not all, however, in a serviceable condition. It was not the policy of the commander-in-chief at this time to take permanent possession of any points on this distant part of the coast, as the force under his orders was insufficient for such a purpose, at least while Upper Califoniia required such constant attention. The duty of the ships was therefore confined to watching the ports, and enforcing the blockade as efficiently as possible. More active employment was occasion- ally found, in hindering the military preparations of the Mexicans, and in destroying such means of defence, as it was within the reach and capacity of a small naval force successfully to attack. The Cyane, therefore, kept to the northward, touching at Mazatlan, where the Wan-en was engaged in blockading, thence running into the Gulf of California, making the poi-ts of La Paz and Mulejd From the latter place it was found that a Mexican gun-boat had lately sailed, going, it was supposed, across to Guaymas. Thither the Cyane followed, and anchored in the inner harhor on the 6th of October. A battalion of troops of the line, witk field aitillery, was posted in the town, and, in connection with the national guard, formed a body of five hundred soldiere. Commander Du Pont immediately sent a communication to the Mexican commander, informing him of the declaration of a general blockade, and of the lenient terms which had been granted to other places, on condition of not taking an active part in hostilities, and demanding the surrender of the two gun- boats, which were lying in the harbor. A surrender of the gun-boats was refused, when the American commander sent a message, that he would be obliged to take them by force. From most commendable motives of hu- manity, he expressed his desire not to be compelled to fire upon the town, jet he informed the Mexican commander that xesistance would oblige him to retaliate in this manner. In the mean time, and before an attack could be made upon them, the Mexicans set fire to the g-un-boats, and they were entirely consumed. A Mexican brig, howevei', was left unharmed, under the idea that she was in too strong a position to be in danger of being cut out. Being a lawful prize, and, if left, likely to be of service to the en- emy in conveying military supplies, the American officer determined to cut her out. She was anchored in a cove, foraied by a long projecting point of land. She was hauled close in toward the houses, within pistol shot of them, with two streets opening upon her, one of which led down from the barracks where the troops were posted. These barracks were situated behind a mound of earth ; so that the Mexicans might with reason have supposed that the brig was too well protected to be liable to an at- tack. It would be necessary, should the brig be successfully carried, to tow her for some distance in ifront of this sti'ong position, before she could bear away from it. The Cyane was hauled in as close as possible to the town, for it was apparent, that, should the enemy be at all bold and active, the brig could be carried and brought out by the boats, only under a well-tliiected and 1846.] NAVAL HISTORY. 69 spirited fire from the ship. The party sent in was embarked in the launch and one of the cuttei-s, and was under the command of Lieut G. W. Harrison, with acting Lieut Higgins, and Midshipmen Lewis and Crabb. They rowed steadily in, and succeeded in boarding the brig, and m cutting her chain cable; the ship, meanwhile, keeping up a heavy fire upon that part of the town where the troops were stationed. The brig being now in possession, and the Mexicans thus far ottering no resistance, Commander Du Pont, wishing to do as little injury to the town as possi- ble, ordered the firing to cease. Immediately on this the enemy rushed forth from his lurking places, and opened a sharp fire with artillery and musketry upon the bri<^ and the boats. This compelled a reply; and the ship, brig and boats all poured in a fire upon the town, which forced the troops back to their cover. During this time the boats and the brig had so far changed their position that they now came within the range of the sh'p's fire. This made a cessation of the firing again necessary; and, as beibre, the courage of the Mexicans revived, and their troops once more rallied to the attack. A company of Indians also had made out to get round the cove, and took up a position from which they added a cross-fire to the severity of the main attack. Though involving considerable haz- ard to those in the brig and boats, the American commander was again obliged to use the guns of the ship. In this instance the shells especially were thrown with great i-apidity and precision, and producing consterna- tion by bursting, speedily silenced the fire from the shore. In the mean time the brig had been set fii-e to by the captoi-s ; yet she was brought out and towed into a cove near by, where she was entirely consumed. The coolness and gallantry of Lieut Harrison and the officera and men with him, elicited high praise from the Commander of the Cyane. Leaving the Gulf the Cyane ran down to Mazatlan, where she relieved the Warren, and was employed for some time in watching this port, the most important then on the entire western coast of North America. In consequence of the veiy close blockade which was maintained, the town was suffering somewhat from scarcity, and a ti'affic was attempted by means of small vessels nmning up the Gulf, in order to supply the place with flour. These vessels could keep near the shore, where from the nature of the coast a ship of war could not reach them. Landing their cargoes in the outer or old harbor, they could relieve the wants of the town. Large bodies of troops were also posted at Mazatlan, and with guns in battery, and with field artilleiy they could give efficient cover to the vessels as they ran well in along the coast Such a traffic could only be broken up by attacks made in the boats of the ship ; and much active and arduous service was perforaied by the officers and men in this nian- ner. The parties in the boats succeeded on two occasions in cutting off^four small vessels from the harbor, aiid forced them through the breakers on to the beach, where they were deserted. On the second occasion, as the ship's boats were returaing from their work, four boats, two of them launches, and having on board sixty soldiers, put out from the harbor for the pui-pose of inteiwpting the men from the Cyane. The Cyane s boats on this occasion were her three smallest, and were under the command of Lieut Harrison. The ship was not in a position to cover them. Notwithstanding the odds they gallantly formed in lino and bore down 70 NAVAL HISTORY. [1847. t. I upon the Mexicans. The encounter was sharp, the Mexicans for a time maintaining a vigorous fire; but they finally broke their order of battle, ran their boats on shore, and fled to the cover of the bushes. On both these occasions the Mexicans were aided by artillery on the shore, while the guns of the Cyane could render no assistance to her parties in the boats. The Cyane was very eflScient in making captures while occupied in blockade duty at various points. She took possession of twenty-three ves- sels of all kinds, brigs, brigantines, schooners and smaller craft, either Mexican, sailing under Mexican colors, or neutrals boldly running the blockade. In November, 1847, the Dale, Commander Selfridge, was sent to Guaymas to relieve Commander Montgomery, in the Portsmouth; the latter vessel joining the main squadron. The flag was now flying at La Paz, in the province of Lower Califor- nia, protected by a detachment of one hundred and ten men of the regi- ment of New York volunteers, under the command of Lieutenant-colonel Burton. In the month of November, it was also hoisted at San Josd, in the same province, while the flag-ship was oflf that place. This W's done at the earnest request of friendly citizens, in order that they might be protected from the insurrectionists, who were now moving in thajt re- gion. Lieut. Charles Heywood, with four passed midshipmen and twenty marines, was placed in command of this post. He was also furnished with a nine-pounder carronade, and some fire-arms to be loaned in an emergency to friendly Californians. He posted his force in an old mis- sion-house, situated on the higher portion of the town. On the 8th of November Com. Shubrick left San Jose and stood over to the coast of Mexico, with the Independonce, the Congress, and the Cyane. His destii i^lm was Mazatlan, and his object was the capture of this important city au-i the diversion of its commercial revenues into the treasury of the United States. Mazatlan contained at that time about eleven thousand inhabitants, and was occupied by Colonel Telles, with a force of from nine hundred to twelve hundred regular troops. It has been known to yield three millions of dollars revenue to the Mexican government in one year. It was within easy reach of reinforcements from states which had contributed no quota to the war, and it was known there that its occupation by the squadron was contemplated. The following description of the occupation is taken from the accounts of competent eye-witnesses : " On the 10th of November, in the afternoon, the ships came in sight of the town. The position of each had been assigned and marked on a plan of the coast and harbor, furnished to the commanders. The wind, however, was moderate, and the commander-in-chief inquired if the ships cotild take their positions after dark, and being answered in the affirma- tive directed them to proceed. The Congress led off in fine style to that bend in the coast outside, known as the old harbor, where, the shore being low, she could command some of the avenues leading from the town, and effectually cover the landing, should the surf permit that point to be selected. It was a hazardous anchorage, but an important position, and boldly taken. The flag-ship stood for another slight bend in the 1847.] NAVAL HISTORY. a peninsula on which Mazatlan is situated, and where a break in the coast-range exposes to view from the westward, the most important part of the town, and which she brought to bear immediately under her guns. " The Cyane kept on to get her station in the new harbor, her hght draft enabhng her to get sufficiently close to the bar for her eight-inch guns to reach the wharf, and cover the landing, should that point be selected. The Independence in her majestic might, just swinging rouii , showing her gun-deck tier of lights, and her stern jjmost in the rollers, })re8entetl a most imposing spectacle, a ship never having anchored tliere before. An English vessel of war was at anchor in the harbor, and the manner in which the ships took their positions, and invested the town, drew high encomiums from her commander and officers. "Early on the morning of the 11th, Mazatlan was summoned to surrender. Captain Lavalette, the second in command, bearing the com- munication from Commodore Shubrick. Colonel Telles, the military commandant, tore the summons up, with insolent threats. On the return of Captain Lavalette orders were issued for an immediate landing. The height of the surf forbade the attempt to be made outside, and the usual place of landing inside of the harbor, was designated. The boats of the Independence, Congress, and Erie, which ship, under the conniuuid of Lieut. Watson, had anchored in the offing a day or two previous, were joined on entering the harbor by those of the Cyane, and this ship had her broadside sprung, to cover the landing, if necessary. The boats en- tered the harbor in three lines, commanded by the officere of the respective ships, the whole under the direction of the commander-in-chief in person. A division of the Congress, under Lieutenant John T. Livingston, had charge of the artillery, five pieces, captured in Upper California, and mounted on board that ship. The many points advantageous for defence which presented themselves, the heights near the landing, the streets, and the houses with terraces, warned the assailants that no precaution should be neglected. The men were on shore in a twinkling, and the companies form^, while the artillery was landing. The whole force, about six hun- pred strong, then marched through the town to the Juartel, sitiwited on a mound, overlooking the surrounding country, on the walls of which the American flag was hoisted, under a salute of tw<'Uty-oi,a guns from the Independence. " Colonel Telles, with his whole force, had retreated >n the approach of the Americans. No laurels were reaped, no blood was shed, but the cap- ture was important; it brouglit home to the Mexican that his toumiorcial emporium in the west had shared the fate of the one in the east, wliilo the American flag waved over the national palace in his cajiital. Prompt measures were taken for the defence and holding of Mazatlan, and for its municipal government Captain Lavalette was made governor, and a garrison of seamen and marines established. A commission, consisting of Commander Du Pont, Lieutenant Chatard, Pui-sor Price, and Mr. Thomas Miller, arranged with the municipal Junta the terms of occupa- tion. The ships moved into the harbor; the custom-house was opened and organized, and a tariff of duties, modified to suit the trade of the coast, was established. Mr. H. W. Greene, pui-ser of the Indei)endence, appointed collectors, under whose judicious management, assisted by Mr. iiiir' '* i:; 72 NAVAL HISTORY. [1847. 1^ i 'M Speeden, purser of the Congress. moTh than a quarter of a million of dollars of duties, was collected in ti v^e months." The precise and judicious arrangements for the capture of this import- ant point made by Com. Shuorick, toHect great credit upon the capacity of that officer, and the efficiency and steadiness with which these airange- menta were earned out so successfully, are indicative of the good qualities . of the respective commanders, and of the officeis and men undei their orders. There ie. no doubt that the skill and ability manifested in the disposition of the forces, in connection with the uniform success of the American arms over every portion of the v.ide field of this war, led the Mexican commander to withdraw a body of troops, which might have given swious trouble to the invaders, and might not havo left them the Satisfaction of a blotxUess victory. Commerce soon resumed its wonted activity, but trading with the inte- rior was interfered with by the troops of Colonel Telles, who still occupied a position a fcAv miles from the city. Several attempts were made to open the communication with the country, but no general action was risked. On the 20th of November, two parties, one on land, of ninety-four sailors mider Lieut. Selden, and the other in boats, consisting of sixty-two men under Lieut. Rowan, were sent to dispense a body of the enemy posted about ten miles out. The attack was commenced at daylight, and' vas quite wannly resisted by the enemy ; but it was soon completely successful, the Mexicans breaking in confusion before the impetuous charge of the seamen, and throwing away tlieir arms in their flight. The Americans lost one man killed, and three officers and seventeen men wounded ; the loss of the enemy being seven killed, and twenty-five or thirty wounded. These sorties drove the Mexicans further back, and left the roads more free. For some time a large garrison was maintained on shore, and until the close of the war, a strong naval force was at anchor in the bay. Strong redoubts were also constricted, and mounted on the land side of the town ; so that had the enemy made an attempt to regain possession of it, with any force at his command, he would, without doubt, have been promptly repulsed. In consequence of the large force required at Mazat- lan, and the necessity of sending reinforcements to Lower California, Com. Shubrick was unable to take jX)8se8sion of the other Mexican ports farther to the south, as had been contemplated in his original plan. Events in the mean time occurring in Sonora and Lower California, recall our attention to those provinces. It has been stated that the Djile, Commander Selfridge, was ordered to Guaymas, province of Sonora, to retain possession of that port. On his way thither, this officer learned that insurrectionary movements were on foot at Mulej^, on the eastern coast of Lower California. Troops and munitions of war were carried from Mexico, across the gulf, to this place. When the Dale arrived there, it was found that the region was in possession of Mexican troops, to the number of one hundred and fifty or more, headed by a chief called Pineda. The broadside of the ship was sprung so as. to command the shores of a creek, up which Lieut. Craven proceedetl, with four boats and fifty men, to cut out a Bohooner. This was done without resistance, though large numbers of Mexicans were in sight. The next day, October 1st, the same officer, with the marines and fifty sailors, landed on the right 1847.] NAVAL HISTORY. 73 f a million of dollars bank of the creek, and scoured the valley to the distance of nearly three inilea. They were frequently assailed by the enemy in ambuscade, but they steadily advanced, driving the latter before them. At the same time, the battery of the ship kept up a fire of round shot and shell, which aided greatly in forcing the Mexicans back. They abandoned the village and retreated up the valley to a distance where, through fear of being led into an ambuscade, it was not thought prudent to follow them. The troops returned to the ship without the loss of a man, and with but two slightly wounded. We shall hear more of these Mexican forces hereafter. From this time for several months, Pineda was the active leader of a threatening insurrection in this province, which, without being successful against the American forces, infhcted great evils upon the peaceably dis- posed inhabitants. A small schooner was hired and placed under the command of Lieut Craven, for the purpose of cniising in this part of the gulf, and preventing intercourse with the main shore of Mexico. The Dale arrived at Guaymas on the 8th of November, and relieved the Portsmouth from the duty of guarding that port. The enemy's forces in this vicinity had now increased to a considerable amount, being probably not less than a thousand men. Commander Selfridge had not men enough to garrison the town, so that the flag was kept flying on an island under the guns of his ship. The enemy sought in large force to gain a lodgment in the town, but the shot and shell from the ship rendered this position not veiy tenable. On the l7th of November, Commander Selfridge, supposing that there were none of the enemy in the immediate neighborhood, landed at the head of a party of sixty-five marines and geamen. They had not proceeded far, when they were assailed with a volley of musketry from a house. A ball A^unded Commander Selfridge severely in the foot, obliging him to relinquish the command to Lieut Smith, and to return to the ship. The latter officer now found himself engaged with about three hundred of the enemy, who met him Avitlj a brisk fire and some good show of resistance. The fire of the httle force of marines and seamen was, however, deUvered with such rapidity and precision, that the enemy soon began to retreat precipitately. The fire from the ship was also opened, and began to be felt The Mexicans were now in hopeless confusion, and evacuated the town in all possible haste; but the American detachment was not suflScient to follow them up with effect In this creditabl ;)ction the Americans suffered no injury, with the exception of the wound of the commander; while the loss of the en- emy must have been not less than thirty killed and wounded. This check to the Mexicans was serviceable, as it was quite important that this place should be held at all hazards. it will now be in order to recur to the state of affairs in the provincp of Lower Califor::'i. The Mexicans who had landed at Muleje", an«.! whom Commander Selfridge had so ga !-.r ly driven toward the interior, passed through the country, exciting ha.'Uity to the American rule, and drawing the disaffected to their ranks. The maj >-ity of the people w^e without doubt friendly to the provision^ gover,- s ;nt, established bv tiie military power of the United States, and but comparatively few julirei the standard of revolt. On the 16th oi November a body of Me^joans attacked the post established at La Paz. This post was held, and most I':- : :1 ':;|,-,..,J 74 NAVAL HISTORY. 1847. 1: A i > handsomely defended by Lieutenant-colonel Burton, with a detachment of the regiment of New York volunt/eers; but as this affair belongs proj>erly to the history of army operations, it need not be described in this work. On the 10th of November, a lar«je body of the enemy came within a league of the post established ,'d tian JVx^^, which, it will be remembered, was occupied by Lieut K ywoo(i, with four oilicora and twenty marines. He had also organized and nrm.4 about twenty ^ <^lunteer8. The position occupied consisted of two ItouHeri — the one .in 'd mission-house, which had to be soraewh^'. strengiiiore^i K\d i<:^ lire^i <.'■ makv. 't defensible, and the othc a private Iiouse, so closely aujoinin^^, ihnt it Avas necessary to oc- cupy it Im it mighl fall inic the hands of the enemy. In the latter, Ptitssed-mi'i^bipman McLiaiahan was stationed with twelve volunteers. At tlu.' mission, >i. uine-pounder w.is mounted, and lo': nholes left for musketry. An advance guard appTv>ached on lii« uioming of the 19th, and de- man'^ed a surivinder, v/Lii'li, c f course, was ;('tug9d. The main body took up a position on an eniiuenco abui' < quarter of a mile distant. It cx)nsi8ted of one huudrotl and ofty m»..unt«d jfuen, and commenced the attack late in the day by h firo from a six-pounder. This ceased at dark, having done but little damage. About ten o'clock at night, the whole body of the enemy conunouced an attack upon the front and rear of b6th houses. Their fire was vigorous, but was returned as vigorously by the little garrison. Their caimon was posted in front of the main building, where it was replied to by the nine-pounder. The defence was so effect- ual, that the enemy were i>iad to cover themselves behind the neighboring buildings, and thus the combat was continued throughout the night; and by morning, the enemy retired to their camp. The day passed quietly; but as night closed in, the Mexicans were again in motion. They now concluded to undertake the capture of the mission-house by assault. This wj\8 a bold plan to be formetl against so determined a garrison as they liad found this one to be. In executing this movement, a strong party rushed up toward the front of the house, with the intention of forcing tlieir way in and capturing the gun. But a destructive discharge of mus- ketry brought down their lea<:ler and several of their number, when they broke and fletl. This repulse in front intimidated the party in?the rear, who were approaching Avith ladders to scale the walls, and t) ^y were thus easily driven back. The next morning a whaling vessel came in sight and anchored off the town. The Mexicans p obably took it for a ship of war, for the whole body soon moved off. They lost at least eight killed and more than that number wounded ; while of the garrison but one was seriously, and tAvo slightly wounded. A a soon as the re|X)rt of these hostilities reached Com. Shubrick, he dispatched the store-ship R outliampton to the aid of Lieut. Ho* .vood. ~' ' «( on as possible, and the Oyanew^ .,o sent i'ea to Lieut. Col. Burton. 848, San Bias, a seaport town, situated to captured by a small force under the orders of was maintaining the blockade of the port witL The party landed undci- Lieut. Chatard, and The I ortsmouth followed n • to La Paz, with aid and On the 12th of Jam.ij the south of Mazailiw , v . Lieut. Conid't Bail v , ^^i. the Lexington stOxd-. '^v brought off two pie( v-,- t -rillery from the fort, and a fine boat belonging Ji 1848.] NAVAL HISTORY. 75 to the custom-houBe. No opposition was met with; still it was not deemed advisable to hoist the flag, as suflBcient force could not be left on bhore to defend it Lieut. Chatard also landed a small party at Manzanillo, and spiked three large guns. Mexico now had not a single gun mounted on this entire coast, except at Acapulco. In the province of Sonora, the enemy still continued to hover around Gua)mia8. A detachment having established itself at Cochori, on the coast about nine miles from Guaymas, Lieut. Yard, now commanding the Dale, determined to dislodge it A party of seamen and marines was detailed from the ship for this purpose, and placed under the command of Lieut Craveiu Having proceeded for four miles in boats, they landed and cautiously advanced, seeking to surprise the enemy. In this they were successful, having nearly surrounded the house where they were posted, before being discovered. Some firing ensued, but the enenty soon yielded. A part escaped, as the attack was made in the night; but the commander and six soldiers were taken prisoners, and five were left dead upon the field. The assailing party suffered no loss. in the early part of the yeai* 1848, San Jos6 became again the centre of very active military operations. On the 2 2d of January, a small de- tachment of Lieut. Hey wood's command, consisting of Passed-midshipmen Warley and Duncan, and six men, was captured on the beach by a large body of the enemy's cavalry. This was a serious loss to the little gam- son. The Southampton, having furnished all possible aid to Lieut Heywootl, was sent to La Paz, with ordera for the Cyane to take her place at San Jos^. This was a very opportune change ; but before it was fully effected, hostilities had recommenced around the devoted mission- house, though the Cyane arrived in time to take part in them. The en- emy, despairing of carrying a post so well defended as La Paz, had con- centrated his forces, amounting to three or four^hundred men, aroimd the feebler position held at San Jos6. The defence of this position rested with a garrison of twenty-seven marines, ten effective seamen, and about twenty California volunteers. The town was deserted by its inhabitants, and about fifty women and children sought protection in the imperfect fort, and were supported from its scanty supplies. In the latter part of January, the Mexicans appeared in force. On the 4th of Febniary they drew their lines quite closely around the fort, and fired upon all who showed themselves. On the 6th a sortie was made by Lieut Heywood with twenty-five men, which was successful in dislodging a strong party posted at the lower end of the street. On the Tth another bold and successful sortie was made, attended, however, with the loss of one man. Notwithstanding these sorties, the enemy gradually hemmed the gan-ison in more closely. Their former expsirience had taught them not to risk an assault, and their policy now fe-^rjied to be to reduce the garrison by a regular investment and siege. By V.3 10th they had com- plete .ossession of the town. I'lie^- occupied a church and other com- manding buildingF. within musket-shot, from which they kept up an f Imost incessant fire during the remainder of the siege. Thus protected, it was seldom that the besieged were able to {ind an opportunity to fire a them with effect On the 11th the firing was continued with great vigoi ; and s". ) I lit; ■■■.;• 76 NAVAL HISTORY. [1848. during this clay the garrison siiffored tho loiw of PftHWKl-midshipman Mo Lanatmn, wlio was wuuniitH:! in thu nock, and 8urvivroio band. But on this day relief came. In tlie afternoon the Cyano hove in sight, and soon came up and dropi^d her anchor off the town. Tho inteixwt of tho fight now turned in this direction. Commander D\\ Pont of tho Cyane, knowing that the Mexicans were in large forcts antiemy soon showed himself in full force in front, after the laniling was etVwttKl, and the contest com- menced. As the Mexicans jXMwesseil the advantage of the covera along the road, they were able to kwp up an atmoying tiank and rear fire upon the advancing Americans. Still tho latter ujovihI steadily on, driving their opponents back at every point, or giN ing them volleys of musketry to the right and left as occasion requi'-ed. Thu Mi^xicjuis engaged with great vigor, and continued their fire thmughout with steadiness; and it would also have been quite destructive hml they not generally fired too high. Step by step the ground was gaine party of hr 'v (■'ome friends. It durely borders on the miraculous ' uJs march w m i lade under such a fire^ and this victory gained by f :Vmericuu8 over treble their own number, [1848. 1848.] NAVAL HISTORY. 77 Hl-mitlshipman Mo- but two hours. [' Hunoyance. The uriHiKlwi the water- iK^n went vigorously ;iiiiist great difficul- drawing the fire of uning low, and still B\it on thia day t, and soon came up a of the fight now :\\Q Cyane, knowing ing that they must d the mission-house, guered comrades by 10 ship the night at- not reach that dis- illery, lest he should t. were seen moving lid two otficers'and won showed himself nd the contest com- of the covera along k and rear fire upon dily on, driving their s of musketry to the engaged with great linees; and it would irally fired too high, chieved, as the com- jry. It requirejj the osity of the seamen, vement which would unity and steadiness ainly from both the iei-est among the ob- unable to render any iijKKSsible to separate their impatience, and anions. A party of ^e, led ^y lieutenant and openetl the way is union was effected, exertions to "^'i. lin of victory v'- v ised ne friends, it dureiy de under such a fire| Q their own number, without the loss of a single life, and with only four slightly wounded. The loss of the enemy could not bo asoeilained with any oxartnoss, but there were at lea.st thirteen killed. They also hmt in thoir Iciig attai;k upon the post, at least fifteen killed, and many wounded. The wuHualtiiw to Lieut. Hoywood's command were three killed and four slightly woundo^l. The coolness, pei"severance, and indomitable resolution tlisitlayiHl in this long defence against such superior imml)ei'8, cannot but draw ujH>n the actors especial notice and renown, and place it amoiig the many uiomon^ ble achievements of this war.* The organization of the insun-ection was nearly broken tij) after this repulse. Though the chief, Pineda, with a considerable foriH\ still re- mained in the vicinity, the presence of a ship of war onoratoil m tax effectual check upon any further attack. In the month of March, indeed, the Americans assumed the offensive, and by several sudilcn attacks, with comparatively small parties, drove the enemy further and further up the country. On the night of the 15th of this month, a detachment from the garrison at La Paz, under the command of Captain Sttudo of the Now York regiment, made a foi-ced march and came unexiwotwlly upon the enemy's camp at San Antonio. The surprise was complotts and the con- flict short; it ended in the discomfiture of the Mexicans, anil the rescue of the Americans taken prisoners, as already mentioned, on the 2 2d of the preceding January. Colonel Burton and Commander Du Pont kept up a system of short and rapid expeditions, in various directions, wherever an enemy showed himself; so that by the close of April the forees of the Mt'xicana wore wholly dispersed, the'r principal chifl'ti taken prisonei-s, and the province of Lower California rendered compleuJy tranquil. On the 20th oi' April, a detachmei.i of one hundred men from Mio volunteer regiment in UpiH)r California arrived at San Jos6, and Lieut ''^;jwooil and his command returned to their proper quarters on shipboard. At Guaymas, where the Dale still remained, the officers and ineu wore constantly occupied in maintaining the bkxikade, and in u-atching n largo extent of coast in order to prevent the sending of niilitavy supplies or assistance across tr Lower California Their vigilance and occo'onal skirmishes kept the enemy at a distance, and reduced hini to defensive operations. On the receipt of the information of a provisional suspension of hos- tilities on the part of the main ai-my in Mexico, Conmnnlore Shubrick entered into a similar arrangement. ;.,. ' --ithdrew tlie garrison fiinn Ma- zatlan, leaving a few men to guard the works until the ostablishment of a definitive treaty of peace. Until the close of the war, therefoixs the duty of the naval force was confined to the maintenance of tlie ])ositions alnmdy held. In Jidy, 1848, Commodore Shubrick sailed for home with the Independence, by way of the Sandwich Islands, having bwn relieved in his command of the Pacific squadron by Com. Thos. Ap C. Jones, in rtie Ohio 74. • While these pages are going to press, information has been roceiwd of ti>e (loath of th« gallant He; wood. He feU a victim to the yellow fever, contracted at Hlu Jauvko, and ditd OD board the nicam-frigate Sitiunac, of vrhicb be woii second in command. il, m i r ' 78 NAVAL HISTORY. [1846 CHAPTER VI. Com. Conner on the eMt cout of Mexico- DIockade— Expedition againit Tobaieo and Alra* rado — Flan of attack on Vera Cruz— Minor town* taken — Lom of the Somen— Landing of the American army — Com. Perry relieve* Cora. Conner — Bombardment of Vera C'rui — Cuptare <>r A' < lo, Tuspan and Toboaco, and oocupation of Mexican porta— SlUrmlshca— 8vr-^o-ii. a»i4UHcorpp Oen. Quitman— Death of ltL\)or Twiggi. i Fob the preservation of a more clear and convenient method, we have followed the naval operations on the west coaHt of Mexico from the com- mencement to the close of hostilities. In the same ')r(ler we will now present an account of the services of this arm of the national power, in the Gulf and on the east coast of Mexico. The navy found no enemy to contend with on its own element in this quarter; and was, therefore, principally occupied as an .auxiliary to the ariTiy. Though its services were not brilliant, they were certainly indispensable. In July, 1846, the Secretary of the Navy wrote to Commodore Conner, commanding the home or Gulf squadron, that he must now consider Texas as a part of his country, to be d^^fended as any other portion should be. and must hold his force in readiiioss for any outingt'.icy. The vessels of war embraced in his command at this time were, thr ^rigate Potomac 44; sloops of war Falmouth 20, Saratoga 20, St. Mary's . >; brigs Somers 10, and Lawrence 10. The steamers Mississippi 10, and Princeton 9, sloop of war John Adams 20, and the brig Porpoise 10, wort' ordere^l to join his squadron without delay. During the movement of General Taylor's divisiors to Corpn^^^ Christi, and thonce on to the north of the Rio Grande, the smaller vessels of the squadron kept it company, and rendered some valuable sei-vices. When hostilities actually commenced, and the state of war was declared to exist, instructions were issued to Com. Conner to employ his command in the blockade of Mexican ports, so far as its force would admit of doing so effectii.illy. The government required that the blockade should bo actual and absolute, except against the vessels of war of neutral nations. These orders were issued on the 13th of May, 1846; and that they might be pr iperly carried out, several additional vessels were attached to the squadron (.r "'om. Conner. These were the frigate Cumberland 44, frigate Raritan a^4; ami the brigs Perry and Truxton of 10 guns each. Tho sloop of war Albany 20, also joined during the year. On the 8th of May the firing of the artillery at the battle of Palo Alto was heard at Point Isabel, where the squadron lay. Major Munroe, commanding the post, and having under his care the supplies for the army, apprehensive of an attack by the enemy upon so important a point, requested of Commodore Conner a reinforcement to his troops from the squadron. This was promptly granted; and five hundred seamen and 1846.] NAVAL HISTORY. 79 luar un(l«r Captain Grogory, of the RaritAn, were lnndo.l and jwHigncd thoir post behind tlie defenww. Hut tho victoriou of the 8th and 0th drove the MexiciinH acrotw the river, op(Miotl tho coiumuniowtion botweon Fort Brown und Point Iwibel, and left the hitter frw from all dani^er. On tho 18tli of Muy a detachment oi' nearly two hundred marineM and Boanien, from the Cumberland and Potomac, under tho orders of Capt^iin Aulick, sailed up the Rio Grande in the boat* of the shipH, and effected a junction with a detiichimmt of the army at Barita, on the rijrht bank of the river, and alx)ut tifteen miles from its mouth. At this jH)int they es- tablished a p(*t without any opposition, and on the samo day the army under General Taylor crossetl the river and entered Mataraoras. The vessels were now dispatched to their several stations to enforce the blwkade of the ports of Mexico on the (rulf is far south a« Alvarado. The changes of the shijw on the several stiitions were necessiuily frequent, as, for a time, they were obliged to repair successively to Pensacola to replenish their supplies. The Somers was sent to Yucatan, in order to ascertain what course that government intended to pursue iu tho war be- tween the United States and Mexico. The honest neutr.ility of this prov- ince would require u less extent of coast to be guarded, and diminish the resources of Mexico for a prolonged contest. Munitions )f war were introduced through this province into Mexico, so that the necessary neu- trality was not maintained. It becamo advisable, therefore, in the autumn of this year, to send an expedition against Tobasco, through which city this commerce in the materials of war was carried on. The place is situ- ated on the river of the same name, about seventy-four miles from its mouth, and in a south-easterly direction from Vera Cruz. Its seaport called Frontera, is situated at the mouth of the river. Commodore Matthew C. Perry was appointed to condu4Jt this expedi- tion. As the harbors of Mexico were inaccessible to most of the ships of war, in consequence of sand bars formed across their entrances, several Hinall steamers and schooners had been purchased and sent to the scene of operations in the Gulf. Of these, Com. Perry took the steamer Vixen, and the schooners Bonita, Reefer, and Nonata, besides the steamer Mc- Lane and the schooner Forward of tho revenue service, as the most avail- able species of force with which to ascend the river. His own ship was the Mississippi, steamer, on board of which was a detachment of two hun- dred officers, seamen and marines, nnder command of Captain Forrest of the Cumberland. The expedition sailed on the lOtU of October, and arrived off the mouth of the Tobasco on the 23d. The Mississippi was left at the anchorage outside, while Com. Perry himself went on board of the Vixen. This small steanrer then took in tow the Bonita and Forward, with tlie barges containing the detachment under Captain Forrest, and crossing the bai began to ascend the river. The Nonata followed under sail ; the Reefer, having parted company in a gale, had not yet rejoined. The town of Frontera was taken possession of without resistance, with several vessels in port, and two steamers which were firing up, in the hope of escaping up stream. The largest of these steamers, the Peti-ita, was immediately taken into service ; the detachment of Captain Forrest em- barking in her, and the Nonata and Forward, with the barges, being so KAl'AL HIRTORT. [IM. I I i i attnchwl to hfT in onlor to b •• wi u[> tlio river. Tlio Vixon thon to«tk tho Hoiiitn ill tow, niid tho mixt inorniiij; tlio cnrnmaiid n^^nin mov»Hl for- ward, ill ordiT to rwaoii Tol>aMC<> boforv; additions could l>o mado to it« di'lVncfft. Tho rapidity of the current .«iid an iinnerfoct, knowlodjifo of tho cliaim»!l of tlio river made their pnt^rws hIow. fho noxt niorninif they camo ahrcant of a fort, which conunandcd tho rivor at a very tlitHciilt ji< tint, and from which t hoy looked for onpwition to thoir mlvanco; hut they |>aftK(Hl it unino]cht««!, the men in charpo tlwin{;( at thoir approjich. At n(H)n Tohiwoo was reached. Several nierchant-vonHols were wKiimnl hy tho hoatH, and tho wiuadron anchored in order of battle abreast of tho town, witliin lialf-inuflkot ranp'. Captain Forrest went directly on slioro with a flag, and a Bummoni to tho pfo\ ernor to Hurrender. Tliiw was answered with bravado, and an in- vitation sent back to tho commander to fire as soon as ho pleaded. Coin. Perry was extremely reluctant to destroy tho town antl to subject th(« in- habitants to tho miseries of a bombardment, merely to jOfratify the inliuninn pride of a man, who, safe himself, would not surrender, tliough incapable of making any eftectual resistance. It was necessary, liowevor, to ninko some demonstration of his power, and ho consequently directed tlie firing to commence from tho guns of tho Vixen alone, and these tt^ bo aimed nt the flag-Ht;iff. At tho third discliarge tho flag c^mo down. Captain tW rest was now sent ashore again to inquire if they surrendered ; but ho was informed that tho flag was not struck, but only Hhot away. Captain Fon-est now landed with his dotacliment at n point where tlioy were under cover of tho guns of the vessels. This movement drew fntm tho enemy a fire of musketry, which was returned by tho flotilla, and continued till evening. Not considering it safe for the land party to re- main on shor* tlirough tho night, Com. Perry recalled them. The crows were continued at quarters througliout the night, but the firing fwm the flotilla was not resumed. Com. Perry, knowing that the governor disre- garded tho wishes of tho principal citizens in refusing to capitulate, now (letermined, from motives of humanity, to relinquish any plan of a more complete conquest, and retire from the place, satisfied with having broken up the ri» l) Lioiit. Parker, roc^ivwl a wvctro wound in tho nock, which a fevs !.:^n ntlor ro- Hiiltod in hiH death. Tlio Hotilla, with the prizen, now withdraw from !*«- foro the town, and j>r(K'«M>ded down tho riv»^r. Siu^h vewk'Is foimd in the river t» were of little vaiuo wore hurntMl, and tho rent cf tho prizce were Hcnt to the main H<|uadron near Vera ('ruz. Tho McLano and tho For- ward, rovonuo cutterH, wore loft to maintain tho blockade of tho river, and Com. Perry and command rejoined Com. Connor. Previous to this succcHsful expedition againHt Tob««co, some naval movomonta were made which did not have so satisfactory a lemiination. lu August Com. Connor ]>lannoil an expedition aj^ainHt Alvarado, the first town of any importance on tlio coast to the eastward of Vera Cruz. But it failed in conse<]Uonco of none of tho vessels beinjr able to cross the bar — tho small steamers and 8(!hooners which ultimately proved so efficient in cjicrations of this kind, not having been sent out at that time. When they arrived, in October, Com. Connor ma'le another attempt to take pos- session of Alvarado. Tho ilofences of tho place wero by no mejuis insig- nificant, cx)nsisting of several forta and batteries conmianding tho harbor and tl»e entrance. Tho steamer Vixen towed in tho two sclKJoners Uonita and Reefer, and this division was able to return the fire of the batteries. The steamer Mississippi was also enabled to reach a position where sho did considerable execution with her long gims. But tho steamer McLane touched on the bar, and so was unable to bring the second division, con- sisting of the Nonata, Petrel and Forward, into action. This misfortune frustrated the plan ; as tho first division not being properly supported, it became necessary to recall it. An attempt to capture Tuspan, situated on the coast, above Vera Cruz, resulted in the loss of one of the vessels of tho sq'-adron. On tho 1 5th of August, Commander Cari^jntor stood in for i i ^ trwn with the brig Truxton. She struck upon the bar and obstinnt"' , tod all eftbrts to get her oflT. Her officers and men, with the cxcuo' and a boat's crew, were obliged to surrender to *'u'. il> however, sulwequently exchanged. In the autumn of this year a plan of a ' which contemplated the reduction of tho city of '\^ castle, and thence tho march of a large army by tho .'hortest route to the ca[)ital of Mexico. It was higlily advisable to concefJ this plan from the Mexican government. In order, therefore, to divert attention from the real point of attack, and to afford a convenient place for concentrating troops, orders were sent in October to Com. Conner to take possession of Tampico. The Raritan, Potomac, and St. Mary's were ordered to rendezvous oft" that port. On the 12th of November the steamer Mississippi, having on board a detachment of one hundred marines and seamen from the Cumberland, and towing the Vixen, Nonata, Bonita and Reefer, and the steamer Princeton, having in tow the Spitfire and Petrel, left the anchorage of Anton Lizardo. Arrived oflf the bar of Tampico, on the morning of the 14th, three hundred men were- placed in the boats of the various vessels, which, in connection with the schooners above mentioned in tow of the steamers Spitfire and Vixen, were carried safely over the bar, and passed f Lieut. Hunter ns. They were, , marked out, az and its famous 'k j^ K:.),'! V? 82 NAVAL HISTORY. [1846. :»' up the river. The defences of the city hacl been abandoned, so that no resistance was met with. Before reaching it, a deputation of the govern- ment came on board, with whom the terms of a peaceable surrender were arranged. Two merchant vessels and three gun-boats were captured in the harbor. A strict blockade of the port was still maintained after its capture ; and it was also garrisonec! for some time by a strong detachment of tix)ops. From Tampico an expedition wai sent under Commander Tattnall, vath the steamer Spitfire and the schooner Petrel, to Panuco, situated about eighty miles up a river of the same name, for the purpose of destroying some cannon and other munitions of war, which the Mexicans had trans- ported from Tampico before its capture. Though the river banks afforded many points from which artillery might have swept the decks of the ves- sels, the enemy offered no opposition, and on the 19 th of November, the town was taken possession of, and the military stores destroyed or brought away. In the latter part of November, the frigate Cumberland was sent home for repaii-s. Captain Forrest being transferred with his crew to the Raritan, and Captain Gregory and crew going home in the Cumberland. While the squadron was off" Tampico, the brig Somers maintained the blockade of Vera Cruz. The barque Creole, conveying munitions of war to the Mexicans, had violated the blockade, and lay on the night of the 20th of November in supposed security, under the guns of the fortress St Juan d'Ulloa. In the darkness, a boat from the Somers quietly ap- proached her, containing Lieut. Parker, Passed-midshipmen Rogers and Hynson, and five seamen. The guard was surprised, captured, and after- wai'd set on shore, while the vessel was set fire to and burned. The adventurous and gallant party escaped without injury. On the 5tli of December, Passed-midshipman Rogers, and Dr. Wright, attached to the Somers, with one of the crew, went on shore in the vicin- ity of Vera Cruz for the purpose of a reconnoissance. They were soon surprised by a party of Mexicans ; and Dr. Wright managed to escape, but the other two were taken prisoners. Though Midshipman Rogers wore his uniform, and could only be properly deemed a prisoner of war, his fate was for a long time doubtful, the Mexican autaorities seeking to convict him as a spy. He endured great hardships, and was finally taken to the city of Mexico, whence he escaped before the city was captured by the American arms, joined the army of Gen. Scott, and served with dis- tinction in the brilliant battles which closed the war. His misfortune in being captured, however, probably saved him from the more melancholy fate of most of his companions on board the Somers. This active little cruiser, on the 8th of December, while seeking under a press of canvas to cut oft" a vessel which was making for the harbor of Vera Cruz, was struck by a " norther " and thrown on her beam-ends. She soon went down, carrying with her. Acting-master Clemson, Passed-midshipman Hynson and nearly one half her crew of eighty mei.. The John Adams, just coming down the coast, went to the assistance of the brig, as also did the boats of the British, French, and Spanish ships, of war, anchored near; by these some of the officers and men were rescued, while oth .rs reached the shore and were taken prisoners. Gold and silver medals were subse- quently presented, by order of Congress, to the officers and men of the 1847.] NAVAL HISTORY. 83 foreign vessels who so nobly and generously risked their own liveo in saving some of their fellow-men from the wreck of the unfortunate Somers. Commodore Perry, with the Mississippi, Vixen, Bonita and Petrel, ar- rived off the town of Lagima, in tlie province of Yucatan, on the 20th of December. Leaving the Mississippi off the bar, he took the schooners and barges in tow of the Vixen, and proceeded up to the town. Posses- sion was taken without any difficulty, and the military stores seized. Two forts were occupied, the American flag hoisted upon them, and the guns and carriages destroyed. Commander Sands, with the Vixen and Petrel, was left in charge of the place. On returning along the coast, Tjeut Comd't Benham, in the ^onita, was left at Tobasco river, to assume the command of the blockading vessels at that point. The year 1847 commenced with very extensive and active preparations for the contemplated attack on Vera Cruz and the castle of St. Juan d'UUoa. The descent of so large a body of troops as was necessary for the grand plan of the campaign, upon an open coast, with the needful but heavy encumbrance of its military supplies, could be no light work ;. and the aid of the navy was in all aspects of the undertaking indis- pensable. Great activity consequently pervaded this department of the national government. Bomb-ketches and steamers were purchased, equipped and sent to the Gulf. The Ohio 74, which was preparing for the Pacific, and the sloops Gerraantown 20, Sai-atoga 20, and Decatur 16,. were rapidly fitted out and ordered to join the squadron. On the coast of Mexico was soon assembled, around Vera Cruz as a centre, or scattered off different ports on blockading duty, probably the largest force ever under the command of a single American naval officer. The transports, conveying troops and supplies, were directed to rendez- vous at the island of Lobes, which lies about twelve miles off the coast,, some sixty miles below Tampico. At this point, many of them assem- bled during the month of February, and as the season was advancing,, though many very necessary supplies had not yet arrived, the commander- in-chief decided to effect an immediate landing. The following detailed account of the debarkation of the army of Major-general Scott, is from the pen of William G. Temple, Passed- midshipman in the navy, who, in view of the nautical interest attached to the movement, has compiled from original sources, a memoir of the operation, addressed to the Secretary of the Navy and placed among the files of his departmeiit. The substance of this document is here given.. "In view of landing the army at souiC point near Vera Cruz, surf- boats suitable for that service were co^iracted for in the different ports of the United States, by the quarter-master's department of the army. These ' boats were built with both ends alike, so as to steer with an oar at each end, and to stow in nests of thre.' each, the largest one measuring forty feet in length. One hundred and forty-one boats, or forty-seven nests were contracted for and built; out of this number, however, only sixty- five had reached head-quai-ters by the the time they were required for the landing of the troops. "The army sailed from the rendezvous at Lobos Island on tiie 5th of March. In anticipation of the arrival of the transports off Vera Cruz,. 84 NAVAL mSTORT. [1847. the frigate Potomac and the sloops of war Albany and John Adams were stationed in the vicinity of Isla Verde, (some five miles to seaward of the city,) with orders to put an officer on board each vessel as she amved, to pilot her into the anchorage at Anton Lizardo ; or should the number of officers prove inadequate to this duty, to furnish the masters of the trans- ports with such sailing directions as would enable them to pass inside of the Blanquilla Reefs tx) the anchorage. "The naval squadron, under the command of Commodore Conner, and the transports having on board the troops and their eqiripments, under the command of Major-general Scott, were thus concentrated at the anchorage between the island of Salmadina and Point Anton Lizardo : a distance of some ten or twelve miles., to the eastward of Vera Cruz. " As fast as those transpoi-ts having on board aoy of the surf-boats ar- rived, the boats were launched under the direction of a heutenant of the squadron, their equipment inspected, and every thing belonging to them fully prepared for service ; after which they were hauled up on the land- ward side of the island, and an'anged and numbered by divisions; each division consisting of ten boats, taken from all the different sizes. " In the mean time a speedy debarkation was resolved upon ; it being important that a landing should be effected before 'a norther' a},ould come on, as that would delay the opemtion several days. . Accordingly, the Goneral-in-cliief and the Commodore of the squadron made a joint reconnoissance in the steamer Petrita, with a view of selecting the most advantageous point for that purpose. The choice lay principally between Point Anton Lizardo, opposite which the squadron and transports lay an- chored, and the beach directly abreast the island of Sacrificios. The great objection to the first of these two, was the distance (about fifteen miles) that the troops would have to march before reacliing the point of .iitack; while, at the same time, the road led through deep, loose sand, and ' , volved the passage of one or two considerable streams. As to the mc.e landing, however, it was deemed quite as good as that near Sacrificio?. The selection of this last-named point, obviated the difficulty already mentioned, being Avithin two and a half miles of the city walls, although it had its own disadvantages. The exceedingly confined space afforded here for a secure anchorage, rendered it dangerous, in the then season of 'northers,' to bring up many of the transports. It was therefore sug- gested to transfer all the troops from the transports to the men-of-wai' and steamers, and after their debarkation, to order up from Anton Lizardo such transpoits with provisions and stores, as might first bo required; which, in turn, might make room for others, till all should be landed.* "In view of all these considerations, the beach near Saorificios was deemed the most eligible point, and the debarkation was appointed to take place on the 8th of March. General orders were therefore issued on the 7th, by the Commodore, and the Commanding General, prescribing the necessary arrangements. • Subsequent to the landing, however, the transports were ordered to Sacrificios in too great numbers; and a gale o'wind coming on from the north, about forty vesseU were blown upon the beach. '?'t|? 1847.] NAVAL HISTORY. 85 "The surf-boats were apportioned for use among the men-of-war as follows: Frigate Raritan, 16. Frigate Potomac, 20. Sloop of war Albany, 10. Sloop of war St. Marys, 10. Steamer Princeton, 10. "These vessels were directed to furnish to each boat, so np|X)rtionod to them, a crew of seven seamen, and a junior or petty officer to command it. Each division of ten boats was commanded by a lieutenant, and in some instances, was divided between two of that grade ; the general di- rection of the whole remaining always with the senior. Captain Forrest, commanding the frigate Raritan, was ordered to superintend the whole operation. " The officers detailed for this duty were sent on shore the day previous to the debarkation, and the boats allotted to their respective ships pep any force coming up stream. General Cos of the Mexican arn\y was in command and had under him a force of 650 troops. When the flotilla onmo within range of the enemy's guns, the barges sheeiHxl ofi' to land the detachment which was to operate on shore, under command of C^aptaiu 8. L. Breese, while the steamere and gun-boats moved \ip the riM*r. The Mexicans made 'nt a feeble defence. They fired fron» the fort** and also with nmske! v aktng the borders of the river. But as the Anu>rican foive came up, '.■■ • rap- idly fell back, deserting the batterit» lH*fv»rt» the land party could get near enough to storm them. Tho att^u'k, thon>foi>o, proved entirely success! ii], and tlie capture was effwtoil, with a K>ss to tho Americans of only three seamen killed and five oftic^ra and six tnen woimded. The guns and a quantity of ordnance stores Iwlongiug to tho Truxton were recovered. The i\.lbany and the Reofor weiv lotl to watch Tuspan. The Hecla was sent to blockade Soto de la Muriiia, tho Etna to Tobasco river, the Porpoise and the Vesuvius to Lagunju The plan of Commodore Perry wjis to occupy every point on tho coast at which supplies could bo sent into Moxii'o, and thus, by diminishing her capability of resistance, to aid so far as tho navy could, the conquering progress of the army. In accordance with this plan, a large pirt of the squadron now cruised to the eastward m far as Yucatan, to complete the work of bringing under American autliority tho maritime towns. The policy of the United States was also now changed governor. The flag-ship Mis- sissippi then returned along the coast and met tho main squadron off the Tobasco. The port at the mo\ith of this river was also declared open, and Commander Van Brunt of the Ktna WJis invested with authority as civil and military governor. The bltn'kado of tho Goazacoalcos was also raised, and similar authoritv conferml on Commander Walker of the 1847.] NAVAL HISTORY. 91 Stromlx>ii Commodore Perry alno aBoeiuled the latter river nnd roceivod the formal Bubmiasion of soveral iuterior towns, llo then rutunuKl to Vera Cruz. Captain Mayo, who had been appointed the governor of Alvorndo and its de{)endon»;'ies, was active in securing the submission of many towns in the interior. Most of them voluntarily acknowlodgtKl his authority and came peacci^uly under tlio new rule. In the instance of one military expe- dition for the purpose of retlucing a refractory town, one otlKt^r and nv« men were wounded on the part of the Americans. Otherwise the oxtoji- sion of their authority over a considerable region was uuattondod with bloodshed. In the vicinity of Tobaaco, however, matters did not remain in so good a couditi" >r V^'th no immediate force to overawe thoin, the Mexicans began to collets in considerable numbers. They hold ]H>»8e8Nion of tiio town, and constructed fortifications of no small strength at ct)mnuuuling points filong the river. These indications of insuboiilination and hostility hua coiitmued till it became no longer prudent to disr(«gartl thorn. Com- modore PeTy, therefore, jjlanned another expedition agjiinst the enemy in this quaiier. He arrived, on the 13th of June, off the river, with the Mississippi, Raritan, Albany, John Adams, Decatur, Germantown, kSii-oniboli, Vesu- vius, and Washington, and the steamers Scornion, Spitfire, Sci.)urge, and Vixen; the Etna and Bonita being already within the bar nt their station. A large force from the several shipa was, as usual, orgrtniztHl and placed in the barges. It numbered in all, officers includeil, 1,1 T;} 8tn>ng, with seven piecori of artillery. Commodore Perry tran»ferl^'d his pennant to the steamer Scorpion, which, in connection with the other steatners, took the gun-boats and barges in tow, and conmienced the iwo^Mit of the river on the 14th. No appearance of an enemy occuri-ed until the following day, when about twelve miles below the town, the flotilla was fiixnl upon by an arme . ." ive concealed in the cha[)parel on tlie left bank of tlio river. This fire w.. soon silenced by the guns and musketry of the vessels; and, night "mimg on, the flotilla lay here till morning. Some distance farther up, artificial obstructions were met with in the river, and opposite to them on the shore was a well constructt^l bwastwork, fiiuu which a strong body of Mexicans commenced a tire. Fearing that the steamers might 8utti?r an inconvenient delay before being able to pass the oUtruc- tions, Cora lodore Pen-y determined to land at this j)oint, niid force his way through to the city. The heavy gims of the flt>tilla rakai the intrenclimoiii of the enemy, and the landing was eftocttH.1 near it. In ton minutes the entire detachment was formal on the sluMxs with seven pieces of artillery, which were taken from the boats and draggi^l up a steep bank of twenty feet height, by the sheer sti-ength of the men. Three more pieces wire also landed from the bomb-vessels, and thou with great enthusiasm and eagerness the co umn moved t"> the attack. Tlieir urogresR was slow O'l account of the high grass and thick chappaivl, through which they were obliged tc marcli, at the same tune dragging their artillery with them. The outposts of the enemy were quickly (Irivou in, and their brcM^st'Vv "Ir was desertel without comitig to ch^e quartei'S. The stoamem also ' . .' now passed the obstnictions and were able to co-oixjmt^ with 92 NAVAL HISTORY. [1847. the land party. Thoy l)ol(lly sailed on, ret<^^'iiig and rctuniing the firo from the . {■/ ** >♦ ^ 4^ 1.0 1.1 ■» liii 122 I^ 144 ■" us ■tt 140 IL25 HUU 2.0 1.6 A" O ^ Photographic Sciences Corporation '^.V^ 23 WIST MAIN STHiT WnSTU.N.Y. MSM (716) t72-4S03 '^ o^ ^ 94 NAVAL HISTORY. [1847 i>i"'ii> halting. The storming party rushed on to its desperate duty with resist- less force, and entered the Mexican works. It was closely and ably supported. The Mexicans stood their ground with unusual resolution and courage. The contest was now hand to hand — swords and bayonets were crossed and rifles were clubbed. But the valor and enthusiasm of the Americans still triumphed. These outworks were carried and the way to the fortress from this direction was opened. The troops did not pause on this threshold of their conquest, but pressed on and fought their way into Chapultepec by the side of their brethren, who had been equally successful at the other points of attack. -.^i :,';•??■.,; The marines still accompanied their division in its progNss al6ng Ihe cuuseway toward the Belen gate, and participated in the long and bloody battle by which, finally, this avenue to the city was opened. On the morning of the 14th, the division of General Quitman entered the city, and was the first portion of the army which marched into the Orand Plaza The palace, now deserted by the Mexican authorities, was overrun with the desperate characters of the population, bent on plunder. Lieu- tenant-colonel Watson, with his battalion of marines, was ordered to clear it of these intruders and protect it from spoliation ; which duty he promptly and successfully performed. This corps lost in the actions detailed abipve. Major Twiggs and six men killed, two lieutenants and two sergeahts wounded. Lieutenant Semmes of the navy, who served as a volunteer aid in General Worth's stafl^ and Passed Midshipman Rogers who was employed in the same capacity in General Pillow's stafl^ received high commenda- tions from their chiefe for their conduct in the several batties around the city of Mexico. ""'''' ''- >■• The conclusion of the war released the naval force from its monotonous duty of guarding the coast, and protecting the revenue interests. Since this epoch, now memorable in the annals of the country, the navy has been employed in no hostile operations, its power being occupied simply in the appropriate duties of a state of peace. ,' ^ ""li '. CHAPTER VIL Lienteiunt I>nch'g expedition to the Dead Sea in 1848— Dangeroas navigation of the Biver Jordan — Scientific results of the expedition — The Orinnell expedition in search of Sir Jolin Franlclin — Dapgers of the ice — Severe cold and darkness — No tidings of the lost Mariners — Expeditious to Japan, Ohina, River La Plato, and western coast of Afi-ica — Con- dition and resources of the Navy ia 1853. Though the navy is strictly a military organization, and its martial achievements constitute its essential renown, yet its incidental services to science, or to any of the arts that facilitate human intercourse and promote human improvement^ are without doubt worthy to be chronicled in its history. In accordance with this idea of the historian's duty, a brief 1848.] NAVAL HISTORY. 95 account must be ffiven of an expedition to explore the course of the river Jordan, and the snores of the Dead Sea, which was planned and executed by William F. Lynch, lieutenant in the navy of the United States. An application for this purpose was made by Lieutenant Lynch in the early pit of the year 1847, to the proper authorities at Washington. The privilege was granted in July, and he was directed to make his pre- parations at the expense of the Department In October he was appointed to the command of the store-ship Supply, destined to the Mediterranean with naval stores for the squadron. Every thing necessary for so unusual an enterprise was carefully selected and placed on board of the Supply, which staled from New York on the 26th of November. In February, 1848, she reached Smyrna, where Lieutenant Lynch left the ship and pro- ceeded to Constantinople, to obtain from the Subhme Porte the requisite authority to cross through Palestine with his pai-ty. This obtained, with orders to the governors of the region to afford him aid and protection, he returned to his ship, and on the Slat of March, was landed with his boata and party on the beach at Haifa, in the bay of Acre, on the coast of Syria. The boats provided for the expedition were constructed on the principle of the life-boats of Mr. Francis, one being made of copper and the other of galvanized iron. They were fitted on trucks, and were drawn by camels across the country from Acre to Tiberias, on the western shore of the sea of Gahlee. The party consisted of Lieutenant Lynch, Lieutenant Dale, Passed Midshipman Aulick — Mr. Bedlow and Mr. Anderson, volun- teers — and eleven petty oflBcers and seamen. They carried with them a large blunderbuss, and each officer and seaman was fully provided with small-arms. Supplies for the party were transported on camels, and a guard of mounted Arabs was also engaged. Thus the entire caravan consisted of twenty-three camels, about eighteen horses and some thuty men, and, as it wound through the secluded villages of Palestine, presented a novel and picturesque appearance. At Tiberias, Lieutenant Lynch obtained a wooden boat, in which he embarked a part of his stores; but this was soon so much damaged in the difficult navigation of the Jordan, that it became entirely unservice- able. On the 10th of April, they left Tiberias and stretched down the lake. Besides the party in the boats, there was a party composed princi- pally of Arabs, under the command of Lieutenant Dale, which kept com- pany on the western shore of the river, in order to be at hand in assisting their companions in any emergency. Lieutenant Lynch occupied eight days in sailing from the lake to the Dead Sea. So sinuous is the course, of the river, that it passes over about two hundred miles in accomplishing a direct distance of sixty. The navigation was found to be of the most exciting and hazardous character. No boata could have passed through the severe ordeal but the metallic ones so wisely provided. These, manned by their intrepid crews and guided by their skillful officers, shot down frightful cascades and plunged into boiling torrents, and though receiving some hard blows by coming in contact with the sunken rocks, they carried the adventurous navigators unharmed through every danger. At times it was necessary for the men to spring out, and, holding the boats by their sides to guide them by main strength down the rapid current luucod the labors and exposures incident to such a voyage were 96 KAVAi Histeittr. [1848. exoeesive, and cannot be detailed in this short account The party was also fortunate in escaping any attacks from wandering Arabs, which from all representations they had been led to expect The officers were respec- tively occupied in making observations relating to the topography, and the geological and botanical characteristics of the country through which they passed. On the 18th of April, they entered the dreary and mysterious waste of waters so appropriately called the Dead Sea. Their first encampment was at Feshkah, on the western shore of the sea, about five miles from the mouth of the Jordan, where the land-party joined them, as they had previously done whenever it was practicable to meet It was with great difficulty that the navigators reacned this point, for they encountered a gale very soon after entering the sea, which, acting upon the ponderous water, made it almost impossible to work the boats toward the shore, and night settled down upon them in these gloomy circumstances. After severe toil they were able to reach their companions on shore. Amid the impressive and sublime scenery of this sea, Lieutenant Lynch anH his party spent several weeks. They established a permanent encampment, and from this center made constant and extensive tours of exploration. Various lines of soundings were run, for the purpose of determming the depth of the water in difierent parta of the sea, and quite a careful ob^r\'a- tion was made of all the shores, particularly the western and southern. This expedition has certainly the honor of determining the course and characteristics of the Jordan, in modem times very imperfectly known, and of throwing much light upon the geography and physical peculiari- ties of the Dead Sea. It was well planned and equipped, and possessed that combination of means for the want of which most individual travel- ers in the same region had been hitherto unsuccessful, and some of them very unfortunate. Much enthu: ' and energy were displayed by all concerned in this expedition, an<~ ugh in some instances sufiering occurred amid the contingencies of so strange and unknown a region, yet so admirably was every possible precaution taken and every arrangement carried ou^ that all the anticipated results were accomplished without serious accident to ar'^ of the number. Having finished the explorations, the boats were taliieu to pieces and placed upon the backs of camels, the encampment was broken up, and the party, gladly bidding farewell to the solemn and deso- late scene, on the 10th of May commenced their journey to the Mediter- ranean by way of Jerusalem. A part, however, were detailed for the performance of a. still remaining duty — ^the accurate determination of the actual depression of the Dead Sea beneath the level of the Mediterranean. The result arrived at by Lieutenant Symonds — an English officer, who had by a course of trigonometrical calculation determined the depression to be thirteen hundred and twelve feet — had excited surprise among scientific men. It was a matter of interest, therefore, to test this conclu- sion. A series of levels was, consequently, carried across the country by this detachment from Lieut Lynch's party, which occupied twenty-three days in the slow and laborious process. The result, however, was gratifying. The difference between the level of the Dead Sea and that of the Mediter- ranean was found to be almost precisely what Lieut Symonds had stated. I860.] NAVAL HISTORY. ■ Vj*i.ii n ■■'i For a full account of this entire expedition^ the reader is referred to Lieutenant Lynch's published volume. In the history of our navy, may also with propriety be mentioned the creditable though unsuccessful expedition to the Polar Seas, during the years 1850-61, in search of the long absent party of Sir John Franklin. This was an individual and not a national enterprise. The means for its prosecution were furnished by Mr. Henry Grinnell, a wealthy and phi- knthropic merchant of New York city. The vessels furnished were two small brigs, the Advance of 140 tons, and the Rescue of 90 tons. They were merchantmen, but were strengthened for this service. By a special act of Congress, they were placed under the direction of the Navy Board, and were subjected consequently to the usual regulations and discipline of the service. The officer selected for the command was Lieutenant £. H. De Haven, who had been attached to the Exploring Expedition under Commander Wilkes. The selection proved a very judicious one. si , x On the 23d of May, 1860, the expedition sailed from New York, and without any particuhur adventures, began to meet masses of ice in Mel- ville Bay about midsummer. The Rescue was here thrown into a very perilous situation. A mass of ice slid under her, and lifting her bodily from the water, careened her over nearly on her beam-ends, in which position she remained some sixty hours before they were able to right her again. ► Their progress was now continued only by boldly pushing mrough the icebergs and floes, until, finally, they emerged into the open waters of Lancaster Sound. Here, overtaken by a very severe gale, the vessels were separated, but were happy in meeting again a few days after. Thus, until the month of September, they continued their perilous course to the westward, when they reached 96** west longitude. As winter was now approaching, and the ice barrier beyond was entirely impenetrable, the vessels were turned to the eastward to find more genial quarters during the long polar night The hopes of the navigators in this respect were, however, disappomted, for they soon became firmly locked between lai^e masses of floating ice, and were carried by an irresistible tide to the north- ward, up Wellington Channel. Winter in all its rigor now came on. The sun no longer showed his disk above the horizon and the thermome- ter indicated 40" below zero. The Rescue was now deserted, and both crews took up their abode on board the Advance, which was made quite comfortable with the means which had been lavishly provided. The mental and physical energy of the men was maintained by- daily and vigorous exercise in the open air, and by pleasing entertainments on board the vessel. For eleven weeks the sun was invisible. Yet the aspect of nature was not wholly gloomy — they were delighted and cheered by fre- quent views of the splendors of the polar sky. t^t ''\ After having diifted some distance up Wellington channel, they found that the tide had changed, and that they were floating back again under the influence of the same mighty force which had borne them onward. They thus passed out of Wellington Channel, through Barrow's Straits and into Lancaster Sound. It shoSd be borne in mind, also, that during all this time the ice was constantly shifting and threatening the vessels mo- mentarily with destruction. Constantly anxious and vigilant, the exposed navigators were ready at any moment to leave their ships, for it seemed III m 1 » I 98 NAVAL HISTORY. ^ 1800. J , r' V t impoesible that they could sustain such an enonnous pressure. At one time they stood upon the ice, with their sleds loaded with provisions, and waiting for the final crash which would demolish their home and leave them on the treacherous ice-fields ninety miles from land. After Decem- ber, however, the ice became solid, and they were relieved from this source of danger. Thus through the entire winter they floated along the south- ern shore of Baffin's Bay and Davis' Straits, until the 6th of June, when with fearful suddenness the ice broke up into floating pieces, extending as far as the eye could reach. They finally emeiged mto a clear sea, having reached the entrance of Davis' Straits and passed to the south of the Arctic circle. They had thus drifted helplessly in the arm embrace of the ice, from the last of September till the first of June. Nothing daunted, they again turned toward the north, with the inten- tion of prosecuting their search through another summer. But in the route ^/hich they took, the impediments were so serious and dangerous that the attempt at farther explorations was abandoned. The Advance arrived at New York on the 80th of September, and the Rescue came in shortly after, when the vessels were resigned by the Navy Department into the hands of their owner. This expedition failed, as have all those fitted out from England also, in the attainment of its main object. The only traces of the party of jSir John Franklin, which were found, were discovered on the 27 th of August, 1850, by the united English and American expeditions at Beechy Cape^ on the east side of the entrance to Wellington Channel These traces consisted of several articles which could be identified as belonging to Frankhn's ships, and also of three graves, with head-boards bearing the names of those interred, who were sailora attached to the absent expedi- tion. The last date thus inscribed was April 3d, 1846. The movements and the fate of Frankhn beyond this point and this period are entirely unknown. Though disappointed in solving the painful mystery which still hangs over the condition or the end of the bold English explorer, those concerned in the American attempt to throw light upon the interests ing question have the satisfaction of feeling, that they have made a generous effort in behalf of a stranger and a foreigner. At the present time, 1853, the resources of the Navy are directed in quite an unusual degree to projects which contemplate the safety and the extension of American commerce and the maintenance of the rights of humanity. The most prominent of these projects is that which has in view the establishment of commercial relations with the empire of Japan. ITie government of that large nation has for a long period denied to other nations, with a most insignificant exception, all access into its ports or territory; has refused hospitality and succor to unfortunate mariners, and has treated with great cruelty such citizens of the United States, as well as those of other countries, as have been cast by shipwreck upon the well- guarded shores. It has been therefore deemed obligatory by the govern- ment of the United States, to make an attempt to obtain from this jealous and secluded people, a recognition and obser\'ance of the rights of human- ity, and also to induce them, if possible, to abandon their present absurd commercial policy. The extension of the territory of the United States along the shore oi the Pacific, and the presence of a large whaling fleet 1847.] NAVAL HISTORY. 88 foreign vessels who so nobly and generously risked their own lives in saving some of their fellow-men from the wreck of the unfortunate Somers. Commodore Perry, with the Mississippi, Vixen, Bonita and Petrel, ar- rived off the town of Lacuna, in the province of Yucatan, on the 20th of December. Leaving the Mississippi oflf the bar, he took the schoonen and barges in tow of the Vixen, and proceeded up to the town. Posses- sion was taken without any difficulty, and the military stores seized. Two forts were occupied, the American flag hoisted upon them, and the guns and carriages destroyed. Commander Sands, with the Vixen and Petrel, was left in charge of the place. On returning along the coast, Lient. Comd't Benham, in the Bonita, was left at Tobasco river, to assume the command of the blockading vessels at that point. The year 1847 conmien^ with very extensive and active preparations for the contemplated attack on Vera Cruz and the castle of St. Juan d'Ulloa. The descent of so large a body of troops as was necessary for the grand plan of the campaign, upon an open coast, with the needful but heavy encumbrance of its military supplies, could be no light work ; and the aid of the navy was in all aspects of the undertakmg india- pensable. Great activity consequently pervaded this department of the national government Bomb-ketche& and steamers were purchased,, equipped and sent to the Gulf. The Ohio 74, which was preparing for the Pacific, and the sloops Germantown 20, Saratoga 20, and Decatur 16,. were rapidly fitted out and ordered to join the squadron. On the coast of Mexico was soon assembled, around Vera Cruz as a centre, or scattered off different ports on blockading duty, probably the laigest fbrce ever under the command of a single American naval officer. The transports, conveying troops and supplies, were directed to rendez- vous al the island of Lobos, which lies about twelve miles off the coast, some sixty miles below Tampico. At this point, many of them assem- bled during the month of February, and as the season was advancing, though many very necessary supplies had not yet arrived, the commander- in-chief decided to effect an immediate landing. The following detailed account of the debarkation of the army of Major-general Scott, is from the pen of William G. Temple, Passed- midshipman in the navy, who, in view of the nautical interest attached to the movement, has compiled from original sources, a memoir of the operation, addressed to the Secretary of the Navy and placed among the files of his department The substance of this document is here given.. "In view of landing the army at some point near Vera Cruz, surf- boats suitable for that service were contracted for in the different porta of the United States, by the quarter-master's department of the army. These boats were built with both ends alike, so as to steer with an oar at each end, and to stow in nests of three each, the largest one measuring forty feet in length. One hundred and forty-one boats, or forty-seven nests were contracted for and built; out of this number, however, only sixty- five had reached head-quarters by the the time they were required for the landing of the troops. " The army sailed from the rendezvous at Lobos Island on the 6th of March. In anticipation of the arrival of the transports off Vera Cruz^. 84 K AVAL HISTORY. [IB41. the frigate Potomac and the sloops of war Albany and John Adams were stationed in the vicinity of Isla Verde, (some five miles to seaward of the city,) with orders to put an officer on board each vessel as she arrived, to pilot her into the anchorage at Anton Lizardo; or should the number of officers prove inadequate to this duty, to furnish the masters of the trans- ports with such saihng directions as would enable them to pass inside of the Blanquilla Reefs to the anchorage. "The naval squadron, under the command of Commodore Conner, and the transports having on board the troops and their eqmpmentB, under the command of Major-general Scott, were thus concentrated at the anchorage between the island of Salmadina and Point Anton Lizardo : a distance of some ten or twelve miles to the eastward of Vera Cruz. " As fast as those transports having on board any of the surf-boats ar- rived, the boats were launched under the direction of a lieutenant of the squadron, their equipment inspected, and every thing belonging to them fyiy prepared for seryice ; after which they were hauled up on the land- ward side of the island, and arranged and numbered by divisions; each division consisting of ten boats, taken from all the different sizes. "In the mean time a speedy debarkation was resolved upon; it being important that a landing should be effected before 'a norther' should come on, as that would delay the operation several days. Accordingly, the General-in-chief and the Commodore of the squadron made a joint reconnoissance in the steamer Petrita, with a view of selecting the most advantageous point for that purpose. The choice lay principally between Point Anton Lizardo, opposite which the squadron and transports lay an- chored, and the beach directly abreast the island of Sacrificios. The great i objection to the first of these two, was the distance (about fifteen miles) that the troops would have to march before reaching the point of attack; while, at the same time, the road led through deep, loose sand, and in- volved the passage of one or two considerable streams. As to the mere landing, however, it was deemed quite as good as that near Sacrificios. The selection of this last-named point, obviated the difficulty ahead; mentioned, being within two and a half miles of the city walls, althougj it had its own disadvantages. The exceedingly confined space afFordec here for a secure anchorage, rendered it dangerous, in the then season o 'northers,' to bring up many of the transports. It was therefore sug gested to transfer till the troops from the transports to the men-of-war a^ steamers, and after their debarkation, to order up from Anton Lizardo sudi transports with provisions and stores, as might firat be required; which, in turn, might make room for others, till all should be landed.* " In view of all these considerations, the beach near Sacrificios was deemed the most eligible point, and the debarkation was appointed to take place on the 8th of March. General orders were therefore issued on the 7th, by the Commodore, and the Commanding General^ prescribing the necessary arrangements. * Subsequent to the landing, however, the traniports were ordered to Sacrificios in too grot nnmberi ; and a gale of wind coming on from the north, about forty veiMls were blown ap« the beach. 1847.] KAVAL HISTORY. 85 ''The Burf-boats were apportioned for use among the men-of-war m follows: Frigate Raritan, v'- V ^v ' . . 16. Frigate Potomac, . 20. Sloop of war Albany, lo. Sloop of war St Maiys, lo. Steamer Princeton, lo. , :' "These vessels were directed to fuiuish to each boat, so apportioned to them, a crew of seven seamen, and a junior or jpetty oflScer to command it. Each division of ten boats was commanded by a lieutenant, and in some instances, was divided between two of that grade; the general di- rection of the whole remaining always with the senior. Obtain Forrest, commanding the frigate Rantan, was ordered to superintend the whole operation. " The officers detailed for this duty were sent on shore the day previous to the debarkation, and the boats allotted to their respective ships pointed out to them as they lay ranged and numbered on the beach, so as to avoid confusion and an indiscriminate seizure of the boats, when they should come with their crews at daylight to launch them. The boats' anchors were stowed in the stems of the boats with their hawsers coiled clear for running; and the cockswains were instnicted, in case the landing shonld be effected in a heavy surf, to drop the anchor from the stem outside the breakers, and to pay out the hawser as the boat went in, so that after the troops should have jumped out in shoal water, the boat could be warped out again through the breakers, without having received any injury from thumping on the beach.* ** The troops were ordered to be in readiness for the following distri- bution among the different men-of-war and steamers, to take passage from Anton Lizardo to Sacrificioe. ** The Ist line under Brevet Brigadier-general Worth, consisting of the 1st brigade of regulars and Captain Swift's company of sappers and miners, to be received on board the frigate Raritan and the steamers Princeton and Edith. To field batteries of Captain Taylor and Lieu- tenant Talcott (also attache 1 to this line and to be landed with them) to be towed up, in their respective transports, by the steamers Massachu- setts and Alabama. "The 2d line, under Major-general Patterson, consisting of the Ist brigade of volunteers commanded by Brigadier-general Pillow, and the South Carolina regiment of volunteers f (all of the 2d brigade that had yet arrived out) to be received on board the frigate Potomac and the steamers Alabama and Virginia. The reserve, under Brigadier-general Twiggs, consisting of the 2d brigade of regulars, to be received on board the sloops of war Albany and St Marys, the brig Porpoise, and the steamers Massachusetts, Eudora and Petrita. * This precaution, howerer, proved unnecessary at the time of landing, from the smooth state of the water ; but at a later period, while landing heary articles in a surf, it was resorted to with great success. t The South Carolina regiment, finding themseWes crowded out of the vessels assigned to tiieu- transportation, aslced and received permission firom Captain Sands of '.^e steamer Vixen, to take passage in bis vesseL n NAVAL HISTORY. [1847. ** Every man of the army was directed to take in his haversack, bread and meat (c(X)ked) for two days ; and the vessels of war were ordered to supply the troops with water and provisions, while on board. ** A system of signals had been arrang^ beforehand, by the General- in-chief, by which Uie transports were to indicate the number of boats required by each one to take from them the troops they had on board. They were to hoist a flag at the fore for each boat required to receive the first line, and to haul them down as the boats arrived alongside; in like manner at the main for the second line, and at the mizzen for the reserve. " All the preliminary arrangements were thus completed on the evening of the 7th, but the next morning there were indications of a ^' norther,^ and the movement was postponed. At sunrise on the morning of the 0th, the officers and men detailed for that duty, were sent from the men- of-war, to launch and man the surf-boats. Those divisions of boats manned by the Raritan and Princeton were assigned to the transfer of the first line; going for them whenever a transport had flags flying at the fore, and t^ing them to the vessels of war and steamers, accordine to the herein before mentioned distribution. In like manner those divi- sions manned by the Potomac were assigned to the transfer of the second line, and those by the Albany and St Marys to the reserve. "Each of the frigates received on board between twenty-five and twenty-eight hundred men, with their arms and accoutrements ; tfte sloop received about nine hundred each, and the smaller vesseb numbus in proportion. " When all were transferred, the fifteen boats belonging to the Raritan were taken to the steamer Spitfire to be towed to Sacrificios; the steamer Vixen went alongside the Potomac and took in tow the twenty boats bdong- ing to her; the Albany sent her ten to the steamer Eudora, the St Marys' -ten were sent to the steamer Petrita, and the Princeton took in tow her own ten. At the same time the vessels, so sending them, detailed two lieutenants and two midshipmen to remain on board the towing steamerB, and look out for their boats, together with two seamen for each boat, who were to remain in them, and steer them during the tow. " This part of the movement was completed very successfully about 10 o'clock A. M. ; and a few moments thereafter, the squadron and- such of the transports as had been selected for the purpose, got under way for Sacrificios : the General-in-chief on board the steamer Massachusetts, and the Commodore of the squadron in the frigate Raritan. " The weather was very fine, with a fresh yet gentle breeze from the south-east and a perfectly smooth sea. The passage to Sacrificios occupied between two and three hours. Each vessel came in and anchored in the small space previously allotted to her, without the slightest disorder or confusion, the anchorage being still very much crowded notwithstanding the number of transports that had been left behind. " The debarkation commenced on the instant. Each vessel reclaiming her surf-boats from the steamer that had towed them up, sent them to receive the first line. The Princeton was ordered to take a position abreast the landing-place, and as near the shore as possible; and the surf-boats were directed, after receiving their quota of soldiers, to rendet vous astern of her, and to form there in a double line-ahead, according to 1847.] NAVAL HISTORY. 87 regimeotfl and companies, and in proMriW order of battle; the two head boats holdinap on to each quarter of tho Princeton, other two holding on to thenti, and so on, with the regimental flag flying in the head boat of each regiment * ' H ' 'h H 88 WAVAL HISTORY. [184^ and Mulora of bin command, the anny is indebteil for great and unceasing aMistance, promptly and cheerfully rendered. Their co-operation in th« conntant theme of our gratitude and admiration.' " Pending the bombardment of Vera Cruz, Commodore Conner, who had now been in command of the Home itquadron more than three yearn, and «Tho«o health had become aeriouBly impaired, was relieved, on the 2l8t of March, by Commodore M. C. Perry, and returned home in the Princeton. On the 22d of March, the investment of the city being completed and •ome of the batteries constructed, the Governor was called upon to surren- der. This being declined, in the afternoon of the day the firing commenced from the trenches and was returned both from the city and the castle. At the same time the two small steamem, the Spitfire and Vixen, and the five gun-boats, led by Commander J. Tattnall, took a position, near the shore, whence their heavy shot could reach the city. This position wan gallantly maintained and their fire kept up wiiii rapidity and steadiness until late in the evening. They were supplied with ammunition during the night, and on the morning of the 24tn moved to a still nearer and more favorable position, whence the firing was resumed. It soon became apparent, however, that the flotilla was m a position inconsistent, with its safety, and it was consequently recalled. ^ It being the earnest desire of the officers and men of the navy to take some active part in the siege, General Scott generously assigned them a place in the trenches. Three eight-inch Paixhan guns and three long 32 pounders were landed from the squadron; and after vast labor in dragging them through the sand, in which duty the sailors were aided by detachments from the army, they were mounted in batteir under the BU])erinteudence of Commander A. S. Mackenzie. This battery was served by different detachments from the several vessels, composed of lieutenants and other officers with an adequate number of seamen, all under the command of a captain. Each detachment was on duty twenty- four hours. The battery opened its fire on the 24th under charge of Captain J. H. Aulick of the Potomac. As soon as discovered, it drew upon itself an exceedingly severe fire from the enemy's guns, which was returned deliberately and with marked effect for about four hours, when the supply of ammunition failed. The loss from this detachment was five seamen killed and one officer and four men wounded. The relief party arrived in the afternoon under the command of Captain Mayo of the Mississippi. The breastworks having been much shattered, the night was spent in repairing them. Early on the morning of the 25th, the fire of four of the Mexican batteries was concentrated upon this work. An active cannonade was continued in return until half-past two p. m., when the enemy's guns were silenced. Two other batteries then turned their fire upon the naval battery, and they also were sooti rendered inefficient During this day Midshipman T. B. Shubrick, while pointing a gun, was killed. One seaman was killed and three were slightly wounded. Captain Mayo was relieved at the close of the day by Captain S. L. Breeee of the Albany. The cannonade of the day gave employment for the night in restoring the dilapidated defences. In the morning a storm so filled the air with dust that it was impossible to sight the guns, and soon an order 1847.] KAVAL HIBTORY. 81^ 'ommodore Conner, who on more than three yearn, red, was relieved, on the id returned home in the Arrived from the Commander-in-chief that the firing need not be reauined, an negotiation* for a surrender were in progrowi. During the mgo, the naval battery threw one thousand Paixhan sheila and eight hundred round shot into the enemy's walls and forts. In the commission for the settlement of the terms of capitulation, Captain Aulick represented the navy ; and, on the 29th of March, the combined forces or the army and navy took possession of the city and castle, while the American flag floated over both amid a grand salute from the squadron and the batteries. Immediately after the surrender of Vera Cruz, a combined movement was made for the capture of Alvarado, which, after the two previously mentioned failures, was in this instance accomplished. General Quitman, with his brigade of volunteer troops, was diroctod to proceed by land, in order to cut off the retreat of the Mexicans, and especially to gain pos- session of tlie horses and mules of that region, upon which the army was depending for a forward movement. Conuuodore Perry directed Lieu- tenant Charles 0. Hunter, commanding the steamer Scourge, to nroceo\i in advance with that vessel and blockade the harbor, while he Limself followed with the other vessels more slowly, so as to co-operate with General Quitman when he should arrive in the rear of the town. But Lieutenant Hunter, who reached the bar on the 30th of March, allowed himself to be tempted by his ^^al into an immediate attack upon the fortifications at the mouth of the river, instead of obeying the letter of his orders and simply maintaining a blockade. The next day, after a renewal of the attack, the Mexicans withdrew from the batteries and from the town, when Lieutenant Hunter entered the river, captured four schoon- ers, left a garrison to guard the place, and proceeded up to Tlacotalpam. This town surrendered without resistance. Thus was the apparent object of the expedition accomplished before the main force arrived; but the important purpose of drawing supplies for the army from this quarter was entirely defeated, as the Mexicans escaped with tneir animals before the land force could hem them in. Commodore Perry arrived on the 2d of April, but his too active subordinate had left nothing to be done in the way of conquest Qui'^t possession was taken of the town, and of such public property as had not been destroyed when the enemy evacuated the place. Sixty cannon were found, thirty-five of which were shipped and the remainder destroyed. Lieutenant Hunter was immediately placed under arrest, and was afterward, by the sentence of a courtrmartial, dis- missed from the squadron for disobedience of orders. As soon as Alvarado was reduced, Commotlore Perry turned his atten- tion to a movement against Tuspan. It will be remembered that the brig-of-war Truxton was lost on the bar while engaged in an attempt to capture this place. Some of her guns were now mounted in the forts which defended the town ; and it was rather a point of honor with the navy to retake them. This expedition received no aid from the army. The Raritan, with a detachment of one hundred and eighty oflBcers and men from the Potomac, the Albany, John Adams, Germantown, and Decatur, and the bomb-veesels Vesuvius, Etna, and Hecla, were ordered to rendezvous at the Island of Lobos. Commodore Perry in the Mieaia- sippi, accompanied by the steamers Spitfire, Vixen, and Scourge, and the I ;;- ,;,- KAtAL HISTOKT. 1847.] J gun-boata BoDita, Petrel, and Reefer, with » party of three hundred ofiScers and men from the Ohio, sailed from Sacrificios on the 12th of April. Joining the vessels at Lobos, he arrived off the bar of Tuspan on the I7th, and made preparations for an attack the next day. The larger ships being anchored outeide, the small steamers, the gun-boats, and about thirtv baiges crossed the bar without accident on the morning of the 18tH. The whole'force detached from the ships — forming the landing party and carried in the barges — amounted to 1,490 officers, seamen and marines, with four pieces of light artilleir tor land service. The whole was led by Commodore Peny on board the steamer Spitfire. The approach to the town was defended by two forts on the right and one on the left bank of the river, in very excellent positions to sweep any force coming up stream. General Cos of the Mexican army was in command and had under him a force of 650 troops. When the flotilla came within range of the enemy's guns, the barges sheered off to land the detachment which was to operate on shore, under command of Captain S. L. Breese^ while the steamers and gun-boats moved up the river. The Mexicans made but a feeble defence. They fired from the forts and also with musketry along the borders of the river. But as the American force came up, they rap- idly fell back, deserting the batteries before the land party could get near enough to storm them. The attack, therefore, proved entirely 8ucce^i cooperate with m .' ■■ ' ^ Si % 92 ISTAVAL mSTORY. [1847. -1 i!?; i, the land party. They boldly sailed ou, receiving and returning '1 .« from the enemy's intrenchments, as they passed by. About a ^ae farther up was a principal work of the Mexicans, situated on a command- ing point and defended by three hundred r^ular and as many irregular troops. They, however, stood fire but a short time, when they fell back upon their remaining defences. These consisted of another breastwork, a mile and a half from the city — ^behind this about a quarter of a mile, a trench across the road, filled with trees, their branches sharpened and lapped — and a quarter of a mile still nearer the city, an extensive fortifi- cation commanding the river and the road, occupied by four hundred artillery and infantry. These works were successively carried with but a feeble resistance on the part of the enemy. During this march of nine miles the heat was exceedingly oppressive, and several men sank down through exhaustion, especially among those who were attached to the field-pieces. The other casualties were the • wounding of two ofiScers and seven seamen. The Mexicans had at least fourteen hundred men in the action, of whom about thirty were killed. Commodore Perry's command entered Tobasco about four o'clock in the afternoon of the 16th. A large quantity of military stores was destroyed, the captured cannon were removed to the vessels, the powder magazine was blown up, and the entire fortifications in and near the city ' were demolished. As the enemy still hovered around ^lobasco, it was necessary to leave a strong force to keep them in check. Accordingly the Scorpion, Etna, Spitfire, and Scourge, containing four hundred and twenty officers and men, of whom one hundred and fifteen were marines, were directed to remain oflT the city under the orders of Commander A. Bigelow. On the night of the 2dth of June, an attack was made by one hundred and fifty Mexicans on the guard stationed iu the main square of the town ; they were repulsed, and without loss to the Americans. On the same day a party of twenty seamen, while on shore, were attacked by seventy Mexi- cans, and one of the former was wounded, the enemy losing one killed and six wounded. Small parties of the enemy occupied the outskirts of the town, and it was therefore necessary that the detachments on shore should be continually on the alert. Lieutenant-commandant Porter was also directed to bum the ranchos in the neighborhood of the town, in which the Mexican troops sheltered themselves. These were destroyed, to the number of two huLdred. At a village called Tamultay, about three miles distant, some five hundred Mexicans were collected, and from tliis point, as head-quarters, these annoying attacks were kept up. Commandor Bigelow determined to dislodge liiem from this position, and so, if possible, disperse them. Accordingly, on the morning of the 30th of June, he marched at the head of two hundred and forty men, with two field-pieces, in the direction of the village. When still a quarter of a mile from it, his command was assailed by a fire of musketry from both sides of the road, where the Mexicans had posted themselves in ambush. The column remained firm and promptly returned the fire. The Mexi- cans still held their ground until the artillery was brought into action, when, after a few discharges, they broke and fled in confusion. The pursuit proved inefifectual, as the enemy were too well acquainted with 1847.] NAVAL HISTORY. the avonues of escape to be overtaken. The Americans lost two men killed and five wounded ; the loss on the other side could not be ascer* tained. Two steamers, which started up the river with the purpose of bo-operating in the attack on the village, in consequence of grounding, through ignorance of the channel, did not reach their point of destination until the battle had been decided. . 'v' f' This action brought hostilities to a close in this quarter, and shortly after, the vessels were withdrawn and resumed their stations at the mouth of the river and at other points along the coast Guerilla parties still distiirbed the inhabitants in the vicinity of Alvarado and Frontera, but no serious encounters occurred. The squadron by this time had been greatly reduced, it being no longer necessary to maintain on the coast service, so large a force as had been assembled previous to the capture of Vera Cruz. The Ohio, the several frigates, the brigs, and a part of the sloops, had been detached from the squadron. In August the vessels remaining under the orders of Commo- dore Perry, were the Mississippi, Germantown, Decatur, Saratoga, John Adams, five small steamers, four gun-boats, and four bomb-vessefi. In relating the services of the navy during the Mexican war, it should also be mentioned that a detachment of the marines of the squadron, under the orders of Lieutenant-colonel Watson of that corps, served with the army of General Scott It joined the main army in the vicinity of the city of Mexico, and in time to take part in those celebrated actions which resulted in the capture of the national capital. It was attached to the division of Major-general Quitman, and was. first brought into battle on the 13th of September, on the occasion of the storming of the strong fortress of Chapultepec and of the fortifications which covered the Belen gate of the city. At the base of the hill on which Chapultepec is situated, and on the left flank, were two batteries of considerable streng-th, protected also by some solid buildings and a wall fifteen feet high. It was at this point that General Quitman's division was to advance to the attack upon the Castle. The storming party was selected from the different volunteer corps of the division, including therefore a part of the marine corps, and was placed under the command of Major Levi Twiggs of the marines. A pioneer storming party of select men, with ladders, pickaxes and crow- bars, was led by Captain. Reynolds, also of the marines. Associated with these, was also a storming party of regulars, detailed from General Twiggs' division, and under its own officers. A heavy and prolonged cannonade had been maintained from various points upon the Castle and its outworks, in order to open the way for the contemplated assault On the morning of the 13th, the concerted attack commenced with the different divisions of the army under the immediate directions of the Commander-in-chief. General Quitman's command advanced over difficult ground and with slight protection, under a heavy fire from the fortress, the batteries and the breastworks of the enemy, the stonping parties leading the column. The battalion of marines was also posted in a prominent position, whei« it could support the storming par- ties. The severe fire of the enemy soon revealed its effects upon the advancing column. The brave and lamented Major Twiggs was killed on the first advance, at the head of his command. But there was no 94 NAVAL HISTORY. [1847 halting. The stormmg party rushed on to its desperate duty with resist* : less force, and entered the Mexican works. It was closely and ably supported. The Mexicans stood their ground with unusual resolution and courage. The contest was now hand to hand — swords and bayoneto were crosi^ and rifles were clubbed. But the valor and enthusiasm of ' the Americans still triumphed. These outworks were carried and the way t6 the fortress from this direction was opened. The troops did not pause on this threshold of their conquest, but pressed on and fought their way into Chapultepec by the side of theur brethren, who had been equally successful at the other points of attack. The marines still accompanied their division in its progress along the causeway toward the Belen gate, and participated in the long and bloody battle by which, finally, this avenue to the city was opened. On the morning of the 14th, the division of General Quitman entered the city, and was the first portion of the army which marched into the Orand Plaza. The palace, now deserted by the Mexican authorities, was overrun with the desperate characters of the population, bent on plunder. Lieu- tenantKX>lonel Watson, with his battalion of marines, was ordered to clear it of these intruders and protect it from spoliation ; which duty he promptly and successfully performed. This corps lost in the actions detailed abom Major Twiggs and six men killed, two lieutenants and two eergeanta wounded. Lieutenant Semmes of the navy, who served as a volunteer aid m General Worth's stail^ and Passed Midshipman Rogers who was employed in the same capacity in -General Pillow's stail^ received high commenda- tions from their chie& for thor conduct in the several batUes arcund the city of Mexico. ,/ .. ; i , * ^ ix;.,:.. . The conclusion of the war released the naval force from its monotonous duty of guarding the coast, and protecting the revenue interests. Since this epoch, now memorable in the annals of the country, the navy has been employed in no hostile operations, its power being occupied simply in the appropriate duties of a state of peace. CHAPTER VII. s Ueutenant lunch's e3q>ed{tion to the Dead Sea in 1848— Danger ona navigation of the Biver Jordan — Scientific results of the expedition — The Orinnall expedition in search of Sir John Franklin — Dangers of the ice — Severe cold and darkness — No tidings of the lost Mariners — Expeditions to Japan, China, River La Plata, and western coast of Africa — Con- dition and resource* of the Navy in 1853. Though the navy is strictly a military organization, and its martial achievements constitute its essential ren .- n, yet its incidental services to science, or to any of the arts that facilitate human intercourse and promote human improvement, are without doubt worthy to be chronicled in its history. In accordance with this idea of the historian's duty, a brief 1848.] NAVAL HISTORY. n account must be eiven of an expedition to explore the course of the river Jordan, and the shores of the Dead Sea, -which was planned and executed by William F. Lynch, lieutenant in the navy of the United States. An application for this purpose vtras made by Lieutenant Lynch in the early part of the year 1847, to the proper authorities at Washington. The privilege was granted in July, and he was directed to make his pre- parations at the expense of the Department. In October he was appointed to the command of the store-ship Supply, destined to the Mediterranean with naval stores for the squadron. Every thing necessary for so unusual an enterprise was carefully selected and placed on board of the Supply, which suled from New York on the 26^ of November. In February, 1848, she reached Smyrna, where Lieutenant Lynch left the ship and pro- ceeded to Constantinople, to obtain from the Sublime Porte the requisite authority to cross through Palestine with his party. This obtained, with orders to the governors of the region to afibrd him aid and protection, he retiuned to his ship, and on the 31st of March, was landed with his boats and party on the beach at Haifa, in the bay of Acre, on the coast of Syria. The boats provided for the expedition were constructed on the principle of the life-boats of Mr. Francis, one being made of copper and the other of galvanized iron. They were fitted on trucks, and were drawn by camels across the country from Acre to Tiberias, on the western shore of the sea of Oalilee. The party consisted of Lieutenant Lynch, Lieutenant Dale, Passed Midshipman Aidick'— Mr. Bedlow and Mr. Anderson, volun- teers — and eleven petty officers and seamen. They carried with them a large blunderbuss, and each officer and seaman was fully provided with small-arms. Supplies for the party were transported on camels, and a guard of mounted Arabs was also engaged. Thus the entire caravan consisted of twenty-three camels, about eighteen horses and some thirty men, and, as it wound through the secluded villages of Palestine, presented a novel and picturesque appearance. At Tiberias, Lieutenant Lynch obtained a wooden boat, in which he embarked a part of his stores; but this was soon so much damaged in the difficult navigation of the Jordan, that it became entirely unservice- able. On the 10th of April, they left Tiberias and stretched down the lake. Besides the party in the boats, there was a party composed princi- pally of Arabs, under the command of Lieutenant Dale, which kept com- pany on the western shore of the river, in order to be at hand in assisting their companions in any emergency. Lieutenant Lynch occupied eight days in sailing from the lake to the Dead Sea. So sinuous is the course of the river, that it passes over about two hundred miles in accomplishing a direct distance of sixty. The navigation was found to be of the most exciting and hazardous character. No boats could have passed through the severe ordeal but the metallic ones so wisely provided. These, manned by their intrepid crews and guided by their skillful officers, shot down frightful cascades and plunged into boiling torrents, and though receiving some hard blows by coming in contact with the sunken rocks, they carried the adventurous navigators unharmed through every danger. At times it was necessary for the men to spring out, and, holding the boats by their sides to guide them by main strength down the rapid current Indeed the labors and exposures incident to such a voyage were i 96 NAVAL HISTORY. [1848. u « la exceesive, and cannot be detailed in this short account The party was also fortunate in escaping any attacks from wandering Arabs, which from all representations they had been led to expect. The officers were respec- tively occupied in making observations relating to the topography, and the geological and botaniod characteristics of the country through which they passed. On the 18th of April, they entered the dreary and mysterious waste of waters so appropriately called the Dead Sea. Their first encampment was at Feshkan, on the western shore of the sea, about five miles from the mouth of the Jordan, where the land-party joined them, as they had previously done whenever it was practicable to meet It was with great difiicnlty that the navigators reached this point, for they encountered a gale very soon after entering the sea, which, acting upon the ponderous water, made it almost impossible to work the boats toward the shore, and night settled down upon them in these gloomy circumstances. ' After severe toil they were able to reach their companions on shore. Amid the impressive and sublime scenery of this sea. Lieutenant Lynch and his party spent several weeks. They established a permanent encampment, and from this center made constant and extensive tours of exploration. Various lines of soundings were run, for the purpose of determining the depth of the water in difierent parts of the sea, and quite a careful obsem- tion was made of all the shores, particularly the western and southern. This expedition has certainly the honor of determining the course and characteristics of the Jordan, in modem times very imperfectly known, and of throwing much light upon the geography and physical peculiari- ties of the Dead Sea. It was well planned and equipped, and possessed that combination of means for the want of which most individual travel- ers in the same region had been hitherto unsuccessful, and some of them very unfortunate. Much enthusiasm and energy were displayed by all concerned in this expedition, and though in some instances sufiering occurred amid the contingencies of so strange and unknown a region, yet so admirably was every possible precaution taken and every arrangement carried ou^ that all the anticipated results were accomplished without serious accident to any of the number. Having finished the explorations, the boats were taken to pieces and placed upon the backs of camels, the encampment was broken up, and the party, gladly bidding farewell to the solemn and deso- late scene, on the 10th of May commenced their journey to the Mediter- ranean by way of Jerusalem. A part, however, were detailed for the performance of a still remaining duty — ^the acciu-ate determination of the actual depression of the Dead Sea beneath the level of the Mediterranean. The result arrived at by Lieutenant Symonds — an English officer, who had by a course of trigonometrical calculation determined the depression to be thirteen hundred and twelve feet — had excited surprise among scientific men. It was a matter of interest, therefore, to test this conclu- sion. A series of levels was, consequently, carried across the country by this detachment from Lieut Lynch s party, which occupied twenty-three days in the slow and laborious process. The result, however, was gratifying. The difference between the level of the Dead Sea and that of the Mediter- ranean was found to be almost precisely what Lieut. Symonds had stated. 1850.] NAVAL HISTORY. ft For a ftill acoonnt of this entire expedition, the reader is referred to Lieutenant Ljnch's published volume. In the history of our navy, may also Mfith propriety be mentioned the creditable though unsuccessml expedition to the Polar Seas, during the years 1860-61, in search of the lon^ absent party of Sir John Franklin. This was an individual and not a national enterprise. The means for its Erosecution were furnished by Mr. Henry Grinnell, a wealthy and phi- inthropic merchant of New York city. The vessels furnished were two small brigs, the Advance of 140 tons, and the Rescue of 90 tons. They were merchantmen, but were strengthened for this service. By a special act of Congress, they were placed under the direction of the Navy Board, and were subjected consequently to the usual regulations and discipline of the service. The officer selected for the command was Lieutenant E. H. De Haven, who had been attached to the Exploring Expedition under Commander Wilkes. The selection proved a very judicious one. On the 23d of May, 1850, the expedition sailed from New York, and without any particular adventures, began to meet masses of ice in Mel- ville Bay about midsummer. The Rescue was here thrown into a very perilous situation. A mass of ice slid under her, and lifting her bodily from the water, careened her over nearly on her beam-ends, in which position she remained some sixty hours before they were able to right her again. Their progress was now continued only by boldly pushing through the icebergs and floes, until, finally, they emerged into the open waters of Lancaster Sound. Here, overtaken by a very severe gale, the vessels were separated, but were happy in meeting again a few days after. Thus, until the month of September, they continued their perilous course to the westward, when they reached 96° west longitude. As winter was now approaching, and the ice barrier beyond was entirely impenetrable, the vessels were turned to the eastward to find more genial quarters during the long polar night The hopes of the navigators in this respect were, however, disappomted, for they soon became firmly locked between large masses of floating ice, and were carried by an irresistible tide to the north- ward, up Wellington Channel. Winter in all its rigor now came on. The sun no longer showed his disk above the horizon and the thermome- ter indicated 40° below zero. The Rescue was now deserted, and both crews took up their abode on board the Advance, which was made quite comfortable with the means which had been lavishly provided. The mental and physical energy of the men was maintained by daily and vigorous exercise in the open air, and by pleasing entertainments on board the vessel. For eleven weeks the sun was invisible. Yet the aspect of nature was not wholly gloomy — they were delighted and cheered by fre- quent views of the splendors of the polar sky. After having drifted some distance up Wellington channel, they found that the tide had changed, and that they were floating back again under the influence of the same mighty force which had borne them onward. They thus passed out of Wellington Channel, through Barrow's Straits and into Lancaster Sound. It should be borne in mind, also, ttat during all this time the ice was constantly shifting and threatening the vessels mo- mentarily with destruction. Constantly anxious and vigilant, the exposed navigators were ready at any moment to leave their ships, for it seemed 98 NAVAL HISTORY. 1850. impoflsible that they could sustain such an enonnous prassure. At one time they stood upon the ice, with their sleds loaded with provisions, and waiting for the final crash whi^h would demolish their home and leave them on the treacherous ice-fields ninety miles from hind. After Decem- ber, however, the ice became solid, and they were rehoved from this souroe of danger. Thus through the entire winter they floated along the south- em shore of Baffin's Bay and Davis' Straits, until the 6th of June, when with fearful suddenness the ice broke up into floating pieces, extending as far as the eye could reach. They fiutdly emerged mto a clear sei^ having reached the entrance of Davis' Straits and passed to the south of the Arctic circle. They had thus drifted helplessly in the firm embrace of the ice, from the last of September till the first of June. Nothing dauntod, they again turned toward the north, with the inten- tion of prosecuting their search through another summer. But in the route which they took, the impediments wera so serious and dangerous that the attempt at farther explorations was abandoned. The Advance arrived at New York on the 30th of September, and the Rescue came in shortly after, when the vessels were resigned by the Navy Department into the hands of their owner. This expedition failed, as have all those fitted out from England also, in the attainment of its main object The only traces of the party of^ Sir John Franklin, which were found, were discovered on the 27th of August, 1850, by the united English and American expeditions at Beechy Cape^ on the east side of the entrance to Wellington Channel These traces consisted of several articles which could be identified as belonging to Franklin's ships, and also of three graves, with head -boards bearing the names of those interred, who were sailors attached to the absent expedi- tion. The last date thus inscribed was April 3d, 1846. The movements and the fate of Franklin beyond this point and this period are entirely unknown. Though disappointed in solving the painful mystery which still hangs over the condition or the end of the bold English explorer, those concerned in the American attempt to throw light upon the interest- ing question have the satisfaction of feeling, that they nave made a generous effort in behalf of a stranger and a foreigner. At the present time, 1853, the resources of the Navy are du^cted in quite an unusual degree to projects which contemplate the safety and the extension of American commerce and the maintenance of the rights of humanity. The meet prominent of these projects is that which has in view the establishment of commercial relations with the empire of Japan. The government of that large nation has for a long period denied to other nations, with a most insignificant exception, all access into its ports or territory; has refused hospitality and succor to unfortunate mariners, and has treated with great cruelty such citizens of the United States, as well as those of other countries, as have been cast by shipwreck upon the well- guarded shores. It has been therefore deemed obligatory by the govern- ment of the United States, to make an attempt to obtain from this jealous and secluded people, a recognition and obser\'ance of the rights of human- ity, and also to induce them, if possible, to abandon their present absurd commercial policy. The extension of the territory of the United States along the shore of the Pacific, and the presence of a large whaling fleet t; 1850. preBRure. At one nth provisionB, and sir home and leave nd. After Decem- kred from this source ed along the south- ) 6th of June, when ng pieces, extending ed mto a clear sea. iflsed to the south of in the firm embrace fune. lorth, with the inten- immer. But in the pious and dangerous )ned. The Advance I the Rescue came in le Navy Department it from England also, Bs of the party of^ Sir I the 2'7th of August, ions at Beechy Cape, lanneL These traces ified as belonging to ftd-boards bearing the to the absent expedi- 46. The movements Lis period are entirely »ainful mystery which )old English explorer, ght upon the interest- lave made a generous Navy are directed in ate the safety and the ance of the rights of is that which has in the empire of Japan, period denied to other ccess into its ports or brtunate mariners, and United States, as well ipwreck upon the well- igatory by the govem- )btainfrom this jealous )f the rights of human- n their present absurd of the United States a large whaling fleet 1859J KAVAL BISTORT. 99 in the ^eas which surround Japan, make these objects highly important A squadron of unusual size has consequently been placed under the orders of Commodore Matthew C. Perry, the Commander-in-chief on the East India station. It consists of the steam frigate Mississippi 10, flag-ship; steam frigate Susquehanna 9 ; steam frigate Powhatan ; 8loopM>f-war Macedonian 20, Plymouth 20, Saratoga 20, Yandalia 20 ; and store^hip Supply 4.* An expedition is also under orders to sail, for the purpose of thoroughly exploring and 8urv«>ying the China seas, the North Pacific, and Behrmgs Straits. This expedition will probably be absent three years or upwara. It is under the command of Commander Cadwallader Ringgold, an officer who has acquired a high reputation in connection with the former Explor- ing Expedition under Commander Charles Wilkes. It consists of the sloop-of-war Vincennes 20; brig Porpoise 10; both of which vessels were engaged in the first Exploring Expedition ; the steamer John Hancock 3;. and schooner Fenimore Cooper 3, a pilot-boat, purchased for this particular service. An expedition for the exploration and survey of the River La Plata, and its tributaries, which have lately been opened to foreign commerce, has also been undertaken. For this purpose the steamer Water Witch 2, has been placed under the command of Lieutenant Thomas J. Page. Commander William F. Lynch, who conducted the expedition to the Jordan and the Dead Sea, is aJso under orders to make preparatory explo- rations on the western coast of Africa, in view of an expedition designed to penetrate into the imknown regions lying to the eastward of Li^ria. The small steamer Vixen 3, has been ordered to join the African squadron, in order to facilitate the operations of Commander Lynch. The condition of the Navy at the present time in respect to vessels and officers, is as follows : Eleven ships-of-the-line, one of 120 guns, and the remainder of 74 guns each. Of these, four are on the stocks, four are in ordinary, and three are in commission as receiving-ships. One razee of 64 guns. Twelve frigates of the first class, rating 44 guns each. One frigate rating 36 guns. Sixteen sloops-of-war, 20 guns each, one of 18 guns, and four of 16 guns each. Four brigs, of 10 guns each. Four schooners mounting in all seven guns. Five steam frigates, one of 10 guns, two of 9 guns each, and two of 6 guns each. Eleven steamers of the first and second class, with armaments of ten guns down to one gun. Five store-ships, two of 6, and three of 4 guns. The officers of the various grades are: Sixty-eight captains; Commodore Charles Stewart being now at the * Thu linc-of battle ship Vermont 74 was also put in commission to be connected with this expedition, but she tias not been al)Ie to go to sea in consequence in part of the present diffi- culty of obtaining seamen for the Navy, and also because it is discovered that to man her wlD raise the number of men employed in this branch of the service above the fnll complemenc which is now allowed by Uw. m ti '■J V' A ■ MJ 100 NAVAL HISTORY. [1853. head of the list Ninety-Hoven coinmandora ; throe hundred and twenty- Mven Ueutenants; sixty-nine Burgeons; forty passed assistant-surgeons; ' thirty-seven assistant-surgeons; sixty-three pursers; twenty-four chaplains; twelve professors of mathematics; fourteen masters in the hue of pro- motion; one hundred and ninety-seven paased-roidshipmen ; one hundred and ninety-eight midshipmen. Petty officers, comprising masters, bbat»- wains, gunners, carpenters, and sailmakers, about two hundre > Aj-' X ■• ' ' V';f?'i-v^^.." ■?*■ 'jt.TtH'Or >:■'' , V ■> 1 iL f ' [1863. hundred and twenty- id aflBistant-HurgeonB; wenty-four chaplains; K in the line of pro- iipmen; one huudrefl )rwing masters, bbata- hundre t .1 . . ; I ERRATA. Vol. I, page 1 14, lino 17. For " 40," read " 49." " " 122, " 6. For "20," read "28." " " 157, " 18 from bottom. For " expcaitlon," read " exlubition." " " 172, " 6 from bottom. For "latter," read " former ;" and for " windward," read "leeward." Vol. I., page 204, lino 8 from bottom. After " New York 36," read " Captain James Barron ; John Adams 28." Vol. I., page 272, line 13 from bottom. For " 1842," read " 1840." " " " " 18 from bottom. For " 1844," read " 1843." Vol. II., page 26, line 16. For " 24," read " 28." " " 72, " 26. After"river,"insert"Ju8t without the bar, an- other brig was seen." Vol. II., page 110, line 16. For "display in the causalities," read "dispar- ity in the casualties." Vol. II., page 110, line 27. After " were," insert " much torn to pieces. The water being quite." Vol. II., pages 56, 70 and elsewhere. For " Mr. Alwyn," read " Mr. Aylwin." " page 139, line 12 from bottom. For " commanders," read " com- mands." Vol. II., page 142, line 26. After " men," insert " No. 162, Acting-lieutenant Spedden, 5 guns and 35 men ;" Vol. II., page 187, line 13. For " end," read " middle." " " 192, last line. After " him," insert " his young brother and." " " 193, line 24. After " master," insert " Mr. Hambleton, Purser." " " 206, " 13. For " marines," read " mariners." '• " 213, " 8 from bottom. After " carronades," insert "the Eagle, 8 long eighteens, and 12 thirty-two-pound carronades j" Vol. II. page 221, line 9 from bottom. Among the officer? in command of the galleys, whose conduct is commended, insert " Mr. Stellwagen, master." The foot-notes, stating the rank of certain officers, as in Vol. II., pages 56, 109 and elsewhere, remain as written by Mr. Cooper in 1846